The US Economy at Mid-Year: What about the Next Six Months?
At this 2023 mid-point, a close look at the U.S. economy reveals uncertainty, bumps in the road ahead, and an economy that is so shot full of federal government intervention and stimulus that it is difficult to determine what is real and what is artificial.[1] Some but not all of this is understandable. After all,…
Embracing a Rapidly Changing Industry
A convergence of events has disrupted the construction industry. Company and industry leaders are responsible for decisions made in a world that is volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous (VUCA). VUCA describes the situation of constant, unpredictable change that is indicative of the environment in construction today. The term was first used by leadership experts in…
Culture Matters. The Power to Serve: More than a Slogan.
Leading regional electrical contractor CarolinaPower is known as a company that genuinely cares about its people. This is evidenced by an outstanding safety record – currently more than 650 days without an incident – as well as being named one of South Carolina’s Best Places to Work for five years in a row. At the…
The CPM System is Broken. It’s Takt Time.
Construction projects are inherently complex, requiring careful planning and execution to ensure success. The most common scheduling method in construction is known as the Critical Path Method (CPM) and it’s broken. This scheduling method has proved itself unsuccessful on vertical construction projects time and time again. CPM was originally created for Dupont Chemical while attempting…
Content Marketing and Other Trends in AEC Marketing for 2023
The architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry is faced with challenges and opportunities that stem from evolving economic cycles, changing markets, client expectations and new technologies. For AEC marketers, change creates opportunities to improve the planning, implementation and measurement of marketing programs. Keeping abreast of industry transformation, technology advances and innovations is imperative for AEC…
Davis & Floyd Acquires Andrews Engineering, Expands Reach in South Carolina
Davis & Floyd, Inc., a leading engineering firm in South Carolina, announced today it has acquired Andrews Engineering Company, Inc., a respected Beaufort (S.C.)-based engineering firm. The acquisition is part of Davis & Floyd’s strategic plan to expand its capabilities and services in the coastal region of South Carolina. Andrews Engineering, founded in 1990 by…
What You Need to Know About OSHA’s New Initiatives for the Construction Industry
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has announced new enforcement initiatives for 2023 which will have a direct impact on the construction industry. These new initiatives are primarily directed at preventing trenching and excavation fatalities, and heat-related injuries and illnesses. State Plan states, including North Carolina, are required to adopt…
The Benefits Cliff for Women in Skilled Trades: How Growth Stops Before it Begins
Following the awards ceremony at our second annual She Built This City (SBTC) Change Makers Awards luncheon, SBTC Executive Director LaToya Faustin capped off the event with a memorable call to action for construction industry businesses. Here, she introduced the “Benefits Cliff,” remarking how it can halt the path out of poverty for many women…
Women + AEC: Get a Sponsor, Be a Sponsor, and Champion Women in Leadership
We like to think that leaders will take notice of the merits of our work and promote us accordingly. However, there are no true meritocracies. The A/E/C industries remain a relationship business where mentors are nice to have, but sponsors are even better, especially for women. Fast Company contributor, Vivian Giang, notes that many industries,…
How We Empower Employees to be the Best in Our Industry
I am an avid cyclist and often use my longer, weekend bike rides to think about business. I’m usually out on the road early on a Saturday morning just as the sun is coming up, cruising through the South Carolina countryside where it’s cool and conducive to strategic thinking. I think about A M King’s…
