ISSUE 2 2024 S O U T H E A S T Merit Shop News from the Southeastern Michigan Chapter of Associated Builders & Contractors What’s Inside Westland Campus Grand Opening Developing the Workforce of Tomorrow Developing Safety in the Workforce
Contents ABC SEMI STAFF PRESIDENT/CEO Keith Ledbetter kledbetter@abcsemi.org CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Dave Staudt dstaudt@abcsemi.org DIRECTOR OF SAFETY Drew Maltese safety@abcsemi.org OPERATIONS MANAGER Michelle Wood mwood@abcsemi.org COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER Kelly Forrester kforrester@abcsemi.org VICE PRESIDENT Deanna Morley dmorley@abcsemi.org DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION Marissa Downs mdowns@abcsemi.org DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION Grace Bonventre gbonventre@abcsemi.org EDUCATION SERVICES COORDINATOR Kaylee Cohen kcohen@abcsemi.org 2024 BOARD OF DIRECTORS CHAIR Chris Holsbeke Sr, Holsbeke Construction, Inc. VICE CHAIRMAN Robert Clancy, Robert Clancy Contracting, Inc. TREASURER Eric Flessland, Butzel Long SECRETARY Adam Harding, AIS Construction Equipment Corporation CHAPTER ATTORNEY Frank Mamat, Dinsmore & Shohl, LLP DIRECTORS Luke Beach, Independence Commercial Construction Thomas Campbell, Campbell Industrial Contractors, Inc. Stacy Demers, AssuredPartners Bridget Kewin, O’Donnell Electric, LLC Chris Maltese, D.J. Maltese Construction Corp. Tad Martin, TMX Contracting Brian Misaras, Merlo Construction Mike Peake, Action Traffic Maintenance David Schoonbeck, CarbonSix Construction Debbie Starke, LaFemina Trucking Mark Weatherly, Diamond Shine Concrete& Stone Polishing STATE BOARD MEMBERS Luke Beach, Independence Commercial Construction Robert Clancy, Robert Clancy Contracting, Inc. Frank Mamat, Dinsmore & Shohl, LLP NATIONAL BOARD MEMBERS Robert Clancy, Robert Clancy Contracting, Inc. Chris Maltese, D.J. Maltese Construction Corp. Brian Townsley, Tower Group LLC CET BOARD OF TRUSTEES CHAIRMAN Sean Fisher, Third Coast Electric TREASURER Jim Struble, RCI Electric TRUSTEES Andy Barnum, Lee Industrial Contracting Jeff Campbell, Campbell Industrial Contractors, Inc. Tad Martin, TMX Contracting 06 18 03 President’s Letter 04 Westland Campus Grand Opening 06 Talent Bullseye: How to Target Top Talent in a Shifting Market 08 Developing the Workforce of Tomorrow 11 Former MSU Running Back Huddled with ABC at ‘24 Planning Conference 12 SEMCA: Bridging Shortages in the Construction Industry 16 Family-Oriented Leader Creates a Lasting Legacy 18 Developing Safety in the Workforce 22 An Inside Look at Power Solutions, Inc. 24 Commercial Landscaper, Russell Landscaping Joins ABC SEMI 25 Solar Company Leads Social Responsibility Charge 26 Family Business Finds a Home at ABC 27 Crafting Michigan, Building Trust 28 Member Value Planner Advertising & Design Sales Representative Ronnie Jacko (503) 445-2234 ronnie@llmpubs.com LLM PUBLICATIONS (503) 445-2220 www.llmpubs.com Contact Information SEMCA Office (248) 298-3600 31800 Sherman Avenue Madison Heights, MI 48071 ABC SEMI Office (248) 298-3600 31800 Sherman Avenue Madison Heights, MI 48071
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Southeast Michigan Contractors Issue 2 2024 3 Message from the President ABC SEMI hosted our annual planning conference in January at the picturesque Crystal Mountain Resort, near Traverse City. About 30 members, guests and staff gathered to discuss the current state of the association and help determine its future. The chapter’s strategic plan and goals are aligned closely with ABC National’s. That plan includes four major categories: 1) Health and safety, 2) Political advocacy, 3) Workforce development and 4) Membership growth. After two days of discussion, the chapter created several important priorities for 2024. Health and Safety Goal Statement — Increase membership participation in safety focused activities Increase STEP participation from 20 members to 40 Host four total human health trainings Offer two safety academies Political Advocacy Goal Statement — Win elections Create ambitious fundraising goal and work to achieve it Build bipartisan relationships with key people and communities Educate ABC members and the public about important policies and consequences Workforce Development Goal statement — Provide new solutions for training needs at all levels of workforce Provide more educational resources for ABC contractors Begin tracking all non-craft training and increase by 10% in 2024 Offer a new trade at SEMCA Continue journey to 1,000 craft trainees Maintain strong marketing campaign Continue aggressive community outreach Bolster campus footprint by exploring a new headquarters and training center Membership Goal statement: Work for strong membership growth and engagement Grow membership from 265 to 295 in 2024 Host annual meeting to help members understand value proposition Fill board/committee vacancies Recruit next board leaders Keith Ledbetter, President & CEO
4 Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. WESTLAND CAMPUS The Southeast Michigan Construction Academy officially opened the doors to the trade school on February 29. The grand opening ceremony hosted more than 250 people interested in seeing the stateof-the-art facility and exploring their career options in construction. School staff was joined by Westland City officials, including council members, Westland deputy mayor James Godbout and Wayne/Westland schools superintendent Dr. John Dignan to celebrate the beginning of a new era of construction. “When I walked in the door today, my breath was taken away. It’s unbelievable how this facility has turned out,” Dignan said. “The best things in this community, region and state were built by men and women in the skilled trades. The kids and young Westland Campus Grand Opening adults in our communities are going to have opportunities to have access to starting careers right away and honor the blue-collar history that is Westland, Michigan.” The school was open to the public for tours and to learn about the different skilled trades programs offered. SEMCA instructors set up throughout the shop to showcase electrical, carpentry and welding, and answer any questions future students may have about the field. For one budding construction professional, he was encouraged by his father to attend the grand opening and see what career possibilities lie ahead for him. “I graduated from high school last year and knew college wasn’t my path, but wasn’t sure what was my 25,000 sq ft Building Serves as Second Permanent SEMCA Campus
