Recognized as a commercial real estate icon, Domloj was part of the team responsible for America’s first multi-story 3D-printed residence, making him a visionary who enjoys being challenged by the industry and his team. “Construction is a science,” he says. “We look at how we can perfect it through new technologies.”

Completing his thesis on robotics in construction for his master’s degree in Construction Engineering and Project Management, Domloj discovered that 3D printing in construction has come a much longer way than most people realize—all the way from the 1930s. As it happened at the time, he discovered that Cornell University was conducting a research project in the field. The young student wasted no time getting involved.

As a member of one of three teams, which included two university professors and a German technology fabricator, Domloj set off to learn as much as he could on the subject. Their efforts culminated in a roughly 6,000-pound 3D construction printer, the largest volume printer to date in America at the time. “It was amazing,” he shares. “It changed how we think about dealing with new technology, how we can make construction and design better and different.” He emphasizes that the goal is not only to build better but to improve processes to achieve optimal quality and cost.

CIVE was also responsible for building “the largest cement terminal in the world at that time. I believe it’s still the largest in Houston,” says Domloj. “That was our first marine project—our first heavy industrial project that we’ve done and our first over-$100 million project.”

Since then, CIVE has continued its drive for improvement, crossing its next Rubicon in the form of virtual construction. With this technology, the team can analyze each project’s resources, needs, and demands in-depth well before the construction process even starts.

Introducing the technology into its process on its 20^th anniversary at the end of 2023, the company’s virtual construction department in Beirut, Lebanon handles the virtual building process of each project. By virtually constructing every building before groundbreaking even starts, the team can identify challenges and solve them before large amounts of money and time are wasted on performing corrections in the field.

“Right now, we are one of very few companies in the U.S. [that do virtual construction and design],” says Domloj. The CIVE design process also includes harnessing augmented reality, complete with 4D simulations where the element of time is incorporated into the simulation, and 5D functions that incorporate cost and cash flow into the overall calculation process, rendering detailed scheduling and budget reports to identify any areas that need improvement.

To ensure that its projects stay within budget, CIVE is also developing an AI add-on that draws from its large database. It provides costs in real-time as the design process progresses, allowing designers to reassess their choices while they work to help them stay on course, significantly cutting down on the traditional lengthy amendments phase and improving project flow.

As a natural innovator, Domloj started the firm in 2003 following being laid off and receiving an out-of-the-blue request for post-tension foundation designs. This became a process he first researched thoroughly before taking on the job and completing it to exacting standards. A couple of decades later, this service remains one of the company’s leading offerings.

What started purely as an engineering outfit developed into a full architectural design service company when clients realized Domloj’s design talent. Making a name for himself before striking out on his own, the leader is also well-versed in retrofitting failing communications towers in situ following destructive weather events, saving them from collapse. These days, his talents are largely directed toward more creative pursuits.

At the moment, he says, there is a lot to be excited about, like projects underway in the Middle East and the possibility of realizing a big dream of helping to rebuild Syria and Lebanon

This is because good design truly matters in every respect at CIVE. With its ability to expertly blend Eastern and Western sensibilities to create a unique signature, the CIVE team infuses every project with its quintessential sense of place. “I love architectural design. I love interior design. I have passion for that,” Domloj says with a smile. The firm’s designs connect people to natural elements, imbuing its buildings with a sense of calm.

Driving this is Domloj’s design ethos that emphasizes infusing warmth into spaces that wrap their occupants in comfort—all while being highly functional and energy-efficient. Comparing his economy of line to the French concept of the beauty of simplicity, he refers to elegance residing in the essence of how well an architectural design balances structure, space, and the flow of natural elements.

He also enjoys being part of his team’s creative process—especially in kinetic design. “I love design. Whenever we start on kinetic designs, I go and sit in the architectural department.”

Growing up in a multi-generational household with an engineer uncle, Hachem Domloj is not your average licensed civil and structural engineer. Blessed with an enquiring intellect and fine sense of observation, this visionary pioneer draws development and design inspiration from great depths of contemplation, from the richly textured life experience he has accumulated—a time that has been as interesting as it has been exciting.

