P1 Connection January 2025 by P1 Group

P1 C NNECTION

KEEPING THE TEAM HEALTHY

P1 Electrical Completes MRI Machine Upgrade at the University of Kansas Health System Sports Medicine and Performance Center 

IT’S ONE OF THE WORST THINGS TO BEHOLD...

Your favorite player on your favorite NFL team takes a big hit and you cringe with fear, hoping the injury isn’t enough to take them out of the game for the season!

Of course we’re talking about football season, and injuries are, unfortunately, unavoidable. That’s why the sports medicine facilities that care for our MVPs are so critical.

They’re even more critical when the team in question is aiming for a “Big Game” three-peat like the Kansas City Chiefs.

The P1 electrical team recently worked with Turner Construction on replacement of one of the most important pieces of equipment at the University of Kansas Health System Sports Medicine and Performance

Senior Project Manager Stephen King says the project was done during the Chiefs practice time, when the Sports Medicine facility was busy.

“This project required very close attention to time and detail to make sure both the active medical facility and the KC Chiefs were not interrupted or disturbed during the demolition or installation,” he said.

The electrical team was able to put a temporary MRI in place and run conduit under the current practice facility field with zero incidents or interruptions.

“The existing MRI was removed through the front of building, which required relocation of multiple circuits, and included more than 1,800 linear feet of cable in a 30 ft. x 30 ft. room,” Stephen explained.

“The attention to detail and safety on this project was outstanding and the team did an amazing job.”

-Stephen King, Senior Project Manager

Center at the Kansas City Chiefs practice facility in GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.

The imaging center performs more than 300,000 imaging exams per year, so when the MRI machine needed to be replaced with a bigger, better model, the work had to happen swiftly and carefully.

TEAM STATS

• P1 Project Manager: Stephen King

• P1 Electrical Foreman: Sean Desmet

• General Contractor: Turner

• Engineer: Brack and Associates

• Architect: Pulse Design Group

• Contract Amount: $118,670

Attention to detail and safety was critical to ensure any power outages for a switchover were communicated to all of the necessary parties, which included the KC Chiefs, NFL, Jackson County Sports Commission, and the University of Kansas Health System.

“The attention to both detail and safety on this project was outstanding, and the team did an amazing job,” Stephen said.

Thanks for keeping our teams healthy! 

AWARD-WINNING MVP?

Don’t take our word for how well the P1 team executed the MRI replacement. The superintendent with Turner nominated P1 for a “Special Projects Division” award. He said that while he can’t guarantee P1 will win, he wanted to nominate the team because “pride, professionalism, and safety consciousness are some of the words I use to describe P1.”

ARCHITECTURAL METAL COMPLETES COMMUNICORE HALL, PART OF LARGER GAMMA PROJECT AT EPCOT

In 2024, the P1 Architectural Metal division completed CommuniCore Hall, part of Walt Disney World’s “Project Gamma” – a re-imagining of Epcot in Orlando, FL.

The P1 team created the Spaceship Earth-inspired custom aluminum panels and support structure for CommuniCore, home to the Mickey & Friends Meet and Greet. Inside the air-conditioned space, guests will have the opportunity to meet some of their favorite Disney characters, including Mickey, Minnie, and Goofy. 

Working Together Part 2

The Success of Story of P1 Service Operations and Preventative Maintenance Sales

The collaborative relationship between P1 Service Operations and Preventative Maintenance Sales is a cornerstone for success. This article is part 2 in the series that delves into that relationship.

For the Win

At P1 Service, the Project Sales team is vital to identifying and securing new business opportunities. This group is tasked with understanding each client’s unique needs, presenting customized solutions, and successfully executing the project.

But the sales process is not just about numbers; it involves consultations with clients to ensure the proposed solutions are tailored to meet their requirements, whether they pertain to sophisticated HVAC systems, reliable electrical maintenance, or comprehensive plumbing services.

Wichita Project Sales Manager Casey Rohaus says collaboration is key. “P1’s project sales success can be attributed to the collaboration within our teams, including everyone’s willingness to help each other, and careful planning of all projects, regardless of the size.”

St. Joseph General Manager Heather Richards-St. Clair says true partnership plays a vital role.

“Project sales have been so successful because of the collaborative approach our sales professionals take with P1 customers,” she said. “They are true advisors to the customer, developing the best operational and financial solutions.”

