Latest news with #HITT
Business Wire
12 hours ago
- Business
- Business Wire
HITT Contracting Becomes a Significant Supporter of JK Community Farm as Sponsor of Play Zone and Acreage
PURCELLVILLE, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- HITT Contracting, a top-ranked national general contractor based in Northern Virginia, has become a major partner in supporting the educational and hunger relief efforts of the JK Community Farm, a 150-acre nonprofit farm in Loudoun County that grows and donates healthy food to food banks across the DC region. Through volunteers and a nearly $40,000 grant, HITT has committed to being an Acreage Sponsor and to building a HITT Play Zone at the farm. Through volunteers and a nearly $40,000 grant, HITT has committed to being an Acreage Sponsor and to building a HITT Play Zone at the JK Community Farm. Share 'We work to alleviate hunger by improving access to healthy food. As part of this, we are also focused on cultivating the next generation's understanding of where food comes from, how it's grown, and why nutrition and stewardship matter,' explained JK Community Farm Executive Director Samantha Kuhn. 'HITT is partnering with us to support these goals. As funding for food programs is getting cut for nonprofits and clients alike, corporate support is more critical than ever, and we are grateful to HITT for investing in us and the families we serve.' As an Acreage Sponsor, HITT has adopted one of the farm's acres and is sponsoring all costs associated with growing on HITT's Acre. The farm is an important provider of healthy food for those in need in the DC area. Last year, more than 6,700 volunteers—including HITT team members—helped grow and harvest over 247,000 pounds of fresh, organic produce and protein that was donated to local food banks. By adopting an acre, HITT will help the farm meet the community's expanding needs through funds and volunteer power. 'Community engagement is at the heart of who we are at HITT. Supporting JK Community Farm is a meaningful way for us to live out our core value, Be the Good, not only through financial support, but by showing up, getting our hands dirty, and helping expand access to healthy food and hands-on education for local families. This partnership reflects our belief that building stronger communities starts with investing in people,' said HITT Senior Vice President Ashley Campbell. The Fairfax County-based construction company is also donating a HITT Play Zone, which will be part of the farm's nature playscape within its new Outdoor Food Learning Center. Designed for the farm's field trip students and youth volunteers, the Center will include an outdoor classroom and an educational space for sensory exploration that will help children learn, explore, and develop essential life skills through hands-on interaction with the farm's natural environment. The Center, which also received a grant from the Joseph E. Roberts Charitable Trust, will engage all five senses, reinforcing food education through experiential learning. Children will dig in the soil, plant seeds, smell herbs, touch varied textures, and observe pollinators at work. Within the Center, the HITT Play Zone will feature climbing boulders with Tonka trucks for digging. The playscape will also have sensory herb stations, nature art zones, shaded seating, bird houses, and a mud kitchen. Every element is intentionally designed to reinforce the principles of food education and environmental care, offering children a space to explore the farm's ecosystem in a safe, engaging, and educational setting. The HITT Play Zone is expected to open in late July. Every educational program at the farm is aligned with educational standards and designed to engage students from diverse backgrounds, ensuring equitable access to transformative food education experiences. The JK Community Farm hosts 3,000 students each season for education through its field trip program, and the Center will help deepen their learning experience. ABOUT JK COMMUNITY FARM JK Community Farm, a nonprofit started in 2018 seeks to have a lasting and healthy impact on struggling families within the Washington, DC region by growing and donating chemical-free, healthy produce and protein to those struggling with hunger. As the nation's largest chemical-free community farm with 100% of its yield donated, the farm's food is distributed by nonprofit partners: Loudoun Hunger Relief, Food for Others, Arlington Food Assistance Center, and DC Central Kitchen. HITT Contracting provides a wide range of commercial construction services across the nation, including complex core and shell buildings, renovations, interior fit-outs, and routine service work. No matter the project size or type, HITT delivers a premium construction experience. With 2024 revenues of $8.7 billion and nearly 2,000 team members nationwide, HITT is ranked among the top 10 largest general contractors in the U.S. For more than 85 years, the Washington, DC-area headquartered firm has been driven by a spark of curiosity to push boundaries and redefine what's possible in construction. Through innovation, sustainability, and partnership, HITT is igniting progress and tackling the industry's greatest challenges while consistently delivering exceptional building experiences. Learn more about HITT's general contracting capabilities at
