At a recent event, Tim Harmon spoke about re-branding for success. Here are a few of his key points:

Words of Wisdom and Courage for the Journey

• "Continuous effort - not strength or wisdom - will unlock the key to our maximum potential." (Winston Churchill) In other words, don't wallow in failures or rely on past victories'.
• "Plans are just good intentions unless they immediately degenerate into hard work." (Peter Drucker) You can expect it to be hard, but expect dividends as well.
• Don't be afraid to innovate; be different: Following the herd is a sure way to mediocrity. Find a new way of thinking... outside the box. Become a thought leader.

Actions and Change Agents

Here are a few examples of what Harmon has done in the past couple of years that has helped us to "win" in the new economy. Maybe there are a few things you could be doing right now to change your business for the better!

• Paid off debt on equipment and vehicles.
• Invested in a Marketing Director: Social Media, New Interactive Website, Newsletters, Open Houses and Community Events.
• Public / Community Service: Encouraged our associates to be more engaged in the community, Chambers, Volunteerism and meeting new people and prospects.
• Researched new revenue streams: Developed business models and SWOT analysis performed.
• Re-Formed Advisory Board: Six meetings annually including a budgeting/planning retreat.
• Prospecting: Became strategic, set goals and expectations, recalibrate frequently.
• Communication to our team: Get everyone on the same page. Company retreats (2x per year). Share your Mission, Vision and Strategic Plan for the company. Key: When asked, every associate should, without hesitation, have a clear and concise "20 second elevator speech" about their firm.
• Celebrate your victories: Big, small and even a “no cavities” report from your dentist.
• Free Pub…. Not happy hour pub, although you’ll be much happier when you firm shows up in a Chamber video, Ingram’s “Best of the Best” feature, or the Top 25 list in your field of expertise.
• Stick with Business Model/Strategy. Our registered tagline “Building Relationships Before Buildings“ is more than just words. All of our projects are relationship based. At least 80% are repeat customers or referral based. Know what you’re good at and what you’re not.

How You Think Is Everything. Always be positive. Think success, not failure. Beware of a negative environment. Be Persistent and Work Hard: Success is a marathon, not a sprint. Never give up.

Good luck!

Community Service Spotlight: TLC Kids Shelter

Leadership Olathe’s class took on a community service project this year which consisted of constructing an outdoor shelter for the children at KidsTLC (a service provider for abused, neglected, homeless and mentally disabled children from birth to 18 years old). Harmon was able to donate time and efforts in order to complete the construction of the 20 by 30 foot shelter.

As part of this year’s class, our president, Tim Harmon helped in getting the project off the ground by volunteering Harmon Construction, Inc. and our Superintendent, TJ Watreas for the job. TJ played a crucial role in the project’s success as he took on the role of overseeing the carpentry and structure of the shelter.

Our employees enjoy giving back to the community, the majority of which are serving in several different capacities. We appreciate the opportunity to make a difference in children’s lives and have already seen the benefit of our contributions. Thank you, KidsTLC, for shaping our city's future!

Harmon’s team wins in the second flight at the Olathe Chamber Golf Classic on April 27th! Our team consisted of Bruce Jackson, Sam Mansker, Tony Papish and Quentin Harmon. Congrats!

The Game Has Changed
On the Table Event Successful

We recently had the opportunity to co-host an On the Table Luncheon held for Senior Pastors and staff. The topic of discussion was how the game has changed in all areas of business with an emphasis on funding, designing, renovating and constructing new or additional spaces. Sustainability Initiatives, Satellite Campuses, Managing Operational Costs, Technology and Re-purposing were also big topics at the event. Our president, Tim Harmon, participated as a key speaker.

View event photos HERE.

At Harmon, we’re passionate about building churches and believe the church is the answer for transforming and influencing people’s lives; we want to be your teammate and partner in this process. We are church experts and are one of the most recognized leaders in the construction of Christian churches and schools in the Midwest. We have a history of successful relationships with committees and always deliver on our promises. If you have a project coming up, we would love to meet with you one-on-one to discuss your needs, and to see if we would be a good value / fit for your congregation.

