Masonry Magazine November 2001 Page. 14
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?
The biggest challenge as both a mason contractor and as a member of the masonry industry is to get contractors and labor groups headed in the same direction. Both groups need to be on the same page so at least if you're going down the wrong direction, you're going together. Another challenge we face is being sensitive to customer needs. Each customer is different and their needs are different. The end user, the owners of buildings, are our ultimate customer. We have an obligation to our customers to oversee all aspects of the construction process. As mason contractors, we not only have to oversee our suppliers and workers, but we have an obligation to observe and guide the work of general contractors and architects in ensuring a quality project. Not only do we need to be much more sensitive to our customers, but we also have an obligation to educate our customers so they know what a quality project is and how to avoid contractors that do not deliver quality.
If you could change one thing about the industry, what would it be?
I can sum up what I would change in one word...ethics. As mason contractors, we are repeatedly asked to assist in developing budgets for construction projects, spend a great deal of time preparing realistic bids for projects only to see the project given to a competitor who had little time invested. We need to do a better job of getting customers involved with the bidding process and to identify quality contractors to work with. Perhaps an unoffical prequalification process if you will. Hopefully, as bid-build expands and customers become more involved in the process, the ethics in construction will improve as well.
What do you like the most about being a contractor in the masonry industry?
If you like changes and dealing with changes and the challenges that those changes present, then you'd love a career in masonry and construction in general. The challenges that the masonry industry presents are never static. It seems almost everyday, I am faced with a new problem for which we are challenged to find an innovative solution. Being able to affect change and control my own fate is what I like most.
COMPANY NAME: Davenport Masonry, Inc.
CONTACT NAME: Edwin Davenport
President
LOCATION: Holt, Michigan
TOTAL VOLUME: $24 million
Edwin Davenport
President
14 MASONRY NOVEMBER, 2001