Wisconsin Constructor 12/13 3

A Publication of the Associated General Contractors of Wisconsin

Issue 3 • 2012/2013

PROGRESSIVE CONSTRUCTION SERVICES EXCEEDING CUSTOMER EXPECTATIONS

A Publication of the Associated General Contractors of Wisconsin

Official publication of the

Associated General Contractors of Wisconsin

Features

4814 East Broadway Madison, WI 53716-4195 tel: 608-221-3821 fax: 608-221-4446 Laura Cataldo Editor 2012 Officers Kurt Boson President Mark Rudnicki Vice President Bob Barker Executive Vice President, Secretary/Treasurer

STAFF Dave Bohl General Counsel Jim Boullion Director, Government Affairs Jeri Breen Director, Administration Laura Cataldo Director, Workforce and Industry Outreach Jim Falbo Associate Director, Safety Dan Makovec Plan Room Manager Brent Miller Director, Safety & Environmental Services Jackie Troia Team Assistant Published by: Slack Attack Communications Barbara Slack Publisher Kelly Wolf Project Coordinator, Advertising Sales kelly@slackattack.com Wisconsin Constructor is a quarterly publication of the Associated General Contractors of Wisconsin, Inc., 4814 East Broadway, Madison, WI 53716-4195, 608-221-3821. It is published in January, March, June, and September by Slack Attack Communications, 5113 Monona Dr., Madison, WI 53716, (608) 222-7630. Printing is by Reindl Printing Inc., PO Box 317, Merrill, WI 54452-0317. For advertising information, contact Slack Attack Communications.

Subscriptions included in AGC membership dues; non-member subscriptions: $20 per year.

Address corrections or subscription information should be directed to the Associated General Contractors of Wisconsin, Inc., 4814 East Broadway, Madison, WI 53716-4195.

USPS #016128. Periodicals postage paid at Madison, WI and at additional offices. ©Copyright 2011 by the Associated General Contractors of Wisconsin. Permission to reprint must be secured in advance of publication and credit given to author and

Issue 3 • 2012/2013

Progressive Construction Services

Exceeding Customer expectations Progressive Custruction Services Page 8

8 “I am passionate about the VA and helping build a better place for our veterans and their healthcare.”

AGC Associate MEMBER PROFILE 15 MasterGraphics

MasterGraphics Page 15

Departments 4 Message from the President — AGC is your Association 5 Message from the AGC Staff — Taking a Hard Look at Safety Incentive Programs 6 AGC Annual Meeting Recap 16 Applying Lean Thinking to Field Operations 17 AGC of Wisconsin Membership 19 Index to Advertisers 19 Professional Directory/Buyer’s Guide

Wisconsin Constructor ® / Issue 3 • 2012

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Message from the president

W

Kurt Boson

2012 AGC of Wisconsin President

AGC is your Association and will be as strong and active as you make it.

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hat a year 2012 has been for our industry, association, state, and country. So many memorable moments, both good and bad, cross the mind when you think back.

There were landmark elections preceded by too many campaigns, unprecedented fiscal uncertainty, and devastating mass shootings. Even now with the glimmer of hope for a New Year beginning, the construction industry still faces some daunting challenges.

The best way to confront the challenges ahead is with the support of the AGC of Wisconsin. AGC is your Association and will be as strong and active as you make it. If your firm isn’t on-board you risk being left behind.

AGC offers all of us a chance to have our say, regardless of the size of your company, the city or part of the state you are located in. You can help shape your company’s future and the future of our industry by being more involved in what our AGC chapter is doing on a state and national level.

We are blessed with a staff that is a model for chapters throughout the AGC of America. Bob Barker leads a talented group of individuals whose programs and innovations have been adopted and exemplified throughout AGC of America.

Wisconsin Constructor ® / Issue 3 • 2012

Get to know these people –, David Bohl, Jim Boullion, Laura Cataldo, Jim Falbo, Brent Miller, Jeri Breen, Dan Makovec, and Jackie Troia - they are your resource, an abundance of knowledge and support that can help you be successful.

My introduction to AGC happened when I was a teenager. I met many AGC families at conventions and made numerous friends throughout the state long before I began a career in construction. I got to meet the leaders of our industry, people who became close friends of my parents like the Kruska’s, Klobucar’s, and Zimmerman’s. Today is no different – the people I have become friends with through AGC are the new leaders of our industry.

Our association exists for the benefit of us all – but what drives AGC is the people who choose to be involved. There is always somebody like Pete Vogel there to remind you to wear the AGC logo on your sleeve for the betterment of the industry. There are people like Bob Barker who genuinely care about the well-being of your company. And there is a dedicated staff that will help you through thick and thin.

The challenges we face in the construction industry will not go away on its own. The economy is still struggling, lenders aren’t lending, the political campaigns will begin anew, and the cyclical nature of our business will continue. It takes an active membership, a strong Board, and the input and expertise of our Specialty and Associate members to shape our future.

My life-long exposure and involvement in AGC has proven to be a rewarding and fulfilling experience. I urge you all to get involved and take advantage of everything 2012 AGC has to offer. It was a privilege to serve as your AGC of Wisconsin President and I sincerely thank you for your support and the opportunity to lead such an outstanding association.

Message from the AGC

Taking a Hard Look at Employer Safety Incentive Programs

Brent Miller, CHST Director of Safety & Environmental Services AGC of Wisconsin

T

he Occupational Safety and Health Administration has increased emphasis on safety enforcement in past four years. An additional area that we have seen an increased emphasis is the whistleblower enforcement section 11(c). The OSH Act not only requires employers to comply with a wide variety of safety and health standards, but it also prohibits an employer from discriminating against an employee because the employee reports an injury or illness under Section 11(c).

Employees do have the right to: (1) File an OSHA complaint (2) Take part in an OSHA inspection (3) Access exposure and injury records (4) Raise a safety or health complaint with the employer (5) Report an injury or illness Reporting a work-related injury or illness is a core employee right, and retaliating against a worker for reporting an injury or illness is illegal discrimination under section 11(c). The anti-retaliation provision applies to all employers.

Some employers establish an incentive program that inadvertently provides employees an incentive to not report injuries. For example, an employer might enter all employees who have not been injured in the

previous year in a drawing to win a prize, or a team of employees might be awarded a bonus if no one from the team is injured over some period of time. Such programs are well-intentioned efforts by employers to encourage their workers to use safe practices.

However, OSHA sees it differently.

According to OSHA, incentive programs may discourage employees from reporting their injuries. This is problematic because, under section 11(c), an employer may not discriminate against an employee because the employee exercises a protected right.

If an employee of a firm with a safety incentive program reports an injury, the employee, or the employee’s entire work group, will be disqualified from receiving the incentive, which could be considered unlawful discrimination. One important factor to consider is whether the incentive involved is of sufficient magnitude that failure to receive it might have deterred reasonable workers from reporting injuries.

There are better ways to encourage safe work practices, such as incentives that promote worker participation in safety-related activities, such as identifying hazards or participating in investigations of injuries, incidents or “near misses”. OSHA’s VPP Guidance materials refer to a number of positive incentives, including providing tee shirts to workers serving on safety and health committees; offering modest rewards for suggesting ways to strengthen safety and health;or throwing a recognition party at the successful completion of companywide safety and health training.

- Make sure all safety incentive programs are administered in a fair and consistent manner.

- Make certain employee handbook and training materials, clearly spell out an employee’s obligation to report work-related injuries in a timely manner. Employers should have a disciplinary policy for safety infractions.

- Document all employee performance issues so that following disciplinary action is justified and does not form the basis of alleged retaliation.

- Make certain supervisors are properly trained to handle an injury; file an internal injury report; and understand OSHA’s whistleblower requirements including the various forms of protected activity.

Please contact the AGC office if you have further questions regarding OSHA’s Whistleblower Act.

How to avoid whistleblower complaints: Employers should already have - anti-discrimination and antiharassment policies in place.

Wisconsin Constructor ® / Issue 3 • 2012

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2013 AGC Annual Meeting Recap

Thank you to all members that supported the 2013 Annual Meeting. The full day event proved to be educational, inspirational and fun!

Sometimes the best learning experiences come from your peers.

Mastering the art of face reading with Julie Theroux.

Steve Kuper led a lively Corporate Culture session.

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Wisconsin Constructor ® / Issue 3 • 2012

BOARD OF DIRECTORS The AGC General Contractor Membership elected five new Directors at the Annual Meeting. These gentlemen will serve three-year terms.

Todd Schieffer

V&S Construction Services Rice Lake 2012 President, Kurt Boson present the gavel to incoming president, Mark Rudnicki

(was elected to represent Area I)

Dean Basten

Miron Construction Co., Inc. Neenah (Representing Area II)

Dave Beck-Engel J.H. Findorff & Son, Inc. Madison (Representing Area III)

Jason Rasch

Rasch Construction & Engineering, Inc. Kenosha (Representing Area IV)

2012 Specialty Contractor Board President, Ken Collins, gives a board update.

Associate Board President, Brad Babcock, gives the report on 2012 activities.

Mark Rounds

The Boldt Co. Appleton/Waukesha (At-Large Director)

SAVE THE DATE 2013 Summer Membership Meeting July 17-18, 2013 Wilderness Resort, Wisconsin Dells Wisconsin Constructor Ž / Issue 3 • 2012

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Progressive construction services exceeding customer expectations

by Mark Crawford

K

“I am passionate about the VA and helping build a better place for our veterans and their health care” — Wasemiller, President

en Wasemiller knows how to overcome adversity. At age 19, while serving in the U.S. Army as a heavy equipment operator, he was seriously injured in an accident that shattered his right hip. That was in 1987.

After his honorable discharge the following year, he worked as a rough and finish carpenter until 1992, when the Veterans Administration (VA) told him they would replace his deteriorating hip only when he would give up the physical construction work.

It was a tough decision, but Wasemiller took the deal. Not able to be a carpenter, he did the next best thing— graduating from the Milwaukee School of Engineering in 1998 with a construction management degree and re-entering the commercial construction industry as a project manager. For the next eleven years he developed a reputation for innovation and quality on the jobs he managed for several major firms.

In 2010, however, he was ready for a change.

“I am passionate about the VA and helping build a better place for our veterans and their health care,” says Wasemiller. “I wanted to get in there and show them what I could do.” Working for the VA, however, required that the prime contractor be a service-disabled, veteran-operated small business (SDVOSB).

After researching and fulfilling the VA’s requirements, Wasemiller founded Progressive Construction Services (PCS) in Spring of 2010 as a SDVOSB construction management company.

Wasemiller brought with him a highly efficient delivery method that he developed during his years as a project manager and design-builder. “This is a very

specific model that is custom-designed for each client, providing the highestquality, most cost-efficient outcome,” he says. “We work within their financial means and eliminate costly surprises, which makes the end result predictable and successful.”

Being in business less than three years, Wasemiller has found AGC’s guidance to be especially beneficial. “We’ve been a member of AGC of Wisconsin since 2010, when we started our company,” he says. “AGC has been very helpful in getting us started as a company, including safety training and legal issues, as well as helping get our message out. We really appreciate what they have done for us.”

Construction Management Excellence Progressive Construction Services specializes in providing construction management services for health-care facilities, including inpatient and outpatient services, federal and state government work, commercial properties, and retail market developments.

“Our primary goal of meeting customer construction needs is through innovative, lean construction management practices and successful relationships with owner management teams,” says Wasemiller.

Services include preconstruction design, estimating and budgeting, job site and project management, administrative support, and document control.

Projects are carefully evaluated for constructability to provide the best overall project scheduling that meets owner budget, quality, and time objectives.

PCS serves both the VA and commer-

cial developers that require oversight and leadership, from concept to warranty.

As an SDVOSB, PCS has completed and continues to seek projects reserved for disabled veterans. PCS works with large prime contractors to create teaming arrangements where PCS manages the project and the prime subcontractors provide the workforce for specific trades.

“Ken is very knowledgeable on health-care projects and has a wide range of experience,” says Brian Hornung, vice president of field operations for J.H. Findorff & Son Inc. in Madison, which has partnered with PCS on several projects. “His perspective and knowledge are invaluable on the projects we have worked on together. Ken is a great team builder and a respected professional in the industry.”

PCS also specializes in health care, senior living, and private commercial projects. “As the owner representative, the owner’s project goals and objectives become our goals and objectives,” states Wasemiller. “Our team-oriented format establishes open communication between the owner, PCS, architects and engineers, and the contractor, including owner-contracted vendors. This allows the owner to be an integrated part of the overall design and construction process.”

Wasemiller indicates this level of cooperation is essential for a smoothflowing project from inception to completion.

“We respect the professional judgment of all team members, while still maintaining our position as the owner’s representative for the design and construction issues that must be resolved,” adds Wasemiller. “This results in a safe, cost-effective project that is built within quality and functional guidelines.”

Joshua Hafron is vice president of General Capital Group, a private realestate firm that hired PCS to provide construction management on several multifamily projects.

“Ken did a great job overseeing the general contractors and working with state, federal and local agencies,” says Hafron. “As a result of Ken’s extreme diligence, the projects were completed on time and within budget. PCS is a large part of the success these projects are enjoying today.”

