Category: News

HPM’s Jay Daily Joins BIO Alabama Board of Directors

Posted on January 6, 2021

HPM Vice President of Business Development Jay Daily has been named to the Board of Directors for BIO Alabama, a Birmingham-based organization that serves as the leading advocate for Alabama’s bioeconomy. BIO Alabama represents the state nationally and internationally as Alabama’s affiliate of Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO), the preeminent national association for biotechnology companies.

“When I learned about BIO Alabama and its mission to promote bioscience innovation, I was inspired by their dedication to the state of Alabama,” Daily said. “I’m excited about what HPM can bring to the group. The members of this board have diverse backgrounds and expertise, and we can promote our successes as a state in order to encourage growth in the biotechnology industry.”

BIO Alabama represents the state’s bio-related industries, clinicians, research scientists and business professionals who work together to foster the life sciences in Alabama. Its mission is to promote biotechnology innovation by creating a favorable scientific, business and legislative environment that will facilitate the growth of emerging and existing companies while attracting new biotechnology opportunities to Alabama. They also seek to increase public awareness regarding the potential impact on quality-of-life and the state’s economy.

“HPM has a role to play in ensuring that all of the necessary resources are available for existing industries to be successful and continue to grow,” Daily said. “Cutting edge innovation is happening in Alabama, and we want to help the state attract new companies to take advantage of the wonderful resources that we have here.”

Preconstruction Success: C.D. Fulkes Middle School

Posted on December 17, 2020

Over the last nine years, HPM has consistently served the needs of Round Rock Independent School District (RRISD) in Round Rock, Texas, through the work of our Audit and Contract Services Group. When the district announced its $500+ million capital bond program in 2018, administrators knew they needed a trusted advisor with the experience and expertise necessary to lead them through such a challenging program. HPM was selected to serve as program manager, and our role with the district includes the three-year management of the planning, design and construction of several large projects, including a new elementary school, a new aquatics practice center, expansion of existing schools and the modernization of two high schools. From preconstruction to closeout, we provide strong advice and tangible cost savings at every step of the way.

As with any K-12 project, finding opportunities to save money is essential. RRISD’s bond program includes the demolition of several buildings to make way for the construction of a new three-story facility for C.D. Fulkes Middle School. Our Preconstruction Services team was brought in during the design-development phase and quickly jumped into analyzing the initial estimate provided by the general contractor, which was over the original budget. With an attention to detail that leaves no stone unturned, they discovered numerous areas to save the owner thousands of dollars through more accurate estimating.

“Essentially from the day we got involved, we were able to work with the GC and architect and brought it down by 8.5 percent,” said Jake Chapman, HPM Preconstruction Manager. “Unless an owner has the background and resources that we have, this is not something they would pick up on.”

Jake and others from the Preconstruction team connected with several subcontractors in Austin whose estimates brought the overall budget down significantly. Armed with our historical cost data and subcontractor outreach information, the GC and HPM were able to successfully reconcile the budget and ultimately bring down the price for the owner.

“There is typically always somewhere you can save money, but when we aren’t there to check it along the way, it might not happen,” Chapman said.

About Preconstruction Services
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.

Preconstruction Services

Emerging Leaders: A Q&A with a Preconstruction Co-Op Student

Posted on November 17, 2020

As a professional services firm, we teach our co-op students more than construction. The Emerging Leaders program exposes students to business acumen, accounting, marketing, and business development in addition to all aspects of construction management. Co-op student Rachel Bengert spent her fall semester working in our Preconstruction Services department. A senior civil engineering student at the University of Alabama, Rachel is already a leader—in addition to her busy academic schedule, she serves as the president of the American Society of Civil Engineers, vice president of the Chi Epsilon Civil Engineering Honors Society and secretary of the Women in Construction Club. Continue reading to learn about her experience as an HPM co-op.

HPM: Why were you interested in the Emerging Leaders program?

Rachel Bengert: I became interested in HPM’s Co-Op program after working in preconstruction with their sister company, Hoar Construction. When the opportunity for me to switch over to HPM came up, I was immediately interested and excited to see what the construction process would look like given the new perspective of program management. Specifically, I wanted to see how this new experience would differ from the previous.

HPM: What do you do as an HPM co-op? What does a typical day look like?

RB: My days normally alternate between preconstruction and project management. On a typical day in preconstruction I will help prepare estimates for the client by examining construction documents and performing takeoff. Other days I will help with the BJCC Legacy Arena renovation by reviewing invoices, updating change order logs, uploading drawings to Procore, visiting the job site, attending client meetings, and drafting the weekly construction update report.

