What do you focus on as you are building fertilizer storage buildings?
I like to stay focused on building the best quality structure that will last for decades. Plan reviews, scopes of work, accurate schedules, effective contracts, and site visits. Since construction is variable, problems will always arise in the process.
When problems arise, I make sure to do 4 things to solve them.
Identify
Perceive
Adapt
Overcome
How do you make sure you are improving?
I enjoy getting an understanding of the cause and effect and then improve for the next project. Improvement comes from creating checklists, flow diagrams, knowing the peculiarities of the regulations, site complications, client expectations, limitations of sub, geographic and weather limitations. Take photos to reference, the more the better. A picture is worth a thousand words, maybe more in construction. You never know when you will have to reference them for a whole variety of reasons. Staying current on new methods with continuing education is also important part of the construction and AG world.
What are some challenges you have when constructions dry fertilizer building?
Scarcity of subcontractors due to the remote locations, project scope misunderstanding from small inspector offices or subs unfamiliar with industrial fertilizer, material scarcities due to unforeseen events (Covid), when nature decides to start the growing season early or decides to set record cold/heat, rain/snow or wind events while under construction.
How do you finish a project by a certain deadline?
Some of the things that I have found that streamline a site are keeping it clean and organized, helping the trades out, sharing knowledge, lend a little muscle, and watching out for the subcontractors’ materials and assets on site. I try to orchestrate the site like a conductor would a symphony. When a site comes together and is running smoothly, it is a beautiful thing, the symphony is in harmony, and you can hear the music.
What advice would you give a client looking to build a fertilizer storage building?
Be available, open and take the time to do it correctly. The most challenging client is the one who makes themselves elusive or won’t be bothered to consider recommendations. Open discussions and round tables solve many problems on projects. When the core team needs expert advice that isn’t already onboard, go out and seek an expert. It takes a great deal of effort and communication to conquer a project, sometimes on mundane details. But all those details culminate in a successful construction project and more importantly a productive asset for the client. I follow the motto of when in doubt, reach out and ask. I don’t hesitate to request help and/or guidance. We all know what assuming does for a situation…
What is the best part of your job?
Other than walking into a grocery store and seeing an abundance of produce? I would say the best part is helping our clients grow and plan for the future. They come to Stueve looking for guidance through the entire construction process and when all the pre-construction details are thought through, the permits are in hand, scopes are established, the subs are hired and bought out, materials on site, safety practices are all in place… Well then, it’s my favorite time to shine and bring it all together. All culminating in handing the clients the keys with a handshake and giving sincere thanks for the opportunity. That always brings a smile to my face.
Which project are you most proud of?
There isn’t a single job I could pinpoint. They are all a pleasure at times and a challenge at other times. I would say that I am most proud of having built from the Atlantic to Pacific, Michigan to Texas and all the challenges that have arisen and been conquered. All the knowledge that has been acquired. And the ultimate satisfaction is hearing from the clients after the facility is producing fertilizer blends, that they are elated with how it turned out and looking forward to doing another.
How did you become interested in construction?
My Father would take me to sites when I was a youngster, and I would love watching the machinery work. Apparently, I was overhearing a lot from him because I picked up some of my approaches on construction from him that have served me well over the years. From a hands-on perspective, it all started at around 7 years old when I would use my father’s scrap lumber and a hammer to build forts and pirate ships for epic Nerf battles. In my teen years, it just grew naturally, mainly fixing items (yes, I was the cause of some of them needing to be fixed at times, I am a rural boy after all). After college I got into Land Development and then Commercial Construction and have found a true love for Ag Construction. The bigger, the more complicated, the happier I am.
Any advice for an up-and-coming Project Manager?
Life gets easier when you put yourself in your client shoes, while keeping an eye on the bottom line for your company. Job sites go smoother when you care about your workers, their physical and mental health are important to a safe, productive and fun job site.
Harrison’s 3 goals of any job site:
- We are going to be safe
- We are going to produce a high-quality building in a timely manner
- If we achieve goals 1 & 2, then we are going to have some fun
Harrison Carter
Construction Field Manager
To learn more about fertilizer building construction, call 800-357-3110 or visit www.stueve.com and explore how Stueve Construction brings proven expertise to the design and construction of dry fertilizer storage buildings, fertilizer blending facilities, and liquid fertilizer facilities.
Whether you are planning a new dry fertilizer plant, expanding an existing ag retail location, or developing a liquid fertilizer facility, Stueve Construction has the experience, engineering knowledge, and construction capabilities to help bring your project to life.
Contact Stueve Construction today to discuss your next fertilizer facility project and see how the right building partner can help you build for safety, efficiency, durability, and long-term performance.