Category: Program Development

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 Valuing Clients through Program Development Services

Posted on August 26, 2019

Starting strong is how dreams turn into reality and how HPM teams lead clients into successful projects.

Our program development services are as established as our company. HPM was founded to build upon our roots of construction and grow more fully into helping clients by managing all the intricacies of planning, design, and construction. By putting our expertise to work, we were able to help owners complete their projects faster – and at a better price – than had they managed the entire process on their own.

We mean it when we say that we’re true advocates of our clients, and that our value of being family-oriented affects the way that we do business. One way that HPM puts our values into action is through program development services.

For a long time, program development has just been the way that our company runs — going above and beyond what’s expected for the sake of the client, taking the time to have and maintain open communication with leadership, and valuing the entire lifetime of a client’s project rather than just our role as program managers.

Our HPM program development team focuses on helping clients on the front end to cast vision and create effective plans before a construction project begins.

“The way that HPM provides program development services doesn’t really exist elsewhere in the industry. Our program development is intentionally customer-driven and customer-focused. We recognize that project management may not be our client’s area of expertise, and that results in clients with many questions and a lack of confidence and clarity. At HPM, we want to help a client move forward with their project in a way that is truly best for the client in the long-term, and program development helps us to do that.”
Greg Ellis, Vice President of Program Development

HPM’s program development services were created to help bring project definition. Often, a client may recognize need for outside assistance, but may not fully understand what direction to take. At HPM, program development services help refine client’s true needs and define what services best fit those needs. Program development is meant to fill in the gap for clients to truly get all that they want out of their project.

“Because we care about our clients, program development services are an effort to match our best skill sets to their actual needs,” said Ellis. “We want our clients to see that they aren’t purchasing unnecessary services so they can trust that we are giving them our highest levels of expertise.”

One success story that resulted from thorough program development is HPM’s work with Airbus to build the A320 Final Assembly Line in Mobile, Alabama in 2015. The aerospace giant deemed HPM “the local experts” because of our knowledge of the community, laws and regulations, and relationships cultivated with local contractors. HPM completed the A320 project four months early and nearly seven percent below budget.

Program development is woven into the fabric of our company and has existed within our values before the services were even defined. Our program development teams and services have strengthened relationships, created strategy and added value to each project they have helped manage. Built on this foundation, HPM has currently begun to expand program development services at a broader pace and scale to both existing and potential clients.

As new geographies and potential clients are pursued, the role of program development is the marrying of our skills and client needs. As we build relationships with our clients, we can together discuss what their project opportunities are and create a plan that adds the most value to their project.

For our existing clients, the main objective of program development is to provide our clients with the consistency of our leadership, quality, and care. As clients complete projects and their needs change, our goal is to have an integrated approach of pursuing potential opportunities into longer-standing programs and adding value to our clients beyond initial projects.

For example, one of our clients in the education sector simply reached out to HPM for a second opinion on their project. But by engaging in our program development services, we then began long-range planning. HPM provided support and assistance in how to plan for potential growth and expansion 10 years down the road. Because of this strategic planning, this client doesn’t have to worry about outgrown facilities or quick fixes but can operate in confidence while looking forward into the future of the school system.

HPM also recently hired Derek McSween, a respected industry veteran, as our first Senior Program Development Manager to coincide with the efforts of expanding program development services. McSween has more than 30 years of technical skills as well as 18 years of experience in program management. His industry experience provides a unique balance of knowledge of how project is to actually be built and how a program is to be run.

“I am honored and excited to join the incredibly talented team at HPM. There is a unique opportunity to cultivate new partnerships through my prior connections and experience in the industry, and also utilize my skills as a professional trainer to help grow the next generation of leaders within. I look forward to playing an active role at the company as we tackle new challenges and build upon an already strong foundation.”
Derek McSween, Senior Program Development Manager

Key Trends to Watch in the Aviation Industry

Posted on August 23, 2019

Happy National Aviation Week! National Aviation Week (August 19-23) celebrates the legacy of aviation and is intended to increase awareness, knowledge, and appreciation of the industry. The week commemorates the birthday of Orville Wright – who, alongside his brother Wilbur Wright, is credited for producing the world’s first successful airplane.

