Cornerstone Newsletter November 2007 - RQ Construction, LLC

RQ CONSTRUCTION—QUARTERLY NEWSLETTERRQ CONSTRUCTION—QUARTERLY NEWSLETTERRQ CONSTRUCTION—QUARTERLY NEWSLETTERThe City RQC Builtin 8 MonthsFall EditionNovember 2007The MOUT (Military Operations on Urbanized Terrain) training facility at Fort Irwin was completed in October 2007.he simulated city that RQC built in faster than the traditional concrete blockT eight months is comprised of 55 or tilt-up construction methods that havebuildings, including: simulated businesses, been used on MOUTs across the country.guard towers and specialty buildings Ecolite even has extra benefits because the(consulate and government buildings). wall panels are even stronger and if damagedduring military exercises, the panel(s)The buildings are set up to allow for avariety of training scenarios. There are can be replaced.ladders to access roofs, mouse holes(underground tunnels leading from oneroom to another), a simulated trappedelevator and even anchor points to repeloff of the taller buildings.When the Army put the MOUT atFort Irwin out to bid in 2006, it took sixrounds of bidding before the project wasawarded in 2007. Meeting budget limitswith an innovative approachto design and ensuring wecould meet the fast-trackschedule requirements wonthis $11.8 million project forRQC.The innovative approachto the project was using Ecolite.Ecolite is a thin shellconcrete constructionmethod that allowed RQCto deliver the project at areduced cost and muchMOUT Team delivered 1,135 wallpanels to complete the projectAll of the wall sections of the buildingswere prefabricated at Ecolite’s manufacturingplant in Barstow. This was the firstproject that RQC has used Ecolite. RQCworked with the Ecolite personnel to refinea quality control program that decreasederrors and increased the amountof panels fabricated per day. An RQCtemporary office was set up at the manufacturingplant where RQC managementworked diligently withEcolite personnel to perfect newproduction methods and qualityprocedures.To meet the fast track schedulethe RQC/Ecolite team had tomanufacture 1,135 wall panels forthe overall project. It took anaverage of 11 hours for a four-mancrew to construct a 24 ft. x 48 ft.two-story building. That’s fast!1Continued on page 4ll attendees of the Management Retreatwere required to read the bookA“Who Moved the Cheese?” by SpencerJohnson, M.D. and decide which characterin the book they most identified with. Themajor focus of the retreat was how we dealwith change as an organization and individuals.The owners wanted to celebratethe internal and external changes and createinternal excitement about all of thepositive aspects of the changes that havetaken place within RQC in the past year.In This IssueContinued on page 2The City RQC Built 1Who Moved My Cheese? 1CEO Corner 3Big Change in 2008 - New Office in Carlsbad 3Grand Slam - 10 Year Service Awards 3In the Woodwork - Completed Projects 4Safety Corner 5Firestorm 5Community Corner 6Party Time 8Contests 10

Who Moved the Cheese?Our Cheeseheads - RQC OwnersDapper Mike, Cowboy Don, Fireman Mitch,Legal Sultan Rod, and King GeorgeContinued from page 1The simple yet enlightening, very shortstory portrays four characters who live in a“Maze” and look for “Cheese” to nourishand make them happy. The “Cheese” is ametaphor for what you want to have inlife and the “Maze” is where you look forwhat you want. In the story, the charactersare faced with unexpected change. Eventuallyone of them deals with it successfullyand writes what he has learned from hisexperience on the Maze walls.In the cheese mode, George presentedall of the owners with their own uniquecheesehat, which started the whole retreatoff with everyone breaking out into laughterand grabbing their phones to take pictures.Doug Youngdale took the picture here.Change is nothing new. Most peoplefind change difficult. Many of us tend toresist change even though we know it isgood for us. Some of us are uncomfortablewith change because it is the unknown.Some, however, seek change and welcomeits challenges.It is important that each of us remainflexible and responsive, we should be ableto adapt to the new situation and ensurethat we make the most of the new opportunities.As an organization, RQC must beinnovative to remain competitive andsuccessful; with innovation comes change.Being able to effectively manage changeis a critical factor for the well being of theorganization. We should be able to use theopportunity of change to foster innovativeideas and solutions. Some of the changesin RQ over the past year have developedwonderful opportunities and successes forthe company and all of our employees.Some of the major changes in RQ overthe past year:• In-house Design capabilities• Added Qualified and Experienced Staff• Proposals In-house• Management Structure• Incentive Compensation Program• Management Controls to Avoid LegalProblems• Change in Culture• Increased Bonding ThresholdThe more effectively we deal withchange, the more likely we are to thrive asa company.Changes in the workplace do not haveto create stress and confusion. We need toview change as an opportunity to acquirenew skills, achieve career progression andembrace a new way of working. Many ofus have a grudging acceptance of the needto change. But the reality is that if we waituntil change is forced on us then we stayperpetually behind on the learning curve.If you would like to read the book ,call Suzan Barba to check one out. Wealso have audio books available.Harleys Take The Road to Management Retreatarleys were the favorite modes of transportationH to the 2007 RQC Management Retreat.RQC Bikers Included: Don and Bethany Rogers,Randy and Bonnie Pritchett, Clayton and SuzanneLang, Ed Robles, and Jim Deppe. If you ask theseguys, the party starts when they left their garage. Judgingby their smiles, they might be on to something!2

