YOUR ADVANTAGE IN THE MARKETPLACE
The following articles are excerpts of important topics and research information. Full content is made available to CFA members through the website you will access with the QR Code following each piece. Note: If you are already logged in, the code will take you directly to the article. All article content will also be available from the member landing page. These articles are contributed by our resource partnerships to advance your advantage in the marketplace, plan based on industry influences, or challenge your practices and processes.
For more information on CFA membership, please contact Skye Kelley, skelley@cfaconcretepros.org or visit us at www.cfaconcretepros.org/join-us.
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This article is provided by ITR Economics in partnership with Concrete Foundations Association.
RECORD RETAIL ACTIVITY
Annual US Total Retail Sales (deflated) are rising at the fastest pace in the 74-year data history, up 13.9% from 2020. Strong consumer trends – including a low debt-to-income ratio, elevated savings to tap, and low unemployment – are contributing to record-high Retail Sales. Despite rising US Consumer Prices (up 7.5% over the last 12 months), consumers have thus far been willing and able to swallow increased costs. With record-high Retail Sales comes the inevitable need for expanded capacity, both for the production and transportation of goods. Some snags, however, are impacting the movement of goods, and we expect such problems will persist in the coming quarters.
RECORD SHORTAGES OF WORKERS
The unprecedented labor shortage is a significant impediment to our ability to move goods around the country. Annual average US Total Transportation, Warehouse, and Utilities Job Openings are 50% above the pre-pandemic record high. In contrast, US Total Nonfarm Job Openings are up 34%.
For the trucking industry, labor shortages are nothing new. For years, transport services have struggled to fill job openings and expand capacity to meet rising demand. There are several factors at play:
Existing truck drivers are reaching retirement age.
New truck fleets include more technology to which drivers must adapt, along with new regulations and safety standards.
Unappealing hours and time spent away from home factor into many trucking jobs.
While employers have used every tool at their disposal to attract new drivers – including higher wages, better benefits, and bonuses – the shortage has held.
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This article is provided through the PR/PR Public Relations partnership with Concrete Foundations Association.
CONSUMER INSIGHT IS CRUCIAL TO CLOSING A COMPLEX SALE
By Jill J. Johnson, MBA
A sale is classified as complex when it involves a high degree of risk and uncertainty and when the process involves more people than just the final consumer. As more people are involved in a sales decision, the sale becomes more complex.
Complex sales are not resolved in one single interaction. When there are multiple decision points, the real goal is to keep the conversation moving forward toward the next decision. Recognize there are competing goals at play, too. Your goal is to make the sale; their goal is to make the right decision based on their wants, needs, and budget. Your prospect also might be considering competitive offerings, so keep the conversations going about you and what you offer.
PSYCHOGRAPHICS DRIVE BUYING BEHAVIOR
In target marketing, there are eight different major variables you can use to define your target audience. When you are looking at a complex sale, the most critical component to understand is the psychological make-up of your prospect. This is referred to as the psychographics of your customers. What drives them and what drives their buying behavior?
DECISION TRIGGERS MOVE SALES DECISIONS
After you gain a foundational understanding of your consumer’s characteristics during a complex sales process, you need to find out what will trigger your consumer to make the final decision to purchase your product or service. Whatever decision triggers might influence your prospect, be sure you address them in your sales presentation.
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This article is provided through the PR/PR Public Relations partnership with Concrete Foundations Association.
SIX WAYS TO GET REAL WITH YOUR EMPLOYER BRAND
By Jeremy Eskenazi
Employer branding is the external perception of what it’s like to work at your company. It has always existed in some form, but recently, it has not only become more planful, but it’s also become a lot more important. Employees always have choice, let’s remember that first. It means that if the experience of working at your company is not good, they have as much ability to leave as you do to end their employment. It will likely be a lot easier for them to find a new role than it will be for you to replace them, and their experience does not end when they leave. Employees are your most important source of distinguishing your employer brand – both positively and negatively.
