84 Turning up the green How sustainability helped a Waterbury, Connecticut YMCA made a huge community impact
40 Building the Missing Middle Redefining affordable for-sale housing in one of Chicago’s priciest neighborhoods
96 Our Resilient Industry
Long-running survey of construction project proposal activity underscores the industry’s healthy outlook
NPE-2 condensing tankless water heaters
• Navien cascade system continuously matches operation to demand
• Meets temperature demands up to 185°F
• Redundancy allows servicing one unit, while others handle demand without interruption
• Cascade up to 32 units and common vent up to 12 units
• Navien EZNav™ multi-line intuitive control for easy set up and diagnostics
• Same day easy to install Navien Ready-Link® manifold system for wall or rack mounting
To learn more, visit Navieninc.com.
The heat is on... and then some
The errand was simple. I just had to swing by the vet’s office to pick up some medicine for one of my dogs. On the way, as a couple of road crews were doing some repair work and paving, I made several routine stops.
But it wasn’t until I took a good hard look at the workers that I realized just how demanding even the most routine jobs can be. Why, you ask? How about near 100 degree temperatures, unforgiving humidity and jobs that have to get knocked off the to-do list.
As I pull this editorial together, amassing my thoughts from my air-conditioned home office, the temperatures in Southern California are hitting historic numbers. Try around 120 degrees in areas like Palm Springs.
Sometimes, in the midst of doing what we do, we tend to lose sight of the real warriors in the field. The contractors, subcontractors and workers doing the good, honest work it takes to get done. Somewhere in the middle of it all there is some good news for workers in the field. The U.S. Department of Labor recently proposed a new rule that would require employers to develop injury and illness prevention plans in order to better protect workers from heat-related injuries and death.
In a time when some states, you know who you are, have stripped some of the protections from workers, these types of
J.
The U.S. Department of Labor recently proposed a new rule that would require employers to develop injury and illness prevention plans in order to better protect workers from heat-related injuries and death.
proposals make a difference, especially as heat is the leading cause of weather-related deaths in the US, killing more than 200 people last year.
The Labor Department’s new regulations could provide protection for some 36 million workers nationwide. And if you think that doesn’t matter, In June and the early part of July, more than 75 million people were under heat alerts. If you’re keeping score, 2023 was the hottest year on record since global temperatures began being documented in 1850 — and 2024 wants its time in the sun, so to speak.
Under the proposal, there would be a range of new protections based around two separate heat index thresholds. First, when the combined temperature and relative humidity hits 80 degrees, employers would be required to provide drinking water and rest breaks.
Additional protections would be implemented when the heat index hits 90 degrees. At that point, employers would have to provide a minimum 15-minute paid rest break every two hours. They would also need a system for monitoring workers for heat-related illness or symptoms.
When I finished my errand, in between the dashes to and from the vet’s office, I went back to where the air was cool and the shelter was plenty.
In our industry, everyone deserves that kind of solace.
CCR EDITORIAL BOARD
ACADEMIA
DR. MARK LEE LEVINE
Professor Burns School/ Daniels College University of Denver
ADA
BRAD GASKINS Principal The McIntosh Group
ARCHITECTS/ENGINEERS
MICHAEL MAGEE
Studio Leader Retail, Store Design Senior Associate Little
FRED MARGULIES Director of Retail Architecture Onyx Creative
STEVEN MCKAY
Managing Principal, Global Design Leader DLR Group
STEVEN R. OLSON, AIA President CESO, Inc.
CONSULTANT
GINA MARIE ROMEO Chief Heart Officer & Principal Consultant, Allied RDI
DEVELOPMENT/PROJECT MANAGEMENT
KAY BARRETT
NCIDQ, CDP Senior Vice President Cushman & Wakefield
JIM SHEUCHENKO President Property Management Advisors LLC
CHRIS VARNEY Principal, Executive Vice President Bureau Veritas
STEPHEN HEKMAN Executive VP Kingsmen Retail Services US
KEN DEMSKE Vice President Jones Lang LaSalle
GENERAL CONTRACTOR
DAVID THOMPSON Vice President TCB Construction Group LLC.
MATT SCHIMENTI President Schimenti Construction
JOHN STALLMAN Marketing Manager Lakeview Construction
JEFFREY D. MAHLER RCA Advisory Board Member
HEALTHCARE
CLINTON “BROOKS” HERMAN, PMP Principal Facilities Project Manager, MD Anderson Cancer Center
HOSPITALITY
PAM GOODWIN Goodwin Advisors, LLC Goodwin Commercial The Pam Goodwin Show
GARY RALL Vice President of Design and Development Holiday Inn Club Vacations
ROBERT RAUCH Chairman Brick Hospitality
JOE THOMAS Vice President Engineering Loews Hotels
LU SACHARSKI Vice President of Operations and Project Management Interserv Hospitality
ANDY BRIGGS, CHA Managing Principal A14 Capital Management
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
CRAIG WEBER Director of Business Prime Retail Services, US Prime 3 Retail Canada, Inc.
REAL ESTATE
ROB ADKINS, LEED AP CDP Senior Tenant Coordinator, Retail Peterson Companies
MEGAN HAGGERTY Founder Legacy Capital Investment
RESTAURANTS
RON BIDINOST Vice President of Construction Bubbakoo’s Burritos
DAVID SHOTWELL The Wills Group Sr. Construction Manager
RON VOLSKE Development Director Focus Brands
BOB WITKEN Senior Project Manager Fox Restaurant Concepts
RETAILERS
AARON ANCELLO Facilities Asset Management Public Storage
DEDRICK KIRKEM Facilities Manager Alice + Olivia
BOB MEZA Senior Construction Project Manager Target
DAVID D. DILLON Director, Facility Standards Store Planning & Design Development Walgreens Company
JOHN COOPER Principal Executive Vice President Stormont Hospitality Group LLC
SAMUEL D. BUCKINGHAM, RS AMS CMCA President of Construction Devco Development
MARIE ANTONETTE G. WAITE Founder and CEO Finest Women in Real Estate
LAURA GROSS Retail Facilities Manager American Signature Furniture
KELLY RADFORD VP Retail Construction and Development Ascend Wellness Holdings
NO ENTRY NO HARM
Stop Smash and Grab
Retrofit Security Glazing
DefenseLite® is a clear security shield that integrates forced entry protection seamlessly with existing doors, windows, and storefronts, providing an invisible layer designed to protect retail businesses from impending harm, vandalism, and theft.
• Unbreakable polycarbonate overglaze 250 times stronger than glass
• Framing available in a variety of standard and custom finishes
• Anti-graffiti protection available
• A cost-effective, easy-to-install solution
PROTECTION FROM SMASH AND GRAB
• Protect your property
• Protect your employees
• Protect your inventory
PROTECTION FROM VANDALISM
• Prevent looting
• Prevent vandalism
• Preserve brand integrity
DefenseLite® is a patented, retrofit glazing system designed for advanced forced entry protection. Manufactured by Impact Security, this proven technology provides a cost-effective solution, installed by authorized dealers located throughout North America. To learn more, visit www.defenselite.com
Contact
AroundtheIndustry
RETAIL
Hoka
Athletic brand Hoka has opened a 9,000-square-foot flagship on Fifth Avenue in New York City in a space that is designed to be a gathering spot for local athletes and offer an immersive experience where shoppers can test its shoes and apparel. Hoka’s global brand campaign has fueled its popularity among runners and fitnessfocused consumers.
Fan Outfitters
Lids Sports Group’s Fan Outfitters has opened 12 stores across the U.S. in the six months since it launched to highlight local teams in each market where it has a store. The retailer sees adding as many as 300 stores.
Simon Property Group
Simon Property Group has contracted with Camp, a provider of immersive retail experiences aimed at young families, to open locations in King of Prussia Mall near Philadelphia and Galleria Mall in Houston. Simon also has a deal with video streaming service Netflix for an outlet at King of Prussia Mall that will feature retail, dining and live entertainment.
Macy’s/Bloomie’s
Bloomingdale’s parent, Macy’s, is planning to open its fourth smallformat Bloomie’s store in The Grove outdoor shopping plaza in New Jersey this fall. Bloomie’s is part of Bloomingdale’s “densification” strategy that brings in-store experiences to areas where the retailer already has loyal shoppers and tailors the offerings to the needs and preferences of those customers.
TJX
TJX expects to expand its off-price retail banners, T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, HomeGoods, HomeSense and Sierra, by opening as many as 1,300 new stores in the U.S., Canada, Australia and Europe over time. The company’s wide demographic reach allows it to offer a variety of offprice merchandise across income and age groups, and it is focusing on attracting younger shoppers to align with long-term growth plans.
Untuckit
Apparel retailer Untuckit is planning to open at least 14 locations this year to bring its total store count to 100, and it has also ventured into wholesaling after piloting a program with Macy’s in late 2023.
JCPenney
JCPenney is upgrading its Reno, Nevada distribution center for around $40 million as part of its $1 billion reinvestment plan, focusing on fulfillment and more effective deliveries. The company plans
to overhaul its packaging procedure through the Joey Pouch sorting system, noting the change will reduce training time for associates.
Wayfair
Wayfair will make its brick-and-mortar retail debut this month with the opening of a 150,000-square-foot, two-story store in a former Carson Pirie Scott space in Wilmette, Illinois. The online furniture and home goods retailer’s first store will feature a cafe and a number of home vignettes separated by style. Designers will be on hand for free consultations, and there will be a home improvement area, test kitchen, design center and free delivery.
Coborn’s
Coborn’s is opening a new shopping campus in Otsego, Minnesota that includes one of the company’s Marketplace concept stores along with Ace Hardware and Pet Supplies Plus stores. The development is an expansion of an existing grocery and liquor store that includes an additional 10,000 square feet with an Erbert and Gerbert’s Sandwich Shop.
Boot Barn
Boot Barn’s new Vallejo, California store is its 400th location, part of the footwear retailer’s plan to open 900 U.S. stores by the end of the decade, most of which are in new or under-penetrated markets. New stores are seeing higher first-year sales volumes than the historical average.
Wawa’s
Wawa opened its third drive-thru convenience store in the U.S. and first in Florida in Largo celebrating with a ribbon cutting that drew crowds and appearances by local politicians. In addition to the retailer’s signature coffee and sandwiches, the 2,500-square-foot store will feature new menu items including burgers and fries.
GROCERS
Walmart
Walmart is both expanding its Neighborhood Market store format with a new location recently opened in Florida and one set to open today in Atlanta. The retailer is also increasing the overall size of the format’s square footage and showcasing a new layout that emphasizes its fresh options.
Kroger Stores
Kroger is investing $84 million to renovate 15 stores near the company headquarters in the Cincinnati area and it is also planning to build a Marketplace location in Hamilton Township, Ohio. In addition to enhanced produce, deli, meat, seafood and sushi departments, the new store will include an apparel section, a Murray’s Cheese shop and a Starbucks.
SpartanNash
SpartanNash is growing its presence in Wisconsin with the acquisition of Metcalfe’s Market, a regional three-store grocery chain. The acquisition builds on SpartanNash’s previous purchases of Great Lake Foods and Shop-N-Save Food Centers and brings the food solution company’s total footprint in Wisconsin to seven stores.
HOSPITALITY
Signia by Hilton
The Signia by Hilton Atlanta has opened on Georgia World Congress Center Authority’s Championship Campus and includes 976 guestrooms, a rooftop pool, spa, 100,000 square feet of meeting space, eight dining venues and the state’s largest hotel ballroom. The new property is Signia’s first new-build hotel and first hotel in Georgia.
Royalton Chic Antigua
The recently opened 235-room Royalton Chic Antigua offers a variety of accommodations, such as walkout oceanfront suites, overwater suites and swim-out rooms, along with Diamond Club categories that come with personal butler service. The hotel, which is the third all-inclusive property in Blue Diamond Resorts’ Royalton Chic brand, also features five bars and seven restaurants.
Marriott International
The world’s first all-inclusive Marriott resort has debuted in Cancun, Mexico, and features 450 guestrooms, multiple restaurants, a lazy river and water slides. Marriott Cancun, formerly the Marriott Cancun Resort, has undergone major renovations, including the addition of indoor and outdoor social spaces, artist workshops and activities that integrate the local culture.
Aloha Collection
Beach bag brand Aloha Collection is riding the retail store wave. The company, which sells splash-proof travel bags and pouches, opened its fifth retail location in the U.S. The store is in Malibu, California, a city known for its beach and surf culture. Like Aloha Collection’s other locations, the Malibu store includes floral and palm motifs and artwork from local artists. The brand chose its new location in line with its overall strategy of seeking out beach towns and coastal cities.
Hotel Indigo
Lifestyle brand Hotel Indigo is expanding its portfolio with new destinations worldwide. The brand by IHG Hotels & Resorts will open five new resorts in 2024 in Mexico, the Cayman Islands, Oman, Indonesia and Micronesia, with plans to expand into China as well.
Hilton Hotels & Resorts
A 305-room hotel has made its debut at the Nashville International Airport, and guests can use the fifth-floor bridge to directly access the terminal. The pet-friendly Hilton BNA Nashville Airport Terminal Hotel also offers a rooftop pool and lounge, EV charging stations, a restaurant, a coffee shop and meeting and event space.
Suncoast Hotel & Casino
Suncoast Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas is undergoing a two-year renovation project that will consist of the addition of a 70-seat center bar, an upgraded hotel check-in area and the relocation of the sportsbook to allow for a stadium-style design. Other improvements include a new food hall, an overhaul of the casino floor and expansion of meeting space.
Grand Palladium Kantenah
Grand Palladium Kantenah in Mexico has introduced the Family Selection, an all-inclusive option for families with 169 new suites, butler service, kids’ clubs, babysitting service, welcome kits, a pool, a dedicated check-in area and a new restaurant. Family Selection guests can also access the pools, restaurants and other amenities at the three other resorts in the Palladium Hotel Group’s Riviera Maya complex.
Hyatt Hotels
More than 700 hotels and villas from the Mr & Mrs Smith collection have joined the World of Hyatt collection following Hyatt’s acquisition of the luxury hotel platform last year. The new properties are located in more than 20 countries, including Fiji, Namibia and the British Virgin Islands, with more hotels to be added in the upcoming months.
