Jason Kaul, PE

Surprised ? This PoS fits in perfectly with the rest of them

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I keep hearing about "Labor Shortages" in construction. I keep hearing about how we need to "recruit" the next generation. The question I have is... who is it...*exactly*...we're trying to recruit? Aside from a few great programs like Heavy Metal Summer Experience, the vast majority of "recruiting" efforts I see companies making seem to be focused on only one part of the equasion. That part? Non-Trades. Project Managers. Project Engineers. Architects. Designers. BIM/VCS. Software Developers. ...etc.... So who's actually going to "build" ? If you don't have enough people for an orchestra, you're not going to fix it by hiring more conductors. While I do personally dispute some of the "labor shortage" narrative, those who keep banging that drum for the most part seem to just ignore recruiting of the actual do'ers... the trades themselves. Perhaps my perspective is off as a fellow Office/Desk dweller in this industry. Anyone want to try to reorient my thinking? Or confirm my observations?

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😯 Surprising end to this sentence, "Unlike traditional contract delivery methods, phased design-build (a.k.a. progressive design-build, outside of FL, or #PDB) combines elements of both design-build and traditional design-bid-build methods, allowing for a more iterative ♻, collaborative and expedited ⏩ design and construction process." (third paragraph) Iterative and/but expedited... Those seem to pull in opposite directions. However, what's neat about PDB is that these iterations happen faster and CHEAPER because they're happening on screens during design rather than in the field, after design is complete and contractors have mobilized. Bottom line: PDB brings a constructor's perspective into design which results in better, more constructable plans; a more tailored approach in the field; and a tighter construction schedule. Combined result => COST SAVINGS for tax payers! 💲 💸 💰 Not sure where to start? Hit me up and I'll connect you with some really smart people! #DesignBuild #ProgressiveDesignBuild #DesignedToBuild

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After W. Edwards Deming provided his insights on manufacturing quality control to help the U.S. win World War II, the rest of the world took notice. Japan, specifically, was keenly interested in his strategy. After their country was leveled during the war, Japan needed to restore their economy and rebuild their factories. Manufacturing became a top priority there. And so, they invited Deming to share his insights. He started working with companies like Toyota and Honda, sharing his lessons on quality control. He explained to them that they could gain a competitive advantage simply by making fewer mistakes. And the way to achieve that level of quality was through consistency. The less variation there is in the input, the less variation there will be in the output. Today, that continues to be the philosophy of the Japanese carmakers — to win on quality by building cars that are more reliable. And it’s ultimately how Toyota and Honda took on the Big Three U.S. automakers. I liken Deming’s strategy to what we do here at Kiewit, specifically through our Kiewit Engineering resources. By supplying construction and engineering from a single entity, Kiewit is able to better control quality on the projects we work on. Minimizing variation means maximizing consistency. In other words, fewer opportunities for error. And much more room for quality.

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After W. Edwards Deming provided his insights on manufacturing quality control to help the U.S. win World War II, the rest of the world took notice. Japan, specifically, was keenly interested in his strategy. After their country was leveled during the war, Japan needed to restore their economy and rebuild their factories. Manufacturing became a top priority there. And so, they invited Deming to share his insights. He started working with companies like Toyota and Honda, sharing his lessons on quality control. He explained to them that they could gain a competitive advantage simply by making fewer mistakes. And the way to achieve that level of quality was through consistency. The less variation there is in the input, the less variation there will be in the output. Today, that continues to be the philosophy of the Japanese carmakers — to win on quality by building cars that are more reliable. And it’s ultimately how Toyota and Honda took on the Big Three U.S. automakers. I liken Deming’s strategy to what we do here at Kiewit, specifically through our Kiewit Engineering resources. By supplying construction and engineering from a single entity, Kiewit is able to better control quality on the projects we work on. Minimizing variation means maximizing consistency. In other words, fewer opportunities for error. And much more room for quality.

