They say when you do a job well you may be tasked with more – and more complex – work. This turned out to be true for P1, and the mechanical teams working at Garmin in Olathe, KS, were up to the challenge.
While the Building 3 renovation project was most recently in the spotlight, earning P1 the Outstanding Mechanical Installation (OMI) award from MCAKC, the history of P1’s work at Garmin began nearly a decade ago.
“It all started in 2016, with the construction of Building 5, a new warehouse and manufacturing facility,” Senior Project Manager Jason Quattlebaum said.
That project also earned P1 the OMI award in 2019, following its completion in 2018.
“It was this project that ultimately opened P1 up to Garmin’s full campus, giving us the opportunity to perform work in all of Garmin’s main campus buildings,” Jason added.
To date, P1 has performed – or is performing - a total of 86 different projects totaling nearly $57M dollars, with new projects rolling in regularly.
Of note is the overall consistency in field staff throughout many of the projects.
“The field team has been pretty consistent, utilizing the same foremen on nearly every project. Some of the smaller projects may have had a different foreman, but for most, it’s been the same field leaders,” Jason said.
Sheet Metal Foreman Steve Turner says the field team’s seamless work has been a benefit to all the Garmin projects.
“When we restart all the teams, from the office to the field staff, everyone has been ready. We all had a plan and everyone did their part,” he said.
“I could not ask for a better field team. I’m proud of the way Plumbing Foreman John Ogden, Pipefitter Foreman Marcus Connor and I have worked together on the Garmin campus for all these projects.”
Photos from a 2018 tour through Building 5, still in progress at that time.
“I
could not ask for a better fIeld team. I’m proud of the way Plumbing Foreman John Ogden, PipeFitter Foreman Marcus Connor and I have worked together on the Garmin campus for all these projects.”
-Steve Turner, Sheet Metal Foreman
An Innovative Approach to
use of space
P1 Teams Work Seamlessly to Execute Garmin Building 3 Renovation
Building 3 took an employee-centric approach, with many amenities.
Jason describes the challenging Building 3 project as “essentially building a building inside of a building”.
The project began in 2019, on the heels of Building 5 completion, but was placed on hold due to the pandemic in 2020.
“Once the project resumed, we found it difficult to get the same personnel - who had all of the previous knowledge - back onsite as if we never missed a step,” Jason said.
But P1 did get the original staff back, resuming the project as needed.
“We originally built Building 5, which became Garmin’s new warehouse and manufacturing facility and once that was completed, the existing warehouse, which was in Building 3, and manufacturing space, which was in Building 1, was relocated to Building 5,” Jason said.
This cleared out Building 3, allowing Garmin to create more much-needed office space.
However, Building 3’s open warehouse design and 40’ ceilings didn’t lend itself to offices, so the plan was to build three floors within the structural constraints of the existing building…basically creating a building inside of an existing building.
The pandemic could have wreaked havoc with obtaining and setting equipment, but thanks to the proactive efforts of the team, the equipment was ordered in advance.
“We elected to get all equipment ordered ahead of time to avoid delays in the project but also to allow us the opportunity to get into areas as soon as possible knowing that the building was already dried in, and we didn’t have the normal concerns of water infiltration that occurs on most standard projects,” Jason said.
Pipefitter Foreman Marcus Connor says this alleviated a great deal of stress.
“Any time equipment was moved and set was a great feeling,” he said. “Many hours went into planning each specific item to alleviate any issues.”
As a result, P1 had the three chillers delivered to the jobsite in October of 2020, where they were staged in the hallway until the mechanical room was available for the equipment to be set. (continued on page 5)
Photos courtesy of Garmin
The completed Building 3 is impressive, providing Garmin associates with a state-of-the-art fitness center, multipurpose gymnasium, full-service cafeteria, and 488,000 sq. ft. of office space and engineering facilities.
