Over the years, I have seen building contractors take unfair advantage of subcontractors. I’ve seen subs abused, used and in some cases driven out of business. To me, this isn’t the way to approach construction or life, particularly in these tough economic times. It’s all about helping each other get through the downturn so we …
I was listening to NPR recently and they were discussing how the Recession isn’t the only culprit behind recent job loss. Throughout modern society, the ability to work in certain fields has ebbed and flowed based upon changes in culture and advances in technology. The example they gave was from the 1920s. Before motion pictures …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
Since Planting Acorns evolved primarily as a forum to discuss views, encounters and takeaways from my professional life, it’s rare that I have the occasion to mention my family. With that said, I think facets of our personal lives shape the way we think professionally, so it’s important you know I’m a fortunate father of …
Over the years, I have noticed how many people get attached to job titles, particularly in their letters and on their business cards. Some are in the game for a higher rank, and achieving their desired title is almost like wining an Olympic medal. It’s something for them to hold on to. If I had …
In my opinion, good listeners are continually refining their skills of attention, empathy and most of all, reticence. Listening comes more naturally to some, while others have to work hard to silence themselves and fully digest the thoughts of others. Over the years, I’ve made a conscious effort to improve as a listener, and I …
From my perspective, these tough economic times have had an impact the unwritten rules that long governed the way construction businesses operate. Case in point: the vendors employed by subcontractors seem much quicker to file liens these days, even without communicating with the contractor. Insurance limits are being lowered on aggregate and umbrella coverage to …