Category: Corporate

HPM Hires Cynthia Foteh as Director of Business Development

Posted on July 15, 2024

HPM has announced the hiring of Cynthia Foteh as the company’s newest Director of Business Development. Based in HPM’s Austin office, Foteh will oversee client-relationship management and spearhead new business initiatives in the Texas market as HPM continues to pursue projects in the region.

Foteh possesses more than 20 years of experience in the public and private sectors of the AEC industry, having held positions including Business Development Manager at Powers Brown Architecture and Director of Business Development at WGA Consulting Engineers. As Director of Business Development at HPM, she will lead business strategy and sales initiatives, aiming to expand the firm’s presence in Texas.

“I’m honored to step into this role at such a pivotal time, as HPM continues to expand its reach by offering premier program management services to high-profile clients across Texas,” said Foteh. “My passion for driving growth, fostering collaboration and building connections within this industry aligns with HPM’s mission and people-oriented values. I look forward to continuing to immerse myself in Texas-centric professional organizations and leadership communities, and to working alongside such a talented team as we expand our footprint across the state.”

Through her role, Foteh will aim to build and maintain relationships with clients, partners and stakeholders to deliver high-quality business solutions and strategies that meet the needs for quality program management services. She will focus on the education, municipal and manufacturing industries within Texas as she works to expand HPM’s portfolio.

“We are proud to welcome Cynthia to HPM, as her wealth of experience in AEC initiatives and ability to build meaningful relationships with clients will help us advance to the next stage of growth in Texas,” said Ryan Austin, HPM President. “It’s an exciting time for our firm, as we continue to expand into new markets and explore new sectors while strengthening our boots-on-the-ground efforts across the country. Cynthia will play a crucial role in ensuring this success and dedication to program management excellence continues for both our existing clients and those we will work with in the future.”

CMAA SAC Names HPM 2024 Project Achievement Award Winner

Posted on July 9, 2024

CMAA’s South Atlantic Chapter (CMAA SAC) recently released its 2024 awards, recognizing HPM as a Project Achievement Award Winner for The University of Alabama’s Catherine and Pettus Randall Welcome Center.

Construction Management Association of America

CMAA offers Project Achievement Awards annually to recognize projects that stand out as examples in the construction industry, demonstrating excellence and innovation. These awards are reserved for facilities that push the industry forward and motivate its leaders to push past perceived limitations and pursue what others have deemed impossible. Representatives from HPM attended the annual Awards Gala in Atlanta, GA, where guests were inspired by the projects of fellow award winners, having managed cutting-edge projects in various categories.

Catherine and Pettus Randall Welcome Center

The 15,000-square-foot Randall Welcome Center comprises the first level of the historic Peter Bryce Main facility and serves as the “front door to campus” for all who visit. Inside the facility are numerous interactive elements designed to provide prospective students with a glimpse into campus life. From academics to athletics, guests are guaranteed to enjoy an immersive display of the UA culture. The welcome center is aptly named in honor of Dr. Catherine J. Randall and her late husband, Pettus Randall. The Randall family is beloved among the University of Alabama community, known for their commitment to generous hospitality.

One particularly unique space within the facility is the Roll Tide Room. This room features a custom interactive AV element comprised of (54) individual LED screens that are webbed together to create a single image. The wall is constructed to mimic a rolling tidal wave, creating an interactive immersion experience.

HPM & The University of Alabama

HPM collaborated with UA to achieve their vision of a strategic restructuring of the historic facility, originally constructed in 1861. Seeking to preserve the defining characteristics of the original architecture, HPM managed every detail with care. The project team provided comprehensive services ranging from preconstruction to field coordination to move management, all with students in mind.

HPM’s relationship with the University of Alabama began two decades ago in 2004. For 20 years, HPM has worked with the university on construction and renovations across campus. From residence halls to athletic complexes to academic facilities, HPM has an established history of managing capital projects on the Capstone’s behalf.

ENR Ranks HPM #25 on Top 50 Program Management Firms List

Posted on July 2, 2024

Each year, the Engineering News-Record (ENR) gathers data from firms nationwide to determine their Top 50 Program Management Firms list. HPM has been included in the list every year since 2014.

