No arguing that it’s tough to be looking for a job right now. If you are unemployed and 16 to 24 years of age, you are one of 18.6 million of your peers looking for work in your age demographic according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. That translates to an unemployment rate of 48.9% in this demographic sector of the population.
A few years ago we began conducting an annual goals workshop at my company. In many ways this workshop is really about communication. Our office has approximately 80 folks. Having a meeting with 80 people can be a bit challenging. But we persevere because we have our own goal: learning how to ask.
As a specialty contractor with a significant hourly workforce in the commercial construction industry, I am deeply concerned about a disturbing trend that has developed over the past thirty years and has recently escalated to a new level. Beginning with the 1980s economic decline in Houston and Texas, and continuing over the last three decades,… read more
Last Wednesday was a great day for reflection about the workforce issue, at least for me. It began at a lunch gathering of Associated Builders and Contractors Past Presidents and the current executive committee to gather insight and input for the coming year’s planning session objectives, as requested by the ABC Greater Houston Chapter incoming… read more
I attended the Bisnow – Office of the Future breakfast on Tuesday, April 3rd, and was once again impressed with the overall quality of the event and the information. I was part of a fairly large Marek contingent, as we were partnering with Office Furniture Innovations (OFI) and Modular Architectural Interiors (MAI). We had an exhibit… read more
On November 17th, the Houston Chapter of the American Subcontractors Association held its monthly membership luncheon at the HESS Club. The topic for the meeting was a panel discussion covering the Construction Career Collaborative (C3) initiative. Panelists were Peter R. Dawson, AIA, Senior Vice President, Facilities Services, Texas Children’s… read more
HOUSEKEEPING AND TRASH REMOVAL09-09-13 There are several dangers on job sites simple because of the nature of construction work. When the natural hazards found on construction jobs sites are compounded with clutter and debris, the hazard level increases and the potential for an accident or an injury substantially increases. A construction… read more
One of my mentors, Tim Johnson, has always said that it is it important for us to seek out quality workforce programs and recognize these “pockets of excellence”. I agree.
TAKE CARE OF YOUR FEET09-02-13 Most people don’t think much about their feet, until a foot begins to hurt. Damage to even one bone, ligament, or muscle in the foot can be very painful and make it difficult or impossible for you to keep on your feet and do your job. Unfortunately, statistics tell us that work related foot injuries are common.… read more
Exterior Framing – We have the capability to break the exterior walls into different layers. Our design can reveal framing, sheathing, and other layers which can be added in an exterior wall along with attachment clips as required. Interior Framing – We have the capability to visually enhance the interior walls, which provides you an… read more
[[{"fid":"362","view_mode":"default","fields":{"format":"default","field_locations[und]":"2","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":"","field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":"Economics Class with instructor Ted Hajdik","field_image_tags[und]":""},"type":"media","attributes":{}}]]Pictured above is one of our Economics classes with… read more
The VA clinic is completed, and recently opened in south east Austin. We'd like to thank all of our employees for their hard work as well as foreman Doug Prew![[{"fid":"360","view_mode":"default","fields":{"format":"default","field_locations[und]":"2","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":"","field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":"","… read more
The project was a much needed shed built for Mobile Loaves & Fishes to house a tracker and possibly other equipment that will be used to help for their new development – Community First! See the link below on more information on this impressive development. This is a development that has been in the planning stages for several years and is now… read more
This is a story of an individual, Tyrone Evans, who for 30 years was an alcoholic and drug addict. After being incarcerated several times, he decided to spend the balance of his life helping others who were fighting to overcome drug and alcoholic addiction. He lived near a street called Bonita Street that had become a gathering place for drug… read more
Last night the Austin MBS team was awarded three prestigious awards by the Associated Builders and Contractors – Central Texas chapter: The Excellence in Construction Award went to: University of Texas Welch Hall 1929 East Wing renovation – Foreman Theo Moser, Chase McNeil, Project ManagerVeterans Administration Met Center Building… read more
Attract, train, and retain the best talent in our industry. Provide targeted training to our existing workforce allowing each employee to reach his or her maximum potential. Provide a satisfying career to those that make the grade and uphold Marek values, adding value to the company and providing unmatched service to the customer.
[[{"fid":"401","view_mode":"default","fields":{"format":"default","field_locations[und]":"32","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":"","field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":"","field_image_tags[und]":""},"type":"media","attributes":{}}]]Marek Houston will strive to attract and train highly qualified new employees to perpetuate the… read more