To make these spaces comfortable and functional for Garmin employees, P1 Construction installed the following equipment and systems:
(19) air handling units
(11) energy recovery units
(2) electric humidifiers
(3) 5,000 MBH boilers
(3) 600-ton mag chillers
(3) roof mounted cooling towers with a 6,000 gallon sump storage tank within the mechanical room
(10) CRAC units
(2) process air compressors with drier and storage tank
(11) ductless split systems
(16) fan coil units
(546) hot water VAV/FPVAV boxes throughout the entire facility
Simultaneously, the P1 fabrication shop was building all of the chilled water and condenser water piping and pump skids, so the team could transition directly into the piping install when ready.
“We took possession of the chilled water and heating water mechanical rooms in late January and since all equipment had been previously released and all piping fabricated, it only took about three months to complete and start up each mechanical room and begin providing heating and chilled water to the facility ahead of schedule,” Jason said.
At the end of the day, communication and seamless work between all P1 single-source trades made the project a success, starting with P1’s Virtual Design & Construction (VDC)detailers, who helped set the pace.
“Since the VDC team was on schedule, the shop fabrication staff was able to meet deadlines,” Jason said.
“It allowed our field staff to get all of the hangers installed, piping & duct installed, testing completed, insulation installed and systems labeled before the first wall stud hit the floor. This led to smaller, more efficient field crews that were able to install an area at a time without obstacles that might have negatively impacted productivity.”
Jason says that because of VDC’s diligence and constant push for sign-off, essentially leading the BIM process for the entire project, P1 was able to perform installations on the HVAC piping, plumbing, and sheet metal scopes equally well.
work Award-winning
2019 Award, from Left: David Mallicoat, Garmin; John Ogden, P1; Kelly Rauckman, Garmin; Jason Quattlebaum, P1
P1 was awarded not one but two “Outstanding Mechanical Installation” (OMI) awards from the Mechanical Contractors Association of Kansas City (MCAKC).
The first award came in 2019, for the construction of Garmin’s new warehouse, also known as “Building 5”. The award was in the “Plumbing over $2 Million” category.
A Wilkerson crane, one of the largest for moving massive equipment, recently removed and replaced the air handling unit on Building 1. The unit removed was the original unit, installed when the building was built around 1995. Building 1 is currently under construction with Phase 1 complete and turned over to Garmin, and Phase 2 scheduled for completion by the end of 2024.
Steve agreed. “The VDC and office staff where able to keep ahead of install, allowing us to install a good portion of the duct ahead of walls, which was huge,” he said.
Marcus noted how good communication kept it all moving.
“Meetings with detailers were extremely helpful in coordination of piping prior to fabrication,” Marcus said. “We had good communication with all trades about needed time to complete phases, the fab shop on delivery arrival dates and lifting needs, and an in-depth schedule.”
“This led to the greatest victories, completing the job on-time and with-profit.” (continued, page 6)
Jason said the siphonic roof drainage set the project apart.
“What set this project apart was the utilization of a siphonic roof drainage system in lieu of the standard gravity drainage system. The siphonic system is a fully engineered system that utilizes suction (or vacuum) in the system to essentially pull water from the roof,” Jason said.
P1 fabricated the entire roof drainage system, mains and overflows, prior to installation, to help maintain strict dimensional tolerances in the field. It totaled more than 10,000 linear feet.
P1 was recognized again this year (2024) with the OMI award in the “HVAC Piping over $5 Million” category for Building 3, the merits of which are highlighted in this article.
“It’s quite an honor,” noted P1 Construction President Kollin Knox.
“The OMI awards recognize the very best mechanical projects in Kansas City, honoring and promoting innovation and quality workmanship in the mechanical trade.”
2024 Award, from Left: Kollin Knox, P1; Marcus connor, P1; jason quattlebaum, P1
“This was a large, complex design build process. We developed many S.O.P.s and best practices from the lessons learned.”
- Nate Littlejohn, Senior Sheet Metal VDC Specialist
Keeping It on track
P1’s Virtual Design and Construction experts were praised for their ability to put, and keep, project schedules on track during multiple Garmin projects.