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
The top commercial contractors of 2025
This story was originally published on Construction Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Construction Dive newsletter. New York City-based Turner Construction has once again retained its top spot as the No. 1 contractor in the country by revenue, according to Engineering News-Record's 2025 Top 400 Commercial Contractors list released last week. Reston, Virginia-based Bechtel reclaimed second place after Omaha, Nebraska-based Kiewit, which placed No. 3 this year, pushed it out of the runner-up slot last year. All three of the top contractors experienced some measure of revenue growth. Turner's 2024 revenue grew to $20.2 billion from $17.1 billion last year, while Bechtel grew to $15.9 billion from $12.9 billion. Kiewit generated $14 billion in 2024 compared to the prior year's $13.8 billion. In a large swing, Falls Church, Virginia-based HITT Contracting leapt up the rankings, jumping from the No. 26 slot last year into the No. 10 position on the back of a revenue increase of approximately $3 billion, according to the report. HITT credited the company's revenue jump with listening to, and evolving alongside, its clients, according to Kim Roy, the company's CEO. 'Over the past five years, we've expanded in key sectors with strong demand and long-term opportunities, such as mission critical, hospitality, healthcare, manufacturing and industrial,' Roy told Construction Dive via email. 'We also continue to grow alongside our long-time corporate and multifamily clients, who have been pivotal to HITT's success.' In addition to HITT, Atlanta-based Holder Construction also made a big leap, to the No. 15 slot from last year's position at No. 30. The company reported $7.7 billion in 2024 revenue, compared to $5 billion in 2023. The list comes as public builders have, for the most part, downplayed the effects that President Donald Trump's tariffs have had on their first quarter earnings performance. Since the rankings depend on 2024 revenue, it can be seen as a lagging indicator of performance, unaffected by tariffs, or even the Trump presidency. Other firms that jumped five spots or more in the top 50 include: Minneapolis-based Mortenson, up to No. 22 from No. 27. Concord, California-based Swinerton, up to No. 30 from No. 35. Tempe, Arizona-based Sundt Construction, up to No. 46 from No. 51. Baton Rouge, Louisiana-based Performance Contractors Inc., which landed at No. 47 despite being unranked last year. Columbus, Kansas-based Crossland Construction Co., up to No. 50 from No. 55. Builders that fell five or more spots in the top 50 include: Providence, Rhode Island-based Gilbane Building Co., which dropped from 11 to 17. St. Louis-based Arco Construction Cos., down to No. 29 from No. 17. Southfield, Michigan-based Barton Malow, down to No. 35 from No. 19. While the leapfrogging activity shows that there's always room at the top, there are red flags building in the construction industry as well. In April, project stress rose, and the private sector neared a multi-year high in abandonments, according to Cincinnati-based ConstructConnect. In addition, the Dodge Momentum Index grew 0.9% in April, a lower rate of growth compared to past months, mostly powered by work in data center projects. Without data centers, the DMI would've dropped 3%. At the same time, optimism remains. Construction backlog rose in April to its highest level since September 2023, particularly for builders with over $100 million in revenue. However, it's down year over year for contractors that made $30 million to $100 million in annual revenue. See the chart below for the top 10 commercial contractors on the list: Ranking Contractor 2024 Revenue 1 Turner Construction $20.2 billion 2 Bechtel $15.9 billion 3 Kiewit Corp. $14 billion 4 The Whiting-Turner Contracting Corp. $13.3 billion 5 MasTec $12.3 billion 6 STO Building Group $12 billion 7 Fluor $11.1 billion 8 DPR Construction $10.8 billion 9 McDermott International $8.9 billion 10 HITT Contracting $8.7 billion Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
New York Post
01-05-2025
- Health
- New York Post
Are walking pads worth it? We tried the trendy under-desk device and finally got the hype
