Shelby Erectors

How Shelby Erectors is Combating the Construction Labor Shortage Through Technology

Shelby Erectors is an industry-leading bridge rebar contractor that connects communities throughout Florida, that recently received the 2022 Project of the Year for Miscellaneous Metals, Class II, Craft Training Excellence, and Safety Excellence Award from the Steel Erectors Association of America.

A growth-minded company, this award-winning firm focuses on adopting new technology and enhancing company culture to help this innovative construction firm overcome industry challenges.

Adopting New Technologies

To help fill in the labor shortage gaps that many contractors are facing in the construction industry, Shelby Erectors is thinking outside the box—levering robotics on their projects—and using technology created specifically for bridge projects. While they don’t see this new technology as something that will replace their workforce, they do believe it will enhance their workforce by taking away some of the back-breaking parts of the job that may have initially deterred applicants.

In addition, the company is incorporating innovative technology to help replace some of their hard manual labor, to decrease man-hours and worker liability—resulting in a safer work environment for its employees.

Further incorporating time and labor-saving technology, Shelby Erectors has used Deltek ComputerEase for more than 15 years for their construction accounting software. This industry-specific solution keeps everything in one location, reducing the use of multiple spreadsheets and the number of human error inputs while also allowing the company to manage its paperless journey through crucial aspects of the business, such as:

  • Implementing the Time Entry app to track labor hours
  • Upgrading their superintendents to FieldEase for additional oversight with payroll balancing and project management
  • Adding ExpenseEase to their daily management and tracking of credit card expenses
  • Using the Employee Hub to digitally distribute payroll stubs and W-2s

Deltek ComputerEase

Adopt New Technology to Grow Your Business

Focus on Company Culture

Family-owned and operated, Shelby Erectors stays true to its core values: hard-working, responsibility to each other, better because we can, and GIVE A DAMN. They don’t shy away from shedding light on the hot conditions, heavy materials, and sometimes dangerous work, so their core values and company culture remain at the forefront regarding hiring and retaining employees. The thought and time put into the rigorous hiring process, which includes an integrity test, helps ensure they hire people that align with their core values, establishing a solid cultural fit.

Diversity and inclusion are other aspects Shelby Erectors focuses on, with 70% of their employees identifying as minorities. They are a champion in hiring veterans through their apprenticeship program, approved by Florida’s State Approving Agency, and aim to attract new talent by working with people coming out of corrections and going to job fairs targeting high school students.

It’s a Dirty Job

The construction labor shortage, coupled with rod busting being one of the hardest jobs in the industry, has forced Shelby Erectors to put growing, hiring, and retaining employees at the forefront of their minds. But don’t just take our word for it! Check out this clip from a recent episode of Dirty Jobs with Mike Rowe or watch the entire episode on Discovery+.

About Shelby Erectors

Shelby Erectors, Inc., founded in 1997, is a labor subcontractor that specializes in bridge construction–specifically, the installation of reinforcing steel and Stay-In-Place metal decking. As Florida's premier bridge rebar contractor, Shelby Erectors does things better, because they can. Their commitment to their team and their families is what they call "The Shelby Erectors Difference."

Contributors

Author

deltek company logo

Deltek

Deltek experts and industry thought leaders share their views on the latest trends, technology and issues shaping project-based businesses today.

Featured Thoughts

Construction Workers on a Skyscraper Rebar

Article

5 Ways Construction Professionals Keep Our World Running

During Construction Appreciation Week, see how construction professionals keep our world moving forward with essential skills, dedication, and innovation.

Contractor's Cloud & Field Mobility Guide

Guide

Contractor's Cloud & Field Mobility Guide

Embrace digital transformation to streamline operations, enhance collaboration, and protect their data.

Construction Site Safety Compliance Sign Displaying Required Personal Protective Equipment on Job Site Fence

Article

Beyond the Statistics: The Human Side of Construction Safety

Learn how to create a culture where every worker feels safe, valued and supported – not just for a week, but every single day.

Venture Mechanical

Article

Modernizing Operations: Venture Mechanical’s Shift to Cloud Efficiency with Deltek

Learn how Venture Mechanical modernized operations and shifted to cloud efficiency with Deltek.

Article

From G2 Reviews to Results: Deltek's Ongoing Commitment to Project-Based Excellence

This winter, G2 recognized Deltek's efforts with 67 badges across our product portfolio, marking the 17th consecutive quarter of excellence.