A manufactured employer brand is very easy to spot – it’s high polish, very diverse, and has a lot of smiling people. This may be false representation, but where a lot of creative agencies have made their money. Fast forward now to Employer Branding 2.0. Nobody is buying the lie! Employer Branding 2.0 starts with authenticity and transparency of what it’s really like to work at your company.
To help avoid costly recruiting cycles, or a lack luster pipeline of interested candidates because people are reading or hearing that working for your company is terrible, remember that employer branding has a very long reach. Here are the six top ways to get real with your employer branding (if you care about things like retaining your top people and attracting more who can knock it out of the park!):
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This article is provided by MatchBuilt an industry resource for recruitment strategies and consulting as an offer to members of the Concrete Foundations Association.
TOP RECRUITMENT STRATEGIES FOR
CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES
By Mark Matyanowski
The pandemic exasperated an already significant shortage of skilled construction workers at nearly all levels, and construction companies’ recruitment strategies have never been more critical. Brent Darnell International (www.brentdarnell.com), a company that teaches emotional intelligence in construction, has even said that there’s a “war for talent” now in the construction market.
The Home Builders Institute suggests that 740,000 new construction workers are needed each year for three years to account for attrition. “The construction industry needs more than 61,000 new hires every month to keep up with both industry growth and the loss of workers either through retirement or simply leaving the sector for good,” said Home Builders Institute CEO Ed Brady. “From 2022 through 2024, this total represents a need for an additional 2.2 million new hires for construction, and that’s a staggering number.”
With this in mind, we’ve crafted this guide of the top recruitment strategies for construction companies, and we’ll take a step-by-step look at how you can put the odds in your favor. Let’s see!
Step 1:Build Your Brand for Better Communication
Step 2: Source the Best Qualified Employees
Step 3: Crown Your Efforts By Interviewing the Right Way
Step 4: Offer Continuous Training for Your Newly Hired Employees
The Concrete Foundations Association will offer three specific presentations during #CFACON22 in Boston this July that address the importance of Culture, Hiring Systems, and Definition of Expectations to drive the growth needs of organizations. For more information, visit the event calendar at www.cfaconcretepros.org.
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World of Concrete 2022 Wrapped a Highly Productive and Well-Attended Event, Fueling Industry Connection and Advancement
Nearly 37,000 construction and masonry professionals convened in Las Vegas this week for peer-to-peer connection, deal-making, education, and competition.
Las Vegas, NV (January 21, 2022) – World of Concrete, Informa Markets’ premiere exhibition serving the thriving construction and masonry industries, concluded the event’s 47th annual event held this past week – Expo, January 18-20; Education, January 17-20 – at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC). Convening close to 37,000 registered professionals, the consistent foot traffic in the expo halls, high engagement with the comprehensive educational offerings, and overall vibrance exuded from participants underscores the industry’s critical need for in-person connection.
World of Concrete took over 632,000 NSF of the expansive and newly expanded LVCC, hosting over 1,100 industry-leading suppliers in the expo hall, just over 150 of which were first-time exhibitors, offering attendees a wide range of brands to explore from the most sought-after global enterprises to niche SMBs spanning a variety of applications.
“The level of engagement from companies of all sizes and corners of the industry was very encouraging, especially following the past couple challenging years, and points to the revival of the trade show industry and continued growth of the construction and masonry sectors,” remarked Jackie James, Group Director, World of Concrete. “We are thrilled with the positive feedback we’ve received from our community, buyers and suppliers alike, and look forward to seeing a wealth of new business partnerships and industry innovation resulting from this week’s event.”
In addition to a robust expo floor, registered participants had the rare opportunity to engage with world class education made available at the must-attend event. World of Concrete’s coveted educational programs serves as an incubator for knowledge sharing and technical know-how, helping the industry overcome challenges and tap into new opportunities for growth. With more than 11,000 expert-led sessions, this year’s highly curated education explored a balance of technical and forward-looking topics, ranging from 3D printing in concrete construction, women in construction, waterproofing: the next generation of solutions, and much more.
