It`s a New Generation: Skills of Woodworkers
Transcription
It`s a New Generation: Skills of Woodworkers
NEWSLET TER OF THE ARCHITECTURAL WOODWORK INSTITUTE MAY 2015 | VOL. 66 , NO. 5 It’s a New Generation: Attracting & Retaining Your Most Valuable Resource A PART TWO OF A SERIES s we continue exploring the characteristics and differences of various generations working together, Cam Marston, the leading expert on generational change and its impact on the marketplace, shares his expertise about attracting and retaining your most valuable resource – your employees. Mr. Marston will deliver a provocative, amusing, and informative presentation on September 29 in his keynote address, “Attracting Cam Marston and Retaining a New Generation of Employees,” at the AWI 63rd Annual Convention in Salt Lake City. Learn about the generational characteristics that are critical for the success of your operation. Recap of Generations Baby Boomer (Born between 1946 and 1964): competitive, “workaholic”, results-oriented; relationship-focused; personally fulfilled by workplace contributions; optimistic; nonconformist. Generation X (Born between 1965 and early 1980s): independent; often aloof and distant; less engaged with the team and more engaged with their work; fans of flexibility and work-life balance. Generation Y or Millennial (Born in 1980 and later): collaborative; want to know agenda, training from whom, when and what they will learn; tech-savvy; nonconformist; multi-taskers; seeking personal satisfaction in their work. continued on page 8 Skills of Woodworkers Dovetail With 3form Product Installation Needs “Architects are seeking more complex materials and applications to integrate into their projects to boost their ‘wow’ factor,” 3form Director of Fabrication Sales & Technology Kevin Fisher told NewsBriefs recently. “Design components like translucent resin and glass panels, striking lighting features, structural steel, and three dimensional product lines require On September 28, learn more about what Architects and Designers want for their projects – and discover how to deliver it. continued on page 4 W H AT ’S I N S I DE Business Tools............................... 2,3,6,7 AWI News..............................................3,7 AWI Sponsors...........................................3 Convention Watch........................... 4,5,8 AWI Learning Forums.............................7 Coming Next Month • Convention Watch • Best Practice Groups • Education Outreach Skills USA : OFFICIAL SPONSOR FOR 2015 ConsensusDocs : ENDORSED BY AWI AWI NewsBriefs l AWI’s monthly newsletter is published as a service for members to help them improve operations and grow their businesses. NewsBriefs is also a resource for news and information about AWI’s products, programs and publications and other membership benefits and services. • © 2015 - Architectural Woodwork Institute 46179 Westlake Drive, Suite 120 • Potomac Falls, VA 20165 • 571.323.3636 P • 571.323.3630 F • www.awinet.org JOIN THE DISCUSSION! Connect on New AWI Online Community H elping members connect in multiple different ways and giving them many BUSINESS TOOLS communications tools on which they can rely facilitates AWI members’ ability to stay connected easily. “The purpose of the Board’s approval for an online AWI member community is to provide members with a convenient connection and communication channel between other AWI members and AWI National,” said AWI Executive Vice President Philip Duvic. “The origins of the initiative evolved from AWI’s Preferred Futures Statement #3 which states, ‘AWI uses new technologies for different types of member-to-association and member-to-member engagement and to deliver products and services.’” To achieve these goals, AWI has developed an online community resource, which will be a big benefit to members. Benefits of Participation Locate AWI National events, chapter events, webinars, and all online community forums. • The resource will replace the AWI Group in LinkedIn. • C entralize and share files in “libraries” (e.g. committee members). • C ommunicate in private forums (e.g., Best Practice Groups), thereby facilitating exchange of information. • S hare specialized expertise about business, woodworking, etc. • Q uestion convention, webinar, and other forum presenters about their area of expertise. • V iew participants in various communities. • R educe e-mail communications. All the communities will be at the disposal of AWI members, with the exception of some communities, such as Best Practice Groups and committees, which will have “closed” forums, allowing for exclusive use by relevant participants. User Friendly Design The AWI Online Community is designed with intuitive-driven functionality, allowing tech-savvy members as well as those who are more technologically challenged to jump in and make connections. Exploration of the site and participation will be possible in the following ways: • Import your profile from