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WHAT DOES A GENERAL CONTRACTOR DO? 🦺👷🏼‍♂️ Do General Contractors always “Self Perform”? Does the General Contractor just Manage the Subcontractor Meetings? What Rental Equipment Does a General Contractor Rent? What is a “Punch List” and what equipment would be needed? Do you Understand a Construction 🦺 Job-Site ? Many sales reps in the rental equipment world are told “just go find a job site and rent the GC (general contractor) some equipment”. This isn’t always the right advice. elliottvigil.com Additional videos can be found HERE on YouTube: https://lnkd.in/gwKY9Ptp #rentalequipment #equipmentrentals #equipmentrental #generalcontractor #constructionsite #sitework #contractorsuppies

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Argon: The Invisible Insulation in DGU. Ever wondered why your windows feel so warm in the winter and cool in the summer? A big part of that comfort is thanks to a gas called argon. Found in double-glazed windows, argon is a colorless, odorless gas that acts as a barrier between the two panes of glass. How it works: * Thermal insulator: Argon is a poor conductor of heat, meaning it doesn't allow heat to pass through it easily. So, when argon is trapped between the two panes of glass, it helps to keep the heat inside your home during the winter and the cool air in during the summer. * Noise reduction: Argon can also help to reduce noise pollution from outside. Because it's a dense gas, it can help to absorb sound waves, making your home quieter. #architecture #qaqc #safetyglass #laminatedglass #securityglass #windshield #glass #curtainwall #facade #projects #details #FacadeDesign #SustainableArchitecture #StructuralGlazing #ModernArchitecture #GlassFacade #BuildingEnvelope #TemperedGlass #steel #freelearning #production #crimping #construction

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IPS can provide your immediate needs

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When learning to fly, you’ll have an instructor with you. Planes have the same control inputs from both left and right seat. This allows for both student and instructor to work together. I’ll just reference two controls here. - The “Yoke” controls bank and elevation / altitude. - Rudder pedals, control which direction to point the nose. The student sits on the left while the instructor sits on the right. The instructor provides control input as much or minimal as needed based on the students progression and competence to safely fly the plane and land it. Some corrections are applied quickly to avoid hazards. Some corrections are applied with a light touch. Other corrections are verbal. All control inputs are for safety first and learning during the process. The goal is as much as possible a transfer of knowledge from instructor to student. The student also puts forth effort individually. Study, ground school, handbooks, technical books, regulations, air space, towered or not, runway direcrtion, radio calls and more. While during transfer or receiving knowledge and input one thing is true. It’s for learning and competence. At some point, I’ll solo fly the plane and put into practice what I’ve been taught. How do you transfer knowledge to the next one?

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Successful program management is all about strategic leadership, operational excellence and proactive planning. Our team excels at managing complex engineering projects, from the $800 million RAF Lakenheath construction program to the Tyndall Air Force Base rebuild after Hurricane Michael.     🎯 Learn how we help clients consistently achieve their goals in our latest blog: https://lnkd.in/gZfVqGaK #ProgramManagement #ImprovingLives #EngineeringSuccess 

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Do you send your QC Managers through the Corps of Engineers QCM class and think they are ready to hit the ground running? I recently renewed my QCM certs through the Corps of Engineers for about the 6th time in my career. This time I took it in a different district than I had before. While taking the class and listening to the questions being asked by the newer QC Managers it became very apparent that many GCs were sending them through this class and then throwing them onto a project thinking they would be able to hit the ground running........ TERRIBLE MISTAKE. The very same thing happened to me when I started my career as a QC Manager. While the COE QCM course is a requirement for your QC Manager to be approved to work on your Federal project it absolutely does NOT teach them what they need to be doing as a QC Manager to cover you as the General Contractor. The COE QCM course goes through what the COE expects the see from a thousand-foot level concerning the project, the difference between QA vs QC ( AKA they want NO liability and all of it rests on you as the GC and your QC Manager), and their three-phase inspection method. It doesn't teach them how to organize their files, scrub a submittal register, word RFI's to cover you as a GC, post-As-Builts, manage the many closeout documents, run a Red Zone meeting, or Commissioning. In fact, it doesn't cover what Red Zone or Cx is at all. It also doesn't go through the QC Manager's responsibilities for each step of the project at all. Please don't make this mistake and set your QC Managers up for failure and you up for profit losses. Please get them the real-world applicable QC Training they need today. At The QC Collective, we understand the importance of quality control in construction projects. We offer comprehensive training programs and resources to help construction professionals enhance their quality control practices. Enroll your team in our online proven QC MasterClass today at https://lnkd.in/gPKFcNwg

