I’ve always been a believer in reading history, as it often repeats itself, or at least offers a case study for how to do (or not do) things. A recent trip to London seemed like a good time to pay tribute to a wise Brit, so I dropped into a local shop and purchased a …
When work and family time intersect and you have to be away from home for a couple of days because of a business obligation, there are ways to minimize the impact your absence has on those around you. • Minimize the overnight stays – In today’s high-speed world, there is often a way to …
We’ve all heard the saying, “everything old is new again.” At our place, we’ve challenged ourselves to find inventive ways to repurpose materials that might have otherwise left behind. As a result, our ceilings, parts of our deck and even our conference table are crafted from wood that would have otherwise been left at our …
Recently, one of our long-term client relationships sponsored a forum in New York City on innovation of company culture through design. While I wasn’t able to attend, I did get my hands on some great notes from a friend. Design of function has evolved to be much more in the center of technology, business and …
When business is good, it’s far too easy for leaders to get busy, ignore their company’s weaknesses and forget to brainstorm ways to improve. It’s an easier focus now since business is down and we all have a little more time. As a company, we are using the lull to evaluate and reevaluate every aspect …
Over the last few years, our team has been involved with several mixed-use projects using composite slab construction. Working together, we’ve been able to formulate some solid practices with concrete slabs. I asked Heath Cather, a senior project manager in our office, to share on the flatness and levelness of these slabs and have included …
“To whom much is given, much is expected.” That adage has stayed with me for many years. Our company is fortunate to have a nice corporate campus, and I feel that in order to be a good steward of the land, I should invite others to enjoy our place. In the last few months, the …
In previous posts, I’ve shared with you how important it is to me take time away from the office to clear your mind, opening it up to see new possibilities. You’ll be amazed at the clarity you find when you take a step back and focus on the bigger picture. My annual visit to the …
As business leaders, we often get so immersed in our vocation that we forget all about our avocation. I was reminded of this a few years ago when I took a trip to New England. I was driving through Freeport, Maine and happened to see a sign for the Thos. Moser shop in town. The name …
I recently attended a U.S. Green Building Council presentation where architect and professor emeritus Norbert Lechner, a noted Fulbright senior specialist and energy expert, presented his thoughts on the field of efficient building energy design and sustainability, a topic often considered the foundation of green philosophy. I learned that reduced energy goals are in many …
From time to time, I like to share construction industry tips I pick up. Heeding advice on field advances has saved my team tons of time and money, and hopefully you’ll find the same is true for your business. A few of us recently attended the Birmingham chapter of the Construction Specifications Institute monthly meeting …
To me, two simple words can be the foundation of long-term business relationships: character and culture. When these values are the same between a buyer and a seller, opportunity for long-term growth exists. We have always looked to build customer relationships with companies and individuals who have a similar character and culture as ours. Roughly …