LinkedIn • Post a Message • Start a Blog • Share a File • Share a YouTube Video • Share a Web Link • Join a Community Joining / Participating Because the online community will integrate with the database and the AWI Web site, all AWI Manufacturing and Suppliers Members automatically will be signed up by AWI. You will access the online community at mycommunity.awinet.org using your AWI Username and Password. Create or update your profile to help other AWI members locate you more easily. Exclusive Member Benefit This new service is available free of charge strictly for AWI members to participate. However, non-members will be able to see the general content in view-only mode. Those members with more limited time and funds for involvement in faceto-face forums will discover how easy it can be to make connections online, engage in discussions, and learn what • P articipate in discussions about industry issues, woodworking, etc. 2 The Architectural Woodwork Institute l AWINET.ORG The Architectural Woodwork Institute l AWINET.ORG M AY l 2015 AWI NEWS is happening in the industry. The AWI Online Community will facilitate communication, participation, and engagement without a cost investment, except for time. The forums will be open 24/7 thereby allowing members to participate online, anytime. “This new New AWI Members MANUFACTURERS Chadwick Industries Huntertown, IN service will be a great way for small shops to connect with other AWI members without incurring travel expenses,” said Liz DiFiore, AWI Community Relations Manager. Launch Date “The AWI Online Community is currently being beta-tested as NewsBriefs goes to press. It was officially announced and demonstrated at the AWI Chapter Officers Council forum during the AWI Spring Leadership Meeting, April 27-28 in Indianapolis,” Ms. DiFiore said. AWI committee volunteers are expected to initially and readily embrace the capabilities of the AWI Online Community. As members-at-large test the site, they are expected to migrate from AWI LinkedIn as a first step in embracing this new communications service. So, give it a test drive at mycommunity.awinet.org. Maximize the value of your AWI membership by taking advantage of the vast network of AWI members. Asking or answering questions and participating in discussions will help make your company become more visible – and that’s good for business! Questions about the new AWI Online Community may be directed to AWI Community Relations Manager Liz DiFiore at [email protected]. Meanwhile, stay tuned for announcements in upcoming issues of AWI e-briefs, AWI’s semimonthly e-letter. z Founding Sponsor Sustaining Sponsor Fixture Contracting Company, Inc. St. Louis, MO Handcraft Cabinetry, Inc. White Plains, NY Millwork 360, LLC Tampa, FL Virginia Casework Corporation Alexandria, VA SUPPLIER Casewood, LLC Rochester, WA Note: These new members joined AWI in March 2015. Use the online Directory of AWI Manufacturing and Supplier Members at www.awinet.org for contact information and access to the Web sites of these and other AWI members. The resource is open 24/7 for use in seeking manufacturers and suppliers of architectural woodwork. Level 2 Sponsors 2015 AWI Sponsors Level 3 Sponsors Level 4 Sponsors ) ) AWI thanks its 2015 Sponsors whose support helps AWI to fund its programs, publications and other services for members. Visit www.awinet. org to contact our sponsors whenever a need arises for their services. 3 CONVENTION WATCH Skills of Woodworkers ... (cont. from page 1) careful and exacting installation,” Mr. Fisher advises. “Architectural Woodworkers have the skill level needed to install and work with 3form solutions.” Kevin Fisher will be a speaker during the AWI 63rd Annual Convention, April 27-29, 2015 in Salt Lake City, Utah. His presentation on September 28 will focus on “3form Solutions”. Learn more about what Architects and Designers want for their projects – and discover how to deliver it. Educating Architects 3form, a leading manufacturer of award-winning, sustainable building materials and architectural hardware solutions for the architecture and design industry, has over 80 sales representatives in the U.S., Canada and Europe. They visit Architects and Designers to develop project specifications. The 3form sales reps partner with the Architects and Designers to develop world-class designs involving translucent material, lighting, fabrication and hardware solutions. Mr. Fisher’s presentation will include insights from the Architects and Designers gained while working with 3form in the concept and design stage of their solutions. “3form obtains renderings and in collaborative conversations with Architects and Designers, we help them write specifications that meet the design intent, create a look that Owners will cherish and include the necessary support to insure the project’s success. 3form supplies Architects and Designers with engineering capabilities, structural capabilities, and products to achieve a fully fabricated solution ready to install. 