High Performance People Series: Interview with Russ Thurston, P.E.

Q: How long have you been working with StructureTec Group?

A:  I started in March of 2011. I have been in the parking structure and building restoration industry since graduation in June of 1980.

Q: What significant changes have transpired since you started?

A: We expanded our services. Since I started, we've increased our focus on horizontal restoration and concrete repair services. Basically we've developed a more significant capability for self performing repairs. 

Q: How has your role within the company changed over the years?

A: I was hired in as a senior project manager, responsible for managing individual projects, shortly after I was promoted division manager. As division manager I am responsible for the growth and development of the restoration division.

Q: What was your most memorable/rewarding/challenging project?

A: Most recently, the Tampa General Hospital project. This is the type of project that was our goal to work on since I started. It was unique in its size, complexity, number of structures and logistics. It was a major forensic investigation. 

Another rewarding project is the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, it has been a goal of ours to perform this type of major reconstruction...and we are there now. It is rewarding as the division manager to see the division grow into this caliber of work.

Q: What attracted you to StructureTec Group?

A: I had some existing exposure to the company about 10 years before I joined the team. I talked with CEO, Jeffrey Brittan and thought he had an interesting concept, as far as the way he was structuring the Company. This structure lead to opportunities for growth and development. Unlike other companies, StructureTec doesn't sit around waiting for the work to come in. It was clear that StructureTec is a very market driven firm. 

Q: Where do you see the direction of the company going in the next decade?

A: I see us moving into larger more complex structures, building a greater depth of personnel with our experience in horizontal restoration and using our niche in that market to expand geographically. I also see a huge opportunity in our ability to self perform the repairs as a design-build solution.

Q: What makes StructureTec unique?

A: The biggest difference is flexibility, we are small enough to take risks in development, but large enough to be conservative to make sure everything is being done correctly. We are more entrepreneurial than most engineering firms. Engineers tend to stay very focused on one small capability. We’re not just looking at one particular aspect of a buildings, we’re looking at whatever it takes to service the client. 

Q: What do you enjoy most about your job?

A: The people I work with. I like to teach them and develop their expertise. I also enjoy the challenge of working on parking and building structures, they have a wide range of conditions that have to be evaluated and understood.

Russ Thurston, P.E.

 

Project Spotlight: Marianjoy Hospital Green Roof

Marianjoy Hospital in Wheaton Illinois was getting an upgrade. A new patient tower, conference center and cafeteria were being added to their campus. With construction underway on the new additions, the hospital’s management recommended that an aesthetically appealing green roof system be added to an existing roof area because it would be visible from the new patient tower.

Construction underway.

They wanted to create a space that would promote patient healing through a natural environment as well as provide a place to host events. A green roof would be just that. Rather than look out onto a typical roof system, patients staying in the new tower could look from their windows down to a beautifully landscaped green roof. Also, the area could be used as a place for people to get outside and enjoy some fresh air while staying under the care of hospital staff.

The hospital contacted an architect who recommended they add the green roof on top of the existing roof system. StructureTec Group had worked with the facility manager on other projects, valuing StructureTec Group's reputation for best-in-class building envelope weatherproofing, the facility manager decided to get a second opinion.

The problem with the suggested approach was that the existing roof was not designed to support a green roof. The existing roof was a 19 year-old modified bitumen roof constructed with seams in the membrane. A green roof membrane has to be designed to hold water for the plants. Thankfully the roofing experts at StructureTec caught the error before any plans were drawn. The facility manager selected StructureTec Group to design and build the green roof using the Premier Engineered Systems project delivery method.

Premier Engineered Systems is our unique Design-Build approach. This method utilizes the design expertise of StructureTec in partnership with the construction expertise of Construction Services Group, a StructureTec Group subsidiary. This design-build approach eliminates the bidding process, allowing projects to be fast-tracked and designers and contractors to work together as a unified team. This method was necessary for the project because construction was already underway on the new patient tower. Construction Services Group (CSG), had only a brief window of time to complete the project before access to the roof was blocked by the new patient tower that would be multiple stories higher than the green roof.

CSG technicians began work on the project, only to discover that the two roof areas intended for the green roof had been built differently. On one section, the existing modified bitumen roof was adhered directly to the concrete deck, not on top of insulation as it was on the other side. This discovery required the StructureTec designers to re-engineer the roof system for that section. Otherwise the roof would have been higher than the door thresholds. A plan was developed to remove the existing roof and prepare a new concrete surface coated with an aesthetically pleasing, skid resistant PMMA surface. This completely waterproofed the roof without adding any additional height.

