Management Under Construction

Dee Davis
  • 5.0 (2)
  • ADMINISTRACIÓN
  • CADA SEMANA

We are all constantly under construction In our personal and professional lives we seek to constantly learn and grow, and make better decisions. Together we will explore topics of construction, sustainability, leadership, and business as they apply to various industries and our personal journeys.

  1. S3 E20 Construction Project Dilemma: The Hidden Risk of Owner Furnished Equipment

    18 MAY

    S3 E20 Construction Project Dilemma: The Hidden Risk of Owner Furnished Equipment

    Construction; owner furnished equipment; purchasing; equipment; buyout; contractor; procurement; buying power; purchase order; project; general contractor; cost; schedule   In this episode, Dee Davis dives into the complexities and pitfalls of owner furnished equipment (OFE) in construction projects. Understanding these risks can save owners and contractors time, money, and prevent project delays. Discover practical insights to navigate OFE challenges confidently. Why owners or general contractors (GCs) often consider purchasing equipment themselves, focusing on cost, schedule, and design control. The reality behind cost savings of 15-30% and why owners often face hidden expenses and lost leverage. The importance of buying power: how contractors and suppliers benefit from bulk purchasing and long-term relationships. Schedule control and how removing the contractor from purchasing responsibilities weakens project timelines. The critical role of communication: how PO scope, vendor ties, and project coordination suffer without proper channels. Risks of reduced quality assurance and responsibility transfer when owners buy equipment independently. The complications in receiving, inspecting, and commissioning OFE, often leading to delays and defects. Examples from real projects illustrating how OFE failure causes performance issues—like damaged equipment or installation mismatches. The need for precise contractual language, such as FAT/SAT and startup procedures, to ensure proper handling of OFE. Why leaving procurement to owners increases project disruption, costs, and potential scope gaps. The value of involving experts for specialized equipment purchases and when to delegate this responsibility. Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to owner furnished equipment risks and benefits 00:30 - Owners' motivations for buying equipment directly 01:00 - The misconception of cost savings and hidden costs involved 01:26 - How schedule control is compromised through owner procurement 02:23 - Challenges with design details, options, and scope changes 02:52 - Pricing markups and the influence of buying power 03:16 - Why owners have less leverage than they think 03:40 - The impact of limited purchasing power for one-off buyers 04:09 - The importance of project volume and repeat business for better prices 04:36 - How owner procurement reduces long-term vendor relationships 05:02 - Diminished schedule influence and vendor leverage 05:28 - The disconnect between design and owner purchasing decisions 05:57 - Loss of control and responsibility overlap when owners buy equipment 06:26 - Communication breakdowns with vendors and lack of performance leverage 06:49 - Owner’s responsibility for managing equipment delivery and scope gaps 07:18 - The need for detailed inspection and the risks of damaged or incorrect equipment 07:45 - The disadvantages of owning equipment without ongoing maintenance or support 08:05 - How standard owner PO terms fall short for complex construction equipment 08:33 - Consequences of severed communication links and scope gaps 09:00 - Risk shift back to owners and responsibilities for offloading, storage, and startup 09:28 - The challenge of managing delivery inspections and damage control 10:02 - Real-world examples of equipment arriving wrong or damaged 10:22 - Handling shipment damages and the importance of proper documentation 10:49 - Startup issues caused by lack of inspections and vendor support 11:15 - Delays and defect rectification due to owner’s unilateral equipment purchase decisions 11:44 - The impact of defect discovery and vendor response times on project schedule 12:21 - How vendor involvement could accelerate problem resolution 12:51 - The difficulties faced when owner procurement leads to project delays 13:14 - Lessons from managing unfamiliar equipment types, like trash compactors 13:44 - The importance of detailed purchase specifications and scope management 14:13 - How incomplete knowledge increases project risks and costs 14:40 - The owner’s role in coordinating complex equipment and the value of expertise 15:18 - The cost implications of coordination failures and last-minute changes 15:40 - Summary: The hidden costs exceeding initial savings of OFE 16:17 - The motivations behind GC equipment purchases and potential pitfalls 16:45 - The importance of communication between procurement, installation, and project teams17:15 - The value of experienced subcontractors managing procurement risks 17:41 - Why procurement expertise matters and when owners should delegate 18:11 - The core reason owners favor OFE: lack of clear understanding of needs 18:44 - Final advice: Owners should focus on defining their requirements and trusting experts

    19 min
  2. S3 E19 How Small Design Decisions Can Turn Buildings Into Maintenance Nightmares

