Game Changer By Cole Johnson, Future of Work, U.S. Department of Labor Blog

Game Changer: In 2012, the Department of Labor approached Paul Johnson Drywall Inc. to review our employment practices and compensation structures as part of its worker misclassification initiative.  What began …

Where Is All Of The Labor?

Learn the truth behind the labor shortage and why it's not what most expect.

I am frequently asked, why, given that single-family home permits and starts are still lagging the current recovery, are we facing such a significant labor shortage?    

What’s happened in residential construction, as the economic recovery has been underway, has been a shift from single-family home construction to multi-family construction. While there is a direct correlation between starts and permits in single-family delivery, because there are numerous units within one multi-family building and work within each apartment is typically more than what is required in a home, labor requirements are exponentially higher in multi-family construction. 

Understanding this, all you have to do is look to the Construction Pipeline for Phoenix and Tucson reported by ABI Multifamily. Within these reports, simply compare the 2015 units delivered with the 2016 estimated unit delivery to understand the significant demands on our labor pool in Arizona. According to the report, Phoenix alone is showing an anticipated 11,000 units will be delivered in 2016 vs. 4,661 in 2015, an increase that more than doubles the demand on labor. Likewise, in Tucson the anticipated number of units delivered in 2016 is 1,000, which also is more than double the 445 units that were delivered in 2015.

The staggering growth in multi-family alone has placed higher than usual demands on the local labor pool. In addition, because of the growth, multi-family has attracted general contractors and subcontractors who have not been focused in the market previously. This broadening of firms into new markets is pulling labor from other areas and causing stress in commercial construction as well.

We’re not the only ones to recognize that the growth is significant.  In the March 25, 2016 issue of the Phoenix Business Journal, bankers spoke of their transition away from financing multi-family projects. In the article, “Banks see Some Tarnish in Multi-Family’s Shimmer,” Ed Zito, president of Alliance Bank of Arizona, said his institution has moved past multifamily and said “multifamily is too competitive.” Also, David Ralston, chairman and CEO of Bank of Arizona said, “We’ve avoided lending on multi-family projects.” 

As usual, the market is going to correct itself. However, due to substantial demands by the multi-family sector, the construction industry will continue to face significant labor challenges through 2016.

We are looking for Full Time Drywall Installers!

We are looking for Full Time Drywall Installers!

Hangers
Tapers
Texture
Final guys
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Framers/metal

We offer:
Consistent Work
Pay Weekly
Instant Health Insurance
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Call today and start tomorrow!


http://www.pauljohnsondrywall.com/career-opportunities.html

Phoenix Office
(602) 254-1320
1720 W. Parkside Lane
Phoenix, AZ 85027

Prescott Office
(928) 771-9468
1620 Willow Creek Road
Prescott, AZ 86301

Tucson Office
(623) 234-8888

Las Vegas Office
(702) 982-0947
5957 McLeod Drive
Las Vegas, NV 89120

Department of Labor’s Future of Work Symposium in Washington, D.C.

Robert Cole Johnson, President of Paul Johnson Drywall, Speaking at the Department of Labor’s Future of Work Symposium in Washington, D.C.!

Happy Holidays!

With the holidays upon us and December drawing to a close, it's common to reflect on the past year and plan for the year ahead. During 2015, many of us were blessed to enjoy our market's recovery, and for this we are thankful! As the recovery continues into 2016, we can anticipate the new, healthy challenges that labor shortages and material cost increases will pose to the construction and drywall industry.

At Paul Johnson Drywall (PJD), we're proactively taking steps to foster an environment where our workforce is well-cared for and productive, which is also attracting more workers. In fact, this topic was the theme of the Department of Labor’s (DOL) Future of Work Symposium, which I was invited to participate in earlier this month, in Washington, D.C. The symposium brought together the public and private sectors to discuss the evolving workplace and share best practices.