3form has 450 employees, 80 of which work at our 100,000 sq. ft. fabrication facility.” Mr. Fisher said. Most of the firm’s fabricators come from the architectural millwork industry, as does Mr. Fisher. Already Specified “When a General Contractor is awarded a contract, 3form is already specified. This leads the contractor to seek a millworker who will be invited to bid on the millwork package. Contractors and millworkers, who embrace the design vision during the bidding stage, become the forerunners during contract negotiations and align themselves with the design team.” “Once they are awarded the project, millworkers partner with 3form to do portions of the fabrication, such as seaming and heat forming. These processes in particular are more difficult when using translucent resins, and the partnership with 3form minimizes the risk for millworkers, who can then integrate the 3form components into the final design solution,” he said. Gain insights from the Architects and Designers while working with 3form in the concept and design stage of their solutions. 4 The Architectural Woodwork Institute l AWINET.ORG The Architectural Woodwork Institute l AWINET.ORG M AY l 2015 Once they are awarded the project, millworkers partner with 3form to do portions of the fabrication, such as seaming and heat forming. About 10-1/2 years ago, Mr. Fisher started 3form’s fabrication group. “Responding to Architects’ and Designers’ interest, we began backlighting our resin panels. Architects and Designers also sought to understand the opportunities for the 3form materials for interior design applications. In response, 3form developed a ‘Ready-to-go’ program of prepackaged solutions in seven different application categories. The easy to specify and install Architects and Designers, our sales force promotes the role of the millworker who is needed for the installation success.” “Honestly, the millworkers are our true customers as they are the ones who purchase the material and help bring the Designers’ and Owners’ dream into reality. We are committed to educating millworkers about application and installation solutions. For larger projects 3form facilitates hand-off We are available as an EDUCATION RESOURCE to woodworkers who require more knowledge on application materials and processes. packages include world class designs that are comprised of fabrication drawings, engineering details and design intent. “Ready to go” has evolved our applications into ‘thought starters’, ready to inspire, thereby transforming each space into a unique design element,” he said. meetings with the actual installers to review the job scope and talk about installation techniques in working with resin.” On the 3form Plant Tour during AWI’s convention, AWI members will visit the firm’s fabrication facility. “Woodworkers will understand that by partnering with 3form they can help create some of the most unique projects around,” Mr. Fisher concluded. z Education & Partnership “We are available as an education resource to woodworkers who require more knowledge on application materials and processes. We produce YouTube videos to help inform contractors about our products and their applications. Some of these include cutting, scribing, machining and sanding resin materials, just to name a few.” Mr. Fisher readily said, “Most installers don’t typically like to read instructions. They will, however, watch a “YouTube” video and can pick up on techniques that will allow them to excel at installing 3form SEPTEMBER 27-29, 2015 materials and solutions. Architectural Woodworkers know how to install millwork and therefore have the skills to install 3form products. When talking with “3form Solutions” Save the Date! Presentation Kevin Fisher September 28, 2015 Plant Tour September 29, 2015 Kevin Fisher is Director, Fabrication/Sales & Technology for 3form, coming to the firm to start its fabrication capabilities from Fetzer Architectural Woodwork where he worked for 20 years. Nearly 13 years ago 3form developed in its present state as a manufacturer of award-winning, sustainable building materials and architectural hardware solutions for the architecture and design industry. Examples of installations at the firm’s Salt Lake City headquarters can be found at www.3-form.com. 5 BUSINESS TOOLS Members Helping Members through AWI Best Practice Groups N PART ONE OF A SERIES ewsBriefs had an opportunity recently to speak with a seasoned member of Best Practice Group #1, Steve Frei, President of Pacific Cabinets, and Joe McCormick, President of Advanced Cabinets, a member of a new Best Practice Group #11. The two company owners first met 17 years ago when Joe, a new woodworker, purchased a piece of equipment from Steve. It led to a longstanding friendship between the two competitors in the state of Idaho. While their friendship evolved from a business deal outside of AWI, many other strong and supportive friendships are formed within AWI, particularly among members of the 13 operative Best Practice Groups. Decision to Join a BPG NewsBriefs asked Joe and Steve what prompted them to join an AWI Best Practice Group. “I had attended a few AWI events and had heard about AWI’s Best Practice Groups,” Joe said. “I was intrigued by the whole process. I wanted to model my company after larger companies. Gaining feedback from peers and consulting with other business leaders could help me reach decisions and improve my business.” Joe added that “understanding processes and realizing efficiency gains appealed to me.” Steve concurred. 