Beyond the Build - Page 58 of 63

In Management, a Feast Can Be Just as Challenging as a Famine

Being involved with the management of a construction company, I am constantly thinking about balance in our workload. Are we outrunning our infrastructure? I’ve discovered that having too much work is as challenging as having too little. That’s because we walk a thin line as contractors. For that matter, most service businesses do. We are …

Construction Trends

Can Drywall Be Green?

Drywall going up on one of our projects is always a welcome sight. It means that we are in the “final lap,” meaning the structural, mechanical and electrical components of our project are complete. As we’ve evolved into a greener construction company, choosing the right drywall has become a major conundrum. The harmful affects of …

Conservation

Start Spreading the News: Even an Existing New York Building Can Go Green

I’m sure you’ve heard the industry’s excitement about LEED certified construction. Once considered more ideology than practicality, we’re realizing that green building can actually be more cost effective than traditional methods. The trend is catching on, and it’s not just private companies who’ve embraced sustainability. In 2006, government agencies began requiring all new buildings meet …

Customer Relationships

What Does the Customer Really Want?

It’s a million dollar question that I ask myself daily. I think the answer lies in service, especially in these times. While I do believe that the economy is getting better, we have to remember that the downturn has made clients more mindful of the way we walk them through a build. Nearly 1 in …

Conservation

Looking for an Easy Way to Invest in Green? Purchase Power Credits.

This April marks two years since we moved to our new corporate campus. The upcoming anniversary got me thinking back to 2005 when we first started the design of our building and grounds. Being a responsible member of our new community was of the utmost importance, so it made sense to build with minimal impact …

Customer Relationships

Tips from the Trenches: CEO’s Recession Strategy Improves Leadership in Any Economic Climate

I was recently reading Institutional Investor, a magazine that provides financial commentary and survey results directly impacting investment decisions. They’ve just announced their “All-American Executive Team” award winners for multiple corporate titles. This is a composite from a survey of 570 sell-side analysts at more than 100 securities firms and 780 buy-side investment professionals at …

Community Service

Are Good Manners the Next Trend in Construction?

As business leaders, I think it is always good to stay in the loop and try to identify current industry trends. We want to be on the front end of things that are moving in the right direction. I’ve written about economy-related pricing trends and green building, but what’s on the horizon now? I think …

Conservation

Even Small Steps Towards Green Can Increase Leasing and Improve Tenant Relations

Why should you as a landlord get ahead of the curve and embrace the trend towards sustainability? Burst Media found nine out of ten consumers are putting some kind of green in their daily routine. This means a growing number of tenants are looking for easy green options. They want to be conscious citizens AND …

Customer Relationships

From High Street to Main Street: Developers Who Build for Customer Service Win the Sale

The British have a term for the primary business and shopping street in their towns—High Street. Similar to the fabled American “Main Street,” high streets are often named just that. As shopping has evolved, Brits have continued patronizing High Street in their own villages, while counterparts across the pond have adapted to the convenience of …

Leadership

What Dinner With Alan Greenspan Taught Me About Leadership

Last month, with little time to spare, the Senate reconfirmed Ben Bernanke as Chairman of the U.S. Federal Reserve. His term was set to expire just two days later. Senators were looking for a place to lay blame for our country’s current financial dilemma. Bernanke took much of their heat, even though they really wanted …

Leadership

All For One and One For All

You’ve heard the Three Musketeers shout it as a show of selflessness and solidarity. It’s the national motto of Switzerland. I’m proud to say it’s also a mantra of the Stewart Perry team. When the economic downturn started affecting commercial construction, our CFO Del Allen and I were forced to take a hard look at …

Leadership

True Character Shows When We’re Forced to Use Plan B

When we prepare for projects, we have a plan A (or better said a construction schedule) but with backup plans B and C. Experience tells us to plan for success but leave room for contingencies. I saw a similar scenario played out in the opening and closing ceremonies of the Winter Olympics. Recall the Vancouver …

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In Management, a Feast Can Be Just as Challenging as a Famine

Can Drywall Be Green?

Start Spreading the News: Even an Existing New York Building Can Go Green

What Does the Customer Really Want?

Looking for an Easy Way to Invest in Green? Purchase Power Credits.

Tips from the Trenches: CEO’s Recession Strategy Improves Leadership in Any Economic Climate

Are Good Manners the Next Trend in Construction?

Even Small Steps Towards Green Can Increase Leasing and Improve Tenant Relations

From High Street to Main Street: Developers Who Build for Customer Service Win the Sale

What Dinner With Alan Greenspan Taught Me About Leadership

All For One and One For All

True Character Shows When We’re Forced to Use Plan B