About ENR

ENR generates annual rankings in an effort to create structure in a large and, at times, overwhelming industry. Their surveys procure relevant information from key segments within the industry, including general contracting, engineering, architecture, and more specialized services, such as program management. Rankings are determined based on revenue generated both within the U.S. and abroad. ENR’s news, analysis, and commentary are published to empower construction industry professionals to do their jobs with greater knowledge and efficiency.

HPM’s Ongoing Growth

HPM has experienced exponential growth in the niche service offerings of construction audit and planning, along with more hallmark services like preconstruction, project management and owner’s representation. The company continues to spearhead projects on behalf of leading corporations in aviation and aerospace, industrial manufacturing, and technology while managing construction for cutting-edge sports and entertainment venues, higher education facilities and best-in-class K-12 schools.

Recent years have brought a surge in higher education projects for the company, opening doors to partner with numerous institutions for the first time in firm history. Current higher education projects include Mississippi State University’s Azalea Hall, the University of Mississippi’s Jim and Thomas Duff Center for Science and Technology Innovation, the University of Alabama in Huntsville’s College of Engineering, and the University of North Alabama’s Bank Independent Stadium.

In addition to embarking on first-time programs with new partners, HPM maintains decades-long working relationships and ongoing projects with numerous esteemed clients. In 2023, HPM celebrated 20 years of work with Regions Bank, and celebrated 20 years of work on campus The University of Alabama in April this year. The company has managed projects on behalf of FedEx for eight years.

To support the company’s external growth initiatives, HPM has made strategic growth strides internally. In 2023, the firm hired 49 new employees and promoted 18. As a result of HPM’s ongoing development, employees have been provided with new opportunities for scalability and career advancement.

HPM Hosts 6th Annual Emerging Leaders Summer Seminar

Posted on June 26, 2024

On June 12-14, HPM hosted the 6th Annual Emerging Leaders Summer Seminar. The program equips rising talent with the necessary skills and resources to create long-lasting, successful careers.

Interns and co-ops from across the footprint traveled to the company’s headquarters in Birmingham, AL, to participate in the three-day event. The Emerging Leaders program provides a unique fusion of networking and educational opportunities. Among the most valuable components of the event is the setting it offers participants to connect with like-minded peers pursuing similar career paths. This year’s Emerging Leaders class includes Robert Beason, Mary Claire Besh, Marin Carter, James Chalmers, Griffin Cordova, Tate Duncan, Elli Garcia, Rijker Hutson, Emma Roach, Cheyenne Scarborough, and Steven Schultz. Together, the group represents six universities and a variety of majors, including Industrial and Systems Engineering, Building Science, Civil Engineering, and more.

This year’s curriculum included topics such as setting goals, presentations and public speaking, and building relationships. During breaks from teaching sessions, attendees participated in team-building activities designed to foster collaboration and communication. The company’s leading executives and project managers attended the seminar, many of whom were presenters. Each presentation was given in a conversational format, allowing participants the opportunity to ask questions and grasp HPM’s culture.

“Attending Emerging Leaders and meeting everyone has made me fall in love with HPM’s company culture,” said a participant. “I genuinely believe this company cares about me and my well-being.”

A unique aspect of the Emerging Leaders program is the opportunity to witness many of former co-op students and interns transition into full-time HPM employees building careers in preconstruction, project management, field coordination, planning and beyond.

“As Senior Recruiter, I meet students at universities nationwide throughout the year. When I talk with prospective interns and co-ops, I look for individuals with an appetite to learn and develop as leaders,” said Anna Dolen. “I could not be prouder of this year’s Emerging Leaders class in particular. Each of them is characterized by integrity and intelligence that is sure to be the foundation of impactful careers. It is rewarding to see the recruiting process come full circle at the Emerging Leaders Seminar each summer.”

HPM’s Will Cather Included in BBJ’s 2024 NextGen BHM List

Posted on May 24, 2024

Will Cather, Project Manager at HPM, has been included in the 2024 NextGen BHM: Construction & Real Estate list published by Birmingham Business Journal. This list is comprised of up-and-coming industry leaders who demonstrate great potential and leadership qualities. Recipients were chosen based on their contributions to their companies, their role in the industry, the likelihood of them becoming prominent leaders in their field, and their role in the Birmingham community. All honorees are under the age of 30.