Due to HPM’s experience with major players in the industry, the firm is on the forefront of innovation, and has outlined the following key trends to watch:

Investment in facilities: Over the last several decades, enplanement (the number of passengers flying) has doubled every ten years. As a result, the industry continues to see significant investment in airport facilities, with millions of dollars in upgrades being made to parking areas, amenities and more. Airports are seeking to centralize business, improve the experience and create mini cities so that frequent flyers have everything they need to work, shop, dine and live in one place.

Mobility & Technology: By 2030, 60% of the Earth’s population is projected to live in urban neighborhoods, causing increased congestion on roads and major thoroughfares. Because of this, airspace is the new frontier for travel. In the future, city commuters could have the option to board the CityAirbus to travel through urban airspace. Expect to see demand for UAVs rise as industries such as farming, construction, law enforcement and film continue to invest in drone technology and develop new uses for operations.

Efficiency: The A320 has emerged as the darling of the industry. As airlines brace for a period of global economic uncertainty, right-sizing aircrafts is a priority. And, as intra-regional routes are expected to grow, airlines are refreshing their aging fleets with more cost-efficient, fuel-efficient and smaller aircrafts. Lightweight carbon fiber and composite materials are becoming a preferred alternative to previously used metals such as steel and iron. Manufacturers are seeing cost-savings in maintenance and replacement costs of carbon fiber components. In addition, the introduction of battery technology will result in hybrid engines – exactly how it’s used in automobiles today – allowing for more sustainable, efficient and quieter air travel.

A tight labor market and ever-evolving technology means aviation capital projects are becoming significantly more complicated, leading to a full-scale sprint among competitors to quickly identify and secure outsourced talent. Significant cost-savings from reduced change orders and overruns are further fueling the program management boom as more aerospace companies recognize the value third-party providers deliver.

“Aviation projects are extremely complex, and HPM’s business model of providing onsite, day-to-day program management is well-suited to fit the industry’s needs,” continues Austin. “Right now, the sky’s the limit for HPM. We look forward to this next chapter of growth and innovation for our firm.”

To learn more about HPM’s aviation projects and service offerings, visit: hpmleadership.com/aviation.

HPM: Leaders in Aviation

Posted on August 22, 2019

Happy National Aviation Week! National Aviation Week (August 19-23) celebrates the legacy of aviation and is intended to increase awareness, knowledge, and appreciation of the industry. The week commemorates the birthday of Orville Wright – who, alongside his brother Wilbur Wright, is credited for producing the world’s first successful airplane.

In honor of National Aviation Week, we’re sharing about our relationship with the aviation industry.

In 2015, HPM prepared for the takeoff of Airbus’ A320 Final Assembly Line (FAL) in Mobile, Alabama. After delivering four months early and almost 7% below budget, HPM was recognized as a leader in aviation program management. Since then, the firm’s aerospace footprint has grown across the country.

Following the success of the A320 FAL, HPM was engaged as the program manager for the design and construction of Airbus’ new A220 assembly line in Mobile. The A220 for Airbus is a nod to the industry’s pivot toward smaller, more efficient jetliners that address consumer demand for larger seats and ample leg room.

In addition, HPM is leading site selection, planning, design and construction of Boom Supersonic’s first U.S. manufacturing facility for Overture, a Mach-2.2 supersonic commercial airliner that will serve hundreds of transoceanic routes.

This summer, HPM celebrated the opening of Aerojet Rocketdyne’s 136,000-square-foot advanced manufacturing facility in Huntsville, Alabama, with the firm providing preconstruction services and program management. The new facility serves as a key production hub for advanced propulsion products for major U.S. defense and space programs and is expected to create more than 300 jobs.

