Category: Preconstruction

Mentorship Monday: Jake Chapman and Ben Smith

Posted on September 30, 2023

At HPM, we speak frequently about the ways in which we prioritize mentorship, as well as our reasons for doing so. Mentorship is an integral part of our DNA and culture, and it is rewarding to watch as mentor/mentee relationships produce positive results throughout the company. Today, we would like to introduce you to Jake Chapman, Preconstruction Manager and Ben Smith, Project Engineer, as they discuss the value of effective mentoring.

Why is professional mentorship valuable?

Jake (Mentor): Professional mentorship provides a great opportunity for experience and knowledge to be shared as well as best practices and lessons learned. I have learned a lot from my mentors along the way and they helped shape who I am as a professional in this industry. Having someone you feel comfortable around also makes it easier to ask questions about anything you may not understand or want to learn more about. Knowledge is meant to be shared and mentorship is a great avenue for that. Apart from that, mentorship has helped me grow as a person and a manager and I’m thankful to have a great relationship with my mentee, Ben.

Ben (Mentee): Mentorship is valuable because whether you’re a new employee, new to the workforce in general, or in any other phase of your career it is nice to have someone you can come to with questions or to seek advice. Whether it pertains more directly to personal development or professional development, it is important to have someone you can come to for guidance on situations or decisions that you might feel uncomfortable going to your boss about. Mentors can leverage lessons from their past to equip you to navigate your present and your future with wisdom.

What does mentorship look like within HPM?

Jake (Mentor): In my experience at HPM, mentorship has created healthy, productive and inspiring relationships among co-workers. Often working together, we experience the same highs and lows throughout a project and ultimately learn and grow through the process alongside one another. We share advice and guidance that we have learned along the way and I consider my mentors and mentees good friends.

Ben (Mentee): HPM’s culture of mentorship creates an environment of openness and honesty. It is great to have a professional in my corner that I get to work alongside daily.

What are the hallmark qualities of a great mentor?

Jake (Mentor): A great mentor should know how to set their mentees up for success. They should be able to teach foundations and best practices or provide direction on helpful resources and training classes. Feedback is also a great way to help them improve on what they are working on, as it is important for mentees to understand what they have done correctly and what they can improve on/how to improve on it. Great mentors welcome questions and concerns and help guide mentees as they navigate the professional world and their industry.

Ben (Mentee): My experience has shown me that great mentors are patient and tolerant, embracing opportunities to provide teaching and guidance. Mentors should be transparent, offering honest feedback about growth opportunities and the strengths and weaknesses they see in their mentee(s). The best mentors are those that see mentorship not as a burden, but as a chance to strengthen their industry, their company and their profession.

What have the two of you learned from one another in your mentor/mentee relationship?

Jake (Mentor): Being a mentor has taught me many things! I’ve learned how to better communicate and collaborate in a professional environment as well as provide effective feedback. I’ve learned how to become a better manager and leader. Spending time helping Ben learn anything preconstruction related has also helped me better understand everything that we are a part of. Having a healthy working relationship helps us both continue growing and learning along the way.

Ben (Mentee): I have learned that as your personal relationship grows, your work relationship will grow at the same time. Jake is a trustworthy mentor because he cares about my development both personally and professionally. He has shown me what mentorship looks like, and I hope to pass that on and serve as a mentor myself as I continue developing as a professional.

Built to Lead: Taylor Thorn

Posted on April 11, 2023

Whether representing clients to ensure success or fostering emerging talent within the company, leadership is woven into all that we do at HPM. Long-term HPMer, Taylor Thorn, Assistant to the President, embodies the humility and servant leadership that characterize stand-out leaders. Having worked his way from Project Engineer to Program Executive, Taylor was promoted to his current position at HPM last year. Taylor is widely respected by his colleagues as a problem-solver and selfless leader, who provides influence and aid while consistently building trust – both internally and externally. Continue reading to hear from Taylor as he expands upon his what leadership means to him.

