PEOPLE NEWS—SECOND EDITION—DATED 11-15-18
A division of PEOPLE of Construction

Welcome to the second edition of PEOPLE News, a newsletter designed to shine a light on the achievements of the minority contracting community within the design and construction industry in the St. Louis marketplace. PEOPLE is a non-profit, non-fee, non-organization formed for the purpose of introducing minority contracting firms to the majority contracting firms in the St. Louis area. If you wish to be on the mailing list of PEOPLE, please e-mail Ron Unterreiner at PEOPLEofconstruction@gmail.com. Further information may be obtained on PEOPLE by visiting the PEOPLE web site at PEOPLEofconstruction.org.

The last PEOPLE meeting of the year was held last night at the infamous HARD HAT CAFÉ located on the bottom floor of the former Alberici headquarters building on Kienlen Avenue. Every time I walk into that room, I have visions of Gabe Alberici chewing on a smelly cigar barking orders–or possibly mildly discussing future opportunities–to a smoke-filled room of construction folks, both field and office workers. My vision of the crowd would be of fewer people of color or women that one would find today. You can almost smell the smoke and sense the importance of the discussions. I love holding PEOPLE meetings in that room and I love Alberici for allowing PEOPLE the use of the room—only for the asking. I feel that a little bit of the incredible success of Alberici rubs off on all attendees each meeting in this room.

My thanks to Regina Brand of Brand Construction for her bringing a case of iced down bottled water to go with a couple dozen bundtini’s provided by PEOPLE from Nothing Bundt Cakes.

We had a nice crowd and had some good discussions and I felt that some progress was made relative to our shared vision of equality for all on major commercial construction projects in the St. Louis area. One step at a time. My thanks for Jack Thomas, newly appointed director of diversity for St. Louis County for taking the time to come and introduce himself, and his office, to the crowd. We welcome St. Louis County to the diversity and inclusion movement.

MBE/WBE contractors/suppliers in attendance were CMT Roofing & Demo (roofing/demo/abatement); Sledroc Construction (carpentry); Fitzgerald Construction (carpentry); Two Hills Painting (commercial union painting); Chunn Roofing new non-union MBE commercial roofer); Resource Electric (electrical contractor); TSI Global (electrical, low voltage, security); Jath Construction (excavation, demo); Brand Construction (carpentry); D&R Building Group (electric, hoisting); Aerotek (staffing); Great Rivers Glass (glass & glazing); Brydie Flooring (commercial flooring); CNJ Mechanical (HVAC); R&R Sanitation (roll-off dumpsters/portable toilets); 5000 Demonstrations (painting); Gaus Acoustics (sound control consultants/suppliers); Ardor Fire Protection (fire sprinklers); Pinkston Ornamental Iron (fence, railings/ornamental iron products); All Set LLC (accounting/back office assistance/management assistance); and possibly a few others that I missed–hopefully not.

Also present to support the cause of diversity were representatives of McCarthy, Alberici, HBD, SM Wilson, Tarlton, Johnson Controls, Icon Mechanical, MO-PTAC, and several more GC’s and subcontractors in spirit. And I always appreciate the support of Steve Lewis from the AGC and Dennis Lavallee, recently retired from the St. Louis Council of Construction Consumers—two great people to have on your team in matters of diversity and inclusion.

The meeting was held in our typical, informal, interactive style but we did have a brief presentation by Matt Smith of Federated Insurance showing us ways to save on Worker’s Comp and GL insurance. Matt also handles bid bonds, performance and payment bonds and other bonding needs and comes recommended by several MBE firms that have worked with him. Feel free to contact Matt at mdsmith2@fedins.com for to set up a meeting for further information. I did not know Matt before last night so check in with me as to your future experiences with Matt and Federated. I liked his approach though and recommend you meet with him if you have concerns with your insurance or bonding program.

