Author Archive

Strong Safety Performance Earns Governor’s Safety Awards

Wednesday, June 5th, 2019
Pictured above is Egan's Safety Committee.

Since 1934, the annual Governor’s Safety Awards program has honored Minnesota employers that are committed to workplace health and safety.

During this Spring’s 85th Annual Minnesota Safety & Health Conference, Egan Company received seven Governor’s Safety Awards for exceptional safety performance in 2018. This marks the 12th year Egan has been awarded multiple Governor’s Safety Awards.

Overall, Egan was one of approximately 294 employers to be honored through the awards program and one of 170 winners of the Meritorious Achievement award. Meritorious Achievement recognizes companies with incidence rates that are better than the industry average for at least three years, and a score between 50 and 74 on a 100-point safety program evaluation scale.

To read more about the evaluation scorecard and award categories visit Minnesota Safety Council’s website.

Pictured above is Egan’s Safety Committee.

We Are Egan – Ian Wilson

Wednesday, May 29th, 2019

“One of the best things about my job is working closely with the team in the field on a day-to-day basis and create lifelong friendships with them and office personnel.”

Meet Ian Wilson, a Mechanical Project Manager with Egan for over four years.

When Ian isn’t busy running jobs around the state, he enjoys taking time to go Muskie fishing in “God’s Country”, hiking the North Shore with his girlfriend, and going to his cabin.

FUN FACT: Ian makes custom guitars and has played in the same band since he was in 7th grade! 

Our company is shaped by who we are, not just what we do. Together, we are Egan.

Expanded Expertise Means Growth in Rochester

Wednesday, May 22nd, 2019

It’s been nearly 365 days since the groundbreaking of The Berkman Apartments, a 14-story luxury apartment and mixed-use building near Mayo Clinic in Rochester. The Berkman marks Egan’s first integrated mechanical and electrical project in the Rochester community.

But, MEP isn’t the only Egan offering that has expanded in Southern Minnesota over the past year. Also added, and growing rapidly, to the list of trade offerings is technology/system integration. Although Egan (previously operated as Nietz Electric until 2017) has served the area for over 80 years, much of this work has been tied to electrical.

In 2018, as a complement to electrical services, technology began as a team of one. Today, with a team of more than a dozen, the group continues to grow with local talent.

“Much of our technology group has a long history of industry experience in Rochester,” said Jeff Young, Egan Company Vice President. “It’s been very well received by our customers, in particular, Mayo Clinic. Other general contractors and building owners have also shown interest and are excited about it.”

Overall, Egan has added 130 employees in Rochester alone since the start of 2018. Large-scale, multi-trade projects like The Berkman and Destination Medical Center’s Discovery Square have played a role in this growth.

We’re looking forward to continuing to grow these expanded areas of business. Taking on new opportunities with our existing customers, as well as adding new ones, is a challenge we’re ready for.

Jeff Young, Egan Company Vice President

Gold Award Recognizes Top Business Partnership

Thursday, May 16th, 2019

A national leader in security systems management, Sielox, annually recognizes businesses across the country who go above and beyond as a business partner and system integrator.

After receiving Silver Business Partner Awards for 2016 and 2017, Sielox awarded Egan with the Gold Business Partner award for 2018. Through this great business partnership with Sielox, Egan is able to provide dynamic security solutions for our customers.

The Sielox product line is designed and marketed through a network of select business partners to a variety of end-users within the commercial, education, financial, government, industrial, manufacturing, and retail markets.

We Are Egan – Bradey Perrigo

Monday, May 13th, 2019

“Getting to work with the great people at Egan is what I like most about my job.”

Meet Bradey Perrigo, an Electrical Journeyman with Egan for six years.

One thing people might not know about Bradey is that he really enjoys skiing. And, when he has time to relax, he likes to spend it with his family and friends.

He says the best piece of advice he’s ever been given is to, ‘work hard and stay humble’. We like that advice.

Our company is shaped by who we are, not just what we do. Together, we are Egan.

Disrupting the Status Quo Through an Innovative Mindset

Monday, May 13th, 2019

Observe an Egan jobsite or walk into our shops, how do you recognize innovation? Whether you see it in the form of tools or technology, safety practices, better processes, posters or signage… we are continuing to change the way we build.

Recently, a customer shared feedback about how they believe their projects with Egan have been successful due to focused service, very fast responses, and innovative approaches. In response, thank you. We’re grateful our customers recognize this. Applying innovative practices happens intentionally. Delivering on this approach takes diligence.

In 2018, we leaned heavily into innovation and Lean practices. If we can provide further value with our trade offerings, increase the efficiency of a service, or shorten timelines all together, it’s our promise to do so.

Our newest Lean practices embrace our futuristic mentality to always be improving while maintaining our aggressive commitment to safety:

  • Implementing 5S Methodology: the 5S system is a Lean manufacturing process designed to improve efficiency through organization; this practice has been most recently implemented in all our shops and warehouses.
  • Promoting My Good Idea: through Egan’s formal innovation program, My Good Idea, there have been over 200 business improvement ideas generated and shared within the first nine months of the year.
  • Eliminating Waste and Applying 30/30: waste is found in everything we do – at work, home, and play. There are eight types of waste we address: defects/ rework, over producing, waiting, not using employee talent/ideas, transportation, inventory, motion and extra processing. Most recently, the 30/30 Rule was applied on our jobsites. 30/30 is a method for eliminating waste that reminds us to have our tools, materials, or equipment within 30 feet or 30 seconds for efficiency.

