Category: Program Development

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 Ben Henson Promoted to VP of Program Development

Posted on June 7, 2022

We are fortunate to have team members who put boots on the ground and take on the challenge of growing our company’s footprint in previously unfamiliar markets, keeping progress moving forward as we expand across the country. Ben Henson is a veteran of HPM and has been a driving force behind several HPM growth initiatives over the past 16 years with unparalleled leadership and commitment to our teams. Ben has consistently worked to build trust both internally and externally by providing clear communication and keen attention to detail. His dedication to bettering HPM as a whole and driving success for our clients has propelled him to his new position of vice president of program development.

As vice president of program development, Ben will guide program development efforts and serve as a leader for business development and client relationship initiatives. He will also provide executive guidance to our internal teams in launching new program assignments across the HPM footprint. Ben is very attuned to the needs of our clients during every stage of the program assignment lifecycle, especially during the critical early stages when client reassurance is crucial. His impact on HPM’s growth through the years is immeasurable and greatly admired.

“Since joining our company in 2006, Ben has gained a level of trust among his colleagues and clients that has not gone unnoticed throughout the years,” said HPM Vice President James Adams. “He has proven to be a go-to source for expertise and guidance through challenging times and has been indispensable in our efforts to grow our Western Region team. I look forward to seeing what great things our team will accomplish under his unwavering leadership.”

In his time at HPM, Ben has worn many hats that have allowed him to offer his multitude of different skillsets to various facets of the business. Ben has traveled North America and around the world during his time at HPM, working with clients including Mercedes, FedEx Express, FedEx Freight, GE, Round Rock ISD, Manor ISD, and the University of Alabama to name a few. He previously served as program executive, providing account management and leadership, and has also served in a regional operations leadership position to oversee account teams across HPM’s Western Region. He played an integral role in heading client relationships at a high level and managing internal risks as our presence in the market grew.

“Ben’s skills and knowledge are immensely valuable throughout the life of an HPM assignment and are critical in the early program development stages,” said HPM Senior Vice President of Program Development Greg Ellis. “His experience and leadership will help us continue to grow our program development team and provide greater impact to our clients across the country.”

Congratulations on this well-deserved promotion, Ben!

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.

Careers at HPM

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!

Careers at HPM

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.”

6 Steps to Ready Your Stadium for The Ultimate Fan Experience

Posted on April 6, 2022

In baseball, there’s only one opening day each year. There is no second chance for a do-over when you need to get your stadium ready for the players and the fans.

While your team is prepping for the big game, HPM provides a whole continuum of program management services that includes everything from coordinating all your various stakeholders and funding options in the beginning stages to reigning in the beehive of activities necessary to ready the stadium for the first game. Through our decades of experience, we have become experts in stadiums, arenas, and athletic training facilities.

HPM partners with major league and minor league baseball organizations on stadium projects and many other signature athletic facilities on university campuses. So, we know a thing or two about getting your stadium fan-ready.

As one of the nation’s top program management firms, HPM’s program management services guide every facet of your project from beginning to end. Our dedicated full-time program managers maintain a singular focus – which leads to increased efficiency and complete accountability.

Is Your Stadium Ready for the Ultimate Fan Experience?

The HPM continuum of services includes six stages that build upon the knowledge gained in the previous step. Let’s take a look at how each of our steps and services can help you on your next project:

Planning- Our team understands the importance of project definition and determining performance metrics that will keep your project on time and on budget. We sit down with stakeholders to determine needs versus wants and how to prioritize everything against when the facility should open and how much it should cost.
Design- During this stage, we help our clients with design reviews and monthly preconstruction reports to ensure that your stadium will be completed before opening day. Plus, we work with the architects and engineers to deliver plans to the builder which maximize player development and fan experience simultaneously. For instance, the Atlanta Braves Spring Training field is the exact same dimensions as their regular season field. The sod is the exact same sod, and the infield mix is exactly the same. HPM understood the importance of the team practicing and training on a field that’s as identical to their home field as possible.
Execution- HPM inserts our services at any point during the lifecycle of a facility, but our company was founded as construction managers. For example, the New York Mets hired us to manage the construction of a $55-million facility renovation to their Clover Park, formerly named First Data Field, in Port St. Lucie, Florida.

You get the team ready for opening day…we get your facilities ready.

