What's Inside
2018 Facts (page 2) Recognition Events (page 3) Launched Programs (page 15) Awards (page 19) Innovation (page 22) Strategic New Hires (page 26) Job Sites (page 28) Company Events (page 41) Customer Events (page 77) Branch Events (page 82)
A YEAR IN REVIEW
edge
JANUARY 2019 ISSUE
New Hires (salaried):
26
Total Employees:
{
2018
Promotions (salaried):
The Facts
39
434
Recognition Events 2018
Will Garcia
Garrett Havens
Ruth Ferriera
Brian Alvarez
Paul Porter
Tampa Recognition Event 4.18.18
Rindi Beachel
TMH Sanitary Team
Gary Kuitunen
Terry Snyder
Josh Young
Lauren Hughes
David Figueroa
Keith Boyer
David Ackerman
David Petty
Duane Rosine
Rick Morgan
Joe Gabor
John Brightwell
5 Years of Service
Lake Mary Recognition Event 4.18.18
30-35 Years of Service
10-15 Years of Service
ESPN Wide World of Sports
Winton Pate
Keith Dekoyer
Greg Broxton
Casey Blackwood
Garrett Clegg
Brandon Perez
Alex Taugher
Jonathan Helms
Robert Grafing
Joe Bruno
Ramona Hauser
Wayne Knott
Harper Branch Recognition
Best Movement to Owner Direct
Strongest Account Management Progress
Beat Construction Gross Margin Sales Plan
We Care Survey Less Than 2.5
Best Training Programs
Launched Programs 2018
ARE YOU IN COMPLIANCE
Training & Development
?
WITH
Many of you have noticed that Litmos, our Learning Management System (LMS), hosts quite a few compliance training courses. These courses are often mandated by legislation, regulation, or policy at the federal, state, and/or local level. By definition, once you have fully completed the course, you are compliant - but only for a time. Many of our courses must be retaken in regular intervals, in order to maintain compliance at all levels. This is why we utilize Litmos to automatically deploy these courses to the appropriate audience in the required time intervals as well as to electronically notify employees of new assignments and record completion rates for reporting purposes. Not only does compliance training help to prevent poor conduct and ensure proper governance across the company, but it also ensures that we are able to maintain our status as both a public company and a federal construction contractor, from a legal perspective. Likewise, ensuring that our employees are appropriately trained on critical compliance topics also helps to minimize a variety of risk, safeguard the company’s reputation (especially in an audit), activate eligibility for certain licenses and insurances, and create a safer, more productive workplace. These rules are not unique to Harper and require everyone’s participation. If you have any questions related to our compliance training courses, please email training@limbachinc.com and copy Harper's Integrity Specialist, Ashley Noel (ashley.noel@limbachinc.com).
IDENTIFY
DISCOVER
DEDICATED TO YOUR BUILDING
Limbach Energy Assessment for Performance
Analyze operating parameters and determine Energy Star rating
Celebrate achievements and communicate success
VERIFY
Harper News
CELEBRATE
LEAP Program
EXPERT ENERGY ENGINEERS
Collect data and create awareness
Verify the results with continuous measurement
Identify energy conservation measures (ECM) and prioritize
To learn more visit our website at
The objective of the LEAP Program is to improve the efficiency of existing buildings, reduce utility costs and demonstrate a responsible behavior to the community.
www.limbachengineering.com/LEAP
ANALYZE
Formulate an action plan, set goals and execute optimization
ACT
2018 Awards
Out of the entire company, Harper has received the "Service Branch of the Year"," "Growth of Maintenance Base," & "Service Profit Award!" Congratulations Service team on a job well done!
BOMA featured Harper's Achievement on their website. Check it out HERE.
The Service Team in action! This Chiller rebuild job, worth over $200K at the Gaylord Palms Hotel in Orlando, was led by Lead Technician, Joe Patton.
AWARDS & ACCOLADES
The Central Florida Hotel and Lodging Association (CFHLA), the world's largest regional hotel association, awarded Harper as the “Service Branch of the Year” and highlighted General Manager, Steve Dobbins, in their "Back of the House" newsletter - a weekly publication that highlights member activities, hospitality industry updates, and community involvement projects. See the newsletter mention below!
Click HERE to view the CFHLA Back of the House newsletter!
Innovation 2018
Submit your ideas HERE!
Cloud Networks 360 Camera & StructionSite AR/VR - Hololens and Oculus Rift "MegaMonitor"
In November 2017, CEO Charlie Bacon announced in his CEO update video a campaign to award anyone in the company $500 for an innovative idea that, upon review and approval, is implemented company-wide. The Innovation Forum is happy to announce that Eric Hernandez is the first recipient of the innovation award! Eric, a BIM Specialist with LEDS, submitted his idea to use Site Survey software on the jobsite in order to capture 360 degree progress pictures. StructionSite software can overlay these pictures to document and monitor jobsite progress. These image overlays can even be used as part of our responsibility to deliver as-built documentation. And it doesn’t end there! Eric realized that these images could also be viewed in an X-Ray mode, revealing items behind the walls. This software allows service specialists a virtual view into the wall, uncovering the precise location of MEP items quickly and accurately.
Past Innovation Successes
Work at LEDS involves simultaneously using many programs and documents to achieve the tasks at hand. Jose submitted the Dell 43" 4K large format monitor to the innovation forum for review, which they selected to implement. The technology offers the ability to split the display into multiple quadrants via Dell Display Manager software. The software also allows users to save a custom window arrangement for quick selection, dramatically reduces the time shuffling between windows, and improves the productivity of our employees.
