Career Development: Empowering Growth Through Quarterly Check-ins
In today’s competitive construction market, career development is essential for companies aiming to attract and retain skilled workers. Structured career development models, including quarterly career check-ins, provide a practical and proactive framework to develop depth of skills and align employee goals with evolving construction industry demands. This continuous development process offers construction firms a way to stay aligned with field and office personnel goals, competencies, and real-time feedback, which are critical in the construction industry's fast-paced and project-oriented environment.
Quarterly Check-ins: An Ongoing Dialogue
Quarterly career check-ins enable project managers, superintendents, and other team leaders to discuss career goals, competencies, and skill-building opportunities with their teams. Instead of waiting for annual reviews, quarterly discussions ensure that goals stay relevant to current projects and changing conditions. Employees can set clear, measurable objectives that build toward annual career goals while honing project-specific skills. This continuous approach keeps personnel engaged and responsive to project and industry needs.
Annual Competency Updates for Evolving Skills
The quarterly check-in framework supports annual updates of competencies, reflecting industry advancements and project requirements on a personal scale. By formally updating required competencies, construction firms ensure that employees stay current with specialized skills, including building techniques, company protocols, leadership, and more. This structured skill development process promotes transparency in career progression and enables managers to guide employees toward responsibilities and experiences that drive both career and company growth.
Gathering Peer Feedback for Comprehensive Development
Peer feedback provides valuable insights into teamwork, problem-solving, and communication. Providing and receiving constructive feedback builds communication skills and fosters trust among coworkers by reinforcing the value of supportive improvement and mutual growth. Peer feedback allows team members to highlight strengths and areas for improvement in real-world contexts. This 360-degree feedback loop builds skills that are vital for collaboration on construction sites, including adaptability, communication, and conflict resolution, which all foster a culture of openness and continuous improvement.
Annual Overview: Reflecting on Success and Growth
At the end of each year, the annual overview session allows construction professionals and managers to review achievements, assess performance on various projects, and recognize skill advancements. This reflection provides a foundation for setting next year’s goals and aids in identifying new certifications, training, and relevant work experiences that ensure employees’ career paths continue to grow and align with the company’s project pipeline.
Fostering a Culture of Continuous Development in Construction
Quarterly career management check-ins help construction firms build a supportive, skilled workforce that feels valued and empowered through structured, real-time development planning. These check-ins combined with annual reflection, competency updates, and goal-setting fosters a workforce that is motivated and aligned with company goals, positioning the organization for sustainable success in a competitive and evolving industry.
By Dan Miller, Director of Human Resources & Talent Development
National Stress Awareness Day: The Brain Science of Stress and Strategies for Resilience
On National Stress Awareness Day, it's important to explore the science behind stress and highlight practical strategies to improve resilience. Understanding what stress does to the brain can help us all recognize its signs and create healthier ways to cope.
Stress, at its core, is a survival mechanism. When we perceive a threat, the brain triggers a “fight or flight” response, releasing stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. These chemicals prepare us to respond to danger by increasing heart rate, focusing attention, and energizing muscles. While this reaction is essential in situations of immediate physical danger, chronic stress—common in our fast-paced lives—can have harmful effects on the brain and body.
The brain's prefrontal cortex, responsible for decision-making, emotional regulation, and impulse control, is particularly vulnerable to chronic stress. Studies show that prolonged stress weakens the prefrontal cortex, making it harder for us to concentrate, manage emotions, and make thoughtful decisions. Conversely, the amygdala, which governs our fear response, becomes more active, making us more sensitive to stressors. In essence, chronic stress rewires our brains, increasing the risk of anxiety and depression and diminishing our resilience over time.
Understanding these effects is a vital first step in managing stress. Here are three strategies, grounded in brain science, to help mitigate stress and build resilience:
- Mindfulness Practices: Mindfulness meditation is one of the most effective ways to counteract stress. Research shows that mindfulness strengthens the prefrontal cortex and reduces the amygdala’s reactivity. Even a few minutes of daily mindfulness practice can help the brain recalibrate, reducing overall stress and improving focus and emotional regulation.
