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The construction industry is the backbone of our infrastructure, responsible for everything from towering skyscrapers to sprawling manufacturing plants and state-of-the-art data centers. It is an industry built on precision, coordination, and expertise. Yet, one of the most pressing challenges construction firms face today is not just securing materials or managing budgets—it is finding the right people to get the job done. Labor shortages have become a major concern, particularly as the demand for skilled professionals continues to outpace supply. From engineers and project managers to highly specialized tradespeople, securing top-tier talent is more competitive than ever. In an industry where timelines and budgets are unforgiving, hiring the right people at the right time is crucial to a project's success. That is where Velocity Consulting Services, LLC (VELO) steps in. As a minority-owned (MBE) and certified woman-owned (WBE/WOSB) small business, Velocity Consulting Services, LLC (VELO) has established itself as an industry leader, seamlessly bridging the gap between companies and the skilled professionals they need. With a steadfast commitment to efficiency, tailored staffing solutions, and a deep understanding of industry challenges, VELO has earned a reputation as the preferred staffing partner for construction firms of all sizes. Founded with a vision to revolutionize the staffing industry, VELO has experienced exponential growth over the past five years. The company has not only weathered industry adversities but has also thrived in the face of challenges, setting new benchmarks for seamless partnerships. Unlike conventional staffing agencies, VELO takes a holistic approach, recognizing that every client and candidate is unique. “Our ability to provide customized solutions that align with specific business needs, budgets, and workforce demands is what defines us as a company,” says Tamara Ellestad, founder and CEO. A New Approach to Staffing Staffing agencies often get a bad rap. Many operate with a transactional mindset, filling open roles as quickly as possible without truly understanding the needs of either the client or the candidate. This approach leads to high turnover, mismatched placements, and frustration on both sides. VELO, on the other hand, takes a relationship-driven approach. Ellestad emphasizes that both clients and candidates are equally valuable. A staffing company cannot succeed if it prioritizes one over the other. The team at VELO takes a deep dive into what clients need and what candidates want. Only then can they truly make successful placements. This philosophy is what sets VELO apart. The company does not simply fill job openings—it creates long-term employment solutions. By taking the time to understand the culture, technical requirements, and long-term vision of each client, VELO ensures that every placement is not just a match but a strategic fit. For candidates, VELO is more than just a job search tool—it is a career partner. The team takes the time to understand each professional’s experience, skills, and aspirations, ensuring that they are placed in roles where they can thrive. This results in higher job satisfaction, better retention rates, and ultimately, stronger teams for VELO’s clients.
Basement Waterproofing of the Year 2025
A home should be a place of comfort and security. Yet, for many homeowners, foundation issues and water damage are a constant source of worry. Heavy rains seep into basements, shifting soil causes cracks, and lingering moisture leads to mold—gradual problems that, if left unchecked, become costly over time. This is where Vesta Foundation Solutions provides relief. Founded in 2017 by a husband-and-wife team with over 19 years of industry experience, the company was established after they recognized a need for reliable foundation and waterproofing services upon moving from the East Coast to Oklahoma. To address this, Vesta offers a suite of services, including foundation repair, basement waterproofing and wall stabilization, crawl space floor framing repair and moisture control, and concrete lifting and leveling. Through its skilled team, Vesta restores homes to strength, stability, and peace of mind—eliminating leaks, cracks, and concerns. “Just as Vesta, the Roman goddess of home and hearth, represents protection and stability, Vesta Foundation Solutions is committed to safeguarding our customers’ homes. We focus on providing lasting strength and security for homeowners,” says Sydney Blake, owner of Vesta Foundation Solutions. Today, the company has expanded to two locations in Oklahoma City, OK, and Springdale, AR, serving the entire state of Oklahoma and northwest Arkansas. With 10 crews and 70 employees, it repairs 50 to 60 homes per week, delivering expert solutions. Patching the Moisture Challenges Many homeowners use their basements for extra storage or as garages, and some even finish them to add valuable square footage to their homes. However, over the years, Vesta’s team has seen firsthand how heavy rain leads to water accumulation along the foundation, seeping in where the basement wall meets the floor. Over time, this builds up hydrostatic pressure, disturbing the soil around the home. Water then follows the path of least resistance— downward—eventually seeping into the living space. In some cases, after heavy storms, homeowners use a shop vac to remove standing water from an unfinished basement. Others notice a white, powdery substance—efflorescence— along their basement walls. This occurs when moisture travels through porous block walls, evaporates, and leaves behind salt deposits. For the Vesta team, this is a clear red flag that moisture is affecting the home’s foundation. To counteract these issues, many homeowners turn to basement waterproofing. However, most assume this means digging around the foundation and applying exterior sealants. Through years of experience, Vesta has found that while this traditional method may seem effective, it is costly, disruptive, and often only a temporary fix.