More Innovation Successes
Innovation Forum
Figure 1: Dell Display Manager software comes with pre-set configurations to split the display.
LEDS Innovation
Our work at LEDS involves the simultaneous use of many programs and documents to achieve the tasks at hand. Examples of this in-tandem usage can range from a simple design task such as markups shown via BlueBeam software incorporated into an AutoCAD or Revit model to design for estimate work where the design narrative, bid documents, design mark-ups, and governing codes often have to be examined simultaneously to evaluate the optimal compliant design path. Tasks with multiple sources of input such as design for estimate require constant shuffling between spreadsheets, PDFs, browsers, and modeling software, and time is quickly lost doubling back to find the lines of pertinent information needed. Operations that involve large format displays have the greatest potential to increase and streamline work productivity. The Dell 43" 4K monitor is our first implementation of large format displays. This monitor allows the user to maximize screen real estate by offering the ability to split the display into multiple quadrants via Dell Display Manager software. The software also allows users to save a custom window arrangement for quick selection. This custom split option grants LEDS employees the freedom to create a display arrangement that suits their personal workflow best. This benefit dramatically reduces the time shuffling between windows and improves the productivity of our employees. But beyond even the size and cell splitting capabilities, the Dell 43" monitor is also capable of simultaneously displaying up to 4 inputs. This ability facilitates collaboration between project team members, allowing them to share a monitor but still maintain a respectable amount of screen space to work in. It also allows team members to view meetings (such as Go-to-Meetings or BIM coordination meetings) and meeting-relevant information or models side-by-side. As LEDS uses this new monitor, we will note all of the new benefits and potential downsides of this product. LEDS is excited to see these new capabilities put to use as we continue to find and try new and innovative solutions for our employees and clients alike.
Figure 2: Custom window layouts from two LEDS employees have helped them to optimize their workflow.
Strategic New Hires 2018
Strategic New Hire
Leading the Learning at the new Learning Center
We welcome Laura Cooley, a strategic hire for the company. Laura will serve as the new Director of Training & Development, operating out of Orlando, FL.
Laura Cooley’s dynamic career began with Microelectronics in the California Bay Area focused on project controls and acquisition integration. It continued into the field in New Jersey, Midwest and California building Pharmaceutical laboratories and production facilities. She gained attention through strong manager, peer and client advocacy for delivering high quality results, leadership and innovation and found herself in New York City. Laura is an Industrial Engineer, Auditor for ISO 9000 & ISO 14000, Examiner for the Baldrige Criteria for Performance Excellence and a construction industry veteran. Laura has facilitated numerous partnering sessions and peer reviews across multiple markets for at-risk construction projects. She is an experienced instructional designer and instructor holding certifications from Qualtec Six Sigma and Development Dimensions International (DDI) and has developed multiple strategic, enterprise-wide training and development programs. Working as Director of Performance Excellence, independent consultant and Senior Manager of Operational Excellence for global construction management firms, Laura supplemented her construction field experience by innovating, developing and deploying operational systems, processes and organization-wide training and professional development programs. She has been recognized by multiple professional construction organizations as a speaker, leader, coach and mentor. Now as Director of Operations Training & Development, Laura brings practical and diverse construction experience, education and leadership to facilitate the development of best-in-class construction professionals.
2018 Job Sites
Job Site Culture Survey
The job site culture survey was distributed to all field employees in hopes of finding out how Harper can improve and spread the Harper culture to job sites. The survey was established to form a relationship between the People & Culture Department and Harper employees as well as to make sure all resources and updates are readily available. In the survey, Harper employees answered questions regarding fair treatment and appreciation, and whether they receive communication updates and general company feedback. As a token of gratitude and appreciation for their hard work, People & Culture supplied employees with lunch and Harper swag, which included an insulated lunch bag filled with a Harper logo pen, Koolwrap bandanna (regulates body temperature when soaked in cold water), a Harper cup that changes color, a construction hat stress ball and a P&C information card. The P&C information card contains Tampa and Lake Mary's office phone numbers, the employee assistance program hotline, and suicide hotline. The survey distribution on job sites will be completed in the next few weeks. Thus far, the survey has gone incredibly well! People & Culture will follow up soon and are excited to start answering questions and comments from the feedback.
Orlando Shop
Ascot - Disney
Fawcett Memorial
JFK - South Florida
Northwest - South Florida
Medical Center of Trinity
Winter Haven Hospital
All safety training will also now be done in Spanish. This is a Care Card (front and back) that will be handed out on job sites.
Job Site Care Card
On the jobsite at The Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, FL
Job Site - West FL Branch
LB2- Net Zero
Horizon West Jobsite
Job Site - Central FL Branch
Continued
Company Events 2018
Survey launched Tuesday July 10, 2018
2018 WE CARE SURVEY
Every year we ask all employees to rate our company and provide feedback to us on what we can do better to enable Harper to fulfill our vision to be A Top 5 ENR Specialty Contractor in the Southeast, built on organic growth through operational excellence and internally promoting our people.
We Care Survey 2018
Chief Learning Officer, Marc Hoogstraten, commented on the training area calling the space "very Harper distinct" and "best-in-class." He also talked about the effect of this training facility on a growing company. "This space has the ability to unify the company through relevant, face-to-face training sessions that employees can take back to their branches. We decided to build the facility in Florida, connected to Limbach Design & Engineering's (LEDS) headquarters, to foster further collaboration and more simply than that, offer a place where most people can travel easily and affordably." In short, the Learning Center re-emphasizes the company's commitment to providing great opportunities for people through ensuring great spaces for people to learn and work.
