I chose to be an architect because it is one of the few professions (in my opinion), that often requires both technical skills and artistic interpretation…
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Employee Spotlight: Tara Dillard
- July 14, 2021
Employee Spotlight - Tara Dillard
At KBD Group, we know our employees are our greatest asset. We are excited to shine the spotlight on Tara Dillard. Tara has been with the company for 25 years. Tara works in the Accounting department along with eight other team members. She started as a receptionist and is now our Accounting Supervisor. Tara exemplifies our companies Core Values and has a deep knowledge of how our organization operates. She is a team player and collaborates well with other departments. We are incredibly grateful for Tara’s years of service to KBDG.
Interview with Tara: Q&A
Question: Why did you choose your profession?
I really didn’t choose my profession as a permanent position. I was on a waiting list for nursing school and applied to a temp agency for a job. The agency sent me to the Kajima office in Memphis for a Receptionist position and here I am today, still employed.
Question: What do you like most about working at KBDG?
I like the work environment; Everyone is so helpful and willing to assist when needed.
Question: What is your proudest moment at KBDG?
One of my proudest moments is being celebrated after receiving my graduate degree.
Question: What do you find the most challenging at KBDG?
Department coordination can be challenging sometimes.
Question: How has KBDG helped you in your career development?
My supervisors are very supportive and encourage the expansion of knowledge through continuing education courses, seminars, workshops, etc.
Question: What do you do when you’re not at work? Share a fun fact about yourself
I have a large family and enjoy spending time with them. A fun fact about me is that I enjoy event planning. I have 22 years in family reunion planning for 300+ people.
Question: What advice would you give to new hires?
Develop good working relationships with your peers. Teamwork is an essential key to getting the job done.
Read what our CFO and Controller have to say about working with Tara Dillard.
“I thoroughly enjoy working with Tara. Her dedication and commitment to the KBD Group are inspirational. Her ability to navigate through the incredible volume and complexities of paying subs and vendors help contribute to the success of the KBD Group.” – Bona Allen, SVP & CFO
“Tara is always willing to help others and step in wherever needed. She is a tremendous asset to KBD and everyone that she works with.” – Jennie Robison, Controller
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Employee Spotlight: XiaoLi Zhang
KBD Group Employee Spotlight: XiaoLi Zhang
Distribution South Business Unit Leader David Ledford
CONSTRUCTION NEWS
David Ledford
Vice President / Distribution South Business
Unit Leader
Warehouse Distribution South
NEW WAREHOUSE DISTRIBUTION SOUTH
Vice President/
Business Unit Leader
With the rise of Warehouse/Distribution construction facilities in the South, we want to introduce our Business Unit Leader, David Ledford. He is responsible for supporting our Warehouse/Distribution Construction efforts in the South. Mr. Ledford is no stranger to the industry and has been working with large developers and businesses to help successfully build and expand their facilities. He is also an expert in managing multiple projects and as of today he is currently managing over 15 projects totaling over six million SF of construction on the South Side of the U.S Market.
About David Ledford
Mr. Ledford is bringing over 34 years of senior level construction and engineering experience to each distribution project in the South Side of the U.S. He has experience in the commercial and real estate construction sectors, and his areas of expertise include civil, industrial, office, and bulk distribution environments.
How does David Manage Multiple Projects?
- Planning ahead
- Staying organized
- Setting early expectations to project teams
- Being flexible and adapting to constant changes
- Staying calm in stressful situations
- And crossing one task off the list every day to avoid backlog
Responsibilities
Mr. Ledford is responsible for managing all major aspects of these projects. He supervises a range of project activities from start to finish and is responsible for fostering relationships and alliances between clients and other partners. Mr. Ledford is also serving as the direct liaison between the corporate management, the project staff management, and the company owner, and is providing direct executive oversight for the duration of the project.
We Want to hear about your next Project
KBD Group has a team of senior-level business and construction professionals ready to help answer any questions you may have. We are willing and ready to help you get started on your next project. At KBD Group we provide the highest standards of design and construction-related services that will maximize the efficiency and performance of your business. Please contact us to learn how we can help build your next project.
