Category: Project/Program Management

HPM Hires Respected Industry Veteran to Coincide with Push into Major Program Management Markets

Posted on July 3, 2019

At HPM, we’re always looking for ways to pursue excellence within our industry. This pursuit includes not only providing the best program management services but also having the best people on our teams.

As we expand into new markets of program management, we need leaders who are known for their relational skills, determined work ethic, and integrity that will help pave the way for HPM to stand out within our industry.

Currently, HPM has added Derek McSween to our team as our first Senior Program Development Manager.

McSween’s appointment to the newly created position comes as HPM expands its footprint into major program management markets throughout the country. In his new role, McSween will be responsible for providing strategic leadership and direction for new and developing client projects and will serve as the main conduit between business development and the operational phases of an assignment.

With nearly 30 years of program and construction management experience, McSween has established proven processes for assembling highly skilled teams, mitigating risk and driving cost-control and efficiency for an array of signature projects around the globe totaling more than $3 billion.

“Derek is a dynamic leader with an impressive combination of industry experience and technical know-how that made him a natural fit for this position. We’re thrilled to have him on board,” said Mike Lanier, President of HPM. “His ability to pick up new skills, anticipate clients’ needs and connect them with our overall strategy and core values will generate meaningful results for HPM. We look forward to watching Derek apply his passion and expertise as he helps drive our company into the next phase of growth.”

“I am honored and excited to join the incredibly talented team at HPM,” said McSween. “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.”

McSween will be largely responsible for identifying new opportunities for deploying HPM’s portfolio of services, including facility master planning, space planning, facility assessments, and long-range capital planning, as well as a special emphasis in K-12 programming.

“Derek’s ability to manage high-impact teams and effectively deliver projects will be a valuable asset as we plan and prepare for the next decade ahead. His experience in the field and as an owner’s rep will be invaluable in developing new strategies that are necessary for HPM to cross the next threshold as a company.”
Greg Ellis, HPM Vice President of Program Development

Prior to joining HPM, McSween served as a Managing Director, Director of Diversity and Community Development and Senior Program Manager for Bovis Lendlease. While there, McSween forged new ties with the Charlotte Mecklenburg School System – North Carolina’s second-largest school district – where he provided oversight for the design and implementation for a K-12 bond program. McSween is largely credited for helping to grow the school system’s bond program from $130 million to its present-day total that exceeds $2 billion.

Since 2015, McSween has served as president of Port Saint Lucie Speakers Toastmaster Club, an organization dedicated to improving communication and leadership skills. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Rochester, held an NC General Contractors License and was an OSHA 500 certified trainer.

In addition to McSween’s responsibilities of identifying new opportunities for HPM services to expand into the market, he will also offer professional development opportunities for HPM’s team members, such as teaching public speaking and other leadership skills. McSween will also oversee the growth of the firm’s diversity programming. McSween was awarded the “Catalyst of Diversity” award by the Charlotte Business Journal for his exemplary work in the community and for helping small minority and female owner businesses compete and excel in their respective fields.

HPM is known for having family-like relationships, profitable stewardship and continual pursuit of improvement, and McSween is sure to add value to HPM’s leadership, impact and reputation within the program management industry.

“Derek is a force of positive change. We’re certain he will make a lasting impact on HPM and be an unwavering source of guidance for our firm.”
Mike Lanier, HPM President

HPM Wins Project Achievement Award from Construction Management Association Of America

Posted on June 4, 2019

At HPM, we have a lot of confidence in the work we do. Our goal is to create value in our projects and in our relationships with our clients. It’s always an honor to be recognized for the way that our values align with a successful project.

HPM is proud to have been recognized with a Project Achievement Award from Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) for its completion of the Texas Christian University (TCU) Dee J. Kelly Alumni and Visitors Center.

CMAA is dedicated to promoting best construction management practices. Yearly, CMAA awards companies and construction management projects that are exceptionally managed and stand as a summit of excellence in the industry.

This year, the HPM project group leading the renovation of the Dee J. Kelly Alumni and Visitors Center were given the 2019 Project Achievement Award in the Program Management Less than $50 Million category.

The TCU/HPM team receiving the 2019 Project Achievement Award in the Program Management Less than $50 Million category at the CMAA award ceremony.

The $12.5 million project, led by Senior Project Manager Bill Wade, was completed in 2018 with a new two-story, 15,000 square-foot office space addition, and a 12,000 square-foot renovation.

The project was finished 26 days ahead of schedule and $200,000 under budget. The project was finished 26 days ahead of schedule and $200,000 under budget.

“We appreciate the (HPM) team’s diligence and collaborative approach to hold to the established project requirements and key performance indicators, including budget and schedule. HPM’s insight and sensitivity to the timing of our academic calendars and always meeting our expectations are appreciated.”
– Director of Facility Planning and Construction Harold J. Leeman, Jr. of TCU.

