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Innovation Still Matters
What have you done this week to inspire your customers and employees to be excited about your products or services?
by Tim Fausch | February 26, 2010 | Comments (1)
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A Business Lesson from Braveheart, Al and Ellen
One of my favorite scenes from the 1995 film Braveheart takes place on the battlefield before the hand-to-hand combat takes place. In a rousing speech, Scotsman William Wallace challenges his troops to stay and fight. His words whip them into a frenzy.
by Tim Fausch | February 5, 2010 | Comments (4)
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Trowel Talk: Jobs, Jobs, Jobs
As I listened to President Obama’s State of the Union Address and his bold meeting with the Republican Caucus a few days later, I found myself silently thinking, “Jobs, jobs, jobs. We need more jobs.” I sounded like the folks who chanted “Drill” “Drill” “Drill” at the Republican Convention.
by William E. Rogers ACP | February 3, 2010 | Comments (2)
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Trowel Talk: It Just Makes Cent$
I was recently confronted by someone who believes this whole “global warming” thing is just a big lie. They said that we shouldn’t waste any time, effort or tax dollars on reducing our carbon footprint because “CO² is nothing but plant food …”
by William E. Rogers ACP | December 14, 2009 | Comments (3)
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A Global Warming Tax on Your Business?
If forced to take a side, I would join the ranks of global warming skeptics.
by Tim Fausch | December 11, 2009 | Comments (12)
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Five Reasons to Give Thanks
With 2009 ticking down, it would be so easy to reflect on the hardships our country has endured this year.
by Tim Fausch | November 25, 2009 | Comments (5)
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Trowel Talk: Talking About a Revolution
Wow. There were 28,000-plus attendees from 75 different countries that attended GreenBuild Expo 2009 in Phoenix!
by William E. Rogers ACP | November 19, 2009 | Comments (3)
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Marriott Bets $3 Billion on Indy Development
One of the benefits of my job is the ability to view construction projects in progress throughout the country. During a recent trip to Indianapolis, I took a few minutes to take in Marriott Place, a stunning downtown development slated for completion in February 2011.
by Tim Fausch | November 13, 2009 | Comments (4)
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True Grit: Remodeling Pros Share Survival Stories
The annual Remodeling Show took place in Indianapolis last week. I used the opportunity to poll contractors at the show, who were mostly from the Midwest.
by Tim Fausch | November 5, 2009 | Comments (3)
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Trowel Talk: Let’s Play It Safe
According to recently released reports from OSHA, the percentage of work-related fatalities in the construction industry is on the decrease. And while the numbers are adjusted to reflect the smaller workforce, it is not clear as to the cause of the decline.
by William E. Rogers ACP | October 20, 2009 | Comments (3)
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Chick-fil-A Shines Brightly On a Rainy Day in Georgia
I fear we’ve lost our way. As businesspeople, we often react with such shocking shortsightedness that we fail to see into next year, maybe even into next week.
by Tim Fausch | October 14, 2009 | Comments (26)
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Sean D. Smith: The Final Coat
Owed to a busy workload that didn’t afford a day off for over six weeks, I submitted this blog well past my intended deadline. And, ostensibly, this crush of homebuilding (and our adroit drywalling) activity in our work area of southern Pennsylvania was owed to the looming end of the Federal Government’s tax credit for first time homebuyers.
by Sean D. Smith | October 14, 2009 | Comments (2)
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New YouTube Video Presents Stunning Facts on Social Media
Back in March, I blogged about a fascinating YouTube video called “Did You Know?” and received a lot of feedback from visitors. They said that the video helped them think about change and put it into perspective.
by Tim Fausch | October 5, 2009 | Comments (2)
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Eight Inspiring Business Tips
Today, I am encouraged and inspired. I am turning a deaf ear to the naysayers and a blind eye to the imagery of negativity. I see unlimited business opportunities. I am planning to succeed.