HPM: What does a typical day at HPM look like for you?

One of the things I love most about my role, is that there really is no such thing as a typical day. Each day brings about new challenges and opportunities, and I enjoy the excitement that comes along with this. In my role, I spend time in every aspect of our business to support our strategic initiatives across the company. This involves regular interactions with sales, operations, program development, audit, and regional leadership.

HPM: What is the best part of your job?

Without a doubt, the amazing people I have the benefit of working alongside daily. At HPM, I work with some of the most talent-driven people in the industry and it is a privilege to witness their successes every day. Together we develop relationships with some of the best clients; from leaders in aviation, to premiere higher education institutions, to flagship sports and recreation, HPM allows me to interact with diverse clients and industries daily.

HPM: What is your proudest accomplishment?

Though my career has been full of rewarding experiences, nothing thus far has matched the pride I felt in the first team I was ever tasked with leading. This group was comprised of hard working, talented individuals, who consistently sought out ways to improve to better serve our clients. Because of their dedication and determination, many of these team members have now become leaders within the company, which has been gratifying to observe. I am also exceptionally proud of HPM and our growth as a company—not merely for the sake of growth, but for the purpose of enhancing the potential of our people and providing them opportunities to develop into new markets and new industries.

HPM: What are the character qualities of a great leader?

The best leaders are those who truly seek to serve their team. They demonstrate flexibility as they have humbly fluctuated in roles based upon the needs of their people. Good leaders understand what motivates team members and chart paths empowering these individuals to realize and maximize their potential. Positivity and a commitment to the continuous improvement of self and those around you are vital qualities for a leader to possess. I strive to be a leader others can trust, knowing that I truly care for them and seek to do the right thing in all facets of life.

HPM Celebrates Completion of Tony and Libba Rane Culinary Science Center at Auburn University

Posted on February 9, 2023

Team HPM oversees preconstruction and construction services for 142,000-square-foot facility housing learning hotel, restaurant, training labs and more.

We are pleased to announce the grand opening of Auburn University’s Tony and Libba Rane Culinary Science Center, an innovative, dual-purpose building that houses a learning environment blended with a luxury boutique hotel, restaurant, food hall and more. HPM served as program manager on the project, providing project management support for Auburn University Facilities Management during the preconstruction and construction phases of the world-class educational and hospitality facility.

HPM Celebrates Completion of Tony and Libba Rane Culinary Science Center at Auburn University

The Tony and Libba Rane Culinary Science Center is a 142,000-square-foot complex with the capacity to facilitate hands-on, immersive learning experiences for students pursuing careers in hospitality and culinary sciences. Students will train alongside world-renowned chefs and hospitality professionals in Class-A training kitchens and restaurants, labs, a brewery, retail food hall and boutique hotel. Also located on the first floor of the building is 1856, a tasting-menu-only teaching restaurant. Situated at the corner of East Thach Avenue and South College Street in downtown Auburn, construction on the building began in 2019.

“We have had a wonderful experience working with Auburn University Facilities Management to bring this one-of-a-kind hospitality learning environment to life. The strong relationships we have formed with our partners have driven home success for this project and kept us focused throughout every step, even as we faced a global pandemic. This is another successful project that we are pleased to add to our portfolio of high-profile hospitality and higher-education initiatives across the Southeast.”
– Ryan Austin, President HPM

The project team provided preconstruction and construction services on the project including contract oversight and quality control and assurance, working closely with design teams during the planning stages to ensure the initial drawings aligned with the budget and timeline, while also managing communication with all partners and subcontractors to guarantee that progress remained on schedule. We scoped out and managed the bidding of a separate utility and enabling works package for the building contractor, helping bypass time-intensive utility relocations and keeping the overall project schedule on track. The team also oversaw the construction of a six-story, $10 million parking deck nearby before beginning work on the culinary facility.