Southeast Michigan Contractors Issue 2 2024 5 WESTLAND CAMPUS calling,” said Westland teen A.J. Miller. “I came out here today to see the new school and talk with the instructors. I have a lot of people in my family who work in construction, so it’s a familiar subject, but I would like to learn more about each specific trade. It’s great that there’s different stations set up so I can see the tools and materials, and also talk with people who work in those fields. After today, I can definitely see a potential future for me here.” The new Westland campus will accommodate approximately 300 new students annually. This is in addition to the main campus in Madison Heights, which also accommodates 300 students annually and the satellite locations in Lapeer, Holly and Monroe. “The great thing about SEMCA is that we are open to all comers. We don’t require incoming students to take an entrance exam and we don’t have a waiting list,” said SEMCA president & CEO Keith Ledbetter. Greg Sizemore, the vice president of health, safety, envioroment and workforce development from ABC National mentioned to guests that the nation is facing a shortage of skilled workers and that organizations like SEMCA are working to solve the problem. “We’re all here tonight to celebrate the opening of this facility, but also because communities like Westland Westland City Officials and SEMCA President cut the ribbon at the grand opening. Westland deputy mayor James Godbout presents SEMCA president Keith Ledbetter with a City Certificate of Recognition. welcomed the trade school with open arms,” Sizemore said. “Southeast Michigan is doing the heavy lifting and solving the shortage. We need to add 500,000 men and women to the workforce, and it’s getting done right here in this zip code.” We want to thank D.J. Maltese Construction for their hard work transforming this building and a special shoutout to Independence Commercial Construction, Third Coast Electric, and Expert Heating and Cooling as the specialty-contractors on the project. We couldn’t have done this without you! Enrollment for all SEMCA locations will open in early May for the fall semester. Anyone interested in enrolling employees in classes or learning more about what SEMCA has to offer, is encouraged to visit semcaschool.org. The SEMCA Board of Trustees anticipate the opening of the new campus. ABC Board of Directors celebrate the new campus. “When I walked in the door today, my breath was taken away. It’s unbelievable how this facility has turned out.” - Dr. John Dignan
6 Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. SPECIALIZED RECRUITING According to Forbes, an organization may spend up to 33% of an employee’s annual salary to replace them if they resign. The costs incurred include recruitment, lost productivity and onboarding/ training. [1] That is $33,000 for a salary of $100,000! Forbes also found that “The average tenure of an employee is 4.1 years. Workers ages 55 to 64 had an average tenure of 9.9 years, while workers 25 to 34 had an average tenure of only 2.8 years!” [1] The talent market continues to ebb and flow with socioeconomic and political influences. As professional recruiters and specialists within the construction and civil engineering fields — our SRG Team has made the following observations: • There are more job openings than qualified candidates can fill. • Jobs are sitting open for months. • Candidates are receiving multiple offers. • The highest-paying job offer isn’t always the offer that wins! • Job hopping is on the rise. • Employees no longer stay at one company for the majority of their career. As recruiters and employers, how do we face these challenges head-on? What can we do to attract and retain the best talent in the market? Before we dive into potential solutions, we need to understand the current talent market and the difference between “active” and “passive candidates.” Randstad shared near the end of 2023 that approximately 70% of the workforce is comprised of “passive candidates,” leaving just 30% comprising “active candidates.” [2] “Active candidates” are actively seeking new employment and applying for job postings. “Passive Candidates” are not actively searching for a new role, but that doesn’t mean they’re not open to exploring opportunities. Passive Candidates are willing to have a conversation, but the opportunity must be better than what they’re currently experiencing. What is exciting is that even though these candidates aren’t actively applying for jobs — we can still reach them! And we must reach them. We can’t continue to rely on the “active” 30% of the workforce to fill 100% of our open jobs. Logically, our next question is: what would be attractive enough for passive candidates to consider entertaining? [2] Talent Bullseye: How to Target Top Talent in a Shifting Market By: Specialized Recruiting Group — SE Michigan Branch SRG’s Adam Klug interviews SEMCA students at the Career Fest in 2023. Josh and Bill from Independence Commercial connect with a SEMCA student.
