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THE
OMEGA REPORT building and achieving Omega Construction looks optimistically at 2021, trusting our business will build on what we have acheived in previous years, and searching diligently for new ways to achieve success in our professional and personal lives, as we propel forward in the coming months.
THIS PUBLICATION Find up-to-date news on our portfolio of projects, staff announcements, and messages from our leadership.
the omega report
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volume two, issue one
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2021
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A MESSAGE FROM LEADERSHIP build and achiEve, through leadership
BARRY HENNINGS President
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We recently completed our Annual Project Manager and Superintendent Meeting, and this year was a little different because we had to host the meeting virtually, as most all meetings are being held in the current environment. We all missed the face-to-face interaction with the field staff that is currently spread across five different states, but as I looked around the virtual room on Zoom, I was reminded of what a great group of leaders we have here at Omega Construction. I saw many different levels and styles of leadership around the room. Older, seasoned leaders with a wealth of experience, as well as younger, eager leaders with a desire to stand out in their chosen field of construction. The annual meeting’s major purpose is to help prepare project and site managers to lead well. Everyone attending the annual meeting is a leader – on our projects and in their personal lives. We all make decisions that affect others and attempt to persuade others to move in the direction and manner we want them to, in order to timely and successfully complete our projects. As our industry becomes more and more specialized, we increasingly face the challenge of how to become (or continue to be) the leader on our projects. With constant change in our industry, we may not always know details of certain situations or processes, but we have a wealth of experience within the company, and within the industry in general, to call on for help in addressing and resolving issues. We have to be willing to ask for help when faced with challenges. The wisest leaders know when to make a decision based on their own knowledge and the available facts, or when it’s time to call in outside resources. The worst thing to do is “stick our heads in the sand,” leaving the details to the subcontractors, hoping for a positive outcome. This often is nothing more than a “roll of the dice.” As leaders on our projects, we must insist we and others stay well-informed, focus on the end goal, and then determine how we plan to achieve that result. A true leader will always be in charge and provide direction and guidance for those following. Being the leader on a project means you are in control of the project, not vice versa. How do you handle cleanliness, safety, and organization on a project? These items are
obvious indicators of the level of leadership on a project, and it doesn’t take a construction insider to know if a project is clean, safe, and organized. Set the tone early and insist on your expectations being met from the beginning. Once you set the tone for the project with your expectations, it’s much easier to insist on compliance. If you let things get out of control in any respect, it is exceedingly difficult to regain control and change the mindset of the project participants. What can be done when people don’t respond to our requests? Different people require different methods to motivate best performance. Are you asking for their help in achieving what you want done? Some people respond better to being asked than told. As a leader, we are judged by how well we can build consensus and achieve common goals. Construction is a people business, and the best leaders are able to influence the entire project team to achieve project success. Are we going to be perfect in leadership decisions? Absolutely not; no one will ever be perfect in all decisions. Look at our leaders in government… they aren’t perfect by a long shot, but they are leaders. Do not be unnecessarily afraid of making mistakes. If a decision turns out incorrectly, don’t be afraid to own up to it, then attempt to correct the situation. Omega will never punish someone for making an informed decision they thought was in the best interest of the project. The best thing we can do is provide the tools needed to be a better decision maker and leader. The annual meeting topics were chosen to provide the information, training, and communication tools we felt were relevant to becoming a better leader. I hope this year’s virtual meeting was successful in helping each team member develop better leadership abilities, and in turn, lead to more success for our projects, our customers, and our company.
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HUMAN RESOURCES HR Update Our Annual Project Manager and Superintendent Meeting took place virtually on February 4th and 5th, 2021. Although we were not able to meet in-person, we enjoyed the event. President Barry Hennings spoke on the successes of 2020 and our company goals/projections for 2021. Our recruiting efforts will begin in February as Omega will be participating in virtual events at Appalachian State and Georgia Southern. Aprio and Empower conducted a virtual 401(k) presentation on February 19, 2021. Empower walked participants through how to use Empower’s website and how to make changes to participant accounts while Aprio presented their resource and service offerings. The Employee Benevolence Fund needs more donations. Donate one time or on a recurring basis by submitting a request on the intranet, or by emailing Patrick Casstevens or Lisa Singleton. As COVID-19 is still impacting our world, we ask that our employees continue to take precautions. Safety items (facemasks/hand sanitizer/disinfectant spray/wipes) and cleaning items are available at both offices. Thank you and please be safe!