    11 MAY

    S3 E19 How Small Design Decisions Can Turn Buildings Into Maintenance Nightmares

    The Hidden Costs of Design Decisions That Impact Building Maintenance  In this episode, Dee Davis dives into the often-overlooked consequences of design choices in building operations. From fixture inefficiencies to coating mismatches, understanding these long-term impacts can save facility managers and designers significant time and money.  Key Insights: Faulty fixtures like water, soap, and hand dryer combos can cause daily maintenance headaches, impacting user experience. Design choices, such as battery-powered sensor fixtures, significantly increase long-term maintenance costs due to reliability issues. Coatings like intumescent paint from different manufacturers can cause future patching problems, complicating renovations. Sealants, often overlooked, require regular maintenance and proper documentation to facilitate future repairs. Small design and installation decisions, like sensor sensitivity or material selection, have ripple effects on facility management decades later. Common pitfalls include underestimating the lifecycle impacts of seemingly minor choices during initial construction.   Timestamps: 00:00 - Welcome and episode overview on design impact 00:38 - The importance of documenting decisions for future occupants 1:14 - Faulty restroom fixtures and their long-term maintenance issues 2:13 - How fixture design impacts building upkeep 2:38 - Battery-operated fixtures and maintenance burdens 3:06 - Sensor fixtures and their reliability challenges 3:59 - The complexities of coating choices and future patching issues 4:39 - Variations in intumescent paint application problems 5:11 - Sealant types, usage, and maintenance considerations 6:07 - The long-term effect of poor sealant decisions 6:25 - Imagining solutions like QR codes to explain building features 6:55 - Call to action: Share stories of design decisions impacting long-term maintenance  Email: heydee@managementunderconstruction.com

    7 min
  3. S3 E18 Navigating Complex Projects: How to Catch Up and Contribute Effectively

    4 MAY

    S3 E18 Navigating Complex Projects: How to Catch Up and Contribute Effectively

    When joining a project midway through its lifecycle, the challenge isn't just understanding what's already been done—it's integrating seamlessly into established processes, relationships, and attitudes. Dee Davis shares practical insights for new team members, especially those stepping into ongoing projects, to accelerate their learning curve and add value quickly. Key topics: The common challenges faced when entering a project 20-30% in progress Strategies for rapid onboarding: observing, listening, and learning Building rapport with established teams and understanding existing dynamics Handling complex communication issues across multiple contractors and buildings The importance of patience and humility in early project stages Practical tips like following the foreman and asking smart questions How to avoid disrupting the project by overstepping early on Recognizing different levels of issues: big vs. small job challenges Timestamps: 00:00 - Challenges of joining a project midstream 00:24 - Intro and personal project update from Dee Davis 00:55 - Why catching a "moving train" is tough for new team members 01:25 - Dealing with established teams' attitudes and processes 01:53 - Understanding the emotional landscape of seasoned team members 02:23 - Strategies for new arrivals: observe, listen, and learn 02:47 - Building relationships early to gain context 03:13 - The importance of patience during onboarding 03:42 - Tips for new project engineers: follow the foreman, be curious 04:12 - Managing expectations: it takes time to get up to speed 04:36 - The benefits of listening more than speaking initially 05:05 - How to bring value without overstepping 05:34 - Handling complex communication and decision-making in large projects 06:03 - Final thoughts and sponsor message

    7 min

  4. 27 ABR

    S3 E17 Your LinkedIn Profile is Your First Digital Impression: How To Turn Yours Into a Powerful Connection Magnet with Brian Traichel