Pier Sixty-Six
Pier Sixty-Six, a 325-room luxury oceanfront resort, will debut this fall in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and include 12 dining venues, a 13,000-square-foot fitness center and spa, a superyacht marina, meeting and event space and an observation deck with 360-degree views. The property was formerly a fueling dock for Phillips 66 Petroleum and underwent a $1 billion redevelopment.
Choice Hotels International
Choice Hotels International is giving its Radisson and Radisson Blu properties a new, contemporary look while remaining luxurious. The Blu properties will draw inspiration from Scandinavian design, focusing on a clean and minimalist style.
AroundtheIndustry
Accor Handwritten Collection
The 94-room Hotel Stratford San Francisco is the first property in Accor’s Handwritten Collection brand to open in the US. The European-inspired hotel, which recently completed an extensive renovation, is located in the city’s Union Square neighborhood and places an emphasis on sustainability, removing all single-use plastic and utilizing recycled materials for many operating supplies.
RESTAURANTS
Smoothie King
The first of seven new Smoothie King locations planned for the Las Vegas area could open by late 2024, part of the brand’s national expansion plans. Franchisees Brandie and Dustin Rasmussen will be responsible for four of the locations, and Na’im Muhammad will be responsible for the other three.
Kolache Shoppe
The Kolache Shoppe—a Texan-Czech bakery founded in 1970 known for its sweet and savory kolaches and coffee—is a Houston institution. In 2020, it launched a franchise program to expand its presence. Since then, it has expanded the bakery to four—soon to be five—locations and is now moving into the North Texas market.
Inspire Brands
Inspire Brands, which owns Dunkin’, Baskin-Robbins, Jimmy John’s and other brands, is looking to continue its global expansion and has already opened its 10,000th international location, a Dunkin’ in Lelystad in The Netherlands. Meanwhile, plans call for expanding Jimmy John’s into Central America and Canada.
Crumbl Cookies
Crumbl Cookies is set to open its first franchised Crust Club in Logan, Utah. Since the acquisition, Crust Club has launched a brand refresh, a new VIP program and a menu expansion to include personal meals.
Dave & Buster’s
Dave & Buster’s has a deal with Grupo Pais to open two of its locations in the Dominican Republic. While the deal is small, the eatertainment’s international ambitions are not. The company, which operates almost entirely in the US, is working to change that. It has agreements to open 33 locations in international markets.
Potbelly
Potbelly is working with four franchisees to open 18 more locations as part of its goal to have 85% of stores franchised, up from the current 17%. Chicago-based Potbelly operates 425 units with a long-term goal of 2,000 units.
Epic Burgers
Epic Burgers is expanding from six stores in the Chicago area to 11 with the acquisition of Meatheads Burgers, a direct competitor in the same market. The Meatheads name will go away so the brand can invest more into having one voice.
Ziggi’s Coffee
Ziggi’s Coffee, which already has 85 units, is lined up to hit 100 stores by this summer, a major milestone for the brand created by Brandon and Camrin Knudsen. With three site prototypes available— double-sided drive-thru, cafe and drive-thru, and single-sided drive-thru—franchisees can enter the segment with the approach that works for them.
Carvel/Cinnabon
Cinnabon and Carvel will join forces in a new concept from parent GoTo Foods called Cinnabon Swirl, with the first two franchised locations slated to open this year in Hawaii and Oregon. In addition to favorites from both chains’ menus, Cinnabon Swirl will also offer new menu items that combine ingredients from both concepts.
Chick-fil-A
Chick-fil-A’s first mobile pickup-only unit will open in New York City next week, with designated areas for delivery drivers and mobile order pickup that feature digital screens showing the status of each order. The experimental format is designed to streamline the process by eliminating features found in dine-in eateries including drink dispensers, menu boards and checkout registers.
Rosebud Restaurant Group
The Rosebud Restaurant Group—founded by restaurateur Alex Dana in 1976 with the first Rosebud location in Chicago’s Little Italy— operates nine Italian restaurants in the Chicago area spanning three concepts, Rosebud, Carmine’s and Rosetta. In late February, the group debuted its 10th restaurant, and first outside of Illinois: Mia Rosebud in Boca Raton, Florida.
Starbucks
A joint venture controlled equally by Starbucks and Tata Consumer Products plans to open 1,000 new shops in India over the next several years. Tata Starbucks, which currently has around 400 stores in India, plans to reach its growth goals by focusing on mid-sized and smaller cities and a range of formats and venues, such as drivethrus, 24-hour stores and airport locations.
Trusted by the biggest names in North America.
We’ve built across a diverse set of industries, from commercial retail to resorts to big box projects, and every single project gives us more ideas to take to the next site. Your project, our work.
We’re proud to be trusted by the world’s biggest brands again and again.
40+ years of successful projects
13,000+ pre-vetted subcontractors and vendors
1 million+ square feet constructed annually
3,775+ total projects
Texas big
Dallas tops hotel construction pipeline in Q1
At the end of the first quarter, Dallas boasted the biggest hotel construction pipeline in the US with 185 projects, according to a Lodging Econometrics report. The Big D was followed by Atlanta, Nashville, Tennessee, Phoenix and California’s Inland Empire, Renovations and conversions also were on the upswing in Q1, led by Los Angeles, New York, Atlanta, Chicago and Phoenix, respectively.
Give me
the Joe
Changing consumer trends perk up coffee chains
Don’t look now, but coffee shops are in growth mode in the US, thanks to several trends that have been percolating the past several years. According to a report by Technomic, the top 20 chains added about 1,400 new units last year, led by Dutch Bros., Biggby Coffee, Scooter’s Coffee and 7 Brew Drive Thru Coffee. Each continues to mass supporters and gain ground on coffee leaders Starbucks and Dunkin’.
Are you a member?
When it comes to loyalty… Marriott leads the way
Over the past five years, Marriott International’s loyalty program has grown by 60%, reaching 192 million members. The number makes the hotelier the leader in hotel loyalty programs. Hilton Hotels earned the top spot in growth during the same period, boosting its membership 110% to 173 million. Other hotels boasting strong numbers include Hyatt Hotels Corp., Wyndham Hotels and Resorts and Choice Hotels International, which also saw sign-ups grow 110%, 78% and 54%, respectively.
Take this job and love it
Study shows what appeals to today's construction professionals
If you don't think workplace satisfaction is more important than ever, think again. According to a TollFreeForwarding.com online research study, 77% of workers are more likely to stay with an employer if they were satisfied with their company’s organizational culture.
To uncover which industries have the most satisfied employees, the study procured data from 200 companies across
industries and ranked them based on the following criteria: culture and values, diversity and inclusion, work-life balance, compensation, career opportunities and senior management satisfaction. Using these rankings, TollFreeForwarding.com scored each industry on a scale of 1 to 100 for each category, as well as an overall average. The research found the construction industry to
have the most satisfied employees of any industry, earning an overall score of 72.20 out of 100.
Several factors are likely contributing to construction’s high scores, including skyrocketing wages, which have seen a more than 20% increase since 2021. Other contributing factors include increasing job opportunities, greater job security, and the availability of diverse roles.
The numbers game
11.1
The percentage increase of jobs expected in the hotel industry over the next five years, according to research commissioned by the AHLA Foundation. The number is expected to outperform overall national growth of 8%. The research says a big percentage of the jobs that will be available are entrylevel roles or positions that don’t require a college degree.
The amount, in trillions, that the travel industry is expected to contribute to the world economy in 2024, an all-time high with 142 out of the 185 countries analyzed projected to have a recordbreaking year, according to World Travel & Tourism Council research. Hospitality jobs are projected to increase to 348 million, an increase of 13.6 million from pre-pandemic figures, the report says.
9
The percentage of customers visiting quickservice restaurants 15 or more times per month who are ages 25 to 44, according to a YouGov report. The group, 57% of the total number, listed taste, speed and convenience as their top motivators reported by diners. McDonalds had the highest number of visits at 56%, followed by Burger King and Taco Bell at 32% and 29%, respectively.
Our specialized project management teams are highly effective in maintaining affordable budgets, meeting tight deadlines, and delivering quality construction turnovers on time, every time. From coast to coast, Alaska to Puerto Rico, Hunter Building Corporation has you completely covered on your next construction project!
We offer a multitude of services nationwide ranging from tenant improvements, buildouts, remodels, ground-up construction, and project management. Hunter Building Corporation takes pride in the fact that many of our clients have been repeat customers for many years.
in the news
Oh, the majestry
SARA celebrates the 2024 New York Design Awards Gala
What do you get when you gather more than 200 architects, contractors and vendors into one room? How about glimpse into some of the most majestic projects in and around the New York area. The "2024 SARA NY Design Awards Gala" features all of that, and more, as industry professionals convened for an evening of celebration.
Held in June at The View at the Battery in Manhattan, the gala highlighted and honored an array of cool projects, as well some of the industry's most successful designers.
Some of the honorees included Arpad Baksa, "Outstanding Achievement Award for the Enhancement of the Profession of Architecture;" Herzog & de Meuron & PBDW Architects for Powerhouse Arts, "Special Award for Innovation in Cultural Design;" PAU for The Domino Sugar Refinery, "Special Award for Innovation in Adaptive Reuse Design;" and BIG for the NYPD 40th Precinct Police Station, "Special Award for Innovation in Civic Design;"
For a complete list of winners and sponsors, click here.
Breakin’ the Law, Breakin’ the Law…
How cyber thieves are crushing dreams, company finances and getting away with it
Breakin’ the Law, Breakin’ the Law…
How cyber thieves are crushing dreams, company finances and getting away with it
By Jon Armour
“The law does not pretend to punish everything that is dishonest. That would seriously interfere with business.” — Clarence Darrow
Imagine sitting at your computer one fine morning, coffee in hand and a smile on your face. Your spouse gives you that big kiss and hug goodbye; the kids are off to school and you are determined to face the day with vigor and enthusiasm tackling invoices and balancing your company’s books from the previous day’s business.
Oh, but wait. Your computer screen pops up with an insidious message; “Your network has been penetrated;” or, “Oops, your files have been encrypted.” There’s a countdown clock running at the side of the screen; the pressure is on. The instructions in the big red box tell you how to unlock your files and recover your information. All but for a price—in Bitcoin.
The language coming from your mouth is overwhelming considering your upstanding character and light-hearted composure. You have captured the intrigue and attention of everyone in the office. Heads are popping up and down from cubicles like one of those whack-a-mole games. You hear the whispering and queries between employees, “What’s wrong with Mike?”
Your smile has turned to a frown; your coffee has gone stone cold, and that kiss your wife gave you might have been the last. It appears cyber pirates have infiltrated your network and want a huge ransome to rectify this rather sticky situation. More money than you have, can get or even can dream of.
Turning to your office manager, Debbie, she frowns and waves a brochure in your face about cyber crime on the rise. “Obtain protection now,” it says in bold letters across the bottom of the cover.
Mike recalls, “Yeah, that’s the pamphlet I pushed to the side last week; the one I thought I threw in the trash. Let me see that,” he says to his cohort. She’s worried and tells Mike, “I told you so. Remember those IT guys who came to the office and offered to set us up with firewalls and threat detection software?”
“Oh yes, now I do,” Mike snipes. “It seemed so expensive. I didn’t think that could ever happen to us.” As he tries to justify his oversight, the clock is ticking like a time bomb. If he doesn’t react, his business, finances and reputation are over.
cyber attorneys about how he can protect his data and financial well-being in the future (if he has one) and how to be proactive.
Lindsay Nickle, Partner and Vice Chair of Cybersecurity and Data Privacy, Constangy Law Firm in Dallas, says that everyone is at risk for phishing. This will be an ongoing issue as long as we have human interfaces with computers.
Nickle says that FTP programs like MoveIT and software like ConnectWise have been connected to major incidents due to “serious vulnerabilities.” Fidelity, a real estate title company, and Fidelity National Financial
Cyber criminals seek low hanging fruit first, so be aware there are large, sophisticated threat actor groups like “Akira” and “Blackcat” that go after big targets and seek big payoffs.
We can speculate how this situation will go. It’s not a pretty outcome no matter how you slice it. Mike, like thousands of small- to medium-business owners, ignored the statistics. The calls to protect his network environment by IT security professionals who are in the know about the frequency and risks he was exposed to were dismissed. He effectively said, “I’ll take my chances.”
Let’s talk about what Mike can do legally. Well, really at this point, nothing much. His best bet is to contact a cyber security attorney and have the firm help navigate out of this situation. Sadly for Mike, at this point, all the firm can do is help him make the right decisions with the ransomware request and possibly get his data unlocked.
Many times retrieving your data back is unsuccessful. You might have a backup or recover data by paying a ransom, but the stuff already is on the darknet. Furthermore, moving beyond this incident, Mike will probably want to read that brochere and talk to the
were but a few of the victims of MoveIT hackers holding the companies data hostage.
The now common statement, “Russia, Russia, Russia,” is appropriate here because it was a Russian ransomware gang that perpetuated this crime on these institutions. An operational data breach such as this exploits sensitive information and data in the way of personal customer information.
While the companies took steps to respond to the incident, thousands if not millions of downstream customers were affected, “In cases like these, our legal team can provide incident response and a litigation team,” Nickle says. You might ask, “Are they going after the perpetrator?”
The answer is no. Nickle’s team focuses on helping clients like Mike respond to a recovery from the incident, had their data stolen or were otherwise harmed in the incident and assisting with defending litigation that may result from an incident. The federal authorities and law enforcement agencies
are tasked with finding the crooks if they can, and taking their platforms down.
Nickle’s advice for small- to medium-businesses on investing in cyber secure assets is to deploy multi-factor authentication (MFA) anywhere you can in your network environment. “Also buy cyber insurance. It is a great resource in the event you have an incident. Get forensic support and comply with regulatory investigations to aid in weeding out bad business practices and weak policy.”
She says the way organizations should navigate the current threat landscape is to ask yourself, “What do I do to counter attacks? What are my cyber resources?” And, also know there are organizations out there that can facilitate investigations if attempts are made to access your network environment.
What do your services offer from an educational point of view that enhances their ability to combat threats? Lindsay says you reiterate. “Threats are real and resources are available to navigate them. Make a small investment to cover the low hanging fruit.”
