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Black History Month is a time to celebrate and recognize the achievements made by African Americans. In recognition of Black History Month, we want to pay respect to African Americans who have paved the way to make our industry what it is today and we encourage you to check out some of the many events happening with your community!

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Madison:

Madison Children’s Museum | Thursday, February 16 | 5 – 8PM
Free Night: Black History Month Celebration

Chazen Museum | February 6 – June 25, 2023
re:mancipation Exhibition

Madison Public Library, Central Library | Sunday, February 19 | 2PM
Love Released Again

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Milwaukee:

UWM Student Union | Thursday, February 16 | 9:30 – 11AM
Black History Month Coffee Hour

UWM Student Union Cinema | Thursday, February 16 | 6 – 8PM
African American Film Series: Nope

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Wausau:

Marathon County Historical Museum | Thursday, February 16 | 5:30 – 8:30PM
Trivia Night

Whitewater Music Hall | Friday, February 24 | 6 – 9PM
Black History Month Celebration

Findorff demonstrated true character and client commitment throughout the reimagination of the ProHealth Mukwonago Hospital completed earlier this year. By creatively orchestrating nearly 200,000 sq. ft. of work throughout this occupied facility during the last three years, we helped ensure that caregivers could offer patients continuous treatment in the existing facility, even with enhanced pandemic protocols.

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Building & Beyond is the promise behind every project we take on, especially healthcare facilities where the vulnerable find care. Findorff completely transformed the former ProHealth Mukwonago facility, all while important procedures like cancer treatment continued to operate, requiring extreme accuracy, attention, and accommodations. We are incredibly proud of this project, and the ability to have played a role in caring for the community that ProHealth Care serves.

National Women in Construction Week is a week we love to celebrate and embrace at Findorff. There aren’t enough adjectives to accurately describe the exceptional qualities of the ladies who contribute to the success of our company. Each day, our Findorff women continue to break down barriers and prove that the sky is the limit for women in the construction industry. We’d like to thank all our dedicated, hardworking, and extremely talented ladies who make up the Findorff family.

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Are you interested in learning more about what makes some of our team members proud to be in the industry, or advice they would give to another woman entering? We did a Q&A with some of the ladies on the Findorff team – see below to learn more about each of them, and some interesting insights and advice they have!

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‍Q: What advice would you give to a woman in or entering the industry?

‍A: My advice would be to insert yourself and push yourself outside of your comfort zone. Before working at Findorff, I had no experience with construction so I’ve tried to ask as many questions as possible and volunteer for things that in my previous work experiences I usually wouldn’t do. (Rory, Project Engineer Co-op)

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A: Be prepared to learn. There are so many different areas in the construction world. Finding your niche is key. (Kelly, Yard Operations Specialist)

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‍Q: What makes you proud about working/being in the industry?

‍A: I’m proud to work in an industry that serves people in every area of life – from education, healthcare, arts, residential, and more. All to help make the world a better place. (Kamila, Project Engineer Co-op)

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A: I am most proud knowing the struggles I face, and work through today will be less prevalent for women that come after me. Each competent woman builds upon the next one, and through our own examples we show that women can do this work. In doing so, we change the minds of those that might think women don’t belong in the construction industry. (Lynn, Journeyman Carpenter)

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‍Q: What about being a part of the Findorff Family brings you the greatest fulfillment?

‍A: I strongly believe that my team motivates and supports me in completing my responsibilities and in achieving my personal career goals. The opportunity to take initiative with new responsibilities, and to work on great projects with amazing teams is the best part of being a member of the Findorff family. (Kshethra, Project Engineer)

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A: I enjoy the journey. We work with great people… from the newest hire to field leaders and executives who have been here for decades. It’s fulfilling to grow in the company and see us grow and build amazing things. (Laura, MEP Group Lead)

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‍Q: What is your favorite project you have been a part of or your favorite experience of a project you are currently working on?

