Two-toned floors at Project Home
A welcoming touch with two-toned floors at Project Home
The Client: Ruth Williams House provides 88 units of affordable housing to men and women who are homeless, formerly homeless or at risk of becoming homeless—including young adults—as well as low-income members of the community. Residents of the supportive housing units at Ruth Williams House will be linked to medical and behavioral health services and substance use treatment and recovery services, as needed. All residents will be eligible to receive employment and education services through Project HOME’s employment services program.
The area currently has many underutilized buildings and lots with a proximity to a large, active educational institution and public transportation. Ruth Williams House is located in the “North Philadelphia Transit Hub” section of North Broad Street. This area is a transportation hub and identified in the North Broad Street Plan as an ideal location for transit-oriented development.
The addition of housing and mixed-use buildings will build upon the previous investment in retail. Ruth Williams House supports the City’s goals of development on the North Broad Street Corridor: to reestablish North Broad Street as a mixed-use urban area, to promote Philadelphia’s image as a “walker’s city” and to build connections along the North Broad Street corridor.
The Challenge: This public serving agency experiences a high turnover rate, so the new facility would need to be designed in such a way that was inviting and gave a feeling of home, yet had movement.
The Solution:
Flooring played a crucial role in the design of the new Project Home facility. Typically, VCT flooring is used in public housing, but architects chose a material that would give a more comfortable feeling of home as well as long-lasting durability.
Having used luxury vinyl flooring in several multi-unit facilities in the past, we knew this product offered design versatility, sound-absorption qualities and in fact requires less maintenance than other flooring options.
Conclusion
Not only did luxury vinyl flooring help create a comforting and welcoming aesthetic inside the facility, but it also helped define pathways and accentuate specific areas throughout the common space.
In the end, Project Home officials were very happy with the look and feel of the new space.
“The client loved it,” said James Smith. “They thought the floor looked like wood and was warm like wood, but it was easier to maintain.”
Contracted work was performed for Domus,Inc. builder of Project Home Ruth Williams House.
Have a multi-unit facility in need of some major change? Contact our experts now >> Click Here to contact us
Embracing Technology in the Construction Industry
Most construction industry professionals acknowledge that increased adoption of technology is in their future. Yet many still resist committing their time or money, and others invest sporadically, hoping to see results by using tech for tech’s sake.
Improved project outcomes can only occur through understanding the most significant of the individual applications and devices that are currently available, and realizing how those technologies are already synergistically working together and giving rise to emergent processes. These processes will likely supplant many of the standalone systems that now dominate the tech landscape and will represent the new normal for project execution in the not-so-distant future. While technology can improve the design and construction process, implementation of technology must be part of a broader strategic platform.
Many of today’s most popular software, technologies and devices have proven themselves thoroughly on large-scale building and infrastructure projects. According to the World Economic Forum, “Wherever the new technologies have properly permeated this fragmented industry, the outlook is an almost 20 percent reduction in total life-cycle costs of a project, as well as substantial improvements in completion time, quality and safety.”
Here’s a look at a few technologies that are changing the game now, as well as paving the way for a more connected future.
MOBILE DEVICES AND APPS
Perhaps the most widely adopted of all new technologies are mobile devices. With their easy-to-use apps, they allow workers to access, document, share and edit important project information even while on the job site. Heavy-duty devices made specifically for field work feature rugged construction, screens that are better lit for viewing in bright daylight or poor weather conditions, and industry-specific components such as barcode scanners and radio-frequency identification readers (both of which can help track shipments, equipment, and materials).
It’s widely believed that the future of mobile will be to dispense with devices entirely. Wearable gear probably represents the next “big thing,” a stopping point along the way as hardware developers pursue the elusive goal of achieving truly invisible ways to augment reality.
BIM
BIM is another widely implemented technology. Recent versions incorporate an increasing amount of information into the model; for example, pulling from historical or other databases to improve delivery of information on site conditions, scheduling, etc. Advances in technology have enabled connecting BIM models to devices in the field, where real-time sharing enhances productivity. It is also becoming more common for an expanding range of team members to have simultaneous access to a project BIM model, and for the BIM model to be a required deliverable to the owner and operations team.
Moving forward, linking ever-greater data sets—and even unleashing the power of machine learning—will enable faster, real-time delivery of information through BIM.
