Insights on the industry: three industry leaders present their viewpoints on several of the significant and complex challenges facing today's masonry contractor - management - Donald C. Grant, Tim McGourty, Charles W. Seedorff

Masonry Construction, July, 2002 by Diana Granitto

In addition, Seedorff University holds an annual 7-week, in-house apprentice bricklayer class. This training supplements the company's joint efforts with programs conducted by the union and by 2 local community colleges, where Seedorff managers have helped organize the curriculum.

Seedorff also recognizes the value of educating customers. The company offers full- and half-day seminars for designers, contractors, and owners. For example, one seminar titled "Masonry--Basics of Behavior and Performance of Assemblies" is designed to communicate the benefits of masonry's long-term performance.

Founded in 1957, Seedorff Masonry has reached annual construction revenues totaling $40.6 million, and now consistently ranks among the nation's top 5 masonry contractors as reported by ENR magazine.

However, said Seedorff, "Our goal is not to be the largest, but the safest and the best." The company's emphasis on safety is evidenced by its employment of 2 full-time safety trainers and a risk manager. In addition, an incentive program rewards employees for safe practices. The efforts have been successful with a 2002 experience modifier so far of 0.63.

"We take good care of our employees," Seedorff stated. "Many of our people have been with us between 10 and 45 years." The union contractor keeps a workforce of 400 busy during the prime construction season, which gives the company sufficient manpower to handle today's condensed schedules.

Other keys to success, according to Seedorff, include the financial stability to meet payment requirements and take all discounts, the mobility to serve the upper Midwest region, and the ability to furnish each job with well-maintained equipment. "My philosophy is I don't borrow money to buy equipment," explained Seedorff. "I don't buy it until I can pay for it."

Seedorff encourages employees to be active in the industry, setting the example himself. He has served as chairman of the Iowa chapter of the Mason Contractors Association of America. He was instrumental in creating the Masonry Institute of Iowa, and was the first chairman of the Master Builders of Iowa's associate council.