RK Redding Construction

A Message from Randall Redding While we continue to pray for the safe keeping of those that endured Hurricane Dorian, it’s clear that the summer heat hasn’t left us yet. I hope you will enjoy this latest issue of RKR’s Strong Foundations newsletter. Workforce development continues to be a top priority for the construction industry. The first article is about how it’s time for a shift in thinking in how to tackle the issue. As the state works to connect businesses in need with programs that train workforce, we need to look to change the way we think and encourage kids to consider opportunities outside of a traditional four-year college education. We also interview Laura Boalch, who is the Technical College System of Georgia’s Deputy Commissioner for Economic Development. In addition to discussing with Laura what the colleges provide in terms of training in economic development, she shares programs to impact the industry’s workforce development initiative. Thanks for your...

Q: Please share with us your background and how you came to work at TCSG. A: In the mid 1990’s, I began working in the Legislative Budget Office (LBO). In this role, we were charged with the development of the state budget for TCSG (then Department of Technical and Adult Education - DTAE) and various other agencies for the Georgia House of Representatives and the Georgia State Senate. At that time, admittedly, I knew very little about the Technical College System of Georgia as I had taken the more traditional route of attending the University of West Georgia to earn my BBA in Accounting. During my time at LBO, I had the opportunity to travel around the state visiting TCSG campuses. After talking with students, faculty, and staff at the colleges, I soon learned the purpose of what we do at TCSG and why we do it—to supply local business and industry with a skilled workforce. I was fascinated with the mission of the system and the passion of the faculty and staff. I quickly realized th...

Over the past five years, the State of Georgia has focused efforts on economic development and has done a tremendous job of attracting industry to the state. Now, as we look to the future, questions arise about how we continue to maintain the same level of success. One of the challenges born from a strong economy is the continued lack of skilled workforce. We have heard this theme time and time again, specifically within the construction industry. But, as the Georgia economy booms, what is the state doing to connect its economic development efforts with its workforce development initiatives? And, more importantly, what can we do to change the perceptions and encourage today’s youth to explore careers in manufacturing, logistics, construction and other related trades? As has been the case for years now, businesses are having a hard time finding the right talent for the job. As the years pass, the strain to find talent becomes more real and businesses are left frustrated and unable to ...

A Message from Randall Redding With spring fully upon us, it’s wonderful to enjoy the weather and spend time with family. I am excited to share the latest issue of the  Strong Foundations newsletter. In the first article, we spoke to Eric McDonald, President & CEO of Greater Haralson Chamber of Commerce, and Daniel Jackson, President & CEO of Carroll County Chamber of Commerce. They are members of the Greater West Georgia Joint Development Authority (GWGJDA), which has grown to represent seven area counties that work together on multi-county projects to benefit West Georgia residents. The other article discusses the recent trend of building with modular and prefabricated construction materials. This method of off-site construction and then transported to the worksite offers many advantages, but it does have its setbacks. At RKR, we will continue to examine new ways to solve the complex issues facing our industry, always with our client’s goals in mind. Thanks ...

Beginning with only four member counties in the late 1990s, the Greater West Georgia Joint Development Authority (GWGJDA) has grown to represent seven area counties, including: Polk, Haralson, Paulding, Carroll, Heard, Coweta, and Troup. We spoke to Eric McDonald, President & CEO of Greater Haralson Chamber of Commerce, and Daniel Jackson, President & CEO of Carroll County Chamber of Commerce, about the collaborative nature of the Development Authority that allows members to work together on multi-county projects to benefit West Georgia residents. What are your current role and responsibilities as part of the GWGJDA? Eric: I am a supporting staff member for the Greater West Georgia Joint Development Authority. We are an economic development and business growth entity responsible for growing the region’s retail and industrial base. The Board of Directors of the GWGJDA is appointed by the respective county commissions. Supporting staff from each of the economic deve...

It is a well‐known fact that the construction industry suffered greatly during the last economic downturn. We have published several articles on the challenges facing us with the skilled labor shortage, but history shows that the construction industry is resilient. When faced with a challenge, we band together and look for ways to overcome and push forward. That same mindset is transforming today’s approach to construction through the innovative use of modular and prefabricated construction materials. Becoming more widely embraced, this method employs off‐site construction where building elements – anything from bathroom pods to exterior walls ‐ are built in a factory and transported to the site to be constructed. Employing prefabricated materials offers many benefits such as fewer disruptions, faster and more consistent production, better quality control, cost mitigation, eco‐friendly processes, improved safety conditions and the real driver, less skilled labor requirements. All ...