PJD constantly strives to be a better employer, an effort which we feel ultimately makes us a better drywall contractor. During my time in Washington, I was asked to share what PJD has been doing to advance our labor standards and how those actions have affected the company, and I want to share it with you as well.

The primary actions taken include PJD shifting to a W-2, or a direct employment, model. Because of this shift, PJD is paying industry-best wages to our crews and has allowed us to also provide health care to each of our employees and their families. As a result, PJD now has nearly 1,000 employees who are loyal to our firm, and committed to delivering for our customers.

While we remain aware of the growing labor shortage, I am proud to say that PJD is able to meet our customer’s needs as a result of our industry-best employment practices. Our loyal crews position us very well for the year to come, and we are proud to be able to produce for our customers, irrespective of industry shortages.

As I prepare to celebrate the holidays with my family, I would like to thank Paul Johnson Drywall’s loyal employees and customers for all of their support during the past year. I look forward to prospering through 2016, together.

Happy Holidays!

Regards,
R. Cole Johnson
President, Paul Johnson Drywall

Happy Thanksgiving!

This year, we have much to be thankful for at Paul Johnson Drywall.

Thank you to our customers, business partners and crews for making 2015 another successful year.

We appreciate the confidence our customers showed us again this year, calling upon PJD to complete more homes and multi-family projects than we've had the opportunity to finish in recent years. We are also grateful to our business partners, who make it possible for us to meet these demands.

And, to our crews and office staff who worked hard all year to make deadlines, THANK YOU! I want to recognize you in particular, for again going above and beyond these past few weeks to make our year-end commitments. Without you, we could not have completed the 85+ additional homes needed by our customers for their year-end sales.

Wrapping up these most challenging weeks of the year, please accept my deep appreciation and  best wishes to each of you and your families for a happy, safe and healthy Thanksgiving.

Enjoy the holiday all, Happy Thanksgiving!

Regards,
R. Cole Johnson
President, Paul Johnson Drywall

Work Starts on Market-Rate Housing - The Prescott Daily Courier - Prescott, Arizona

http://dcourier.com/main.asp?SectionID=260&SubSectionID=1148&ArticleID=150456

Pictures from the Groundbreaking of the Willow Creek Apartment Project!

Construction of new Prescott Apartment Community Begins!

Contractor Invests in Hometown, Bringing New 160-Unit Apartment Community to Prescott

New Willow Creek area community to be first new market-rate apartments built in Prescott in more than five years.

Last week, Cole Johnson, president of Paul Johnson Drywall, announced that his development company will begin construction on a new 160-unit garden style apartment community in Prescott, his home town. General contractor Decca Multi-Family Builders began clearing the site earlier this month and groundbreaking is planned for September 2015. Construction is expected to complete by late October 2016. 

The project, located at 3137 Willow Creek Road in Prescott, Arizona, will include new studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments and carriage houses with detached garages. In addition, the community will provide residents with new clubhouse facilities, including a full-kitchen, supplemented by outdoor BBQ, community entertainment space, courtyards and a 24-hour fitness center.  Unit amenities include granite counter tops, in-unit laundry facilities, plank flooring and extensive landscaping.

Allison-Shelton Real Estate Services will be managing the property. Reservations are expected to begin by early summer 2016. Interested parties can contact info@Allison-Shelton.com for information and news about the new apartment community.

“Demand for new apartments is high in Prescott,” said Thomas Shelton, principal with Allison-Shelton Real Estate Partners. “This is the first market-rate community to be built in Prescott in at least five years and as a result we expect the waiting list to begin the first day we open reservations.” 

Other development projects by Cole Johnson through his development company Parlay include:

Whispering Canyon, a custom home subdivision in Prescott, Arizona;
Berkanna Townhomes with locations throughout Arizona; and
Encanto at Moon Valley, a new single-family residential development in Phoenix, Arizona by Metro Living.

