09/22/2025
🎉 Celebrating 45 Years of Building Legacy — One Post at a Time 🛠️
As we mark 45 years in business, I’ve been reflecting on the places that built us — and few are more meaningful to me than our original office on the northeast corner of 2nd Street & Clark in Downtown Willoughby.
This building was the first business location for Marous Brothers Construction. Over the decades, it evolved with us — taking on new roles, weathering challenges, and anchoring the foundation of our story. Today, a new build (M Lofts Apartments) has replaced the old on this beloved site, rooted in the heart of Downtown Willoughby.
When developing M Lofts, I intentionally left a spot open on the exterior for something special. I always knew I wanted to dedicate this property with a meaningful piece of public art — one that would honor where we came from and what we stand for.
Now, that vision is complete.
A powerful mural, painted by the incredibly talented Stina Aleah, was just installed on the side of the building. It’s title “1980”, commemorates the year Marous Brothers Construction was founded.
Beneath the title, you’ll find a familiar scene: a reimagining of the iconic Lunch Atop a Skyscraper — a tribute to the grit and spirit of blue-collar Americans. But if you look closely, these aren’t just any workers.
From left to right:
• Ken Marous – my older brother
• Del Marous – our father and the foundation of our company’s guiding principle: “Do it right or don’t do it at all.”
• Virginia Marous – our mother, whose strength and heart anchored our family
• Jason Marous – my son, gone too soon, but always with us in spirit
• Me (Chip Marous)
• Tony Ranallo – our mentor in both business and life
• Scott Marous – my oldest brother and co-founder of this business
At the bottom, you’ll see a pair of young carpenters (that’s Scott & me) — a humble reminder of where this journey began. In the background: the Cleveland skyline, an excavator, and our parents by their tractor — symbols of our roots, our continuing ambitions, and our deep connection to this community.
This mural is more than just art. It’s a tribute to legacy, family, and the enduring values that continue to guide us. I’m proud to display it on the very walls where our story first took shape.
Here’s to 45 years — and the chapters still to come. Thank you for being a part of our journey.
– Chip Marous
