Latest / The Commercial Builders’ Network (TCBN) / How to Win Contracts with Brasfield & Gorrie | Small Business & Subcontractor Opportunities

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How to Win Contracts with Brasfield & Gorrie | Small Business & Subcontractor Opportunities · The Commercial Builders’ Network (TCBN)

• speaker-0: If you're a subcontractor, supplier or small construction company, and you've wondered how to get in front of a major general contractor, this episode is for you. Today we're breaking down how to do business with Brassfield and Glory, how their equip program works, where project opportunities are posted, what contractors should do before reaching out, and what actually makes a small business stand out. Today we have our guest, Jessica McMahon. She is the Senior Supplier Opportunity Manager at Brassfield and Glory, where she helps connect trade contractors and suppliers with relationships, resources, training, and real project opportunities. Let's get into it. This is the Commercial Builders Network, where we like to say construction can change your life and it's starting to look a lot like you. speaker-1: This is speaker-0: Is the Commercial Builders Network where trust is restored, power is reclaimed, and legacy is built. Let's get to work. Hello, beautiful people, and welcome to another episode of the Commercial Builders Network. My name is Tanisha Reed and I'm your host and today we have the beautiful Jessica McMahon from Brassfield and Glory. How are you doing today? speaker-1: I am doing great. Thank you. Happy to be with you this morning. Yes. speaker-0: long time coming. I've been I've been waiting for this lady right here to come with all the gems and jewels from the equipment program. Could you please dive in and tell the people what equip is. speaker-1: Yes, I would be delighted. So Equip is a program that is held within Brassel and Gory. It's internal to our company and it is all about and fully focused on connecting contractors with people within our company as well as with projects. So we know that everyone is looking to grow their business. They want to have work, they want to have work to pay for their their families, their employees, and to grow and to continue growing. In order to have work within our industry, you've got to know what projects are coming up, what G general contractors are working on. In order to know what we're working on, what those general contractors are working on, you've got to know people. So we try to work that backwards and start and and have that happening on an everyday basis. So proactively providing those relationships and providing that information. So all that happens within our equip program. And we it it's a program that goes on all year long with different events. I'm sure we'll obviously get more into it, but yeah, that is really at the heart of what it is all about. speaker-0: Awesome. So your position is the senior supplier opportunity manager. What does that actually mean? And why is this position important to breastfeed and glory? speaker-1: yes. it's been a fun journey to get to this role. but I started in the role in around twenty twenty one and at that time Brassfold and Gory was really taking time to focus on creating like access internally with our employees, making sure everyone felt like they had a place here, could belong, but also externally, really through our subcontractor relationships. So I was interested in the role. and so because I had come from this background of working in pre construction, I had worked in at pr in the preconstruction department at Brassville and Glory for about five years. And so when I reached out to our vice president of corporate responsibility to learn more about what they where where they were growing, what they were trying to do, they were looking for a a manager to kind of do all internal and external. And when I came with my background of pre-construction, we sw we switched and changed the role to really focus on supplier opportunity. And it's just been very exciting role to be in since it I have that background. And the role is really all about similar to the equip program, how do we help contractors get in the door, get access to that opportunity, and hopefully then start working with us. So I get to spend lots of time with people with subcontractors, building relationships, getting to know them, helping them through our process, navigating our steps. And then we also spend a lot of time in the community just seeing what's what events are out there, how can we network, how can we connect with what's already happening to then bring people in the door with us. And then we work a lot internally with our pre-construction managers and our project managers on really focused on on project strategy. What can we do for this project to bring in new contractors, small contractors, just anyone that's looking to do business with us? So we get to think a lot about what else, what are we not doing that we can start doing and how do we get people connected? And then of course we get to run and manage our equip program, which is what we, you know, the the heart of what we do. speaker-0: Awesome. So a little bit off topic. I do find it interesting that you and Yami both, and I know that's a different of yours over at Juno, both matriculated through your companies. you started as a receptionist pre construction to this position that you're in now, both in very similar positions, caring about not only those who are internally inside your company, but those who are externally. I think that speaks volume to your company. Tell me about the culture of the company itself. speaker-1: Yeah, so I I love Yami. so wonderful. I'm so glad you got to speak with him. he's been wonderful to get to know over these past few years. but yes, brassfield and gory, we see a lot of people