“There has been a growing demand for quality apartments in Prescott in recent years, making our timing right for this project,” said Cole Johnson. “Thanks to the great work by my finance partners Paragon Mortgage and Alliance Bank, we were able to negotiate through the complex HUD financing process to secure a $17.2M, 40-year, 3.6%fixed-rate term loan without any personal guarantees. We are on track to deliver 160 new apartment units in 14-months.” 

Paul Johnson Drywall Developing A New Apartment Complex in Prescott

Cole Johnson, president of Paul Johnson Drywall Inc., is developing a 160-unit complex via his development company, Parlay LLC.

Construction on the Prescott development starts next month with delivery expected in October 2016.

Read the Complete Article at Phoenix Business Journal!

Health a Top Priority at Paul Johnson Drywall

Earlier this year, Paul Johnson Drywall (PJD) made health insurance available to every single employee. An important piece of this initiative involves enhancing preventive health services for our crews.

Last week we hosted our first free job site health screening with Redirect Health, our new health care provider. Thanks to the Redirect Health's mobile health screening program, every crew member working at a North Phoenix job site had the opportunity to receive a free health screening with a Redirect Health doctor.

“Everyone is really glad to be here and getting checked and appreciates the care our new health program is providing,” said Miguel Sanchez, superintendent with PJD. “They made it very easy on us by coming out to the job site.”

While many of our people are in great shape and received a clean bill of health, several mentioned they had not been to the doctor in many years and underlying issues were identified. Those who needed it received the medical attention they needed, and are on the path to living a healthier life. Being proactive has already paid off for our people!

 “Paul Johnson Drywall really cares about its employees,” said Noe Morels, project superintendent with PJD. “These job site health screenings are going to be really effective and positive way to connect our people with a physician. Everyone here is appreciative of this opportunity today and other jobs will be pleased as well.”

Redirect Health offers customized health-care programs for the construction industry. Compliance with the Affordable Care Act is challenging for some subcontractors, but through collaboration, PJD and Redirect Health were able to establish a program that is affordable, and prioritizes the care of employees so long-term healthcare issues are minimized.

“It’s comforting to know that all of our employees are under the care of a physician and those who need help are addressing their health issues,” said Cole Johnson, president of PJD. “I appreciate the idea that we can keep our employees healthy through programs like this and provide a platform for them to access care when they need it."

Paul Johnson Drywall (PJD) Career Opportunities

Paul Johnson Drywall (PJD) is always looking for skilled and ready manpower for our growing business and exciting projects. We employ through a W-2 classification process that provides the genesis to capture, monitor and analyze employee piecework, in conjunction with hours and over-time pay.

The H-2B guest worker visa program provides employment opportunities for crews, primarily from Mexico, through the State workforce agency with a wage offer set by the Department of Labor. We are prepared to assist qualified workers with the process, and give priority to our current crew members' family and friends.

PJD strives to provide a safe working environment, offering top industry wages and a work environment that encourages quality and on-time delivery.  For more information or to apply, email Mail@PaulJohnsonDrywall.com or complete the form found at:

http://www.pauljohnsondrywall.com/career-opportunities.html

PJD's Continuing Commitment to Community and the Environment

COMMITMENT TO COMMUNITY & THE ENVIRONMENT

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Our business is committed to building strong and long-lasting communities. By investing in communities throughout the state, Paul Johnson Drywall (PJD) shows appreciation to the many charitable organizations that also serve our communities, making Arizona a better place to raise our families.

