Issue 4 2022 S O U T H E A S T MICHIGAN CONTRACTORS Me r i t S hop New s f r om t h e Sou t h e a s t e r n M i c h i g a n Ch a p t e r o f A s s o c i a t ed Bu i l de r s a nd Con t r a c t o r s
Contents ABC SEMI STAFF PRESIDENT/CEO Keith Ledbetter kledbetter@abcsemi.org COO Mickey Mortimer mmortimer@abcsemi.org VP OF EDUCATION Deanna Morley dmorley@abcsemi.org DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION Grace Bonventre gbonventre@abcsemi.org COMPTROLLER Dave Staudt dstaudt@abcsemi.org DIRECTOR OF SAFETY Drew Maltese dmaltese@abcsemi.org DIRECTOR OF MEMBERSHIP John Manor jmanor@abcsemi.org DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION Marissa Downs mdowns@abcsemi.org EDUCATION SERVICES COORDINATOR Kaylee Cohen kcohen@abcsemi.org OPERATIONS MANAGER Michelle Wood mwood@abcsemi.org COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER Kelly Forrester kforrester@abcsemi.org 2022 BOARD OF DIRECTORS CHAIRWOMAN Chris Scott, Paul C Scott & Sons Plumbing, Inc. TREASURER Bridget Kewin, O’Donnell Electric, LLC SECRETARY Debbie Starke, LaFemina Trucking CHAPTER ATTORNEY Frank Mamat, Dinsmore & Shohl, LLP DIRECTORS Mark Angellotti, Expert Heating & Cooling Thomas Campbell, Campbell Industrial Contractors, Inc. Robert Clancy, Robert Clancy Contracting, Inc. Stacy Demers, AssuredPartners Frank DiPonio, DiPonio Contracting, Inc. Eric Flessland, Butzel Long Chris Holsbeke Sr, Holsbeke Construction, Inc. Chris Maltese, D.J. Maltese Construction Corp. Matt McConnell, Architectural Hardware & Supply Dave Pytlowany, AIS Construction Equipment Corporation STATE BOARD MEMBERS Luke Beach, Independence Commercial Construction Robert Clancy, Robert Clancy Contracting, Inc. Frank Mamat, Dinsmore & Shohl, LLP Jim Struble, RCI Electric NATIONAL BOARD MEMBERS Robert Clancy, Robert Clancy Contracting, Inc. Frank DiPonio, DiPonio Contracting, Inc. Chris Scott, Paul C Scott & Sons Plumbing, Inc. CET BOARD OF TRUSTEES CHAIRMAN Tad Martin, TMX Contracting TREASURER Jim Struble, RCI Electric MEMBERS Jeff Campbell, Campbell Industrial Contractors, Inc. Sean Fisher, Third Coast Electric Jacqueline Kaltz, KaltzCoulombe, PLLC Paige Levy, Douglas Electric Co. Contact Information ABC SEMI Office (248) 298-3600 31800 Sherman Avenue Madison Heights, MI 48071 SEMCA Office (248) 298-3600 31800 Sherman Avenue Madison Heights, MI 48071 06 08 14 A Tee-rrific Networking Event in Full Swing 16 Devroy Takes First Place in CAT Global Operator’s Challenge 18 Five ModernWays to Attract and Keep Amazing Employees in the Construction Industry 20 Flo-Aire Marks Milestone with ABC SEMI 21 Upcoming Events 02 President’s Letter 04 Cheers to 50 Years 05 A Fresh Look to Celebrate 50 Years 06 ABC SEMI Annual Trap Shoot Hits the Mark 08 Future Construction Industry Leaders Get Competitive in Novi 10 Record Number of Students Start Fall 2022 Semester at SEMCA 12 No Mountain is Too High for The Summit Company Advertising & Design Sales Representative Ronnie Jacko (503) 445-2234 ronnie@llmpubs.com LLM PUBLICATIONS (503) 445-2220 | (800) 647-1511 www.llmpubs.com
2 Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. Happy 50th Anniversary! I can confidently say that 2022 has been the best year in the history of ABC SEMI. In April, we completed a major renovation of our building in Madison Heights, making way for the beautiful Freedom Room Board Room/Conference Center. Themed in patriotic interior designs and anchored by an eight-foot metal fabricated American flag on the wall, the venue not only allows us to own a great facility for entertaining guests and holding board meetings, but it reflects the values of our organization. ABC loves this country and is passionate about promoting freedom and entrepreneurship. Little did we know when we started the construction of the new room how important the addition would be. We held a ribbon cutting event with special guest Tudor Dixon. A few months later, Tudor would go on to win a packed primary and secure the Republican nomination for governor. ABC was the first statewide organization to endorse Dixon when she was at a mere 5th place in the polls. It was that endorsement that helped trigger a chain of events and endorsements that ultimately propelled her to a come-from-behind victory. In addition to Dixon, within the first six months of opening, the Freedom Room also hosted 3-star Lt. General Keith Kellogg and Kevin McCarthy—the House Republican Leader in the United