Employee Spotlight: Jessica Freese
“The thing I appreciate most about KBD is our commitment to providing a quality product to our Owners while working ethically and building strong relationships.”
GET TO KNOW OUR TALENTED TEAM MEMBER,
Jessica Freese
She joined Kajima Building & Design Group in 2018 as a Project Manager. In January 2022, she was promoted to Project Executive. We would like to congratulate Jessica on her continued success at KBD Group!
Interview with jessica: Q&A
Question: Why did you choose your profession?
I actually started out of college as an Industrial Engineer working on facility and process design and optimization for eCommerce distribution centers.
During that time, I got more interested and excited in the facility construction aspects of my job and wanted to change my career to get more in-depth on the general construction side instead of the design and Owner side.
Question: What do you like most about working at KBD?
The thing I appreciate most about KBD is our commitment to providing a quality product to our Owners while working ethically and building strong relationships with both the Owners and our Subcontractors.
We always try to do the right thing for everyone and understand the importance of lasting relationships.
Question: What is your proudest moment at KBD?
My proudest moment with KBD was probably how we handled pouring Ductilcrete through the wettest winter in 20 years for a project in Virginia, while minimizing cost and schedule impact to the Owner.
Question: What has been your favorite project and why?
My favorite project was probably the Desoto 55 project we worked on in Mississippi where we actually constructed 3 buildings simultaneously in a logistics park, totaling 1.5M+ SF.
It was an incredibly challenging project from managing bad soil conditions to the complex schedule coordination between the three buildings, but I feel like I learned a lot during that project that will be incredibly valuable going forward in my career.
Question: What do you find the most challenging at KBD?
I think the most challenging task, that I have to work through at KBD, is finding the balance between building a good working relationship with our subcontractors, while also holding them accountable to their contract scopes.
It’s important to write a very thorough subcontract to keep subcontractors accountable to their scopes.
Simultaneously, it’s also important to be able to have difficult conversations onsite with our subs when expectations are not being met, but also continuing to maintain a good working relationship with them.You can’t be afraid of conflict or working through it.
Question: Share a fun fact about yourself.
A fun fact about myself is that, before I let life get in the way, I was working towards getting my single-engine pilot’s license. Before I stopped, I was taking lessons to fly single-engine planes and was about ready to complete my first solo flight. But life happens, I got busy with work, and haven’t picked it back up again. Probably for the best, though, since it’s a pretty risky and expensive hobby!
Question: What advice would you give to new hires or those starting out in the construction industry?
My biggest piece of advice when starting out is to always ask questions when you don’t know something and to never be ashamed of not knowing all the answers.
Especially in construction, most people we work with have extensive knowledge from years of experience which is impossible for someone starting new in the industry to have.
Rather than secretly worrying that other people will find out you don’t know something, latch on to people with experiences you don’t have, and learn everything you can from them.
No one expects you to know the answers, but they do expect you to be open and willing to learn quickly.
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Employee Spotlight: Brandon Neerman
EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT
Brandon Neermann
Brandon Neermann
At KBD Group, we understand that our employees are the backbone of our business. This month we want to recognize and shine the spotlight on Brandon Neermann, our preconstruction manager in Atlanta. Brandon received his bachelor’s degree in Building Construction from Georgia Tech. After he graduated, he worked for one year with Danko before coming to KBD Group in 2011. Brandon’s range of responsibilities include working with clients to providing accurate pricing for all phases of the project, along with coordinating value engineering, construction means and methods, and risk management. Brandon is married to Marianne Neermann and has four children. He has been with KBD Group for eight years and we are very happy to have him on board!
Get to know Brandon: Q&A
Why did you choose your profession?
Honestly, it chose me. When I graduated from Tech, I had a son that was just born and in the Neo-natal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) fighting for his life. I didn’t feel like I could take a job that would potentially require me to travel during this time.
