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How EPIC CONSULTANTS takes continuous improvement to the next level – for clients and the firm

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 23:40:21 GMT

EPIC is proud to have held a long relationship with the Florida SBDC at FIU, the small business development center within Florida International University’s College of Business. This month, it had the honor to be featured as a Success Story on their GrowBiz blog and we are happy to share it here as well.

Written by Nancy Dahlberg

Originally published on:
https://growbiz.fiu.edu/2025/07/how-epic-consultants-takes-continuous-improvement-to-the-next-level-for-clients-and-the-firm /

“Let’s make it better.”

For the leaders of EPIC Consultants, this is more than the company’s tagline. “We are in the business of making things better, it’s really something that we will live by,” explains Adriana Abbade, EPIC’s director of marketing, brand management and business development.

EPIC Consultants was founded by Alfredo Moran Hassan and Johnny Rojas in 2003 as a consulting firm specializing in continuous improvement. Alfredo, who is managing director of the Miami-based business, earned an FIU master’s degree in Industrial and Systems Engineering and is finishing up a doctorate. Before founding EPIC, he was a manufacturing manager at U.S. Holdings. FIU granted them EPIC’s first home – a small room within FIU College of Engineering & Computing.

Alfredo Moran Hassan, Johnny Rojas and David Moran

Growing through the years

EPIC Consulting quickly grew out of that little office and over the years has worked with private companies in Miami and beyond, even abroad. “We do a lot of training. We have a great relationship with FIU. We have a partnership with the College of Engineering and Computing, and we provide all their organizational excellence Lean Six Sigma training,” says Adriana. “We blend consulting and training because we really believe that as consultants, we need to prepare our customers to thrive … and keep that continuous improvement going.”

With an innovative mindset and its origins as a process improvement consulting firm specialized in training and implementation of Lean Six Sigma, EPIC Consultants successfully branched out into government construction contracts in 2010. To strengthen this strategic direction, David Moran, who came in with over 15 years of experience in the construction industry specifically in the federal sector, joined the team to lead EPIC’s Construction Division and reinforce EPIC’s ability to meet complex government contracting standards while applying operational excellence principles in the field.

Getting into the construction business came rather naturally for this entrepreneurial leadership team: They saw an opportunity to pursue and specialize in government contract work. “We could use a lot of our consulting experience in terms of processes, quality and meeting requirements and apply that to the construction business,” Adriana says.

The construction division, which has its own website, uses principles of Lean Construction and a robust management system to ensure quality, efficiency and safety. As a general contractor, the construction division specializes in interior renovations, remodeling and repairs. EPIC Construction has worked on projects with Miami-Dade County, Miami International Airport, Jackson Health System and other entities.

Entering federal contracting

About four years ago, EPIC Construction decided to expand into the federal contracting market. Now they are expanding again, with a focus on military bases and other high security facilities such as the Krome Detention Center.

Both sides of the business complement one another. Between them, EPIC employs more than 20 people between office management and field work, and the company can scale up as needed on a project basis. “We become better because we have these two sides,” says Adriana.

“Whether it is through consulting, education or construction, we believe that a better world is built by people, organizations and structures that are in constant improvement, always getting better,” EPIC Consultants proclaims on its website.

Getting assistance

All small businesses need advice from time to time. No entrepreneur is an expert on every facet of his or her business. For the past few years, EPIC has been getting guidance from the team at Florida SBDC at FIU , the small business development center within the College of Business that provides no-cost business consulting to small businesses in Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties.

Ray Juncosa, a longtime banker and an SBDC at FIU consultant with an expertise in finance and access to capital, has “brought a lot to the table,” says Alfredo. “His experience comes from decades in the industry and he was able to connect us to the right institutions at the time to get a couple of lines of credit,” even participating as an advisor when they were signing the deal.

“Ray brought in all that knowledge, but it’s the caring and the follow-up I will say that sets him apart. Once we established the relationship there, we also participated in a couple of financial trainings that he gives, enhancing our knowledge,” Alfredo adds.

Fellow FIU consultant Luis Batista, an expert in government contracting and procurement under the Florida APEX Accelerator program, provided the EPIC team with knowledge, contacts and guidance in this new area of growth for them, including in navigating the bidding process.

“Although we have been in business for a while, there’s always room for improvement,” says Alfredo. “What sets [SBDC at FIU advisors] apart is that experience – they understand where you’re at. In our case, breaking into the federal market has been a new adventure. They were able to advise us and set us in a good direction, and we’re seeing the results.”