by Tim Fausch | September 24, 2009 | Comments (1)
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Why You Need to Give a Twit About E-Media
In 2004, soon after delivering my daughter at Cedarville University in central Ohio, she told me about this interesting computer application called Facebook. It was a new way of interacting with other students on campus and other universities.
by Tim Fausch | September 11, 2009 | Comments (1)
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Trowel Talk: Healthcare for All
In the wall and ceiling industry, approximately 20 percent of the workforce is unionized, and as a result of collective bargaining, those employed by union shops have medical insurance provided as part of their compensation.
by William E. Rogers ACP | September 3, 2009 | Comments (5)
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Let’s Knock Down 5 Million Crappy Houses
Last month, three single-family homes I pass while driving to work disappeared.
Poof.
by Tim Fausch | August 24, 2009 | Comments (13)
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Teaching the ‘Raising the Objection’ Technique
Meet those pricing objections head-on and curb a
customer’s urge to roam.
by Al Levi | August 23, 2009 | Comments (1)
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Triangle Of Success
Training, sales and marketing reinforce each other.
by Al Levi | August 16, 2009 | Comments (0)
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Trowel Talk: The Economic-Ecological Tightrope
The production of Portland cement, which is the primary ingredient in stucco and concrete, produces 7 percent of all man-made carbon dioxide. It produces pollutants, such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide, into our atmosphere. Not to mention it’s pretty dusty stuff and contributes significantly to particulate matter pollution.
by William E. Rogers ACP | August 12, 2009 | Comments (11)
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Let’s Bring Families to Trade Shows
I was aghast the first time I visited the annual trade show known as the South Atlantic Well Water Drillers Jubilee in Myrtle Beach, S.C. When the doors to the expo hall opened, in poured hundreds of families.
by Tim Fausch | August 10, 2009 | Comments (3)
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Reset
If
you moved across the street and started over ...
by Al Levi | August 9, 2009 | Comments (0)
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Hanging by a Thread
I rarely look out my seventh-floor window, but a few weeks ago a dangling window washer grabbed my attention. This guy--let’s call him Wally--was cleaning windows on a building adjacent to the one that houses BNP Media’s offices.
by Tim Fausch | August 3, 2009 | Comments (1)
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The Not-So-Sweet Spot
Al figures out what a "Right-Size" company should be.
by Al Levi | August 2, 2009 | Comments (2)
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Why You Need Systems Even More During the Slow Times
Systems can make any company
run better and be more profitable.
by Al Levi | July 26, 2009 | Comments (0)
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Can “Junk Mail” Help Grow Your Business?
I miss “junk mail.” It’s true. Even though I sometimes complained when
digging out from a pile of mail, I actually enjoyed opening it.
by Tim Fausch | July 22, 2009 | Comments (2)
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Act Like You’re Going To Be In Business For Awhile
When you think and do like everyone else it’s
usually the wrong thing to do at the wrong time.
by Al Levi | July 19, 2009 | Comments (1)
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Becoming the Total Solution Provider
We
may live in the age of specialization, but right now the best thing you can do
is become more of a total solution provider.
by Al Levi | July 12, 2009 | Comments (0)
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The Final Coat — How Low Can You Go?
As the homebuilding industry continues to plod through this necessary correction, the number of “experts” and their thoughtful antidotes to overcome the pallid economy seemingly outpace the number of monthly housing starts. Yet, amidst this deluge of directives, a simple yet salient business practice garners scant exhortations. Until now, that is.
by Sean D. Smith | July 9, 2009 | Comments (4)
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Fortune Cookies Predict End to Recession, Housing Downturn
I’ve been saving fortunes from my Chinese dinners and I’m elated. Apparently, I’m in line for an incredible string of good luck. And my good fortune is your good fortune because we’re all in this downturn together.
by Tim Fausch | July 9, 2009 | Comments (1)
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On Your Mark, Get Set, GO
Bill Rogers wrote a story on customer service that struck me as “what-a-coincidence.” I recently had some work done on my home. We needed a stairway remodel and I may be a plasterer, but truly awful at finish woodworking. My wife and I got two bids, and like Bill experienced, they wanted money up front.
