With a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to the company’s growth, Frank Franzini, the Vice President of Risk Management & Compliance at Posillico Civil Inc., plays a pivotal role in shaping Posillico’s future. As a seasoned leader, he navigates challenges, shares valuable insights, and champions a forward-thinking philosophy that has left an indelible mark on the company’s trajectory.
The Importance of Balancing Success and Humanity
Every leader holds a unique perspective on success. Frank acknowledges that success can manifest differently for individuals based on their upbringing and experiences. He emphasizes that, unlike the common association of success with wealth and competition, his definition revolves around achieving happiness through work, marriage, and homeownership. For him, the salary amount becomes inconsequential as long as these fundamental personal goals are met.
Frank’s approach to success is grounded in maintaining a balance that minimizes stress and aligns with his authentic desires. The roots of his values trace back to his father, Angelo Franzini, who migrated to America with the aspiration of embracing American identity. Frank shares a poignant episode from his father’s past in war-torn Italy. At the tender age of 17, Angelo faced the prospect of being taken by German forces. His decision to assert his youth spared him from the ordeal, as his older uncle took his place.
Later, during the American invasion, Angelo, with his distinctive features, was mistaken for a fleeing German soldier and underwent interrogation by the Americans. “The reason why the Americans pursued my dad thinking he was a German was because he had blonde hair and green eyes. The mass migration from Italy to America brought McKee southern times as my dad who is dark skinned, with black hair or brown hair. Green eyes were rare to Americans,” Frank clarifies.
Despite the hardships, Angelo’s life experiences instilled in Frank a deep respect for humanity. Frank’s father imparted a valuable lesson that resonates with him to this day: “Take from those who want to give and give to those in need.” This mantra, shaped by the hardships endured by Frank’s parents, serves as a guiding principle in his approach to life and success.
Navigating Compliance and Fostering Financial Success
Reflecting on his journey as a business leader, Frank contemplates his most significant accomplishment. In his current role at Posillico, he finds fulfillment in excelling at a crucial aspect: “Keeping Posillico compliant in alignment with established policies, Project Owner directives, and governmental regulations.”
Frank’s proficiency in this realm shines through in the form of an impressively low Experience Modification Rate (EMR). He graciously acknowledges the Safety Department’s dedication to employee training and safety standards, attributing the achievement to their unwavering commitment. The meticulous attention to detail extends to ensuring subcontractors and vendors meet Posillico’s insurance requirements, effectively averting potential claims arising from their work.
Frank underscores the importance of not merely collecting Certificates of Insurance (COIs) but reading the policy and endorsements to verify that both the Project Owner and Posillico will be properly defended and indemnified should litigation arise from the subcontractor or vendor’s work on-site. His approach focuses on guaranteeing that both Posillico and the Project Owner are adequately defended and indemnified in the event of litigation stemming from subcontractors’ or vendors’ onsite work.
Frank sheds light on the critical exclusions for a contractor, specifically the Employer Liability Exclusion and the Action Over Exclusion, highlighting the potential vulnerabilities and emphasizing the need for comprehensive coverage. What initially began as a cost-effective practice evolved into a significant responsibility — representing Posillico at hearings not mandating legal representation.
Frank’s involvement in over 100 hearings, excluding those in the Supreme Court, has proven highly successful. Winning over two-thirds of violations and damage claims, these efforts have translated into a substantial financial boon, injecting millions of dollars back into Posillico.
Posillico’s Legacy: Sustaining Excellence Across Generations
For four generations, Posillico has maintained an unwavering commitment to quality and performance, coupled with an unparalleled family work ethic, establishing itself as a leader in public works projects. Since its incorporation in 1946 under the presidency of Joseph D. Posillico, Sr., the company has evolved from a small trucking contractor into one of New York’s top engineering contracting firms.
With a workforce numbering as many as four hundred employees, Posillico’s influence extends across the entire Tri-State area. The acquisition of Martins Construction Corp. facilitated the company’s expansion into Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia. In Texas, Posillico has undertaken four major projects, earning the trust of the State Government with their proven motto, “We Know How.” A recent milestone includes the opening of an office in West Palm Beach, Florida. Frank, who joined in 2006 when the employee count was around 300, has witnessed the team grow to nearly 1,000.
When asked about his responsibilities at Posillico, Frank emphasizes the critical role he plays in ensuring compliance across various departments. He notes, “I ensure that specific departments are complying with our policies and procedures and that we are in compliance with not only our own policies but with the compliance documentation provided to us by government agencies, (State, Federal, and local regulations as issued by EEO, DOL, etc.) Insurance, Consulting Agreements, Contracts, Incident investigations, and Safety to name a few.”
