The subcontractor has a tough road and it’s not getting easier. I think most people work hard, but the subcontractor takes on a lot of risk and that is why they deserve good profits. Risk is also like water; it flows downhill or more accurately, is pushed down. Specialty contractors need all the help they can get and associations should be there to provide that help.
Contractors tend to be pragmatic and focused on the task at hand. While they look at construction forecasting to the future, I find they are sometimes wrong, or even if they are right, what can the specialty subcontractor really do about it? Consider your prices and submitted bids are still tied to the now, not the forecast of others. I agree you can make decisions about major purchases or selling off unneeded equipment, possibly reduce inventory, but what other control do you have? Forecasting for most small specialty contractors is short-term at best and certainly a gamble. However, there is some long-term planning that specialty contractors should pay attention to, as it can impact your future and certainly the well-being of your company.