Southeast Michigan Contractors Issue 2 2024 7 SPECIALIZED RECRUITING 1. Reputation. We know from Forbes that up to 86% of the workforce researches a company prior to applying to that company’s job posting. [1] Therefore, we know that company reputation, integrity, transparency and success impact hiring. 2. Ease of Interviewing. Randstad shares that passive candidates aren’t as willing to engage in a lengthy interview process, to complete assessments and to wait around for a delayed hiring decision. [2] Harvard Business Review recommends clearly defining an “ideal candidate profile” and utilizing that profile to design your interview. HBR also discourages involving too many people in the interview process as this can cause delays and redundancies. [3] 3. Organized Onboarding. The first 90 days for a new hire are the most crucial as approximately 30% of new hires resign during this period! However, companies who offer organized and personalized onboarding tend to retain 58% of employees for at least three years and 77% of new employees met their first performance goal! [1] 4. Work Life Flexibility. A third (32%) of the workforce is only considering jobs that allow remote working. Over 70% are already working remotely or have a hybrid/ flexible working model. [1] 5. Career Development Path. Offering a clear path for career development along with regular one-on-one mentoring conversations on how to achieve goals is key to retaining employees, but only 44% of companies are offering this. [1] 6. Support. Without support from leadership and a clear path for their career, employees are three times more likely to consider leaving for a new job. [1] It is evident that among all the benefits companies offer new employees company reputation, organized interviewing and onboarding processes, flexible work options along with career development, and simply supporting them outweigh a hefty salary. Pursuing passive candidates and including these options in your hiring strategy will boost your hiring — attracting and retaining the best talent in the market. If your organization is struggling to hire and retain top talent — SRG would love the opportunity to connect, offer our insight and to support your organization. For more information — please contact: Adam Klug — Managing Director at adam.klug@expresspros.com or (248) 513-8320. Sources: 1. Forbes 2. Randstad 3. Harvard Business Review The SE Michigan SRG team. Sean Fisher allumni and owner of Third Coast Electric meets potential employees at SEMCA’s career fest. The team at Specialized Recruiting at the SEMCA career fest.
8 Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. DEVELOPING THE WORKFORCE OF TOMORROW There’s no secret that there simply are not enough workers to fill the number of open jobs in the construction industry. Companies are dependent on the younger generation opting for the skilled trades pathway in high school to fill the demand. With younger generations comes a time to embrace their skillset and knowledge, and what it can do to grow the industry. ABC National partner, Procore at their 2023 convention touched on the important ways companies can understand the value younger generations bring, but also take ownership in teaching them the tools of the trade. When it comes to attracting younger talent, it’s important to offer a strong work culture, training and social involvement, which are all highly valued by this younger generation. Several strategies were discussed to make the industry more appealing: Social Media Engagement: Leverage social media platforms to reach younger demographics effectively and showcase the dynamic aspects of a career in construction. Onboarding and Training: Develop comprehensive training and onboarding processes that not only equip new hires with the required skills but also make them feel valued and included. Promote from within. Apprenticeships: Offer structured apprenticeship programs that provide both theoretical and hands-on practical knowledge. Company Culture: Foster a workplace culture that aligns with the values and aspirations of younger generations to encourage long-term retention. The younger generation is looking for mentorship and they are looking for growth in a certain company. What has been helping a lot with other companies according to Procore’s speakers at their convention is they have Developing the Workforce of Tomorrow Understanding the value younger generations bring to the workforce High school students learn about the trades on a field trip to SEMCA.
Southeast Michigan Contractors Issue 2 2024 9 DEVELOPING THE WORKFORCE OF TOMORROW been pairing these individuals with mentors, and it’s creating multi-generational, two-way communication. In pairing two different generations, it leads to skill sharing. An older generation can learn more about the technology shaping the industry, but then you also have the younger generation learning what a good old fashioned work ethic is. ABC embraces younger workers through the Emerging Professionals program designed to help expose talent to different professional development and networking opportunities to further plug employees into the industry. Emerging Professionals is an organization created by ABC to engage and help build future construction leaders. Leaders aren’t simply an older version of entry-level workers. They must be developed by their companies and by their industry. Through concerted, industry-wide efforts, the challenges of aging workforces and labor shortages can be effectively tackled. The future of the construction industry rests on how well it can attract and retain younger talent. To learn about professional development opportunities, visit abcsemi.org/ emerging-professionals. Terrell Cunningham from Holsbeke Construction participates in professional development workshops at ABC. Merlo Construction supports their employees with regular safety training. The ML Chartier team is actively involved with schools.