About the NextGen BHM Recipient

With a robust background in contracting, design, and project management work, Will is a master of all trades in the construction/real estate industry. He currently provides leadership on HPM’s Regions account. His scope of work includes numerous facilities maintenance capital projects, which often present demands around the clock. Capital replacements/upgrades of elevators, fire alarm systems, HVAC units, HVAC control systems and both exterior and interior LED lighting retrofits are all common FMC projects. Will remains available to the client, going above and beyond to demonstrate commitment to getting the job done with excellence. This consistent work ethic has earned him a remarkable amount of credibility within the industry.

Regions Project Manager David Caulkins heralded Will’s contributions, stating, “Will has been such an asset to the team, it’s hard to surmise into a simple statement. He is transparent, available, and impactful, all in a timely manner.”

Will was promoted after only eight months with HPM, an honor indicating his high level of performance and robust work ethic. “Will excels in managing client expectations as he communicates in a clear and effective manner”, said his supervisor, Charles Phillips. “He is a team player and fosters a collaborative work environment where his coworkers feel valued and motivated. Will understands that if one person on our team succeeds, we all succeed.”

Community Involvement

A rising star in his profession and his community, Will is dedicated to giving back to the Birmingham area. He is actively involved with The WellHouse, a local organization providing residential, therapeutic programs to female victims of human trafficking. After attending a gala benefitting the organization, Will immediately began pursuing opportunities to serve on their board.

A graduate of The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) and life-long resident of Birmingham, Will is sure to impact the construction industry and the Magic City for decades to come.

Megan Cordingly, Ph.D. Promoted to Senior Business Analytics Manager

Posted on April 2, 2024

An integral part of HPM’s Operations team, Megan Cordingly, Ph.D. has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to excellence and a keen understanding of the intricacies of business analytics. Her expertise in data visualization and ability to translate complex insights into actionable strategies have significantly contributed to HPM’s ability to provide accurate and digestible reporting metrics to our clients, project teams and company leadership. Because of her dedication and contribution to the continued success of our company, she has been promoted to Senior Business Analytics Manager.

Megan joined HPM in 2022. Throughout her tenure, she has been instrumental in streamlining internal processes, resulting in significant improvements in efficiency and productivity. For example, she transformed HPM’s accounts receivable reporting by automating and digitizing the process. She was also instrumental in overhauling and improving the marketing quarterly checklist, allowing the marketing team to access vital project information, while combining historical data through a custom marketing dashboard. This allows the team to better pinpoint arising opportunities. In addition, she has worked with numerous project teams to develop custom dashboards that effectively deliver the information needed by our clients.

In her new role, Megan will lead efforts to create a comprehensive data analytics program for HPM that will support the continued evolution and growth of the company. Her key responsibilities will include driving the vision and strategies for collecting, managing and analyzing data while deploying cutting-edge visualization tools to automate reporting and enhance decision-making.

The initiatives led by Megan will be critical to HPM’s continued evolution as a technologically innovative company that leverages real-time data to identify trends and patterns valuable to predictive analytics efforts that can then be delivered as actionable insights, driving our project teams and our clients to success.

Megan and her husband David are the proud owners of two Great Danes, Shadow and Grace. In her spare time, Megan enjoys kayaking, growing vegetables in her backyard and spending time with family and friends.

March Madness: Community Involvement Version

Posted on March 27, 2024

The month of March has been full of community involvement opportunities at HPM. We are grateful for the multitude of organizations that exist to better the communities in which we live and work. Whether rolling up our sleeves to cook chili, attending events or hitting the golf course, it has been a privilege to support outstanding causes as a team across our footprint. Take a moment to learn more about the dedicated organizations we partnered with this month!

It’s Better than Good… It’s Exceptional

HPM’s Birmingham office kicked off the month with a strong start at The Exceptional Foundation‘s 20th Annual Chili Cookoff. With over 70 participating teams, the event saw unprecedented involvement this year. On top of supporting a great cause, we were proud to take home third place for our “HPM’s Chili Madness” recipe. The Exceptional Foundation provides year-round social and recreational services for adults and children with special needs. Their programs provide unique opportunities to promote healthy living, strong social relationships and community involvement. Learn more about getting involved with this impactful organization in the Magic City.