6 Learning from Others “We all have similar issues confronting us. During the troublesome and lean years from 2008 to 2013, it was a consolation to understand that others were experiencing the same things you were,” Steve said. As president of a medium-sized business in BPG #1, Steve said he learned about other aspects of woodwork specialties besides casework which is the mainstay of Pacific Cabinets. “It’s helpful to gain insights about best practices employed by your peers regardless of the size of the businesses.” During one of his group’s meetings, members talked about managing bigger projects. “Despite the size of some participating shops ($50 million contracts), we learned that larger companies with a greater geographic scope must be familiar with differences in state laws. From an experience re- Steve Frei sulting from a claim that my company had to drop, I learned to pay careful attention to contract language – which I gained appreciation for from larger companies than mine. Managing larger projects in multiple states requires much more diligent contract and state law reviews,” Steve said. Expectations Realized “Going into BPG #11, I expected to gain experience, information and advice from other successful woodworkers. I wanted to engage with others by bouncing ideas back and forth and dialing into processes. Lots of great ideas come from the group. Our new BPG has met twice and my expectations have been successfully met,” Joe said. “Our members communicate via e-mails apart from the meetings,” he added. “If there was one surprise, it was that all seven group members are confronted with the same challenges,” Joe explained. “And while there are seven people in our group, we find that we’ll hear as many different perspectives on The Architectural Woodwork Institute l AWINET.ORG The Architectural Woodwork Institute a given subject.” Learn more about what Steve and Joe had to say about steps in getting acquainted, side-benefits of participation, and group support in the June issue of AWI NewsBriefs when Part 2 of this series will run. Thirteen AWI Best Practice Groups are operating as peer mentoring forums. For details about joining a group of noncompetitive members, contact Teresa McCain at [email protected]. Explore how your business can benefit from these support groups. z Many strong and supportive FRIENDSHIPS are formed within AWI, particularly among members of Best Practice Groups. Advanced Custom Cabinets is a custom cabinet and finishing company founded in 1998 which is located in a 12,000 sq. ft. facility in Hayden, Idaho. The company of 12 employees specializes in residential as well as commercial projects ranging from banks, restaurants and schools, to fire stations, retail shops and more. The firm has been an AW Manufacturing Member since 2007. www.advancedcabinets.net Pacific Cabinets is a 35-year old company specializing in the custom fabrication of architectural casework and millwork for medical centers, hospitals, laboratories, schools, and businesses. The 30,000 sq. ft. plant with its 50 employees is headquartered in Ferdinand, Idaho. The company has been an AWI Manufacturing Member since 2000 and is a QCP-accredited firm. www. pacificcabinets.com. l AWINET.ORG M AY l 2015 Missed a Webinar? Previously-Aired Sessions Accessible AWI has organized an easilyLEARNING FORUMS accessible library of previously recorded webinars with their accompanying PowerPoint Presentations and is making it available at no charge to members. This new archival resource of dynamic and informative sessions dating back to 2012 on a range of business subjects is at your fingertips in the “Members Only” section of the AWI Web site, www.awinet.org. The password-protected area can be accessed using your Username and Password. What will you find? More than 70 recordings are accessible under the following webinar categories: • AWS Talks • Chapter Development • CODBS • Contracts • e-Cost Book • Green Talks • QCP Talks • Safety Talks • Stiles Presentations •S ales & Marketing Talks • Tech Talks • Workforce Development Take advantage of this benefit of your AWI membership. Visit the site anytime and gain at least one new idea from each webinar for immediate application in your business. Continuous learning is good for you and for your business. The recordings are usually available in the “Members Only” section