THE WRIGHT TRACK SPRING 2021
UNVEILING THE FUTURE "It's a great honor to be here," said Mr. Robert Wright, to the crowd who had gathered to watch him uncover the sign marking Wacker Drive, just east of our home office, to be the new Wright Brothers Industrial Corridor.
Cindy Freeman, Robert Wright and Penny Ragland are flanked by state and local officials at the unveiling of Wright Brothers Industrial Corridor on May 27, 2021.
The initiative to honor the Wright family was presented to the Bradley County Commission in January, when Louis Alford (pictured far left)introduced the idea to honor the contributions of Wright Brothers Construction to Bradley County. After approval by the County Commission, the resolution was sent to the governor and local legislators for consideration, later gaining approval to “designate the stretch of roadway as the ‘Wright Brothers Industrial Corridor honoring James and Robert Wright and families.’”
est
safety culture initiative
VALUES • EQUALITY• SOLUTIONS • TOGETHER
TABLE OF CONTENTS
WHAT IS VEST?
CCA Feature • P. 3
It's time to take our Safety Culture Initiative and make it our own. That's what VEST is all about. Find out about more about it on page 10.
Caring Team • P. 4 Core Values Award • P. 6 Large Project Award • P. 7 Small Project Award • P. 8 Special Project Award • P. 9 VEST Safety Steering Team• P 10 Continuous Improvement Team• P 11 PIE PILOT. • P 13 Safety Focus • P 14 Wright Brothers University. • P 15 Chaplain's Corner • P 16
2
HEALING THE HURT Wright Brothers was recently honored by Corporate Chaplains of America (CCA) in the company's 2020 Annual Report. The organization asked Wright Brothers President/CEO Steve Wright to share how CCA had come to Wright Brothers and the impact their presence has had in our workplace. He also encouraged other corporations, those who are viewing the annual report and considering the services of CCA for their own employees. "It's amazing what can happen when you truly care for people, listening to them, hearing them, responding to make sure they know they are valued." Steve goes on to recommend to others, "Over time, I have watched as our country's moral fiber continues to deteriorate and our employees find themselves in ever increasingly difficult situations. There is tremendous hurt out there. I bet employees are hurting in every company. How about yours?"
"IT'S BEEN SO ENCOURAGING TO ME TO EXPERIENCE THE WORK OF CCA AND THEIR EXCELLENCE AT CARING FOR PEOPLE, BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS AND TRUST." STEVE WRIGHTCORPORATE CHAPLAINS OF AMERICA ANNUAL REPORT
3
”JUST THINKING ABOUT (THE CARING TEAM) MAKES ME WANT TO CRY. IT IS TRULY AN HONOR AND A BLESSING TO BE ABLE TO SERVE ON THE CARING TEAM. BEING ...
CARING TEAM
ON A TEAM THAT HELPS GIVE OTHERS HOPE IS TRULY A BLESSING TO ME AND I AM SO
BY KELLY ROAN
GRATEFUL!”
On April 26th, the Caring Team officially turned THREE! In that time, we have paid out $282,645.27 by funding 175 needs, causes and activities. This is all made possible by our employees who believe in the mission and have joined with us as we “Show the Love of Jesus through Caring.” It is our goal that caring for one another becomes as ingrained into our culture as a company as anything else. All of our lives we have heard, “it’s better to give than to receive” – as cliché as it might sound, it is so true! Here’s a few thoughts from our caring leaders, past and present, and what they have to say about serving on the Caring Team:
TOM GRAHAM INDUSTRIAL
MONICA JOHNSON HOME OFFICE
“First it was a honor to be chosen for the team, just knowing your peers see you as a giving person. You also feel good inside and kind of warms your heart knowing you can help someone in need and have the resources available to do so. I was impressed with the entire teams devotion for every request. Finally, all praises go to our lord and savior who gave us this opportunity to serve.”
4
4 4
RICK NORVILLE CONTRACTING
ALLISON RAGLAND CONSTRUCTION
“Time and again it’s been like this: The second you tell someone help is on the way, you get to feel their sense of relief. For a moment you stand in their shoes and understand how important it is for them to have somewhere to turn when they didn’t know what to do. It also raises the question: How many more are out there just like them?"