10 Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc.
Southeast Michigan Contractors Issue 2 2024 11 RECRUITING AND RETAINING TALENT JEHUU CAULCRICK Jehuu Caulcrick, a former Spartan and NFL running back served as keynote speaker at the ABC SEMI planning conference in January. His personal story is one that many business owners can relate to because his path to greatness came only after persevering through extreme hardship. Caulcrick grew up in the west African country of Liberia. At seven years old, civil war broke out and his family was forced to scatter. Jehuu walked for two years and nearly 700 miles with his sister and grandparents, hopping from one refugee camp to the next to escape the war. Jehuu passed through military checkpoints armed with child soldiers not much older than himself. The soldiers carried AK 47s and had teeth yellowed by jungle-juice and heroin. Death was everywhere. His dad, a top national security chief potentially in line for the Liberian presidency, was assassinated during the conflict. Jehuu was eventually reunited with his mom and found a new life in America, where he starred as a running back at Clymer High School in western New York. He later played football at Michigan State where he scored 39 touchdowns — second only to Spartan legend Lorenzo White. Caulcrick talked to ABC companies about the importance of having the right mindset. While it would have been easy to allow his childhood trauma to be reason for failure, he spoke about the importance of avoiding a victim mindset and persevering through life’s toughest challenges. He said success requires you to focus on learning and growth rather than complaining and it was important to celebrate small victories along the way. Surrounding himself with good people and understanding his “why” was critical to his own personal success surviving civil war to ultimately play in the NFL. If you would like Jehuu to speak to your team, reach out to him at jcspeaks30@gmail.com. Former MSU Running Back Huddled with ABC at ’24 Planning Conference Jehuu speaks at the ABC SEMI 2024 Planning Conference. Jehuu in uniform for the MSU Spartans.
12 Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. BRIDGING THE GAP Bridging Shortages in the Construction Industry A cause for concern — the looming shortage of workforce and empowering younger, diverse workers Students consider building their future at Operation Senior. In an ever-evolving world, the construction industry is the backbone of progress, building cities and infrastructure that shape the future. However, behind its towering accomplishments lies an urgent challenge — a shortage of skilled workers threatening to slow down this vital sector. At the heart of the solution lies the imperative to encourage a more diverse and inclusive workforce. Historically, the construction industry has been predominantly male-dominated, with women and under-represented groups often relegated to supporting roles. However, the narrative is changing, and the industry recognizes these untapped talents’ immense potential. Encouraging women and people from diverse backgrounds to enter the construction field isn’t just about filling gaps; it’s about harnessing a wealth of creativity, skills and perspectives that can drive the industry forward. The construction industry has faced this looming crisis of an aging workforce, lack of skilled talent available and an overall unattractiveness pushed throughout society. The shortfall not only impacts deadlines, but has the potential to impact economic growth and improvements to an aging infrastructure. Sarah Strohbeck, a career readiness and counselor consultant in Macomb County, says she’s been training counselors in her role to understand all paths available to students after high school. “Historically, schools promoted going to college. Students prepared to take the SAT test as juniors because that’s how schools did business. The problem is students went to college, but came back because it wasn’t for them. SEMCA instructor Kevin Herron showcases electrical structures to Fraser High School students on a field trip to SEMCA.
Southeast Michigan Contractors Issue 2 2024 13 BRIDGING THE GAP They were pursuing something they thought they had to, which impacted their mental health greatly because when they realized college wasn’t a good fit, they thought they had failed,” Strohbeck said. “The industry started to warn us about a gap in workers if we continued this way, so we started changing our message and that everyone has their own niche.” Strohbeck credits an increase in funding for career and technical education classes in high school, as well as partnerships with organizations like SEMCA that help expose all available avenues after graduation. “I’ve watched students light up when they see they can be successful,” Strohbeck said. SEMCA’s 2023 Craft Champion Mario Al-Ton was enrolled in college for a semester before determining it wasn’t the path for him. Ultimately, Al-Ton decided to enroll to become an electrical engineer. His dad and uncle are electricians, and he wanted to take it a step further. “There was this prestige around going to college when you were in high school, so I thought I could forge a path to a career. After one semester I knew this was not what I wanted. I like to work with my hands and just didn’t like being behind a desk in several classes, so I left and found my way to SEMCA,” Al-Ton said. “I didn’t know what I didn’t know. Trade school and SEMCA weren’t mentioned as an option after high school.” What can we do moving forward? ABC and SEMCA vice president Deanna Morley said that conversations are changing in schools and that there isn’t a “college path only” message spreading throughout high schools. “SEMCA has played an active role in going to the local school districts to share alternate career paths. I think that the schools and communities as a whole have seen the impacts of pushing only college and there’s been a realization this isn’t a sustainable option. Without construction and skilled trade workers, we can’t support growth in other areas,” Morley said.
