Tag: project management

Built to Lead: Iriana Molusky

Posted on September 7, 2023

Meet Iriana Molusky, Assistant Project Manager!

A strategic piece of our growth strategy as a company is our robust Project Management track. Beginning with Project Engineers and scaling all the way up to Program Executives, our PM growth track was crafted to inspire motivation, work ethic and dedication to the process.

Assistant Project Manager, Iriana Molusky has enthusiastically committed to this growth track early on in her career. Iriana is based out of Jupiter, Florida and is currently providing support to a client in the aviation industry. We appreciate Iriana’s drive to develop and take on new challenges. Her leadership skills are strong, and we look forward to watching as she continues to grow and evolve. Continue reading to hear from Iriana as she shares more about her evolving career journey!

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

Similar to most of my colleagues on the Project Management track, there is really no such thing as a “typical day” for me. Each day comes with unique opportunities and challenges. On my most recent project, I was able to participate in many different aspects of project management, including change order reviews, creating and managing the master budget, GMP negotiations and pay applications. I find excitement in the constant change that comes with project management!

HPM: What is the best part of your job?

The best part of my job is the multitude of opportunities it affords me to build relationships. Thus far in my career, I have been able to work with an array of Architects and General Contractors, all while forming meaningful friendships within the company.

HPM: What is your most memorable HPM project so far?

My most memorable project so far has been Hewson Hall at the University of Alabama. I had the opportunity to see this job through from beginning to end as a co-op, enabling me to appreciate every milestone as the facility progressed. Hewson Hall was my first project to work on with HPM, and I learned so much about project management from the Senior Project Manager on the job, Joshua Bollinger, who served as a great mentor.

HPM: What are the characteristics of a great leader?

A great leader possesses a combination of qualities and skills, such as effective communication, empathy, adaptability, integrity and the ability to inspire and motivate others. They are forward-thinking, open to feedback and capable of making tough decisions while considering the well-being of their team. A great leader leads by example, fosters collaboration and empowers their team members to reach their full potential.

HPM Hosts 5th Annual Emerging Leaders Summer Seminar

Posted on September 5, 2023

HPM Prioritizes Opportunities to Empower and Equip Rising Talent

On July 26-27, 2023, HPM hosted our 5th annual Emerging Leaders Summer Seminar, equipping current college students pursuing careers in construction with the necessary tools to succeed. The program focuses on attracting promising students from groups historically underrepresented in the construction industry.

Interns and co-ops from across the company’s footprint gathered in Birmingham for this annual event, giving them a chance to build strong connections with peers pursuing similar professional opportunities. Members of this year’s Emerging Leaders class included Mary Claire Besh, Clay Carroll, Casim Ellis, Elli Garcia, Bella Perry, Josh Peters and Braxton Trest. These seven individuals representing five universities were selected for inclusion in the program due to their exemplary educational performance and commitment to demonstrating strong character. Attendees are pursuing an array of majors for their bachelor’s degrees including Building Construction, Civil Engineering, Construction Science Maintenance and Finance.

Leadership is an integral part of our DNA at HPM. We continually seek new opportunities to invest in individuals of all ages and backgrounds, providing tools to propel both professional advancement and personal character. We view true leadership as the ability to motivate, unite and effectively communicate with others, inciting positive change in the lives of others. We realize that to be a company comprised of dynamic leaders, we must create intentional time for training and mentorship, developing a team built upon a firm foundation of integrity.

Many students who participate in the program credit the Emerging Leaders Program as a driving factor behind their success in college and as a young professional.

“The Emerging Leaders program has enabled me to connect with the leadership team at HPM while learning more about the core values and history of the company as well as opportunities for personal and professional growth,” said Elli Garcia, Co-op participant and student at Mississippi State University. “The program equipped me to better articulate the ins and outs of program management and positioned me for success as I became aware of the many career options available to me. I look forward to continuing to build relationships with leaders at HPM who have the background, industry knowledge and experience to help me reach my full potential.”

A unique aspect of the Emerging Leaders program is the opportunity to witness many of our former co-op students and interns transition into full-time HPM employees building careers in preconstruction, project management, field coordination and beyond.