Advice to entrepreneurs

Adriana’s advice to entrepreneurs is to, first, show up, be present and participate in opportunities. Then she says it is all about building long-term relationships and continuously investing in yourself, your company, and your processes.

With entrepreneurship comes uncertainty and entrepreneurs need a high tolerance for it, adds Alfredo. The way to mitigate the sleepless nights is by getting help in areas where you are lacking knowledge – it could be finance or marketing or government contracting, for instance. And that comes from organizations like SBDC at FIU, the SBA and others, he said. “There are a lot of resources available to entrepreneurs. Find them, use them.”

Nancy Dahlberg
Nancy Dahlberg is an award-winning business writer, editor and researcher, with a passion for covering entrepreneurs and what makes them tick. As host of the Florida SBDC at FIU’s GrowBiz blog, she aims to provide inspirational, educational and useful articles for growth-stage small businesses. She can be reached at GrowBiz@FIU.EDU. Follow her on Twitter @ndahlberg

Lean Construction and Pull Planning: Streamlining Project Execution Through Coordinated Planning.

Tue, 05 Dec 2023 22:05:03 GMT

By Gubiath Rojas

In the dynamic realm of construction, where timelines are crucial, and collaboration is key, lean construction has emerged as a guiding principle for efficiency and waste reduction. Pull planning, a fundamental aspect of lean construction, has become a pivotal tool in orchestrating complex projects. The overarching goal of the framework is to align the efforts of various stakeholders, eliminate inefficiencies, and enhance overall project delivery. Pull planning involves engaging key project participants in a structured session to, collaboratively and in a reverse fashion, outline the sequence of work leading to a specific milestone.

To illustrate the practical application of these concepts, let's delve into the EPIC Construction Company’s most recent Pull-Planning session for Project P676, the Trident Facility at Kings Bay, Georgia.

Project Overview

Project P676 at the Trident Facility at Kings Bay, Georgia is part of a $37.6 million contract awarded by NAVFAC Southeast to Sauer Construction in December 2022. This project, which involves two additions to Trident Training Facility Kings Bay (TTFKB), initiates a comprehensive overhaul of the base's infrastructure in preparation for the imminent delivery of the Columbia platform later in the decade. "The expansion of the Trident Training Facility Kings Bay will ensure the United States maintains our edge over our strategic competitors for decades to come," said Rear Adm. Thomas “TR” Buchanan, commander, Submarine Group Ten on a Dvidshub post. "Columbia class is our future."

“EPIC has a deep involvement with the military, and we are so proud to be involved in this critical project in support of our country’s strategic capabilities.” Said David Moran, Principal and Head of Construction at EPIC Construction Company. EPIC Construction Company was engaged by Sauer as a subcontractor to perform work that includes facility upgrades; installation of drywall, metal stud framing, structural framing, interior gypsum wallboard, exterior sheathing, duroc tile backer board, insulation in metal stud framed walls, acoustic ceiling systems, acoustic wall and ceiling panels including mounting track, delegated design for gauge metal framing, backing for wall hung items in metal stud walls.

Pull Planning in Action

To efficiently schedule and coordinate the activities between the multiple trades that will be involved in this project, Sauer Construction organized its first pull-planning session this past November 20th. EPIC brought its expert team composed of Alfredo Moran, Black Belt and EPIC’s COO, David Moran, Head of Construction, Steve Haygood, Superintendent allocated to the project, and Gubiath Rojas, Black Belt and Senior Consultant specialized in Lean Construction, to facilitate the process.

The initial Pull-Planning session for Project P676 was a two-hour endeavor where EPIC actively participated alongside the Sauer team, as well mechanical and electrical contractors. The session was meticulously structured, emphasizing open communication and active engagement to achieve the first main milestone in the project.

Step 1: Preparation

The success of a pull planning session depends on its meticulous preparation and conduction. To prepare, the organizing team will gather post-it notes on an assortment of colors (one per trade), markers, and project documents and designate a facilitator who is well equipped to neutrally conduct the process. It is also important to confirm representation of all trades and stakeholders, ensuring participants are familiar and committed to the process and the requirements of the project and prepared with detailed activities necessary for the completion of their part on the project.

Step 2: Milestone Visualization

The primary achievement of the Pull-Planning session was the vivid visualization of the work required to reach the first milestone determined by Sauer. Milestones are specific points within the project's life cycle used to measure progress toward the ultimate goal. They are key points that mark a significant event or a branching decision point within the project.

