Construction Estimating Principles and Application (8 hours)

Great Estimators know that to be competitive and competent in the current market, their companies must continually be in search of an edge. “How can we approach this project differently than our competition?” This virtual interactive training workshop is scheduled in two half-day sessions. 

Viewpoint 1 – The Estimating Principles Behind Every Bid:

This open forum discussion led by a panel of experienced construction estimators explores advanced elements of construction estimating. Experienced estimators will be challenged to evaluate their own systems within the framework of current trends and models with an emphasis on Bluebeam. Every topic will be discussed from various perspectives to allow Estimators from across the spectrum to benefit.

Learning Objectives:

• Cost/Price analysis
• Pricing project constraints
• How to build flexibility into your system
• Optimum time to complete
• Escalation
• Managing risk within the estimate
• Danger zones to avoid

Viewpoint 2 – How Technology Can Produce Faster, More Accurate Estimates:

Oftentimes simply being more visual in your bid scope can put you ahead of the competition by showing you truly understand the project. Each day we’ll spend some time demonstrating how technology can not only replace your highlighters, scales, and calculator, but fluid company standards for you and your team. With an emphasis on Bluebeam Revu, these digital tools and workflows will produce clear, visual markups that are accurate, predictable, and consistent no matter who on the team uses them. 

Learning Objectives:

• Working with PDF drawings
• Calibrating drawings
• Measurement tools
• Custom measurement tools
• Displaying and exporting data

Part 1 is scheduled on October 5; Part 2 is scheduled on October 6: Times: 12 – 4 p.m. 

Course Requirements (Technology & Participation) 

Please ensure you meet the following requirements:

• Have Bluebeam 2018 or newer installed, and ready to go before class. If you don’t currently have a license of Bluebeam Revu, you can download a free trial here.
• Attendance via tablet or phone is not recommended. You should have a mouse with a scroll wheel when attending this class. In Bluebeam there are several right-click shortcuts, and the wheel will help you zoom in/out on documents.
• 2-screen computer set-up is recommended. This will allow you to watch the instructor on one screen while practicing on the other.

This is a TWO-DAY course is being held on October 10 & November 7, 2023 in Wausau.

Attendees successfully completing this two-day course will receive a wallet-sized card from the U.S. Department of Labor which certifies completion of this course and a large reference binder for future use. This program is Department of Commerce approved for 10 hours of Continuing Education Units for Dwelling Contractor Qualifier Certification, and 1 unit for Plumbers, Sprinkler Fitters and Electricians.

This class will include a lunch break. Lunch is not provided.

Classes can be canceled due to low registration numbers.
Facilities will not be secured until we have enough attendees to hold each training.
Confirmations will be sent with full location details.

The ABC of Wisconsin Rising Leader program is designed to help prepare future construction business leaders for the next step in their career. This program offers training sessions on topics for the next generation of construction leaders and business owners in Wisconsin.

Who Should Attend:

• Project Managers
• Project Supervisors
• Leaders transitioning to an owner or executive level
• Leaders looking to accelerate their career in construction

The course sessions in this program are taught by top industry leaders, covering construction company specific topics every Rising Leader needs to know. These interactive sessions allow for networking and the ability to share experiences and best practices with peers from your industry who are on the same career path.

This is a nine-day program that starts on October 11 and ends on December 7, 2023. Registration is only sold as a nine-day program. Individual sessions are not open for registration.

Course Dates and Sessions:

Day 1: October 11 – Transitioning from Employee to Leader | Mike Carr, Lift Consulting

Day 2: October 12 – CliftonStrengths – Utilizing Your Talents and Skills | Brandi Davis,  ABC Wisconsin

Day 3 & 4: October 25 – 26 – ABC HR & Accounting Conference at  The Wilderness Lodge – Glacier Canyon, Wisconsin Dells

Day 5: November 9 – Setting Up for Employee Success | Sarah Fecht, Best Self Leadership

Day 6: November 10 – Leading a Crew thru Servant Leadership | Jim Bunkelman, Royal Construction, Inc.

Day 7: December 5 – Financial Productivity & Financial Management | John Schwab, Executive Coach

Day 8: December 6 – Risk Management: Property, Policies, & People | Ken Alderden, Diana Schmidt, Jay Zahn, Hausmann Group

Day 9: December 7 – Moving Forward: Personal Productivity, Planning & Execution | Jessica Cannizzaro, Milestone Plumbing, Inc.

Class Times:
8 – 4 p.m.

Location: ABC of Wisconsin, Madison office

Registration Fees:
$2,800 for the first registrant from an ABC-member company
$2,400 for each additional registrant from the same company.

The ABC of Wisconsin Rising Leader program is designed to help prepare future construction business leaders for the next step in their career. This program offers training sessions on topics for the next generation of construction leaders and business owners in Wisconsin.

Who Should Attend:

• Project Managers
• Project Supervisors
• Leaders transitioning to an owner or executive level
• Leaders looking to accelerate their career in construction

The course sessions in this program are taught by top industry leaders, covering construction company specific topics every Rising Leader needs to know. These interactive sessions allow for networking and the ability to share experiences and best practices with peers from your industry who are on the same career path.

