Tag: project management

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

HPM Promotes Jessica Morris to Senior Project Controls Manager

Posted on March 10, 2022

Great leaders don’t set out to be leaders, they set out to make a difference. This is exactly what Jessica Morris has accomplished over the past two years and why she is being promoted from Project Controls Manager to Senior Project Controls Manager.

Jessica joined HPM in the winter of 2018 and relocated to Round Rock, Texas, with her family to lead the new project controls team for Round Rock Independent School District (RRISD). Prior to joining HPM, Jessica worked with the University of Alabama in contract administration where she worked closely with our UA program management team. She holds a master’s of accountancy and a CPA license. Jessica’s husband, Brian Morris, is an HPM Senior Project Manager and also serves on the RRISD team.

Jessica’s ability to build and effectively lead a team was quickly noticed by our client, and she was asked to serve as the Assistant Director of Construction for RRISD. She became the leader for the HPM team and a valuable resource for the RRISD staff. Jessica’s leadership approach focuses on the engagement of all team members to ensure the project exceeds expectations for the client. Her door is always open, and she is always ready to help solve problems or put out the next fire.

Jessica is detail-oriented and industry experienced across many areas. She delivers audit-level financial reviews, presents financial reports to the district CFO and Board of Education, meets with local construction executives on GMPs, reconciles a $500 million budget back to the district’s accounting system every month and implements processes to create transparency and accountability within the construction department. In addition to her financial abilities, Jessica also oversees the maintenance and implementation of the Master Program Schedule. These skillsets along with her welcoming personality have made her an invaluable asset to our client and to HPM.

“The RRISD team has complete faith and trust in Jessica, all due to her incredible leadership, knowledge and problem-solving skills,” said Melanie Camarena, Director of Construction for Round Rock ISD. “Those skills have helped RRISD accomplish a successful 2018 bond and set the framework for future bond successes. Jessica is invaluable to the district.”

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

HPM’s Olivia Early Promoted to Project Manager

Posted on March 2, 2022

When it comes to successful programs at HPM, earning the trust of our clients is paramount. Olivia Howard Early has not only quickly earned that trust but has become a highly respected, go-to resource for the client. It is for these reasons as well as her continued commitment to excellence that we are pleased to announce her promotion from Assistant Project Manager to Project Manager.

Olivia started with HPM as a co-op, working on several K-12 programs in Birmingham while earning her bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering at Auburn University. After graduation, she joined the Airbus A220 program in Mobile and quickly became a trusted member of the team in the eyes of both the client and her HPM colleagues. She supported several key projects while managing the global distribution of project reports on behalf of Airbus.

After completing the A220 Program, Olivia headed west with her husband, Jason, and dog, Luna, to take on a new opportunity in Austin, Texas, working on HPM’s Round Rock ISD account. On this $500+ million Bond Program, she has quickly grown to become the project manager of multiple simultaneous projects, coordinates several million dollars of furniture procurements and installs, and is responsible for closing out a $44 million new elementary school project.

She continues to raise her hand to take on new challenges and consistently shows success in a project management role for this very important client. According to Melanie Camarena, Director of Construction for Round Rock ISD, “Olivia has been amazing. She is the only reason we have been successful with our furniture process on both the CD Fulkes Middle School Rebuild and the new Redbud Elementary School.”

Careers at HPM

Reflecting On HPM’s History in Alabama’s (New) Largest City

Posted on February 16, 2022

In 2021, U.S. News & World Report announced that Huntsville surpassed Birmingham as Alabama’s most populous city after results from the 2020 Census indicated that its population now exceeds 215,000 people. Huntsville has seen significant economic growth over the past decade, spurred by a surge of projects coming to the area, as large players within key industries turn to the city to establish new headquarters and major manufacturing plants.

