Sheridan Construction: RISE Outreach Program

The past few years have proven that workforce development is one of the construction industry’s greatest concerns. Sheridan Construction, a general contractor, decided to do something about it in their hometown of Macon.

An employee-owned firm, they constantly seek input from team members to better the company. Two Sheridan executives, Ronny Williams and Christy Kovac, created a development initiative for small and emerging specialty contractors in the area.

“Sheridan Construction wanted to create a program to help grow the specialty contractor market with skilled artisans who were ready to grow their business to the next level,” said Ronny Williams.

Established in 2017, the RISE program – Readiness Initiative through Sheridan Education – offers a series of educational sessions that occur once a month over a six-month period. As part of the process, the firm reached out to artisans, service providers, specialty contractors and suppliers.

The training classes include extensive interactive learning opportunities designed to help specialty contractors successfully bid for local work.

“We do not charge the participating businesses to join; however, they must commit to attending the two-hour class on a monthly basis,” said Williams. “Sheridan Construction is pleased to underwrite the cost of the entire program as it truly benefits the company and our community.”

For those participating companies that send a representative to at least five of the six sessions, they become one of Sheridan’s preferred specialty contractors.

The firm has partnered with the Macon-Middle Georgia Black Pages, a minority business listing site, among others, to extend the program’s reach.

Alex Habersham, Publisher of the Macon-Middle Georgia Black Pages, stated, “The RISE Program is a measurable example of how companies and corporations can significantly impact the community through a win-win atmosphere that also serves as a catalyst for general economic growth.”

Due to the success of the program, Sheridan Construction is introducing a 2.0 class in 2019 to those companies that have already participated in the initial classes.

Mr. Ronnie Williams Chief Executive Officer Sheridan Construction, Macon (478) 743-1578 ronny.williams@chrisrsheridan.com