Each of you has acquired a vast accumulation of knowledge - from text books and manuals, through trial and error, wisdom from supervisors and coworkers. Best of all, you understand the time, the dedication, and most of all, the patience that has been needed to utilize this combined knowledge to strengthen the company and improve your career.

The Marek Family of Companies Mentoring Initiative was developed to channel this expertise in a way to guide, support, and encourage new learners - in essence, to be a mentor.

We believe this shared experience and growth will give the Marek Family of Companies the competitive edge in the 21st century to be one of the best trained and highly skilled workforces in the construction industry.

Mentoring gives new learners the proper foundation from the very start. Mentoring helps new employees adjust to the work environment and build character traits necessary for success in the construction industry. The principle is simple, the results beneficial to all.

We ask the volunteer mentors to undertake four key responsibilities:

1. To teach by example. Show how to do specific tasks until a protégé understands, using positive reinforcement and examples of quality execution of tasks.
2. Create opportunities to learn. New employees need to develop effective skills of their own, skills that will utilize safety, time, and quality workmanship.
3. Counsel by understanding and accepting responsibility. It is important that new learners understand the importance of accepting responsibility for their actions and the role these actions, small or large, play within the company.
4. Develop quality character traits. Responsibility, pride in craftsmanship, loyalty, dependability, and commitment ensure success in our industry. By encouraging quality traits, mentors take a personal interest in helping new employees succeed.

We encourage you to consider sharing your knowledge, your experience, to benefit your new coworkers and ultimately, the success of our company.

For more details on how you can participate in the program or to become a mentor contact:

HOUSTON: randyhageman@marekbros.com
SAN ANTONIO:garygonzales@marekbros.com
DALLAS:haroldcurry@marekbros.com
ATLANTA:jodyklodner@marekbros.com
RALEIGH:jodyklodner@marekbros.com
AUSTIN:darralquebedeaux@marekbros.com

(In the future, we will post photographs and information on new learners and the mentors participating in the program.)