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January 2019
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Associate Spotlight
The Fantastic Five: P1 Group’s IT Department While technically billed as a “support” department, there’s a lot more to P1 Group’s small-but-mighty five-person IT Department than meets the eye. In today’s digital age, the company simply would not survive without the dedication, strategy, proactive solutions and expertise of our “fantastic five.” Between headquarters, the field and additional P1 offices, IT Manager Cameron Cooper says the team has to do a lot more than fix things - they have to be proactive and strategic in building systems and tools that are standardized for better efficiency and upkeep. “We try to leverage remote tools as much as possible,” Cameron said. “Like remote controlling laptops and desktops. When you get into the number of devices we manage, you have to think about them as whole and not individually.” Cameron notes one key to success is using tools that not only fix problems, but prevent them, including inventory and software managers. These tools can deploy what’s needed quickly and automatically without a lot of personal intervention needed.
Photos from around P1
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You’ll see team members around our regional offices in Lawrence, Topeka, Wichita and St. Joseph. They have rotating schedules at different locations and Vanessa Taylor, IT Special Projects, often accompanies Corporate Trainer Sarah Garcia to training events. The team gets to the Las Vegas office about twice a year to do an IT “health check” or implement items that require onsite personnel. Cameron says preplanning and consistency is another way IT keeps things running more smoothly. “Whether it’s an office or jobsite, we typically try to have a standard set of equipment that is common across all of our locations,” he said. When Cameron started with P1 six years ago, he says the team worked (very successfully) to build infrastructure and expand the footprint into other offices. Today, they work to proactively maintain those systems and their work doesn’t stop in the technology room. The team has transformed itself to be more integral in the business process. “Systems around accounting, phones and different
IT STATS 4,000+ Helpdesk requests completed (2018) 406 laptops and/or desktop computers 816 company mobile devices: iphones + ipads 399 telephone lines for office phones 946 mobile telephone lines acquired this year from purchasing 41 Servers 40-50+ Terabytes of information. (One terabyte is 1,000 times bigger than a gigabyte) Bluebeam eXtreme Award Winner/2017 Bluebeam eXtreme Award Finalist/2018
continued, page 4 Cameron Cooper
Matt Damon
Vanessa Taylor
Cody McCray
Trevor Payne
SAFE
Numbers Game: Safety Efforts Directly Affect OSHA Stats resistant gloves. A lot of research went into choosing the best glove and there was considerable communication with the field to make it clear that wearing gloves was mandatory. “We tried almost two dozen types of gloves,” said Campbell. “They needed to be comfortable, provide a good grip, have decent ventilation and come in sizes that fit everyone. It wasn’t simple but we did find the one that most people were happy with.” Since then, P1 Group has changed gloves as better ones have come on the market. In another PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) change in recent years, P1 field associates have begun wearing full-brim hard hats, which better protect them from objects and provide more sun protection. “We had people asking us to get these and since we have lots of welding on our jobs, that was a problem because we couldn’t find fullbrim hard hats that a face shield would fit on,” said Don. “As soon as we
Making sure conditions are safe for the 900+ people working at P1 Group jobsites on any given day is a huge task, but in a company where safety is the highest priority, no one takes shortcuts. P1 Group is required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to keep records of the number of recordable incidents, which include the number of injuries on the job and the number of lost or restricted workdays from injuries. Put simply,
EMR
2014 .71
2016 .66
2015 .64
2017 .55 compared to the national average of 1 each year*
IR
1.66
1.64
1.75
1.12
National averages*:
4.1
4.2
3.8
3.7
decreasing the number of “recordables” help put our Experience Modification Rate (EMR) and Incident Rate (IR) above national averages. Don Campbell, Vice President, said the ultimate goal is no injuries at all. But there are other reasons to keep our EMR and IR low. “If our EMR gets too high, there is no way P1 Group would be selected to do the large projects that we do,” said Campbell. “A bad EMR might not affect the companies doing smaller jobs, but that is where we would be, too, if we let this get out of hand. Safety affects our ability to get the big projects and keep everyone working – at the jobsites and in our offices.” Cut-resistant gloves are an example of a newer safety requirement that has had a noticeable impact on P1’s Safety stats. Before P1 implemented mandatory cut-resistant gloves about four years ago, hand lacerations accounted for 60 percent of our recordables. A more serious hand laceration can cut into a tendon, requiring surgery and lost or restricted workdays, which negatively affected our OSHA stats. The table above shows the EMR and IR since 2014, which have both improved (lower is better), further illustrating the impact of the cut-