Frank leads a dedicated team, with Joseph W. Posillico handling Vendor and Subcontractor Insurance and sharing some responsibilities to prepare for succession. Francesca Camello serves as the lead in obtaining necessary documentation from Vendors and Subcontractors, streamlining the compliance process. Frank also highlights the contributions of newly hired Deanna Cinelli, who aids in collecting insurance documentation and plays a crucial role in maintaining organizational efficiency.
A Focus on Education, Awareness, and Continuous Monitoring
In maintaining compliance amid a swiftly changing regulatory landscape, Frank implements strategic approaches centered on education and vigilance. He emphasizes, “Education is priority one. Everyone is made to understand the importance of regulatory filings, incident investigations, and not allowing anyone on any project without the proper insurance protection covering Posillico and the Owner.” This commitment to education underscores the significance of ensuring that every team member comprehends and values regulatory compliance.
As a second crucial element, Frank highlights the importance of continuous checks on each project’s required submissions to guarantee ongoing compliance. This proactive monitoring ensures that Posillico remains aligned with regulatory requirements as projects progress. When asked about the most pressing compliance challenges faced by companies operating globally, Frank draws from his experience, identifying a critical need for internal compliance oversight.
He notes, “In my experience, the most significant internal compliance oversight needed involves the rules and regulations of governmental agencies and ensuring that the men and women performing the work understand what those legal requirements are.” Whether operating at a local, national, or global scale, Frank emphasizes the importance of a knowledgeable workforce capable of managing projects in full compliance with applicable rules and regulations.
Frank extends this emphasis on awareness to companywide policies and procedures. His approach is deeply rooted in a family-owned mentality, as he reflects on daily decisions, asking himself, “If my dad owned Posillico, what changes would I make that would keep more money in my dad’s pocket?” This personal and pragmatic perspective drives his commitment to saving the company millions of dollars through a meticulous and family-centric approach to compliance audits and operational reviews.
Investing in Innovation for National Expansion
When discussing the delicate balance between innovation, business growth, and compliance across diverse global markets, Frank sheds light on his company’s strategy, particularly focusing on national expansion. He notes, “Our company is not afraid to invest in technology. I would venture to say that for a family-owned construction company, we are probably in the top 10 percent when it comes to investing in technology.” This unreserved investment in technology is driven by a clear criterion: if it enhances efficiency and profitability in the long run, Posillico is fully committed.
Frank draws a parallel between the company’s approach to technology and safety investments, both integral to their growth strategy. “It’s the same with us regarding investing in Safety. Our employees are priority one,” he emphasizes. Frank recounts a specific incident involving employees cutting their palms while using zip-lock bags. The existing leather gloves were proving ineffective, prompting the Safety VP and him to propose a more effective, albeit costlier, cut-resistant glove at $13 a pair.
The pivotal moment came during discussions with the company President, Joseph K Posillico. Without hesitation, Joe K expressed unwavering support, stating, “And you have not purchased them yet”? This decision underscored the company’s commitment to prioritizing employee safety over cost considerations, recognizing the importance of addressing incidents promptly.
Frank concludes, “Money was not an issue as we had to address the incidences arising from cutting zip-ties. Not to mention the retraining everyone had to go through again.” This anecdote reflects Posillico’s dedication to innovation, safety, and the well-being of its workforce, even when faced with compliance challenges.
Navigating Challenges and Gaining Wisdom
In reflecting on the adage, “Challenges make you stronger,” Frank offers a nuanced perspective, stating, “I don’t know if I would use the word stronger when dealing with issues and challenges outside your wheelhouse. The experience will make you smarter.” This insight underlines the transformative power of challenges in enhancing one’s knowledge and capabilities, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and intellectual growth.
Frank shares a pivotal experience during his interview process at Posillico, where he faced skepticism from four partners, a second-generation owner, and a Human Resources Consultant due to his perceived lack of construction experience. To address their concerns, Frank drew from his extensive background as the Manager of Human Resources at the NYRA racetracks, emphasizing his involvement in critical aspects of labor relations and negotiations. This experience, though not directly in construction, proved to be a foundation for tackling challenges in the construction world.
Upon joining Posillico, Frank strategically challenged existing practices. He explains, “Once here at Posillico, I started challenging the practices that were costing the company money and imitating practices and procedures that would result in cost savings.” This proactive approach, aligned with his familiarity with certain objectives, gained the support of the Partners, leading to his promotion to Vice President within eighteen months.
The key takeaway from Frank’s journey is encapsulated in the lesson that everyone gleaned from his experience to make Posillico a more profitable company. He observes, “The lesson that everyone took away from my experience was that I went after objectives that I had some familiarity with, never a lead role with, and did what needed to be done, so that Posillico could become a more profitable company, and we have.” This underscores the value of pursuing objectives strategically, leveraging existing knowledge, and adapting to new roles for the collective benefit of the company.
