How has your company grown or evolved over the years?
I joined Lee and Cates Glass three years ago. During my tenure, our commercial division has grown tremendously. Although the total number of projects completed each year has decreased, the profitability of the projects has increased. In three years, we have increased revenue by nearly 25%. When a new manager is tasked with improving a company’s financial performance, it easy to simply say “this is the new way.” However, an organization doesn’t approach its centennial by accident. Viable processes and procedures likely already exist thus a complete overhaul is usually not required. By taking a granular approach, my team has been able to employ smaller changes that are easier to implement resulting in measurable improvements without the growing pains of widespread procedural changes.
Where do you see your business headed in the next few years?
Lee and Cates Glass works diligently with general contractors and architects to educate them on new systems and processes that will add intrinsic value to their projects. For example, a process called “unitizing” builds complete units with glass and metal in a controlled, factory setting allowing for faster installation and a higher level of quality. Despite the fact that unitizing is not new to the industry, many companies will stick with what they know. Lee and Cates Glass is using our expertise to make unitizing a viable alternative, even on smaller projects. This will create our competitive advantage as we move into the future.
What project are you most proud of, and why?
Last year, we completed the Broward Dining Hall Renovation at UF. Unlike typical glass projects, most of the glass was installed into openings that were not square—think tetrahedrons and trapezoids. Using lasers for field layout and AutoCAD for fabrication details, we successfully calculated angles and sizes to decimal precision. It was not our largest project, but it was one of the most complex. It was the epitome of a group collaboration between the office, fabrication shop and field operations.
What do you hope your work says about your company?
I have long believed that three metrics define a successful project: on time, under budget, and no defects. No company can claim to have achieved all three on every job; however, the true measure is how the company delivers the final product. What speaks for my company is that no matter what, Lee and Cates Glass will deliver on our promise to complete every project to every client’s exact expectations.
What value has ABC First Coast brought to your business?
The real value is found in many of the conferences, webinars and training sessions geared to improving the industry as a whole. For example, ABC makes understanding safety protocols simple while highlighting those organizations that echo the importance of ensuring their employees’ safety and well-being. It has served as a tremendous resource for many aspects of our business beyond just networking.
How has your involvement changed over time?
I have worked at several ABC member companies for nearly two decades. When I moved to the Jacksonville area, networking was my top priority to familiarize myself with the local community of builders. I was then presented with the opportunity to join the First Coast Board of Directors. This role has provided a forum for me to expand on my leadership role and collaborate with other industry leaders.
What advice would you give to a company considering joining ABC First Coast?
Join today! At its most basic function, ABC is an invaluable resource for making contacts in our local community of builders. However, digging deeper, you will find a trove of training and development opportunities that not only benefit an organization’s leadership, but also those team members that are integral to a company’s success.