Mark Fowler

Mark Fowler joined Walls & Ceilings as editorial director in 2006. Fowler grew up in the construction business and has held a number of positions in different companies and associations. He spent 11 years with the Northwest Wall and Ceiling Bureau before moving to his position with Soltner Group Architects in Seattle. Fowler is currently the executive director of the Stucco Manufacturers Association. He can be reached at Mark@markfowler.org.

Making Money— The “Easy” Way

IS THERE AN EASIER WAY THAN WHAT CONTRACTORS ARE DOING TODAY TO TURN A PROFIT?

Mark Fowler

September 20, 2021

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The pure mark-up method of making a profit has me baffled.

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Attainable Perfection

WITH A DWINDLING POPULATION IN EACH NEW GENERATION THAT SEEMS LESS AND LESS INTERESTED IN PURSUING A CAREER IN CONSTRUCTION, HAS NEW INDUSTRY TECHNOLOGY HELPED?

Mark Fowler

August 9, 2021

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The most pressing and long-term issue for construction is the labor shortage of skilled workers.

See the Forest for the Trees

AS A CONTRACTOR, IT’S IMPORTANT TO NEVER LOSE SIGHT OF THE BIG PICTURE.

Mark Fowler

July 14, 2021

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You know how the saying goes, “They can’t see the forest for the trees.” It is an interesting and confusing idiom. It generally means that someone is so focused on a detail or singular issue, they are missing the bigger picture.

Code Updates

THE IBC’S LATEST CODE UPDATE HAS LEFT SOME PLASTERERS WONDERING IF THIS IS THE START OF THE END FOR THE STUCCO INDUSTRY.

Mark Fowler

June 21, 2021

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The International Building Codes are released every three years and go into effect as each jurisdiction adopts the codes. This gives a jurisdiction time to review and make amendments to properly reflect their region or address jurisdictional issues.

What Plastering is Really About

PLASTERING IS NOT ABOUT THE MONEY YOU CAN SAVE ON MATERIALS OR WAGES. IT’S ABOUT THE BIGGER PICTURE: THE PRODUCTION RATE OF YOUR CREWS.

Mark Fowler

May 14, 2021

2 Comments

Subcontractors buy materials, hire labor, bid against competitors and then have crews install materials.

Business vs. Contracting

THE SUBCONTRACTOR IS A UNIQUE ENTITY. THERE ARE RISKS ATTACHED THAT AREN’T WITH BUILDERS AND THE GC.

Mark Fowler

April 28, 2021

One Comment

Subcontracting has always been a unique business. There are many extra challenges a subcontractor faces that other businesses do not.

The SMA training card verifies the individual has taken classes (left) and the back lists what classes the individual has successfully passed. Photo courtesy: Stucco Manufacturers Association

Feeling Dignity and Beyond!

THE WORK OF A CONSTRUCTION WORKER IS NOT SOMETHING THAT SHOULD BE TAKEN LIGHTLY, SO THE SMA WANTED TO DO SOMETHING TO INCREASE DIGNITY IN THE TRADES.

Mark Fowler

March 24, 2021

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Once upon a time, workers in the construction industry were looked upon as respected members of society. We seem to have come a long way since then.

Beach Photo Credit: Barcin / iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images.

Keep Calm and Carry On

This Last Year Is Over And Done With But What Of 2020 Will Carry Into 2021? No Matter—Keep Calm And Carry On.

Mark Fowler

February 12, 2021

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This Last Year Is Over And Done With But What Of 2020 Will Carry Into 2021? No Matter—Keep Calm And Carry On.

Shifting Winds

HAS THE SKILLSET OF THE INDUSTRY WORKER CHANGED TO BE MORE GENERAL?

Mark Fowler

January 4, 2021

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The only constant is change. Sometimes, change is slow and unnoticed, until it eventually becomes clear and obvious. A good example would be the training of our trades. Intent and focus of training changes with generations.

The Making of an Apprentice

THE INDUSTRY HAS FACED THE ISSUE OF NOT HAVING ENOUGH SKILLED LABOR FOR FAR TOO LONG, SO THE SMA PUT A LITTLE SOMETHING TOGETHER TO HELP COMBAT THIS ISSUE.

Mark Fowler

December 2, 2020

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Apprenticeship is a formal program that usually involves two to four years of structured instruction, coupled with hands-on training. Many apprenticeship programs are registered within the Department of Labor and have to meet a minimum training criteria established by the government.