14 Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. BRIDGING THE GAP What can ABC members do to further attract new talent? To bridge this gap and ensure a thriving future for the construction industry, we must continue to inspire and empower women and underrepresented communities. By providing access to education, sponsorship, mentorship and opportunities, we can create a workforce that reflects the rich tapestry of humanity itself. Together, we can build concrete and steel structures, and a more equitable, inclusive and resilient industry that paves the way for a brighter tomorrow. “There’s never been a better time to enter the construction industry as a woman,” said Douglas Electric president Paige Levy. “There’s been a tremendous growth over the last decade or so where more and more women want to work in construction. I think as employers and leaders in the industry, it’s important to recognize that budding enthusiasm and see how we can play a part in facilitating this growth.” Macomb County Senior tries his hand at the excavator from ML Chartier at Operation Senior in 2023. SEMCA staff Kaylee Cohen and Deanna Morley talk with high school seniors.
Southeast Michigan Contractors Issue 2 2024 15 BRIDGING THE GAP
16 Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. In the late 1990s, Paige Levy entered the family business amid family tragedy and emerged as a top-notch leader 30 years later earning her the ABC legacy award. Douglas Electric was founded in 1975 by Douglas Cryderman, running the company out of his home and from a 1,000 squarefoot warehouse nearby. Since then, the company has grown to occupy an 8,000 square-foot office and warehouse in Wyandotte, MI. In 1999, Levy took the helm and continues to manage Douglas Electric in her father’s vision — a company that emphasizes high-quality, personalized service and takes care of its employees first. Growing up in Grosse Ille, a young Levy saw first-hand what hard work brings. Her parents ran a bike-shop on the island while her dad was getting his start as a handy man. He was trained at the time through Local 58 and started as a residential electrician. Cryderman relied on word-of-mouth referrals to grow his business into what is now Douglas Electric. “We didn’t live a life of luxury. But we also didn’t know any different,” Levy said. “We had a house and we had parents that cared about us. We spent a lot of time at the bike shop helping my mom since she was the one to take over that business when my dad started a new one.” Project-by-project, Douglas Electric began taking off and Levy PAIGE LEVY LEGACY AWARD Family-Oriented Leader Creates a Lasting Legacy Douglas Electric President Awarded Legacy Award Paige Levy holds her Legacy Award. Paige Levy stands beside the guiding values that make up Douglas Electric.
Southeast Michigan Contractors Issue 2 2024 17 PAIGE LEVY LEGACY AWARD recalled that in the early 90s it was time for the family to move the business out of their home into a larger space in Southgate. Levy started working part-time in the office in an administrative role, slowly learning the business. It wasn’t a role she necessarily thought long-term about, but rather a way to help her dad out temporarily. Sadly, for the Cryderman family, an unexpected death caused a shuffle at the business and Levy was called to step-up and carry on her dad’s legacy while creating her own. “When I came into the business, it took a while to find my footing. As a woman entering the construction field in the ’90s, it had every potential to drive me away. I didn’t come from the field like my dad, so I didn’t know a lot of the pain points the employees had,” Levy said. “I spent those first years just listening. I got to know our employees and their families.” Levy continued saying that mentorship played a large role in her learning to become the next leader of her family’s company. “My dad was very involved in ABC, even helping the trade school (left to right) Matti Levy, Nicole Hemphill, Paige Levy and Bridget Kewin at the ABC Christmas party in 2019. launch back in the 80s. When he was ready to step down from the board, I filled his place and I took the opportunity to seek mentorship from my fellow board members to be a strong leader for Douglas Electric employees and women in the industry,” Levy said. Become a strong leader she did. Levy recalled that it wasn’t shortly after taking over, 2008 brought looming financial hardship, like most businesses. Levy was determined to make sure her employees were taken care of first. “We survived, barely, but we made it through one of the toughest times as a company. We didn’t have work like everyone else, we had our lien tapped out and we had to figure out all of these things,” Levy said. “But you know those are the things that you build upon and you learn to trust your gut and intuition as a leader, and then you just grow.” Levy said despite the challenges and doubt when she first stepped into her role, it was all worth it for the employees. Culture was a key focus and a priority because if it was done right, Douglas Electric Paige Levy beside her dad Doug Cryderman. would make it through the 2008 recession and flourish into something great. “How do you ask your employees to continue to show up to work when you don’t know if or when the jobs will pick up,” Levy said. “It made me reflect heavily on what’s important to keep our doors open and it was making sure my employees felt heard, needed and respected. It’s why we started Douglas Day. Family is everything not just to me, but also our workers and we wanted to celebrate that. It’s why we all show up to work.” Today, Douglas Electric employs over 40 men and women in a variety of roles. They have grown into a leader in the industry thanks to one woman’s attention to her employees. Paige Levy now joins the other ABC Southeastern Michigan Legacy winners as the first woman leader. Congratulations Paige and may you continue to set an example not just for your peers, but for women of all ages entering construction!
