Meridian laid the Foundation for increased capacity and revenue
Ascent re-designed Meridian's operational structure and processes, provided in-depth training, and built a system that enabled them to operate at full capacity and grow in ways they previously couldn't.
Location: Canton, GA
With over 35 years’ experience in the development and construction of residential, industrial and commercial real estate projects, the current owner had led the Meridian team through 12 years of consistent growth.
Annual Revenue: $20M+
"This will not be our last project with Ascent. If you’re looking to get your company to the next level, I highly suggest working with Ascent Consulting.”
— Chris McCurry, Owner
Operational Design & Software Implementation
For an Operational Design project, Ascent always begins with a thorough investigation of the business, operational structure, and finances. We then develop and implement standardized processes, procedures, workflows, and protocols (along with a few industry best practices) across the organization.
Recalibrating operations for the future
While Meridian had been increasing in revenue and project size over the last decade, management recognized the need to retool in order to seize the moment and capture a bigger market share while maintaining profitability. They recognized that they needed help building an operational framework to support the company’s growth and position it to handle its expanding market share.
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Designing tailored solutions
Over the course of six months, Ascent worked to identify and implement a new ERP software platform, develop a comprehensive and repeatable project management methodology, streamline Project Management and Accounting processes and procedures, and more. Meridian made sure these changes were made and are now seeing the benefits.
“We made a great decision when we decided to partner with Ascent. They are very knowledgeable of construction company operations and were able to look at the inner workings of Meridian in order to design tailored solutions to our problems."
Chris McCurry
Owner
Ready to maximize efficiency and profitability?
Phase One: Software Selection
Meridian was using a variety of stand-alone software platforms and manual processes for accounting, project management, and field supervision. Ascent analyzed six Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) platforms and assisted Meridian in selecting the best solution that fit their budget and unified Project Management and Accounting processes.
Phase Two: Process & System Optimization
Working through multiple Process Mapping Workshops, Ascent helped develop detailed processes and procedures for each phase of construction, overall company operations, and accounting functions to support the current structure and enable them to scale the business.
Phase Three: Roles & Responsibilities
When the software was selected and the process mapping was completed, Ascent crafted job narratives, descriptions, and role calendars for each current and future position in the company. During the Process Mapping workshops, Meridian recognized their need for a new position and retained Ascent to recruit a Director of Construction. Ascent also created and implemented a standardized employee onboarding process, performance evaluation, and incentive structure which ensured employees would be rewarded for their contributions to the success of each project and the company as a whole.
Phase Four: Company Operations Manual
Throughout Ascent’s engagement, a company Operations and Training Manual was developed to detail Meridian’s new methodology for managing projects, company operations and accounting, clarify employee roles and responsibilities, provide standards and accountability for employee performance and rewards, instruct employees how to successfully complete key processes and procedures related to their roles in the new ERP software platform, and serve as a repository for essential documentation needed to implement the new methodology.
Upon completion of the project, Meridian had:
- Implemented a cost-effective ERP software solution
- Defined and developed an all-inclusive and repeatable project management methodology
- Streamlined company operations, as well as accounting processes and procedures
- Been provided updated job narratives, descriptions, role calendars, and performance measures for each staff position at the company
- Identified and delivered training for each employee
- Recruited, hired, onboarded and trained a Director of Construction
- An Operations and Training Manual for all key roles and functions in the Project Management and Accounting departments.
Meet the team on this project:
Adam Cooper
President
Jeff Robertson
Senior Consultant
Carolyn Bahr
Project Coordinator
Transform your business with Ascent Consulting:
Ascent's Operational Design
Profitability is directly related to repeatability: getting everyone in the organization to operate the same way.
When everyone is aligned and operating in unison, then it becomes easier to add people (superintendents, project managers, estimators, accountants, administrators) and achieve consistent and repeatable results.
By getting everyone aligned and operating from the same model of processes and systems, the business becomes more efficient and easier for owners to manage.
Operational Assessment
Our expert construction business consultants have helped over a hundred construction companies to improve performance and profits.
We’ve developed a proprietary Comprehensive Operational Assessment process based on our first-hand experience working with growing Construction Companies.
Learn more about Ascent's Operational Assessment and more operational services >