At JBC Associates, we know that successful construction projects require more than technical excellence — they depend on strong professional relationships built on trust, communication, and accountability. That belief is the goal behind PennDOT and APC’s Relationships First initiative, and it closely reflects how JBC approaches every project, partnership, and interaction.
What Is APC and PennDOT’s Relationships First Initiative?
Introduced at each District’s Construction Winter School this year, The Relationships First Initiative defines a structured training which emphasizes how project teams work together directly impact project outcomes. Rather than focusing solely on processes, schedules, and compliance, the initiative challenges teams to prioritize relationship-based behaviors.
The program is a daily practice supported by a Relationship First Facilitator. A facilitator promotes practical habits that protect trust and improve collaboration, including:
- Understanding different personalities, roles, and pressures
- Communicating openly, clearly, and directly
- Assuming positive intent and responding thoughtfully
- Focusing on solutions rather than blame
- Following through on commitments and closing the loop
When these behaviors are practiced consistently by a Relationship First Facilitator, project teams resolve issues faster, reduce conflict, and stay focused on shared goals — even when challenges arise.
Relationships First in Action: Setting the Tone Early
One of the most impactful aspects of the initiative is the emphasis on Relationships First kickoff meetings, implemented by a Facilitator, which set the foundation for how a project team will work together.
Strong relationships don’t happen by accident — they are shaped early through intentional leadership, clear agendas, and consistent follow-through. Done well, these early efforts help teams navigate challenges with trust and respect throughout construction.
Building Culture Through Project Control Meetings (PCM)
Here is where the tone is set, accountability is reinforced and momentum is created.
Leadership shapes the tone, energy, and progress of the PCM. Time is money. Projects move faster and more effectively when decisions are made by the people closest to the work — supported by trust, transparency, and accountability. When teams communicate these three elements, they resolve issues proactively and avoid unnecessary delays.
Why JBC Is a Strong Partner for Project Teams
JBC Associates is uniquely positioned to support PennDOT’s Relationships First culture because these principles are already woven into how we work.
Our teams consistently demonstrate the behaviors that build high-trust project environments:
- Clear and Respectful Communication
- Accountability and Follow-Through
- Solution-Focused Collaboration
- Transparency allows us to address issues early, learn from feedback, and adapt — helping projects remain resilient and efficient.
Our Commitment Moving Forward
PennDOT’s Relationships First Initiative reinforces a simple but powerful truth: How we work together matters just as much as what we deliver.
JBC Associates is committed to modeling these principles on every project — through our communication, our leadership, and our daily interactions with PennDOT, contractors, consultants, and stakeholders.
By combining technical expertise with strong relationship-based practices, we look forward to continuing to build successful projects — together as a dependable partner on PennDOT projects statewide.
→ May 6, 2026