Thank you!
913.962.5888
info@harmonconst.com

• Todd Ramsey was recently featured in the video "How Olathe is Winning," originally aired at the State of the City Luncheon by Mayor Mike Copeland. View the video HERE.

• Tim Harmon was appointed as an Advisory Board Member for the Olathe Public Schools Millcreek Technical Center.

• Christina Beaird was recently appointed as a member of the Overland Park Chamber's Diplomat Committee. The Diplomats are the goodwill “arm” of the Overland Park Chamber of Commerce and assist Chamber staff in welcoming new and existing members. They also promote camaraderie among Chamber members.

• Teresa Weems scored her highest bowling series to date last Monday evening. At a total of 675 and an average of 225... that's really good. Way to go Teresa!

Harmon recently put the finishing touches on Phase I of Shawnee Mission Medical Center's Prairie View Family Care Medical Building in Merriam, KS. Phase I was completed in 75 days and consisted of a complete demo and renovation of half the building's second floor offices, patient rooms, waiting lobby areas, etc.

Phase II is currently underway and will consist of the rest of the second floor. This phase is scheduled to take 60-70 days to complete.

Phase III will consist of the entire first floor renovation which will take place at the completion of Phase II. The Prairie View Family Care project in it's entirety is an 18,000+ square foot renovation.

Pitt State grad and Volunteer Coordinator for their Annual Golf Tournament, our very own Tony Papish, would like to invite you to help out with this great event:

All,

It is that time of year again for me to wrangle up as many golfers and hole sponsors as possible for the 12th Annual Kansas City Gorilla Golf Classic that is being held on Monday June 18th at Deer Creek Golf Club. This is a great way to come out and enjoy the day and rub elbows with your colleagues, competitors, friends and acquaintances and have a chance to win great prizes and a free lunch!

Attached you will find the flyer with all the information you need to know to join the fun. The spots are filling up fast but there is some left and we will do the best to make room for any of those over the 144 allotted golfers. Just get with me ASAP.

As always we have the different level of sponsorships, $200, $300 and $500 or one of the larger tournament sponsors, but we are happy to take any amount of money you or your company are will to donate. If you would be so kind as to reply back to me with a yes we will participate and what amount or I am sorry we aren’t in a position to participate this year or already have signed up – I would greatly appreciate it so I can remove you from my list or mark you down and account for you.

I/We/PSU Students appreciate your generosity and it does not go unnoticed.
THANK YOU ALL VERY MUCH FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

PS – I also attached an article about PSU Construction and how they helped out in the Extreme Home Make Over addition in Joplin. Check it out if you have a minute.

Download Attachments HERE

Tony Papish  |  tpapish@harmonconst.com  |  913.747.1056

Harmon is happy to announce it was recently awarded a bid for the QuikTrip Convenience Store coming soon to Overland Park at 87th and Farley.

This is not the first time we've worked with this wonderful company; click HERE to read about last year's completion of their 1,000th store in Harrisonville, MO!

April is a month of celebration and we're happy to share it with you!

John 11:25-26  "Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”

Watch a great video produced for the Olathe Mayor's Annual State of the City Speech that was held on March 23! Be sure and notice our VP of Operations, Todd Ramsey, featured around the three-minute mark.

View the video HERE

Ever miss an issue of our digital newsletter Harmon Highlights?

Visit our archived issues below:

2012

May: Coming Soon

April: Phase I, Golf Tournament & Easter

March: Wake-Up Host, Mainstreet Remodel & Spring

February: Return Customer, Upcoming Event & Quoteworthy

January: Valuable Service Offered & New Healthcare Project

2011

December: Merry Christmas, Top Stories & We're Hiring

November: We're Thankful For...

October: Fall Checklist, US Builders Review & Thank You

September: Best of Business, Life Spring & New Projects

August: Leavenworth EMS, August Update & Recognition

July: 24 Years, Building Committees and Ribbon-Cutting

June: Joplin Response, Project Update & Healthcare Rise

May: Trust, Design-Build & Our Project Horizon

April: Happy Easter, Ribbon Cutting & Updates

March: Choosing a Contractor & Spring Planting Tips
February: Now Introducing Our New Web Site

2010

December: Merry Christmas!