States Congress. If the GOP is successful in the November elections, he is expected to become the next Speaker of the House. We are hosting former United States Attorney General Jeff Sessions for our Gala Dinner on October 19. We are expecting over 200 in attendance to help us reflect on a wonderful moment in history for the organization and begin the process of ushering the final weeks of our year-long celebration. This summer, ABC SEMI and the Southeast Michigan Construction Academy secured a $3 million appropriation from the state legislature for a new skilled trades training center in Westland. With enrollment in our trade school exploding, we’ve run out of space at our current facility while we see huge growth opportunities in the Westland and downriver communities. ABC has hosted “Meet the Generals” events, we’ve re-launched our Emerging Professionals program, we’ve continued to make safety a priority by hiring a safety director, and we’ve provided a series of professional development learning opportunities throughout the year for our members. As you can see, ABC in Southeast Michigan has made the most of our 50th anniversary year. We’ve promoted the cause of free enterprise, freedom, and love of country that represents the enduring values at the very heart of our mission for the past half-century. While we continue to have much work to do, we’ve set a high bar for the future of this organization. Sincerely, Keith Ledbetter | President and CEO ABC Southeastern Michigan Chapter KEITH LEDBETTER ABC SEMI President President’s Letter
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4 Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. 50TH ANNI VERSARY GAL A This year marked the 50th anniversary for ABC Southeastern Michigan. The year included the addition of the Freedom Room, a record number of students attending the Southeast Michigan Construction Academy and the first ABC Gala. Over 50 years, the Southeastern Michigan chapter has grown from six members to more than 260 with no plans of slowing down. Within that membership, business deals were formed, legal and financial seminars were held, and merit shop contractors came together to support free enterprise and one another. The 50th Anniversary Gala, which will be hosted on October 19, will be a celebration of accomplishments, success, and the hard-working ABC members. We are honored to have former U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions join us to speak to attendees and the 2023 Chair of the ABC National Board Milton Graugnard in attendance. “This gala is pivotal for the chapter,” said ABC president Keith Ledbetter. “Our members have worked hard over the years on their business and ensuring the success of this chapter. This is our chance to recognize and celebrate hardwork with a top notch event.” The staff at ABC Southeastern Michigan want to thank all the members for a great 50 years and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for our members. * The 50th Anniversary Gala had not been hosted before the time of print of this magazine. Be sure to watch for a full highlight of the night in the first issue of 2023, which will come out in January. Cheers to 50 Years ABC SEMI Hosts First Ever Gala
Southeast Michigan Contractors Issue 4 2022 5 ABCSEMI .ORG A Fresh Look to ABCSEMI.org has a new look! In early July, the team at ABC SEMI launched the new website to provide more access to services and information from the association to members. As contractors and professionals in the construction industry, it was essential to adapt the website to be compatible on mobile devices, so members can always reference their ABC benefits. We’re trying to keep it as easy as possible to stay engaged with the chapter and what’s going on in the industry. We hope our members will now see that they can have access to the chapter on the go. If they need us, information, access to a good discount, or are looking for the next opportunity to network, it’s all readily available to pull up on their phones. Information on everything we provide as a chapter, as well as state and national resources, are available on the website. All events are posted on the website, so ABC members can see what’s coming up at the chapter and take advantage of networking and business development opportunities, plus see what safety trainings are available. Celebrate 50 Years
6 Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc.