    Unlocking the Power of LinkedIn and Your Brand Voice In this episode, Brian Traichel shares expert insights on how to strategically leverage LinkedIn for consistent networking, branding, and sales growth. Discover practical tips to elevate your profile, build genuine relationships, and harness AI tools for authentic brand communication. Key Topics Why managing your LinkedIn profile should be your top priority in daily networking The importance of authenticity and consistency in personal branding How to craft a compelling LinkedIn profile that attracts your ideal clients The four major LinkedIn sins and how to avoid them Strategies for expanding and deepening your network effectively The role of AI and brand voice blueprints in creating authentic content Using LinkedIn for job searches versus business development The significance of personal interests and commonalities in relationship building Best practices for requesting and giving recommendations Ongoing LinkedIn maintenance: reviews, updates, and staying relevant Timestamps 00:00 - Why LinkedIn should be your primary daily management task 00:26 - How active presence on LinkedIn impacts opportunities 01:22 - Brian Traichel’s journey from sales to LinkedIn expert 02:41 - The evolution of LinkedIn and its potential beyond a digital resume 03:36 - Managing LinkedIn during the pandemic and remote work shift 05:09 - Why your LinkedIn profile is your first impression in 8.5 seconds 05:59 - The importance of focus and consistency in daily LinkedIn activity 07:37 - How to integrate LinkedIn into your routine efficiently 09:25 - Deep dive into profile elements: details that matter 10:05 - The significance of personal history and common interests in networking 12:17 - The value of listing expired certifications and skills 13:01 - Optimizing LinkedIn keywords and sections for visibility 14:16 - The impact of certifications, courses, and educational background 15:11 - The critical role of a custom LinkedIn URL and company logo 16:33 - Identifying and correcting common profile errors and outdated info 17:45 - Maintaining a current profile through regular updates 19:02 - The four major sins of LinkedIn profiles and how to fix them 20:12 - Strategies for creating a professional URL and showcasing smaller companies 21:54 - Building deeper relationships over expanding connections 22:50 - How to efficiently find mutual connections in your network 23:10 - The importance of personalized connection requests and avoiding spam pitches 24:27 - Managing inbox, messages, and connection invites with strategic focus 28:14 - The power of long-term networking and maintaining relationships 30:19 - Reframing sales as connection and relationship building, not pitching 32:17 - Understanding opportunities versus leads in sales processes 37:45 - Tapping into the hidden job market through your network 40:37 - The long-lasting impact of genuine relationships over job boards 42:40 - Introducing Brian Traichel’s new Brand Voice Blueprint process 43:37 - How the Brand Voice interview deepens your market positioning 45:00 - Using AI to create consistent, authentic messaging based on your voice 47:20 - Integrating your brand voice into marketing content and team training 51:57 - Overcoming AI skepticism with human oversight and authenticity 52:21 - Continuous evolution: updating your profile and brand voice regularly 54:42 - Strategies for requesting and collecting recommendations effectively 56:23 - The necessity of a complete, polished LinkedIn profile for credibility 58:52 - How to contact Brian and maximize your LinkedIn presence Resources & Links https://www.linkedin.com/in/briantraichel/ https://profile.brand-voice-interview.com/

    1 h 3 min
  5. S3 E16 Leadership Development in Construction

    20 ABR

    S3 E16 Leadership Development in Construction

    Construction labor crisis, Workforce development, Mentorship programs, Skill development, Leadership training, Employee growth, Industry challenges, Professional coaching, Training investment, Organizational change Navigating the Construction Labor Crisis: Strategies for Success In this episode, Dee Davis discusses the urgent labor shortage crisis in the construction industry and offers practical solutions for employers and employees to adapt. The focus is on quick promotion challenges, skill development, and fostering a culture of continuous learning to remain competitive. Key topics: The impact of rapid promotion of less experienced workers and how to support them Actionable strategies for employees to accelerate their professional growth How employers can implement mentorship, training, and coaching programs The importance of foundational skills and outside training resources The ROI of investing in employee development — up to 300% on training Building a sustainable approach to workforce resilience amid industry shortages Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to the labor crisis in construction 00:33 - Challenges of promoting less experienced workers 01:01 - Supporting young professionals in fast-track roles 01:29 - Tips for employees: Asking for help & self-initiated training 01:55 - The importance of skill development and company-provided training 02:07 - Group training and workshops for collective growth 02:46 - Leveraging coaching programs for leadership and technical skills 03:14 - The role of external trainers and their benefits 03:58 - Employers: Developing mentorship programs and skill-specific training 04:47 - The value of foundational training and clarifying basics 05:20 - The dangers of assumptions about employee knowledge 05:38 - Using outside trainers to enhance on-the-job learning 06:08 - Limitations of relying solely on senior staff for training 06:35 - Cost-effective benefits of professional trainers 07:15 - Creating mentorship and coaching agreements within organizations 07:41 - The high ROI of mentoring, coaching, and outside training 08:16 - Integrated training & coaching for rapid competency development 08:44 - The strategic importance of evolving workforce development practices 09:13 - Final thoughts on adapting to the changing landscape and fostering growth

    10 min
  6. S3 E15 Building Confidence and Overcoming Fear in Construction: Irene Walsh Garcia’s Family Legacy

    13 ABR

    S3 E15 Building Confidence and Overcoming Fear in Construction: Irene Walsh Garcia’s Family Legacy

