Category: Expert Columns
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How Autonomous Negotiation is Shaping Supply Chain Efficiency
The global supply chain faces unprecedented challenges, from geopolitical uncertainties to evolving consumer demands. In this landscape, the ability to swiftly adapt has become essential. While automation has long been a part of supply chain operations, the next frontier lies in optimizing one of its most complex and resource-intensive aspects: negotiation. AI Agents conducting autonomous…
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Revived and Alive: Living with Purpose
Recovery is not just about surviving—it’s about transforming and reclaiming life. For Brian Sutton, that transformation has been profound. His story is a testament to the power of resilience, the promise of recovery, and the importance of community support. From battling polysubstance addiction and experiencing multiple overdoses to rebuilding his life and business, Sutton has…
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Why the Trucking Industry is Short on Drivers
Rarely has a single issue in trucking permeated every aspect of the industry’s successes and failures as has the truck driver shortage. While the issue is a perennial “Top 10” issue on the American Transportation Research Institute’s (ATRI) annual survey of critical issues in trucking, the truck driver shortage has experienced the perfect storm of growing…
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How Technology is Building a Safer Construction Environment
Construction is known for its inherent risks. The iconic image of workers casually eating lunch on a skyscraper beam with no safety measures highlights the risks that have long been present in the industry. In fact, 41% of the 34 deadliest jobs in the U.S. are in construction. While safety practices have significantly improved since…
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6 Tips to Make the Customer Experience a Breeze
Because it’s the offseason I decided we needed to have our garage floor coated. This was probably my first time calling contractors for quotes as a consumer, and let me tell you, being on the buying end of that phone call is a whole different ball game. I have encountered some companies that were a…
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How to Navigate the Challenges of Cost and Client Loyalty
Over the past five years, small and midsize construction businesses have been hit hard by supply chain disruptions, inflation, and geopolitical pressures that have driven up material costs and intensified labor shortages. While some market conditions have stabilized since the initial upheaval, many contractors still face persistent challenges, affecting their cash flow and bottom line. …
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How Admixtures Improve Decorative Concrete Performance in the Field
Concrete is the canvas of the modern jobsite, especially when aesthetics matter just as much as performance. From stamped patios and colored walkways to polished floors and intricate overlays, decorative concrete continues to grow in popularity. But with beauty comes the demand for precision—and that’s where admixture technology makes all the difference. Understanding how to…
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Eye On Rental: Equipment and Tool Rental Industry 2025 – Strength and Growth
In my opinion, the American equipment rental industry is strong and is on the brink of phenomenal growth. I believe the combination of relatively low inflation, increased infrastructure and construction spending and a more business-friendly administration all point to considerable potential for rental companies. Technology and social media continue to have a dramatic effect on…
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Combat Bad Weather With Better Planning
Developing relationships with potential customers requires patience. ACI Asphalt & Concrete, LLC sales associate Mike Picott nurtured a two-year relationship with new client Tashitaa Tufaa of MTN in Fridley, Minnesota. He saw that come to fruition this season after lengthy negotiations. The customer’s goal was to create a new 157,995 square foot asphalt parking lot…
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How Job-Costing Helps Construction Companies Improve Their Bottom Line
Business ownership is hard. Grueling hours, financial risk, and constant unknowns are the life of most entrepreneurs. And for what? Most business owners are working harder and harder to grow their revenue, yet making meager profits, if any profit at all. Consider this. Would you rather run an $11 million business that generates $350,000 in…