We also had a special guest in Frank Lorberbaum of Building Futures, a non-profit that wraps their arms around a socially and culturally challenged group of kids and teaches them design and build concepts. Building Futures works out of a warehouse adjacent to Crown Candy Kitchen in the north city area and holds classes for kids ranging from third grade through twelfth grade every Saturday morning and afternoons. In addition, they take their wares and go into several city schools and hold classes in replacement of abandoned shop classes by the schools. I am on the board of this incredible non-profit and will be sending around a request for funding before the year is out so be award. They need help and we should help them.

Any company wishing to stamp their logo and name on the candle holders we had on display last night, the going fare—all considered a donation to a great cause—is $16.00 with a minimum purchase of 20—if company logo is to be applied. Email me if interested.

Lots of additional news to report so let’s move on.

AWARDS:

Just like in the entertainment business, the construction industry is alive with awards in the ending months of every year—this year being no exception. Maybe I should consider a PEOPLE contractor of the year award?
Congratulations to the following:

Tarlton (WBE) for an AGC Keystone Award being the selected General Contractor winner in the new AGC 1st Initiative program. Tarlton also received an award for their work on the Stephen and Peter Sachs Museum at the Botanical Garden.

Other minority Keystone award nominees were Interface (MBE) for their work on the St. Mary’s Hospital 6th Floor Neonatal ICU project; Power UP Electrical Contractors (MBE) for their work on the Everly on the Loop project for CRG Real Estate and BAM Contracting LLC (MBE) for their selection as 2018 Specialty Contractor of the Year in the structural & finish carpentry division. Three great firms that represent the minority contracting community well.

CNJ Mechanical (MBE/WBE was selected by MOKAN as Emerging Contractor of the Year and will receive that award on Friday night at the MOKAN annual gala. I know and work with Christine Michel and her CNJ firm and regard them as a great up and coming addition to the minority contracting community. A most fitting selection by MOKAN.
Other MOKAN selections include Jack Thomas, our new Chief Diversity Officer for the County, for a lifetime achievement award (hey, he just got here and is just getting started?); GC of the year is Tarlton—are these guys hot or what?

Diversity and Inclusion awards are going to Michael Kennedy and the UP Companies and to Raineri Construction. Developer of the year is Wexford Science and Technologies for their many developments on the Cortex site. Public sector Ex of the year is Fran Wiggins, Sr. Division Program Manager for Bi-State Development (way to go, Fran); and the private sector leader award will be shared by Wash U and St. Louis University.

The Workforce Construction Industry Leader award will go to Rosalyn Croft of Tarlton (Ros should win an award of some sort every year—she works hard and with love and care to protect MBE firms and help them succeed) and Dustin Montgomery, Asst, Director of Construction Services for SLU.

The WBE/MBE Contractor of the year will be named that evening—who will it be?

Wow, what an event by MOKAN. I am proud to say that if all goes as planned, I will be in attendance to stand and applaud for many of my good friends. This is a great night of recognition for the MBE/WBE contracting community. Thanks to MOKAN for making this event available for the MBE/WBE firms in town.

Tarlton and BJC will also receive an award at the STL Forum luncheon for their incredible program called Thinking Beyond Today. The program is designed to reach out to high school students and introduce them to our industry in a most interactive way. A well-deserved award for Tarlton and BJC—a most important step for the future of our industry.

Dr. John Gaal will also be awarded for this work with the Building Union Diversity program. John has received national attention with this program and rightfully so.

There will be additional awards for some great people and firms working to make our tomorrows better. You should plan to attend this event which was just postponed to a later date due to the projected snow fall so pay attention to the future date—and attend.

PROJECTS:

Just Window and Doors, an MBE supplier/contractor managed by Wayne Jackson recently completed work on twenty new Town Home units in the Tower Grove neighborhood. The GC on the project was Altman Charter and if you have not guessed, Wayne supplied the windows and doors. Wayne runs a good company and offers a great resource for windows, doors and other building projects for the residential and commercial industry. Check him out.

