Trait #1: A people-first culture.
When I first arrived at the Power Design office located in St. Petersburg, Florida, I was aware of their many years of accumulating distinctions such as Achievers”Top Employers with the Most Engagement Glassdoor’s 100 Great Places to Work and Inc.’s Best 5000 Places to Work. So I expected to see a lot.
I was not satisfied. For the entire week, everywhere I went, I was able to see proof of Power Design’s emphasis on keeping their staff in good spirits and engaged.
- The designated tram is a part of the principal campus structures. It is always open to employees as well as guests and customers who wish to stay away from the sweaty, long trek to the nearest crosswalk. With the welcoming driver and comfortable seats, I felt as if I was about to go into Disney World! But without the screaming children. Yay!
- The keys to a brand new, huge, well-equipped truck were given to an employee in recognition of his exceptional safety and leadership skills on the job.
- In my interview with project engineer Kylie McCaffrey, I was surprised to hear that she began her career working at PDI in an administrative capacity without prior experience in construction. After that, she was inspired to gain more knowledge about the company and work her way to procurement before moving into the position of a project engineer. Another win for women working in construction.
- I was unable to avoid the large-screen televisions that played looped videos of previous PDI activities in our lobby, and I certainly did not want to! These social gatherings that are inclusive and fun are essential in developing relationships and remaining in PDIs and play hard mentality.
- The cafe, the gym, The interesting wall sculptures and art… It’s easy to continue without stopping.
Trait #2: Releasing the ‘Every business is a technology-based company’ premise.
According to Dave Hughes, Director of Virtual Design and Construction, “Over the last few years, Power Design has become a mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and technology contractor.” The PDI team is aware of the impact technology has on their company, their customers, and their ability to discover new ways to work. It’s now an integral aspect of what they do and how they define themselves.
Watch the videos to learn how they’re using an innovative model of HaaS for their robotic total stations, as well as how they select the best technology partners to collaborate with.
Trait 3: Giving new workers the tools to improve their skills.
Power Design is home to the most unique training program I’ve ever witnessed. A whole floor of interactive exhibits packed with practical MEP as well as Systems Technology materials and use cases. I think of a kid’s exploration zone or museum, however, with electrical boxes and conduits.
I found it interesting. However, I’m a huge geek who can still recall Computer Lab Day from 6th grade, and I was unsure of what the impact of this topic is on younger generations. But I’ve seen the same situation happen several times before an inexperienced or young employee asked a question. Then, they were taken to the learning space, where they were given hands-on training, which sparked discussion.
While working, there was a mentoring mentality apparent as well. I observed young leaders given accountability, respect, and input into the manner in which things are conducted.
Fourth trait: Putting all-in on the prefab.
In the words of Rick Grover, VP of Prefabrication, “We’re in the middle of industrialization in the construction industry, and the challenge of finding new ways to accomplish things that we’ve been doing for twenty years is what keeps me going. We’ve established the Prefab Division, which focuses on the field. We’ve created a system and then implemented it. The process is constantly improving. We are constantly getting feedback. In the industry as a whole, if weren’t prefabbing every year, we’re not going to be able to do all the work required to build all these highways, buildings as well as bridges.”
Check out the videos for a glimpse of Power Design’s prefabrication division, how it aids the field teams, and what they have planned for the future.
5th trait: A desire to beat the odds.
I noticed an element of competitiveness and positive aspects that run through the Power Design culture. Power Design is better for it.
Goals for teams are gamified using real-time results that are displayed and team flags that decorate the gymnasium. Winners are celebrated by everyone gathered to boo the sales rep who made the most recent deal. They ring the bell.
Teams from all over the country frequently host contests with amazing prizes, which means they’re always looking to improve their projects.