Best of the Best Magazine Issue

CONSTRUCTION

INSIDE

NORTHCENTRAL CONSTRUCTION

A BETTER CONSTRUCTION EXPERIENCE B E S T

O F

T H E

CONSTRUCTION ON THE GOVERNOR’S MANSION B E S T

I S S U E

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04 NORTHCENTRAL CONSTRUCTION

BEST OF THE BEST MIDWEST CONSTRUCTION

56 R.D. LAWRENCE HIGH-PROFILE PROJECTEXPERTISE IN ILLINOIS

96 KSW

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YOUR COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION COMPANY

116 MB WESTERN TEXAS-SIZED SUCCESS STORY IN SPECIALTY CONTRACTING

126 ORION

INTERIORS, INC

SPECIALIZING IN FAST TRACK RETAIL CARPENTRY

142 TALCOTT

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3 GENERATIONS OF QUALITY CONSTRUCTION

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96

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126 116

142 3

NORTHCENTRAL CONSTRUCTION

BEST OF THE BE MIDWEST CONST

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EST TRUCTION

Anthem Luxury5 Living

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Beecher Terrace 7 Belmont

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9 Nicolet Townhomes

With a motto of “A Better Construction

partners which has been built on years of

Experience” it’s only logical that Northcentral

repeated above expected performance.

Construction Corporation isn’t afraid to let

“We provide the developer with the ability to

their record speak for itself. Based in Fond

be as involved or uninvolved as they want

du Lac, Wisconsin, NCC serves clients

and still get the best outcome from their

throughout Wisconsin.

vision for the project.” Patrick Donovan, Director of Safety, IT & Marketing.

From its inception in 1990, they’ve been dedicated to understanding and exceeding

“Our core vision is to provide a continually

their client’s needs and deadlines, all while

improving experience to all our team

making sure they provide top notch results.

members, both internally and externally,”

This commitment starts with their dedication

Patrick Donovan. “We provide our clients

to their employees and extends to the

with unexpected service and attention to

relationships they have with their developer

detail and stand firm on our commitments.”

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Colby Cottages

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11

Nekoosa Senior Living

12

CONSTRUCTION A key part of what makes Northcentral so

In addition, Northcentral receives referrals

successful is its relationships with their

from the architects and developers that they

customers. This is an essential element

work closely with on a regular basis.

of building a business and when those connections are strong it makes it easier

Along with customer relations, creating

to compete in the construction market.

a strong team for each project is also an

“We are blessed to have most of our work

important aspect of Northcentral’s strategy.

come from either previous partners, or as

They maintain a core group of companies

referrals from our previous project partners,”

that do most of their subcontracting work.

Patrick Donovan.

13 Fair Acres Townhomes

“We provide the developer with the abi they want and still get the best outco

PATRICK DONOVAN, DIRECTOR

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ility to be as involved or uninvolved as ome from their vision for the project.�

R OF SAFETY, IT & MARKETING

15 Colby Cottages

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CONSTRUCTION “This core group gives us the ability

offer top quality benefits, training and

to get the best productivity out of our

pay. By respecting their employees, and

subcontractors which allows Northcentral to

providing opportunities for skill growth and

operate at the most efficient level possible.�

advancement, Northcentral has retained

Northcentral Construction is committed to

many team members. They have over 40%

taking advantage of technological advances

of the current staff with 10+ years and 3

and is currently leveraging the advances in

staff with over 30 years at the company.

integration of the field, office and off-site

Over the past few years Northcentral has

team members to provide better outcomes

grown significantly and, to keep up with

for their clients.

their growth and the numerous projects, they have grown their workforce to over

Northcentral Construction Corporation

60 employees plus temporary workers as

is committed to their employees and

needed to fulfill job demands.

17 Dicks Sporting Goods Oshkosh

Dicks Sporting Goods Wausau

TJ MAXX Plover

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PETSMART Oshkosh

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21

22

CONSTRUCTION Northcentral currently manages between

even place in the ABC national apprentice

9-13 projects at a time, depending on the

competitions. Providing training opportunities

size and stage of the job.

and opportunities for employee growth are key parts of the Northcentral Philosphy.