James continued: “Year after year, industry professionals flock to World of Concrete for its highly regarded education and the unique opportunity to garner technical certifications to help professionals
navigate this complex industry. This year was no different; we were pleased to see meeting rooms packed with engaged attendees bouncing ideas off peers – it is admirable to witness this industry’s continued ambition to grow and share ideas.”
Not only does the industry gather at World of Concrete’s annual event for deal-making and education, but to see and demo the most cutting-edge products available on the market and see the latest industry developments that lay the groundwork for the coming year. Trends from the 2022 event include, but are not limited to:
Greater job site productivity, with new battery systems that deliver more power to the hand tools used to perform demanding concrete tasks, such as drilling, cutting, and demolition;
Introduction of equipment that is automating concrete construction activities, including 3D printing, rebar tying, and drilling overhead holes;
Entrance of new materials that increase contractor productivity while still ensuring durable repairs;
Streamlined management data management systems that enable contractors to tighten a project’s critical path;
And product and equipment updates that reduce a project’s carbon footprint and increase contractor productivity.
Returning for the 17th consecutive year, The Concrete Industry Management (CIM) program held its Silent & Live Auctions, generating an all-time record of more than $1,740,000. Donations originated from the live auction and online contributions, marking a historic moment in the program’s rich history at World of Concrete that is designed to give students entering the concrete workforce industry experience early in their careers. World of Concrete is proud to partner with the CIM program, a business program
developed specifically for the concrete industry to provide students with a four-year Bachelor of Science degree in Concrete Industry Management.
Published on the front page of the Las Vegas Review-Journal for its exciting and action-packed competition, the 2022 edition of the ever-exciting SPEC MIX BRICKLAYER 500® World Championship crowned Mason Cole Stamper as the “World’s Best Bricklayer,” along with his mason tender, Jeff Becker. The two took home top honors and bragging rights, in addition to a new Ford F250 4×4 truck and more than $10,000 in cash and prizes. Scott Tuttle and mason tender Brian Tuttle locked in the second most coveted award at the event, the SPEC MIX TOP CRAFTSMAN, laying 730 brick in one hour. Their remarkable effort won the Tuttles a new Kubota RTV-X1140, plus more than $10,000 in cash and prizes. For complete results of the 2022 SPEC MIX BRICKLAYER 500® competition and images from the event, visit here.
New this year and central to World of Concrete’s core values, the exhibition organizers formalized the event’s commitment to sustainability in collaboration with renewable energy partner/sponsor HILTI. The program was intentionally executed with three objectives: Inspiring Sustainable Development, Environmental Responsibility, and Social Responsibility – each pledge supporting the event’s commitment to shaping the concrete industry for a sustainable future. Thanks to HILTI’s Renewable Electricity sponsorship, World of Concrete’s electricity use is powered by sustainable and renewable energy sources, saving an estimated 204 tons of CO2e.
Media Contacts
Lauren Lloyd, PR Director,
310-266-4792, lauren.lloyd@informa.com
Abby Portwood, PR Specialist
213-544-7275, abby.portwood@informa.com
Euclid Launches Three New Admixtures at World of Concrete
Euclid Chemical, a leading manufacturer of concrete and masonry construction products, announced the launch of three new concrete admixtures at this year’s World of Concrete—the concrete industry’s largest event for building professionals.
The following high-performance admixtures were developed to respond to the rapidly evolving needs of construction and concrete professionals:
· EUCOSHIELD™
An integral finishing admixture, EUCOSHIELD is a ready-to-use liquid admixture designed to be used as an integral finishing aid that prevents rapid moisture loss from the concrete surface by binding the internal water in the pore structure. It is especially effective when concreting operations must be performed in direct sun, wind, high temperatures or low relative humidity. EUCOSHIELD can also be used to reduce excessive bleeding and segregation of concrete or mortar. Containing no added chlorides or chemicals known to promote the corrosion of steel, EUCOSHIELD is compatible with most other admixtures commonly used in concrete, including air entraining admixtures, polycarboxylate-based HRWR admixtures (superplasticizers), conventional water reducers and retarders.
