SUb vs. GC mentality

[grumpydasmurf]

I guess I'd technically be considered a sub-contractor. Having said that I am in a local Jr. college enrolled in some construction management courses. My teachers are all General Contractors, working full time day jobs with various positions such as project manager.

One teacher in specific works for a multi-billion dollar GC firm. I would say 85% of his students are subs, like me. Some of the things he says rub me the wrong way because he is speaking from his point of view and many of his comments are spoken with such disregard for a person in the subcontractor position.

Is there no balance between Sub and GC? Why is it most GC's see subs as nothing more than tools like a hammer or screw driver?

[Rich]

I see it all the time like that. As you know I also work for a multi-billion dollar GC. I've heard from many subcontractors that we are quite a bit different from our competitors in that regard. Most of the jobs that I've been on the subcontractors are part of the team.. whether that be design, schedule, or performance. We all rely on each other to get the job done. Yes there are always a few bad apples but when you have over 400 people on a job it's bound to happen sooner or later. Of course, many of the subs we use - we use project after project.
The home building industry is a little better but it still happens there too. The thing is that it takes awhile to weed out those "bad" performing subcontractors because the industry itself is so much easier to get into. Again I mention my saying "A dog and a level" walah.