Groundhogs Day
Have you ever gotten the feeling that you have done something before? Asked today, the answer is probably an overwhelming YES! This week especially, I had a hard time keeping track of what day it was, and I wasn’t alone…
Luis Torrado, Philadelphia native and 25 years at the helm of Torrado Construction, said something similar to me when I was interviewing him on how the COVID-19 crisis has affected construction in this region. The talk was surprisingly positive and upbeat considering we are in the seventh week and some odd days since the mandatory shutdown of non-essential businesses in PA.
Luis said, when he reflected back on March 19, “Every job shut down in on day. Half dozen jobs – just gone (on hold). Never in my 25 years have I experienced such a sudden and drastic off switch.” In the preceding days and weeks Torrado Construction, as many constructions companies, was able to return to a few job sites that were deemed essential. This allowed Luis to bring back some of his workforce that were laid off so suddenly, yet others were still left unemployed. “I look forward to the day that I can bring all of my crews back in a safe manner, to a safe environment.”
As a business owner Luis is adapting to our ‘new normal’. He controls the things he can and let’s go of the things he cannot. On the job sites, CDC PPE requirements are in place, as well as, and of course, the old rules enforced in turn. From talking with Luis, other than the new CDC requirements, the biggest change, now and for the unforeseen future, is how Torrado Construction’s Team interacts with each other. Even though partially back at work, under their hard-hats, safety glasses, dust masks, respirators, and face shields, like all of us, they miss the social interaction. He said, “…I think that’s the hardest change. We have always observed PPE guidelines, but when you have a crew that’s like family it’s hard to social distance, i.e.: not eating lunch together, no socializing after work, or telling a joke in close quarters…” I then asked, how do you think this will affect the bottom line. His reply, “The work is still out there. That’s not going away. I think that what we are all going to get use to is the productivity level. For many of the “essential jobs”, we count on each other to help get ‘er done. So, with the ‘social distancing’ rules in effect, this makes our jobs harder, slower in getting to the finish line.” But where there’s a will there’s a way, and Luis is a prime example. “We just have to keep doing, searching, finding better solutions”. I have no doubt that he will.
Luis also explained how things in the office have changed, and maybe even for the better… The construction industry as a whole does not embrace tech as readily as other industries, but when push came to NO-shove, the sudden change from in-person meetings to techie “Zoom” calls has shortened drive-time allowing for more succinct meetings and better opportunity in time-management. Luis thinks that the construction industry will adopt this way of communication as a norm, or at the very least that Torrado Construction will embrace this ‘time-saver’ whenever possible now and into the future.
Other than the ‘Groundhog Day’ vibe that everyone is combating, Luis keeps busy borrowing some of this “extra” time to circle the wagon and make improvements to internal processes that will heighten Torrado Constructions ability to provide top-care to its clients’ jobs. He said, “As an owner, even in ‘normal’ operating parameters, I am always on duty, and through this crisis I keep pushing, searching for ways to better the Company [Torrado Construction] and myself as a leader. I might not know what day it is, but I know that I have to go to work.”
One of the things Luis kept circling back to as we talked was the spotlight that has been put on “essential jobs”. This is an area that he feels is a positive for, not only the Construction Industry, but for many of the once under-appreciated professions. “I feel many have re-alined their thinking with a new appreciation for Office/house Cleaners, Teachers, Hairstylists’, Landscapers, Nurses, Grocery Store Clerks, and yes, even Construction Workers. I know I have, I can’t wait to get a haircut.” I second that! It’s funny what you take for granted, only to miss it dearly once it’s gone.
Keeping a positive spin and to use Luis’ term, we have, maybe the first time in history, been able to hit a “Reset Button” of sorts. Allowing us to spend time with family, our kids, reconnect with old friends (via Zoom), and for the construction industry and businesses at large we have the time to adjust, find new ways to use our time more efficiently, focus our objectives, goals and values. Luis said, “…through this time, I have not missed a day of work…”, and I believe that truer words have not been spoken. It was refreshing to talk with him and take away a positive approach to this “new normal” that we all face.