Northcentral believes strongly in the merit shop philosophy and is a member of the

“We build a team concept on each job and

Associated Builders and Contractors

work to have all the team members work

(ABC) of Wisconsin. They currently have

together, starting from conception through

6 employees in the apprentice training

design and construction to achieve the

program. Over the years, Northcentral

project goals.�

has had many apprentices win the state competition and go on to compete and

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With a m

“A BETTER CONSTRU 24

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motto of

UCTION EXPERIENCE” 25

“Our core vision is to provide a continually improving experience to all our team members, both internally and externally,� Patrick Donovan.

26

Shoe Factory Lofts

CONSTRUCTION Patrick Donovan “We strive to have frequent

Walgreens, Dicks, Panera, and TJ MAXX.

and effective communication which allows the team to work well together and achieve

Northcentral’s diverse portfolio extends

project goals.” Most communication and

from commercial and retail to health care,

information flows electronically between

hospitality, multi-family, warehouse and

team members which greatly improves

manufacturing, and restaurants.

overall efficiency and assists in exceeding

Northcentral Construction has been very

project deadlines. Due to the professionalism

successful completing Tax credit projects.

that each team brings to the site, it’s no

“Our relationship with the Wisconsin

wonder that Northcentral Construction

Housing and Economic Development

Corporation is a recommended contractor

Authority (WHEDA) is outstanding”, boasts

by multiple national chains, including

Patrick Donovan.

27 Lofts Shoe Factory

“We are very experienced at fulfilling the requirements these projects demand.”

Northcentral’s experience in Tax Credit projects includes having completed 64 projects and 3850 units since 2000.

Northcentral has completed 21 projects and 2085 units of rehabilitation or remodel, many of them without displacing tenants.

One job that was just completed is Woolen Mills Lofts, where an old mill on the river in Appleton WI was converted into 60 apartments.

There were several highlights of this project that made it unique and challenging.

Northcentral had to remove a 5810 square foot (sf) section of the roof and 1800sf of three floor systems to create a light tunnel.

The light tunnel allowed outside light in to the interior units that would have otherwise been without natural light. In addition, the river used to flow under the building as a power source. This created a need for structural work and some interesting concrete work to cap off the old power portal.

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Woolen Mills -29Interior

“We are blessed to have most of our work come from either previous partners, or as referrals from our previous project partners,� Patrick Donovan.

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Parkview IV Apartments

Parkview IV Apartments 31

Parkview IV Apartments

Evergreen Independant Living - Interior 32

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They created a drive way shaft for access to the underground parking in which they had to transition through the entire building. Both projects were completed while maintain structural integrity in a century old building.

The final challenge was creating four stories units inside what was the crane building at 144’ x 60’ by 65’ tall. All construction of these floors was completed inside of the existing structure which is one of the many challenges that had to overcome.

Northcentral has a long history of building Hotels having recently completed a 100 room Staybridge hotel in Fitchburg. In addition, they completed an 86 room Holiday Inn Express and a very much needed, and desired, 103,00sf premiere conference center in Fond du Lac. Under construction is a 121 room Holiday Inn in Grand Chute and an 83 room Holiday Inn Express in Elkhorn.

With more hotels slated to start later this year or next year they are continuing to expand on a solid foundation in the hospitality sector.

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37 Staybridge Fitchburg

“We build a team concept on each job and work to have all the team members work together, starting from conception through design and construction to achieve the project goals.� Patrick Donovan.

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39 Staybridge Fitchburg

Since their start Northcentral has complete

apartment complex in Brookfield. Built on

well of 8,000 multifamily units. “In multi-

the site of an old quarry, the building has

family we are experienced in higher end

upscale features and is set on a pristine

market rate, senior living, Community Based

property with a 30+ acre lake.

Residential Facilities (CBRF’s), Residential Care Apartment Complex’s (RCAC’s), low

Partnering with the Evergreen Retirement

income housing and traditional family market

Community in Oshkosh Northcentral has

rate projects”.

completed both new construction and remodeling projects. This past year they

One notable recently completed project is

built 60 new units connecting two previous

Hidden Lake Preserve a 72-unit high end

buildings. There was an addition of a PAC

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Staybridge Fitchburg and remodeling of the main entrance which

Both of these projects were national chain

included a library and patio area, and a pub

builds and build outs that brought these

was added for the residents. Northcentral

businesses to new communities. Beginning

completes the work on the Evergreen

construction soon is a Tractor Supply Store

campus while limiting the interruption of the

in Bloomer, WI.

residents who continue their daily routines.

