WHO WE ARE

    In this our sixth year of business, we're still a team of one. For now it’s just me, Bill Cox. Most of what you will find on this site refers to me personally, even when you read "we" or "us." Even so, there are many who I bring along by their influence. I grew up in a construction and contracting family, and learned a great deal from my father. He was extremely talented and very creative. I’ve emulated him, though I don’t know when I’ll measure up.  I draw from the best that I have learned of “old school” and “new school.”

    Besides my Dad, I learned from his job superintendents when I was a kid, working as a laborer. It was Marion “Buster” Long who taught me things like when to say “plumb” as opposed to “level.” About once a month, Mr. Buster would treat the crew to lunch. He would bring his cooker and fry up the bream he had caught since the last lunch; there were hush-puppies, slaw, sweet tea - the works, every time. Mr. Buster was one of many whose know-how, talent and leadership helped shape my understanding and outlook.

    "New school," such as keeping up with construction materials and technology improvements, is ongoing and exciting. Things that can be done in construction today often find their way into my memory of past projects that would have benefited greatly from them. Had I suggested a mechanically-attached membrane roof to Mr. Buster, he would have guffawed in his familiar way as he waived me back to work. The 1970s version of today's computer estimate was a manila-colored ledger sheet with small spaces to make pencil entries, based on results from a mechanical calculator that weighed about 30 pounds, which was actually best, so that it wouldn't slide around when you pulled the totaling lever. Time was when taking a simple jobsite photo was a chore. Today’s problem is simply to decide which of several photos on the screen of a handheld color television is best to send instantaneously to five people anywhere on the globe by the touch of the image of a button. Brag to a surveyor these days that you closed a five-sided shape back at school and he'll chuckle as he waits for his morning's work to upload from his theodolite.

    My career has been spent creating things, building things, and living with things created and built my me and many others. The range of my involvement has been from conception to completion, sometimes even through decades-long ongoing use and occupancy. I have done things that have ranged from unique to conventional. I have provided advanced leadership, promoted best practices, coordinated seamless end-to-end project management, and driven strategic analysis and planning. My experience has provided opportunity for me to work in varying positions and echelons, ranging from ditch-digger to company owner. In my position with a school district in South Georgia, I effectively and successfully managed the final 80% of a $200-million-plus school building program.  The work for which I have been responsible has been consistently successful, meeting and exceeding budget and schedule expectations and resulting in high levels of end-user satisfaction.  Combined with my education at Clemson University, my experience has brought me to today, capable of contributing meaningfully to the success of almost any conceivable aspect of a construction project, building program or facility-management objectives.

    Put One-Off Consulting to work for you.

A few of the people with whom I have had the privilege of working in recent years were kind enough to take time from busy schedules to share thoughts on our experiences together. I consider them each with fondness and appreciation, not only for their words, but also for their invariably positive influence on my personal life and career.

• Mark Kogan, Managing Director, National Cabinet Company
• G. Michael Nelon, AIA LEED AP, Batson Associates, Inc.
• Candy Lowe, Director & Curator (retired), Massie Heritage Center and Museum
• Barry L. Sallas, AIA, LEED AP, Director of Education, BRPH Architects-Engineers
• Craig R. Buckley, AIA, President/Principal Owner, James W. Buckley & Associates
• Marcia McManus, Principal, Windsor Forest Elementary School
• John Brock, Senior Superintendent, Harper Corporation
• John King, Principal, Bloomingdale Elementary School
• Barbara B. Cogdell, AIA, Cogdell Mendrala Architects
• Kevin Wall, Principal, Oglethorpe Charter Middle School
• Allison Schuster-Jones, Principal, Godley Station K-8 School
• Chris Mellott, CFO/COO, Quick Tie Products, Inc.

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"Bill and I worked closely on [a large multi-family apartment project in upstate South Carolina]. The project was marred with a myriad of delays, and Bill was brought in to right the ship on the project management side.  . . . Bill came in to a highly combustible situation with a high stress level environment. With Bill’s cool demeanor and common-sense approach, he was a much needed player on the team . . .  to complete the project in a very professional manner.  I have the utmost respect for Bill and very much appreciate the time we worked together . . ."

Mark Kogan, Managing Director

National Cabinet Company

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"Bill is the type of project manager architects enjoy working with. When an issue would arise Bill would not call and to say we have an issue and how are we to proceed, he would develop a possible solution before he called.  . . . many times it was a workable solution. This type of attitude helps to keep a project moving which keeps the Owner happy.  Bill also showed tremendous communication skills not only with the design team but with the Owner. . . . and the students . . .  Bill would take their questions and answer them showing the students their questions were just as important as their teachers'.  His communication skills also went far with the subcontractors making sure they were aware of any issues from the Owner as well as listening to their concerns.  . . . his organizational skills have not been matched by any project manager I have worked with in the last twenty-five years of practicing architecture.  I feel Bill would make an excellent addition to any team looking for . . . a successful project."