LASER SCANNING
Laser scanning offers enormous efficiency when it comes to assessing sites or as-built conditions. Field measurements performed with laser scanners capture very detailed geometric information in the form of “point cloud” data—that is, a large set of points on a coordinate system. Laser scanners are incredibly accurate and thus show the true conditions of a space and/or facility. This can be particularly useful when analyzing potential clashes between exiting conditions and new building elements. The data can be fed into BIM or CAD files, leading to time and cost savings.
Future developments are likely to come in the form of faster data incorporation and more streamlining of the design-build process. In the past, it was a specialized and time-consuming task to import point cloud data into a building file. Recently, the task has become much faster and more accurate, but improved scanners and more seamless software interfacing should eventually make the process nearly automatic.
DRONES
Officially called unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), drones equipped with cameras have been in use for several years to collect information in locations that are hard for humans to access. Captured images can support site assessment and inspections, as well as augment a project team’s understanding of progress and as-built conditions. Drones also can be utilized to monitor logistics, deliveries and the workforce. Some companies are taking drone footage and converting it into 3-D pictures that can be compared to architectural plans.
Expected improvements largely focus on advanced cameras and lenses that can capture better images, as well as enhanced communication—in real time—between drones and software on the receiving end. There is also the potential to utilize sensors for monitoring. And, of course, one low-tech issue is critical: rules, regulations and controls (currently under the purview of the Federal Aviation Administration) must balance the needs of the industry with the needs of the public.
GPS TRACKING
GPS tracking has been a boon for any company that manages an equipment fleet. GPS hardware installed in each vehicle communicates with a “home base” via satellite, enabling managers to see where their vehicles are in real time.
As with other technologies, future trends in GPS tracking likely involve greater interconnectedness with other systems. Fleet tracking software and telematics systems can provide instant data about field conditions, as well as equipment conditions, and feeding that information into a central dashboard will improve operations.
3-D PRINTERS AND ROBOTIC CONSTRUCTORS
Extruded concrete (including concrete composites), plastics and other materials are being used to create building components and even entire buildings. For example, the world’s first 3-D-printed office was recently constructed in Dubai. Robotic arms have been used in conjunction with 3-D printers to print a variety of forms. Robots also are being used for demolition, to place bricks, excavate and do other tasks. Inventors are working on improving the agility and scalability of these activities.
WEARABLES
The construction industry has tremendous potential for wearable devices, such as smart glasses and hardhats that can provide visualization, augmented and mixed reality. These visualization tools can provide improvements in accuracy, efficiency and safety. Other wearables, such as technology-enhanced safety vests, smart watches and health trackers, are being utilized to monitor workers motions and movements to enhance safety, increase productivity and reduce risk.
BIG DATA AND THE INTERNET OF THINGS
A theme underlying all of the above technologies is the impending connection of many construction activities that are currently siloed. So far, industry conversations about big data have centered on asset management. For example, sensors on buildings can collect hundreds of readings that help assess building performance, and historical data can be used to inform scheduling decisions. Contractors already are utilizing technology to monitor equipment usage, fuel usage and maintenance, and construction equipment manufacturers are investing more in intelligent machines.
Building materials suppliers are leveraging the IoT for quality control, delivery and forecasting. But in the near future, big data is going to become a fabric uniting and transforming other technologies. This is because cloud-based software-as-a-service generates data patterns as a byproduct of their core tasks. The byproducts are known as data exhaust—but they are not mere pollution. For example, most people make use of sophisticated apps that display real-time traffic conditions by crowd-sourcing data from cell phone signals and sensors on vehicles and roadways. A similar type of data analysis will be used on the construction site to assess real-time conditions there. Data exhaust can be used to improve construction activities ranging from supply chains to safety. Experts anticipate a move away from proprietary products and toward open source software to support this connectedness. In addition, data from the IoT can feed into business intelligence tools and enterprise resource planning systems to help companies better monitor and manage their business.
Put together, trend-spotters are painting a picture of a future that might involve BIM models digesting information sent via drone and then directing a “printed” solution, all within a short period of time. A variety of research supports the notion that digitization and connectedness will change the way work gets done while improving the bottom line. Notably, the Boston Consulting Group says, “full-scale digitalization will lead to huge annual global cost savings. For nonresidential construction, those savings will be $0.7 trillion to $1.2 trillion (13 to 21 percent) in the design and E&C phases, and $0.3 trillion to $0.5 trillion (10 to 17 percent) in the operations phase.”
This means AEC team members would do well to embrace the technologies that are already here—and not with a fingers-crossed, hope-for-immediate-ROI approach, but with forward thinking and plenty of strategizing. Doing so will not only provide the best end product on current projects, but also will ease the transition into a more connected and automated future.