about two days following each presentation. z Complete Your Membership Renewal Some AWI G-Category Manufacturing Members are late in completing and sending in their dues renewal documents. AWI needs them to complete your renewal, and equally important to maintain your membership at a lower dues rate. Do it now; the deadline for returning completed forms to AWI is June 30, 2015. AWI gives small business members (Gross Annual Sales less than $500,000) a break. To validate your eligibility for G-Category Manufacturing Membership Dues, however, please submit the small business program form and the 2014 third party documentation that AWI requested earlier this year during the 2015 membership renewal period. Without current documentation, AWI will be forced to revise your dues category and raise your 2015 membership dues from $700 to a higher level of $1,400. Help us help you. Send the information to AWI Chief Member Services Officer Cassey Gibson at [email protected]. z AWI NEWS 7 It’s a New Generation... (cont. from page 1) CONVENTION WATCH For maximum effectiveness, recruiting, hiring and retaining employees should be distinctly different for each generation of worker. Gen Xers and Millennials need to be motivated and nurtured differently to maintain not only workplace balance but also life balance, which is important for both groups. A MILLENNIAL needs a team environment and GEN XERS are loners. Gen Xers and Millennials Boomers and Millennials have a lot a things they agree with. “However, Gen Xers can aggravate Millennial turnover by challenging them. Millennials have problems being managed by Gen Xers. A Millennial needs a team environment and Gen Xers are loners. Gens Xers are not typically good team leaders; they are more focused as special projects workers. They should be good craftsmen, but they don’t do a company any good as team leaders,” Mr. Marston advises. Regardless, Gen Xers contribute to the positive reputation of a company and its products. “Millennials are eager to learn and harder to recruit. Nurturing is important to them and working in a stimulating learning environment will entice them to stay longer. As supervisors, Gen Xers typically leave Millennials to their own devices. Millennials leave a job because of lack of effective and stimulating training on an ongoing basis.” 8 Mr. Marston cautions Boomers about their attention to Millennials, which can inadvertently create animosity among Gen Xers who resent so much attention being showered on the younger people who “know nothing”. This uncomfortable situation is unfortunately common in today’s workplace. Demographics During his keynote presentation, Mr. Marston will also address the delayed aging of the population. “People transition into adulthood at a later age,” he notes. For example, Millennials are actually “younger” than their age suggests. For Boomers and Gen Xers to understand Millennials, they must subtract seven from the actual age of the Millennials to determine their “life-stage” age. Mr. Marston will show the data that supports these demographic realities. He’ll share the success other organizations are having by acknowledging the demographics and adapting their recruitment and retention tactics. How do these facts apply to your workplace? Learn more than this tip of the iceberg at the AWI convention where attendees will take away ideas from Mr. Marston’s insightful presentation for immediate application. z Cam Marston is the leading expert on the impact of generational change and its impact on the marketplace. As an author, columnist, blogger, and lecturer, he imparts a clear understanding of how generational demographics are changing the landscape of business. Marston and his firm, Generational Insights, have provided research and consultation on generational issues to hundreds of companies and professional groups for over 16 years. His book, Generational Insights, is a guide to the best practices in managing generational issues. This and other books authored by Cam Marston are available at www.cammarston. com or through Amazon. SEPTEMBER 27-29, 2015 Save the Date! “Attracting & Retaining a New Generation of Employees” Keynote Speaker: Cam Marston September 29, 2015 The Architectural Woodwork Institute l AWINET.ORG NOTE: The Architectural Woodwork Institute (AWI) makes every effort to ensure that published information is accurate and current. Neither AWI, nor any content contributor, officer, or employee of AWI warrants the accuracy, reliability or timeliness of any information published in AWI NewsBriefs and/or AWI e-Briefs, nor endorses any products, services or other information resources linked from AWI’s editorial content and shall not be held liable for any losses caused by reliance on the accuracy, reliability or timeliness of such information. Portions of the information may be incorrect or not current. Any person or entity that relies on any information obtained from this system does so at their own risk.