Excellent Execution

Once a project is secured, project managers collaborate with the Operations team at P1 Service to ensure seamless execution for the customer, making sure the project is done properly. Together, they are responsible for planning, precise coordination, and efficient resource management to deliver the project on schedule and within budget.

A NUMBER TO CELEBRATE

$6 Million

By the end of November, the 2024 project sales targets were exceeded by nearly $6,000,000.

“P1’s project sales success can be attributed to the collaboration within our teams, including everyone’s willingness to help each other, and careful planning of all projects.”

-Casey Rohaus Project Sales Manager

“Project sales have been so successful because of the collaborative approach our sales professionals take with customers. They are true advisors to the customer, developing the best operational and financial solutions.”

The integration of the Sales and Operations departments is essential to P1 Service’s overall success. Effective communication and collaboration between the two ensures client expectations are met, and hopefully exceeded, and projects are completed without unnecessary delays.

The sales team equips the operations team with project specifications and clearly defined timelines, while the operations team keeps the sales team updated on the project’s progress and any potential challenges that may arise.

Staying on Track...Together

One of the main challenges in this integration is ensuring both teams remain aligned in their goals and processes. Misalignment can lead to project delays and client dissatisfaction.

To prevent this issue, P1 Service implements regular crossdepartmental meetings and uses advanced project management tools designed to track progress and facilitate communication.

Like the Maintenance Sales teams, the Projects teams have been working with the Sandler sales training program for more than a year. The teams say it has helped them find new ways to identify needs, make decisions, budget, and overall improve communication with the customer for a more collaborative solution.

Prosperity through Projects

Projects within P1 Service are a robust contributor to the company’s overall financial performance. By the end of November, the 2024 project sales targets were exceeded by nearly $6,000,000.

Each P1 branch has surpassed its branch sales plans. This performance is expected to create a substantial backlog heading into 2025, setting the stage for another prosperous year.

-Heather

Richards-St. Clair, General

Manager

According to Project Sales Manager Ryck Sanders, there are two sides to the success of the Lenexa P1 Service Projects Team. “The pre-award and post-award phases make up the two sides of success,” Ryck said.

“One of the key reasons for our pre-award success is our commitment to continuous learning and the refinement of our sales skill sets. This commitment enables us to effectively qualify prospects so P1 continues to dedicate the necessary time to develop best-in-class solutions for our clients’ challenges.”

“On the post-award side, our success is driven by our level of experience and education,” Ryck added. “We are a team that refuses to settle for merely ‘good enough’.”

“Project sales have flourished because we focus on understanding customer needs, delivering tailored solutions, and fostering long-term relationships,” Project Operations Manager Clinton Gechter said.

“By consistently providing substantial value and adapting to challenges, we have built a solid foundation of trust and success.”

In the Wichita/Topeka region, General Manager Andy Dunbar notes that the teams’ achievements in project sales can be attributed to customer care.

“We truly care about our customers and strive tirelessly to provide the optimal solution at the best value,” Andy said. “By ensuring that we sell what the customer genuinely needs, we create success for everyone.”

By nurturing a collaborative environment and leveraging cutting-edge project management practices, P1 Service consistently delivers high-quality solutions that cater to clients’ diverse needs.

This integrated approach enhances operational efficiency and fortifies client relationships, positioning P1 Service as a trusted and valued partner in facility management. 

“By consistently providing substantial value and adapting to the challenges we face, we have built a solid foundation of trust and success.”

-Clinton Gechter, Project Operations Manager

NEW FACES/ANNOUNCEMENTS

Please join us in welcoming our newest P1 associates. KEY: (C) = P1 Construction, (S) = P1 Service

7 WAYS TO BEAT THE

Winter Blues

Whether you live in the plains or the desert, the months before “spring” can be tough. Between holiday season let-down and cold temps, it can be hard to keep yourself going. Here are a few small things you can do to stay on track.

01. Keep Moving

Getting at least 20 minutes of vigorous activity, at least four times a week, can help reduce those pesky wintertime “blues”.

04. Do a Thing

Build activities into your day, even chores. Completing a small project can give you a sense of competence and accomplishment.

05. Make Light

Consider light therapy if you aren’t getting much sunlight. Go outside when it IS sunny, and don’t forget the Vitamin D.

02. Sleep Routine

Tempting as it might be to sleep in on dark mornings, it’s best to stick to a regular sleep schedule, which means waking up a the same times on weekdays and weekends.

06. Stay (cation)

Save money and still get a boost by planning mini getaways closer to home.

03.