Cyber criminals seek low hanging fruit first, so be aware there are large, sophisticated threat actor groups like “Akira” and “Blackcat” that go after big targets and seek big payoffs. But generally, these criminals are much like car thieves of old; they check handles until they find one unlocked.
Boom! Easy hit.
I’m ending here with a quote by Napoleon Hill: “Do not wait: the time will never be ‘just right’. Start where you stand and work whatever tools you may have at your command and better tools will be found as you go along.”
My summation of Nickle’s most important thought is to “Invest.” Engage the tools necessary to secure your assets. That includes legal advice and support from a firm like hers can help mitigate attacks before they happen. There will always be cyber thieves out there “Breakin’ the Law.”
For professional direction and legal consultation in Cyber Security matters, Nickle can be contacted at Constangy Law Firm (www.constangy.com) in Dallas at 806-535-0274, or lnickle@constangy.com
Jon Armour, a contributing author to the line of design and construction publications, has 35 years of combined experience across the construction, real estate, and IT infrastructure industry. He is certified Project Management Professional (PMP), certified Construction Manager, Program Manager, and a published author of a popular Western Genre fiction novel. He resides in Magnolia, Texas.
Student Insider
Presented by
Student Insider
Dear Skills Trade Student
While construction and technical skills are your primary focus, ConstructEDU Student Insider (CEDU) is designed to supplement your education by providing content that dives into the business of the commercial construction and renovation industry. The bi-monthly newsletter covers areas such as emerging technologies, regulatory issues and other factors shaping the diverse industry’s future. CEDU also features insights and profiles from industry thought leaders on the trends and challenges affecting the marketplace.
Delivered at no charge, we not only encourage you to make CEDU a part of your educational consumption, but also to share it with your peers.
EDUCATION
Scholarships give $1,000 to Silver Eagle Houston families
In its efforts to help support Silver Eagle Distributors Houston families, 25 children received educational scholarship awards. The scholarships, each worth $4,000, are designed to help cover the cost of tuition, books, and other educational expenses for the upcoming 2024-2025 academic year.
StrataTech Education releases Season 5 of ‘Top Welder’
The welding competition continues. StrataTech Education Group released the fifth season of its popular “Top Welder” competition series. Hosted by legendary bull rider and welding enthusiast Dale Brisby, “Top Welder” challenges four teams in a series of welding projects to showcase their skills and compete for a grand prize and scholarships.
PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
40 college teams compete in NASA’s 2024 Lunabotics Challenge
Conquering the surface of the moon begins in Florida. NASA’s 2024 Lunabotics Challenge offered more than 40 college teams from across the country the chance to design, build, and operate their own lunar robots, with the top 10 teams advancing to the final demonstration phase.
More HERE
Inside Dewitt Tilton’s internship program
Design-build firm Dewitt Tilton Group has unveiled an internship program for aspiring commercial and industrial construction professionals. The program unlocks a unique pathway into the construction industry, welcoming individuals actively pursuing careers in construction. Read
Read
On the cutting edge
Meeting today’s construction challenges with technology
EBy Joel Hoffman
ven through economic uncertainty and unprecedented disruption, America keeps building. On Feb. 1, 2024, the U.S. Census Bureau revealed a striking 14% surge in construction spending from December 2022 to December 2023, underscoring the construction sector's ongoing expansion.
This broader industry growth is accompanied by transformative shifts fueled by rapid technological advancements and a dynamic change in workforce demographics. These shifts present a unique blend of opportunities and challenges.
What will it take to thrive in this new and continuously evolving environment?
Technology is critical as more construction firms move to cloud-based business solutions. However, deploying and maximizing a leap to a digital-first business management approach will require an experienced implementation partner to help integrate new systems by providing configuration, customization, training and ongoing support.
Today’s Challenges, Tomorrow’s Solutions
Construction firms face many obstacles to growth, but perhaps the most significant challenge is managing burgeoning project portfolios. Outdated project management systems often lead to inefficiencies and errors through manual data entry and fragmented software platforms.
These outdated systems can cause project delays and cost overruns, constraining the ability to handle growing portfolios effectively.
Additionally, the industry must navigate complex regulations, ranging from safety standards to environmental laws, which vary across jurisdictions. Non-compliance with these regulations can result in hefty fines and project shutdowns. Advanced software solutions can help firms maintain compliance through real-time updates and tracking tools.
Another critical challenge is attracting and retaining talent. As the industry workforce ages, there’s a noticeable gap in younger, technology-oriented professionals. In August 2023, the construction sector recorded 350,000 job openings, marking
a significant 13%+ increase compared to pre-pandemic figures.
At the same time, the quit rate remained above the layoffs and termination rate, indicating a continued trend of workers voluntarily leaving their jobs.
Construction firms can attract and retain high-skill employees by incorporating modern technology into business operations, enhancing job satisfaction and providing new opportunities for continuous learning and professional development.
Intelligent business solutions are crucial to overcoming these challenges, yet adopting and integrating such systems can be daunting. At this crossroads, the expertise of trusted technology professionals becomes invaluable. These experienced implementation partners can guide firms through the complexities of modernizing their operations effectively.
The Role of Implementation Partners
Implementation partners, including managed service providers (MSPs), consultants, independent software vendors (ISVs) and other technology specialists, collaborate closely with construction firms to weave new technologies into their existing business infrastructure, ensuring successful software implementation and equipping firms for the transition.
The success of integrating new technologies into existing business operations relies on choosing the appropriate tools that match the specific needs and requirements of each construction firm. Implementation partners excel in selecting the right tools, offering expertise to analyze and understand these unique needs and recommending solutions that enhance operational efficiencies and integrate seamlessly with current systems. This careful selection helps avoid costly missteps and excessive downtime.
Transitioning to new technologies requires a comprehensive change management strategy, and here, again, these experienced professionals can provide training programs tailored to office staff and field workers. This training ensures that all employees are confident and comfortable with the new tools, facilitating smoother transitions, minimizing resistance and enhancing productivity.
Navigating the complex regulatory landscape is another critical function in which experience and expertise benefit greatly. The construction industry is subject to many ever-changing local, state and federal regulations. By leveraging their deep regulatory knowledge to help firms implement technology systems that adhere to all relevant regulations, these partners can help minimize the risk of non-compliance penalties and bolster the firm’s reputation for reliability and safety.
record of implementing and managing technology solutions within the sector. This expertise includes the initial set-up and an understanding of how to leverage technology to meet business objectives.
> Strong Support and Training Capabilities: Effective implementation doesn’t end with deployment. Ongoing support and comprehensive training are essential to ensure all users are comfortable and proficient with the new systems.
The construction industry is discovering the transformative power of modern technology that enables firms to boost efficiency, ensure regulatory compliance and attract a new generation of tech-savvy talent.
Given the depth of their expertise, identifying the right implementation partner can make or break the software’s long-term success and scalability.
Tips for Selecting the Right Implementation Partner
While subcontractors and construction professionals can greatly benefit from investing in construction business management systems, success hinges on choosing a system and implementation partner that aligns with their specific operational and process needs.
Essential qualities to look for in an implementation partner include:
> Industry-Specific Expertise: Look for partners with a strong background in the construction industry. Their familiarity with industry challenges and standards means they can provide applicable and beneficial insights.
> Technological Proficiency: The ideal partner should have a proven track
> Cultural Fit: The partner’s corporate culture should align with the firm’s values and working style to ensure smoother interactions and a positive working relationship.
> Customer Support and Satisfaction: Evaluate the potential partner’s reputation for customer service. Check references and testimonials to gauge other clients’ experiences.
The construction industry is discovering the transformative power of modern technology that enables firms to boost efficiency, ensure regulatory compliance and attract a new generation of tech-savvy talent.
The continued embrace and investment in these technologies will be critical in the industry’s ongoing evolution, and skilled implementation partners will continue playing a vital role in this transformation journey by helping firms worldwide successfully adopt new technologies. CCR
Joel Hoffman is the Director of Product Management, Construction, Field Service and Property Management at Acumatica. He is responsible for product planning, market analysis and launch readiness of Acumatica’s construction, field service and property management solutions.
Eye on Protection
Why back-end security monitoring may be the holy grail for construction site security
By Jason Gratton
The cost of building materials has skyrocketed, up almost 40% over the last four years.
At the same time, vandalism and theft at construction sites are at an all-time high; now costing the industry more than a billion dollars per year. Due to these factors, among others, the need to secure commercial construction sites has never been greater.
To combat the issue, much of the focus has long been on the first line of defense. Items like physical barriers, access control points and closed-circuit TV cameras have been enlisted with some degree of success. While new, AI-enabled mobile security trailers are proving highly efficient at spotting a security threat, the focal point is now shifting from bytes to brains. How humans within a security monitoring center react to those AI-triggered events is becoming the great differentiator for construction companies in pursuit of a zero-loss jobsite.
Advancing AI—which can quickly distinguish car lights, a stray cat or even changes in cloud cover from a legitimate threat—will remain essential for mobile security. But after a genuine security event is flagged, it is sent to a centralized monitoring location where each event must be assessed in real-time by humans to determine the appropriate next steps.
According to construction executives charged with increasing site safety, too often this part of the equation has been delivering substandard results. “In the past, we’ve had occurrences where the person doing the monitoring must have fallen asleep or something because things went missing off a job site, but they never reported seeing anything,” says Edward Glover, a Phoenix-based Assistant Project Manager at Layton Construction—a nationally ranked commercial contractor.
buildings with numerous blind spots. They enlisted several security monitoring systems to guard the project and are currently recording about two alerts per week which have already been vetted by a monitoring expert.
“I get a text alert and then a phone call the moment anyone attempts to come on-site,” Glover says. “A link is also sent, so I can view the footage and see why the camera went off. Then we determine what needs to be done, which may include calling the police. We've caught several perpetrators this way.”
Recently, an incident occurred at the Layton Industrial Park project where someone onsite falsely identified themselves as a subcontractor. Glover was able to quickly review the onsite footage and its security monitoring team alerted the police who apprehended the individual.
The goal for any construction project is to maintain a zero-loss site. That is increasingly dependent on how well security monitoring experts can address a threat and implement the right action plan.
Asset security monitoring
Like Glover, there are a number of construction companies making the switch from outmoded security monitoring firms—focused predominantly on setting up the hardware on a jobsite—to companies that deploy a centralized Security Operations Center (SOC with integrated AI capabilities).
These facilities provide 24/7 alert monitoring, trained security response experts, and daily hardware checkups. In addition, some of these SOC providers even make weekly visits to the construction site to ensure operational efficiencies.
Layton Construction is currently working on a massive 100-acre industrial park in Arizona. The project has multiple
Glover says that is a prime example of a situation where it did not have this type of advanced security monitoring in place. "I can almost guarantee something would have been stolen.”
Protective preference
While calling the police is one option, there are additional measures the security monitoring experts can employ. As an example, some security monitoring trailers provide a talk-down speaker that delivers impressive results.
For example, there was a recent case of an active trespasser who was warned through the talk-down speaker and started to leave. However, they were still holding the
materials that they intended to steal. So, the SOC operator yelled out: "DROP IT, NOW!" The person not only does but almost falls over while running to his car.
While those instances demonstrate an effective approach to someone already trespassing on the jobsite, the primary goal for advanced monitoring companies is to intervene before the parameter fence has been breached.
“We have seen instances where our monitoring is picking people up beyond the fence,” says Mason Mellema, Project Manager at DPR Construction—a general contractor focused on highly complex and technical projects. “So, the goal is to stop an unwanted entry before they actually step foot on the jobsite.”
Adaptive security
DPR is currently working on a high-profile healthcare facility in the Phoenix area, which started out as a greenfield project.
“The first things that went up were the fencing, screening, and secured access points,” Mellema says. "Once the materials and equipment began arriving, we needed security and monitoring. Then as the building started coming up out of the ground and more assets arrived on site, our monitoring needs changed. This required us to reconfigure both the number and location of the monitoring equipment.”
In this context, security monitoring experts function like onsite consultants. Through daily video exposure and weekly in-person check-ups, they can begin to understand the nuances of each job site, as well as the needs of each phase of production.
“The security monitoring team might say something like, ‘Hey, you guys are getting ready to button up drywall—maybe it’s time to move the monitoring equipment,’” Glover says. “What we are getting is really more proactive than reactive.”
The goal for any construction project is to maintain a zero-loss site. That is increasingly dependent on how well security monitoring experts can address a threat and implement the right action plan. CCR
Jason Gratton is VP of Stallion Infrastructure Services, a national provider of mobile security, video surveillance and communications services.
Where Your Vision Meets Our Expertise
Terrazzo is a handcrafted building material; its primary components are assembled on the construction site. For 100-years, the contractor members of the National Terrazzo and Mosaic Association have brought integrity and skill to countless installations. The NTMA has the expertise your project needs. Find specifications, information, color samples, contractor and supplier members at www.ntma.com or call 800-323-9736.
Shaping the Future
How TriCelta Development is changing the hospitality game
Story by Michael J. Pallerino
Defined by a portfolio of efficiently designed and constructed hospitality developments, TriCelta Development is the brainchild of third-generation entrepreneur Jake Zwaagstra. The founder and CEO and his team continue to deliver projects that are innovative from the design process through delivery.
Based in Dallas, TriCelta offers its clients a broad range of services, from master planning to budget development. Jake and his team are committed to thriving as a true owner’s representative, delivering “future proof” projects by fundamentally understanding and planning for their client’s vision and mitigating risk at every step along the way.
Photography by Garrett Rowland
A long-time industry veteran, Jake has overseen the development of iconic word-class resorts such as MGM, The Joint Theater at the Hard Rock, The Cosmopolitan, Urenco USA and The Choctaw Casino Durant in Oklahoma. The business also is a family affair, with his wife, Kori, serving as Director of Operations, and their young sons stepping in to learn about the business.
We sat down with Jake to get an inside peek at where the TriCelta Development brand is heading.
Give us a snapshot of your brand?
TriCelta Development is a full-service real estate development firm committed to advocating for project owners and stakeholders. We specialize in hospitality, gaming, and mixed-use projects of all scales, guiding the development process from concept to completion.
One of our key differentiators is our early involvement and turnkey approach. We excel in helping owners navigate the
Photography by Paul Dingman; Photography by Garrett Rowland
design-build process with a strong focus on budget, schedule, and quality, ensuring efficient and effective project delivery while minimizing risks and maximizing value.
