HAPPY 40TH ANNIVERSARY!
As we celebrate 40 years of service in the construction industry, we're going retro.
Who knows, in this edition you may find a few oldies, but goodies...Enjoy!
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Wow, what a year 2018 was for us! It never ceases to amaze me how a year can come and go so quickly. There is so much for us to be thankful for: we had many successful jobs, welcomed new faces, worked on some very interesting projects, and maintained an excellent reputation for safety and quality workmanship. While we experienced some low points this year, it is encouraging to know we can pull through any difficult time together. The passing of our friend and co-worker, Billy Cox, was the most difficult of all these. He will be greatly missed by all who were lucky enough to have met him.
As we wrap up another year, it’s always fun to look back on our projects and see where the year took us. This year didn’t disappoint in terms of our reach across Michigan. It felt as though we touched almost every corner of Michigan, including:
- Hudson’s Site Development in Detroit
- M-86 and Crystal Springs Road MDOT bridge project in Van Buren County
- Upper Michigan Energy Resource project in Marquette and Pelkie
- Spartan Cheese Processing Plant in St. Johns
- Dow Coventa in Harbor Beach
- Darr Road bridge project in Mason County
- Palisades Nuclear Power Plant in Covert
- CD12 in Kalamazoo
- Iron Belle Trail in Gaylord
- Studio Park in Grand Rapids
- Numerous projects at the University of Michigan and Michigan State University
While this is in no way a complete list, it helps show our impact as a company on Michigan’s construction industry. None of these projects would have been a success without each and every one of you deciding to be part of the Hardman team. So, thank you for your hard work, thank you to your incredible families for the sacrifices they make, and thank you to all our partners who help make what we do possible.
I look forward to 2019 and the successes we will accomplish together!
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Detroit, the City with endless stories and unwavering supporters—it’s alive and continues to be on the rebound. Residents and city-goers see revitalization efforts around every corner and in a myriad of scope and size. One of these projects is the Hudson’s Site Development and the massive project is described as the creation of a “city within a city.” Hardman Construction was fortunate enough to be part this project.
The site is utilizing the old J.L. Hudson’s department store, which was demolished in the late 1990’s and eventually turned into an underground parking structure that sat vacant. In its prime, the large department store spanned over the entire 1200 block of Woodward Avenue in Downtown Detroit. After a few additions and renovations, the old Hudson’s building became the largest department store in the world. Like its predecessor, the new development will set records by becoming the tallest building in Michigan (at 912 feet). It will be a true mixed-use building that includes retail shops, office space, residential units, hotel rooms, event space, and underground parking.
Our portion of the work stayed true to the grit and determination the City of Detroit is known for. The scope included items such as:
- Installation of structural steel to support the existing upper concrete wall
- Rehabilitation and replacement of over 500 tiebacks
- Hydro-demolition of existing walls (around 30,000 sq. feet)
- Hanging wire mesh and implementing shotcrete techniques on existing wall (over 25,000 sq. feet)
This historic project will no doubt be a unique part of Detroit’s history, and it also proved to be a unique project for us. The scope of work was not typical for a new build and required ingenuity, teamwork, open mindedness, and a whole lot of patience. One of the best parts of the project was it allowed the team an opportunity to learn and be part of implementing new processes. This included the use of robotic technology for the hydro-demolition and structural steel installation portions of the project. Even with all the unknowns that can come with trying something new, the crew remained positive and determined and our work was completed on schedule and on budget.
While our portion of the work is done, the project isn’t expected to be completed until 2022. We look forward to tracking the progress and being able to say we were part of Michigan’s history.
Thanks to everyone who helped make the Hudson’s project a success. We know none of it would have been possible without the support and tireless effort of our dedicated employees!
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Brag Spot
Congratulations to one of our superintendents, Nate Brasher. Nate was recently selected as a 2018 Top Foreman by CSM Group, and we couldn't agree more! His accomplishments while working on one of the CSM sites were recognized during an event held by CSM in December.
Way to go Nate!
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Employee Spotlight:
Scott Chaffee
Scott started working at Hardman Construction after graduating high school. Starting in 1981, Scott is our longest working field employee in company history and is a trusted superintendent. Here's a small glimpse of how he's spent his time with Hardman.
Q: What is your favorite Hardman story?
A: "T
here are many favorite stories, I could go on for hours, but this will work:
We were starting a new bridge job in Berrien Springs in 1995 and my dad was the superintendent. Al Hardman bid this job in the U.P. for Kewadin Casino and if he got it we had to move in A.S.A.P. Well, come Tuesday morning my dad came out and gave me a really big cell phone. He said blue prints are in the trailer and introduced me to the dirt subcontractor. My dad said good luck, got in his truck, and left. Soon after, Work Safe showed up and asked where to put the signs. I said dump them in the median. Needless to say, after 3 days of putting signs up myself I learned my lesson--they were suppose to do it. I ended up working down in that area for 11 summers and the rest is history."
Q: What was the best piece of advice you received while working?
A: "Pay attention and don’t get hurt; watch, learn, and work hard; and no question is a dumb question. Was told this by Erv Youngstrom.
In 1981 when I started my dad said, 'you’re making big money so give 'em a good days work!’ The apprentice scale back then was $8.39/hour 1
st
year!"
Q: If you weren't working in construction, what career would you have chosen?
A: "If I wasn’t doing construction I would have had a body shop.
"
Q: What is your favorite thing to do away from the jobsite?
A: "Myself, Sherry, and Sprocket (our dog) really enjoy camping in the toy hauler and going to Drummond Island every year to ride and camp. Plus, we are part of a club that maintains a lot of the single track trail around Baldwin for the DNR. Also, spending as much time as I can with the kids and grand-kids."
Q: Anything else you'd like to add?
A: "It has been an interesting journey working for Hardman and seeing all the changes through the years. I have met a lot of interesting people and some have become good friends."
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IN MEMORY OF BILLY COX
In loving memory of Billy Cox, our friend and trusted co-worker. Hardman Construction Project Engineer, Andrew Lobbestael, summed it up pretty well:
"Looking back at Billy’s life, from a work associate’s perspective, it was clear to me that he had a deep love for several things, first and foremost were his wife Ronee, his daughters Bristol and Rayna, along with the rest of their family.
Next in line was “the Razor”. Now, I’ve never actually seen it, but I’ve heard so many stories it feels like all I’ve done is go riding with him every weekend for the last 2 years. He actually showed me an aerial view shot of his house one time, and from the satellite Google Maps image, you can see how committed Billy was to doing donuts in his backyard.
It was apparent he had his priorities straight: family first, work second, fun third. We’re all going to miss that goofy, diligent, knowledgeable, fun guy on the jobsite, and we all know this doesn’t even scratch the surface of how much he’ll be missed at home.
On December 2, 2018 at 4:25pm in Grand Rapids, MI, we lost one of the great ones. Billy, you will be greatly missed by all of us who were lucky enough to call you a co-worker and friend."
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Have an idea or something to share?
We want to hear your stories and help celebrate your milestones!
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