This session is part of a nine-day program that starts on October 11 and ends on December 7, 2023. Registration is only sold as a nine-day program.

Individual sessions are not open for registration.

Day 2: October 12 – CliftonStrengths – Utilizing Your Talents and Skills | Brandi Davis,  ABC Wisconsin

Class Times:
8 – 4 p.m.

Location: ABC of Wisconsin, Madison office

Registration Fees:
$2,800 for the first registrant from an ABC-member company
$2,400 for each additional registrant from the same company.

BASELINE BASICS 2 hours

Whether you’re opening Bluebeam Revu for the first time, or you’ve used it for years, this class will ensure a higher baseline knowledge. Attendees will learn interface navigation including menu dropdowns, toolbars, various tool panels, keyboard shortcuts and a few recommended settings. While learning various markup and measurement tools, several tips & tricks will be shared to increase speed and accuracy. 

Learning Objectives:

• Interface Navigation
• Calibration & Measurements
• Introduction to the Markups List

Course Requirements (Technology & Participation) 

Please ensure you meet the following requirements:

• Have Bluebeam 2018 or newer installed, and ready to go before class. If you don’t currently have a license of Bluebeam Revu, you can download a free trial here.
• Attendance via tablet or phone is not recommended. You should have a mouse with a scroll wheel when attending this class. In Bluebeam there are several right-click shortcuts, and the wheel will help you zoom in/out on documents.
• 2-screen computer set-up is recommended. This will allow you to watch the instructor on one screen while practicing on the other.

This workshop was designed for construction businesses. DAAXIT’s in-person, intensive workshop will reveal four financial disasters many construction companies make regularly. By understanding the impact of these disasters and how to avoid them in the future you can take your business and profits to new levels.

Who Should Attend

• Construction Company Owners

• Operations Managers

• Finance Managers

Attendees will learn how to:

• Optimize pricing to make more money per job

• End staffing and retention struggles

• Improve operational efficiency & reduce cash flow crunch

• Align business finances with growth goals

Cost: $99 (up to two attendees per company)

Date: October 13, 2023

Time: 9 – 11:30 a.m.

Location: ABC Office, Madison

Prepare yourself for the Wisconsin Electrical Examination. This course is designed to assist you in obtaining your Master, Journeyman, or Inspectors License. This two-day, 16-hour course will prepare you to take the exam with confidence. This course will provide helpful tips on reading and using the 2017 National Electric Code book and reviewing electrical principals to help you solve exam questions.  This course provides you the opportunity to take a mock exam before sitting for real exam.  Attendees will be asked to bring the 2017 National Electric Code Book to class.

Instructor: Joe Hertel, Retired Chief Electrical Engineer

Joe is a licensed Master Electrician, Commercial Electrical Inspector, and a Registered Professional Engineer with the State of Wisconsin. Joe has experience in writing state electrical exams and an expert in the electrical code. Joe has more than 40 years of electrical experience in his career and enjoys sharing his knowledge and experiences to help the next generation of electricians.

Dates: October 19 -20, 2023

Time(s): 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. each day

Registration Fee: Apprentices & ABC Members: $225

Non Member Invited Guests: $450

Location: ABC Professional Training Center, 5330 Wall St., Madison, WI

MATERIAL TAKEOFFS & ESTIMATES – BASICS 2 hours

*Mandatory Pre-requisite – Baseline Basics

With Revu’s intuitive measurement tools and customizable interface, we can turn your highlighters into a data rich takeoff tools. We’ll start out going through the standard measurement tools and settings, then move into various customization options and discuss the results in the Markups List.

Learning Objectives:

• Introduction to Viewports
• Measurement Tips & Tricks
• Custom Estimating Tools

Course Requirements (Technology & Participation) 

Please ensure you meet the following requirements:

• Have Bluebeam 2018 or newer installed, and ready to go before class. If you don’t currently have a license of Bluebeam Revu, you can download a free trial here.
• Attendance via tablet or phone is not recommended. You should have a mouse with a scroll wheel when attending this class. In Bluebeam there are several right-click shortcuts, and the wheel will help you zoom in/out on documents.
• 2-screen computer set-up is recommended. This will allow you to watch the instructor on one screen while practicing on the other.

The ABC of Wisconsin Rising Leader program is designed to help prepare future construction business leaders for the next step in their career. This program offers training sessions on topics for the next generation of construction leaders and business owners in Wisconsin.

Who Should Attend:

• Project Managers
• Project Supervisors
• Leaders transitioning to an owner or executive level
• Leaders looking to accelerate their career in construction

The course sessions in this program are taught by top industry leaders, covering construction company specific topics every Rising Leader needs to know. These interactive sessions allow for networking and the ability to share experiences and best practices with peers from your industry who are on the same career path.

This session is part of a nine-day program that starts on October 11 and ends on December 7, 2023. Registration is only sold as a nine-day program.

Individual sessions are not open for registration.

Day 5: November 9 – Setting Up for Employee Success | Sarah Fecht, Best Self Leadership

Class Times:
8 – 4 p.m.

