



The P1 Service office in St. Joseph had spent nearly two years pursuing Altec Industries as a customer when Proactive Solutions Consultant Karley Pearl happened to reconnect with a college classmate, starting a journey that would culminate in P1 Service’s largest project to date.
Karley’s acquaintance was working at Altec’s St. Joseph, MO, facility. When they happened to run into each other, their conversation led to a long-awaited opportunity: a full survey and analysis of 19 Altec sites.
Working alongside Service Manager Gary McDonald and General Manager Heather Richards-St. Clair, the team developed tailored recommendations based on their findings.
In early 2022, they presented this to Altec’s full decision-making group, and the company signed a preventative maintenance agreement, now recognized as the largest PM contract in P1 Service history.
“This was a cold-to-sold opportunity that grew into a true partnership,” Karley said. “We were able to build trust by delivering a solid plan and then following through. But the credit really goes to the people in the field. Chris Lentz, our lead technician, has gone above and beyond, and Gary McDonald has worked hard to show Altec the value we bring.”
“Without their efforts, along with Project Development Manager Bill Frede’s ongoing involvement from Performance Solutions, we wouldn’t be where we are today.”
What began with a single facility in Missouri has now grown into a nationwide, multi-year HVAC design-build initiative spanning 10 Altec sites across the country.
In Fall 2023, P1 started budgeting HVAC for fab and assembly buildings in St. Joseph. By late 2024, Altec had formally engaged P1 Service to develop an HVAC master plan for 10 of their most heat-challenged facilities. The Performance Solutions team, led by Bill Frede, submitted a competitive proposal to survey each site, assess HVAC and structural needs, and provide recommendations.
“There wasn’t a guaranteed construction contract,” Bill said. “We were hired to do the study, but we treated it like the first step in something bigger. We invested the time, stayed transparent, and earned their confidence.”
The assessments helped define cost-effective HVAC strategies for each site. For large, open production areas, the team identified air rotation units as the most efficient and scalable option. Rooftop units were used in buildings with more structural constraints or lower ceilings.
Maintaining cost alignment with Altec’s capital plans remained a priority throughout every design phase.
“This was a cold-tosold opportunity that grew into a true partnership. We Built trust by delivering a solid plan and then following through. the people in the FieLd deserve a lot of the credit, including Lead Technician Chris Lentz, Who went above and beyond, and Service Manager Gary McDonald, Who HAS showN Altec the value P1 brings.”
By early 2025, P1 Service was awarded the first two projects: Creedmoor, NC, and Dixon, CA, totaling approximately $7 million. The work is being led by the Wichita-based Projects Team, with Service Projects Sales Manager Casey Rohaus managing overall execution.
“Our Wichita team is built for this kind of work,” Casey said. “We’ve delivered on out-of-town projects many times before. We’re flexible, self-sufficient, and structured to keep large-scale work on track, no matter where it is.”
Project phasing is strategic: Creedmoor, the larger of the two jobs, is being handled in phases with support from both Wichita and local resources. Dixon involves smaller buildings and is being tackled through tightly planned, high-efficiency field deployments.
“A lot of credit goes to our field crews who are traveling from Wichita,” Casey noted. “Their willingness to be on site, sometimes for extended durations, is a huge part of what makes this successful.”
Execution on both projects is supported by a strong team. Wichita Project Manager Chris Patterson is coordinating schedules, logistics,
and communication across both sites, while Wichita Project Engineer Zach Wagner is leading field oversight for the Dixon location.
“Chris is exceptional when it comes to managing the complexity of a multi-site rollout,” Casey said. “Zach brings sharp technical insight and problem-solving skills to the field. He’s playing a key role on the ground in California and gaining valuable experience as we continue to scale.”
Future phases of the Altec program are already under discussion, including Birmingham, AL and Elizabethtown, KY, pending final budget approvals and infrastructure readiness. The full program is expected to phase over the next three to five years as Altec aligns capital and electrical upgrades across its campuses.
“They know this work is necessary for employee retention, we just had to figure out the smartest way to phase it,” Bill said. “With our up-front design and pricing capabilities, we’re helping them plan, stay within budget, and deliver solutions that scale with their growth.”