In the Woodwork - Completed ProjectsLAR Vehicle Maintenance Facility (VMF)Twentynine Palms LAR Maintenance Facility &BEQ - This task order was unusual becauseit had two completely different kinds offacilities at two different locations on thebase. The Facilities included a VehicleMaintenance Facility (VMF) and BachelorEnlisted Quarters (BEQ). Charlie Taylorserved as the Superintendent for the BEQ,while Steve Benson served as the Superintendentfor the VMF. They are expectingan Outstanding CCASS on this contractfrom NAVFAC. Other team membersinclude: Rob Smith, Bruce Denney, KevinSoares, Josh Carroll and Bridget Boyden.Great Job!LAR Bachelor Enlisted Quarters (BEQ)Camp Pendleton BEQ 14008 - The project wasdelivered ahead of schedule and we areexpecting another CCASS rating fromNAVFAC. Way to go Craig Shadle, VinceVidaca, Rick Montes and Andi Allemao.Craig Shadle, Matt Amdur, Mitch Tharaldson, BradMcDermott, Sophia Arguello, George Rogers,Mike Patterson, Don Rogers, Jon GarganVictorville City Hall Addition & Renovation Theproject team attended the ribbon cuttingceremony in August. Special thanks to theentire team for delivering another OutstandingEvaluation from the Client. Thisproject is RQC’s largest project to date.Riverside County Historical Courthouse RenovationThis historical project had many issues thatbecame apparent after the demoltion phase.The project team worked through 448change orders and 637 RFIs and deliveredthe project to a very satisfied client. Kudos tothe Team: John “Dutch” Van Hovel, JohnSavage, Brent Swanson and Kathy Dexter.University of California Santa Barbara StudentResource Center & Snidcore Hall - Special thanksfor the outstanding job that Larry Morserhas done in completing close-out on theseprojects. Kudos from the client: “In finishinga contract we don’t usually get the followthrough from contractors like we havefrom RQC.”New Office Building — Continued from page 4All departments will be on the groundfloor level (15,666 sf) and the Executivewing will be located in the 4,892 sf mezzanine.Each department head will haveinput on the floor plan. The new buildingfloor plan will be laid out so that eachdepartment flows with the departmentsthey work with. The interactive open areaconcept will have multiple meeting roomsfor large and small gatherings. Opus Development,the company that built thebuilding, will be doing the TI work.Storage areas will have overhead doorsfor easy access. In the rear of the buildingthere will be picnic tables where we hopeto have more picnics and company functions.George also promises a basketballcourt! Parking is both convenient andgenerous, 77 parking spaces. We expectthe building to be ready for occupancy inMarch.The City RQC BuiltContinued from page 1RQC is expecting another OutstandingCCASS on this project. The team deliveringthe outstanding results of this projectincludes Project Manager Pete Pizzo, SuperintendentsSam Kirchmeier andAdam Winter, and Project Engineer EricTaylor.Bryan Skor is on top of the MOUT!4Top brass from Washington visited thesite in July and expressed enthusiasm inusing Ecolite on other MOUT facilities inCalifornia and Texas. It is imperative thatMOUT training facilities be constructedrapidly to support the needs of the military.Training centers like this one at Ft.Irwin allows the Army to train soldiers tounderstand the sociological and psychologicalimpacts of fighting a war in highlypopulated areas. MOUT training is now apart of basic training for the active andreserve Army and Marine Corps.The MOUT at Fort Irwin has been anextremely profitable project from both aneconomic and marketing standpoint. ThisMOUT has given us much exposure, demonstratingthat RQ delivers outstandingand innovative projects! RQC will be biddingon several MOUT projects in thenext few months in California and Texas.