The project included the addition of open meeting spaces, ample storage, dining areas, and an impressive covered outdoor entertaining space. Furthermore, the artwork found in the newly renovated corridors was inspired by the history, donors, and alumni of TCU, including the project’s namesake, the legendary Mr. Dee J. Kelly. The project made its initial debut by hosting TCU’s November 2018 Board of Trustees meeting.

This wasn’t the first time HPM has been recognized for its excellence in program management by the CMAA North Texas chapter. HPM has won several awards from the CMAA for its work on other TCU projects such as the Schollmaier Arena, Worth Hills Parking Garage, the Greek housing project, and now the Dee J. Kelly Alumni and Visitors Center.

“We’re incredibly proud of our team and their dedication to this project,” said Senior Project Manager Bill Wade. “It’s been an honor to work alongside TCU over the last three years, and we’re grateful to have the opportunity to be recognized for the quality and efficiency of our work.”

Project Photography by Leo Wesson

Designing the Future of Region Bank’s Growth in Hattiesburg

Posted on May 28, 2019

March marked the beginning of a new chapter for Regions Bank in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, thanks to HPM’s work in creating a brand-new mortgage operations facility. The HPM team oversaw the management and procurement of all design, engineering, and construction for the $23 million project that was Regions‘ largest ground-up construction project in 2018 across its 15-state imprint. As an ever-growing company that also is one of the nation’s largest banks, a commitment to constant evolution in an effort to meet customer and employee needs is central to Regions. Commissioning HPM to manage the Hattiesburg mortgage operations project is a perfect example of that commitment.

The resulting 59,055-square-foot facility was the culmination of 20 months of collaboration between Regions and HPM, since bank officials announced plans to consolidate mortgage operations and move to a larger, more accommodating space back in April 2017.

The new center consolidates 325 employees from three separate downtown Hattiesburg buildings into one centralized mortgage facility. The facility sits on a 10-acre site with the building itself taking up two acres and the remainder of the space being used for parking and walking trails for employees. HPM’s plans also allow for a 20,000-square-foot expansion option, successfully fulfilling Regions’ goal to obtain a long-term expansion solution. Other goals met through the project were a reduction in Regions’ operating footprint and increased efficiency in the company’s account servicing.

On the design end, the project provides a balance of open and collaborative space to support a healthy work environment. The open-concept office layout allows for collaboration between departments in a comfortable, yet energizing environment. Smart design elements and modern furnishings provide functionality without compromising aesthetics. HPM partnered with Kimball furniture company to outfit the office in multi-functional pieces that maximize storage space, comfort, and visual appeal. Other key design features include floor-to-ceiling windows, a lobby skylight, and the use of reclaimed pine for a decorative branded wall.

Building amenities include:

175-seat multi-purpose room comprised of three smaller conference rooms with a moveable wall partition
two large café break rooms with kitchens and micro markets
two exterior patios with outdoor seating
two conference rooms with video conference room capabilities
multiple conference rooms with display monitors
lockers
two wellness rooms
an ATM
a centralized waste station

All in all, the project marks another successful collaboration between HPM and Regions. “We are extremely proud of the new facility and couldn’t be happier with the tremendous work HPM has put in to meet all of our needs for the project, “ says Mortgage Servicing Division Manager Morgan McCarty. “They listened to our vision for the building and executed at every turn. This building is key to Regions’ long-term growth, and we’re proud to have had HPM on board to help make it happen.”

Photos by C Studio Photography

No Delay of Game: Building the Atlanta Braves Spring Training Facility in North Port, Florida

Posted on May 20, 2019

The date of the opening game was set. It would be a big public relations event with 8,000 people on-site. There was no flexibility in terms of the deadline. No room for error. The Atlanta Braves’ new $125 million training facility in North Port, Florida had to be ready to go on March 24, 2019. No wiggle room.

With HPM taking the leadership role on the project, ground was broken in late fall of 2017. But according to Alan Butler, HPM’s lead on the project, the Braves’ relationship with the initial general contractor was disjointed from the start. With only 16 months left until the March 24, 2019 deadline, the Braves’ organization opted to change contractors.

This type of dramatic change would normally wreak havoc on a project schedule, but HPM kept the job moving, maintained the schedule, and the project was completed on March 1, 2019.

Butler said, “We turned a cow pasture into a stadium in 15 months, even though there was a change in contractor late in the game.”

In addition to the contractor change, many changes were made — there were more than 1,300 requests for information — throughout the course of the project as well.

Butler praised Sarasota-based Tandem Construction, who joined Southfield, Michigan based Barton Malow on the job, for their hard work and professionalism throughout the project. “They knocked it out of the park. They really performed,” Butler added.

The stadium during construction (December 2018)

The project team was able to shave roughly $13 million off the price of the project through value engineering. He explained the original budget was $125 million, but the project team got it down to $108 million initial contract value without materially changing the project.

