What better tool to facilitate success in that kind of relationship than BIM? In Pontikes' view, more information means more certainty and a better product.

"There hasn't been a time when we didn't bring a project in early, under budget and with full specified capabilities using BIM," he says. "It helps bring transparency to processes because the information is there for all parties to see. As elements of the project evolve, we can tell the A/E and owner the exact costs, and they can tell us how to they want to proceed."

A commitment to cutting-edge technology and time-tested values are two traits Pontikes believes will have to be in the professional skill set of any contractor who expects to be a part of the 21st century construction economy. That's why he's made education a personal mission, helping fellow contractors and owners better understand BIM and conveying personal "ownership" of projects to students and aspiring entrepreneurs.

"Twenty years ago, students began their construction careers in the field, and gradually gained experience with various processes," Pontikes says. "Today, they're more high-tech oriented. They can pull information from anywhere and come up with great ideas."

But Pontikes is quick to add that even the most software-savvy construction newcomer still needs to work with "old salts like me" who can pass along insights and experience that can, and often do, make the difference on the jobsite and in the conference room.

"Construction is not like a video game, where you can just hit reset when things go wrong," he says. "We also need them to be familiar with the trades and with field work. You can't start someone as a project manager when he or she doesn't know how things work."

S&P's model of innovation, firmly rooted in industry fundamentals, may well represent the synergistic balance that construction firms need to get through the next few years, let alone the long term, Pontikes says, "and that's particularly true for the global economy."

Indeed, while the generally good economic picture in the Southwestern U.S. means plenty of new project opportunities, there's also more competition for them. In addition to long-time local peers, S&P now finds itself vying with large national and international construction firms.

But, as always, Pontikes knows how to adapt. The company is taking steps to acquire subcontractors and self-perform more project elements, helping to offset the resource advantages of new competitors.

Pontikes is confident the strategy will work. However, regardless of what unfolds over the next few years, "it will be an interesting time," he says.