Ward Memorial Theater — Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Ward Memorial Theater — Repairing Roof Truss

Oncology Pharmacy — VAMC Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Wisconsin Constructor® / Issue 2 • 2012

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Selected Projects

Oncology Pharmacy — VAMC Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Starbucks — VAMC Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Barber Shop — VAMC Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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Wisconsin Constructor ® / Issue 3 • 2012

Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center, Milwaukee PCS was awarded six projects at the medical center in 2011-2012, including installing security cameras and card readers throughout the spinal cord injuring building, as well the control system for the TUG units—robots that deliver food trays throughout the hospital. PCS crews also upgraded the linear accelerator room, replacing a 20,000-pound lead door and part of the frame.

“This work was completed during offhours so regular operations would not be interrupted,” says Wasemiller. “Infection control and containment of work debris and dust were well planned and executed, making it hard to tell if a construction project had even taken place.”

Another job order consisted of demolishing the existing oncology pharmacy and expanding it to include two pharmacy hoods, an ante room, and a work room where the drugs can be produced for cancer patients.

“This was a high-risk area for infection control due to the low-immune systems of the patients that entered the space every day,” comments Wasemiller.

“We installed high-tech HVAC systems and controls that must function precisely to protect the employees working with the cancer drugs on a daily basis. Precise phasing of construction was required, with very detailed work plans, so each subcontractor was well-informed and trained to perform their jobs safely and efficiently.”

PCS has also partnered with J.H. Findorff & Son to repair the damaged roof on the Ward Memorial Theater, part of the medical center campus. The theater is on the National Register of Historic Places and named for Horatio Ward, an American banker who created an endowment fund to construct memorial halls at several Soldier Homes. The PCSFindorff team is currently at work on a detailed plan to stabilize the roof and replace the main structural members.

Whispering Hills Apartments, Port Byron, Illinois This multifamily rehabilitation project consisted of nine, eight-unit apartment buildings and a community building.

Work involved stripping the exterior

sheathing from the exterior walls (including insulation) to the backside of the drywall and replacing the entire exterior envelope. Apartment interiors were also extensively remodeled.

“During construction, they completed two buildings every 30 days, which allowed the tenants to move back in not more than 30 days from when they left their original apartments,” says Wasemiller. “There was a lot of coordinating with tenants prior to construction. Two vacant buildings were used to house the tenants while their apartments were being renovated.”

“Ken was very proactive in identifying hidden problems and costs associated with this rehab project,” says David Hoff, president of the Hoff Group in Fox Point, Wisconsin. “Rehabilitation of aging real estate can often be more of an art than a science, since you really don’t know what you have until the work begins.

Fortunately Ken was able to identify many issues prior to construction and was equally efficient at resolving issues as they arose during construction.”

Rosewood Senior Apartments, Berwick, Pennsylvania This rehabilitation project consisted of nine multi-unit buildings totaling 84 units and a community building. Exterior work included replacing roofing and sheet metal and gutter systems on each building. The interiors of all the apartments were completely redone, including new electrical wiring, plumbing systems, HVAC systems, and finishes.

Construction started in May 2011 and was completed in April 2012. “PCS represented the owner in all aspects of the project, from budgeting to design to construction and warranty,” says Wasemiller. “The occupants in these buildings were seniors and careful coordination of construction was crucial. The project was a big success and the tenants were very pleased with their newly renovated, energy efficient apartments.”

There is no substitute for experience on a job like this,” adds Hoff. “PCS has the knowledge and experience to deal with changes as they occur. The coordination between the architect, general contractor, and consultants and contractors was handled very well, as was the management of the construction schedule and pay applications. PCS has a skill

Whispering Hills Apartments — Port Bryon, Illinois

Whispering Hills Apartments — Port Bryon, Illinois

Rosewood Senior Apartments — Berwick, Pennsylvania

Wisconsin Constructor ® / Issue 3 • 2012

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set that is deeper and more professional than other construction managers we have used in the past and we intend to use PCS again when the opportunity presents itself.”

Rosewood Senior Apartments — Berwick, Pennsylvania

Rosewood Senior Apartments — Berwick, Pennsylvania

“The occupants in these buildings were seniors and careful coordination of construction was crucial. The project was a big success and the tenants were very pleased with their newly renovated, energy efficient apartments.”

A Bright Future PCS will continue to pursue large projects, teaming up with general contractors that can help with project bonding and provide specific trade skills.