“I am proud of our team’s dedication to collaboration and preplanning, which ultimately led to a smooth transition between each phase of the project lifecycle. This facility is a trailblazer in both the hospitality and higher education industries, providing a range of training opportunities that are not offered at other institutions in the country. HPM’s expertise in owner’s representation and construction management maintained cost efficiency and ensured this project was completed to Auburn University’s high standard of excellence.”
-Caleb Camp, Operations Manager HPM

Auburn alumnus and Board of Trustees member Jimmy Rane helped kickstart the project with a $12 million gift dedicated to the building’s construction. The board later approved naming the facility in honor of his parents, Tony and Libba Rane.

Our team helped administer the State of Alabama bid process during the preconstruction phase to select qualified, experienced contractors and partners. Additional project partners include architecture and design firm Cooper Carry, facility operator Ithaca Hospitality Partners, the Auburn Facilities Management department and general contractor Bailey Harris Construction Company. We are thrilled with the finished product of this best-in-class facility.

HPM Secures Cost Savings, Avoids Setbacks in Completion of New Julia Tutwiler Hall

Posted on December 20, 2022

It is our distinct privilege to share details of the completed construction of the reimagined Julia Tutwiler Hall at the University of Alabama (UA) in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. HPM served as program manager for the project, working to oversee budget control, scheduling and project management through every phase of construction from planning to closeout.

The new Tutwiler Hall spans 383,000 square feet and holds 625 traditional bedrooms, 35 Resident Advisor rooms and four apartments for full-time housing staff. The residence hall accommodates more than 1,200 female students with two-person rooms, private bathrooms in each room, lounges and a market selling merchandise and food on the first floor. The building replaced the existing 54-year-old Tutwiler Hall dormitory on campus that was demolished this summer.

Our team worked diligently to find innovative solutions that led teams through unique challenges during the project, resulting in cost savings and avoiding delays in the timeline. During the bidding process in the fall of 2019, we presented a foundation and site package with alternative foundation systems offered, allowing for these systems to be submitted and reviewed during the bidding process. Introducing these new options made it possible to recognize significant price cuts by the final bid day.

“We are pleased with our team’s hard work in tackling any challenges that arose during the construction of this monumental addition to the University of Alabama’s campus, which sets a new standard for on-campus housing,” said HPM President Ryan Austin. “Our relationship with the university over the years has been incredibly valued within our company, and I am proud that we have continued to serve this partnership with program management excellence on numerous projects. Our expertise in every step of the construction lifecycle has driven home success for this client time and time again, and we look forward to continuing our work with the university in the future.”

During construction, our team and our partners faced material shortages and price hikes brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. While able to navigate through the entire project without any coronavirus outbreaks on the worksite, the team had to work with extra diligence to ensure there were no delays due to these setbacks. One specific challenge occurred when it was realized that the insulation would not arrive in time for the confirmed completion date; however, the team quickly secured another product that would perform as well as the original. Ultimately, our adaptability allowed the project to remain on schedule and within budget.

In addition to the construction of the new Tutwiler Hall, HPM oversaw the planning and execution of the old dormitory’s demolition in a separate project package. The team first removed remaining hazardous materials from the site, clearing out the floors that were going to be blasted. All structural members where the dynamite was to be placed had to be drilled as protective measures were implemented to ensure the safety of the surrounding area. The official demolition took place in early July of this year, with all remaining building materials hauled off the site by the end of the month.

Building for Airbus: HPM Hosts Town Hall Sessions to Encourage Local Vendor Partnerships in Mobile, AL

Posted on July 18, 2022

In May, Airbus confirmed its plans to raise a third aircraft assembly line in Mobile, Alabama – a tremendous investment that will eventually create more than 1,000 new jobs. The project is expected to break ground in early 2023, but the procurement process is already well underway.

