Tag: Program Management

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.

Manor ISD Breaks Ground on K-8 Tech Campus

Posted on June 2, 2022

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

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

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

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

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

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

Celebrating Safety Week 2022

Posted on May 2, 2022

Construction safety is a bond that unites us all, no matter your role on a project. It’s our connection to each other and the entire industry. This week is Safety Week 2022, and the theme of this year’s event is Connected. Supported. Safe: Eliminate the Hazards.

Being connected means we are not alone in building a stronger, safer industry, and in creating a safe, supportive environment. Supported means we are here for each other and provide the resources necessary to ensure everyone can be their best and return home safely at the end of every day. When we’re connected and supported, we are able to be more present and focused at work. We are better able to build a culture and workplace where everyone feels safe. The more we stay connected and committed, the more we can show up fully to support one another and our clients.

HPMers across the country will spend time this week discussing daily ‘Toolbox Talks,’ emphasizing the role we play in creating a safe environment, whether at the office, job site or at home with our friends and families. We encourage you to join us by being mindful of potential hazards at your workplace, as well as by making safety a priority at home. When was the last time you checked the batteries in your smoke detectors or restocked your personal first aid kit? May Safety Week 2022 be a reminder to stay connected, supported, and safe in order to eliminate hazards. Happy Safety Week!

The Art of Being a Local Expert in Aviation Program Management

Posted on April 27, 2022

Since HPM’s inception, understanding what our clients want and how we can use available resources to bring their dynamic projects to fruition has been at the core of what we do. It is crucial to have a comprehensive understanding of regional conditions such as weather, available labor, and permitting processes, and how we can leverage this knowledge to protect our clients from scheduling delays and increased material costs. HPM has established itself as a local expert through our extensive experience providing program management for aviation and aerospace initiatives, such as the Airbus FAL USA project, and specialized support to our clients.

Leveraging Your Network

As a local expert, one of the most crucial steps is to develop a strong network of trusted contacts whom you can count on throughout each stage of a project. Before a contract is even signed, HPM conducts a market analysis to determine what the labor pool and resource availability look like in the local region. To begin cultivating market interest early on, we also hold town meetings to identify local and regional contractors. Acting as a mediator between the client and local stakeholders, HPM’s project managers can utilize these pre-qualified contacts during the project lifecycle to keep construction timelines on track.

Building Trust

HPM engages in consistent and open communication with a small group of officials at the city and county levels, such as the chief building inspector, fire marshall and the Department of Environmental Management and the US Army Corp of Engineers to discuss the project’s goals and plans. We also build strong, working relationships with the local area district offices of the FAA. By building a rapport with local officials, HPM can get the appropriate person’s attention if an issue arises because a solid foundation of trust in our work has been built over time.

“Trust starts with how you treat people, and if you treat people with respect, they will respect you back,” says Larry Hipsh, program director at HPM. “Our company also ensures that we remain transparent with our clients about the state of a project and explain complex processes and situations in a way that is easily understood. The meaningful relationships and trust we have built with all of the partners and clients we have worked with are what keeps HPM’s engine running and maintains a pattern of success for all parties involved.”

Case Study: Airbus US Manufacturing Facility – Mobile, AL

HPM provided and continues to provide program management services for the development and implementation of the Airbus A320 Final Assembly Line program that began in 2013, the A220 Final Assembly Line beginning in 2018 and the current expansion which started in early 2022 at Brookley Aeroplex in Mobile, Alabama. With its operations office located in multiple countries in Europe, Airbus looked to HPM and our partner Mott MacDonald for our understanding of both U.S. customs and regulations as well as specific nuances of the area of Mobile, including its complex permitting process. HPM took the time to understand the client’s communication style to ensure they understood our messaging and were satisfied with the results we provided them.

“HPM’s team in Mobile both lives and operates close to the Airbus project, and we had a passion to positively impact the footprint and skyline of our own backyard,” says Foster Veazey, project manager at HPM. “Having this established presence in the same neighborhood that our client was operating in allowed us to use a boots-on-the-ground approach and be by their side throughout every phase of the project.”

