Family businesses are known for taking a long view toward success rather than measuring only short-term results. They’re also known for caring for employees and the communities where they operate. All these goals reflect the mantra of Callahan Construction Managers, a full-service construction management company involved in a variety of endeavors, including multifamily housing.
Callahan Construction Managers
Location: Bridgewater, Mass.
Developer: Callahan Construction Managers
Program started: January 2015
Number of communities: 10
High schools involved to date: 4
Number of students involved: About 100 a year or 200 since inception
Founded in 1965, the company is now run by second-generation son and president Pat Callahan, who continues the tradition of having his firm operate as a good citizen. But it wasn’t until two years ago that the firm formalized this approach with its “Callahan Constructing Communities” project, designed to motivate area leaders and residents, some still in school.
By going into high schools with a vocational or trade program, Callahan Construction identified students interested in a career in carpentry or electrical technology, plumbing and heating, or metal fabrication.
Many had never set foot on a construction site, says Phil Dinan, community relations manager in charge of orchestrating the program. “We feel it’s important to motivate kids to show what it will be like if they continue in this trade,” he says.
The program also connects with local officials, nonprofit leaders, and organizations to learn how it can serve their needs. A by-product has been to reward Callahan employees through a sense of pride.
Dinan himself has enjoyed seeing students become excited when they enter a site. “They may think construction is just about hammers and nails until they see the elaborate projects we work on, which they could be involved with someday,” he says.
He’s also pleased that more young women are considering the profession. Last year, the company sponsored a “Women in the Trades Summit” with a high school in Quincy, Mass., to encourage young females to pursue rewarding opportunities in skilled trades.
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