G. Michael Nelon, AIA LEED AP

Batson Associates, Inc.

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"My tenure as Director and Curator of Massie Heritage Center in Savannah, Georgia provided opportunity for me to work with Bill during renovations and upgrades to the facility.  . . .  Bill began his involvement after the original design process and as the renovation work began, when he . . . took on the role of Project Director for the Massie work.  He was a critical “mover and shaker” with his vast knowledge of architecture, design, and construction, and accomplished the following for the Massie Heritage Center:

Ensured that safe practices were followed and effective design solutions were implemented  . . .  Provided leadership in the design and completion of the added scope of structural column re-locations  . . .  Provided leadership in . . . completion of the added scope . . . to overcome the soils conditions found to be insufficient to support the foundations of the re-located columns.  . . .  Ensured the quality of all work, . . .  Assisted design professional in understanding conditions of the existing building . . .  Worked with my staff and me to ensure the smooth and continued operation of the facility . . .  Completed all work while maintaining a very tight budget, as well as the shortest possible duration . . .

Bill was a consummate professional in everything that he did.  He was immediately able to work effectively with others . . .  He partnered well with the renovation and museum contractors . . .  He dealt well with leadership and Board indecision, and was without fail a true and dependable representative of the interests of the School District and taxpayers.  Remarkably, all the while as he managed this project, Bill was also responsible for the successful on-time delivery of the $225 million school building program that was over two years behind schedule when he was hired as Senior Director of Facilities Construction. I highly recommend Bill . . ."

Candy Lowe, Director & Curator (retired)

Massie Heritage Center and Museum

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"It is with pleasure that I recommend Mr. Will (Bill) Cox to you.  Mr. Cox and I had the privilege of working together while he was employed with the Savannah Chatham County Public School System in Savannah, Georgia.  Mr. Cox served as the representative for the school system . . . for three of the ESPLOST I projects for which we were fortunate to be the architect of record.   Mr. Cox was diligent in examining all questions and issues related to the design and construction in order to make clear recommendations to the decision makers for the school system.  He provided critical insight into issues by conveying the concerns and priorities of the school system.  He was careful to ensure that allocation of taxpayer dollars throughout each project was managed with efficiency and appropriate care.  His understanding of the issues related to expenditure of taxpayer dollars for construction and design was clear.  In addition, Mr. Cox is a pleasure to deal with on a personal level and provides a level-headed approach to issues during meetings where contractors, program managers and architects may be at odds over certain items.  His ability to step back and take a "one-step at a time" approach to analyze an issue creates a positive working environment.  . . ."

Barry L. Sallas, AIA, LEED AP, Director of Education

BRPH Architects-Engineers

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"Bill and I worked together during the time he was Senior Director of Facilities Construction for the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System.  My firm was contracted by the School District to design and administer construction of several elementary school classroom wing addition projects. . . .  I have had opportunity to work with many talented and capable people in the industry. Mr. Cox measures well among them with his firm and useful understanding of design, construction, and facilities.  As the Project Architect, I appreciated the manner in which Bill understood the importance of allowing service professionals to fulfill their responsibilities while also knowing when his involvement was worthwhile or required.  He clearly understands contracting, general conditions, and technical specifications.  In addition, during our dealings Mr. Cox was also responsible for the management of a fast-paced multi-million-dollar school building program.  Without fail, Bill represented the interests of the School District diligently.  I would recommend him [as one who is] knowledgeable, honest, reliable, hard-working, and who can be relied upon to get the job done."

Craig R. Buckley, AIA, President/Principal Owner

James W. Buckley & Associates Architects

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"I had the opportunity to work with Mr. Cox during renovations, additions and upgrades at my school, Windsor Forest Elementary School.  . . .  Completion in time for the fall start of school was of course very important, and the participation of Mr. Cox was instrumental in helping to ensure that the critical completion was achieved. . .

As the work continued . . . , Mr. Cox . . . continued to be a positive and constructive influence on the project. He was very communicative, very responsive to my inquiries, and helped my staff and me to manage the school in the best manner possible with work continuing on the grounds.  . . . when project design shortcomings became obvious as the work was completed, Mr. Cox garnered Board approval of funds to have the remaining needed work scope completed.  Throughout all phases, Mr. Cox demonstrated his knowledge and abilities as an upper-level manager, while also attending to matters requiring his involvement that were closer to the actual work.  He guarded the school district's interests in everything he did, always conducting himself professionally and with integrity, and working with the members of the project team constructively in all instances. He demonstrated qualities of leadership that are invaluable in a team effort.  I would recommend Mr. Cox for any position that requires a highly-capable and reliable director or manager of facilities and construction.  . . .

