Category: Expert Columns
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Breaking Barriers: A Woman’s Perspective on the Construction Industry
The construction industry has long been a male-dominated field, with its roots deeply entrenched in traditional roles and expectations. For years, women have faced significant challenges in gaining acceptance, respect, and leadership positions in this space. However, while there is still much progress to be made, women continue to break barriers and redefine their roles…
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8 Things You Need in Your Next Rental Software Provider
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As a rental business operator, making big decisions can feel like standing on the edge of a cliff. When it comes to switching to a new software provider, the fear of the unknown can certainly be daunting, but taking that leap could lead to thrilling new opportunities and a smoother journey ahead. Here are eight signs…
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Improving Cyber Defenses in the Construction Industry
It’s a list no industry hopes to lead. Construction remained the most-plagued sector for publicly disclosed global ransomware attacks in Q3 2024 with a 7.8% increase over Q2 and a 35% increase for the year so far, according to the Corvus Insurance Q3 Cyber Threat Report. Cyberattacks have proliferated across the construction supply chain —…
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Benchmarking Maintenance: How Does Your Fleet Measure Up?
It’s no secret that fleet costs have been on the rise over the past several years, with inflation, emissions regulations, and supply chain issues playing a prominent role in those increases. In a 2024 fleet benchmarking report, data showed the median rental and leasing sector’s cost per mile was $0.60 — the third highest among…
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How to Avoid the 5 Main Potential Challenges for the Construction Industry in 2025
At the halfway point of 2024, U.S. construction spending was down roughly $1.7 billion from the previous year. While new construction projects are expected to grow by 8.5% in 2025, there are still several uncertainties for the upcoming year that could create challenges for businesses in the construction industry. Calum Mair, commercial director of North America…
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![[SERIES] Pavement Maintenance International, Part 3: Building A Female Workforce](https://www.craftyourcastle.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/SERIES-Pavement-Maintenance-International-Part-3-Building-A-Female-Workforce.png)
[SERIES] Pavement Maintenance International, Part 3: Building A Female Workforce
Hopefully the previous parts to this triology have been helpful. In some ways, it’s interesting that so much of what we deal with in the good ol’ USA is being experienced around the world. This I can confirm as I’ve worked with owners and leaders throughout Europe, parts of South America, Indonesia, and Australia. My…
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[SERIES] Pavement Maintenance International, Part 3: Building A Female Workforce
Hopefully the previous parts to this triology have been helpful. In some ways, it’s interesting that so much of what we deal with in the good ol’ USA is being experienced around the world. This I can confirm as I’ve worked with owners and leaders throughout Europe, parts of South America, Indonesia, and Australia. My…
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Using AI to Build Smarter Subcontractor Risk Management
Construction success relies on orchestrating countless moving pieces. With the average project having 24 different subcontractors—and often many more on large commercial builds — there’s a huge opportunity to simplify relationships and build trust. While AI is reshaping how we approach project planning, safety monitoring, and more, its most exciting potential is in how it…
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Mental Health and Substance Misuse Support in Apprenticeship Programs
John Burcaw, Chief Administrative Officer and Director of Academic Education at the Finishing Trades Institute of the Upper Midwest (FTIUM), has been a driving force in integrating mental health and substance misuse education into apprenticeship programs. FTIUM is affiliated with District Council #82 of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT). His approach…
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What’s in the Drum for Concrete in 2025
The 2024 presidential campaign is behind us, and the election of President Donald Trump, plus Republican control of both chambers of Congress, means the nation is positioned for a near-total reset of federal energy and environmental policy. Among other outcomes, that could free up additional volumes of coal ash for use in concrete production. First,…