The John M. Griffith Memorial AwardCongratulations Joe Veit Our 2015 Award Recipient

The winner of the John M. Griffith, Sr. Memorial Award for 2015 was announced during the Empirehouse

holiday party on January 7. Joe Veit was presented with this award at the Rose Vine Hall in Roseville, Minnesota. Joe joined the Empirehouse staff in 2012 and is a member of the Project Management team. We heartily extend our congratulations to Joe on receiving this honor.

This award was created in 1999 following the sudden passing of Empirehouse co-founder, John Griffith, Sr. To honor his memory, Empirehouse annually presents this award to an employee who has been selected by his or her team members for meeting or exceeding the award’s criteria

of being an extraordinary employee who exhibits leadership skills, is dedicated to improving the

work process, is skilled in communication, and focuses on quality control.

This is the 17th consecutive year that this award has been presented. Other current employee recipients include Dave Johnson (2000), James Bringle (2001), Patrick Lawrence (2003), Michael Gilbert (2005), Stanley Haedt (2007), Lisa Nesteby (2008), Jason Weld (2009), Trent Johnson (2010), Mark Waggoner (2011), Mitch Schindele (2012), Matt Gums (2013), and Brandon Schindele (2014).

“The best way to predict the future is to invent it.” –Alan Kay

INSIDE THIS ISSUE...

GM Views 2

Dogs at Work 2

Polar Plunge 2

Get to Know ‘Em 3

Dave Says 3

Safety Updates 3

Projects 4

EH Anniversaries 4

Birthdays 4

Joe Veit is the 2015 John M. Griffith Memorial Award Recipient for being

an extraordinary employee.

January/February 2016 Volume 15, Issue 1

Published bi-monthly by EMPIREHOUSE, Inc.

Empirehouse wins a MCA Merit Award for our glazing and fabrication work on

the CHS Field Lowertown Ballpark.

Attending the MCA Awards Banquet held January 27 are (pictured left to right): Jason Weld, Alana Sunness Griffith, Adam Griffith, Jennifer Klitzke, James Bringle, Grif Griffith, Kristi Hutera, Pat Lawrence, Leslie Price, Joe Veit, and Mike Gilbert.

Our own Alana Sunness Griffith MC’d the MCA Banquet and

Awards Ceremony.

CHS Field Wins MCA Merit Award

Glazier’s Corner• NO SMOKING in Company trucks, job shacks or offices. • Keep truck cabs clean. Remove trash before returning our trucks.• Turn in expense reports no later than the end of the month to ensure reimbursement.

GM ViewsLeading Strategically into a Bright Future

The New Year is off to a strong start. 2016 began with changes within our Corporate leadership. Mike Gilbert has taken over as President, Kristine Hutera as Vice-President, James Bringle as Corporate Secretary and Pat Dold as Treasurer. The leadership team is working on many areas of the business to provide everyone with clear direction as we head into the future.

One such area is the North American Contractor Certification Program (NACC) for Architectural Glass and Metal Contractors Certification. This is a new Quality Management System (QMS) program that is growing quickly on the East and West coasts. Upon completing this Program, Empirehouse will be the first Glazing Contractor in the Midwest to be certified.

NACC Certification will help us improve quality by documenting the work we do, developing written procedures, and checking finished products for all areas of our business. The certification plan and procedures will demonstrate to the Construction Community, Owners, Contractors, and Architects that Empirehouse meets all of the certification criteria to produce the highest quality projects.

Getting our processes and procedures documented for NACC Certification will take time and a lot of work, but it will be worth it! One of the advantages of being NACC Certified will be when Architects and

Contractors specify this certification as a requirement into their scope of work for all bidders to comply. Our NACC Certification will provide Empirehouse with a competitive edge by narrowing the playing field of qualified Glazing Contractors eligible for bid.

The Leadership Team is also working hard to update our image within the Construction Community. Empirehouse has a great reputation within the industry, but many Contractors still perceive our Company as we were 10-15 years ago. Much has changed during this time: the type, size, and quality of projects we do today, along with the Contractors and Architects we work with. We need to get this image communicated in new ways.

One such way of communicating our image, is through informational lunch-and-learn presentations. Recently Mike Gilbert, Jason Weld, Pat Lawrence, and I delivered a lunch-and-learn presentation about Glass and Glazing at Mortenson Construction. Over 80 Mortenson employees attended from all areas of their company. Due to the success of this format, we’re planning more educational sessions with Contractors to show them what we are capable of. In turn, we hope that Empirehouse will become their go-to Glazing Contractor.

Historically our first quarter workload has been light and procuring new work has been slow, but this year we are off to a strong start. Our 2016 backlog of work is healthy, and we’re continuing to bid on many new projects.

With our new leadership, NACC Certification, and communicating the image of Empirehouse, we are optimistic that we will continue this strength into a bright future.