Built to Lead: Denish Sonani

Posted on March 23, 2022

Whether we are managing an already-established capital program or overseeing a project from site selection through owner occupancy, our reason for being is to lead our clients to success. HPMers like Project Manager Denish Sonani are committed to the relentless pursuit of improvement in order to push our firm, our clients, and our industry to new standards of excellence. Denish is currently part of an HPM team that manages $280 million of the Manor ISD bond program where he is overseeing the construction of a new elementary school campus and three multipurpose indoor practice facilities. Continue reading to learn about his role at HPM, what leadership means to him, and more.

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

As a project manager, my key role is to manage day-to-day communication between various parties, including the architect, contractors, consultants, and the owner. Besides that, I spend a good amount of time managing the budget and schedule. In my opinion, an HPM project manager’s everyday job is to remove hurdles and clear a path well in advance so all parties can work effectively and efficiently.

HPM: What is the best part of your job?

The best part of my job is getting to know the project from a very early stage. I enjoy being there for the land acquisition, witnessing the programming and planning phases, getting in the mix with architects, consultants, and contractors, and seeing the building take shape. Finally, I enjoy closing out the project on a high note, followed by a long-awaited ribbon cutting. Basically, I get to know the project inside out.

HPM: Tell us about someone who inspires you. Why do you consider them to be a great leader?

My father inspires me more than anyone else because of his ethic, dedication, and ownership of the work. He works more than 80 hours a week as of today but I have never seen him tired. He always tells me that if you love what you do, you will never get tired but instead, you will get joy.

HPM: What does leadership mean to you?

To me, a great leader is one who believes in creating more leaders and not followers. Great leaders are more focused on the “process” to get the results, not just the results. Leading from the front is one of the main characteristics of a good leader because that is what inspires and motivates others.

Are you built to lead and interested in joining the HPM team? Check out our current job openings and apply today!

HPM Careers

Saving Time and Money, Despite a Pandemic

Posted on January 27, 2022

It is no secret or surprise that construction projects around the world have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. For many, it has caused delays and budget increases, setbacks that public-school districts typically cannot afford. At Round Rock ISD, however, we delivered over $75 million of work in a period of eight months.

“One of the great successes is that we have been able to accomplish an incredible amount of work in an amount of time that really would not have been possible if we didn’t have the assistance of HPM,” said Melanie Camarena, Round Rock ISD (RRISD) director of construction.

Despite any delays caused by the pandemic, all summer 2020 projects were completed successfully on time. The projects included miscellaneous HVAC, roofing, bleachers, kitchen, and flooring renovations. In addition, there were renovations completed on the PA system, fire alarm system, cafeteria stage, main distribution frame room, a track replacement, and a field turf replacement. Electrical renovations were also completed, including the replacement of panels and main switchgears.

In order to provide a successful completion on these projects, the team helped to redefine and implement schedules, document management, and control protocols. In addition to keeping projects on track, HPM saved the district approximately $1 million in the first year through Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) reviews and pre-audit work.

“From a K-12 district point of view, it’s very difficult to hire a project manager who has the experience to be working in 30 to $50 million dollar or larger projects,” said Terry Worcester, Round Rock ISD chief operating officer. “You really need someone with experience and the knowledge base to be able to work with designers and builders who are in that league, so we procured and were very delighted to have HPM join our team here as a partner, not necessarily just as a consultant, but as a partner to augment our staff and work with us directly.”

HPM is currently serving as the program manager for Round Rock Independent School District’s $500+ million capital bond program, which spans 199 individually approved bond projects. Our role 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, modernization of two high schools, and more. This also includes technology, security, and ongoing maintenance. We provide program controls with a dedicated interface with the accounting and financial systems of the district and the development of the master schedule, including all procurement, design, construction, occupancy, and startup milestones.

HPM K-12 Services

HPM Bolsters Presence in Key Markets with Round of Strategic Hires

Posted on January 14, 2022

Following a year of growth, Antonio Fratangelo, Jake Ortego and Jalal Slade to significantly broaden the firm’s offerings across several service lines.

We are pleased to announce the hiring of industry veterans Antonio Fratangelo and Jake Ortego as principals in the audit and contract services division and Jalal Slade as director of program development. Working alongside HPM Vice President of Audit and Contract Services Vinson Chapman, Fratangelo and Ortego aim to expand the division’s capabilities and service offerings for clients while expanding the firm’s geographic reach. Slade works to broaden the firm’s presence in the Metro Atlanta market, providing strategic leadership while cultivating new client engagements and strengthening existing partnerships.

