How did DPR Construction adapt in the face of the challenges posed by the pandemic?

Like many organizations, we witnessed a profound need for adaptability and evolution throughout the past year. It was fortuitous that the pandemic coincided with our 10-year strategic planning process. Our strategic blueprint underscores leveraging data to fuel ongoing enhancement. As a construction company venturing into employing data scientists, this shift has made us a more agile business. Data now drives various aspects, from accounts receivables to pinpointing stressors within our customers’ ecosystems that impact our operations. This intelligent utilization of data isn’t just about safeguarding our business; it’s about actively engaging and navigating these turbulent times alongside our customers.

With DPR’s expansion plans to become a $7 billion company with 7,000 employees, how crucial is it to manage the supply chain efficiently?

Our trajectory toward becoming a $7 billion company is tied intricately to our supply chain management. As we scale, the capacity to oversee our supply chain becomes pivotal in asserting influence within local markets. Thankfully, our strategic positioning before 2020 allowed us to amplify our efforts effectively. A combination of vision, an exceptional team, and quick project mobilization enabled us to adapt and evolve in sync with global shifts.

Considering the impact of COVID-19, how do you foresee its influence on the already tight labor market?

The current outlook on the labor market remains interconnected with workforce diversity and development. We’ve forged partnerships with various non-profits like Goodwill, She Built This City, The ROC, Potions & Pixels to align apprentice programs with construction career opportunities intentionally. This strategic initiative aims at bolstering our workforce. Moreover, our collaboration with customers like Atrium Health involves leasing a warehouse for localized pre-fabrication near their main campus, a move contributing to community impact. Additionally, our outreach to young females, educating them about construction from grade school through programs like She Built This City, Girls Rock Charlotte, and the ACE Mentor Program, has been gratifying. We’ve actively recruited female interns through programs like The ROC, fostering construction trade training, job opportunities post-high school, and college credits.

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