by Mark Fowler | July 8, 2009 | Comments (0)
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10 Things To Do to Create a Winning Trade Show
It’s not just a numbers game. Make
sure you’re targeting the right audience.
by Al Levi | July 5, 2009 | Comments (0)
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Upside Down and Inside Out … Staffing Ratios
The best staffing ratio is 2:1.
by Al Levi | June 28, 2009 | Comments (1)
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Katrina Revisited
In September 2005, the world was mesmerized by the greatest natural disaster in the history of the U.S. Most of us were glued to our favorite cable channel or Web site, watching hurricane Katrina pound the Gulf Coast without mercy.
by Tim Fausch | June 22, 2009 | Comments (0)
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The Rest of the Steps to Creating Trucks That Work
Get the job done TODAY with a well-stocked and
organized truck.
by Al Levi | June 21, 2009 | Comments (0)
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Trowel Talk: The “Green-Washing” of America
You can’t swing a dead cat without hitting a product touting itself as “green” these days.
by William E. Rogers ACP | June 17, 2009 | Comments (3)
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The First 7 Steps to Creating Trucks That Work
The last thing you need to be doing in this
economy is stocking a truck too heavily or paying for excess inventory.
by Al Levi | June 14, 2009 | Comments (0)
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10 Steps to Taking Control of Your Phone and Your Business
Contractors need to unplug! Here are some tips to finding some peace.
by Al Levi | June 7, 2009 | Comments (0)
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5 Ways to Improve Your Staff and Build Profits Right Now
These slow times are a perfect time to upgrade your
staff.
May 31, 2009 | Comments (0)
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Why Offering the Best Warranty Out There Makes You Money
It may seem counterintuitive but offering a
better warranty than your competition actually makes you money.
by Al Levi | May 24, 2009 | Comments (0)
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I See Disaster in Your Future…and That’s a Good Thing
The word disaster conjures up many images.
by Tim Fausch | May 21, 2009 | Comments (4)
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5 Rules On How To Go Green … And Make Money Doing It
Frankly, I’ve been in the business of saving the
planet and I didn’t even know I was doing it.
by Al Levi | May 17, 2009 | Comments (0)
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Recession-Busting Strategies Part 4 – The Top Four Ways to Motivate Your Staff
Many construction-related business owners and managers are aggressively managing their operations. They are cutting expenses, finding new efficiencies and improving their marketing effectiveness.
by Tim Fausch | May 13, 2009 | Comments (0)
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Make Money By Exiting The Warehouse Business
Recession-Busting Strategies - Part 3: Four Business Groups That Help Construction Pros Succeed
Despite the construction downturn, now might be the best time to join a professional association or organization. Doing so might provide you with marketing advantages that your competitors won’t have.
by Tim Fausch | May 5, 2009 | Comments (1)
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Are You Working On The Right Things Right Now?
No more putting out fires. Change the way you spend your week.
by Al Levi | May 3, 2009 | Comments (1)
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Recession-Busting Strategies for Construction Pros -Part 2: Your Top 10 Marketing Investments
Now is the perfect time to rebalance your marketing efforts.
by Tim Fausch | April 28, 2009 | Comments (5)
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What You Must Do to Make More Sales
Why
were my sales so poor at the beginning of my sales career? Here are only three
of the many reasons.
by Al Levi | April 26, 2009 | Comments (0)
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6 Tips On How to Lower Your Rising Accounts Receivables
It’s very likely you’re experiencing a cash squeeze. And with tough economic times, one area that’s bound to be on the rise is your Accounts Receivables.
by Al Levi | April 19, 2009 | Comments (0)
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Recession-Busting Strategies for Construction Pros - Part I: Four Ways Your Competitors Out-Promote You
Many of your competitors will survive this recession, but only a handful will grow stronger. How in the world are they doing it?
by Tim Fausch | April 16, 2009 | Comments (3)
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Trowel Talk: Union Reunification
In 2005, several national trade unions separated themselves off from the AFL-CIO because of some differences among the leadership; most notably were the Service Employees International Union and the United Brotherhood of Carpenters, along with a few other labor leaders they formed a national coalition called “Change to Win.”
by William E. Rogers ACP | April 16, 2009 | Comments (2)
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4 Ways to Improve Cash Flow Right Now
If you're struggling to meet payroll (and ends
meet in general) follow these four tips to get the cash flowing again at your
company now.
by Al Levi | April 12, 2009 | Comments (0)
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How’s Your Project Pipeline?