“We want to increase our share of the construction market in Janesville and surrounding communities,” says Wasemiller. The company’s focus will continue to be on health care, senior living, and development projects, as well as state and federal work, including Wisconsin’s VA centers in Milwaukee, Madison, Tomah, and Fort McCoy. “When I needed the VA the most, they were there to help me by replacing my hip and providing me with the opportunity to get a college degree in the construction management field,” says Wasemiller. “Now I’m giving back and providing the knowledge and know-how I’ve learned in my construction career to help the VA and veterans—they risked their lives for our country and deserve the best possible care.”

Wasemiller will continue to follow the specific business plan he wrote in 2010.

“We will stay focused on our clients’ expectations and goals, as well as our own,” he comments. “When we achieve their goals, we achieve ours and learn from each experience, which helps us do an even better job on the next project.”

PCS’s mission is to give back to veterans as much as it can by creating better care for veterans at the VA and within their communities. “We always go beyond contract limits and do something extra on each project,” says Wasemiller, who ultimately wants PCS to “hire more veterans”.

— Wasemiller, President Progressive Construction Services has been a member of the AGC of Wisconsin since 2010.

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Wisconsin Constructor ® / Issue 3 • 2012

By Steve Schaefer, Enterprise Fleet Management

BETTER THAN REIMBURSING DRIVERS

For those who wonder how much better it could be to provide company vehicles rather than reimburse drivers who use their own vehicles, it’s

easy to count the ways: improved cash flow, reduced overall operating costs, improved safety, enhanced driver morale and more professional company image. Each of these factors is significant independently; together they present a compelling case.

A

recent analysis for a company that has 80 drivers, who average 15,000 to 20,000 miles per year, indicated that about $100,000 a year could be saved by switching from reimbursing drivers to providing company-owned vehicles. Although the calculation was based on a combination of hard costs – lease terms, monthly payments, maintenance and insurance – and fuel savings generated by having a fleet of uniformly fuel-efficient vehicles, soft costs also were a factor. For example, while some drivers were operating older cars that were not very reliable, resulting in more downtime, others were driving vehicles that were not very fuel -efficient.

In addition, for those in competitive industries, employee-owned vehicles did nothing to enhance the professional image of the company they represented, which impacts awareness among potential customers and prospective employees.

The advantages of companyowned vehicles begin with acquiring

vehicles that are the right size, include all appropriate safety features and have uniform fuel efficiency. Establishing a separate line of credit for vehicle purchases though a full-service fleet management company can eliminate the need to tap existing lines of credit to fund a rapidly depreciating asset.

In addition, fleet management professionals can help ensure that vehicles are replaced at appropriate intervals to achieve optimum performance and resale value.

Operating costs can also be minimized with a company-owned fleet.

A managed maintenance program can monitor and ensure regular service checks, examine invoices, and arrange the most economical, timely and highquality repairs for fleet vehicles. This program also can yield maximum warranty benefits, rebates, price breaks and other opportunities to minimize expenses. For example, a fuel card program can automatically monitor fuel purchases and mileage for each vehicle, while giving drivers maximum access to the most convenient fueling stations.

In today’s competitive marketplace, great looking vehicles are good advertising. In addition to promoting the company’s professional image in traffic and at job locations, having great looking cars can enhance employee satisfaction, which impacts retention as well as attracting the most qualified applicants when there are openings.

There are several options to reimburse an employee for using his or her own car on the job – actual cost, standard mileage rate, fixed or variable allowance. However, a comprehensive cost analysis could show that none of these methods is as cost effective or efficient as providing company-owned vehicles.

Steve Schaefer is a Director for Enterprise Fleet Management in Wisconsin and can be reached at 262-544-8300. He is supported by an experienced team of veteran mechanics and accredited Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) technicians to serve the fleet maintenance needs of businesses with mid-size fleets. In addition to maintenance management programs, Enterprise’s services include vehicle acquisition, fuel management and insurance programs, as well as vehicle registration, reporting and remarketing.

Visit the company’s web site at www.efleets.com or call toll free 1-877-23-FLEET.

Wisconsin Constructor ® / Issue 3 • 2012

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Wisconsin Constructor ® / Issue 3 • 2012

Associate Member

MasterGraphics Inc With a mission to “make design data work,” MasterGraphics is the Building and Construction industries’ go-to source for design and imaging solutions, the Midwest’s largest independent seller of CAD solutions, and the region’s most trusted, handson provider of CAD-related software, hardware, training, service and support. Headquartered in Madison, the company offers a number of complementary business units to serve the industry: CAD Solutions; Imaging Solutions, including traditional reprographics, wide-format, advanced technical color systems and 3D printing; and specialized services focused on data management and design visualization. MasterGraphics’ services help clients use intelligent information to deliver projects more economically, more efficiently and in a more predictable manner.

