Franklin Johnston, P.E. ~Partnering~

Many contractors assume partnering is a complicated process only applicable to large, sophisticated projects involving experienced construction suppliers and buyers.

That assumption is wrong.

Partnering can be practiced by anyone regardless of size.

Partnering isn't a new fad or gimmick. It's a method you can use to help assure your future building projects are a success.

Simply put, partnering encourages all stakeholders in a construction project to work together, share interests and goals, and deliver a quality project using a straightforward process of preplanning and open dialogue.

The biggest benefit accrues to the contractor wise enough to incorporate partnering through the entire design/construction process.

The benefit comes in the form of smoother flowing execution and end customers who appreciate the "win-win" results.

Now at this point many of you are thinking, "Hey, I already do this sort of thing with all my jobs. My customers and subs all like me and our people know the design/build process forward and backward."

Don't make the mistake of assuming partnering is just an advanced form of customer service with a good dose of design/build thrown in for good measure.

Partnering is more. When properly implemented, the partnering process will permeate your organization. You’ll find everyone beginning to work together for the customer versus working separately for themselves.