Modern Efficiency Meets Classic Values
As published in Concrete Contractor Magazine
Created:
Third generation concrete contractor Martinson Construction embraces technologies that help it improve efficiency while maintaining the ideals of a family-owned business.
Earlier this year, Martinson Construction installed a GPS fleet tracking system on its trucks, pump trucks and skid-steer loaders. Despite a relatively short time frame with the system, the company is already seeing its value. “In the first week, we caught a couple of trucks that were idling two to three hours on a jobsite. The drivers said they forgot to turn them off,” relates Dave Martinson. “Since then, we’ve seen our trucks go right to the job and shut off. I don’t know if we had a problem with idling or extra stops before, but I know we don’t now.”
GPS fleet tracking is just one example of the tools and ideas Martinson Construction is implementing in an effort to become more efficient, and ultimately more profitable. The third-generation construction company, owned by brothers Dave and Scott Martinson, is also moving to cut back on lost and forgotten tools, stop unauthorized purchases, track equipment maintenance schedules, and write policies and procedures that help employees perform duties consistently.
“Five years ago, we didn’t have to worry about these issues. But material prices have gone up, and increased competition keeps us from increasing prices. We had to turn to technology,” Dave says.
While the company welcomes new technologies that help it complete tasks and work faster, Dave and Scott understand there are some things that can’t be replaced, namely the values on which their father and grandfather built the company — quality, customer service and dedication to its most valuable asset, its employees.
Martinson Construction is a CFA Certified Contractor