What do you like most about KBD Group?
The people. Everyone is polite and genuinely seems to enjoy being around each other.
What is your proudest moment at KBD Group?
Coming up with a new solution using secant piles to use as the outside formwork for a 60’ deep cylindrical pit. This prevented the project team from having to open excavate the pit, saving the project three months.
What do you find the most challenging at KBD Group?
Keeping up with the ever-shortening bid delivery times with a very streamlined department while also trying to leave time for personal improvement.
How has KBD helped you in your career development?
KBD has empowered me to take new responsibility, create new methodologies, and generally expand my knowledge.
What do you do when you’re not at work? Tell us about any activities or hobbies you enjoy.
I enjoy spending time with my family, playing Legos with my boys, and putting together model airplanes (mainly WWII) era. Feel free to come by my office to check them out! I also like to read.
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John Samford Fairwell
KBD Group would like to recognize and congratulate John Samford on his well-deserved retirement.
Shin Urano Fairwell
Shin Urano, former Kajima Building & Design Group (KBD Group) President and Kajima Building and Design Inc.
Employee Spotlight – Vicki Vicente
EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT
VICKI VINCENTE
“KBD Group is my second home.” – Vicki Vicente
Vicki Vicente will be celebrating her thirtieth anniversary working with KBD this upcoming November. She is a Project Accountant / Office Manager / Event Planner in the New Jersey Office. Vicki’s main focus as Project Accountant is to monitor the progress of projects, expenses, project billings and payments. She also coordinates office administration and procedures to ensure smooth office operation and spearheads coordination for events such as team building and holidays.
Vicki literally grew with Kajima. 30 years ago, as a young Economics graduate, she had no experience with the construction industry. However, as she learned and understood the business of construction, she came to enjoy her fulfilling career at KBD Group. We are very fortunate to have Vicki as a loyal member of the KBD Group team.
INTERVIEW WITH VICKI
Q: How long have you worked for KBD?
A: I have been with KBD 30 years.
Q: Please list all the positions you held with the company.
I was initially hired to assist the Administrative Assistant (Assistant to the Adm Assistant, if there was such a thing!). Then I became an Administrative Assistant, an Office Administrator, Executive Assistant/Accounts Payable Clerk and finally, Project Accountant/Office Manager. I am also an Event Planner on the side.
Q: Why did you choose your profession?
A: Originally, I was an Economics graduate and wasn’t sure why or how I ended up in the construction business. It kind of landed on my lap. But I just took the position in stride, gradually learned and understood how the business worked. I actually like what I do now!
Q: What do you like most about KBD?
A: KBD is my second home. It has been good to me. It grew old with me and I mean that in a good way.
Q: What is your proudest moment at KBD?
A: I have two. One would be the recognition I received for my 20 years of service in the company. The other one, although not work-related, was the retirement party we threw for Mohammad Rahimian. He had a great time from beginning to end and was very appreciative. I’m happy that he was happy. Of course, it was a group effort.
Q: What has been your favorite project and why?
A: It would be the KII Headquarters at 900 Sylvan Avenue in Englewood Cliffs on the top of my list. It was my first project and it became our home for the next 10 years or so. The next ones would be Felissimo which was a department store at 10 West 56th Street in NYC and Toraya Confectionery located in 17 East 71st also in NYC. Every girl loves shopping and sweets. Need I say more?
Q: What do you find the most challenging at KBD?
A: The challenge I often see is the constant changes in CADD, project management and accounting software. With limited hands-on training, it is difficult to navigate and can hinder an individual’s productivity.
Q: What advice would you give to new hires?
A: Have patience and perseverance. Listen to your mentors. Success always entails hard work. Be resourceful.
Q: Share a fun fact about yourself.