- Physical Activity: Exercise not only helps relieve stress but also triggers the release of endorphins, the brain’s “feel-good” chemicals. Regular physical activity also stimulates neurogenesis, or the growth of new brain cells, particularly in areas of the brain affected by stress. It can serve as both a physical outlet for stress and a means of building a more resilient brain over time.
- Social Connection: Neuroscientific research highlights that social interactions can counteract stress. Positive social interactions stimulate the release of oxytocin, a hormone that helps calm the amygdala and reduce stress. Maintaining supportive relationships and making time to connect with loved ones can be a powerful buffer against stress.
Let’s take this National Stress Awareness Day to recognize stress as a natural part of life, but also as something we can manage. By understanding how stress affects our brain and implementing science-based practices, we can enhance our resilience, improve our mental health, and lead more balanced lives.
By Lisa Marini, Learning & Development Manager
Celebrating Employee Ownership Month: Exploring the Benefits
Employee Ownership Month is an exciting time for our company to reflect on where we started from, what growth we have had, and what pursuits we see for future expansion. Brinkman Construction started the ESOP journey in 2016, and in the 8 years that have passed, our share value has increased over 670%.
Prior to joining Brinkman Construction, my work experience spanned a private equity-held company, individually owned entities, and Fortune 500 companies. Looking back on these different experiences, I can truly state that working for an ESOP provides more employee camaraderie and benefits.
Managing the administration of an ESOP is highly rewarding due to the shared ownership model and potential for employee empowerment, but it also requires navigating complex regulations, financial intricacies, and careful communication.
Challenges:
- Complex Regulations: ESOPs are subject to intricate legal and tax regulations, requiring thorough knowledge of compliance and fiduciary responsibilities.
- Valuation and Financial Management: Managing the value of shares in an ESOP can be difficult, especially in fluctuating markets. Accurate valuations are essential for fairness but can be costly and time-consuming.
- Balancing Stakeholder Interests: As the interests of employee-owners are directly tied to the company’s performance, management must strike a balance between growth, profitability, and employee satisfaction.
- Communication: Educating employees about their role as shareholders and the financial aspects of employee ownership can be challenging. Clear and consistent communication with team members is vital for an ESOP’s success.
Rewards:
- Empowering Employees: Working for an ESOP means contributing to a culture of ownership. Employees directly benefit from the success of the company, which often boosts morale and fosters a sense of pride.
- Long-Term Growth: ESOPs provide a long-term retirement benefit for employees, aligning their interests with the company's financial success. This can enhance employee loyalty and retention.
- Inclusive Decision-Making: Managing an ESOP means encouraging transparency and participation from employees in business decisions, which can create a more democratic and collaborative workplace.
- Wealth Building: For employees, the stock allocations and dividends can become a significant part of their financial well-being, offering a tangible reward for their contributions to the company.
The challenges of employee ownership are significant, but the positive impact on both the business and the employee-owners makes it a worthwhile endeavor.
By Jonathan Semonchick
Jon is the total rewards manager at Brinkman Construction. He has over a decade of experience working in finance, and joined Brinkman Construction in 2018.
Richmark Expands its Greeley Footprint
National real estate developer Richmark Companies just broke ground on their new Alpine Flats development in Greeley, Colorado. Alpine Flats will offer amenity-rich apartment living geared toward young professionals. Brinkman Construction is the project’s general contractor, marking their third project together in the Northern Colorado market.
Alpine Flats will feature studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom plans with luxury bathrooms, quartz countertops, wood plank flooring and 42” cabinets. The community boasts an outdoor swimming pool with cabanas, an outdoor grill area, a fitness studio, a clubhouse with a kitchen and covered parking.
Located in a central Greeley location, the 184,000 SF community is scheduled to offer its first available units in the fall of 2023 with final completion in the spring of 2024—just in time for residents to enjoy all the community has to offer.
alm2s, a Fort Collins-based architectural firm, designed the community.
Continental Properties Expands into the Denver Market
National real estate developer Continental Properties just broke ground on their new Springs at Peña Station development in Denver, Colorado. The Springs at Peña Station community will offer luxury-style apartment living in an ideal location. Brinkman Construction is the project’s general contractor marking their third project together in the Colorado market.