"Serving on the caring team was such a unique experience to have at the workplace. I never imagined a company would gather a group of people together in order to help their peers. It was rewarding in many ways and it was a joy to see the hearts of my coworkers reaching out to their crew members with a helping hand."
“I feel that God has placed me here and I consider it an honor. It says in the Bible that showing love to a neighbor fulfills the law. What a great way to show love to those who need help.”
DANNY DAVIS INDUSTRIAL The Caring Team is a peer-led group that works to make a in the lives of our co-workers and communities. You have donate a few dollars per week. The company matches your dollar to fund needs that make a positive impact in the Are you ready to make a difference?
positive difference the opportunity to donation dollar for lives around us.
Print Name
YES! I WOULD LIKE TO DONATE TO THE CARING FUND
Signature
I would like to commit $5/Week I would like to commit to $_____/Week
Employee #
4
Date
4 5
ISSUE Q320
rt obe s R nd ue Val es a Jam t Core ner in gh Wri rd W a ke w A Bur
d Lin
sey
2021 JAMES AND ROBERT WRIGHT CORE VALUES AWARD Our Core Values Award this was presented, posthumously, to Wright Brothers Safety Manager Lindsey Burke. He started here in the mid 90’s, working in the shop as the “parts man”. He had a gift for finding things that were not easily located. A past recipient of the Excellence Coin, his great people skills served him well. Beginning with the Wacker Project, Lindsey became an integral member of our safety and training staff. While his exterior seemed gruff, it disguised his truly compassionate nature. A founding member of the Caring Team, Lindsey's generous nature shone there. He truly represented the core values of this company so well, loving his neighbor as himself, and living our stated values of integrity, urgency, selflessness, and hard work. He passed away suddenly on Veteran's Day 2020, and our Organization still feels different without him.
6
Large Project of the Year
Construction DESIGN BUILD US 64 The completed US 64 Asheboro Bypass is a 14.4-mile four-lane, median-divided highway beginning on US 64 west of Asheboro. The project includes six interchanges, 24 bridges and box culverts, and 8 million cubic yards of earth and rock excavation.
Congratulations to: Michael Prince Turner Touchstone Chris Pugh Todd Gavitt Jose Tapia Jonathan Smith Paul Luker
Robby Newby Shaun Ryder Victor Corona Josh Mason TJ Cooper Rocky Hunter
7
JOB #01-0442 ASHEBORO, NC
Small Project of the Year
PHASE A-4 NEW CELL CONSTRUCTION Phase A-4 was a landfill cell and infrastructure construction project for Republic Services in Fort Payne, Alabama. The project consisted of pond muck out, storm water diversion berms, excavation and structural fill, clay liner installation, geosynthetic liner, storm water ditches, haul road construction and revegetation. Cell construction included: 60,000 CY of excavation, 8.5 acres of geogrid, 12,000 CY of clay liner, 8.5 acres of geomembrane liner and geocomposite. River Gravel was utilized for the operational cover layer along with pipe/rock corridors for drainage. The Owner chose to take advantage of our on-site crew to add a 9 AC capping project of the existing landfill to the scope. This increased the value of the original project by $1.2M. The scope of work included waste relocation, subgrade prep, clay liner install, and 4900LF of leachate/landfill gas collection trench with HDPE piping. Unique strategies were employed to mitigate the site’s unusual storm water issues.
8
JOB #02-0290 DEKALB COUNTY, AL
Congratulations to: Rick Norville Rafe Woodall Kevin Nye Matt Munn
Special Project of the Year
CITY OF CHATTANOOGA COMBINE SEWER PHASE I The Citico Creek Combined Storm and Sanitary Separation Project consisted of the installation of 465 LF of 84” RCP, 490 LF of 36” Hobas Pipe, four sewer manholes, three storm manholes, and a 14-foot headwall. The installation of this work was installed at depths ranging from 15 feet deep to 55 feet.