What type of consumer are you targeting?
In the high-end hospitality and gaming market, our end users have elevated expectations of convenience, quality, and are highly experiential. The property owners we work with often have a strong idea of what they are looking to build but need guidance in turning that vision into a reality. We take customer needs into account through each decision, ensuring our clients can create memorable experiences that give guests a reason to keep coming back.
How does the design of your facilities cater to what today’s consumers are looking for?
Enhancing the end-user’s experience is always our ultimate goal, and we go above and beyond to figure out just how to do that. We source feedback and insights from potential guests, taking into account their preferences and needs. We then use the feedback gathered from participant studies and mockup rooms to fine-tune every aspect of our facilities for the guest experience.
Walk us through how and why it is designed the way it is?
Every aspect of our projects spring from a deep understanding of our guests’ preferences and needs. One example of this was
Our goal is to find strategies that align the budget, operational efficiency and sustainability aspects of the project to ultimately meet the client’s goals.
during the delivery of customer rooms at a 4-diamond resort.
In order to pinpoint the features and experiences that were most important to today’s resort-goers, we worked with a customer listening program to extend surveys to potential future guests. A large percentage of women we polled highlighted their desire for good mirrors and lighting to do their makeup.
We took this one bit of feedback and ran with it. We referenced studies about the exact lighting temperatures needed for makeup, and even had women come in to test out different mirrors and tell us what they liked and didn’t like.
We aim to put this level of care and thought into every single detail in our spaces—from mirrors to shower head heights to the number of plugs needed by the maintenance staff.
What are some of the more prominent features being added today?
There is always a push to integrate more technology into our projects. Our job is to
Photography by Garrett Rowland
understand what that means and ensure that the technology aspirations are reasonable, timely, and executable within the constraints of budget and schedule.
Often, these technological features are aimed at making a resort more user-friendly and convenient for guests. There is no “one-sizefits-all” solution for our work; the features we drive are tailored to each client’s experience.
Give us a rundown of your market’s layout.
Our market isn’t easily definable. While we specialize in the high-end hospitality space, our abilities enable us to create value across many segments. When an owner needs to hit the “easy button” we are prepared to manage their development.
What’s the biggest issue today related to the construction side of the business?
Today’s biggest issues in construction revolve around communication and accountability between teams. Owners often
encounter uncertainty regarding cost overruns and delays, leading to frustration while change requests by general contractors to construction managers trigger a domino effect that results in confusion.
Hiring a committed owner’s representative can help mitigate these challenges. The owner’s representative serves as a mediator for all parties, fostering a collaborative environment and ensuring that everyone understands the “what” and “why” of all decisions.
Talk about sustainability. What are you doing?
We always have our finger on the pulse of the latest strategies that allow us to align value with sustainability. This can mean finding ways to save small amounts that lead to broader impacts such as efficiency in plumbing or HVAC services. It can mean finding ways to allow properties to be partially self-sufficient through energy offsets. It can mean making recycling programs come to life in our developments.
Our goal is to find strategies that align the budget, operational efficiency and sustainability aspects of the project to ultimately meet the client’s goals.
In today’s complicated landscape, what type of opportunities do you see moving ahead?
Where other sectors have struggled over the past few years, the hospitality industry has remained strong. The industry continues to evolve, striving to find better, more efficient, and personable ways to get guests to return in the future. High-end hospitality will always have a discerning client which will ultimately drive demand. When managing large-scale projects, we have to balance design, quality, and convenience for every decision. A good design will always trump a speed-tomarket discussion. If a client doesn’t like the design, it doesn’t matter how fast you enact that vision. It’s our job to find the right balance and drive efficient decision
Photography by Garrett Rowland
Architectural™ Design Series
Cutting-edge plumbing products that do not compromise on quality or durability. Featuring hands-free technology that incorporates beautiful aesthetics for high-use areas such as hospitality, transportation hubs, retail, and offices.
Customize your space with three design options and four exquisite finishes available in the Architectural™ Design Series.
making that will drive continued demand from our clients’ customer base. We are confident that the hospitality, gaming and mixed-use sectors will have years of growth ahead.
Are you optimistic about what you are seeing out there?
In the commercial world, we’ve seen a large push to put deals together that rely too heavily on appreciation, instead of
developing in a financially reasonable way for all parties. I expect these developments will see some pain points over the next 12-18 months as changes in rates and cap tables make for some very challenging conversations moving forward.
In our role as an owner’s representative we take a long view of any project and deeply consider each and every financial factor. We are very optimistic about the
As an entrepreneur there is no such thing as a typical day. You must balance running your company, ensuring your staff have the tools to do their job, staying abreast of project status, and most importantly managing relationships. This is where a majority of my focus lands. Ensuring our customers are happy and their needs are met is my biggest priority.
What’s the biggest item on your to-do list right now?
Managing our firm’s growth without impacting service to our client base is a laser focus for me. We have some incredible projects in planning and will be growing to support those efforts. Ensuring we do this thoughtfully and with purpose is a continuous drive for me.
What was the best advice you ever received?
One of my professional mentors imparted a lesson that I repeat to this day. He told me, “In the corporate world, some people are Marines and some are Navy Seals. The Marines take a task and deliver on it regardless of the bodies left in the wake. The Navy Seal delivers the project the same way, and while it may take longer to get to the same effect, leaves no collateral damage along the way. Always look at things like a Navy Seal—it will ensure you put relationships first in every decision.”
What’s the best thing a customer ever said to you?
I have a current customer who gave me the best compliment one can offer: a referral to a similar client based on their experience with our team. When they swapped to TriCelta Development, they truly understood what was supposed to be happening on their projects. A customer referral is the kindest thing that we can expect from our clients.
projects we have in the pipeline for our discerning client base.
What
trends are you seeing?
We firmly believe that the one-size-fits-all approach is obsolete. Finding the right solutions for hospitality development today requires a deep understanding of a client’s vision and an end-user’s needs. It’s easy to visit a hospitality expo and come away dazzled by exciting new trends—but it is so important to research those trends before implementation and ensure that designs are tailored to the specific audience.
What
is
the secret
to creating a “must visit” facility environment in today’s competitive landscape?
The secret lies in attention to detail and a deep understanding of guests’ preferences and needs. Listening to feedback isn’t just about hearing what guests have to say, it’s about understanding the underlying motivations and desires behind their comments. By diving deeper into the feedback we receive, we gain insights into what truly matters to guests and how we can elevate their experience.
What is today’s consumer looking for in your facility?
At the end of the day, today’s consumer is no different than the consumer of the past or the consumer of the future. They want a memorable experience, high quality service from staff, and a reason to come back again. With a “future-proofed” approach to design and construction, we ensure those concerns are addressed and that we meet the balance of the consumer needs with efficient operation.
Tell us what makes your brand so unique?
What sets us apart is the multi-faceted lens we apply when we take on a project for our client. In order to fully mitigate risk for our clients, we view every question and decision through the many perspectives of design, construction, operations, insurance, legacy, and more. We go to extraordinary lengths to manage that risk for ultimate success. CCR
W A T E R
B A S E D
C U S T O M
C O L O R S
L O W
V O C
M U L T I P L E
A P P L I C A T I O N
M E T H O D S
N E V E R F A D E C O A T I N G S . c o m
IT’S THAT SIMPLE
We’re a company with a fresh approach. We are highly skilled and passionate design and construction experts brought together and bonded by mutual trust and respect.
Every member of the PMC team stands ready to deliver, regardless of location, complexity or challenge. We will bring your projects to market with a focus on quality, performance and speed.
Professional Design and Project Management Services for the Retail, Restaurant, Hospitality, Entertainment and the Commercial Markets.
Better. Faster. Smarter
Annual survey spotlights industry’s leading General Contractors
The g eneral contractor you choose sits at the heart of every project, so having the resources you need is critical. Our General Contractors listing focuses on the diverse range of firms serving the retail, restaurant, hospitality, healthcare (and other) sectors. If you didn’t make the list, contact Publisher David Corson at davidc@ccr-mag.com.
HOSPITALITY
HEALTHCARE
Anderson and Rodgers
James Spataro, Production operations 170 Prosperous Pl Lexington, KY 40509 (859) 309-3021
SERVICE | TECHNOLOGY | EXPERIENCE | RELATIONSHIPS | SAFETY
From large luxury retailers to small retail startups, every client gets personal attention from our project managers and superintendents. Doing business with NCI is easy and convenient. From concept and Pre-construction to final occupancy and closeout documentation, NCI will efficiently and effectively help you reach your project goals.
M. Cary Inc
Michael Tucker, Vice President 64 Toledo St Farmingdale, NY 11735 (631) 501-0024
Dominika Smith, Director of Business Development 100 Commonwealth Dr Warrendale, PA 15086 (724) 553-4023 (772) 204-3844 dsmith@rockerzinc.com www.rockerzinc.com
Since inception, Weekes Construction has led the industry in interior upfits of all kinds. Specializing in this type of construction allows us to excel at bringing your vision to life without drama. From small jewelers to large department stores, restaurants to healthcare facilities, you can count on us to understand the unique demands and expectations of your category and project. Trust us to bring your vision to life.
HEAVY EQUIPMENT SERVICE PARTS.
HEAVY EQUIPMENT SERVICE PARTS.
Buy service parts and maximize fleet utilization rate.
Buy service parts and maximize fleet utilization rate.
Unlock savings and efficiency with EquipmentShare’s parts catalog. We offer high-quality parts to enhance your fleet utilization rate and reduce maintenance costs. Trust EquipmentShare for top-tier value and support in maintaining your heavy equipment. AND MORE!
Unlock savings and efficiency with EquipmentShare’s parts catalog. We offer high-quality parts to enhance your fleet utilization rate and reduce maintenance costs. Trust EquipmentShare for top-tier value and support in maintaining your heavy equipment. AND MORE!
Lighting firms highlighted in annual listings
It a ll comes down to lighting. So, if you’re looking for a comprehensive selection of products designed to meet the diverse needs of today’s retail, restaurant, hospitality, healthcare (and other) sectors, our listing has you covered. If you didn’t make the list, contact Publisher David Corson at davidc@ccr-mag.com.
Acclaim Lighting
Patrick Nadjarians, Marketing Director 6122 S Eastern Ave Commerce, CA 91040 sales@acclaimlighting.com www.acclaimlighting.com
Lighting Product Type: Solid State Lighting Fixtures, LED Linear Indoor, LED Linear Outdoor, Exterior/Outdoor Lighting, Landscape Lighting, Commercial Lighting Markets Served: Hospitality, Healthcare, Other
AFX Inc
Ryan Weems, VP Sales 2345 Ernie Krueger Cir Waukegan, IL 60087 (847) 962-0490
rweems@afxinc.com www.afxinc.com
Lighting Product Type: Accent Lighting, Close to Ceiling Fixtures, LED Linear Indoor, LED Linear Outdoor, Recessed Lighting, Track Lighting, Task Lighting, Wall Sconces, Exterior/Outdoor Lighting, Security Lighting, Other: Pendant, Vanity, Overbed Markets Served: Hospitality, Healthcare, Other: Residential, Multi-family, Light Commercial
American Lighting
Alyssa Stone, National Sales ManagerElectrical Distribution 11775 E 45th Ave Denver, CO 80239 (800) 285-8051
Lighting Product Type: Accent Lighting, Close to Ceiling Fixtures, Solid State Lighting Fixtures, LED Linear Indoor, LED Linear Outdoor, Recessed Lighting, Track Lighting, Task Lighting, Shelving Lighting, Exterior/Outdoor Lighting, Security Lighting, Landscape Lighting, Commercial Lighting
MANUAL CODE COMPLIANCE TESTING & REPORTING IS HISTORY
Exitronix Guardian G3 enables you to remotely monitor and pull compliance reports for your emergency lighting directly from your tablet. Utilizing a gateway, your data stays in your building and is safe from cyber criminals.
BUILD A TRULY SMART BUILDING
• Up to 100 emergency lighting units can exchange data on one gateway
• Scalable Zigbee mesh network makes adding fixtures easy
BARRON MAKES IT EASY
• We load the floor plan and fixture names into the software on the tablet
• Then we program each fixture to the tablet and gateway
• Each fixture is labeled on the box
• Customer receives order, printed floor plans, and installs according to the map
Lighting Product Type: Accent Lighting, Light Bulbs, Close to Ceiling Fixtures, Solid State Lighting Fixtures, LED Linear Indoor, LED Linear Outdoor, Recessed Lighting, Track Lighting, Task Lighting, Wall Sconces, Exterior/Outdoor Lighting, Landscape Lighting Markets Served: Retail, Hospitality, Healthcare, Restaurants, Mixed-Use, Education, Shopping Malls, Cannabis, Craft Brewery
LUXX Light + Retail Technology (USA) Inc
Andreas Weyer, Managing Director 4203 Fallston Rd Shelby, NC 28150 (704) 909-7361 (702) 857-4971
a.weyer@luxx.com www.luxx.com
Lighting Product Type: Accent Lighting, Close to Ceiling Fixtures, Solid State Lighting Fixtures, LED Linear Indoor, LED Linear Outdoor, Recessed Lighting, Track Lighting, Task Lighting, Shelving Lighting, Commercial Lighting, Other: Light Guide Panels
Judah Regenstreif, President 9261 Jordan Ave Chatsworth, GA 91311 (805) 312-1543
judah@regencysupply.com
www.regencysupply.com
Lighting Product Type: Accent Lighting, Light Bulbs, Close to Ceiling Fixtures, Solid State Lighting Fixtures, Highbay Lighting, LED Linear Indoor, LED Linear Outdoor, Recessed Lighting, Track Lighting, Task Lighting, Shelving Lighting, Wall Sconces, Exterior/Outdoor
Lighting Product Type: LED Linear Indoor, LED Linear Outdoor, Track Lighting, Exterior/Outdoor Lighting, Landscape Lighting, Commercial Lighting, Other: Sports Lighting
Lighting Product Type: Accent Lighting, Close to Ceiling Fixtures, LED Linear Indoor, LED Linear Outdoor, Recessed Lighting, Task Lighting, Wall Sconces, Exterior/Outdoor Lighting, Landscape Lighting, Commercial Lighting
How sustainability helped a Waterbury, Connecticut YMCA made a huge community impact
By Dan Vastyan
Concerned about the welfare of young men in London, UK, George Williams founded the YMCA (Young Men’s Christian Association) in the mid-18th Century. The organization spread throughout Europe and North America, providing activities and services for residents in urban areas. With roughly 2,700 YMCA locations in the US today, there’s no shortage of facilities and infrastructure to maintain, especially considering the organization’s desire to maintain the smallest environmental footprint possible.
