San Diego Business Journal

SDBJ SPECIAL REPORTS

The Lean Way

BUILDING: A Process Called ‘Lean Construction’ Smooths Road to RenovationTenant improvements and site renovations have been crucial to the business enhancement efforts of local contracting companies over the past five years, as work assignments in new-construction projects remain tough to come by in San Diego County and elsewhere.

By Lou Hirsh May 13, 2013 midnight   $$ Share
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Evidence-Based Design Drives SYHC Facilities Renovation

HEALTH CARE: Clinic Interior Promotes Healing; ‘Not Just a Decorating Job’

San Ysidro Health Center is using what’s called evidence-based design to inform the renovation of its new three-story clinic and urgent care center in Chula Vista — and streamlining health care in the process.

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Executive Profile: John Dempsey

John Dempsey is president of Dempsey Construction Inc., a commercial general contracting and construction management firm, which he formed in 2010. Dempsey, who previously spent 28 years with Lusardi Construction, has built a business model that delivers a blend of large-company experience with the hands-on approach of a boutique company.

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Transforming the Transactions

BANKING: Branch Banking Adapts to Technology Advances

Despite a quantum shift by more consumers doing their banking via the Internet and ATMs, most banks say they have no plans to eliminate their retail branch networks.

Executive Profile: Nikki Atkins Hartung

Nikki Hartung is senior vice president and market manager for Chase Consumer and Business Banking in San Diego. She has worked for JPMorgan Chase & Co. for 19 years, after joining the company in a management development program

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Local Small Business Lender Generates Opportunity and Jobs

FINANCE: The CDC Has Loaned Nearly $4B In Its 35 Years

Now in its 35th year, small business lender San Diego-based CDC Small Business Finance can take some pride in the legacy it’s created.

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Technology’s Pathfinders

TECH: Qualcomm Sees Need to ‘Clear the Way’ For More Data, Devices

Qualcomm Inc. sees a torrent of data in its future — and ours. The amount of data going to mobile devices is doubling every year, said Rasmus Hellberg, senior director for technical marketing.

Having Competent IT Help Can Be a Lifesaver for Small Businesses

TECH: Needs for Assistance, Backup and Security Require Pros

Clive Harrison of San Diego-based CentrexIT says he sees the phenomenon much too often: business leaders making their information technology choices based on price alone.

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Executive Profile: Wolfgang Ahrens

AudaExplore is a leading provider of automotive claims, underwriting and information solutions to insurance carriers and collision repair shops. Since 2010, Wolfgang Ahrens has been managing director of AudaExplore, where he has overseen operations and accelerated the development of innovative products and services to serve the needs of the American market.

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Finding Long-Term (Care) Solutions

INSURANCE: Policies Are An Attractive Job Benefit, But Can Be Complicated

Employers continue to explore long-term care insurance to pad their benefits packages, in large part to attract and retain key talent. This is because long-term care insurance can be a boon to employees who foresee caring for aging family members, or who want to protect their own assets as they age.

Small Businesses Will Need Help Navigating New Health Care Course

INSURANCE: Law’s Complexities, Uncertainties Need to Be Understood

Small business owners in San Diego County will need to brush up on federal health care reform regulations in order to take full advantage of new tax incentives and potentially lower insurance costs.

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Startup Capital Scarce For Sports Apparel, Equipment Makers

MANUFACTURING: County Home to Cluster of Action Sports Entrepreneurs

“Made in San Diego” is developing a special meaning for Kevin Flanagan, co-founder of The People’s Movement, an “eco-conscious” footwear and accessories maker in Solana Beach.