who get into the company like out of college or or even through internships, and they just stay for years and years. We are we've been celebrating really over the past couple of years now. Decades of service. So we're recognizing people that are here for 10, 20, 30. Our founder, chairman is fifty years he's been here. but starting to get to relax now, hopefully. But yeah, so what we see here is a lot of people stay, they they get connected, they build relationships with people, they feel cared for, they feel like they can live their lives a little bit. And then they s and they stay. And so we're s when we see the same thing with our subcontractors, we build relationships with them and we want to work with them for the long term. you know, the construction industry is very risky. And so we you do want to work with people that you know and feel comfortable with. And so of course that takes time to build those relationships. And then when you get a good relationship, you see that can continue for for the long term. So that translates kind of the internal, external. culture. but yes, I was here. I I started off as a receptionist. My dad worked at Brasswell and Gory many years before me and never understood what he did or just wasn't interested. He worked, he did a great job. I ha lived my life. And then I never never thought full circle I would end up being here. And I was doing some some schooling and and just needed a kind of a a stable job or a local job and ended up as a receptionist and yeah, that was eleven years ago. So I'd never thought this is where I would be. And so much of it was had to do with the people in in the Orlando office who were welcoming and wanted to provide other opportunities. And then I found something that I got to my my niche my niche and what I got to enjoy, what I enjoy doing and what I've had also learned a lot about. speaker-0: I love it. Let's dive into the types of projects that you all work on and what your focus is as a company. speaker-1: Yeah, absolutely. So Brassville and Gory, we are a large commercial general contractor. So we do we fully focused on or or we are fully focused on commercial construction. And we are in about 14 or 15 different market sectors at any given time. And that that's a that's a a wide range, of course. So we we've always had a huge focus on healthcare. That is our largest market sector, has been and still is. and so you see lots of hospitals. Work we work very closely with Advent Health out of Orlando, HCA and Baptist Health. And so that's always been a main focus. And those projects can be one room renovations in in existing hospitals to those major ground up towers. but it's just something that you'll you'll always see us working on. And then of course, right now, Mission Critical is a huge market sector. and so we are definitely within that, working on those projects as well. And then commercial, we have, we've always done office buildings, multifamily towers, hospitality retail projects as well. And then industrial, like some of the warehouse cold, cold storage, food, do some projects for for Chick-fil-A, which is fun, because you know it's stuff stuff you enjoy, typically you enjoy eating. So you get to enjoy building them as well. And then we'll also do some road building, the infrastructure, vertical construction. and yeah, so I that's a good overview there. I'm sure I missed a couple, but it's a wide range and those projects will, like I said, they're they will go from those one room renovations to multi-hundred million dollar range projects. speaker-0: So what trays or certain capabilities are you consistently looking for when it comes to subcontractors? speaker-1: Yes. so as a general contractor, we do sub subcontract out the majority of our work. so we do some self-perform work, usually the structured concrete, site work, some of the other things. even within those, we still sub out or seek subcontractors and suppliers and vendors. But for the most of our for the majority of our work, we're looking for partners, trade contractors. So that includes anything from mill work. all the way to mechanical, electrical, and plumbing. So within construction, you know, we have our we have our CSI divisions that we talk about and that will go so we'll go from division four, you know, up to 32 and you know and beyond. So we are always looking for trade partners in those divisions with our clients. They they want to see the mark full market pricing. And so that means multiple bids competitive bidding in in in all the trades. so we do of course have relationships as we talked about subcontractor relationships are key to the success of our project. So there are people we work with often or regularly but that does not mean that we only work with them. We we can't. We will all end up not being able to continue working if we only work with the same people and our clients are the same way. They can't only work with us. We can't do everything. So we're always looking to how we can share and trade and and bring in new contractors. speaker-0: Is there anything outside of the the trades itself, like maybe project management or anything that guys also outsource? speaker-1: not necessarily project management, but that you bring up a great point. We are a a business. So we have offices, we have support departments from scheduling to virtual design construction, marketing, safety, supply opportunity, knowledge management, all of those are part of our offices. So there are opportunities within the support department or third parties once in a while where they need to outsource a service or or they need a vendor for something. Another avenue, of course, is catering. I get to do lots of fun events as we're always looking for local businesses to work with in that way. But yes, there are opportunities. You know, myself and my teammate, Hannah