“The pace of innovation is fueling a flurry of investment in the aviation sector. We’re especially watching tier-1 suppliers, and are interested to see how they’ll adapt to the industry’s rapid growth,” says Ryan Austin, Chief Operating Officer at HPM.

“Ultimately, nothing flies until a facility is built, and HPM has the unique ability to efficiently deliver projects. Our capabilities ensure aviation clients can achieve the speed-to-market needed to stay ahead in the industry.”
Ryan Austin, HPM Chief Operating Officer

To learn more about HPM’s aviation projects and service offerings, visit: hpmleadership.com/aviation.

How Aerospace Companies Benefit from Hiring a Program Manager in the U.S. Top Questions to Ask Yourself

Posted on August 20, 2019

By Greg Ellis
HPM Vice President, Program Development

Do you understand U.S. and local building codes and regulations for permitting? Designed to specify minimum requirements related to health, safety and welfare of building occupants, U.S. and local building codes and regulations for permitting are complex. Navigating these requirements through careful planning can help you avoid common pitfalls on your capital projects.

Do you have a keen understanding of the factors that will drive your budget such as labor and materials? As the market booms, U.S. labor forces remain stretched, forcing the cost of labor to increase. The same is true with materials pricing, as across the board we are seeing a rise in the cost of materials such as steel. Knowing the market trends and local workforce can help you mitigate the impacts to your budget and realize success.

Do you keep up with U.S. construction industry trends and understand new innovations and solutions available? As we see material and labor costs rising, new innovative solutions like AI/machine learning or virtual reality/augmentation are being developed to offset the strain on workforce and budget. Keeping up with the trends and knowing what works is important to maximizing your return on investment.

Do you have an advocate that can be your boots-on-the-ground resource? There is great value in engaging a partner who understands the local design and construction community and also the aerospace industry to act as a facilitator throughout the project, removing any barriers that may come between you and success.

Do you understand the various delivery models? Knowing your options (CM-at-Risk, Design Build, Integrated Project Delivery, etc.) and choosing the one best suited for the way you do business is paramount to managing your risk and creating a cohesive team approach.

Are you your own worst enemy? Do you have time to take on a capital project and manage the day-to-day details? Some firms recognize that they have too many distractions and need help them adopting a speed-to-market mentality. Working with a program manager to study the way you work, help you manage decision-making efficiently through the chain of command, and put pressure at given points ensures you will meet your goals and mitigate your risk in the process.

Greg is the Vice President of Program Development at HPM. He oversees and manages responsibilities for the preconstruction and program development staff on all HPM assignments. His teams’ duties include coordination of design management, estimating, scheduling and document reviews from the programming phases through to construction contract award. Greg maintains close interaction with design teams and HPM teams to ensure a smooth transition from preconstruction to construction.

HPM’s Beginnings: A History Built on Standing in the Gap (Part Two)

Posted on May 15, 2019

By Mike Lanier, President

Welcome back as we turn back time with our founding president reminding us in this two-part series about how HPM was founded and how it continues to grow. You can read Part One of this series posted earlier on our blog.https://hpmleadership.com/hpms-beginnings-a-history-built-on-standing-in-the-gap-part-two/

See Part One Here

In 2013, HPM took to the skies and provided the much-needed boots on the ground in the US for the global aerospace company, Airbus. Our expert staff members embedded themselves within Airbus and became the client’s eyes and ears during the design and construction of their first US manufacturing facility, which has led us to other clients in the aerospace and aviation industry.

Along the time that HPM began making its impression in several industries signaled the time for the company to be organized into its own entity, and HPM was officially structured into an LLC, branded itself apart from the construction company, and offered services separate from industry norms.

A few years ago, HPM represented the City of Birmingham by managing the design and construction of a new minor league baseball stadium right in the middle of downtown which sparked a revitalization of the area. Now, we have lead the building of several new major and minor league baseball stadiums across the Southeast as well as numerous collegiate sports venues across the US.

