Celebrating National Employee Ownership Month at Brinkman Construction
October marks a significant milestone in the journey of Brinkman Construction. As we welcome this month, we are excited to celebrate National Employee Ownership Month! This occasion is particularly meaningful for us as we commemorate our transformation into a 100% employee-owned company since October 2016.
Our journey as an employee-owned firm extends beyond merely distributing profits among our team members. It signifies the formation of enduring relationships, the creation of opportunities for advancement, and the collective celebration of our successes. In essence, every individual at Brinkman Construction plays a pivotal role in shaping our destiny, both literally and metaphorically.
The ethos of ownership has been instrumental in propelling us toward success. It has cultivated an atmosphere of dedication, shared experiences, and teamwork, which are the building blocks of our enterprise. Our entrepreneurial spirit has not only enabled us to construct remarkable buildings but also fostered robust relationships with our clients and within our team.
Throughout this month, stay tuned to our social media posts as we delve deeper into what employee ownership truly means to us. You will also get a chance to hear firsthand from our team members about their unique experiences and insights of being owners themselves.
The image above captures the memorable moments from our employee ownership kick-off celebration back in 2016. Since then, it has been an extraordinary journey, filled with learning, growth, and accomplishments. As we look forward, we are eager to explore the new avenues that lie ahead.
Let's raise a toast to our collective triumphs and the transformative power of employee ownership! Here's to many more years of shared success and growth at Brinkman Construction.
Congratulations to our Q1 Safest Project Winners!
Congratulations to the Alpine Flats team for winning the Safest Project of the Quarter award for Q1!
We are excited to announce that the Alpine Flats team has won the Q1 Safest Project Award! This is a prestigious recognition that highlights the outstanding efforts of the Alpine Flats team in prioritizing safety above all else. Their dedication to creating a safe working environment for everyone involved is truly commendable.
Safety should always be the number one priority in any construction project. The Alpine Flats team understood this fundamental principle and went above and beyond to ensure that every worker, trade partner, and visitor on the site could perform their duties without any compromise to their well-being.
The success of the Alpine Flats team was a collective effort. Collaboration and effective communication were key in fostering a safe working environment. The Brinkman Construction team and trade partners should be recognized for their invaluable contributions. By working together, they were able to identify potential hazards, implement necessary precautions, and proactively address any safety concerns that arose during the project.
We take immense pride in our organization's award-winning, safety-first culture. Over the years, our commitment to safety has been acknowledged by esteemed institutions such as the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of Colorado and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Since 2019, we have been recognized as a Chase Blue participant, and in 2022, we received the prestigious National AGC Construction Safety Excellence Award.
We strive for a Zero Incident Safety Culture, leaving no room for compromise when it comes to the well-being of our team members.
Winning the Safest Project Award is a remarkable achievement, but it is essential to remember that the true reward lies in knowing that everyone returned home safely each day. The Alpine Flats team has not only completed their project with excellence but has also ensured the well-being of their entire workforce.
Congratulations once again to the Alpine Flats team for their well-deserved Safest Project Award! Your commitment to safety sets a shining example for the entire industry.
Celebrating Women in Construction Week 2023
Happy Women in Construction Week! This special occasion provides an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the incredible contributions of women in the construction industry. At Brinkman Construction, we took the time to come together, celebrate, and appreciate the women who play vital roles in our company. The week was filled with camaraderie, laughter, and shared stories during our afternoon happy hour. As we commemorate this important week, let us reflect on the remarkable impact women have made and continue to make in the construction industry.
Breaking Barriers and Shattering Stereotypes
In an industry traditionally dominated by men, women are breaking barriers and shattering stereotypes to forge a path toward equality. Women at Brinkman Construction not only have a presence in the boardroom, but also in various key positions within our organization. They contribute significantly to our executive, project management, accounting, payroll, marketing, project coordinator, human resources, and risk management teams. Their skills, expertise, and dedication play a crucial role in driving our success.
Impacts of Women in Construction
The increasing presence of women in the construction industry is transforming the landscape and bringing about positive change. Consider the following statistics that highlight the remarkable impact women are making:
1. Equal Pay: Women in the United States, on average, earn 82% of what men make. However, in the construction industry, the gender pay gap is narrower, with women earning an average of 96% of what men make. This trend indicates that the construction sector is prioritizing pay equality more than many other industries.
2. Executive Representation: Among the top 100 construction companies, 44% have women holding executive positions. This figure reflects the growing recognition of women's leadership abilities and the industry's efforts to diversify its leadership roles.
3. Professional and Management Sectors: Approximately 31% of women in the construction field are employed in the professional and management sectors. These positions require specialized skills, experience, and expertise, demonstrating the range of opportunities available to women in construction.
4. Workforce Representation: While there is still progress to be made, women account for about 10% of the construction workforce. This number is steadily increasing, reflecting the industry's efforts to attract and retain female talent.
5. Women-Owned Construction Companies: In an encouraging development, 13% of construction companies are owned by women. This statistic highlights the entrepreneurial spirit and determination of women who have established successful businesses in the construction sector.
6. Workforce Size: Nearly 1 million women currently work in the construction industry, showcasing their substantial presence and valuable contributions. This number emphasizes the growing recognition of women's skills and the industry's willingness to embrace diversity.
As Women in Construction Week comes to a close, we take this moment to honor and celebrate the achievements of women in the construction industry. Brinkman Construction acknowledges the remarkable impact women have made within our company and the industry as a whole. We remain committed to fostering an inclusive environment that promotes equality, diversity, and equal opportunities for everyone. Together, we will continue to pave the way for a future where women in construction thrive.
Jennifer Briggs Joins Brinkman Construction's Board of Directors
Executive leadership consultant Jennifer Briggs has joined the board of directors for Brinkman Construction, a 100% employee-owned commercial general contracting company.
She brings with her two decades of experience in human resources, serves as Chair on the Colorado Office of Economic Development & International Trade’s (COEDIT) Employee Ownership Commission and is an Executive Fellow at Rutgers University Institute for the Study of Employee Ownership and Profit Sharing. Previously, Briggs worked as Vice President of Human Resources and Organizational Development for New Belgium Brewing for more than 12 years. During her time there, she was a key leader in driving a culture of ownership, learning and innovation across the organization.
“Jennifer’s expertise in operations, organizational development and Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) makes her an outstanding addition to our board,” says Jim Ciesla, President and CEO of Brinkman Construction. “We were drawn not only to her experience, but also to her passion for promoting community and financial wellbeing as companies scale. Her direction will have a huge impact on furthering our focus on creating a positive employee experience as well as the big picture strategic planning.”
Construction companies are the fastest-growing employee-owned industry in the United States, with 15% already holding ESOPs. In its sixth year of employee ownership, Brinkman Construction looks to Briggs’s expertise to further raise employee and client satisfaction, while expanding the ESOP.
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>>