18 Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. When members think of ABC, they know right away the pride the association and the members feel for America. It’s a core value that helps drive our mission to advocate for free and open enterprise that ultimately lifts the construction industry as a whole. We make it known right away that ABC members build America. In Michigan, merit shop contractors represent roughly 80% of the construction industry. We have to do the job right! If ABC is to safety like America is to apple pie, then it is paramount we offer every path for members to prioritize safety and protect employees on the jobsite. ABC SEMI hosted Safety Academy in February in partnership with ABC National. Vice President of Health, Safety, Environmental and Workforce Development Greg Sizemore led local business owners and managers through a two-day workshop about not just the importance of building a safety culture from the top down, but how to implement a plan that will stick. “The interaction with other contractors was also a critical part of the success of the Academy. Listening to other’s challenges and successes makes me feel that I’m truly part of a community at ABC SEMI,” said Mark Shulte, general manager at Paul C. Scott & Sons Plumbing. “I found the in-depth discussion with regard to the STEP program to be particularly valuable. Truly analyzing each and every component helped me better understand exactly where we have improved from last year and where we can add more focus to get even better.” Shulte continued saying that since they’ve began attending safety programs and trainings, their business has become very DEVELOPING SAFETY ABC’s Core Values in Action at 2024 Safety Academy Developing Safety in the Workforce ABC National Vice President Greg Sizemore talks about the importance of company culture.
Southeast Michigan Contractors Issue 2 2024 19 conscious of their safety practices and are able to adjust as needed without interruption of business. Power Solutions, Inc. brought several of their team members to attend, citing that safety is a critical part of keeping employees around. “We do a lot to keep our safety culture fresh, relevant and up to date with regulations. Sometimes it’s tough to enforce, but Greg really opened my eyes about the importance of the guys in the field seeing their supervisors holding those high standards for safety not just for them, but for us too,” said Kevin Masters, a jobsite superintendent at Power Solutions in Fraser. “As a field guy myself, I was not looking forward to two days behind a desk listening to Greg Sizemore gets ready to kick off the two-day workshop. Groups broke out in the workshop to discuss their safety ideas. DEVELOPING SAFETY
20 Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. DEVELOPING SAFETY a presenter, but Greg really is passionate about construction safety and knows how to instill that passion in you.” Safety Academy was a workshop that helped owners, managers, supervisors and more understand what makes an effective and efficient safety culture. The program had attendees do a deep dive into their current safety plan and build onto it. “We do a deep dive into companies safety culture,” Sizemore said. “I ask each attendee to fill out a survey honestly about what they thing they’re doing well and key areas they want to focus more closely on. Now we have a starting point, and from there, we can make an action plan with goals and set up leaders to uphold these goals and therefore hold them accountable for the plan.” For ABC members interested in improving their safety culture, please reach out to our director of safety Drew Maltese at safety@ abcsemi.org or learn more about his safety services at abcsemi.org/ safety. A team building exercise helped demonstrate the importance of communication.
Southeast Michigan Contractors Issue 2 2024 21 DEVELOPING SAFETY www.llmpubs.com Advertise to Support Your Association! Contact us today! Ronnie Jacko | 503-445-2234 | ronnie@llmpubs.com
22 Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. Meet Rob and Erin Doan, the dynamic duo behind the thriving electrical contracting business, Power Solutions, in Fraser, Michigan. The fast-growing business they run today with an experienced and creative team is both unconventional and inspiring. The path Rob took to becoming an electrical contractor began like many do, learning the ropes from a family member — in his case his uncle — before gaining valuable experience with another contractor for over a decade. It was then that he decided to take the leap and start his own venture, with Erin by his side. Fast forward 12 years, and when you walk into their newly remodeled building, it’s like stepping into a world of innovation and creativity. One of the first things you see is a 20-foot-wide mural of Detroit adorning a large wall in a conference room that sets the tone for a space that is not just an office, but a hub of activity. From client meetings to TGIT parties and training sessions for their apprentices, every corner of the building exudes a sense of purpose and pride. When you talk with Rob and Erin, their commitment to investing in the growth and