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Home » Topics » Columns » Up Front

Up Front
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Editorial Director Mark Fowler comments on contracts, codes and labor issues.

ARTICLES

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.
Headshots fowler
Mark Fowler
March 24, 2021
No Comments

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.


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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.
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Mark Fowler
February 12, 2021
No Comments

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


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Shifting Winds

HAS THE SKILLSET OF THE INDUSTRY WORKER CHANGED TO BE MORE GENERAL?
Headshots fowler
Mark Fowler
January 4, 2021
No Comments

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. 



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Mark Fowler

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.
Headshots fowler
Mark Fowler
December 2, 2020
No Comments

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. 


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Up Front

What's Urgent vs. What's Important

Recognizing What’s Important And What’s Urgent, And The Consequences Of Not Making That Distinction.
Headshots fowler
Mark Fowler
November 5, 2020
No Comments

Whether you’re a CEO, contractor, project manager, head of sales, superintendent or foreman, you have to make decisions. 


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Skilled Labor

Two Wrongs

Academics Don’t Always Understand That The Country Needs Skilled Labor—And That A Computer Won’t Fill That Gap.
Headshots fowler
Mark Fowler
October 5, 2020
2 Comments

I have written many times about the skill of a craft and the need for training. America is fighting over the future of the coal industry and its relevance.


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Up Front

Becoming a Great Leader

Every Day Is A Battle In The Construction Industry: So Let's Take A Look At History’s Past Battles And See How We Can Learn From Them.
Headshots fowler
Mark Fowler
September 8, 2020
No Comments

I know many contractors and supervisors feel each day is simply a battle of survival. 


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Up Front

Is Adaptability a Concern?

Changes To All Facets Of Careers Is What Moves The World Forward.
Headshots fowler
Mark Fowler
August 7, 2020
No Comments

As we enter another phase of this pandemic, it seems confusion is escalating. 


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Up Front

Lost Tribes

We Should Show And Exhibit A lot More Respect For Those That Put Themselves On The Line.
Headshots fowler
Mark Fowler
July 3, 2020
One Comment

According to the study called “Hidden Tribes: A Study in the America’s Polarized Landscape” (by the international group More in Common), experts concluded Americans can be placed into one of seven categories based on their beliefs. From far left to far right, there are progressive activists, traditional liberals, passive liberals, the politically disengaged, moderates, traditional conservatives and devoted conservatives. 


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Up Front

Global Pandemic of COVID-19

The Global Pandemic of COVID-19 Has Fractured the World. How Do We Recover?
Headshots fowler
Mark Fowler
May 6, 2020
No Comments

I want to first thank all the great guests we have had on Walls & Ceilings’ videos with our Publisher Jill Bloom. 


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