This week marks the 40th anniversary of local contractor, PARIC Corporation. The company was founded in April, 1979 as a partnership between Paul J. McKee, Jr. and his wife, Midge, and Richard F. Jordan and his wife, LaVona. After much discussion and brainstorming, the partners agreed on a clear vision for a unique type of construction company, specializing in design-build projects. The name PARIC is an acronym for the combination of the first names of the company founders: Paul and Rick’s Company. Paul and Rick began business in a small, 1.200 sq. ft. office in the Westport area of St. Louis with the credo of “People Make the Difference.” During the early days, the founders’ families took turns cleaning the company office and warehouse with help from their children, one of whom, Joe McKee is PARIC’s owner and CEO today.