‍A: I have been lucky to be on a lot of really cool projects, but my favorite project to date is the Meriter Child & Adolescent Psychiatric Addition & Renovation. It was a challenging project that had a lot of unique characteristics paired with a really great team. Ultimately the project was a success and the owner was happy. (Jenna, Project Manager)

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A: I am currently enjoying being part of the team building Marquette University’s new College of Business Administration. It is always so fun to see a new building rise from nothing but a hole in the ground into a fully-fledged structure! (Justine, Assistant Project Manager)

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– Ben Austin, Findorff’s Sustainability Lead & Matt Zabel, Faith Technologies

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‍Today’s facility environments are complex and can require active management to meet constantly evolving expectations. Building owners and operators must balance a wide array of needs across their portfolio and determine how their facilities and building systems can best support the goals of the organization. Central to these needs is a strategy to address energy efficiency, sustainability and resiliency within the building systems.

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Findorff and Faith Technologies have long provided sustainable building solutions to our clients. Whether the goal is to reduce energy bills, assess renewable energy options, help meet climate goals or improve the resiliency of your facilities, system improvements can be worth the investment.

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The tools and data provided by an Energy Monitoring System (EMS) deliver clear measurements for sustainability goals and give our clients the data they need to make informed decisions. While there are a variety of strategies available to facility operators, an EMS presents the most significant opportunity to reduce energy costs, while also helping to assess power quality issues before they make a negative impact.

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An EMS requires centralized software that should have the following capabilities:

For electrical metering, typical systems include a power quality meter at the utility entrance to the facility and power usage monitoring at key points downstream. Lower-level metering may be required by LEED, ASHRAE, or to measure specific sustainability goals. The system can also be used to drive further efficiency tracking.

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For other metering, such as natural gas, water or compressed air, intelligent or pulse meters are placed at the facility feeds, as well as downstream if data for departments or processes need to be broken out separately.

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While metering non-electrical energy sources can confirm usage and drive efficiency, there are several key benefits to monitoring an electrical system:

Facility operators, armed with the information that an EMS provides, can assess their needs for the future. Typical questions we hear include:

Many clients question what the payback will be for an EMS at their site. This infographic shows some potential ROIs for a typical greenfield facility located in the U.S.Projected ROI for Energy Monitoring Systems

Energy Monitoring Systems ROI

Facilities with very low utility rates or usage, or with one large electrical consumer tend to have longer ROI timelines. It’s almost always the most cost-effective to install metering equipment on a greenfield site during construction, rather than retrofitting an operating facility later, where shutdowns will be required for the installation. Brownfield sites with existing facilities are also good candidates for installing an EMS to better understand power consumption and develop energy usage plans to optimize building performance, while minimizing energy consumption. Here are some brief budget examples and projected ROIs based on typical energy rates and pricing from July 2021.

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At Findorff and Faith Technologies, we provide our customers with technical solutions that drive results. An energy monitoring system helps customers reduce costs, prevent downtime and plan for the future. How can we support your energy monitoring needs?

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Blog written by Josh Baysinger, Findorff Virtual Construction Manager

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‍The way organizations do business is changing. In today’s digital age, information is easily accessible and digestible, requiring organizations to change the way they communicate. At Findorff, we are experiencing this firsthand. Our in-house Virtual Construction team has helped us adapt, allowing us to view what a space may look like before a shovel hits the ground.

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Not so long ago, having digital plans in our hands through a tablet was mind blowing. We could virtually manage a building’s construction without pages and pages of blueprints. Digital plans are still part of our job, but we have evolved. Today, virtual construction is comprised of innovative practices, ranging from building information modeling (BIM) to augmented reality (AR), helping us coordinate building systems and analyze data.

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To make this possible, we strategically leverage our top five virtual construction methods, which are:

  1. Look at virtual construction from different perspectives: Findorff’s virtual construction team is comprised of a diverse group. Our team has registered architects, licensed drones pilots, video-game technology experts, and those with direct field experience. Such expertise offers various insights into the construction process.
  2. Follow an integrated process: Through BIM and cross-functional collaboration, our data has a role in budgetary decisions, concept visualization, safety awareness, and field production. By integrating all steps, we are able to educate owners and facility staff about their new spaces.
  3. Use virtual construction throughout all project phases: From preconstruction to project turnover, virtual construction plays a major role. Early on, we create realistic visualizations that help building owners understand their facilities in terms of form and function. By the time construction is underway, we perform everything from sequencing studies to coordinating mechanical systems. This ensures our projects run efficiently and on schedule. Even after punch lists are complete and owners are ready to occupy their facilities, our team uses various tools to help building owners operate and manage their spaces.
  4. Create added value through technology: In today’s digital age, technology is king. By utilizing tools such as drones and advanced software, the value added can range from strategic site utilization to schedule analysis. In turn, we are able to foster efficiency and accuracy throughout design, construction, and operations.
  5. Collaborate with building owners and key stakeholders: Through virtual construction, we are able to develop renderings and animations, plus use AR. These practices allow building owners and key stakeholders to visualize their buildings. For example, we used AR for Pope Farm Elementary School in the Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District. In the image at the top of this page, the School’s future principal was able to preview a model of the space she was standing directly in during construction.

