– By Jane Martinsons, NFBA Staff Writer –
– Leading the Way in High-Quality Post-Frame Construction: Jonathan Fisher’s work and leadership win recognition –
If anyone can spot a trend in post-frame construction, it’s Jonathan Fisher, a crew foreman for 13 years at Kauffman Metals, Bedford, Pa. Fisher, known for his strong leadership skills, superior craftsmanship and solid customer relationships, has been chosen as FBN’s Crew Foreman of the Month.
Fisher says that he, his friends and his coworkers have seen a marked improvement in the quality of post-frame structures in their local area over the last 15 years. He notes that in the past three or four years alone, customers’ demand for post-frame commercial and residential buildings has been growing, and, along with the increased demand, the quality of workmanship and amount of choice in building materials and architectural details have risen.
“Definitely, the standard for post frame has been rising considerably in my area,” Fisher says. “The overall appearance of the building has completely changed” over the years, he says. Rather than seeing utilitarian agricultural buildings and sheds of limited color choices, “you now see many more buildings with overhangs, nicer windows and garage doors, and more exterior [options] that make the building look attractive.”
So what can the industry learn from Fisher? Plenty, says Bob Kauffman, sales manager for new construction and product manager at Kauffman Metals, a family-owned business started by Bob’s father, Joe. (Joe’s six sons are involved in the business, and Fisher is Joe’s son-in-law.) Bob Kauffman says that Fisher is a vital asset to the company for these reasons:
• He is highly productive. “His ability to blend productivity and quality control on the job site certainly maximizes efficiency and optimizes profits.” Kauffman says. “Although he could likely keep up with or outpace the best of them, his goal is not to see how fast he can slap up a building.”
• He is mindful of safety. “His attention to detail and focus on safety have led to a nearly perfect safety record, with zero serious injuries on the job site in 14 years.”
• He is a joy to work with. “He has the ability to maintain an enjoyable yet professional working environment for his crew. He manages his job sites with responsibility and authority yet maintains his relationships with crew members as a friend and peer,” Kauffman says. “It is a pleasure to see the stability and harmony of his crew as they function as a team.”
• Customers love him. “Our company sends out surveys after each job is completed. Jonathan’s surveys have come in with better than a 99.8 percent customer satisfaction record. A typical phrase we have heard numerous times from customers is ‘I just can’t say enough good things about that man.’”
For his part, Fisher says that he has two outstanding role models—his father-in-law and his father. He says that Joe Kauffman always strives to provide customers the best quality in both products and service. Even when product warranties are long expired, “we still go back and take care of the customer,” Fisher says. “From the beginning, [Joe] stressed that he is aiming to be not the cheapest but the best. Our reputation is based on quality and customer relations.”
His own dad, a retailer in the food industry, taught Fisher from an early age to always put the customer first, even when the customer is acting difficult.
“[My father’s] workers would sometimes get frustrated with him for bending over backward to please an elderly lady, for example, who wanted just a quarter-pound of bacon. He was willing to lose money [on a customer’s purchase] if it meant making someone happy with a $2 sale. He knew that, potentially, these are the customers who make your reputation. Looking back, I realize that he taught me how to relate to customers.”
Like his father, Fisher has almost an instinctive ability to lead and work well with people. He says he tends to show rather than simply tell coworkers how to do things, which is a known trait of highly effective leaders. “It’s important to show your guys how to do things and work alongside them, especially at the beginning when you’re training them,” he says.
Bob Kauffman says that, outside of work, Fisher makes quality time for his family. Fisher also serves on the school board, sings tenor with a singing group, is involved in prison ministry and is active in his church. There’s much to admire in April’s Crew Foreman of the Month. FBN