Category: News

HPM’s Jesse Montgomery Promoted to Senior Preconstruction Manager

Posted on July 1, 2021

Jesse Montgomery didn’t wade into the water when he joined HPM as a Preconstruction Manager in July 2018. He dove headfirst into three complicated programs and hasn’t slowed down since. Jesse is dedicated to serving our clients in every sense of the word, and we are proud to announce his promotion to Senior Preconstruction Manager.

“Jesse is very dedicated and has a strong work ethic,” said Del Buck, HPM Vice President of Preconstruction. “Many times I have to ask Jesse to not work too late or not work on the weekend.”

Jesse’s current projects and programs include the Taylor Hardin Secure Medical Facility at the University of Alabama, Round Rock Independent School District in Round Rock, Texas, Indeed, and FedEx Freight. He is a preconstruction team leader, and manages design, cost modeling, and project budgeting. Jesse has also served on the Ft. Smith ISD, FedEx Memphis, HEB Super Stores, Austin ISD, JPI Developers, and various University of Alabama projects.

“Jesse is smart and knows construction,” Buck said. “I speak for the entire preconstruction team when I say that we are very blessed to have him on our team.”

HPM’s preconstruction services set the table for a successful project and make the entire building process easier for the owner. We offer expertise in planning a construction project before the actual construction begins, including feasibility studies, cost analyses, estimating, master scheduling, and design team structure and selection. Visit our Preconstruction Services page to learn more.

Preconstruction Services

HPM’s Brennan Bell Promoted to Senior Program Manager

Posted on May 19, 2021

As a senior project manager, Brennan Bell continuously goes above and beyond to serve HPM and its clients. After joining Hoar Construction in the spring of 2011 as an assistant superintendent, Brennan came to HPM in 2012 to serve as an assistant field coordinator for storm damage repairs on the Wallace State Community College (WSCC) campus in Hanceville, Alabama. In June 2014, HPM was awarded the Pelham City Schools’ program management services contract, and Brennan was selected as the assistant project manager. He quickly proved himself to be a capable manager of the school system’s capital building program, managing both preconstruction and construction phases concurrently. He successfully managed the completion of the Vestavia City Schools program in the last year and is currently leading a team on the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center (BJCC) renovation. His dependability and drive to succeed make us proud to announce Brennan’s promotion to Senior Program Manager.

“Brennan is an incredibly hard working, steady, and dependable manager,” said Brooks Ballentine, HPM Director of the East Region. “He puts the best interest of the client and the program at the forefront. He is always ready to jump in and offer his direct support to make programs successful, even if it means putting in a little more effort.”

As Senior Program Manager, Brennan is responsible for managing and leading several programs that are supported out of HPM’s Birmingham office, including Calhoun Community College, the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss), the BJCC, and Buffalo Rock. Brennan has taken on additional leadership, including being a member of HPM’s 2020-2021 Leadership Council.

“Brennan is a rock-solid performer, and he is reliable and driven to succeed in everything he does,” said HPM Senior Program Manager Taylor Thorn. “These accomplishments are all a testament to Brennan’s commitment and ability to serve his clients and HPM teams. He is going to be a great leader in our company for years to come.”

HPM Bolsters Planning Services Division with Two New Hires

Posted on May 12, 2021

HPM recently appointed Gary Rademacher as director of planning services and Tim Kelleher as GIS analyst as part of a broader strategy to solidify our presence in key markets throughout the US and enhance our planning services division to create more value for clients.

“Investing in our planning services arm is a top priority as more owners see the immense value our team can provide in the pre-construction phase of a project, in addition to the construction phase,” said Ryan Austin, chief operations officer and executive vice president. “Gary and Tim will bring tremendous knowledge in facility planning and geographic information systems, respectively, further strengthening the robust service line Vice President of Planning Services Tracy Richter has already established and delivering even greater results for our clients.”

As director of planning services, Rademacher, a registered architect with the American Institute of Architects, is responsible for growing HPM’s client base in planning services. Based in Dallas, Texas, Rademacher brings more than 30 years of leadership experience in architectural planning and design, with specialized expertise in K-12 educational facilities. He has led collaborative teams in successful capital improvement, design and planning services in more than 20 independent school districts.

“My new role is a perfect marriage of my passion for building relationships and my commitment to strengthening communities by delivering high-quality, educational learning environments,” said Rademacher. “I am excited to join HPM and play a critical role in developing and expanding its planning services offerings. I strongly believe in the power of strategic vision planning and detail-oriented analysis, and I look forward to driving excellent results and meaningful change for our clients.”