Building the Learning Center
"I love the open concept of this new floor plan and the splashes of color on the walls. It really makes the office a unique and inviting space to work in."
The Learning Center
Est. February 2018
Harper's Learning Center Debut
Harper’s new Learning Center in Orlando accommodates the growing need for leadership, technical and general training throughout the company. Beyond training exercises and sessions, employees can even host events and meetings in the 1,150 square foot space. The Learning Center includes a 40-seat training room enclosed in glass and can be configured to meet a variety of layout styles: round tables, U-Shaped seating, classroom and more. The systematic placement of floor outlets, two wall monitors, one high resolution projector and correlative AV equipment also make this a contemporary space fit for the implementation of the latest and greatest technology. The design of the room also features Harper brand colors and logos, subliminally fostering a true company spirit for all who use the space. The sleek design continues into the foyer, more adequately nicknamed ‘The Pre-function Room.’ This entry to the training space provides the visitor a unique Harper look and feel from the start. A long farm-table with pipe table legs, a vintage light fixture made to look like ductwork and splashes of the Harper green, yellow and blue fill the space as a nod to the company’s services and brand. In addition, plenty of seating and technological equipment make the prefunction room not only a state-of-the-art area but also a very functional one. Deeply involved in the design and dedication of the facility, CEO Charlie Bacon reiterated its value to the company.“The Learning Center is instrumental to our future as we grow organically and through acquisitions. Not only is the center designed with the latest training technology, but it was also built with the purpose of fostering collaboration between branches and reinforcing our company culture and values. Simply put, we care. This state of the art space provides a place for people from all over the company to live that value out. It’s here that we can come together and engage in conversation and problem solving, further developing our people and allowing this company to thrive,” said Bacon. Bacon and fellow CEO's met at the Learning Center for an Incident & Injury Free (IIF) meeting early February with the Service division's SeCorps Training following shortly thereafter.
National Association of Women In Construction (NAWIC) hosted Women In Construction (WIC) Week this past month. In concert with the collective female voice, Harper women stepped up to share their thoughts about their roles in this industry. In case you missed the social media blasts, here are a few to whet your appetite for next year: WIC Week “highlight[s] women as a visible component of the construction industry. WIC Week also provides an occasion for NAWIC’s thousands of members across the country to raise awareness of the opportunities available for women in the construction industry and to emphasize the growing role of women in the industry.” We are proud and thankful for the female influencers in our offices and on our job sites.
Women In Construction Recap
Completed: PM Module Training March 13th, 14th, & 15th Service Tech - Manufacturer Certification Training (Liebert & Daikin) February 26th - March 2nd Med Gas Training March 5th - March 9th
What's New in the Training World?
Creating Great Opportunities
Completed: Superintendent Training for Scorecard Automation April 11
Safety Week
On May 7-11th, we celebrated Safety Week! Safety Week is a national event with construction companies from every sector participating in this five day safety symposium. Harper focused on five major topics, one per day, to re-orient employees to the importance of safety in the workplace and at home. · Monday, May 7th – Fall Protection & Equipment Inspection · Tuesday, May 8th – Lock Out Tag Out · Wednesday, May 9th – Suicide Prevention · Thursday, May 10th – Confined Space · Friday, May 11th – Employee Recognition & Active Shooter We also presented daily Facebook and LinkedIn posts on the Branches’ Safety Week activities. Keith Snead, Chair of the Company's National Hearts and Minds Forum, wrapped up safety week by commenting, “The stories coming out of each branch were the best part of Safety Week 2018. They celebrated the Hearts and Minds Commitment to Safety Culture each day in some unique and meaningful way. While we all share the same daily themes each year, each branch puts their own spin on the daily topic.” And though this Safety Week has come to a close, safety should always be a priority. “Every employee has the power of making safe choices both at home and at work,” Snead continued. “In just a few months we will start planning for next year, and I look forward to the new ideas that everyone brings to the table.” Safety Week 2019 will be held May 6-10th.
Charlie Bacon, CEO pledges to safety by signing the Hearts & Mind commitment wall plaque.
Safety Week Lake Mary Branch
Tips for Driving Safely in and Around Work Zones Know Before You Go. Check your phone apps, agency websites, and the radio for the latest traffic information to ensure a safe and timely trip. Wear Your Seatbelt. It is your best defense in a crash. Expect the Unexpected. Work zones change often. The area you drove through yesterday may look different today. Avoid Distractions. Distracted driving in a work zone can have deadly consequences. Put down your phone and keep your eyes on the road. Pay Attention to Other Drivers. Narrowed traffic patterns provide less ability to maneuver around other vehicles safely. Paying attention can prevent the need for evasive actions in work zones. Don't Speed or Tailgate. Keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead of you and don't speed. Tailgating and speeding lead to crashes with other vehicles and field workers. Obey Road Crews and Signs. Flaggers know how best to move traffic safely in work zones. The warning signs are there to help you and other drivers move safely. Be Patient and Stay Calm. Work zone crew members are working to improve the road and make your future drive better. Stay calm and drive safely. Source: Federal Highway Administration
National Work Zone Awareness Week
National Work Zone Awareness Week was April 9-13, 2018. Each year in the spring, National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW) is held to bring national attention to motorist and worker safety and mobility issues in work zones. Since 1999, FHWA has worked with the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) and the American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA) to coordinate and sponsor the event. Over the years, other transportation partners have joined the effort to support NWZAW. In addition to a National event conducted each year, many States host their own NWZAW events.