Northcentral is committed to safety and Northcentral’s recent additions to their

believes that there is no job that can’t be

many commercial projects include a Dick’s

done safely while still be completed at high

Sporting Goods in Wausau and a Dick’s

standards and in a timely fashion.

Sporting Goods and Petsmart in Oshkosh.

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Panera Bread Waukesha

Chipotle & US Cellular Appleton 42

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Taco Bell Muskego

Panera Bread Oshkosh 43

44

Evergreen independent Living

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Evergreen independent Living

45

Woolen Mills Lofts

46

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47 Lofts Woolen Mills

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Holiday Inn Express Fond49du Lac

Northcentral includes safety in their

goal.� Patrick Donovan.

contracts, job meetings and have a company safety director performing weekly safety

Northcentral is highly capable of meeting

inspections. They have been awarded the

any challenge. They have completed

Silver Level in the ABC STEP program and

multiple projects with extremely tight

have been consistently below the industry

jobsites in downtown areas which require

standard with their EMR rating. “The bottom

coordination and timing of materials due

line is everyone goes home safe at night and

to space limitations as well as coordinating

all our team members are committed to that

to keep streets and sidewalks open to the

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Woolen Mills Lofts

Woolen Mills Lofts

public. One recent project still had elevators

making sure to keep the focus not only on

with operators so Northcentral had to

expansion, but on providing a better product

provide a person to operate the elevators

and experience for everyone. By looking

during construction until the updated fully

for new opportunities and continuing to

automated elevators were installed near the

improve what they are already doing well,

end of the project.

Northcentral will continue to be “A Better Construction Expereince�.

Northcentral knows that the best way to grow is at a smart and reasonable pace,

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“THE BOTTOM LINE IS EVERYONE ALL OUR TEAM MEMBERS ARE

PATRICK D

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E GOES HOME SAFE AT NIGHT AND E COMMITTED TO THAT GOAL.”

DONOVAN.

Evergreen Remodel

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Evergreen Remodel - Pub 67 54

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Evergreen Remodel - Library

Evergreen Remodel - Multi-Purpose Room

Evergreen Remodel - PAC 55

R.D. LAWRENCE:

HIGH-PROFILE P EXPERTISE IN IL

Articles56written by Ken Lambert and Ariana Jennell

CONSTRUCTION

PROJECT LLINOIS

57 Governor’s Mansion

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59 View Governor’s Mansion - Front

When asked what sets RD Lawrence

key component of the firm’s portfolio. Most

Construction apart from its competitors John

impressively, every job was completed in a

Goetz, civil engineer and president, was

timely manner with everyone walking away

quick to credit the company’s management

satisfied- and impressed. They keep their

of its employees and its clients.

jobs local, operating in a 50 mile radius of Springfield (Illinois), which means they have

“It’s about treating people right,” said Goetz.

to be flexible in what they are able to deliver.

“It’s people that make the difference.”

A key aspect of keeping these jobs rolling in is the diversity that RD Lawrence brings to

Seeing the level of success that RD

the table. They have completed commercial,

Lawrence has had it seems that this mindset

industrial, educational, medical, religious, and

has certainly been paying off. In the past

specialty projects.

9 years they have done 12 major projects, plus a myriad of smaller ones that are still a

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Governor’s Mansion - Exterior

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61

“It’s about treating people right,” said Goetz. “It’s people that make the difference.”

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Construction on the Governor’s Mansion

CONSTRUCTION Their portfolio may be filled with many

says about their work. “Because if you don’t

different kinds of jobs, but something that

take care of the client someone else will.”

they all have in common is the level of involvement every step of the way. The team

Repeat business is what every company

usually remains around 50 employees in the

strives for, which is why RD Lawrence

field and 7 plus in the office. No matter the

places so much emphasis on keeping

size of the project communication is always

their clients happy. One area where they

top priority between the company and its

are consistently finding success is in work

clients. In design-build ventures especially,

for the State Illinois. In the late 80’s they

keeping the owners in the loop and dealing

completed an interior dome restoration for

with details as they come keeps things

the State Capitol building. Their work won

running smoothly and makes sure that

them AIA Award and was featured in the

everything gets completed properly.

local paper for being “the best expenditure of state money ever”.

