Walls & Ceilings logo
search
cart
facebook twitter linkedin youtube youtube Spotify Podcasts Apple Podcasts Spotify Podcasts Apple Podcasts
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
Walls & Ceilings logo
  • NEWS
  • TOPICS
    • Drywall
    • Stucco/EIFS
    • Ceilings
    • Steel Framing
    • Fireproofing
    • Interior Plaster
    • Building Envelope
    • Insulation
    • Technology
    • Interior
    • Exterior
    • Women In Construction
  • COLUMNS
    • Up Front
    • All Things Gypsum
    • Art & Craft of Plastering
    • Stucco Stop
    • Steel Deal
    • Industry Voices
  • PRODUCTS
    • Buzz Guide
  • EVENTS
    • Industry Events
    • Webinars
    • BUILD Expo
  • MEDIA
    • Videos
    • Podcasts
    • Photo Galleries
    • BUILD26 Videos
    • Take our Quiz!
    • Infographics
  • EXCLUSIVE
    • Newsletters
    • Top 50 Contractors
    • Contractor of the Year
    • State of the Industry
    • W&C Store
    • Market Research
    • CEUs
    • Sponsor Insights
    • Custom Content & Marketing Services
  • DIRECTORY
  • EMAGAZINE
    • eMagazine
    • Advertise
    • Archive Issues
  • SIGN UP!

Act Like You're Going To Be In Business For Awhile

By Al Levi
July 19, 2009

Years ago, when I was still working in my family business, we would hit a rough patch periodically. Sometimes it was just a tough season due to weather and sometimes it was a rough economy just like now. Whenever I was tempted to cut expenses too vigorously, my dad would remind me that, “Your trucks don’t care what type of season you had. They only know they need replacing.” The lesson continued with, “Act like you’re going to be in business for awhile. The decisions get easier when you do.”

To my dad’s credit, he had been through many tough times as any business owner who has started out with nothing and built a business will attest to. He always tried to run a lean company and avoid the trap of spending too much during the good times because he knew the bad times could be right around the corner.

He also did a good job of avoiding the pitfalls of cutting too severely in these times. Actually, he would get aggressive and use what he had saved up by not overspending in the good times to pick up strategic acquisitions he knew would make him money when things turned around. He’d also buy new technology on the cheap. I believe he was able to act this way because he wasn’t a short-term thinker. Plus he had faith in his ability to invest in himself and his company for the long-term and make it work out the way he envisioned.

Frankly, it’s all to easy to think and do as other business owners are doing right now. And when you think and do like everyone else it’s usually the wrong thing to do at the wrong time.

My advice to you is to take my dad’s good advice and, “Act like you’re going to be in business for awhile. The decisions get easier when you do.”

Give Me 60 Minutes And I'll Show You The Secrets To Running A Profitable Service Business ... Even During A Recession!

Al Levi is a consultant and a contributing editor to PM magazine and blogs for many other BNP trade magazines. Now he is presenting a free online video segment called the “60 Minute Recession Solution” Online Video Seminar.

For the first time ever you’ll hear from him and just a few of the many contractors who have engaged the power of his Power! Programs. His clients are happy to share how this dynamic program worked for them – and how it is still working for them, especially in these tough economic times.

“This program has helped dozens of business owners I’ve worked with one to one,” Levi says. “The Power! Plans have also helped. But now thanks to new technology, I’ll be able to help many more contractors with my 12-Month Power! Plan Coaching Program than ever before. This program will also include the building of your own customizable Operating Power! manuals.”

These programs have been working for Levi in his family business for years and in his clients’ businesses. Now they are reaping the results. Click on the following link to learn more and see and hear for yourself: www.60MinuteRecessionSolution.com.

Share This Story

For over seven years, Al Levi has been helping plumbing, hvac, electrical, carpentry, roofing, remodeling and handyman businesses solve problems, turn greater profits, and help get their lives and free time back for more than 9 years. This is all based on his 25-year career at his family-owned and operated contracting business. To discover more, visit www.60MinuteRecessionSolution.com.
You must login or register in order to post a comment.

Report Abusive Comment

Blog Topics

Living Sustainable

A Day in the Life

Racing the Tide

On your mark, get set, go!

Tool Talk

Something to Consider

The Trowel Talk

Finish Line

Job Site Tech

Recent Comments

I appreciate the deep dive into the trickle-down...

The emphasis on measurable outcomes really resonates with...

I appreciate the insightful connections you drew between...

Really interesting perspective on how small business optimism...

The part about the 1 percent increase per...

Manage My Account
  • eMagazine Subscription
  • Newsletters
  • Online Registration
  • Manage My Preferences
  • Subscription Customer Service

More Videos

Sponsored Content

Sponsored Content is a special paid section where industry companies provide high quality, objective, non-commercial content around topics of interest to the Walls & Ceilings audience. All Sponsored Content is supplied by the advertising company and any opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and not necessarily reflect the views of Walls & Ceilings or its parent company, BNP Media. Interested in participating in our Sponsored Content section? Contact your local rep!

close
  • medical professionals moving a patient on a stretcher through the halls of a medical building
    Sponsored byNational Gypsum Company

    What Does High Performance Mean When It Comes To Gypsum Boards?

Popular Stories

Linear Metal Ceiling Beam Baffles

Top 25 Ceiling Contractors of 2026

Wichita Biomedical Campus

Wichita Drywall Worker Dies After Scaffolding Fall

QXO Just Changed the Game-Here's What Contractors Are Asking

QXO Just Changed the Game-Here's What Contractors Are Asking

An interior drywalling work in progress

Boost Profits with AI Scheduling

Events

June 24, 2026

The Bright Side & Benefits of Designing with Integrated Lighting

Credits 1 AIA LU/HSW; 0.1 ICC CEU

This course will explore the pivotal role architects and lighting design play in creating safer, more sustainable spaces. Learn how to avoid common lighting mistakes and make informed decisions that create the best visual environment for occupants. 

January 1, 2030

Webinar Sponsorship Information

For webinar sponsorship information, visit www.bnpevents.com/webinars or email webinars@bnpmedia.com.

See our full library of webinars

View All Submit An Event

Products

2026 National Painting Cost Estimator

2026 National Painting Cost Estimator

See More Products
×

Connect with the industry’s leading resource for unparalleled insights and education.

Join thousands of industry professionals today. Shouldn’t you know what they know?

JOIN NOW
  • RESOURCES
    • Advertise
    • Contact Us
    • Directories
    • Store
    • Want More
  • SIGN UP TODAY
    • Create Account
    • eMagazine
    • Newsletters
    • Customer Service
    • Manage Preferences
  • SERVICES
    • Marketing Services
    • Reprints
    • Market Research
    • List Rental
    • Survey/Respondent Access
  • STAY CONNECTED
    • LinkedIn
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
    • X
  • PRIVACY
    • PRIVACY POLICY
    • TERMS & CONDITIONS
    • DO NOT SELL MY PERSONAL INFORMATION
    • PRIVACY REQUEST
    • ACCESSIBILITY

Copyright ©2026. All Rights Reserved BNP Media, Inc. and BNP Media II, LLC.

Design, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing