You might wonder what the title of this article means. It’s my way of grabbing your attention to discuss a key aspect of our business—retention! Let’s face it—we have a lot of time, money and expertise invested in every...
As we embark on another year in our uncertain world, I’d like to challenge you to think about the following statement: Safety is a core value in our company. Protecting our employees, our most valuable asset, is our most...
One of the most difficult accomplishments for a leader is gaining their employees’ trust. Many managers struggle with this aspect of their job. They believe that to establish trust, they need to integrate themselves into the...
It is hard to find a book, article or YouTube video on business ownership that does not include something about strategic planning. Some are quick how-tos, while others include lengthy, soul-searching processes. Most of these...
Lisa Sun is the founder and CEO of Gravitas, a New York City-based company that has demonstrably set itself apart in the world of fashion with patented innovations and stylish solutions in women’s apparel. She is a highly...
You have all heard the adage, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” Unfortunately, this also often applies to people. You have probably been around a co-worker who is set in their ways, still talking about the good ol’...
Safety is paramount in the electrical contracting industry, and firms have never employed more innovative approaches or been more dedicated to keeping their contractors safe. Safety Leader invited several of the industry’s...
As an experienced electrical contractor, you should always have some semblance of a business plan for the year ahead in January. But this month, try taking a different tack. We challenge you to write a pretend obituary...
This issue of Electrical Contractor features the 2020 Construction Outlook (page 18), and I am certain you will review the information with an eye to your own 2020 business predictions. First and more important, you need to...
All K–2 schools are now in session for the 2018–2019 school year. Those of you who provide fire alarm systems for this occupancy have probably experienced the last-minute rush to get new systems installed, programmed and...
Until recently, drones were a conversation of the future. Today, the use cases for drones, referred to as robotic aerial security or unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), have an ever-expanding application in physical security...
As construction becomes more high-tech, contractors can choose from an array of software and apps that claim to boost revenue, satisfy customers and increase efficiency. Selecting solutions means researching the options and...
The new tax law impacts electrical contractors in a number of ways, and most of them are good, according to Marco Giamberardino, MPA, executive director, Government Affairs, for NECA. "It is the biggest rewrite of the Code in...
A recent World Wildlife Fund survey found that almost half of Fortune 500 companies have at least one climate or clean-energy goal. It’s good business to be eco-friendly, and the construction industry has made great strides...
With the economy still reeling from the effects of recession, unemployment, and wavering business and consumer confidence, electrical contractors (ECs) are re-evaluating their businesses and taking on new and different roles...
An estimator recently asked how to tighten up his estimates without getting too far out of his comfort zone. His zone was 20-plus years experience and knowledge that told him exactly what jobs require; this was not helping...
Frequent casino guests have learned not to put money into a slot machine without first making sure their “comp” or player card is in. This also is true for table players who practically walk around with their cards attached...
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) first went into effect in 1996. While most of the act pertains to physicians, health insurance companies and others directly related to medical operations, a...
Ten things you need to know about money MONEY AND OUR ABILITY TO MANAGE IT determine how comfortably we will live, how well we will be able to care for our families, how well we’ll sleep at night and, yes, how well we will...
