In construction, no project ever goes exactly according to plan. Circumstances change, challenges arise, and details get missed. That’s why project owners and developers don’t just need a contractor who can build—they need one who can solve problems before they escalate.
A proactive partner can mean the difference between a project that stalls out and one that moves forward smoothly. Whether it’s a design detail that doesn’t translate in the field, a material delay, or an unforeseen site condition, all setbacks can have a ripple effect on timelines, budgets, and relationships.
How Crain Embeds Proactive Problem-Solving at Every Level
At Crain Construction, being proactive isn’t just something we try to do—it’s part of how we’re wired. Every employee, from our preconstruction team to our superintendents in the field, embraces a forward-thinking mindset and a commitment to ownership. When you lean in early, communicate clearly, and take initiative, you can save time, money, and stress for everyone involved.
Here are three ways Crain embraces a proactive approach, along with real-world examples of how that mindset helped keep projects on track:
1. Adapting When New Information Arises
Even the best-laid plans can encounter roadblocks that could derail a project. In construction, that often means navigating unexpected conditions or having to adjust based on inaccurate or outdated information. The question isn’t if this will happen—it’s how your contractor will respond when it does.
Project Example: Hilton Hotel in Alpharetta, GA
Ground stabilization is an important part of any project. But on the Hilton Alpharetta project, our team encountered a surprise below the surface. The original geotechnical report indicated that the soil would support a friction-based Geopier foundation system. But during construction, we noticed inconsistent settlement that traced back to an unknown layer of substandard soil that was deeper than expected.
Instead of pointing fingers or halting the job, our superintendent quickly flagged the issue, and our team took the lead in working with the geotechnical engineer to identify the solution. We implemented a low-mobility grouting strategy that reinforced over 400 drilled piers and stabilized the foundation. While those repairs were underway, our crews continued work on framing, electrical, and plumbing, avoiding a full stoppage and minimizing schedule delays.
2. Using Industry Knowledge to Stay Ahead
Being proactive often comes down to experience and knowing the market, potential challenges, and what might come up around the next corner. That kind of knowledge is especially valuable in a growing city like Nashville, where supply chains, permitting, and site logistics can create constant hurdles for delivering a project on schedule.
Project Example: Prancing Horse of Nashville Ferrari Dealership
When we partnered on the Ferrari Dealership of Nashville, we knew materials were coming from all over the world—tile and furnishings from Italy, glass from Spain, lighting from France—all during peak pandemic supply chain disruptions. Instead of hoping for the best, our team built innovative procurement strategies from the beginning. We secured dedicated shipping containers, scheduled multiple ship dates at various ports, and coordinated expedited trucking for just-in-time delivery. In several cases, materials arrived on site and were installed within hours. By staying a few steps ahead, we helped protect the project’s timeline and delivered a high-end space that matched the luxury brand’s expectations.
3. Trusting Our Trade Partners’ Expertise
Proactive problem-solving isn’t just about anticipating issues—it’s also about having the humility to know when to lean on others. We believe in building strong relationships with trade partners and trusting their expertise to help us find the best solutions.
Project Example: Aertson Midtown
On the massive Aertson project in Nashville’s Midtown corridor, our team worked closely with Charter Construction Inc., our concrete partner, to tackle the challenge of pouring 90 elevated concrete slabs—each requiring around 30 truckloads of concrete—without disrupting the neighborhood or drawing noise complaints. Together, we implemented creative solutions: insulated “skirts” for the troweling machines, mobile wall panels to contain noise around pump trucks, and upgraded mufflers and alarm systems that met OSHA requirements while minimizing disturbance. Those thoughtful adjustments helped us complete the work with minimal impact on the surrounding area. It was a win for the client, the community, and the project timeline.
Building with Purpose—and Proactivity
At Crain, being proactive isn’t a buzzword. It’s a core part of how we operate. We know our clients are counting on us not just to build, but to lead. It’s our job to find the fix, to work collaboratively, and to move things forward—no matter what challenges arise.
If you’re looking for a construction partner who brings foresight, flexibility, and a problem-solving mindset to every job, we’d love to connect. Reach out to learn more about how Crain’s values shape our work or speak with our team about your next project.
