Leadership
The Fox and the Hedgehog
A Greek poet by the name of Archilochus famously said, “The fox knows many things, but the hedgehog knows one big thing.” In this conflict, a fox would seem to be…
Construction Trends
Nothing is Forever, Especially in Retail.
If there is one constant in life, it’s change. When it comes to habits, things swing one way, then another, before finding the equilibrium for a while. Then the cycle…
Read MoreConstruction Trends
The Next Generation of Smart Buildings
I think it’s safe to say that all the lighting and HVAC systems on our projects these days are high-efficiency and have some kind of “smart” element, from lighting controls…
Customer Relationships
Make the Acquaintance First
For some, the idea of “sales” is a little too comfortable, and they push products and services before it’s appropriate. For others, making a pitch is uncomfortable. I would argue both sides…
Continuing Education
Balancing Culture and Climate
My FMI buddies always say that culture eats strategy for breakfast. I recently attended a workshop where the topic of corporate culture was addressed and compared to corporate climate, a…
Management
It’s the Experience
In any kind of buy and sell, the customer experience is the differentiator. It’s where repeat business is earned or lost. This sounds simple, but we all know it’s hard…
Construction Trends
Chasing Daylight
Natural light “sells.” Whether in an office or education environment, people will always perform better in the presence of natural light. We’re also seeing natural light play a bigger role…
Construction Trends
Where We Are With Opportunity Zones
Since the first of the year, there has been lots of buzz about Opportunity Zones. Many know the program as part of the Tax Overhaul Act of 2017, developed to encourage…
Tips from the Field
Night Life
The construction calendar is predictable: Rain or snow delays in the winter. Heat concerns in the summer. We’re building a job outside Dallas right now that has dealt with both….
Construction Trends
Imagine the Possiblities
Next month, we will be starting another conversion, this time transforming a vintage Greyhound bus station into cool office space, maintaining classic bus station features. Our customer is having fun…