A Message from Randall Redding As the season changes, it brings a sense of renewal at RKR. Hopefully the brisk temperatures refresh you during the Holiday Season. I am excited to share the latest issue of the Strong Foundations newsletter. In the first article, we spoke with West Georgia Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Jennifer Shunn. She’s made a tremendous impact on housing across the entire region. RKR is honored to work with this extremely worthwhile non-profit organization to help construct homes for those in need. In a previous issue, we shared how workforce development was a focus for the construction industry, and it’s a topic that is still very relevant. In fact, I recently participated in an Atlanta Journal Constitution interview, along with the Associated General Contractors Association. May you enjoy the Holidays filled with love, laughter and family. Thanks for your friendship and continued support, Randall K. Redding President & CEO ...

RKR: Tell us a little about your background. Jennifer: Prior to working with West Ga Habitat for Humanity, my work experience had always been in universities in either enrollment management or development. When my husband and I moved to Carrollton in 2000, I chose to do freelance consultant work to better control my schedule while being a full-time mom. When a position became available at West Ga Habitat, I realized that I had an opportunity to work for an organization where I could really embrace my faith and make a difference in people’s lives. The position with Habitat allowed me to utilize both my employment and life experiences and my education in psychology and public administration. Working for the organization has been a big blessing in my life. RKR: What excites you about your role at Habitat and how have your responsibilities changed through the years? Jennifer: For the first 15-20 years, the West Ga Habitat was completely run by volunteers. In 2005, I was hired throu...

A message from Randall Redding The focus of this issue is on the construction industry, from a macro and micro perspective. Our first article is about pricing in the construction industry, which includes strategies about when to lock in pricing, how to plan for escalation, what trades are at a premium, and more. The article provides insightful information for those who manage these projects. We also spoke with Associated General Contractors of Georgia (AGC‐GA) CEO Mike Dunham. Having worked with AGC for almost 40 years, rest assured Mike has a lot to say about the construction industry and where it’s headed. If you’ll indulge me for a moment, I would like to congratulate the RKR team for receiving the 2018 Excellence in Safety Award from AGC‐Georgia for the fourth year in a row. Even more outstanding is being awarded the 2018 National AGC Safety Award. This national award from AGC is significant, because it recognizes RKR for having zero incidents for at least the past t...

In the construction world, there seems to be much conversation over the fearand uncertainty of rising project costs and the effect on budget and production. With politics and the current healthy economy playing influential roles, rising prices for materials and a seemingly everpresent shortage of workforce availability have led many to regard the industry’s future with nervous anticipation. In this atmosphere, clients with pending projects are adapting a proactive approach to mitigate their exposure. Meanwhile, selection committees are increasingly referring to the builder’s expertise, looking for ways to avoid cost escalation and minimize the  potential impact on the front end by achieving the GMP at the earliest date possible. Additionally, the workforce shortage has hit design firms, many of which are working at full capacity. This often results in delays of issuance of construction documents, thereby pushing bid solicitations and procurement dates out further than originally ...

RKR: Please share with us your background and how you came to work with the AGC as well as your current job and responsibilities? Mike: I am the luckiest person in the world because right after I graduated college I interviewed with a group of gentlemen at the Northeast Louisiana Contractors Association, a small chapter of AGC of America. They must have seen something in me because they gave me an opportunity to be their executive. I worked for that chapter for eight years and then went to work for a larger AGC chapter in Jacksonville, Florida. I spent six years in Florida and then was hired here at AGC Georgia in 1995. The person I replaced was the chief staff officer for 41 years. I’ve now worked within the AGC organization for 37 years. It’s been a tremendous career so far and my responsibilities as CEO are all encompassing, as any CEO job. As a statewide chapter, our general and specialty contractor members are big and small, perform public and private work and are from all reg...

A message from Randall Redding Spring hasn’t fully committed to springing, but with the changing of seasons, I gladly share with you the latest issue of the Strong Foundations newsletter. This quarter’s edition focuses on ministry and giving back, both in the sense of building a Retreat Center and of an individual who is making a significant contribution to the community with their passionate volunteerism. Our first article is about Lutheranch Retreat Center, an award-winning construction project that we recently completed. This year‐round ministry offers summer camping programs for 1st‐8th grade youth and confirmation camp for confirmands. RKR strived to make this a special place, while overcoming numerous construction obstacles such as challenging natural landscape with limited access to utilities, as well as incorporating resourceful creativity to add special touches throughout the facility. We also offer a Q&A with Laura Richards, Founder & Chair of the Friends ...

Called “a place apart to experience God and community,” Lutheranch is a harmonious marriage of a natural environment with modern conveniences. This retreat-style lodge was a CM at Risk project featuring two stories in one section of the building and a rusticmodern design throughout. Though beautiful, the isolated and lake-neighboring location held challenges as it was removed from paved roads and had limited utilities. To combat this, we used a temporary generator, employed methods of erosion control, and worked around the weather to make this project an award-winning success. Lutheranch offers many examples of RKR’s resourcefulness and creativity. When our team hit rock during the slab rough-in, we had to bring in specialty excavation equipment to remove 40 cubic yards of trench rock from the site. There were also numerous unusual installs, such as the roofing and dry sprinkler system, that required quick and creative thinking. Further, we installed hard wood flooring on top of co...