Thanks, James

James Bringle General Manager

Corporate Secretary

One BRAVE Chicken Takes the PlungeGreen Dog at Work?Just looking at this photo, does it give you goose bumps (um, or chicken bumps)? BRRRRR! Congratulations to Empirehouse employees, Molly Merz and Kevin Giusto, who raised $620 for the Special Olympics Minnesota at the Polar Plunge held January 31, 2016.

We thought Adam Griffith’s dog, Wilson, was a yellow Lab? Wilson was caught taking one of our Company values to heart, Green Commitment, in his search for the nearest recycle bin. Wilson brightens everyone’s day when he comes to Empirehouse. (He also does a good job taking care of the trash when you’re not looking. Right, Adam?)

Molly Merz, dressed as a chicken, dipped into the icy waters of White Bear Lake for the second year in a row to raise

money for a great cause.

On February 5, Mike Gilbert, Jason Weld, Pat Lawrence, and James Bringle delivered an informative two-hour presentation about Glass & Glazing before an enthusiastic crowd of Mortenson Construction employees. The group learned about storefront, curtainwall, aluminum entrances, architectual finishes, and glass. Lots of interaction with samples and great questions.

“ Our NACC Certification will provide Empirehouse with a competitive edge by narrowing the playing field of qualified Glazing Contractors eligible for bid.“

Dave Says …Stay Current with Your Certifications

Empirehouse is moving forward with the NACC Certification Program which will help us improve our quality efforts.

Many jobs require First Aid and/or OSHA certifications and some projects we work on require up to 30 certifications. The NACC Certification Program will mean that our shop and field employees will need to become certified and stay current with these certifications.

While Apprentices can become certified through classes offered at Empirehouse, Glaziers will need to update certifications through the Union’s continuing education classes. Getting certified and staying current with your certifications will benefit both you and Empirehouse. Take time now to review your certifications and get them up-to-date if needed. Send your certifications to HR so that we will be current when the first evaluation process begins in March.

The NACC Certification Program will help us become one of the best Glazing Contractors in this area as long as we are all up-to-date with our certifications and care about our quality workmanship.

Each task gives us the opportunity to ask ourselves: Am I proud of my work and my craftsmanship? Is quality evident in the end result of my work? If you answered, “Yes,” then you’re doing your part to make Empirehouse the best we can be. If improvement is needed, please ask a team member to help you or to double check your work for quality assurance.

Thanks for all your help with the NACC Certification process, and let’s keep up our “best” work. –Dave

Safety Updates ... Required Classes and Certification Updates

Dave Johnson Field Superintendent

Jake Reining Safety & Quality

Coordinator

When I graduated from college with my degree, I thought I was finally done with studying, test-taking, and writing papers. Then my work life would simply consist of an eight hour day. But when I entered the 40-hour a week workforce, I realized that jobs required continuing education classes, certifications, and exams. This meant keeping on top of current industry standards and staying competitive in the workforce.

It’s no different as the Safety & Quality Coordinator. Certifications,

qualifications, and continuing education credits are all required to stay current with the industry. This is an important requirement for any job I undertake.

We are all called to do our part and “take classes,” “get certified,” “get re-certified,” and “get qualified.” We may reminisce about times when these things were not required. However, the industry is changing and safety has become a top priority. Our customers are requiring our credentials just to work on their jobs.

I encourage everyone to take advantage of the required classes that are offered for certification: First Aid/CPR/AED, Rigging and Signaling, Fall Protection, Scaffolds, Aerial Lifts, Power Actuator, and a new one: Qualified Signal Person.

I appreciate the work you do and continue to do. I have seen good participation with “near miss” and “tool box topics,” as well as more complete Daily Hazard Analysis forms filled out.

Take care and be safe! –Jake

Jennifer Klitzke as our new Marketing & Image Coordinator. She comes to Empirehouse with a degree in Marketing & Multimedia Communications from Metropolitan State University. Jennifer is passionate about writing, editing, graphic design, video, and photography for print and online media. When she’s not in the office, you’ll find her horsin’ around at her hobby farm. Jennifer married [Ol’ Mac] Daniel 14 years ago and has inherited a wonderful son and daughter-in-law with four adorable grandkids (a girl and 3 boys) ages 2-9. When the kids come to MN, they enjoy wilderness adventures at the Klitzke’s 105-year-old farmstead: exploring, playing with the dogs, and riding horses, the tractor, and four-wheeler.

Jennifer’s Favorites Autumn Colors: Walking in them and wearing them (colors, not leaves) Foods: Anything with garlic and cheese (with a micro-brew, even better!) Animals: Horses, horses, horses, and dogs Music: Adele, John Mayer, Pink, and The Gypsy Kings (who?)

Nearing midpoint of first quarter, Human Resources hired a couple more employees in key positions: Matt Maul, Project Manager and Jennifer Klitzke, Marketing & Image Coordinator. At Empirehouse, we feel stronger than ever with these new additions to our knowledgeable and skilled field and office staff.

