P1 C NNECTION
Women in Construction Week
March 2-8, 2025
With the month of March comes Women in Construction Week. From field workers to management positions, the number of women working in construction has been steadily growing. Women now make up 10.8% of the construction sector.
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WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION
60.5%
increase in women working in the construction sector since 2012
48,000 36.1%
Women in the construction sector in sales and o ce roles
8.9%
women in the construction sector in 2010
increase in women in construction holding management and professional roles since 2012
10.9%
women currently in the construction sector as of 2024
36.1%
Women in the construction sector in management roles
24.6%
Women in the construction sector in construction and maintenance roles
WOMEN OF P1 CONSTRUCTION
From office to field, we asked just a few of the many women at P1 to share experiences and what they love about the industry.
What has been the most challenging thing about working in construction?
When I began working in the construction industry, the most challenging thing for me was learning the lingo. I have worked for architects, engineers, and now contractors, and each one has their own part of the construction process and different terms to learn. Google was very helpful when I didn’t want others to know that I had no idea what they were talking about!
What is the thing you enjoy most about working in construction?
Kelly McBride
Each day can bring new progress and challenges, but seeing what a team can create together is very rewarding. Everyone has a role to fill from start to finish, and figuring out how to bring the most value to my role, and benefit those around me, is something I take pride in doing.
What has been the most challenging thing about working in construction?
One of the most challenging things about my position is working with a multitude of personalities and learning to navigate difficult expectations and a sometimes stressful workload.
What is the thing you enjoy most about working in construction?
The reward is seeing the tangible results of your work. I enjoy seeing something I worked hard on come to life. This makes the challenges worth it and helps me overcome that next set of hurdles.
Samantha Boh Estimating Coordinator Project Engineer
WOMEN OF P1 CONSTRUCTION
Lacy McNeil
What has been the most challenging thing about working in construction?
The hardest thing about working in construction, for me, has been learning – and remembering – all the controls on all the different equipment.
What is the thing you enjoy most about working in construction?
The best thing is how the work challenges me every day. I also love being able to work outside.
Journeyman Heavy Equipment Operator
IUOE Local 101
What has been the most challenging thing about working in construction?
One of the challenges I’ve faced in the construction industry is being seen as an equal in a male-dominated profession.
What is the thing you enjoy most about working in construction?
What I enjoy most is seeing the work we do become a functioning system, especially since I work mostly new construction.
Thank you to ALL the women at P1, from field to office, who make our work possible and help drive company success every day!
ORDER YOUR GOLF SWAG NOW!
It may be chilly outside,
P1 Marketing does not have golf or other similar swag at this time, so be sure to place your orders soon to ensure you have what you need on hand for those last-minute tee times!
is just around the corner.
THERE ARE SEVERAL WAYS TO ORDER ITEMS.
1. P1 COMPANY STORE: Most golf-type swag is located in the Promotional Quick Ship section. STORE QUANTITIES ARE LIMITED, so be sure you leave enough time in case items are out of stock.
2. Contact Beth Martens for specific items not available on the store, or if using the store doesn’t fit your needs.
VISITING THE COMPANY STORE:
To access the COMPANY STORE, use your full email address (joe.smith@p1group.com) with password "p1store". BE SURE you are in the P1 Company Store, and not the Safety Incentive store. The URL should look like this: https://store.allcustomwear.com/ p1groupstore
Giving the Industry a Fresh Viewpoint:
Associate Profile on Project Engineer Hayley Leonard
Project Engineer
Hayley Leonard grew up in the small town of Benton, KS, and was always the kid who loved math and science.
So it’s no surprise she found herself looking toward a STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) career from an
“Coming from a small town, I knew I didn't want to go into health care, but I didn't really know what options were out there,” Hayley said.
While Hayley was in high school, her mom was working in sales at Vornado Air in Andover, KS, and Hayley got a position as a product design intern during the summers. From this, she says she gained valuable experience in modeling and designing.
“I loved the design factor, figuring out why things worked, and how to put everything together,” Hayley said. “That's when I started to figure out I wanted to go into engineering.”
She went to Kansas State University to study mechanical engineering, but didn't decide to pursue the construction avenue until she started looking into internships.
“I looked into several intern opportunities, but every time I would interview, I felt it wasn't quite what I was expecting or what I was looking for,” Hayley said.
She started the interviewing process for an internship with the P1 Wichita office (now under P1 Service), because that was close to home, but ended up being asked to do a phone interview with the Kansas City office.
