& CONSTRUCTION PROFESSIONALS
BUILDINGTOGETHER
BECOMING AN EXPERT IN THE INDUSTRY A team of us recently went on a trip to Charleston, South Carolina to meet with a book publishing firm. We traveled there to do research on whether or not it might be advantageous for us to write a book on the inner workings of EV. We spent the entire day talking with writers, staff, marketing/PR people, etc. discussing what the book might look like and how it might be used. I ultimately wanted to know whether we had a story worthy of documenting that would be of interest to people! They offered a resounding, “Yes, you definitely have a great story to tell that would benefit many…” They also shared a book can make you the expert in your field and being considered an expert brings credibility, trust, respect and access that 99% of the contractors will never have. Lightbulb Moment: Ahhh; It’s not about book sales, it’s about market positioning! We first heard of the phrase “authority marketing” while meeting with them. What this publisher suggested was that if a person or company can be looked at as an “authority” in any particular subject matter (through a book), their credibility goes up significantly and as a result there’s an improved ability to stand out from the competition and thus be a preferred resource. We see having a published book as an additional, unique feature that will set us apart from the competition. When asked at the final moments of an interview “Why should EV be hired over the competition?” We will have a 200 page, hardcover, published response! Bam… Sale made!
Why Safety Matters Thank you to all who attended our 10 year celebration on June 14! During the event children hung up their safety artwork. View all of the entries from the 10 Year "No-Lost-Time-Injury" Celebration on our Facebook page!
June 2017
Many people want to publish a book out of ego or a desire to be rich. Publishers will tell you that few people ever make significant money on book sales (JK Rowling being the exception). Similar to the EV history book we released in May, we plan to give away these books to everyone that might have an interest in it. Again, a book can set a company apart and create an aura of authority and expertise that others don’t have. In reflecting on our own market, none of our competitors ever considered writing a book because what they do is not unique or special enough to be of interest to others! We are very proud of what we created here at Elzinga & Volkers. The publisher was very impressed by just a few of the Unmistakably EV stories we shared. Many leaders of other organizations continue to be intrigued and want to know more; in fact, a couple of us are regularly called upon to do public speaking to large groups regionally/nationally (and even in Canada) to tell the story of how this small contractor in West Michigan has grown to be a leading edge company. Documenting “Unmistakably EV” in a way that will inspire others seems to be the right thing to do. It’s our social conscience that drives us to help others; it’s part of the EV DNA! Who knows, we may be out there some day as consultants for other contractors (not our competitors of course) teaching them how to build an award worthy, successful company with our inspirational business model.
Mike Novakoski President/CEO
Wedding Bells! WELCOME TO THE E&V FAMILY! Let’s give it up for our excellent newcomers and welcome them to the E&V Family!
Rachel Austin
Director of Strategic Initiatives
Melissa Tolsma Project Coordinator
Scott Scherer
Cory Loomans
Interiors
Senior Estimator
Joel Cartwright Interiors
Warehouse Renovations
Matt Wintjes
Assistant Project Manager
Our Little Fighter– "No Fear Nolan"
Top: Bathroom
As of June 7, Nolan no longer has his broviac. For the first time in his life, he's able to get wet - take a bath, and enjoy the summer in pools and lakes! Tara has also returned and we're happy to have her back at the office!
Bottom: Breakroom The warehouse bathroom and breakroom received a much needed make over! This was phase one of our summer renovations at the Holland office. The bathroom now includes updated fixtures, flooring and aesthetics. The breakroom received new mailboxes, kitchen area, flooring, lighting and more. Next time you're around, take a peak! All work was done by our amazing team members. BUILDINGTOGETHER | June 2017
Please continue to keep the Brouwer family in your prayers. For more updates, visit Nolan's FB page: Nolan-"No Fear Nolan"
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WHAT WE’RE BUILDING RECENTLY AWARDED
Coldwater Board of Public Utilities Med Express - Grand Rapids, MI - Coldwater, MI Build-Out Exterior Improvements Fast Stats
»» 8,000-SF interior build-out that includes offices, conference rooms, 24-hour call center, server room with UPS and generator back-up power. »» The value of the project is $900,000 and construction is expected to kick off in August. »» After occupancy, the call center will be able to operate 24/7 to handle calls from Coldwater and near by cities. »» Project Manager: Curt Hielke »» Field Manager: EJ Calloway
GETTING STARTED
Western Theological Seminary - Holland, MI Renovation and Expansion Fast Stats
»» With over 27,000-SF worth of renovation and 25,000-SF of expansion work, WTS will be one of our largest projects this summer. »» The current library will be used temporarily to house seminary functions. It will be demolished next year upon completion of the new construction. »» The project is valued at $13 million and is expected to be complete in late 2018. »» Project Manager: Brett Lesiewicz »» Assistant Project Manager: Max Schmidt »» Field Manager: Ryan Geurink »» Assistant Field Manager: Christian Skinner
UNDERWAY
ITC - Hudsonville, MI Renovation Fast Stats
»» ITC is moving their headquarters from Holland to Hudsonville where we are renovating their new building. »» The value of the project is $1.2 million. »» This 16,000-SF renovation project is design-build with Dixon Architecture. »» Completion is scheduled for mid-July. »» Project Manager: Maria Nykerk »» Field Manager: Tom Puffpaff
WRAPPING UP
Holland Hospital OR - Holland, MI Renovation Fast Stats »» The project is located in the "core" of the hospital and broken into two large phases. »» The team faced some challenges with night work and a high-activity, sterile environment. »» OR 1 was handed-off early May and total project completion is anticipated at the end of July. »» Senior Project Manager: Mike Parker »» Project Manager: Jared Andersen »» Field Manager: Nate Stuart »» Field Engineer: Chris Workman
BUILDINGTOGETHER | June 2017
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HALL PASS
E&V employees are enjoying time off with their kids at school related functions!
Blood Drive Please invite family and friends!
Michigan Blood Bus will be at E&V July 12, 2017 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Fastest Donor (all eligible) Drawing for E&V Donor Drawing of Non-E&V Donor
Contact Kristen: kristenh@elzinga-volkers.com We have 30 appointment slots and our goal is to fill them all!
Reminder! Carey Potratz joins his daughter and her Girl Scout Troop during a trip to John Ball Zoo!
Saturday, July 15
Client Lunch Friday, July 28 Mike Seiferlein and his daughter Sydney enjoyed their time at the Outdoor Discovery Center!
Congratulations!
June is Men's Health Month It is estimated that 6 million men in America deal with depression, and one in three men meet the criteria for the mental health condition. While depression is often characterized as sadness and melancholy, many men experience depression as a rise in negative emotions, increased anger, frustration, irritability, and excessive fatigue and exhaustion, or losing interest in work, family and daily activities. When these feelings persist over time, seeking help should never be seen as a weakness. • Talk about it. • Avoid drugs and alcohol. • Prioritize self-care.
Caleb John
Joe Novakoski and his wife, Jennifer, welcomed baby boy, Caleb John on June 5. He was 8lbs 4oz and 21.75 inches long. BUILDINGTOGETHER | June 2017 2016
Mental health is just as important as physical health and fitness, and treatment for depression can help save lives. Reach out to your Employee Assistance Program for professional and personalized support for depression or any emotional health concern. PagePage 2 4