“It is incredibly special to watch students navigate the entire process,” said Anna Dolen, HPM’s Senior Recruiter, who heads up the program. “From hiring interviews to the culmination of the Emerging Leaders Summit, I cherish the opportunity to build relationships with our co-ops and interns and find great satisfaction in watching them develop professionally.”

HPM Holds Ribbon Cuttings for Two New Schools in Manor, Texas

Posted on August 14, 2023

Manor Rise Academy and Manor Early College High School open in time for the school year

Two new schools have officially opened in Manor Independent School District (Manor ISD) in Manor, Texas. Ribbon-cutting ceremonies were held last week for Manor Rise Academy and Manor Early College High School. HPM served as program manager for the projects, providing project management, quality control and preconstruction services, as well as maintaining schedule and budget compliance throughout construction.

The $45 million Manor Rise Academy is a 116,000-square-foot school on a 40-acre campus on FM 973, set to provide students with new facilities and amenities to enhance their learning environment. The school’s interior includes athletic facilities; a competition gym with seating for up to 500 people; a dedicated gymnasium for physical education classes; a large media center; two art rooms; three maker spaces; performing arts classrooms; and student collaboration areas. Outside the school building, the campus will also house competition-level athletic fields, outdoor learning spaces and playgrounds.

Also opening is the $35.5 million Manor Early College High School, an 85,000-square-foot school situated next to the existing high school on Gregg Manor Road. The early college high school will accommodate around 800 students in grades nine through 12 who have a focus on career and technical education. The school’s open concept will provide a similar educational experience as seen on college campuses and will feature a commons area, coffee shop and cafeteria.

“Education projects require strict scheduling oversight to ensure an on-track completion by the start of the school year, and I am proud of our team at HPM for its dedication to an on-time delivery for Manor ISD. We thank the school district for its invaluable support and collaboration during these projects, and to our partners for ensuring success in the construction of these schools. As we move ahead on additional projects with the school district, we look forward to providing more quality program management services, expanding our footprint further into Manor.”
Ryan Austin, President, HPM

Manor voters approved a $280 million bond package in November of 2019, focusing on projects to accommodate student growth, address facility upgrades and repairs and improve transportation, security and technology within the district. It is one of the largest bond programs the district has initiated in its history. These projects are helping to 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.

Greater Austin is one of the fastest-growing major metropolitan areas in the U.S. and was recently projected to surpass San Antonio in population size by 2040, according to the Texas Water Development Board. The population of Manor, located just 12 miles northeast of Austin, has grown by more than 160% since 2010. Manor ISD is anticipating an additional 2,800 students over the next four years, and recognized the need for an experienced and dedicated program manager to oversee the bond program.

Additional project partners for Rise Academy include ADM Architect; Raba Kistner as geotechnical engineer; Civiltude as civil engineer; and Lee Lewis as the general contractor. For Manor Early College High School, partners include Claycomb Associates, Architects; Raba Kistner as geotechnical engineer; and Satterfield & Pontikes as the general contractor.

HPM Breaks Ground on Support Center Facility with Leonardo Helicopters

Posted on July 31, 2023

HPM and Leonardo Helicopters have officially broken ground on a state-of-the-art customer support center in Milton, Florida. HPM is providing program management and preconstruction services for the helicopter support center at Whiting Aviation Park, a site immediately adjacent to the Naval Air Station Whiting Field (NASWF). The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2024.

The Leonardo Helicopters Florida Support Center will span 113,000 square feet and include four large hangar bays, major component repair and overhaul, transmission work that will include Dynamic Test Bench, a full-sized paint booth and all associated tooling and equipment. In addition, a large parts warehouse will also be co-located to enable a more efficient supply chain response for the U.S. Navy’s TH-73 fleet at NASWF, as well as for commercial customers operating throughout the Gulf of Mexico.