From a single maintenance contract in St. Joseph to a nationwide HVAC modernization effort, the Altec story is a powerful example of what long-term relationships, honest pricing, and team execution can accomplish.
“Our Wichita team is built for this kind of work. We’ve delivered out-oftown projects many times before BECAUSE We’re fLexible, self-suffIcient, and structured to keep large-scale work on track, no matter where it is.”
-Service
Collaboration between Architectural Metal and Safety proves new tools and technology can be implemented smoothly and safely.
When new technology is introduced to the field and the experts who perform the work, there can be concerns about how its use will be affected by safety requirements and regulations.
The Architectural Metal shop recently worked closely with P1 Safety to implement use of the Everlast RedSabre 3000X Fiber Continuous Laser Handheld.
The laser can lay down a clean, sound cosmetic weld at a fraction of the time traditional welding takes.
Together, Safety and the Architectural Metal shop developed a standard operating procedure that not only goes above and beyond basic requirements set by The American National Standards Institute (ANSI), but shows that when both sides take the time to work together and understand each others’ concerns, safety, efficiency, and a positive experience for all is the result.
“The process incorporated sitting down with the entire team from day one,” P1 Vice President Allen Supplee said. “The team reviewed the actual steps for using the machine on paper, as well as in an actual welding application. At the same time, they reviewed all written standards that had been put in place by ANSI.”
“This was a true cross-functional effort — engineering, operations, and safety all played integral roles,” Safety Specialist Winston Wycoff added. “Together, we vetted options, assessed operational fit, and established a rigorous safety and training program before operation.”
Vice President Don Campbell says the laser is relatively new.
“It’s not something that’s been in place long, so at this time you can’t just go out and find a standard safety policy for its use,” he explained.
Therefore, P1 created the standard operating procedure from the ground up.
“This way, we agreed to do it together, follow ANSI, and keep everyone in the shop safe, all while not slowing down production,” Don said.
Architectural Metal Shop Foreman Bobby Vestal, Architectural Metal Weld Shop Manager Brian Jackson, and Winston took on the task of working out the details, going back and forth until a protocol that satisfied safety and the shop was reached.
The Architectural Metal and Safety teams worked collaboratively to develop a standard operating procedure that would allow continued productivity and ensure safety.
“It wasn’t always easy, but communicating through it got us to a workable, safe solution,” Bobby said.
“So far everything we have put in place is above the safety standards that are out there for this new technology.”
Bobby says Brian has been instrumental in applying use of the laser, and getting others trained to use it as well, which will help meet large job demands.
“Training is mandatory, not optional,” Winston said. “Brian’s work is extremely important, because the laser welder is a powerful tool, but it’s also a serious hazard without proper control.”
Winston added that strict protocols are in place, including a laser safety officer, certified operator training, controlled access, PPE requirements, and area signage to ensure full compliance with ANSI Z136.1 laser safety standards.
Winston explains there were several key factors in building the safety protocol.
“The team had to take into account how bright this laser light is, which led to the creation of a special welding room with a hard shell barrier, including a door frame you have to open to access the area, an ‘in use’ light, and an interlock system that will shut the laser down if someone opens the door while it’s in use,” he said.
He added that additional protocols were also put in place, including two laser safety officers, Winston and Brian, certified operator training, controlled access, specific PPE requirements, and area signage to ensure full compliance with ANSI Z136.1 laser safety standards.”
“It wasn’t always easy, but communicating through it got us to a workable, safe solution. So far, everything we have put in place is above the EXISTING safety standards for this new technology.”
-Bobby Vestal, Architectural Metal Shop Foreman
“In traditional welding you have arc flash, UV flash, and bright lights,” Winston added. “A Class 4 laser welder has to be more concerned about the infrared light you can’t see, which can blind a person instantly.”
“Bobby did a great job making sure his team had the right PPE for this laser specifically which included fiber laser safety glasses with high optical density, a welding hood or shield with a filter, and the hard-shell barrier.”
