In the last century some Americans have been very innovative, however, there are industries such as ours where innovators have made minimal progress. Are people in construction less innovative than people in other industries? I believe some in the construction industry can be more innovative if given the opportunity.
Conditioning can be the process of training to become physically fit by a routine of exercise, diet, and rest. It also can be a simple form of learning involving the formation, strengthening, or weakening of an employer and employee.
A year ago I wrote about the coming housing downturn, and I’m sad to say it’s here. In my opinion, this housing market downturn is far different from past downturns since it was more the result of Wall Street’s business tactics rather than anything else.
In February 1979 Don Schroeder wrote a story about load-bearing steel framing, when he was the manager of Framing Systems for Milcor Division of Inryco Steel. The story Don wrote began by saying, “A new dimension has been added to the operating scope of many wall and ceiling contractors. Load-bearing steel stud and joist framing is opening new horizons.”
Contractors have relied heavily upon the trade unions’ ability to recruit, train and retain construction workers. Many people in the construction industry think about what’s wrong with trade unions, their members and the relationship between union and contractor without offering a solution.
When a general contractor submits a bid to build a building, the bid is based on a specific time frame. Normally, the GC proposes a specific start and completion date, and based on that time frame, the GC includes a specific amount of money in their bid for General Conditions.
Imagine having a two-hour lunch with a Supreme Court judge of your state and the last thing the judge says to you is, “make sure your contracts have a start and completion date as well as specific language for any special deals you make with the GC.” My question is: “Would you take the judge’s advice?”
My grandparents were Italian immigrants and my mother was seven years old when she arrived at Ellis Island in New York. Before leaving Italy my grandparents heard stories about the opportunities and quality of life that was available to “anyone” who came to America.