“MasterGraphics is a technology company, but we really think of ourselves as a solutions provider,” says Mark Lackovic, MasterGraphics’ chief operating officer. “We work with our customers’ staff and their processes to really understand what their challenges are. From there, we help implement solutions that are going to make them more productive and efficient in the future.”

While MasterGraphics has worked with commercial construction professionals for more than 60 years, the technology explosion of the last five to seven years has changed the game, and choosing a solution is no longer a simple decision. Gone are the days when AutoCAD was the primary

design tool; today, it’s not uncommon for businesses to employ a number of tools in their work processes. But to be successful with the changing times, adoption is critical. Without it, technology is just a tool.

“Adoption represents the synergy among your people, your processes and your technology. Too often, a company focuses solely on the acquisition of new technology as a means to an end, but that is insufficient. Instead, all these parts need to work in concert with one another.”

MasterGraphics uses a comprehensive approach to ensure it’s finding the right technology combination for your firm that is realistic, achievable and ultimately successful.

“One of the most important things we can do is challenge our customers: We challenge them to be innovative and we challenge their processes to help them find better ways of applying the technology,” says Lackovic.

By better leveraging data, using intelligent information and finding the right solution to meet a firm’s technology needs, MasterGraphics help clients create value at every step in the process to better plan, design, build, and manage buildings and infrastructure projects. AGC of Wisconsin creates a similar value for its members as well.

“As a longtime supporter of AGC of Wisconsin, we see the personal and professional benefits the organization offers. We are proud of this valuable relationship and the service AGC offers Wisconsin’s commercial construction community.”

“As a longtime supporter of AGC of Wisconsin, we see the personal and professional benefits the organization offers.

We are proud of this valuable relationship and the service AGC offers Wisconsin’s commercial construction community.”

To learn more about services and solutions MasterGraphics offers, contact Mark Lackovic, COO, at 800-873-7238 or mark.lackovic@mastergraphics.com.

MasterGraphics has been a member of the AGC of Wisconsin since 2002.

Wisconsin Constructor ® / Issue 3 • 2012

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Seeing Value: Application of Lean Thinking to Field Operations

T Brian Lightner

J.P. Cullen & Sons’ Process Improvement Manager

The definition of “Go and See” is derived from the Japanese phrase “Genchi Genbutsu,” which means “go and see.”

It is a key principle of the Toyota Production System that suggests in order to truly understand a situation, one needs to go to “gemba” or, the ‘real place’— where work is done.

he vision statement for Cullen’s Process Improvement efforts is: ‘Work at the crew level is the final expression of the management of J.P. Cullen & Sons’. As the industry moves to find ways to improve value, J.P. Cullen has been a leader in taking the applications to where the most important operations for clients occur: in the field. After all, for all the complexity of organizational structures and project management processes, what clients really care about is the quality of their facility. The craftsmen and women who turn the screws, place the bricks, and finish the concrete have their hands on what clients value the most.

The Lean principle used by Cullen for its’ Process Improvement methods is the principle of “Go and See.” Cullen uses film analysis techniques to learn how operations are performing. Cycle times on construction projects are often longer than what a Superintendent or Project Manager has the time to observe. Cullen started using film analysis a decade and a half ago to develop detailed, objective assessments of what it calls ‘the ground truth.’ How close is the conversion of resources to value to what we think it is, or what it should be? No tool can provide that answer like film analysis.

For Cullen, the results have been surprising. They have achieved significant gains in safety, quality, and efficiency by applying the lessons from analyzing work in such detail to all processes. Some companies say they support the crews, Cullen really does it. In a lot of ways, they have broken through some

cultural barriers in how we think about the work and how our people look at work.

Rather than “busy” or “hard work” Cullen tends to evaluate work by looking at “batch size” and “throughput.” People in general don’t give our craftsmen and women proper credit. They are really smart people. It is up to management to make sure the environment they work in is a quality environment: this includes providing the right tools, the right equipment at the right times, and scheduling work on the right things at the right times. Most of our field people already know what they need; the difference is that we have learned to listen to them.

In an economy that demands enterprises do more for less, such a differentiating advantage can make all the difference. As contractors seek to improve their processes and remove waste from their production systems it is clear that significant benefits can be derived by film studies. Field and office staff should devote a significant amount of their time removing the roadblocks the crews have to improved productivity.