Article Source: http://constructionexec.com/article/how-technology-is-changing-the-construction-industry
Pet Friendly Office Flooring
The popularity has grown in regards to companies allowing pets in the workplace. This is a rising trend we’ve been seeing in the offices we renovate—and has been an open policy in our offices too.
According to CNBC report, 8% of U.S. workplaces now have a “bring your pet to work” policy—that’s up 3% from just 2013.
While taking your dog or cat (yes, cat) with you to the office was almost unheard of only a decade ago, today it’s not uncommon to see furry friends wandering office hallways or lying under desks. There are good reasons for that.
Benefits of allowing employees to bring their pets to work include:
- Less Stress – Research has found having pets around reduces stress. That translates to the office too—for both pet owners and their co-workers.
- Greater Productivity – Without having to worry about getting home to feed or let out a pet, many employees will work longer hours. Taking “play breaks” also helps keep employees energized.
- Closer Relationships – People bond over pets. As employees get to know each other’s pets, they also get to know each other better.
Of course, along with the benefits of having pets in the workplace also come some challenges. One of those challenges is the impact cats, dogs, and other pets can have on the safety and durability of your commercial flooring.
As many pet owners know, paws, claws and unexpected accidents can wreak havoc on carpeting—diminishing its appearance and creating the need for early restoration and replacement.
Fortunately, there are ways to allow pets in the workplace and preserve your carpet too. It just requires a little extra thought and planning.
3 Tips for Preserving Carpeting When Employees Bring Their Pets to Work
The following are some actions you can take to keep your carpet in good shape:
1. Spot clean accidents right away.
Act fast to prevent stains and permanent damage to your carpet. Use a spot cleaner with peroxide to clean and sanitize the carpet.
2. Get the right kind of carpet.
If you will have pets at the office, it helps to have the right kind of carpet. You should plan for fluids. You want a carpet with a moisture barrier backing under the nylon. That allows you to better clean and sanitize the carpet. If you don’t have that, the moisture will get into the backing and/or cushion and unpleasant odors will follow.
- Hire professional cleaning twice a year.
You should consider hiring a professional maintenance team to steam clean the space. Extracting waste and dander that is caught deep in carpets and seams.
Carpet Cleaning for the Pet-Friendly Workplace
Smith Flooring offers professional carpet maintenance and repair that will yield these results:
- Less Hair – We are able to get out a LOT of dog hair that vacuums don’t pick up from your carpet.
- Pet Safe – Our chemistry isn’t dangerous to pets so you can deep clean your carpets without worry.
- Sanitization – Our chemicals sanitize your carpet, which is crucial in an office where pets may occasionally have accidents.
- Deodorization – Our system also neutralizes odor at the source to keep your offices from being overwhelmed by the scent of pet.
- Snag Repairs – With each cleaning, our technicians will look for and trim any carpet snags from frisky cats or dogs to prevent unraveling.
T-House carpet replacement. Philadelphia, PA
When Carpet doesn’t work…
It’s time for a carpet replacement. Here are some solid replacement options:
Porcelain Tile
The ultimate in durability, this nonporous surface has a big upside, it won’t scratch or stain, it can be made to look like stone or wood, and since it’s moisture-proof, cleanup is easy. Other ceramics work well too; just skip porous stone tile, which needs periodic sealing. Concrete has similar advantages. Epoxy grout (tile) or an epoxy finish (concrete) minimizes upkeep. Dogs will enjoy their coolness in summer; radiant heat can warm them up in winter. One downside: These floors are hard.
Hardwood Floors
Prefinished wood floors with a factory-applied aluminum oxide top coat resist scratches and dings best. A matte penetrating-oil finish can disguise scuffs and is less slippery—just touch up nicks with a stain pen or putty. Stick to harder species such as oak, hickory, or Brazilian cherry. Its major plus: Wood can be repaired. Says Cantin, “If something goes very wrong, you can cut out and replace a whole section.” Bamboo, a grass, can perform—and look—much like hardwood today.
Vinyl and Linoleum
Glued down as sheets, planks, or tiles, both are durable, clean up easily, and are low maintenance—though linoleum should get a yearly polishing by a pro. But frequent pet accidents can be an issue with glued-down flooring. The ammonia in urine and acids in vomit can seep into seams and degrade glues over time, so sheet materials stand up best. Those chemical compounds can also degrade the fiberboard core of floating click-together versions.
In need of an office makeover that’s safe and pet-friendly? Talk to our experts right now!
