As I sit here in my office, staring out at the bustling construction site across the street, I can’t help but reflect on my journey in this industry. From my humble beginnings as a hands-on carpenter to now leading a thriving supply chain company, I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative power of innovation and collaboration.
The Catalyst for Change
When I first started out, I was laser-focused on being the best contractor I could be. But over the years, I realized that there was a significant difference between being a labor-only contractor and one who also participated in the supply chain. By jumping in to also be part of the supply chain, my company, DC Materials, was able to provide both material and labor. This approach has been a game-changer, allowing us to better execute projects and streamline the outcomes.
You see, in the panelized construction market we operate in, there are countless ways that building components can be delivered to a job site. And each of those methods can be an advantage or disadvantage to the framing contractor and those on the ground. Now, being the person who is also behind the material, I’m always asking myself, “How are we serving the field laborers? How are we serving the end-users of these products and the installers?”
Keeping the end-user in mind has been a revelation. These methods not only helped us streamline the construction process, but they also significantly reduce our dependency on on-site labor – a critical factor given the current labor shortage in the industry.
Navigating the Labor Shortage
The labor shortage has required us to think strategically. We combine subcontracting with effective project management to guarantee that tasks are sequenced efficiently on-site. This approach minimizes downtime and cuts field labor costs. And you know what? Through communication and trust, our subcontractors are often willing to adjust their pricing for us because they know our projects are efficient and we will set them up for success.
The Power of Professional Development and Communication
At DC Materials, our philosophy is to do our part for the industry by growing the next generation of construction professionals. I was never a great student in high school, but I was given an opportunity at work that I turned out to be great at. Since then, I’ve committed to mentoring the next generation of construction professionals and enhancing the industry’s image to get more talent in the door.
This commitment is forward-looking, and with the understanding that we all must do our part because long term, this growth will benefit everyone. After all, fostering a supportive, forward-thinking culture is crucial for bridging the gap between generations and embracing change.
The Future of Construction
As I reflect on my conversation with the host of the Bridging the Gap Podcast, I’m reminded of how innovation has significantly influenced my journey. By rethinking how projects can be better executed, better managed, and produced in a timely manner, we’ve been able to enhance the productivity and sustainability of our construction projects.
And you know what? I’m not the only one on this path. Construction businesses across the globe are embracing collaboration to bridge the gap and create a lasting impact.
So, if you’re a fellow construction professional looking to make a real difference, I invite you to join me in this journey. Together, let’s continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in our industry. After all, the future of construction is ours to shape.
