JOC Contractor Spotlight: Structured Construction

Successful Gordian Job Order Contracting (JOC) programs depend on a deep and talented bench of construction contractors. In exchange for being ready to complete an organization’s operational projects and working within the unique parameters of the JOC process, these dedicated construction pros are rewarded with the potential for a steady stream of work. It’s a win-win.

This series profiles construction contractors who have made the most of the opportunity to participate in a Gordian JOC program. They’ll share how they became involved in the program, how it has helped them strengthen their project pipeline and offer advice for contractors who want to participate in Gordian JOC programs in their area.  In this installment, we highlight Structured Construction.

Company Background

Structured Construction is on a mission to exceed customer expectations. Building on a 200+ year family legacy of integrity, innovation and excellence, the Structured Construction team prides itself on doing quality work in an efficient manner in pursuit of going above and beyond for their clients in North and Central Texas. One of the many tools the company uses to make good on its mission is Gordian’s Cooperative Job Order Contracting (JOC).

What Is Cooperative JOC?

Like standalone Job Order Contracts, Gordian’s Cooperative JOC solutions enable organizations to complete many projects with one competitively awarded contract, saving them considerable administrative time and effort. Either solution achieves this efficiency by asking contractors to bid on a Unit Price Book (UPB) rather than individual projects. Awarded contractors then use the costs published in the UPB to price projects completed over the life of the contract.

Unlike standalone Job Order Contracts, Cooperative Job Order Contracts are held by one organization, like a purchasing cooperative or a government entity, and accessed by many others. For example, Structured Construction’s clients access Cooperative JOC via Sourcewell, a cooperative purchasing association with a nationwide footprint. Project owners like Cooperative Job Order Contracts because they are construction-ready, with details ironed out, a UPB created and contractors awarded. Work can begin immediately. Just ask Brant Riner, Structured Construction’s JOC Project Manager.

“The most important aspect of JOC is that it saves everybody time. Once you get familiar with it, you can crank out proposals pretty fast,” Riner told Gordian. “Most jobs that are sent out for public bid, you could easily be looking at a year before you actually start. We’re having jobs start as fast as three weeks. We’re able to service clients the right way, and it is a lot faster and more effective than other means and methods.”

A Positive Experience With Gordian’s Cooperative JOC

While Riner is new to Structured, he is no stranger to Job Order Contracting. In his previous role, Riner completed many JOC projects for the City of Dallas and the Dallas Independent School District.

“We did a cool project for Dallas County on the sally port garage for the Lew Sterrett Justice Center and the judge’s garage at the Frank Crowley Courthouse. The sally port garage leaked whenever it rained, so we sealed the concrete and repaired all the cracks. We also replaced all the lights. Both garages were really dingy, so we power-washed everything and restriped with white paint. Then we had the idea to paint the fire suppression lines red at the sally port. The color really pops. It’s very pretty. Once the people at Frank Crowley saw that, they wanted us to do the exact same thing for their garage.”

Riner has also been part of work for the Denton County Transit Authority (DCTA). His team kicked off the project with a “Demo Day” celebration, where they entertained approximately 80 DCTA employees by taking down a banner with an excavator. This lighthearted demonstration symbolized the future demolition of two buildings that, once cleared, will create space for DCTA’s new headquarters.

“That’s another cool thing about JOC,” Riner said. “It’s never the same job. One day, you do basic work, and the next day, you’re doing a job you’ve never seen before.”

Having taken his talents and experience with JOC to Structured, Riner looks forward to new challenges and opportunities.

Advice for Aspiring JOC Contractors

A true JOC devotee and Chapter Member Liaison at the Center for JOC Excellence, Brant Riner proactively speaks with other contractors about Job Order Contracting. His advice is practical, realistic and, in keeping with Structured Construction’s culture, rooted in customer satisfaction.

“I’ll definitely encourage anybody who is serious about servicing clients to get into JOC. My goal is to provide a service and a positive experience. I’ve told people that if they aren’t the type of company that’s going to provide a city or a county with that kind of service, where they actually care about the customer and have their best interests at heart, then don’t do it. But if you’re a caring person and you really want to make an impact and help people, this is definitely a way to do it.”

Riner went on, “JOC is a lot more personal than public bid. You really feel a sense of assisting someone and giving back to the community.”

The rewards aren’t only altruistic. Riner told Gordian that since Structured Construction became part of Sourcewell’s Cooperative JOC program, he’s had to double his staff.

“I worked on individual JOC programs before, so I was excited when Sourcewell paired with Gordian. We’re really enjoying it so far.”

Interested in becoming a Gordian JOC contractor? Check out bid opportunities in your area.