PJD and our employees support a variety of charitable organizations by donating time, energy and financial means to assist local nonprofits. Below are some of the organizations we've supported in the past:

• ASU Student Families Charity
• Boys & Girls Club
• Bradshaw Mountain High School Cheer
• Chaparral High School Football Field House
• Extreme Roughstock Explosion
• Girl Scouts of America
• Habitat for Humanity
• Penn State Women’s Soccer
• Phoenix Battered Women’s Shelter
• Phoenix Children’s Hospital
• Pinnacle High School Lacrosse
• Prescott High School Athletic Department
• Prescott High School Football
• Prescott Valley Charter Archery Team
• St. Vincent De Paul
• Yavapai Junior Volleyball Club
• Youth Basketball Association-YMCA
• Youth League Football
• 4-H Club

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If you are a nonprofit organization interested in participating in our volunteer program, please email Mail@pauljohnsondrywall.com and tell us about your project and how we can get involved.

Paul Johnson Drywall (PJD) Senior Living Projects

Alta Vista Senior Living Prescott, Arizona MT Builders Companies served as the general contractor for this senior living community, which consists of 132 luxury units in Prescott, Ariz. The residences for independent and assisted-living range in size from 395 to 1,300 square feet. The community also features many attractive amenities for residents, including two gyms, a theater and three restaurants. PJD was hired for approximately 12 months to complete light metal frame work and drywall. Peak manpower during this project included more than 125 construction professionals on site.

 

Maravilla Scottsdale
Scottsdale, Arizona

Maravilla Scottsdale is a luxury retirement community located on a 25-acre site, adjacent to the Fairmont Scottsdale Resort and TPC Golf Course. This 410-unit community features 86 casitas and 324 independent living and assisted living residences, either one- or two-bedroom units. The Weitz Company served as the general contractor.

PJD crews spent one year on the project from February 2011 to February 2012 and completed complex light gauge metal framing, drywall (including level 5 smooth wall in common areas) and painting. Peak manpower capped at 175 construction professionals on site.

http://www.pauljohnsondrywall.com/senior-living.html

http://www.pauljohnsondrywall.com/uploads/3/1/4/6/31469919/pjd_projects_senior_living-1.pdf

Employee Appreciation Day at Paul Johnson Drywall!

DCK and PJD combined forces today to say thanks to all the employees who work so hard and dedicate themselves everyday at Trillium 44.

Check out the link below to see a video of today's event:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zxNkd8ab_zk

Big thanks to Freddy, Jose Esparza and Miguel Guerra for making this happen!

Way to go Eddie!

Eddie Marquez is the crew leader for the Renaissance III project over in Chandler. Last week, Chas Roberts (A/C company) had an employee fall from 9 feet from the 2nd level. Eddie Marquez was there to provide first aid to the employee who suffered ripped tendons and loss of blood. It is such a great honor to know we have employees who are not only here to help Paul Johnson Drywall grow, but also be there for others.

Please click on the link below to watch a quick video of Eddie receiving an award from Chas Roberts for his actions.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uab4M5TCQVk

Paul Johnson Drywall Named to 2015 Walls & Ceilings Top 50 Contractor List!

Paul Johnson Drywall Named to 2015 Walls & Ceilings Top 50 Contractor List!

Read the Article here: http://www.wconline.com/articles/89785-wcs-top-50-contractors-of-2015

See the full list here: http://www.wconline.com/2015-Top-50-Contractors

Paul Johnson Drywall Expands Leadership Team of Nevada Office

After its recent expansion into the Nevada marketplace, Paul Johnson Drywall adds business development manager and estimator, expanding operations. 

PHOENIX  (March 13, 2015)-- Paul Johnson Drywall Inc. (PJD), is pleased to announce the addition of two new leadership team members to its office in Las Vegas, Nevada.  These new members, John Adams as business development manager and Jeff Torrecampo as estimator, expand the Nevada office operation and bring extensive experience in the industry to further solidify PJD in the market.

John Adams who is joining PJD as business development manager, will serve builders across the state of Nevada. His primary responsibilities include developing new accounts, marketing, customer service and business relations for new and existing clients across the state. John graduated from The University of Nevada, Las Vegas with more than 25 years of experience in sales, marketing and customer service. He also holds a pilot’s license and has experience in flying helicopters for the last 9 years, professionally.