Walking through downtown Nashville last week, I heard a country singer lamenting that he lost his girlfriend, his pickup truck and his construction business. OK, that last one was actually his hound dog, but it won’t be long before we hear songs about the heartbreak of losing construction work.
by Tim Fausch | April 7, 2009 | Comments (0)
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4 Things to Do to Make Extended Hours Work for You
Providing “Extended Hours” of service is something that I’ve always preached as a key to creating additional profitability at any company.
by Al Levi | April 5, 2009 | Comments (1)
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5 Ways To Rev Up Your Sales In Slow Times
Here’s what I’m teaching my clients to do right now, and it’s paying off for them during these recessionary times.
by Al Levi | March 29, 2009 | Comments (1)
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4 Ways to Rev Up Your Sales Right Now
Some more ways to get your phone ringing.
by Al Levi | March 22, 2009 | Comments (1)
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YouTube Video: Stunning Thoughts On The Pace of Change
I recently received a link to a YouTube video called “Did You Know?” It is fascinating look at the pace of change, including business and employment trends.
by Tim Fausch | March 20, 2009 | Comments (4)
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Trowel Talk: Employees Free Choice Act
Congress is about to begin debate on a union-sponsored proposal that if passed, would make it easier for employees choose to be represented by a union—or not.
by William E. Rogers ACP | March 17, 2009 | Comments (18)
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3 Things You Need To Do Right Now
(From “7 Things Every Contractor Needs to Do to Maximize Their Internet Marketing”)
by Al Levi | March 8, 2009 | Comments (1)
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Desperate Times Call For…Simple Measures?
I’m amazed at how fast the decline of the U.S. economy has impacted our lifestyles. We are buying far fewer goods and services that we now consider luxuries, and we are slowing the pace of our lives in the process.
by Tim Fausch | March 4, 2009 | Comments (2)
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Trowel Talk: Messiah, Superman, or MLK?
Some of President Obama’s critics have sarcastically nicked-named him the “Messiah” suggesting that his rhetoric makes people think he can walk on water.
by William E. Rogers ACP | March 2, 2009 | Comments (12)
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2 Most Important Things To Do To Get Your Phone Ringing
We all need to be great at marketing.
by Al Levi | March 1, 2009 | Comments (2)
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On Your Mark, Get Set, GO: A city takes a pay cut
Redlands is a city in California, and like all cities, they are suffering through a budget crisis. Unlike other cities though, there are no lay-offs. The reason is all city employees agreed to take a 10 percent pay-cut to meet the budget shortfall.
by Mark Fowler | February 23, 2009 | Comments (1)
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Five Tactics Your Competitors Are Using to Survive the 'New Normal'
I live and work in the rather sickly Detroit metropolitan market. Every time I drive by a flooring store, granite shop, plumbing showroom or contractor’s truck, I wonder how they are doing. What steps have they taken to cut costs? How long can they keep going if conditions don’t improve?
by Tim Fausch | February 23, 2009 | Comments (14)
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On Your Mark, Get Set, GO: Levels of Finish
This is an ongoing debate with the drywall industry. What is a true level 5, skim coat joint compound, drywall primer that equalizes porosity or a proprietary product?
by Mark Fowler | February 17, 2009 | Comments (0)
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Las Vegas Construction Meltdown
I had heard that Las
Vegas construction was in huge trouble. According to
the reports, the financial meltdown had broken the city’s back. The cranes were
idle, the jackhammers silent and the workers sent packing. Put a fork in all
those huge building projects--they're dead.
by Tim Fausch | February 11, 2009 | Comments (7)
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Trowel Talk: Whose Time Has Come?