New York Post may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if you click or buy through our links. Featured pricing is subject to change. It's 2025. Are we really surprised that one of the hottest workout devices of the year can slide right under your desk and double as a small laptop desk for Zoom meetings or TV bingeing? I can't say I am. I mean, it feels like everyone and their mother has one. The viral takeover of under-desk treadmills has even managed to make me reconsider the way I work out. Like millions of Americans working nine-to-five jobs, I like to save my workouts for after work; spending the day hovering over my laptop, tensely typing away, bottling up my energy for a quick HITT class or late-night gym session. The influx of these portable machines taking over my #ForYouPage has me rethinking if I could become more of a multitasker. Burning some calories while punching away at articles doesn't sound like a bad thing. Besides, most under-desk treadmills cost less than a month-long Equinox membership these days. Advertisement Of course, there's still the common assumption that walking pads are far less effective than other workout equipment, like treadmills, rowing machines, or bikes. I, too, fell victim to this too-good-for-walking mentality. Why waste an hour slumping around at a slow pace when you could have packed in six miles? But, in my tenure as a health and wellness writer, I've come to realize the power and purpose of walking as a workout. Not just the mental benefits of slower, intentional movement, but the physical ones, too. The United States ranks 10th among countries with the highest obesity rates, according to the CDC. The data is a reflection of many factors, but a lack of physical activity remains a common point of concern. A study by Harvard Health revealed that the average American sits for 10.4 hours a day. The researchers also reported that substituting just five minutes of sitting with brisk walking could even have a tangible effect on heart health. Naturally, I set out to scout out some of the top walking pads on the market. We sifted through well-respected brands like LifePro, Sperax, and Merarch to find models that work for small spaces, beneath desks, and beyond. I even took one for a test ride in our office, because why not? Jump to our full review to find out what the hype is all about. Is walking actually that good for you? Walking seems to be among — if not the most — underrated workouts available to us. While less technical than sports, and certainly lower impact than lifting or running, walking is still a great workout for anyone who wants to maintain a healthy body weight and live a healthy life. According to the Mayo Clinic, walking can help improve cardiovascular fitness, strengthen your bones, increase energy levels, and even help with energy and mood. Are walking pads effective? Many health experts agree that walking pads are an effective tool for weight management and overall wellness, but further research is also beginning to reveal the many benefits of working out while working. A small study published in 2023 found that office workers who used an electric treadmill desk over four months reported higher energy, concentration, and a more positive mood. What are the best walking pads? Best Quiet Walking Pad: Lifepro Small Walking Pad Treadmill Amazon Pros: Very small, lightweight, and portable Offers two different incline options, ideal for engaging the core Comes fully assembled, all you have to do is plug it in Quiet belt and mute settings to keep the workplace quiet Cons: Lower weight capacity The belt might be too short for some tall people No LED display, but it is remote-controlled Skip all the complications of a large machine and stick with something small and simple, like the Lifepro PacerMini. This compact machine weighs only 40 pounds, making it a breeze to move around your home or office space. It arrives fully assembled, so you can get straight to working out. No nuts or bolts necessary. Despite its small stature, the PacerMini still provides a great workout, reaching up to 3 MPH and offering a fixed 7% incline for an added burn. Previous 1 of 7 Next Testing out the walking pad. Miska Salemann Testing out the walking pad. Miska Salemann Advertisement Unboxing the LifePro walking pad. Miska Salemann Unboxing the LifePro walking pad. Miska Salemann Testing our the LifePro Walking pad. Miska Salemann Advertisement New York Post Review: 'Behold our very first office walking pad, the LifePro Pacermini. This small but mighty walking pad may be the new reason we're not always crunched over our computers. The workout started as soon as it arrived. Okay, it wasn't the heaviest package we've ever picked up, but it still took two people to lug it over. But, after breaking through the durable cardboard, I was pleased to find the product fully