While his humility is undeniable, Domloj is a worldly man in the best possible sense. As a youngster, he took the time to make a personal study of the exquisite architecture of his beloved Lebanon on visits across the country, a thought exercise that underscores his characteristic precision and fine attention to detail. Considering him a hopeless romantic would be erroneous, however. Nominated for a second time as Entrepreneur of the Year by Ernst and Young this year, following being a finalist in 2019, he undeniably has a head for business. Resilience and daring permeate his artistic sensibilities.

Today, Domloj and his team continue forging the future of design in and beyond the United States. It comes as no surprise that this team is proud of its ranking as one of Houston’s fastest-growing companies and its position on the Inc. 5000 for four consecutive years, alongside other prestigious metrics. “We are one of the largest civil construction engineering companies in Houston,” adds Domloj.

The company stays on top, he says, by remaining forward-thinking. Hiring in part for this ability, Domloj appreciates his team’s talent for looking ahead of the curve.

“I want them to be ahead of me all the time,” he says. “I really appreciate all the effort and dedication they have, not only in their work, but in how they believe in the company and how they believe in my leadership.” For a company led by a man intent on a future focus, looking ahead to improve construction as we know it becomes a mandate—one as clear-cut and fresh as its designs.

The post Construction and Design at their Finest<p class="company">CIVE</p> appeared first on Construction In Focus.

This isn’t too surprising when you see the levels of service supplied by this equipment supply company, and how the team has elevated service above everything, as suggested by its social media hashtag, #Hereforyou.

The company believes in building a lasting partnership with each client by setting out to surpass expectations and earn trust through the excellent work of each member of its team. Providing high-quality rentals is where its service begins, with GM Equipment Rentals leasing out top-notch, meticulously maintained construction equipment, each piece undergoing thorough inspection and OSHA approval.

Setting the standard
Founded in 2006, this family-owned business has since established an impeccable track record as a go-to source for rentals, sales, parts, and service. Offering expertise in the rental of aerial and material handling equipment, the company has a fleet of more than 700 units, plus service assets and accessories such as boom lifts, scissor lifts, telehandlers, mast forklifts, small dirt equipment, and more.

GM Equipment Rentals also provides repair services on-site or at its own facilities, with service personnel qualified and authorized to conduct boom inspections on a quarterly or annual basis, along with the provision of custom hydraulic hoses, electrical and hydraulic maintenance, diagnostics, and much more. “We always pride ourselves on being able to do what others can’t or won’t,” says General Manager Drew Dobson. “We work to an internal model where we always make it happen.”

Making it happen includes not being afraid to be flexible with delivery or maintenance schedules—whatever best helps the customer. “We find this tends to go a long way with our customers,” Dobson adds. “They always appreciate us being able to make it happen last minute if an emergency pops up or there’s just something that may have slipped their mind. We’re very good at getting a call at three o’clock in the afternoon and being able to move things around and have a delivery there by eight o’clock the next morning. It’s something we do that a lot of the national brands don’t, and it’s something other people may struggle with, but we’ve built it into our every day, and it’s been really helpful.”

Being able to provide a wide range of industries with products is another way of helping and supporting customers, who include painters, electricians, HVAC technicians, framers, carpenters, and more. The company even has customers in telecommunications, security, and fire sprinklers who have become key clients, he adds. GM can serve them all in one way or another.

Opening up options
Lifts, in particular, have become a nearly essential component of many job sites, Dobson explains. “Workers have come to realize that scaffolding and ladders are not only unsafe but also costly in the time it takes to set them up and move them around. Lifts are just a much better way to go.”

Part of this ability to pivot and make customer service a top priority is due to GM Equipment Rentals’ family-owned history. “GM actually stands for George and Mike, two cousins,” says Dobson. “And even though we’ve grown to become more of a regional player, we still bring that mom-and-pop feel to the industry. Our employees not only know me and the other managers and office team on a first-name basis, but they also get to know the owners the same way.”

He notes that the company sees its duty as providing a good workplace for people, never expecting anything from employees that managers and owners wouldn’t do themselves—or haven’t done before. In the beginning, Dobson says, the owners or managers could often be found washing and delivering equipment, and often still do.

