Archive for category General
Tri-Tech Welcomes New Talent
Posted by Steve Allison in Career Opportunities, General on July 7, 2010
Tri-Tech welcomes four new additions to our engineering team.
Ben Florkey
Ben is one of our recent additions to the Tri-Tech team, working part time for the past several months. In this time he has had the opportunity to be part of a few different projects which have included plumbing design, steam boiler replacement, and natural gas supply.
In addition to working at Tri-Tech, Mr. Florkey is currently a full time graduate student at Wright State University. Enrolled in Ohio’s first masters degree program in renewable energy, He has acquired some unique academic training. Among other topics his course work has delved into photovoltaic panels, wind power, and fuel cells. One underlying theme throughout the course work is the importance of understanding the true cost versus savings of an engineering decision. Through this program, Mr. Florkey has been taught the importance of not only making environmentally wise but economically wise decisions as well. This is a lesson he does not intend to forget as he works on any current or future project.
Jacob Dilk
Jacob offers more than 10 years experience in the field of industrial controls and IT support with General Motors. During that time he learned to adapt to fluid situations ranging from the full range of Allen-Bradley controls to PC application and networking support. He is very comfortable around technology and strives to use that technology to bring value-added solutions to the business and customer in a collaborative team-based environment.
Starting his career as a co-op controls engineer Jacob quickly developed skills with the SLC-500 and PLC-5 controller families before taking on the ControlLogix system during a major platform changeover. His natural talent in IT led to his becoming Facility Software Librarian for all Rockwell and other controls related software. He also worked closely with EDS in maintaining the plant data network, going so far as to run and terminate cat-5 cable and work with Sumitomo Air Blown Fiber that constituted the plants data network.
As part of his support role for odd-man-out and orphaned systems Jacob has replaced a trunked 2-way radio system with over 650 Nextel units and maintained the facilities broadband video network. He was the resident expert on barcode scanners having experience with manufacturers such as AccuSort, Hand Held Products, and Symbol. Deploying and maintaining industrial workstations and keeping software up to date was vital to the plant maintenance department.
Jacob earned his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Kettering University (formerly GMI) in 1999. He also has CompTIA certifications for A+, Network+, and Security+.
Jon Burnett
Jon graduated from Purdue University in 2007 and has worked as structural engineer and safety consultant for just over two years. A major highlight in Jon’s career was his position with the AOC (The Architect of the Capitol) in Washington DC for roof fall protection system designs. Performing field work placed him on top of most of the buildings in the AOC jurisdiction, including, the US Capitol, the US Supreme Court, the Thomas Jefferson building,
the Library of Congress, the House Office Buildings (Longworth, Cannon, and Ford), the John Adams building LOC, and the US Botanical Gardens.
Other pertinent experience includes his work as steel detailer using SDS2 v7.0 as summer intern.
Emily Luckhaupt
Emily is an engineering summer intern who was born in Florida but have lived in the greater Dayton area virtually all her life. A graduate of Alter High School, Emily is currently a senior at the University Dayton on track to graduate next May with a degree in civil engineering. The past few summers has found Emily working in composite design, construction, and project engineering for the renovation of Stuart Hall, a freshman dormitory building on the University of Dayton campus.
A volleyball enthusiast, Emily has been involved in set design and construction for her school’s drama department. At the University of Dayton she is the current Social/Service chair of ASCE and am quite involved in the organization’s activities. Emily is also involved with the WIE (Women in Engineering) program and continues to feed her love of volleyball by participating in intramural sand and indoor volleyball on campus.
We are excited to have these valuable additions to our team and look forward to their continued contributions to the Tri-Tech engineering story.
School District to Reduce Energy Costs
Posted by Tim Gebhart in Energy, General, Mechanical Engineering, Projects, Tri-Tech Engineering News on July 7, 2010
Welcome to the 2010 s
chool year. This year will provide the the Canton City School District with many new opportunities and challenges. With an enrollment of approximately 10,200 students, the Canton City School District is the largest in Stark County and one of the eight largest urban school systems in Ohio. It is also one of the largest employers in Stark County. The district comprises two high schools (each with a freshman academy), three middle schools, and 14 elementary schools. In addition, the district operates five alternative high schools, one alternative middle school and helps operate a Montessori school, a Digital Academy, and an Arts Academy.
Our Energy Team introduced the idea of finding a new source of revenue for the school district. As a result, TREMCO, Inc. in partnership with EVANS ENERGY, secured $13.5 Million in Zero-Interest Energy Bonds for the school. This money will be used to fund energy improvements, offering an energy cost reduction of over $937,000 each year. The team also secured an additional $400K in energy rebates available through a special program offered by our utility partners, American Electric Power Company. TRI-TECH ENGINEERING has also joined the energy team, providing professional engineering services and drawing development.
The team is learning more about the Evidence-Based Model that the Governor of the State of Ohio has adopted, with regard to a new funding formula for schools. It’s anticipated that this new method will open the door to funding for work that was not previously allowed, while requiring us to reconsider some of the previously funded activities. As new information is introduced on a daily basis from the Ohio Department of Education, we are being diligent to keep up with the the many changes to it and all of the associated spending requirements.
The information for this article was provided by Jeff Evans, Energy Advisor for Evans Energy. For more information on energy engineering, you can email us by selecting “Energy Engineering” under our web site’s CONTACTS tab. If you have questions or are interested in more information on this article, please post your comment below.
You may also contact Jeff directly:
“Determining Facility Expenditures and Providing Financial Solutions”
It’s Spring – Time to Build
Posted by Tim Gebhart in General on February 18, 2010
Consider the Cost of Building Construction this Spring
If you are thinking about breaking ground this spring, here are a few things to consider.