HPM: What has been your favorite experience so far at HPM?

RB: My favorite experience so far at HPM has been going on site and assisting with the BJCC Legacy Arena renovation project. Before working at HPM, I had never been to a job site. Having the opportunity to go out and see the construction progress in the field has helped me solidify and build on the knowledge I’ve learned on paper.

Rachel with Blake Jefferson, Assistant Project Manager at a job site.

HPM: What have you learned as a co-op that you might not have learned without this experience?

RB: Without the experience of being a co-op I would have never gained the insight into the construction industry that I have now. What you learn from class can only get you so far and throughout my co-op I have been able to see first-hand how architects, engineers, owners, and everyone in between work together to build the world around us.

HPM: What would you say makes the HPM co-op program different than other programs?

RB: HPM’s co-op program has been exceptional and offers an experience that is different from other programs. With HPM I am truly a part of the team. My mentors have high expectations of me which allows me to perform tasks that have a direct and meaningful impact on our projects. The high level of work that I am able to contribute is one of the many reasons I think makes HPM’s co-op program different.

HPM: Why do you think it is important for students to apply for co-op positions and internships?

RB: I think it’s essential for students to apply for a co-op or intern position before they graduate in order to further the material learned in class. My co-op experience has been invaluable to me as I continue to take classes and decide what role I’d like to take on after graduation. Working as a co-op allows you to see what you may like or dislike about different jobs in the industry and helps you to identify other areas you’d like to explore. Being a co-op also provides students with opportunities to make connections and receive career and life advice from mentors and professionals in the field.

HPM Emerging Leaders Program

HPM’s George Watts Elected to Board of Directors for CMAA North Texas Chapter

Posted on November 16, 2020

HPM is in the business of leading, and though we are rarely surprised when one of our team members becomes a leader in the community, it remains cause for celebration. We are proud to announce that HPM’s George Watts was recently named a member of the Board of Directors of the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) North Texas Chapter.

“HPM continues to strengthen its position on the national scene regarding construction management with the announcement that the CMAA North Texas Chapter president has appointed George Watts to the Board of Directors,” said James Adams, HPM Vice President, Western Region.

For the next year, George will serve in the capacity of program director, responsible for organizing monthly chapter meetings and networking events such as happy hours when social distancing restrictions are lifted. When the time comes later in the year, George will lead the organization of the annual Project Achievement Awards dinner and annual gala.

Founded in 1982, CMAA is an industry association dedicated to the practice of professional construction management. It represents more than 16,000 members across its 30 regional chapters, including federal, state and local government, private sector owners, construction consultants, technology suppliers, academia and legal organizations.

“George is a Certified Construction Manager in the organization and has been heavily involved with CMAA for several years, with many of his projects winning regional and national awards,” Adams said. “George’s participation as program director is a perfect fit with his organizational skillset. This position also allows the HPM brand to be recognized at the highest level within the CMAA organization. I am confident that George will represent HPM well in his new role and I am proud that he will carry the HPM flag for the CMAA.”

HPM’s Tracy Richter on Education Talk Radio

Posted on October 29, 2020

America’s public schools have long been confronted with financial challenges, but the need for proper funding has become even more apparent in the face of a pandemic and an aging infrastructure. HPM’s Vice President of Planning Services Tracy Richter recently joined host Larry Jacobs of Education Talk Radio to discuss the creative solutions he believes are key to solving these issues.

“The federal funding in the last 20 years has been about two percent of infrastructure improvements and that has come from FEMA when the federal government appropriately stood up and said we need to help rebuild,” Richter said. “But I don’t think we need to wait on natural disasters or pandemics to really pay attention to these issues.”

Instead, school districts should be in a constant state of planning, utilizing new program management technologies like Geographic Info Systems and cost-estimating software that strengthens transparency and provides a more accurate funding target.

“Good planning is the first step that must be taken,” Richter said. “When school boards are informed and reach out to their communities and involve them in a transparent way in every step of the data, the communities become informed from a bigger perspective than just ‘hey, we’re growing, our conditions are bad, or we need to consolidate,’ which ends up dominating the conversation instead of a holistic conversation about how one impacts the other.”

A recording of this episode of Education Talk Radio is available below. If you recognize that it’s time to update your facility plan or would like more information on how to do so, let’s work together on a customized approach.

Listen to the Podcast

HPM Rises to Top 25 on ENR’S Program Management Firm List

Posted on July 21, 2020

Unique standard of personal client care and the hiring of top-level talent moves HPM up 20 spots.

