Tag: careers

The Importance of Effective Mentorship in the Workplace

Posted on May 19, 2023

Heather Lochridge & McKenzie Hosey

HPM believes our people are our greatest asset and that success is ultimately driven by positive connection and support. With this in mind, mentorship is positioned at the helm of our company culture. The best mentorship relationships are the those that are equally valuable for the mentor and the mentee, providing each party with deeper industry knowledge and empowering them to operate out of confidence as they pursue their goals. Continue reading to hear from two of HPM’s finest, Heather Lochridge, Assistant Project Manager and McKenzie Hosey, Co-Op as they expand upon the benefits of this type of professional mentoring.

What does mentorship look like within HPM?

Heather (Mentor): At HPM, mentorship is a way to get sound advice, guidance and encouragement. I have been lucky to work with several people I consider mentors and friends at HPM, and I appreciate their insight and experience.

McKenzie (Mentee): As a co-op student, I have had the pleasure of having multiple different mentors for different work rotations. Growing those relationships before I graduate college has been wonderful, and having already established relationships within the company has made me even more excited and ready to begin my career than I ever was before. Having that work experience and guidance early on makes having a mentor truly amazing.

Why is professional mentorship valuable?

Heather (Mentor): Mentorship is important because it is easier to succeed when you have people supporting you on your career journey. It is important to find people with similar goals and values, so you have a trusted person to share ideas and strategies with, get feedback, and celebrate victories.

McKenzie (Mentee): There is truly nothing greater than having a mentor in the workplace. From my personal experience, it has helped me grow as a person and in my career path much quicker than if I was on my own. It is invaluable having someone that is there to help you succeed in your career and life.

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

Heather (Mentor): I have learned to look forward to what the next generation will accomplish. I see so much potential in McKenzie and this age group overall. I love her confidence and willingness to try new things.

McKenzie (Mentee): Being able to watch Heather in her element has been a blessing. I hope to one day be half as hard of a worker as she is. I have learned from her that being an exceptional team player is an important key to success in the workplace.

What are the hallmark qualities of a great mentor?

Heather (Mentor): A great mentor will let you ask questions and give you valuable feedback. The mentors that have helped me grow the most already trusted me to make the right decision but were readily available to talk through options. Their experience helps me to be confident with my decisions. Good mentors provide training, resources and feedback, but ultimately trust me to do the right thing.

McKenzie (Mentee): The hallmark qualities of a great mentor are being knowledgeable about what the mentee is trying to learn and being a great listener. They should be guiding you to achieve your goals while also providing direction.

What inspires you most about one another?

Heather (Mentor): McKenzie has great energy and such a fun personality. She is always eager to learn more. She inspires me to work hard but still find the fun in everyday moments.

McKenzie (Mentee): Heather is such a bright and wonderful person. She is an extremely hard worker and always says yes to anything you ask her to do or help with. She is a light in the office, and she always brightens everyone’s day.

Built to Lead: Matt Jackson

Posted on April 18, 2023

It is universally known that one of the greatest adversaries facing construction projects is scheduling delays. Far too often, progress slows or comes to a halt altogether due to scheduling issues involving people, production or planning. Fortunately, HPM has an excellent resource in Matt Jackson, Senior Schedule Manager (also known as the scheduling mastermind) to protect clients from experiencing these frustrating and costly delays. Combining the knowledge he gleaned from many years in the field and his expertise in scheduling technologies, Matt has developed an unrivaled approach to Project Controls. Continue reading to get to know Matt as you learn more about his career path and leadership style.

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

I don’t know that I have many typical days, seeing as how I work with so many different programs throughout each day. I range from working with teams helping to program schedules, reviewing schedules and project status, monitoring for schedule risk, “nerding-out” on developing data analysis techniques for scheduling and visiting project sites. Sometimes I do several of these tasks all within the same day. My days vary a lot, day to day, but I enjoy the variety.

HPM: What is the best part of your job?

My favorite part of my job is getting to work with so many different people, teams and projects. I get to interact with so many different programs and each one has unique aspects. This has given me a lot of insight into the multitude of methods, processes and personalities it takes to accomplish a program. My role also gives me the opportunity to develop a lot of relationships across HPM’s footprint.

HPM: What is your proudest accomplishment?

This is an accomplishment that I share with my wife, Joanna, and it’s one that’s an ongoing process. But it’s raising our son, Curtis. It’s been an incredibly rewarding experience to be a father and to watch our child grow, guide them through challenges, teach them and push them to be better every day. Seeing him achieve success academically, learn, adapt and make friends has been a constant source of inspiration and (mostly good) surprises. We’re unbelievably proud of him and feel that it’s our most important goal to help him reach his maximum potential and to guide him through an increasingly complicated world.

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

I think great leaders have to be great facilitators and decision makers. Leaders may not always know all the answers, but they must orchestrate getting the right people in the room and equip them with the necessary tools to tackle a challenge. Leaders must also be decisive after weighing perspectives and move swiftly in taking action. The world moves rapidly, and leaders must do the same.

Built to Lead: Taylor Thorn

Posted on April 11, 2023

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

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

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

HPM: What is the best part of your job?

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

HPM: What is your proudest accomplishment?