Canada and England are two of America’s closest allies and
share a principle of governance very similar to our own. So, why do we have
such a different healthcare systems?
by William E. Rogers ACP | February 9, 2009 | Comments (10)
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On Your Mark, Get Set, GO: Chinese Drywall
The news about Chinese drywall omiting a
sulphur gas and corroding wiring in homes and making people ill is not what our
industry needs. It appears the problem is confined to South Florida. My question
is: Is this for real?
by Mark Fowler | February 6, 2009 | Comments (2)
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On Your Mark, Get Set, GO: Bail Outs
My question is, where is our bailout? I, like everyone I
talk to, has mixed feelings about the bailout money. For the car
companies, it would certainly hurt for them to go under. But what was
management and labor thinking? The gravy train would last forever?
by Mark Fowler | January 30, 2009 | Comments (2)
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Are My Bad Weather Blues Good News For You?
I’ve cleared my driveway for the 200th time this winter (OK,
it just seems like 200 times) only to have it recovered with a fresh blanket of
snow before I drive away.
by Tim Fausch | January 29, 2009 | Comments (1)
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Are Obama Fans Too Optimistic?
Regardless of where you fall in the political spectrum, you
are likely looking forward to a change in Washington. If you are a business
owner or manager, you are especially excited by the prospects of a new cadre of
leaders generating optimism among consumers.
by Tim Fausch | January 21, 2009 | Comments (6)
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On Your Mark, Get Set, GO: What's in a Name?
It is odd how a name sticks. Sometimes really sticks. For example, casing bead for stucco is still called “Milcore” in many areas of California.
by Mark Fowler | January 19, 2009 | Comments (0)
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Only Great Products Will Sustain the Green Movement
For the last few years, anything green has received
incredible attention. The high price of oil, the threat of global warming, and
a strong economy have caused us to view the world through green-tinted glasses.
I don’t know about you, but I sometimes feel like I am drowning in a sea of
green.
by Tim Fausch | January 16, 2009 | Comments (6)
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On Your Mark, Get Set, GO: New Hope?
I was walking along Venice Beach in California recently. I noticed a lot of Obama shirts for sale by vendors, among the rows of tattoo parlors, head shops and other alternative services.
by Mark Fowler | January 12, 2009 | Comments (0)
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TrowelTalk: Wear and Tear
After years of suffering with arthritis and loss of cartilage in my right hip, I’ve recently undergone a procedure known as “hip resurfacing”.
So how did I get this way at just 52 years old? The stupidity of youth!
by William E. Rogers ACP | January 6, 2009 | Comments (12)
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On Your Mark, Get Set, GO: Magnificent Seven
There has been some controversy over the article I wrote titled "Magnificent Seven."
by Mark Fowler | January 5, 2009 | Comments (1)
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I’m Dreaming of These Holiday Mergers
The recent spate of mergers caused me to wonder why we--the
valued customers of these companies--were not consulted about their unions. I know
we could pick better partners.
by Tim Fausch | December 23, 2008 | Comments (0)
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On Your Mark, Get Set, GO: Snowball Express
I recently flew back to Orange County on Southwest Airlines. I boarded very late and to my surprise the plane was filled young children. I sat next to a young mother and her daughter Mika who were with group called “ Snowball Express” a group that provides a Christmas vacation to families who have lost a parent in the Iraq conflict.
by Mark Fowler | December 19, 2008 | Comments (1)
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Toothless Smiles
The construction market stinks. The stock market brings
constant pain. The financial bailouts grow more insane by the day.
