Springfield Archives

Construction Site Safety

Written by SpringfieldJanuary 12, 2012

A construction site can be very alluring for kids. Unsupervised children at a job site after hours can wreak havoc. Children, who are forever curious, will climb on equipment, climb ladders, ride on hand cards, and throw things. At the end of the day, it is important for contractors to leave the jobsite picked up, cleaned up, and without anything lying around that could create a dangerous condition for children or anyone who may be passing by. Our work crews are often tired and hungry by the end of the day, but no one goes home until the jobsite is secured, equipment is put away and locked up, and the jobsite is as “child proof” as it can possibly be. After all, most of our men are fathers of young children.

Best Regards.

Our Business Philosophy

Written by SpringfieldJanuary 3, 2012

It sounds a bit quirky when we say it in meetings, but it truly is a business philosophy of ours. We will treat your building like it was owned by our grandmother. We want our clients to be happy with our services FOREVER. We will eliminate your roof top worries so that you can focus on growing your business.

Energy Band Wagon

Written by SpringfieldDecember 29, 2011

Let’s all Jump on the Energy Band Wagon!!! Hey, why not? Is it not trendy and cool to save energy? Utility companies are giving rebates, every company (including ours) are using the words “Energy Star” and “Save Energy” and “Green” in our advertising. My question is this: Is this a trend or have we accepted the fact that we MUST be cognizant of our energy consumption forever? I hope it’s the latter and that we all do whatever we can to conserve our precious resources and save money while at the same time earning points for being “trendy” and “cool.” I’m just happy that now-a-days people say to my husband and I – “Wow! Are you the people who live off the grid? That is SOOOOOO cool!” About 10 years ago, their comments were more along the lines of “What’s wrong with you people? Can’t you afford electricity? Why do you have a windmill in your yard?”

I’ve jumped on the Energy bandwagon for life. How about you?

Is Break Time Important?

Written by SpringfieldDecember 27, 2011

As it becomes late in the season, there is a tendency for foremen and managers to have their employees give up their breaks in order to complete a job. It may seem to make sense to give up your break for the sake of production, but actually it can slow down your production if you don’t take a moment to rest and give your body proper nutrition. Plus – failing to take scheduled breaks can increase your irritability and the chances of an accidental injury. We encourage employees everywhere to stop for a scheduled morning, afternoon, and lunch break – especially if the work you do is somewhat dangerous. You will feel better, work safer, and have better camaraderie with your co-workers.

Generations of Difference in the Workplace

Written by SpringfieldDecember 23, 2011

Our company is comprised of 3 baby boomers (1946-1964) and 22 Millennials (1980-2000). I believe having a high number of Millennials helps our workplace to be highly interactive with a strong base of technical knowledge and IT experience, although our in-house IT person is actually a baby boomer. Millennials are terrific when we need a quick computer drawing of a roof top or financial spreadsheet – – – these young folks can knock it out in a fraction of the time it would take my baby boomer self to do it. Millennials are fun, highly interactive, and enjoy feedback regarding their performance at work. They tend to continue close relationships with their parents and have a strong leadership desire.

I’m curious about how other companies are numbered in terms of the generational differences?

Business Philosophy

Written by SpringfieldDecember 22, 2011

It sounds a bit quirky when we say it in meetings, but it truly is a business philosophy of ours. We will treat your building like it was owned by OUR Grandmother. We want our clients to be happy with our services FOREVER. We will eliminate your roof top worries so that you can focus on growing your business.

TPO Roof Membranes

Written by SpringfieldDecember 21, 2011

Changes have been made to the U.S. ASTM product standard for TPO roof membranes. The November 2011 issue of Professional Roofing has an interesting article about this very topic. If you are considering a re-roof application, we can help you with education regarding the differences between TPO and PVC. Terms such as thickness, puncture resistance, breaking strength, scrim, and reinforcement are common around our workplace. Give us a call – – we can help by recommending the roofing products that best serve your individual roofing needs.

You can read more about this issue at the Professional Roofing magazine website, register for free to receive even more great information! http://www.professionalroofing.net/article.aspx?id=1983

Pure Michigan Economic Gardening Pilot Program!

Written by SpringfieldDecember 15, 2011

Springfield Commercial Roofing is honored to participate in the Pure Michigan Economic Gardening Pilot Program. This program is by invitation only, and serves as a way to assist second stage businesses growth. The goal is to aid companies already in Michigan – helping to add jobs. We are excited about receiving strategic business development counseling and will utilize this coaching to better serve our commercial and industrial customers. More information to follow….. http://www.michigan.org/

Should you sign a contract for roofing services in December?

Written by SpringfieldDecember 13, 2011

Should you sign a contract for roofing services in December? In Northern Michigan? ABSOLUTELY. Wouldn’t it be better to wait to sign it until spring? We encourage people to make their roofing decisions as soon as possible and sign their contract so that they can “guarantee” the pricing of the materials. Material prices often jump during the first quarter of each year and as a buyer, you are protected if you can lock in the price in the fall. Also, there is always the possibility of a warm week during the winter when your project may be able to be completed. Certainly, some types of re-roofs can be performed with no trouble during the winter once the snow if removed. Plus, if a spring re-roof is needed – having your signed contract in our office ensures that you are at the top of the list when the good weather returns to northern Michigan. So, we recommend that you pull out those contracts, sign them and get ready to say bye bye to all of your roofing problems.

Surging Ahead During Trying Times

Written by SpringfieldDecember 8, 2011

Bob Schultz, President and CEO of Bob Schultz and the New Home Sales Specialists, has this to say about surviving the construction downturn.

“No builder or sales organization has ever successfully navigated through difficult times by relying on hope. Recognizing that hope is not a strategy, wishing is not an action plan, and success in today’s market is not an accident is the first big step out of the cycle……..The sooner you get into the stage of proactive transformation, the more quickly you will take control of your business destiny and establish a foundation from which to navigate successfully through what lies ahead.”

For more on this topic, see Professional Builder, November 2011 page 50. http://editiondigital.net/publication/?i=88137