As a part of our growth strategy, HPM acquired a construction audit and contracting firm which serves an impressive list of clients including Google, Caesar’s Entertainment, Southwest Airlines, Facebook and Landry’s. The team criss-crosses the country involving themselves in clients’ contract negotiations; conducting interim and final audits to determine reimbursable costs, fees, savings and savings allocations; reviewing pay applications; calculating scheduled damages; and managing claims analysis and defense. We like to say that our audit and contract services provide clients with confidence knowing you paid the right price on your construction spend.

Today, HPMers serve global clients across the US from offices and project sites dotted throughout the country. Our clients continue to work with us on new projects because we have created deep, long-lasting relationships, and we continue to attract innovative and passionate talent because our work and our teams are meaningful, interesting and fun!

HPM was founded by leaders for leaders who lead at every level. We strive to be the perfect partner in every way so that our clients’ organizations achieve success.

My talented colleagues come from all walks of life and expertise – engineers, builders, estimators and designers work alongside accountants, business managers, communications professionals and administrative experts. Every role is important in HPM’s success and our clients’ success.

I believe HPM employees are relationship-driven, problem solvers, and good stewards. We strive to have purpose in our lives and do the right things for our clients and our community. My colleagues take the time to truly get to know our clients and their businesses to provide that ultimate form of servant leadership – the trusted advisor.

HPM’s Beginnings: A History Built on Standing in the Gap (Part One)

Posted on May 14, 2019

By Mike Lanier, President

Join us on this look back in time as our founding president reminds us in this two-part series about how HPM was founded and how it continues to grow.

HPM is in the business of leading. Sometimes, that looks like shepherding more than it does signaling a full-scale charge from the front.

While others in our industry focus on getting plans on paper or aim at the best ways to compile bricks, concrete, and steel, we focus on what’s most important to our clients at any given moment. HPM serves as a trusted advisor who stands in as the owner’s advocate in a capital building program.

And that can look like a lot of different ways to lead and serve.

A Little History

Our unique story of this servant-leadership style began in 1940 when Friend Reed (F.R.) Hoar founded the F.R. Hoar Construction Company in Birmingham, Alabama. Over the decades, the company has grown across the US with new projects, new clients, and new colleagues.

I began my career with Hoar Construction in the mid-1990s doing pre-construction work in the retail industry, and very quickly, I noticed many of our clients needed help beyond that of traditional contractors. I happily provided them the guidance they needed simply because it was the right thing to do.

Rob Burton, CEO of Hoar Holdings (which owns HPM and Hoar Construction), served as the Executive Vice President of Hoar Construction at the time I joined the company. He and I recognized the market needed someone that could help clients reach success by managing all the intricacies of their construction projects – from planning, design, and construction through to owner occupancy.

After a serendipitous lunch with his daughter at her school where a construction project was in disarray, putting students at risk, Rob met with the District Superintendent and offered our services. This led us to pre-construction work for school districts and municipalities who struggled to proceed with projects because they constantly seemed to stay overbudget, behind schedule, and/or beyond their capabilities.

In 1997, Hoar Program Management (HPM) was founded as a division of Hoar Construction to serve as advocates for our clients. During this time, we guided Hoover City School District during all phases of their construction projects which put us on the map in Alabama for K12 and which has now expanded to include school districts throughout the country.

HPM team members now shepherd school superintendents and school boards through the planning, funding and site selection phases of capital bond programs through design and into construction and move-in.

In 2003, we graduated into the corporate world with our partnership with Regions Bank. Regions utilized our program management services to help stay on budget and on schedule while they rolled out new bank branches across their multi-state footprint. More than 15 years later, we still partner with Regions Bank and have expanded our services into interiors planning and move management.

In 2004, HPM made the leap into higher education when a large university in our home state hired us to provide program management support for six different simultaneous construction projects on campus. And, we’re still there today due to our deep relationships with the staff and leadership team and a successful 15-year track record. Since 2004, we have completed more than $2 billion in capital building projects to facilitate the university’s rapid growth.