Her experience with the Solid Works drafting program caught the interest of P1 Vice President Allen Supplee in the Architectural Metal Shop.
“Even though I had no idea about the construction industry, Kansas City was where I wanted to end up, so I accepted the opportunity,” Hayley said.
Turns out, the P1 intern program was exactly what she was looking for.
“The work I was doing was interesting, I was able to meet a lot of people, and the culture was what I really wanted from a company,” Hayley said.
Hayley accepted a full-time position as a project engineer with Architecture Metals after college and later moved over to P1 Construction.
Hayley said that being a woman in a male-dominated industry has some challenges but for the most part her experience has been a positive one.
Hayley and some of her fellow Women in the Mechanical Industry (WiMI) colleagues.
Women in Construction Week 2024
“I got used to it in college when I would walk into a class and it was obvious there were very few females in the room,” said Hayley, “But I’ve never felt singled out, and I’ve always felt comfortable in my position.”
She also said that she has had some great mentors to help her along the way.
“Everyone at P1 has been very welcoming and always happy to answer any questions I have,” she said. “I’ve gotten a lot of support within P1, but have found it in industry organizations outside P1 as well.”
Currently, Hayley is a board member of Mechanical Contractors Association’s (MCA) Women in the Mechanical Industry (WiMi), and during college, belonged to the Society of Women in Engineering.
“If you find those groups and those people to support you, especially as a single woman, it makes what you are doing that much more meaningful and worthwhile,” Hayley said.
“I've been fortunate that my coworkers at P1 have been super supportive, and I've also found my groups outside of work as well.” Hayley said.
Hayley said she would definitely encourage other young women to pursue this field and believes there is a lot of opportunities available.
“There’s been a transition from when women weren’t particularly welcome in this field to now being encouraged to join this field,” Hayley said. “The industry not only has a lot of availability and opportunity, but is also looking for fresh and different viewpoints.”
Currently, Hayley is mostly working on-site at Project Kansas in DeSoto, KS, under Project Kansas Team Lead/Operations Manager Chris Champagne.
P1 looks forward to Hayley’s fresh viewpoints on projects for many years to come!
“I loved the design factor, figuring out why things worked, and how to put everything together. That's when I started to figure out I wanted to go into engineering.”
Staying
When Hayley isn’t busy with her career, she enjoys staying active on the playing field with both softball and sand volleyball. She also likes to hike and be outdoors as much as possible. During the summer, she takes a week off work to volunteer at Camp Kaleo, in Burwell, NE, a church-based camp for kids in grades four through six “to grow in health,
Staying active
Camp Kaleo
The chiller plant used Aquatherm polypropylene, high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and carbon steel pipe.
OVER THE STREETS and through the roads
P1 Completes Challenging Chiller Plant at the University of Kansas
Installing a new chiller plant in the middle of a busy university campus is no easy feat, but, as usual, P1’s mechanical and electrical teams were up to the task at the University of Kansas in Lawrence, KS.
“We had some challenges with the space we had to work in,” Mechanical Project Manager Todd Mihalchik explained. “About 90% of the project had to be run through concrete and under busy campus roads.”
“We demoed chillers, towers, pumps, and piping,” Todd noted. “This was a high-profile job in the middle of campus. P1’s detailing and fabrication capabilities were critical to the process.”
The chiller plant project included mechanical and electrical installation for a new plant to serve up to nine buildings on campus, designed with both current and future use in mind.
“The plant is set up for four 1,000-ton chillers, although only two are installed for now,” Todd explained. “The plant will initially serve seven buildings on campus, but is set up to serve nine if needed.”
Electrical Project Manager Branner Gordon says the project had more than 15,000 ft of conduit and conductors.
“We had 15k feet, ranging from three-quarter inch all the way up to five inch,” he said. “Conductors ranged from No. 12awg copper up to eight parallel sets of 500kcmil for the main service entrance conductors.”
The project was wired with 3,000 amp service, with underground provisions for an additional 3,000 amp service in the future.
New 15,000 volt conductors and cables were installed in new concrete encased underground duct bank and underground steam tunnels to accommodate the new 2,500 Kva medium voltage transformer and medium voltage switch for the KU-owned 12,470V electrical infrastructure.
On the mechanical side, 5,000 feet of pipe was run underground. The chiller plant used Aquatherm polypropylene, high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and carbon steel pipe, but one unique aspect to this project was the use of pre-insulated HDPE pipe.