Since HPM’s beginning, Huntsville has remained an important market within our portfolio, and we have built lasting relationships in the city that have spanned decades. Over the past few years, HPM has worked on a number of dynamic projects in a range of sectors throughout the region, which capture in part the impressive growth Huntsville has experienced recently. This includes the following:

HPM served as the owner’s representative for the construction of a new 136,000-square-foot manufacturing facility and the renovation of a 30-year-old office building for Aerojet Rocketdyne, a rocket and missile manufacturer that sought to move its headquarters from California to Huntsville. HPM’s support led the projects to completion under budget and within the tight timeline allotted, and the entire project brought roughly 800 jobs to the city.
HPM recently completed program management work for Calhoun Community College. The college renovated the 180,000-square-foot Sparkman Building, the most commonly used building on campus, as it remained occupied with students taking classes. HPM oversaw the project through the construction phase, including a new exterior façade, new TPO roofing, new pedestrian entrance plazas and updated landscaping.
When Pepsi-Cola bottler Buffalo Rock looked to build a new distribution center to replace its current facility in the area, the prominent Alabama-based company called on HPM to provide program management services for the 200,000-square-foot tilt-up construction project. This is part of an ongoing relationship between HPM and Buffalo Rock, as we have also assisted in managing a one-million-square-foot expansion for the company’s Birmingham distribution hub and headquarters.

“HPM is honored to have served a role in the incredible growth story that the state of Alabama has written over the past decade,” said Ryan Austin, HPM president. “Huntsville has established itself as one of the main hubs in the Southeast for some of the fastest-growing industries in our nation, including aerospace, manufacturing and technology. As the city continues to grow, we look forward to forging new partnerships in the community and finding more opportunities to share our firm’s expertise with these key players who are looking to call Huntsville home.”

We are proud to see Huntsville prosper as Alabama’s largest city, as it continues to attract top-tier companies looking to open new offices and hubs in the area. 2022 already looks promising and our firm is excited for a new year of possibilities and success, as we strengthen our team and pursue new opportunities to serve The Rocket City.

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Saving Time and Money, Despite a Pandemic

Posted on January 27, 2022

It is no secret or surprise that construction projects around the world have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. For many, it has caused delays and budget increases, setbacks that public-school districts typically cannot afford. At Round Rock ISD, however, we delivered over $75 million of work in a period of eight months.

“One of the great successes is that we have been able to accomplish an incredible amount of work in an amount of time that really would not have been possible if we didn’t have the assistance of HPM,” said Melanie Camarena, Round Rock ISD (RRISD) director of construction.

Despite any delays caused by the pandemic, all summer 2020 projects were completed successfully on time. The projects included miscellaneous HVAC, roofing, bleachers, kitchen, and flooring renovations. In addition, there were renovations completed on the PA system, fire alarm system, cafeteria stage, main distribution frame room, a track replacement, and a field turf replacement. Electrical renovations were also completed, including the replacement of panels and main switchgears.

In order to provide a successful completion on these projects, the team helped to redefine and implement schedules, document management, and control protocols. In addition to keeping projects on track, HPM saved the district approximately $1 million in the first year through Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) reviews and pre-audit work.

“From a K-12 district point of view, it’s very difficult to hire a project manager who has the experience to be working in 30 to $50 million dollar or larger projects,” said Terry Worcester, Round Rock ISD chief operating officer. “You really need someone with experience and the knowledge base to be able to work with designers and builders who are in that league, so we procured and were very delighted to have HPM join our team here as a partner, not necessarily just as a consultant, but as a partner to augment our staff and work with us directly.”

HPM is currently serving as the program manager for Round Rock Independent School District’s $500+ million capital bond program, which spans 199 individually approved bond projects. Our role includes the three-year management of the planning, design, and construction of several large projects, including a new elementary school, a new aquatics practice center, expansion of existing schools, modernization of two high schools, and more. This also includes technology, security, and ongoing maintenance. We provide program controls with a dedicated interface with the accounting and financial systems of the district and the development of the master schedule, including all procurement, design, construction, occupancy, and startup milestones.

HPM K-12 Services

Built to Lead: Ivy Mitchell

Posted on January 19, 2022

At HPM, we recognize that our employees are our strength and that their commitment to the relentless pursuit of improvement is the reason we have grown to be a leader in the industry. Over the last eight years, HPM Manager of Program Services Ivy Mitchell has led our clients to success in several industries, from aviation to higher education. She exemplifies HPM’s servant leadership mentality. Keep reading to learn more about Ivy’s role at HPM, the leaders she looks up to most, and more.

