Tuckerman’s Ravine is a forbidding and barren rock face locally known as the birthplace of extreme skiing. The highest wind speeds ever recorded, waterfalls and massive boulders converge to serve as the foundation to hold a winters worth of snow measuring up to a depth of 150 feet. Each spring, as the harsh edges of the passing winter eases, the challenge to conquer this ravine begins, and the formidable obstacles are overcome. The climb to base camp demands strength, endurance, tenacity and purpose. The descent is an act of faith, followed by clear sense of accomplishment. The ravine conquered, the obstacles overcome, the goal achieved.

Our team of fourteen came together through the vision and leadership of two men, Jeff and Craig, and we shared a common goal. Jeff and Craig were attempting to become the first mono skiers to ski Tuckerman’s Ravine. Both physically challenged from the waist down. Jeff and Craig are driven by uncommonly strong hearts, clear heads and gifted souls. Their unrelenting perseverance, humility, intelligence and gracious acknowledgement of our team efforts inspired the arduous climb to base camp. Crevasses in the thawing snow pack, fields of blue ice atop flowing water, rocks, fallen trees and ever changing terrain guided the overwhelming experience of our ski down. Planning, teamwork, personal character and a bit of luck ensured our teams success.

Developing a real estate project requires planning, teamwork, personal character and a bit of luck. Whether climbing a mountain or developing real estate, challenges will need to be met and obstacles overcome. Planning requires clear objectives, technical acumen, thorough due diligence and adequate contingencies. Teamwork evolves from common values, shared purpose, selfless actions, a whole understanding and acceptance of the project demands. Personal character is defined simply by truth and accountability. Planning, teamwork and personal character can move mountains, a little bit of luck lightens the load.

Planning for the goals and objectives of developers and owners are universal, typically related to minimizing risk, maximizing returns, containing cost, achieving time deadlines, ensuring quality and successfully completing the project. Navigating the ever changing development terrain without need for conflict resolution by mediation, arbitration or litigation is heavily dependent upon the initial project planning and team selection. Defining and communicating clear project objectives are the responsibility of the developer or its development manager. Planning of the project should consider the worst case scenarios, while continually striving for the best case achievable. Technical acumen of loan documents, contracts, budgets, schedules, and management responsibilities benefit by the wisdom derived from a seasoned development team. Due diligence can expose the inherent risk pursuant to unforeseen or unforeseeable conditions. An experienced and accountable project team assesses, quantifies and contains risk. Development and construction contingencies should be based on reasonable expectations allowing the project to proceed with a financial structure adequate to overcome obstacles.

Teamwork makes projects happen. Team builders inspire people. A project team of diverse individuals with common values working toward a shared goal will succeed. When selecting the project team; their track records, contracts, scopes of services, compensation and professional capabilities will support the decision to award the contract. More importantly, the performance of the project team will depend on the people managing the project, their character, competence and accountability. Team members will perform their specific roles at the highest level when the overall project objectives are understood. The intent of team members and scope of services specific to the project need to be clear within the four corners of their contracts. Team members use their strengths to support another’s weaknesses. Strong team members can do more then a contract obligates them to do and share in the success and satisfaction of a job well done. Team members resolve conflict with clarity, truth and accountability. Team members understand it is easier to breach a contract then to break a handshake.

Sippican Partners, LLC., acting as development managers for real estate owners and investors endeavors to lead and manage our projects with the same principles and approach of our Tuckerman’s team. Tuckerman’s Ravine challenged the climbing team and offered many obstacles to overcome. The leadership and vision of Jeff and Craig inspired us all to achieve the common goal and objectives as a team. We skied Tuckerman’s. Next mountain.