As the program manager for Airbus, HPM was pleased to partner with the client, as well as the Mobile Chamber, the Mobile Area Black Chamber of Commerce, the city of Mobile, Mobile County, the Mobile Section of the Associated General Contractors of America and the Baldwin County Economic Development Alliance, to host three recent town hall meetings to increase awareness of vendor opportunities among local contractors and other interested parties.

“The mission tonight is simple,” said Jay Daily, VP of business development for HPM, at one of the recent sessions. “We want to ensure awareness of upcoming work. We also want to engage all community partners. We are trying to maximize local participation, as we have in the past.”

Town hall sessions, held in June, were designed for business leaders hoping to earn a piece of the expansive work. The goal is to pair up contractors large and small to work in teams on the projects, and ultimately drive economic impact deeper into the community by ensuring more dollars are spent locally to serve the Mobile economy.

Tapping as many local businesses as possible is a central goal for Airbus, and HPM was at the helm of this initiative, ensuring participants understood the “design-build” approach and were prepared to bring local relationships to the table. Procurement activity for each Airbus package, which ranges from work on a utility corridor to the delivery of new aircraft hangars, will take place in late summer and throughout the fall. Contractors at all levels were encouraged to complete a registration process, which provided an opportunity for firms to detail their capabilities and the kind of work they are interested in.

HPM’s long-standing partnership with Airbus makes it the ideal program management partner for the forthcoming Brookley Aeroplex expansion project. The relationship began nearly fifteen years ago with HPM’s successful involvement in the construction of Airbus Engineering Center, which led to the firm managing the A320 Final Assembly Line (FAL) project and the A220 FAL facility construction. This recent town hall initiative mirrors HPM’s own commitment to local relationship building and investment in the Mobile market.

As Mobile continues to grow and Alabama’s aerospace sector strengthens, HPM looks forward to serving as a trusted partner to Airbus as it works to maximize local business involvement, bolster Mobile’s economy and deliver new and exciting employment opportunities to the local community.

HPM ATTENDS THE 2022 INTERNATIONAL AIRSHOW

Posted on June 29, 2022

Beginning Monday, July 18, HPM will be represented at the 2022 Farnborough International Airshow by President Ryan Austin, Vice President of Business Development Jay Daily, and Vice President of Marketing Andi Sims.

The biennial Farnborough International Airshow — the second largest of such shows in the world — brings together aerospace industry professionals, economic and business development recruiters, and city, state, and national delegations from around the globe. More than 1,500 exhibitors from 48 countries will be represented in this year’s trade show exhibition, showcasing their products and capabilities to 80,000 attendees from nearly 100 countries.

HPM, which oversaw the successful design and construction of the first Airbus U.S. Manufacturing Facility, as well as many other manufacturing and MRO facilities for national and international clients, stands perfectly poised to assist aerospace companies looking to establish or expand a presence in the U.S. 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.

If you’d like to meet with an HPM team representative at the Farnborough Airshow, please reach out to Ryan, Jay, or Andi.

Ryan Austin
President
raustin@hpmleadership.com

Jay Daily
VP of Business Development
jdaily@hpmleadership.com

Andi Sims
Vice President of Marketing
asims@hpmleadership.com

HPM’s Jared Scheeter Promoted to VP of Operations

Posted on June 6, 2022

Demonstrated throughout HPM’s history, the people who propel our firm forward are those unafraid to tackle complex challenges with creative solutions and unwavering dedication. We are fortunate to have a company full of team players and Jared Scheeter is a prime example. Jared is always ready and willing to help his colleagues and apply his skills to achieve the desired results for our clients. Because of his long-term dedication to growing and shaping our company into the top program management firm in the Southeast, HPM is pleased to announce Jared’s promotion to vice president of operations.

As vice president of operations, Jared will oversee internal project management processes and execution of the external management of projects and programs. He brings 18 years of experience to this role, all of which have been spent at HPM or Hoar. Jared joined HPM as a project manager in 2009, after previously serving in roles at Hoar including project engineer and project manager. He has worked his way up through various positions at HPM, all while exemplifying his commitment to our firm and relentless pursuit of excellence.