only, we are here to help with some of with those third parties as well. So if there's something that someone does, we love to just, we need to have a phone call to talk more, learn about what what they that company provides and then connect them with the right department to see when they might have an opportunity. The bidding process is a little bit more kind of clear cut of how to move move through it than the third parties, but speaker-0: Awesome. Now like with the equip program, let's talk about who should consider being a part of it. speaker-1: Yeah. Yes. excellent. So our equip program is focused on our construction projects. So we focus on the the the opportunities we communicate are all construction projects. The trainings that we do are construction focused and the resources and people that we're connecting with you are our project managers, pre-construction managers. So really the best person to or the best con con company to connect with equip would be anyone that works within the construction industry. so if you are a supplier, a trade contractor doing the work, you you know, you have your your company, you have your labors, you self-perform, that's this program is definitely for you. if you are a supplier providing materials, and even people, you know, we'd love for you to join as well because you can connect with us or you connect can connect with the subcontractors that are part of the program. and then also part of the industry that architect engineering side of it. We as a company do some design build work. So there's opportunities on the ahead of when the the drawings are ready for connection as well. So really anyone within that construction industry. speaker-0: Awesome. Is it like for people that are more seasoned? Is it why that's n fairly new? Like what does that look like? speaker-1: So anyone is able to join. You know, even if you have worked with us already or you've been around for twenty years, there is still opportunity to check it out because of the projects we share and the relationships you might be able to add to your list of people that you know with us already. But I would say it is really geared towards someone that's trying to work with us for the first time. whether they or they've worked with us once, but they maybe aren't getting some traction. So they just wanna continue that momentum. Because we really focus on training to get you started with us and getting you those first initial contacts. Once you have those contacts, we hope that you just move on and have a successful, fruitful relationship for many years and you forget about us, you know? But we're we're still here if you need us. We we just want to help you get running and then you're able to just go from there. but the program is does not Push anyone, or it doesn't not let anyone join. It is it is available for all. The one thing we will do if you join or if you complete the membership form and you are maybe what that third party vendor we talked about, we'll reach out to you individually to say, Hey, let's talk about this. You just might not get anything out of the program, but we still want to connect with you. so yes, if you are just trying to work with us for the first time. Or you're just get you've had a first couple projects and you're trying to keep that momentum going. or it's been maybe it's been a few years because of for some reason we just haven't connected with us in a while. It's a great opportunity to get back in and see what's going on. speaker-0: Can you kind of dive a little further into the type of workshops and programs that the act that you actually get out of the program? speaker-1: Yes, yeah. Some of our program offerings. So Equip started off as a as as an in person training presentation and networking event and then it grew to full like a full program with with events and multiple offerings and communications and website and things like that. but we have kept the initial purpose or the initial event that Equip started as a as our main offering. And we call those our workshops because they include trainings, technical assistance, and networking in one. And we offer those every other month. And so it is a consistent touch point with our company and our and our team. So every other month you have an opportunity to meet someone new from our company, hear about projects that their that their office is working on, and hear about what's going on, something that's going on in the construction industry. So that is a virtual event as well because it covers our whole footprint and it's it's a great way to just stay connected. We focus on the the actual training topics on things that are just are relevant to the construction industry. So just a couple of weeks ago we talked about AI. I don't know if you've heard of this or if you've talked about it before, but obviously it's talked about every day. And we talked about how that's part of our construction technology, our virtual design construction teams. and how we're using that internally. So we do we try to go off of feedback from our equip members on what they want to learn about, feedback from our operations and pre-construction managers on what's going on in on their job sites, what's helpful information for sub for subcontractors to know about, and just other other relevant things that are going on in industry. So that's something that we offer every, like I said, every six month or every other month consistently. And then we also do in-person and virtual project specific events. So if a project is coming up that is in a new area or just we love we just want to make sure everyone knows about it. we're we do events. So they sometimes they're in person, so you can get in, shake hands, see see people face to face, or we do virtual events as well. It's how it's hard to always be traveling around. We know every GC has events