Leadership
Reach Out
Not too long ago, I was traveling home on a Friday evening and passing through the Chicago airport. I was walking up to an escalator–one of those long, steep ones that takes you…
Leadership
Looking Forward in Workforce Development
I recently had the opportunity to listen to Raphael Bostic of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta speak at the Civil Rights Institute. My takeaways from that afternoon were primarily focused on workforce…
Management
Metered Growth
Our economy is edging up by the quarter. While I do not believe 4.5% GDP growth is sustainable, it would be nice to think we will be somewhere around 2…
Beyond the Build
Resilience in the Making
A few years ago, I had a conversation with the former CEO of a large international construction company. We talked about a lot of things that day, but one topic…
Leadership
The Most Important Meal of the Day
We are members of an FMI group with 6 other contractors spread coast to coast. We meet semi-annually to discuss strategy, and most recently, culture. On a that visit, I was exposed to a…
Beyond the Build
If Moisture at the Building Envelope Level Is #1, Managing Noise Control Might Be #2
As we continue to densify, sound control can be a huge challenge. This goes for all types of existing and new construction, and for all types of occupancies. Just like water, sound…
Continuing Education
Creating an Authentic Experience
Last week we were in Las Vegas to attend ICSC RECon, which I have always considered a family reunion of retail. It’s a chance to visit with longtime friends and make a few new ones…
Construction Trends
From Painful Beginnings
A new corporate headquarters was recently completed near our place. It’s sleek, well-designed and sends the right message. When talking to one of their leads, I asked why they chose Gensler for…
Beyond the Build
Options for Exteriors
We are midstream in the renovation of a Gulf Coast project, and one of the exterior skin clad products we are using there is Nichiha, a fiber cement siding. EIFS…