The Springs at Peña Station development will feature gated, garden- and townhome-style studio, one, two and three-bedroom apartment homes with private, ground-level entrances and attached garage options totaling 272 units.
Located only thirty minutes from downtown Denver, the 380,302 SF community will offer amenities such as a resort-style pool, a 24-hour state-of-the-art fitness center, community clubhouse with coffee bar, outdoor barbecue area, conference room, car care area and a leash-free dog park with pet spa. Construction completion is schedule for winter of 2024.
Zimmerman Architectural is the design team on the Springs at Peña Station apartments.
Construction Completes on Low-Income Housing Community Fields on 15th
The federal low-income housing tax credit (LIHTC) equity financing and Prospect Properties has officially completed construction on the Fields on 15th Apartments in Longmont, Colorado. The new multi-family community offers five, two- and three- story walk-up buildings for low-income families earning up to 50% to 60% of the area median income.
The 110,000 square-foot development on 4.05 acres includes a mix of one-, two-, three-, and four- bedroom options totaling 88 units with modern touches. Residents can also enjoy quality amenities such as a business center, a community room, an exercise facility, a playground, a picnic area, central laundry, on-site management, and parking spaces.
Brinkman Construction was the project’s general contractor, and Godden Sudik Architects was the design team.
Pictures to come.
Reinventing a New Normal in the Preconstruction Approach
As the nation continues returning to its daily routine, can we accept that the challenges we are facing as an industry may be the, “new normal”? They say, “old habits die hard”, and in the construction world, we are confronted with this reality daily. In an ever-changing world, our industry is experiencing continuous strains on how we’ve traditionally done business. While many products and services are being streamlined, age-old construction practices are being forced to keep up. As a leader in the rapidly developing multi-family sector, we know all too well the market-driven constraints that are increasingly impacting projects.
We are looking inward at our own processes and services to work effectively during this wave of changing market conditions. Material escalations, supply chain shortages, lending requirements, and a declining labor force continues to have significant impacts on every step in the building process. In this uncharted new climate, traditional preconstruction strategies will no longer suffice.
Considering the current trends in this explosive market, we are working with developers and design teams to lead strategies for increased preconstruction productivity and predictability.
Mitigating Escalation
With supply chains being extremely backed up, we are recommending that clients expedite their financial processes to be in a position to secure materials prior to the start of construction, helping to mitigate on-site shortages, delays, and cost premiums. This is a significant shift from the traditional process in which design teams complete drawings prior to contract execution, construction financing being secured, and Construction Administration. Early owner commitments grant us the ability to procure credible trade partners and process submittals; which tends to be one of the requirements to mitigate potential cost escalation. Being prepared to quickly review and turn around these submittals can directly impact what you pay and when you receive your materials. Forethought, communication, and stream-lined decision making helps everyone involved keep projects on-track and on budget.
Overcoming Limited Trade Partner Resources
Due to increased project start volume and current market conditions; traditional trade partner bidding strategies are less effective than they once were. Difficulties locking trades due to current market demand, is at an all-time high and the standard process of bidding at each stage of design if often not achievable.
With the shift construction companies are experiencing in trade partner commitments being anywhere from 6 to 12 months out, it is necessary to have the ability to make subcontractor selections earlier, which increases the security in pricing and confidence in the schedule. To do this, we are pulling contract negotiations forward, so we are prepared to execute an agreement, if necessary, with any key subcontractors or suppliers at any time.
In this new normal, taking a traditional competitive bid process with subcontractors may end up costing you in the long run, potentially paying a premium for less qualified, or altogether unavailable, resources. Earlier owner involvement in the trade partner selections will equate to confidence in project teams and quality work.
These recommendations are not cure-all solutions to all preconstruction approaches as each project is different and the constraints at a specific point in time may vary. With a chance to reflect on tried-and-true practices that have stood the test of time, we are challenging ourselves, our clients, and our trade partners to do something different, embracing change and seeking positive outcomes in a new normal process.
Brinkman Construction Awarded in The 23rd Annual AGC Construction Safety Excellence Award
Brinkman Construction was a finalist and awarded the Construction Management Division Under 250,000 Man Hours for the National Associated General Contractors of America Construction Safety Excellence Awards.
