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Foundation P-H-C Management Courses

Frequently Asked Questions

What are these Courses?

The PHCC Foundation's management courses are intensive and highly interactive training sessions designed to show everyone involved in a p-h-c project (owners, senior managers, project managers, estimators, foremen and job superintendents) how common-sense changes to the way projects are managed can boost productivity, slash waste and add more profit to the company's bottom line.

What are the Course Offerings?

There are two courses, each designed to meet the specific needs of the attendees:

  • Essentials of PHC Project Management
  • Owners Strategic Management Workshop

In the Essentials course, experienced project managers pick up dozens of new ideas on site management, scheduling, cash flow and finances, marketing and how to manage people. New project managers and foremen who are making the transition from the field to the office gain the know-how they need to manage projects the right way from the start. The course also gives new or future business owners a head start on what they need to know to survive in the construction business.

Essentials Course Topics Include:

  • Your Secret Weapon: Prefabrication
  • Managing Subcontractors
  • How to Negotiate with the General Contractor
  • Understanding What’s in the Contract
  • Building the Game Plan: Turnover Meetings
  • Identifying Lost Time and Delays
  • Winning at the Change Order Game
  • Effective Materials Management
  • Boosting Productivity through Site Planning
  • Using Scheduling to Avoid Delays
  • Painless Project Close Outs

Click here for the March 2011 Essentials class registration form.

View video clips from the Essentials Course.

Click here for a Sample Class Schedule from the Essentials course.


The Owners Strategic Management Workshop gives you and your management team an in-depth look at business strategies that can grow an average company into an extraordinary leader in the profession, with the profits and a loyal customer base to back up the claim.

Strategic Management Workshop Topics Can Include:

  • Building Strategic Business, Marketing & Sales Plans
  • Seeing the Future: Making Accurate Projections
  • Managing with Numbers: Financial Ratio Analysis
  • Niche Markets: Building Green (LEED Construction)
  • Be Your Own Boss: Getting Started in Design/Build Work
  • Incentive Plans that Work!
  • Changing the Guard: Succession Planning

The Strategic Management Workshop is offered "On Demand." This means that if you are interested in bringing this program to your area, the Foundation can work with you to organize and bring the program to you. We will work with the host organization on logistics and set-up details and help to coordinate scheduling with the course instructor. The host company or organization is responsible for program expenses and handling the onsite logistics. This arrangement allows the Foundation to tailor each offering of this program to the needs of the attendees and to offer the training at lowest cost to the host organization and attendees. For more information, please call John Zink at (800) 533-7694.

When are the Courses Offered & How Do I Sign Up?

Each class is limited to 24 participants. A deposit is required to reserve a place, and registrations are taken on a first-come-first-served basis. Please call (800) 533-7694 for more information or to register for any of these sessions.


Essentials of PHC Project Mngt.

Washington D.C.

March 2011


Owners Strategic Mngt. Workshop

Offered Locally

Offered On Demand (See above description)


How are the Courses Structured?

The Essentials course is a four day program with sessions running from Wednesday morning to Saturday evening, allowing you to start off your week in the office and return home in time to enjoy Sunday before going back to work. The Business Owners Strategic Management Workshop is a two day program.

Who Should Attend?

Owners, project managers, estimators, superintendents and foremen benefit from the Essentials course. Owners, future owners, department heads, bookkeepers and key managers should attend the Strategic Management Workshop.

Employers are encouraged to send participants to the courses in pairs if possible, as these individuals will reinforce each other's learning and follow through after the course.

Who Are the Instructors?

The Foundation has recruited experts in our industry to facilitate the classes. These instructors have been in the trenches and know where you are coming from. All of the instructors have been selected for their ability to offer solutions to the real-world problems you face every day.

The course director and primary instructor is Kirk Alter, Associate Professor at Purdue University's Department of Building Construction Management. Kirk brings a well-rounded perspective to the training he offers and works endlessly to deliver on his personal promise that the course will provide tangible tools and skills to attendees.

What Are the Sessions Like?

Don't expect lectures and untested theories. This intensive class is exciting and filled with opportunities to network with your fellow attendees. They might just have the answer to the issues that you have been struggling with back home.

View video clips from the Essentials Course.

What Do Graduates Say About the Training?

"I couldn't imagine what we would have to talk about for 40 hours. Now I realize that we have only scratched the surface--even though I've been in the business for 20 years." — Doug Kreifels, Action Plbg.-Htg. & Air Conditioning, Lincoln, NE

"There is so much that I have changed since attending. What has stopped is the fires. This being proactive instead of reactive really works. It's where I always wanted to be, I just needed a little guidance." — Steve Allen, Lawrence H. Cranston & Son, Timonium, MD

"The class has been tremendous. I can't speak highly enough about it. I've implemented a ton of the things I learned there and it has been nothing but positive." — Alex Kazmierczak, Werner-Nugent Plumbing Company — Posen, IL

This is a downloadable MP3 audio file, 99KB.

What About Accommodations?

The Foundation looks for professional conference centers that can offer quality sleeping and meeting rooms in one convenient location close to major airports. This means that participants will not have to rent cars after they arrive.

What is the Cancellation Policy?

All cancellations must be made in writing. Up to 90 days before a course, your registration fee less a $500 deposit can be refunded. Up to 45 days before a course begins, you may transfer your registration to a future class. You are always welcome to designate a substitute to attend in your place at no additional charge.

Other Questions?

Just pick up the phone and call (800) 533-7694 or send an e-mail to zink@naphcc.org.



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