FAQs
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
Construction / Renovation PHASES: (1). Vision / idea - an initial concept session with client to determine the scope of work from the clients perspective; can be an aesthetic or structural design exercise (2). Proposal - a written concept plan which is under review by a potential client and by government regulators. (3). Approval - a preliminary concept and intent that will be constructed in the near future. If the proposed plan is not approved then the proposal may be amended and resubmitted, or it may be deferred or cancelled. (4). Design - the specification of the scope of work in sufficient detail to be used as the basis for a more definitive contract between the client and a contractor (5). Procurement - the selection of the contractor or contractors, labor and material to carry out the construction. (6). Diversions - before construction can start any services on the site which must be kept operational to serve other adjacent sites must be diverted so they run outside the footprint of the new building. This can include drainage, water and gas piped services and power and communication cables. (7). Under-construction - a fully designed building currently being built (8). Ground works - construction or renovation phase work below ground level including the construction of basements and foundations (9). Topped-out - a fully designed building or renovation phase where construction has reached the highest point of the building (10). Fitting out - installation of the decorative, non-structural elements and finishes once the building main structure is complete. This includes painting, ceilings, light fittings etc. (11). Commissioning or setting to work - Once the building Mechanical, electrical, plumbing, communications, and building control systems are installed they then need to be tested and adjusted so they deliver the required performance. In modern buildings this can take some time during which little seems to be going on but if this is not done properly then these systems will not deliver their design performance leading to hot and cold spots, spurious alarms, higher energy bills, and systems failing during emergencies (12). Substantial Completion / Beneficial Occupancy - a point when the work is sufficiently complete so that the Owner can occupy (Items noted during inspection 'punch list' or 'snag list' may still be corrected) (13). Complete/built - a fully designed building that has been fully built, excluding future expansions (punch list items all completed) (14). Building Operation - All those day-to-day activities need to ensure the building can be used. In simple buildings this means little more than cleaning but in more complicated buildings this is a large scale operation employing a large team of staff. If they do their job right then you hardly notice them. (15). Maintenance - works to ensure the building continues to operate in accordance with its design, including replacing elements which are approaching the end of their useful life (16). Repair - replacing building elements which have been damaged or which have failed to restore the building to its as-built state (17). Renovation - modification to the building. This can be minor modifications that are carried out while the building is occupied or major works where only the structural elements are kept and the building is out of use for years (18). Demolition - destruction of the building which may include the salvage of some elements for reuse elsewhere.
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
BUSINESS EXPERIENCE Chairman of the Board of Directors: Kennedy C. Uzomba Mr. Uzomba has been Quality 1st's Chairman of the Board of Directors since its incorporation in October 1992. He was Quality 1st's President and Chief Executive Officer from October 1992 to April 2009. Military Experience * Brigade Commander, 197th Infantry Brigade (M) (S), Fort Benning, GA (1986-87) * Former United States Regular Army Military Commander who prepared the legendary 3/7th Infantry Battalion to liberate the people of Kuwait. (1986 1991) * Developed the concept to rescue (88) medical students and special forces units during the Invasion of Grenada (1985) * Developed the concept for the slogan ARMY OF ONE. (1982) * Received a Presidential Commission from President Ronald Reagan; Received a Certificate of Recognition from former Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld; Four (4 ) Presidential Unit Citations, Valorous Unit Award (authorized during active duty service with the 3/7th Infantry Battalion) and an Honorable Discharge, to name a few, for my service to our great nation. Education - MBA, Major in Project Management, Northcentral University, Arizona. (In Progress) - B.B. A, Business Management; Minor in Information Systems, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw GA (In Progress) - BS, Computer Science, ITT Technical Institute, 2013-14 - B.A, 1984, Political Science; Minor in Business Administration, State University of New York at Buffalo. - Command & General Staff College; Defense Department Advanced Logistics Management; 1983. - Army & Naval War College, 1983. Chief Executive Officer and Director: Kennedy C. Uzomba Mr. UZOMBA has been Quality 1st's Chief Executive Officer since April 1992 and a Director since January 1992. Quality 1st USA INC. Atlanta, Georgia, 1997 to present Construction Services * Developed C-Level local and global strategic and operational business plan that was vertically and horizontally integrated. Developed a unique concept plan that captured market share in the home and facility improvement / design center business. Pioneered the roll-out phase for market penetration regionally and globally. * Instrumental in implementing the financial logistics and human capital required to capitalize the firm and propel it to profit. * Opened the first flagship Quality 1st Design and Build Retail store in Lawrenceville, GA. * Developed Training and Evaluations systems that emphasized a quality driven dedication to servicing both external and internal customers, making excellence a standard way of doing business. Managers at all levels were trained to own their businesses and have full discretion to make important decisions related to doing whatever it takes to satisfy our valued customers. Managers at all levels were trained to bring the customers voice in-house, so that we can build our corporate culture, strategies, policies, procedures, products and services around the customers needs creating an obsessive commitment to customer service. * Developed a vertically and horizontally integrated career development program that encouraged associates to think, act and be prepared to step into their managers area of responsibility at any given time and place. Managers at all levels were trained to integrate a Quality-driven strategy with a Service-driven strategy to create a Customer first approach to doing business. Real Estate Operations * Mr. Uzomba has completed over 1000 residential and commercial projects in the Atlanta MSA since 1994. Most recently Mr. Uzomba helped design a 66-acre Mixed-Use Master Planned Community named The Kennedy Complex in Atlanta, GA that was to feature a mix of class A mid and high-rise (tower) professional buildings, a Hugh centrally-located ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX with fortune 500 retail outlets branching diagonally from both sides; a magnificent brand name five star hotel to attract an international market alongside the Georgia International Convention Center and the Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. We received several Letters of Intent from Fortune 500 industry giants such as LaSalle, USFS, STARWOOD Hotels & Resorts, Cornerstone Hospitality Group. * Mr. Uzomba has completed 100 residential and commercial real estate transactions in the Atlanta MSA since 1994, and sold nearly 50 properties during that time period. * Information Technology & Monitored Security Services Quality1st is part of a security service network that supports over 7 Million subscribers. We proudly specialize in monitored security systems for your residence and business. Whatever your security needs are, our staff members will align you with the best technology that improves risk management and loss prevention, while increasing efficiency and productivity; to better monitor your residence, business facility, employees, contractors and personal property. Our solutions empower residence & business owners to improve safety, increase efficiency, reduce variability, and optimize their resources and revenue stream. We also offer information security systems to protect your private business information, vehicles, equipment, loved ones, pets and most importantly - to protect YOU from loss! We guarantee our work - and promise to respond quickly, advising you every step of the way. At Quality 1st, we are ready to help you solve your construction, renovations, energy management, monitored security & computer service needs.