Gilbane Ink’s 100th Post

Thank you for your continued support as we start our next 100.

We’re In This Together

With the rapid progression of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and its unprecedented impact, we asked employees to share a brief message about actions – both big and small – that they are taking in response to pandemic. We’re all in this together, and in sharing our stories, we are reminded of the power of connecting during times of crisis.

Whether we are supporting our medical and military heroes, reaching out to loved ones, or donating to foodbanks, during these trying times, we truly are stronger together. Our company is built by Gilbane team members who are resilient, caring, and strive to make a difference. What better way to commemorate our 100^th blog post than to celebrate our caring Gilbane family.

“Meet me in Novi”

Gilbane employees from seven different states, three countries, and four business units –came together in Novi, Michigan (outside of Detroit) to join forces and build a temporary hospital to support COVID-19 patients. Some members of this special team left families behind in order to build the emergency care facility. And every team member felt united in gratitude at the opportunity to help support our healthcare workers during this urgent time of need.

“Stay Positive”

“When someone is physically ill, we can see it, whether from some debilitating disease or COVID-19,” says Jim Arends, Senior Director of Business Development in Chicago. “However, when someone is struggling with depression or another mental illness, you can’t always see that so obviously.” During this time of crisis, Jim reminds us to look for the positive and to keep mentally fit. We can’t help others unless we take care of ourselves first!

“Thank you”

Raghuvaran Chakkravarthy, Gilbane Senior Safety Manager in Saudi Arabia, says thank you to all the unsung fellow construction heroes who are helping to serve their communities and supporting the forefront.

“Support Local Business”

Emiliy Marino from the Gilbane’s Global Sales and Marketing Services team in Los Angeles, has enjoyed helping small businesses in her local community.

“I just want my favorite ice cream place to still be there when this is all over, so I’m happy to support them during this time!”

“Connect With Loved Ones”

Julie Pingel, Human Resources Director in Arizona, is meeting with her sister and several cousins for Happy Hour on Friday nights using the House Party app. They don’t get to see each other in person very often, so the virtual meet-ups have given her a chance to see everyone’s faces, with pets, kids and spouses making appearances, too. They’ve enjoyed it so much that they will probably continue doing it even after they no longer have to social distance.

“Stay Active”

Ato Pinkrah, Project Engineer in Boston, reminds everyone to stay active and stay fit! He is part of the UJIMA employee resource group that created a virtual wellness challenge to explore the value of allowing the mind, body and soul to have some meaningful, restorative downtime.

“Help our Communities”

Debi Hertz, Senior Project Manager in Sacramento, reminds us of the power in doing what we can to help our local communities. As an active volunteer, Debi has been helping every Saturday to distribute food to those who have lost their jobs or are otherwise in need. She created a “Food Bank Challenge” where she organized a food drive for her 80+ person project team to donate to the local food bank of their choice. Together, they raised over $1800 in two weeks!

We are proud of our employees who have come together in this unprecedented time and have shown many of our core values including Loyalty, Integrity, Teamwork, and Caring. We have worked together to support each other, our communities, and to keep our operations running smoothly for our clients. We are stronger, together.