JOB #01-0548 HAMILTON COUNTY, TN
Congratulations to: Brian Charlesworth Cody Jett John Romines Dakota Clayton Mark Jenkins Matthew Lynam Noe Calchado Forrest Catron Mike Gregory Josh McNeely
Wright Brothers encountered approximately 1,500 CY of rock that was not identified in the contract documents. Since this project was located near a new apartment complex and TN American water, we hired Kesco to preform a controlled blast with low vibrations to minimize disturbance to any existing structures. Once this rock was blasted, production rates doubled.
9
Bold "V"
Values
The Letter "V' is a familiar component of the 'W'
VEST is not truly an acronym, but our
that is already a standard in the Wright Brothers
visual does use an acrostic statement as
branding that has lasted for 60 years. The letter
a reminder of how we intend to
'V' is also formed at the top of a safety vest, when
implement our initiative. The 'V' is
it is worn closed.
Safety Culture Initiative We believe in NO ambiguity. VEST is an employee-led safety culture enterprise.
The Cross
through our core values, integrity, urgency, selflessness and hard work, all
Equality The Steering Committee cannot implement any initiative without equality. This is a ground-up enterprise and must
est
safety culture initiative
reflections of our faith in Christ.
VALUES • EQUALITY• SOLUTIONS • TOGETHER
The use of lower case Futura font is no accident. The last letter of VEST is lower case "t." In Futura, this evokes the image of the cross, a symbol of the Crucifixion of our Lord Jesus Christ and His Resurrection. It therefore reminds us that safety culture is part of our ministry and responsibility to our fellow man.
be approached with an egalitarian spirit in order to succeed.
EST. Solutions Real change involves real ideas that are
Together
implemented, the mission of each
As a company, we are a family, and
Continuous Improvement Team. To evaluate
families strive to keep one another
and assist this implementation is the
safe. It is our mission to commit to
mission of the Safety Steering Team.
a safety culture and to do it united.
Together, we find solutions.
A small reminder that our Safety Steering Committee and first Continuous Improvement Team were established in 2021, the year of Wright Brothers' 60 Year Anniversary.
INTRODUCING VEST If it looks familiar, it should. The "V" that makes the first letter of VEST was created from our own Wright Brothers "W." The colors are also the same. The name, VEST, reflects safety culture, in that a safety vest is the one of the first items of safety gear that is put on, and the last to be taken off at the end of the work day. It is used by all of the Wright Brothers subsidiaries.
When our Safety Culture journey began, it was branded with the CATERPILLAR name. It was one we all recognized and knew instantly and one we felt we could easily climb on board. We took the surveys and discovered what our own Safety Culture should look like. Now that we know, it's time to give it our own brand and that's how VEST was born.
The Safety Steering Team (SST), and the Continuous Improvement (CI) Teams they put into place will use this logo on all of their communications going forward. When you see a VEST communication, you will know it is part of our Wright Brothers Safety Culture Initiative.
10
est
safety culture initiative
VALUES • EQUALITY• SOLUTIONS • TOGETHER
The Safety Steering Team (SST) will guide our continuous improvement journey held its first training and strategic planning session March 9-10, 2021. Facilitated by Seth Bretscher, CATERPILLAR Safety Services consultant, the event prepared the team to set goals and expectations for our safety culture improvement efforts. The VEST Safety Steering Team is the driving force which will communicate and inspire our safety culture through simple yet effective actions/initiatives. Their mission is to engage all employees and future generations so “safety first” is an everyday, all-day habit.
8
Together, they reviewed the results from the Safety Perception Survey you provided earlier this year, using the data to determine which areas of opportunity our employee-led continuous improvement teams will address this year. The first Continuous Improvement Team members (see next article) were chosen to work on a pre-determined topic, this time the weekly safety meeting. The VEST SST wants to remind everyone that this process of improvement continues on, and after this excellent CI Team completes its mission, we will be seeking volunteers and their very valuable input.