HPM made the top 50 on Engineering News Record’s (ENR) program management firms list for the fifth year in a row, but even more exciting is the jump we made in the ranking. HPM rose from number 42 to 22, and while we are certainly proud of this success, we recognize that it was not built overnight.

HPM’s team members located across the U.S. made this happen by building on the strategic efforts of the last five years. We have restructured our organization for success, growth, and versatility — ensuring that the best people are available to each client.

There are several strategic moves we’ve made to build this company on the service and expertise as owners’ advocates and representatives. About six years ago, HPM acquired the audit and contract services firm of Vince Chapman. He and his team provide a comprehensive approach to new and existing clients, serving all aspects of their needs for construction cost auditing and compliance services.

Greg Ellis began building a program development division based on a solid preconstruction team led by Del Buck – who in turn surrounded himself with an army of experts in estimating and scheduling as well as in subspecialties. Greg also has established a team of program development managers who provide the necessary bridge for clients who are considering capital expenditure programs and guiding them on how to define and initiate those programs. HPM moved even further left by hiring facilities planning expert and respected industry veteran Tracy Richter to lead the firm’s new Planning Services division, a move that bolsters and expands our service offerings while extending relationships with clients representing more than a dozen industries.

Last but certainly not least, we have redefined our business development and marketing strategies to be laser-focused while remaining nimble and adept at our pursuits into new industries and markets. We’ve continued to explore new ways to diversify our portfolio of clients and optimize our expanded services.

We are honored by this great recognition as being one of the top program management companies in the U.S.

“We are so appreciative that our clients continue to trust us to represent them by leading their capital building programs,” said HPM President Mike Lanier. “This recognition highlights the outstanding performance and effort of our employees across the country.”

HPM Hires Industry Veteran Tracy Richter to Lead New Planning Services Division

Posted on July 20, 2020

Planning Services will position company for next phase of growth.

Facilities planning expert Tracy Richter recently joined HPM to lead the new Planning Services division, a move that bolsters and expands our service offerings while extending relationships with clients representing more than a dozen industries.

As Vice President of Planning Services, Tracy leads a team of specialists focused on providing a comprehensive approach to capital and operational building programs. Planning Services combines a client’s strategic goals with the operations, practices, and procedures of their organization. The addition expands our reach through a variety of new talents and resources, including

– demographic analysis
– standards and specifications development
– strategic planning
– stakeholder engagement and client facilitation
– and facility master planning

This holistic scope enables HPM to both deepen and widen new and existing client engagements by offering a life cycle of services that begins with planning and carries all the way through implementation.

Tracy brings more than 25 years of experience as an educator and planner and has coordinated and directed facility planning campaigns totaling $11 billion for more than 1,000 school districts of all sizes across 23 states. He is among a small and elite group of private contractors invited to join the National Council of School Facilities (NCSF), a coalition of state K-12 public school facility directors that advocates for the delivery of buildings that support 21st-century learning and are sustainable and fiscally sound. Before joining HPM, Tracy owned and cofounded DeJONG-RICHTER LLC, a nationally recognized educational planning firm specializing in developing quality learning environments through systematic processes maximizing the use of data and community participation.

“It’s a great honor to join the team of talented professionals at HPM,” said Richter. “Our industry is at a key crossroads right now as higher costs and significant disruptions to the supply chain are pushing owners to find new avenues for more efficient long-term planning strategies that are equipped to meet the present challenges of our time. HPM has provided facility planning services to more than a dozen industries, and the know-how the firm has acquired in sectors like education or manufacturing can just as easily be applied for a client who needs innovative solutions for a new corporate headquarters or aviation facility they’re planning. That diversity of experience and breadth of best practices are true differentiators and will position Planning Services for future growth and success.”

Tracy’s proven track record of generating results through new technologies like Geographic Info Systems (GIS) and cost estimating software transfers well across HPM’s broad portfolio of clients. While these industries serve a variety of different interests, they are united by a shared need for highly functional facilities that will effectively serve key stakeholders while maximizing value over the long-haul.