And that was just the beginning…

Part Two

Realizing the Value of Preconstruction Services

Posted on April 11, 2019

James Goree, Regional Director of Preconstruction

With a decade-long career at HPM, I have learned to appreciate that highly successful projects are the ones that do a good job of balancing budget, schedule, and quality, so it only makes sense that focusing on these areas as early in the project as possible would prove valuable. In fact, that is the idea behind preconstruction services – early analysis of the effects that project circumstances and components will have on schedule and cost. Oddly enough, many owners miss the mark by not employing these services on their projects.

Preconstruction typically includes the evaluation of construction methods, project pricing, value engineering, constructability reviews and bid and award process management. At HPM, we have seen this type of in-depth analysis pave the way to a clearer path for the project, in many cases resolving challenges before they arise and saving hundreds of thousands of dollars in schedule and cost overruns. Essentially, employing these services helps map out a plan early in design and way before shovels even go in the ground, putting teams in a better position to manage change and proactively communicate. We can all see the benefits in that rationale, right?

I am a firm believer that preconstruction sets a solid foundation for every project, no matter the size of the project or the market it represents. Time and time again, experts publish articles on the benefits of preconstruction. At HPM, we have seen first-hand the impact on our projects and have captured those stories in our portfolio of case studies. When teams collaborate early to identify meaningful solutions or take the time to build a project virtually through the use of Building Information Modeling (BIM) owners reap the benefits. A program manager who understands the value of preconstruction and can walk-the-talk with their clients is in the best position to guide projects to success.

Simply put, our role in preconstruction is to offer a path that allows our clients to accomplish their goals while remaining on budget. As preconstruction experts, we are attuned to market conditions and are able to paint a holistic picture of the project. From budget to sequencing, we can guide decision-making from design to start of construction. Using our expertise, we should be expected to right size the bid packages for optimal performance, resulting in maximized ROI – all along the way providing regular updates and maintaining deadlines to keep the project on-track. And at the end of the day, that is our goal – to keep you informed and help you achieve success, whatever your definition may be.

Curious what preconstruction can do for you? Contact me at jgoree@hpmleadership.com.

About the author:

James Goree serves as Regional Director of Preconstruction at HPM. An experienced preconstruction and VDC Manager, his expertise has been employed on projects across the Southeast such as Pelham City Schools, Auburn University, and Wallace State Community College. Skilled in project estimation, value engineering BIM, CPM scheduling, and software implementation, he builds a project in his mind before building a budget on paper. Working alongside other team members, his approach has saved our owners countless hours of work and hundreds of thousands of dollars. With a Masters of Building Construction focused in Real Estate Development and Construction Technology from Auburn University, James is well-equipped to help owners achieve the best ROI possible on their projects.

Four Alabama Firms To Work On New Airbus 220 Assembly Line

Posted on April 5, 2019

HPM has announced the selection of several design-build teams for the construction of the Airbus 220 assembly line in Mobile, Alabama.

BL Harbert International of Birmingham teamed with the design firm FSB and have been selected for Package 3 of the project, which consists of design-build services for four additional hangar bays.

The package was awarded in November 2018 and is targeted for completion in the third quarter of 2019.

“BL Harbert International is honored to continue our relationship with Airbus on this expansion,” said Jeremy Pipkin, Vice President of BL Harbert International. “It is a privilege to play a part in the immense impact that Airbus is having on the local and state economy.”

H.O. Weaver and Sons of Mobile has been awarded the Enabling Works Package of preparations to make a building site ready for construction. It covers activities from site preparation, creation of access routes, and the installation of facilities like security fencing, ramps, and signage placement.

The package was awarded in November 2018, and the project is targeted for completion in early 2019.

Birmingham-based Brasfield & Gorrie teamed with Huntsville-based design firm BRPH has been selected for Package 1 of the project, which consists of design-build services for the building of the new A220 final assembly line and existing logistic center expansion.