Piping VDC Specialist Brandon Ruud notes that, like most projects today, communication is critical.
“We make every effort to stay in touch weekly, if not daily, with the field foremen, PMs, and detailers from other companies,” he said.
“The biggest challenge with existing buildings is making sure the model is correct compared to reality. A lot of time goes into field verifying all the existing trades and structures during the coordination process,” he added.
“If anything is off or out of place, it will typically lead to writing multiple RFI’s that can possibly change design and delay the schedule.”
Brandon also praised the field for their adaptability.
“The field did an excellent job of executing these installations and adjusting to all the changes that naturally take place during a project of this magnitude.”
Senior Sheet Metal VDC Specialist Nate Littlejohn says the project provided valuable best practices that can be carried into future jobs.
“This was a large and complex design build process. We developed a lot of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and best practices from the lessons learned on this job, especially for sheet metal, Nate said.
“Most important was working closely with the project manager to create a good system that allowed us to track and log all of the change orders and architect supplemental instruction (ASI) work so we were able to capture that cost.”
Pictured, from top: Building 3 F penthouse; mechanical room (looking down); mechanical room (looking south west)
“The biggest challenge with existing buildings is making sure the model is correct compared to reality. A lot of time goes into Field verifying all the existing trades and structures during the coordination process.”
- Brandon Ruud, Piping VDC Specialist
Quality, Convenience, and Expertise in One:
P1 Service Markets Single-Source Capabilities to Growing Midwest Ethanol Market
P1 Service is on a mission to make service and maintenance a much easier “one stop” experience for ethanol customers in the Midwest.
The P1 office in Ankeny, IA, officially opened in 2023 with the purpose of expanding outreach to ethanol plants in the region, a market P1 had been working to cultivate for many years.
One way P1 is reaching these customers is through the Fuel Ethanol Workshop Expo (FEW), and the Today’s Ethanol Advanced Maintenance (Team M3) maintenance managers meeting and conference.
2024 marked 40 years for the FEW Conference, which took place in Minneapolis , MN. The Team M3 conference has been around for more than 17 years, and takes place in Iowa.
Ethanol production is a complex process involving various stages. It is produced from crops, especially corn, with a high sugar content that is fermented into alcohol. Ethanol plants are often located where corn is grown, so much of the United States' fuel ethanol is produced in the Midwest, with numerous plants in Iowa, Minnesota, South Dakota, and Nebraska.
“Both of these conferences are very valuable to P1,” General Manager of Service Todd Andrews said. “Each year, we send experts from the P1 Ankeny and Wichita offices to attend, since these branches are major players in the world of ethanol plants.”
The FEW conference is a gathering of ethanol companies and service providers, with around 2,300+ attendees and over 300 exhibitors annually. They are designed for producers, and provide valuable opportunities to stay informed about - and connected with - the ethanol industry.
Team M3 provides a more intimate networking opportunity with maintenance personnel in the ethanol industry.
Service Technician Garrett Whited notes the networking at this conference is excellent for P1.
“At Team M3, P1 can engage in one-on-one conversations with maintenance managers of ethanol plants to better understand their challenges,” Garrett said. “P1 can offer best practice tips and showcase our single-source services, which is a big sell with a lot of customers who don’t realize the depth capabilities and expertise P1 offers.”
Garrett notes that participation in the FEW and Team M3 conferences allows P1 to highlight that we are a "one-stop shop" for these facilities.
“Rather than hiring multiple companies for different services, plants can rely on P1 Service for a comprehensive range of capabilities under one roof,” Garrett added.
Pictured, opposite page: Service Technician Garrett Whited (left) and Electrical Testing & Maintenance Project Manager Wade Buck at the 2024 FEW Conference; pictured, left: Garrett Whited and Iowa Division Manager Cory Lister at the Team M3 Conference
“We’re finding the customers we meet with are very interested in having the convenience of using one company for their various service needs, rather than managing multiple companies.”
P1 Service is an optimal partner for these plants, since chillers and boilers are critical components.
