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Our latest job is in the center of West Edmonton Mall, and is in a very small area. We are adding the detailed theme work and signage to a flamingo pool. The floor isn't level and the work area inside the hording is tiny. Total work area... 20' by 20'
The surrounding hording fence is four feet high and litterally hundreds of folks walk by as they shop in the world's largest mall. Many take the time to lean on the fence and observe our unique project. A few ask questions of our crew, but most simply watch us as we work.
Although the job has been underway for literally months, nothing was really done until last week when a new supervisor took over the project. The owners gave him two weeks to complete it and he's going to pull it off too!
We signed on for our part of the project a day and a half ago. No real problem, but a considerable challenge to say the least.
Our crew of five and our tools and materials would fill the little space pretty good by ourselves. But we are only one of many trades that has to work there.
The two plumbers and a pool guy were in there putting the last of their details in place. Then there's the two fire sprinkler guys working up in the ceiling from their tall ladders. The electricians are there too, off and on, pulling wires and hooking up the lighting.
The glass guys are there stacking up the monster glass enclosure panes to one side too. They are anxious to get started putting them into into place but will wait until Monday morning. The flooring guy waits anxiously for his turn at the site, but took the time today to measure things up.
Everyone wants to take time to talk with me to figure out how it will be when finished, where everything goes and how it will all fit together. There are no plans or blueprints, as there simply wasn't time for that type of thing. We are flying by the seat of our pants... normal stuff for us
Our supervisor is hovering constantly, in a sweat that everything isn't going to be done on time. But he is a great facilitator, making sure everyone has what they need.
All of the above is going extremely smooth. The site is happy with good coordination among all concerned.
Today's crisis occurred when the drywaller showed up (at noon) to continue the work on the small valence which will surround the pool and hold up the glass panels which will go from floor to ceiling. That work is way behind schedule after his crew walked off yesterday after only working a few minutes. After three days of grief for everyone they are only part way through their task.
Unfortunately, with the current building boom and the tight deadline we are forced to tough these turkeys out.
The boss of the drywall crew was there personally to finish the job today, but also had a bummer attitude right from the get-go.
Our supervisor and I assured him that we would do everything we could to help him. And we tried our very best, as did everyone else on the cramped site. My crew bit their tongues all day (under strict orders from me). And I did my best to smile and keep our stuff and crew out of his way.
But no matter what we did or how hard we tried, this guy seemed to actually enjoy having a BAD day. His tantrums bordered on the ridiculous. The fact that everyone else on the site was having a fun time didn't seem to help his attitude either. But we made sure it was his problem not ours.
We had a great day, accomplished all we set out to do and more. The main sculptures and sign are ready for paint, starting tomorrow. Our supervisor and the owners are delighted with our progress to date. We are way ahead of our miniscule time line and that makes me happy too!
Things are pretty normal here
-dan
-------------------- Dan Sawatzky Imagination Corporation Yarrow, British Columbia dan@imaginationcorporation.com http://www.imaginationcorporation.com
Being a grampa is one of the the most wonderful things in the world!!! Posts: 8778 | From: Yarrow, B.C. Canada | Registered: Nov 1998
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