Strengthening GC–Trade Partner Relationships for Better Project Outcomes with Director of Preconstruction, Katie Smith
At Schaefer, strong trade partner relationships are the foundation of Building Confidence in every project. For Schaefer General Contracting (Schaefer), that begins in preconstruction. This August, Schaefer’s Director of Preconstruction, Katie Smith, joined the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) Tampa’s monthly meeting to discuss how thoughtful preconstruction planning creates stronger project outcomes.
During the session, Katie shared how intentional, trust-based partnerships with trade partners create stronger alignment, more reliable pricing, and smoother execution in the field. By engaging trade partners early in the process, teams can identify challenges sooner, improve communication, reduce risk, and build a stronger foundation for project success. If preconstruction is about building the project on paper, then relationships are the tools we use to build it right.
At Schaefer, we believe that if preconstruction is about building the project on paper, then relationships are the tools that help build it right. When general contractors and trade partners work as true collaborators, projects benefit from greater alignment, fewer surprises, and more predictable outcomes.
Read on as we share some of the key takeaways from Katie’s presentation and how stronger trade partner relationships lead to stronger project outcomes.
Why Trade Partner Relationships Matter
Some of the most valuable project decisions don’t happen in a conference room—they happen through conversations with the people who will ultimately build the work.
Strong relationships with trade partners create better projects because they lead to:
- More reliable pricing
- Better constructability solutions
- More accurate schedules
- Faster problem solving
- Stronger collaboration in the field
One principle Katie shared during her presentation is simple: “Trades remember how you treat them before you need them.”
Access Katie’s Preconstruction Playbook
Want to dive deeper into the strategies shared during Katie Smith’s NAWIC presentation or interested in connecting with Katie?
Whether you’re an owner, architect, engineer, developer, or trade partner, these practical tools are designed to help create stronger partnerships, better planning, and more successful project outcomes.
About Katie Smith
As Schaefer’s Director of Preconstruction for Florida, Katie Smith brings over 20 years of hands-on experience in estimating and preconstruction. With a reputation for precision and deep industry insight, Katie possesses a thorough understanding of the intricacies involved in bringing complex projects to fruition.
Beyond her technical expertise, Katie excels in relationship-building, actively cultivating strong connections with tradepartners, vendors, owners, and clients. By prioritizing quality and reliability, she fosters enduring partnerships that defines Schaefer’s approach to Building Confidence—on every project and with every partner.
Learn More About Katie Smith Here!
At Schaefer General Contracting, our legacy began in 1954 with a simple promise: build with integrity, treat people with respect, and deliver work we can all be proud of. From humble beginnings to a trusted construction partner with national reach, we’ve grown by staying true to what matters—our people, our values, and our commitment to quality.
Whether we’re leading ground-up developments or complex renovations, our team brings clarity, collaboration, and craftsmanship to every project.
Let’s build something, together.