This article is based on a recently presented a webinar sponsored by AGC of America. Brian Lightner, J.P. Cullen & Sons’ Process Improvement Manager, presented the cutting edge approach to applying “Lean” principles to work at the crew level. The program was moderated

by Mark Federle, McShane Chair of Engineering at Marquette University.

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Wisconsin Constructor ® / Issue 3 • 2012

General Contractors ACS, Inc. Alfredson Bros. Construction Co., Inc. Bacco Construction Company Bachmann Construction Co., Inc. Bauer & Raether Builders, Inc. Blue Sky Contractors, LLC Oscar J. Boldt Construction Co. The Boson Company, Inc. BriMark Builders, LLC Camosy Incorporated Capitol Underground, Inc. Community Living Solutions LLC J.P. Cullen & Sons, Inc. Dane County Contracting, LLC Dell Construction Co., Inc. Edgerton Contractors Ellis Stone Construction Company, Inc. Erdman Paul V. Farmer, Inc. J.H. Findorff & Son Inc. Fowler and Hammer, Inc. Ganther Construction, Inc. Gorman & Co., Inc. Gundlach Champion, Inc. Hamann Construction Company Hammersley Stone Company Hoffman, LLC Holster Construction, Inc. Homburg Contractors, Inc. IEI General Contractors, Inc. Ideal Builders, Inc. Howard Immel Inc. Klobucar Construction Company, Inc. Kraemer Brothers, LLC Kraus-Anderson Construction Co. Lunda Construction Company Magill Construction Company, Inc. Market & Johnson, Inc. Maryville Construction Company, Inc. McCabe Construction, Inc. McGann Construction, Inc. McKee Associates, Inc. McMullen & Pitz Construction Company C.R. Meyer and Sons Company Miron Construction Company, Inc. M.A. Mortenson Company Parisi Construction Co., Inc. Progressive Construction Services, LLC Quasius Construction, Inc. Rasch Construction and Engineering, Inc. Riley Construction Company, Inc. Rossi Construction Co., Inc. The Samuels Group, Inc. Scherrer Construction Company, Inc. The Peter Scherrer Group Jos. Schmitt & Sons Const. Co., Inc. Sjostrom & Sons, Inc. C.D. Smith Construction, Inc. Speedway Sand & Gravel, Inc. Staab Construction Corporation Stevens Construction Corp.

Kenneth F. Sullivan Co. TCI Architects, Engineers, Contractor, Inc. Tri-North Builders, Inc. Vogel Bros. Building Co. Vonasek & Schieffer, Inc. Frank O. Zeise Construction Company, Inc.

Specialty Contractors A&A Environmental, Inc. Acme Construction Metals, Inc. J.F. Ahern Co. Appleton Lathing Corporation Applied Ecological Services Architectural Products of Wausau, Ltd. August Winter & Sons, Inc. Austad & Son, Inc. Badger Swimpools Inc. Balestrieri Environmental & Development, Inc. Bartingale Mechanical, Inc. Bassett Mechanical C&S Construction, Inc. Ceco Concrete Construction Central Ceiling Systems, Inc. Coppens Metal & Roofing Corner Stone Construction of Janesville, Inc.

Crowley Masonry E&A Enterprises, Inc. Faith Technologies, Inc. Falcon Drilling & Blasting, Inc. Forward Electric, Inc. Gauthier & Sons’ Construction, Inc. General Heating & Air Conditioning Howard Grote & Sons, Inc. H&H Group Holdings, Inc. H&H Industries, Inc. Hagen Decorators, Inc. & North Central Insulation Marshall Hanes Steel Erectors, Inc. Hasheider Roofing & Siding, Ltd. Hooper Corporation Hurckman Mechanical Industries, Inc. Interior Installation Services Kish & Sons Electric Klein-Dickert Co., Inc.

Lewis Construction Inc. Madison Crushing & Excavating Co., Inc. Madison Gas & Electric Company Martell Construction, Inc. H.J. Martin & Son, Inc. Middleton Construction Middleton Insulation Systems, LLC Monona Plumbing & Fire Protection, Inc. North American Mechanical, Inc. Northern Electricians, Inc. Omni Glass and Paint, Inc. Ostrenga Excavating, Inc. H.J. Pertzborn Plumbing and Fire Protection Corp.

Prairie Plumbing & Heating, Inc. Pro-Foamers, Inc. Quality Erectors & Sheeters, Inc. Quality Insulators, Inc. Robinson Brothers Environmental, Inc.

Continued on next page.