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

I love my position because I never really have a “typical” day. I am usually working on multiple projects at a time and they are all very different. The tasks can also be very different for each project. Some will need a master program budget and schedule while some will be in the middle of procurement and will require development and managing the procurement process.

HPM: What is the best part of your job?

The best part of my job is that every day is different, which keeps it very exciting and never boring. I am also lucky to be working with the best people.

HPM: What has been your most memorable HPM project so far?

I would have to say Airbus. When I started at HPM I knew nothing about aircraft manufacturing and oh my how that has changed. This project included meeting the client with whom I have spent a lot of time over the past 8 years. They are an adventure in themselves. It included a trip to their plant in Germany, which was a wonderful experience. Both Airbus projects have been great projects full of new experiences and learning.

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

My parents inspire me. They possess all the qualities a great leader needs to possess. They are respected, kind, loyal, and have always pushed me to be the best I can be.

HPM: What does leadership mean to you?

Leadership to me means someone who is respected and who respects others equally. Leadership is pushing people to work together towards a common goal with quality results.

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

HPM Careers

HPM Bolsters Presence in Key Markets with Round of Strategic Hires

Posted on January 14, 2022

Following a year of growth, Antonio Fratangelo, Jake Ortego and Jalal Slade to significantly broaden the firm’s offerings across several service lines.

We are pleased to announce the hiring of industry veterans Antonio Fratangelo and Jake Ortego as principals in the audit and contract services division and Jalal Slade as director of program development. Working alongside HPM Vice President of Audit and Contract Services Vinson Chapman, Fratangelo and Ortego aim to expand the division’s capabilities and service offerings for clients while expanding the firm’s geographic reach. Slade works to broaden the firm’s presence in the Metro Atlanta market, providing strategic leadership while cultivating new client engagements and strengthening existing partnerships.

Natives of Pittsburgh, Fratangelo and Ortego join the firm with a combined 45 years of experience in audit, engineering and construction project management. Throughout their careers, they have led both design and audit teams on real estate and construction projects totaling more than $2 billion. In 2014, they co-founded JA Cost Engineers and Advisors, an advisory agency providing construction auditing, management consulting, risk management and additional services for construction, development and capital improvement projects.

Antonio Fratangelo, Principal, HPM Audit and Contract Services

“Our combined passions for construction and backgrounds in engineering have equipped Antonio and me with the unique skill sets needed to assist clients along every step of a project timeline,” said Ortego. “Antonio and I have worked together for the majority of our professional careers, establishing a proven process that became the core of our firm. We look forward to bringing this shared expertise to HPM and expanding our abilities to offer a wider range of services on a larger scale.”

Fratangelo and Ortego will join the team led by Chapman, who began HPM’s audit and contract services division six years ago. Chapman previously worked with Fratangelo and Ortego on a high-profile project totaling $4B for a large tech company.

“When I knew the client needed our assistance with this massive project, Jake and Antonio are the experts I immediately turned to in order to help get the job done,” said Chapman. “They are well respected within the construction audit and cost control industry and possess a range of knowledge highly beneficial for program management. Their capabilities are exactly what HPM needs to round out our continuum of services from program development to project management and beyond.”

Jalal Slade, HPM Director of Program Development

The firm also hired Slade as director of program development in HPM’s Atlanta office, set to lead program and business development initiatives in the market. Slade has an extensive background in municipal and aviation projects within Atlanta, having previously served as assistant general manager of the Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, where he oversaw the construction and delivery of an $8 billion capital improvement plan. He also worked as senior policy advisor for the Office of the Mayor, providing oversight and management for the city’s real estate asset holdings. He works to align HPM’s internal goals with its clients’ goals, offering leadership and expertise for project teams across all of the firm’s industry verticals. He also aims to build on HPM’s existing client relationships while forging new connections within the market.

“Heading into 2022, we look back on a year of immense growth for our firm,” said Ryan Austin, president of HPM. “With the additions of Jake, Antonio and Jalal, I am confident we are continuing this positive trajectory with the best possible team leading the way. This is an impressive group of people with a number of diverse, large-scale projects under their belts, and our firm is in good hands as we look to even more success in the new year.”

Careers at HPM

Tag: project management

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