1. You can’t begin planning too soon. Whether you are building new, adding on, or just remodeling; it’s important to keep time on your side. With commercial projects, time really is money.
2. Work close with your design team to develop accurate budgetary numbers that are based on current information. This can be accomplished in several ways.
Estimating books are a great tool. Be sure that the ones you are using are up-to-date with current pricing information. Over the past five years, construction materials have been all over the board.
Specialized software is an excellent way to develop a valid budget. Many of these will provide multiple options, ranging from square-foot cost estimating to detailed construction breakdowns that include assembly, component, and labor costs. Other common features include pricing adjustment based on your building type and location. Again, like estimating books, the data must be current (be cautious when using privately developed spreadsheets).
Also consider using actual contractor estimates and quotes. They are in the business and they’re used to providing rock-solid pricing. If you are going to approach a contractor for this purpose, be sure to share a clear objective (so that you’re not constantly running him around with new ideas). Also, be sincere about your intent to use him as estimating is a time consuming effort. If you’re getting prices from more than one contractor, be fair and let him know that up front.
3. Don’t be afraid of putting in a safe budgetary contingency. If you feel that the information you’re estimating from is subjective, use a higher percentage. Then as the design drawings are developing more detail, you can reduce the contingency. Other criteria that should increase your initial contingency include; unknown existing building/underground conditions, corporate or committee reviews, and unfamiliar zoning and building codes.
4. Consider tax planning up front. Include a knowledgeable accountant in your planning team. They can advise you of the different depreciation schedules associated with the different types of work. A knowledgeable accountant can also advise you of a special tax deductions and credits that may apply to your project.
5. Think about the hidden costs in your project; like permits, dumpster rental, porta-pots, taxes, etc. These can quickly add up and break your budget.
6. Facility operating expenses are often overlooked. Often, the first dollar costs of construction are on your mind – but can leave you with long-term financial burdens. Your engineer can work with you to look at multiple operating scenarios; projecting future costs for energy use, maintenance, and future replacement.
Tri-Tech Engineering has been developing accurate project budgets for over 30 years. If you are thinking about construction, we would like to work with you to begin the planning process.
Becoming More Customer Focused
Posted by Tim Gebhart in General on February 17, 2010
This week, I read a great article about building a trust-based, customer-focused culture. The author made an important observation – as technical people; We often find it difficult to separate the project work from the client relationship.
The article hit the nail on the head as the author pointed out that we have a tendency to ask, “How’s the work going?”, when what we really need to know is how the relationship is going. The first refers to the project or the individuals working on the project, where the second is something we typically would not ask someone straight-up. He goes on to say that to get a useful assessment of your performance in professional services, you need to be more intentional about having open-ended conversations with your client.
This article is relevant because in 2010, one of the company objectives set by Tri-Tech’s Board of Directors was to become more client focused. Of course we’re interested in improving internal efficiencies and engineering methods too, but we’re making a special effort to build relationships. We intend to do this by dropping in more often, having meetings over lunch, or even a round of golf. The better we understand your needs, the better we will be able to meet them.
One last thing. We value your constructive criticism. If you see an area where we can do better, give one of us a call or leave us a note by clicking the CONTACT tab above.
REFERENCE: Read the article, “Building a Trust-Based, Customer-Focused Culture” – by Charles H. Green.
Tim is getting locked up for MDA … and needs your help to raise bail.
Posted by Administrator in General on December 9, 2009
Dear Clients, Vendors and Friends,
I’m proud to tell you that I’m being locked up…that’s right, I’m going behind bars to help Jerry’s Kids© and MDA. To be released on good behavior I have to raise bail and I need your help!
All you have to do is click here to make a secure, online donation before 01/28/10. Your donation will help families living in our community and help guarantee me an early release. I can’t wait to add you to my list of contributors.Thanks in advance for your help. Together we’ll make a difference.
Tim Gebhart
Tri-Tech CFO
P.S. I’m counting on you, click here to donate.
If the link above does not work, please cut and paste the address below into the address bar of your Internet browser.
https://www.joinmda.org/beavercreeklockup2010/gebhart/
Please Welcome Amanda
Posted by Administrator in General on October 13, 2009
Amanda Harrell joined Tri-Tech’s Structural Engineering Department earlier this month. She received her Bachelor of Science Civil Engineering from the University of Central Florida in 2007. She has over four years of engineering experience which began during her internship in 2005. Amanda also has her Engineer-In-Training (EIT) Certificate, which is a prerequisite for becoming a Professional Engineer.
Her Experience Includes:
- Steel Building Design
- Structural Analysis, Design and Drawing Development
- Steel and Concrete Bridge Design
- Concrete Reinforced Box Culvert Design
- Bridge Load Ratings and Shop Drawings
- Roadway Structure Designs
- Sewer, Storm Water and Lift Station Design
- MicroStation
For more information on Tri-Tech’s Structural Engineering services, you can email us by selecting “Structural Engineering” under our web site’s CONTACT tab.
New Features…
Posted by Administrator in General on September 13, 2009
We have modified our web site to incorporate frequently used technologies like news blogs, RSS, ShareThis, and more. You an use these features to share our web pages and news feeds with others on popular sites like LinkedIn and Facebook.
Add Yourself to Tri-Tech’s Email List
Posted by Administrator in General on August 30, 2009
Tri-Tech Engineering sends out informational emails periodically (usually monthly). If you would like to be added to our list, follow this link –> ADD ME
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