Judy Audette - J.K. Scanlan keeps at forefront of technology to provide clients with important tool in productivity

It seems as though we have fast forwarded 2011 and here we are, late May. Despite the rain that won't cease to fall, construction outlook for J.K. Scanlan continues to be steady. Last week our firm was notified that we were among ENR's top 400 List for 2010, and 7th in the state of Massachusetts (based on construction revenue last year). While I attribute much of our success to our extremely talented team of professionals, I think that keeping in the forefront with technology has provided an important tool in productivity. Wireless tools keep everyone working at peak efficiency, in fact the majority of our project management staff have tablets and wireless devices providing real time two way work-force management and the ability to remotely track data such as labor hours, project costs and other time sensitive information. These devices are being made more rugged and durable as well, making them more practical for sometimes harsh construction environments. We are fortunate to have evolved into a time where technology can change businesses by managing information in new and dynamic ways creating collaborative interconnected paths among crews, contractors, consultants and our customers. Marketing plays a very important role at J.K. Scanlan Co. We like to put our personal stamp on everything we do and strive to be on the cutting edge with available technology. Keeping abreast of current computer software like the Adobe design programs allows our in-house marketing staff to produce high quality materials, website upgrades, brochures that highlight our wide range of projects and submit responses to proposals and qualification packages without having to outsource. It is our opinion that In good times companies need to advertise. In bad times, they need to advertise more. We have all the technology necessary to produce any type of brochure or marketing material so that it is printer ready. We continue to see the need for multifamily housing to be on the rise as the growing number of renters enter the market amid the housing crisis. Over the past five years our firm has completed in excess of 1,200 units. They have consisted of a variety of assisted living, independent living, affordable and luxury apartments. Our experience has been considerably enhanced by our understand of the optimal building systems utilized in these various types of housing projects meeting different uses. In addition, we currently have multiple housing projects underway locally and in New York. The newest project Orchard Hills in Newburgh consists of a total of 128 one and two bedroom apartments and 132 two and three bedroom town home units. The 50 acre site will offer a variety of housing options and all residents will have access to a clubhouse and outdoor pool. The project is schedule to be completed this fall. We continue to stick to our core principles, keys to the success of our firm and client satisfaction. We listen to the feedback from our customers and evaluate each and every project upon completion to see what we did right and what we might have done better. Customer satisfaction should always be the number one priority. Lastly I don't want to forget to mention the importance of safety. JKS puts a tremendous amount of focus on a safe workplace. Our firm has received numerous safety awards by the Associated General Contractors. The awards are based on reduced safety incidents and minimal loss of project man hours. I hope that the next few months will see an improvement with this weather, as schedules must be met. I wish everyone a safe and relaxing Memorial Day weekend. I have requested sun and 80 degrees on Cape Cod. Judy Audette, LEED AP, is the marketing director of J.K. Scanlan Co., Inc., East Falmouth, Mass.