Beat Cancer, Eat Chili!

The following weekend, HPM’s Mobile team brought their chili game in support of the American Cancer Society. The group went all out for the theme, kept their eyes on the prize, and, most importantly, raised funds for a life-saving cause. As an added bonus, we defended our reigning champion status, taking home first place in our category. Thank you, ACS for allowing us to partner with you in your valiant effort to find a cure. Be sure to check out the organization’s volunteer opportunities.

Tomorrow’s Construction Leaders

HPM team members, Melissa Bradley and Sara Chapman participated in Read Across Montgomery Public Schools Week. The district added an exciting twist, focusing on career exploration through reading. Melissa and Sara leveraged this occasion to teach first graders about the many job opportunities in the construction field. They read the children’s book “Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site”, and conducted a coloring activity centered around hard hat safety. It was a privilege to spend time with the next generation of leaders. Thank you, Forest Avenue Magnet Elementary School for having us!

Bold Futures

Next on the agenda was sponsoring and attending Girls Inc.‘s Bold Futures Breakfast. Participants in the program, ranging from fourth-grade to high-school seniors shared stories of the organization’s impact on their personal confidence, character and career goals. Girls Inc. equips girls and young women to reach their full potential while advocating with and for them to end inequity and discrimination. With a presence in more than 350 cities in the United States and Canada, there are endless ways to serve this world-changing organization. Find your affiliate and learn more about involvement opportunities.

Shining Stars Gala

Our Texas team was pleased to support Round Rock ISD‘s 23rd annual Shining Stars Gala, “An Evening in Paradise!” Attendees gathered to celebrate the district’s successful growth strides while raising support for continued progress in the years to come. HPM considers it a great privilege to be a part of the vibrant, thriving community of Round Rock, TX.

Leading with the Lions

Last, but certainly not least, our Huntsville team participated in UNA‘s North Alabama Football Golf Tournament. Proceeds from the event will benefit the university’s upcoming project, Bank Independent Stadium, for which HPM is providing program management and owners’ representation services. We look forward to continuing to interact with the Florence/Shoals community as this project is brought to life!

HPM Celebrates 26th Annual Women in Construction Week

Posted on March 1, 2024

HPM is pleased to celebrate Women in Construction Week, an annual observance initiated by the National Association of Women in Construction March 3-9. The first Women in Construction Week was held in 1998. Awareness of the observance has increased exponentially over the past 26 years. Today, men and women in the construction industry recognize this week nationwide. This is an important time for construction companies of all shapes and sizes to show support for their female employees.

Women in Construction Week Events

The National Association of Women in Construction offers virtual events each day of the week, as well as events by region. This year’s topics of conversation include opportunities for tradeswomen, DE&I and leadership in the industry.

In addition to encouraging employees to attend NAWIC events, HPM is hosting an internal event curated for female employees. Women across the company’s footprint plan to participate in a virtual workshop Elevating Confidence and Building Leaders. The course is centered around navigating a male-dominated field as a woman. Emotional intelligence skills such as self-awareness, assertiveness and empathy are incorporated into the curriculum, as well as leadership skill building. HPM’s core values also inform the content.

Building Women

The steering committee of HPM’s Building Women initiative is hosting the workshop. Building Women was created in early 2023 in effort to create a more inclusive and diverse workplace, where everyone feels welcome and valued. The group holds professional development, networking, and community service events throughout the year. HPM’s female employees enjoy a unique camaraderie as a result of the professional and relational opportunities Building Women provides.

The Forum

In October, HPM hosted the Inaugural Building Women Forum. Attendees found the opportunity to gather in one place with their female colleagues to be invaluable. Company leadership presented on various topics impacting females in the workforce, imparting wisdom, vision and inspiration, including self-advocacy in the workplace, work-life integration, strategic communication and more. HPM is committed to continuing this forum, providing an equitable platform to discuss challenges related to the ever-evolving corporate landscape and providing innovative solutions for advancing women within the company and beyond.

