Get to know #teamdowling-Gayle Johnson, CFO

Get to know Team Dowling

This week we will spotlight #teamdowling, CFO.

Q: What was your first job?

A: My first job was a McDonald’s cashier.

Q: Who inspired you to pursue a job at Dowling Construction, Inc.?

A: My mom and Scott Cass.

Q: What motivates you to come to work each day?

A: The people I work with.

Q: If you could get a new skill in 10 minutes what would it be? (Or if you could have a super power what would it be?)

A: Mind reading.

Q: If you could give one piece of advice to someone starting at Dowling Construction what would it be?

A: Admit your mistakes. Everyone makes them, but how you learn from them is the important part.

Q: What is the best life advice you have received?

A: Too many to recall. Each one is pertinent at different times.

Q: What advice would you give your teenage self?

A: Nothing I was awesome! Kidding. To practice having patience with others.

Q: Do you have a way to turn things around if and when you are having a bad day?

A: I sing a Kenny Loggins song: “I’m Alright”

Q: What is something you want to do that you have NEVER done before?

A: Travel the US in an RV.

Q: Did you have a favorite band in High School?

A: Nope.

Q: What is the best compliment you have received?

A: Uhhhm.

Q: What is something you saw recently that made you smile?

A: My son. Corny!

Q: What is something you are really good or really bad at?

A: I am really bad at being patient.

Get to know #teamDowling

We take a moment to spotlight a team member of Dowling Construction.

First up, the one and only, Jim Dowling.

Q: What was your first job?

A: My first job was weeding for Mrs. Faye and hauling rocks to make a stone wall for Mr. Schwab. My first real job was bag boy for Pantry Pride Super Market.

Q: Who inspired you to pursue a job at Dowling Construction, Inc.?

A: I did not want to work for other people any more. I thought I could do it better.

Q: What motivates you to come to work each day?

A: My 35 employees.

Q: If you could get a new skill in 10 minutes what would it be? (Or if you could have super power what would it be?)

A: Play the guitar like Robby Krieger

Q: If you could give one piece of advice to someone starting at Dowling Construction what would it be?

A: Work hard and ask questions.

Q: What is the best life advice you have received?

A: Never give up.

Q: What advice would you give your teenage self?

A: Don’t be so goofy and be better with money.

Q: Do you have a way to turn things around if and when you are having a bad day?

A: My dogs and my home.

Q: Do you have a favorite quote?

A: I have lots of favorite quotes, but if I had to pick one it would be “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”

Q: What is something you want to do that you have NEVER done before?

A: Heliskiing

Q: Did you have a favorite band in High School?

A: The Beatles

Q: What is the best compliment you have received?

A: "60 things we admire about Jim"-A framed gift given to me by my employees on my 60th Birthday.

Q: What is something you saw recently that made you smile?

A: Visiting Montana & Idaho

YOUR MOM DOES WORK HERE!

Tenant improvement construction projects, whether small, medium or large, can have a major impact on a building, especially buildings with multiple tenants. The cleanliness of the site is not only an aesthetic issue but a safety issue as well. Job sites must be cleaned daily to ensure not only the safety of the workers, but also the safety of clients visiting the site to check on the progress.

Many tenant improvement construction firms rely on the subcontractors to keep the project clean. Though the majority of subcontractors have very good intentions of cleaning up after themselves, for many different reasons, the cleaning does not get done and the project is cluttered with debris and drywall dust that migrates to common building areas.

The general contractor is responsible for the process and completion of a project. This includes the site maintenance both within the suite and through out areas of the building affected by the construction. The general contractor should have on staff personnel whose primary responsibility is site maintenance and job site cleanliness. Make sure your staff is equipped with the proper tools, carts and cleaning supplies to maintain the site. There are many products available now to keep the job site clean and protect existing finishes. These products include:

Waxed base sweeping compound: Minimizes dust when sweeping (and the wax base is non toxic and odor free).

Carpet mask: A self adhesive plastic sheeting that protects carpets and is safer to walk on than regular plastic sheeting that you tape down. They also make similar products for hard surfaces and windows.

Tacky Mats: A mat that you place at the exits of the construction space that eliminates dust from the bottom of shoes and carts.

Ram Board: A cardboard type material which is much more durable than carpet mask.

Masonite: This is for heavy duty protection of solid surfaces and where carts and other heavy materials will be used during construction.

A dump truck will speed up the process of removing debris from the site and to the landfill. Providing centralized Site Preparation and Maintenance, not only makes the job site safer but also makes it more convenient for the subcontractor to begin his work, perform his work, and pack up his equipment and proceed to the next project.

The building owner/manager, tenants and subcontractors will all appreciate a clean site, which will enhance the speed and quality of a tenant improvement project.