We’ve all heard the saying, “There is strength in numbers.” Fortunately, for Friede & Associates, we are part of an international construction organization comprised of hundreds of entrepreneurs who share what they have learned on the job site and in the boardroom. 

Several years ago, we became inaugural members of the Construction Leadership Network (CLN), a diverse group of contractors and commercial construction industry providers from throughout the U.S. and Canada. Our membership in the CLN enables us to exchange information, share both successes and lessons learned, and form life-long relationships with like-minded construction professionals. The CLN was formed on the principle of bringing together top construction entrepreneurs to exchange ideas and share best practices to improve the construction industry and companies like ours. The mission is simple: Share…Learn…Build.

Recently, Friede Executive Vice President and Partner, Scott Truehl spent three days in Houston at the 2020 Construction Leadership Network Conference. Although he attended focus groups, peer groups, and panel discussions, he spent the lion’s share of his time presenting to conference attendees.

Scott gave a two-hour focus group to a crowded room on improving your company’s culture through communication. This topic is near-and-dear to Scott’s heart, as it is part of Friede’s daily routine of making Friede one of the best places to work. Scott also served on the panel discussion, “Marketing Strategy: How do firms set strategy, when do they know to pivot and what tactics have been successful?” More than 70 people attended the two-hour discussion.

“The Construction Leadership Network provides us with access to some of the best and brightest folks in our industry. The network fosters collaboration and sharing, and I’m pleased to have the opportunity to share some of our experiences with other members, just as others have done with me through the years,” says Scott.

The sharing doesn’t stop when the conference ends. Throughout the year, we are connected by a web-based tool that enables us to communicate in forums, share documents, learn about each other’s capabilities, and strengthen our bonds.

Other highlights of the conference include a keynote from Merril Hoge, former NFL player and football analyst for ESPN. A Non-Hodgkin lymphoma survivor, Merril shared his story of grit and determination to not only become an NFL player but to ultimately beat cancer. Special guest speaker Karoline Hood, PE, PMP, LEED AP, daughter of CLN member Dan Hood spoke about her work at Johnson Space Center. Karoline even arranged for a private tour of Mission Control and the Space Vehicle Mock-Up Facility at Johnson Space Center for Scott while he was in Houston.

“We value our membership in the CLN because it makes us better design-builders and we can use the information we learn in our businesses as well as on the job site,” adds Scott. “We are already looking forward to next year’s CLN meeting where we will have the opportunity to connect with our friends and mentors who share the same values and out-of-the-box thinking that we enjoy.”

About Friede & Associates:

When you select Friede & Associates, you are buying more than our quality-assured construction services. You also get the performance and reliability of some of the top suppliers and subcontractors in the area. While other contractors may be cutting quality to remain competitive on price, Friede is forging relationships with members of the project team to bring you the best value and highest quality for your investment.