Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Expert Consulting & Investment Banking for the Built Environment
Fails Management Institute has been a trusted leader in the built environment industry for over 70 years. Our team of industry insiders combines deep sector expertise with proprietary insights to deliver tailored solutions in strategy, leadership development, operations, and investment banking. We serve clients across the engineering, construction, and building materials sectors, helping them navigate complex challenges and capitalize on emerging opportunities.Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our data-driven approach, customized training programs, and a proven track record of driving measurable results. With offices in Raleigh, Denver, Tampa, and Houston, we provide localized insights with a global perspective, ensuring our clients remain competitive in an ever-evolving market.
Services
Strategic Planning
Leadership Development
Succession Management
Operational Excellence
Compensation Consulting
Market Research
Investment Banking
Training Programs
Peer Groups
Technology Strategy
Details
- Year established: 1953
Highlights and features
- We offer over 70 years of industry-specific expertise in the built environment.
- Our proprietary insights and data-driven strategies deliver measurable results.
- Dedicated teams provide tailored advisory services aligned with client goals.
- Proven track record in optimizing performance and driving successful transactions.
- Comprehensive training programs enhance leadership and operational excellence.
What people say
Top experts in the field
Excellent job
Thorough services
Drives results
Valuable experience
Services
Strategic Planning
Our strategic planning services help clients define clear roadmaps for growth by analyzing market trends, competitive landscapes, and internal capabilities. We focus on aligning organizational goals with actionable plans to enhance profitability and long-term sustainability. Clients benefit from customized insights tailored to the unique dynamics of the built environment sector.
Leadership Development
We build leadership capacity at all levels through targeted programs that develop critical skills and foster a culture of continuous improvement. Our approach combines practical training with executive coaching to ensure leaders can drive performance and navigate industry-specific challenges effectively. This service strengthens organizational resilience and succession readiness.
Investment Banking
Our investment banking team specializes in transactions within the built environment, offering expertise in sell-side and buy-side advisory, private capital placements, and ESOP structuring. We leverage deep industry relationships and technical knowledge to maximize deal value and ensure seamless execution for clients across construction, engineering, and related sectors.
Operational Excellence
We help contractors improve profitability by enhancing labor productivity, project controls, and equipment utilization. Our consultants implement best practices in preconstruction planning and cost management to reduce waste and increase margins. This service creates scalable operational frameworks that support sustainable growth in competitive markets.
Compensation Consulting
Our compensation experts design competitive reward systems using industry benchmark data to attract and retain top talent. Services include pay structure design, incentive plan development, and benefits analysis. We ensure compensation strategies align with business objectives while maintaining compliance with equity regulations and market standards.
People
W. Chris Daum
CEO
Chris Daum leads Fails Management Institute with a focus on advancing the firm's mission to create a better future for the built environment through strategic innovation and client-centric solutions.
Denise Proctor
CFO and COO
Denise Proctor oversees financial and operational strategy at Fails Management Institute, driving efficiency and growth while championing diversity and inclusion initiatives across the organization.
Michael Mangum
Partner
With over 35 years in construction consulting, Michael Mangum specializes in leadership development and succession planning, helping firms build sustainable management pipelines.
Jake Appelman
Partner
Jake Appelman leads Fails Management Institute's management succession practice, providing strategic guidance to architecture and engineering firms on executive transitions and organizational development.
Steena Chandler
Partner
Steena Chandler focuses on organizational development, delivering leadership programs that enhance team performance and align talent strategies with business objectives.
Questions
What industries does FMI specialize in?
FMI focuses exclusively on the built environment, including construction, engineering, building materials, and related sectors.
How does FMI's consulting approach differ from generalist firms?
We combine deep industry specialization with proprietary data and relationships to deliver actionable, sector-specific solutions that drive measurable outcomes.
What types of investment banking services do you offer?
Our services include M&A advisory, private equity transactions, ESOP structuring, and capital placement tailored to the built environment.
Can FMI help with leadership development programs?
Yes, we design customized leadership training and succession planning initiatives to build bench strength and prepare future executives.
Do you provide operational improvement consulting?
We help contractors enhance productivity, project controls, and equipment utilization to increase margins and operational efficiency.