Having a clear visualization of the milestone not only provided clarity to the project team but also set the foundation for a shared understanding of the project's intricacies.

Step 3: Creating the Building Blocks

The building blocks of the planning exercise are the specific activities to be carried out by each of the trades including its duration and handoff. Each trade is designated a color of post-its to be completed with the details of every activity needed by the trade. It is very important that tasks are broken down and considered from the set milestone backwards towards the kick-off.

Step 4: Constraint Identification

Each trade places designated post-it notes on a wall calendar based on the starting date of the activity and its duration. During the activity, the post-it notes more than likely will be moved around once trades start identifying overlapping activities between them. Pull planning encourages the identification of constraints that may hinder the smooth flow of work. Constraints can range from material availability to labor constraints or even dependencies between different trades. By bringing these constraints to light, the team can proactively and collaboratively address potential roadblocks, mitigating delays and disruptions.

Step 5: Commitment and Documentation

The inclusion of all subcontractors in the Pull-Planning session is fundamental. It allows them to understand the broader project context, recognize specific constraints, and appreciate the challenges faced by other trades. In this step, each participant firmly commits to the activities on their post-it notes, forming an individual obligation with all other members of the team. This integrated appro ach fosters a sense of collective responsibility, promoting collaboration over competition. This completed and agreed upon schedule is documented to be broken down into detailed weekly work plans with clear deadlines and expectations.

Major challenges

As beneficial as the framework is, it does not come without challenges and the skill and experience of the facilitator becomes critical for the success of the session. Some of the major challenges we have identified over the years are:

Lack of clarity about the project scope and objectives: If stakeholders do not have a clear understanding of the project scope and objectives, it will be difficult to identify and sequence tasks effectively.

Difficulty in identifying dependencies between tasks: Tasks are often interdependent, meaning that one task cannot be completed until another task is finished. It can be challenging to identify all these dependencies during a pull planning session.

Unrealistic estimates of task durations: Stakeholders may underestimate the amount of time it will take to complete certain tasks, or not account for potential disruptions external to the control of the team, which can lead to delays in the project schedule.

Lack of commitment to the plan: Once the pull planning session is complete, it is important for all stakeholders to commit to the plan and follow it through. If stakeholders do not follow the plan, it will be ineffective.

Looking Ahead

The success of the Pull-Planning session is gauged by its ability to produce a clear roadmap to meet the expectations of the General Contractor and the project owner. The collaborative nature of our planning ensured that all stakeholders were on the same page, working towards a common objective. However, the initial pull-planning session is just the beginning. As the project progresses, subsequent sessions will be conducted to adapt to evolving requirements and plan towards following milestones. This iterative approach aligns with the lean construction philosophy, allowing for continuous improvement and adaptation to changing circumstances, and ultimately increasing project’s efficiency and control.

EPIC is specialized in lean systems and lean construction and has expert facilitators to help in your next pull planning session. Follow us for more information.

EPIC Announces: Celebrating two decades of excellence setting up our new home

Fri, 17 Nov 2023 21:38:02 GMT

Since our founding, we've been dedicated to supporting our clients in their vital missions. As we reflect on the past and look toward the future, we are proud to share our achievements, values, and commitment to making a positive impact on the many organizations we have worked with, the thousands of people we have touched with our trainings and professional development programs and the critical structures we’ve contributed to through our construction services.

"EPIC's journey has been about improvement, about making things better and building long-term relationships. ", says Alfredo Moran EPIC’s founder and COO.

Over the past two decades, we have achieved significant milestones, tackled challenges, and, most importantly, fostered meaningful connections with our clients, partners, and employees. This year, as we celebrate our 20th anniversary, we made two other big accomplishments. In August we announced our strategic decision to establish EPIC Construction Company . After 13 years operating under EPIC Consultants, the Construction branch has far outgrown its parent company and earned its own identity, starting a new chapter of growth, specialization, and client-focused excellence ( read more about the spin off of EPIC Construction Company ).

Now, we are thrilled to announce that, thanks to our partnership with the Miami Foundation, we have moved to our new home! This was made possible by the Miami Open for Business program, which aims to develop historically underserved areas in Miami Dade county bringing new business, enhancing employment opportunities, and refreshing the local economy. Meanwhile, the program empowers minority-led small businesses, like EPIC, to continue to build prosperity, equality, and diversity. We are very proud and grateful to be part of such special mission.

Still, we wouldn't be here without the trust and support of our valued clients, partners, and employees. Your belief in EPIC has been the cornerstone of our success. We are deeply grateful for the relationships we've built and the opportunities to contribute to your success.

Thank you for being an essential part of the EPIC family.

Here's to two decades of making it better, and to the many more ahead!

Honoring Our Heroes: Celebrating Veterans Day and our Marines Corps

Fri, 10 Nov 2023 20:47:06 GMT

As the leaves change colors and the air turns crisp, we come together to celebrate days that hold immense significance in our hearts - Veterans Day and the Marine Corps Birthday. Here at EPIC, these dates are great opportunities for us to pay tribute to the brave men and women who have served in the armed forces and continue to do so, particularly those who proudly wear the title of Marine. It's a time to reflect on their unwavering dedication, sacrifices, and the unique qualities they bring to our team and our nation.

Veterans Day is a reminder that freedom comes at a price, a price borne by our servicemen and women who have stood on the front lines, ensuring our safety and security. These remarkable individuals embody values and principles that are deeply ingrained in our company's culture. As said by Johnny Rojas, our founder and VP of Operations, "As a veteran, I can truly appreciate the values of dedication, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment. I'm proud and grateful to say that these qualities, highly upheld in our armed forces, have been deeply embedded within the very fabric of our team through the numerous veterans who have come to join it. Our veterans' service is a never-ending source of inspiration to us all."

Diversity in Unity

One of the most remarkable aspects of our service men and women is their ability to bring diversity into unity. They come from various backgrounds, experiences, and walks of life, but they unite under the flag of service and commitment. In a similar vein, at EPIC, we value diversity and recognize that it's the diversity of perspectives and experiences that enriches our team, making us stronger, more resilient, and better equipped to tackle challenges.

Leadership and Resilience

Our veterans have exemplified leadership and resilience in the face of adversity. They've encountered situations that demanded quick thinking, adaptability, and the ability to lead under pressure. At EPIC, we draw inspiration from their experiences. We see leadership not as a title but as an honor and commitment, and resilience as the ability to thrive in the face of adversity. Our team understands that every obstacle is an opportunity to learn and grow, and we approach our work with a similar mindset.

Empowering Through Knowledge

The military is a place where skills and knowledge are passed on and passed down. Our veterans understand the power of empowering others with knowledge, and we carry this torch at EPIC. We believe in providing our team with the tools and education they need to excel in their roles. Knowledge-sharing is at the heart of our organization, ensuring that each member has the opportunity to grow and succeed.

Veterans Day is a day of reflection, respect, and gratitude. It's a day to celebrate the heroes who have selflessly served our nation. At EPIC Consultants, we are committed to honoring their legacy by embracing diversity, showing leadership and resilience, empowering through knowledge, and expressing our gratitude for the incredible service they have provided to our country. We are immensely proud of the veterans within our ranks and the values they bring to our team. Together, we move forward with a shared commitment to a better future.

Thank you to all the veterans for your service and Happy Veterans Day.

And to those who served in the Marine Corps, we say, Semper Fi, devil dogs! Happy Birthday!The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.

EPIC announces a strategic spin off: EPIC Construction Company

Tue, 08 Aug 2023 04:07:34 GMT

Building upon solid past performance in controlled environments such as hospitals and airports, expertise in interior renovations of occupied facilities and 13 years of experience working with the local and federal governments

EPIC Consultants Inc, a leading provider of solutions in process improvement consulting and general construction, is excited to announce its strategic decision to split into two distinct units: EPIC Consultants and EPIC Construction Company.

EPIC was founded in 2003 as EPIC Consultants, Inc, a consulting firm in continuous improvement. With its solid expertise in Engineering and an innovative mindset, in 2010, EPIC brought in David Moran, PE and successfully branched out to perform construction contracts with the public sector. Since then, EPIC has grown and solidly established itself in the South Florida public construction environment.

This year, as EPIC approaches its 20th anniversary, we set a new milestone: EPIC Construction Company. After 13 years operating under EPIC Consultants, the Construction branch has far outgrown its parent company and earned its own identity.

“This strategic decision represents a significant milestone in our journey, marking a new chapter of growth, specialization, and client-focused excellence.”, says David Moran, Principal for EPIC Construction Company.

EPIC Construction Company comes to better serve the Southeast USA public market with the mission to build a continuously better country through:

Service, integrity and excellence;
Long-term collaboration with our customers, partners, and team;
Continuous improvement of our processes and services;
Strength and skill to overcome obstacles; and
Information, connection and empowerment of our team.

