Recently, I had the opportunity to talk with a former manager for the great developer Trammell Crow, a major player across several sectors of real estate development in both the U.S. and Europe. He and the company are known for their quality work. My friend recounted an interesting conversation he had with Trammell when he first …
When we first launched our business in 1984, we were the definition of low tech. There was no email, all our phones were landlines and there was no scheduling software. Hard copy plans were the only option. As I consider how our processes have evolved over the years, most of it is for the better, …
March Madness is upon us, and for the first time ever, I participated in our company’s “March Madness Bracket Challenge” that one of our sharp young APM’s put together. He told me his mother picks the teams based on which mascots she likes, and maybe I should have done the same thing. I might be …
For years, I have heard about a decreasing quantity of trades people entering the workforce. When we add in the impact of covid, it seems the challenge is even greater. I recently read a statistic that over the next dozen years or so, the high school graduation rate is expected to drop by about 10%, …
It seems like our executive branch is playing a baseball game with the tariffs. Everyday is like a replay of the old Abbott and Costello, skit “Who’s on First.” The White House promised to restore a true 25% tariff on steel imports and elevate the tariff to 25% on aluminum imports, eliminating the loopholes that …
While technology has changed, and we have a lot more tools in the toolbox, email is still the primary business communication for most of us. It has the advantage of being an easy searchable virtual paper trail. However, it can be nuanced, lack context and personality, and even feel a little cold. Over the years, …
When I first got started in the construction business, I was hesitant to turn down new projects. We might have been overwhelmed and understaffed, but I wanted to say “yes” and expand our customer base and portfolio. In those early years, I learned that hard way that outrunning your infrastructure is bad for multiple reasons. …
In the last couple of weeks, the new administration has announced a slew of changes that will likely impact the construction industry. We are trying to keep a watchful eye while realizing that some of these initiatives might get pulled back before they become reality. Sometimes it’s senseless worry to worry too soon. For several …
This morning, we were on a call with a relationship customer, discussing the cost of a project. Obviously, everyone involved, including us, wants the lowest possible cost. It got me to thinking about risk management in regards subcontract pricing. I have learned am important lesson. Most of the time, one can continue to work numbers …
I recently read an article generalizing the types of leaders you often find in a construction setting. It discusses the importance of creating a mix of people who are great at coaching, pacesetting, being autocratic, and working as servant leaders. These are all vital to a company’s success, but the one that really resonates with …
I have recently seen a few stories about the way depression is on the rise. Maybe it is just the time of year, or maybe other reasons. No matter the root cause, The World Health Organization (WHO) has called depression an epidemic, and in his departing message, the Surgeon General warned against dangers of loneliness …