Opinion
The latest opinion pieces by industry thought leaders
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Suburban cities focus on infrastructure expansions, upgrades
These smaller-but-growing markets are generating a range of public works construction projects, writes consultant Mary Scott Nabers.
Mary Scott Nabers • Nov. 19, 2024 -
I’m a construction exec who voted for Harris. But I see silver linings for our industry under Trump.
Former Congressman Patrick E. Murphy sees less red tape, incentives for permit approvals and a push for innovation as positives for builders.
Patrick E. Murphy • Nov. 18, 2024 -
What makes a great people manager?
The industry’s best leaders have a high level of emotional intelligence, writes a construction consultant.
Chad Prinkey • Nov. 14, 2024 -
For tech innovation, trust the process
At Barton Malow, testing a field printer that operates much like a CAD-driven Roomba started by organizing teams and aligning goals, writes the firm’s VDC director.
Matt Hedke • Nov. 13, 2024 -
My career success started with an apprenticeship
New Jersey ironworker and business leader Joseph Merlino says that young people need more paths to the trades.
Joseph N. Merlino • Nov. 7, 2024 -
Avoid these common mistakes around software implementation
Software itself is rarely the problem — it’s how you deploy it that makes all the difference, according to a construction accounting consultant.
Scott Franchini • Oct. 23, 2024 -
Communities nationwide plan disaster preparedness work
As cities and states prepare for more extreme weather like this fall’s major hurricanes, there are hundreds of resiliency projects throughout the country already underway. Here are six of them.
Mary Scott Nabers • Oct. 11, 2024 -
What my generation brings to construction
As the industry continues to evolve, tech-savvy younger workers are key to its future success, writes consultant (and Gen Zer) Fulton Cure.
Fulton Cure • Oct. 9, 2024 -
9 year-end tax tips for general contractors
Company leaders should take time to review the tax implications of their business and operations now, writes a CPA focused on construction.
Anita Mahamed • Oct. 8, 2024 -
Signs that a project partner is in distress
Noticing the red flags and knowing how to act is vital for fending off potential problems, according to a construction attorney.
Dan Rosenberg • Sept. 18, 2024 -
How to tell if a project owner is in financial trouble
In today’s volatile lending environment, it's important to know the signs that could indicate a client is in distress, says a construction attorney.
Dan Rosenberg • Sept. 16, 2024 -
Why I chose preconstruction tech for a looming deadline
LeChase Construction Services’ Peter Muench talks about leveraging a collaboration platform to keep a project on track under a tight funding timeline.
Peter Muench • Sept. 13, 2024 -
How to maintain a steady backlog
Measuring future work is one way to help it grow, according to consultant Matt Verderamo.
Matt Verderamo • Sept. 5, 2024 -
Why construction needs more access to opioid overdose meds
Drugs like fentanyl kill more workers in construction than in any other industry, but some states limit permissions around Narcan and other lifesaving antidotes, says a Nevada union leader.
Vince Saavedra • Aug. 22, 2024 -
5 things to know about industrialized construction
Focused on technology and manufacturing, the approach can optimize a project’s speed and efficiency, but adoption has been slow.
Ryan Ware • Aug. 16, 2024 -
How tech can solve the buying vs. renting riddle
National concrete contractor Lithko went digital to analyze hidden costs in owning equipment and take advantage of the urgency renting creates.
Rob Coakley • Aug. 14, 2024 -
Successful mentorship is a 2-way street
Bidirectional mentoring isn’t just valuable, the future of our industry depends on it, writes Nancy Novak, chief innovation officer of Compass Datacenters.
Nancy Novak • Aug. 8, 2024 -
Bogged down by busywork? Here’s how to optimize high-priority tasks
A time-tracking system can help workers take control of their day.
John Livingston • Aug. 8, 2024 -
4 ways supplier diversity helps you win in construction
Engaging with underrepresented subs and disributors can give you a business edge and strengthen the depth of your procurement channels, according to a small business liaison officer.
Stephanie Sherwood • July 17, 2024 -
A contractor’s success or failure starts at the top
Many seemingly thriving firms deal with employee burnout, high turnover or an unhealthy culture. It’s up to company leaders to fix that.
Matt Verderamo • July 11, 2024 -
Billion-dollar investments propel bridge repair, replacement projects
Spans in states like Florida, Iowa and Vermont are getting a new lease on life thanks to federal, state and local funding.
Mary Scott Nabers • July 2, 2024 -
6 ways civil contractors can leverage AI
A consultant in organizational and infrastructure planning breaks down how builders deploy the tech on projects today.
Angus Frost • June 26, 2024 -
How to love the deal you cut
Sour feelings around the bidding process can carry into a project, causing conflict and reputation damage, writes construction consultant Chad Prinkey.
Chad Prinkey • June 11, 2024 -
How construction escrow helps keep payments safe from cybercrime
These types of accounts help contractors, lenders and suppliers protect funds from online fraud while keeping a project on schedule, writes title expert Michael Stump.
Michael Stump • June 10, 2024 -
Safety pro gets personal about construction’s mental health challenges
While the industry’s suicide and substance abuse rates are some of the highest, the issue doesn’t get enough attention, an XL Construction exec writes.
Mike Popp • June 6, 2024