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

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

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

HPM Promotes David Jones to Program Manager

Posted on January 23, 2023

The culture of HPM is built upon leaders with proven ability to deliver outstanding work products, while also embodying the core values of the company and building meaningful relationships. All who have had the pleasure of interacting with David Jones, know that he fits these criteria and more. Whether it be a client or a colleague, David is sure to ascribe value to all he meets, providing them a sense of belonging and assurance. Along with his personability and leadership skills, David brings astute intelligence and a “can-do” attitude. For these reasons and more, we are pleased to announce the promotion of David Jones to Senior Program Manager.

As Senior Program Manager, David provides leadership to multiple accounts, some of which include Aerojet, Drake State and ALDCNR as he interacts directly with clients and supports teams in their execution of projects. This will be an excellent role for David as a client recently said of him “his leadership style of selflessness and service is both infectious and empowering.” Under David’s leadership, his clients and his teams will be given every resource needed to ensure the completion of successful projects.

When David began his career with HPM in 2018 working as a Project Manager on the University of Alabama account, his willingness to accept new projects of varying complexity and scope quickly distinguished him as a rising star within the company. After proving his ability to navigate challenges with ease, David was promoted to Senior Project Manager in 2021. Before coming to HPM, David worked as a construction manager for Gray Construction and a project coordinator and estimator for KBR. He has over 17 years of total construction experience and a degree in construction engineering technology from the University of Southern Mississippi.

David is an avid outdoorsman and enjoys staying busy partaking in adventurous activities such as hiking and biking when not in the office. He is married to his wife, Laura and is the proud father of eleven-year-old twin daughters, Haley and Ella.

HPM Promotes Brad Cook to Program Executive

Posted on November 16, 2022

One of our core values is to have a “Relentless Pursuit of Improvement” in our work, and no one embodies this more than HPM’s Brad Cook. Always willing to rise to any challenge that comes his way, Brad puts our clients first and promotes honesty and transparency across his team. He adapts to our constantly changing industry with ease, and prioritizes building strong relationships with clients, partners and suppliers. Because of his relentless pursuit of improvement and his ability to guide others through difficult projects with fairness and hands-on support, HPM is pleased to announce the promotion of Brad to Program Executive.

As Program Executive for the $1.3 billion Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC) program, Brad is leading the charge to build two new replacement facilities in Elmore and Escambia, Alabama. Once fully staffed, Brad will provide oversight to over 40 team members. His fellow team members have remarked on his hard work, humility and reliability which he brings to every project.

Brad, who began his career at HPM in 2004, began working on the University of Alabama account in 2007. Over the past nearly 18 years, he has managed some of the most complicated and challenging projects — including Lakeside Dining, the Ferguson Center addition/renovation, Fresh Food foodservice, Bryce Main stabilization/renovation as well as the performing arts center projects. After leading the UA account, Brad transitioned to leading the ADOC program as a senior program manager, where he has leveraged his extensive program management skills and expertise to provide excellent results for our client.

Brad exerts great effort to care for his staff and works in the best interest of his clients. It is evident that he strives to do the right thing instead of what is easy, while always looking on the bright side of complicated situations. I look forward to seeing how he will continue to grow in his new role and lead his team and HPM to success on the ADOC account.

HPM’s Pierre Archaud Promoted to Senior Project Manager

Posted on June 24, 2022

At HPM, we often reference the phrase “extreme ownership” to describe team members who go above and beyond to own their assignments. Pierre Archaud is an up-and-coming leader of the company, who is valued both internally and by our clients because of his relentless pursuit to understand the details and run to the challenges that come with managing a program. He has incredible attention to detail and pushes himself, his peers, and his client to make timely and informed decisions. His positive attitude and work ethic have cultivated a culture in the teams around him that motivates others to perform at higher levels. We’re thankful for Pierre’s influence at HPM and are happy to promote him from Project Manager to Senior Project Manager.

Pierre has a unique story, as he started with HPM during the first Airbus program as a co-op student from Toulouse, France. After several semesters with us, and upon finishing engineering school in France, he elected to make HPM in the United States his permanent career path. Since moving to the US, Pierre has supported and played a key role in numerous programs for HPM including preconstruction efforts in Birmingham and Auburn, followed by a PM role for the Atlanta Braves, the Airbus A220 program, Fort Smith Public Schools, and recently Manor ISD and Round Rock ISD in Austin, TX. Pierre never backs down from a challenge and is a core member of the HPM family.

“He knows inside and out, how to take a project from concept, guide it through design and procurement, and finish through construction,” said James Adams, HPM Vice President of the West Region. “He knows our business and our way of doing things extremely well, and makes gaining trust from his client and his peers look easy.”

Congratulations on this well-deserved promotion, Pierre! Félicitations!

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Careers at HPM

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!

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

HPM Promotes Michael Eskew to Senior Mechanical Preconstruction Manager

Posted on May 31, 2022

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

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

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

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

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

Congratulations, Michael!

Careers at HPM

HPM Promotes Kyle Talley to Senior Electrical Preconstruction Manager

Posted on May 24, 2022

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

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

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

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

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

Congratulations on this well-deserved promotion, Kyle!

Careers at HPM

Tag: careers

Heather Lochridge & McKenzie Hosey

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