Safety CornerFrom the Desk of Don RogersRQC Chief Safety OfficerDon’t Under Estimate OverexertionThe problem solving and "can do" attitude offolks in our industry amazes me, what agreat group of people you all are! But thatsame admirable "can do" quality seems tomake us reluctant to ask for help from others,even when WE KNOW that we should. Thisbrief article is a reminder, that whether we areon a job site, at the office or home we needto think before we tackle too much.... and endup reaching for the pain killers! And youyoung folks out there, listen up! ... the strain& abuse you put your body through now willcatch up to you, so take care of it!verexertion injuries are the singleO largest classification of injury inconstruction.And, overexertion results in the typesof injuries that most commonly involvedays away from work. By implementingsimple work practices, many overexertioninjuries can be prevented.Overexertion injuries are caused bytearing or stretching of tendon, ligamentsor muscles when loads lifted, carried,pushed, pulled or otherwise handled exceedthe limits of the joint system doingthe work. One important way to preventinjuries from overexertion is to train workerson when to use a mechanical assist orto get help from another worker. Theyshould be instructed notto try to move or lift anobject they can’t safelyhandle. When in doubt,they should break downthe load into smallerparts.If workers can’t breaka load down, they shouldbe advised to use mechanicalassists such ashand trucks, drywall lifts,forklifts or carts. But, theyshould ensure that thehand truck, wheel barrelor other moving equipment is in goodoperating condition. The work savingdevice may put more strain on the body ifit’s overloaded or doesn’t work properly. Ifthe wheels on a cart are not aligned, theycould strain their back, arms or shoulderstrying to move it. When no mechanicalassists are available, workers should ask forhelp from other workers.Another overexertion preventativemeasure is to encourage workers to prac-tice good housekeeping on the worksite.Good housekeeping means that buildingmaterials are kept in order to maintainclear pathways for easily transportingloads. It means stacking lumberto allow proper liftingfrom above the knees andbelow the shoulders.Workers can help protectthemselves from overexertionstrains, fatigue, and injury bytaking care of their body,eating well, exercising, andgetting proper rest. Stretchingbefore work activities andduring the day increases flexibility.If the muscles or ligamentshave weakened overtime from lack of exercise orage, workers are more susceptible to overexertionthan if they’re physically fit.Overexertion can result in physicalfatigue, a reduction in work efficiency anda decrease in the speed and quality ofwork. Preventing overexertion injuries is alot easier than correcting them. Teachworkers to take care of themselves both onand off the job and train them in properwork practices.Article complements of theState Compensation Insurance FundOne of the members of the RQC Familylost her home to the Fires—Andi AllemeoFirestorm 2007e are all devastated to see the tollW that the San Diego county fireshave taken on the lives of the peoplearound us. The firestorm turned morethan 450 square miles from San Diego tonorthern Los Angles into a raging inferno,forcing 320,000 people to evacuate anddestroyed an estimated 1,300homes, including Andi Allemao’s.Our hearts go out toAndi, who lost not only herhome but a lifetime of possessionsin the fire. If you would like to helpwith a donation to help Andi rebuild herhome, please contact Charlene Miller atextension 351.We would like to express our sincerestgratitude to all the firemen and womenwho have worked so hard to keep us safe.Each and everyone of you are real lifeheroes. We are also thankful for the generosityand compassion of the Owners ofRQC. The owners graciously paid allRQC employees for the time they missedat work because of the fires.5Even with the office closed because itwas located in the evacuation zone inBonsall, it didn’t stop our accountingdepartment. A special thanks go to HolleeCoffman and Annette Clark whomade sure we all got paid for the weekby doing payroll on Annette’s diningroom table.

