Category: Business
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Putting ESOPs to Work in Construction
Interest in employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs) has surged significantly within the construction industry. Where this was once a niche strategy for business owners seeking liquidity or an exit solution, the concept is now trending among construction firms. I connected with George Thacker, Managing Director at CSG Partners, the nation’s largest ESOP investment banking practice,…
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Safety Isn’t the Problem — Resistance Is: How to Build a Culture That Actually Protects Your Crew
In construction, safety isn’t in a classroom, it’s forged in the field. Most jobsite injuries aren’t freak accidents but the result of small oversights, ignored signals, or old habits that persist because “it’s always been done that way.” The real threat isn’t lack of knowledge; it’s cultural resistance. Pie Insurance’s 2025 Workplace Safety Report confirms…
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RDO Equipment Co. and Montana State University Team Up to Bring Real-World Machine Control Training to Civil Engineering Students
Montana State University (MSU) has partnered with RDO Equipment Co. to launch a hands-on training program that gives civil engineering students practical exposure to the latest surveying and machine control technology used on today’s construction sites. The four-week course module introduces students to Topcon Positioning Systems and SmartGrade machine control systems through real jobsite experiences,…
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National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) Appoints New CEO
The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) has appointed Sheronda L. Carr as its new chief executive officer, effective July 7, 2025. Carr, an experienced association executive, takes the helm of the organization focused on workforce development and advocacy for women in the construction industry. Carr succeeds Interim Executive Director Velma Hart, who has…
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Rising Tariffs and Labor Shortages Drive Demand for Faster Project Delivery with AWP
The latest round of tariffs from the Trump administration is driving construction input costs up 41% since February 2020, impacting materials like steel, copper, and aluminum. Even domestic projects are feeling the pinch, as supplier pricing reacts to broader market uncertainty. At the same time, workforce shortages are worsening — with 91% of contractors reporting…
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Rising Tariffs and Labor Shortages Drive Demand for Faster Project Delivery with AWP
The latest round of tariffs from the Trump administration is driving construction input costs up 41% since February 2020, impacting materials like steel, copper, and aluminum. Even domestic projects are feeling the pinch, as supplier pricing reacts to broader market uncertainty. At the same time, workforce shortages are worsening — with 91% of contractors reporting…
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Construction’s Inflation Relief Opens the Door to Smarter Fleet Management
Over the past four years, inflation has significantly impacted the construction industry. Rising costs for materials, labor and equipment have led to increased project budgets and longer timelines. As prices for essential resources like lumber, steel, concrete, and even labor have soared, construction companies have faced challenges in maintaining profitability and project timeliness. Additionally, the…
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The Truth About Burnout in Construction: Why Pushing Through Isn’t a Badge of Honor
In construction, we wear hard work like a badge of honor. Long days, sore backs, skipped lunches — “toughing it out” is often seen as part of the job. But this push-through thought process is worsening a serious burnout problem. When Hard Work Becomes Harmful Burnout isn’t just feeling tired. It’s mental, physical and emotional…
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JLL Report: Construction Outlook Wavers Amid Policy Shifts, Material Costs & Labor Constraints
Policy uncertainty, rising material costs, and labor disruptions are reshaping the U.S. construction industry’s trajectory, according to JLL’s 2025 Construction Perspective: U.S. Mid-Year Update. While activity has slowed in many markets, the report points to significant opportunities for firms that plan strategically and stay flexible in the face of volatility. “The construction industry is experiencing…
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Commercial Contractors See Steady Growth in 2025, but Labor and Cost Challenges Continue
Despite ongoing labor shortages and rising costs, commercial service contractors are entering the second half of 2025 with cautious optimism, according to a new industry report from ServiceTitan and Thrive Analytics. More than two-thirds of contractors surveyed reported stable or growing revenues through May, and 53% are optimistic about the market outlook for the rest…