November: Happy Thanksgiving

October: Good News

September: Welcome to the Harmon Newsletter

Have suggestions for future articles? Are you missing out on receiving our Newsletters to your inbox? Please use our contact form to get in touch with our staff. We look forward to hearing from you!

Sure Sign of Spring:

If the incredibly warm weather and abundant showers haven't been enough to convince you it's spring, how about this? First bird of the year spotted on a budding tree outside the office!

Check out a couple of our previous stories for helpful spring tips: Tips For Seasonal Cleaning  |  Top 5 Spring Planting Tips!

Harmon Hosts OP Chamber Wednesday Wake-Up Event

Harmon hosted the Overland Park Chamber last Wednesday for their monthly Wake-Up Event. We had a great turnout and were pleased at the number of people who went out of their way to be there. Thank you for all your continued support and for helping us celebrate our 25th Year of Business!

At the coffee, the first 25 attendees walked away with a commemorative 25th year t-shirt, other prizes were given away and one lucky winner went home with a KEURIG Coffee Maker! View (and tag) photos of the event HERE.

TVH Parts Co Warehouse Expansion Groundbreaking

Held on Thursday, March 15th, the groundbreaking ceremony for TVH Parts Co's Warehouse Expansion was a successful event. (Mayor) Michael Copeland, (President of Olathe Chamber of Commerce) Tim McKee, (TVH CEO) Els Thermote, (Harmon's VP of Operations) Todd Ramsey, (TVH VP) Frank Carter and (TVH Facilities Manager) Earl Roche took part in the groundbreaking along with several others.

Harmon is very excited about working on the expansion with return customer TVH Parts Co. To learn more about the expansion, facts and figures can be found in our previous story HERE.

Mainstreet Credit Union (Lenexa Branch) Gets a Face Lift
Photo by Harmon Construction, Inc.
Story by NEJC Chamber of Commerce Business Brief

For almost 60 years, Mainstreet Credit Union has been providing financial products and services to the Johnson County community - 24 years from its Lenexa branch at 95th Street and I-35. The credit union recently underwent a remodeling and construction project at its Lenexa location, resulting in improved walk-up and drive-through teller operations, also enhancing traffic flow in the lobby. "This is the first major renovation to the lobby area since we purchased the building in 1988," said President/CEO John Beverlin. "Members will not only notice a more attractive environment, but also greater convenience when conducting their financial business."

Among the changes are a repositioned information desk, reconfigured teller windows and updates to the lobby's interior design. The addition of high-tech video screens allows for displaying credit union information, including featured products and services. Harmon Construction, Inc. accomplished the work with architectural operations provided by Lisbona Architects, Inc. Mainstreet Credit Union hosted a member appreciation March 12-13 at the Lenexa Branch, located at 13001 W 95th Street.

Breaking Ground: St. Stephen Lutheran Church

The groundbreaking event for St. Stephen Lutheran Church has been scheduled for Sunday April 1, 2012. The church will be getting a new sanctuary and we can't wait to get started!

Randy McCormick is one of our fantastic Superintendents here at Harmon. He has been with us for over 10 years and has been very successful in exceeding client (and Harmon) expectations.

Randy states the best part of his job is working with different clients, building different types of structures and getting to be in the sunshine for most of the day! In 2011, he completed the Baugh-Marshall Chapel & Library at Central Baptist Theological Seminary in Shawnee, KS

Randy is most proud of his family. In his spare time he and his wife Kelley follow their kids around to sporting events: their son is in wrestling and daughter is in soccer and softball. Randy is also a youth wrestling coach in Blue Springs, MO.

We are very fortunate to have Randy on our staff and hope you all have a chance to meet and work with him in the future.

"In choosing Harmon, I am confident we made the correct choice. I appreciate particularly the personal involvement and the level of commitment to a 'first class' project that Harmon's staff have exhibited from planning through wrapping up the loose ends at completion..." Frank C. Carter, VP of SMH stated after Harmon completed a 100,000 square foot addition for the company in 2007. We are very appreciative to work with such great customers again.