Please welcome ... Matt Maul as our newest Project Manager. He began in residential carpentry building and remodeling homes. Then he switched to Project Management/Drafting in the glazing industry before coming to Empirehouse. Matt attended Normandale Community College for Business Administration, Management and Operations and Minneapolis Drafting School (Herzing College) for Mechanical and Electrical Drafting. He enjoys the outdoors: fishing, camping,

hunting, riding ATVs (and anything that has wheels) with his six kids–ages 9 to 22. “They’re not all mine,” Matt says, “Some her’s, some mine, and the rest ours.” Interesting to note that Matt’s oldest stepson is an apprentice glazier.

Matt’s Favorites Food: Pizza Music: Metal, Country, Rock Sports: Hockey, Nascar

Jennifer Klitzke Marketing & Image

Coordinator

Matt Maul Project Manager

Human Resources Get to Know Our Newest Team Members ...

Project: Medtronics GC: RJM ConstructionPM: Matt Maul

Project: MOA - Revolutions Glass Infill Decorative Film Remediation

GC: Mall of America PM: Mike Gilbert / Jeremy Meyer

Project: RY Krisp GC: Sutton & Associates PM: Matt Maul Project: 3M BLDG 235 RM N108 VestibuleGC: 3M CenterPM: Jason Weld

Project: Entrance Unit ReplacementGC: Ted Glasrud & AssociatesPM: Matt Maul

Project: Lake Marion SkylightsGC: Streeter & AssociatesPM: James Bringle

Project: Allina Health Apple Valley MRI Build-Out (Labor)

GC: Mortenson Construction PM: Joe Veit

Project: Colwell Building Reposition (Phase 1 & 2)

GC: RJM ConstructionPM: Matt Maul

Project: Obstetrics & Gynecology AssociatesGC: Greiner ConstructionPM: Jason Weld

Project: Capitol RidgeGC: Amcon ConstructionPM: Matt Maul

Project: Padilla CRT - Interior AlterationsGC: Greiner ConstructionPM: Matt Maul

Project: U of M - Veterinary Medicine Small Animal Wellness

GC: Knutson Construction PM: Jason Weld

Project: 2016 Security ImprovementsGC: Kraus Anderson (Minneapolis Div.)PM: Matt Maul

Project: Local Charm (E104)GC: Mall of America PM: Mike Gilbert / Jeremy Meyer

Project: MOA Level Three Corridor EntrancesGC: Mall of America PM: Mike Gilbert / Jeremy Meyer

Project: Diamond Womens CenterGC: Greiner Construction PM: Jason Weld

Project: Cirdan Health GC: Greiner Construction PM: Jason Weld

Project: 328 Barry NPG 2nd Floor Build-OutGC: Nolan PropertiesPM: Jason Weld

Project: Stonebridge Lofts - Unit 1106GC: Stonebridge LoftsPM: James Bringle

Project: St. Croix Lutheran High SchoolGC: RJM Construction PM: James Bringle

Project: Woodchuck Interior TIGC: WoodchuckPM: Matt Maul

Project: U of M McNamara Alumni CenterGC: Amcon Construction PM: Matt Maul

What’s New At Empirehouse?

The Empirehouse Communicator is published bi-monthly by Empirehouse, Inc.

5200 Quincy St., Mounds View, MN 55112 Phone: 763-535-1150 | FAX: 763-535-9151

www.EMPIREHOUSE.com

For newsletter submissions, please email Jennifer Klitzke at jklitzke@empirehouse.com.

EMPIREHOUSE, INC. | 5200 Quincy Street, Mounds View, MN 55112 | Phone: 763-535-1150 | FAX: 763-535-9151 | www.EMPIREHOUSE.com

Employment AnniversariesMatt Gums, 1/2007 Mike Gilbert, 1/1999 Joe Giorgio, 1/2015 Joel Gotta, 1/2015 Troy Cagle, 1/2013 James Demarais, 1/2015 Adam Griffith, 1/2007 Edward Love, 1/2015

BirthdaysBrandon Schindele, 1/9 Blaine Volden, 1/17 Andrew Hendricks, 1/19 Jeff Johnson, 1/20 Jennifer Schneider, 2/3 Dave Thorson, 2/4 Matt Maul, 2/9 Tommy Gramenz, 2/24 Stan Haedt, 2/28

EMPIREHOUSE Team Milestones

Sean Wilmes, 1/2015 Daniel Weis, 1/2015 Kristi Hutera, 1/2005 Joel Thorson, 1/2015 James Bringle, 2/1984 Pat Dold, 2/2012 Jim Fabos, 2/2015

Field Picture WinnerThank you to Dan Weis, Trent Johnson, and Dave Johnson for submitting field photos. This issue’s field picture winner is Dan Weis. Not only does his photo capture an interesting angle and excellent contrast and color, but it represents safety in the field while our quality curtainwall system is being installed at the Mall of America.

Send your unique jobsite photos to jklitzke@empirehouse.com for your chance to win a $25 gift card and photo credits (AKA bragging rights).

New and Recent Projects