Business Alabama Names HPM Best Small Company Finalist

Posted on January 11, 2024

Business Alabama Magazine recently revealed the finalists for the annual Best Companies list, including HPM as one of six finalists for Best Small Company. After taking nominations from the public, the selection committee chose finalists in seven categories. Finalists were selected based on company achievements, culture and community impact. An awards ceremony will be held in Birmingham on March 1. At that time, the winner in each respective category will be announced.

Business Alabama covers business activity of all shapes and sizes in all sectors of Alabama’s economy. For over three decades, they have been tracking economic growth and development within the state, reporting on vital issues influencing professionals across Alabama. Over 50,000 executives, managers, employees and owners read Business Alabama on a monthly basis. PMT Publishing is the producer of the magazine.

HPM is program management firm headquartered in Birmingham with 11 offices across the Southeast. The company was born from builders and has evolved into a team of experts specializing in program management. The 160 professionals comprising HPM’s team provide expertise in a variety of niche service offerings, including owners’ representation, audit & contract services, planning, projects controls and more.

HPM’s Chris Allee Shares Insights on Advanced Manufacturing

Posted on January 10, 2024

The article below was written by Richard Berger and published by GlobeSt.com. To learn more, click here.

Top growth markets Phoenix, Atlanta, Austin, and Raleigh are considered North America’s top four advanced manufacturing sectors, according to a new report from Newmark.

The firm said that rapid expansion in North America’s advanced manufacturing sector promises to deliver significant economic impact to newly selected sites and their surrounding regions through added jobs, infrastructure improvements, and substantial capital investments.

The report said regions predominantly secondary and tertiary metros near major markets with higher-than-average levels of preexisting advanced manufacturing talent, relatively lower-cost energy, and abundant, affordable land are poised to benefit most from advanced manufacturing investments.

Travis Epp, Partner, Audit & Assurance, EisnerAmper LLP, Partner, Eisner Advisory Group LLC, tells GlobeSt.com that the momentum for advanced manufacturing is strong because of supply chain challenges identified in recent years as well as geopolitical concerns.

He said the federal government has provided incentives to stimulate advanced manufacturing by creating initiatives such as the CHIPS Act, the National Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing Initiative, the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), which itself provides a host of incentives for manufacturing clean energy technology.

“The economic viability of the advanced manufacturing sector is significantly impacted by both tax incentives (federal, state, and local) and qualified labor,” Epp said.

“In recent years, there has been a shortage of labor in the manufacturing industry despite significant wage increases to offset inflation. To meet the labor demands of both advanced manufacturing and traditional manufacturing, access to labor is essential, which requires proximity to metros near major markets.

“Further, skyrocketing land prices in metro markets adversely impact the attractiveness of developing manufacturing facilities in major markets.”

Research and development is also a key aspect of advanced manufacturing as more technology is involved in the process, according to Epp.

“Unlike the previously noted incentives, the taxation of research and development continues to be adversely impacted since the beginning of 2022 due to the elimination of the historical treatment of full expensing and the requirement for amortization,” he said. “Businesses continue to lobby for the return to expensing.”

His clients, which include both domestic companies and US subsidiaries of foreign parents, have utilized the tax incentives available to them and are in secondary and tertiary metros near major markets.

Chris Allee, Director of Program Development at program management firm HPM, tells GlobeSt.com that manufacturers and investors are targeting markets that can tick the many boxes needed to be successful amongst today’s headwinds, including low labor costs but accessibility to a wide pool of talent, a business-friendly atmosphere, and high population growth.

“We’re seeing hot spots emerge across the Sunbelt in states like Tennessee, Texas, North Carolina, and Georgia,” Allee said. “Especially in Texas, we’re seeing more suburban submarkets around major metro hubs like Austin and Dallas provide these infill locations that manufacturers find attractive and can offer the dynamic labor and strong fundamentals needed to be successful.”

Newmark said Phoenix has attracted 14 major project announcements—the most of any single market examined—that are expected to generate close to 15,500 additional advanced manufacturing jobs for the metropolitan area.

It pointed to mid-sized markets such as Syracuse; Albany; Greensboro; and Columbia, SC; as others that offer greater cost savings for manufacturing operators while still maintaining the skilled workforce needed.

New clusters are forming and existing clusters are further maturing as a record number of new industrial projects are set to begin in over 160 metro and micropolitan areas in the next decade, as captured in Newmark Research’s survey.