We
often hear how the construction industry is unwilling to change, but is
that true? Consider that our industry has produced many people with
clever ideas. Our people come up with ideas, develop a prototype and may
even get a patent. While that seems to be the toughest part, in
reality, the next steps are the killers: namely, marketing and
distribution. While the inventor may think fame and fortune is right
around the corner, that rarely happens—and then we hear the cry that the
industry is to blame for not accepting change. These people might be
better served to broaden their vision with a look back at history.
Consider
two major innovations that shaped the world: television and the
icemaker. Philo Farnsworth is generally credited as the inventor of
television. However, the road to wide acceptance was anything but
smooth, glorious or full of riches for Farnsworth. He had to fight major
corporations and struggled for years. He ultimately died frustrated and
broke.