Southeast Michigan Contractors Issue 4 2022 7 With the changing of the season from summer to fall, ABC contractors mark the passing with the annual trap shoot at the Detroit Gun Club. Longtime ABC SEMI Board Member, Tom Campbell of Campbell Industrial Contractors Inc., played gracious host to nearly 100 shooters who took to the sporting clay field to try their hand at “breaking birds.” “Just an amazing day to be a member at ABC,” said ABC SEMI president and CEO, Keith Ledbetter. “The camaraderie and networking alone made this day special, getting to shoot guns and test your skill on the range made it so much more. We are always grateful to Tom and Jeff Campbell, their continued support of this event and ABC. They are the fabric of what makes this association so great.” As the temperatures dipped into the 50s, our members heated up their gun barrels as they attempted to score as many points as possible by breaking the clay targets that were launched from 14 different stations throughout the challenging course. According to Ray Merlo, owner and operator of Merlo Construction, it was as much fun “ribbing” old friends and colleagues as it was breaking clays. “You think you would be careful what you say around someone who is holding a gun, but the stuff that comes out of people’s mouths,” laughed Merlo. “Sometimes you wonder if these guys are friends. It was so much fun to catch up and enjoy a day of friendly competition—a rare treat for us contractors who are so busy in the industry. Congratulations to ABC for putting on such an excellent event—it made it worth the sacrifice.” Tickets for raffle prizes were sold this year to support the “Build The Future Fund”—a scholarship program ABC provides to help students attend the Southeast Michigan Construction Academy (ABC’s education affiliate) and begin their career in construction. In addition, dozens of door prizes were given out as well to attendees. The annual clay shoot will be back next September. Thank you to everyone that came out and had fun—so much so that the rain held off until the last shooter came inside. Stay tuned for the 2023 Clay Shoot date soon to be announced on abcsemi.org. Special thanks to our sponsors: Campbell Industrial Contractors Inc, AIS Construction Equipment, Third Coast Electric, Multi Drywall & Partition, LLC, Kaltz Excavating, AssuredPartners, Robert Clancy Contracting, Independence Commercial Construction, Holsbeke Construction, Merlo Construction, Livingston Concrete, Paul C. Scott Plumbing, and Architectural Hardware and Supply. CL AY SHOOT ABC SEMI Annual Trap Shoot Contractors Take the Day to Shoot the Breeze
8 Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. Networking can be an intimidating part of growing as a professional, especially when society has shifted to an era of email and texts, and no phone calls. It’s hard to approach someone you don’t know and strike up a conversation out of nowhere. However, put 20 strangers in a room with a little competition and suddenly you’ve taken the fear out of networking. The first networking event for the Emerging Professionals group had connections flying across the room as partnerships were made to dominate the Fowling alley at The HUB in Novi. Joe Krajacic, an estimator at Robert Clancy Contracting, quickly teamed up with John Lizza from AssuredPartners to create a winning partnership during the night. “I was not expecting us to be that good at this. Bowling and football are two mutually exclusive sports, so getting a handle on the way the pins fall when a football strikes them was challenging,” Krajacic said. “But man, once John and I got the hang of it, we just had a blast taking on the guys at AIS and John’s co-worker.” Krajacic joked saying by the end, their connections were limited due to John and his skill level at the game, but they left the competition on the alley. “Even after two years, it’s nice to go to social events and I’m looking forward to the line-up of social events mixed with professional development to propel me further in my career at AIS,” said Mike Boulus, rental manager for AIS Construction Equipment Corp. At the end of the night, attendees were informed about their next Emerging Professionals event, which will be in November. Future Construction Industry Leaders Get Competitive in Novi ABC Emerging Professionals Officially Kicked Off in Mid-September
Southeast Michigan Contractors Issue 4 2022 9 “I was not expecting us to be that good at this. Bowling and football are two mutually exclusive sports, so getting a handle on the way the pins fall when a football strikes them was challenging,” Krajacic said. “But man, once John and I got the hang of it, we just had a blast taking on the guys at AIS and John’s co-worker.” This event will turn to focus on professional development— particularly leadership development in the construction industry. Former executive VP for MITA, Mike Nystrom will impart his leadership experience acquired over 30 years in the industry and help guide young professionals from entry-level to leader. The mission of the Emerging Professionals group is to continue building up the construction workforce by providing employees of ABC members opportunities to develop as a professional and take on higher responsibilities at their company. Emerging professionals can expect to learn about construction technology, business goals, financing, and more topics mixed in with the all-important networking opportunities. “We really want to emphasize that leaders aren’t an older version of entry-level workers. They need opportunities to grow and connect in the industry with people in similar positions,” said Kelly Forrester, ABC communications manager and co-leader of Emerging Professionals. “We think that the more support they get from their managers, the more support these young professionals can give back to their companies.” This group is free for ABCmembers to take advantage of. Any ABC member employee under 40 interested in joining can reach out to Kaylee (kcohen@abcsemi.org) or Kelly (kforrester@abcsemi.org) for more information.