“This support center is an exciting addition to our extensive portfolio of aviation and defense projects across the country, and we have seen an immense demand for these types of facilities in Northwest Florida. The region continues to serve as one of the top locations for growth within the aviation and aerospace industries, and we have been busy providing quality program management services for a number of clients who are building in the market. We’re looking forward to working alongside Leonardo to deliver this highly anticipated support center, as it plays into Milton’s burgeoning growth story.”
Ryan Austin, President, HPM

To better serve the needs of this fleet and more than 1,000 Leonardo aircraft that are operating throughout the Gulf of Mexico and Central America, the company worked closely with partners at Santa Rosa County and Space Florida to select a site at Whiting Aviation Park for its new comprehensive customer support facility. Located on 267 acres of industrially zoned land owned by Santa Rosa County, the Whiting Aviation Park features a “first of its kind” limited access use agreement between Santa Rosa County and the US Navy, allowing tenants of the park to have access to NASWF’s 6,000 ft. runway and air traffic control. HPM was selected as the program manager for the project, set to oversee budget, compliance and scheduling controls during the planning and construction stages.

“We are thrilled to break ground at Whiting Aviation Park on Leonardo Helicopters’ new Florida Support Center. With this modern and highly efficient facility, Leonardo Helicopters will be able to bring its industry-leading product support services even closer to our customers. We would not be here today if not for the constant partnership and support of the State of Florida, Space Florida, Santa Rosa County, Triumph Gulf Coast, and the United States Navy.”
Clyde Woltman, CEO, Leonardo Helicopters U.S.

Leonardo first announced its intention to build a helicopter support center at Whiting Aviation Park in 2019, before the United States Navy selected a variant of the Leonardo AW119, now named the TH-73 “Thrasher,” to serve as the primary training aircraft for the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, and U.S. Coast Guard as well as other allied nations. The first aircraft was delivered to the US Navy in June of 2021 and in July, with the support of Santa Rosa County and Triumph Gulf Coast, Leonardo opened a temporary hangar at Peter Prince Airport to gain its FAA Part 145 certification and begin repair work while a larger, permanent facility was being designed and developed at Whiting. Since that time, Leonardo has hired 19 full time employees in Santa Rosa County.

Built to Lead: Judy Adkins

Posted on July 11, 2023

Meet influential #teamHPM leader!

For most individuals, the construction industry evokes images of completed projects, site-visits and boots on the ground. While these are each important pieces of the work we do, no project would reach successful completion without dedicated professionals spearheading administrative tasks daily. HPM’s administrative team provides the information, data and insight needed for those on-site to manage projects effectively. Whether it pertains to schedule, budget or quality assurance, there are always tasks going on behind the scenes to ensure accuracy.

We would like to introduce you to Judy Adkins, HPM’s longest-tenured administrative professional. Judy is a Senior Administrative Assistant based out of the Birmingham office and has supported a wide range of HPM projects for over two decades. Judy is a leader in the company, inspiring others with her dedication to the industry, ever-positive attitude and willingness to jump in wherever needed! Continue reading to learn more about Judy and her career.

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

As an administrative professional, it is important to create a routine and stay organized. A few of my daily tasks include document tracking and uploading, creating and moving files and onboarding new team members. Consistency in performing these duties is key because it allows the team access to the most current information at all times. I am also responsible for calendaring and entering hours on behalf of my team while regularly communicating to offer support.

HPM: What is the best part of your job?

I love the flexibility offered by HPM because it allows me to be successful in my work while also prioritizing my family. Our company culture values team collaboration, variety and service, which inspires me daily to be the best version of myself.

HPM: What is your proudest accomplishment?

Though I currently work out of the Birmingham office, I spent 18 years working in the Tuscaloosa office as a part of the team servicing the University of Alabama account. This portion of my career is what I am most proud of because it was the chapter that helped me grow the most. I was able to work on UA’s expansion of Bryant Denny Stadium, construction of the Science and Engineering Complex and the reimagination of historic Tutwiler Hall. These ambitious projects demanded that everyone give 100% of their effort, and I’m proud to have been a part of such a motivated team.

HPM: Tell us about someone who inspires you. What made or makes this person a leader?

I have thought long and hard about a specific individual to point out, but the truth is that I am equally inspired by all members that compose the HPM family. Every team member I have worked alongside has been motivated, others-focused and hard working while keeping a smile on their faces.

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

A great leader is someone who possesses vision, courage and focus. Good communication is also a key trait of an influential leader.