Share with us your background that led to you founding Carrollton GreenBelt. I am from Carrollton, but left in 1990 to attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Then I moved back in 2009. While I was away, I biked across the United States and then led as a European guide for Vermont Bicycle Touring. That’s when it clicked for me regarding trails. I first rode with guests on trails separated from roads in the Netherlands. There I saw people holding hands while they biked and carrying pets and their groceries to the extent that it became more than a trail, but a really busy public space. Our Greenbelt serves that role as one of Carrollton's newest parks and showcases local natural wonders. It’s a great way to enjoy the great outdoors. What’s the most rewarding part of what you do/have done at GreenBelt? To see the city of Carrollton submit its application to be a bike friendly community was the most rewarding part to me. That designation is through the League of...

You don’t have to be in construction to know that Georgia is building new facilities, roads and infrastructure around the state. You’ve most likely sat in traffic due to lane closures, heard the beeping sounds of heavy equipment moving around a site and seen buildings spring up out of what feels like, nowhere, overnight. The commercial construction market in Georgia, specifically metro Atlanta, is experiencing widespread growth, reportedly up 19% in the first half of the year with a continued growth trend expected through the 4th quarter of 2017 and into 2018. With the tax incentives our State is offering companies to bring industry here, in addition to our growing population base, we anticipate these construction trends to continue well into 2018 and beyond. As project demands heat up the local construction market, the competition for talent becomes more and more intense. This fierce competition is extending beyond the organizations and into the subcontractor market, where it is...

A Sandersville native, Nathan Deal served in the U.S. Army at Fort Gordon in Augusta after graduating with college and law degrees with honors from Mercer University. He then began a private law practice in Gainesville, the hometown of his wife, Sandra. While she taught in Hall County public schools, Deal began a career in public service, working as a prosecutor, judge, state senator and U.S. Congressman for Georgia’s 9th District. He was elected Georgia’s 82nd governor in 2010 and re-elected in 2014. The Deals have four adult children and six grandchildren. What do you find to be the more rewarding part of your job? As governor, I’m privileged to meet people from all walks of life, in every corner of our great state, and to hear their stories. Site Selection magazine has ranked Georgia #1 for business for the past 5 years and the state has become the #1 state in feature film production, what makes Georgia so special? When I took office in January 2011, I made a promise to th...

A message from Randall Redding Summer is quickly coming to an end, but we want to give it one last look in this month’s Strong Foundation newsletter. Our first article in this edition focuses on 2017 School Projects and the coordinated effort and teamwork required to complete summer renovations and additions while the students are on break. This year we completed over 680,000 SF of renovations in approximately 60 days. This always amazes me. Our team successfully pulls this off year in and year out. While the on-site work begins after the teachers leave for the summer, there is much preparation that has to occur during the months leading up to the break. Long-lead items have to be ordered early in order to successfully complete complex projects in such a short period of time. Also in this edition, our friend, Mr. Loy Howard, the long-time President/CEO of Tanner Health System offers a Q & A interview where he discusses many interesting and insightful topics. Loy is suc...

School is back in session, which is the universal reminder that summer is over. While many kids will be telling their friends and their teachers all about their summer adventures – trips to the beach, going to camps, and lounging by the pool – RKR has spent the summer months on renovation, addition, modification, and replacement projects. Year after year, school systems across the state take advantage of the summer months to address facility needs. These projects may be small like replacing light bulbs throughout the school or they could be quite large such as total gut renovation and build back and everything in between. These summer renovations are common, because construction crews can work full days uninterrupted without worrying about disrupting the classroom or traditional operations of a school without any students on campus. Beyond that, summer work is a staple because of the funding cycles. Each August, school districts submit their applications to the Georgia Departme...

Q: Share with us a little bit of your background at Tanner Health System? A: I have been president and CEO of Tanner Health Systems since 1994. We certainly have grown dramatically in that time period, as our community has grown. We’ve expanded from two loosely associated hospitals to what will soon be a five-hospital system. We have grown in medical staff from less than 100 to more than 400 physicians. We’ve transformed into a regional medical center during that time period. Q:  What do you find to be the most rewarding part of your job? A: Working with the community. As a community hospital, it’s starting initiatives and programs and seeing them play out over time. Through serving patients, that helps patients and families stay close to home for high quality health care so they don’t have to commute to Atlanta. I think it is very rewarding that people are better off today and healthier because of the programs that we have started. That really is what excites me every day ...