Edgerton Heating & Air Conditioning, in Monroe, CT is a 70-year-old, third-generation company with 84 employees.
The Waterbury YMCA, in Waterbury, Connecticut, is a prime example. The facility has undergone many renovations and additions over the years. The mechanical systems that served it were disjointed, inefficient and complicated to maintain and control.
The 80,000 square-foot building houses two pools, a hot tub, wellness center, gymnasium, classrooms and several locker rooms. Until 2015, the sole source of heat was a pair of oil-fired sectional steam boilers, paired with steam-to-water heat exchangers. The boilers ran almost continuously. Some of the heat exchangers generated hot water for the fin-tube baseboard, while others provided hot water for the pools and satisfied a portion of the domestic hot water load. Supplemental pool heat and domestic hot water was supplied by several large, gas-fired water heaters.
In 2015, the YMCA received funding from an Office of Policy and Management Non-Profit Grant Program to install a 75kW, gas-fired AEGEN co-gen system to reduce oil consumption while providing a large portion of the facility’s electric needs. “The end goal was to eliminate the use of oil completely,” says Mike Tedesco, director of operations at the Greater Waterbury YMCA. “The co-gen unit was the first step, albeit a very large one, to realizing that goal."
Ken Hipsky, VP at RZ Design Associates, was the engineer on that project, while Paul Marciniak, commercial HVAC business manager at Edgerton Heating & Air Conditioning led the installation. While he was at a different firm at the time, like Hipsky, Marciniak is regularly involved with maintenance and improvements here, and has been for 15 years.
Energy improvements ensue
When the co-gen system was installed, it replaced one of the two large steam boilers. The second unit remained in place for partial heating capacity. Management at “The Y” knew that the 30-year-old boiler would soon need to be replaced, and that the 10,000-gallon oil tank was nearing the end of its lifecycle.
In 2020, when the time came to proceed, Hipsky and Marciniak were again involved. “Ken and I have a great working relationship,” Marciniak says. “The bulk of our
Edgerton Technician Mike Lennon checks electrical connection on the AMP boiler.
The AMP boiler, made by Thermal Solutions, provides supplementary heating to the entire system, following the AEGEN co-gen system.
collaboration has taken place at the YMCA. We maintain the mechanical systems, so our familiarity, along with Ken’s experience at the property, allowed us to quickly submit a bid to replace the boiler and update the DHW system.”
In addition to reducing the carbon footprint of the building and decreasing energy expenses, the boiler replacement was designed to maintain a high level of heating system redundancy and improve delivery of domestic hot water. Updated controls with remote monitoring had been needed at the facility for a long time.
System design and selection
RZ Design Associates specializes in municipal and multi-family work. The 45-person engineering firm has offices in Rocky Hill, Connecticut, Franklin, Massachusetts and Tampa, Florida. The volume of work in New England keeps the company’s mechanical engineers in close contact with manufacturer’s reps at URELL.
“URELL provided me with pump selection assistance during design,” Hipsky says. “Their ability to support and supply so many of the products we prefer to use is a huge benefit. They’re a ‘one-stop-shop’ for us. Just before this boiler project took place, they asked me to look at the new AMP condensing boiler, made by Thermal Solutions.”
Typically, Hipsky doesn’t specify brand new products, but prefers to let new products prove themselves first. There were a number of things he liked about the AMP. For starters, it fits the existing pad. Based on the layout of the mechanical room, frontal service access was a big benefit. The boiler seemed simple, the control screen was user friendly and Thermal Solutions has a great reputation in the industry.
There were other considerations, too. Access to the underground boiler room was severely limited. The only way to replace the existing boiler was through a grate in the sidewalk, so physical size was a factor.
Tight quarters
“We’d used the grate before,” Marciniak says. “It’s almost routine at this point. Material is raised and lowered through the sidewalk with a small crane. Even at 2 Million BTU/h, we didn’t have to break down
Edgerton Technician Mike Lennon checks temperature setpoints on the AMP boiler.
A Watts Intellistation DHW mixing panel delivers consistent DHW temperature and pressure, regardless of the call for water or the source of heat.
the AMP to fit it through. Bringing the old boiler back up was a different story.”
Hipsky says both the sidewalk grate and the dimensions of the mechanical room itself came into consideration while specifying the boiler. “Some boilers are too tall, especially those with overhead service access. The horizontal configuration of the AMP really worked in our favor.”
The boiler replacement required a phased approach. The existing boiler remained online while the new high efficiency boiler was installed. Careful design and execution was needed to conserve physical space within the mechanical room. This wasn’t an insurmountable challenge for Edgerton Heating & Air Conditioning, a third-generation company with 84 employees.
“We’re big believers in condensing technology,” Marciniak says. “That said, the control platform on some commercial condensing boilers tends to be complicated. That wasn’t the case with the AMP. The control is the most user-friendly display I’ve come across.”
The boiler replacement required a phased approach. The existing boiler remained online while the new high efficiency boiler was installed.
The new boiler is a supplementary source of heat for every load in the building. The co-gen system provides the first stage of heat. This includes many zones of fin-tube baseboard in the building, the pool and spa, and DHW. A large, high-temp primary loop serves the space heating zones, while Alfa Laval heat exchangers are used to isolate the aquatic zones.
The mechanical work was managed by Edgerton’s senior project manager, Wally Zinn, who’s been at the firm for over 30 years. Four technicians were onsite for most of the 55-day project.
Connected DHW solution
Waterbury YMCA has 32 individual showers. To supply sufficient DHW volume, two, 250-gallon storage tanks serve as a heat sink for the co-gen system via a large heat exchanger. When the DHW load exceeds the input of the co-gen system, supplemental
Mike Tedesco, director of operations at the Greater Waterbury YMCA, inspects the Intellistation DHW mixing panel.
When the DHW load exceeds the input of the co-gen system, supplemental capacity is provided by the AMP boiler through the use of two H2O Max instantaneous, indirect-fired water heaters.
DESIGNED TO AMAZE.
NEW! Skyline and Highrise Series Euro Style Partitions
The elegant design of Bradley’s exclusive collection of Euro style partitions flawlessly combines beauty and performance raising the standard in commercial washrooms. Two new series options, Skyline and Highrise, feature high-design materials, occupancy indicators, increased privacy, and seamless construction to provide an elevated look and welcoming spaces. Commercial Washrooms. Brought to Life.
bradleycorp.com/euro-style-partitions
SKYLINE SERIES
Enameled Tempered Glass
capacity is provided by the AMP boiler through the use of two H2O Max instantaneous, indirect-fired water heaters.
“The facility had sufficient DHW production capacity before the retrofit,” Hipsky says. “The problem was water temperature accuracy. A critical part of this retrofit was upgrading the head end of the DHW system. The focus became creating an accurate method of delivery with remote monitoring capability.”
Marciniak says the previous Honeywell mixing valves were large, calcified, and slow to respond. “The existing recirculation loop has several branches, some of which weren’t piped correctly, and there were several pumps on the recirc system fighting each other. There had been complaints of water being both too cool and too hot.”
Edgerton technicians re-piped the problematic portions of the recirculation loop, added balancing valves for the various
The Greater Waterbury YMCA offers two heated pools, both served by the recently upgraded mechanical system.
A 75kW, gas-fired AEGEN co-gen system was installed to provide the majority of the heat needed in the facility while providing a large portion of the facility’s electric needs.
branches, installed one large ECM circulator, and replaced the old mixing valve with a pre-fabricated Watts IntelliStation digital mixing system.”
The IntelliStation’s touchscreen control operates a three-way valve through a highspeed actuator to precisely maintain the selected outlet temperature. Temperature and pressure sensors are included at key points within the panel to enable an immediate response to changes in fixture demand
and supply water conditions. Water from the storage tanks enters the IntelliStation at roughly 160°F, and is mixed down to 120°F before entering the recirculation loop, which recirculates between 110°F and 112°F.
“The IntelliStation is a varying load device,” Hipsky says. “It can handle multiple, varying sources, and satisfy multiple, varying loads if needed. Since it was installed, complaints about water temperature and pressure have completely disappeared.
In the near future, as heating zones are updated with new thermostats, rooftop units are replaced and pool components upgraded, each improvement will be tied into the BAS.
This was my first foray into digital mixing, and we’re all very happy with it. The DHW system is safer and more efficient now.”
Another reason for installing a digital mixing system was the ability to tie DHW production into a BAS.
Implementing controls
Before the co-gen system was installed, there were no controls at the facility. Each piece of equipment operated independently and system monitoring was manual. “The co-gen product introduced the facility to a Schneider BAS,” Marciniak says. “Its scope was very limited at the time, but we knew we’d be expanding it in the years to come. The new boiler and the digital mixing station are now part of that control package, but expansion of the BAS is an ongoing process.”
A large gymnasium is heated by hydronic air handlers.
In the near future, as heating zones are updated with new thermostats, rooftop units are replaced and pool components upgraded, each improvement will be tied into the BAS by control subcontractor Connecticut Temperature Controls, providing full visibility and remote access. This allows Edgerton maintenance crews to remotely monitor the systems at the YMCA.
“This building has gone through so many different layout changes and HVAC retrofits, that everything was disconnected,”
Marciniak says. “With the addition and future expansion of the BAS, we’re really bringing the facility into the 21st Century. For example, our maintenance crew can watch the water temperature through the heat exchangers or check the runtime hours on the boiler. It really simplifies maintenance and saves labor.”
Avoiding emergency service calls, improving comfort and ensuring safety is a huge bonus for the YMCA, but the impetus of the retrofit was energy savings. Here too, the retrofit has proven its worth.
“Quantifying fuel savings down to the dollar is difficult with fluctuating oil, gas and power costs,” Tedesco says. “But I can say that with the addition of the co-gen system, the new boiler and digital mixing, we’ve cut our annual energy expense by roughly $30,000. Plus, we’ve eliminated the use of fuel oil entirely. Oil prices are more volatile than gas or power, so budgeting has been simplified. Also, there are far fewer emergency maintenance expenses. As the other systems in the building are upgraded, we expect the benefits to continue.” CCR
Dan Vastyan is President of Common Ground, Uncommon Communications, and co-owner, Delta C.
A hot tub is also heated by the mechanical system.
Our Resilient Industry
Long-running survey of construction project proposal activity underscores the industry’s healthy outlook
By Jerry Guerra
One of the most striking aspects of the PSMJ Resources Quarterly Market Forecast (QMF) is how rarely its baseline is zero. The forecast, which has been measuring quarter-to-quarter proposal activity for the design and construction industry since 2003, overwhelmingly deals in the positive—i.e., growing proposal activity compared with the prior quarter—as opposed to decline.
This is true in both bad times and good.
For example, among the 12 major markets assessed in each survey, proposal activity in projects for Commercial Developers scored lowest in the Q1 2024. This is as measured by the net plus/minus index (NPMI) that PSMJ has used since it began surveying its architecture, engineering and construction firm members over 20 years ago.
Yet, more survey respondents that work in the Commercial Developers market reported quarterly growth in proposal activity (30.9%) than a decline (24.5%). So the
market—which includes office, retail and warehouse for lease projects—is down compared with other major markets, proposal activity still increased, quarter-over-quarter. This tends to be the trend for all 12 markets surveyed by PSMJ.
The Commercial Users major market—which includes restaurants, hospitality, warehouse/distribution, call centers and corporate office projects—had the second-lowest index score in the latest (Q1) survey. But again, more than one-third (33.8%) of participants reported growth compared with 18.9% who saw a decline.
The remaining survey takers said proposal opportunities were flat. This equates to an NPMI score of 14.9, which represents the delta between the percentage of respondents reporting an increase in proposal activity and those reporting a reduction.
Improvement, but Challenges Remain
This doesn’t suggest that the Commercial markets are entirely healthy and absent of challenges. The two commercial markets have lived in the cellar among the 12 major
Commercial Developers – Proposal Activity Index 2007-2024 (NPMI*)
Source: PSMJ Quarter Mirket Forecast
*The PSMJ net plus/minus index is the delta between the percentage of firms reporting growth in a market and those reporting a decline.
markets measured by PSMJ’s survey consistently since the end of the pandemic, while markets relying on public funding, such as transportation, water/wastewater and energy, have seen historically high proposal activity levels.
Office and retail buildings have been the primary drag for the commercial markets. Among the 59 submarkets assessed in the survey, only three reported a negative index score in the 1st Quarter—Office for Lease, Corporate Office Buildings and Retail for Lease.
As for the commercial market's challenges, PSMJ President Greg Hart says the latest Quarterly Market Forecast data for the commercial development market is slightly more encouraging or "less bad" than what we saw in the previous quarter. "In particular, the Office Buildings submarket, while still in negative territory, has inched up slightly to the highest level we’ve seen since late 2022.”
Is this a sign that we’ve found a market bottom?
“Maybe, but we are still far from a significant rebound,” says Hart, who was named president of the 50-year-old research, consulting and publishing firm last year. “This market faces considerable headwinds driven by stubbornly high interest rates and vacancy rates that are still climbing in some office markets. As a result, we could be starting to map a bottom of the
The Healthcare market is a good example of the design and construction industry’s continuing growth. For Q1 2024, exactly half of the respondents reported growth in proposal opportunities compared with 5.2% who saw a decrease (44.8 NPMI).
market, but there isn’t much evidence that we are moving into a recovery phase yet, even if interest cuts start to come in late 2024 or early 2025.”
Nonetheless, the relative improvement is evident. For all three of the negative markets, the Q1 index numbers were substantially higher, quarter-to-quarter and year-to-year. The most recent Office for Lease index score of -30.2 was almost 15 points higher than the prior quarter and more than a 5-point improvement from the Q1 2023.
The Q1 NPMI score for Corporate Office Buildings (20.0) jumped 17.6 and 16.4 points quarter-to-quarter and year-to-year, respectively. And Retail for Lease (-13.6) improved 23.1 points from the Q4 of 2023 and 5.3 points from the Q1 2023.
