If you were expecting to read here in our look back at 2021 the supply chain issues with material shortages and extended lead times have ended and all is right in the construction world…I wish I could right the ship here and assure you the challenges are behind us. Just when we think, “hey, maybe things are getting better,” there is a door order with a 14-week lead time. We have so appreciated the patience of our clients during this time. While there isn’t a guarantee on when these challenges will ease, we want to assure you we will continue to communicate them with you as they arise so we can all be on the same page to the best of our ability. I’ve included two inclusive articles that help explain how we got here and some positive news regarding the 2022 outlook.
Let’s focus instead on the positive…
Thank you! We always enjoy preparing our fourth quarter newsletter for you and looking back over the past year. Last quarter we shared an update to our geographic footprint, which at the time featured all of Ohio and projects with strategic partners in other states as well. In looking back over 2021 we completed projects in a total of 7 states, 31 counties and 52 cities and what a year it has been for all of us! We here at Metis are extremely grateful for all of you and the trust you place in us to complete your projects on time, within budget, and for a good value. In 2021 the same was true, only within the confines of a continued pandemic and well…we already mentioned (supply chain issues!). We appreciate you helping us keep working, thus supporting our team and their families. I cannot say THANK YOU enough times and it truly comes from the heart.
We’re also sharing some project highlights for a few renovation and ground-up projects, as well as an in-house design project for Oakmont Education. These include renovations at Delta Gamma/Kent State University, Bent Tree Coffee Patio Deck, and ground-up projects for McAlister’s Deli, Dollar General, and Firestone. We also just HAD TO SHARE the complete transformation of Kent Social Services (wait until you see the before and after photos!). The year was also filled with fun times with our team and helping others…which is our favorite. We hope you enjoy reading more in the coming pages about all the fun…well maybe the few days recovering from the stair climb weren’t that fun ? but all for a good cause!
Can’t forget – if you are considering a project of any size we can help! Please reach out by email to jbrandle@metisconstruction.com or direct at 330.858.6672.
All the best to you and your team – wishing you a happy and successful new year in 2022!
Julie Brandle, President
Metis Construction Services
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2021/12/05/business/economy/supply-chain.html
https://www.hubinternational.com/insights/outlook-2022/construction/
Congratulations Rollin Gedney!
Metis celebrated team member Rollin Gedney, Project Manager on his 10-year anniversary with Metis this summer. Pictured from left Steve Brandle, Julie Brandle, Rollin Gedney and Bob Penrod.
Metis Makes a Difference
Metis Wears Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness
The Metis team traded in our Metis green for pink throughout October, supporting Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Team members were asked to sport their pink shirts and send in a selfie to spread awareness for Breast Cancer and to support the health of the women in their lives.
Toys for The Salvation Army
The Metis team worked together to spread some holiday cheer this holiday season. Team members donated gifts to The Salvation Army; the generosity of the Metis team gave 12 children a Christmas morning full of presents under the tree.
https://easternusa.salvationarmy.org/northeast-ohio/
Hattie Larlham Christmas Shopping
Metis teamed up with Constant Companions and Hattie Larlham for an afternoon of Christmas shopping at Target. Items were checked off Hattie Larlham’s Giving Spree registry. The group left with lots of smiles and two carloads of supplies!
https://www.hattielarlham.org/
What’s Been Happening at Metis
Akron Children’s Hospital Christmas Tree
Metis participated in the 40th Annual Holiday Tree Festival supporting Akron Children’s Hospital. The bidding took place virtually, but the Metis tree stood proud decked out in lime Metis green.
https://www.akronchildrens.org/pages/Holiday-Tree-Festival.html
Snow Contractor
Metis Construction spread some holiday cheer in partnership with the Kent Chamber of Commerce by placing a snowman in downtown Kent. Our snowwoman is a handy contractor willing to lend a helping hand on your next construction project. She stands tall at the corner of Water St. and Main St., waving at everyone in sight.
CVSR Train Ride
Metis team members and their families enjoyed the return of the Cuyahoga Scenic Railroads North Pole Adventure. It was a magical night spent riding the train, singing Christmas carols, and enjoying goodies!
https://www.cvsr.org/
Akron Rubber Ducks Game
The Metis team spent the night cheering on the Akron Rubber Ducks. Fun was had by all, and the night even ended with spectacular fireworks!
https://www.milb.com/akron
Pawsabilities Fundraiser
Metis is a proud supporter of the Humane Society of Summit County. Our Chief Estimator/Safety Officer, Marcel Clopton, serves on the board. Many of our team members have even adopted pets from the Humane Society. In August, Metis sponsored a table at the 21st Annual Pawsibility ball; the team spent the night enjoying a lovely meal, raising awareness for the animals, and raising money for a great cause.
https://www.summithumane.org/
9/11 Memorial Stair Climb
On the 20th anniversary of 9/11, members of the Metis team participated in the stair climb hosted by the Akron Fire Department and Akron Fire Fighters Association Local 330 in memory of those who lost their lives. Metis was honored to sponsor the event. The event raised $21,413.78 for the Safety Forces Support Center. You can support this center that aides first responders year-round at https://safetyforcescenter.org/.