“We are proud to welcome Tracy to our team and are confident in his ability to further develop and execute HPM’s long-term growth strategy,” said Mike Lanier, President at HPM. “We have always been a client-focused company rather than project-focused and have found that our clients are most fulfilled when we can provide a multi-phased approach to facility planning that helps safeguard their investments through a process that incorporates thoughtful counsel and sound deliberation. The addition of our Planning Services division significantly enhances these capabilities and will allow HPM to cultivate more opportunities for long-term relationships and repeat business, adding value to our clients at every step.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IXuPWZBxwu0&feature=youtu.be

HPM Hires Well-Known and Respected Architect Bruce Quisno

Posted on April 30, 2020

Bruce Quisno recently joined HPM as our newest Senior Program Development Manager, positioning our company for expansion in new markets while also bolstering our capabilities in planning and design management. In his new role, Bruce will provide strategic leadership and direction for new and developing client engagements while serving as a key component between business development and the operational phases of an assignment.

A registered architect with the American Institute of Architects (AIA) with more than 35 years of experience in design and construction, Bruce has a proven track record in assembling winning teams on major corporate capital programs across the U.S. totaling more than 40 million square feet. Much of that success occurred during his two-decade career as Vice President of Construction at Macy’s, where he managed projects for Bloomingdale’s and Macy’s Southeast, South Central and Midwest regions. Some of his notable achievements included leading design and construction efforts for new stores in both Hawaii (Bloomingdale’s) and Puerto Rico (Macy’s), as well as supervising the design and construction of a 2.2 million-square-foot fulfillment center in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Bruce most recently served as Vice President of Retail at CR architecture + design in Cincinnati, where he directed strategy and execution for the firm’s national retail teams. In addition to his extensive client-side experience, he is also recognized within the industry for his contributions as an Advisory Board member of the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC), which included serving as past chairman for the 2011 ICSC CenterBuild Conference in Arizona.

“Bruce’s diverse background, deep connections in the industry, and ability to see through the lens of the owner make him an extremely valuable addition to our leadership team,” said Greg Ellis, HPM Vice President of Program Development. “His can-do personality and passion for cultivating strong client relationships have served him well throughout his career, and those traits will play an integral role moving forward as HPM prepares to enter new markets and expand our service offerings. We look forward to seeing Bruce apply his strategic leadership skills as he helps guide us into the next chapter of our growth story.”

“I’m thrilled to join the team at HPM and look forward to building upon its strong foundation of integrity and creative, client-focused solutions. My background and prior experience provide key advantages for building holistic strategies that are responsive to the needs of owners and help generate meaningful results. Now more than ever, program managers must rise to meet the emerging challenges in our industry while identifying new opportunities to add value for clients. I’m grateful for the firm’s confidence and look forward to hitting the ground running.”
Bruce Quisno

To all HPM clients, industry partners and business associates:

Posted on March 18, 2020

Thank you for trusting HPM to serve you and work alongside you as we manage your capital expenditure projects.

These are difficult times, and the uncertainty that the Coronavirus (COVID-19) has imposed upon our families, communities, businesses and projects is unprecedented. At HPM, we share your concerns, and we are committed to the safety and well-being of our clients, industry partners, and employees while we also continue to think proactively to also safeguard your capital building investments. That is why we are closely monitoring and following updates, guidelines, and recommendations from both the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) regarding the status of the virus and its impact on the community at large.

Based upon everything we’ve seen from the CDC and WHO and the collective wisdom of our leadership team, we have taken measures in an effort to limit the widespread growth of the virus – or at least the rate by which it proliferates – in hopes of returning to normal business routines as soon as possible.

This virus has significantly impacted many parts of the world, including the United States, affecting all facets of life. This is a rapidly developing situation affecting many aspects of the construction industry, such as supply of materials, equipment and labor both domestically and from abroad. While HPM is proactively taking steps to minimize disruption to our clients and projects, at this point the full impact of this global pandemic is unknown.

Project Sites/Work Environments

HPM has advised our employees to follow the public health authorities’ guidance regarding group gatherings, public spaces, hygiene and travel, and we’ve reinforced existing HPM policies encouraging employees who exhibit flu-like symptoms to stay home and consult with a medical professional. We have asked that our employees follow guidelines for social distancing wherever possible. We’ve limited business travel (suspending all international travel) and encouraged employees to leverage technology to hold business meetings whenever possible. While it is not possible to be completely isolated in our industry, we are looking at ways to accomplish some work remotely while still supporting your projects. We are taking several steps to ensure the safety of working environments as we continue to deliver service to our clients and provide safe and healthy work environments for our employees.

Global Impact on Our Industry

The design and construction industry operates in and receives the benefit of a global economy. Many of the products we use in construction in the United States are of foreign origin. Countries like China and Italy are major producers of common building materials, as well as are other countries. Our people have been working to better understand the supply chains that feed materials and products to your projects to the extent we are able. HPM will work to manage the risk and make you aware of any impacts as the information becomes available. We want to assure you that HPM will take every necessary measure to keep you apprised of this situation and proactively discuss the potential risks with your team.