Warehouse/Distribution facilities (26.1 NPMI) and Call/Data Centers (19.0) topped the commercial submarkets in the most recent quarterly survey, followed by
Office to Residential Conversions (16.9), Warehouse for Lease (14.6), Hospitality (12.1) and Restaurants (1.5). Despite being among the lowest submarkets in the survey, both Hospitality (up 8.3 and 1.4 index points, quarterly and annually) and Restaurants (plus 5.6 and 1.5 points) have improved steadily over the last several quarters.
PSMJ only recently added Office-to-Residential Conversions to its roster of submarkets. After a slow start in the Q4 of 2023 (25.8% up, 20.6% down, 5.2 NPMI), the Q1 results (27.3%, 10.4%, 16.9) improved noticeably. While some experts believe the office-to-residential trend is exaggerated as a factor in commercial real estate today, some cities are launching programs to encourage developers to convert office buildings into housing. For example, Boston offers property
to developers who convert
downtown offices to
Top 30 Submarkets – Proposal Activity 1st Quarter 2024 (NPMI*)
Source: PSMJ Quarterly Market Forecast, F' Quarter 2024
*The PSMJ net plus/minus index is the delta between the percentage of firms reporting growth in a market and those reporting a decline.
Bullish on the Industry
PSMJ Founder Frank Stasiowski has seen a lot of ups and downs in his time. He remains bullish on the industry. “In 2019, before COVID, I said that we’ll have a roaring 20s, and that despite what goes on in the world, our architecture, engineering and construction business is going to boom during the next 10 years. I still believe that and can still prove it.
As the infrastructure money is coming on board, engineers especially are [needed]. ACEC did a study and found that we need 82,000 engineers in the next 10 years, just to take care of the existing workload without any increases.”
Stasiowski’s view is supported by the QMF survey. In the most recent survey, at least half of the respondents in eight of the 12 major markets showed that proposal
activity had grown since the prior quarter. For all but the two commercial markets, the delta between growing and declining proposal activity was at least plus 30%.
The Healthcare market is a good example of the design and construction industry’s continuing growth. For Q1 2024, exactly half of the respondents reported growth in proposal opportunities compared with 5.2% who saw a decrease (44.8 NPMI). So al-
Commercial Developers – Proposal Activity Index 2007-2024 (NPMI*)
Source: PSMJ Quarter Mirket Forecast
*The PSMJ net plus/minus index is the delta between the percentage of firms reporting growth in a market and those reporting a decline.
*The PSMJ net plus/minus index is the delta between the percentage offi rms reporting growth in a market and those reporting a decline.
though its NPMI was only 8th-best of the 12 markets, and its improvements were small (1.2 points quarter-to-quarter and 4.2 points year-to-year), the big-picture takeaway is that growth in the market—and most of the construction markets—constantly is gathering steam.
The survey shows similar results in the Healthcare submarkets, all of which have remained well into positive territory since flattening (but never going negative) during the pandemic. Medical Office Buildings proposal activity grew for 54% of respondents in Q1, compared with 2% reporting a decline.
Continuing Care Facilities (53% up, 6% down) and Hospitals (40%-10%) were also among the highest-performing submarkets. Only Medical Labs lagged among Healthcare’s submarkets, but it still saw 27% growth compared with a 9% decline.
An Undeniably Healthy Industry
PSMJ’s long-running survey clearly supports Stasiowski’s view of the industry. In addition to the markets and submarkets, the QMF asks participants to report on overall proposal activity across all the markets they serve. In the history of the survey, which accounts for 83 quarters total, declining proposal activity only outpaced gains on five occasions—a 4-quarter stretch during 2008-2009 and the Q2 2020.
Q4 2023 was a rare example of the Overall Proposal Activity index falling below 20.0, an informal breakpoint that PSMJ uses to indicate a strong market or submarket. In Q1 2024, however, the NPMI rebounded from 15.6 to 50.0, with 62.1% reporting an increase compared with 12.1% seeing a decline. Considering that proposal activity is an early-stage indicator of health in the design and construction markets, the outlook for 2024 appears solid as ever. CCR
Jerry Guerra is a principal with marketing planning, market research, public relations and communications firm The JAGG Group (jagg-group.com). His work with design and construction firms spans 30-plus years. He is the author of more than a dozen books for the industry, including the recently published A.I. Meets AEC: How to Harness Artificial Intelligence to Supercharge Your Firm. You can reach Jerry at jguerra@jagg-group.com.
Use
LEARN
Expansive
CURRENT REALITIES & FUTURE FRONTIERS
CONSTRUCTION
• Innovative construction use cases
• The ROI of drone programs
• Focus on safety and compliance
•
CONNECT
Facilitated
CO-LOCATED EVENTS:
CCR Coffee Talk Podcast Episodes
CCCT sat down with David Chisolm, Vice president and General Manager of APCOM & Water Systems for A.O Smith. Celebrating its 150th year of business, A. O. Smith Corporation, headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is a global leader applying innovative technology and energy-efficient solutions to products manufactured and marketed worldwide. Listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: AOS), the Company is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of residential and commercial water heating equipment and boilers, as well as a manufacturer of water treatment products. For more information, visit www.aosmith.com.
CCR Publisher sat down with Amanda Kaminsky, Director of Sustainable Construction for Lendlease’s Americas portfolio. Building on a couple decades of deep collaboration with multidisciplinary teams to initiate lasting industry improvements in the field, Amanda is continuing this work at scale with Lendlease. For more information visit www.lendlease.com/us
CCCT sat down with Gina Rivera Executive Director for Professional Women in Construction (PWC) NY. PWC offers informative industry programming, exclusive member resources, leadership, and networking opportunities, as well as scholarships and mentorship programs. Members represent a broad spectrum of those in the construction and allied industries, and include professional women as well as men, private companies, and public agencies. Enjoy the conversation. For more information visit www.pwc-ny.org.
CCCT with Manny Ray, Owner of 3MG Architects + Engineers in Puerto Rico. His firm has comprehensive experience in projects of all scopes, ranging from governmental, institutional, hospitality, commercial, historic preservation and private developments. As project needs to require them, 3MG capabilities are enhanced via strategic alliances with engineering specialty consultants, in areas such as Environmental, Civil, Geotechnical, Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, HVAC, and Fire-suppression among others. For more information visit 3mg-pr.com.
Subscribe here to listen to all episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@ commercialconstructionreno1615 Would you like to be a guest or sponsor?
An interview podcast that talks to guests that will have business titles in design, construction, facilities, real estate, procurement, development, etc. in retail, restaurants, hospitality, healthcare, federal, multi-family, shopping center owners, developers, cannabis, mixed-use along with the A/E/C sectors plus vendor service suppliers & mfcs who’s products and services are specified, recommend and purchased by enduser brands to build and maintain their facilities in the Commercial Construction Building industry.
To be a guest or sponsor, reach out to David Corson your host at davidc@ccr-mag.com.
Brought to you by:
Perfecting heritage
Inside the cultural design and cutting edge building techniques at Ismaili Center
Perfecting heritage
Inside the cultural design and cutting edge building techniques at Ismaili Center
By Chris Vlasak
Texas has the largest population of Ismaili Muslims in the country with the majority living in or around Houston.
So, when the Aga Khan, the spiritual leader of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, looked to build an Ismaili Center in the U.S., he focused his sights on Houston.
View from ground level of the West Eivan terrace with steel star-shaped columns. German glazing in progress. Tower crane overhead.
The Ismaili Center will be a place where the Ismaili community can come together for prayers, spiritual search, and contemplation but it also will serve as a gathering space and be a hub for cultural and civil society programs for people of all faiths.
The Ismaili Center consists of eleven acres of gardens, courtyards, and terraces and a 150,000-square-foot, five-story, tripartite building featuring three eivans, or elevated open terraces. Inside the building are a main atrium, interior courtyards open to the sky, a prayer hall or jamatkhana, library, social hall, exhibit hall, council chamber, black box theatre, classrooms, administrative offices and a café and kitchen for catering events. The center also features a 155,000-square-foot, 600-car garage underneath the gardens.
Every detail of the center reflects Islamic design and its historically rooted, rich architectural heritage, combined with Western design that fits Houston’s climate. For
“We are particularly excited about the contribution that the Ismaili Center will make to the greater Houston community, and more broadly to Texas and the United States.”
— Omar Samji, Communications Coordinator, Ismaili Council
over 9-acres of outdoor spaces surrounding the building, landscape architect firm Nelson Byrd Woltz created purposefully designed gardens which provide a welcoming, contemplative, and rejuvenating environment. But the green space also plays an even more important role—flood prevention.
The campus is located adjacent to the Buffalo Bayou and within a flood zone, therefore the overall site is shaped by a possible water event as well as the owner’s desire for environmental sustainability. The privacy wall that surrounds the gardens
allows water in to mitigate flooding in the surrounding area.
Landscaping is designed for floods and the native plants in the garden—including the 700 trees being planted there—were chosen as they can handle large amounts of water at one time and will work to filter stormwater.
Divine Design & Craftsmanship
The center’s design feels contemporary and combines traditional Persian forms and ornament, including ceramic mosaics and
mashrabiya screens with modern architectural technology. U.K.-based Farshid Moussavi Architecture designed the building while DLR Group is serving as the architect and engineer of record during construction. McCarthy Building Companies is the project’s construction manager with a CMAR delivery method, working closely with the design team.
The architecture calls for unique materials and the design incorporates shapes and measurements meaningful to the Ismailis’ diverse cultural backgrounds. The building’s exterior is made of matte, sand-colored marble, crafted to create a clean patchwork of tessellated patterns.
Ultra-high-performance concrete panels from Monterrey, Mexico make up the atrium, while light-colored stone from Turkey is meant to mimic the look of Texas limestone. Perforated stone in a triangular pattern with German glass glazing behind it allows natural light to pour in while keeping the building cool. The result will allow the building to glow at night, lit from within.
Decorative concrete paving in progress at the Eivan Terrace.
West atrium stairs flanked by architectural concrete board-form walls under corrugated glazing.
Concrete is the predominate material on the project and McCarthy is self-performing all the structural and architectural concrete work. It was important to McCarthy to do the concrete for quality control purposes especially as there are custom architectural concrete topping slabs and various colors, textures, and designs within the concrete work.
From concrete floors, concrete encased steel to concrete board form walls, none of the work is standard, as the design
calls for continuous large pours and it all has custom finishes.
The project’s unique material usage doesn’t stop with stone and concrete. The Center’s prayer hall, measuring 115 by 115 feet, features a three-layered perforated metal ceiling with octagonal patterns. The prayer hall’s wood paneling is very intricate, with a geometric perforated panel that includes Islamic calligraphy in Arabic.
The complexity of the panels and intricate pattern eliminates any tolerance
within the millwork, demanding accurate installation. The lobby features board form walls, where custom-cut strips of wood are installed at 29-degree angles to create a unique pattern. Further, a corrugated glass glazing system is used for the eivans which are supported by 49 star-shaped columns, the tallest of which is 50 feet.
“We are particularly excited about the contribution that the Ismaili Center will make to the greater Houston community, and more broadly to Texas and the United States,” says
From concrete floors, concrete encased steel to concrete board form walls, none of the work is standard, as the design calls for continuous large pours and it all has custom finishes.
View from Level 3 towards the ceremonial prayer hall entrance. Diagonal-patterned architectural concrete will receive marble-clad cast-in-place concrete treads.
Omar Samji, communications coordinator for the Ismaili Council. “It will be a jewel in a culturally rich city and represent a dialogue between faith and world, East and West, traditional and contemporary, and between humanity and nature.”
Multiple technology innovations are being used on the site, including building information modeling (BIM) for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing work. A 3-D model of the building was created to ensure each part of the construction process comes together at the right time, and a robotic total station created the layout of the jobsite, removing user error and ensuring all aspects of the site are accurate.
The Ismaili Center in Houston is expected to be completed in 2025 and will qualify for LEED Gold certification.
Chris Vlasak, Senior Project Manager with McCarthy Building Companies Inc. holds a diverse background in large, complex construction projects ranging from aviation, utility-scale renewables, cultural arts, healthcare and correctional facilities.
View from Level 1 to the central atrium skylight overhead.
Ready to take your customer loyalty game to the next level?
Look no further than MarketNet – the industry leader in running effective spiff programs!
What exactly is a spiff program?
It’s an incentive program designed to reward and motivate your sales team and/or customers.
Whether you’re looking to boost sales, increase customer engagement, or drive brand loyalty, MarketNet’s spiff programs have got you covered. Here’s why ours stand out from the rest:
1. Tailored Solutions. You’re unique. So our spiff programs are fully customizable to meet your specific goals and objectives, whether you’re a small startup or a large enterprise.
2. Cash. It’s the Irresistible Incentive: With MarketNet, we’ve found cash talks, and everything else walks.
3. Cutting-Edge Technology. MarketNet leverages the latest technology and automation tools to streamline the entire process. Our “plug and play” website interface works WITH your brand, not against it.
4. Proven Results. Our clients have seen proven year-over-year improvements in sales, customer satisfaction, and brand loyalty thanks to MarketNet’s spiff programs. Let
Why Bar Spero is quickly becoming the toast of D.C.’s seafood elite
Bienvenido a casa
Why Bar Spero is quickly becoming the toast of D.C.’s seafood elite
Interview by Michael J. Pallerino
Located between Union Station and Chinatown in Washington D.C.’s East End, Bar Spero is the kind of spot that inspires chance encounters. The latest concept from Reverie Chef Johnny Spero, the Spanish seafood restaurant designed by StreetSense embodies the dynamic energy of the D.C.’s downtown culture.
Photography by Greg Powers
From first seating to last call, guests are treated to the eye-catching centerpiece of the multi-story space, including a sleek, architectural cocktail bar with modern neon accents, warm wood dining spaces and stylish four-tops and built-in booths.
The angled chevron Havwoods flooring expands the perception of space contributing to the restaurant’s unique ambiance and brand identity. This European Honey Oak accentuates Bar Spero’s warm and inviting atmosphere, inviting guests to indulge in the flavors of the Mediterranean, as they’re enveloped in an ambiance that mirrors Chef Johnny Spero’s creative culinary vision. This space has become a place where every element, from the elegant lighting to the intricate flooring, tells a story of passion and innovation.