    Women in Construction, Industry Leadership, Career Development, Construction Industry, Women Empowerment, Networking, Confidence Building, Career Transition, Electrician, Ongoing Education   This episode features Irene Walsh Garcia, a seasoned construction professional with 27 years of experience, sharing her inspiring story of breaking into the construction field, overcoming fears, and empowering women. Irene discusses the importance of authentic leadership, the value of mentorship, and strategies for women to advocate for themselves confidently. Whether you're starting out or looking to advance, her insights are a blueprint for resilience, growth, and authentic success in construction. In this episode: Irene’s unexpected entry into construction inspired by her sister, not her initial plan Overcoming fears, such as heights, through mindset and small wins The critical role of mentorship, from family advice to field relationships Navigating early career challenges, including microaggressions and reputation building How confidence and recognition grow from consistent effort and wins Transitioning from field to office, and the importance of continuous learning Strategies for women to negotiate pay raises, promotions, and assert their value The significance of networking, professional organizations, and building authentic relationships Debunking myths around women’s representation in different roles within construction Supporting the next generation—mentoring young women and fostering industry change Practical tips for women entering or advancing in construction, emphasizing confidence and authenticity Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction and Irene’s background in construction 02:02 - Irene’s family history and how her sister sparked her interest 04:14 - The impact of visibility and role models for women in trades 05:20 - First years in the field: hands-on experience and initial pushback 06:19 - Mentorship from a journeyman who became an advocate 07:47 - Adapting to challenges and building a reputation through effort 09:13 - The importance of anticipation and proactive work ethic 10:49 - Dealing with microaggressions and turning fears into wins 12:29 - Overcoming fears of heights with humor and resilience 14:50 - Transitioning out of field work: motivations and industry lessons 16:07 - Building confidence through early wins and continuous learning 18:00 - The power of mentorship and discouraging self-doubt 19:42 - Lessons the industry has taught about confidence and capability 21:15 - Building negotiation skills and advocating for pay 22:39 - Confidence, leadership, and leveraging strengths as a woman 23:49 - The parallels between construction and military service 25:45 - Irene’s business: coaching women for career growth and pay raises 30:34 - How women underestimate their value and how to assert it 36:08 - Practical skills women learn to navigate negotiations and opportunities 40:55 - The importance of authentic leadership and operating within your strengths 42:20 - Breaking the myth of “checking all boxes” to pursue goals 45:10 - Addressing industry diversity stats and real representation issues 53:22 - The role of professional organizations and networking for career support 56:25 - How to master genuine networking and build meaningful relationships 59:27 - Advice for women considering a career in construction 61:08 - The irreplaceable value of experience vs. certifications 62:14 - Support systems: family, mentors, and community 63:43 - Irene’s advice for newcomers: be bold, persistent, and humble 65:02 - The benefits of construction careers, including high wages and job security 66:08 - Connecting with Irene Walsh Garcia via LinkedIn Resources & Links Successful Women in Construction https://www.linkedin.com/in/irene-walsh-garcia/ This episode is packed with actionable insights for women striving to build confident careers in construction, emphasizing resilience, authenticity, and strategic growth. Irene’s journey proves that success is a mix of effort, mindset, and the courage to advocate for oneself.

    59 min
  7. ENCORE- Managing Legionella Risks in Building Systems - A Deep Dive S3 E14