“Do it right the first time is my motto,” Goetz

63 Construction on the Governor’s Mansion

Another project that they completed for the state was the State Capitol Hearing Room, which was originally the supreme Court Room in 1868 before the Supreme Court got their own building. This was a $1.7 million restoration job that involved a lot of historic preservation while also bringing it up to today’s standards. A large part of those standards was making it more accessible to those with disabilities. Due to the nature of the work it was a high priority job and RD Lawrence was one of 3 selected bidders.

In the end they were chosen because of being counted among the best of the best in the area. The project included substantial new woodwork and historic millwork, and all along the focus was to make the modern upgrades in keeping with the historic base level.

The ceiling of the building is known as one of the most ornate ceiling in the capitol, which RD Lawrence didn’t have to touch, but they did have to bring in doors to match that level of grandeur. They brought in 12 foot high doors that were a historic match to the ceiling’s aesthetics. Even with the all the changes and challenges within the project it was completed on schedule in 2016.

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65 Construction on the Governor’s Mansion

66

CONSTRUCTION A major project that has been undertaken

step away. The project is on track to be

this year is the Governor’s Mansion. Since

completed in May of 2018 and has been a

RD Lawrence was able to deliver on the

10 million dollar venture. Goetz says that he

additions to State Hearing Room it makes

owes their success thus far to the dedication

sense that they were considered to restore

his team has had throughout, meeting every

the largest Governor’s mansion in the

week with the owners and design team

country, which is a 49,000 square foot

in order to keep everyone in the loop and

building.

content with the progress.

Originally they were 1 of 6 finalists bidding for the project, but when they were beat out by a different low-bidder they had to

Construction on the Governor’s Mansion 67

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Construction on the Governor’s Mansion 69

Construction on the Front of the Governor’s Mansion

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Construction on the Front of the Governor’s Mansion

Construction on the Interior of the Governor’s Mansion 73

TRUSTED NAME IN

FOR MORE TH 74

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N CONSTRUCTION

HAN 45 YEARS 75

“Do it right the first time is my motto,” Goetz says about their work. “Because if you don’t take care of the client someone else will.”

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77 Governor’s Mansion Staircase Under Construction

Given the assorted number of clients in their history, a question is how to adjust safety procedures for each situation. RD Lawrence is know for putting safety first; they have been acknowledged every year by AGC (Associated General Contractors) on both a local and national level. They make sure to take care of their employees, and one way is by being a union contractor. They also put training first and make sure that every field employee has been through an apprenticeship and had access to full safety training.

By keeping their workers happy they foster a healthy work environment that not only helps maintain existing staff, but also helps to grow the trade industry in the region. They recruit from the outside, but they also want to help their current employees along in their own career paths. RD Lawrence looks to the future by helping their existing project managers understand the importance of client relationships, and they are constantly grooming workers for future management positions.

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79 Construction on the Fireplace of the Governor’s Mansion

Governor’s Mansion staircase Under Construction 80

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Governor’s Mansion Interior Under Construction 81

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Governor’s Mansion - Interior

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Governor’s Mansion - Interior

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Governor’s Mansion - Interior

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87 Train Station Under Construction

Train Station - Exterior

88

Train Station - Exterior

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Train Station89Jobsite

“WE DON’T WANT TO BE THE BIGG

“WE WANT TO

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GEST CONTRACTOR,” GOETZ SAYS

BE THE BEST.”

Train Station -91Interior

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Train Station Under Construction 93

“We don’t want to be the biggest contractor,” Goetz says. “We want to be the best.”

For Goetz, this means having his arms around every aspect of the company. He firmly believes in knowing the company’s limitations, so that is why there is such a focus on staying local and taking on the projects that he knows RD Lawrence can handle. Attention to detail is what earned their reputation for excellence, and Goetz wants to continue that proud tradition. They have been a trusted name in construction for over 45 years, and he wants them to continue to keep that pillar of trust standing for many years to come.

However, prior to Commencing Construction the owner and selected C.M. Mutually decided to parts ways. R.D Lawrence was asked to submit. A proposal for this entire project. One of three bidders R.D Lawrence was selected to undertake the mansion and site renovation as pricing came 1M lower than anticipated.

