Management
Assets
There are a few phrases that folks in our office are probably tired of hearing me say. One is,“Success is about finding good customers and keeping them.” If you can…
Leadership
How About Some Humble Pie?
In a business organization, it’s easy to be drawn to charismatic or strong personality types for the obvious reasons. But what about humility? I’m talking about people who do their…
Read MoreLeadership
Sometimes It’s Best to Expect Little in Return
During a breakfast with a customer this week, we got on the topic of expectations, business and beyond. We both had experiences where we did not expect a return, or…
Commodities Pricing
Travelers
From time to time, I am asked how we manage to build projects in multiple states, often a long way from here, and how we have been consistent for 35 years….
Leadership
Solace
For nearly 30 years, I have spent the third weekend of October in Buffalo Gap, South Dakota. It’s an upland bird hunting trip, which is really more about so many other…
Construction Trends
400,000 Gallons
Several months ago, we set fuel tanks on one of our projects. While words can describe the process, this time lapse does it best: Like most building contractors, we’ve found…
Management
Influencers
When you walk into a conference room, the normal thought is that the authority figure is seated at the head of the table. At your next meeting, I’ll challenge you…
Management
Thoughts on Being a Connector
Some time ago, I figured out the value of being a connector, working to connect the right people who may not know each other, but would benefit from being acquainted….
Management
The Power of “No”
Over the years, I have learned the hard way that saying “no” can sometimes lead to just as much success as saying “yes.” It’s human nature to want to say…
Construction Trends
Getting the Grades Right
Just a few years ago, a 10,000 sf slab pour was a large one. We are now in the 50,000 sf range. We have recently made a series of large…