Greater Akron Chamber 30 for the Future
Our very own Marcel Clopton, chief estimator/safety officer, was recognized as a part of the 2021 Greater Akron Chamber 30 for the Future. 30 for the Future recognizes 30 young professionals (Ages 25-39) who live and/or work in the greater Akron region, are trendsetters in their industries and impact the region through dynamic leadership and community service.
Congratulations Marcel!
Metis Project Highlights
Oakmont School- Parma, OH
Metis Design completed the new Oakmont Education – Old Brook Campus design in Parma, OH. The space occupies the former Fitworks, amounting to roughly 20,000 square feet. The school opened in time for the start of the school year; both staff and students love the new space.
McAlister’s Deli- Owosso, MI
This year, Metis Construction completed three ground-up locations for McAlister’s Deli. All three restaurants are located in Michigan. Metis is excited to be a part of McAlister’s expansion across the midwest.
Delta Gamma- Kent, OH
Metis Design worked with the Delta Gamma House at Kent State to give a much-needed facelift to their kitchen. The existing space consisted of a commercial kitchen and a secondary kitchen for residents to use. With the disruptions from COVID, the members decided to no longer have a chef prepare meals. The new design allows for a more user-friendly kitchen where multiple ladies can use the kitchen simultaneously. The team performed a quick turnaround project and completely transformed the kitchen in time for the sorority members to move in for the fall semester.
Dollar General- Hollister, MO
2021 was a big year for Metis and our relationship with Dollar General developers. This year, Metis completed a record number of 30 Dollar General locations. In addition, this Dollar General opened the door to a new state for Metis, Missouri, with two locations built in the state in 2021!
Kent Social Services – Kent, OH
Kent Social Services, a Family and Community Services Inc. program, has been located at 1066 South Water Street since the early 2000s. The cramped and dated building couldn’t keep up with the demand for its services. For the first time in Kent Social Services’ history, a capital campaign was launched to raise funds for a renovation and expansion of the 1960s building. The growth of Kent Social Services provides space for programming and activities for those who often spend their day escaping the elements in the dining room. Work included an addition of a walk-in freezer and cooler, updated signage, updates to the dining room and kitchen, and a private entrance to the public pantry. The renovations will allow Kent Social Services to serve more people in need within the community. The Dubois Family Foundation made a significant contribution to the project due to director Hal Dubois’ affinity for Kent Social Services and Family and Community Services. The newly renovated building has been named The Dubois Family Kitchen Table in honor of the contribution. The link below features a video from Kent Social Services that focuses on the capital campaign launched for the project.
Capital Campaign Video
https://fcsserves.org/program/kent-social-services/
https://fcsserves.org/
Firestone- Middletown, DE
Keeping with the theme of the geographical expansion of Metis is the Firestone Complete Auto Care that our team completed in Middletown, Delaware. Yes, you read that right; Metis has headed to the east coast and completed our first project in the state of Delaware. The firestone red pops on this sleek new auto care center.
Bent Tree Coffee Patio/Deck – Kent, OH
The Design Team worked with Bent Tree Coffee Roasters on North Water Street in Kent to design an exterior deck for their patrons to enjoy outdoor performances. Bent Tree received a grant from Main Street Kent that required them to match (at least) the grant amount. Our design focused on reducing the amount of lumber used to construct the dock due to the significant cost increases in lumber. In addition, the team worked to utilize materials/systems that allowed them to participate in the construction
(if they chose to).
Metis Moment
Thinking about starting a project?
Is your company or organization thinking about embarking on a construction project? Here are some things to consider:
- Budget – What is your budget and what does it include?
- Franchise requirements – If you are a part of a franchise, what are the design and construction guidelines for your franchise? Who is involved in the approval process?
- Realistic time frame for completion – Keep in mind each phase takes time; programming, design, zoning approvals, construction drawings, approvals process and permits, (construction, occupancy permits) and final inspections. Keep realistic time frames in mind when negotiating rent starts and construction costs.
- Equipment and specialty deliveries – Does your design require any specialty equipment? What are the lead times for ordering? Are there special installation instructions? Providing that information at the design phase will save time and money.
- Staff Training – How long do you need for training? When do you need the space available for training? Who is involved in training your staff?
Metis Construction Services can guide you through the design-build process. With an in-house architect on our team we can begin working with you at early project conception all the way through construction completion. The benefits of a design-build project include:
- Reduces design time.
- Simplifies construction drawings.
- Value engineering alternatives are always up for discussion and analysis.
- Reduces construction calendar.
- Minimizes communication channels with a single point of contact.
- Minimal change orders.
If you are considering a construction project please give us a call and we can discuss your ideas and help you through the process.