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Train Station Under Construction

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KSW CONSTRUCTION

YOUR COMMERC CONSTRUCTION

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CIAL COMPANY

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CONSTRUCTION Brothers Dean and Doug Slaby grew up in the construction business, and now are operating a very successful commercial & industrial general contracting firm in southern Wisconsin. This trait is not uncommon in the construction industry, as we often speak to constructive executives who began in high school with a hard hat and a wheelbarrow.

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101

Doug and Dean worked together off and

Doug Slaby, KSW’s Vice President who

on through their careers, and then in 2005

handles the majority of the day to day

established KSW Construction- focusing

operations, says the company has built a

on the commercial, industrial, and office

good core group of employees. The general

sectors. “We work well together; we both

contractor employs between 28-30 people,

focus on different aspects of the company

to manage its $20 million annual revenue

and we may do things a bit differently, but in

(via an average project size of between

the end it has been a great success. I value

$500k - $2 million).

his abilities,” explains KSW President Dean Slaby. Dean recently received his commercial

Both Doug and Dean admit that it is easier

real estate brokers license, which has helped

to hold onto a good employee than try to

the company with their clients/owners in

replace said person if they leave. KSW is

several ways- including site/pad selection.

just like most other contracting companies in 2017- struggling somewhat to have

Dean and Doug both admit that they are not

enough quality personnel (employees and

the first ones on a new technology craze

subcontractors) in order to meet its project

or fad, however they do use the practical

obligations and schedules.

softwares and technologies that can help

That core group of workers is treated with

them on a week to week basis.

respect, and is expected to act respectfully and with the company’s interest in mind.

These include Cloud access and storage for all Plans and Specs, Masterbuilder

Doug does not micro-manage his personnel.

estimating and accounting software, as well

Dean states it quite clearly, “We hire them

as installing livestreaming cameras on some

and compensate them as professionals in

projects. Dean comments, “We do implement

their field, and we expect them to act as

livestream cameras on projects with owners

such,”. That strategy has paid off thus far

that are out of state. Our client feels more

for KSW.

comfortable, while our project management team can also access the video. We find it can be helpful.”

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The best marketing strategy often comes down to doing a great job. “We have a lot of repeat customers, and that has been a key to our success. We partner with a few developers in the area, and in the same waywe look at our relationships with our regular subcontractors as partners,” notes Dean.

Included in their successful run over the past couple of years is their largest single project yet- a 4-story Hyatt Place hotel in Verona (WI), complete with restaurant/lounge and an attractive courtyard with gas firepit. KSW does a lot of business with many national chains, such as: Hyatt, Pet Supplies Plus, Budget Blinds, Great Clips, Verizon Wireless, and The North Face, Café Zupas, Toppers Pizza, Buffalo Wild Wings, Noodles, Freshii, Pets Supplies Plus. In each project, the construction team uses its 3-step project plan: (excerpted from company website)

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STAGE 1:

DESIGN WITH YOUR VISION IN MIND

STAGE 2:

BIDDING PROCESS

STAGE 3:

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The Result: Projects completed on time

a good reputation (and profit) is what KSW

and within budget, reflecting the personal

exceeds at. “Our Willy Street Apartments

style and personality of your business, while

project was a 4-story mixed use building

meeting the needs of your company and

with 28 units. The timeframe on that one

customers.

was very tight, but we were able to get it completed in less than 9 months, even with

Each project is a little different, and they

the harsh Wisconsin winter,� details Doug.

each come with their own challenges. But

Being in the Madison area, many sites also

overcoming those challenges to still retain

have a very high water table to contend

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with- as was the case on the $6 million

Some recent awards from another stellar

Weir Minerals project. Where a portion

project include the InBusiness Magazine

of the project was to install a test pit in

Commercial Design Award, and the

their existing facilities 12 feet below the

Project of Distinction- Silver Award, for

water table. “The Weir job was especially

The Graduate Hotel.

challenging, as the company operations were open and ongoing throughout the

As most noteworthy general contractors

construction process.”

show in 2017, safety is and must be a priority. “We want all our employees to go 111

home at night to their families,�.

already have a fairly diversified competency

KSW participates in the safety monitoring

in projects and sectors, and they may be

program via ABC (Associated Builders &

willing to step outside of their comfort zone a

Contractors), and also pays for a 3rd party

little further- if the right opportunity presents

safety inspection company to perform

itself. Most importantly, Dean and Doug

regular and unexpected site visits to their

wants KSW to continue to be known as a

projects. This tactic keeps everyone alert,

quality contractor and partner who is good

and prevents possible unsafe practices.

at what they do. In setting this as a goal, the revenue, profits, and industry awards are

This established contractor expects much of the same over the next 3-5 years. They

likely to continue as a natural result.

