Articles by Mark Fowler

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Qualified

IS THE PROCESS FOR ACHIEVING LICENSING IN ANY STATE FAIR? IS IT EFFICIENT?
Mark Fowler
Mark Fowler
November 19, 2021
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There are various ways to determine if a person is qualified to do a task or trade. Licensing through the state is probably one of the most common and is often required.


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Mark Fowler

Here’s a Tip

TIPPING HAS BEEN A PART OF OUR CULTURE FOR AS LONG AS MOST OF US CAN REMEMBER. BUT IS THE CONCEPT OF A TIP HELPING OR HURTING OUR TIPPED EMPLOYEES?
Mark Fowler
Mark Fowler
October 11, 2021
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Costs for materials seem to be escalating all around us. Some industries are experiencing more of this than others. As an association director, I am responsible for large meetings and events.


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WC0821-CLMN-Up-Front-p1FT-SurePods-ceiling---BT1_5783.jpg

Attainable Perfection

WITH A DWINDLING POPULATION IN EACH NEW GENERATION THAT SEEMS LESS AND LESS INTERESTED IN PURSUING A CAREER IN CONSTRUCTION, HAS NEW INDUSTRY TECHNOLOGY HELPED?
Mark Fowler
Mark Fowler
August 9, 2021
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The most pressing and long-term issue for construction is the labor shortage of skilled workers.
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WC0721-CLMN-Up-Front-p1-forest.jpg

See the Forest for the Trees

AS A CONTRACTOR, IT’S IMPORTANT TO NEVER LOSE SIGHT OF THE BIG PICTURE.
Mark Fowler
Mark Fowler
July 14, 2021
One Comment
You know how the saying goes, “They can’t see the forest for the trees.” It is an interesting and confusing idiom. It generally means that someone is so focused on a detail or singular issue, they are missing the bigger picture.
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workers

Code Updates

THE IBC’S LATEST CODE UPDATE HAS LEFT SOME PLASTERERS WONDERING IF THIS IS THE START OF THE END FOR THE STUCCO INDUSTRY.
Mark Fowler
Mark Fowler
June 21, 2021
One Comment
The International Building Codes are released every three years and go into effect as each jurisdiction adopts the codes. This gives a jurisdiction time to review and make amendments to properly reflect their region or address jurisdictional issues.
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plaster

What Plastering is Really About

PLASTERING IS NOT ABOUT THE MONEY YOU CAN SAVE ON MATERIALS OR WAGES. IT’S ABOUT THE BIGGER PICTURE: THE PRODUCTION RATE OF YOUR CREWS.
Mark Fowler
Mark Fowler
May 14, 2021
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Subcontractors buy materials, hire labor, bid against competitors and then have crews install materials. 


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Business vs. Contracting

THE SUBCONTRACTOR IS A UNIQUE ENTITY. THERE ARE RISKS ATTACHED THAT AREN’T WITH BUILDERS AND THE GC.
Mark Fowler
Mark Fowler
April 28, 2021
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Subcontracting has always been a unique business. There are many extra challenges a subcontractor faces that other businesses do not.


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The SMA training card verifies the individual has taken classes (left) and the back lists what classes the individual has successfully passed. Photo courtesy: Stucco Manufacturers Association

Feeling Dignity and Beyond!

THE WORK OF A CONSTRUCTION WORKER IS NOT SOMETHING THAT SHOULD BE TAKEN LIGHTLY, SO THE SMA WANTED TO DO SOMETHING TO INCREASE DIGNITY IN THE TRADES.
Mark Fowler
Mark Fowler
March 24, 2021
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Once upon a time, workers in the construction industry were looked upon as respected members of society. We seem to have come a long way since then.


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Beach Photo Credit: Barcin / iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images.

Keep Calm and Carry On

This Last Year Is Over And Done With But What Of 2020 Will Carry Into 2021? No Matter—Keep Calm And Carry On.
Mark Fowler
Mark Fowler
February 12, 2021
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This Last Year Is Over And Done With But What Of 2020 Will Carry Into 2021? No Matter—Keep Calm And Carry On.


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