Powers & Sons’ work in K-12 construction spans nearly a dozen school districts and a combined project value of nearly three quarters of a billion dollars. But more impressive than our stats are our people. Director of Estimating Chris Kerns and Program Coordinator Felicia Hernandez both bring immeasurable value to each district and school we serve.
In his role as director of estimating, Chris is responsible for what one would expect, developing bid packages, soliciting bids, and developing estimates. What you wouldn’t expect is the thoughtful approach he brings to K-12 construction beyond the numbers.
In today’s tight subcontractor market, when competitors are struggling to get one or two bids per package, Powers & Sons has maintained an average of three or more bids per package which, in turn, provides our clients with the best possible value. To achieve these results, Chris goes beyond the blueprints.
Most recently he delved into the history of George Washington Carver 87 Montessori School in Indianapolis. The school holds a place of prominence in the fabric of the community it has served for more than 90 years. Opened in 1936 to address student overflow from segregated schools and later renamed in honor of the renowned African American scientist, the school is historically significant.
Kerns says, “Over the last year, I’ve told the history of George Washington Carver and School 87. Carver went through a lot of adversity to become known as one of the nation’s top scientists, just as School 87 faced many challenges over the years to become a key component of the neighborhood. When I talk to these contractors, I can see the look in their eyes. When they know the history and see the substantial impact the project is going to make, they want to be a part of it just as much as we do.”
Each time Powers & Sons works on a school, we realize and appreciate the impact the project has on current and future students. We also see a unique opportunity to inform students about career options after high school. That’s where Program Coordinator Felicia Hernandez comes in.
In her role as program coordinator, Felicia leads our Next Gen internship program. She works with school career counselors in each of the districts in which we’re performing work to seek out students interested in construction and offer an opportunity for a summer internship. She collects student applications and resumes and, with the help of a committee, selects our summer interns. The internships are designed to expose students to all facets of construction, from behind-the-scenes administrative work to project management, field supervision, and labor on the jobsite. Additionally, the internship provides opportunities for connecting with fellow students and with staff members in a mentor/mentee relationship.
Powers & Sons Construction is proud to be a part of K-12 projects that positively impact students and the communities we serve. We’re even prouder of the value our team members bring to the table in ways that our clients don’t expect, through subcontractor procurement and our Next Gen internship program.