“While P1 has fabricated and installed HDPE pipe before, this may be the first time we used pre-insulated HDPE pipe, so there was some training involved,”
Pre-insulated HDPE pipe offers several advantages, including: energy efficiency, faster installation times, improved corrosion resistance, and a longer service life.
The plant had both above-ground chilled water and tower water up to 24” (Aquatherm and carbon steel).
Even though snow, ice, and brutally cold temps have also recently been an issue in the Lawrence area, the P1 team is getting it done, and on track for scheduled completion May 1, 2025.
The project included two 1,000-ton chillers installed, with room for two more if needed.
“We had challenges with the space. About 90% of the project had to be run through concrete and under busy campus roads.”
-Todd Mihalchik, Project Manager
PROJECT QUICK FACTS
Project Foremen:
Mechanical, Wayne Foster & Adam Dalton
Electrical, Kerry Reder
GC: BA Green
Engineer: Smith & Boucher
Architect: Multistudio
Contract Amount: $7,122,280.00
P1 Scope: BIM/VDC; Building Technologies; Controls; Mechanical Construction; Electrical Construction; Pipe, Plumbing, and Sheet Metal Fabrication
ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION
• 15kV Medium Voltage Installation, including:
-15kV switch
-15kV transformer
-15kV conductors
-15kV termination
• 480v/277v 3 phase 4 wire
• 3,000 amp (Main Service Entrance)
• 2 1,000-ton chillers (with room for four total)
• 2 cooling towers
• 11 pumps
• Pre-insulated HDPE pipe 4-inch to 18-inch (different sizes for chilled/hot water)
NEW FACES/ANNOUNCEMENTS
Please join us in welcoming our newest P1 associates. KEY: (C) = P1 Construction, (S) = P1 Service
(S) Taylor Buckley
(S) Steven Costigan
(S) Andrew Peterson
(C) Shawn Conz Project Manager St. Joseph
Health Incentive Information Meetings
• Open to all staff enrolled in P1 health insurance benefits through BCBS-KC.
• Includes information on the A Healthier You program used to track health/wellness information and P1’s requirements to be met by the October 2025 deadlines in order to receive a discount on P1 health insurance premiums for 2026.
• There are no changes from last year’s program.
• Highly recommended for participants who enrolled after 3/1/2024 and are subject to the health incentive requirements for the first time.
Join us virtually or in person at the Lenexa office. All who sign up will be added to the calendar invite/Teams meeting.
For those attending in person, we will provide light snacks.
PLEASE SIGN UP THROUGH THE HUB LINKS BELOW. (NOTE: YOU MUST BE LOGGED ONTO THE P1 NETWORK FOR THE HUB LINKS TO WORK.)
SIGN UP for Tuesday, March 11, at 9am (CST)
SIGN UP for Wednesday, March 12, at 2pm (CST)
BIRTHDAYS + ANNIVERSARIES
MARCH BIRTHDAYS
BRUCE VAN FLEET
BRYCE DENTON
CHASE KLEIN
JUSTIN VERSTRAETE
2 AUSTIN BENSON
DAN SWARTZ
KENT LUTZ
DON PARDEW
DALTON ROBERTS
ZAYNE SERRANO
CODY MCCRAY
ANDRIA MEYER
DOMINIC NUNEZ CONNOR LOUPE
RONALD JENKINS
DAVID STEVENSON
CALEB CLEMENTS 6 JUAN SOSA
BROCK CHAPMAN
STEPHEN SUBLETTE
7 DEBORAH STARR
JEFF GARDNER
ANDREW DUMAS
CHRISTOPHER ERVIN
ANDRA MCDONALD
GREGORY SCHULER
8 RG STEWART
CHANZE BRANSTETTER
QUINTON SKIRVIN
DUSTIN FISH
JAY BAIRD
9 JILL HOLLINGSWORTH
ALAN SAYLOR CARL BROWN 10 WADE BUCK
CATALINA DE LEON
BILLY JASKINIA
LUTHI
PAUL LARSON
KELLY MASTERS
DOUG SUNDERLAND
JASON TALIAFERRO
K’DEEM HAMILTON
CODY WALTER
RYLEE MOORE
JOHNSON
DANIEL DUFFETT
RALPH EVANS
SHERMAN
THOMAS ISBELL
JOSHUA FARNAN
CHASE MIKESSELL
SHANE CATALANO
DYLAN BRUNSHIDLE
PAUL SOZA
THERON LADINSKY
BENJAMIN HOESSEL
MIKE VANDEVENTER
CLIFFORD WINSEL
ZACH KRAFT
CHRIS WHEELER
ZACH WATKINS
BOHANNON
WILLIAMS
MCCARTY
BIRD
MINCKLEY
HOWER RUSSELL FRITTS
GABRIEL POWERS
ANDREW MAGINNESS JASON MILES DALTON ALFREY
GIESSMANN
HOLCOMB
RYAN SHAWN CREMEEN
SMITH JAVIER YANEZ
WALKOWIAK
MCDONALD ROBERT ZIMMERMAN TREVOR WOLFE
BRAMBLE
GLENN
ELZEY
DAVIS JASON GRIFFITH
BULLIMORE GRAYSEN CHAMBLIN
TYLER SLOOP
JAMIE FLANERY BRYAN MILLER LINDSAY WILSON
CROCKETT
VITALE
BOSSE BRIAN NALLEY CHRISTOPHER KIRBY
PITTMAN
JAMISON
HARRISON
KLEYMANN
NELSON
MULARONI
WINSOR
BROOKSHIRE CRIS RAY
BLAKE DENTON
WILLIAM PHILPOTT
MICHAEL THULIN
Severe Weather/Emergency Preparedness: Do You Know What to Do?