10 Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. NEWS The fall 2022 semester kicked off on August 29 with more than 550 students in attendance. RECORD NUMBER of Students Start Fall 2022 Semester at SEMCA The new school year is underway at the Southeast Michigan Construction Academy and with more than 200 new students starting their journey in electrical, carpentry, or welding, it’s sure to be a good year. On the first night of classes, SEMCA president Keith Ledbetter headed traffic control to get students parked and in class on time—directing over 30 cars to adjoining lots near SEMCA’s main campus in the pouring rain. “I don’t even care that it’s pouring and that I’m soaked, it’s an incredible feeling seeing so many people coming to trade school. These men and women chose a career-ready education program that costs less and has better job security than a college degree,” Ledbetter said. “I’ve never seen these classrooms as packed as they are tonight.” SEMCA instructor Kevin Herron was shocked at the number of third year electrical students he had in his class. Herron even mentioned in his three years as a SEMCA instructor, he’s never started the year with a full room. S MCA Kyle Sluck returns for his third year as an electrical apprentice. Instructor Alex Joshua welcomes his 2022–2023 carpentry students.
Southeast Michigan Contractors Issue 4 2022 11 Custom Welding Curriculum SEMCA students were greeted at the front door by director of education Marissa Downs and education services coordinator Kaylee Cohen. The two helped check students in, confirm their trade, and direct them to their classrooms. One of those students on Monday night was first year electrical student Macauley Cooper, who has been ready for the first day of school since his tour of the school in late June. “I am new to the electrical field, but I know I’ll learn so much over the next four years here as an apprentice, which I will bring to my work at MC Chesney Electric,” Cooper said. In total, 581 students enrolled for the fall semester at SEMCA with 223 of them being first year students. The school had a 24% increase of new students compared to fall 2021. “We’ve seen a steady increase year-to-year in enrollment, and I credit that to the increase of trade school exposure in high school and the push for young adults wanting a good-paying career without the debt,” said VP of education Deanna Morley. “Our mission is to build up that workforce; therefore, our programs are centered around having our students work in their field during the day so when they come to school at night, we’re building on their skills to get them back in the field at a higher skill level.” SEMCA winter enrollment will open in October. For ABC member companies interested in sending employees to train in welding, electrical, or heavy contruction, the online application and registration will be available on semcaschool.org. SEMCA students are checked in on their first day of school. Fourth year electrical apprentices beingwelcomed by instructor Vince Cooley. First year students getting an introduction to construction. Electrical apprentice at O’Donnell Electric checks in for another year at SEMCA.