TEAM PROMOTIONS Justin brinkley
WELCOME TO THE TEAM WE ARE PROUD TO WELCOME THE FOLLOWING TEAM MEMBERS TO THE OMEGA FAMILY:
CHANDLER WHITaker Field Engineer
Chandler joins us with a degree from Wilkes Community College in Building Construction Technology. He completed the Wilkes Community College Work Cooperative Program with Omega in the fall of 2020, and will be working out of the Winston Salem office. His job responsibilities will include assisting the Superintendent with field oversight for all phases of the construction projects.
Senior Superintendent Omega greatly appreciates the superior efforts Justin has made in his five years of service within the company. His promotion to Senior Superintendent is well-earned. Justin has helped complete many projects, including Courtyard by Marriott in Summerville, SC, BE Aerospace in Winston Salem, NC, Latitude Margaritaville Amenity Center in Hardeeville, SC, and Blacksburg Fire Department in Blacksburg, VA. Justin has proven his leadership ability, and we are confident he’ll perform well in this new role.
omega TRUST academy Our TRUST Academy has been working through the construction divisions set out under the Master Format by CSI (Construction Specifications Institute). The Academy just finished the Sitework Division modules and will move into the Concrete Division. Several participants have reported using tools learned throughout the modules, sometimes referring back to content in the previous modules. All modules and materials are being recorded and are located on the intranet. A plan reading and construction math class was be conducted on February 12, 2021. Thank you for your continued support! “Training is everything. The peach was once a bitter almond; cauliflower is nothing but cabbage with a college education.” – Mark Twain 3
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HUMAN RESOURCES EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHTs Why did you join Omega?
Omega presented a unique opportunity to build a business with people I respected and knew would work hard to make us successful. I still feel this way. Working with talented, driven people makes any job more enjoyable and rewarding.
What do you love most about Omega?
It seems like a cliché because we say it so much, but, it’s the people. I really like our friendly, family atmosphere. We have a great group of employees.
How do you define success? On a construction project, the best measure of success is repeat business from the same customer, and subcontractors who want to work with you again. But, a healthy write-up is a pretty nice measure, too.
Who inspires you? Brock Hennings Senior Project Manager, Industrial Division
My parents. They’ve shown me the importance of hard work & taking care of your family.
What’s one thing you’ve learned the last month?
Never let your kids talk you into going skiing when you’re over fifty years old. I’m kidding. It was a lot of fun and worth the sore muscles and five minutes of terror when I went down the wrong slope.
Why did you join Omega? I joined Omega Construction to grow and expand with the company, as I transitioned from previous employment.
What do you love most about Omega? Omega is a company that shows they truly care, by maintaining a close-knit family atmosphere, and through effective communication amongst employees.
How do you define success? Growing relationships with clients, peers, and friends that are built on trust, at work, and outside of work.
Who inspires you? My Grandfather. He taught me that it is all right to slow things down at times and notice our surroundings.
Ron Huddleston Superintendent
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RECENT HAPPENINGS
At Omega, we not only build trust on the jobsite but in our lives outside of work and in our communities, too! Check out some recent employee news.
OMEGA CELEBRATES “NATIONAL SOUP MONTH” WITH OLIVE GARDEN! As the temperature dropped in January, we all enjoyed the warmth and comfort of a great bowl of savory soup! Both Omega’s Winston-Salem and Georgia offices celebrated on January 27th with soup, salad, and breadsticks from Olive Garden! Olive Garden partners with Feeding America - the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization! We were happy to support a restaurant that gives back to the community, while enjoying a great meal with even better (socially-distanced) fellowship.
Matthew Cave receives 2020 covington Award award Each year, in honor of Paul Covington, the founder of Omega Construction, Omega recognizes an employee who best exemplifies the company motto "We Build Trust". As Vice President of the Triad Division, Matthew Cave was awarded the 2020 Covington Award. Matthew's leadership has proven his dedication to Omega Construction, and we also commend his contributions to Omega’s Trust Academy, established in 2020.
MATTHEW cave 2020 covington award recipient
President Barry Hennings says, "Matthew continues to exhibit the traits of our motto “We Build Trust” in his interactions with customers and employees. His leadership and contributions to the Omega Trust Academy are invaluable in training
the next generation of company leaders at Omega Construction. Matthew exhibits to everyone he comes into contact with that he truly cares about their project, their future, and the success of all involved. He is a well-deserving recipient of this award." As Vice President of the Triad Division, Matthew oversees business development initiatives, marketing, and operations. Matthew was surprised with this honor at the conclusion of the virtual Annual Project Manager and Superintendent Meeting on February 5th in the office of Barry Hennings, president of Omega Construction.
omega gives back with winston-salem office “coat drivE” The Winston-Salem office participated in a local coat drive benefiting A Cleaner World’s “Give a Kid a Coat” campaign. Starting January 8th, employees collected and donated gently used adult and children’s coats - all benefiting local families and children in need! Omega donated a box full of coats this year. Thank you to all of those who participated!