had a vendor telling us they could get us the face shield hard hats, we immediately made the investment.” The Safety Department is also continuously working hard on the communications front to keep all associates informed about safety. Several times a year for many years, Cheri Totta has sent the Accident Prevention Bulletin to each associate (it was mailed previously and is now emailed). The Bulletin lists recordables, giving the root cause and corrective action. “We believe this gets people thinking, and the next time they are in a similar situation they might think about it a little harder and avoid an injury,” said Don. When the APB was sent to associates’ homes, the Safety Department thought it was a good way to communicate about safety with P1 families, too. As the company has grown, it’s now too difficult to mail. That’s one reason for the Safety Calendar competition (next page): it gets families talking about safety again. We hope everyone will take care and be safe! *According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics 2
Safety has never been more colorful thanks to the first annual P1 Group Safety Calendar, a new idea this year from our Safety Department. In August, Safety Coordinator Cheri Totta put out the call for artwork from the youngest members of our P1 family. Children ages K-8 belonging to, or related to, P1 associates, were asked to enter their 8.5 x 11 hand-drawn artwork reflecting the theme “what does worker safety mean to us?” A total of 19 entries rolled in, but there were only 13 winning spots. “The coolest thing was watching the drawings come in to the office,” Cheri said. “Receiving 19 entries for the first Safety Calendar was amazing. I can’t wait to do it again next year.” A piece of artwork was selected for each month of the year as well as the cover. Kids whose artwork was chosen for the months each got a
$50 gift card, Quench tumbler, coupon for ice cream at Quik Trip and a P1 flashlight. The cover winner landed a $100 gift card plus all of the other prizes above. Everyone who participated got the tumbler, ice cream and flashlight. The final winners were selected by the Safety Committee made up of Don Campbell, Greg Sweeney, Shawn Ross, Cheri Totta, Nate Christensen, Brent Neis, Dave Wright, Carey Minihan, Michael Thomas, Brad Herring, Shawn Norris, Kyndel Paulsen, Robb Eder, Toby Stephens, Michael Wessel and Rustin Coe. The 2019 calendar was the first of its kind, and we hope the tradition continues! Our winners and participants are listed below.
COVER: Quincy, 7 – Aaron White, Fitter Journeyman JANUARY: Emily, 13 – Don Campbell, Vice President FEBRUARY: Ella, 12 – Don Campbell, Vice President MARCH: Hannah, 10 – Bryan Miller, Service Technician APRIL: Alli, 13 – Allen Eastridge, Service Technician MAY: CarlieJoe, 12 – Casey Rohaus, Senior Project Manager JUNE: Cooper, 8 – Jordan King, Pipefitter Foreman JULY: Caroline, 11 – Mike McCoy, Plumber Foreman
AUGUST: Liam, 8 – Zach Kittle, Project Manager SEPTEMBER: MaKenna, 10 – Jason Larsen, Project Manager OCTOBER: Isabelle, 13 – Jason Larsen, Project Manager NOVEMBER: Owen, 12 – Trevor Payne, IT Support Technician DECEMBER: Lola, 10 – Glenn Shain, Vice President Runners-up: Max, 9 (Don Campbell); Grayson, 6 (Zach Kittle); Lexi, 9 (Allen Eastridge); Tagan, 8 (Cindy Barnett); Adelynn, 6 (Jeff Peterson); Kolter, 6 (Kevin Colvin)
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NEW
NE W FACES
Please join us in welcoming our newest P1 Group associates.
Happy Retirement, Jeaneen!
When Jeaneen Black, Accounts Payable Clerk, walks out the door on December 28, officially retired, she says she will miss the people here and the sense of accomplishment she felt during her 18 years at P1 Group. “I love what I do, and I will miss those days when you know you have made someone’s day better because you did your job and helped them,” she said. Gloria Keating, CFO, said Jeaneen was a joy to be around. “She is the one that always provided that steady support to all of us, behind the scenes. If there is an issue she looks for a way to solve it,” Gloria said. Paul Smith, VP, said Jeaneen’s retirement is a huge loss for P1, even though everyone here is happy for her. “She’s a ‘go to’ person - you know she is going to take care of it. She is such a hard worker and always has a great attitude.” Jeaneen loves Christmas, so naturally her retirement sendoff party on December 20 had a seasonal theme, complete with Smitty Belcher, CEO, sporting a Santa suit! Jeaneen is looking forward to spending more time with children and grandchildren. And she definitely will not miss her commute - no more dashing out of the house early to beat heavy traffic. Congratulations, Jeaneen, on your well-deserved retirement.