In addition, the hard-shell barrier walls are portable to expand, contract, or move. The electrical is “plug and play”, so the whole setup is movable if needed.
The laser doesn’t yet have welding specs for structural metal, but when it does, it will change the industry, Bobby noted.
Currently the shop is working on a large, ongoing project for which the laser is creating efficiency and saving time.
At the end of the day, providing the most efficient and innovative solutions for P1 projects and customers – while putting safety first - is the name of the game.
“The most important thing to remember with a Class 4 laser like this is that safety is everyone’s responsibility,” Winston said.
“Beyond the initial training, ongoing education and periodic refresher courses will ensure we maintain high standards of safety at all times.”
Embracing change is good – working together is even better.
including fiber laser safety glasses with high optical density and a face shield rated for 1080nm wavelength, the hardshell barrier room, built by P1 and located in the P1 Architectural Metal shop, is a critical part of laser safety.
The room includes a door frame you have to open to access the area, an “in use” light, and an interlock system on the door that will shut the laser down if someone opens the door while it’s in use.
The walls are portable to expand, contract, or move.
The electrical is “plug and play”, so the whole setup is movable if needed.
The greatest advantage this tool gives P1 is efficiency. Even though it’s relatively new for commercial applications, fiber lasers create pinpoint accuracy and speed.
According to Bobby, an average MIG weld would take about one minute to weld a 12-inch piece.
“The handheld laser can do it in about 20 seconds. That’s about 600 inches a minute,” he said. “This model can weld, cut, clean, and descale rust and paint.”
Pictured, right: the difference between a MIG weld and the Class 4 laser on aluminum (top) and galvanized steel.
• Travel speed up to 5 inches per second, depending upon thickness and settings
• Optical Pump powered by Gigawatts
• 240/480V 3 Phase Input
• Class 4 Laser
• 12KW Rated Input
• 3000 Watt Fiber Laser
• Refrigeration-Cooled Design
• Maximum Weld Mild/Stainless Steel: 5/16" (8mm)
• Maximum Weld Aluminum: 1/4" (6.5mm)
• Maximum Cut Mild/Stainless Steel: 5/16" (8mm)
• Maximum Cut Aluminum: 9/32" (7mm)
• Can be used to create Autogenous welds
• Gas Type: Argon or Nitrogen(N2)
• Cut Gas: Air or Nitrogen (N2)
• Gas Flow Rate for Welding 30 Cubic Feet Per Hour
“The most important thing to remember with a Class 4 laser is that safety is everyone’s responsibility. ongoing education and periodic refresher courses will ensure we maintain high safety standards at all times.”
-Winston Wycoff, Safety Specialist and Laser Safety Officer
P1 Construction Project Engineer Griffin Souder recently started at P1 Construction as a Project Engineer with the estimating department. He is one of several P1 interns who have gone on to become full-time P1 associates in recent years.
Growing up in Pittsburg, KS, Griffin says Pittsburg State University (PSU) was the natural choice for getting his bachelor’s degree in construction engineering.
Griffin actually began his course work in premed, but soon realized that wasn’t the avenue he wanted to pursue.
“I was considering transferring to another university to study architecture, but a friend convinced me to stay at PSU and go into Construction Engineering instead,” Griffin said.
“He recommended the construction industry because I would still gain some understanding of how things are designed, and also be part of building the entire project,” Griffin added.
“That was great advice because I really enjoy being a part of the construction process and getting to see how each part of a building comes together.”
As part of the Construction Engineering program, Griffin joined the Mechanical Contractors Association (MCA) chapter at PSU and that was how he learned of intern opportunities at P1 Construction.
“Everyone I worked with was nice and easy to get along with. If I had a question, I could ask anyone and they would help me or direct me to someone who could.”
Griffin was an intern at P1 in the summer of 2024.
“Being an intern at P1 was a great experience,” he said. “I got to work on Project Kansas – the Panasonic battery plant under the guidance of Operations Manager Chris Champagne.”
He says getting first-hand experience about how a project runs was very valuable.
“I was given actual tasks so I would learn the job processes, and that was so beneficial,” Griffin said.