“Chillers and boilers are crucial for maintaining optimal efficiency as temperature control is vital to the production process,” Garrett explained.
“P1 Service provides expertise in boiler and chiller services to help with startup, repair, and preventative maintenance, among other needs.”
But P1’s ability to serve these customers extends beyond chillers and boilers.
The experts in P1’s Electrical Testing and Maintenance division can also play a major role, addressing issues with large breakers commonly found in ethanol plants.
According to Electrical Testing & Maintenance Project Manager Wade Buck “Customers facing breaker problems can send the breaker to P1 for rebuilding, saving the immense expense of total replacement.”
P1 service also offers millwright, HVAC, and electrical services to these plants, along with the vast resources at P1 technicians’ disposal.
“We’re finding the customers we meet with are very interested in having the convenience of using one company for their various service needs, rather than managing multiple companies,” Garrett said.
We look forward to seeing continual business growth for P1 Service in the ethanol industry.
“These conferences are very valuable to P1. We send experts from the P1 Ankeny and Wichita offices to attend, since these branches are major players in the world of ethanol plants.”
-General Manager of Service Todd Andrews
-Service Technician Garrett Whited
How I spent my SUMMER
@P1
What is the most valuable piece of knowledge you will take away from this internship?
Jorban Risco, a local HVAC equipment supplier, gave the interns a tour of their warehouse, outlining the benefits of working with a valued strategic partner.
“The most valuable thing I learned was in project estimation and time management. These skills are crucial for efficiently planning and executing projects, and I feel significantly more confident in applying them moving forward.” -Mauricio Cubero
Griffin Souder
What surprised you most about P1?
“The thing that surprised me about P1 was how easy it was to work with everyone I met at P1. It has made it easier on my end to learn everything from all the people I’ve been able to work with.” -Griffin Souder
Mauricio Cubero
What is the most valuable piece of knowledge you will take away from this internship?
“Eric Affolter encouraged all of us to brainstorm ‘lessons learned’; by doing this and hearing other project managers share their thoughts, I realized I should continually think about lessons that could be learned.” - Parker Jenkins
What surprised you most about P1?
“The thing that surprised me most about P1 was the broad scope of work P1 does. This summer I have helped work on something as simple as an RTU replacement, and as complicated as replacing an entire central plant in a building. I also got to work on fireproofing a dust collector.” -Brody Hansen
SPX MIDWEST MACHINERY TOUR
The interns were shown the process of building cooling towers from design to finished product, while learning all about heat rejection. They also toured the research and development center in the limestone caves of Kansas City, seeing all that goes into developing the most efficient systems.
Brody Hansen
Parker Jenkins
Would you recommend P1 to other potential interns?
“I would recommend P1 to other interns because P1 offers an opportunity to see a lot if different parts of the contracting industry, from the bidding and vendors all the way to the on-site work.” -Brandon Clancy
FAB SHOP TOUR
The interns were shown the processes and value of prefabrication for piping, plumbing, electrical, sheet metal, and millwright, all while getting some hands-on experience.
“I am always surprised by how willing individuals are to take time away from their day to mentor and answer any questions at any time. It truly sets the culture at P1 apart, creating a great environment for learning.” -Parker Jenkins
VAN METER INC.
What is the most valuable piece of knowledge you will take away from this internship?
“Focus on every little detail and don’t miss an opportunity to learn by asking questions.” -Brooks Scheelk
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
Brooks Scheelk
The interns were able to tour the facility, gaining valuable insight into electrical installation along with new products and procedures that increase productivity and safety.
The interns learned firsthand about giving back to the communities in which we live and work. They spent a day with Habitat for Humanity, assisting with the building of two homes in Kansas City, KS.
NEW FACES/ANNOUNCEMENTS
Please join us in welcoming our newest P1 associates. KEY: (C) = P1 Construction, (S) = P1 Service
New Hires
Oh Baby!
