Contract Spec Writer

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Author Message James W. Bolduc, PE New member Username: jwbolduc Post Number: 1 Registered: 01-2018 Posted on Thursday, January 18, 2018 - 01:02 pm:    I am going to embark on a new career as a contract (1099) spec writer. I am a licensed professional civil engineer with 43 years experience in the consulting industry, mostly in retail commercial, senior housing, corporate, medical and educational campuses, etc. I will join CSI and attend Chapter Meetings in Madison. Any do's or don'ts? David J. Wyatt, CDT Senior Member Username: david_j_wyatt_cdt Post Number: 223 Registered: 03-2011 Posted on Thursday, January 18, 2018 - 01:51 pm:    Having done what you are about to do and come out on the other side, I suggest you think carefully about what groups of professionals are most likely to need your services (e.g. architects and engineers managing projects) and spend your time with them. Although CSI is a very good organization, it seems unlikely that you will find in a group of specification writers very many people who could help you develop business contacts. ken hercenberg Senior Member Username: khercenberg Post Number: 1142 Registered: 12-2006 Posted on Thursday, January 18, 2018 - 01:51 pm:    Welcome to the group and best of luck to you. Feel free to reach out early and often. This is a friendly bunch, even to Civil Engineers. Margaret G. Chewning FCSI CCS Senior Member Username: presbspec Post Number: 300 Registered: 01-2003 Posted on Thursday, January 18, 2018 - 02:12 pm:    I recommend highly that you join SCIP. Yes we are all a bunch of specifiers, but I have gotten a lot of first time work as a result of my SCIP listing. Also many of us work in the Architectural Divisions and can recommend you to our clients and their consultants. Michael Chusid, RA FCSI CCS Senior Member Username: michael_chusid Post Number: 356 Registered: 10-2003 Posted on Thursday, January 18, 2018 - 02:23 pm:    Tell us more about yourself. -- Was your experience as a consultant mostly in "civil" site and utilities or did it also include buildings? -- Did you write specs? What divisions? -- Do you have a CDT or CCS designation. You will get a better response from this group if you ask specific questions. Welcome to club. Michael Chusid, RA FCSI CCS 1-818-219-4937 www.chusid.com www.buildingproduct.guru J. Peter Jordan Senior Member Username: jpjordan Post Number: 1012 Registered: 05-2004 Posted on Thursday, January 18, 2018 - 02:25 pm:    Welcome to the world of "free range" specifying (as opposed to "captured" specifying). I second Margaret's opinion that you should look into SCIP. We would hope to see you in Long Beach next October. J. Peter Jordan, FCSI, AIA, CCS, LEED AP, SCIP Lynn Javoroski FCSI CCS LEEDŽ AP SCIP Affiliate Senior Member Username: lynn_javoroski Post Number: 2134 Registered: 07-2002 Posted on Thursday, January 18, 2018 - 06:15 pm:    James, Welcome to the Madison (I assume Wisconsin) chapter. Our CDT classes will begin January 30th, so you are right on time. Contact Janet Diercks at Flad Architects for more information about the classes. This is most probably a "do". Madison chapter meetings are the second Tuesday of each month at the Radisson on the west side. I can certainly make sure you're notified about the meetings and that you receive the chapter newsletter. Send me your eddress - lynnjav at gmail.com and I will forward your contact info to Janet, too. Sheldon Wolfe Senior Member Username: sheldon_wolfe Post Number: 1002 Registered: 01-2003 Posted on Thursday, January 18, 2018 - 06:55 pm:    Peter, the correct terms are in-house and out-house. J. Peter Jordan Senior Member Username: jpjordan Post Number: 1013 Registered: 05-2004 Posted on Friday, January 19, 2018 - 11:16 am:    Tell Holly, not me. ;) J. Peter Jordan, FCSI, AIA, CCS, LEED AP, SCIP Sheldon Wolfe Senior Member Username: sheldon_wolfe Post Number: 1003 Registered: 01-2003 Posted on Friday, January 19, 2018 - 11:21 pm:    Speaking of Holly... George A. Everding, FCSI, CCS, CCCA, AIA Senior Member Username: geverding Post Number: 870 Registered: 11-2004 Posted on Sunday, January 21, 2018 - 12:32 am:    Madison CSI chapter hosted the North Central Region Conference last year (2017) - a fun event for all of us in the region who attended. You are in a great chapter and region. Let them talk you into attending the 2018 region conference in Duluth in April, it's a wonderful additional opportunity to network and learn more about our organization. James W. Bolduc, PE Junior Member Username: jwbolduc Post Number: 2 Registered: 01-2018 Posted on Sunday, January 21, 2018 - 12:54 pm:    Thanks you for your kind welcome and advice. I will sign up for the CDT class and join SCIP. To answer some questions, my 43 years have been spent in Site Work, Metals and Furnishings for non-single family residential, senior housing, medical and corporate office parks, retail/commercial, and educational projects. The most challenging are the expansions where storm water management and water quality requirements are tough to meet on an existing site. "Rain gardens" are in vogue. I also developed a line of new products like bollards and cast-iron framed park benches (NYC) that are American made. Honestly dislike seeing projects funded with your tax dollars specifying foreign made products despite the Buy America requirements. Lynn Javoroski FCSI CCS LEEDŽ AP SCIP Affiliate Senior Member Username: lynn_javoroski Post Number: 2136 Registered: 07-2002 Posted on Sunday, January 21, 2018 - 04:20 pm:    Thanks, George, for the cheerleading! I happen to think the Madison chapter is a good one, and I'd have to agree the region is pretty darn good too. Without going into lengthy detail, the people I've met through CSI have not only helped further my career, they've become life-long friends. So, James, I look forward to meeting you either at one of the CDT classes or at the next Madison chapter meeting - February 13th. Curt Norton, CSI, CCS Senior Member Username: curtn Post Number: 248 Registered: 06-2002 Posted on Tuesday, January 23, 2018 - 09:32 am:    Welcome James! I've been absent from this discussion group for a while, but I'm active in the Madison Chapter like Lynn. It has served me very well in the past when I did a short stint as an "out-house" specifier. James W. Bolduc, PE Member Username: jwbolduc Post Number: 3 Registered: 01-2018 Posted on Sunday, January 28, 2018 - 04:29 pm:    I have joined CSI (and Madison Chapter) and SCIP, as you recommended. I am going to sign up for the CDT course that starts January 30th if we can get a webinar broadcast for a couple of the classes while I am on the road.