and there's lots of community events, so we try to be aware of that. But that's an opportunity to really focus in on a specific project and get plugged into that. And then we'll also do in-person virtual just pure networking event, networking events where you can just focus on building that relationship, making that contact, and then following up after that. And then finally we do have a an active website so that you can go on, check out resources regarding our forms and our steps and just different business support as well as the equip members directory and then we have our project opportunities and all of our events on there and then along with that comes communications through newsletter and email so you know what's going on. You don't always have to go check the website every day, but we will sh share things with you via email. speaker-0: Awesome. I love how you have the the in person and the virtual aspect because especially being a small business, a lot of times they're wearing all the hats and they're trying to figure out and can't get there and it's you know, that's another stumbling block that a lot of people have. but another really big one is the pre qualification. Is there any technical I know you said some technical assistance, but do you actually help walk these these different businesses through your pre qualification process and what that paperwork actually looks like? speaker-1: So right now we are using a an internal form that we've created and it's on our Brass Hold and Gory's public website. And for a subcontractor, if once you download that and if you have any questions about what the form is asking, we absolutely can help walk through walk anyone through that. What we will typically do is see what your questions are, get risk, our risk team directly connected so they can answer the question directly and let you know what form or or what type of financial documents or whatever questions there are, they will answer it right away. And so you'll feel good to go to move forward. You know, our process isn't a qualify or disqualify. It is more of a understanding of where the contractor is at, what size projects we want we'd really want to start with, and getting them, getting that information to our pre-construction teams to be able to start moving forward. speaker-0: So where do you see with all these different companies that you work with, a lot of companies tend to fall short from getting the opportunity? What is that those are maybe two or three common things or mistakes that you see? speaker-1: Yes. So I think w one thing that's hard about our industry is the length of time it can take to get an award. it's just a long process. So an issue that we see is bidding one job and then feeling like, well, that's it. I didn't get that job, I'm done. and really it takes multiple jobs and it's a and it's a long time. So being able to understand what that timeline is is really important and being getting in and knowing okay I've got to get a few bids going to really to get something over the finish line. So the other part I think mistake can be, well I have along with that, I've bid this project and and just not not having that understanding of what budget or what drawings we're at, what what type of budgeting we're doing. what is the schedule and when is when is this project actually going to go to award? That's all information you need to know going into your bidding, your first bid. Because we do bid multiple rounds, multiple sets of documents from you know a schematic round to a con conceptual up to the final round of documents. And likely you will not get an award till that final round. So coming in, okay, I'm ready, I'm gonna bid my project, I'm gonna get my job, that outlook is not usually correct. That's not how it's gonna happen. It's gonna be like, I I've got to take a c I've got to get a couple projects going, understanding when they're award, when they're gonna be awarded, and then you'll, you know, be be good to go. And then the next step or the next issue, which I think that can be more on it's on could be more on our side, but is making sure you request that feedback to understand what happened with that bid. And I For the a lot of the contractors we work with, they do follow up. They do want to know what's going on. I but the issue can be that we see sometimes the follow-up is is several months later and they I will get an Excel document of, hey, I bid these 10 projects and I just wanna know what's going on with them. And that speaks to the, you know, the timeline with our projects can be difficult to track. But we re the best way to get that feedback is in like while we're in the project, while you're pricing. You know, letting your your contact or your resource know I'm bidding this project, how am I doing while I'm bidding? And then what happens right after? That's the best way to get the the best feedback and not a year later. The contract the pre-con managers who are handling that bid package, when they're in it, they know what's going on. Once a year has passed, they have probably priced four more projects by then. And so it's hard to get that feedback together. so Yeah, it th and that can be hard to manage. I understand that, but that's just when you get the best information. So getting that feedback as qu as close to while you're bidding in as possible. And just checking in with the con the bid package lead while you're bidding to have a conversation. Like not checking in with them while you're bidding can be I'll say that's the third maybe issue. Well, you have a bid package lead for every for your bid package. That is a key relationship for you as a contractor. So you yes, you're going to look at the drawings. Yes, you're going to submit your proposal, but reach out to them and let's have have a phone call or have a meeting while you're going through