https://youtu.be/z9RIt7TM80k Our desire is to walk beside the next generation of builders and inspire them to carry on the tradition of “Being a Builder”.... but... the term builder is a different definition and standard than might initially come to mind. Traditionally, being a builder means being a “craftsman” but a true builder shows greater qualities... Continue Reading →
Be A Builder
Be a builder in everything you do. Add value to every situation you can. Grow other people every chance you get. Build relationships to help you grow.
Selecting the BEST Delivery Method: You Can’t Predict but You Can Prepare
"You can't predict but you can prepare" is a key element Jim Collins' "Great By Choice" Design-Bid-Build, CM Multi-Prime, CM at Risk, Lease Lease-Back, and Design Build have been defined many times and are all proven to be effective delivery methods. But, one size does not fit all. There are no perfect solutions. So, how... Continue Reading →
Give Everyone the Opportunity to Succeed
99% of the unpredictability of construction comes from people. PEOPLE need to manufacture, install, and coordinate thousands of things that go into a construction project. The human factor is the root cause of construction being hard, inconsistent, and unpredictable. It comes down to people making poor decisions, not being disciplined and diligent, or letting their... Continue Reading →
Construction is Hard…
"You can't predict but you can prepare" Howard Marks Photo by Magda Ehlers on Pexels.com Construction is hard. It will throw challenges at you on an hourly basis. It is relentless. It is stressful. There are conflicts with people, accidents, cost overruns, quality issues, and delays. How, can you possibly organize all of the... Continue Reading →
Meetings, Leaders Make Them Meaningful
Collective knowledge is always stronger than individual knowledge. The best way to gain collective knowledge is to bring people together in a meaningful way. But… “Meetings suck!!!!! Meetings are a waste of time, they take too long, nothing ever gets resolved, and everyone does what they want to anyway”. Remember, meetings don’t solve problems. A... Continue Reading →
Some things Tim Marsh gave me time to learn during my construction career about life and leadership
The opportunity to learn...
Be A Builder
Our desire is to walk beside the next generation of builders and inspire them to carry on the tradition of “Being a Builder”. The term builder is a different definition and standard than might initially come to mind. Traditionally, being a builder means being a “craftsman”. But a true builder shows greater qualities that go... Continue Reading →
True Builder – the Why Behind Initial Change Documents
On every project there will be questions, clarifications and changes. It is an infinite game. Having a system in place to document and track the changes as they occur is one of the keys to a successful project. The changes fall into three general categories: Changes to the work without a change in costChanges in... Continue Reading →
True Builder: The Why Behind Submittals
Plans and specifications are the product of a designers "intent". They provide lines and words to convey a vision for a project. Submittals and shop drawings are detailed information to confirm that the supplier, manufacturer, or fabricator understand the design intent. Approval of the submittals and shop drawings become the "meeting of the minds" for... Continue Reading →
“Listen. Plan. Build. Adapt” The Solution for All Construction Challenges
“There are not more than five musical notes, yet the combinations of these five give rise to more melodies than can ever be heard. There are not more than five primary colors (blue, yellow, red, white, and black), yet in combination they produce more hues than can ever been seen. There are not more than... Continue Reading →
#15 Time and Grade
Gaining experience in construction takes TIME, lots of time, seeing project after project, there is always something new to learn about building and people. The GRADE is how you well you approach problems and people, as well as construction techniques. In this life of “instant gratification” and “fast promotions”, in most every case, the better part of valor... Continue Reading →
#14 Call When There Are No Problems
Construction, at its best, is a series of problems that need to be solved to complete a project. 90% of all phone calls from your team, to a client or a contractor are to discuss a problem. Think about it… how many times a day do you see the caller ID and think “Oh man … what’s wrong... Continue Reading →
#13 Relationships Are Built Over Time with Trust, Not Deals
Relationships are the common thread that binds people together through the ups and downs of construction. In your desire to maintain those relationships, you may make short term deals to try to avoid conflict to keep everyone happy. But, those short-term deals will prove to be a detriment to the relationship and the project in the long run. True trust is not built on deals. ... Continue Reading →