Mark Fowler | Walls & Ceilings

Qualified

IS THE PROCESS FOR ACHIEVING LICENSING IN ANY STATE FAIR? IS IT EFFICIENT?

November 19, 2021

There are various ways to determine if a person is qualified to do a task or trade. Licensing through the state is probably one of the most common and is often required.

Here’s a Tip

TIPPING HAS BEEN A PART OF OUR CULTURE FOR AS LONG AS MOST OF US CAN REMEMBER. BUT IS THE CONCEPT OF A TIP HELPING OR HURTING OUR TIPPED EMPLOYEES?

Mark Fowler

October 11, 2021

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Costs for materials seem to be escalating all around us. Some industries are experiencing more of this than others. As an association director, I am responsible for large meetings and events.

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.

WC0821-CLMN-Up-Front-p1FT-SurePods-ceiling---BT1_5783.jpg

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.

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.

CDC Guidelines Say Construction Workers to Receive Vaccines After Frontline Workers

Chris Gray

January 7, 2021

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The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has clarified that construction workers will likely receive the COVID-19 vaccine in the third phase of its rollout program.