Installed planters.

Because Premier Engineered Systems was chosen as the project delivery method, this new challenge did not delay the project. The designers and builders were working together throughout the process, CSG was able to continue to work while the designers at StructureTec redesigned the plan for the unexpected roof system. This allowed CSG to meet their deadline without delaying construction on the new additions; a delay that could have cost the client thousands.

CSG met their deadline and installed a weatherproof and beautifully landscaped green roof. The green roof is now a real focal point of the hospital. It is a unique place where they can host events but more importantly a place that promotes patient healing reflecting the hospital’s dedication to providing the highest quality of care possible to their patients.

Completed green roof.

Case Study: Chicago Area School District Realizes $1.2 Million in Savings

Joliet Public Schools District 86 is made up of 21 school buildings covering 26.4 miles in suburban Chicago. A challenge for any school district is being able to effectively manage building projects within the budget provided by the taxpayers and appropriated by the school board. Joliet Public Schools is no different. Their buildings had been leaking due to years of deferred maintenance. It became difficult to manage the maintenance and leak repairs which were completed solely on an emergency basis. This reactive approach was costing the district money and would cost even more over time.

StructureTec was engaged to develop a Long Range Roof Asset Management Program to aid in budgeting for capital and maintenance projects based on accurate condition assessment. StructureTec evaluated every roof area in the district and also performed a StructureScan infrared survey to supplement the visual investigation. After the evaluation a three-year 3.5 million dollar roof replacement, restoration and maintenance program was developed for the district.

Planning session between Joliet Public School District and StructureTec.

The first priority was to address the roofs that needed to be replaced. Throughout the program a total of nine major capital projects were completed. The next focus was to capture any opportunities for roof restoration. Roof restoration can double the life of an existing roof system for a fraction of the cost compared to replacement. This technique was employed at four schools throughout the district, adding 15 years of service life for 20 percent the cost of a full replacement.

The program turned out to be just what the district needed to truly manage their building projects. Wes Russell, Assistant Superintendent for Business & Financial Services said “There is no doubt in my mind that we provided the tax payers with long term value." Darryl Duncan, Manager of Building Support Services added “StructureTec’s program allowed me to focus on other priorities and still accomplish the districts objectives.”  By prioritizing their portfolio, Wes and Darryl were able to save the district 1.2 million dollars. StructureTec was able to support the district throughout the entire program and ultimately provide them with the best solution.

One of the many buildings that make up Joliet Public Schools.

To read the full case study click here.

A Season of Thanks

We work really hard here at StructureTec Group. Most of the time, we’re the nose-to-the-grindstone type of people. This time of year is a great time to take a moment away from the noise of life and reflect on all of the blessings in our lives.  

As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, We’ve compiled statements from employees responding to the question: What are you thankful for this year? Their responses are below. I hope you enjoy reading, and more importantly reflecting on what you’re thankful for this year.

“I am grateful for the team that I have worked with day-in and day-out at StructureTec this year. We managed to work on many challenging projects this year and each project brought us closer together for the betterment of our overall services. I am looking forward to capitalizing on the many learning experiences for our projects next year.” – Sergio Pages, Vice President

“I am thankful for a warm home, my close family, an amazing group of friends and a great job that has created so many wonderful relationships.” – Megan Button, Human Resource Manager

“I am thankful for the love and support of my family. I’m thankful for their health and my own. I’m truly grateful to share each day with them. I’m also thankful for the many blessings in my life.” – Matt Meyer, Manager, Roofing – Construction Services Group

“I am thankful for the team at StructureTec that allows us the serve our clients, we have a team that goes over and above, works nights and weekends in order to meet our deadlines and commitments to the clients.” – Nick O’Hare, Director of Marketing

“I am thankful for the health of my family.  This is especially meaningful this particular year as my dad has been working through a serious heart condition.  I’m very grateful that he’s still here and can spend Thanksgiving at my home this year.  I am also thankful for God’s provision through the career opportunities he has provided my husband and me during 2014.  There have been some changes, and it has been an incredible blessing to see how the opportunities have all worked out according to God’s perfect plan.” – Stacey Woods, Manager, Sales & Business Development

“I am grateful for being given the opportunity to join the StructureTec team and for time with my family over the holiday break.” – Megan Schwark, Executive Assistant

“I am thankful for my family, the man in my life who makes me smile and laugh every day - Paul Mitchell, for my friends who we love hanging out with on the weekends and my coworkers who make coming to work a joy every day!” – Dawn Dahlinger, Corporate Administrative Manager

“I am thankful for the great team we have at StructureTec, I am thankful for everyone's strong commitment to the company. I am grateful that all of our employees work hard to provide the best customer care...to truly provide the best solutions.” – Jeffrey Brittan, CEO

2015 Pent-up Demand

Annually in the 4^th quarter StructureTec Group gathers for a company wide planning session to discuss strategy for the future. In addition to our company wide meeting, we have divisional meetings to discuss the specifics on how each division within StructureTec Group can prepare for the year ahead.