We are excited to begin a new project with return customer Systems Material Handling (Now known as TVH Parts Co) in Olathe, KS very soon. With a start date the beginning of March, the new addition will be approximately 213,000 square feet and will consist of warehouse space and storage, offices, electronics assembly, a mezzanine, testing and parts storage, break rooms, locker rooms and restrooms. The new space will also allow for loading dock areas.

Todd Ramsey will serve as the Project Manager and Galen Collins will serve as the Superintendent. The project has an estimated completion of October 2012.

•  Tim Harmon was recently appointed to the CERI, Inc Board of Directors. CERI is County Economic Research Institute for JOCO. Its mission is to support the economic development of Johnson County, the KC metropolitan area, and the state of KS through the provision of data and technical assistance. More about CERI can be found HERE.

• Christina Beaird joins the Olathe Chamber Chairman's Liaison. As a Liaison member, she will serve as part of the Chamber’s public relations committee, staying in contact with many members throughout the year, as well as serving as a greeter at various coffees and other Chamber sponsored events. A fill listing of Olathe Chamber Chairman's Liaison Members can be found HERE.

The Carondelet Heart Institute - St. Joseph Medical Building in Kansas City, MO is expanding and our excitement is building as we prepare to start on the project! The project will consist of a new ground-up 28,615 sq/ft structure which will eventually be connected to an existing medical office building. We will also be remodeling a 10,000 sq/ft suite of this connecting building.

The new structure will be three (3) stories high with a two (2) story vestibule / entrance area. The first floor of the structure will consist of a parking garage and the top two floors will be medical office space.

Awarded to Harmon Construction, Inc in late November, the awarding process consisted of a select bid list. We are very grateful for this opportunity.

Currently working diligently with the owner to "value engineer" the project for a more cost effective building, Harmon's Tony Papish is serving as Project Manager and Estimator. Permitting is currently underway with construction tentatively scheduled to start late February 2012. The building is scheduled for occupancy in the fourth quarter of 2012.

Harmon is truly enjoying this process and is looking forward to building a long lasting relationship with Lillibridge Healthcare Services, Inc.

Are they valuable? Are they worth it? The bottom line is that PreConstruction services save time and money. We've all heard the old adage, “Failing to plan is planning to fail.” This is especially true in the construction industry.

PreConstruction services help every project steer clear of costly and time-wasting problems. Harmon has performed PreConstruction services and feasibility studies for hundreds of clients and have had more than positive outcomes. For a nominal investment, Harmon will assist in the schematic design that includes master planning, site planning, floor plans and exterior elevations. We will also provide a detailed probable cost estimate to determine the feasibility of your project.

Harmon offers other PreConstruction services that can help move your project forward including:
• Site Analysis and Evaluation
• Budget Estimating and Cost Models
• Value Engineering/Cost Savings
• Project Scheduling/Fast Track Evaluation
• Subcontractor Qualification Program
• Bid Packaging
• Final Budget
• Permit/Code Compliance Support

At Harmon, we are committed to keeping your project within your budget without compromising quality and workmanship. It is our belief that an investment in PreConstruction services yields a great return.

If you would like more information on the services we provide, please use our contact form to get in touch with our staff. We look forward to hearing from you!

Reader Challenge:

Support your local businesses by following their social networking pages!

Don't forget to connect with us online too! Our Facebook and Twitter pages are great ways to keep up-to-date on our daily activities and job updates.

"Leadership Olathe has been identifying, educating, inspiring and engaging leaders since 1982. In fact, there are more than 700 alumni making a difference in their communities, careers, churches, schools, and organizations. The program is designed to hone the skills of key leaders and equip them to help meet the challenges and opportunities of the community." (as quoted from Olathe Chamber of Commerce article)

To view the full story as posted by the Olathe Chamber of Commerce, click here.

Our 2012 resolution is to continue bringing new and innovative ideas / systems to the table. Our team is dedicated to providing clients with successful experiences that have the best possible outcomes. In order to do this, we must consistently better ourselves and the way we do business... which ultimately results in better value and quality for our clients.

This is our commitment to you. Best of luck in the new year!

 We wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas!

"Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.
Today in the town of David a savior was born to you; he is Messiah, the Lord." Luke 2:10-11

2011 has been an eventful year at Harmon and we've been happy to bring you all the latest through Harmon Highlights. What stories have resonated with you the most? Here are our top 5 from 2011:

#5


After the tragedy that hit Joplin in May of this year, our Sr. Project Manager Tony Papish sprung into action. As the Joplin community continues to re-build, let's not forget the needs that still need to be met. If you would like to help with relief efforts, check out our story from June for contacts.

#4


Tim Harmon was asked to speak at an event in May. This story covered a few key points from his presentation. If you'd like to learn more about the Design-Build Approach, check out our story or give us a call. We are always happy to help!

#3


Our Spring Planting Tips uploaded in March received a lot of attention. Let's hope spring comes quickly in 2012 so we can get planting again!

#2

After celebrating our 24th Anniversary in July of this year, even more anticipation is upon us as we're about to enter our 25th year of business in 2012! Keep an eye out for our commemorative logo and upcoming celebratory events!

#1

And our most popular story of 2011? The launch of our new website in February. Thank you for your support, you really have made our year. Best wishes for a bright and prosperous 2012!

Position Status: Full Time

Employee Classification: Administrative/Salary

Regular Work Hours: Whatever it takes to meet goals & objectives.

Accountable to: President

Accountable for: Future Sales Staff

Overview of Responsibilities: Sales of construction projects and pre-construction services. Identify events that promote Harmon such as golf outings or tournaments, customer appreciation events and open houses. Participate in networking events. Develop new markets/sectors. Call on developers, architects, decision makers, executives. Develop new business relationships; build on existing relationships, leverage influence in community. Hiring and managing future sales staff. Play leadership role(s) in community service project(s). Hold civic leadership position(s).

Skills: Knowledge of sales & marketing techniques; good interpersonal skills; knowledge of construction; computer/internet proficiency; well spoken; relationship building skills; ability to develop proposals; ability to give presentations; ability to go to evening events; negotiating skills; likes people; and good written & verbal skills.

Characteristics: Results-Oriented personality; self-motivated; self confident; problem solver; personable; influential; integrity; outgoing; team player; community service involvement; “hunter” mentality; likes to win; and exceeds goals.

To Apply: Qualified individuals send statement of interest and resume to info@harmonconst.com.

We at Harmon would like to wish you and yours a relaxing and enjoyable Thanksgiving!

We are truly thankful for friends like you!

Harmon was recently featured in the US Builders Review, a magazine for leading construction executives. The article, produced by Mike Armstrong and written by Camila Osorno has been included below. If you would like to view a digital copy of the magazine, please click here and choose the Summer 2011 Edition 2.

Harmon Construction, Inc.

Building Relationships Before Buildings

Produced by Mike Armstrong & Written by Camila Osorno

Tim Harmon founded Harmon Construction, Inc. (HCI) in 1987. Just five years after graduating from college, he launched the company, based in Olathe, Kan., with a vision that integrity, respect and professionalism would set him apart in a field not recognized for those qualities.

“I had been working for an international engineering contracting firm in Kansas City and they wanted to transfer me,” explains Harmon. “But, instead, I decided to stay put and start my own company.”

Today, HCI operates within a 200-mile radius of Kansas City, Kan., and has established itself as a general contracting firm that lives up to its motto of, “Building Relationships Before Buildings.” Harmon is dedicated to providing innovative design and construction solutions that exceed client expectations. He explains, “We have become known as a company that really delivers on its promises. We are the company you hire to build a structure and the same company that offers a warranty on that structure.”

The company is primarily a premier contractor in the commercial, healthcare and religious sectors, but has recently expanded. “In the last five years or so we have really grown our operations into the public sector. We have even hired staff with experience in that area, because our niche has expanded to include more government work, in addition to healthcare and regional retail clients,” explains Harmon. HCI is well versed in construction management, design-build, general contracting and integrated project delivery, allowing the company to establish a project delivery method that suits the power owner and provides a level of expertise, guidance and responsibility to set all at ease.

Growing into the Twenty-first Century

Dedicated to remaining proactive, HCI has also begun expanding its technological capabilities alongside its digital presence. Harmon comments, “We recently hired a marketing coordinator who has helped us create a social media presence, and she also encouraged us to pursue a new website design.