· EUCON ECO–STRENGTH™
A strength-enhancing admixture, EUCON Eco-Strength improves both early- and late age strength development in concrete. Based on a highly engineered admixture technology that facilitates cement hydration, EUCON Eco-Strength enhances strength development and allows for sustainable construction practices to be achieved through possible total cementitious content reduction. Maintaining compressive strength development equivalent to that of a reference mix containing more
cementitious is important in all construction projects requiring CO2 emissions and total embodied energy reduction. EUCON Eco-Strength is particularly effective where heat is present while curing, allowing earlier stripping of forms or restoring the serviceability of concrete repairs.
· EEUCON® AM–10LL
A liquid integral crystalline waterproofing admixture, Eucon AM-10L is formulated to interact with concrete capillary pore structures to provide a system that greatly reduces the permeability of concrete through the formation of tiny crystals that block the pores. It can also seal microscopic cracks and work in tandem with other products like sealers to create a structural waterproofing system. EUCON AM-10L can be used in both above- and below-grade applications. To find out more and visit this CFA National Associate, visit www.cfaconcretepros.org/product-services.
Euclid Chemical Wins two Innovative Fiber Project of the Year Awards at World of Concrete
Euclid Chemical, a leading manufacturer of concrete and masonry construction products, took home two 1st place Innovative Fiber Project of the Year (IFPY) Awards at this year’s World of Concrete—the concrete industry’s largest event for building professionals.
Presented by the Fiber Reinforced Concrete Association (FRCA), the IFPY Awards recognize distinguished projects that involve the specification and/or use of fiber-reinforced concrete (FRC) by a contractor, architect, engineer, facility owner or precaster. Evaluated by a panel of industry experts based on their innovative use of FRC and its value to advancing FRC within the concrete industry, the projects are assigned across five categories: micro-synthetic, macro-synthetic, steel, glass and natural fibers.
In the microfiber category, Euclid Chemical won a first-place IFPY Award for supplying its PSI FIBERSTRAND micro-synthetic fiber for the award-winning 2021 New American Home project in Winter Park, Fla—showcasing the latest in net-zero, ultra-energy-efficient design and construction. As the official show home for the International Builders’ Show, this three-story property incorporates Euclid’s Level Top PC-AGG self-leveling overlayment as a modern, polishable flooring solution.
In the macrofiber category, Euclid Chemical won a first-place IFPY Award for the use of its TUF-STRAND SF macro-synthetic fibers in the construction of an insulated concrete form (ICF) home for Habitat for Humanity in Joplin, Mo. The non-profit partnered with the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association (NRMCA) to build the home for local veteran Tim Peay and his son. The ICF walls, supplied by Euclid’s sister company Nudura, were reinforced with TUF-STRAND SF to significantly reduce construction costs by eliminating the time and labor associated with conventional steel. To find out more and visit this CFA National Associate, visit www.cfaconcretepros.org/product-services.
How the TwinTier® is Changing the Construction Industry!