Our Commitment to You

Our leadership team at HPM will continue to closely follow guidance from the WHO, CDC and local health authorities. As this situation continues to evolve, we will ensure that our client teams are ready to serve you — in the safest manner possible.

HPM’s commitment is to be transparent on matters as they arise with our clients, industry partners, project teams, and employees, and we will work together to navigate this unusual situation. We appreciate the trust that you place in HPM, and as always, will remain steadfast in our resolve for relentless improvement and a focus on our clients.

Best regards,

Mike Lanier

President

lanier@hpmleadership.com

Ryan Austin

Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer

raustin@hpmleadership.com

Supersonic Flight Moves Closer to Reality with Boom’s Overture

Posted on February 28, 2020

Supersonic flight has existed for over half of a century, but the technology was lacking and inefficiencies kept it from the mainstream. Finally, the Colorado-based company, Boom Supersonic, began its quest for a solution, combining proven materials and technologies into a revolutionary airplane. Called Overture, this breakthrough airplane design makes supersonic flight an accessible and affordable possibility for hundreds of transoceanic routes, perhaps even establishing itself as the new norm for business class travel.

With the exciting announcement that Boom would build its first U.S. manufacturing facility, the firm also announced its decision to select HPM as the owner’s representative and program manager, assisting them with site selection as the next step.

“It will be their home for the manufacturing and assembly, testing, and then ultimately the customer delivery for the Overture,” says Mike Lanier, President of HPM, as he spoke to hosts Max Flight and Max Trescott on the Airplane Geeks Podcast. “We’re in the very early stages…looking for the appropriate sites and what the possibilities might be.”

Locating an appropriate site for Boom’s innovative Overture has been no small task, as each potential site must meet a rare combination of specific requirements.

“There are three primary criteria every site had to meet before they made our list,” explains Lanier. The first criterium, and perhaps easiest to find, is that the location must have 175 acres of developable land, allowing room for what will be about one million square feet of facility space. The second criterium is a minimum runway length of 10,500 feet. Finally, the third criterium is that the site be located within 150 miles of a supersonic test corridor, which would be over international waters or the Mojave Desert.

“They [Boom] also want to make sure there’s a culture fit,” adds Lanier. “It’s been a real challenge. It really has.”

HPM started the site selection process by making anonymous, preliminary calls to ensure that searchable databases had accurate land information. After careful research and investigation, HPM effectively narrowed down the possibilities from 2,000 sites to 15. Working closely with Boom, HPM will continue to narrow the options down to five shortlisted sites.

After this shortlist phase, the project will move closer to design, with the possibility of selecting a design partner as early as 2021. HPM will help the design partner understand the unique industrial process behind the Overture, especially when compared to the standard assembly line for a Boeing or Airbus. The firm will also advise on appropriate building sizes so that the buildings can accommodate the planes and work with the surrounding environment. According to Lanier, it will take 2-3 years to complete the design process with a goal of launching the first supersonic flight in the mid-2020s.

“We’re the owner’s oversight,” says Lanier. “We work with [Boom’s] supply team and procurement team to engage architects, engage contractors, and be the agent that oversees so Boom can stay focused on airplanes.”

The end result is exciting: the fastest-ever commercial airliner, at Mach 2.2 speed, and history’s most efficient supersonic jet.

Every seat on the Overture will be both an aisle and a window seat, with each seat given access to large, personal windows. Ticket prices will be competitive, meeting the same price point as today’s long-haul business class. Both Virgin Group and Japan Airlines have already placed pre-orders.

“Everybody’s excited about it,” says Lanier. “What’s not to be excited about?”

About Boom

Boom Supersonic, based in Denver, Colorado, is known for building the history’s fastest supersonic airliner. In March 2019, they announced that HPM, with its expertise in managing capital building programs, has been selected to lead its one-of-a-kind program to help locate, plan, design, and build its first manufacturing facility in the United States.

About Airplane Geeks Podcast

The Airplane Geeks™ podcast is a weekly audio program that looks at the world of aviation. First published in 2008, the podcast aims to educate and inform you, explore and expand your passion for aviation, and entertain you a little along the way. They discuss commercial, military, and general aviation topics, usually with a prominent industry guest.

Category: News

Ready to discuss your next project?

Newsletter Sign Up