Samantha Martens Marketing Intern Lenexa
PROMOTION Melissa Wilson Assistant Controller/ Accounting Manager Lenexa
PROMOTION Mercedes Kinney HR Coordinator Lenexa
PROMOTION Jeff Robinson HR Generalist Lenexa
The Fantastic Five: P1 Group’s IT Department (continued from page 1)
workflows affect all of our departments,” Cameron said. “We spend a fair amount of time strategizing about how to move these systems forward for maximum efficiency.” Ever wonder what keeps an IT professional awake at night? Cameron says cyber security is at the top of his list. “We’re fast approaching our centennial, and if we want to be here for the next centennial, we have to upgrade cyber security efforts with a lot of awareness and education,” he said. In today’s dangerous digital landscape, the responsibility for cyber security falls on everyone, Cameron emphasizes. “It isn’t something only IT can take care of – all associates need to learn about the many forms threats can take and take steps themselves to minimize danger and avoid breaches.” P1 Group is taking active steps to help associates better understand cyber security threats and what to do when they arise. Thanks to our amazing IT team for the work that keeps P1 Group going for the next 100 years! REMEMBER, THE FASTEST WAY TO GET HELP is not to email individual members of the team. This will slow request response time. Always email or call:
HELPDESK@P1Group.com | 913-275-5555 4
B I RT HDAYS + A NNIVER SAR IES + AWAR D ED January office and field associate birthdays and work anniversaries + awarded work
JANUARY BIRTHDAYS 1 3 4 5 6 8 9
Derek Baldomino Dustin Crane Mark Nammavaly John Waller Eric Ahlin Seven Barnes Gary Lancaster James Seibert Christopher Russell Jr. John Brown Glenn Shain Ron Slaven Jacob Roberts Devin Wright Chadwick Jones Mason Ray Michael Daniel Brady Kyle Travis John Nance Chad Smith
WORK ANNIVERSARIES 5 Years Alejandro Aguilar Amy Jeske Chad Perkins Bryan Tongue Daniel Tylski 10 Years Glenn Bartholomew Allen Eastridge Ryan Mitchell Daniel Roberts Jake Schneider Craig Weber Bruce Weis 15 Years Marty Hedrick 20 Years Tony Whited 25 Years John Kraus 30 Years Marvin Loecker
10 11 12 13 14 15
16 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
Michael Fennesy Richard Gorham II Vanessa Taylor James Ballentine Kyle Bruns Brandon Jones Michael Myers Jr. Jim Nauman Kevin Joyce Ray Robbins Daniel Roberts Gary Smethers Richard Wilson Chuck Lammers Tim Mense Christina Polys Duane Bibens Thomas Keating Greg Overbey Michah Hain
SPECIAL DELIVERY
Chris Cooper Scott Johnson Carissa Fine Robert Tyson Tanner Jellison Travis Milne Robert Surles Shawn Norris Wayne Foster Thomas Humphrey Michael Schram Dustin Casto Adam Dalton Jason Ondrisko Richard Dill Nelson Christensen James Conner Randall Laconsello Nelson Ruelle Caleb Smith
26 27
28 29 30 31
Jeffrey Claycomb Rodney Mickelsen Charles Washington Jeff Dallas Andrew Lister Matthew Payne Dennis Adams Jackson Danner Charles Standifer Darren Carriger John Chavez Shawn Courter Welton Shelby Taylor Anderson Kevin Colvin Janelle Jonas Jesse Kealy
James Daugherty, VDC Specialist/Sheet Metal, and his wife welcomed Valerie James Daugherty to the family on December 18. Valerie was born weighing 8 lbs. 11 oz.
AWARDED highlights Aria Garage 5 Bike Storage/Pipe Geisha House, Jeju Island + Miracle Mile/Plumbing MGM Mandalay Bay/Pipe + Plumbing Saguaro Poer/Pipe Resers/Electrical
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Northwest Missouri State/Hot Water Heater Ability KC/Cooling Tower Saint Luke’s Health System/Chiller Replacement Adventure Dental/Rooftop Unit
Building Better Lives VET
Las Vegas Office Donates Resources to Veteran’s Cause Building Homes for Heroes is a national organization that recognizes those who serve in the United States Armed Forces by supporting the needs of severely wounded or disabled soldiers and their families. The organization strives to build or renovate quality homes and donate them, mortgage-free, to injured veterans nationwide. Recently, the P1 Group Las Vegas office was invited to donate goods and services to help with the building of a home for Army Staff Sergeant Jared Stacey. Jared was left with a severe brain injury and PTSD from serving multiple tours in the Middle East. P1 Group was invited to participate in the full house remodel/upgrade by Joseph Glazier with Luxor Hotel & Casino (MGM). Joe has had a working relationship with P1 Group for more than a decade. Joe says he was inspired to get involved with this cause after seeing a TV segment on Building Homes for Heroes. “My father was a decorated WWII hero and I have always been extremely proud of our military. My mother also served,” Joe said. “The men and women who serve sacrificially to protect our freedoms deserve our thanks and respect.” “After I evaluate the scope of work, I reach out to contractors I have successfully partnered with in my career,” Joe explained. “I have worked with [Vice President] Brad Davis and [Service Specialist] Mario Vitale at P1 Group. Both are true professionals and know how to get the job done.” Mario Vitale and Plumber Journeyman Louis Polanco did the actual work which included supplying and installing plumbing fixtures for a handicap shower on the second floor and also installed all customer supplied faucets and sinks. The total goods and services donated by P1 Group came to nearly $4,500. Building Homes for Heroes strives to build “one home every 11 days” all over the U.S. Anyone wishing to volunteer or donate to the organization can learn more at buildinghomesforheroes.org.