The inviting, minimalist decor, inspired by Spero’s culinary journey through Spanish kitchens, is the perfect complement to Spero’s award-winning cooking, which includes a seafood-forward spread focused on Mid-Atlantic fare complemented by specialties like imported Spanish turbot and Autumn Olive pork from the Shenandoah Valleys.
In turn, the cocktail program is perfectly suited by taking cues from the kitchen, with a focus on high-quality spirits that elevate classic recipes. Guests also can choose from a tightly curated wine list, as well as regional beers on tap.
We sat down with Brian Miller, Senior Design Director with Streetsense, to get a peek into the Bar Spero vibe.
What’s the biggest issue today related to the construction side of the business?
Costs on the infrastructure side continue to be eye-popping to everyone involved—the combination of more stringent energy codes, more ambitious kitchen equipment packages (lots of dual fuel shaft requirements), and material pricing means that the MEP package alone for a newly built restaurant can cost as much as an entire buildout would have a decade ago.
Talk about sustainability. What are you doing?
There are a lot of baseline choices that go into sustainability, and every year it gets easier to source responsible materials and design with an eye toward energy consumption, embodied
You’ve seen it firsthand. Security threats are evolving and becoming more complex. Elevate your knowledge and technical capabilities at GSX to rise up against this shifting landscape. Access expert-led education covering critical physical and cybersecurity topics. Discover state-of-the-art innovations, products, and trends transforming security. Find inspiration in keynotes from next-level thought leaders and world-class speakers. Go where the entire global security community converges to connect, collaborate, and meet tomorrow’s challenges head on.
Get $75 o an all-access or a free expo pass using code 24Partner04
There are a lot of baseline choices that go into sustainability, and every year it gets easier to source responsible materials and design with an eye toward energy consumption, embodied energy and material life cycles.
energy and material life cycles. But, ultimately the most sustainable projects are the ones that stand the test of time, so we design to ensure our spaces will seem as relevant a decade after opening as they do on the page.
In today’s complicated landscape, what type of opportunities do you see moving ahead?
In the food and beverage world, we see a high level of activity in a few categories—anything
attached to the hotel sector, conversions of second-generation restaurant spaces for clients in expansion mode, and marquee food and beverage spaces need to drive traffic and attention to new mixed-use developments.
What’s the secret to creating a “must visit” restaurant in today’s competitive landscape?
It’s easy to create a “must-visit” restaurant, the hard part is creating a place people want to return to again and again after that first visit. This requires looking beyond trends and nailing fundamentals—acoustics, sightlines, flexible seating for a variety of party sizes and experiences and, ultimately, a design and buildout that supports the vision of the client.
What’s today’s consumer looking for in a restaurant?
With guests cutting back on full-service dining visits and dramatically higher prices across the board, consumers need to feel that the experience was worthwhile. Was the space, the service, the food, and the atmosphere something extraordinary that they just couldn’t get at home? If so, they’ll feel their time and money was well spent.
Tell us what makes your brand so unique.
As a multidisciplinary firm, we work side by side with food and beverage consultants, real estate strategists, marketing experts and more—it gives us a broad perspective on the factors that shape the operational and financial decisions that shape the venues we work on, so we’re able to shape the interior design as part of the big picture in what makes a successful place.
One-on-One with... Streetsenses’ Brian Miller
Describe a typical day.
I’m usually digging into a potential project with a client—advising on potential pitfalls and serving as a sounding board on whether an opportunity makes sense for them. I’ll meet with one of our teams to check in on their projects, serving as an editorial voice to ensure the big ideas shine through.
Then I’m often putting together an internal presentation digging into different aspects of design history to make sure we look at the world of design holistically instead of chasing present-day trends. In the evening I’m out at a client’s restaurant or bar, selfishly – we design the places we enjoy going.
It’s always humbling to watch the way staff and patrons use the spaces you’ve designed, seeing minor aspects of use, storage, wear and tear, and more that you hadn’t quite anticipated and learning from that for the next project.
What’s the biggest thing on your to-do list right now?
Creating a workflow that gets 3D visuals in front of our clients earlier in the process— everyone walks away from precedent images, ideas, and floor plans with a different understanding and once those turn into three dimensions you know everyone’s seeing the same thing.
What was the best advice you ever received?
The project is never better than the client.
What’s the best thing a client ever said to you? “We trust you.”
Driven
How Canadian heritage design transformed Saint John, New Brunswick’s Telegraph Square
Driven
How Canadian heritage design transformed Saint John, New Brunswick’s Telegraph Square
By Andrew Winter
The New Brunswick city of Saint John is in the midst of a renaissance. This transition has been deliberate, with a written “Population Growth Framework” serving as the north star for the initiative. A facet of this effort is to attract residents to the city’s historic downtown area.
Saint John is Canada’s oldest incorporated city, with roots dating back to May of 1785. A rich industrial history can be gleaned from the abundant popularity of masonry-heavy structures. Gaining momentum in the 2010s, revitalization efforts sought to refresh these dated looks, balancing them with contemporary offerings that would attract new residents.
In support of this endeavor, a cityowned property at the intersection of Canterbury and Grannan streets was identified in 2017 for potential sale and development. A new multifamily project was in motion, to be dubbed Telegraph Square.
Based on the project’s mandates and vision, Nichiha Architectural Wall Panels (AWP) became the preferred choice for exterior cladding that would utilize modern material science to deliver both aesthetic impact and durability.
Heritage Details for a Historic Location
Telegraph Square’s build site had local significance that a new design would seek to incorporate. In fact, the building’s moniker draws from its location on hallowed ground for journalism in Saint John.
The Telegraph-Journal and Evening Times-Globe occupied the space until a nearby move in the early 1960s, with the building eventually being torn down in the 1990s. The only remaining element of the original structure was its brick foundation, which sloped westward down Grannan street and had since been converted into a small parking garage.
Knowing this, designers sought to incorporate elements from the location’s past into the new design, and the name was chosen to honor its history.
Blending Tradition and Modernity
Comeau MacKenzie Architecture, a local firm, headed up Telegraph Square’s design, seeking to incorporate elements
that would help the building blend into the surrounding neighborhood. Nichiha’s impressive brick- and concrete-mimicking cladding even won over the local historical society.
Telegraph Square is among the first revitalization projects in the city. In dealing with the historical committee, it was so important to keep that essence of the old, but be able to bring in the new. I think that’s where they really saw Nichiha as a great fit.”
The design used a brick-effect façade accented by concrete-mimicking vertical columns—all Nichiha products. The
Telegraph Square is among the first revitalization projects in the city. In dealing with the historical committee, it was so important to keep that essence of the old, but be able to bring in the new.
structure’s top two floors would utilize the company’s concrete-look panels. The result was a six-story, 32-unit multifamily building with commercial tenants occupying street-level spaces.
Unflinching Protection
Aesthetics aside, the building envelope would have to be tough. Saint John sits adjacent to the Bay of Bundy, home to the world’s highest tides. Weather can be unforgiving, with
whipping winds, heavy precipitation, Nor’easters, and even the occasional tropical storm.
Architects would need to lean on Nichiha’s weather resilience, particularly for Telegraph Square’s top floors, which peeked above the surrounding neighborhoods, being more exposed to the elements. Fortunately, Comeau MacKenzie was already familiar with Nichiha’s fiber cement lineup.
The main reason they went with Nichiha was from past experience and confidence of the architect. [The other projects] were in Newfoundland, which is Canada’s worst province in terms of weather.
Nichiha’s AWP lineup is tough—able to shrug off such severe weather. At 5/8” and 3/4” thick, respectively, the chosen PlymouthBrick and SandStone cladding options are far thicker than comparable alternatives. They are among the brand’s most robust AWP offerings and are up to the task of withstanding New Brunswick’s brutal winds and intense freeze-thaw cycles.
Overcoming Installation Hurdles
All the right elements were in place. The design had been finalized, the city approved the use of Nichiha, and all parties were comfortable with the protection the cladding would offer.
That is precisely when the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic began, bringing with it numerous headaches to the project. A lot of things became hurdles. No. 1 was labor.
Thanks to a collaborative effort between Nichiha and CanWel Building Materials—the transporter and importer of Nichiha products in Canada—stock arrived despite supply chain woes.
The challenging labor considerations were lessened thanks to the clever way the cladding is installed. Unlike masonry, the wall system, which is engineered with an incorporated rainscreen, installs with Nichiha’s Ultimate Clip System, requiring a far smaller installation crew.
Overcoming Installation Hurdles
Despite the global challenges brought on by the pandemic, the project was finished in 2021.
Telegraph Square’s aesthetic was a perfect match for the surrounding neighborhood.
The look is classic Saint John, blending the looks of masonry and stone with black accents and extrusions. Architects were even able to successfully incorporate the brick foundation details of the original building.
The building serves as a prolific manifestation of the city’s efforts to attract new residents. Telegraph Square was intended to court young professionals and retired individuals to reside in the heart of uptown Saint John.
When the building opened its doors to tenants in the summer of 2021, it delivered on that aim. The Nichiha team was proud of the results. Saint John is a beautiful city with stunning architecture and amazing people. We’re so happy to be a part of its history and its future.
Inside Telegraph Square
Telegraph Square Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada 2020-2021
Products: PlymouthBrick in Crimson; SandStone in Gentle Gray Multifamily (Mixed use with commercial)
The Challenge: Find a contemporary cladding solution that closely mimicked the look of traditional materials and could withstand onerous climate extremes.
The Solution: Nichiha’s robust PlymouthBrick and SandStone AWP protected the structure and its occupants while also delivering a refreshed, attractive aesthetic.
The Results: With impressive mimicry of brick and concrete materials, Nichiha cladding easily blended the neighborhood’s traditional looks with contemporary performance.
Andrew Winter is National Sales Manager for ILA Marketing Group, Nichiha’s Canadian market representatives.
Contractor The Retail
2024 Annual Conference Kicks Off New Branding for RCA
Almost 200 RCA members, prospects, retailers, architects, developers, and sponsors attended the 2024 RCA Annual Conference at the Gaylord Texan. Attendees were inspired by keynote speakers and expanded their knowledge of the 2024 economic landscape, artificial intelligence, and workforce development strategies. We also unveiled our new logo and brand identity, adding a tagline to our name that reflects our members’ trusted expertise in consumer-impacting commerce.
From now on, we will be known as RCA: Proven Contractors Building Commercial Success.
This rebranded identity—the result of a comprehensive brand assessment that included focus groups and interviews with board and advisory members, new and second-generation members, and key stakeholders—ensures we are looking forward with the right vision and flexibility to expand our expertise and position ourselves for future growth.
We wanted to honor our nearly 35-year legacy with the same blue color pattern. We modernized the font, and to the left, we have an abstract “RCA” that can also be perceived as buildings, building block,s or even a representation of communities. It was important to us that “Proven Contractors” pop, as that is the core of who we are.
No matter how the retail landscape evolves, RCA remains committed to our consumer-impacting and commercial specialty. We have built a community based on trust, quality, stability, expertise and dependability upon which retailers and consumer-serving organizations rely. We will continue to reaffirm our ongoing mission to promote professionalism and integrity in retail construction through industry leadership in education, information exchange and jobsite safety.
Members can download the new logo in the members-only section of the RCA website, or email info@retailcontractors.org for a copy. We encourage you to update your website and relevant collateral with the new logo right away.
What’s next for RCA?
In addition to the regional events and training opportunities RCA provides, we are in the process of enhancing our marketing efforts while spreading the word about our rebrand. These efforts include:
> A membership flyer for prospects to help grow our membership with the same rigor and discernment our industry has come to expect
> A sell sheet for retailers to continue raising awareness for RCA, our value to the industry and updated identity
> A series of paid and organic LinkedIn campaigns to support our efforts
> Thought leadership articles to keep RCA front and center
> Member spotlights
Make sure you are following us on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/company/retail-contractors-association) and like, comment, and share our posts.
RCA’s mission is to promote professionalism and integrity in retail construction through industry leadership in education, information exchange, and jobsite safety.
Building a Strong Workforce: Lean into Education
It’s no secret that the construction industry needs fresh talent. According to the Associated Builders & Contractors (ABC), one in four construction workers is older than 55, meaning a quarter of our workforce will retire within the next decade. Our industry needs to attract an estimated 546,000 additional workers on top of the normal pace of hiring in 2023 to meet the demand for labor in 2024.
RCA President Eric Handley, COO of William A. Randolph, Inc. (RANDOLPH), acknowledged that the most pressing issues facing retail contractors today are shortages of labor and skilled workforce. “We are all struggling with the same exact problems,” he said. “Where are we going to find future generation of leaders for our companies? Where are we going to get the workers to build our projects?”
President’s Message
Eric Handley, COO., William A. Randolph, Inc. (RANDOLPH)
It is an exciting time to be a part of the RCA. The momentum and positive changes behind the organization are strong, as was the attendance and participation at the Annual meeting in March. Those of you that participated got to witness the unveiling of our new branding and logo in person. Hopefully by now everyone has gotten a glimpse via social media and the rebranding outreach efforts that have been taking place over the last couple of months. The RCA: Proven Contractors Building Commercial Success has a nice ring to it and sends a powerful message. Speaking of powerful messages, at the conference, Kevin Brown delivered an incredible presentation that did an amazing job highlighting how customer service and attention to detail can set individuals and companies apart, putting them in a league of their own.
All of the programs, events, training, networking, mentoring, and member benefits that the RCA offers are meant to help elevate and differentiate our member contractors, so I encourage you to be involved and take advantage of everything that the RCA has to offer.
The benefits that RCA offers are meant to help elevate and differentiate our member contractors. I encourage you to be involved and take advantage of everything that the RCA has to offer.
As we are about to head into summer and the construction busy season, please do not forget to plan ahead for the many great events that we have scheduled for the rest of the year. There are still Regional Events taking place in Grand Rapids, Orlando, Philadelphia, Houston, and Phoenix. Events have already been held this year in Charlotte and Chicago and the feedback from both events was very positive.
RCA will be offering two opportunities for superintendent training based on the increased interest from our members. The first will be held in Chicago on December 11 & 12 and the second in Dallas on March 6 & 7 before the 2025 Annual Conference. Additionally, the first RCA Project Manager training will be held prior to the Annual Conference: March 5-7 in Dallas. Registration for all of these sessions is open. Sign your team up early as space is limited, and the classes are likely to fill up quickly.
