7 minute read
Quality Construction
Quality Construction Co. Kevin Mytt y 406-728-0080 qualityconstruction.com
Quality Construction Company started in Missoula in 1967. In the decades since, they’ve grown large enough to handle the biggest projects, while staying small enough to provide the personalized attention to detail that their clients deserve and that Quality Construction demands.
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Specializing in commercial buildings, both new construction and renovation, Quality Construction is an established company with the experience and expertise to handle projects of any scope.
Quality Construction’s recent work on the Old Fort Road Condos Mixed Use Project is a good example of their skill in blending commercial with residential use. Other recognizable examples of their involvement around Missoula include Splash Mountain, Rocky Mountain Eye Surgery Center, Sorella’s Day Spa, Russell Street Apartments, Missoula Art Museum, Millenium Building, Karl Tyler Chevrolet, Harley Davidson, Garden City Funeral Home, and the CS Porter School.
From the early days of building their business, they’ve sought out select subcontractors, architects, and engineers to form long-term working relationships. Th is freefl owing exchange of advice, information, and new perspectives helps everyone involved to become more successful, and even more of a benefi t to their clients.
Th e team of experts at Quality Construction has nearly 200 years of combined construction management experience. Th e majority of these employees have been with the company for fi ft een to twenty years. Kevin Mytty and Flint Olsen take the helm, as the team of project managers, superintendents, and support staff work together to make every project a success.
By putting the client’s interest fi rst, paying attention to the smallest detail with effi ciency and accuracy, and working together with the best in the business, Quality Construction has earned the respect of the industry. Th ey were recently awarded the State AIA Merit Award for their work in constructing a high-quality and functional Ravalli Electric Co-Op project.
Government Affairs annual update
I am pleased to report another successful year of community participation in the Government Affairs Committee on behalf of our Missoula Building Industry members. Our committee comprises local building industry professionals and associates who have accomplished incredible professional feats during this building boom. Those same individuals have been driving the success of our committee.
Members of the building industry are very resilient, as 2020 has proven in many ways. We have altered civic engagement methods with COVID-19 protocols and engaged members by participating in the City of Missoula Subdivision Regulation rewrite process, Missoula County Zoning Ordinance Update Steering Committee, and Missoula Area Metropolitan Transportation Plan updates. Staying active in these vital community growth discussions keeps the MBIA at the forefront of Missoula’s development process. We will continue to strengthen our partnerships with our local peer organizations to create a network of positive collaboration as we look to the future.
I have been impressed by the speed at which the building industry has embraced a virtual permit environment while remaining focused on the daily construction operations during the pandemic. Our government affairs committee recognizes how important it is to provide shelter for Missoula’s families, and we are proud to do our part. Our committee’s role is to support our membership in creating positive change for our building community in Missoula. I am pleased to report we have been successful during this challenging year, and I look forward to continued progress into 2021. Paul Forsting, AICP MBIA Board of Directors and Chairman of Government Affairs Committee Senior Civil Designer, IMEG formerly Territorial Landworks, Inc.
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Talk to top construction industry leaders and managers, and quite a few will likely tell you they got their start not just from reading about construction…but by learning how to actually build things. The Sustainable Construction Technology program at Missoula College teaches students to do just that……a student that finishes the two-year program will participate in building an entire house. “We build it from start to finish just like any other construction company would,” said recent SCT Graduate Logan Ferda. “It gives you a really good baseline of what you’re going to experience when you get into the workforce,” he continued.
The Construction Industry is already more than a decade into a significant shortage of skilled labor, and with projected growth of more than 8% a year through 2028, the need for skilled labor will continue to grow. Missoula College is working to fill that need and grow the construction workforce, providing training for both entry level and existing industry members. The Sustainable Construction Technology (SCT) program offers programs from as little as four months, all built around the two-year Associates Degree in Construction Technology. They also offer shorter Certificate Programs in Construction Helper, Green Building, Carpentry, and Construction Supervision.
Students in the SCT program learn not only the hands-on skills required to build…..from framing, roofing, and siding, to sheetrock, finish carpentry and everything in between…but they also learn about the entire process along the way, with additional classes on planning, managing, estimating, and scheduling. They see what happens in real time when weather, material delays, or unexpected problems slow the process…..but more importantly they also see the results of their effort becoming someone’s new home. They learn a sense of accomplishment, being able to turn around at the end of the day and say “I built that!”
First year student Cody Herbert started college in California studying chemistry and physics but said he quickly realized it wasn’t for him. ” I started realizing I didn’t want to be stuck at a desk all day. I wanted to work with my hands.” He moved to Montana to start the SCT program this year and couldn’t be happier. “I love it,” he continued “I’m learning a lot every day, skills I can take home and use on my own house.” And skills that he knows will allow him to “hop right on the jobsite” when he’s done.
With an average starting wage of $17.41 per hour in Montana for entry level construction workers, and climbing from there for more skilled labor, careers in construction provide an incredible opportunity. The more you know the more you can make and a program like Missoula College SCT is important in providing that real world, hands-on training. “It gives you a huge head start,” said Brad O’Neil, Superintendent for Dick Anderson Construction who has hired from out of the program, “now you can go out and pick up all the tricks and all the knowledge so much faster, so it really slingshots your career.”
SCT Program Director John Freer and his faculty have a vision for the program to be a source for all construction training. “We don’t think our goal is to make anyone an expert in construction, that takes years in the field.” Freer said. “Our goal is to introduce someone to the entire construction process, and to give them hands-on experience in all facets of construction. With that kind of holistic exposure, they can learn what they like, what they have an aptitude for, and have the knowledge, skills, and confidence to successfully launch into their construction career.”
With nearly 100% of students finding quality work after graduation, and recent graduates reporting multiple job offers long before graduation, students are in high demand and could definitely see the value in their Missoula College SCT degree. “It really sets you up for a good career, in an industry that’s not going away anytime soon,” echoed John Ross Class of 2019 and an Apprentice Carpenter for Jackson Contractor Group.
John Freer, Master CGP, LEED AP BD&C; Assistant Professor; Director, Sustainable Construction Technology, Missoula College.
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Apply online at NorthWesternEnergy/Construction or call 1‑83‑FOR‑BUILD (1‑833‑672‑8453), press or say 3 and the zip code of where your project is located and your call will be directed to an agent that can assist you! Ask us about our new payment solutions with lower fees too! Always look up for power lines when doing construction work, and call 811 at least 2 full Business Days in advance for utility locates.