Jeff Torrecampo is also joining the Nevada leadership team as an estimator. Jeff is responsible for providing all builder estimates, completing material take off by customer, assembling “Complete Bids” and ensuring material orders meet demand.  He is also responsible for managing relationships with builder purchasing departments and builder architects, in addition to being knowledgeable on all city, county, UBC & IRC codes for installation of materials.

Jeff brings the PJD family in Nevada the advantage of having years of experience as an Estimator, Inspector, and Engineer.  He earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines and holds several professional licenses and certifications that bring additional industry expertise to the office leadership.

About Paul Johnson Drywall
Established in 1967, PJD is an Arizona-based drywall contractor, and one of the largest in the Southwestern United States with offices in Phoenix, Tucson and Prescott, Arizona. The family-owned business has long-been the drywall contractor of choice for the most prominent home builders in the region, providing high-quality drywall and related services for single-family, multi-family and commercial projects across the region. With safety, efficiency, quality and professionalism as its core values, PJD attracts and maintains the best crews, meets deadlines, and delivers exceptional craftsmanship, which has established the company’s reputation as a leader in the industry. For additional information, visit:

PaulJohnsonDrywall.com
Paul Johnson Drywall on Twitter
Paul Johnson Drywall on Wordpress
Paul Johnson Drywall on Tumblr
Paul Johnson Drywall at Blogspot
Paul Johnson Drywall on Facebook
Paul Johnson Drywall on Weebly
Robert Cole Johnson on Tumblr
Robert Cole Johnson on Wordpress
Robert Cole Johnson on Weebly
Robert Cole Johnson at Blogspot

MEDIA CONTACT: Patty Johnson: 602-402-2965 or PattyJohnson@Connections-marcom.com

Paul Johnson Drywall Manager Named to List of Young Leaders: “Generation Next: 2015”

PHOENIX  (March 12, 2015)-- Paul Johnson Drywall Incorporated (PJD), is pleased to announce that its Compliance Manager Warren Townsend was named to “Generation Next: 2015,” the industry’s list of young leaders compiled by Walls & Ceilings Magazine. The publication, which covers business news, products and issues critical to the drywall industry selected young leaders, under forty years of age, who are making a positive impact on the construction and drywall industry.  In the “Generation Next: 2015” feature, Mr. Townsend is recognized for his leadership on several innovative projects that are helping to shape the future of the industry, as well as his work as a compliance manager.

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One of the projects that Mr. Townsend is currently working on is the development of a job site GPS tracking system that will be able to record employee time, over-time, project estimating, and work force needs prediction.  The system would be automated, where site crews are tracked through their cell phones.  Mr. Townsend is collaborating with the software developers to customize the time-keeping program for PJD, and is working to make it available to others in the construction industry, as well.

Mr. Townsend was also recognized for his involvement on PJD’s employee hotline system.  He helped to develop a hotline whereby employees can alert PJD’s Human Resources Department, or company president of concerns and issues on a job-site or related to employee pay questions and concerns.

In addition, Walls & Ceilings Magazine is also selected Warren Townsend to the young leader list for his work as a compliance manager.  Mr. Townsend joined PJD in October 2014 with his main responsibilities focusing on the well being of PJD employees.  He oversees new orientations, training in safety, Department of Labor compliance, and education and training in PJD policies and procedures. He also oversees the company’s payroll operations of more than 500 employees.