12 Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. PROF I LE Wendy Belsley, CEO of the Summit Co. and Tony Dattilio, President of the Summit Co. pose for a photo during our tour of the Summit Co. office. No Mountain is Too High for The Summit Company Belsley Family Brings Faith and Family to ABC The Summit Company, a family owned and operated general contracting firm located in Livonia, MI has been a proud member of the Associated Builders and Contractors of Southeastern Michigan since 1999 providing quality commercial construction services. According to Wendy Belsley, founding partner with her late husband Dale, they have made a point out of putting family and faith first with their company stressing the importance that they care about their employees both on and off the job. “Dale always made sure to be in our children’s lives growing up,” said Wendy. “He knew that to be a good businessman he had to first be a good husband and father. Not to say that there were not sacrifices made and many sleepless nights, but he knew the foundation to a strong company started with a strong family. That care and commitment has served us well and provided our clients an honest, dedicated partner in building and developing their projects on time and on budget. We don’t cut corners here (Summit) or at home.” The story of The Summit Company begins with owner and founder Dale Belsley. Having come from a family with a long history in the construction business, Dale gained experience and knowledge of the industry early on. He earned his degree in construction engineering and went on to work for several large general contracting firms in the Detroit Metropolitan area. For close to a decade, Dale successfully ran a reputable general contracting firm as chief operating officer. With a passion and motivation to own his own general contracting firm, Dale risked his other opportunities to start The Summit Company. It was then that he decided to join ABC SEMI and establish himself with fellow contractors. “Dale had gotten to know many of the members at ABC and really appreciated the value and networking that the organization offered,” said Wendy. “The marketing and assistance it offered was certainly helpful in the early years, but it was the struggles, camaraderie, and philosophic values shared with his peers that Dale valued most. He loved his years on the ABC Board, and he felt like it was his responsibility to impart his knowledge of the industry to others. Frankly he thought of them like family, and they returned the sentiment.” It was with that passion to develop the industry that Dale brought his son-in-law Anthony (Tony) Dattilio into the company and saw him grow into the president of Summit. Sadly, Dale passed away in 2019 after a long struggle with cancer, but true to form made sure that both his family and company were on solid ground.
Southeast Michigan Contractors Issue 4 2022 13 “Dale thought of others first,” said Dattilio. “He rarely thought of his own needs and always asked what he could do every day to make someone else’s life better. He had strong faith—he told me you had to have that in this line of work—being a contractor can test you not only when times are bad, but even when they are good. He said it was important to never sacrifice integrity or take short cuts, that he believed if you put your best out there you would get the best back. That reputation is the cornerstone to his legacy and one that we carry with us every day here.” Over the past 23 years, The Summit Company has specialized in construction projects large and small and offer their customers a broad range of construction services—from completely new buildings (conventional and/or pre-engineered maintenance buildings) to performing specific trade work. Their recent projects have included site work (foundations, concrete flat work, curb & gutter, asphalt, storm systems, etc.) and interior renovations including excellent finish carpentry work (studs & drywall, flooring, painting, wallcovering, ceilings, roofing, doors, glazing, cabinetry, trim work, etc.). “Most of our regular customers are tier one automotive suppliers,” said Dattilio. “We consistently renovate their facilities to accommodate the constant changes required for operations. That is our bread and butter. But the tremendous demands in the industry today require us to be much more diversified in the services we provide—we really want our clients to feel confident that their project from the first shovel in the ground to the last coat of paint will be handled. That peace of mind allows them to focus on their work and not worry about ours.” The Summit team is comprised of a tight knit group of experienced construction professionals who all share the same hardworking values and commitment to excellence and client satisfaction. Dattilio stressed the reputation is built on our principles of honesty and integrity and dedication that Dale brought to building trusting and lasting relationships with their clients. Summit Co. crewworking on the pump house in Washington Township. Summit Co. employees work to build a new Kroger fuel center.