assembled (just as advertised). Once it was out of the box, it was easy to move around without assistance. It comes with a user guide, and the directions were easy to follow. All I had to do was remove the battery seal and plug it in. Easy enough… and when you add a remote control to the mix, it becomes second-nature to us screen-obsessed people. There's a big red power button on the front of the pad, and an on/off button on the remote. Once you click both, you're up and running (or walking briskly). Switching between speeds was simple, and response time — exceptional. The transition from sluggish stroll to power walk can happen in the blink of an eye — if you want it to. I took a feel for different speeds, and the belt remained rather smooth and steady, no matter the pace. Equally impressive was the fact that I could hardly hear the belt beneath my feet. While there is a very slight hum, this machine was far quieter than the heavy-duty machines at my gym. Plus, there's a handy mute feature, so you won't disrupt your coworkers with an annoying beep-beep sound. Using the LifePro is really a walk in the park. The noise is minimal, the belt is smooth, and the foldable design makes it extra convenient for an office setting. Our one small gripe with the LifePro is the fact that it's small (as advertised), and taller people may have to shorten their natural gate a bit. All in all, it's a great little machine, and by the end of my review process, many of my coworkers were also eager to take it for a spin. Dare I say, it might be a little bit addicting?' Dimensions: 32.7″D x 25″W x 41″H | Weight capacity: 220 | Incline: 7% | Speed range: Up to 3 MPH | Foldable: Yes | LED display: No Best Incline Walking Pad: MERACH T14 Walking Pad Amazon Pros: Wider speed range and more incline options Comes with an LED display Pairs via Bluetooth with the Merarch fitness app, offering coaching and classes Shock-absorbing belt to help support the joints Cons: Less compact than some other under-desk models (may stick out from under a desk, per testing) For a level up from a basic under-desk walking pad, we suggest this walking treadmill by Merarch. This sturdy treadmill offers a challenging 9% incline and reaches up to 4 MPH, making it a better option for someone looking to up the energy. While this solid machine is a bit heavier than some other models, it still offers a sleek design for easy storage. Previous 1 of 5 Next Testing out the Merarch Walking Pad. Miska Salemann Unboxing the Merarch Waking pad. Miska Salemnn Advertisement Testing out the Merarch Walking Pad. Miska Salemann Advertisement New York Post Review: 'If you're ready to step it up a notch, the Merarch T14 delivers. Promising more power, it's a bit bulkier than the other treadmill we tested, but still small enough to slide under a desk with just a touch of its tail sticking out. Keep in mind that it's also considerably heavier than the PacerMini, so you may want to roll up your sleeves and make some space for the unpackaging. Thankfully, the wheels make it easy to maneuver once it's out of the box. I could probably lug it across our whole floor without breaking a sweat. Once we had positioned it in its new home (under a desk), the setup was simple. Following directions isn't my strong suit, so if I can get it going in under five minutes, your Grandma should be able to get it going in less. I plugged it into the wall, pressed the red power button, and downloaded the Merarch app, which connected via Bluetooth in seconds. From there, I was able to explore different activity data and even access coaching and competitions. This is certainly a strong selling point for someone who takes their walking seriously. It's not just a walking pad, but a smart walking pad, and if you commit to using it, you can track your progress and watch it pay off. We were quite impressed with its performance, especially the fact that it offers a 9% incline. I felt the heat rising after a few minutes, and that was just on 6%. Dedicated power-walkers will appreciate the challenge. A small remote controls the speed, incline, and start-pause features. The metrics are also displayed in a large digital font, so no squinting is necessary. The only thing that was missing was a mute feature. The beeping is a bit noisy for an office, but if you're working from home, it shouldn't be an issue.' Dimensions: 48.4″D x 20.9″W x 6.5″H | Weight capacity: 265 | Incline: 9% | Speed range: 0.6–4.0 MPH | Foldable: Yes | LED display: Yes Best Walking Pad Under-desk: Sperax Walking Pad Under-Desk Treadmill Amazon Pros: High weight capacity (320 pounds) Low to the ground and easy to store Smooth, quiet operation (shock-absorbing design) Cons: No incline No LED display, but it is remote-controlled Enjoy the whisper-quiet power of a 2.5HP quiet motor with the Sperax under-desk