Because HPM is dedicated to providing comprehensive program management services, we can remain flexible to meet our client’s needs as they change and evolve. For the Airbus project, our team had a hard deadline which, if missed, would incur heavy fines for our client. Despite having to work remotely with the Airbus team, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, HPM successfully completed the project ahead of schedule.

HPM looks beyond the basic needs of our clients and instead focuses on building a custom “one-size-fits-one” approach for each client to meet their specific expectations and needs while addressing any pain points they may have going into a project. We serve as an owner’s representative and advisor from the beginning to the end and beyond. Our people care about each other and the work we do. This is what makes the difference for our clients. HPM doesn’t treat projects like a line item on a profitability spreadsheet but instead goes the extra mile to become a local expert and a valuable asset to each of our clients.

Do you have an ambitious schedule and challenging budget for your capital building project? That’s our specialty! Please explore our aviation portfolio and reach out. We would love to connect with you.

HPM Promotes Stewart Nobles to Senior Project Manager

Posted on April 26, 2022

A driving force behind the success of our business has always been the connections we have formed with partners and clients across the country. Occasionally, these outside relationships develop into new team members within HPM, proving that hard work and determination never go unnoticed and are the key markers of top talent. Stewart Nobles is a prime example of this story. Before joining HPM, Stewart had already long established himself as a trusted partner of the firm through his contributions to the Airbus Engineering Center build team. Because of his thorough creative problem-solving skills, adaptability, and versatility within his profession, HPM welcomed him in 2019 as a project manager, and we are pleased to announce his recent promotion to senior project manager.

After his service on the Airbus assignment beginning in 2006, Stewart remained connected with HPM over the years as he furthered his professional experience to include facilities management initiatives. This became particularly beneficial to our team in 2019 when we had the opportunity to expand our Airbus site team in partnership with JCI Building Maintenance and hired Stewart to help manage the program.

Leveraging his experience in project and facilities management, Stewart led HPM’s warranty management and project development activities while contributing to overall team success in other areas. Most notable were his efforts in concert with JCI to develop plans for response to hazardous weather conditions, the development of over 100 projects spanning a wide range of technical scopes, and his day-to-day support for subcontractors and the entire site team.

Stewart’s integrity and knowledge were invaluable in working through the details of project development and management. His ‘make sense’ approach often helps the client understand the depth and implication of the problems faced weekly, and he has played a huge part in maintaining a pattern of success in our facility management and program management initiatives.

Since January, Stewart has made a seamless transition from his service in facilities management to his new role in program management. As senior project manager, Stewart will oversee the administration of all business plans, help build strategy for new business development and lead a team of assistant project managers and project managers in projects from planning to closeout.

Congratulations on this well-deserved promotion, Stewart!

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

Careers at HPM

Finger on the Pulse: Complex Aviation Projects Require Specialized Program Managers

Posted on April 20, 2022

By Andrew Betts, HPM Senior Program Manager

For nearly 15 years, HPM has been a trusted partner for leaders in the aviation and aerospace sectors. Our capabilities ensure aviation clients can achieve the speed-to-market needed to stay ahead in the industry. HPM’s experience with major players, including Airbus, AAR and Boom Supersonic, places us at the forefront of innovation in this space and allows us to provide onsite, day-to-day management tailored to fit the industry’s needs.

As program manager, HPM works alongside aerospace and aviation owners undertaking major construction projects by supporting pre-planning and site selection, coordinating delivery schedules, aligning budgets and streamlining communication for all partners involved, from design to supplies to construction. Our specialized expertise allows our clients to have peace of mind during major investments, no matter the market conditions.

When working in aviation, there are specific challenges that inevitably arise no matter how much preparation happens beforehand. As industry experts, it is our job to know how to employ the right techniques and protocols to combat these issues and avoid setbacks to project completions. Accountability and experience are key in determining success for our clients.

New Projects Mean New Obstacles to Consider

Projected growth in the aviation sector means that many companies will remain very active with new construction across the country. Site selection is a major first step for these projects, especially for ground-up initiatives. While airports continue to grow, available land is diminishing. Program managers must look closely at land sources as limitations remain on where new facilities can be located in proximity to runways. Access to nearby labor also remains crucial, especially in the wake of an ongoing labor shortage.