SeCorps Training
Commercial Boiler Training with Service Technicians
Field Paperwork Training
Orlando
Participants in the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) 2018 Apprenticeship Program:
Tampa
Brandon Dimovski Antonio Ramirez Allan J Subero Arron Larkin Mathew Force Hunter Hurley Boaz Pendatvis Alex Will Jeff Woodley Chase Brockenbrough Renot Francois Phillip Lockard Chris Carpenter Travis Hager Daniel Taylor Tryston Farrell Pat Gardner Esman Pena Elio Frank Perez Aaron Roach Richard Vendetta
Nathan Cabrial David Cortez Anthonia Clark Nick Swendson Jorge Abrahantes Nunes Silvio Medina Chase Rodriguez Juan Ramirez Richard Rodriguez Jordan Sosa Enrique Valdez
Project and Field Management and PreConstruction from all Harper branches participated in an all-hands training on July 12th in Reunion, Florida for the Unit Labor Control (ULC) input and reporting.
Why Are We Changing The Process?
- HCA requirement on all projects - Higher accuracy - Completion of estimate feedback loop - Sell new work - Competitive advantage (BEST in class)
What's So Different?
- Linear Footage (LF) - Quantity Installed (Ea.)
Labor Tracking: New & Improved
Announcements
Harper team recruiting at a Career Fair on August 25th at the Instituto Politecnico de Tampa.
yourname@HarperBuildingSystems.com email domain will be forwarded to the new email addresses for 12 months
www.HarperLimbach.com
Your Harper email domain will now be
Harper's website URL has officially changed to
EFFECTIVE NOW!
name@harperlimbach.com
Harper Announcements
What’s wrong (with me/others)? Whose fault is it? How can I prove I’m right? Why is that person so stupid and frustrating? Haven’t we already been there, done that? How will this make things worse? How can I be in control? Why bother?
Judger
With so many new and resurfaced training programs and initiatives rolling out, it's time to revisit what it means to be a “Learning-Focused” Organization. But let's start with the basics, What does it mean to be a learner? A Learner is someone who is curious about the world around him or her. But when deadlines are swiftly approaching and bids need to go out and teams are scrambling and bickering, who has time to be curious? Becoming a Learner in the midst of our busy lives all starts with donning a “Learner Mindset” as author Dr. Marilee Adams calls it. Adams’ book Change Your Questions, Change Your Life defines two distinct mindsets we often operate under: Learner and Judger. “Learner/Judger™ mindset distinctions allow people to shift from blame-focused questions that impede success to solution-focused questions that facilitate it. Whether we ask Learner or Judger questions frames our thinking, listening, behaving, and relating. This is why we focus on our mindset first. The goal is to build a more resilient Learner Mindset,” writes Adams. So again, how do we get there? A Learner Mindset, and by extension, a learning-focused organization, flexes its learning muscles by asking questions. “Judger questions are reactive and automatic, leading to defensiveness, win-lose relating, and a view of limited possibilities. Learner questions are flexible and adaptive, leading to questioning assumptions, win-win relating, and a view of plentiful possibilities.” In order to switch from Judger Mindsets, which inevitably happens, especially in the midst of deadlines and due dates, we need to practice self-awareness. Once we realize we’re in Judger, we can switch to Learner. Learner questions might look like: But Judger questions look like:
Learner
The Learning Organization
What works (about me/others)? What am I responsible for? What can I learn? What’s useful/valuable? What is the other person thinking, feeling, and wanting? What am I assuming? What are the facts? What’s the big picture? What’s the best first step? What’s possible?
Curiosity finds its home in good questions, but the way we ask the questions to ourselves and our teams defines the way the problem will be solved and the attitudes along the way. So how does Harper measure up? All the learning programs and initiatives for LEMTs, Managers, Field and Office employees, technical training and soft skills training, Lean practices and principles (and more) offer a clear picture of an already strong learning organization. But the implementation and success of these programs depends on YOU! How will you switch from Judger to Learner in order to get that bid out on time or wade through a complicated budget? How will you switch from Judger to Learner in training sessions and L10 meetings? What about switching from Judger to Learner as you read through this article? Learning begins and ends with the individual in the organization. By encouraging self-reflection and awareness in meetings, on the jobsite and even at home, this learning organization will only continue on its path to success. You can find Marilee Adam’s book HERE.
Justin Thomas Kimberly Knarr
LCI Congress 2018 In Review
After a week of informative sessions, workshops and networking, the Lean Congress Institute 2018 came to a close on October 19th. Harper had a strong presence at the conference with Kevin Labrecque, SVP of Operational Excellence, as this year’s LCI chair. The feedback regarding Kevin’s facilitation of and participation in the event was overwhelmingly positive, reflecting on both his and Harper’s ongoing successes and dedication to lean initiatives. Friday’s Gemba Walk at the Central Florida branch further established Harper’s lean leadership in the industry. Billy Brockenbrough, Central Florida Branch Manager & Vice President, and Justin Brockenbrough, Fabrication Manager, engaged twenty-five individuals at a time from across the nation in a focused tour of the office and shop. They covered steel prefabrication to PVC and copper, explaining the lean practices involved along the way. Meanwhile, Kevin Labrecque and Central Florida’s lean champion, Preconstruction Manager Amy McClurg, shared with the other twenty-five attendees Harper’s lean journey regarding innovations and best practices. The walk-through and presentation went smoothly thanks to the many branch volunteers who prepared and assisted in the transitions and speaking parts. Congratulations to all on a job well done!