Commercial Office Makeover
Adding to our list of commercial office projects, we recently completed the flooring renovation of Estetica Designs headquarters in Conshohocken, PA. We gave the existing 6,000 square foot interior floor a complete overhaul, resulting in a modern look of natural wood and neutral tones throughout the office workspace and common areas.
When Estetica Designs found their office in need of updating they didn’t have to look far for help. The Estetica Design flooring renovation project included a complete overhaul of the existing carpet in the office space and common areas. The newly renovated flooring makes a modern open office floor plan pop.
“The design goal was to transform the dark and monotonous space into a contemporary, light and bright space that promoted collaboration and flexibility, appealed to the end users, who are primarily young professionals and create a unique space that would attract and retain top talent.”
Jelissa Jones, our Jr. Project Manager explained that the biggest challenge of this renovation was the floor prep, as there were several different flooring products that lied beneath the existing carpet.
Substrate preparation is eminently important for a successful flooring installation of any 
kind, but it’s even more critical for a vinyl flooring installation that includes luxury vinyl tile and plank. Of primary concern is how level and flat the substrate is. Since vinyl flooring materials have “drape,” they will conform to the surface they are applied to and irregularities will telegraph through. If the floor is not level and smooth, any unevenness can cause the material to “run off” when installed—that is, the unevenness or undulations in the substrate will distort the levelness of the material, which could create gaps, poorly fitting or an uneven appearance, particularly with plank formats and light colors.
The outcome
With the goal to lighten and brighten the space, the chosen materials palette is clean, neutral and durable, integrating many sustainable design features. The flooring optimized furniture and paint opportunities, keeping the workspace durable and easy to clean.
Ready for an office remodel. We can help! Contact us here>>>
Gym Flooring Solutions - Hardwood vs. Rubber Flooring
Fitness and exercise has changed over the years, and as a result, flooring has had to adapt and evolve to meet those changing needs.
Developing an understanding of how the floor will be used is the first step in deciding what flooring option is the best choice for any athletic space. It is important to determine what types of sports and physical activities will take place and what demands will be placed on the floor. Once this has been determined, there are several common expectations such as performance, safety, resilience and durability. Other factors in the decision making process are pricing, maintenance and service as well as the cost of maintenance.
There are generally two options for gymnasium flooring; wood or rubber flooring. Gyms are increasingly called upon to play multiple roles acting as multi-purpose spaces hosting a variety of activities and sports.
Wood flooring is the traditional choice and is more expensive but does not always serve the modern day
need for versatility. This type of flooring is also very sensitive and more easily damaged by water and the wrong type of foot traffic. However, there are overlay options to protect the hardwood such as matting and other portable rubberized applications, but those options incur an added expense.
Rubber flooring is the most common surface in a fitness center. These surfaces are typically made from recycled tires limiting the color choices that are available. Recycled rubber flooring is low in cost as compared to virgin rubber flooring products that can be purchased in bright colors. Both options provide the same physical features, while one may be more aesthetically pleasing. Rubber flooring is durable and is able to withstand the punishment of having free-weights continuously dropped upon, but it may not be the best choice for the entire facility.
Contact our experts today for a flooring solution for your athletic space.
Smith Shop 3: Feedback Workshop with Youth Build Philly
Even in a tight family owned business, feedback is still an obstacle. Often management feels uncomfortable giving direct, behaviorally based feedback on performance to administration and labor staff alike.
We partnered with Youth Build Philly for the final Smith Shop workshop of the year on feedback. The intent of the workshop was to provide a structured approach to feedback, teaching YBP students how to give and receive effective feedback on the job site and in the workplace, by using an interactive workshop format. This workshop was facilitated by Angelique Hunter and Jelissa Jones of Smith Flooring Inc.
Starting with seven simple steps for giving effective feedback, students were given a practical way to execute a hard conversation in the workplace. These simple steps were used to develop strategies for framing the feedback in terms which are useful for students looking to take on a management role or becoming a better team player. This workshop also included the development of the workshop scenarios which participants were provided specific strategies for giving and receiving effective feedback in various situations.
About the Smith Shop Initiative:
Smith Shop is an event series organized by Smith Flooring Inc. giving students, emerging professionals and local community members the opportunity to interact with tools and professionals in the design, building and construction field. This initiative will encourage engagement and discussion through a range of events—including workshops, panel discussions, round tables, lectures, networking events, site tours, online activities, etc.—that address different aspects of the construction industry. These events will provide all generations the opportunity to ask questions, seek advice, and participate in hands on activities, while giving established builders and designers the opportunity to support an under served community. Smith Shop will create a structure that is self-perpetuating, providing tools and support for our young people to develop rewarding careers and become tomorrow’s building leaders.