Top Industrial Refrigeration Systems Manufacturer 2025
Founded in 1993, Innovative Refrigeration Systems has built a reputation for delivering reliable, energy-efficient natural refrigeration solutions. “As a vertically integrated design-build contractor, we support clients through every phase of their refrigeration project—from concept and engineering to manufacturing, construction, service and compliance,” says Bob Almon, president. With a turnkey approach and decades of experience, Innovative ensures seamless coordination and maximizes value for every project. Whether developing a new facility, expanding operations or upgrading systems, clients trust Innovative as their single source for customized refrigeration solutions—on time, on budget and built to last. As part of this commitment to tailored solutions, the company works with both ammonia and carbon dioxide (CO2), each offering distinct advantages in industrial refrigeration. Ammonia is highly energy-efficient and cost-effective but comes with stringent compliance requirements. To help clients navigate safety regulations, Innovative offers a Process Safety Management (PSM) compliance program, including mechanical integrity inspections, audits and facility-specific training. Its ePSM platform simplifies Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) compliance across multiple facilities. CO2, with fewer regulatory concerns, can be less energy-efficient in warmer climates. To address this, Innovative has developed proprietary transcritical CO2 refrigeration systems optimized for industrial and commercial applications. With the growing demand for CO2 solutions, Innovative continues to expand its capabilities, offering high-capacity central CO2 plants that maximize energy efficiency. A pioneer in CO2 refrigeration, the company began installing CO2 cascade systems in 2008 and has since advanced to transcritical CO2-based central systems, pushing the boundaries of system performance and sustainability. Customized Solutions, Technology and Safety Innovative Refrigeration Systems’ in-house engineering team works closely with clients to design and fabricate right-sized mechanical houses, penthouses and modular skid packages for applications such as blast freezing, hygienic air handling and process cooling. Managing all mechanical, electrical and PLC programming in-house, the company eliminates the need for multiple subcontractors, ensuring consistent quality across refrigeration, power and control systems. A nationwide team of service technicians provides ongoing maintenance and support after installation, ensuring long-term reliability and energy efficiency. The company’s suite of software solutions, including ePSM for ammonia systems, helps clients manage compliance with ease.
CXO INSIGHTS
Crafting Exceptional Residential Environments
Desmond Shotwell, National Director of Renovations, AMLI Residential
Driving Excellence In Industrial Refrigeration Systems
Mark Clay, Maintenance Manager, Tyson Foods
Balancing Design and Business in Construction Management
Esi-Kilanga Bowser-Santiago, Senior Project Manager, Turner Construction Company
Driving Operational Excellence in Commercial Real Estate Engineering
Scott Marcos, Associate Director of Engineering, The RMR Group
IN FOCUS
EDITORIAL
Specialized Construction in Focus
Construction isn’t one-size-fits-all. From keeping water out of foundations to designing compact living spaces and managing complex commercial builds, the industry depends on niche expertise. Today, technology is accelerating transformation across key sectors, from basement waterproofing and industrial refrigeration systems to ADU design-build and construction management. Advanced moisture detection sensors and polymer-based sealants are elevating basement waterproofing from reactive fixes to proactive, long-term solutions. In industrial refrigeration, innovations like IoT-enabled monitoring, variable-speed compressors and low-GWP refrigerants are pushing performance while reducing environmental impact. ADU design-build firms are embracing 3D modeling, prefabrication and energy-efficient smart systems to speed up construction and meet strict building codes. Meanwhile, construction management is going digital using cloud-based project platforms, AI-driven scheduling and real-time collaboration tools to cut delays, reduce waste and keep teams aligned. Together, these technologies help deliver smarter, safer and more sustainable projects. This edition of Construction Business Review brings recent developments in the world of specialized construction and how technology is reshaping key sectors. It features thought leadership articles from industry experts, including Desmond Shotwell, national director of renovations at AMLI Residential, who discusses the importance of integrating contractors early in the design process, using technologies like Procore for project management and adapting to emerging trends in construction and roofing systems. Chad Johnson, regional vice president of property management at Kimco Realty Corporation highlights the importance of hands-on experience, empathy and learning from every position along the way. The edition also features Velocity Consulting Services, LLC (VELO), a minority- and woman-owned staffing firm that specializes in providing tailored workforce solutions for the construction industry. We hope this edition builds the partnership your organization needs to sharpen its competitive edge in the construction industry. Let us know your thoughts!