Using our methods with virtual construction can provide significant ROI, such as:

Such benefits can help your project stay on schedule and within budget. In the digital age, we are continuing to evolve, with the goal to be a valued resource and collaborative partner.

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Want to learn more about how virtual construction is used in the industry? Check out this blog!

Blog written by Chad Eschler, Business Development

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‍When people think of Wisconsin, what comes to mind may be the Green Bay Packers, cheese, brats, and the great outdoors. What may be news to some folks is that Wisconsin is also becoming a top destination to plant roots for science and technology businesses from across the U.S. Having lived here my entire life, I have seen this first hand as there is an increasing need for local state-of-the-art facilities to support research, innovation, technological advancements, and more!

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Hearing this, you may be asking yourself, “why Wisconsin?” There are three main areas that answer this question:

Considering the science-based opportunities Wisconsin has to offer, specialized facilities are in demand by new businesses entering our state. With a pulse on the industry, Findorff adapted its approach to building science and technology facilities. We focus on five key areas:

To learn more about our efforts in the growing science and technology industry, make sure to check out several of our relevant projects.

Blog written by Findorff’s Sustainability Lead Ben Austin, LEED® AP BD+C, WELL AP, Fitwel Ambassador

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‍Today is Earth Day! At Findorff, this day reminds us of how sustainability is a driving factor in what we do. We strategically look at sustainability to offer innovative solutions and a holistic approach in construction. Ranging from assessing environmental impacts to how we do business, these efforts make meaningful differences where we all live, work, and play.

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In staying true to such objectives, Findorff recently hosted its first Sustainability Forum. We brought together a diverse audience of building owners, developers, architects, engineers, facility managers, and others. Perspectives were shared on how sustainability can positively impact business and budget. As the event’s moderator aside panelists from RENEW Wisconsin, Focus on Energy, PACE Wisconsin, and Kohler, we highlighted trends, programs, and successful projects happening right here in Wisconsin. A few takeaways from the Forum included:

Looking forward, I would like to present a challenge to each one of you: How will the information presented change how you approach your buildings for the rest of 2019?There are a variety of financial resources available and ready for your existing building operations, renovations, and new construction. Do not hesitate to utilize them! Let’s push each other to collectively move the needle on Sustainability. As subject matter experts we look forward to continuing the conversation and looking for additional ways to implement sustainability in all buildings!

Blog written by Chad Eschler, Findorff Business Development

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‍There are so many innovative products and talented scientists working to improve human life. It is astounding that I get to play a part in that progress. As a nearly 130-year-old construction company, Findorff is quietly becoming a game changer for many Midwest companies in the science and technology industry.

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For some people it can be difficult to understand why Findorff is a sponsor or an active member at various technology-focused events. That’s fair. Do scientists and builders have much in common? What people don’t realize is that the ideas, challenges, and successes of those ingrained in the world of research and science inspire us to be better at our jobs. Specifically, we want to build better spaces for them to conduct their work and help them be successful, which in turn improves lives.

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Findorff is pretty innovative in its own right. In the last decade, we were the first in the nation to use a new technology called BubbleDeck. This allows more stability and less of an environmental impact on large areas of concrete floors. We were also the first in the nation to present a project in virtual reality for city approval. We were also the first in Wisconsin to use a Semi-Autonomous-Mason, a brick-laying robot, for efficiency on large concrete block walls.

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We have also performed other advanced construction practices. Our licensed pilots use drones that connect to thermal imaging cameras to help find anything from roof leaks to failing caulk joints. Additionally, our Virtual Construction team was asked to provide content for the REVIT software manual. If that doesn’t speak innovation, I don’t know what does! We are even using augmented reality to show clients their projects before we put a shovel in the ground.