Influencing Change Through Education
When contemplating how to influence change in the current generation, Frank firmly believes, “The only way to effect change is through education.” He acknowledges the unique challenges posed by today’s professionals, characterizing them as “a bit more difficult than those in the past.”
Frank, self-described as “old school,” values hard work and dedication, traits he has brought to Posillico with appreciation from the company. However, he observes a trend in recent graduates seeking positions with substantial remuneration despite limited experience. He remarks, “Too many individuals today graduate college, come to you for a position with little or no experience, and want large sums of money.”
One notable generational issue Frank highlights relates to communication preferences. He recounts an incident where, during periods of high email volume, he encouraged colleagues to contact him by phone for immediate assistance. This, however, drew complaints to HR, with some engineers expressing discomfort with being “forced to call.” Frank acknowledges the generational shift away from verbal communication, stating, “This generation does not like to verbally communicate.”
To effect change successfully, Frank recognizes the necessity of continuous explanation regarding the benefits of verbal communication. He emphasizes, “To be successful in making the change, I have to continuously explain the benefits of verbal communication.” This dedication to education and communication underscores Frank’s commitment to bridging generational gaps and fostering a workplace culture that values both traditional and modern approaches.
Juggling Growth and Balance
In navigating the challenge of balancing personal and professional life, Frank admits, “Currently, as our business keeps growing, it’s a bit difficult to balance both but it gets done.” Despite the demands, he maintains a structured workday that includes nine hours in the office, dinner at home, and an additional 2 to 3 hours in his home office. Acknowledging the difficulty in maintaining this balance, Frank ensures that his team doesn’t follow the same strenuous pattern, discouraging them from working at home and actively encouraging time off.
Frank finds motivation in the recognition he receives from key figures within the company. He notes, “The motivation I get is from the appreciation I get from our CFO Rick Nota and our President Joseph K Posillico.” This acknowledgment serves as a powerful incentive, as Frank sees the tangible impact of his team’s contributions to the company’s success.
The driving force behind Frank’s dedication is his love for the work. He states, “Ultimately, I just love what I do.” This intrinsic passion for his role keeps him motivated and engaged. Frank recognizes the importance of preserving the joy of the work and sets a clear boundary, expressing, “When the day comes that the pressures of the position take away the joy of the work, I’ll retire.” This unwavering commitment to maintaining joy and fulfillment in his professional life reflects Frank’s wisdom in navigating the delicate balance between personal and professional spheres.
Guiding Posillico’s Future: Vision, Commitment, and Insights
On the future of Posillico, Frank underscores his commitment to continuity and growth, stating, “I am currently training individuals in various areas of the company to carry on what I have initiated and to guide them in being more creative themselves.” His focus on training aims to empower the team to maintain and build upon the initiatives he has spearheaded, ensuring Posillico’s sustained growth.
Expressing confidence in Posillico’s trajectory, Frank asserts, “Posillico will only keep growing, and as long as we continue motivation and educating our people, we will also be an Employer of Choice (in 2022 we achieved that status).” He recognizes the crucial role of motivation and ongoing education in fostering a work environment that attracts and retains top talent.
Discussing his personal goals as a business leader, Frank outlines a consistent approach, stating, “I will continue as I have been doing in the past, which is speaking engagements, alerting industry associations of the pitfalls of not staying or being in compliance with policies and regulations.” This dedication to sharing insights and knowledge reflects Frank’s commitment to industry improvement and awareness.
Frank’s message to aspiring leaders is grounded in his leadership philosophy, “Do as I do and treat the company as though your family owns it.” He encourages a proactive approach to seeking cost-saving opportunities and emphasizes that decisions should not be solely based on recognition or rewards. Frank draws from his own experience, noting, “There came a point in my career here at Posillico where everyone woke up to the amazing money-saving changes that I implemented.”
A significant compliance change initiated by Frank internally involves establishing a Risk Management Evaluation before project commencement. This proactive approach ensures that the project management team, safety, compliance, and finance are well-informed about potential issues, bid considerations, and compliance goals. Frank believes this practice significantly contributes to project success, emphasizing, “Do this, and you have an excellent chance of having success, project after project.” This strategic insight encapsulates Frank’s pragmatic and forward-thinking leadership style.
Conclusion
In the dynamic landscape of construction and engineering, Frank Franzini stands as a beacon of leadership at Posillico Civil Inc. His dedication to training, commitment to fostering a motivated workforce, and strategic initiatives in risk management and compliance showcase a leader with a vision for sustained success. As Posillico continues to thrive and evolve, Frank’s influence remains integral, ensuring the company’s position as a leader in the industry.