Above: Staff Sergeant Jared Stacey and family; the Staceys’ new home Below: P1 certificate and the remodeled bath with handicap shower
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ASSO
Beyond Monopoly: Julie M. Plays Board Games Like a Pro
In the world of gamers, there are many who prefer to play board games, with thousands gathering at tabletop game conventions where they can meet game creators and play role, strategy or card games (to name a few) and watch live demonstrations. P1 Accounting Clerk Julie Metzler has been demonstrating games for Alderac Entertainment Group (AEG) at two large board game conventions each year for 18 years. The weekend of November 30 through December 2, Julie demonstrated AEG board games with her sister, Sam, at PAX Unplugged in Philadelphia. In August each year, she demonstrates at Gen Con: The Best Four Days in Gaming, which is held in Indianapolis and is the largest tabletop games convention in North America, drawing 65,000 people. “The conventions are like a mini vacation, I look forward to them and have lots of fun and learn a lot,” she said. “Even though I tend to work a lot while I’m there, I enjoy it because there is so much there that I normally don’t see here in any little board game store. And I get that interaction with all kinds of people who also love board games.” The game demonstrators are typically volunteers who are “paid” with admission to the conventions. They also often are paid in product – games they can bring home. Julie brought several Smash Up expansions to donate
to the Lenexa office’s Toys for Tots box after PAX Unplugged. The expansions consist of additional factions and can be played on their own, with other expansions and with the original Smash Up. At PAX Unplugged, Julie demonstrated two games. Her favorite of the two is Cat Lady, a card game that debuted last year and has become a crowd favorite. At PAX Unplugged, AEG sold out of it on the second day. Cat Lady is easy to learn and teach and can be played in under an hour, which makes it fun for Julie to demo. And Cat Lady is also a great example of how games have changed over time. “The games have evolved to where they are way beyond Risk or most of the generic games we grew up with - you actually get involved. In Cat Lady, you ARE a Cat Lady – gathering cats, feeding them, giving them toys and costumes and the goal is to make sure you feed all your cats by the end of the game or they will run away,” she said. But away from tabletop games, Julie prefers dogs over cats. Every Saturday morning (unless she is out of town), you can find her walking dogs from the Friends of Parkville Animal Shelter. “I’ve made some great dog buddies, I’m always glad when one of them is adopted but you get attached, too, that can be hard,” she said. Keep having fun and doing good, Julie!
Games for the Troops Julie believes so strongly in the positive powers of board games that she helped found Games for Troops, Inc., an organization that raises money to purchase and send games to troops stationed overseas. Games for Troops has continuously purchased and shipped games to troops since 2010. She served as treasurer for the organization for several years and will return to the board in January. “Military people overseas and their friends and families can request a game from a form on our website. We mostly buy board and card games but sometimes have answered requests for computer games,” said Julie. “We work hard to fulfill all the requests and have found that the best way to do that is to raise money, then buy the games on Amazon and have them shipped.”
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Celebrating Two Special Occasions: In honor of CEO Smitty Belcher’s birthday, he was given a signed P1 Group quilt at the annual holiday party in Kansas City. The quilt commemorates our 100th anniversary year. Our own talented Vanessa Taylor (IT Special Projects, pictured, right) created the quilt. Happy birthday to Smitty and P1 Group! Also pictured, left: Executive Vice President Phil Nehring
The Wichita office adopted a family of six this year (mother and five children, ages 9-17). Pictured with some of their collected gifts, from left: Don Dunbar, Kathy Wacker, Wendy Chapin, Paula Ewy, Chris Patterson and Cliff Pray.
The Wichita office had a visit from a couple of Santa’s helpers. Senior Project Manager Casey Rohaus and his daughter Carley Jo came by to deliver gifts to all from the Rohaus family. We love their holiday spirit!
Vanessa Taylor got into the holiday spirit with a floaty new friend. The photo was taken by Corporate Trainer Sarah Garcia while she and Vanessa were shopping following a training visit to the P1 Group Wichita office.