HPM Welcomes Senior Project Manager Chandler Creel to Expand Life Sciences Sector

Posted on June 22, 2023

We are pleased to welcome Chandler Creel, as he joins the firm’s Atlanta office as a senior project manager, expanding the company’s life sciences resume.

Chandler brings over two decades of construction experience across four continents in residential, commercial, industrial, oil and gas, and life sciences.

His portfolio of design/construction project management, scheduling/planning, procurement, lean delivery, shutdown work, and business operations gives him a dynamic skillset to better serve HPM’s clients. Before joining HPM, Chandler served as both a design and construction project manager at CRB Group. With a keen understanding of complex projects in diverse industries and a focus on project execution processes, Chandler successfully found a niche in the life sciences industry.

“I am thrilled to join the team at HPM,” Chandler said, “The company’s commitment to client-centered service aligns perfectly with my own values. I look forward to collaborating with my colleagues and leveraging all my experience to advise our clients through their programs and projects.”

Chandler contributes his successes to two key aspects – people and process. Whether working in Atlanta or Saudi Arabia, his innate ability to quickly build trust has become the foundation for working relationships on every project.

“Every client and contractor has their own unique needs and wants. Taking time to get to know everyone as people and understand their key motivations helps me create alignment and push the entire team toward the common goal. Plus, you end up making more friends that way.”

Chandler’s favorite problems are the ones avoided by robust processes and analysis. “My most successful projects (on time, under budget, happy client) have simply been a byproduct of focusing on the processes of how the team communicates, solves problems, and gets the work accomplished.”

Throughout his career, Chandler has found his ability to meet aggressive deadlines to be his biggest asset. Repeated trials by fire have granted him the ability to thrive in the most trying circumstances and have led to success in managing shutdown projects with immovable deadlines. “Life sciences clients are uncompromising in their schedule and quality demands. If you have good processes in place and trust for the people around you, you can deal with any issue and accomplish almost anything.”

Chandler looks forward to the continued expansion of HPM’s life sciences work, and leveraging HPM’s vast resources in planning, estimating, and holistic program management to grow HPM’s life sciences sector nationwide.

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 to attend the monumental 54th edition of Paris Air Show

Posted on March 16, 2023

Beginning Monday, June 19, HPM will be represented at the 54^th edition of Paris Air Show by President Ryan Austin, Vice President of Business Development, Jay Daily, and Vice President of Business Development, Andi Sims. Having experienced a cancellation in 2021 due to COVID-19, the biannual showcase will be occurring for the first time since 2019.

Paris Air Show, organized by the SIAE, a subsidiary of GIFAS, French Aerospace Industries Association is the signature event for the global aeronautics and space industry, providing an opportunity for pioneers in the profession to come together in collaboration as the latest innovations are discovered and acquired. The fair features 2,500 companies presenting technologies and equipment curated for clients seeking a broad range of expansions including spacecraft, satellites, aircraft parts and more. Attendees of the oldest and biggest event for the aerospace industry will enjoy a live display of over 100 aircraft, as well as special events and unparalleled opportunities to network and develop business.

HPM, which oversaw the successful design and construction of the first Airbus U.S. Manufacturing Facility, as well as many other manufacturing and MRO facilities for national and international clients, stands perfectly poised to assist aerospace companies looking to establish or expand a presence in the U.S. Additionally, our portfolio of deep experience rooted in the public sector, positions our team to serve as an ideal partner for state and local government recruiting business and industry to their areas.

If you’d like to meet with an HPM team representative at the Paris Air Show, please reach out to Ryan, Jay, or Andi.

Ryan Austin
President
raustin@hpmleadership.com

Jay Daily
VP of Business Development
jdaily@hpmleadership.com

Andi Sims
Vice President of Marketing
asims@hpmleadership.com

Tag: project management

Meet Iriana Molusky, Assistant Project Manager!

HPM Prioritizes Opportunities to Empower and Equip Rising Talent

Manor Rise Academy and Manor Early College High School open in time for the school year

Meet influential #teamHPM leader!

Heather Lochridge & McKenzie Hosey

Ready to discuss your next project?

Newsletter Sign Up