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MB WESTERN:

A TEXAS-SIZED S IN SPECIALTY CON

Serving the needs of private industry, municipal, state, and federal construction in the Gulf Coast area 116

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SUCCESS STORY NTRACTING

USCG Houston Marine Reconstruction – CDM, Inc. 117

BUILDING

SINCE 118

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GTRUST

E 1989 119

In order to be a success in your industry it is

driving, concrete work, marine construction

important to be aware of your strengths and

and diving. President Steve Bosley also

implement them. A company that knows how

mentions that their in-house design

to do precisely that is MB Western Industrial

assistance has helped them procure

Contracting. Founded in 1989, this Houston

several projects. One of the practices that

based corporation has been finding its niche

earns MB Western Industrial’s $8-12 million

and delivering on every project since

yearly revenue is focusing on the size of

Day One.

projects and fitting it with the size of the company. A key part of their business is

They are known for providing competitive

making sure that they are giving a job their

contracting on industrial construction and

full attention without stretching themselves

maintenance, while also specializing in pile

too thin.

Maintaining that specialized market place position (within industrial and marine construction) has helped to grow their reputation and continuously bring in repeat business. Once a company works with MB Western Industrial they find themselves coming back to them for further needs on future projects.

One of the projects that has earned MB Western Industrial this status is their reconstruction project for Dock 14. This job for Port of Texas City was MB’s largest bulkhead project to date. It involved three years of preliminary work revolving around finding the most economical method to go

Raw Water Intake System – MWH Constructors

about the reconstruction.

CONSTRUCTION The damage to the site was caused by an explosion in 1947, so finding a practical and sustainable solution to fixing all aspects of the damage was important to both MB and the owner of Dock 14. After reworking the budget multiple times MB’s team was able to come up with a solution that not only satisfied the vision that the owner had, but it brought the budget down to much lower than originally expected.

Reconstruction of Dock 14 – Port of Texas City 121

Installation of Raw Water Intake Manifold Lake Granbury - AES Wolf Hollow Plant

Another project that challenged MB Western

sure they had the right level of expertise

Industrial was one completed for USCG

involved for every aspect. The result for the

(U.S. Coast Guard) -Houston. Hurricane Rita

bulkhead was new steel sheet pilings being

had destroyed part of the existing timber

driven with new cast-in-place concrete caps

docks, which meant that the damaged

to complete the repairs. MBW also built a

materials had to be removed and replaced in

new armor wall which extended 10 feet

many areas with larger concrete structures.

underwater. In the end it came together

This particular job involved using many types

successfully, and the Coast Guard was

of construction materials and methods,

satisfied with this mission-sensitive project.

which meant that the company had to make 122

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Installation of Raw Water Intake Manifold Lake Granbury - AES Wolf Hollow Plant

Considering the longstanding success of

on industrial work and grow their amount of

the company, the obvious question is what

resources (upgrading cranes, etc), instead

comes next? MB Western Industrial wants

of size. By improving their skills MB Western

to continue to work in their niche and grow

will continue to do what it does best.

the volume of work, but not the scope. Their goal is to not stretch themselves too thin, but rather focus on keeping up to their standards.

The answer to what comes next is to focus 123

Providing all types of industrial and heavy engineering construction, specializing in pile driving, concrete, marine construction and diving.

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Your True Project Partner Skyline Steel is a premier steel foundation supplier with a worldwide network of manufacturing and stocking locations.

Proud to be a Project Partner of MB Western Industrial Contracting skylinesteel.com | 888.450.4330

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© 2017 Skyline Steel, LLC. Skyline Steel is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nucor Corporation, the largest producer of steel in the United States.

ORION INTERIORS, INC:

SPECIALIZING IN RETAIL CARPENTR

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FAST TRACK RY

127 York American Girl – New

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American Girl – 129 New York

Carving out your corner of a particular market is never easy, but when you decide to excel in your field and put your mind to the task it can be possible. No one knows this more than Orion Interiors, Inc. Established in 2007 and opening in Northern Jersey and the five boroughs of New York City, Orion is a full service union carpentry contractor that is always associated with execution and skill.