treadmill. Offering a weight-bearing capacity of 320 pounds, this heavy-duty under-desk treadmill is a top choice for customers looking to incorporate some more physical activity into their routines. It's backed by more than 5,000 glowing reviews for its durable steel frame and nonslip running belt — and we recommend it as a top pick. While this option does not offer incline, the smooth surface makes for an easier multi-tasking experience. Dimensions: 48″D x 19.6″W x 4.6″H | Weight capacity: 320 | Incline: No | Speed range: 0.6-3.8 MPH | Foldable: No | LED display: No How We Tested Testing out the LifePro walking pad. Miska Salemann How do these walking pads stack up? Believe it or not, it's not quite as simple as walking on them. To evaluate the quality of a walking pad, we reviewed the machines based on the following criteria: speed range, incline range, sound, design, and ease of use. Speed range: While walking pads are not advertised as true treadmills intended for jogging, we looked for options that supported a speed range from slow walking to power walking, offering customers full control when it came to finding the right speed. While walking pads are not advertised as true treadmills intended for jogging, we looked for options that supported a speed range from slow walking to power walking, offering customers full control when it came to finding the right speed. Incline Range: In full '3-12-30' fashion (TikTok's favorite trick for incline sessions), we evaluated the incline range of each treadmill and considered how smooth and quick the incline transition was for each. In full '3-12-30' fashion (TikTok's favorite trick for incline sessions), we evaluated the incline range of each treadmill and considered how smooth and quick the incline transition was for each. Sound: Nobody wants to listen to the hum of a buzzing walking pad or loud stomping feet, especially in an office setting. We evaluated the amount of noise the motors created while in motion and looked for brushless walking pads to ensure super-quiet operation. Nobody wants to listen to the hum of a buzzing walking pad or loud stomping feet, especially in an office setting. We evaluated the amount of noise the motors created while in motion and looked for brushless walking pads to ensure super-quiet operation. Design: Everyone has their own preference when it comes to design, but we looked for treadmills that could easily fit under desks or be stored in compact spaces. Extra consideration was given to lower-weight walking pads that were easy to lift and move around. Everyone has their own preference when it comes to design, but we looked for treadmills that could easily fit under desks or be stored in compact spaces. Extra consideration was given to lower-weight walking pads that were easy to lift and move around. Ease of use: No walking pad is built the same, but there are a few basic elements that should be intuitive enough for any customer to use. We reviewed the control panel, including speed and incline change settings, as well as the start-stop feature, plus the overall visibility of the screens or buttons. Walking Pad FAQs What is the difference between a walking pad and a stepper? A walking pad and a stepper are both useful pieces of equipment for people looking to burn calories, however, there are a few key differences. A walking pad is typically flat and low to the ground, meant for horizontal movement. Steppers, on the other hand, stimulate stair climbing with two separate foot pads that move in an up-and-down motion. Walking pads primarily target the lower body, while steppers can also engage the upper body, core, and glutes. What's better, a stationary bike or a walking pad? Choosing the right piece of workout equipment will depend on your specific goals, lifestyle, and physical capabilities. Those who have suffered from former injuries may appreciate a stationary bike, as the seated position can alleviate some pressure from the joints. Under-desk walking pads may be a better choice for people who live a more sedentary lifestyle and want to move while working. Looking for a headline-worthy haul? Keep shopping Post Wanted. This article was written by Miska Salemann, New York Post Commerce Writer/Reporter. As a health-forward member of Gen Z, Miska seeks out experts to weigh in on the benefits, safety and designs of both trending and tried-and-true fitness equipment, workout clothing, dietary supplements and more. Taking matters into her own hands, Miska intrepidly tests wellness products, ranging from Bryan Johnson's Blueprint Longevity Mix to home gym elliptical machines to Jennifer Aniston's favorite workout platform – often with her adorable one-year old daughter by her side. Before joining The Post, Miska covered lifestyle and consumer topics for the U.S. Sun and The Cannon Beach Gazette.