The land for the facility was donated by private developer Mattamy Homes. The 80-acre facility features a ballpark with 6,200 seats, a three-story clubhouse, seven practice fields, and state-of-the-art meeting areas and locker rooms. CoolToday, a local air conditioning, heating, plumbing, and electrical services company, entered into a 20-year naming rights agreement with the Braves, and the facility’s official name is CoolToday Park.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the project was the field had to be exactly the same as the Braves’ home field in Atlanta, SunTrust Park.

“The stadium 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 as SunTrust Park. The team practices and trains on a field that’s as identical to their home field as possible,” he said.

The final month leading up to opening day was the most challenging. He added, “The last month was brutally busy. We were looking at everything, putting on all the final touches, making sure everything was done just right. We had to scramble to get things done very quickly. But we did it.”

“With HPM on site, the Braves’ staff could stay in Atlanta working but could still be confident their capital project was going well. We were in charge of all communications, daily quality checks, cost management, and project monitoring and reporting. We led the construction of an amazing facility for the Atlanta Braves and built a strong relationship with the organization. And we’re very proud of both.”
Alan Butler, HPM Senior Program Manager

https://youtu.be/fPDU1ydXKCM

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

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

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.

HPM Chosen to Lead Boom Supersonic’s First Manufacturing Facility

Posted on March 28, 2019

Collaboration and Partnership
HPM was recently selected to lead the site selection process, planning, design and construction of Boom Supersonic’s first manufacturing facility in the US and is currently collaborating with Boom’s internal project team to recruit all project team members and providers. Also in partnership with Site Selection Group (SSG), we are developing and implementing the optimal location strategy for Boom’s manufacturing operations.

“Together with our strategic partner, SSG, HPM is proud to work with Boom as it develops the vision to bring supersonic flight back to the global commercial passenger market and lead the way to bring new and advanced manufacturing jobs to its facility,” said Mike Lanier, HPM president.

He continued, “Boom’s vision is to remove the barriers to experiencing the planet: time, money and hassle, and Overture is a step in that direction. With our experience in the aerospace industry, we were a top choice to lead Boom through the site selection process, and we couldn’t be more excited.”

A Revolution in Aviation and Aerospace Technology
Overture, a Mach-2.2 supersonic commercial airliner, is anticipated to serve hundreds of transoceanic routes. The airliner will make the world dramatically more accessible with its travel speeds more than twice as fast as subsonic aircraft. Currently, Boom is assembling XB-1, a Mach-2.2 supersonic demonstrator aircraft. The data collected from XB-1 test flights will prove key technologies in-flight for safe, efficient supersonic travel, as well as help refine the design of Overture. Passenger service is anticipated to begin in the mid-2020s.

Boom Supersonic, based in Denver, Colorado, is known for building the history’s fastest supersonic airliner. In March, 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.

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.

Staying On Track With Ongoing Change Management

Posted on January 25, 2019

**Tommy Alfano,**
*HPM Senior Program Manager*

The beginning of a new year is a traditional time of “resetting” for many businesses. It’s a time to assess progress, confirm milestones are being reached, and determine if final goals will be met.

Yet, when it comes to construction projects and capital building programs, we have a different approach. At HPM, we believe the creation of a comprehensive master schedule and consistent, ongoing schedule maintenance are key to success.

Most owners understand and recognize the importance of scheduling, but they don’t always provide the necessary resources to properly develop a comprehensive master schedule early in the program and consistently maintain it through the life of the project.

When it comes to construction of a project or capital building program, the development of a master schedule is a dynamic and complex deliverable with risk involved. Because the schedule is dynamic, a properly developed and managed master schedule gives our project management team the ability to manage change and proactively communicate at a level required to keep everyone informed—on track—and accountable. HPM’s method of managing a master schedule plays a key role in the successful completion of a capital improvement program.

At HPM, as soon as a program is initiated, we develop a master schedule that:

• Aligns a Client’s Operations with design and construction around a shared schedule. If the project is an existing facility expansion or a campus improvement, for example, planning and phasing must be properly structured to best fit an owner’s or university objective with minimal disruption.

• Establishes Milestones that progress will be measured against during the life of the project. Typically, a project plan begins with the end in mind, but there are progressions of milestones along the way that are equally as critical as the end deliverable. This progression of milestones are key indicators of project progress that mark critical decision points.

Each milestone must be clear-cut—meaning the team knows exactly what is required to reach it. Milestones must set realistic timelines by being attainable and significant. Setting realistic timelines will set realistic expectations with the project team and stakeholders.

• Sets Realistic Expectations with the project stakeholders, owners operations, management staff, designers, consultants, and contractors. Setting realistic expectations early provides control and accountability.

by Tommy Alfano, HPM Senior Program Manager

Category: Project/Program Management

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

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