Miles-McClellan Construction Named Accredited Quality Contractor by ABC

mmcrebuildstg on August 29, 2017

“Associated Builders and Contractors is pleased to honor Miles-McClellan Construction with Accredited Quality Contractor status for its commitment to excellence in construction, its workforce and the communities it helps build,” said 2017 ABC National Chair Chuck Goodrich, president of Gaylor Electric, Indianapolis. “Miles-McClellan Constructionearned this recognition for world-class safety performance, a strong record of investment in a talented and well-trained workforce, diversity leadership and community service.”

Launched in 1993, ABC’s AQC program provides recognition to world-class construction firms that have documented their commitment in five areas of corporate responsibility:

•    Quality
•    Safety (ABC Safety Training Evaluation Process (STEP) Gold, Platinum or Diamond level required)
•    Employee benefits
•    Training
•    Community relations and diversity

In achieving AQC status, each member company takes the following pledge:

As an Accredited Quality Contractor, our company is committed to providing our clients with the highest quality construction services and we care deeply about our employees and the communities in which we build. We are proud to be part of the construction industry and are dedicated to the principle of free enterprise. We commit ourselves to serve our communities and to provide our employees with the skills they need to work safely and productively in order to meet the needs of our clients.

AQC is recognized by Construction Users Roundtable (CURT®), an organization founded by leading construction project owners.

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Founded in 1950, Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) is a national construction industry trade association representing more than 21,000 members. Founded on the merit shop philosophy, ABC and its 70 chapters help members develop people, win work and deliver that work safely, ethically and profitably for the betterment of the communities in which ABC and its members work. Visit us at abc.org.

Technical Excellence – It’s the Small Details

mmcrebuildstg on August 4, 2017

In the orchestra of construction, progress is systematic and purposeful, but with the many moving parts sometimes the little details are overlooked. But it’s the small details that demonstrate the professionalism and passion your project team has for their trade. Here are three fine details not to miss.

  • Fit & finish to be as flawless as possible – Demonstrates knowledge of how pieces fit together and the watchful eye of your construction partner. Are the corners straight and true? Are the trim and details clean? Are the paint lines crisp? Is everything installed to the standards? All these little items measure how meticulous the construction team paid attention to the easily overlooked details during crunch time at the end of the project. Interiors take only a couple of weeks to complete yet this is what you and clients will see every day. There is no perfect job which makes it even more important never to lose sight of quality. Have you looked lately at your building’s fine details?
  • Clean job site & trailer – A clean job site and trailer improve efficiency and safety. Organization means no lost time looking for tools and materials. A clean job site mitigates accidents that not only injury a worker but possibly one of your staff members. An injury might also cause lost time affecting your project schedule. A clean job site and trailer leaves an impression of organization, better quality, and safety – is your contractor leaving you with a good impression?
  • Consistency in customer service & communication – No matter if your project is $10,000 or $10 million you should be treated as if you are their only client. Consistency in customer service and communication is every team member knowing exactly what is going on with the project at all times, showing respect not only to you as the client but the subcontractors and suppliers, and professional daily interactions in addressing challenges and working toward a solution. Do you have an active relationship, appreciation, and camaraderie with your construction partner?

“Technical excellence can only be achieved through a full-team effort —everyone paying attention to details while keeping their clients’ best interests at the top of their mind.”– David McIntosh, Vice President

2016 4th Quarter Economic Indicators

mmcrebuildstg on February 6, 2017

A Return to Normalcy

by: Salim Furth, Ph.D.

As of the end of 2016, economic growth has been normal for at least a year. With a few exceptions, data indicate an economy
operating at or near its “natural” or “potential” level.

The unemployment rate reached a nine-year low of 4.6 percent in November and has not exceeded 5 percent since September 2015. Experience from previous periods of sustained growth indicates that little further improvement can be expected.

Gross domestic product (GDP) is growing at a steady but unimpressive rate. Adjusted for population growth and inflation, GDP grew 0.8 percent from the third quarter of 2015 to the third quarter of 2016.

Private domestic investment grew rapidly from its recession trough but peaked at 17 percent of GDP in early 2015 and has not grown since then. The lack of further growth is both an indicator and a cause of the end of the recovery: Strong growth in wages and GDP depends on investment. At just 16 percent to 17 percent of GDP, investment is treading water.

Like investment, labor force participation has not reached prerecession levels. Part of that change is due to the retirement of the baby boomers: People born in 1951 turned 65 in 2016. However, prime-age workers are also less likely to be working or
looking for work now than in 2007. Persistently low participation is one of the main challenges facing policymakers in 2017.

Monetary policy is an exception to the prevailing normalcy. Inflation has remained below the Federal Reserve Board’s 2 percent target for years. Consequently, the Fed has left its policy levers in positions that are typical of a recovery and is likely to remain accommodative until inflation reaches 2 percent.

Furth, Ph.D., S. (2017, January 13). Economic Outlook for 2017. Retrieved from heritage.org: http://www.heritage.org/research/reports/2017/01/economic-outlook-for-2017

Derek Lanning Named to the ABC Carolinas Board of Directors

mmcrebuildstg on January 21, 2017

O’Neal’s Brian Gallagher Leads ABC in 2017
ABC Announces 2017 Board of Directors

Contact:    Doug Carlson (704) 367-1331

Charlotte, NC — Brian Gallagher, vice president of marketing for Greenville-based O’Neal, Inc. has been elected 2017 Chairman of the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) of the Carolinas, representing more than 1,800 member firms in North and South Carolina.