As GIS analyst, Kelleher will focus primarily on enhancing HPM’s expertise in geographic information systems (GIS), incorporating the framework into planning efforts through geographic data analysis, 3D mapping, GPS development and more. With more than a decade of industry experience, Kelleher has previously served as a GIS professional for JP Energy, Pinnacle Propane, American Midstream, The World Bank and SpaceX.

“With so much information at our fingertips, it’s more important than ever to know how to manage big data to uncover useful insights,” said Kelleher. “I’m eager to implement new processes that help HPM’s clients leverage technology to capture, display and analyze data to make smarter business decisions.”

HPM’s planning services division is focused on providing a comprehensive approach to capital and operational building programs. Richter launched the division last year to expand our business lines to better serve clients at every stage of development and strengthening client engagements through a variety of new offerings, including demographic analysis, standards and specifications development, GIS services, strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, client facilitation and facility master planning.

Learn More

HPM’s Andrew Betts Leads Mobile Kidney Walk Celebration

Posted on April 28, 2021

Stewardship is one of HPM’s core values, and we aspire to add value to each other, our clients, our projects, and the communities in which we live and work. Our team in Mobile, Alabama, is proudly participating in the Alabama Kidney Foundation’s (AFK) annual Mobile Kidney Walk Celebration this year, taking place at UMS-Wright Preparatory School on May 1.

Leading the Kidney Walk Celebration is 2021 Honorary Walk Chair Andrew Betts, senior project manager at HPM, and 2021 Honorary Patient Chair Walter Pace, engineer at Airbus.

“At HPM, we strive to give back to the communities we serve and make positive change in everything we do,” Betts said. “As honorary chair of the 2021 Mobile Kidney Walk, I’m proud to know that the proceeds from this event will have a direct impact on thousands of lives in the Mobile community, as well as around the state of Alabama.”

Proceeds from the event will support local kidney patients in need through the AKF’s programs and services, including financial assistance and education. The ideal treatment option for a patient with kidney failure is to receive a kidney transplant. Unfortunately, the average wait time for a transplant is seven years. The only other alternative for survival is dialysis, which not only can take a toll on a patient physically but may also negatively impact them financially and emotionally. Currently 14,000 Alabamians must receive weekly dialysis treatments to sustain life.

This will be a drive-thru and socially distanced event to protect all participants, staff, and volunteers. You can help improve the quality of life for Alabama’s kidney patients by becoming involved in this year’s Mobile Kidney Walk Celebration. For more information about this event and how to register, visit http://www.mobilekidneywalk.org or call the AKF’s Mobile Area Director Dawn Rencher at (251) 721-0235.

HPM Attends Aviation Industry’s MRO Americas

Posted on April 19, 2021

Beginning April 27, HPM’s Vice President of Business Development Jay Daily, Vice President of Marketing Andi Sims, and Senior Program Manager Alan Butler will attend the 2021 MRO Americas Trade Show in Orlando, Florida.

MRO Americas is presented annually by the publishing and event production company Aviation Week Network. It brings together airlines, OEMs, MRO service providers, leasing companies, aviation authorities, and regulators for three days of connecting with industry thought leaders. Important topics on the agenda this year include the continued path to recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and what lies ahead for the MRO and airline industry.

“MRO Americas has been an important tradeshow for HPM. We look forward to seeing current clients and making new connections within the aviation community,” Daily said. “As a leader in the planning, design, and construction of facilities, HPM is unique in that we sit on the owner’s side and facilitate informed decision making. We touch every sector of the industry.”

HPM, which oversaw the successful design and construction of the first Airbus U.S. Manufacturing Facility, stands perfectly poised to assist aerospace companies looking to establish or expand a presence in the U.S. As a nationally ranked program management firm, we help our clients complete their projects faster and for a lower price. Plus, with a portfolio of experience rooted in the public sector, HPM serves as an ideal partner for state and local government recruiting business and industry to their areas.

To meet with an HPM representative at MRO Americas, call or email Jay, Andi, or Alan. We look forward to seeing you there!

Jay Daily
VP Business Development
205.937.6433
jdaily@hpmleadership.com

Andi Sims
VP Marketing
205.213.7955
asims@hpmleadership.com

Alan Butler
Senior Program Manager
205.281.6748
abutler@hpmleadership.com

HPM’s Aviation & Aerospace Portfolio

HPM to Serve as Official Program Management Partner of the World Games 2022

Posted on March 16, 2021

When Birmingham, Alabama, hosts The World Games in July 2022, the world will be watching. An anticipated 3,600 athletes from more than 100 countries will participate in more than 30 different sports at unique venues across the Magic City, uniting global fans with the Birmingham community. With less than 500 days to go before competition officially begins, HPM is proud to announce that we will serve as the Official Program Management Partner of The Games.

