by Simplar | Aug 3, 2023 | Built Environment, Business of Construction, Growth, Growth, Weekly Construction Message
We Are the World Thomas C Schleifer, Ph.D. The construction industry functions in a world economy beyond our national borders. The United States is the 2nd largest importer of building construction materials in the world, importing most of it from China, South Korea,...
by Simplar | Jul 27, 2023 | Business of Construction, Prospering Cyclical Market, Weekly Construction Message
Contractors Were Right Thomas C Schleifer, Ph.D. Since the beginning of 2023 I have been cautioning contractors to beware of the potential for a coming recession. To my frustration, contractors have been ignoring us and pressing on with business as usual. “It will all...
by Simplar | Jul 20, 2023 | Business Development, Business Development, Business, Strategic & Project Planning, Business, Strategic and Project Planning, Project Selection, Project Selection, Weekly Construction Message
Tony the Temper Thomas C Schleifer, Ph.D. Contractors and their senior executives don’t pull wire, pour concrete, drive nails, or dig holes. They don’t do the estimating, scheduling, or accounting for ongoing work. Once a contract is signed and a project is underway,...
by Simplar | Jul 13, 2023 | Built Environment, Business of Construction, Leadership, Leadership, Leadership, Weekly Construction Message
True or False Thomas C Schleifer, Ph.D. Beliefs The human brain is a problem-solving instrument that learns how to care for its host through experience. Its job is to keep us safe from harm and, as it makes its journey through life, it remembers the choices that work...
by Simplar | Jul 7, 2023 | Business Development, Business Development, Business, Strategic & Project Planning, Business, Strategic and Project Planning, Financial Management and Risk, Financial Management and Risk, Financial Management and Risk, Leadership, Leadership, Leadership, Weekly Construction Message
Experts Make Money Thomas C Schleifer, Ph.D. Because too many construction projects are priced through a low-bid auction process, contractors have only minimal control over their selling price. Expense inflation over the extended life of a project is hard to control....
by Simplar | Jun 30, 2023 | Leadership, Leadership, Leadership, Succession Planning, Weekly Construction Message
Secrets To Success Thomas C Schleifer, Ph.D. Last week we posted the final blog in our series on managing a construction company in disorderly markets. Today we begin a series on the secrets to construction business success. Much attention has been paid to contractor...