Plainview, NY, (February 24, 2022) With the surge in construction from coast to coast, MAX has providing contractors with reliability and cost efficiency! With advanced technology evolving to create safer and more efficient jobs for end-users, contractors are beginning to bring in more of these tools to help overcome the labor shortage, rotational shifts, and also minimize job site injury. To help overcome and efficiently adapt to these new chal¬lenges, MAX USA, Corp., is working with contractors and developers to sustain core business functions, in the field, by deploying the TwinTier® as an enhancement to rebar tying operations. As an alternative to hand tying or inefficient tools, the TwinTier® is delivering a multitude of benefits to contractors from cost-savings in materials and time, increased productivi¬ty, efficiently support labor shortages and overall safer job site operations. At 5,000 ties per charge at approximately 1/2 second a tie, the TwinTier® series works effortlessly to keep up with the day-to-day operations on construction job sites. Not only does the TwinTier increase productivity, Its primary focus is the health benefits. Reinforcing workers are at a greater risk of developing musculosketal disorders to upper extremities (i.e. wrists, hands, fingers, and shoudlers) and lower extremites (i.e. knees, ankles, feet, and back) due to the reperative motion involved in the job of tying rebar. Not convinced yet? We offer free jobsite demonstration where we let you handle the TwinTier® yourself! Click here to schedule a demo! To find out more and visit this CFA National Associate, visit www.cfaconcretepros.org/product-services.
Concrete Foundations Association Announces Partnership with ITR Economics to Help Members Make Data-Driven Business Decisions
Mount Vernon, IA – Concrete Foundations Association is excited to announce its new partnership with ITR Economics, an economic forecasting firm that will provide our member companies with additional economic intelligence to drive practical and profitable business decisions.
Established in 1948, ITR Economics has earned its reputation for being First in Forecasts Worldwide. Their unique forecasting methodology sets them apart from the rest of the industry, empowering them to achieve an unmatched accuracy rating of 94.7%, four quarters into the future.
“Over the past decade we have received numerous inquiries from members looking for ways to better understand economic trends,” states James Baty, Executive Director for the Association. “We were pleasantly surprised to find great confidence and success stories with several current Board members supporting the value of ITR products. This is yet another example of the value found in community where professionals interact.”
Through this partnership, our members have access to several new resources, including:
Monthly articles, providing ITR Economics’ data-driven, non-affiliated perspective on current events will clear away the noise and allow you to truly understand what is going on in the economy around you.
30-day Pilot Programs with their subscription services:
Insider™ empowers subscribers with the most accurate economic data, enabling them to mitigate upcoming risk and make profitable decisions for their companies. Your Insider subscription includes the ITR Advisor™, monthly Leading Indicator updates, a three-year US Economic Outlook Dashboard, and topical webinars.
Trends Report™ provides the economic forecasts, insights, and strategy to give your business the edge. Subscribe to this industry-leading forecasting publication and receive updated forecasts throughout the month, covering the complete spectrum of US and world economies.
DataCast Essentials™ was designed for the entrepreneurial CEO who wants a near-term view of where the business is headed, as well as actionable intelligence – with this forward view in mind, what actions should be considered?
DataCast Pro™ was designed for the business leader or market analyst who wants a deep dive into market trends driving the business. The tool enables you to find areas of opportunity, spot sectors that could pose a risk to the business and incorporate its analytical output into your own internal forecasting processes.
Exclusive discounts on all their online subscriptions and non-subscription services.
“At Hottmann, we have been followers of ITR Economics for over 10 years. We have reliably considered their economic forecasts in making strategic decisions about our future. Their reports are both informative and easy to read. I would highly recommend them as a resource to any business.” – Ken Kurszewski, President of CFA Certified Contractor member, Hottmann Construction, Dane, Wisconsin
Association members can learn more about the Concrete Foundations Association-ITR Economics partnership by logging in to their member account and selecting ITR Economics from the Toolbox or Member Landing page. For more information about this and other programs offered by the Association to its members, contact Skye Kelley at skelley@cfaconcretepros.org or by phone at 319-895-6940.
Obituary of David Edgar Isaacson
July 17, 1939 – Feb. 10, 2022
BLOOMINGTON – David Edgar Isaacson, 82, of Bloomington, passed away peacefully Thursday, February 10, 2022, in his home surrounded by his family.
His funeral will be at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, February 15, 2022, at Holy Apostles Orthodox Church, Bloomington. Burial will be in East Lawn Memorial Gardens, Bloomington. Visitation will be from 4:00–7:00 p.m. Monday, February 14, 2022, at Carmody-Flynn Funeral Home, Bloomington, which will conclude with the Trisagion, a short Orthodox prayer service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Holy Apostles Orthodox Church.