Choate Construction Company was recognized for having the nation’s best construction safety and wellness plan in 2021 by the Associated General Contractors of America. The association, which oversees the WTW Construction Safety Excellence Awards, an annual ranking of construction safety programs, noted that 46 other companies were also selected as winners for the quality of their safety programs.
View entire list of winners.
Continental Properties Continues Colorado Multi-Family Expansion
National real estate developer Continental Properties recently completed and started two multi-family developments in Colorado. The Springs at Foothills Farm community completed construction in the fall, while the Authentix Greeley community just kicked off project construction. Both developments included construction by General Contractor, Brinkman Construction.
Springs at Foothills Farm, located in Colorado Springs, features 264 apartment units spread out over 12 buildings totaling 303,408 square feet with nearby recreational trails and parks. The resort-style amenities include a clubhouse, pool area, standalone garages, a maintenance building, large dog parks, service mail kiosk and trash enclosures and fantastic views of Pikes Peak all in a robust area.
North of Colorado Springs, in Greeley, Authentix Greeley’s modern apartments will include 20 buildings with 288 units totaling 270,520 square feet with a clubhouse, pool, 24 detached garage stalls, maintenance building, a trash/recycling enclosure and mail kiosk. Authentix Greeley strives to offer a unique approach to apartment living with townhome-style studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartment homes with private, ground-level entrances. Construction is scheduled for completion in fall of 2023.
Both communities aim to please their residents by providing ideal and convenient locations all while enjoying high-end, practical and modern living space in alluring locations.
Phillips Partnership was the design team on the Springs at Foothills Farm, and Excel Engineers is the design team on Authentix Greeley.
Springs at Foothill Farms, CO Springs, CO
Authentix Greeley, Greeley, CO
About Continental Properties
Continental Properties is a national developer and operator of multifamily communities, retail, and hospitality properties. Since its inception in 1979, Continental Properties has developed over 100 apartment communities encompassing more than 29,500 apartment homes in 19 states.
For additional information and to learn more about other Continental Properties communities, please visit www.cproperties.com.
We Celebrate the Influential Women Shaping the Construction Industry
As we celebrate Women in Construction Week, there is so much to reflect on regarding the state of women in construction. On one hand, the positive impact of females within our industry feels more influential than ever. On the other hand, we know we still have a long road ahead of us to make greater strides towards increased female representation (currently making up only 12% of the industry workforce), enhanced opportunities for advancement, and equality within positions. Like many journeys in life, the longest roads with the greatest obstacles are usually the ones worth traveling. As a 100% employee-owned company, we are even more motivated to own the continued forward progress along this road of diversity and inclusion.
Within our organization, we recognize the benefits of diversity to our employee owners, our clients, our communities, and our projects every single day. We experience how diversity drives innovation, creates greater representation, and generates better decision-making. We see that we are a more well-rounded company better able to collaborate and support each other to produce collective outcomes.
In honor of Women in Construction Week, we celebrate our female employee owners as well as all females throughout the construction industry! Thank you for all you do to pave the way by making our industry great today and even more progressive into the future!
Construction Begins on Active Adult Community Lynwood Senior
A new age-restricted senior living community is coming to Denver through a joint venture between real estate developers McDermott Properties and Kentro Group. The Lynwood Senior project just broke ground beginning of winter and is expected for completion in the late 2022.
Lynwood Senior will feature a 49,031 square-foot, three-story building including 62 units. Each unit includes in-unit bathrooms and kitchens that are ADA Accessible.
Lynwood Senior will offer a variety of amenities such as an exercise room, work room, office space, community room, outdoor patio, dog walking area with outdoor grass, bike storage room and two ADA Accessible common restrooms. There will also be an electric vehicle charging station in the outdoor parking area with potential for extra future parking.
Brinkman Construction is the project’s general contractor, and Lewis Himes Associates is the design team.
Construction Begins on McWhinney Multi-Family Development The Lariat
McWhinney, a Colorado-based real estate investment, development and management firm with expertise in commercial, multifamily, hospitality, residential and mixed-use assets, broke ground this week on the Lariat, a new multifamily community in Greeley, Colorado.
Read the full article at Mile High CRE>>