Like many other industries, aviation is also facing supply chain-related challenges, which have negatively impacted product procurement and pricing. Commodity markets have been hard hit, and large hangars require specialized materials that take longer to secure than typical equipment (a problem even before the pandemic). Some vendors don’t offer pricing commitments until the product is shipped, meaning that closer consideration should be put into contract drafting to protect owners from potentially devastating impacts.

While lead times have grown and prices have risen, permitting has also become more complex. In some markets, it now can take over a year to obtain the approvals needed, causing yet another hurdle for owners to navigate in the initial stages and underscoring the need for a program manager who understands the complexities of these regulations and how to mitigate the impacts.

These headwinds make clear the importance of preplanning and coordination between design and construction teams — which is right where our specialty lies. We take the reins to minimize uncertainty and put owners at ease with the trajectory of their project plans.

Ensuring Success Through A Trusted Program Manager

Engaging a program manager as soon as possible is critical to ensuring a smooth process from material procurement to execution. Our experts at HPM know the ins and outs of the aviation industry and can support owners every step of the way, drawing on decades of experience. Understanding the nuances of different aircraft and airports, understanding location-specific challenges, knowing the regulatory environment and having the right relationships is vital to the success of these projects. At HPM, we are constantly developing new strategies for earlier product procurement and working to engage partners before any boots meet the ground.

As the industry continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, owners should stay diligent and adaptable. Despite a multitude of challenges, MRO within aviation and aerospace is growing and is expected to return to pre-pandemic levels by 2024, according to Oliver Wyman’s Global Fleet & MRO Forecast 2022-2023. HPM remains at the forefront of aviation’s evolution, keeping our fingers on the pulse of innovation, pricing and the supply chain so that our clients only see the best possible outcomes.

Do you have an ambitious schedule and challenging budget for your capital building project? That’s our specialty. If your project could benefit from our services, please explore our aviation portfolio and reach out! We would love to connect with you.

A Matter of Trust

Posted on April 13, 2022

Over the past 15 years, HPM has proudly assisted the University of Alabama in the execution of an ongoing capital development program totaling over $2.2 billion. We have worked alongside the university on unique projects that range from academic buildings to athletic facilities.

“One of the values that HPM brings to the table is our flexibility and our ability to adapt as we work with clients,” said Joshua Bollinger, HPM Senior Project Manager. “We’re able to take our history and knowledge in the industry and apply those directly to meet our client’s needs.”

HPM has guided extremely demanding construction projects to build extremely high-tech science and engineering facilities that must sustain marine life and withstand earthquake-level forces. We’ve expanded a stadium to seat record numbers of passionate fans. We’ve managed the construction of stylish, comfortable residence halls to house hundreds of students and still feel like home. We have helped to upgrade infrastructure to support it all, and we consider it an honor to have such a significant role in the university’s growth.

“[HPM] has a different mindset,” said Senior Program Manager Brad Cook. “We were formed from a construction company and we know how to get things done and deliver a project that they can basically throw their hands up and say ‘this is exactly what we wanted. You make it look easy.”

Much of this relies on our strong collaborative relationship with the university — they’re open to innovative approaches to scheduling, packaging, and budgeting. Together, we deliver high-quality projects quickly, safely, on budget, and with minimal disruption.

“We can, as an entire company, provide lots of resources and expertise,” said Project Manager Mary Kathryn Holt. “We can pull from preconstruction services when we need those services. It’s not just about what the on-site personnel offer, but we offer the resources of our company as a whole.”

HPM’s Higher Ed Portfolio

HPM Johnson: Serving Atlanta with a Holistic Approach to Program Management

Posted on March 31, 2022

HPM and Johnson Construction Services recently joined forces as a legally structured joint venture as HPM Johnson to bring a combined experience of almost 55 years in program management to the Atlanta area. About a year ago, we were introduced by mutual colleagues and discovered similarities in values and complementary services, and after working together and our teams spending time with one another, we put plans in place to formalize an agreement. Founded and incorporated in Atlanta in 1993, Johnson Construction Services is a full-service general contracting, construction management and program management firm with a diverse portfolio ranging from state-of-the-art education facilities to historic preservation projects.