The U.S. has already experienced multiple snowstorms this winter, and with spring around the corner, we can always expect some rain and the potential for tornadoes.
RISK ASSESSMENT FOR VARIOUS CONDITIONS Snow/Ice: Severe
Risk Assessment: Identify the potential weather conditions for the region in which your projects are taking place, and how that will impact schedules. For example, the Midwest has potential for thunderstorms, tornadoes, snow/ice, and severe cold and hot temperatures.
• Slick surfaces make driving or walking dangerous
• Reduced visibility
• Falling ice or snow
• Hypothermia and frostbite
• Mud and slippery surfaces
• Electrical hazards: increased shock potential working with any electrical equipment in wet conditions
• Equipment damage
PREVENTATIVE MEASURES
• Understand the site-specific emergency response plan such as tornado evacuation procedures and designated shelter areas. Develop one before staring new construction.
• Make sure all workers are trained and understand procedure.
• Practice good housekeeping to mitigate trip hazards in an emergency. Secure or move equipment and materials that may be damaged or blown away during storms (e.g., scaffolding, tools, machinery).
• Strikes from flying debris or unsecured material
• Structural damage
• Fall hazards from windy conditions when working at heights (scaffold, aerial lift, rooftops)
• Dust or debris in eyes from high winds
• Plan your path of travel and ALWAYS take the safest path when working around slick/slippery surfaces. The quickest path is not always the safest!
• Monitor weather conditions and plan accordingly.
• Allow enough or extra time when traveling to/from jobsite.
HAPPENINGS
John Cobb Promoted to P1 Service KC General Manager
In his new role of General Manager, John will oversee the Kansas City branch’s sales, operations, staff, financials, and growth strategy, ensuring the company is aligned with BCTS initiatives.
“One of the essential responsibilities in this role is ensuring we never lose sight of our culture and how every decision we make affects our customers and employees,” John said.
John began his tenure at P1 in 2004 as an HVAC Service Apprentice. He became a Journeyman, and began working in the start-up and commissioning side of the business.
“During this time, I got to see what sets P1 apart from a lot of contractors, the way we look at the whole system and not just a piece of equipment,” he said.
From there, John took on more test and balance (TAB) validation work for healthcare customers. As the company grew, John was selected to manage the TAB and startup groups.
“It was a new education being on the office side,” he said. “I learned how we estimate work, and how to understand the business side of things.”
Following that, John also started taking on more Preventative Maintenance contracts to learn how P1 sells and manages that side of the business.
As P1 prepared for the changes to come with BCTS, the company created an Operations Manager position and John was chosen to step into that position.
“There have been so many mentors, from executives to all the experts in each area of the company, that helped me learn and grow in the areas I wasn’t as familiar with,” John said. “I couldn’t have done it without their support.”
“We have some of the most talented people in our industry,” he added. “This is repeatedly proven when we line up against our peers. I look forward to representing our company and team with the respect they deserve for the exceptional work they do day in and day out.”
Congratulations to John!
Jeff Gardner Promoted to Kansas City Electrical Division Sales Manager
P1 Service Kansas City Electrical Testing Manager Jeff Gardner has been promoted to KC Electrical Division Sales Manager.