Harper Volunteers: Douglas Sander Amy McClurg* *Amy McClurg also volunteered her time on the 2018 Planning Team, assisting Kevin on the Gemba Committee as well as Matt Bleakley with Whiting Turner on the Volunteer Committee. LEDS Volunteer: Mary Madding
The highlight for many came from the speaking engagements by LEDS National BIM Manager Richard Davis and Harper's own Senior Foreman Kris Heitzman. Davis' presentation, Harnessing the Brainpower of 1600+ Minds, shared his experience regarding the various paths taken to capture and implement innovation and improvement ideas within a large organization. The crowd sat enthralled as Richard crafted a narrative of lean strategy, effort and struggle. The presentation’s theme echoed that of the Expo as a whole: Reflecting on our Past, Envisioning our Future, and he encouraged listeners that Harper's own innovation journey is a collective and constantly evolving process.
Lean Congress Institute 2018 Conference & Expo In Review
Harper's Senior Foreman, Kris Heitzman spoke with Daniel Berger of DPR regarding the importance of aligning culture with lean implementation and expectations. They argued that establishing this type of lean culture would only drive individuals in the field to make lean best practices and ideas personal, ultimately providing the highest value to themselves, the team and the Owner. The presentation took a practical approach to facilitate this type of culture, indicating that a lean culture starts with the individual. It also takes time and money spent on the right technology, processes and work environment.
The LCI Congress Planning Committee of 2018
LCI Congress Planning Committee 2018
Feature Article
GEMBA WALK
... AND THAT'S A WRAP!
Check out some behind the scenes footage from the Recruitment Video Shoot at the Central Florida and West Florida branches this past month. The final video will be posted on social media in November. Help us expand the Harper family by sharing and liking the final video once it is posted!
Erich Muensterman, Josh Booth, Mackenzie Grove, Holt Hamilton
Branch & Department News
AHCA Seminar & FHEA Trade Show
On October 7-10 The Agency for Healthcare Administration (AHCA) and the Florida Health Care Engineers (FHEA) hosted a conjoined conference in Orlando, FL. Harper and LEDS exhibited side by side at the FHEA trade show which Harper employees Amy McClurg, Mackenzie Grove and Billy Brockenbrough attended. Harper employees, Holt Hamilton, Alex Taugher, Chris Smith, Jehnifer Knott, Josh Booth, Winton Pate, Erich Muensterman, Chris Songy, Luis Aguiar, attended the AHCA seminar.
HARPER & LEDS
Erich Muensterman, Mackenzie Grove, Holt Hamilton, Steve McClurg (LEDS)
Amy McClurg, Justin Thomas, Erich Muensterman, Mackenzie Grove, Steve Gantzer
HARPER
Precon had a team building event at the Escape Room in Lakeland following their Offsite Meeting. The group was split into two rooms, Asylum and Cinema, and all Harper employees escaped in time! Attendees included Erich Muensterman, Steve Gantzer, Chris Smith, Kim Knarr, Chris Songy, Amy McClurg, Ron Roberts, Justin Thomas, Mackenzie Grove.
Precon Offsite Team Building
Kimberly Knarr, Ron Roberts, Steve Cavanah, Chris Smith
UNF Career Fair
BEFORE & AFTER
Amy McClurg, Gloria Silva and Idalmis Roman represented the company at the UNF (University of North Florida) career fair on October 2nd as a recruiting initiative for LEMTs. UNF sets up the career fairs through their CCEC Career Development Center, which is dedicated to helping the students and alumni in the fields of computing, engineering and construction management plan and prepare for a successful career in their field.
Achieve Faster, Leaner & Higher Quality Construction!
Harper's SVP of Operational Excellence, Kevin Labrecque, and Fabrication Manager, Justin Brockenbrough will be speakers at the 2019 Advancing Prefabrication conference held at The Westin Galleria Dallas. Check out the workshop details below:
January 28 - 31, 2019 | Dallas, TX
ANNOUNCEMENT
About the Event
Advancing Prefabrication 2019 will seek out the answers to the problems of off-site construction, tracking projects, estimating the cost savings, finding suitable project partners and more an by exploring the cutting edge ideas, processes and systems being developed in the industry across single-trade, multi-trade and modular manufacturing processes.
LCI Chair Award
SVP of Operational Excellence Kevin Labrecque was presented with an award from CEO Charlie Bacon recognizing a job well done as LCI 2018 Chair.
Announcement
Customer Events 2018
Harper News - Local Organizations
On Wednesday, September 26th Harper attended the BOMA (Building Office Management Association) Orlando after hours social networking event at Kona Grill in Winter Park, FL with over 100 Property Managers attending along with vendors. It’s Harper's third time attending since joining the BOMA organization and since then, Harper is noticeably generating new relationships and leads to build the service team. Jane Patton, Central Florida Service Sales Representative, was in attendance and accompanied by Ruth Ferreira, West Florida Service Coordinator. Jane also attended a BOMA monthly luncheon and took Daulton Wright, Central Florida Area Service Manager, as a guest. Harper will continue to support BOMA by sponsoring and attending the annual gala and "TOBY" awards where property owners and managers compete in various building categories. Harper is also a member of the Orlando Chapter Of IFMA (International Facilities Management Association) and attends monthly luncheons. Jane is on the "call of duty" membership committee to welcome new IFMA members and makes monthly phone calls to drive attendance at the local meetings. Central Florida General Service Manager, Steve Dobbins, is a VIP Member of CFHLA (Central Florida Hospitality and Lodging Association) and has been an active member since 1995. Jane attends monthly CFHLA breakfast meetings and is accompanied by Steve and Paul Dekany, Central Florida Project Sales Representative to monthly meetings and after hour networking events. Harper frequently sponsors CFHLA and participates in committees, ranging from golf outings to trade shows, throughout the year. The most recent after hours event was at the Avanti Hotel and Conference Center on Tuesday, September 25th where Avanti Resort Complex General Manager, Rod O'Connor, provided a networking event for Allied Members and CFHLA members; The event included over 100 members, mostly general managers in attendance.