Born from an 80-year-old construction company, HPM started its exclusive program management firm as owners’ reps to K12 school districts more than 25 years ago, and then became staff augmentation for the University of Alabama’s facilities department managing its astounding growth over the past two decades. Although HPM has grown into other industries, the management of capital programs in education remains at the heart of what we do.

What sets us apart?

Our professionals are solely focused on every aspect of program management– including assessment, planning, contracting and procurement, design and construction management, project controls, move and transition coordination, through to audit, occupancy and closeout. Our holistic approach to program management incorporates a cyclical pattern of assessment and planning to bring about a more effective and efficient program management plan and ultimately save time and money for our clients. Relentless Pursuit of Improvement- Rest assured knowing that processes are continuing to be improved through constant data updates and evaluations. Singular Focus- HPM Johnson was formed as a niche PM firm keenly focused on serving as the owner’s rep for large and complex capital building programs. Clear Purpose- HPM Johnson is not an architecture, engineering or general contracting firm. Although our professionals’ experience lies in those areas, our sole purpose is to represent the owner in a capital plan. Maximum Savings- HPM Johnson consistently delivers savings equal to or in excess of our cost to clients. Our expertise and experience mean bottom-line value to you. Professional Problem Solvers- HPM Johnson thrives in complexity. We bring order out of chaos.

Are you ready for something different?

Program management is all we do. HPM Johnson provides the experience, bench strength, flexibility, versatility, and efficiency only a full-time and dedicated program manager can offer.

Learn More About HPM Johnson and Our Portfolio

Built to Lead: Denish Sonani

Posted on March 23, 2022

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

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

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

HPM: What is the best part of your job?

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

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

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

HPM: What does leadership mean to you?

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

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

HPM Careers

Marking a Milestone at Manor ISD

Posted on March 18, 2022

Manor Independent School District celebrated an exciting milestone last week with a groundbreaking ceremony for its new Early College High School facility. Set to open in the fall of 2023, the 85,000 thousand square foot facility will provide students with a college campus-inspired atmosphere.

“This is a great day in Manor ISD,” said Dr. Andre D. Spencer, Manor ISD Superintendent. “We are breaking ground on a new building for a group of scholars who we expect to break ground academically in their respective fields of interest. We expect great things to come out of this facility and the scholars who will call this home.”

Manor Early College High School Rendering

Manor Early College High School (MECHS) provides students who have been historically underrepresented in higher education the opportunity to earn a high school diploma and associate degree through rigorous academic coursework. The program seeks to create a seamless transition to college and reduce the time needed to complete a bachelor’s degree after high school. The new site’s open concept will support this mission by providing the educational experience found on college campuses, featuring a commons area, coffee shop, and buffet-style café.

“This new campus means more academic opportunities for our students, teachers and ACC professors,” said Dr. Alime Sadikova, MECHS Principal. “It gives students a collegiate atmosphere that provides them with academic freedom and still holds them accountable for their own learning.”

The total budgeted amount for MECHS is $35.5 million. Funding for the school comes as part of a $280-million bond package, one of the largest bond programs in the district’s history, which voters approved in November 2019. The bond will focus on projects to accommodate student growth, make facility upgrades and repairs, and improve transportation, security and technology within the Manor district, as well as this new high school. These projects will help accommodate growth in the 9,500-student district, which is expected to grow by 2.5% to 5% each year for the next 10 years, according to district student enrollment projections.

HPM is serving as program manager for Manor ISD’s capital and facility-based projects, providing project management, quality control and preconstruction services, as well as maintaining schedule and budget compliance. Our team will work alongside Manor ISD to ensure schedule and budget compliance as construction advances over the next three years. This includes the build-out and delivery of a new performing arts center, a new middle and elementary school, classroom additions for three campuses, a transportation facility and four new athletic facilities in addition to the early college.

Andrew Betts, HPM Senior Program Manager

“Manor ISD’s student body is expected to exceed 12,000 students within the next few years, which underscores the need for improved and state-of-the-art educational infrastructure,” said Andrew Betts, HPM Senior Program Manager. “HPM is proud to partner with Manor ISD and to see firsthand the positive impact this investment will have on the community.”

HPM K-12 Services

Tag: Program Management

New Projects Mean New Obstacles to Consider

Ensuring Success Through A Trusted Program Manager

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