At IPCO, we don’t just talk about teamwork, we build it.
Every few months, our entire team gathers together for a quarterly meeting that’s equal parts hands-on, and detail-driven. It’s a chance to hit pause on the fast pace of the field, check in with one another, and make sure we’re aligned across admin, leadership, skills, and safety.
We aim to schedule these meetings mid-quarter, and we always start the same way: sharing a meal. There’s something grounding about breaking bread with the same people you’re building job sites with.
The Admin Rundown
The Admin portion of the meeting is straightforward but essential, covering everything from credit card reports and iPad updates to benefits questions and upcoming events (yes, including when and where the Christmas party will be). We’ve also welcomed guest speakers to share information about additional insurance options and retirement planning, making sure our team has the tools and knowledge they need for both their work life and their future. These quick updates keep everyone in the loop and ensure no detail falls through the cracks.
Growing as Leaders
Leadership is a regular topic, and not just the big-picture kind. We talk about conflict resolution, healthy communication, and what it looks like to take ownership on the job. At a recent team meeting, we spent the leadership portion of the morning getting to know new team members. We know that with different job sites and shifting schedules, it’s easy to pass one another like ships in the night—and we’re intentional about changing that. We’ve unpacked concepts like detachment, the OODA loop, and extreme ownership, especially after attending conferences like Muster. These conversations help us grow as individual leaders, but also strengthen how we show up for each other as a team.
Building Skills, Together
One of the best parts of the quarterly meetings is our focus on continued learning. For our October meeting, we’re bringing in Milwaukee for tech training on new tools. In the past, we’ve torn down and rebuilt MCCs (motor control centers), refreshed electrical theory, and tackled trenching techniques. At a recent team meeting, we spent the leadership portion of the morning getting to know new team members. We recognize that with our crew spread out across job sites all over the region, some teammates are just ships passing in the night. These meetings are a chance to build intentional relationships and ensure we’re growing not just as professionals, but as a strong, connected unit.
Whenever possible, we host these meetings at our shop so we can get hands-on. Apprentices rotate through working with different superintendents to gain a broader perspective, and seasoned team members get the chance to share what they know in real-time.
Safety is Non-Negotiable
We always close the loop on safety, because no matter how skilled you are, you’re only effective if you’re safe. Past topics have included bleeding control (with help from Cintas), heat exhaustion during summer months, and general job sites safety reminders. We also use this time to have everyone restock their truck’s first aid kits––just one more way we stay proactive.
These quarterly meetings are about keeping our team connected, sharp, and supported. Whether we’re troubleshooting gear or trading stories over lunch, the goal is the same: to build a stronger IPCO together.
Let us know if you’d like to join the team! We’re always looking for people who care as much about quality, safety, and community as we do.