“2017 has the potential to be a great year for the construction industry in the Carolinas,” said Gallagher.  “ABC will continue to support member companies through education, workforce development and training opportunities, and networking events.  We are committed to being a positive voice for the construction industry in our schools and community — providing students with exposure to construction career opportunities, leading community service initiatives, and working with state and national elected officials on critical issues for the construction industry.”

Gallagher will lead a diverse team volunteer members on the Board of Directors:
Brian Gallagher    O’Neal Inc. – Upstate    Chairman
Casie Sears Kerr   Sears Contract – Raleigh    Vice-Chair
Tom Headlee        Watson Electrical Construction – Wilson    Treasurer , National Board
Eric Perkinson       Brasfield & Gorrie – Raleigh    Past-Chairman
Doug Carlson        ABC of the Carolinas – Charlotte    President
Scott Colter           Colter Electric Company    CECA Liaison
Ken Peeples          BB&T Insurance – Durham
Art Odom              David Allen Company – Raleigh    National Board
Jeff Whitten           Starr Electric – Charlotte
Dave Knudson      Choate Construction Company – Raleigh
Kurt Eyring            Miller-Valentine Group – Columbia
Ryan Wathen        Rodgers – Charlotte    National Board
Chris Moore          Carolina Power – Upstate
Robert Beale         W.M. Jordan Company
Derek Lanning      Miles-McClellan Construction
Steve Smith           Smith Terry & Johnson Construction Law

Gallagher went on to say, “Most importantly, ABC will continue to promote the merit-shop construction philosophy – which encourages open competition and a free enterprise approach that awards contracts based solely on merit, regardless of labor affiliation.”
According to ABC of the Carolinas President and CEO Doug Carlson, ABC is the only construction industry association that represents the entire construction team — general contractors, specialty contractors, suppliers, industry professionals — with an equal voice.

Editors Note:  Associated Builders and Contractors of the Carolinas represent the merit construction contractors and related firms in the Carolinas as a chapter of ABC, a national association representing more than 23,000 members.  For more news and information visit www.abccarolinas.org.

2016 3rd Quarter Economic Indicators

mmcrebuildstg on November 6, 2016

Executive Summary

Over the last two weeks, we have received positive news about two key economic measurements: 3rd quarter Gross Domestic Product and the October Jobs Report. Positive results on these two indicators lead me to predict the long anticipated Fed rate hike will finally be announced during Federal Reserve Board’s December meeting.

Real gross domestic product increased at an annual rate of 2.9 percent in the third quarter of 2016, up 1.5 percent from the second quarter, according to the “advanced” estimate released by the Bureau of Economic Analysis. This increase in the third quarter is the direct result of increased personal consumption, an increase in exports, and an increase in business inventory/investment.

Then there is the October Jobs Report. Our economy added a modest 161,000 net jobs and reported an unemployment rate falling from 5% to 4.9%. Many economists now consider the U.S. to be at full employment. Revisions to the August and September numbers in the October report added a total of 44,000 more jobs. Lastly, average hourly wages rose 10 cents to $25.92 and are up 2.8% year to date.

With the combination of wage growth finally rising and a low unemployment rate that is forcing employers to bid up wages to attract from a smaller pool of available talent has giving rise earnings gained, which in turn, fuels stronger inflation. These are the reasons that lead me to my prediction above.

This isn’t necessarily bad news as the economy is expected to continue its current expansion, now the 4th longest in U.S. history, through 2017. If the economy can chug along through June 2019, it will become the longest economic expansion in U.S, history. We (all of us with kids in college) have our fingers crossed.

Most modern recessions have been proceeded by a cycle of Fed interest rate hikes that make loans (car loans, mortgages, personal and corporate credit) more costly to obtain. This is where the Fed is struggling because it is a balancing act between raising rates and throwing the economy into a recession versus keeping rates close to zero and allowing inflation to “get some legs.”

I am glad that I am just a contractor!

We’re Growing and So Are Our People

mmcrebuildstg on September 14, 2016

While our firm has grown – so have the people in it. Aubrey Harless, Dave McIntosh, Mike Rodriguez and Ted Tinkler all received promotions to Vice President. The Vice President title describes their dedication to our firm and clients, their leadership and mentoring of their teams, and their knowledge and experience within the A/E/C industry.

Aubrey Harless is a leader in North Carolina. His IMMPact team focuses on Industrial and Multi-Unit. They work in both the public (multi-unit) and private (industrial) sectors.

“Throughout our 10 year history in the Carolinas, Aubrey has been a rock since the beginning. His skill set, attitude and dedication are admired and appreciated. His impact on our company and clients has helped to shape our office into what it is today.” – Timothy McClellan, Executive Vice President – General Manager, North Carolina

Dave McIntosh’s IMMPact team focuses primarily on private work with an emphasis on fast renovations — 92% of the team’s work comes from repeat clients.

Mike Rodriguez runs Miles-McClellan’s subsidiary, M-M Masonry, LLC. Mike has grown M-M Masonry into one of Central Ohio’s largest masonry firms. His crew is known for exceptional craftsmanship, and they take great pride in their work.

Ted Tinkler’s IMMPact team services both the private and public sectors. While his team performs small, complex projects for their repeat clients, they are also set up to run large volume projects.

“Dave, Ted and Mike, and their respective teams have done an outstanding job of focusing on relationships over the last three years. Relationships with their subcontract teams and their field teams produce the quality projects, and the high results in the field keep the clients satisfied – strengthening the relationship with both the client and the architect. It is a cycle that continues to result in more work keeping all three teams as busy as they have ever been.

Watching the success of all four teams tells me we have set the right goals, and we have the right people. I hope we are not too busy to have some fun along the way!” – Matthew Q. McClellan, President