Simms Building Group (MBE-GC) recently completed work for the Grice Group (WBE-Architect) designed City Academy project on Kingshighway, across from my beloved Mathews-Dickey Boys and Girls Club. A great showcase for minority work with the lead architectural firm and lead engineering firm by way of Stan Webb and Webb Engineering and the lead CM management firm being MBE firms. MBE/WBE subcontractors and suppliers working for Floyd Simms and his Simms Building Group included City Design; X-L Contracting; Mechanical Solutions; Unified Contracting; Miller Contracting; Adams Landscaping; Crossroads Roofing; and Resource Electric. Congratulations to all—I serve on the Building Futures board with Karl Grice and he reported to me that a great job was done by all.

Yes, MBE/WBE firms can design, engineer, build and perform all to expectations of their clients. Breaking news.

Gaus Acoustics (WBE) an acoustics, sound control design, consulting and subcontracting firm landed the acoustic work on the new music building being constructed in Columbia, MO for the University of Missouri. Gaus Acoustics also were just awarded a major project for the University of Illinois, so they have both major universities covered. If you are looking for acoustic solutions for your project, before or after design, contact Patty Gaus.

Ray Straughter and his Sultan Construction (MBE) company has decided to join forces with the laborers and the operators and are now offering their excavation, site work and demolition services on a union affiliated basis. Ray does good work; put Sultan high on your bid list.

Megan D’Angelo and Pearl Street Electric (WBE) are looking for some electrical project management help. Could well be a young aspiring electrical engineer ready for more challenges or a seasoned veteran wanting to take a different approach to the industry. Pearl Street is doing well but finds her in the same position as many, looking for good help. Keep Pearl Street high on your list as well; they do nice work and can respond to any size commercial, union affiliated project.

Ann Clabon and her Great Rivers Glass (MBE/WBE) subcontracting firm are in the final completion phase for the glass and glazing work at the KAI (MBE) designed and built new natural food market down on the north city property. If you have glass and glazing needs, Great Rivers can respond on all commercial construction projects in the area. If too big for her, she will let you know. She also is willing to team with larger firms. It is great to see Ann and her Great Rivers Glass firm making their way through our industry.

Carlos Milo and Ardor Fire Protection are preparing to team with Engineering Fire Protection on the Clayco managed Centene project in Clayton. Final details in the works.

KAI (MBE-GC) has completed the design work and is preparing to start on the new Teen Center in Ferguson. Another great project for our city and for the minority contracting community. Scales Plumbing (MBE) will be working with Parkway Plumbing to perform the plumbing work on the project and the minority contracting community is reportedly well represented on this project. A bit early to make any more announcements—look for names in future newsletters. I probably should not even be announcing Scales Plumbing, but I am working with them currently and could not resist.

KAI also just recently sent out an announcement for the construction of a new Fairfield Inn which will be managing the construction, again down in the north city area. It is good to see work beginning in this area; let’s hope many more projects follow. Contact KAI for further information as to how you can become involved in this Fairfield project—and other projects, these guys are going to town. Congratulations to Michael Kennedy, Jr for the great work he is doing with all his firms. KAI is a great success story for the minority community.

There are a host of MBE/WBE firms working on a couple of major Wash U projects—McKelvey Hall and the East End project–with McCarthy. Those include; TD-4 Electric; Penn Services; Scales Plumbing; Show Me Industrial; Wayne Automatic Sprinkler; Aschinger Electric; Neihaus; TSI Global; and Simms Building Group—all working as first tier subs under McCarthy.

Also working on the project as second tier subs are: STL Direct; J. West Electric; BFW Construction; Clay Piping; Brydie Flooring; Brandt Contracting; Phillips Ready Mix; BRK Electrical; Gaus Acoustics; Von Alst; D&S Fence; LMB Companies; Butler Supply; Midwest Insulation; The Door Guy; Integrity Insulation; and Ardor Fire Protection.