During our discussions this quarter, a resounding theme has come up. Pent-up demand in the marketplace is creating full backlogs for 2015 projects and contractors are being very selective with the work they bid. Our clients have shared with us their struggle to secure reliable contractors to perform the work they have slated for 2015.

With budgets finally being approved, remedial construction projects are on the rise. This is happening all across the country as America begins to feel the relief of an improving economy. The problem we are faced with now is that many of the construction companies that once could perform this work did not survive the recession; leaving fewer contractors to tackle the increased demand for high-quality work.

Due to the pent-up demand in the marketplace we highly recommend bidding/securing a contractor for 2015 projects yet this year or early 1^st quarter 2014. Bidding early returns the most competitive pricing and will also help you to avoid the pent-up-demand for high quality contractors. Don’t risk being left to choose whoever is available.

If you’re interested in learning more about how StructureTec Group helps clients schedule work ahead of time, give us a call (1-800-745-7832) or email. We’d be happy to discuss your strategy for getting 2015 projects booked and ready to go.

Project Spotlight: Marianjoy Roof Restoration

Even though the roof on Marianjoy Hospital in Wheaton Illinois was only 8 years old, it was leaking. The roof was expected to have a 25 year life. This early problem prompted the Facility Manager to contact StructureTec Group for an evaluation and infrared scan.

Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital

After the scan and evaluation, it was clear that the leaks were occurring due to material deficiencies; deficiencies that are typically covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. In this particular case, it was discovered that not only did the installer fail to finalize the warranty paperwork, but that the installing contractor was not an authorized installer of the roof system. Unfortunately, these oversights voided any warranty that could have been applied to the roof system.

The roof needed an estimated one million dollar total replacement. Because the roof was quite new, there was no existing budget for a project of that magnitude. The hospital management wanted a way to fix the problems and maximize the life of the existing roof without exceeding the available funds for the project.

Construction Services Group (CSG), a StructureTec Group subsidiary, was contracted for the project. Given the parameters of the situation at hand, the team was able to come up with an innovative solution that saved the building owner the cost of full roof replacement.

Technician applying aluminum coating.

Rather than replace the roof, the team developed a plan to remove the wet insulation, repair the blisters and seam failures and cover the entire roof surface with an aluminum coating. This protects the building and prevents further material deterioration.  This solution gives the building owner another 10 years with their existing roof for less than $100,000.00, a fraction of the cost of replacement.

The building owner now has a roof that will last 10 more years, postponing the expensive roof replacement. In addition, the roof is fully weatherproofed complete with new insulation. StructureTec Group was able to provide the best solution for the unique parameters of the project allowing the hospital to continue to provide the best possible care to their patients and staff.

Weatherproofed roof with aluminum coating.

The 3 R's of Winter Preparation

Halloween is over and the pumpkins on our front porches have rotted (or frozen) away…whether we like it or not winter is just around the corner.

Before the first flurries start to accumulate, there are a few checks you should perform on your buildings to be sure they’re ready to bear the burden of snow, ice, rain and freeze/ thaw conditions. 

We've broken them down into the 3 R's of Winter Preparation:

1. Review the condition of your roofs. Roofs bear most of the burden of winter weather. Checking your roof system for any deficiencies before they’re covered in snow and ice will save you time and money in the long run.  You should be looking for things like punctures, open laps and blisters as well as obvious signs of existing water damage. What is now a small leak will only get worse this season.

2. Record the deficiencies you find on your roof and the level of severity. This will help you develop a plan to address these issues. Whether you decide to perform the work yourself, or hire a professional, knowing what and where the problems are will save you time as you race against the changing weather.

3. Repair the issues you've discovered. Give yourself some peace of mind this holiday season by ensuring all problems have been addressed. Repair any penetrations, flashings, curbs and skylights and repair voids or any open seams. Ensure that drains and scuppers are clear of any debris. Taking care of these minor maintenance issues will prevent them from becoming major projects to address this spring.

Remembering to check these few things before winter will go a long way in protecting your assets.  If you need advice on how to prepare your building for winter, you can schedule a walk over with us to make sure your building is ready. Click here for more information.