Find the Funny

Experts believe that laughter actually stimulates processes in your brain that counter depressive symptoms, so cue up those funny movies and shows.

07.

Keep the To-Do

List Done

Don’t procrastinate on unpleasant stuff that could just snowball into more stress later.

Congratulations to VDC Specialist Steve Farve on adding baby Charlie Finn to the family! Charlie was born December 15 at 7lb 15oz.

(C) Forell Bering (Re-Hire) Site Safety Specialist Lenexa

(S) Sherry Fry Dispatch Service Coordinator Lenexa

BIRTHDAYS + ANNIVERSARIES

JANUARY BIRTHDAYS

JACOB

CONNOR

JONATHAN

SAMANTHA SCHMELTZ

GRIFFIN

STEVE

JOHN PORTER

DEREK DETWILER

DEVON SMITHHISLER

GARRETT HICKS

BIBENS

TOM KEATING

CORY BENNETT

VICKY ATHON

VINCENT LEWIS

MICAH HAIN

JORDAN HARSHNER

CALEB STUFF

RICKY SHOEMAKER

GARRETT PETERSON

DANIEL GERBITZ

WELTON SHELBY

PETER VU

 Serving the Communities in Which We Live and Work: P1 associates donated their time to Nourish KC, helping with food preparation at the community kitchen in Kansas City. Nourish KC strives to bridge the gap between abundance and scarcity by ensuring surplus food reaches those who need it most. Pictured, from left, P1’s “second shift” volunteers: Mark McGrath, Dustin Thorne, Carey Minihan, Eric Affolter, Chris Champagne, Glenn Shain, Dan Tylski, Zach Kittle, Sarah Garcia, Kollin Knox, and Garrett Parker (not pictured, Kyler True), along with Nourish KC Dining Room Manager Ms. Billy and Sylus, a volunteer and client. In addition, the “first shift” of P1 volunteers who worked on food preparation included: Jason Quattlebaum, Jim Nisely, Jason Larson, Jason’s wife Anissa, and Silvana Da Silva. P1 helped serve a total of 250 meals that day!

HAPPENINGS

 Visits from Vendors and Plenty of Prizes: P1 foremen gathered at the Lenexa, KS, office for the annual Foremen Appreciation Lunch. Project and executive leadership joined to say THANK YOU to our foremen and field staff for choosing P1 and contributing to a very good year!

 Hill’s Pet Nutrition Wet Pet Food Manufacturing Facility Earns Engineering News-Record (ENR) “Award of Merit”: ENR Magazine Midwest edition named their 2024 “Best Project” awardees, and the new Hill’s facility in Tonganoxie, KS, earned an “Award of Merit” in the manufacturing category. P1 worked with project GC Gray Construction to complete all underground waste piping and sheet metal ductwork for the facility. P1 also installed air handling units, sinks and piping drops, 13oz and 5oz Hydrostat including ancillary piping and equipment, meat mixing equipment and piping, frozen meat equipment and piping, power wiring for process equipment, control wiring for equipment, building and site security system, and telecom system. From the article: “Rather than copying an existing plant, the owner envisioned this project to be a hyper-modern production facility – a smart factory that fully leveraged automated technology, data collection, and sustainable building and process systems.” – ENRMidwest November 11, 2024

Break UNSAFE Lifting Habits

...and Start Fresh in 2025!

“New Year, New You” they say. Even if you’re not planning any big resolutions this year, there’s always room for safer lifting habits in the new year. Here are some tips from the P1 Safety team.

FOR EVERYONE

• Give a good quick STRETCH before lifting heavier objects.

• STOP lifting heavier objects on your own when help is available.

• Practice the “POINT YOUR TOE AND GO” method when moving heavy objects: slightly flex your ankle by pointing your toes a little bit downwards, creating a stable base of support, engaging your leg muscles effectively, and preventing strain on your lower back.

• Lift with your KNEES from the ground up.

• Pull objects CLOSE TO YOUR CHEST before lifting up to stay out of the “red zone.”

FOR EVERYONE

And Especially Construction Workers

• Know your LIMITS.

• RESPECT your tools, equipment, and the process.

• Use P1’s 20/20/20 rule: Every 20 minutes, take 20 seconds to look 20 feet around for any hazards.

• See something, SAY something.

• If there’s a hazard you can fix, FIX IT.

• Repor t all NEAR MISSES on a job site because if it’s on your job site, it may show up on other job sites, and that reporting could save someone else an injury.