David was born July 17, 1939, in Rock Island, a son of Willard and Madeline Hansgen Isaacson. He married Janie Dikos on July 4, 1965, in Peoria.
Surviving are his wife; a son, Todd (Amber) Isaacson; a daughter, Holly (Bryan) Lowery; eight grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; a brother, Tom (Nancy) Isaacson; a sister-in-law, Stella Thompson; and a brother-in-law, Harry Hoyt.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Gay Isaacson Hoyt; and his daughter-in-law, Angela Isaacson.
David earned his engineering degree at Bradley University and was a proud veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps. He was a member of Holy Apostles Orthodox Church and the NRA. With his blue-collar blood and white-collar mind, he founded and led Isaacson Construction, where he always displayed tenacity, strength, and dependability. David had a love of the history of his country and a natural gift for teaching others his trade. While his expectations of his work family were high, he was also quick to show compassion and generosity. A man who placed family above all else, David will be most remembered for the love he showed his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
“It is with sadness and fondness of memory we learned of the passing of this esteemed member of the CFA community,” said James Baty, the CFA’s executive director. “Many throughout this association will recall the years of leadership and spirited participation of Dave Isaacson. His son, Todd, has maintained the family business and participation in this association since Dave’s retirement. We invite all who knew him, and the association community as a whole, to join us in honoring his life and legacy.”
To express condolences online, please visit www.carmodyflynn.com.
Lance Jordan Retires After 43 Years of Service
Many regular participants in the CFA’s networking community will remember Lance Jordan, a past board member and frequent participant at Concrete Foundations Convention. On Friday, February 11, 2022, Stephens and Smith Construction hosted a retirement party to celebrate his 43 years of dedication, leadership, and service.
Larry Niles, vice president for the company, offered these words of recognition: Congratulations on reaching your retirement. Your hard work and dedication for 43 years of work at Stephens and Smith have served you well. You have left you fingerprints on transforming an entire way of residential foundation construction in the city of Omaha and the surrounding area. I hope you look back on your career and feel extremely proud of the work your team has accomplished, the relationships you have made, and the changes you have instituted in the Poured Wall industry.
You strived to make your employees, your division, and the company better your entire career. Your forward thinking of new and better ways to improve your Stephens and Smith Team has led all other poured-wall contractors in the surrounding area to follow your vision as a leader of the industry. Wherever you look in this town, you can see the followers of your innovation and lead.
As friends, colleagues, and co-workers, we wish you nothing but the best in health and happiness. Now that you no longer have the daily grind of running a company, go and enjoy your retirement with Vicki, your children, and your grandchildren.
Among the numerous gifts, including a plaque of recognition, given by the company, Lance and his wife, Vicki, were presented with a framed letter of appreciation from the Concrete Foundations Association for his years of participation. In this letter, Executive Director Baty offered these reflections:
There are three primary areas I can fondly attest to your imprint on your peers and this association over the years.
Board Leadership – You served one term to the CFA Board of Directors. This was during the most difficult stretch of years where participation waned greatly and the health and security of the Association was at great risk. While the Great Recession had this industry in its grip, the Association needed stability, patience, and calming leadership. Your role became the embodiment of those necessities and you continually anchored us amidst the struggles and the great stress we all created.
Convention Presence – At the heart of this Association and the benefits we deliver to our members is the annual convention. This event also remains the most difficult for most of the members to attend, let alone attend with regularity and consistency. Your presence at this signature and most important event, along with your active participation, has set the stage for many to be welcomed into the value of networking and the confidence for sharing collective work experiences.
Fall Protection – This Association has had a substantial impact on membership and the industry in advocating for and defending best practices and compliance for fall protection. During a time when vast ambiguity and significant threat from a ramping up of inspections existed, you played an instrumental role in leading the Association to an affirmed and defensible position for educating contractors. The work your company brought to light has helped countless companies understand risks and elevate their training for a safer workplace as well as setting a stronger foundation for defending values.