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Many years ago, my grandmother gifted me this truck which her father purchased new off the lot. The truck had the 351 Modified engine. NO it was not the winzer or the Cleveland it was the true Modified, the same engine Ford put in the Boss Mustang. I truly loved the truck and appreciated the gift. Having this truck pop up in my Facebook memories from 15 years ago, exposed my failures and ignorance. She wanted me to restore this truck and she offered to reimburse what I spent on the restoration. It is rather unfortunate that I did not have the financial acumen, the finances, the space needed, or the wherewithal to take advantage of the opportunity that was presented. I don’t have many regrets, but there are a few opportunities I wish I could have a do over on and this is one of them. Hindsight is always 20/20 but below are a few key things. I learned since losing opportunities like this. 1. Don’t let your lack of cash on hand limit you from opportunities. You need to find communities or tribes to support your efforts. If you can’t find people to help you create your own group 2. Don’t allow HOA letters in regards to having an inoperable vehicle stop you from doing what you need to do. You can replace HOA letters with haters, unsupportive people, or any negative outside influences. I did not know how to tell the HOA that the vehicle was not inoperable . 3. Don’t make decisions based off emotions or ignorance. If you can find a way to get the help, you need do it. See point 1. 4. The most successful people I know are Problem Solvers. Learn how to become a problem solver. There are opportunities for people who can help other people solve problems I hope this helps you! #communitybuilding #socialimpact #economicimpact

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To inspire people, don’t show them your skill and talent. Bring out and show them their own. And always lead by example, especially with injuries / incidents. The crew and I were making big magic happen, we had a couple stop and evaluate moments. The task was then executed efficiently and safely. But sometimes it’s the little things that will get you. I was standing next to a tailgate helping unload ridged hose, when the guy in the truck delivering it was handing it down to me. I got ahold of it, the top half of the spiral slipped out his hands and flopped over on to my face and tossed me back. A very minor simple thing, however given my size 5’2” and 125lbs, it did a number. Within about 3 minutes my face was already purple. I walked right over to my superintend, told him what happened and off to the office we went to take care of me and what comes with it. The take away is know your limitations. Size does matter. Could I lift that spiral? Absolutely Could I do it safely? Absolutely Could I withstand human error on the giving end of that spiral? Judging by my black eye, absolutely not. Understand your limitations when presented at other angles. Women, it’s is known that we aren’t men and they are okay with that. Don’t ever be afraid to say “ I shouldn’t be the one to handle this task “. There is always help. I yell ( playfully ) at men all the time watching them trying to wrestle heavy things instead of just asking me to hook up to it and let a machine do its job. It’s Construction. We do dangerous things, carefully. Accidents do happen and no matter the size, make sure your crew knows they can come to you. #construction #heavyequipmentoperator #inspire #safety #womeninconstruction #wic #leadbyexample

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Very interesting take on the “rabbit hole” of childhood vaccines.

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UA STAR Review Class - Omaha, NE. Recertification pass-rate was 100%. Still a number of first-time examinees struggling, but it's meant to be a difficult exam. Though we strive to teach relevant material and test-taking techniques in the review class, there is no substitute for preparation. For any of you who need to pass this exam, go on the 669 website (or talk to your local instructor) and gain access to the practice exams for NFPA-13, NFPA-20, & NFPA-25. There are videos on preparation, as well. Take advantage of everything you can, and invest some time in yourself! Congrats to all who passed! To those who didn't, you aren't the first and you won't be the last... Keep grinding!! #UALocal669 #FireSprinklersSaveLives

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