“The systems are in place for us to be Successful” Jan-Michael McClintic, project manager at Orion. “Companies want to work with us because they trust us and know the job will get done because of our track record.”

Orion’s portfolio speaks for itself. They keep their projects diverse and work with many brand name companies. These jobs range from fast track retail to banks, office fitouts, restaurants and hospitals. Orion relies on history to show what they can do, which is why 95% of their business is generated by the relationships that they have formed.

Their stellar reputation is based on the fact that they are known to give not only accurate estimates, but fair ones.

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American Girl – New York 131

One of the companies that has built such a

restaurant and hair salon. One of the biggest

repertoire with Orion is American Girl. Orion

challenges to the assignment was the

worked on their flagship store in Times

location. Orion makes it a point to be diligent

Square, an impressive 40,000 square foot

about scheduling, and the logistics of being

building dubbed the “store of the future�.

in Time Square is always an obstacle.

With its huge ceiling and modern aesthetics,

However, Orion knew what they were up

it was a high end retail finish project in every

against and came prepared. The forward

sense of the term. This job showcases the

thinking and planning that Orion prides

talents of Orion Interiors because it was

themselves is what allowed them to finish

not only a retail space, but also included a

the store on time.

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American Girl – New York

American Girl – New York

Another example of Orion’s dedication

Orion implement to obtain this level

to scheduling is their work with the

of achievement in their relationships?

Cheesecake Factory. Their store in

According to Mr. McClintic it all comes down

Rockaway New Jersey was the fastest built

to communication.

store in the company’s history. With only ten weeks for drywall Orion was able to

“We rely heavily on communication,

deliver not only a well done project, but beat

“McClintic states. “The team factory is of

production records for their client.

upmost importance. That is why we always hold morning meetings in order to establish

The question is, what practices does

milestones and tasks for the day ahead.”

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American Girl – New York

American Girl – New York 134

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American Girl – New York

American Girl – New York

American Girl – New York 135

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CONSTRUCTION

Cheesecake Factory – Elmhurst, NY

These morning meetings give the day a

which is why every foreman has an iPad

direct focus and make sure that everyone is

that is equipped with programs that give

very clear about their directives for the day.

live updates. They use in-house software

A large part of what aids in communication

and programs plus well-known tools, like

when they are in the field is the technology

Bluebeam and Bluebook, to help foster the

that Orion implements. There are 170

team atmosphere.

field employees that need to be aware of the status of the project at all times, 137

FULL SERV

CARPENTRY C

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VICE UNION

CONTRACTOR

“The systems are in place for us to be Successful” Jan-Michael McClintic 139 NY Cheesecake Factory – Elmhurst,

Cheesecake Factory – Elmhurst, NY

Driving efficiency through technology is a

Looking to the future for Orion Interiors they

major theme in Orion’s business model, as

hope to expand with the market. If the work

is the emphasis on team. By supporting

is there then they intend to follow it, but

individuals through training and making

the focus is on margin and not necessarily

sure that everyone is on the right job for

revenue. The main goal is to keep the same

themselves, it leads to success on both a

flow of work, but to progress upon what

small and large scale level.

they’ve done. So long as they are always improving, they are always growing.

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TALCOTT CONSTRUCTION:

3 GENERATIONS O QUALITY CONSTRU 142

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OF UCTION 143

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145 GYM Interior

Floor Plan A key part of being a successful company

to adapt when they need to. Aaron Perry

is being able to grow while also maintaining

recently took over the business and has

your position in the marketplace. One

been focusing on rebranding, but his main

company that can truly attest to this fact

goal is keeping what has contributed

is Talcott Construction, which is counted

to Talcott Construction’s success- and

as one of the best construction companies

expanding on it.

that Montana has to offer. Talcott has been providing general contracting and

The niche that Talcott Construction thrives

construction management services for

in is based mostly in larger value projects

over 3 generations, but they are not afraid

in both the public and private sectors. They

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Fitness Center pride themselves on being able to deliver

a new culture of safety, so he brought on

on time and within budget, no matter the

the company’s 1st dedicated full time safety

extensiveness off the project. Emphasizing

professional. With this new initiative came

transparency on costs and fairness in pricing

a motto of an “infinite free environment�,

is what keeps customers happy and

which included a new environmental health

coming back. Along with making sure that

and safety plan. This plan highlights how

the experience for the customer is a positive

commitment to safety has to happen on an

one, it is also important that the workers feel

individual level, so every worker knows the

important and empowered. When Perry came

role that they play in their safety and that of

on board as president he wanted to foster

their coworkers.