14 Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. NETWORK ING It was a hole-in-one kind of night for those in attendance at ABC SEMI’s first Topgolf event in early August. ABC members stepped up to the tee, which included sipping drinks and making connections over golf. This soldout event brought members to Auburn Hills to enjoy a social night that was par for the course. “I am so pleased to see how many people made it out to this event,” said ABC SEMI chairwomen Chris Scott, owner of Paul C. Scott and Sons Plumbing. “Topgolf is a fun location and helps our busy members relax and focus on having some good old fashioned fun.” New member, Jesse O’Connor, a representative at Tradesmen International, mentioned how easy it was getting to know other ABC members over a mutual love-hate relationship with golf. “I think everyone here can relate to having an off day when it comes to swinging the club, which immediately allowed me to connect with some folks,” O’Connor said. “I enjoyed coming out here to share some laughs and get to know some of the hard-working members of ABC.” Also in attendance for the night were ABC member employees joining the ABC Emerging Professionals group. This was a warm introduction for people who work for ABC member companies, but haven’t had the opportunity to interact at networking events before. “I know my boss is heavily involved in ABC, but I’ve not had the chance to experience all that is ABC before,” said Niall Beere, A Tee-rrific Networking Event in Full Swing i Gil Cotter, master plumber at Paul C. Scott Plumbing, steps up to the tee. Amazing views at Topgolf for an amazing night.
Southeast Michigan Contractors Issue 4 2022 15 operations manager at Paul C. Scott and Sons Plumbing. “I have enjoyed talking with owners and managers at other companies, and it makes me excited to start building my own network in the construction industry.” If you have a recommendation of where we can host an ABC SEMI networking event, reach out to Michelle (mwood@abcsemi.org) to share your idea. We love finding new ways to bring members together and build their professional relationships. We want to thank our sponsors: AIS Construction Equipment, AssuredPartners, Multi Drywall & Partition, Architectural Hardware & Supply, Butzel Long, CardConnect, Independence Commercial Construction, Inc., Paul C. Scott and Sons Plumbing, State Electric Company, FCCI and Milwaukee. Topgolf will return in the early spring of 2023! Stay tuned for a date. AIS Compact Equipment Area Manager, Steve Colby takes a swing from the third level. ABC Members and Emerging Professionals line up to show what they’re made of. (Left to right) ABC Chair and owner of Paul C. Scott and Sons Plumbing, Chris Scott; SEMCA board member and President of Douglas Electric, Paige Levy; and Operations Manager at Douglas Electric, Nicole Hemphill connect during event.
16 Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. MICHIGAN CAT GLOBAL OPER ATOR ’ S CHALLENGE Devroy Takes First Place in CAT Global Operator’s Challenge No Contest for Clancy Contracting Operator in Heavy Equipment Competition When Casco-based operator Greg Devroy asked his boss Robert Clancy, of Robert Clancy Contracting if it was “OK” to enter the Michigan CAT Global Operator’s Challenge, he figured he’d get a day of fun to test his skills against some of the best heavy equipment operators in Michigan. But when he won two out of three of the division competitions and the overall title, Devroy not only competes but beats his competition soundly. “I was really pleased to win the firstround competition for the 2022/2023 Caterpillar Global Operator Challenge,” said Devroy. “I was hopeful going in that I wouldn’t embarrass myself, but had no idea I would win not one, but two of the division competitions and be chosen the overall winner for this state.” Devroy beat out some of the best union and non-union operators in Michigan and with the win, he advances to the regional semi-final round of the competition, which will occur in Clayton, NC in October. According to Clancy, he knew Devroy was good enough to win and proud to have him represent his company in this prestigious competition. “It is due to all of Greg’s hard work and time spent honing his craft that he won,” said Clancy. “He doesn’t take short cuts in his work and makes sure that he operates his equipment in a safe and purposeful manner—he never wastes time and always has a sound, but safe Greg Devroy was named the overall winner at the Michigan CATGlobal Operator Challenge
Southeast Michigan Contractors Issue 4 2022 17 plan of action when operating on a job site. He knows his team and how they move—often it looks choreographed, but it is hours of repetition and practice that allow them to move in harmony with each other.” With division competitions in excavating, precision backhoe, and bulldozer course, Devroy had a chance to apply all the skills he uses on a job site in action. He felt confident in the dozer and excavator but was a little surprised by the backhoe… not because he couldn’t handle the demands of the competition, but because it was brand new and had “different” controls. “I was a bit surprised by the backhoe, it was new—it was next generation, but once I familiarized myself with its operation, I quickly adapted,” said Devroy. “The entire competition is timed, so I didn’t want to waste any but knew I needed to understand how the equipment operated and handled—it is always worth the time to figure things out ahead of time and operate safely. Even though I perhaps spent a little longer than I wanted to in familiarizing myself, I still finished the event a good three minutes ahead of the second place finisher, so not too bad.” Not too bad indeed—all the best to Devroy this Fall in North Carolina! If you have a story about an employee or project you want to feature with ABC, email Kelly (kforrester@abcsemi.org) to submit your story. “I was hopeful going in that I wouldn’t embarrass myself, but had no idea I would win not one, but two of the division competitions and be chosen the overall winner for this state,” said Devoy.