    6 ABR

    ENCORE- Managing Legionella Risks in Building Systems - A Deep Dive S3 E14

    Legionella, Legionnaires' disease, water system safety, building design, water maintenance, cooling towers, water treatment, health risks, building operations, outbreak prevention This episode explores the critical issue of Legionella bacteria in building water systems, its history, transmission, and how design, operation, and maintenance can mitigate risks. Experts discuss recent outbreaks, best practices, and the importance of awareness in preventing Legionnaires' disease. This episode takes a clear and confident look at the often-overlooked threat of Legionella bacteria in building water systems. From design considerations to operational best practices, discover how to mitigate risks and ensure safer water systems in complex facilities.  Main Topics Covered: The history and danger of Legionella bacteria and recent outbreaks How design choices influence bacterial growth, especially in water temperature zones Challenges of maintenance practices like flushing dead legs and tepid water loops The importance of proper system treatment and maintenance in cooling towers and domestic water systems The significance of integrating facilities maintenance insights early in design decisions Key Insights: Legionella was first identified after the 1976 outbreak at an American Legion convention, highlighting a bacterial threat present in man-made water systems. Outbreaks are linked to open and recirculating water systems, especially those within the 77 to 113°F (25 to 45°C) “hot zone.” Poorly maintained or designed systems, such as dead legs or tepid water loops, significantly increase risk. Regulations often focus on temperature controls but may overlook maintenance practices, creating vulnerabilities. Regular flushing, proper chemical treatment, and avoiding stagnant water are crucial but often overlooked in routine building operations. Collaboration between design and facilities maintenance is essential to develop practical, safe water systems with minimized long-term risks. Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to managing Legionella risk in building water systems 01:19 - History of Legionella and the 1976 outbreak 02:39 - How outbreaks are linked to environmental and system factors 05:39 - The role of rainfall and environmental conditions in outbreaks 06:29 - Design strategies to prevent bacterial growth, including avoiding dead legs 07:22 - The challenges and risks of tepid water systems in buildings 10:43 - Operational practices: flushing, maintaining temperature standards, and system treatment 15:10 - Disposing of chemical spills properly and regulatory considerations 17:07 - The importance of considering maintenance implications during design 18:12 - Building operational tips to reduce Legionella risk, including temperature regulation and circulation 21:45 - The critical need for interdisciplinary collaboration in building design and operation 23:49 - In healthcare facilities, the high density of water fixtures and potential for risk 26:36 - California’s regulation insights that allow for simplified systems in specific environments 28:05 - Proper maintenance of cooling towers and water treatment protection 33:48 - The importance of considering whole-system lifecycle costs rather than quick fixes 36:14 - Final thoughts: design, maintenance, and policy as interconnected measures to safeguard water quality  Resources & Links: ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 188-2018: Legionellosis Risk Management for Building Water Systems California Title 24 Regulations on Water Systems Management of Legionella in Building Water Systems (Book)   Note: This episode emphasizes that holistic planning—including design, operation, maintenance, and regulation—is necessary to effectively mitigate Legionella risks in complex water systems. Staying informed and proactive can prevent costly outbreaks and protect building occupants.

    41 min
  8. S3 E13 How 5% of Training Time Can Unlock Massive Performance Gains

    30 MAR

    S3 E13 How 5% of Training Time Can Unlock Massive Performance Gains

    Employee Investment, Business Growth, Training and Mentorship, Employee Development, ROI on Training, Workforce Productivity, Skills Gap, Employee Turnover, Business Strategy, Management Skills, Communication Improvement; Leadership Development, On-the-Job Training, Employee Retention, Construction and Engineering   Rethinking People Investment in Business: More Than Just Costs In this episode, Dee Davis emphasizes why viewing employees solely as expenses is a misconception. Instead, she makes a compelling case for investing strategically in training and mentorship to unlock greater business value, productivity, and profitability. Key Topics The analogy of trucks vs. people: assets that depreciate vs. assets that can appreciate with proper care The real cost of employee turnover versus investment in training The importance of dedicating at least 5% of work hours (roughly 104 hours/year) to targeted employee training Basic skills gap in new hires and how lack of mentorship impacts business performance The flawed reliance on on-the-job learning without structured training The tangible ROI of investing in employee development—up to 300% returns Practical steps to shift perspective: from expense to valuable asset Timestamps 00:00 - Why people are your most valuable business investment 00:39 - Comparing trucks and employees: depreciation and appreciation 01:23 - Employees as assets that can grow with training 01:50 - The cost of employee turnover versus training investments 02:17 - The importance of training for employee productivity and business growth 03:11 - How much time should be spent on training annually? 03:32 - Why 5% of time, or about 104 hours per year, is a strategic goal 04:00 - The necessity of practical, skills-based training to improve daily performance 04:23 - The pitfalls of expecting new hires to learn everything on the job 04:49 - Addressing gaps in management and technical skills training 05:18 - The impact of better training on operational excellence 05:47 - Why relying on informal learning and mentorship is often ineffective 06:14 - The broad skills gap that impacts management and communication 07:02 - The profound benefits of proper training: faster learning, higher ROI 07:28 - The compelling return on investment in employee development 07:58 - What to consider: training employees vs. losing them 08:11 - Closing thoughts: embracing a growth mindset for organizational success

    9 min
Ver todo (70)

Calificaciones y reseñas

5
de 5
2 calificaciones

Acerca de

We are all constantly under construction In our personal and professional lives we seek to constantly learn and grow, and make better decisions. Together we will explore topics of construction, sustainability, leadership, and business as they apply to various industries and our personal journeys.

Información

  • Creador
    Dee Davis
  • Años de actividad
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodios
    70
  • Clasificación
    Apto
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Yellowstone Professional Education 2026
  • Mostrar sitio web
    Management Under Construction