The company’s project tier or field teams consists of more than 280 people and, including managers, supervisors, administrative staff and other positions, staffing numbers well over 300, according to Kim Plummer, project coordinator, BURG talent development and territory safety lead.
MORE: Hamilton company’s move to new corporate campus means new jobs
Last year, Lithko reported to Engineering News-Record magazine for the first time and was ranked No. 5 for concrete contractors. This year, the company is ranked No. 2 and climbing and is the largest concrete contractor in the Midwest.
We asked Plummer about Lithko Contracting’s plans for growth, its challenges and the possibility of developing a career track within the company. Here’s what she had to say:
Q: What’s the biggest challenge Lithko Contracting and the construction industry are facing and how is the company working to address and deal with that challenge?
A: "There is a substantial shortage of labor – not just skilled labor, but people who are willing to learn, consistently show up to work, and earn a hard day's pay. This isn't easy work, but we're striving to work smarter. Using the team approach, we fill the gap on shortages in skill and experience. This also fosters an environment for mentorship and growth, ensuring that every individual becomes a valuable contributor to the crew."
MORE: Butler County cabinet manufacturer adding 35 full-time jobs
Q: What is Lithko Contracting’s vision for growth for the next five years?
A: "We started with one small office in 1992, focused on pouring slabs and driveways. Today, we have 17 established offices across the U.S. with several new offices on the horizon. In the next 8 to 10 years, our goal is to have 50 locations across the United States."
Q: How much room is there within the company for individual career development and advancement once a person is hired?
A: "The opportunities for growth and development are endless – an unskilled laborer can hire on and learn the skills to grow into leadership positions like field leads, project leads, place finish foreman (and others). At Lithko, we are firm believers that tomorrow's leadership will be grown from within the ranks. We invest a great deal of time and energy to mentor and expand the skillsets of our coworkers."
MORE: Hamilton company hiring ahead of its busiest season
Q: What’s the most prevalent roadblock Lithko encounters when it comes to hiring and what can jobseekers do to remedy that situation?
A: "Due to the shortage in labor, wage scales are running wild. There are companies willing to pay high scales, but they are likely not looking at their craft force as long-term employees. Once the market wanes, lay-offs will begin. We look to invest in people and their futures. Seasonal lay-offs do happen, but they are few and short duration."
MORE: Fairfield manufacturer looking to grow workforce
Lithko Contracting may be reached at 513-863-5100.
About the Author