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149Hangar

PROVIDING GENERAL CONTRAC CONSTRUCTION M

SERVICES 150

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CTING AND MANAGEMENT STEM151Exterior

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STEM153Interior

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STEM155Interior

Because of this focus on safety, Talcott

enticing considering the location. This river

Construction doesn’t hesitate to take extra

front development is partially built on what

precautions when prudent. A recent project

was once contaminated soil, but has steadily

that demanded such care was the C130

been replaced so this once uninhabitable

Maintenance Hangar & Fuel Cell Storage,

landscape will become somewhere people

which was completed in March 2017 for the

can live, work, and play.

Montana Air National Guard. When erecting the steel in the new building it became

Having places like the West Bank Landing

difficult for air traffic control to see the end

in its portfolio is part of what the goal for the

of the runway, so Talcott had to compensate

future of Talcott Construction is all about.

by working on one building at a time.

They have been around for 80 years, but they want to continue to be a part of the

By not being able to fully implement

local community and extend their reach even

construction on both sites the deadline

farther as they continue to grow. By making

was pushed out, but that didn’t dampen

their mark through projects and increasing

the excitement for the project. Talcott

the positive connotation that comes with

Construction lives for the challenge, and

their name, Talcott Construction looks

tackled the technical aspects of the building

forward to being a company that continues

with passion. The effort that was put into the

to thrive for many years to come.

remodel of the old site, as well as converting and repositioning of a new building, resulted in a beautiful finished project.

Another equally exciting project that Talcott Construction has been a part of is the West Bank Landing. This mixed use development has involved everything from restaurants to hospitality to a health and wellness center.

The goal with this particular project is to create a community, which is particularly 156

American Girl – New York

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157

Benefits of Bluebeam RevuÂŽ Software

better understanding of systems.

Written By Bill Smith

addition, the overlay feature helps compare

1. Increased Value for Clients

changes, and has the ability to alter scales

ÂŽ

Bluebeam provides increased value to design teams and consultants during schematic design and design development.

This includes helping to reduce design conflicts and finding potential trouble areas before construction even starts. Tools such as Bluebeam provide a familiar, but improved form of communication between project partners helping to offer turnkey solutions.

Ultimately, clients gain benefits through a collaborative team approach, resulting in fewer RFIs and change orders, which ultimately save time and money.

2. Efficient Sequencing + Planning Planning that used to take hours of review with subcontractors can now be streamlined for sequencing and system coordination. For example, the software tools allow the team to review contract documents in conjunction with the 3D model for easy comparison and 158

Using color coding and other identification methods can assist in project planning for Project Managers and Superintendents. In old and new documents for potential on the fly to help facilitate sequencing between systems without having to do complicated drawing manipulations between software such as Revit, AutoCAD, Civil 3D & Tekla.

3. Easier Team Collaboration Another benefit important to the team Bluebeam provides is a collaborative environment for contractors, subcontractors, architects and engineers to more efficiently review documents. In a Bluebeam session, documents can be posted for the entire team to access simultaneously in a collaborative environment. This tool allows our team to complete design reviews in days, compared to a normal series of events that may have taken weeks which is a key component to delivering clients a turnkey approach. Bluebeam is also used during the punchlist process to more effectively communicate with subcontractors and

CONSTRUCTION design team members. These streamlined processes simplify the paper trail, tracks changes and ultimately results in saving time on the project schedule.

4. Document Interactivity & Information Systems The great applications for post-construction turnover make Bluebeam really stand apart from other documentation and information systems. Simply put, Bluebeam’s hyperlink functions are very simple, intuitive, & impactful. Through a simple digital dashboard, an interface can be created that allows clients an opportunity to access project documents in seconds in a very organized fashion. Dashboards are similar to a custom-built web page that acts as a portal to your project.

While technology is a great asset to every project, providing intuitive tools for simple integration is key for operational use for the entire project team.

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