“Brasfield & Gorrie is honored and excited to continue its relationship with Airbus, HPM/Mott MacDonald, Mobile Airport Authority, and the City of Mobile by building the new A220 Final Assembly Line,” said Regional Vice President and Division Manager John Strid. “Having built multiple projects at the Brookley Aeroplex, including the first Airbus Final Assembly Line, we are able to bring considerable experience to the construction of this important facility.”

The package was awarded in late 2018, and the project is targeted for completion in mid-2020. “Our intent is to implement and execute a fast-track delivery process to ensure the goals of this project are met,” said HPM Vice President of Program Development Greg Ellis. “We’re confident these teams have the industry expertise and resources necessary to meet the goals of Airbus and the A220 project as a whole.”

HPM, which has offices in Alabama, Georgia, Texas, and Florida, is responsible for managing all aspects of the design and construction of the new facility, as well as expansion of Airbus’ current facilities to accommodate increased A320 family production on the site. HPM was involved in the construction of the Airbus Engineering Center in Mobile over a decade ago and managed construction of the A320 production facilities, completed in 2015.

HPM continues to work with its long-time industry partner, Mott McDonald, providing program management services for the A220, as both firms did for the A320 campus.

How HPMers Breathe Life Into Core Values

Posted on February 18, 2019

Jay Daily — **Jay** **Daily**,
*HPM Vice President,*
*Business Develoment*

At HPM, we provide a spectrum of professional services for managing the details of our clients’ capital building programs. But perhaps even more importantly, we carefully and proactively address and manage our clients’ concerns throughout one or more of their projects to ensure a pristine client experience.

In fact, at HPM we don’t just want our clients to be satisfied, we want them to be delighted. To accomplish this — and we do it every day — all of our actions and interactions are grounded in our core values.

HPM Core Values

The foundation of our approach to the client experience can be found in our core values. These include always acting with honesty and integrity, treating others with respect, relentlessly pursuing improvement, the meticulous management of resources, and fostering a family atmosphere for our employees, clients, and partners.

They might sound simple, but they work. Because these are the values you teach your children. These are the values of good, honest people, and they guide our actions and shape how we treat each other, our partners, and our clients.

Leadership and Trust

A big part of our kind of leadership isn’t just managing program details, but how they affect the owner. We have a saying around here. What’s keeping our clients’ up at night? Whatever it is, that’s what we want to tackle. We feel the same about all the partners involved. We provide a big umbrella for our owners, because that’s what they want and deserve.

Driven by our core values, we do what we say, and we say what we do. Every single time. As a result, our clients trust us. They trust us with their building program, their resources, and their peace of mind.

What’s more, we realize this commitment to our values and the client experience must permeate our entire organization. Everyone here touches the client at some point in the process, and we do not let that get out of focus.

Lasting Relationships

At HPM, we have a lot of confidence in our corporate principles and how they guide our actions because HPMers live our core values. They inspire us to deliver a client experience that is second to none.

How do we know? Our client retention rate is extremely high. Our relationships are strong and lasting, and our clients work with us again and again. In fact, 80 percent of our business every year comes from repeat clients. Loyalty like that doesn’t just happen. It’s earned by doing the right thing and going the extra mile for our clients every single day which is more than an abstract concept but a way of life.

HPM is in the business of leading. For some clients, this may mean managing an already-established, multi-million dollar capital building program. For others, it could mean overseeing a single project from site selection through owner occupancy. No matter the scope of our involvement or at what point you find yourself in the building process, HPM exists to lead our clients to success and provide value in everything we do.

by Jay Daily, HPM Vice President, Business Development

At HPM, we like to provide you with information and news about our company, our people and what we do as well as other topics we think you will find interesting and valuable. If you ever have any questions about anyone or anything you see here or if you have an idea for what you’d like to see posted, drop us a line at info@hpmleadership.com.

Category: Program Development

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