your bidding process. That's huge for bit for making a connection and letting them know you really are paying attention and you know the project. And then they'll they'll be able to connect with you better or quicker for the next project. And that's something that my team can help with, or you know, just if you have a resource, f reach out to them in the company. but yeah, so those those three things like And not understanding the process and or not wanting to bid or not being able to bid multiple projects or get that going, getting kind of getting not getting that feedback in real time and then not using that bid package contact as like a this is my contact now. So that's a huge resource. speaker-0: So what's the balance between hounding your team and calling over to this is a necessary amount of time to actually reach out and get the useful information? speaker-1: yes, that's a tough question or it that's a tough balance. So I guess it could be an art, right? Figuring out that time. it that is going to be really dependent on your project schedule. So when you submit your bid, I guess you won you'll want to follow up within a couple of weeks is to see what's going on. is it moving forward? When is the awards happen? When are the awards happening? And when you know that information, that will help your timeline as well for a follow-up. So when you go into a project, usually there is a a schedule available to you or at least an award date. But if that's not clear, that's a very important question to or those are very important questions to ask so that you know when do I really need a follow-up? I would always want to check in a couple weeks after I submit my bid so that I just reconnect, but then understanding, okay, this project will have another bidding round in two months. I don't need to follow up anymore. I'm gonna wait till the next bidding round is coming around and then make sure I'm on that bidding round. Or okay, we're this is a final round, the awards are coming up in a couple of months. Checking in around that, that when the awards are supposed to start was is a good time. and then understanding our asking if the project is at an award or starting to do awards, when is your scope supposed to be awarded? Because that is key in understanding when to check in, because the the project managers. Preconstruction managers are going to be awarding all 30 trades. And so they're gonna focus on a couple at a time and knowing, okay, if I'm finishes, maybe I'm a little bit later on. Let's let's let them get through the major trades first and then I'll follow up. and yeah, so just kind of understanding your specific projects timeline. speaker-0: Awesome. So what can make a company stand out that exact opposite liked, okay, maybe I should start looking at them 'cause they seem to be taking of course communication, but is there anything else that would make them stand out? speaker-1: Yes, that communication is key. Like you said, when you are bidding a project and you are saying, Hey, I want to meet with you to talk about my scope, that's part of that communication. They are gonna that lets everyone know, okay, they are paying attention. but besides the communication is just really you just knowing your company, knowing your area, your your area of expertise, not coming and saying, I can do anything or everything, but hey, this is what I do. And I do it so well. I I'm the person that that you need to have bidding and working on this project. That's really fantastic. But you know, and I all falls a little bit under communication, but it's still like really knowing this is my lane and I I'm gonna focus on that. And then being able to talk about the project just so well. Like you you showing that you've looked at the specs, you've looked at the drawings. you you know, you you you've seen issues or you've you've seen where there are things that need to be discussed, then that really stands out that you know what is going on. And you know, for us, we utilize a bidding platform called Building Connected, which I know is not just brasswood and gory, lots of people use it. we use our we use that for our bid forms, bid submissions, everything filling out our the forms, like you making sure you actually go on and fill out our bid form. is key instead of just sending an email and saying, here's my proposal, then we have to then route it to building connected. So, you know, go following the processes that we have are is another great way to stand out. speaker-0: So I know you just brought up Building Connect. What are some projects that are like that should be on people's radar, whether they're in the equip program or interested in getting to the equipment? speaker-1: yeah. So we utilize building tech for all of our projects and it's all invite only. So just this isn't exactly answering your question, but if you are a contractor and you're interested in a project, knowing just I want you to know you you have to be invited and that's through the the pre-con team, which you know goes back to Quip is all about getting that relationship so you can get that invite. and we have projects all over the southeast. so I didn't have any Well, there are so there are so many projects at any time. It's hard to know what project is going on in in every office. But we have several that are on the equip website right now. Like for Florida, we have some healthcare projects that are out there. And I will also say f with Advent House specifically, we now have a small project division or a a pre construction manager who's handling all of our small projects. And so if you're interested in starting with something smaller We have the Eric Linquist who focuses fully on that with Advent Health. So what an a great opportunity to feel like you can start something you feel comfortable with. but yeah, there are actual active