HPM has developed into a nationally recognized leader in program management, representing owners in managing more than a billion dollars in construction volume a year. HPM’s portfolio spans the country, including work on Protective Stadium and Legacy Arena in Birmingham, throughout the University of Alabama campus including the latest renovations to Bryant-Denny Stadium, within Major League Baseball for the spring training homes of the Atlanta Braves, the Washington Nationals, the Houston Astros and the New York Mets, for sports facilities at Texas Christian University, and many high-profile projects for global clients throughout the U.S. such as Airbus and FedEx. In partnership with The World Games 2022, HPM will provide construction management services, with a focus on temporary fields of play for The Games such as beach handball courts, canopy piloting field of play, and boules courts. 

“This is an incredibly exciting opportunity for me personally and for our company as a whole,” said Ryan Austin, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at HPM. “We’re thrilled to have the chance to contribute to a once-in-a-lifetime event for the Birmingham community, one that so many have already worked hard to make happen. We’re eager to get started and be part of the process.”

In addition to the firm’s partnership, The World Games Committee announced today that Austin will serve on the board of directors, joining Brian Barr of Brasfield & Gorrie. The Birmingham-based construction firm has been named the Official Construction Partner of The Games.

Originally from Oxford, Alabama,  Austin holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in accounting from Auburn University and is a Certified Public Accountant and Certified Construction Auditor. He also serves on the boards for the Associated Builders and Contractors of Alabama, Cornerstone School, and Ingram State. 

“Brasfield & Gorrie and HPM are world-class construction and program management firms, and their partnership with World Games 2022 is so valuable,” said The World Games 2022 CEO Nick Sellers. “But even more valuable is the addition of Brian Barr and Ryan Austin to our board of directors. These two gentlemen are leaders in our community and state. Brian will serve as the Chair of our Construction Committee and Ryan serve as Vice Chair.”

ABOUT THE WORLD GAMES 2022

The World Games 2022 Birmingham will be an extraordinary Olympic-style sports experience where elite athletes from all over the world compete for gold in 34 unique, multi-disciplinary sports. Featuring 3,600 athletes from more than 100 countries, the international event will unite global fans with the Birmingham community in 25+ unique venues around the greater metropolitan area. The World Games 2022 Birmingham, which marks the 40th anniversary of the event, will take place from July 7-17, 2022 and will generate an estimated $256 million in economic impact. The World Games was established by the International World Games Association, an organization recognized by the International Olympic Committee. For more information visit on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

HPM Serving as Owner’s Representative for Massive BJCC Expansion and Renovation Project

Posted on February 17, 2021

HPM is serving as the Owner’s Representative for the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center Authority’s transformative sports and entertainment projects that are expected to play a leading role in the future of downtown Birmingham.

Totaling $330 million, our firm is providing guidance and oversight for a building program that includes both the construction of a brand new 45,000-seat football stadium that will serve as the future home of the University of Alabama-Birmingham (UAB) Blazers, as well as the comprehensive renovation and expansion of the 44-year-old Legacy Arena. Work is now underway on both projects, which are slated to deliver in Q4 2021. The project will position Birmingham as a top regional and national destination for meetings and conventions while also generating new opportunities to host a variety of top-tier sports and entertainment events.

HPM was initially chosen as program manager to oversee the pre-construction phase of the Legacy Arena renovation before our overall scope of work was expanded. We are working with construction teams and project managers to serve as the eyes and ears for ownership on both initiatives, continuing our distinguished track record on high-profile capital projects across Alabama. HPM partnered with Steel City Services, a Birmingham firm specializing in project management services, to deliver the scope of services required for the projects. In addition to our assignment at BJCC, HPM is also overseeing ongoing renovations for Bryant-Denny Stadium at the University of Alabama, and previously managed construction efforts for Regions Field in Birmingham.

“We are pleased to expand our relationship with the BJCC Authority, which has been a trusted partner of ours for many years now,” said Mike Lanier, HPM president. “That history provides HPM with an integral understanding of the BJCC’s processes and overall vision for this campaign and allowed us to hit the ground running by developing a strategic plan that sets clear goals and benchmarks for all project partners. Our background in sports and public sector projects across Alabama made this assignment a natural fit, and we look forward to helping the BJCC and downtown Birmingham open a new chapter full of promise and possibility.”

“The new stadium and modernized arena will be assets to the city of Birmingham for many years to come and we’re proud to work with a Birmingham-based company to see them through,” said Tad Snider, BJCC executive director and CEO since 2010. “These projects mean more opportunities for entertainment, sports, family entertainment, conventions and meetings, and the associated economic impact generated from these events that benefits the Magic City.”

