C.P.M. Construction Planning & Management Inc.: Always Evolving, Always Exceeding Expectations

Jerry Williams established C.P.M. Construction Planning & Management Inc. in 1980 to provide a hands-on approach to project management. The operation established itself early on in the public sector as a seal coating company and expanded from there, capitalizing on the industry experience of its team to ensure projects were delivered exactly as promised, if not better. Over the years the company never lost sight of the fact that it must also evolve and adapt in anticipation of tomorrow’s needs. Continuing education and safety training programs form the basis of CPM’s corporate culture, and CPM employees set a high bar for the construction industry by committing the extra hours of learning and process evaluation performed, as a team, to ensure the team progresses together. This aspect of growth – combined with integrity, work ethic and professionalism – has kept C.P.M. successful for over 30 years.

“Most would say that no two construction projects are the same and therefore standard processes would not work,” states Jerry Williams, president and founder of CPM. “What sets CPM apart, though, is our ability to create encompassing processes that provide a balance of flexibility and accountability to ensure our process works for every project.” The company continually revises and revisits its processes in pursuit of greater efficiency and economy. Instead of targeting lowest cost, CPM employees aim to develop every project so as to create the greatest value for the client through value engineering and continual support throughout the lifecycle of the project.

As a result, CPM maintains a loyal client base in a diverse array of market sectors and a portfolio of completed projects across the Midwest. CPM operates from headquarters in Indianapolis, Ind., and works with clients within a 200-mile radius, venturing as far away as Tennessee and Nebraska. The CPM team, which totals over 50, consisting of project engineers, project managers and superintendents, all with skill sets in building automotive, commercial, institutional, religious, hospitality, retail, assisted living and healthcare facilities. There is also another division, CPMi, operating for retail, rental, office space for retrofits and remodels. Across all markets CPM applies its numerous efficiency systems to assist project owners that know what they want, but don’t know how to use their money in the most efficient way.

Building a Strong Foundation

CPM’s signature way of doing business employs an open-book, three-stage Partnering Program that ensures clients receive individualized support, pricing and experienced suggestions throughout the preconstruction and construction process. The program begins with a comprehensive run-through of the project to identify firm budgetary limitations, major milestones and completion dates, building in buffer zones in anticipation of potential hiccups. CPM encourages clients to make note of even the most minor concerns during the preconstruction and planning stage so the team can plan accordingly for not only site and building costs, but also for all owner costs.

Clients can contract CPM in a variety of capacities, including lump sum, construction manager-as-advisor, construction manager-as-constructor and guaranteed maximum price. After clients have approved the final plans and the necessary permits have been obtained, CPM staff members waste no time before breaking ground. The project team schedules regular progress meetings starting as early as four weeks before shovels hit the ground. The company guarantees a predictably high-quality outcome with the help of a production handbook, which comes complete with a Standards of Excellence quality control inspection report and documentation of the bi-weekly site inspection.

“These detailed management processes help facilitate rapid decision making and ensure a rigorous follow-up without having to create new management tools for every project,” expands Williams. CPM also trains employees on communication skills and company-established terminology so that processes and procedures can be easily adjusted to suit the given needs of a specific project. In doing so, CPM hopes to avoid any miscommunications that could result in timely and costly setbacks.

Proven Processes

CPM attracted the attention of the local chapter of the Associated Builders & Contractors (ABC) recently when it completed a major update to the Tom Wood Collision Center in Carmel, Ind. CPM completed a major update to the facility, installing new concrete flooring, attaching a new solar canopy and replacing a load-bearing wall. This project garnered CPM ABC’s Award of Honor.

CPM served as the construction manager when initially building Tom Wood’s Volvo, LandRover and Jaguar dealership back in 2004. CPM also completed three other projects for the automotive dealer, including the construction of a new Nissan dealership and a Subaru dealership in Indianapolis.

The company shows no signs of slowing down in the next few years either. “We’re always looking for new and innovative ways to maintain our market share,” explains Williams. “Our plan going forward will be to invest in structuring ourselves for rapid growth without chaos – or worse, failure.” Specifically, Williams and the CPM team will look to implement a company-wide software program to help increase interdepartmental coordination and facilitate communication with, and evaluation of CPM’s long list of loyal suppliers and vendors.

At the same time, Williams will strive to ensure the CPM team never loses sight of what sets the company apart from the competition. “We have been very fortunate to have survived so long, but we are even more blessed to have an abundance of employees, both veteran and newcomers, who have the desire and commitment to help CPM accomplish more than we could have ever expected,” admits Williams.

Backed by a strong and dedicated team of professionals that deliver the hands-on attention that assures a project meets critical timing and cost requirements, CPM will continue to reinforce its Standards of Excellence and training in anticipation of tomorrow’s industry needs. Having already weathered more than a few economic downturns, C.P.M. Construction Planning & Management Inc. is positioned for responsive customer service and collaborative construction management.