Smith Flooring Success Story
Construction is nothing new to James Smith, VP of Smith Flooring Inc. Throughout his childhood he worked with his father, installing residential flooring. In those years working for his father, he learned to master floors and went on to become a very profitable union carpenter. As his experience grew, clients were impressed and encouraged him to start his own business. The journey began in 2006, when Kristin, his wife, decided to join him in running their commercial flooring business.
Today, James—along with his wife Kristin and step-daughter Angelique—owns and operates a 15 employee company that provides a not only commercial flooring installation but a diverse number of services that include all aspects of facility management, general carpentry, plumbing, painting, HVAC, electrical installation and solar power projects throughout the Tri-State Area. “Passion has made us a leader in this field,” says James.
“We’ve been in business since 2006 and our solid reputation has continued,” Smith says.
“We are leading in quality and value on so many levels – no one else can replicate what we do.”
Attention to detail, focus on quality work and maintaining excellent relationships with clients, vendors and employees alike are the reasons the company remains at the top. James and Kristin have merged their skills to create a firm that delivers top-notch work in a professional, family oriented environment.
Having superior workers with a healthy work ethic helped Smith handle a growth period that started at the end of the recession. Going above and beyond ensures Smith maintains excellent relationships with their clients. The vast majority of the feedback on the firm in the field is highly complementary, says Angelique, who handles communication and client relations. “I get amazing feedback from clients regarding the great work we do and how smooth our projects are executed,” she says. “It’s because our guys are skilled craftsman, and most of them have been here forever.”
James adds, “Throughout my life I have been guided by many mentors, stood on many shoulders. Some for the good and some not so good. I made a promise to one such mentor, that my debt would not be repaid to him until I, in turn, gave back to my community, what he has given to me. And so, each and every day I look to help make a difference in the lives of those with whom my path crosses.
“You are where you are today because you stand on somebody’s shoulders. And wherever you are heading, you cannot get there by yourself. If you stand on the shoulders of others, you have a reciprocal responsibility to live your life so that others may stand on your shoulders. It’s the quid pro quo of life. We exist temporarily through what we take, but we live forever through what we give.” – Vernon Jordan
They have also credited mentors and advisors to their accelerated success. With the intense work and advisement of Bruce Downing at Widener University, Smith has found PTAC to be “extremely helpful in facilitating the contract process by ensuring we were taking the necessary steps at the planning phases. As a small business, we were given the right tools and direction from experts.”
Although flooring work is what James calls the company’s “sweet spot,” the firm has added several capabilities in the past year. Due to their commitment to quality, comprehensive management controls and competitive pricing combined with a passion for design and details, Smith Flooring lead position as a construction management firm is near.
Read Widener University, PTAC excerpt version here>>>
M.A.G.I.C (Mentoring A Girl in Construction) Camp 2017
In 2009, the NAWIC Philadelphia Chapter (nawicphl.org) began the M.A.G.I.C Camp program for Middle and High school students. The camp was created as a community outreach program targeting girls to kindle their interest in pursuing a construction career. The first MAGIC camp with Mercy Vocational High School, which attracted around 20‐17 girls, was a tremendous success, and the chapter has been sponsoring these camps since then. The camp only continues with the support of NAWIC members and M.A.G.I.C. Camp sponsors. It was the 6th camp and it was another success! Smith Flooring is a proud sponsor of the 2017 M.A.G.I.C Camp. Angelique, Smith Flooring’s Marketing Director and NAWIC PHL board member, was able to volunteer some time at the camp.
Working together with Girls, Inc. of Greater Philadelphia, numerous volunteers from the local construction industry, the incredible NAWIC members we were able to provide another free 6 day camp for the girls. Ultimately, the camp allows NAWIC members the chance to meet and mentor young girls in the hopes that they will continue a career in construction.
To provide the girls with a realistic sense of how the construction industry operates, the camp was organized as a hands‐on experience. During the week, volunteers from the community, NAWIC members and local unions provided campers with a basic introduction to numerous construction trades. The camp started with some effective team building, self‐development exercises and leadership skills facilitated by the amazing women of Girls, Inc.
Over the past eight years, M.A.G.I.C has not only introduced many girls to the construction industry, but the organization has been able to grow the number of girls that can attend each year. Such achievements provide validation for all the hard work undertaken by camp sponsors, committees and volunteers. NAWIC may have taken the lead on it, but it really takes the whole community to make this camp work.
