Patrick embodies all of the principles mentioned above. He loved his work, and it showed in everything he did. When I authored our core values I had Pat in mind: “Operate with Integrity. Trust Each Other. Demand Skill and Personal Pride.” Pat lives this way, each and every day.

We filmed Pat’s retirement party and I’m happy to share the highlight reel with you. Please watch the video below to see the warmth and love that characterized our celebration of this extraordinary person.

Click above to watch the video!

Thank you for reading this. We’ll be in touch again soon. Be well – and as always – don’t forget to do something nice for someone today!

Sincerely,
John Ford Nichols

The post A Life’s Work – Patrick O’Connor appeared first on Nichols Construction Team.

Patrick Brendan O’Connor began working with Jim Nichols in 1974. In 1983, Patrick became the very first Associate of a new firm called Nichols (3), Inc. – and since then Patrick has been a trusted resource sharing his skill, pride, trust and infinite knowledge with us as we enter our 30^th year in the construction business – now as Nichols Construction Team. Patrick has been an absolute asset to this company for nearly four decades and on December 31, 2012 Patrick will be retiring from Nichols Construction Team.

While we are saddened to see him go, we remain grateful for the many contributions he has made through his unwavering dedication to the Team and clients. As Patrick moves forward into his next chapter – whatever he chooses to do – we all know that he won’t be idle. It’s impossible to say goodbye to Patrick. So we won’t. We’ll only say “Thank You” in the most heartfelt way possible.

Historically, there’s been a lot of attention focused on Jim, Brad and myself – our projects, achievements, and awards.  It’s the way things seem to work. The construction owners get their names in the headlines and on the plaques. In my case, it has always felt uncomfortable because we have the word “Team” in our name.

In truth, all successful companies are created through the efforts of many. And in our case, 38 years of growth and solid reputation have had one element in common: the contributions of Pat O’Connor. Pat was there before Brad and me. Pat is still here after Dad’s passing and Brad’s retirement. In that time, there are so many of us who have known Patrick as a mentor, confidant, resource and construction professional. Patrick has a capacious mind that is always problem solving. That’s one of the many joys of working with him. There’s never a day goes by when he doesn’t have ideas to solve a construction project challenge – and a commitment to making sure that the ongoing agenda is advanced. Patrick’s craft skills are legendary. His estimating skills are proven by the cornerstone of millions of square feet of construction projects. We have also come to know him as a friend. And a better friend cannot be found. But the most enduring legacy Pat will leave us is his quality as a person.

All that Nichols Construction Team has aspired to be in terms of Culture, Professionalism, Skill, Pride and Integrity are manifested in Patrick.  He has been our rock, our beacon. Quiet. Modest. Constant. We’ve only got a few weeks left with the man in the corner office.  So let’s all bombard him with as much love as we can. But wait until later; he’s got a bid due at noon!

Patrick, we are really going to miss you!

Read: 12/10/2012 Press Release

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It is a great honor to have received the 2012 Rochester Top 100. Nichols Construction Team, since our inception, has worked to differentiate ourselves from the competition so we’re not considered a commodity. Our customers have no interest in becoming experts in the construction business. They seek someone they can trust to manage the construction process for them, to ask the right questions and develop the right solutions. Our customers don’t see us as vendors or just another contractor who they get a competitive bid from. We go in there with our value proposition, which is basically to provide comprehensive, turnkey facility services so that they can focus on their core business.

The vast amount of work we do is negotiated as opposed to competitive bid. Nichols’ business model — handling everything from a project’s design and construction to helping with the applications for available public incentives — can be a tough one, especially in down economic times when many competitors are bidding construction projects at or even below cost, just to keep cash flowing. We understood a long time ago to compete on the basis of price is not a great strategy for growth. Despite other’s concerns about a tepid economy, Nichols Construction Team continues to realize strong growth opportunities through our commitment to always deliver on our promise, by providing value and establishing trust with each and every customer.

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The Harley School is an amazing educational organization. Their strategy starts with the ability to generate powerful ideas and insights, and to provide a creative educational experience for its students.

The “living building” will truly be one of the first of its kind in Upstate NY. Nichols Construction Team is proud to be a part of this unique project. This is our 4^th major construction project in Partnership with The Harley School.

The 14,000-square-foot structure is referred to as a “living building” because it will generate its own energy, heat and cool with renewable non-toxic resources and operate efficiently using students to lead, manage operations, and its resources. Students in the building will work toward a net-zero operation in energy consumption.

The project’s Architect is Chris Costanza of 9×30 Design. Chris has lead the specification of the building’s sustainable technologies. EC4B are the mechanical engineers.  Kenron and O’Connell are performing installation of the HVAC and Electrical Systems. Tom Johnson is the project’s lead designer. This Team, with inspiration and direction from the schools administration, staff and students, is creating a very innovative teaching resource.

Nichols Construction Team is leading the design-build Team through design, approvals and construction. The project is to be completed by September 2013.

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On October 3, 2012 ORAFOL Precision Technology Center celebrated the grand opening of their expanded facility. Nichols Construction Team was awarded the privilege to Design and Construct the expansion of the ORAFOL (formerly Reflexite) Rochester NY facility from 26,000 sq. feet to over 83,000 square feet. The 58,000 square feet addition houses ORAFOL’s precision optic processes and precision machinery. ORAFOL makes tooling used to manufacture specialized microstructures.

This important project reflects the confidence the new German parent company places in Rochester’s workforce. Our Team constructed the original facility in 1995.

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The Nichols Construction Team has partnered with many private schools in the Rochester market on school construction and design expansion projects. We understand and know how to work within the financial constraints schools have to work within. On each school construction project we always look for creative solutions that will optimize the space and adhere to tight budget constraints.

We have worked on numerous projects at Aquinas Institute and at Harley School. In 2011, we completed the design and construction of Trinity Montessori School. Just last week we broke ground on an addition at the Webster Montessori School.

In November, we’ll be breaking ground on the new Chesonis Commons Science Wing addition at the Harley School.

And – we are currently in the planning phase for two new schools!

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It seems counter-intuitive to be selected for an individual award when I am part of an organization with the word “Team” in it. I view the award as an affirmation of the way our entire Team has conducted themselves throughout the years. Their dedication to our culture of Integrity, Trust, Pride and Skill has inspired me to continue our commitment to always doing “the right thing.”

We are who we are not only because of our shared vision, but because we’ve had the privilege of serving great customers. Their trust and belief in Nichols Construction Team drives us to perform at our best.

I am grateful to the Rochester Business Alliance Small Business Council for the recognition they have bestowed upon our Organization. I accept it with pride on behalf of our Customers and my beloved Team.

(By the way, my wife Lisa – second from right – kept chuckling that they should change the name of the award because I’m not very small at all!)

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