Room for Possibilities

With some jobsites getting tighter, particularly in urban areas, contractors rely on compact equipment that can access confined spaces and still have the power to get the job done efficiently. Today’s compact excavators are designed to overcome challenges when working in confined spaces where larger equipment cannot fit. This is evident by the dramatic increase of compact excavators in the past 30 years, replacing many tasks previously done with loader backhoes.

The Art of Listening (Or Paying Attention)

One of our senior managers recently told me about walking a project with our civil site superintendent and a customer. As they toured the job site, the customer asked several questions and shared other thoughts while they walked. Without a word, the superintendent pulled out a pad and started a running list of discussion items. That simple act sent the customer a message that was priceless to the relationship by showing:

• A listening ear that cared about what was being said.
• Management that was paying attention to details, trying to get it right and head off issues.
• A concern about quality and respect for the customer’s opinion.
• That our folks were tuned in and in control of the job. 

While technology plays a big part in the way we do business, at times, the old way of doing things still has its place. Non-verbal actions speak equally well. 

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Exploring the Industry as Expansion Matures

The United States construction industry has entered a mature stage of expansion following half a decade of rapid growth. After rising 11 to 13 percent per year from 2012 through 2015, total construction starts grew by 5 percent in 2016. This subdued pace continued into 2017, with construction starts up and down from quarter to quarter, a pattern typical of a market in the process of approaching or rounding a peak.

Why You Should Have a Contingency Plan

The markets are soaring and the stock market appears to have no upper limit. Unemployment continues to hover at near microscopic levels. Backlogs remain strong and employers are optimistic in their business planning. With all of this, one indelible question remains: Have you started planning for an economic disaster? It is almost heresy to utter the words “recession” or “depression,” as if the mere mention will cause markets to crater. It is much more fun to reflect on the halcyon days of recent times and simply build.

How to Invest in Your Company's Future

Tom Merritt is an example of how a local contractor transformed his company into a leading commercial civil, earthwork and concrete company by focusing on continuous improvement. After working as a laborer and doing side jobs on weekends using his truck, trailer and tractor, he started Merritt Contracting Inc., in 1995 near Indianapolis, Indiana.

Ask the Experts: What Project Management Tool Is Most Critical?

Jeff Hart

Regional Operations Manager
Brasfield & Gorrie

3 Ways Telematics Can Optimize Operations for Your Mixed Fleet

According to a 2017 telematics benchmarking survey of global construction, which examined best practices, trends and current issues influencing organizations in the United States, respondents found that managing costs (46 percent), growing revenue (30 percent) and business expansion (26 percent) were considered top business challenges, as the industry faces increased pressure to meet growing demand for its services.