Jake Ortego, Principal, HPM Audit and Contract Services

Natives of Pittsburgh, Fratangelo and Ortego join the firm with a combined 45 years of experience in audit, engineering and construction project management. Throughout their careers, they have led both design and audit teams on real estate and construction projects totaling more than $2 billion. In 2014, they co-founded JA Cost Engineers and Advisors, an advisory agency providing construction auditing, management consulting, risk management and additional services for construction, development and capital improvement projects.

Antonio Fratangelo, Principal, HPM Audit and Contract Services

“Our combined passions for construction and backgrounds in engineering have equipped Antonio and me with the unique skill sets needed to assist clients along every step of a project timeline,” said Ortego. “Antonio and I have worked together for the majority of our professional careers, establishing a proven process that became the core of our firm. We look forward to bringing this shared expertise to HPM and expanding our abilities to offer a wider range of services on a larger scale.”

Fratangelo and Ortego will join the team led by Chapman, who began HPM’s audit and contract services division six years ago. Chapman previously worked with Fratangelo and Ortego on a high-profile project totaling $4B for a large tech company.

“When I knew the client needed our assistance with this massive project, Jake and Antonio are the experts I immediately turned to in order to help get the job done,” said Chapman. “They are well respected within the construction audit and cost control industry and possess a range of knowledge highly beneficial for program management. Their capabilities are exactly what HPM needs to round out our continuum of services from program development to project management and beyond.”

Jalal Slade, HPM Director of Program Development

The firm also hired Slade as director of program development in HPM’s Atlanta office, set to lead program and business development initiatives in the market. Slade has an extensive background in municipal and aviation projects within Atlanta, having previously served as assistant general manager of the Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, where he oversaw the construction and delivery of an $8 billion capital improvement plan. He also worked as senior policy advisor for the Office of the Mayor, providing oversight and management for the city’s real estate asset holdings. He works to align HPM’s internal goals with its clients’ goals, offering leadership and expertise for project teams across all of the firm’s industry verticals. He also aims to build on HPM’s existing client relationships while forging new connections within the market.

“Heading into 2022, we look back on a year of immense growth for our firm,” said Ryan Austin, president of HPM. “With the additions of Jake, Antonio and Jalal, I am confident we are continuing this positive trajectory with the best possible team leading the way. This is an impressive group of people with a number of diverse, large-scale projects under their belts, and our firm is in good hands as we look to even more success in the new year.”

Careers at HPM

HPM’s Brooks Ballentine Promoted to Vice President of the East Region

Posted on January 6, 2022

Brooks Ballentine has been known to say he values HPM’s family atmosphere and size—it is small enough to know everyone, yet large enough to provide opportunities for growth. He has spent nearly 14 years of his career growing with the company and has proven himself a dependable leader in every position he has served. For his immense dedication to our team and our clients, Brooks is being promoted from Director of the East Region to Vice President of the East Region.

“As a director, Brooks has worked tirelessly to improve his group’s organization, promote inclusion, and support his team in their programs and pursuits,” said Frank Marsac, HPM Vice President of Operations.

Brooks does an excellent job of partnering both internally and externally. His team feels like he is fully supportive of them and their careers and that he works hard to not only ensure their success and HPM’s success but the client’s success, as well.

“Brooks exemplifies the golden rule, whether that is with a client or his team, and they truly see him as a trusted advisor who is always seeking the best solution in every situation,” Marsac said. “He is always willing to step in and help whenever there is a need or challenge and is a true servant leader. He is optimistic and encouraging to his teams, which pushes them to higher levels of success in their roles.”

Brooks began his career at HPM in 2007 as a Project Manager. He worked on the Regions Bank account in Birmingham before representing HPM as an indispensable leader for the University of Alabama (UA) account in Tuscaloosa. Brooks helped manage the UA program’s many projects and teams from 2008 to 2017.

In 2018, Brooks took on the position of Program Executive for HPM. In this role, he managed multiple senior program managers who supervised numerous programs—such as UA, Regions, Homewood and Vestavia Hills City School districts, and the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center (BJCC) arena. Brooks displayed clear communication skills, strong leadership, and a determined work ethic. Because of these qualities, he was promoted to Director of the East Region, a position in which he has managed multiple program executives who are working on projects in HPM’s geographical East Region.

Careers at HPM

Category: Program Development

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