The Associate Principle Networking Social
CENTRAL FL
BOMA Membership Meeting
Harper’s Service Sales Representative, Jane Patton, attended the October membership breakfast meeting for BOMA Orlando (Building Owners and Managers Association). The topic of the meeting was "Service Animals in the Workplace with Rosemary O'Shea and Baker Hostetler." Jane participated in the presentation and represented Harper with her "emotional support" certified pet, Loretta, along with a Property Manager, Mary Dillard of MBR Property Management and her service dog. Jane’s favorite part about attending the membership meetings is creating exposure for Harper and networking with various commercial class A building owners and managers in the Orlando market. The annual meeting was well attended with over 150 people voting for their 2019 Elections. During the meeting BOMA collected items for victims of Hurricane Michael along with several bags of food and supplies donated by Harper.
Local Organization News
BOMA Voting Event
Central Florida's Service Sales Representative, Jane Patton, participated in an outing for Building Owners & Managers Association (BOMA) Orlando to provide top property management companies with educational information for voting on amendments that will specifically affect commercial building owners. The first-time event had a great turnout and positive feedback on developing deeper relationships with companies and getting Harper's name in the surrounding communities.
Central Florida's Service Sales Representative, Jane Patton attended BOMA) Orlando’s 2018 TOBY Awards Gala on November 9th. The Outstanding Building of the Year (TOBY®) Awards is the most prestigious and comprehensive program of its kind in the commercial real estate industry recognizing quality in commercial buildings and rewarding excellence in building management. Harper sponsored a table for the event’s theme of a 'Night in Monte Carlo.’ All attendees started the night with a cocktail reception and some fun at the gaming tables, followed by dinner and the awards ceremony. Pictured with Jane are Harper clients at ORMC.
BOMA TOBY Awards Gala
Branch Events 2018
Career Fairs
The beginning of the year is always the kickoff of the college career fair season. Representatives from the Central Florida branch (Alex Taugher- PM, Douglas Sander- Ops Mgr, Amy McClurg- PreCon Mgr -not pictured, Annette Namath- HR) attended the UCF College of Civil and Construction Engineering event to scout for future candidates. We will be attending multiple locations over the next month, including UF, FIU, UNF and USF. These potential future employees can either come in as an intern or an LEMT to begin learning the skills to help advance and grow Harper into the most sought after building system solutions provider in Florida.
10 Employees at the Lake Mary branch made a pact on January 29th to lose weight for one month. Well, the results are in... the group, 8 men and 2 women, lost a collective 100 lbs! That's a 4.5% average weight loss per person! The rules were simple: Each person weighed in on Monday mornings (minus shoes, belts, watches, wallets, etc.), contributed their $20 buy-in fee, and the person that lost the largest percentage of their starting body weight at the end of 30-days would win the pot. Rob Phelps, BIM Specialist II, proposed the idea to a few colleagues hoping that they would hold him accountable in his weight loss journey. They all soon realized that weight loss was just a by-product of adopting a healthier lifestyle. Participants were walking each day at lunch, wearing pedometers, eating healthier lunches such as fruits & salads and staying away from the occasional "vendor supplied" donuts. Congrats to all and thanks for the inspiration!
Success
Weight Loss Challenge
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE WINNER: KIM KNARR
Branch News
Everyone had a great time at the SeaWorld outing! Thanks for coming out!
The West Florida team exhibited at a local career fair this past month and almost immediately reaped the rewards of their labor! Amidst 40 other vendors, the Harper booth had a steady stream of interested candidates. A few attendees even filled out an application right there on the spot!
WEST FL
Career Fair: Tampa Bay Build
ASHRAE Central Florida Spring Golf Tournament
Harper and LEDS attendees at the ABE 2018
To check out what's happening at this year's LCI Congress in Orlando, FL, click the image below.
What is Lean? This question was explored by the Lake Mary shop team during a 6-hour Lean training and workshop at the Lake Mary branch. Led by Kevin Labrecque, Lean Congress Institute 2018 Chair/Certified Instructor and Harper Senior Vice President of Operational Excellence, the group journeyed from Lean theory to Lean applications, stopping for targeted Lean exercises and relevant discussions along the way. In preparation for Harper's shop 'Gemba Walk' (to take place at the Lean Construction Congress in October 2018), Harper shop manager, Justin Brockenbrough, wanted to relay the importance of Lean thinking and work practices to his crew. Thirty attendees, a full room, and hours of hands-on learning made for an action-packed day. This training will be followed-up with a focused, shop-specific task in the coming weeks to reinforce and apply the learning of the first Lean session.
BRAND NEW WAREHOUSE Where: 1212 North 39th Street, Building #4, Suite 404 Tampa, FL 33605 When: We took occupancy on May 1, 2018. What: The Warehouse is approximately 5,400 square feet and will be used to store Harper's tools, ladders, healthcare equipment, major equipment (to be installed at job sites), PreFab systems, and some miscellaneous material. It will be utilized by Harper Construction, Prime, Special Projects and Service divisions.
