When Derrick Building Solutions released the announcement about my new title, I was asked by some of my colleagues for the top advice from lessons learned in my 18 years with Derrick.  While much has changed with technology and communications in the industry, the best advice is timeless.

  1. Straightforward and honest communication is always the best.; Every project will have its unique challenges, but it’s always wise to have open and honest communication with owners and other contractors on the job.  This helps build trust and reiterates the fact that you are all on the same team working toward the goal of a successful project.
  2. Taking care of a client pays dividends in the long run.  At times, it’s tempting to let the finances of a project be the primary concern, but taking proper care of the project owner and honoring commitments builds a long term client relationship based on trust.
  3. Time spent in planning saves resources during the project.  Of course the best made plans are subject to change, but high quality advanced planning saves time, money, and headaches during the course of the project.

These lessons guide all of us at Derrick Building Solutions to serve our customers as we would like to be served.

Written by: Mark Johnson, Vice President Project Management at Derrick Building Solutions