MIKE MORNINGSTAR INDUSTRIAL
COURTNEY WRIGHT VICTOR BARERRA CONSTRUCTION • MIDDLE TN CONSTRUCTION • AL
RICK NORVILLE CONTRACTING
BRIAN CHARLESWORTH CONSTRUCTION • EAST TN
LANE MORRISON CONSTRUCTION • NC
HERIBERTO REYES CONSTRUCTION • GA
DAKOTA CLAYTON CONSTRUCTION • TN
RACHEL OAKES CONTRACTING
JEFF DENT SHOP
JOELLE CAVITT CORPORATE
RICARDO DIAZ SAFETY
7
7
7
DYLAN BLACKWELL INDUSTRIAL
11
7
AS A FIRST STEP TO IMPROVE OUR SAFETY CULTURE, THE VEST SST FORMED AN EMPLOYEE-LED CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT TEAM TO ADDRESS AN AREA WHERE IMPROVEMENT IS NEEDED: THE WEEKLY SAFETY MEETING., S On May 4 - 7, the first VEST Continuous Improvement Team, (From Left to Right): Jeff Mailahn, Cody Jett, Joseph Hanna, Joey Stubbs, Parker Woods, Anthony Weaver, Tommy Studdard, Shane Maguire had their first meeting at home office. During the week they learned what it takes to create a successful and sustainable safety culture. They applied those principles to develop improvements in our Weekly Safety Meeting to elevate the overall culture of the workplace. They developed the following purpose statement to define our goal: The purpose of our CI Team is to improve the Weekly Safety Meeting by engaging crews with site specific topics and recognition of safe work practices. The goal is to communicate the importance of safety to our crews on and off the job site to elevate a safety culture legacy at Wright Brothers.
Opportunities to Improve the Weekly Safety Meeting: Moving from a “signature based” to a “safety focused” meeting. Have Toolbox topics each week that are relevant to the crew. Once a month, your crew will determine and lead your safety topic. Remove repetition from the safety meeting topics.
The CI Team will pilot their new process from June 7 -8 to determine effectiveness and get feedback on how to improve prior to full implementation. The new Safety Meeting should go into effect company-wide in July. Questions or suggestions? Contact a CI or SSTeam member and consider volunteering for the next CI Team.
est
safety culture initiative
VALUES • EQUALITY• SOLUTIONS • TOGETHER
12
GOING BEYOND CONSTRUCTION SKILLS, WRIGHT BROTHERS PARTNERS IN INDUSTRY AND EDUCATION PROGRAM IS INTENSE AND FAST PACED – FOCUSING ON CONSISTENCY, SAFETY, LEADERSHIP, AND THE VALUE OF HARD WORK Wright Brothers and Bradley County Schools have just completed the first semester of partnership for the Bradley County PIE Center. “PIE” stands for “Partnership in Industry and Education,” a work-based learning program introduces high school seniors to the construction industry. Directed by Scott Elam, the program gives students the opportunity to explore the possibility of a career in construction, while developing soft skills needed for character and leadership.
The program also allowed them to give back to their community. The entire group was involved in helping families this Easter. Partnering with county schools and Jordan’s BBQ, over 600 meals were distributed as 100 families received six meals each. Giving back is a huge emphasis for the program. Five participants graduated from the program: Dyllan Jenkins (Walker Valley), Preston Lawson (Bradley), Ethan Cavanaugh (Walker Valley), Trey Green (Walker Valley), and Ethan Brooks (Bradley). While Ethan Brooks is still making decisions on his future, Dyllan Jenkins and Trey Green are working at Apison Pike with Mark Jenkins. Dyllan is loading trucks on the hill, and Trey is running a 740 down near McKee. Preston Lawson is working at the emergency site in Alabama with Elvin Calvo. Before even graduating from Bradley, Preston was running a waste pit on a dozer for Elvin. Ethan Cavanaugh is working off Mouse Creek road with Keith King.
Their learning focus included: heavy emphasis on safety, welding and fabrication, industrial scaffolding, operating equipment (articulated truck, dozer, excavator, RT crane), picking and rigging, survey and structures, introduction to estimating and plan reading, and more. Other states are looking at PIE as a model for raising up the next generation of the American workforce… and it’s just getting started. This August will begin a new semester with another group of seniors that are ready to learn. Keep up with PIE on Wright Brothers Facebook/Instagram
13
WRIGHT BROTHERS OWN IN-HOUSE TRAINING PROGRAM IS LOOKING FOR NEW STUDENTS. ARE YOU UP FOR THE CHALLENGE? BY CHRIS CALANDRINO I wake up every day excited to work for such a great company knowing that I can make a difference by leading with the core values. I'm also convinced that no matter how long you've been doing this, you can learn something new every day, whether its task specific, a new state regulation or even a little “about yourself”. Training and Development identifies training needs and provides resources and support for individual and team development across all jobsites. To ensure we have a clear vision when creating material and classes, we use a blended learning approach in both competencies.
