Glenn A. Parker | Parker Construction Co. president
Over the last two decades I have had the opportunity to be involved in some monumental and truly unique (and uniquely challenging) projects.
Those projects have gone a long way toward helping Parker Construction cement a reputation as a premier builder in southern New England. We are seen as a firm singularly capable of meeting enormously fast-track schedules, by, for example, condensing a typical three-year residential construction project into 12 months without compromising quality and craftsmanship.
We have done so by taking a page from comedy improvisation and always saying “yes, and …” to our trusted partners: architects, designers, engineers and, of course, our clients.
It was our willingness to tackle these sorts of fast-track projects that ushered Parker Construction through the Great Recession intact. I have tried to create a culture that affirmatively tackles premises that traditional industry logic would consider unachievable. I have encouraged, and at times demanded, my staff emphasize communication and execution.
I believe in inspiring by example. I thrive on accepting and executing novel projects, believing that we not only learn to perform better under these new and exciting circumstances but that it allows us to renew our enthusiasm with each and every prospect.
Of course, no one wants to hear that their general contractor improvises anything – and I certainly have no comedy chops – but one lesson I think GCs can take from improv is to always dare to say “yes, and …” to a new challenge.