Construction Magazine October 2019 | Page 17

Brad Meltzer
Plaza uses software solutions such as PlanGrid ( part of the BIM 360 suite from Autodesk ) to enhance efficiencies on site . “ Five years ago , our superintendents would be walking the job site , with a set of plans ,” explains Meltzer , “ but there was almost no way to confirm if that was the latest set of drawings . They would need to ask if the drywall and electrical foremen have the latest set ? But now , we hand out iPads to all key individuals on site and we ’ re able to know with certainty they ’ re working with the latest set of plans . They can now just pick up the phone and speak to the architect or a subcontractor / vendor at their fabrication facility and know they are collaborating in real time . They can take a picture of a job site condition , tag it to their iPad , to that location , and then are able to discuss and solve that issue .” Innovation is a core value at Plaza and one Meltzer believes makes its staff feel part of a forward-thinking group . “ It ’ s also really helping with recruitment of some of the best and brightest young people in the industry .”
Meltzer believes that Plaza ’ s collaborative approach , involving
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Brad Meltzer
EXECUTIVE PROFILE
A master of architecture with more than three decades of experience , when Brad Meltzer began working at Plaza in 1989 , he was among members of the current senior leadership team who cut their teeth as in-house contractors for larger developers . “ We had no computers ,” recalls Meltzer . “ We did our own estimating , purchasing , project management and teams were smaller . I think having the opportunity to have performed in those roles , and as a superintendent , has given me a greater perspective on the challenges that all our staff face . It allows me to be a better leader and to mentor members of our team . I think that ’ s the most important thing , being able to lead by example .”
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