Building Strong Foundations through Quality Erections - Issue No. 3
Your Team Update for May 12th - May 18th, 2025
Welcome to the Sherman newsletter! In this space, we will provide comprehensive updates on all aspects of Sherman, including team achievements, upcoming events, and important announcements. Our goal is to ensure that every member of our team is informed and engaged, even in areas they may not be directly involved in. We believe fostering a culture of transparency and connection is essential for our collective success. Please feel free to share this newsletter with your families and loved ones so they can stay informed about our progress and endeavors as well. Thank you for being a valued part of our team!
A Peek Behind the Curtain…. or the Shop Door….
Last week, our in-house A-list celebrity, Aaron, really outdid himself with a hilarious idea for an Instagram reel. Though we’re all just waiting to see if it’s actually a funny concept or a peek into what Aaron really gets up to in the shop when he thinks no one is watching. Can’t wait to gather more “insight” on that one. In the meantime, don’t forget to check out the video; maybe he’ll go viral a second time! #pinkponyclub
Genuine, Candid, and Unvarnished Conversations
The wait is finally over! As highlighted in the first issue of our newsletter, Beth has poured her heart and soul into creating her podcasts, and we’re excited to announce that they went live yesterday! Whoo-hoo! Now you can dive into her engaging discussions on a variety of topics. Tune in on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, or watch the episodes on YouTube to experience all the insights and conversations.
"Supernaut” is a podcast that delves into spirituality, sobriety, and the diverse aspects of the self. This show examines the journey of seeking clarity, connection, and personal truth in a fast-paced world. Each episode invites discussions about healing, growth, creativity, intuition, and all the nuances in between—because our identities are not fixed; they exist on a spectrum.
“That’s What She Shed” is a podcast that explores leadership and life within Sherman, a family-owned company operating in a male-dominated industry. The show features honest conversations with colleagues, construction professionals, and courageous leaders from various backgrounds. At its core, it focuses on how people, particularly women, lead in environments where their voices have not always been heard.
A note from the author: I am honored to have been introduced to the Sherman world through Beth for these podcasts. I want to express my excitement and gratitude for being part of this project. It has been enlightening to witness Beth engage in rich conversations with people about some of humanity's most vulnerable aspects. Thank you, Beth. I am indebted to you, and I cannot wait to see where this goes. Congrats!
Advocating for Change
This past Wednesday, Brad and Ryan made a compelling presentation at City Hall to the Economic Development Authority (EDA), where they passionately advocated for a significant reduction in the Water Access Charges and Sewer Access Charges (WAC/SAC). This proposed reduction is crucial, as it impacts our ability to move forward with the development of our ambitious fourplex building project, which aims to address local housing needs. Just two weeks prior, they also met with the Public Utilities Commission (PUC), where they proposed actionable steps to conduct a thorough housing study, emphasizing the importance of data-driven solutions for our community's growth and sustainability.
Hot or Cold…Both
Last week began with unseasonably high temperatures that reached the upper 80s, resulting in several crew members suffering from heat-related illnesses, including heat stroke. In conjunction with last week’s issue of the newsletter, this situation highlights the urgent need for awareness around heat safety, as exposure to extreme heat can have serious consequences for our health. Interestingly, as is often the case during a Minnesota spring, the week ended on an entirely different note, with tornado watches in the metro, hail storms across most of the state, and then temperatures plunging below 50º. This dramatic swing in weather serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of early spring conditions and the importance of being prepared for various temperatures and weather patterns. Gotta love bipolar Minnesota weather, right?
Updates On Site
We’re acquiring a brand-new trailer specifically designed for mobile homes, for storing tools and equipment conveniently on site. Additionally, the window shed has undergone significant improvements with the installation of a sleek new garage door, replacing the old, sticky coil door, according to Deven. The new overhead door not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also provides better functionality and security.
Chad happily reported that last week marked the completion of RJ Mechanical’s 11,700-square-foot addition. He also shared that we have initiated a major project in Duluth for the new parking garage at Lake Superior Apartments. Exciting stuff!
Goal Setting: Looking Towards Our Future
In the morning meeting on Thursday, Maser asked everyone to share their three-year personal goals. Quality leadership, like Maser’s, shows that caring for employees goes beyond just the workplace. Setting goals in any context is crucial for self-growth and development, especially in a blue-collar environment like Sherman. It allows employees to reflect on their future and provides them with something to strive for.
“Some managers neglect to think about what an employee is personally trying to accomplish in the context of work. “If I account for the interests of the whole person, not just the work person, I’m going to get more value from them,” says Stewart D. Friedman, Practice Professor of Management at the Wharton School and author of Total Leadership: Be a Better Leader, Have a Richer Life. For example, if your employee has expressed an interest in teaching but that is not part of his job responsibilities, you may be able to find ways to sculpt his job to include opportunities to train peers or less experienced colleagues”, says Amy Gallo in the Harvard Business Review. 1
Friedman, Stewart D. "Total Leadership: Be a Better Leader, Have a Richer Life." As cited in Gallo, Amy. "How to Help Employees Achieve Their Personal Goals." Harvard Business Review, February 7, 2011.
Oh Baby! He’s Here!
We are excited to share some joyful news from our Sherman family! On Friday, May 9th, Haley and her husband, Gabe, welcomed a new addition to their family—a beautiful baby boy named Theodore! Haley and Gabe are thrilled and eager to begin this wonderful journey of parenthood. In preparation for Theo's future, Chad and Max have already gifted him a tool belt, so you can expect to see him operating a skid steer by next summer! Congratulations, Haley and Gabe!
That’s A Wrap!
That’s all we’ve got for this week’s issue. Thanks for reading and staying updated with everything happening here at Sherman! We are grateful to everyone who supports our vision. As always, we remain unwavering in our commitment to excellence, continually elevating our craft through, you guessed it, Quality Erections.