“I was also learning a lot about the mechanical industry, and that was challenging,” he said.
Griffin got hands-on sheet metal experience during a 2024 tour of the P1 fabrication shops in Lawrence, KS.
“But through weeks of continual exposure, it got a lot easier and started to become second nature.”
He worked alongside Project Engineers Hayley Leonard and Ross Williams, noting that both were great assets in helping him learn the processes.
“Everyone I worked with was nice and easy to get along with, and if I had a question, I could ask anyone and they would help me or direct me to someone who could,” Griffin said.
“I didn't feel like I had to figure things out on my own.”
As Griffin was finishing up his academic career, he began to look for permanent employment and immediately considered P1 Construction among his options.
“Being an intern with P1 Construction gave me good knowledge of the company,” he said.
“I knew if I could get an offer, I would feel comfortable and it would be easier to start out because I already knew a lot of the people and had familiarity with company operations.”
Griffin wanted to start his career in estimating and was able to get a position as Project Engineer under Mechanical Estimating Manager Dan Tylski.
Today, he is assigned to Project Kansas, the same project he worked on as an intern.
“The biggest reason I wanted to be at P1 was the people. Everyone here is nice, and so knowledgeable. It was also clear that they genuinely wanted to help me succeed,” he said.
Griffin is excited to start this first step into his career. As for future goals, he said he is happy to get started in his chosen field.
“It will take some time for me to get a good grasp on estimating, and then I’ll see where that leads me!”
Welcome aboard, Griffin!
“I was given actual tasks so I would learn the job processes, and that was beneficial.”
Please join us in welcoming our newest P1 associates. KEY: (C) = P1 Construction, (S) = P1 Service
WATKINS
RYAN HANWAY
RAWLYN REYNOLDS
MICHAEL SHEARNS
JERAMIAH SUMMERFIELD
ARTHUR ROY
CHRIS
FAGAN
5 YEARS: STEPHEN BAYER, KARLEY PEARL, ZACH WATKINS, BUCKY ZIMMERMAN, CODY CAMPBELL, ERIC KING
10 YEARS: JONATHAN WRIGHT, TAMMI KENT, CHERIE NICHOLS, VANESSA TAYLOR, BEN PRUETT
15 YEARS: DAVID OSHEL | 20 YEARS: BRIAN HEINEN
25 YEARS: SARAH GARCIA | 30 YEARS: WARREN CHISM
"You don’t get a second pair of eyes, but you do get a second to put on your safety glasses."
P1 has experienced an increase in eye injuries this year. It's a reminder that eye protection is not optional, it's essential.
• All eye and face PPE must meet ANSI Z87.1 or Z87.1+ standards for impact resistance.
• Look for the Z87.1 or Z87.1+ marking on the frame of glasses or goggles.
• P1 Policy: ANSI-approved safety glasses are required 100% of the time on all jobsites and projects.
• Additional protection (e.g., goggles, face shields, hoods) is required for: chipping; grinding; welding; cutting; tasks involving flying debris
Note: Safety glasses must still be worn under face shields and hoods.
• 1,000 eye injuries occur daily in U.S. workplaces (OSHA).
• $300 million in annual costs due to lost productivity, medical expenses, and workers’ compensation.
• Leading causes of eye injuries:
• Not wearing eye protection
• Wearing the wrong type of protection
• 90% of eye injuries could be prevented with proper protective equipment (Bureau of Labor Statistics).
• Use the P1 Stop. Observe. Implement. (SOI) method to assess hazards for each task.
• Overhead hazards: Face shield + safety glasses
• Hazards from below: Goggles with a seal or foam-lined safety glasses
• Use double eye protection when debris can bypass shields.
• Inspect PPE regularly and replace if damaged.
• Store PPE properly to avoid damage or contamination.
The construction industry death-by-suicide rate is four times higher than all other occupation averages. Often people do not get involved when they see an employee who may be struggling, because they are unsure what to do or say when someone needs help.
A P1 Peer Connector is someone an employee can talk to and know that they will not be judged, and all will be kept confidential. Peer Connectors are formally trained in what to say and where to send someone for help.
