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Building success: Seminar lays out blueprint for project delivery methods

The Builders Association of Eastern Ohio and Western Pennsylvania hosted a dynamic seminar on project delivery methods, featuring nationally recognized construction law and project management expert Jeff Appelbaum.

More than 60 attendees, including owners, architects and contractors, gathered at The Grand Resort in Warren to enhance their understanding of effective strategies.

Appelbaum has 40 years of expertise in construction law, project management and dispute resolution. He’s a partner at Thompson Hine and managing director at Project Management Consultants LLC.

“Every project begins with the question, ‘What system should we use?’ There’s a menu of options and making the wrong choice can jeopardize critical objectives,” Appelbaum said.

Why project delivery methods matter

From design-bid-build to construction management at risk (CMAR) and design-build, each method offers distinct benefits and challenges.

Appelbaum focused on public construction projects, where procurement rules and contract structures play a crucial role in success.

He explained that no single method fits every project, and that a careful, objective analysis is key to success.

“Every method has strengths and weaknesses, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution,” he added.

One major takeaway from the seminar was the importance of aligning the delivery method with a project’s specific needs. Industry trends are shifting in Ohio and Pennsylvania, with public entities exploring alternatives beyond the traditional design-bid-build approach.

Where the Mahoning Valley stands

While the Mahoning Valley’s construction industry is gradually adopting newer project delivery methods, some challenges remain.

According to Kevin Reilly, executive vice president of The Builders Association, many project stakeholders are still unfamiliar with these approaches.

“Because it’s new for them, there’s been some misunderstandings. Even though project delivery reform was enacted 14 years ago, we’re just now starting to see more public owners explore options,” Reilly said.

He emphasized the need for education, particularly for owners and architects, who often serve as owner representatives.

“We wanted to get an expert in front of our members, in front of the architects, and also bring in some public owners. The goal is to start the process of educating them about the delivery methods available under the state-recognized guidelines.”

This education is especially critical for municipalities, school districts, and other public entities, which must navigate a complex regulatory landscape when selecting a delivery method.

Paying attention to the pitfalls

One of the most engaging parts of the seminar was Appelbaum’s discussion of common mistakes in project delivery. He polled the audience on their experiences with project failures, revealing that over 60 percent of attendees had witnessed delivery breakdowns due to poor implementation.

Some of the most frequent issues included:

  • Misunderstanding of roles and expectations
  • Selecting the wrong delivery method for a project’s needs
  • Contracts that didn’t align with the intended delivery method
  • Lack of communication between stakeholders

He explained that many projects fail not because the work isn’t being done, but because teams don’t have a clear, shared understanding of responsibilities from the start.

Appelbaum also touched on the Spearin Doctrine, which states that contractors can rely on the accuracy of project plans and specifications – but also highlights gaps in liability between owners, architects, and contractors.

These legal complexities make it even more important to select the right delivery method upfront.

Continuing the conversation

The Builders Association hopes the seminar sparks a broader discussion about the best practices in project delivery.

“We kind of wanted to start at ‘project delivery 101’, and then eventually bring Jeff back for a deeper dive into the pros and cons of each method for different types of projects,” Reilly said.

As the construction industry evolves, events like this help owners, architects, and contractors stay ahead of industry trends and make better-informed decisions.

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Bustin’ Clays Fundraiser Aims to Support Future Building Trades Workers

The Builders Association of Eastern Ohio and Western Pennsylvania hits the target with a clay shooting competition to raise money for pre-apprentice programs, scholarships and education costs.

More than 70 participants from the building trades broke into foursomes for the first annual Bustin’ Clays with the Builders on October 24 at the Lawrence County Sportsman’s Club.

The fundraiser directly impacts the next generation of skilled workers, helping students enrolled in pre-apprenticeship programs move closer to their career goals.

“This event is all about generating money for our workforce development efforts with the pre-apprenticeship programs,” said Kevin Reilly, executive vice president of The Builders Association of Eastern Ohio and Western Pennsylvania. “We’re doing everything we can to give these students a great start—providing tools, boots, and other essentials they need to move from education to skilled trades.”

Targeting the Next Generation

The Builders Association has long been a champion of workforce development in the region, particularly through its pre-apprenticeship programs. They serve high school students who are interested in pursuing a career in the trades, giving them the foundational skills and knowledge they need to succeed.

There are 21 area schools with pre-apprenticeship programs – reaching about 700 students annually. These students learn the ins and outs of various trades and gain hands-on experience through projects that are judged by industry professionals.

“We want these kids to have a clear path from pre-apprenticeship to apprenticeship, and then into a full-fledged trade career,” Reilly said.

The event also supports a springtime pre-apprentice competition, where students showcase their skills in a judged contest. Top performers and their schools are awarded tools, further enhancing their readiness to join the workforce.

“It’s about giving them what they need, and Bustin’ Clays with the Builders is a big part of making that happen.”

Reilly applauded the sponsors who stepped up to make the event a success. Western Reserve Building Trades served as the partner sponsor, and Bodine and Company was the shotgun shell sponsor.

Walking Away with the Winnings

While the scores were being tallied, participants enjoyed lunch provided by Woody’s BBQ food truck. Prizes were awarded to the best shooters for high overall score, high overall team and sixth place winner.

 

There were also plenty of raffle prizes ranging from a new shotgun, insulated cooler and thousands of dollars’ worth of high-end tools – donated by Power Tool and Supply.

A side competition called the “impossible shot” allowed participants to pay for a chance to make a nearly impossible shot for a prize. Two people had the same score, so a tiebreaker shootout later declared the winner.

Taking Another Shot

Response to the inaugural Bustin’ Clays with the Builders has been overwhelmingly positive.

“We were really happy with the turnout and the support from our sponsors,” Reilly said. “We’re definitely planning to do this again next year. It was a great way to bring everyone together while also supporting such an important cause.”

As the region continues to experience growth and demand for skilled workers, events like this will play a crucial role in ensuring that the workforce of tomorrow has the tools, resources, and support they need to succeed.

“It’s about helping these kids build their future. We’re just giving them the tools to get started.”

For information about The Builders Association’s pre-apprenticeship programs, or apprenticeship opportunities, email Gary Hartman or call 330-539-6050.

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