Advent Health projects that are on the equip website right now. there is also some an office or a office building and tower in the Georgia area that I'm just about to put on today. so we, you know, equip for the project opportunities on the equip website, we update those. in real time as projects are going out to bid. So it's something that's going to change based on a approximately a monthly basis. So always look out for that project. Here where I am in Georgia, well that actually is Georgia, the office building I'm I'm about to add on there. So just the answering your question, there are projects all the time. There are several that are listed on the equip website. we have a few that are coming out that'll be coming out that are exciting with North Carolina State University. also there is something with the North Carolina A T. so just kind of on a continual basis. and if you see something on the Quip website that you're interested in, if you decide to go check that out after this podcast, we love to chat with you. Or if you don't, let us know and we'll and we can connect you directly with our pre construction admin. Every office has an assistant who knows. What projects are going on and who is leading that project? speaker-0: So on your website it says equip members have received over a hundred billion dollars in contracts in twenty twenty five. That is huge. Yeah. And you guys should pat yourselves in the back for you know, extending that much of resources to subcontractors with small businesses. So that's that's huge. Could you please tell me a success story of somebody who's been through your program, worked it into it? speaker-1: You know. speaker-0: We are gonna partner with them. speaker-1: yes, thank you so much. it's the equip membership has grown so much since it's it f started in 2019. And so it's exciting to see the growth of members and growth of spend all happening at the same time. We just want that to continue. but yes, we have one contractor who is local to Georgia but works in other areas as well, and they've really connected closely with our Florida office. they are ASL mechanical, they are a mechanical contractor. And they joined the program. We met them at a networking event and they got plugged in. And they have really taken advantage of those project opportunities that we have on the the equip web side, the the landing page. And anytime they see a project that is in their area, they reach out to the the office. The con there's a contact for every project listed and they have just consistently checked in on projects, reached out. And because of that, they started bidding those multiple projects, you know, not just one and and walk away, but let's let how do we keep this process going? and so they their they their first job was two hundred and twenty two thousand and then their most recent job was over a million dollars. So that's growth of project size and they've done two or three projects. then they have two potential awards coming. So that's growth. even more over the past two years. So that is an example that shows the just their advantage that the advantage that they took of the program, what the program offers, as well as the growth of their project size and the continued growth of awards. So I actually got to see them recently at an event here in Atlanta and it's just it's so fun to be able to celebrate and see that happening. you know, there's of course there are other contractors as well, but really specifically of how they engage with the program. it was it was great to see that lead to their their success. speaker-0: Awesome now. part of one of the pillars with this the commercial builders network is building trust with the community. How do you guys build trust with the community? The quilt program is awesome. How do you guys stay transparent with building? speaker-1: yes, trust is key in our industry, as you said. We the the industry is risky and so we always want to work with people that we feel comfortable with, our from our clients all the way down to our subcontractors and suppliers and vendors, right? So completely agree. And what we have always tried to do is treat our subcontractors the way that we wanna be treated and that creates trust. So when we have an issue on a project, if you are if able to just communicate with us that there's an issue, we're gonna work through it. At no point are we feel do we respond in anger or in we will not work with you again but if we're able to work through an issue on a project that helps us really create that trust and move forward. Also if we are having an issue on a project with our the client or the project moving forward or We have there's been situations where we'll pay our subcontractors before we get paid because we see you know the the importance of our subcontractors doing the work got us to where we were and we know how important it is for future relationships. And we've had that happen occasionally with projects that are just having issues and the issues are gonna be going on for a long time. And that's something that our the founders of our company have that's that's their choice to to pr to handle the project that way. So we hope that that shows our you know, care and helps create trust. And also we just try to really com participate in things that are going on. So, you know, there's l lots of local industries, local charities or local things that support our community. And every office does a variety of different things that they are that they pa are passionate about, whether it's the American Heart Association or the you know the local association of builders and contractors just getting in and helping out and being involved. Also a lot of the like ace mentorship we're we're work getting to work with kids who are coming up through through school, learning about different things, like how do we