development of their team is quickly apparent. They are not just running a business; they are nurturing a family. Joining forces with ABC Southeastern Michigan was a strategic move they took to enhance their employee training program. Erin’s management style is nothing short of extraordinary. With her background in education, she approaches training their apprentices with a distinctly creative flair. Sure, they have the seasoned electricians to teach the basics, but Erin took it up a notch. For one class, she brought in a high school physics teacher to provide a fresh perspective on problem-solving skills needed in the electrical world. She also brings in industry leaders, like electrical code experts, to advise apprentices on the new NEC updates. Erin and Rob have built a team of skilled, well-rounded professionals that are ready to take on any challenge that comes their way. The COO of Power Solutions is Dave Gladue. When Dave isn’t managing the day-to-day responsibilities of an expanding business, you might An Inside Look at Power Solutions, Inc. (left to right) Rob Doan, Erin Doan, Dave and Kevin pose in the Power Solutions break room. POWER SOLUTIONS
Southeast Michigan Contractors Issue 2 2024 23 find him organizing a pig roast for the employees or a Super Bowl party to end all Super Bowl parties. Matt Lesmeister is also an important part of the leadership team as project manager/estimator. Kevin Masters runs the apprenticeship program, and this is where the partnership between Power Solutions and ABC shines the brightest. Every Tuesday after working a typical day solving his clients’ electrical needs, Kevin comes back Electrical apprentices have class every Tuesday at the Power Solutions office. Level 1 apprentices have a hands-on training session to learn electrical currents. POWER SOLUTIONS Power Solutions employees work to bury wires on a job. to Power Solutions and puts on his teacher’s hat to oversee an in-house apprenticeship program that so far has trained 12 apprentices. Through ABC of Southeastern Michigan, Kevin, along with four other Power Solutions teammates, got NCCER training and became instructors. The students are registered USDOL apprentices and technically SEMCA students, but they train at Power Solutions under a unique program that requires a substantial investment of time and resources from everyone at Power Solutions. Even as the sun sets on another day in Fraser, Michigan, the burgeoning legacy of Rob and Erin Doan continues to shine bright. Their dedication to nurturing talent and fostering growth is the heartbeat of Power Solutions. As they look to the future, one thing is certain — the Power Solutions family will continue to soar to greater heights.
24 Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. Established more than 30 years ago, Russell Landscaping was looking for the next step to grow the commercial side of the business. A call to ABC was made just in time for the spring 2024 construction season. “We offer a very niche service for the construction industry and it’s often time overlooked by clients because the main priority is getting the building up. They can make the rest look good later, but curb appeal goes a long way and leaves a lasting impression for patrons of that business when they’re having a grand opening,” said owner Brett Russell. Russell made the move to join ABC to work closer with general contractors and provide finishing touches to projects and increase the value of both companies. His perspective is if general and specialty contractors can deliver on the build, his team can intercept the baton and give that special “wow” feeling. “I’ve seen too many unique and state-of-the-art builds just let the landscaping go, which after a while, no surprise, results in weeds swallowing this new building,” Russell said. “When you add a landscaper to your line of partnerships, we create this full circle construction deal and the client doesn’t have to worry about that part after the project is complete. They can focus on moving in, office logistics, parking, stuff like that, but not what to do about the dirt and mud surrounding them.” From design to maintenance, Russell Landscaping can bring those finishing touches to life with any build. Since their opening, the team has offered consistent service that helps maintain the needed upkeep on properties as well. “When the project is done, that’s not the end of our relationship with the client. We have tools and crew members in place to maintain the character of the project on the outside, so it keeps its appeal long-term,” Russell said. Russell Landscaping offers 13 different services including: lawn maintenance, retaining walls, irrigation, tree and shrub trimming, brick paving, snow removal and more. They are located at 25305 Little Mack Ave. St. Clair Shores, MI 48081. To learn more about them, visit russelllandscaping.com or contact Brett Russell at brett. russellcompanies@gmail.com. Welcome aboard, Russell Landscaping! NEW MEMBER PROFILE Commercial Landscaper, Russell Landscaping Joins ABC SEMI Brett (left) and Gordon (right) Russell, owners of Russell Landscaping. Heavy hauler on site to deliver rock salt for the winter.