Originally opened in 1976, Legacy Arena is on track for a modernization initiative to ensure the facility will continue to serve the greater Birmingham area for the next generation. Renovations kicked off in the spring of 2020, with planned improvements including a new suite level, a new upper level club area, a variety of enhanced food and beverage options, new seating, a 360 degree ribbon board in the seating bowl and refurbished lobbies with state-of-the-art escalator and elevator systems. A modernized glass-and-steel façade will enhance the arena’s exterior appearance. The impact of the project was recently recognized with the NCAA awarding Birmingham and Legacy Arena the Men’s Basketball Division One first and second round dates for 2023 and the Division One Women’s Southern Regionals in 2025.

Progress is also being made on Protective Stadium, a $174 million next-generation complex jointly funded by the BJCC Authority, City of Birmingham, Jefferson County, UAB and the Birmingham corporate community. Site work began in fall 2019, with construction work commencing in January. Its impressive main entrance will open onto a large open event plaza leading to a variety of retail and restaurant offerings that serve as an extension of the Uptown entertainment district. In addition to hosting Blazers home games, the stadium will also serve as a home for the AHSAA high school football state championship games on a rotating basis, the Ticketsmarter Birmingham Bowl, concerts and more.

While construction for both Legacy Arena and Protective Stadium are on aggressive schedules, our team will work with all parties to ensure target deadlines and milestones stay on schedule. We are proud to be part of this project, which marks the first ground-up football stadium that HPM has worked on and our largest arena renovation contract to date.

Construction of Sand Mountain Park & Amphitheater Complete

Posted on February 2, 2021

The City of Albertville, Alabama, announced in January the completion of its new Sand Mountain Park & Amphitheater (SMPA), a transformative project that will spur a new wave of economic development and entertainment opportunities in the region. The 135-acre sports, leisure, wellness and entertainment venue is expected to create more than 1,200 jobs while generating an annual economic impact of $120 million.

HPM served as the owner’s representative for the City and played a key role in bridging the gap between multiple contractors during the various phases of construction. We were tasked with coordinating a complex program schedule that featured numerous logistical challenges ranging from the complications due to the pandemic to one of the rainiest winters in North Alabama history. Our team successfully navigated those hurdles while saving the City over $2 million in total project costs—A testament to HPM’s ability to weather any storm and deliver a successful project that exceeds expectations for our client, no matter the circumstances.

“Sand Mountain Park & Amphitheater will be an economic driving force that will turn Albertville into a family destination for the entire region,” said HPM Project Manager Caleb Camp. “Whether it was finding new avenues for optimizing performance of the park’s sprawling utility network, or collaborating with the owner and contractors on change orders that would increase overall efficiency and keep things moving, the project partners rose to every challenge. We’re pleased to help the City of Albertville turn its game-changing vision into reality.”

The development will become the area’s premier destination for concerts, conferences, sporting events, private parties and recreational activities, featuring:

– 7,500-Capacity Amphitheater
– Two-Story Recreation Center
– RV Park
– 16 Tennis Courts
– 14 Playing Fields
– 4 Miles of Walking Trails
– 2 Dog Parks

The inside of the 103,000-square-foot recreation center features state-of-the-art basketball and volleyball facilities, racquetball courts, an 8-lane indoor competition pool, fitness center, elevated walking track, and meeting and party rooms. Outside, the complex boasts multiple playgrounds and an outdoor competition pool, as well as a recreational pool and water park featuring a lazy river, wave pool, splash pad and slides. The building’s interior includes tongue and groove decking that spans the entire roof, enabling the facility to properly transfer loads to the structure while insulating and eliminating the need for traditionally low ceilings.

“Early on in this process, it became evident that the massive scope of the Sand Mountain Park project, with its vast multitude of partners—from a largescale design and development team, to two general contractors and a host of sub-contractors, a number of consultants, and so on, required us bringing in a firm that had profound experience in management and oversight at this level,” said Albertville Mayor Tracy Honea. “The city landing on HPM to fill this role didn’t come without much deliberation and due diligence, and I can say that we are very pleased with the professionalism and perseverance they have displayed throughout the project’s entirety. From our great relationship with ‘boots on the ground’ Project Manager, Caleb Camp, to our frequent and available access to HPM executive leadership in Birmingham whenever necessary or requested, we have enjoyed a very impactful partnership with HPM that has proven to be integral in bringing our world-class park to a successful completion.”