Great job by Monica Bailey, McCarthy and Washington University to include so many MBE/WBE firms on these two major projects on the Washington University Campus. I love projects that provide work for so many firms. If it were up to me, I would throw the percentage calculation requirement out the window and ask the owners and managing GC/CM’s to find some MBE/WBE help in every trade. That will bring 20 or 30 firms to the table on every project—wouldn’t that be great.

The Aquarium project for McCarthy will also include a nice contingency of minority subcontractors but bids are still being reviewed and contractors not finalized as of this date. Stay tuned for further information. As of this writing, Hunt -Vac, a minority sub, is doing the initial demolition work required to get the project ready for others. Keep the work coming.

So, who is working on the Paric managed Ballpark Village project? I am seeking answers to this question prior to print time on Friday morning. My understanding is there are several MBE/WBE firms engaged on the various phases of this project but often, companies prefer to keep the details of their projects out of the public eye until all details are firmly in place, which I completely understand. I can be patient; I plan to write this every month assuming the interest is there.

The long-awaited, much anticipated Lawrence Group designed Foundry project on the Cortex development site is beginning to move forward from what I understand. Pay attention to all announcements from SM Wilson as to outreach meetings and bidding information—several have been held already. You want to be a part of this project. Feel free to contact Joyce Morgan at SM Wilson (joyce.morgan@smwilson.com) anytime for help and guidance.

Many more projects on the horizon—wish I knew them all. Ameren is out in the market place often these days—keep up with Rhodey, Tarlton, L Keeley, all favorite general contractors of Ameren.

PEOPLE is working with Elmer Rhodes of Cross Rhodes Reprographics to further develop the MBE/WBE plan room, located at Cross Rhodes, to be more of a factor in minority firms looking for work. We are wanting to secure a FW Dodge subscription to be able to track down all work that may be beneficial to minority firms. I will be sending out more information on this as it develops.

If you hear of anything hot and need additional information, contact me at PEOPLEofconstruction@gmail.com and I will help you find that information.

FUTURE EVENTS

Events you should attend soon include the Construction Forum Awards luncheon as mentioned above—check their notices for future date—re-scheduled due to weather predictions.

The SLCCC Annual Diversity Event is coming up in December at the St. Louis Community College, look for those notices—always a great event.

The ASA has announced Wednesday, Jan 30 as the date for their next Meet and Greet the General Contractors event to be held at the St. Charles Convention Center. This is my favorite event of the year. What a great opportunity for MBE/WBE firms to meet the major general contractors in town. The participating GC’s will have their project managers and estimators manning the booths and business cards stacked up in front of them. Meet them all; grab their business card; give them yours; tell them your story; and move on to the next booth. Stop occasionally and grab a beer and some appetizers. Every subcontractor reading this should attend this event. There is a $125 fee for non-members, but this is the best marketing dollar you can spend. If you play it right, that is about a nickel for every business card and industry contact you will make that night.

Contact Susan Winkelman (susan@asamidwest.com) for further information or look for their announcements. Right now, they just sent out a Save the Date announcement, but I am sure they are or will be ready for registrations soon. If you do not see any announcements as the date draws near, e mail Susan or myself and I will get you the information. I would love to see 100 minority firms in attendance.

I feel like I am forgetting something but then I also know I am testing your reading patience and thus will call this second edition of PEOPLE news a wrap. There will be more news to come. I am quite proud to say that together we have mentioned over seventy MBE/WBE firms in this edition of the PEOPLE news.

And yet I hear that MBE firms cannot be found in our marketplace. My hope is that PEOPLE news will make the search a bit easier for those in need of some helpful and supportive participation on their projects.

Thanks for participating in this second edition of PEOPLE news. As I get a bit savvier, I will dress the issues up a little with some logo’s and graphics but for now, this is what you get from a technology challenged businessman.