18 Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. HRPRO Most businesses struggle to retain and hire the best employees. The way we value and view jobs has changed in the past two years. What worked in the past no longer works for employers in the construction industry. When we can’t find an employee, we say, “No one wants to work.” The truth is, most people want to work; they just want to work smarter, have enough money to cover ever-increasing expenses, and still have time for fun. During the last six months, 43% of American workers have considered switching jobs. Here are five modern ways for construction companies in Michigan to retain and attract employees: 1 The most common reason people switch careers or companies is money. Review what benefits and pay structure you have in place for your current and future employees. In addition to making sure your new employees are paid at market value, make sure your seasoned workers are not overlooked. In the current job market, employers can and should prioritize fair and consistent compensation. In the long run, keeping a good employee happy where he/she is more cost-effective than bringing in a new employee as a replacement. TIP: Make sure employees’ salaries and wages reflect current market value as well as their growth and development at least once a year. 2 Make sure your job posting is designed to attract and not repel your candidates. We all had bad hires, but these instances should not dictate how you write your job descriptions. You need to write a job description for the good hire, not to avoid a bad hire. Not sure where to start? First, let someone unfamiliar with you or your company read your new job description and tell you if they even want to apply for the job. You should read the job description yourself and honestly consider whether you are interested in the job. Is there more negativity than positivity? Are you listing what you want or what you do not want in a candidate? Write a job description to attract your ideal candidate but allow room for people to grow into the role. TIP: Consider offering a paid “shadow me on the job site” day, so a candidate can see if the job aligns with their expectations and delivers on promises. Engage your candidate into your culture for a day and buy them lunch, too. 3 Consider perks that you can offer that are unique and aligned with your company’s values and culture. The foundation of a good life is financial security, but it is not just a paycheck, but the benefits and perks they receive from their jobs. Weekly chiro adjustments? Is lunch delivery on-site (DoorDash, Uber Eats)? A round of golf? Camping fee or park pass reimbursement? Pet insurance? Modern Ways to Attract and Keep Amazing Employees in the Construction Industry 5
Southeast Michigan Contractors Issue 4 2022 19 Paid vacation? Tax-free education? Summer hours? All this is possible with the right setup and administration on your end. HRPro specializes in the administration of tax-advantaged (perks and benefits) spending accounts and provides services that will help you maximize these benefits. And yes, typical benefits are a necessity now, not a frill! 4 Offer flexibility in the schedule to meet individual situations your employees might have. Leaving early to pick up a child from daycare? No problem. Need a half day to recharge? No problem. Have an appointment you cannot miss? We will work around that. Not feeling well? Please stay home and rest. Treat others how you would like to be treated. Setting your current and future employees up for success is crucial. It takes both pieces—financial and relational—to build trust and loyalty with employees. Without these, people will leave. 5 The use of technology for recruiting, hiring, onboarding, and supporting employees is often overlooked by employers. Although most companies are moving along with the latest, coolest technology, we still have people filling out generic paper job applications. By using modern technology solutions available today, you can eliminate paperwork headaches and speed up the hiring process (and look cool!). Every step of the way can be accessed online or on the phone app and streamlined to meet you and your employees’ demand for new technology. How to get started? HRPro’s exemplary administration staff will help your people processes run more efficiently and effortlessly. If you do not adapt to current hiring and employment practices, you will continue to say that “no one wants to work anymore”— your business will become stale. You will continue to overwork yourself and your staff. But when you set your new hires and current talent up for success, you will build meaningful relationships that transform into business expansion and growth. It is easy to read an article, have an “aha moment,” and never take any action. Before you know it, you are complaining about people again. To avoid that, start with #1 and review current employees’ pay structure and benefits to gauge where they need to be for the current job market. We can help you get through all five steps fast. If you do not have time or HR expertise, connect with Kevin Sheridan today to get started: www.hrpro.com/ contact-us. This article was provided by HRPro of Royal Oak, MI, a dedicated ABC of Michigan member. We help businesses like yours thrive by taking care of HR and Benefits Administration and providing Human Resource Advisory services. Download free HR&Benefits Checklist today: www.hrpro.com/ hr-and-benefit-checklist/ If you do not adapt to current hiring and employment practices, you will continue to say that “no one wants to work anymore”— your business will become stale. You will continue to overwork yourself and your staff.
