Gaughan Director of Association Management Receives AMS Designation

Gaughan Association Management is pleased to announce that Amanda Glader, Director of Association Management, has been awarded her Association Management Specialist (AMS) designation from the Community Associations Institute (CAI).
The Community Associations Institute’s (CAI) Association Management Specialist (AMS) designation says a lot about community managers who have earned this highly respected credential. It says they have the training and knowledge required to provide professional service to their community association clients. It says they understand the nature, importance and unique challenges of community association management. It says they are committed to excellence and continuing education. Employing a manager who has earned an AMS means you are committed to preserving the character of your community, protecting property values, and meeting the expectations of your owners.
To earn the AMS credential, managers must have at least two years of experience in community association management and complete advanced course work. In addition, they must have already earned the basic industry certification for managers—the Certified Manager of Community Associations credential.
“Professionals who earn CAI credentials maximize the value they can provide to their community association clients,” said CAI Chief Executive Officer Thomas M. Skiba, CAE. “Not only have these professionals demonstrated a personal commitment to self-improvement, but they have also elevated their practical knowledge and expertise. That’s what all community associations need and what board members and residents deserve.”
Professional managers provide administrative, operational and managerial counsel to the boards that govern homeowners and condominium associations. Managers typically are responsible for managing budgets and contractors, directing association personnel, and overseeing compliance with association covenants and restrictions.
Congratulations, Amanda! We are proud of your commitment to our clients and the community management industry!

Happy International Women’s Day!

The year 1908 began the journey for global recognition and celebration of the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The first International Women’s Day (IWD) was celebrated in 1913 when the women of Russia campaigned for peace on the eve of World War I. Today, it is often recognized by local activities, rallies, conferences, gifts, and the colors purple and green–symbolizing justice, dignity, and hope.
IWD also falls within Women in Construction (WIC) Week! This time is set aside, each year, to continue to raise awareness of the increased role and opportunities for women in the construction industry. We are proud of and thankful for the women at Gaughan and the hard work that they do!

Team Building Brings Big Thrills

Every year, Gaughan Companies hosts an annual team building event for all of its employees. This year, we took a day during the week to go to Big Thrill Factory in Oakdale with the whole company.

After an address from the company president, Patrick Gaughan, the attendees ate lunch and gathered into smaller groups in order to connect one-on-one with their coworkers. Our staff is growing, and with many of them at locations throughout the Twin Cities, it is important for us to take the time for these team building activities.

We participated in activities like go karts, laser tag, a ropes course, indoor zip line, and other events, like the Gaughan Jeopardy game. The atmosphere was filled with good spirits and friendly competition!

We appreciate our employees and all that they do for our company and our community. We are blessed to have a wonderful group to work with!

Gaughan Team Meets Future Employees at Career Fair

This week, our team hosted a booth at the Dunwoody College of Technology Construction Sciences Career Fair. We were able to meet students from many different majors and converse with college faculty and staff.

We enjoy attending the Dunwoody Career Fair ever year. Hearing about the students’ future goals is so exciting! We are proud of everyone for working so hard toward those goals. We wish you all the luck on your future endeavors!

If you are interested in applying for a position at Gaughan Companies, visit our career page or contact a member of our Human Resources team.

Gaughan Remodels for Chic iLash Beauty Bar

Congratulations to iLash Beauty Bar on opening their Forest Lake location! Owner Jacqueline Loerzel leased her new space in December with the help of our VP of Commercial Accounts, Lucas Gaughan, and she is now open for business in the Town Square Building.

The iLash Beauty Bar is a peaceful and relaxing boutique. Gaughan Construction was grateful for the opportunity to remodel the new space. Jacqueline has been in the industry for 11 years and enjoys getting to know her clients and their families. She has even provided a dedicated area for children to play in while they wait. Jacqueline has many clients who drive up from the Twin Cities, so this location was a perfect option.

You can visit Jacqueline at iLash Beauty Bar at their new location: 20 N Lake St, Suite 320, Forest Lake, MN 55025

If your business is expanding or needs a remodel, call us at 651-464-5700!

Investing in Employees

Investing in our employees is an important part of our company. In order to provide professional-grade service, we take the time to help our employees grow and learn in their fields.
Last week, two of our assistant project managers went to the first half of the 2018 ABC’s Project Management Institute at Purdue University. They spent the week studying tools and techniques for project management and general contracting in the construction industry.
They will head back to Indiana in April for the second half of the 2018 classes.

MN Snow and Ice is Hard to Avoid!

Even with contracted snow removal service, we still experience freeze/thaw cycles that can wreak havoc on our sidewalks and driveways. But there are steps you can take to avoid a fall.
1) Walk slowly and carefully.
2) Ever heard of the Minnesota shuffle? Take small steps.
3) Keep both hands free to allow for better balance or use of handrails.
4) Step out of vehicles, don’t jump.
5) Walk as flat-footed as possible.
6) Wear appropriate footwear for conditions.
If you do fall, you may be able to reduce any injury by;
1) Rolling with the fall. Relax as much as possible.
2) Don’t protect what you’re carrying! Protect yourself and toss anything if you need to break your fall.