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Why is all of this so important to us? Findorff’s dedicated Science & Technology team works with clients that work to cure cancer, develop medicine to reduce illness, develop genomic advances that will prevent disease and dozens of other ideas that impact human life. We are proud to play a supportive role in these endeavors and work hard to help our clients get their products to market as fast as possible.

Blog written by Findorff’s Special Projects Group Manager B.J. Bowen

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Drive throughout the Midwest and you’re sure to spot Findorff signage, a crane or two on the horizon, and workers in high-viz attire hustling about a project site. It’s easy to conclude that Findorff is a construction manager. What you may not be aware of is a certain valuable group at the Company, Findorff’s Special Projects Group (SPG).

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This team of construction professionals is not necessarily focused on large, high-visibility, and iconic projects. Rather, SPG specializes in projects that require a less-than-normal amount of resources and fast turnaround times. Over the course of a year, it completes as many as 500 projects. The key to success is keeping it simple. Our clients appreciate that we can condense the process from contract development to reading construction documents, then performing the work.

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The idea of a team focused on smaller projects such as remodeling, renovation, maintenance, and trades-related expertise was conceived over a decade ago. Findorff’s SPG serves the needs of corporate, healthcare, education, commercial, and industrial clients who are looking for a one-stop resource. These smaller, more focused projects are assigned to a field professional who has a unique skill set and can perform all types of work from carpentry to masonry to repairs.

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Recently, a Madison-based healthcare client experienced flooding and needed to get its clinical equipment functioning, as well as have its environment thoroughly repaired and ready for patients. We were on-site within hours and worked to restore access to the clinic while also ensuring patient safety.

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Because of Findorff’s SPG, we can serve as a construction manager for any client and for any scope of work. In other words, we can do it all.

Blog written by Findorff’s Prefabrication & Construction Process Manager Justin Mitten and Senior Virtual Construction Specialist Joel Powers

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‍Long before a shovel hits the ground, key factors drive a building’s design. In the world of construction, two driving factors that go hand in hand are prefabrication and virtual construction. Findorff has been performing these services on countless projects for years, offering unique insight into the industry.

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Prefabrication is a process that typically starts during the design development phase or earlier. At this time, we can apply lessons learned from prior work, as well as identify and optimize different elements of a building’s design. From here, we determine what parts of a building can be fabricated offsite in a controlled environment. In turn, we expedite schedules, increase quality, determine cost-saving solutions, and streamline construction efforts.

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Like prefabrication, virtual construction takes place early on. It involves developing and managing digital models of a building’s physical components, ranging from MEP/FP systems to load-bearing structures. No longer do we have to solely rely on specification drawings or traditional blueprints. Virtual construction offers our project managers, consultants, and clients 3D representations of how a facility will be built. We have also recognized other benefits including improved communication, risk reduction, increased productivity, and streamlined schedules.

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As these two design drivers are key to a project’s success, our prefabrication and virtual construction teams routinely collaborate with each other. An example of this is how we engineer wall panels. Initial plans and shop drawings are developed by our prefabrication team. A Virtual Construction Engineer then models the wall panels with detailed information to guide prefabrication efforts. We routinely meet with field leadership to identify potential constructability issues and installation strategies for prefabricated building components. Together through such coordinated efforts, we are better prepared before the first footing is even poured.

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The new headquarters for Summit Credit Union is a great example where prefabrication and virtual construction offered major efficiencies. Slated for completion in February 2019, it will be a six-story facility spanning 190,000 square feet. As part of the scope, our virtual construction team modeled 700 exterior wall panels, over 170 of which were specifically developed with shop drawings used by our prefabrication team. In turn, quality issues have been reduced where no rework has been required, saving time and money. Findorff’s prefabrication team also provides “kitting” services. This involves precutting and presorting lumber, which was purchased in bulk. The sorted lumber is divided into parts, each of which is treated as a “kit” for various areas of the building. Lumber is then delivered to correspond with the time prefabricated wall panels arrive to the jobsite. As a result, jobsite waste is minimized, costs are reduced, safety is improved, and project efficiency is increased.

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Undoubtedly, prefabrication and virtual construction play significant roles in the built environment. As technology continues to develop for these major drivers of design, so have our various construction practices. We have started to incorporate reality capture, augmented reality, robotics, and drone technologies into every phase of construction. Through such efforts, we are advancing our position as a leading construction manager in the Midwest and trusted partner for our clients.