In his new role, Jeff will oversee Kansas City’s electrical department sales and operations, reporting to John Cobb, General Manager. Jeff started with P1 as a field electrician in 2013. He moved into the office in 2019, and started the Electrical Testing and Maintenance business unit.
“Throughout his tenure, Jeff’s expertise and efforts have been key in growing our electrical testing department from a start-up to a $4M+ operation,” John said.
We wish Jeff well in his new role!
PIPE | FERGUSON HCA CORPUS CHRISTI | TX | Mike Mihalchik, Steve Hinshaw | $ 130,000.00
PIPE | JOHNSON COUNTY HEALTH SERVICE BLDG | OLATHE, KS | Mike Thome, Eric Affolter | $ 13,565,026.00
ELEC | PRY 9A-2 GCUB SOW | OK | Jay Thiesen, Steve Smith | $ 6,696,225.00
ELEC | PRY 9A-2 MEYD | OK | Jay Thiesen, Steve Smith | $ 27,000,000.00
PIPE + PLBG + SM | CMH 5 WEST INPATIENT UNIT | KANSAS CITY, MO | Chuck Dickman, Carey Minihan | $ 1,819,078.00
SM | 210 GAIA DUCT FABRICATION AND INSTALL | KS | Jerry King, Carey Minihan | $ 420,809.00
BT | JE DUNN HEADQUARTERS REMODEL | Jeff Dallas, Daniel Farnan | $ 163,800.00
PLBG | NYNY ROTUNDA | LAS VEGAS, NV | Ryan Ehlers, Jackson Pyper | $ 493,131.00
SM | NYNY VESTIBULE EXCALIBER | LAS VEGAS, NV | Ryan Ehlers, Jackson Pyper | $ 82,300.00
ELEC | EMERSON NINE MILE ENTERGY U5 ST ELECTRICAL | Caleb Smith, Rick Drake | $ 196,119.00
ELEC | KU 11TH & MS AFFC CCD 08 | LAWRENCE, KS | Jay Renner, Rick Drake | $ 114,664.00
ELEC | KU STADIUM CCD 07 | LAWRENCE, KS | Jay Renner, Rick Drake | $ 221,853.00
ELEC | KU - 11TH & MS STADIUM CCD 08 | LAWRENCE, KS | Jay Renner, Rick Drake | $ 74,603.00
ELEC + PIPE + PLBG + SM | KU STRONG HALL CHILLED WATER DISTRIBUTION & CONVERSION | LAWRENCE, KS | Chuck Dickman, Rick Drake, Jason Quattlebaum | $ 2,325,008.00
PIPE | PROJECT KANSAS BULLETIN 16 | DESOTO, KS | Dustin Thorne, Chris Champagne | $ 200,000.00
PLBG | MANDALAY BAY HHW LEAK IN MAIN LOADING DOCK | LAS VEGAS, NV | Ryan Ehlers, Jackson Pyper | $ 500,000.00
PIPE + PLBG + SM | BELLAGIO PROJECT 1161 TI | LAS VEGAS, NV | Alejandro Serrato, Jackson Pyper | $ 1,370,787.00
PLBG + SM | SUNSET STATION CENTER BAR | LAS VEGAS, NV | Alejandro Serrato, Jackson Pyper | $ 331,085.00
BT | ARCHWELL HEALTH | Multiple Projects | OH, PA, MO, FL, NC, WI | Totaling: $ 3,321,782
ELEC + PIPE | MASTERCARD CONDENSER PUMP | KANSAS CITY, MO | Mike Mihalchik, Rick Drake, Carey Minihan | $ 275,015.00
ARCH | RANCH LOT PARKING GARAGE | BURBANK, CA | Allen Supplee | $ 251,022.00
BT | SLH NEUROSCIENCE SPD REMODEL | KANSAS CITY, MO | David Becerra, Daniel Farnan | $ 100,894.00
BT | ST LUKES MED PLAZA | KANSAS CITY, MO | David Becerra, Daniel Farnan | $ 185,490.00
P1 OFFICE LOCATIONS
P1 SERVICE
Lenexa, KS
St. Joseph, MO
Wichita, KS
Lawrence/Topeka, KS
Ankeny, IA
P1 CONSTRUCTION
Lenexa, KS
St. Joseph, MO
Lawrence, KS
Manhattan, KS
Omaha, NE
Las Vegas, NV
Kansas City, MO