Check out the photos at http://www.nawicphl.org/MAGIC‐2017‐Photos
Smith Shop 2: Clean Kitchen, Clean Eating Workshop
We had such a great time at our Smith Shop: Clean Kitchen, Clean Eating building workshop last Thursday night! Special thanks to our wonderful team, Chester Made and all our lovely participants. We loved how our pieces turned out! Missed out? We will be gearing up for our next workshop in July. Follow us on Facebook and IG for updates.
This workshop, held on June 22nd at the Chester Made Makerspace, was the second event in this year’s Smith Shop series. It proved to be an absolutely amazing collaborative event. We built a two part event around a clean kitchen and clean eating lifestyle. Tish Lewis a nutritionist, personal fitness trainer and blogger, is a Chester native and has trained many clients, after achieving her own amazing body transformation. In this workshop shared some healthy eating tips and meal prep resources she uses with her clients.
The workshop was broken down into two parts:
- Building Wooden Fruit and Vegetable Baskets
- Clean Eating and Health Discussion
The first part of the workshop was spent building the baskets using power tools. Angelique, of Smith Flooring Inc, led everyone through the building process.
In the second part of the workshop,Tish was eager to emphasize the power of clean eating and a healthy lifestyle. We indulged in a delicious yet healthy snack prepared by Tish as she explained the importance of a organic plant based lifestyle. The snack was prepared with a generous donation from the local supermarket Fare and Square; Chester’s own and the nation’s first, non-profit supermarket. Fare and Square helps the Chester community eat healthy and on budget.
To conclude our event, Tish offered a free fitness bootcamp to all the attendants. We talked, networked and took away some great memories. We encouraged our participants continue to utilize the Makerspace and use tools to build the things that they need.
Follow Smith Flooring Inc. for news on the next workshop, Smith Shop 3!
About the Smith Shop Initiative:
Smith Shop is an event series organized by Smith Flooring Inc. giving students, emerging professionals and local community members the opportunity to interact with tools and professionals in the design, building and construction field. This initiative will encourage engagement and discussion through a range of events—including workshops, panel discussions, round tables, lectures, networking events, site tours, online activities, etc.—that address different aspects of the construction industry. These events will provide all generations the opportunity to ask questions, seek advice, and participate in hands on activities, while giving established builders and designers the opportunity to support an under served community. Smith Shop will create a structure that is self-perpetuating, providing tools and support for our young people to develop rewarding careers and become tomorrow’s building leaders.
Building Up: Youth Build Philadelphia
Building the Future: Youth Build Philly Engagement
The women of Smith Flooring Inc. delivered an uplifting talk to the girls of Youth Build Philadelphia Charter School on North Broad Street. They emphasized the importance of perseverance and shed light on the fact that women are still vastly under-represented within the construction industry.
Since 1992, YouthBuild Philadelphia has helped former high school dropouts reclaim their education and build a brighter future for themselves through education, job training and service.
The program has grown over the past two decades – from existing inside a single classroom to being one of the largest YouthBuild programs in the US – but remains true to its core mission and purpose: helping motivated young people succeed.
Jelissa, our Jr. Project Manager said: “Females represent less than 3% of the construction workforce. We need to work together to change that.”
“The range of work in the construction industry is diverse, from sales and marketing, trades, engineering and architecture. It offers flexibility during a working life which is often overlooked – and in a world where jobs that are life sustaining is rare.”
The message from the women of Smith Flooring was very personal and intimate. By telling their own story they were able to identify with the backgrounds of the the young women present and spoke to their interests and potential careers in the industry.
President, Kristin Smith, explained that her story isn’t very different than the girls at the table, having had children young, working to provide for them, she had no idea she would end up owning a a construction business. Sales and marketing director, Angelique Hunter, expressed that a career in construction can be very lucrative and can help fund other avenues of interest.
Jr. Project Manager, Jelissa Jones brought yet another prospective to the conversation by explaining her college experience, including being ok with the uncertainty of a career path. She authentically talked through how she began her career in construction, her goals and what it entails.
In addition to the storytelling and lunch, the engagement closed with the Youth Build girls opening up about their own stories and concerns for the future. They also had many questions concerning entrepreneurship and apprenticeship which was answered with authentic answers from the women who live it everyday. The central message, no matter the circumstances, never give up.
Smith Flooring has a commitment to community and paying it forward. We are eager to listen, learn from and guide the young women in the communities around us.
