There are some amazing companies in our midst across Michigan’s Great Southwest, but not many can tell you that they successfully built a 90 unit, four-story hotel in a six-month timeframe. That’s just one claim to fame for the team at St. Joseph-based CPM Construction, Inc., a leading contractor in the region for more than 25-years that builds with quality, integrity, respect, collaboration, professionalism, and continued commitment to each and every project they lay hands on. Possessing “shape-shifting” as a magical super power because of their ability to adapt to meet the needs of clients and employees alike, and “super-stretchy abilities” as another, allows them to combine efforts as a team to reach goals every day. Employees attribute the Open Door Policy giving everyone access to the owner whenever they need to discuss matters, makes it a top choice for the team at CPM, not to mention when he picks up the tab for every employee lunch gathering. Read on for more of the compelling story of CPM Construction’s successful arrival among the 20 Best Places to Work in Michigan’s Great Southwest.
What is the name of the business you are nominating?
CPM Construction, Inc.
Who are the owner(s) and/or principals in this company?
Christopher P. Miller
Business Contact Information
CPM Construction, Inc.
2560 S. Cleveland Ave. #7, St. Joseph, MI 49085
How many people work at the company you are nominating?
12
Tell us the story behind the nominated company. What does it do, and what sets them apart from other companies in the region?
For over 25 years CPM Construction, Inc has been a Commercial Contractor. At CPM Construction your building is our business. Therefore, we offer our customers a variety of approaches to satisfy any construction need or business plan. You will always have full access to our staff including our president, to voice all your input and concerns. Whether your goals place you on the design and construction team as a hands-on decision-making member or use us as an overseer of the project’s progress, we will assist you in determining which of our services will make your project a success.
In your own words, why do you think this company deserves to be declared to be one of the 20 Best Places to Work in Michigan’s Great Southwest?
CPM Construction, Inc. cares! We care about our clients’ happiness and our quality of work. We care about our employees and their quality of life. Caring about others impacts every aspect of what we do, from the way we answer the phone, strategically problem solve issues, collaborate with our clients, subcontractors and vendors to the level of respect we show each other every day.
What makes workers proud to say they work there, and keeps them a part of the team?
Employees at CPM Construction, Inc. feel supported and cared for by the owner. He is understanding and flexible when issues come up and we can’t be at work. He asks how we are doing and takes an interest in our lives. The level of respect for each other is high, along with everyone’s personal effort to work as a team towards the company’s success. We are motivated by the quality of our work environment and the appreciation for how we do our jobs.
Let’s pretend you’re writing a review for Yelp! or Trip Advisor. Give us your best recommendation for the nominated company that would make the rest of us wish we worked there, too.
CPM Construction, Inc. builds quality, integrity, respect, collaboration, professionalism, and continued commitment into each of their projects. They want their clients to be successful and happy with their final project. CPM will go above and beyond in how they communicate, problem solve, collaborate, and manage projects from your first phone call to the project’s completion and beyond. Their relationship with their clients doesn’t end when the jobs done, they are there when questions arise in the future.
What three key words best describe why this company is a Best Places to Work caliber company?
- Collaboration 2. Professional 3. Motivated
As a Best Places to Work company “Super Hero,” what are the two most magical “Super Powers” this company seems to have on a day-to-day basis? (i.e., Ability to read minds, fly, invisibility, etc) And why?
Super Power One: Shape Shifting — because we adapt to meet all the needs of our clients and employees.
Super Power Two: Super Stretchy Abilities — because we combine efforts as a team to reach our goals. As individuals we do our jobs, but as a team we stretch to cover all gaps to get the job done.
Tell us about the leadership of the nominated company and what they do in order to:
A] Keep spirits and motivation high? Chris Miller leads by example. He is full of energy, always willing to tackle challenges and encourages us to do the best job we can for our clients. He’s always in a good mood, he asks us how we are every day and cares about what goes on in our lives.
B] Keep innovation and fresh ideas advancing? We review the latest technology and advances in the construction industry during our monthly meetings.
C] Keep communications open? CPM has an Open Door Policy where everyone has access to the owner Chris Miller when they need to discuss something.
Explain a specific “wow!” moment in this company’s history that is virtually “Hall of Fame” or “Best Practices” worthy, as an example to other companies in the region.
CPM Construction, Inc. built a 90 unit, 4 story hotel within a 6-month time frame.
Best Places to Work have a reputation for not only working hard, but also for playing hard.
A] How does the nominated company honor or reward success? CPM Construction, Inc. rewards success with paid time off or company paid trips.
B] How does the nominated company socialize as a team? We have employee lunch gatherings. Chris Miller buys all the food and drinks and we show up and eat. It’s a time to relax and get to know each other on a more personal level.
C] How does the nominated company get involved in community events? CPM Construction, Inc. donates to Lakeshore Public School Athletic programs, the Berrien County Sheriff’s Department, Gateway Services and the Special Olympics.
D] How does the nominated company celebrate life? Chris Miller encourages all employees to get involved in their community. A flexible schedule allows employees to leave work to attend meetings and events. He supports our accountant as an active Kiwanis member.
Write a brief, but compelling, recruitment ad telling people about why they should come and work there, too.
CPM Construction, Inc. focuses on team collaboration to get the job done. We are strongest when we combine our energy and talents. Are you looking for a company that values its employee’s talents, cares about employee’s needs, and is flexible when life throws you a curveball? Do you enjoy problem-solving in a team environment? CPM Construction, Inc. has a position for you. Construction is our business, but our employees fuel our success. Currently hiring Site Superintendents, Project Managers, and Carpenters.
What one thing is special about your nominated company that most people in the community have no idea actually happens there, but should be shouted from the rooftops because it’s that cool?
When COVID hit and everything was shutting down, we felt secure in our jobs. No one was laid off and we continued to get paid our weekly wages, even while we were locked down in our homes. Not all employers care about the well-being of their employees and their families to keep us employed and paid while everything was at a standstill. I felt blessed to be a part of the CPM Construction, Inc. team.
Give us three employee perks or benefits that you think make the company you have nominated worthy of a Best Places to Work trophy?
- Everyone is respectful of each other
- Team Collaboration
- Caring Attitude
If this is your company and you win, write the best headline ever for your company newsletter describing your successful selection to the list, and be as specific as you can about how you would celebrate the win if money were no object.
CPM Construction, Inc was voted one of the Best Places to Work in Southwest Michigan due to our team spirit and collaboration to bring our best to our clients! We’ll be celebrating this great honor with a company picnic with our families. Everything will be catered and set up in advance so our employees don’t have to lift a finger and can enjoy a relaxing day.
Tell us anything else you want about this company that you suddenly realize we haven’t asked you about, but you’re sure will be the thing that puts you squarely into the winner’s circle! (Wait a minute! Can you put a square in a circle?)
CPM Construction, Inc takes time during its normal course of business to give free construction-related advice and ideas to not only our clients but to other individuals in the community.