HPM’s Justin Grant Promoted to Senior Field Coordinator

Posted on January 22, 2021

Whether on the job or on the Jiu-Jitsu mat, Justin Grant is dedicated in every sense of the word. As an HPM Field Coordinator, he manages multiple projects at one time, collaborating with his team members to keep each project on schedule. Justin was promoted to Senior Field Coordinator this month because of his immense dedication to both his projects and his team.

“Justin is dedicated to the successful completion of each project he undertakes,” said Frank Marsac, HPM Vice President of Operations. “He has the ability to manage multiple projects at the same time while making sure each project is getting the appropriate attention it needs. Often this means he is working early, late or both. His attention to detail combined with his calming demeanor creates an atmosphere of cooperation and teamwork on all of his projects.”

Justin joined Hoar Construction in 2004 and moved to HPM in 2011. He has managed multiple projects at the University of Alabama, Homewood City Schools and Round Rock ISD in Round Rock, Texas. Justin was the lead field coordinator on large projects at ADMH Psychiatric Hospital and at Landry’s Post Oak Hotel. He has always been willing to travel anywhere HPM has asked him to go, including Oklahoma City, Houston and, most recently, Round Rock.

“Justin has done a great job of accepting the challenge of leading a team of field project managers on the Round Rock project,” said Mike Pitts, HPM Director of Field Operations. “This is the first time with HPM that Justin has been responsible for other field coordinators. He has done a good job of training his team for their role, as well as in the HPM way. Justin was and still is instrumental in the development and implementation of the Procore field coordinator field reporting module. He is always willing to help in any way he can. Justin is the field coordinator’s go to guy when it comes to Procore.”

HPM Selected as Program Manager for Buffalo Rock Distribution Hub Expansion

Posted on January 7, 2021

HPM will serve as the program manager for Buffalo Rock’s 1 million-square-foot expansion in Birmingham, Alabama. It is the soft drink distributor’s largest infrastructure investment to date. This includes the renovation of an 895,000-square-foot warehouse and an approximately 120,000-square-foot office building, which will serve as the central distribution hub for the premier provider of food and beverage products. HPM’s Senior Program Development Manager Bruce Quisno and Project Manager Jeremiah Owen will oversee the project.

Buffalo Rock acquired the properties located at 400 Industrial Drive and 800 Lakeshore Drive earlier this year and recently announced plans for the massive expansion, which includes a $75 million investment in new technologies, infrastructure improvements and property renovations, leading to the creation of up to 50 new jobs in the initial phase of the project. As part of a strategic growth initiative to expand over the next decade, these state-of-the-art upgrades will double Buffalo Rock’s output, provide 90 loading docks, reduce the number of touches and improve efficiencies.

This office acquisition will significantly improve employee experience, increase productivity and allow for future growth. The renovated facilities are expected to be operational by the fall of 2021. Hoar Construction and GMC have partnered to be the lead Design-Build team for the project.

“Our team selected HPM for many reasons, but most notably because they demonstrated the ability to offer a full suite of planning solutions that carried us from acquisition to operation, and we couldn’t be happier with their performance at this stage of the journey,” said Matthew Dent, Buffalo Rock President and Chief Operating Officer. “We are not only moving with speed, but we are considering all options and addressing budget questions in real time as we bring this campus restoration to life. I am confident our employee-partners will love the experience this investment creates, and I am certain our customers will see the benefits this investment brings them in terms of service and quality.”

Buffalo Rock first tapped HPM to oversee programming and planning for the initial stages of the project. HPM led site analysis efforts, including a site assessment involving environmental studies and the hiring of consultants to perform upfront due diligence, which ultimately enabled Buffalo Rock to purchase the property. By performing a cost analysis and identifying which areas of the project to prioritize, HPM helped Buffalo Rock and its partners identify and control costs in planning, condensing the overall project timeline.

“I’m pleased with the strategic planning services we were able to provide Buffalo Rock as the company scouted various sites for its expansion, which led them to finding the ideal location off of Lakeshore Drive in Birmingham,” said HPM’s Quisno. “HPM’s expertise in preconstruction planning and site analysis positioned us as the perfect partner to ensure that every detail of the new site was carefully scrutinized and accounted for before any decisions were made, and now we’re ready to oversee the execution of Buffalo Rock’s expansion plans. I know our team is excited to see Buffalo Rock’s growth goals realized, and we’re honored to serve as a strategic partner for a company that continues to invest in Birmingham by expanding its operations here, creating jobs and partnering with the City to develop our community’s workforce.”

This assignment adds to our growing portfolio of clients and projects within the food and beverage industry, including the recent expansion and improvement of Royal Cup Coffee’s manufacturing facilities in Birmingham. The project received a Manufacturing Innovation Award from ProFood World in 2019.

Category: News

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