Featured article - Lean, Mean Machine
Lake Mary Lean - 5S Shop Event
Kevin Labrecque shares Lean insights with the group.
Branch News - Central Florida
Attendees brainstorm a new shop layout
The Toy Story Land project at Disney’s Hollywood Studios had their Grand Opening for the public on June 30th, on time and in budget.
Congratulations on a job well done Service Team!
Harper’s Central Florida branch had 11 visitors on July 13th, from Barton Malow Company’s LEAPS (LEArning Practicum for Students) internship program. The interns toured with Amy McClurg and Justin Brockenbrough through the Fab Shop to learn about Harper's prefabrication capabilities and Lean processes, which help maximize efficiencies both on the job site and in everyday activities.
For those of us who do not read or speak Japanese, these characters translate to “Gemba,” or “personal observation of work.” The original Japanese term comes from gembutsu, which means “real thing.” This meaning also happens to be the guiding term for a lean practice called a Gemba Walk; and this year, the Central Florida fabrication shop has the opportunity to showcase the ‘real thing’ at The Lean Congress Institute (LCI) Congress & Expo in October. On the last day of the Expo, 50 men and women will be traveling to the Central Florida branch to tour the office and shop, learning about the lean practices employed by Harper Limbach employees on a daily basis. Lean methodology emphasizes maximizing value for the customer while minimizing waste in the office, shop and field. Lean construction borrows from manufacturing principles and practices to achieve this minimal waste effort. In this lean spirit, the Harper Limbach-LCI team has been diligently planning and practicing for a top-notch event. Part of this preparation included two branch lean training events with LCI Chair and Harper Limbach SVP, Kevin Labrecque. Kevin serves as a Lean Construction Institute Certified Improved Instructor, providing training on and the facilitation of Lean Project Delivery techniques on behalf of the owner, design team, general contractor and Harper Limbach. Since joining LCI, he has been an integral member in assisting the organization achieve its vision of “transform[ing] the Built Environment through lean Implementation.” The training for branch and shop personnel throughout the summer months has reiterated these very principles. The first training introduced lean as a concept and practice. The second session focused on the shop layout and process with Kevin's facilitating a discussion regarding 5S. The five S’s of 5S guide work processes: Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize and Sustain. By analyzing these five lean principles, the group could then apply the learning to their own work spaces. After brainstorming these lean changes to the shop, Kevin and Fabrication Manager, Justin Brockenbrough, led the charge to quite literally move stations around in order to streamline work and production. Shop employees engaged in this brainstorming; as the “boots on the ground,” they provided invaluable information to make their job each day more efficient. Further preparation will take place on September 12th, as the Gemba Walk team will do a final run-through of the agenda in real-time. Their dedication to the event evidences the ‘real-thing’ of life at Harper - a tight knit, hardworking group of people eager to share their time-tested best practices with the AEC community at large. This open and transparent communication has set up both the shop and office for the influx of people on October 19th. The day-of will look something like this: Two groups of 25 people will split up in the lobby at 8:30 AM. Group A will sit in the training room for a company and lean fabrication capabilities presentation and Q&A. Group B will tour the shop. After 30 minutes, the groups will switch. Both groups will leave the premises by 10:30 AM. The Lean Congress Institute (LCI) hosts their 20th annual LCI Congress Expo from October 15-19 in Orlando, FL. For more information about the Congress Expo, click the image below.
現場
Gemba Walk At Central Florida
Submitted by Steve Dobbins
Gary: On behalf of Menorah Manor, I would like to say how professional your workers were when they were here doing service, starting with Allen. Good worker! And then you sent Wil and Geo on 8/23 to install a fan coil unit in one of our rooms and I’m pleased to say they did a wonderful job also; professional courteous and hard workers. They wasted no time. Bottom line, companies need more people like them. Thank you, Wayne Roach Menorah Manor 255 59th Street North St. Petersburg, Florida 33710 direct line: (727) 302-3722 fax: (727) 345-3957 wroach@menorahmanor.org www.menorahmanor.org
Commendations
Great Job Service Team!
West Florida Fishing Trip 2018
Branch News - West Florida
West Florida Paintball Outing 2018
On August 3rd, Central Florida's Field Interns, Amory Silva & Bryce Seech, were surprised by pizza party on their last day.
Bryce Seech
Amory Silva
The Central Florida office held a lunch and learn seminar, featuring Pure Air Control Services. Topics included issues and consequences encompassing indoor air quality and HVAC hygiene.
Central Florida office had an employee ice cream social on August 30th. Sweet treats were provided by Kelly's Homemade Ice Cream Truck.
Helpers and Apprentices at Harper’s Central Florida branch during their Core Competence Training on August 22nd. Trainings are scheduled for the next 14 weeks at both Central Florida and West Florida branches. Each level of training is comprised of four modules that will increase difficulty and learning skills. The first level consists of basic safety, construction hand and power tools, material identification sorting, cutting and prepping materials, and construction math.
Harper participated in the largest Hospitality trade show in the Southeast with a booth at the Central Florida Hotel & Lodging Association (CFHLA) HEAT trade show hosted at the Caribe Royale Orlando on August 22nd. The theme for this year’s HEAT was “games” which included anything from game shows to board games and card games. “There were over 1,000 Hoteliers attending and we received numerous solid leads!" said Service General Manager, Steve Dobbins.
