Beyond the Build - Page 54 of 63

Microfinance, helping people across the globe ”one small loan” at a time.

My oldest daughter, Chappell, an economics major at Sewanee, spent this summer learning about microfinance lending; first in Bangladesh with the Grameen Bank and Dr. Muhammad Yunus. Then several more weeks in the Dominican Republic working with the Esperanza Bank (Bank of Hope) making micro loans. Microfinance is a movement whose object is “a world …

The Weekend

A Visit Unexpected…

In my travels I get to experience some cool things and this recent experience reminded me of things that many us take for granted. This recently happened to me during my last visit to the Dakota’s this fall. After arriving, we gathered in a small bar and were approached by a young man who …

Construction Trends

The Healing Process

As our work takes me throughout the southeast, I continue to see optimistic signs that commercial markets are on the upswing. Increases for everyone Retail occupancy is improving, apartment rental rates are starting to increase and we are feeling more buzz around our office. More phone calls for opportunities. While these steps might be small, …

Construction Trends

If Bank Credit is hard to get these days then Surety Credit is a real close second

While I think our economy continues to heal from what we are seeing the next 12 to 18 months will see more failures of the weak in commercial real estate and the construction industry. 2012 will be a tough year on the sureties and surety credit will even be harder to obtain over the next …

Construction Trends

Ups and Downs: A Down Economy Opens the Door for Start Ups

“Necessity is the mother of invention.” I have always believed this as a truth, particularly in these tough times. Some jobs might have vanished in the recent Recession, but to me, creative ideas will always be with us. There are plenty of smart people out there who found themselves unemployed in the past year. Instead …

Leadership

In Construction, Should You Hire for Technical Skills or Communication Skills?

I say both, but that’s the short answer. Here’s how I got there. For me, Saturdays in the fall often involve at least a little bit of college football. While I was watching last weekend, I thought about how important communication is on the field. A quarterback might be blessed with tremendous athletic ability and …

Construction Trends

For Retailers, A Catch 22 Today Means Liquid Assets for Tomorrow

I read recently in the Wall Street Journal that as of May, retailer Bed Bath & Beyond had $1.64 billion in cash and short-term treasuries, and expects to generate at least another $600 million by February. Nationwide, non-financial businesses had approximately $1.85 trillion in liquid assets as of June. That’s pretty good, I would say. …

Construction Trends

Are Top Retail Performers Creating Demand for Space?

There is no denying that the fallout from this Recession has been widespread. Even companies experiencing a level of success are being affected by the financial issues of others. Here’s an example. Hennes & Mauritz is a Swedish-based fashion retailer that appeals to teens and young adults. My daughters love their stores, and apparently they’re …

Construction Trends

What Does it Take to Make Existing Retail Space Useful? Imagination.

As I see it, the need for large store platforms is diminishing, for a while at least. The retail community is starting to think outside the box. When the economy was booming and credit was easy to obtain, consumers were buying goods at a record pace. Retailers began building bigger and bigger box stores to …

Customer Relationships

Networking Isn’t All About the (Inter)Net

Thanks to computers, smart phones and the Web, we as a society have never been more connected. I can send detailed information to multiple clients within a matter of seconds, and stay constantly updated on everything that is happening with the company and in the industry. Yet, sometimes I think that we as individuals have …

Conservation

Trend Spotting: Adaptive Re-use of Existing Commercial Properties

It’s not surprising that in the U.S., only one new enclosed mall has opened in the last 4 years. In that same time, it has been estimated that nearly 500 of the 2,000+ malls in our country have closed. That translates to a lot of property and structures available for immediate use. But who wants …

Conservation

Give Smarter Commutes the “Green” Light

Nearly every sizeable city in the United States struggles with clogged arteries. It’s a sea of traffic signals, brake lights and all-around urban sprawl. The roads in and out of town stack up during rush hour with smog-spewing traffic jams. Nobody enjoys sitting in traffic, so there is personal motivation to eliminate tie-ups. It saves …

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Microfinance, helping people across the globe ”one small loan” at a time.

A Visit Unexpected…

The Healing Process

If Bank Credit is hard to get these days then Surety Credit is a real close second

Ups and Downs: A Down Economy Opens the Door for Start Ups

In Construction, Should You Hire for Technical Skills or Communication Skills?

For Retailers, A Catch 22 Today Means Liquid Assets for Tomorrow

Are Top Retail Performers Creating Demand for Space?

What Does it Take to Make Existing Retail Space Useful? Imagination.

Networking Isn’t All About the (Inter)Net

Trend Spotting: Adaptive Re-use of Existing Commercial Properties

Give Smarter Commutes the “Green” Light