Masonry Magazine June 2001 Page. 8
CONTRACTOR TO CONTRACTOR
A Member's Perspective
Contractor to Contractor is submitted to bring contractors closer together. By sharing thoughts and ideas, mason contractors will find that we all have common bonds and can benefit by sharing with each other. Contractors featured in this column are all members of the MCAA and vary in size, type of masonry performed, and operations style. The purpose of the column is to bring out the common problems, concerns, and positive experiences in the industry. If you would like more information about having your company featured, please contact Jeff Buczkiewicz at 1-800-536-2225.
What is your biggest challenge that you face as a Mason Contractor?
Our biggest challenge as a masonry contractor is providing quality manpower for our projects. Being a union contractor, this problem is directly related to the decreasing number of quality individuals training in the apprentice programs. Since public high schools have virtually eliminated vocational programs, it has become very hard to recruit quality young people into the trades. There is a lack of knowledge that a career in the masonry trade is available. Unfortunately, the teachers and school administrations are only promoting higher education, even though there are a lot of quality young people who do not have the grades or simply do not want to follow the higher education path.
In addition, the mason contractor is having to deal with general contractors who are lacking in knowledgeable project managers with the ability and experience to run a large project. It appears they are having to promote project managers into managerial positions before their experience and knowledge warrants that kind of responsibility.
The third major challenge is getting paid. I believe we must work through legislation to get stronger and more flexible lien laws to help protect the subcontractor, as well as removing the practice of retainage on bonded projects.
If I could change one thing about the industry, it would be?
I think the industry needs better quality general contractors that have the knowledge and experience to construct the complex projects that are bid in the market today. I would also like to see general contractors with the integrity and honesty to make the bidding process fair and equitable, rather than the total lack of integrity we frequently see today.
What do you like most about being a contractor in the masonry industry?
I like the tremendous pride you feel when viewing or discussing the jobs your company has constructed, along with the added confidence and experience that you gain from the accomplishments of your company. Building with masonry gives completed projects a sense of quality and permanence, so that future generations of the company can also feel pride and an attachment to those buildings the company has constructed before them.
COMPANY: DBM/Hatch, Inc.
LOCATION: 640 Arrow Highway
LaVerne, CA 91850
SALES VOLUME: $12-15 Million
EMPLOYEES: 110
YEARS IN BUSINESS: 12
Jim Hensley Sr.
President and CEO
MASONRY-JUNE, 2001