Jared displayed his acute attention to detail while on the first Airbus assembly line in Mobile, playing a fundamental role in a successful program completion that would lead to many more assignments with an incredibly valued client. After demonstrating his professionalism and hard work, Jared led HPM’s initiatives with Auburn University, fortifying his presence and roster of trusted partnerships across the Auburn and Central Alabama regions.

“Jared has been a key player in HPM’s growth story as we have continued to expand our footprint across new industries and geographic markets,” said HPM President Ryan Austin. “His promotion is very well deserved, and I have full confidence that our Operations team will be in the best hands under his leadership. I look forward to seeing the great things Jared will do for HPM as we look to many more years of success.”

During his time at HPM, Jared has overseen and contributed to some of the most high-profile projects in our portfolio, including the Tony & Libba Rane Culinary Science Center at Auburn, a master plan for Tuskegee University, Auburn’s Health Sciences Sector, and a $1.2-billion program for the Alabama Department of Corrections.

“Over the past 13 years, Jared has steadily moved to the forefront of our company’s evolution – honing our processes, guiding our teams through any challenges that come our way with steadfast leadership, and delivering excellent service and value for our clients,” said HPM Senior Vice President of Operations Frank Marsac. “When a complex contract is pending for a new opportunity, he is the go-to person who is always willing and able to counsel his teammates through the nuances, twists, and turns.”

Congratulations, Jared, and thank you for your continued service and dedication to HPM and our clients!

We’ve been named one of the Best Medium-Sized Companies to Work For in America by Great Places to Work multiple years running. Interested in joining our team? Learn more by clicking the button below.

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Manor ISD Breaks Ground on K-8 Tech Campus

Posted on June 2, 2022

Last week, HPM’s client Manor Independent School District celebrated a milestone with a groundbreaking ceremony for its new technology-focused campus that will serve students in grades K–8. The two-story, 116,000 SF facility will have a capacity of about 800 students.

Amenities are set to include a large media center, two art rooms, three maker spaces, two gymnasiums, a performing arts classroom, student collaboration areas, and flex space.

“Not only is this a momentous occasion for Manor ISD because it marks the first step in building a new, state-of-the-art facility for our district’s scholars, but it is groundbreaking because it will be the first campus of its kind in our region,” said Manor ISD Superintendent Dr. Andre D. Spencer. “This campus will serve K–8 students under one roof, which is a rare educational model in the public school system in our state. We are excited about the many proven benefits of this model, including lower levels of anxiety among middle schoolers.”

Funds for the project come from a $280 million bond package approved by Manor voters in November of 2019. The bond package focuses on projects to accommodate student growth, make facility upgrades and repairs, and improve transportation, security, and technology within the Manor district, as well as this new k-8 school. These projects will help accommodate growth in the 9,500-student district, which is expected to grow by 2.5% to 5% each year for the next 10 years, according to district student enrollment projections.

HPM is serving as program manager for Manor ISD, providing project management, quality control, and preconstruction services, as well as maintaining schedule and budget compliance during the next three years. The architect, ADM Group, Inc., was contracted by MISD and worked in conjunction with the administration to design the new school. Lee Lewis Construction Inc. is the construction manager at risk.

“HPM is proud to lead Manor ISD and our project partners through the development of this exciting project,” said HPM Senior Program Manager Andrew Betts. “This campus will provide a unique opportunity to incorporate technology and interactive learning within nine levels of education, all on one campus. This ceremony is a symbol of Manor ISD’s commitment to providing the best educational resources for the scholars within this community.”