Congratulations to Electrical Preconstruction Manager Bryan Bahr and family on their new family member. Emory Jensen Bahr arrived on July 16 at 7 lbs, 9 oz, and 20”. Mom and baby are doing great.
SAFE TOOL USAGE
USE THE RIGHT TOOL FOR THE JOB
Don’t “make do” with what is just available on site/truck.
MAINTAIN TOOLS
Keep tools in good condition.
Housekeeping: Keep tools out of way from any walkways or paths.
Do not store tools where they can be damaged.
INSPECT TOOL PRIOR TO USING
Remove tools from service if defects are found.
OPERATE TOOL AS THE MANUFACTURER DESIGNED IT TO BE USED
If it has two handles, use two hands.
Pay attention to instructions, for example, using the top rung of a ladder.
Certain tools require specific PPE, in addition to standard requirement.
(S) Heidi Wittman Dispatch Coordinatior Topkea
(C) Marshall Graves Project Manager Lenexa
(S) Matthew Hines Proactive Solutions Consultant Iowa
AUGUST BIRTHDAYS
BIRTHDAYS +
CORBIN PYPER
BRIAN JACKSON
JEREMY VOSS
KAYDEN WATERMAN 3 PAULA EWY
DENNIS HULL
OWEN
8
7
6 KYLE COMBS JOHN HILBERT
RON LITTRELL
JEREMY WILLIS
JOHN RAYMER
BRANDON KELLY
CURT SWOBODA
MARVIN LEWIS
DANIEL GONCHAR
JOSE ZARATE
JEREMY LIKES
WORK ANNIVERSARIES
GREGORY GIESSMANN
STACY SPRADLEY
9 TROY STEWART
JAIME PAYNE
LAURA ADKINS
JACK KOBE
COLE SMITH
JONATHAN STEINER
BRYAN BIGGS
RYAN AGUIRRE
ELIZARDO MORALES
10 ROBERTO ROSALES
DAWSON LAMBERD
ALBERT MARTIN
JARED BROWN
BRIAN KAHLE
JAMMIE KNOWLES
JAMES FARRELL
11 CHRIS LAYCOOK
JAMES MAY
RYAN DICKEY
KEITH EKBLAD
JOEY BYRNS
JESSE CLAEYS
12 JOSH ELLIS
ZACH WAGNER
LIZ FERGUSON
LAGAUA VAEONO
KYLER TRUE 13
JEREMY ALEXANDER
DILLON KING
CHANCE THOMPSON
MAU CUBERO
ZACK PROVOST
CHRISTOPHER SMITH
DAVID LEWIS
KENNETH FITZWATER 14 LARRY JONES
DOUGLAS STICKLE
JACOB HAMON
RYAN EHLERS
DANNY SHAUGHNESSY
DILLER
JUSTIN MCKINLEY
JAMES POTTER
NICK GURERA
BRAYDEN BARNEY SHAWN QUENZER
LUKE MADDEN
ENYART BRENT VARNEY
SWAPNIL SHENDE
CAMERON COOPER
BACHERT
BROWN
VAUGHN
OLDHAM
ROUSE
ROCKERS
MAIDA
IMMONEN
FULLER
ALLEN
CARNEY
SHANNON
LOWE
SUMMERS JACOB RUSSELL
LADIA
STEPHENS REUBEN
Welcome, brand new semi truck day cab! P1 Fleet welcomed a brand new 2025 Peterbilt semi truck day cab to the family. The new semi is the second in our fleet, used for transporting large items or orders. Pictured, with trailer.
HAPPENINGS
Tailgate at the Royals: The P1 Service Lenexa office and field enjoyed a tailgate and ballgame at Kauffman Stadium, watching the Royals play the Cleveland Guardians.
STAY
THE KNOW! Like us and follow us on
FORE! P1 Service Ankeny sponsored a hole at the BOMA Iowa Golf Tournament. Division Manager Cory Lister and Proactive Solutions Consultant Matt Hines manned the booth.
ELEC | VENTURA 2024 BATT CHARGER UPGRADE | Jason White | $ 269,555.00