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RECENT HAPPENINGS 2021 (virtual) annual project manager and superintendent meeting
Each year, Omega hosts the Annual Project Manager and Superintendent Meeting, with 2021 being no exception. Despite the restrictions, a two-day virtual meeting was held on February 4th and 5th, making it an unforgetable experience. Complete with virtual prize giveaways, bingo competition within slideshow presentations, and a virtual delivery of the esteemed Covington Award to Matthew Cave, Vice President of the Triad Division, the 2021 virtual meeting went down in Omega history! Presentation speakers included Barry Hennings, President; Eric Marshall, Fleet and Safety Manager; Matthew Cave, Vice President of the Triad Division; Josh 6
Robbins, Training Manager; Patrick Casstevens, Human Resource and Safety Director; and others. Presentation topics included “State of the Company, Manager Safety Checklist, Daily Superintendent Report, Masonry Bracing Plan, Safety Violation Report, Company Benefit Update, Company Projections” and more. Omega’s leadership was honored to host this meeting in appreciation and recognition of the extensive and essential work project managers and superintendents invest in each of our many construction projects. Thank you to everyone who attended or contributed to the 2021 meeting. It was quite a success, and we look forward to achieving the goals discussed for 2021, together.
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ALWAYS PUTTING SAFETY FIRST Confined Spaces The well-being of our team is especially important when entrapment or danger is magnified by confined spaces at jobsites. Team members are advised to take caution. What is a confined space? A confined space is an area with limited or restricted means of entry or exit, is large enough for an employee to enter and perform assigned work, and is not designed for continuous occupancy. Confined spaces are found in many workplaces. Such spaces may include, but are not limited to, underground vaults, tanks, storage bins, pits, dikes, vessels, silos, air handlers, chimneys/ smoke stacks, escalator pits, elevator shafts, crawl spaces, mixers, boilers, furnaces, truck tanks, sewers, culverts, septic tanks, pipelines, life stations, attics, escalator pits, dock leveler pits, and conveyor tunnels. In addition, when a confined space has ANY of the following characteristics, permits are required: • It contains or has the potential to contain a hazardous atmosphere • It contains a material that has the potential for engulfing an entrant • It has an internal configuration that might cause an entrant to be trapped or asphyxiated by inwardly converging walls or by a floor that slopes downward and tapers to a smaller cross section •
It contains any other recognized serious safety or health hazards
What are the hazards associated with a confined space? •
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Combustibles
Toxic Materials
Methane
Carbon Monoxide
Hydrogen
Hydrogen Sulfide
Acetylene
Welding fumes
Propane
Corrosives
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Gasoline fumes
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Electricity
Mechanical Hazards
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Oxygen Deficiency
Mixers
<19.5% or >23.5% oxygen concentration
Crushers
tips of the trade HEAR FROM OUR SEASONED EMPLOYEES ON THEIR “TIPS OF THE TRADE” BELOW:
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Omega superintendents are not designers, architects, or engineers. As Omega superintendents, we must do our jobs and let the designers, architects, and engineers do theirs. Additionally, we must CARE about our projects; if we don’t care, what’s the point? - John Karfit, Senior Superintendent
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PROJECT SPOTLIGHTS
GIRL SCOUTS HEADQUARTERS SAVANNAH, GA Omega was proud to be chosen as the construction partner for the new Corporate Headquarters and STEM Center for the Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia, located in downtown Savannah, GA. The 7, 464 square foot building, formerly Smith Brothers Butcher Shop, was completely demolished on the interior and renovated to accommodate the new plans designed by Raymond Architects. The design showcases a lot of custom and playful elements which go hand-in-hand with the nature and use of its space. Young women from all over the country can visit the interactive space which colorfully exhibits the history of the organization’s beginnings. Remodeling of the interior included new customized offices, bathrooms, public spaces, and a fully-integrated retail space. Flex space includes a phone booth, private sitting areas, and work centers. The three-part mixed color epoxy floor is definitely the highlight of the space. Bright colors are also combined throughout the space as it relates to the Girl Scouts current scheme. Working with Sue Else and her team was a wonderful experience for the company. Being involved with a project that has such deep history and roots within Savannah made it that much more exciting! Project Team: Todd Mayo, Project Executive; Jim Marshall, Project Manager; Ryan Skibicki, Project Engineer
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PROJECT SPOTLIGHTS
DOOSAN BOBCAT STATESVILLE, NC OFFICE REMODEL