I hope everyone has an enjoyable summer with family and friends and I look forward to connecting with everyone at the upcoming Regional Events over the next few months.
Timothy Aubel Rectenwald Brothers Construction, Inc.
Immediate Past President Ray Catlin Threecore LLC
2027 Jay Dorsey Triad Retail Construction
2026 Justin Elder Elder-Jones, Inc.
2027 Bard Fulton Fortney Weygandti
2026 Anthony Graves Graves Construction
2025 Eric Handley
William A. Randolph, Inc.
2027 David Martin H.J. Martin & Son, Inc.
2027 David Martin H.J. Mar
2027 Hector Ray RAYWEST DESIGNBUILD
James Healy 2003
Robert D. Benda 2004-2006
K. Eugene Colley 2006-2008
Matthew Schimenti 2008-2012
Art Rectenwald 2012-2014
Mike Wolff 2014-2016
Robert Moore 2016-2017
Brad Bogart 2017-2018
Rick Winkel 2018-2019
Steve Bachman 2019-2021
Ray Catlin 2021-2023
Eric Handley
The Retail Contractor
RCA Membership
COMPANY
Acme Enterprises, Inc.
Atlas Building Group
Bayley Construction, LP
Beam Team Construction, Inc.
Bogart Construction, Inc.
Buildrite Construction Corp.
Buch Construction
Commercial Contractors, Inc.
Commonwealth Building, Inc.
Connor Construction, LLC
Construction One, Inc.
David A. Nice Builders
De Jager Construction, Inc.
Desco Professional Builders, Inc.
Diamond Contractors
Division 9 Commercial Inc.
RCA members must meet and maintain a series of qualifications and are approved by the Board of Directors for membership. They have been in the retail construction business as general contractors for at least five years; agree to comply with the Association’s Code of Ethics and Bylaws; are properly insured and bonded; are licensed in the states in which they do business; and have submitted letters of recommendation.
CONTACT PHONE STATE EMAIL MEMBER SINCE
Jeff Lomber 810-499-7127 MI jlomber@acme-enterprises.com 2009
Brian Boettler 636-368-5234 MO bboettler@abgbuilds.com 2017
Steve Grasso 206-621-8884 WA steveg@bayley.net 2024
Rick Stehr 678-987-1800 GA rickstehr@thebeamteam.com 2019
Brad Bogart 949-453-1400 CA brad@bogartconstruction.com 2008
Bryan Alexander 770-971-0787 GA bryan@buildriteconstruction.com 2013
Jeff Chandler 812-379-9547 IN Jeff.Chandler@TBCCI.com 2014
Robert Baker 941-795-6100 FL inbox@tdsconstruction.com 1994
Thomas-Grace Construction, Inc. Don Harvieux 651-342-1298 MN don.harvieux@thomas-grace.com 2012
Threecore, LLC
Tilton Pacific Construction
Ray Catlin 972-800-2910 OH ray.catlin@threecorellc.com 2021
Robert Schroeder 916-630-7200 CA rschroeder@tiltonpacific.com
Tom Rectenwald Construction, Inc. Aaron Rectenwald 724-452-8801 PA arectenwald@trcgc.net
Trainor Commercial Construction, Inc. Brian Trainor 415-259-0200 CA brian.trainor@trainorconstruction.com
Tri-North Builders, Inc.
Triad Retail Construction
Vision General Contractors of GA, LLC
Warwick Construction, Inc.
Weekes Construction, Inc.
David Brown 608-204-7227 WI dbrown@tri-north.com 2015
Jay Dorsey 281-485-4700 TX j.dorsey@triadrc.com 2013
Tony Durand 770-769-4674 SC tonyd@viscongc.com 2021
Walt Watzinger 832-448-7000 TX walt@warwickconstruction.com 2008
Hunter Weekes 864-233-0061 SC hweekes@weekesconstruction.com 1990 Westwood Contractors, Inc.
William A. Randolph, Inc.
Winkel Construction, Inc.
Wolverine Building Group
Woods Construction, Inc.
Robert Benda 817-877-3800 TX bbenda@westwoodcontractors.com 1990
Tony Riccardi 847-856-0123 IL tony.riccardi@warandolph.com 2011
Rick Winkel 352-860-0500 FL rickw@winkel-construction.com 1990
Michael Houseman 616-949-3360 MI mhouseman@wolvgroup.com 2012
John Bodary 586-939-9991 MI jbodary@woodsconstruction.com 1996
Visit retailcontractors.org to view the profile of each RCA member company. Click on “Find a Contractor” on the home page to search the member list.
Please notify the RCA Office (800-847-5085 or info@retailcontractors.org) of any changes to your contact information.
The Retail Contractor
(Continued from page 2 )
Construction offers good paying jobs and a quality career, but there has been a nationwide push for college as the only viable post-secondary path as well as an image problem. During the 2024 RCA Annual Conference, a panel consisting of Jon Hostasa of Casey’s, Jason Storey of The Home Depot Pro, Paul Robinson of ConstructReach, Chuck Hundley of Sachse Construction, and David Brown of Tri-North Builders presented strategies to encourage kids to consider the trades as well as case studies aimed at increasing participation in construction.
Start early
There are 8 million construction jobs available, according to Hostasa, so it’s important to start exposing kids at the elementary school level.
“Marketability of this industry should start at ages seven or eight, when they’re learning what professions exist. That’s the long game to building your pipeline,” said Robinson. “Present the industry during formative years with continuous touchpoints along the way. They can build things with their hands, celebrate their gifts and realize what they do.”
Connect with parents
Let families know there is exciting potential in the construction industry—you
don’t need to go to a four-year university for a successful career, and kids can make money right away out of high school.
Connect with educators
This is how we influence the influencer. Educators want to provide parents and students with opportunities but may not have a solid understanding of the construction and design industries.
At the high school level, we can raise awareness about trade programs with the ABC or unions. Students should know that they can make about $100,000 after four years. With CTE programs (career in technical education) gaining traction, teachers and counselors are seeing the value of non-traditional post-high school options.
Leverage retail programming
Storey discussed how The Home Depot has its Path to Pro initiative, which sends staff to elementary schools, high schools and military bases to expose people to learn different trades. As kids grow, it even includes a LinkedIn community and a one-click app so that prospects can connect with jobs and employers.
One-Stop Digital Agency
Our comprehensive digital agency offers a full suite of services to elevate your online presence, from strategy and design to marketing and analytics. Let us be your go-to partner for all your digital needs, ensuring seamless and effective results.
Conference & Regional Event Round Up
Thanks to everyone who joined us for the Annual Conference in March and our Regional Events in Charlotte (April) and Chicago (May).
July 25 | Grand Rapids
Hosted by Wolverine Building Group
Knowledge Share & Networking Reception
August 26 | Orlando
Hosted by RCA
Networking Reception at ICSC FL Conference
Upcoming Regional Events
September | Philadelphia
Hosted by Connor Construction
Knowledge Share & Networking Reception
October | Houston
Hosted by Triad Retail Construction and Warwick Construction
Knowledge Share & Networking Reception
December 3 | Phoenix
Hosted by RCA/CCR Magazine
Networking Reception at ISCSC Centerbuild Conference
Dates subject to change based on venue & presenter availability. Visit the Event Calendar to register: retailcontractors.org
GOLD
SILVER
No Limits
Why diversity in leadership can benefit the oil and gas services industry
By Carissa Skorczewski
Things are looking up for female business leaders across Corporate America, and the entire US workforce is the chief beneficiary.
As industries become more competitive amid a shakily rebounding macroeconomy, diversity of thought and perspective at the top of the corporate ladder is growing in importance. New challenges from inflation and globalization to automation and supply chain woes need to be met with new solutions often the kind of ideas and innovation that stem from a leadership team composed of different life experiences, whether it’s a difference of gender, race, identity, or socioeconomic background.
The oil and gas services sector, particularly, has needed a fresh perspective for many years, but it recently has made great strides. Today, the female perspective is not only necessary, but also encouraged in a field that was once male-dominated.
A new and inclusive approach is required to not only stay relevant but advance in a competitive market. The amount of women in leadership roles is growing every day, and in many industries, it’s become commonplace. Even
those who were initially slow to accept change have since warmed up to the idea of having the make-up of the C-Suite reflect that of the workforce. This includes critical areas of the economy like the supply chain where female leaders are being accepted at a rate that would have been surprising only ten years ago.
There is still room for improvement. According to workplace diversity research by Fortune, “3.6% of individuals leading America's Fortune 500 companies are women.”
According to a study by McKinsey and Co, gender equity is crucial for organizations and businesses to perform at the highest levels. The study found, “companies in the top quartile for gender diversity on executive teams were 21% more likely to outperform on profitability.” Additionally, having women in decision-making roles has been found to help the company better serve their female clients and consumers.
Better opportunities for creativity and problem-solving are just a few benefits of diversity in the workplace. Female leadership, specifically, brings a point of view that is sorely lacking in many industries. Despite the false stigmas that have spread, women are likely to improve corporate culture and boost efficiencies while maintaining quality.
Consider the following takeaways:
Challenge your team to go outside of their comfort zone
Putting those who’ve enjoyed majority status into a scenario where they’re suddenly a minority can be very enlightening and empowering for many people. Consider enrolling your team in industry conferences, staff training opportunities, DEI programs, and other learning opportunities that demonstrate what it’s like to walk in someone else’s shoes.
Also, create an open-door policy for employees to share new ideas, encourage learning new skills and networking together,
and challenge yourself as a leader if you want others to follow your example.
Learn from the person sitting next to you
Learn the job from everyone else. A ‘prescribed’ job won’t help you learn—there is no better way to lead a company than by observing and learning from people in several different positions at the company, especially if they have been there longer than you have.
Develop a culture of mutual respect
Create a workplace in which behavior is professional, collaborative, and involves clear communication. Keep in mind that often, what you’re noticing is a generational gap more than a gender gap. Recognize
According to a study by McKinsey and Co, gender equity is crucial for organizations and businesses to perform at the highest levels.
and celebrate success: show your employees that you value them and appreciate their efforts. Communicate respectfully and treat everyone with kindness and respect, listening to and valuing their opinions and encouraging them to express their ideas.
Create an environment where people feel included
Make it your mission to make sure no person, man, or woman, feels sidelined at
their company. When a manager values the mental and physical health of the team at the core, it is evident. Make sure your employees are ingrained in the culture, and ask, “are they happy?”
It’s a perspective and empathy that women, specifically, can bring to the table. When employees know their superior cares, other managers do the same and it trickles down and becomes the overall culture. CCR
As third generation President of her family business, Groebner, Carissa Skorczewski carries the mantle her grandfather built 46 years ago. She has been a transformative figure in the energy sector, modernizing many critical systems and policies within the organization as it thrives and scales into a national brand. Carissa is passionate about creating a positive work environment where employees are excited to come to work, developing a business where customers and vendors feel like family, and making a difference in the everchanging natural gas industry.
Commercial Construction Data
SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES
Call 678.765.6550: Call anytime. If no one answers, leave a detailed message and be sure to include your name, phone number and/or email address so we can contact you if we have any questions.
Or write: Commercial Construction & Renovation P.O. Box 3908 Suwanee, GA 30024
Moving?: Please let us know eight weeks in advance to make sure you do not have interruption in service. Remember to include both your old and new contact information.
Duplicate Issues?: If you are receiving multiple copies of Commercial Construction & Renovation, please let us know. And please include information from both mailing labels. A subscription to Commercial Construction & Renovation is your subscription to
Reach Us Regarding Your Subscription
Visit us online: 24 hours a day at www.ccr-mag.com. All the information you need to take care of your subscription account is right here. Subscription Questions?: Please email corpcirc@ccr-mag.com.
Please check here if you would like to receive the Commercial Construction & Renovation email newsletter. Yes No Please contact us for all your subscription needs. We’re here to help! How To
(please specify) Would you like information on Commercial Construction & Renovation People? Yes No
Assessing Our 2024 Progress and eyeing the second half
Now that we are six months into 2024, it's time to do a six-month assessment of what you accomplished in the first 182 days of the year. It's similar to halftime at a football game where both teams go into the locker room and make adjustments, watch some video, tweak the playbook and get ready for the second half.
Here, I took a look at where I was last year at this point and where I am today. The numbers speak for themselves. We are moving in the right direction. Website traffic is up. Magazine page folios are up. Posting content traffic is up. Podcast subscribers are
Success is not given to you; you have to earn it. If you lapse at maintaining momentum, you will slide, so it’s all hands on deck to keep that momentum going full tilt until Dec. 31.
growing. Our new CCR Digital Advantage Division is live and taking on new customers as we speak.
Hard and smart work pays off when you are having fun at what you do every day with a smile on my face.
Now, the real effort starts. Success is not given to you; you have to earn it. If you lapse at maintaining momentum, you will slide, so it's all hands on deck to keep that momentum going full tilt until Dec. 31. At year's end, we'll take another look at our data points when we cross the finish line.
And then we’ll do it all again for 2025. In addition, I have been doing a five- to six-mile trek every day since the beginning of the year. I have journeyed 1,001 miles on the asphalt, running on multiple tracks, trails, hills and flats in rain, sleet or sunshine.
During these treks, I have created short videos of my travels along with my positive thoughts of the day, which can be applied to business, athletics, personal and life in general. Both in long and shorts formats, they keep you moving forward when you need some encouragement, just my two cents for what it's worth.
Q3 has begun, with all eyes on Q4. It will be here before you know it, so make the best use of your time. Get your second half game plan into action, stay positive, be flexible and be consistent, improve every day and learn from your mistakes, and celebrate all your wins, small or big; you earned them. So, to all, here's to good health, prosperity and safe travels and, as always, “Keep the Faith.” CCR
Enhanced Glass and Window Performance
One Nationwide Source
Window Film Depot makes it easy to upgrade the performance and function of your building’s existing glass. Explore our extensive range of 3M™ window film with solutions to fit every need, including enhanced energy efficiency, safety, security, privacy, glass protection, and more. You can also create vivid graphics, wall murals, or even building wraps with our in-house custom design team and printing capabilities. Unlock your design and function possibilities with Window Film Depot, your nationwide window film and graphics source.
