Tag: how to run a construction business: Page 2

Success Stories

Mentoring spirit enables Pennsylvania contractor Doug Thomas to build a people-first company

There are two red chairs in Doug Thomas’ office. Sitting in one when Thomas closes the door is not where you want to be. That means it’s time for a serious talk and, fortunately, it doesn’t happen too often. Such talks are reserved for the most blatant of safety violators at Thomas Construction, located in […]

June 1, 2014

Business

5 steps to effective conflict resolution at your construction company

We all experience some conflict from time to time, whether it’s in our personal lives or on the jobsite. Minor disagreements are to be expected, and in many cases, should not be perceived as negative. Differing opinions in the workplace are healthy sources of creative and innovative solutions. The important thing is to be able […]

May 23, 2014

Business

How to develop a custom safety program at your construction company

There are many small contractors out there looking for safety training information on a daily basis, which leads one to believe their company safety programs might not be as up-to-date as they would like. If you’re using an inadequate or outdated program, it’s time to step up and develop your own—one that’s specific to your […]

May 5, 2014

Business

Mailbag: Readers add criticisms, more advice for contractors and newbies looking for success in the construction business

We received quite a response from a couple of recent editorials, “The newbie’s guide to surviving your first week in construction,” and “The six habits of highly successful construction company owners.” So we thought we should share some of the additional ideas and suggestions we received via email from our readers—both the praise and the […]

April 8, 2014

Business

The 6 habits of highly successful construction company owners

In our recent special report, “The Future of Your Construction Company”, we focused so much on contractors retiring or transitioning out of the business that it almost begs a question. What does it take to succeed in the construction business? I’ve been in the fortunate position of interviewing at length dozens of our Contractor of […]

March 28, 2014

Success Stories

How a loyalty to your employees can result in big growth for your construction business

“I’ve stayed with Larman Construction so long because of this guy right here,” said Fred Barhydt, pointing a finger at company owner Vernnen Larman. Barhydt, a Larman employee for 30 years, was just one of the employees I met expressing this sentiment during my visit to the Garland, Texas-based Equipment World Contractor of the Year […]

February 12, 2014

Business

How 5 construction companies are passing the baton to the next generation

[Editor’s Note: This is Part Two in a four-part series chronicling the stories of contractors who are making hard choices about their end game in the business: liquidate? Sell to family or employees? Seek a third party buyer?] [Editor’s Note II: The names in the article below have been changed due to the personal nature of […]

February 4, 2014

Business

How to choose who to sell your construction company to and when

[Editor’s Note: This is Part Four in a four-part series chronicling the stories of real contractors who are making hard choices about their end game in the business: liquidate? Sell to family or employees? Seek a third party buyer?] Stever Robbins, executive coach with Stever Robbins Incorporated, says assuming you’ll pass your business along to your […]

February 4, 2014

Business

When selling your construction company is the best option

[Editor’s Note: This is Part Three in a four-part series chronicling the stories of real contractors who are making hard choices about their end game in the business: liquidate? Sell to family or employees? Seek a third party buyer?] If you’re in the market to sell your business, you may be in luck, especially if […]

February 4, 2014

Business

How 2 construction companies (one large, one small) decided to close their doors

[Editor’s Note: This is Part One in a four-part series chronicling the stories of real contractors who are making hard choices about their end game in the business: liquidate? Sell to family or employees? Seek a third party buyer?] Keith Andrews, president, RaCON Incorporated, looks at his nearly empty equipment yard from the driver’s seat […]

February 3, 2014

Business

SPECIAL REPORT: The Future of Your Construction Company. How and when to walk away.

In the wake of the Great Recession, many baby boomer contractors are planning their business’s futures. Specifically, is this the end? And if so, should I sell? Liquidate? Pass it on? Even if the end isn’t in your near future, our four-part Special Report will get you well in the way to forming a sensible […]

February 3, 2014

Business

AGC 2014 construction forecast predicts improved hiring and pay with increased demand and equipment purchases

The Associated General Contractors of America released their 2014 construction industry forecast Tuesday, reporting the results of an in-depth survey that included 800 AGC members across the United States. The group’s analysis, Optimism Returns: The 2014 Construction Hiring and Business Outlook, found contractors are more optimistic about 2014 than they were about previous years. Noting […]

January 21, 2014