“There’s not one job here that any of us is above doing. We really try to let the guys who work for us know that they’re not just a number. We get to know them personally. We get to know their families, their stories, and we truly care.”

#Hereforyou

Concern for employees and customers has extended to a social media hashtag created by Dobson—#Hereforyou—to more accurately reflect the company’s ongoing commitment to maintaining that level of care every day.

“We assure our customers all the time that if they need a referral for another type of contractor, or they have a problem that they’re not used to facing, bounce it off us because we know and network with other people throughout the industry, and even though we may not have the answer to a problem, we probably know somebody who has. #Hereforyou just truly means that we’re here for whatever you may need,” Dobson tells us.

“We had an ongoing story where, back in the day when we first started, we would tell customers, ‘If you need a helicopter, call us,’” he says. “We’re not in the business of helicopters, we don’t know of anybody with a helicopter, but we can guarantee we’ll find you one.”

That’s the type of dedication and commitment that has kept the company going strong; at the end of the day, customer service will always be the one essential ingredient. “There are hundreds if not thousands of other rental companies, and what’s tough about our industry is we all offer the same equipment, so the only thing that can truly set us apart is our service. A lot of companies will tell you that their service is the best, but we mean it and truly pride ourselves on it.”

Branching out
In an ongoing effort to stand out, stay relevant, and continue in its tradition of diversity and progress, in November of 2020, GM Equipment Rentals launched a new division called Hydraulix to repair bucket trucks. Focusing on the hydraulic and electrical repair of various boom, bucket, and derrick trucks, Hydraulix services also include DOT inspections, annual boom inspections, hydraulic repair, electrical diagnostics, lathe and mill work, dielectric testing, and custom hoses of all sizes. The division has since expanded to serve a variety of customers with various needs at locations in St. Marys, Pennsylvania and Columbus, Ohio.

“This business has really taken off for us in the past 18 months,” says Dobson of the niche addition.

As with so many companies today, even though GM Equipment Rentals truly values its employees, staff turnover is a concern. To maintain its strong team, the company has undertaken some “out of the box” initiatives to build flexibility into its culture, such as providing paid holidays for birthdays and an option for employees to work one week of any month as four 10-hour days, taking a Friday off.

“That’s not out of the norm when you consider the job market in its entirety, but it’s a little something different in our industry,” says Dobson. “As far as we know, we’re the only ones that offer that.”

The company’s attention to remaining innovative has also been noticed within the industry, resulting in being named a “market mover” for 2024 in the ARA’s (American Rental Association) magazine, listed alongside some big national brands and larger independent players.

“Our mindset is a big thing that sets us apart,” Dobson says. “We don’t tell customers ‘no’ unless we absolutely have to. We try to move things around, make things happen when they need them to. We truly care about our customers. We get to know them, get to know their families, and build relationships with them. The biggest thing here is you’re not just a number; whether you’re an employee or a customer, we truly get to know you.”

Of course, this personal approach is greatly appreciated by customers and employees alike, resulting in many success stories at GM. “We have guys here who started in high school washing equipment for us who have gone on to be sales reps or mechanics and truck drivers, and a lot of guys who have been with us for over 10 years,” says Dobson. “It’s really great to see these younger guys come up through the ranks. It’s something we try to do everywhere, and when it works, it feels great.”

GM Equipment Rentals intends to ensure that this commitment to customer and employee care remains top of mind in the years ahead. “We are still in growth mode, and it’s not only to better our current market positions in our current locations but also to potentially grow into another one or two or three,” says Dobson. “That could be through an acquisition or internal growth, where we plant a flag and start from the ground up. We’re just getting started, and we want to continue to grow and do more.”

While growth remains the goal, the company grasps the challenges that lie ahead, and the challenges faced by the industry at large. “It’s tough out there,” says Drew Dobson. “There have been a lot of changes since COVID. We’ve learned to adapt and try to do better, and it’s worked so far. We want to continue that.”

The post Here For You: Delivering Excellent Service Industry-Wide<p class="company">GM Equipment Rentals</p> appeared first on Construction In Focus.