I recently read a fascinating book about Sundt Construction, one of the oldest and largest construction firms in the country.  Sundt currently ranks # 51 on the ENR 400 list with over $2.2 billion in revenue in 2023. The company has been in business for ~ 135 years…….and almost went bankrupt in the 1990’s.  The book, Level Headed: Inside the Walls Of One Of The Greatest Turnaround Stories of the 21^stCentury, details how the company grew, but did so in such a way that the company almost collapsed.  One example: Throughout Sundt’s multiple divisions, the company had 15 different timesheets/expense reports to track time and costs! The net result:  Missed schedules, unprofitable divisions, more money was going out the door at Sundt than was coming in….and they didn’t know it until it was almost too late.  

Sundt’s history is a cautionary tale for all emerging companies, including FS 360.  Over the past 5 years, we have grown ~ 42%, with additional growth slated for 2025.  As we continue to grow in a dynamic industry like construction, where every project presents its own set of challenges and opportunities, the integration of process, discipline, and accountability is essential for achieving operational efficiency and maximizing profitability. That was Sundt’s conclusion in 1992 - they had to implement and enforce stringent processes to have predictable results.

By reinforcing our core processes into our daily operations, we secure a competitive edge and deliver outstanding results: Building on our SAFETY culture, beating our SCHEDULES, delivering on BUDGETS, with exceptional QUALITY every time.

Standardizing Processes for Operational Excellence

Effective processes are the backbone of any successful construction operation. From preconstruction and procurement to execution and project closeout, our standardized procedures ensure that every phase of a project is handled with precision and efficiency. This reduces the likelihood of costly errors or delays and enhances coordination among team members and subcontractors. Ultimately, our processes lead to improved project timelines and reduced costs, positively impacting FS 360’s bottom line, improves our subcontractor partner relationships and enhanced employee rewards.

Discipline: Consistency in a Complex Environment

Construction projects require rigorous discipline to manage the complex schedules, budgets, and QA/QC requirements. A disciplined workplace maintains focus on delivering quality work according to specifications and schedules. Our discipline will extend to safety protocols as well, minimizing risk, accidents, costs and liabilities. A culture of discipline not only helps in resource management, but also strengthens client trust and satisfaction, paving the way for repeat business and referrals.

Fostering Accountability for Reliable Outcomes

Accountability ensures that every team member, at every position in our company, understands their specific responsibilities and the importance of their role in a project's success. By establishing clear lines of accountability and regularly assessing performance, we promote transparency and responsibility. This proactive approach helps identify potential issues early, allowing for timely interventions and solutions. As a result, clients and partners will continue to notice the reliability and professionalism of FS 360’soperations, enhancing our reputation and fostering long-term relationships.

Profitable Synergy

The combination of robust processes, disciplined execution, and strong accountability creates a powerful framework that directly contributes to profitability. Projects are completed more efficiently, on time, and within budget, leading to satisfied clients and positive margins. Moreover, this synergy supports scalability, enabling us to take on larger, more complex projects with confidence.  

FS 360 has been blessed to have great clients, employees and partners.  That said, there is an old entrepreneurial phrase to remember: Uncontrolled growth can kill a business!    Reinforcing our processes, with discipline and accountability, into our daily operations not only drives efficiency and reliability, but also significantly boosts profitability. By harnessing these elements, FS 360 not only builds structures, but also builds a legacy of trust and excellence in the industry.

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