By disrupting the status quo, we embrace innovation as an essential. Through the development of a continuous improvement mindset and fostering an environment where new ideas and efficiency improvements are welcome, innovation has become a part of the daily value we provide with our work and to our customers.

Safe by Choice: Construction Safety Week Recap

Friday, May 10th, 2019

In recognition of Construction Safety Week, we highlighted a few topics that inspire, educate, and shape us to Stay Safe in all that we do.

A Strong Culture of Safety

We’re eager to showcase why ensuring the highest standard of safety on every jobsite and within our shops and offices is our number one priority. Check out this cool video (1 min.)!

Educating for Safer Roads

While driving may be perceived as a routine activity, attentive driving is critical to your safety, the safety of other drivers, and personnel who work on our roadways.

PPE – what is it and why do we wear it?

With the potential hazards of a construction site, personal protection equipment (PPE) is considered a primary line of defense when it comes to crew safety. Each item is designed to minimize exposure to certain risks of injury or illness, and the damage caused by those hazards in the event of a mishap.

Egan upholds a 100% PPE policy on all of our jobsites.

Why We Work Safe

Often times, taking shortcuts on the job can have ripple-like consequences, which is why making safe choices every day is essential. Choosing to work safe benefits everyone. We all want to go home at the end of the day to see the people that matter most and do the things we love.

AGC of Minnesota’s Leadership Blueprint Program Graduate

Friday, May 3rd, 2019

Congratulations to, Jared Frach, Egan Technology Project Manager, who recently graduated from the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of Minnesota’s Leadership Blueprint Program.

This professional development program was created by AGC for emerging construction management leaders and is designed to stretch and equip students with confidence and lifelong skills. Participants of the program also gain extensive knowledge on topics such as construction safety, labor, finances, legal issues, and current legislative topics and trends. 

Building Rooms With a View

Monday, April 22nd, 2019

Downtown Minneapolis continues to grow in size as more high-rise buildings have joined its skyline in the last year. Former parking lots have converted into 20+ story apartment buildings in seemingly expedited fashion.

Egan Company’s InterClad team has played a role in adding to the exterior and interior beauty of multiple new construction high-rises. Last year, the team finished its scope of work on three luxurious apartment and condominium buildings throughout different downtown neighborhoods – and, even more high-rise work is kicking off for 2019.

“High-rise housing is a major draw for us right now,” said Todd Fechner, InterClad Operations Manager. “With our team’s experience, we’ve been able to build some great relationships with a few of our customers who are taking on these projects. In turn, we’re getting to partner with them again and again.”

Though high-rise housing and hospitality isn’t new for Egan, having simultaneous scopes of such massive sizes is – and, has become the new normal. With this, honing in on specialized glass handling equipment like SmartLifts has helped the team execute multiple big projects efficiently and safely.

Over the past year, Egan has invested in six SmartLift glass handling machines that have played a role in reducing soft tissues injuries on the job, as well as help speed up overall installation time.

“Throughout last years’ projects, we’ve learned how valuable these [SmartLifts] are,” said Fechner. “We strive to continue pushing the envelope when it comes to using innovation within our industry and utilizing SmartLifts have allowed us to remain cutting-edge. We’re excited about what the future looks like using them on upcoming projects.”

365 Nicollet

A 30-story, multi-family and retail development located on historic Nicollet Mall. This contemporary, urban living space includes 10,000 square feet of street level retail space and 370 high-end apartment units.  

SCOPE:

  • 16,000 square feet of glazed aluminum curtainwall system
  • 120,000 square feet of pre-glazed windows and terrace doors
  • Custom metal panel system: reveal seam wall panels, flush seam soffet panels, and composite wall panels
  • All curtainwall and metal panels were prefabricated in Egan’s shop

The Legacy

This lavish condominium complex overlooks the Mississippi River in the Downtown East neighborhood of Minneapolis. It is complete with a 17-story tower, eight-story midsection, and 14-story riverfront tower that boasts 374 total units.  

SCOPE:

  • 116,000 square feet of pre-glazed windows
  • 400 terrace doors
  • Custom profile flashing at each opening
  • All curtainwall was prefabricated in Egan’s shop

Rafter (Opening Summer 2019)

Adding more depth to the Northeast neighborhood of Minneapolis, this 26-story apartment building is complete with 283 units and 6,000 square feet of street level retail space.  

SCOPE:

  • 47,000 square feet of pre-glazed windows and terrace doors
  • 7,400 square feet of glazed aluminum curtainwall and storefront
  • 20,000 square feet of insulated metal panels
  • 28,000 square feet of metal siding panels
  • Glass handrails and miscellaneous interior glazing
  • All curtainwall and storefront frames were prefabricated in Egan’s shop.

We Are Egan – John Gorg

Thursday, April 18th, 2019

“I truly enjoy the people that I work with each day – Egan has some very talented people.”

Meet John Gorg, a Senior Project Manager with Egan for 31 years.

When John is away from the office, his favorite way to relax is to spend time with his granddaughter. He claims that “being a grandpa is the greatest gift!” (awwwwwe). He also likes to spend time fishing and hunting.

Fun Fact: John and his wife, Wendy, are planning to bike 150 miles through the Bike MS: MS 150 Ride this upcoming summer.  

Our company is shaped by who we are, not just what we do. Together, we are Egan.