On behalf of the hundreds of member companies and thousands of colleagues and peers; the CFA Board of Directors and the Legacy Committee; and our past Executive Director you served under, Ed Sauter, we say congratulations! Well done, good and faithful servant. We thank you for who you are and all you’ve done!
EXPERT CONNECT
A comprehensive list of nearly 30 business categories ranging from Best Practices to Equipment Procurement, Workforce Practices to Ownership offers the ability to directly connect with fellow members who offer their experiences and advice.
I want to welcome you to Expert Connect, the place where CFA members can identify someone qualified from the Association to get answers to their biggest questions. Located on our website resource you will find categories like; employee retention, cold weather concreting, and using robotic total stations to layout foundations. Selecting any of the nearly 30 topics takes you to a list of contractors and associates that are available for you to chat with to talk about how they’ve solved some of those issues in their own business. It’s like having a team of experts right at your fingertips and it’s all free for CFA members. – Doug Herbert, CFA President and President of Herbert Construction
Members, scan the QR code to access the web page after logging in to find your category, take a look at the list of experts to help you, and contact a few to get help with your problem. Not a member? Not a problem…the QR code will give you a quick link where you can sign your company up through our website to become a member and begin taking advantage of this and many other member resources.
“Who needs google or Alexa when you have Expert Connect”
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“A primary reason companies join an association is access to thought leadership. Throughout your business, you will have chances to ask questions related to any number of topics your peers and colleagues have already struggled to resolve. Through the generosity of many leaders in the CFA, you are encouraged to find a topic, select a person and have a one-on-one conversation…and more.”
More Ways to Improve Your Concrete Construction Business
The Board of Directors of the Concrete Foundations Association (CFA) and the CFA Staff have recently made huge improvements for our members.
Towards the end of 2020 and into 2021, we determined what services our members need the most to help their business succeed. Since then, we’ve been in rapid implementation mode to make those services come to life.
In the past six months, we’ve rolled out three exceptional services:
Expert Connect – This online directory lists 28 business topics along with multiple contractor members that are experts in each topic. Have a question about drawing CAD plans, hiring more employees, or robotic layout? Click on any of those topics and see a list of contractors just like you that can help with that topic. Simply contact one or more of them and they’ll be happy to chat about how they solved that issue.
Classroom – Need an efficient, free way to train your people? We are in the first stages of creating an online learning platform where you can send your team – from laborers to office staff – to learn about concrete and the business of construction. The first three modules of “Foundation Fundamentals” are available now. Watch the video, take the short quiz, and advance to the next module. We’ll continue to add more modules, so you can have an easy way to train your people and move them up in your company.
Monthly Best Practice Call – Each month, CFA members can get on a conference call to discuss one key issue that affects all concrete contractors. We share what’s working, provide suggestions, and learn ideas that can help us in our business. A recent call was about employee retention, and great tips were shared that keep people at your company. It only takes one good idea to radically improve the way you do business.
Contractor Mix Groups – We are creating small groups of non-competing contractors from around the country to act as trusted advisory boards. Each group gets together to confidentially talk about business issues. Through the expertise and sharing of information from members in the group, each person is able to see weak spots, growth opportunities, and areas for improvement. But the biggest benefit is the close friendships that form that can last a lifetime.
That is just the beginning. We have a long list of initiatives we’ll continually roll out in the months ahead that will help concrete contractors run better businesses.
Even our summer Convention is getting improved! We’ve made a big commitment to bigger speakers and added content to make it the must-attend event on your calendar. You can learn more about the convention on other pages of this issue.
If you are a concrete contractor and you aren’t a CFA member, there is no other place you can join that will help you and your business more than the CFA.
If you are a CFA member, take a look at what’s new and be sure to utilize everything there is to offer.
