Today, we're excited to introduce Douglas Stokken, the Director of Business Development & Projects at SPACE Buildings Corporation. Established in 1967, SPACE Buildings is a top provider of pre-engineered metal building systems in New England, specializing in Commercial and Industrial projects. They offer comprehensive services from design to maintenance, with expertise in sectors like warehousing, logistics, aviation, and technology. What distinguishes SPACE Buildings is their focus on vertical integration and commitment to client satisfaction.
With his extensive experience in project management, business development, and facilities management, Doug shares his journey from an entry position to a leadership role within his company, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning, adaptability, and effective networking.
He discusses the significance of listening for leadership, the value of taking on challenging projects to foster growth, and how building strong networks and making strategic introductions can have a lasting impact on business success. Doug also touches on his company's specialization in metal buildings, how this niche market evolved from protecting oil rigs to becoming a versatile construction solution, and the benefits it offers to various industries.
Moreover, Doug delves into his personal philosophy of helping others and how it informs his professional approach, enhancing client relationships and creating opportunities for mentorship and collaboration.
Takeaways:
- Adopting a mindset of perpetual learning and adaptability is crucial. Every project and collaboration offers a unique scenario and learning opportunity. Embrace these experiences to expand your knowledge and skill set.
- Effective delegation within your facilities team can enhance efficiency and clarity. Assign responsibilities based on skills and timelines. This structured approach helps ensure that everyone knows their roles, improving project execution.
- Listening is foundational to understanding the needs of your team and clients. Listening to all stakeholders, from iron workers to engineers, not only accelerates problem-solving but also fosters a collaborative work environment.
- Building a plan with contributions from every team member can lead to more innovative and comprehensive solutions. Encourage an inclusive environment where everyone, regardless of their position, feels valued and heard. This approach can significantly impact your team's effectiveness.
- Regularly auditing and reviewing processes, such as safety protocols and maintenance schedules, is a best practice. This systematic review ensures that your facility's operations are up-to-date, minimizing risks and optimizing performance.
- Building a broad network can be invaluable, as it allows for easier problem-solving through collaboration. Networking and being open to helping others, even beyond business interests not only solves problems but also builds lasting relationships.
Quotes of the Show:
- “No matter where you sit within the hierarchy of any company, everybody's got to come together. That's how you get velocity.” - Douglas Stokken
- “Every time you think you've got it solved, you haven't. You always have something left to learn or a nuance of that facet. Always have to be open, always have to be learning.” - Douglas Stokken
- “We grind on it every day. We hustle on it every day. We make it happen.” - Douglas Stokken
- “We treat others how we want to be treated and we get a lot of work because we employ those principles.” - Douglas Stokken
- “Take on something you might not typically do as long as it meets the company's vision and purposes. Take on the hard tasks and do them because that's going to help you grow and evolve.” - Douglas Stokken
- “Take a challenge, go for it, and really apply what you and your company can do.” - Douglas Stokken
- “We go above and beyond and give that absolute highest level of client care.” - Douglas Stokken
- “Experience is one of the greatest teachers.” - Douglas Stokken
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