The Doosan Bobcat facility is located off Glenway Dr. at the intersection of I-77 and I-40 in Statesville, NC. Omega Construction began Phase I of the renovation project in January 2020 and turned that area over in July 2020. The Phase II renovation work began in August of 2020 was completed in December of 2020. This was a bright, modern renovation of the existing two-story office area at the existing Doosan Bobcat Manufacturing facility in Statesville, NC. This renovation completely demolished the originally closed off and sectionalized office plan, rebuilding the entire area into an open, collaborative space with sit/stand desks, multiple conference rooms, and private meeting enclaves. A modern cafeteria with a market\vending area, vitality space, and outdoor patio was also included in the renovation. This project was accomplished in two phases to allow partial occupancy of the office spaces while the renovation work was ongoing. Project Team: Brock Hennings, Sr. Project Manager; Mark Natale, Superintendent; Randy Wilson, Asst. Superintendent
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PROJECT SPOTLIGHTS
HARRIS TEETER CARTHAGE, NC STORE REMODEL
Harris Teeter #212 consisted of a total interior renovation of 56,334 square foot, with some minor exterior work needed as well, in Carthage, NC. Our team is proud of the end result in this six-month remodel. The detailed renovation included adding a prestine Starbucks Kiosk and new Pizza/Cheese Island for customers to enjoy a myriad of experiences when coming to grocery shop. An updated interior includes fresh paint and contemporary interior decor, for an aestectically pleasing visual experience. Store functionality has been enhanced with new expoxy floors and a re-location of customer self check-out registers, for customer convenience and enjoyment. This Harris Teeter remodel offers a fresh, inclusive shopping experience for the residents of Carthage. Project Team: Jimmy Poore, Sr. Project Manager, Chris Crigger, Superintendent, Doyle Watson, Superintendent
2020 q4 completed projects A job well done to the Omega staff who worked diligently to complete the following projects in the fourth quarter of 2020. YADKIN FARM BUREAU
TOMMY’S EXPRESS WASH
LA FITNESS SHELL WORK
7-ELEVEN #41360
CORELIFE PROJECT
HARRIS TEETER #393 REMODEL
YADKINVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA Matt Pardue, Project Manager Roger Neugent, Superintendent Chase Brewster, Assistant Superintendent CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA Dustin Hunter, Project Manager Ron Huddleston, Superintendent WINSTON-SALEM, NORTH CAROLINA Lee Cook, Project Manager Chase Brewster, Superintendent
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GREENVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA Matthew Cave, Project Manager Larry McMorrow, Superintendent Chris Crigger, Superintendent
GREENSBORO, NORTH CAROLINA Tyler Cook, Project Manager Justin Brinkley, Superintendent FAYETTEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA Jimmy Poore, Project Manager Paul Basset, Superintendent Doyle Watson, Assistant Superintendent
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EMPLOYEE UPDATES
JULIA MATTHEWS ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT HAPPY RETIREMENT!
We congratulate Julia Matthews on her retirement from Omega after six years of heartfelt service. Julia was a joy to have in our administrative department, helping graciously with a broad list of tasks such as document control, billing, file creation, and everyday requests from our project managers. Julia was well known around the office as a “Microsoft Word and Excel guru” and contributed to many of our company efforts on a regular basis. She was friendly, accommodating, communicative, and especially warm with her interactions. While we are saddened to see her go, we are grateful for the time she was part of our team, and hope she has a blessed and abundant retirement! Thank you for your service to Omega Construction, Julia. 11
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EMPLOYEE UPDATES
Todd Mayo, Vice President of our GA Division, took his family to visit the Biltmore House in NC this past December!
Kendall Kruse, Project Engineer, recently received his Engineering Intern (E.I.) Certification, and plans to take the Professional Engineer (P.E.) Certification exam this summer!
omega Q4 work anniversaries Happy work anniversary to the following individuals! We appreciate your hard work and dedication to Omega Construction.
LISA SINGLETON Accounts Receivable, ten years
Senior Project Manager, one year
EDDIE KEENAN
PATRICK CASSTEVENS
TYLER COOK
RYAN SKIBICKI
BILLY ALLEN
JOSH ROBBINS
JASON NEAREN
JIM MARSHALL
Superintendent, seven years Project Manager, six years Superintendent, six years Assistant Project Manager, two years
KELLY GUBENKO
Office Manager, two years
ELLY BLEDSOE
Administrative Assistant, one year
STEVE DOUB
Superintendent, seven years
JOSH MILLER
Assistant Superintendent, five years
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JIMMY POORE
JUSTIN BRINKLEY
Senior Superintendent, five years
Director of Human Resources/Safety, three years Project Engineer, one year Assistant Project Manager, one year Project Manager, two years
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