connect with them and help them learn about the constructed industry and get connected that way. So you have trust from from a young age. speaker-0: Awesome. Yeah, that was a perfect segue. You must be clear. Next question, which is workforce development. Huge issue inside of the construction industry, but I saw that you had over four hundred interns in their thirty five schools in this past summer. Can you speak to I know this isn't your primary role. but I think that speaks volumes to the company itself yet again in character and getting back to the community. Can you speak to those who are looking for opportunities inside the the side the company? speaker-1: Yes, absolutely. I have to give a huge shout out to all of our recruiters. We have corporate recruiters, industry recruiters. Our our human resource department is incredible and they are working they work overtime because of just the amount, the volume of openings there are and needs there are in our industry. We also have a specific craft labor recruiting team because we are always looking for people for our self-perform work or just to get on our job sites. But yes, the recruiters are working all over the place. The interns are not just PM project managers or pre-construction managers. They can work in all kinds of s support departments as well. If someone's interested in learning more about that, we do have information on our Brasswood and Glory's public website for careers that includes internships, or they can reach out to me and I'd love to connect them with one of our recruiters for just to have a informational call. but yes, no matter where you are. Getting into school, typically over 18, but it whether you're in school or you're looking to get on the field, there's something for you. we have our a field apprenticeship training program. I mean, it's it's really exciting to see the things that are growing. I have a seven year old myself. I have no idea what he's gonna want to do with his life, but we are pushing for him to just try whatever he wants, whether it be formal education or if he wants to do some work. There are great opportunities and it's up to what you are are interested in what helps you feel like you can get through the day, right? The days the days can be hard. So you want to be doing something with people you care about. So yeah, the the internships and I will say we have the percentage of interns who end up working with us full time is very high. I don't know it exactly, but that is a a really we see a lot of folks go through the co-op role the co-ops or the internship programs. that just they get connected, they they'll do four years with us in the summer and then they'll just keep going. I I personally did not do that. So there's other opportunities as well, but there that is a mid majority or major way that we get people, that people end up coming through our program and then working with us full time. speaker-0: If a young person is watching this, what would be your advice to them to say why they should join the construction industry? speaker-1: well it is it is always ch no no day is the same. It's always exciting and there are so many more opportunities to work or different types of roles than I had I had any idea when I was growing up or when I even started working here. So if you you know, enjoy marketing or you enjoy swinging hammers or you enjoy the strategy or you enjoy the the tech, there is something in this industry. And you know, we have seen of course over the over the past many years, ups and downs in our economy and recession and the construction industry has stayed consistent, especially with our commercial side and healthcare side. That's just something that has always been there's always been a need. So we are cont company has continued to grow throughout those different those just the different things going on in the in the economy. So that's something to think about. and I would say with in the industry as a whole I have a lot of really great friends throughout different general contractors. So even though we're competitors, we all like work together and want to see success. So you have a you see a lot of relationships that extend just your company and then those that can also lead to other opportunities. But yeah, there is there it's it would be hard to find something that if you whatever you're interested in that that we don't have here in our company because there's so many different departments and you can have Just different days every day. speaker-0: Employee wrap, is there an ask that you have, whether it's a subcontractor or organization you guys are looking to partner with? Is there an ask that you have? speaker-1: Yes. well we would love from from Brasswell and Gory and s especially the Supply Opportunity team, we'd love for you to join a quip and start connecting, you know, with people and with projects. You know, we know it is it can just take a long time to get projects or get to get an award and we love to just start engaging with you right away and learning about your company and helping answer questions and help get you connected with more people. speaker-0: And lastly, again, how do we get connected to equiping equipment? speaker-1: so we have of course our our website. and it is you can access it, you know, you can Google Equip Brassfold and Gory, but on our brasswood and glory's public website, there is a trades contractor page and that has everything you need. It has our prequal form, it has information on building connected, and it has information on Connect. And that is just our public website. So you can go on there, get it all, check it all out, and join from there. And then as soon as it you join as a member with Equip, we will reach out to you so we can start the relationship. speaker-0: I'm thinking some way to have the good. speaker-1: Yeah, thank you.