Wisconsin Constructor ® / Issue 3 • 2012

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Specialty Contractors (continued) Rockwell Group, Inc. Rohde Brothers, Inc. SPE, Inc. Terra Engineering & Construction Corporation Don Theobald Masonry Tri-City Refrigration, Inc. Tweet/Garot Mechanical, Inc. Van Ert Electric Co., Inc. Veit, Inc. Ver Halen, Inc. Wall-Tech, Inc. Westphal & Co., Inc. Zander Insulation/Solutions

Associate Members AON Risk Services of Wisconsin Allied Insulation Supply Allstar Financial Group American State Equipment Company, Inc. A. N. Ansay & Associates, Inc. Arch Insurance Group Axley Brynelson, LLP Babcock Solutions, LLC Badgerland Supply, Inc. Robert W. Baird Baker Tilly Benes & Krueger, S.C. Block Iron & Supply Company Blueprints, Inc. The Bruce Co. of Wisconsin Brunsell Lumber & Millwork CNA Surety Corporation Candlewood Suites Chubb Group of Insurance Companies Clifton Gunderson LLP Cobb-Strecker-Dunphy & Zimmerman, Inc. Construction Data Services Construction Risk Associates, Inc. County Materials Corporation

The Daily Reporter Dawes Rigging & Crane Rental DeWitt Ross & Stevens DirectNetworks, Inc. Discher Architectural Millwork Endres Manufacturing Company Scott Engroff, LCC Enterprise Fleet Services Fabco Equipment, Inc. Farrell Equipment & Supply Company, Inc. Foley & Lardner Fuhrman & Dodge, S.C. Gallagher Construction Services Gerdau Ameristeel–Appleton Hatch Building Supply Hausmann-Johnson Insurance Hayden Murphy Equipment/Hausmann Insurance Ideal Crane Rental, Inc. Iron Planet Janesville Brick & Tile Janesville Sand & Gravel Company Kahler Slater Kelly Financial Kendell Doors & Hardware, Inc. Komisar & Spindler, S.C. Krukowski & Costello, S.C. LaForce, Inc. Lakes Brick & Block, LLC LarsonAllen Lee, Kilkelly, Paulson & Younger, S.C. Liberty Mutual Surety Lincoln Contractors Supply, Inc. Lindner & Marsack M3 Insurance Solutions, Inc. Manitowoc Cranes, Inc. MasterGraphics McCarty Law LLP McElroy Metal Inc. Melli Law, S.C.

Murphy & Desmond, S.C. Neenah Foundry Company Nimsgern Steel Corp.

Park Bank Penta Technologies Premier Engineering & Testing Purple Cow Organics Quarles & Brady, LLP R&R Insurance Services, Inc. RSM McGladrey Reynolds Crane Service River Steel, Inc. J. Ryan Bonding, Inc. Safe-Con, LLC Sand Source Services, US Schenck Business Solutions Security Insurance Slack Attack Communications Smith & Gesteland, LLP Spancrete Inc. Spider Staging LLC Stetson Building Products SVA Construction Services Temp-Air, Inc. Travelers Truck Country Vander Bloemen Group LLC Verona Safety von Briesen & Roper, S.C. WK Construction Co. Inc. T. Wall Properties Whyte Hirschboeck Dudek, S.C. Willis of Wisconsin, Inc. Wilderness Development Wingra Stone Company—Wingra Redi-Mix, Inc. Wipfli LLP Zurich

Value Engineering Since 2007, we’ve completed over $84 million in design/assist GMP projects.

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800.532.4376 | www.jfahern.com 18

Wisconsin Constructor ® / Issue 3 • 2012

Interested in becoming a member?

Contact Laura Cataldo at the AGC of Wisconsin office for membership information: 608-221-3821 cataldo@agcwi.org

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INDEX TO ADVERTISERS American State Equipment.............................. IBC Balestrieri..................................................... IBC General Heating and Air Conditioning Inc........ 14 Hooper Corporation....................................... 14 Hurckman Mechanical Industries, Inc.................. 6

Ideal Crane Rental, Inc....................................IFC J.F. Ahern Co................................................. 18 Kelly Financial, Inc........................................... 4 Liberty Mutual................................................ 16 Lycon Inc....................................................... 18

Middleton Insulation Systems.......................... IBC M3 Insurance................................................... 7 Pro-Foamers, Inc............................................ IBC Stetson Building Products, Inc.......................... IBC Tweet/Garot Mechanical, Inc.......................... 17 Wall-tech, Inc................................................. BC

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