‘Do the Right Thing’
Meizinger Construction Services strives for excellence
Greg Meizinger is a happy man. His company, Meizinger Construction Services (MCS), located in Philadelphia, is celebrating success and one year in the commercial construction business. In the industry for over 25 years, Greg decided to venture out on his own with his ample skill set. Greg says, “I started out as a laborer, and I am truly blessed that I fell into something that I love and am passionate about. I have carried that passion with me through my whole career.”
Striving to do the right thing, MCS seeks to be honest and transparent. Greg says, “We know how to treat people.” He believes in old-fashioned values and integrity. Some might say that sounds retro, going back to the days when a simple handshake was as good as the person’s word, but Greg’s business style creates trust and helps build partnerships with his clients.
The customers think that’s what makes MCS different. One customer, Mike Badey, CEO of Keystone Shops, says, “MCS does it right, on time and on budget. Greg is a very upstanding guy, and his word means a lot. He’s never gone back on his word. If he promises you something, he’s going to deliver.”
One advantage to doing business with MCS is the company strives to solve problems by attacking them head on and doing the right thing. “You have to construct things the right way, and that’s why we are old-fashioned,” Greg says. At the end of the day, MCS is always going to figure out the best solution for all parties. Offering a start-to-finish client experience, MCS wants to exceed customer expectations.
Work Experience Helps Plan for Future
Greg’s work experience includes big construction jobs, such as sports arenas, hospitals, high-rises and schools. His skill set has served him well. As MCS moves into the future, he is preparing his team to handle those types of jobs. While the company is currently focused on interior renovations, that focus is evolving into new avenues. Some of the company’s newer clients have big names like Ikea and Comcast. “The company is thinking on a larger, global market scale,” Greg says. One of the company’s goals for this year is to move into building from the ground up.
Greg insists on weekly MCS company meetings, where the team members encourage and help each other. When they face obstacles, the employees rally to solve all issues through perseverance and a good work ethic. Their ability to face challenges, attack them head on and conquer them helps the firm attract and gain new clients. Though young, the company boasts a 100 percent client retention rate, which Greg attributes to the company’s core values of honesty, integrity and striving to be the best.
MCS management also connects with its employees through weekly in-house calls for debriefings on current projects. They also participate in Friday morning Skype calls with the field staff. As the owner, Greg feels a special obligation to ensure best safety practices. This is a priority discussion item during every weekly call. All employees are OSHA 30-hour training certified. The safety overviews, staff training and awareness of their surroundings have led to a 100 percent accident-free first year for MCS. On the calls, the team also converses about where they stand on each project. This helps everyone stay informed. Greg says the Skype calls also give him a chance to “speak on forecasting, where the company is going and how they are going to get there.”
The small core management staff consists of Renee Caruso Neel, human relations director; Len Giacabetti, director of operations; and Barry Hess, head of engineering. Greg is upbeat about MCS’ future because his team is growing. He will soon be adding on to his field staff of six by hiring three more individuals. As a general contractor, MCS self performs the carpentry work and then subcontracts out the specialty items, such as floorings, ceilings, mechanical, electrical and plumbing. Shawn Green, with JAMCO Heating & Air Conditioning Inc., says, “We’ve done several projects with MCS and will continue to do more. They are organized, professional and committed to providing clients with great service, and they bring value to every project.”
MCS is a Class A general contractor, a Verified Vendor for the U.S. Federal Contractor Registration, and a proud member of Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. (ABC).
Leadership + Caring Employees = a Better Company
As the leader at MCS, Greg knows how invaluable trusted employees are. He feels very grateful and blessed about who is on his team. “They care. They are fabulous in every way, and I could say that about every one of the employees at MCS,” he says. He is thankful for each role his staff plays and for all they do. He and his staff speak passionately about their desire to work at MCS. It’s obvious that Greg loves what he does and so do the employees. “They keep me motivated and inspired,” he says. He jokes with his staff that “when we sign MCS’ first $1 million contract, I’m taking them all to Sizzler.”
Giving Back for the Future
One dream for the company is quickly becoming a reality. It’s called Meizinger Construction Services University (MCSU). Greg believes it will change the future for his employment needs in the construction business by educating inner-city youth of Philadelphia. MCSU is a paid apprenticeship program. His hope is to steer youth toward construction career options and goals. He wants to instill a strong sense of pride in the adolescents. The program will feature relevant hands-on training and tutorials though an educational portal.
The apprenticeship is receiving a lot of interest from the community. Approximately 30 candidates put in an application for the four-year program. From those applicants, Greg and another staff member narrowed the candidates down to five for individual interviews. Greg filled two apprenticeship positions from those five finalists. Spirits are high that the training course will strengthen each youth’s self-esteem and provide valuable education. Greg hopes to ultimately offer opportunities within the company to the future graduates of MCSU.
Greg is particularly proud of his employees and enjoys providing them with special incentives and celebrating accomplishments. Greg says, “I don’t know how I’d do it without them. I don’t want to be rich. I don’t want to be poor either; but for me, looking at our staff, our people… to watch as their lives become better, that’s what’s truly rich to me.”