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The latest opinion pieces by industry thought leaders

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    farakos via Getty Images
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    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
  • A multiracial group of three construction workers, led by an African-American woman, at a construction site. The woman, in her 40s, is walking between two men in their 50s, talking and looking toward the Hispanic man.
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    kali9/E+ via Getty Images
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    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
  • two engineers look at blueprints in front of a construction crane
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    Saranyoo Chantawong via Getty Images
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    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
  • A drawing of a bridge over a river in downtown Knoxville, Tennessee.
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    Permission granted by Knoxvilletn.gov
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    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
  • An individual interacts with an AI chatbot on a computer screen.
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    Laurence Dutton via Getty Images
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    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
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    Sam Edwards via Getty Images
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    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
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    JuSun via Getty Images
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    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
  • Construction workers listen to a mental health huddle discussion on an XL Construction jobsite.
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    Courtesy of XL Construction
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    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
  • Three construction workers are in the middle background, surrounded by work on a large construction site.
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    Drazen_ via Getty Images
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    Successful contractors don’t fight change. They embrace it.

    Know when it’s time to look beyond a “that’s how things have always been done” mentality, writes consultant Matt Verderamo.

    Matt Verderamo • May 9, 2024
  • A woman with a safety vest in a hardhat looks at a tablet on a construction site. She is looking at it intently.
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    mihailomilovanovic via Getty Images
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    12 types of technology that can make jobsites safer

    Innovations such as wearables, drones and predictive analytics help improve hazard detection and incident prevention. 

    Lena Kenny • May 8, 2024
  • An aluminum New York City subway train at an underground station.
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    Permission granted by Dan Zukowski
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    Slow down underground to avoid accidents

    Speed is no substitute for safety in transit projects, writes construction executive RaShawn L. Austin.

    RaShawn L. Austin • May 7, 2024
  • construction workers wearing hard hats smile and stand together
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    Greenleaf123 via Getty Images
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    How tech can level construction’s playing field

    Tools like artificial intelligence and blockchain can help fill labor gaps while building a more diverse and innovative workforce, writes a contech executive.

    Alok Chanani • May 1, 2024
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    RapidEye via Getty Images
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    Greenwashing lawsuits could be headed for construction

    Here’s how contractors can protect themselves from being accused of making erroneous environmental claims.

    Garrett Gibson • April 22, 2024
  • a closeup photo of a bid contract
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    Alex Skopje via Getty Images
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    How to win without being the low bidder

    It is possible for contractors to secure projects based on value over price, writes consultant Chad Prinkey.

    Chad Prinkey • April 11, 2024
  • Two construction workers look at a phone
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    iStock/Katarzyna Bialasiewicz via Getty Images
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    How reverse mentoring benefits contractors in the age of AI

    A two-way knowledge flow can help older workers leverage artificial intelligence while building team trust among generations, writes a construction expert.

    Rahul Shah • March 13, 2024
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    Stock Photo via Getty Images
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    2 steps to boost your win rate

    Build credibility and relationships with potential clients to negotiate more deals, writes a construction consultant.

    Matt Verderamo • March 11, 2024
  • A firefighter sprays a burning building with a hose.
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    DarthArt via Getty Images
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    Construction fire safety at ‘major crossroads,’ industry expert says

    New collaborative and digital-led solutions are needed to meet contractors’ fire prevention needs, according to a fire investigator.

    John Heinen • Feb. 22, 2024
  • A person in a yellow safety vest and hardhat holds a remote in their hand on a construction site.
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    Permission granted by Columbia Construction
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    Drones know the dirt: How UAVs can measure jobsite materials

    A reality capture manager at Columbia breaks down the basics, from software and training to regulations like the upcoming Remote ID Rule.

    Erik Gronneberg • Feb. 14, 2024
  • Three construction workers stand in a tunnel, silhouetted in shadow.
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    Martin Barraud via Getty Images
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    3 reasons why new tradespeople don’t stick around

    Poor training, bad bosses and other frustrations can drive away new recruits to the construction industry, writes a Texas quality control manager.

    Fulton Cure • Feb. 6, 2024
  • two construction workers walk in a warehouse under construction
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    Sean Anthony Eddy via Getty Images
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    4 ways to level construction’s playing field

    Barriers that impede minority-owned businesses reflect a broader systemic issue, says an industry executive.

    Andre Sappington • Feb. 5, 2024
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    Alex Wong / Staff via Getty Images
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    7 ways that Davis-Bacon changes could cost contractors

    Updates to prevailing wage laws will impact builders looking to win in the booming federal infrastructure market.

    Ashley Eley Cannady • Feb. 1, 2024
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    gesrey via Getty Images
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    5 benefits of arbitration for construction disputes

    Avoiding court can save time and money while leading to better project outcomes, says attorney Jacqueline Greenberg Vogt.

    Jacqueline Greenberg Vogt • Jan. 26, 2024
  • Two construction workers look at a phone
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    iStock/Katarzyna Bialasiewicz via Getty Images
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    Why — and how — to ignore nasty emails

    Don’t fall for these common mistakes when a rude message hits your inbox, writes consultant Matt Verderamo.

    Matt Verderamo • Jan. 24, 2024
  • A young construction worker uses a tablet to view plans on a jobsite.
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    sorn340 / Stock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images
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    How to gain respect from experienced co-workers

    Young construction leaders must learn how to navigate relationships with the seasoned pros on their team, according to an industry consultant.

    Matt Verderamo • Dec. 18, 2023
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    izusek via Getty Images
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    5 tactics to tell — and sell — your firm’s story

    Once you know what you want to say to potential clients, decide how best to present it.

    Chemene Phillips • Dec. 14, 2023