A: I’ve always loved dancing as a young girl although I never got any formal training. Three years ago, I enrolled myself in ballroom dancing just to get me moving. Even though my heart drops down to my feet as they twinge at the end of each class, I enjoy every minute of it and look forward to the next one. I want to be a ballroom dancer in my second life, maybe…
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CONSTRUCTION NEWS
KBD Group Celebrates topping out ceremony
Topping out ceremony
On April 7, KBD Group celebrated with Mazda Toyota US at their Topping Out Ceremony in Huntsville, Alabama. Our team was proud to see the last structural beam put in place at the Automotive Manufacturing facility. Even with the ongoing COVID19 pandemic, KBD Group construction continues to deliver safe quality service to meet our clients’ deadlines.
What is a Topping out Ceremony?
In building construction, topping out (also known as topping off) is a builders’ rite traditionally held when the last structural beam is placed atop during its construction. The topping out of the facility doesn’t mean the project is completed but it has since come to mean the structure of the building is finished, whether there is a ceremony or not. The putting the last structural steel beam or final roofing piece in place on a building is a project milestone and signifies that the structure has reached its maximum height. In America, the final structural piece is often painted white and signed by members of the construction team. Read more
Gallery of the event
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Employee Spotlight: John Evans
“I always liked building and putting things together” – John Evans
John Evans
With over 30 years of construction experience, KBD Group is fortunate to have John Evans as a member of our team. He began his career with KBD Group in November 1993. As Regional Manager at our Chicago office, Mr. Evans is responsible for handling all major aspects of the project. His day-to-day tasks include supervising project activities from design development through pre-construction services to construction, and closeout of the project. Mr. Evans is vital to upholding our mission by serving as the direct liaison between KBD Group and the Owner.
INTERVIEW WITH JOHN:
Q: Why did you choose your profession?
A: I always liked building and putting things together (I think my first building project involved Lincoln logs). I was told I was good at math and should choose engineering or accounting as a field of study. I studied drafting in high school and decided to study architecture in college. But upon starting my studies, I quickly realized my preference to build the project rather than design it. Fortunately, the school I was attending featured, at the time, the #1 ranked Construction Engineering (ConE) curriculum in the country. So it was an easy decision to switch from architecture to ConE. With that switch, I never looked back.
Q: What do you like most about KBD Group?
A: KBD Group’s commitment to providing a quality product and service to our clients at a fair price, and willingness to stand behind our completed projects, and flexibility they allow to use to accomplish this objective.
What is your proudest moment at KBD Group?
A: KBD Group is currently starting a project for a charitable organization called Feed My Starving Children (FMSC). FMSC goal is to help address world hunger, particularly focused on children in third world countries. I personally volunteer at the local location, and KBD Group approved our effort to pursue their new facility at a fee structure well below our normally acceptable fee. KBD Group was selected to construct both the shell building and then the required interior improvements. Every dollar that we help save FSCM goes directly to helping children. Having the support of KBD Group’s Senior Management, to reduce our costs and develop a strong plan for FMSC, makes me extremely proud to be employed by a firm that recognizes we are here to accomplish more than just make a profit, but also to make people’s lives better.
Q: What do you like most about KBD Group?
A: I’ve always felt I have been a respected member of the Kajima family. Not all of the endeavors we have been through are book worthy, but KBD Group has always stood with me and we finished what we started, no matter how hard it may have seemed at the time.
Q: What do you find the most challenging at KBD Group?
A: Filling out a timesheet (half joking). Allocating appropriate time to complete various tasks that come across my desk daily, from completing estimates/proposals, pursuing opportunities, or managing projects and staff.
Q: What advice would you give to recent new hires?
A: Ask questions, learn, and absorb as much as you can. There are plenty of fellow staff members that can teach you something you don’t already know and are willing to share their knowledge and experiences. Always be willing to learn and assist. The opportunities are there to grow and improve. KBD Group will always support you so never quit learning.
Q: What’s something we may not know about you outside work?
A: I am an over the top fan of Iowa State athletics. Given our lack of success on the field, I must be part insane or part delusional. I will leave it up to you to decide which.
John Evans, Vice President/Business Unit Leader, Warehouse Distribution North