McDaniel fire systems featured
in may 2008 construction today magazine
The following is a summary of an article that appeared about McDaniel Fire Systems
in the May 2008 issue of Construction Today Magazine.
Protecting Its Clients' Assets
When Richard Bledsoe took the helm of McDaniel Fire Systems in 2005, he had a clear plan of action to enhance the company's sales and branding efforts, he says. Although the company had been successful for more than 70 years, Bledsoe saw a great deal of untapped potential.
"The first thing we did was analyzed our business and looked at the core areas of operation, such as where we're making money, and where we are struggling," he says. "We identified opportunities for growth in our most-profitable segments of the business, and once that analysis was finished, we looked at areas where we weren't as productive, and started looking at systems and processes that would correct these things."
To strengthen its operation, Bledsoe created management positions that did not exist previously, such as a director of operations, director of sales, and a marketing and communications team. "We really tried to focus on growing the sales component of the business and brought on structure that could support a growth environment," he says.
The company has grown from $46 million in sales to approximately $80 million since implementing a new operational model. Its efforts in the field grew much stronger as a result. The company hired project managers to lead large jobs like the Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis and The Aqua high-rise tower in Chicago - something it hadn't done before. "Today, we have one project manager to approximately every three designers," Bledsoe says. "We've seen significant improvements, as a result."
Smokin' Success
McDaniel Fire Systems performs the majority of its work in the Midwest, serving commercial customers and Special Hazards customers throughout the country. Many of its customers return to McDaniel for continued services. "The McDaniel corporate culture has fostered a sense of loyalty in its employees", Bledsoe says. "As an ESOP business, employees can truly take a stake in the company's success," Bledsoe says.
In the future, Bledsoe plans to continue developing processes and programs to enhance the company's operations.