20 Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. MEMBER MI LESTONE Flo-Aire Marks Milestone with ABC SEMI 40 Years as a Chapter Member and Still Going Strong The Molnar and Beesley family names are a bit legendary at the Associated Builders and Contractors of Southeastern Michigan. Over their past 40 years as members, their contributions to the cause are numerous and hard to measure, but it is fair to say that without them the strides ABC SEMI has made would not have happened without their commitment and generosity. “I cannot imagine ABC without the Beesley and Molnar families,” said Keith Ledbetter, President and CEO of ABC SEMI. “They have given their time, talent, and resources to see our academy and association flourish. Frankly, we are still reaping the rewards from the seeds they have planted, and I am proud that both are still actively engaged in our membership.” Loren and Linda Beesley, who started Flo-Aire, moved the historic farmhouse they are in to 15761 Eureka Road in Southgate, west of Dix-Toledo Road, in the 1970s. Like their unique headquarters, Flo-Aire is a huge part of the fabric of the community. In 2017 business partner Robert Molnar joined their company connecting the two celebrated families together in business. According to Ledbetter, they shared that commitment to the industry, ABC, and the trade school. “Flo-Aire shares a passion for the construction trades and an old-school work ethic, which springs from the Beesley and Molnar families’ legacy,” said Ledbetter. “They helped launch the CTE (now Southeast Michigan Construction Academy) program here at ABC and they send all their apprentices through a four-year program. The Molnar family was instrumental in building an entire new wing to our trade school and responsible for revitalizing our program here. The difference it has made for our students is immeasurable.” Molnar, who served as Chairman on the SEMCA Board said the heating, ventilation and air conditioning, or HVAC, trade is a unique combination of plumbing, electrical, gas, piping, and mechanical trades. He said that specialization prompted Flo-Aire to pay the $3,000 annual tuition so their apprentices aren’t burdened with debt at a young age. “We want our employees to know we are invested in their success as well as the business’s,” Molnar said. “We place a high value on the expertise and commitment our team has in doing their jobs. If we can help them grow and excel in their craft then everyone benefits—especially our customers.” Molnar said repeat business, recommended from one generation to the next, is their biggest source of clients. And the reputation Flo-Aire owner RobMolnar working with students at SEMCA on blueprints.
Southeast Michigan Contractors Issue 4 2022 21 Upcoming Events that they have established is what sets them apart from their competitors. “We have customers that are in their nineties, their original heating system was installed by Flo-Aire, and it is the only company that they want to work on their home,” he said. “They support us because we are not just in the community, but a part of it. Our employees are all local people who you can trust in your home—we hire for character. If they are good people, and we can work with them, then we can teach them the skills.” Molnar credits his father and grandfather for instilling the commitment to the trades and seeing the true value of a skill learned and mastered over the years. He was raised to appreciate the value and importance of a hard day’s work and that nothing truly worth having is given, it is earned. “We have worked very hard and taken the risks necessary to succeed in life,” said Molnar. “My father and his father before that have shown me that if you want something you must be willing to work, and work hard for it. I see that in the company we run, the people that work for us, and the association (ABC SEMI) we belong to.” AC technician Nathan arriving to a job to restore cool air in the summer months.
ABC SEMI Office 31800 Sherman Ave. Madison Heights, MI 48071 (248) 298-3600
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