Location: ABC of Wisconsin, Madison office

Registration Fees:
$2,800 for the first registrant from an ABC-member company
$2,400 for each additional registrant from the same company.

MATERIAL TAKEOFFS & ESTIMATES – ADVANCED 2 hours

*Mandatory Pre-requisite – Baseline Basics & Material Takeoffs & Estimates Basics

After finishing the Bluebeam Takeoffs & Estimates – Basics course we’ll move into creating custom columns, embedding formulas, and information organization. Did you know you can export to an Excel spreadsheet, or even link directly to that Excel template file full of formulas you’ve been using for years?

Learning Objectives:

• Custom Estimating Tools (Continued from “Material Takeoffs & Estimates-Basics”)
• Collecting Rich Data with Custom Columns
• Reports and Exporting Data

Course Requirements (Technology & Participation) 

Please ensure you meet the following requirements:

• Have Bluebeam 2018 or newer installed, and ready to go before class. If you don’t currently have a license of Bluebeam Revu, you can download a free trial here.
• Attendance via tablet or phone is not recommended. You should have a mouse with a scroll wheel when attending this class. In Bluebeam there are several right-click shortcuts, and the wheel will help you zoom in/out on documents.
• 2-screen computer set-up is recommended. This will allow you to watch the instructor on one screen while practicing on the other.

This is a TWO-DAY course is being held on November 10 & December 1, 2023 in Appleton.

Attendees successfully completing this two-day course will receive a wallet-sized card from the U.S. Department of Labor which certifies completion of this course and a large reference binder for future use. This program is Department of Commerce approved for 10 hours of Continuing Education Units for Dwelling Contractor Qualifier Certification, and 1 unit for Plumbers, Sprinkler Fitters and Electricians.

Classes can be canceled due to low registration numbers.
Facilities will not be secured until we have enough attendees to hold each training.
Confirmations will be sent with full location details.

The ABC of Wisconsin Rising Leader program is designed to help prepare future construction business leaders for the next step in their career. This program offers training sessions on topics for the next generation of construction leaders and business owners in Wisconsin.

Who Should Attend:

• Project Managers
• Project Supervisors
• Leaders transitioning to an owner or executive level
• Leaders looking to accelerate their career in construction

The course sessions in this program are taught by top industry leaders, covering construction company specific topics every Rising Leader needs to know. These interactive sessions allow for networking and the ability to share experiences and best practices with peers from your industry who are on the same career path.

This session is part of a nine-day program that starts on October 11 and ends on December 7, 2023. Registration is only sold as a nine-day program.

Individual sessions are not open for registration.

Day 6: November 10 – Leading a Crew thru Servant Leadership | Jim Bunkelman, Royal Construction, Inc.

Class Times:
8 – 4 p.m.

Location: ABC of Wisconsin, Madison office

Registration Fees:
$2,800 for the first registrant from an ABC-member company
$2,400 for each additional registrant from the same company.

Bluebeam Revu for Administrative Professionals 2 hours

Administrative teams have unique document workflows that demand a different set of tools compared to design and construction teams. A typical Bluebeam class concentrates on design markups, estimating and collecting field data, but this class is very different! In just two hours you’ll be ready to combine documents, mark for redaction, apply digital signatures and several other important administrative tasks. 

Learning Objectives:

• Extracting pages from existing documents
• Use Redaction to quickly clean sensitive information from documents
• Creating and applying digital signatures
• Updating Page Labels
• Applying headers and footers
• Search document text and visual symbols
• Apply stamps
• Flag important content in documents

Course Requirements (Technology & Participation) 

Please ensure you meet the following requirements:

• Have Bluebeam 2018 or newer installed, and ready to go before class. If you don’t currently have a license of Bluebeam Revu, you can download a free trial here.
• Attendance via tablet or phone is not recommended. You should have a mouse with a scroll wheel when attending this class. In Bluebeam there are several right-click shortcuts, and the wheel will help you zoom in/out on documents.
• 2-screen computer set-up is recommended. This will allow you to watch the instructor on one screen while practicing on the other.

Reading Construction Documents (6 hours)

This  two-day, online program is for entry-level architectural or engineering designers, apprentices, entry-level tradespersons, project coordinators, assistant project managers, new project managers, estimators, specialty sales representatives, or anyone in career transition looking for a refresher.

Designed to quickly familiarize students with the basics of reading and understanding construction documents. From navigating title block information to combing through specification documents, participants will learn how to navigate a project and understand the material and construction requirements.

Learning Objectives:

• Introduction to Construction Documents
• Understanding Industry Document Standards
• Drawing Navigation
• The Importance of Specialty Plans

This course is offered on November 27 and November 29, 2023 from 9 -12 p.m. 

Course Requirements (Technology & Participation) 

Please ensure you meet the following requirements:

• Have Bluebeam 2018 or newer installed, and ready to go before class. If you don’t currently have a license of Bluebeam Revu, you can download a free trial here.
• Attendance via tablet or phone is not recommended. You should have a mouse with a scroll wheel when attending this class. In Bluebeam there are several right-click shortcuts, and the wheel will help you zoom in/out on documents.
• 2-screen computer set-up is recommended. This will allow you to watch the instructor on one screen while practicing on the other.