Nicholas Fricke, a Foreman at Kidwell, recently took on a challenge when he was put in charge of managing the data cabling for a University of Nebraska-Lincoln outdoor track and field construction project.

The project was part of an NCAA initiative to enhance facilities, and Fricke’s responsibilities included pulling copper and fiber-optic cables to ensure seamless connectivity across various locations within the complex.

“Running copper and fiber-optic cables for a massive area like this is no easy feat, but my team and I are up for the challenge,” said Fricke. “We take pride in our work and are committed to completing the project on time and to the best of our ability.”

Unforeseen Challenges

The construction project was not without its challenges, and Fricke was quick to identify the significant hurdles he and his team faced.

One of the primary obstacles was dealing with delayed communication and logistical issues with the contractors that had subcontracted Kidwell for the job. These challenges resulted in a slow start and required Fricke to employ creative solutions to keep the project on track.

“Communicating with the contractors was a challenge, but we overcame it by staying organized and maintaining open lines of communication,” mentioned Fricke. “It was important for us to work closely with the general contractor on-site to ensure we had everything we needed to complete the job.”

Another major challenge was related to the underground piping. Fricke and his team had to deal with pipes that were buried five years ago and filled with sand, mud, and water. Cleaning out these pipes and running new ones required innovative techniques and a variety of tools.

“There were some challenges with the underground piping, but we used different methods and tools to clean them out and run new pipes,” explained Fricke. “It was a learning experience for me, but we got the job done.”

Effective communication and coordination were crucial for the project’s success. Fricke relied on phone calls, text messages, and face-to-face interactions with the general contractor to ensure everyone was on the same page.

Additionally, Fricke worked closely with the project manager to address any issues that arose and made improvements in communication strategies.

“Teamwork and communication were the keys to our success in this project,” said Fricke. “We worked together to overcome challenges and complete the project on time and within budget.”

Throughout the project, safety remained a top priority. Fricke ensured that all team members adhered to standard safety protocols and wore the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE). Despite the inherent risks associated with construction work, Fricke emphasized the importance of maintaining a safe working environment and ensuring that everyone returned home safely at the end of each day.

“We take safety very seriously and make it a priority on every job site,” mentioned Fricke. “We want to ensure that everyone goes home the same way they came to work.”

A Sense of Pride

Reflecting on the project, Fricke expressed immense pride in the accomplishments of his team. One particular achievement that stood out was overcoming the challenges associated with the underground fiber-optic work. Despite the initial estimation of three days, Fricke and his team managed to complete the task in just a day and a half, thanks to their dedication and efficiency.

“Completing the underground fiber-optic work ahead of schedule was a major accomplishment for us,” said Fricke. “It was a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team.”

Fricke’s role as a Foreman at Kidwell has provided him with invaluable experiences and opportunities to grow both personally and professionally. His ability to overcome challenges, coordinate effectively, and prioritize safety has been instrumental in the successful completion of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln outdoor track and field construction project.

With each project he undertakes, Fricke continues to exemplify the dedication and expertise that make Kidwell a leader in the industry.