Manufacturers are struggling. Nonprofits are laying off staff. Retailers are
filing for bankruptcy.
by Tim Fausch | December 16, 2008 | Comments (3)
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On Your Mark, Get Set, GO!: Don’t forget Your customers
A poor service or small hiccup can be an opportunity or catastrophe for a company. So while you focus on new customers, do not forget the ones you have had for years.
by Mark Fowler | December 12, 2008 | Comments (0)
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On your Mark, Get Set, GO: The Future for EIMA
Steve Klamke, director of EIMA, has announced he is leaving the organization and no one is sure where or what will happen to EIMA. This group has been instrumental in securing a future for EIFS and leadership is needed for continued success.
by Mark Fowler | December 5, 2008 | Comments (3)
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Let’s Profit From People’s Pain
Now that Thanksgiving is over, we have a few weeks before
the Christmas spirit peaks and we have to be nice to people. Now is the perfect
time to take advantage of people and make some easy money for your company.
by Tim Fausch | December 4, 2008 | Comments (3)
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Housing Mess = Pent-Up Demand For Your Services
Earlier this week the U.S. Commerce Department released
October stats indicating that new home and apartment construction have dropped
to an annual rate of 791,000 units, a 4.5% decrease from September.
by Tim Fausch | November 19, 2008 | Comments (2)
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Eat or Be Eaten
I love nature shows, especially those that
demonstrate ferocity in the animal kingdom. Last night I caught a segment where
an imposing monitor lizard went looking for lunch in a badger’s den, only to
end up becoming lunch for the badger.
by Tim Fausch | November 7, 2008 | Comments (3)
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California Dreaming … or Nightmare?
When I took my first trip to California in 1982, the state’s sunny skies,
palm trees and ocean views entranced me. With the Mamas and the Papas’
“California Dreaming” playing in my head, I understood why people were moving
there in droves.
by Tim Fausch | October 31, 2008 | Comments (2)
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Finding Hidden Treasure
Who wouldn’t love to discover hidden treasure?
Wouldn’t it be great to stumble across a priceless painting at a garage sale or
find a rare historical document in your attic?
by Tim Fausch | October 24, 2008 | Comments (0)
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Green Gold
It’s been fascinating watching the world turn green, i.e. “environmentally sensitive.” Because BNP Media has published Environmental Design + Construction magazine since 1997, we’ve been able to watch the recent “green rush” from a position of insight.
by Tim Fausch | October 17, 2008 | Comments (7)
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That Will Be $49 for Parts and $99 for Fuel
Fuel prices are adding to the pressure on construction pros.
by Tim Fausch | October 9, 2008 | Comments (2)
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I've Got the Bailout Blues
Bailout or keep bailing?
by Tim Fausch | October 3, 2008 | Comments (1)
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Houston, We Have Big Problems
Many in Texas are returning to homes that look like this tornado-ravaged home in Florida.
by Tim Fausch | September 23, 2008 | Comments (1)
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No Time to Play Possum
Don't be wild-eyed from this week's wild ride on Wall Street.
by Tim Fausch | September 19, 2008 | Comments (2)
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Celebrating Sept. 12; The Future of Trade Shows
September 11 was a somber day for me. From the moment I turned on my car radio in the morning until I went to sleep, words and images kept flooding my mind.
by Tim Fausch | September 12, 2008 | Comments (2)
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Adventures In Construction: Trends From The Trenches
See what readers said about their 2008 losses and their 2009 forecasts.
by Tim Fausch | September 5, 2008 | Comments (1)
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Trends From The Trenches
In just a few months we’ve gone from feast to famine…from too much business to “where is the business?”…from fat and happy to hungry and stunned.
by Tim Fausch | August 28, 2008 | Comments (4)
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On the Level: 4 or 5?
What happens if the level of finish for drywall is specified below what is expected on a drywall job?
by Mark Fowler | May 29, 2008 | Comments (5)
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Cutting Lath & Vertical Control Joints
There has always been controversy about cutting the lath behind single piece vertical control joints. There is a move to revisit this language within the ASTM committee. See what others are saying about this on the WC bulletin board www.i-boards.com/bnp/wc/.
by Mark Fowler | March 6, 2008 | Comments (5)
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