If you are interested in becoming a Peer Connector, P1 Construction and P1 Service associates are invited to attend the next training:
TUESday, JuLY 15
Peer Connector training is voluntary and designed for people who want to help. The Peer Connector is identified by a hard hat sticker (or laptop sticker, if they are not a field employee) as a safe person to talk to.
QUESTIONS? Contact Safety Specialist Stephen Ratliff at stephen.ratliff@p1group.com or any member of the P1 Safety staff.
Foreman Field Days: You know it’s summer when our foremen are outside playing Human Battleship with water balloons! P1 foremen got together to eat, play, and reconnect during the May/June Foreman Field Day events.
P1 Interns are BUSY: From learning to volunteering to team building, it’s been a full summer for P1 Construction and P1 Service interns, including visits to: SPX Cooling, LLC to see first-hand how Marley cooling towers are manufactured and tested, and Nourish KC Volunteer Days to help prepare meals for those in need.
Supporting the Communities in Which We Live and Work: P1 Service recently helped kick off the first annual Stroke Survivor Scramble, hosted by the Kansas Family Stroke Foundation. The proceeds go directly to stroke survivors in the Topeka community, covering the essential costs like accessible lodging and transportation, meals, and therapeutic activities. Pictured, left: Taylor Buckley, Casey Evans, Chad Brucken- and Eric Meier.
KHEA Golf: The P1 Service Wichita team of Matt Sipe, Brenan Herrera, Brad David, and Susanne Blaukat attended the Kansas Healthcare Engineers Association golf tournament in June.
Women of Excellence: The ladies of P1 Construction and P1 Service teamed up to support the YWCA St. Joseph’s annual Women of Excellence luncheon. Funds raised provide shelter and other vital support services for survivors of domestic and sexual violence, as well as homeless women and children. In attendance for P1 Construction, LLC: Misty McConnell, Heather Gillenwater, Rachel Toney; In attendance for P1 Service, LLC: Heather Richards-St. Clair, Karley Pearl, Lindsey Wilson, Payton Flanders.
Wichita Day at the Zoo: The P1 Service Wichita office enjoyed what has become an office tradition: Family Day at the Sedgwick County Zoo. Lunch and a prize drawing were included with zoo tickets for employees and their families.
Supporting Families in Need: Great time, good golf, and above all, a worthwhile cause. The 2025 P1 Fore Safety Annual Golf Tournament benefited the family of Ian Trego, 25, who died in an electrical construction accident. A check for more than $33,000 was presented to Ian’s family at P1 HQ in Lenexa on June 23.
Table Tennis
Men's: Stephen Ratliff
Women's: Megan Berry - 1st
Mixed Co-ed: Bret Faris, Beth Martens
Track
Shotput: James Daugherty, Andrew Peterson, Jenn Kohl
100M: Bill Frede - 2nd
1 Mile: Linda Scott
Swim
Riston Breiner
Pickleball
Men's: Dylan Walters, Jack Pickman
Women's: Diana Korbe, Sarah Garcia
Mixed Doubles: Bret Faris, Hayley Leonard
Bowling
Women's: Tammy Suddeth Co-ed: Stephen Ratliff, Michael Warner, Tiffany Oldham, Kayla Foster