The next Wright Brothers University will be held starting on June 22. You would be surprised at what you might learn! Contact ccalandrino@wbcci.com to save your spot.
14
Functional (Technical Skills) Relates to functions, processes or practices required for successful accomplishment of a specific job or task.
1. Plan reading 2. Equipment operations 3. Estimating 4. Safety awareness
Behavioral (Soft Skills) Relates to essential social skills required to work in successful team/business environments.
1. Teamwork and collaboration 2. Communication skills 3. Problem solving 4. Emotional intelligence 5. Active Listening
Treating our work trucks like any other piece of equipment operating on site ensures safety on the jobsite
AVOIDING COMPLACENCY AROUND THE WORK TRUCK Drivers: White Chevy work trucks are an essential part of our business. But have you ever stopped to think how dangerous our interactions could be when you're careless around them?
Workers on Foot: Before approaching any truck check to see if the vehicle is occupied. If occupied get the operator’s attention, make eye contact, and clearly communicate your intentions. Do not approach until the truck is stopped. Avoid climbing into the bed of the work truck. Organize the toolbox so that frequently needed items are near the sides within reach while standing beside the vehicle. If you must enter the truck bed, make sure the truck is in Park, Engine is off, and the Brake is set especially if on a slope. Let the driver know when you have cleared the area.
15
Always be aware of Crew Members around the vehicle. Communicate with workers on foot so they know your intentions and you know theirs. Avoid backing up. Park your vehicle so that the First Move is Forward as you pull out. Always check your mirrors before moving to verify no one is on or close to the vehicle. If you are not sure park the vehicle and conduct a 360 degree walk around to verify. Keep clear communication and constant situational awareness. They are keys to maintaining a a safe operation.
CHAPLAIN'S CORNER CORNER CHAPLAIN'S CHAPLAIN DONNIE JENKINS Have you wondered why things happen the After completing my training four months after initially being approached, Romans 8:28 took on a new perspective in my life. I began to see the experiences I had prior to coming into chaplaincy had actually been preparing me for this new chapter. It felt as those God had invited me to step behind the scenes of my life and say, ‘See, all those times when life didn’t make sense, I was working - you just couldn’t see it. I have been with you, just as I promised.’
way they do? Three years ago, I was approached about the possibility of working for a company known as Corporate Chaplains of America. My only affiliation with this company had been in seminary while working at Chick-fil-a in Wake Forest, North Carolina. When a pastor friend approached me about the possibility, I shared in return that I would pray to see what the Lord might say. As I was praying for discernment, I went to
CHAPLAIN DONNIE 1-877-322-2427 EXT 5016 DJENKINS@CHAPLAIN.ORG
the CCA’s website to inquire about the qualifications for a chaplain with this organization each criterion.
"WE KNOW THAT ALL THINGS WORK TOGETHER FOR THE GOOD OF THOSE WHO LOVE GOD, WHO ARE CALLED ACCORDING TO HIS PURPOSE." ROMANS 8:28
S E N D Y O U R C V A N D P O R T F O L I1O 6 S TO CAREERS@JENKINS.COM
WBC NEWSLETTER
15
PICNIC SEPTEMBER 25 FUN & FESTIVITIES START AT 11 AM ON THE FRONT LAWN OF HOME OFFICE 1500 LAUDERDALE MEMORIAL HWY CHARLESTON, TN 37310
WBC NEWSLETTER
ISSUE Q121
SEND YOUR CV AND PORTFOLIOS TO CAREERS@JENKINS.COM 15
WBCCI.COM
Wright Brothers is an ever-evolving Christian owned business steeped in the traditional core values of integrity, urgency, selflessness and hard work. As such, we hold ourselves accountable in implementing these principles and leading by example.