It is built upon EPIC’s highest levels of quality, efficiency, and safety, specialized in Commercial and Institutional Construction. And grows on EPIC’s solid past performance in controlled environments such as hospitals and airports, expertise in interior renovations of occupied facilities and 13 years of experience working with the local and federal governments.

EPIC Consultants continues to empower businesses with valuable insights, strategies, and solutions to drive value and growth, maximize efficiency, and navigate complex challenges in today's dynamic market landscape. It specializes in process optimization, continuous improvement, project management, and business transformation and excellence training and implementation.

EPIC Construction Company will operate as a DBA of EPIC Consultants Inc, not interfering with current contracts, nor its SBE, DBE and 8(a) certifications. EIN, SAM UEI (LWD4UPR26MC5), DUNS (145185224) and CAGE (3TFN1) remain the same as well as contact and banking information.

Please visit our new website www.epic-construction-co.com and make sure to follow us on social media for more relevant information and updates.

EPIC Construction Company

EPIC Consultants

ISO Integrated Management System

Wed, 26 Jul 2023 15:02:07 GMT

Consistent to its commitment to continuous improvement, EPIC takes a leap towards Certification of its Integrated Management System.

When you consider a company to work with, you think about what it can offer you and what benefits it can bring to your organization. There are several criteria to evaluate, but an established system to ensure the right processes and procedures are being followed is well worth considering. It guarantees the quality and consistency of the work, bringing you, as a customer, great peace of mind.

Pursuing an ISO Management System certification brings major benefits to the company as well as significant assurances to its customers regarding quality, safety, efficiency, environmental responsibility, and disaster recovery.

Nonetheless, as in the old saying, “The Cobbler’s Children Have No Shoes”, EPIC Consultants has also fallen ill of the “Cobbler’s Children Syndrome”. Just as the cobbler, through the years, we found ourselves so involved in providing the best service for our customers that we neglected applying our best solutions and resources internally. “My first engagement with EPIC, 2 years ago, was as a consultant helping the implementation of a Quality Management system at a healthcare center. Being a field consultant, I had no involvement with EPIC’s internal management. I was, however, a witness of the quality of the work being provided to customers and the incredible results being delivered. It was a surprise when I joined the day-to-day operations to find out the company did not have a fully implemented system itself.” – shared Adriana Abbade, currently EPIC’s Head of Marketing and Business Development.

EPIC Consultants has been implementing ISO and other management systems for over 15 years, but it took a defining moment as the Covid pandemic for it to take a good look inwards and decide to fully implement the ISO Integrated Management Systems (Quality, Health and Safety and Environment -9001, 45000 and 14000) as well as the ISO Business Continuity System (22301). “The main reason why we didn’t implement it earlier was the size of the company.” Says Johnny Rojas EPIC’s VP of Operations and Head of Consulting. “When you have a small company with a few people and small projects, you have an informal management system, and that works. The real need arises when the company begins to grow, and the situation becomes more complex.”

However, despite the significant growth through the years and the multi-million-dollar projects undertaken, “EPIC could not find the right time and availability of resources to sit down, create, generate, validate, and verify all our processes. That was our biggest challenge and why we kept pushing it back. Still, to continue our growth, there is a need to change from a gut feeling decision-making process to a more system-driven process”, added Johnny.

Before, most of our customers would rely on their own previous experience with us or the recommendation of someone they knew and trusted as a guarantee. That worked fine for the 15 years of mostly repeated business (85% of our customers have been working with us for over 10 years). However, as we expand to new markets, new customers, especially governmental ones, need more security than that. This is what the ISO Certification brings to the table. Once a company is ISO Certified, the customer has access to detailed information on how the company works and has the assurance brought by an external, independent audit and endorsement of the company’s commitment to quality, environment, business continuity and the health and safety of all its stakeholders. And this brings huge reduction of risks and increased satisfaction to customers.

Marco Pardave, a senior ISO consultant and lead auditor, who sits in one of the ISO international committees that write the ISO standards and has worked with EPIC through the implementation process, comments that “the main benefit to the customer is the transparency of the processes and procedures. It becomes a completely seamless operation, consistently giving them information about the status of the project and reliability of its service. This generates confidence that deliveries are on time, with good quality performance, within the project requirements, and according to the highest quality, environmental, safety and business continuity standards.”

“EPIC has high potential for growth by entering the federal market and expanding its presence. Our implementation of ISO makes this growth even more solid and sustainable.” Says David Moran, EPIC’s Principal and Head of Construction. “With ISO, we become even more organized, with a framework that allows employees to focus their responsibility and know exactly what and when they must deliver. In turn, it enables us to continuously improve our agility and performance in KPIs such as time, cost, environmental footprint, and safety.”

