Title: Vice President & COO
Member Firm: Triangle Associates
Type of Business: GM/GC & Self-Perform General Trades
Current Number of Employees: 117
Years Involved in the Industry: 24
Service to ABC or Construction Industry (Boards, Committees, or Organizations):
Joe Durfee is an active member of the ABC Western Michigan Executive Leaders Peer Group.
Community and/or Charitable Service:
Joe Durfee plays an invaluable role at Meals on Wheels West Michigan, where he not only delivers nutritious meals to seniors but also offers much-needed companionship. With each delivery, Joe brings warmth and understanding, transforming a simple meal into a moment of connection and joy for the elderly. His unwavering commitment ensures that seniors feel cared for, enhancing their overall well-being and making their days a little brighter. Through his selfless volunteer work, Joe embodies the spirit of community support and plays a crucial part in uplifting those around him.
Business Accomplishments and/or Honors:
Joe is LEED-certified, demonstrating expert knowledge in sustainable building practices, underscoring his commitment to environmental responsibility. This certification enhances his professional capabilities at Triangle Associates, enabling him to contribute significantly to eco-friendly projects and initiatives.
What are the Top Opportunities and/or Challenges Facing West Michigan's Construction Industry and ABC?
Joe Durfee views the current landscape of West Michigan’s construction industry as a complex mix of challenges and opportunities. He identifies workforce issues, both in office environments and on-field sites, as a dual-sided concern. While the limited workforce poses obstacles, it also presents an opportunity to innovate recruitment and training practices. Subcontractor capacity remains a critical challenge, yet it opens doors for creating stronger partnerships and skill development programs. Legislative complexities can hinder project momentum, but they also encourage the industry to adapt and streamline processes, paving the way for future growth. Joe advocates for proactive strategies that leverage these challenges into opportunities for industry-wide advancement and resilience.