HPM Promotes Michael Eskew to Senior Mechanical Preconstruction Manager

Posted on May 31, 2022

HPM’s preconstruction team has grown exponentially throughout the years as we’ve added critical team members that have continued to bolster our capabilities, each bringing specialized knowledge to the table to keep our initiatives moving forward. We have always placed a heightened emphasis on the importance of preconstruction services and knew that hiring a mechanical, electrical and plumbing engineering (MEP) expert in-house would take this service line to the next level. Michael Eskew was the perfect person for the job, bringing a vital 30 years of experience in the MEP field to the team. Because of his impressive leadership and willingness to take on initiatives outside of his wheelhouse, Michael has been promoted to senior mechanical preconstruction manager.

Michael previously served as mechanical preconstruction manager, leading HVAC systems and controls, plumbing and fire protection initiatives for construction programs in sectors including K-12, higher education and industrial. As senior mechanical preconstruction manager, Michael will be responsible for overseeing these programs on a higher level, involving engineering and design management, estimating, budgeting, systems analysis and consulting.

Michael earned his bachelor’s degree in applied mathematics from Auburn University before following in the footsteps of his father, who worked as a consultant for Hoar. After gaining expertise in project management, sales and preconstruction services for several companies and business lines, Michael gladly joined the program management business when he accepted a job at HPM in 2019.

Throughout his time at HPM, Michael has saved owners millions of dollars by selecting alternate systems than those originally chosen by contracted mechanical engineers, showing a sense of authority and proficiency that translates to his track record of success throughout his career.

“Michael has far proven his superior knowledge of mechanical systems and project management, backed by his years of leadership within the industry,” said HPM Vice President of Preconstruction Del Buck. “He is invaluable to our preconstruction team and HPM as a whole, and we knew he needed to advance to this well-deserved position where he could continue using his talents to drive home success for our clients and partners.”

Congratulations, Michael!

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HPM Promotes Kyle Talley to Senior Electrical Preconstruction Manager

Posted on May 24, 2022

In recent years, we have seen great success after bringing our preconstruction services in-house and creating a cohesive team with an extensive knowledge base that has greatly expanded the capabilities of our business. We have expanded this team by hiring mechanical, electrical and plumbing engineering (MEP) experts including electrical preconstruction veteran Kyle Talley. Sure to brighten your day through any interaction, Kyle is always ready and willing to take on extra projects outside of his primary responsibilities and possesses an infectiously positive attitude. His dedication to HPM and ability to successfully lead others through challenging programs is the driving force behind his promotion to senior electrical preconstruction manager.

As senior electrical preconstruction manager, Kyle will lead the charge to support preconstruction efforts for electrical building systems on projects across our portfolio. These systems include electrical, fire alarms, security systems and audio/visual and communication components. Kyle will use his extensive knowledge and experience in construction to create estimates, budgets and systems analyses, to lead engineering and design management and to provide consulting for the electrical components of HPM’s programs.

In 2019, Kyle began his career at HPM as an electrical preconstruction manager on our growing preconstruction services team. He previously worked for a large electrical subcontractor in Birmingham for 18 years, helping to lead various projects through the electrical estimating process. During Kyle’s three years of service with HPM, he has contributed his expertise to countless projects while exemplifying his commitment to creating more efficient strategies and communication techniques for our clients.

In addition to his work saving clients crucial time and money during the preconstruction phase, Kyle has also taken on several additional projects outside the scope of his primary role. He has volunteered on many of HPM’s community service initiatives and has even put his culinary skills to the test as the chief chef for our company’s team in the annual chili cook-off.

“Kyle is an incredibly vital part of our preconstruction team and a go-to source for guidance and a word of encouragement,” said HPM Vice President of Preconstruction Del Buck. “His consistently upbeat outlook and experience in managing teams of estimators have been invaluable to HPM. His promotion is very well deserved, and I know that Kyle will continue to deliver superior results for our clients and partners through his great dedication and strong work ethic.”

Congratulations on this well-deserved promotion, Kyle!

Careers at HPM

Category: Preconstruction

Team HPM oversees preconstruction and construction services for 142,000-square-foot facility housing learning hotel, restaurant, training labs and more.

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