Southeast Michigan Contractors Issue 2 2024 25 NEW MEMBER PROFILE Srinergy, a solar energy company, carved out a specialty niche market based on a dream and an outstanding reputation for their hard work. Providing turn-key solar energy solutions for utility, commercial and industrial customers, they have earned an excellent reputation within the industry for reducing energy costs and reducing the carbon footprint for their customers. Under the leadership of their president, Prasad Gullapalli, they are leading the change to renewable energy in SE Michigan one panel at a time. In the early 2000s, Gullapalli was working in the IT department at Ford Motor Company. In 2008 he was offered a buyout and he took a leap to start working in solar energy. “I took a big risk diving into this industry. Jumping from IT to solar was not an apples-to-apples approach,” Gullapalli said. “I got my start by putting solar panels on my home, and then made calls to family and friends looking for my next project.” Gullapalli continued saying his company’s growth is because of his intentional branding. Srinergy was named to include the acronym SRI, which stands for social responsible individual, and today is performing work throughout the U.S. and expands into India and Puerto Rico. “Along with saving money for our customers through clean and sustainable solar energy, Srinergy is passionate about being socially responsible — doing what is right, not just for the environment, but for all those who inhabit it. Being socially responsible is at the core of Srinergy. It is who we are and defines what we do each and every day,” said Gullapalli. “To drive that passion and ‘pay it forward,’ Srinergy gets involved with philanthropic and socially responsible initiatives and projects. Srinergy researches and develops solar projects in areas of the world where we feel we can help and make a difference, even if on a small scale. Srinergy drives people to be aware of solar energy environmental benefits.” Together with ABC, Gullapalli is set to grow his team and provide job opportunities in solar. Having been long established in SE Michigan, Srinergy’s team is looking for deeper connections within the industry and is ready to dive into ABC. We are excited to welcome them to our membership and we look forward to assisting them in growing their business. Srinergy is located at 24371 Catherine Industrial dr. St. 231 Novi, MI 48375. To learn more about Srinergy, visit srinergy.com or contact its president Prasad Gullapalli at prasad@ srinergy.com. Solar Company Leads Social Responsibility Charge New ABC SEMI member promotes the “social responsible individual” at their core Srinergy President Prasad Gullapalli at the ABC office for onboarding. Srinergy employee preps commercial building for panels.
26 Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. Established in 1980, Stewart Electric was a small residential operation with a few workers on staff. Brian Stewart, now the president, helped out at his dad’s company during the summer when he was older, but did not intend on staying there long-term. “I went up to Northern Michigan University to study industrial electrical. I thought I wanted to veer off the path my dad went down,” Stewart said. “I lasted one semester.” The college path was not his destiny, so Stewart returned to his father’s company to help him shift to working on commercial projects. Today the company has grown to 15 full-time employees, but has eyes for more. Stewart says he can’t wait to dive into ABC, expand his workforce and continue to grow something his dad worked hard to start. “We plan to take advantage of every opportunity our membership provides us to grow as individuals and help the business flourish. I appreciate there’s a safety connection we can reach out to for help or questions, my guys are really going to like these events and I just can’t wait to meet the hard-working ABC members here in southeast Michigan,” Stewart said. Stewart Electric is located at 3192 Hadley Rd. Metamora, MI 49455. Brian can be reached at (248) 7893246 or via email at bstewart@ stewart-electric.com. We welcome them to the ABC Southeastern Michigan membership and look forward to them representing the merit shop. NEW MEMBER PROFILE Family Business Finds a Home at ABC Commercial electrical contractor joins the merit shop mission Stewart Electric president, Brian Stewart.
Southeast Michigan Contractors Issue 2 2024 27 NEW MEMBER PROFILE Crafting Michigan, Building Trust Sterling Heights general contractor joins ABC SEMI JS Biondi vice president, Jennifer Neibel. Great care and experience went into creating the general contracting business in Sterling Heights. Rob Neibel, the president, worked for 27 years on the job site acquiring his skills and knowledge to form something of his own. Neibel ultimately made the shift and opened JS Biondi in 2011. They specialize in a wide range of commercial and industrial construction, including general contracting, construction management as well as project management. JS Biondi has worked on projects for the public, private and military. As a company, they believe in building up Michigan and the construction industry. “We feel passionate about sustaining jobs, but also bringing more jobs to Michigan, which would naturally boost the construction industry. We’ve heard about ABC from several people in the construction industry to turn to as a resource,” said vice president Jennifer Neibel. “ABC just embodies our goals and missions. As a company, your voice is only so big, but when you add it to a well-established organization that reflects your values, it echoes throughout the state.” Jennifer Neibel continued saying that she hopes their business can bid on larger jobs, allowing them to not only grow, but enhance their services. The talent her team provides can help elevate the construction industry, and hoping to attract more men and women to work in the skilled trades. “We focus on out-of-the box designs. Of course we have standard projects, every general contractor does, but when we have a client that is starting from the ground up and wants a fresh idea, we’re all over it,” Neibel said. “Our goal is for people to see our work and think ‘Wow — what a great space! The people who built this are capable and must enjoy what they do.’ And through that, we hope it eliminates the stigma behind construction because we need more Americans strapping up their boots and coming to work.” We welcome JS Biondi to ABC Southeastern Michigan and look forward to assisting them grow to further support their mission to build up Michigan. JS Biondi is located at 7641 19 Mile Rd, Sterling Heights, MI 48314. To learn more, visit jsbiondi.com or contact them at (586) 799-4011. “Trust is just one of the things we build well,” Neibel said.
28 Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. HEADER UPCOMING EVENTS
Southeast Michigan Contractors Issue 2 2024 29 HEADER UPCOMING EVENTS
ABC SEMI Office 31800 Sherman Ave. Madison Heights, MI 48071 (248) 298-3600
www.abcsemi.orgRkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy Nzc3ODM=