Growth and Collaboration in Healthcare Construction

Wed, 26 Jul 2023 14:56:57 GMT

The design and construction of healthcare facilities are complex undertakings. They incorporate advanced technology and innovation into the careful balance of the functional needs of the operation, and the comfort and convenience of patients and visitors. Healthcare facilities must be functional, efficient, and easy to navigate, and they should also be welcoming and calming to reduce stress and anxiety for patients, but, above all, they must provide health and safety. To guarantee this, healthcare construction meets strict regulations and standards to ensure the safety and well-being of patients and staff.

Health care construction is a very specialized industry and there are not too many contractors with the qualifications to serve in the industry. According to Amber Lawhorn, Director of Supplier Diversity and Small Business Enterprise Program at Jackson Health, “the biggest challenge that owners face in healthcare construction is contractor expertise. There are a lot of people who want to work for a healthcare organization, but it is a very regulated industry. Contractors believe that their experience in schools and other structures can transfer to hospitals, but it is a very different thing.”

EPIC has the privilege to be working with Jackson Health System, one of the nation’s largest public health systems, for the past 6 years. In 2013, JHS launched its capital plan that included new construction projects, the renovation of all existing facilities, technology upgrades, cutting-edge equipment, and infrastructure improvements. This “Jackson Miracle-Building Bond Program” came to transform Jackson into a modernized, patient-centered healthcare system that can better meet the future needs of Miami-Dade County residents and patients from around the world who travel to Jackson because of its medical expertise.

EPIC started as a subcontractor working under Turner Construction and later became a prime in several projects at Jackson South and Jackson Memorial Hospital. Through the years, EPIC was contracted to perform interior/exterior metal framing, drywall, wall insulation, stucco and EFS systems, modernization, and renovation. Projects involved erection and maintenance of ICRA walls, careful training and supervision of all workers and superior scheduling, planning and coordination. “There must be flawless communication and coordination between all parties”, says David Moran from EPIC Consultants. “It is not easy for the construction management team to coordinate the requirements of the projects with the complex demands of the operations of both the owner and its tenants.” EPIC understands this well and relies on its lean construction expertise to provide the planning, flexibility, and coordination necessary.

During the development of the new Jackson West Medical Center, a state-of-the-art campus in the City of Doral, under the construction management of Yates Construction, EPIC took growing significance throughout the project. Amber mentioned that “EPIC was so heavily involved, it became a situation where EPIC was carrying project knowledge, and that was vital when there was turnover in the construction team or Jackson’s staff. EPIC helped guarantee project continuity and maintained consistent job performance despite all changes taking place.” It was indeed a major project, faced with many changes and uncertainties, and a pandemic was added to the mix.

Projects of this magnitude add another layer of opportunity and responsibility: large teams. You must know how to work collaboratively with other stakeholders and problem-solve in the face of inevitable adversities. “We hadn’t opened a new hospital in 100 years”, said Jorge Garciga, Director of Facilities Design and Construction at Jackson Health System, “this was a brand-new undertaking for everyone, and it required great collaboration. I thank EPIC for working together with us and the contractor Yates in the Lean meetings. The pull-plan meetings with all the trade partners really helped the team come together. It was a learning curve, but it facilitated the scheduling and collaboration a lot.” Furthermore, “EPIC was always willing to collaborate with the other trade partners to find solutions to the issues that we came across on site. It was a difficult project, so I’m thankful to EPIC for their willingness to work together, to look at the big picture and help us get this project opened to serve our community.”

With all the complexities involved, owners must, above all, count on the commitment and responsibility of contractors. When asked what sets EPIC apart, Jorge says, “I can pick up the phone and call David. I can go directly to the owner and talk about any issues we may have or any growth opportunities, and they have always been there to listen to us. You guys are really looking after our needs and really trying to work with us.” “In a lot of small businesses,” Amber adds, “the owner is doing the work themselves, so they don’t have time to build relationships and problem solve with the customer. EPIC has the great advantage of offering a business development team to support the technical team in the field and provide the customer with immediate attention and resolution when issues arise.”

