Fall Marks a New Season for Construction
Nature always provides a rhythm of order for me. As the days get shorter and cooler, the visual changes are happening, too. Schools are in full swing, I see more boats in driveways indicating the end of summer, hunting tags are being applied for and the farmers have begun the harvest.
Harvesting has always been interest an of mine. I’ve never run a combine, but the preparation, long hours, and risk/reward element of a farmer’s life reminds me a lot of our construction seasons. It isn’t always the case, but I typically find that commercial construction in the Fall always seems to be busier than all the other seasons. Maybe it’s the number of schools rushing to get wrapped up, the hurry to get things enclosed before the cold or the unexpected client that calls and wants to begin their project prior to frost and try to get enclosed before winter really sets in.
In any case, I notice an exhilaration in the workforce. Crews begin to put on their Carhartts or sweatshirts and get a break from the hot summer sun. I admire our employees for their ability to change with the seasons and adapt to Mother Nature.
Some occupations don’t get that feeling—tired, sore, exhausted—however, it’s good for the brain, muscles and soul. I’m not saying that others are lazy, but people in other industries may not appreciate the benefits of the good essential work of the construction industry. Every Fiegen Construction employee has that feeling of being proud of their work and of the buildings they have built!
The other day, a key employee said, “every time we start to wonder about catching up and running low on work, the firm finds a way to backfill with new projects that seem to fit with the season." This may be a coincidence but over the years it has been true with our firm, and I believe that it’s the work of many pulling together and intentionally reviewing the status of projects, schedules, completion dates and workforce availability. Thank you to the marketing, design team, project managers and field operations!
As we embark on the winter months, here are a few examples of our interior winter projects this year:
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Augustana University Hockey
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Maguire Iron (3) Facilities
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St. Joseph's Rectory
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Sanford Health MVP Clinic
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Lewis Drug MVP
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Sanford Health Virtual Hospital
I firmly believe that by the time we are completed with our projects, we have become trusted partners and in addition, we consider the reputation we have built to be invaluable. As in the past, most of our repeat work is dependent on these partnerships and we’re grateful for the continued trust and future projects. I encourage you to take some time this Fall, be it hunting, family or whatever you prefer, to reflect on your happiness. The happy people who take the moments to enjoy, seem to be the healthiest. This is my wish for you.
Jeff Fiegen, President
Fiegen Construction
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