LEDS Orlando employees and their families were invited to a Family Fun Day at the Kennedy Space Center on August 18th . The full day of activities included a private bus tour of launch pads and the Saturn V Building. A guided tour around the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex was also included, which was organized into Mission Zones — allowing you to weave your way through the U.S. Space Program in chronological order: Mercury, Gemini, Apollo, Shuttle and beyond. Employees and their families had some free time to enjoy before their private lunch With Astronaunt, Bruce Melnick, at the Debus Center.
LEDS News
Central Florida Foreman Meeting on August 23rd where they reviewed HUB industries new purchasing system for safety items, and on-site health & safety first-step injury assessments.
Following an on-site Precon team meeting, the Harper Central Florida group went bowling for a team building event on Friday, August 17th.
Pictured left to right: Shane Snyder, Chris Smith, Justin Thomas, Mackenzie Grove, Amy McClurg, Kim Knarr.
Harper's Helpers and Apprentices continue their core competence training at the Central Florida branch. These training sessions have been assessed over a span of 14 weeks at both Central Florida and West Florida branches. Each level of training is comprised of four modules that will increase in difficulty and learning skills.
The Prime Group Fishing Outing
Groundbreaking Ceremony
Hospital Corporation of America (HCA) and the University of Central Florida broke ground on a new teaching hospital and hosted a ceremony on October 25th in which Harper employees Chris Smith, Winton Pate, and Alex Taugher were in attendance. The Lake Nona Medical Center will open in late 2020 as a teaching hospital for doctors on site and medical school students at the adjacent University of Central Florida College of Medicine. Harper will be a prime subcontractor on the project.
HCA UCF Lake Nona Medical Center
Groundbreaking Ceremony Continued
Harper employees of the Central Florida branch recently presented at the Associated Builders & Contractors (ABC) University of Central Florida's student chapter meeting. During the meeting, Amy McClurg, Justin Thomas, Max Ristau and Douglas Sander began with a safety moment and then spoke about the mechanical side of construction, their roles, day-to-day responsibilities and all aspects of mechanical contracting. The presentation helped student chapter members learn in an interactive way about the other side of construction they were unaware of or may not have considered. The Central Florida branch also brought pizza and refreshments for everyone to enjoy!
ABC UCF Student Chapter Presentation
Planning's Offsite Team Building Event
Central Florida's planning department had a team building event at Topgolf, a global sports entertainment company with golfing bay’s and an option of various styles to play the game. The Topgolf games can be played by all ages and skill levels, and the microchipped golf balls score themselves, providing players with instant feedback on each shot's accuracy and distance.
Harper's Helpers and Apprentices continue their core competency training at the Central Florida branch. These training sessions have been assessed over a span of 14 weeks at both Central Florida and West Florida branches. Each level of training is comprised of four modules that will increase in difficulty and learning skills.
Core Competency Training
Week/Module 4 on October 3rd, 2018
Week/Module 5 on October 17th, 2018
Core Competence Trainings
Harper’s Central Florida branch had a pumpkin carving contest on October 26th. Employees Chris Smith, Chris Rutherford, Amy McClurg and Jane Patton brought in pumpkins to be donated to Great Oaks Village, an Orange County group foster home for children.
Pumpkin Carving Contest
Congratulations to Keith Dekoeyer for coming in a very close 2nd place with his pumpkin!
Congratulations to Brian Krot for winning 1st place on his carved pumpkin!
Wilfredo Maldonato Blood Mouth Pumpkin
Tiffany DelleDonne Witch Pumpkin
Amy McClurg Cat Pumpkin
Beth Ann Bishop Cheese & Mouse Pumpkin
Thank you to everyone who participated! Hope you had a safe and happy Halloween
Employees of the West Florida branch had their holiday luncheon on December 12th at the Armature Works - Theatre Room. Everyone was encourage to bring an unwrapped gift for Toys For Tots, each toy represented a chance to enter a drawling for a vacation day.
Holiday Luncheon Luncheon
Thanksgiving Basket Brigade
Harper’s Central FL branch donated and delivered tailor-made baskets of food for a Thanksgiving feast to families in need throughout the county for a fundraiser called The Basket Brigade. Thank you to the employees and their families who helped exceed the Basket Brigade of Central Florida’s 2018 goal of 2,500 baskets! The notion behind the Thanksgiving Basket Brigade is that one small act of kindness from one person can transform the lives of multiple people.
Week/Module 6 on November 7th, 2018
Harper's Helpers and Apprentices continue their core competency training at the Central Florida branch. These training sessions have been assessed over a span of 14 weeks at both Central Florida and West Florida branches. Each level of training is comprised of modules that will increase in difficulty and learning skills.
Week/Module 7 on November 28th, 2018
Week/Module 7 Continued
Week/Module 8 on December 12th, 2018
November 7th, 2018
Rigging Class
Harper's West Florida branch held their Halloween party on November 2nd. Employee's were encouraged to dress in costume as well as bring in their kids into the office for lots of candy, fun and refreshments.
Halloween Party
2018 Christmas Party
Director of Marketing & Communications
Noel Bumm
Phone: 215-488-9647 (x8647) | Email: noel.bumm@limbachinc.com Contact for: General formatting and download or print questions, Image Submissions
Phone: 215-488-9614 (x8614) | Email: angela.weiser@limbachinc.com Contact for: Section Additions, Overall layout, General Concerns, Image Submissions
Marketing & Communications Coordinator
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Angela Weiser