The design and construction of healthcare facilities are indeed complex undertakings which we can only attempt to touch upon in one article. EPIC’s expertise in Lean Construction and commitment to working in a partnership translate to a differentiated ability to manage challenges, identify creative solutions, and deliver results. Yet, guaranteeing the facilities are constantly up to date, while securing a safe space where patients and their loved ones can receive the care they need, requires another level of expertise and sensibility from owners and contractors alike. “With lives at stake, we must make sure they are safe and protected while work is being done”, said David. But that, we will unfold on a future article covering the challenges in projects involving repair, renovation, and alteration of occupied medical facilities.

Honor and Integrity – Their Lessons will never die

Wed, 26 Jul 2023 14:54:56 GMT

Memorial Day is a holiday in which we express gratitude towards the utmost sacrifice of our fallen heroes and pay our respects to those who honor them by continuing to carry their mission. At EPIC Consultants, we also take this as an opportunity to recognize the many veterans and parents of active military who work with us and the principles and values they represent. Jennifer M. Granholm once said “Ceremonies are important. But our gratitude has to be more than visits to the troops, and once-a-year Memorial Day ceremonies. We honor the dead best by treating the living well”. Thus, for EPIC Consultants, it is important to acknowledge how much we owe them for their service and for the so many lessons they have brought to our lives, which have helped to shape us as a company. According to our COO and Founder Alfredo Moran Hassan, whose two sons served with the US Army in Afghanistan and daughter is a Lt. Commander of the US Navy, “For EPIC, it is a very big deal to have so many connections to the military, having almost every branch represented”.

The military experience paves the way for brotherhood, loyalty, commitment, empowerment, and improvement, some of the key values EPIC is built on. It also brings diversity and a sense of adventure when dealing with uncertainty. “Bombs might be dropping left and right but we always see something around the corner telling us things are going to be much better.”, says Alfredo. And that is why, at EPIC Consultants, we choose to honor the memory of those who lost their lives for our nation by constantly striving to live and grow by the values and examples they fought for. John F. Kennedy once stated that “as we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter the words, but to live by them.”

Honor and Integrity

“As the first generation of immigrants exiling from the war, you develop a sense of gratitude and loyalty to the country that takes you. Your kids grow up in that environment and they want to pay it back.” Said Alfredo. “They serve the country with a great deal pride as they set off to represent more than themselves.” That sense of honor and integrity is at the foundation of EPIC Consultants.

“Work ethics is ingrained in you in the military”, says Adriana Abbade, EPIC’s Head of Marketing and Business Development whose son is currently in Pensacola, FL in training to become a Naval Aviator. “Everything from respecting chains of command, following procedures, using control systems, management, leadership and communication, to maintaining quality and order and promptly finding solutions to any complications that arise, that is all brought in such a way that it becomes who you are.”

Commitment and Empowerment

Freedom doesn’t come cheap nor easy; it is earned through the strong commitment and sacrifices American soldiers make every day. Johnny Rojas, EPIC’s VP of Operations and Founder who served the US Navy in Rota, Spain and was part of the Desert Storm Desert Shield operation, recalls how he, at 17, was able to do things he had never imagined. As an Aviation Ordnanceman, handling a series of dangerous tasks, there was “no time to think and let fear in”. “When you are faced with a situation, you fix it, and then you think about it.” … “At EPIC”, he says, “we put our necks on the line and go beyond what other companies do. We empower and prepare our employees, so they are capable and encouraged to take action.” People are relying on you to do your part. The big lesson for Johnny was, “You got to show up! Get up and be there, wherever that is.”

Improving and Pushing our Limits

Our limits are set by our beliefs. “In the military, I’ve learned to develop a ‘can do it’ attitude.” said Gubiath Rojas, a Senior Consultant at EPIC who served for the Marine Corps, the Navy, and the Airforce, “We only use a very small portion of our capacity and need to learn to challenge that.”

Obstacles are opportunities for improvement and the military discipline teaches us to not create excuses. Instead, when facing adversity, we just regroup, sharpen our skills and get the task done. Any situation can become a process with steps that must be followed to win the battle.

Loyalty and Teamwork

To have a strong team, we must help others and bring them up to speed so we can all go faster together. “We can only go as fast as our slowest men”, mentioned Gubiath. “We can’t leave anyone behind!” In the military, this is critical! “You don’t just get rid of the slowest man (or woman), you set a plan to help them improve. And that’s how you grow as a team”. Teamwork brings people together and helps us recognize that we are all united by something bigger and that makes us stronger.

Above all, it’s about brotherhood, about loyalty. At EPIC, “it’s more than a job. We hope everyone here feels that it doesn’t matter what is happening to you, we got your back.” said Alfredo. “When your life depends on your buddy, you develop that sense of connection, trust and loyalty.” And that is felt, as Gubiath said “in business, dog eats dog, but EPIC has a heart. They add a human touch to it”.