“Even though we had updated our existing site within the past 18 months, she convinced us that we were capable of doing much better,” continues Harmon. “Now we have a brand new website that we can update and maintain internally, and it also allows subcontractors to contact us more easily and to begin the prequalification process faster. We have also started releasing a new e-newsletter that has been very well received, and it’s paving the way for our sales and business development employees to become more recognizable.”

While dedicated to exploring new technological developments, Harmon does not let these efforts take away from what established the company’s success: delivering a full range of preconstruction and competitively priced building services that bring together a highly skilled team of design and trade professionals from start through final punch list. This comprehensive approach has allowed HCI to take on some showcase projects in its region.

“One of our most interesting projects was a re-adaptive use project we recently completed for Trinity Lutheran Church, in Shawnee, Kan.,” says Harmon. “The total cost of the project was roughly $2 million, but it was exciting for us because it was sustainability-inspired. The church purchased a building that was basically a barn structure that had been used to house some very expensive cars as an automobile museum. After the purchase we stripped back most of the timbers and re-used them for the staircases and some detailing on the ceiling. The bottom floor was then converted for use as a child development and daycare center, with the upper floor reserved for the worship space.”

The company also built a landmark location for one of QuikTrip Corporation locations. “We built the company’s 1,000th store in the chain,” says Harmon. “It was a very challenging job because the site had been used as a mechanical shop before being purchased, so we had to scrape the site and ensure that it was free from any remaining contamination and then build the structure in about four months.”

Thanks to the company’s expertise and experience, QuikTrip trusted HCI with what turned out to be a highly valuable test market. “The Harrisonville, Mo., location was also the first in the newly designed prototypes being built around the country and our first job for them,” states Harmon. “We are definitely building a relationship with them. Right now we have begun doing a lot of accessibility and life safety work at some of the different existing stores so we look forward to having a great and long-term relationship with QuikTrip.”

In It for the Long Haul

HCI primarily remains active through a high level of repeat customers, but every returning client begins as a new one, and these valuable opportunities can be obtained from even the most unexpected encounters. “Recently we have been very busy working for Cable-Dahmer Chevrolet, who has been a client of ours since 2003, which is a relationship that came along in a funny way,” explains Harmon. “I had been working on a job site and was looking to buy a new Suburban, so I asked one of the workers where he bought his new truck. So he referred me to Cable-Dahmer Chevrolet and on my way out to the dealership, I drove by a lot of other dealerships because it wasn’t very close.

“As I was talking to the financing employee, I mentioned that many of the other dealerships have been updated pretty recently and asked if they planned on updating their location any time soon,” continues Harmon. “He told me they were in fact looking to renovate the dealership. I ended up buying my car from them, and they hired us to take care of the renovations and addition to that location. We also switched the company cars to Chevys and Cable-Dahmer, which has since bought another dealership. We will be freshening up this property for them later this year. It’s definitely a continuing relationship and we’re hoping to do a lifetime of business with them.”

In the next few years, the company plans to continue maintaining its relationships with its clients along with a strong and positive presence in the community. “We’re building relationships with the FAA and are hoping to win a contract with the General Services Administration, in addition to doing work with some of the school districts here … we’re looking to expand, but we’re definitely not leaving. All of our employees, especially the management staff, are really involved in serving the community,” explains Harmon. “Johnson County, where our company is based, is one of the safest communities in the nation and has some of the best school districts not just in the state, but also in the nation. I’m also one of the chairmen for the local chamber of commerce so we’re very much invested in staying active in this community.”

Though the past few years of economic instability have prompted the company to diversify its business in anticipation of potential shifts, HCI is certainly optimistic about the future of the company. “The economy as a whole is coming back,” says Harmon. “The fundamentals are right and we just need to see some improvement in the private sector area to encourage business owners to risk capital investments and grow their businesses. I have been a business owner for 25 years and it is encouraging to see some companies thriving in this economy.

“I think we have built a good reputation over the past 25 years,” continues Harmon. “I am starting to look into a succession plan, but for now we’re going to stay focused on building relationships with long-term clients.”

With more than 30 years of experience, and recognition as a premier commercial contractor, Harmon will steer Harmon Construction Inc. in the right direction for continued growth.