Community CornerCongrats to Carolyn Harper’s son,Andre on his graduation fromArmy Boot Camp at Ft. Knox, KYon March 16th. He is currently attendingAVN school in Eustis, VA.Steve Noel finished taking Level 1& Level 2 Revit Training for theDesign Department. Steve, also,received his License to practice Architecturein Arizona. Way to go!!!Bravo, Kathy Dexter, forcompleting a 72 hour continuingeducation regime that coveredall aspects of tax law, representationand ethics, whilebecoming an Enrolled Agent (Enrolled topractice before the IRS).Congrats to Doug Youngdale’sson, Erik, on his internship atUC Davis Medical Center inSacramento.Kudos to Timothy Rogers, Don’sson, who is studying at Purdue Universityon a four-year NROTC scholarshiphe was awarded.Keep it up, Bruce Denney! Whoafter 40 years of smoking hasbeen smoke-free for over 10months. Great job!Congratulations to Leah, SarahAmmens’ daughter on her graduationfrom basic training with theAir Force. She is now training as'Special Forces'.Best wishes to Terry and AngelikaStolpp, who celebrated their 31stwedding anniversary in June.Kudos to the P-599S,LAR Company MaintenanceFacility MCAGCC,29 Palms Team on receivingthe Annual RQSafety Award. The Teammembers are:• Charlie Taylor - Superintendent• Rob Smith - Project Manager• Kevin Soares - Site Safety Officer• Steve Benson - Assistant Superintendent• Bridget Boyden - Field AdministratorContracts Department Gets Locked Upt was a cool and breezy February morningas the contracts department headedIout of the office. They rode along the 15freeway, each lady with a smile on herface. They had been long awaiting thecloseout meeting and tour of the RiversideCounty Courthouse. The anticipation ofseeing the result of many months of hardwork built after each mile. As they reminiscedover every paper cut this projectpained them with, they becamemore eager. Little did theyknow, they were in store for alockdown.The closeout meeting was asexpected, but the tour broughtmore surprises than ever. Itstarted out typically with a few oohs andahhs, and Q&As about the renovation.Then Dutch led the ladies to the jail cells.“Hmm… how can we refuse this photoop”, thought Leilani. So, each of the ladieshurried into the cell for some hilariousphotos; Lyn, Denise, Julie, Suzan,and finally Leilani. But wait, whatwas that, Dutch closed the door toofar. It locked! “Who has the key”,Good thing the Marshall showed up to set Leilani free.6everyone stammered. What key? The lockshad yet to be updated, so Leilani wastrapped!If you think, that it couldn’t get muchworse for a very claustrophobic Leilani,boy are you wrong. The cell she waslocked in went black. Finally, the powerwent on, and a Marshall arrivedto rescue Leilani from the lonelinessof the wretched 10x10’ cell.Her nightmare was over andthe team was relieved to returnto the safety of RQ’smain office. Needless to say,the Riverside County Courthouseis a Project that theseladies won’t soon forget.

Babies—BabiesBabies—Babies Babies—BabiesJoel Barandiaran Whitehead,Born to Sarah & Aleixon May 3rd.Congrats!!!Miles Daniel Taylor,Born to Erik & Kristenon August 25th.Our congrats extend toGeorge & Pat Rogers onbecoming grandparents.Nathan Daniel McDowell,Born to Lynea & ScottOn May 15th .Congrats go to Dana & Becky onbecoming grandparents again!Congrats go to Sarah Ammenson becoming a Grandmother, toDaitona Katherine Lewis.Born to AJ & Mirandaon February 23rd.Peter Frank Pizzo IV,Born to Pete & Lindsieon September 5th.Congrats to Sophia onbecoming a big sister!Bradley Allen McDermott III,Born to Bradley & Blairon September 27th.Congrats go to Brad McDermott onbecoming a grandfather!The Baby BoomContinuesExpecting:Andy & Anabel NataliLate DecemberBrody & BryceCrosswhite,Born to Gary & Jillon June 10th.Congrats to Crystal onbecoming a sister again!Kylee Cecilia Knudsen,Born to Rick & Lauraon September 19th.Congrats to Kaitlynn onbecoming a big sister!Craig & Lise ShadleEarly JanuaryTroy & Saliha La CoursiereLate MarchPromotionsSince the last publicationof the Cornerstone the followingpromotions were announced:Randy Pritchett - Director of Field OperationsCraig Shadle - Chief Financial OfficerLaura Beauvais - Project ManagerBrent Swanson - Project ManagerAdam Winter - SuperintendentCarlos Smith - Asst. SuperintendentJohn “Dutch” Van Hovel - Construction CoordinatorSuzan Barba - Office ManagerDon Rogers - Chief Safety OfficerEric Taylor - Lean Process ManagerBethaneé Kuczmarski - Marketing CoordinatorFebruary – Julie IgnacioApril – Suzan BarbaMay – Janis O’RourkeJune – Aaron EspinozaJuly – Laura KnudsenAugust – Imelda OliSeptember – Sarah AmmensOctober – Andi AllemaoNovember – Hollee Coffman &Annette Clark67Small Business:Good Faith EffortIncentive Program WinnersFebruary – Liaoming SunApril – Aaron EspinozaJune – Crystal CrosswhiteJuly – Bethaneé KuczmarskiAugust – Brent SwansonSeptember– Daniel LincolnOctober – Sarah Whitehead