About Paul Johnson Drywall
Established in 1967, PJD is an Arizona-based drywall contractor, and one of the largest in the Southwestern United States with offices in Phoenix, Tucson and Prescott, Arizona. The family-owned business has long-been the drywall contractor of choice for the most prominent home builders in the region, providing high-quality drywall and related services for single-family, multi-family and commercial projects across the region. With safety, efficiency, quality and professionalism as its core values, PJD attracts and maintains the best crews, meets deadlines, and delivers exceptional craftsmanship, which has established the company’s reputation as a leader in the industry. For additional information, visit:

PaulJohnsonDrywall.com
Paul Johnson Drywall on Twitter
Paul Johnson Drywall on Wordpress
Paul Johnson Drywall on Tumblr
Paul Johnson Drywall at Blogspot
Paul Johnson Drywall on Facebook
Paul Johnson Drywall on Weebly
Robert Cole Johnson on Tumblr
Robert Cole Johnson on Wordpress
Robert Cole Johnson on Weebly
Robert Cole Johnson at Blogspot

MEDIA CONTACT: Patty Johnson: 602-402-2965 or PattyJohnson@Connections-marcom.com

Paul Johnson Drywall Expands Operations into Nevada, Responding to Demand

PHOENIX  (January 13, 2015) -- Paul Johnson Drywall Inc. (PJD), Arizona’s largest drywall contractor, announced its expansion into Nevada in response to the growing demands of the Las Vegas market’s single-family and multifamily construction industry. With its first expansion outside of Arizona, PJD will be working with long-time customers Pulte Homes, Ryland Homes and other well-respected single-family and multifamily builders in Nevada.

 Ron “Chip” Brown, a 32-year veteran of the Nevada drywall and construction industry, was hired as the firm’s general superintendent. In his new role with PJD, Brown is responsible for running the firm’s construction services; hiring crews, estimators and superintendents; and leading sales efforts in Nevada. PJD recently purchased a 6,500-square-foot office building, located at 5957 McLeod Drive in Las Vegas, to house its local operations.  The two-story building holds PJD’s executive offices, warehouse space and conference rooms, as well as an outdoor storage yard. The firm also has three offices in Arizona – Phoenix, Tucson and Prescott. 

“Moving into a new market is an exciting venture and having a well-respected industry veteran to help lead the expansion positions our firm well,” said Cole Johnson, president of Paul Johnson Drywall. “With our new office and an exceptional team to manage the new office operations, PJD is well-positioned to help our customers meet their sales goals and raise the bar for builders throughout Nevada.”

In addition to Brown joining the firm’s Las Vegas office, new office operations are being managed by Lou Eltringham, who has been with PJD for more than a decade and relocated to Las Vegas two years ago. She was promoted to executive project manager to assist with opening the new office and managing the firm’s payroll department.

According to a recent report from the Association of General Contractors, Nevada experienced the largest percentage increase in construction employment between July 2013 and July 2014 at 13.4 percent, adding 7,500 construction jobs over the year.

“The uptick in construction employment in Nevada is another signal that it is an opportune time for PJD to expand into the market,” Johnson added. “We look forward to providing Las Vegas-area single-family and multifamily builders with reliable, professional drywall services.”


About Paul Johnson Drywall
Established in 1967, PJD is an Arizona-based drywall contractor, and one of the largest in the Southwestern United States with offices in Phoenix, Tucson and Prescott, Arizona; and Las Vegas. The family-owned business has long-been the drywall contractor of choice for the most prominent home builders in the region, providing high-quality drywall and related services for single-family, multifamily and commercial projects across the region. With safety, efficiency, quality and professionalism as its core values, PJD attracts and maintains the best crews, meets deadlines and delivers exceptional craftsmanship, which has established the company’s reputation as a leader in the industry. For additional information, visit:

PaulJohnsonDrywall.com
Paul Johnson Drywall on Twitter
Paul Johnson Drywall on Wordpress
Paul Johnson Drywall on Tumblr
Paul Johnson Drywall at Blogspot
Paul Johnson Drywall on Facebook
Paul Johnson Drywall on Weebly
Robert Cole Johnson on Tumblr
Robert Cole Johnson on Wordpress
Robert Cole Johnson on Weebly
Robert Cole Johnson at Blogspot

MEDIA CONTACT: Patty Johnson: 602-402-2965 or PattyJohnson@Connections-marcom.com