Basketball
Men’s: Cameron Gordon, Cole Smith, Stephen Ratliff, Rob Cowan, Camden Wheatley
Cornhole
Riston Breiner, Tyler Alexander - 1st Place
| KU BUDIG HALL TRANSFORMER REPLACEMENT | LAWRENCE, KS | Mike Mihalchik, Rick Drake, Jason Quattlebaum | $ 545,205.00
PIPE | PROJECT KANSAS WING 2 CWW SCOPE | DESOTO, KS | Amelia Mullin, Chris Champagne | $ 426,013.00
SM | PROJECT KANSAS WING 1 BULLETIN 17 | DESOTO, KS Amelia Mullin, Chris Champagne | $ 939,349.55
PIPE | PROJECT KANSAS WING 1 BULLETIN 18 | DESOTO, KS | Amelia Mullin, Chris Champagne | $ 144,421.43
PIPE | PROJECT KANSAS WING 1 BULLETIN 19 | KS | Amelia Mullin, Chris Champagne | $ 139,821.00
PIPE + PLBG | SM | SUNSET STATION CLUB MADRID SERVICE BAR | LAS VEGAS, NV | Alejandro Serrato, Jackson Pyper | $ 774,650.00
PIPE | NBAF JOC TASK ORDER 1-4 REQ #1148139 | KS | Dan Tylski, Carey Minihan | $ 108,290.00
ELEC + PIPE | NBAF JOC TASK ORDER 1-5 REQ# 1148145 | KS | Dan Tylski, Rick Drake, Carey Minihan | $ 159,009.00
PIPE | NBAF JOC TASK ORDER 3-4 DOMESTIC WATER STORAGE TANK | KS | Garrett Parker, Carey Minihan | $ 152,638.00
PLBG | BELLAGIO PETROSSIAN BAR TI | LAS VEGAS, NV | Daniel Ott, Jackson Pyper | $ 88,629.00
ELEC | FT RILEY B77694 UPS UPDATE | KS | Glen Herring, Rick Drake | $ 213,310.00
BT | KU CAMPUS OUTDOOR AP UPGRADE | Jeff Dallas, Daniel Farnan | $ 51,334.00
ELEC | RESERS DC EXPANSION PKG 06 | TOPEKA, KS | Jared Brock, Rick Drake | $ 1,312,506.21
PLBG | SOUTHERN NEVADA BUILDING TRADES TI | LAS VEGAS, NV | John Gray, Jackson Pyper | $ 90,000.00
ELEC | ST LUKES CRITTENTON UNIT 8 | KANSAS CITY, MO | Mike Hutchison, Rick Drake | $ 79,680.00
PLBG + SM | ST LUKES WORNALL NEURO SURGERY CLINIC | KANSAS CITY, MO | Chuck Dickman, Eric Affolter | $ 177,544.00
PLBG | TUKH BELL HOSPITAL BASEMENT DI WATER SYSTEM | KANSAS CITY, KS | Mike Mihalchik, Eric Affolter | $ 108,426.00
PLBG | LAS VEGAS CONV. CENTER RESTROOM LINER INSTALLS | LAS VEGAS, NV | Ryan Ehlers, Jackson Pyper | $ 495,273.00
PLBG | AIR PRODUCTS TRECORA PIPING AND EQUIPMENT | LAWRENCE, KS | Todd Mihalchik, Jason Quattlebaum | $ 280,000.00
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ELEC | ELANCO BURNS AND MCDONNELL ADDENDUM 14 | Cris Ray, Jason White | $ 283,671.00
ELEC | ELANCO-BURNS AND MCDONNELL RFI 115 | Cris Ray, Jason White | $ 537,023.00
BT | HILLS GBL ACCESS CONTROL, INTERCOM, AND CAMERA SYSTEMS | CLINTON, OK | Mark Rau, Daniel Farnan | $ 271,579.00
PIPE + SM | KU GREEN HALL REPLACE VAV BOXES | LAWRENCE, KS | Jerry King, Jason Quattlebaum | $ 429,818.00
PIPE | KU - YOUNGBERG HALL REPLACE AHU AND DX CONDENSING UNIT | LAWRENCE, KS | Mike Mihalchik, Jason Quattlebaum | $ 153,362.00
PIPE | NWMSU STORM SEWER | Jeremy Miller, Jason White | $ 90,733.00
BT | RESERS DC EXPANSION PKG 06 | TOPEKA, KS | Mark Rau, Daniel Farnan | $ 71,442.00
BT | SL MP1 SUITE 710 NEUROSURGERY | David Becerra, Daniel Farnan | $ 113,362.00
PIPE + PLBG + SM | TUKH RAD ONC G018 LINEAR ACCELERATOR REPLACEMENT | Chuck Dickman, Eric Affolter | $ 306,195.00
PLBG | MGM HEATING & CHILLED PIPE REROUTE | LAS VEGAS, NV | Ryan Ehlers, Jackson Pyper | $ 325,102.00