Party Time!!!veryone was invited to the Februarypotluck luncheon at theEmain office. With the Valentine’sdecorations, finger-food theme, andgreat conversation everybody enjoyedthe festivities. The food was bite-sizedand tasty; we enjoyed mini-tacos, hotwings, meatballs, cream puffs, andmany, many more miniature treats.That must be one sourstrawberry, LiaomingNo one has a problem accepting a meeting with food, friends & dessertsJan, you would be smiling if you didn’tpass on the cupcakes!Drink up, Marcella, there’splenty of punchSo that’s all it takes to get Larry and Mitchto stop discussing work; hot wingsSuzan says “No” on secondsChampagne all-around!Atoast to the multiple awards wereceived at the end of Marchwas shared among RQ personnel. Asconfetti flew through the air, Georgeand Mike spread the excitement ofreceiving 6 out of 6 awards bid in arow. The total value of the awards was$66,638,000.George points out the team’saccomplishments with great prideThe team is already contemplating how to getmore awardsEveryone looks on with anticipation as the awards areposted to the government’s websiteHere’s to manymore awards8Julie’s all smiles following the toast6 out of 6 — It’s a sweep!

n October, everyoneI pitched in to throw a BBQluncheon. From salads tochips, burgers to dessert, everyoneenjoyed their favoritepicnic cuisine! With the smellof sizzling burgers and chickenin the air, everyone headed outof the office to take in somefresh air, sunshine, good food,and great conversation.Dana brings a little sunshine to this shady tableLeilani is in shock from all thedelicious foodDebbie enjoys a drumstickOur grill masters, Craig & JD dished up some tasty meats!!!Suzan serves some refreshing drinksTrevor chows downDoug & Anabel, starring in TheGreat Cake Race!!!Crystal satisfies her hunger with a Ball Park FrankAaron washes down his lunch9

Game TimeCORNERSTONENEWSLETTEREDITORSGeorge Rogers IIIChief Executive OfficerMike PattersonChief Operating OfficerMitch TharaldsonVice PresidentDon RogersVice PresidentCongrats to last issue’s LAR Maze Champs:Dana Hofseth, Eddie Robles & Micah YoungdaleThey each received an Edwards Theatre Gift Card Pack,containing admission for two and money for the concession stand.Design-Build Word Searchith all the excitement of our recentlyW awarded design-build projects, Dougis on the hunt for hidden design-build terms.Help him locate the words and you may findyour own treasure! The first three peoplewith the correct response will win an excitingprize! Contact Bethaneé at ext. 249.STAFFJanis O’RourkeMarketing Services ManagerBethaneé KuczmarskiMarketing CoordinatorRQ’s Cornerstone Newsletter is published by RQConstruction, Inc. Entire contents is copyrighted2007. Reproduction in whole or part withoutwritten permission is strictly forbidden.RQ Construction, Inc.5256 S. Mission Rd., Suite #210Bonsall, California 92003Phone: (760) 631-7707Fax: (760) 631-8013www.rqconstruction.comComments, suggestions and articles are welcome.Contact Bethaneé KuczmarskiE-mail: bkuczmarski@rqconstruction.comGet Ready for GivingIn the RQC Holiday Tradition we will becollecting donations for the FallbrookFood Pantry. Please drop off your donationsat the front desk of the Main Office startingMonday, November 12 through Tuesday,November 20. Items needed are dried andcanned goods such as pasta sauces, soups,rice, mac and cheese, breads and cereals,baby foods, disposable diapers(NO formula). Fresh fruits andvegetables are welcome, too!If you have any questions,please contact Suzan at ext. 230.Word Bank:AMENDMENTSAMPHIBIOUSARCHITECTURALARMORYAUTOCADCIVILCONFERENCEDESIGNDRAWINGSELECTRICALENGINEERSESTIMATINGEVALUATIONSEXPERIENCEINNOVATIONSLEEDMAINTENANCEMECHANICALMEETINGSOPERATIONSPLANNINGPROPOSALSREGIMENTALRENDERINGSREQUIREMENTSSAFETYSCHEDULESPECIFICATIONSSTORAGESTRATEGIESSTRUCTURALTEAMWORKWATERFRONTWINNING10