Marcia McManus, Principal

Windsor Forest Elementary School

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"I have known Bill Cox for fifteen years.  He is a very gifted construction professional who is passionate about his work.  He has a wealth of knowledge in all aspects of the commercial / industrial / institutional construction industry.  Bill and I worked together . . .  I was his Assistant Superintendent, and under his guidance and tutelage, I learned more on that project than I had learned in the previous seven years working for other general contractors. The project was finished on schedule and within budget and the client was very pleased.  ill and I became friends . . . and have remained friends until today.  Bill brings a wealth of hands-on experience, guidance and know-how to any project on which he is working.  His leadership, communication skills and rapport are such that he is a very strong asset in the workplace.  . . . I highly regard Bill’s ability to immerse himself into a project and keep his finger on the pulse of the project’s status.  . . ."

John Brock, Senior Superintendent

Harper Corporation

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"It is my pleasure to recommend Mr. Will E. (Bill) Cox, Jr.  I came to know Mr. Cox when he managed the renovation of Bloomingdale Elementary School during the summer of 2010.  This renovation included a new roof on most buildings, ADA upgrades to all student bathrooms, new lighting, new heaters and air conditioners in all classrooms and new signage.  Due to Mr. Cox's leadership, the project was completed on time and prior to the students starting back to school in August.  Any adjustments to the plan due to plumbing issues or drainage issues were  handled calmly, efficiently and properly.  Throughout the process, I was included as part of the team and the communication was always professional, courteous and informative.  I highly recommend Mr. Cox . . .  He has always proven to be a very knowledgeable, caring and diligent professional."

John King, Principal

Bloomingdale Elementary School

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"It is with pleasure that I recommend your consideration of Mr. Will E. Cox, Jr. for a position with your organization.  He and I have worked together on various projects in his capacity as Senior Director with the Department of Facilities Construction, Savannah Chatham County Public School System. The project budgets ranged from $6,000,000 to $28,000,000 in size . . .  My experience in working with Mr. Cox has been a positive one.  He possesses a broad knowledge of the construction industry . . .  He is also skilled in contract administration, displaying an in-depth knowledge of the contracts, general conditions and other related documents pertinent to the project at hand.  . . .  At all times, Mr. Cox kept the best interests of the School System at the forefront while displaying an excellent understanding of the construction process as well.  My observations of his character are that he is thorough, honest, dependable, organized and hard working . . ."

Barbara B. Cogdell, AIA

Cogdell Mendrala Architects

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"I have known Bill Cox for several years as a parent and colleague.  I spent a great deal of time with Bill when Oglethorpe Charter School was being built specifically detailing the furnishings (FF&E) that were going into Oglethorpe but on any and every type of question that came to mind.  I found that he was extremely personable and easy to deal with . . .  He was honest with all of his dealings, and I found him to be a good man all the way around.  Bill was placed in a very difficult position with the death of his supervisor Otis Brock.  From my perspective going into a new building, Bill did an outstanding job with all facets of his job responsibilities.  He essentially was a one man show and was able to provide Oglethorpe Charter School with everything on time and on schedule.  Bill is a good man.  He is a hard worker.  . . ."

Kevin Wall, Principal

Oglethorpe Charter Middle School

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"It is with great pleasure and confidence that I recommend Mr. Will (Bill) Cox Jr. . . .  I had the great pleasure of working with Mr. Cox during the construction phase of Godley Station School. Mr. Cox was serving as Senior Director of Facilities Construction for the Savannah-Chatham County Board of Education at the time.  My work with Mr. Cox centered around the construction of the K-8 school on the west side of Chatham County.  . . .  Mr. Cox patiently helped me to understand the construction process, and guided me in the decisions I had to make as the leader of the school.  He was very prompt in answering my questions, and in providing information and guidance.  Mr. Cox coordinated the efforts between the school system, the contractor, and the managing architectural firm.  He was very instrumental in facilitating the work between the entire design team.  When I became involved, the project was over 55 days behind schedule due to heavy rains.  Under his leadership, all parties of the project team were able to miraculously finish the project on schedule and to expectation.  Small wonder that the lagging schedule of the entire building program came under control during the tenure of Mr. Cox.  When the school opened with registered attendees over the 1,000 student capacity it was designed to serve, Mr. Cox remained involved and assisted in all the necessary modifications that were needed to accommodate the high enrollment.  He was a constant source of encouragement, knowledge, and solutions.  I found Mr. Cox to be not only highly qualified as a manager of construction, but also extremely articulate and diplomatic.  I consider myself lucky to have had the opportunity to work with and learn from him.  . . . I confidently recommend him for a position within your organization."

Allison Schuster-Jones, Principal

Godley Station K-8 School

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"We worked with Bill on a multifamily project in Greenville, SC a few years back.  Our company designs and manufactures a proprietary structural hold-down system for wood frame and masonry structures, to resist wind and seismic loads.  Throughout the project, Bill demonstrated a firm grasp of the technical aspects of our system and design, working with us and the engineer of record to get our product approved and installed properly.  He was very organized and professional, and he was a pleasure to deal with.  . . .  We hope to work with Bill again one day soon."

Chris Mellott, CFO/COO

Quick Tie Products, Inc.