So, we wake up every day committed to make it better. We use those values that define this country in our actions. We contribute to the overall success by building on our team. As someone once said, “If you want to thank a soldier, be the kind of American worth fighting for”. We strive for the continuous improvement of ourselves, our team, and our clients, and to be a great example for others to follow. We are forever grateful for the ultimate sacrifice of those who died for our country. May their courage, dedication and honor live forever through us all.

EPIC Consultants, Inc.

EPIC Consultants is a small business General Contracting and Business and Process Improvement firm based in Miami, FL owned by dedicated engineers committed to building lasting relationships with our employees, partners and clients.

epic82a5f7f6

How EPIC CONSULTANTS takes continuous improvement to the next level – for clients and the firm

Growing through the years

Entering federal contracting

Getting assistance

Advice to entrepreneurs

Lean Construction and Pull Planning: Streamlining Project Execution Through Coordinated Planning.

By Gubiath Rojas

Project Overview

Pull Planning in Action

Major challenges

Looking Ahead

EPIC Announces: Celebrating two decades of excellence setting up our new home

Honoring Our Heroes: Celebrating Veterans Day and our Marines Corps

Diversity in Unity

Leadership and Resilience

Empowering Through Knowledge

EPIC announces a strategic spin off: EPIC Construction Company

Building upon solid past performance in controlled environments such as hospitals and airports, expertise in interior renovations of occupied facilities and 13 years of experience working with the local and federal governments

ISO Integrated Management System

Consistent to its commitment to continuous improvement, EPIC takes a leap towards Certification of its Integrated Management System.

Growth and Collaboration in Healthcare Construction

Honor and Integrity – Their Lessons will never die

Honor and Integrity

Commitment and Empowerment

Improving and Pushing our Limits

Loyalty and Teamwork

EPIC Consultants, Inc.

EPIC Consultants is a small business General Contracting and Business and Process Improvement firm based in Miami, FL owned by dedicated engineers committed to building lasting relationships with our employees, partners and clients.

SAM UEI: LWD4UPR26MC5 | DUNS: 145185224 | CAGE: 3TFN1

info@epic-consultants.com
www.epic-consultants.com

EPIC Accepts government credit and purchase cards.
SBA Certified 8(a) exit date: 8/26/2027

NAICS: 236220, 236210, 611430, 541611
PSC: Y1EZ, Z200, R420, U001

epic82a5f7f6

How EPIC CONSULTANTS takes continuous improvement to the next level – for clients and the firm

Growing through the years

Entering federal contracting

Getting assistance

Advice to entrepreneurs

Lean Construction and Pull Planning: Streamlining Project Execution Through Coordinated Planning.

By Gubiath Rojas

Project Overview

Pull Planning in Action

Major challenges

Looking Ahead

EPIC Announces: Celebrating two decades of excellence setting up our new home

Honoring Our Heroes: Celebrating Veterans Day and our Marines Corps

Diversity in Unity

Leadership and Resilience

Empowering Through Knowledge

EPIC announces a strategic spin off: EPIC Construction Company

Building upon solid past performance in controlled environments such as hospitals and airports, expertise in interior renovations of occupied facilities and 13 years of experience working with the local and federal governments

ISO Integrated Management System

Consistent to its commitment to continuous improvement, EPIC takes a leap towards Certification of its Integrated Management System.

Growth and Collaboration in Healthcare Construction

Honor and Integrity – Their Lessons will never die

Honor and Integrity

Commitment and Empowerment

Improving and Pushing our Limits

Loyalty and Teamwork

EPIC Consultants, Inc.

EPIC Consultants is a small business General Contracting and Business and Process Improvement firm based in Miami, FL owned by dedicated engineers committed to building lasting relationships with our employees, partners and clients.

SAM UEI: LWD4UPR26MC5 | DUNS: 145185224 | CAGE: 3TFN1

info@epic-consultants.com www.epic-consultants.com

EPIC Accepts government credit and purchase cards. SBA Certified 8(a) exit date: 8/26/2027

NAICS: 236220, 236210, 611430, 541611 PSC: Y1EZ, Z200, R420, U001

info@epic-consultants.com
www.epic-consultants.com

EPIC Accepts government credit and purchase cards.
SBA Certified 8(a) exit date: 8/26/2027

NAICS: 236220, 236210, 611430, 541611
PSC: Y1EZ, Z200, R420, U001