This Experience Has Served Me
Isn’t it enjoyable to see good people do good work? We are blessed to have a strong team of impressive individuals at our foundation company. Our team has a nice blend of people in different stages of their lives, and their careers. To be successful, we need a mix of new learners, skilled workers, coordinators, […]
The CFA Young…The CFA Experienced
Dear CFA Friends, I am glad to see old man winter give way to spring! Spring is my favorite season because it brings optimism and new energy, which is critical for our businesses. My father and mentor, Buck Bartley, always says, “Make your changes in the winter so they are ready come spring.” The change of seasons reminds […]
Tired of Breaking Even?
Letter from your president, Jim Bartley Dear Friends, Our long, tough recession has had one of two effects on most concrete foundation contractors. Either we went broke, or mastered the art of breaking even. If you are reading this, my guess is you are a fine-tuned, break-even machine! I know I am. Now that we […]
Are We Really A Family?
Dear CFA Brothers and Sisters, Many institutions claim to have a “family” environment. Is “family” an overused cliché…or is it real? This March, we at the Bartley Corporation, lost a dear friend and long-time employee. Betty was our dispatcher, also known as “Mother-Central”. Our employees sprang into action to help her, stood beside her, and continue to grieve her loss. We will never […]
Meeting the Challenge of Change
Dear CFA Friends, I hope 2013 brings happiness and prosperity for you all. For me, the transition from 2012 to the New Year means change. I find myself looking optimistically to the new horizon but keeping a reflecting eye on the rear view mirror. In 2012, our company celebrated the retirement of three key employees that have been with us for two, three, and […]
New Beginnings
Dear CFA Friends, Greetings! I am honored to serve as your new president. I seem to make a living of following “tough-acts.” Tim Parrish, our outgoing president and new chairman of the board, has been a great mentor. Tim leads with strong spirit. His humble, inclusive, can-do attitude has been an inspiration to me. […]
Our Community
The 2012 CFA Summer Convention is fast approaching, and with it, perhaps one of the best investments of time and money a concrete contractor could ever make. The energy, vision and camaraderie of a summer meeting all join together to make us better business owners, and better persons. If you have not already done so, let me encourage you […]
Our Customers
Spring is in full bloom as you read this (and as I write it, with 65 degree temperatures in February). Hopefully, the phones are starting to ring and work is beginning to pick up for us all. If you recall my last letter, you know I will be elaborating on the second leg of our mission statement […]
A SUSTAINING VISION: YOU AND OUR ASSOCIATION
Most of us are familiar with the name Andrew Carnegie, the industrial giant and shrewd investor from over a century ago. We’ve heard he was a man who both acquired and then gave away enormous amounts of wealth and who said, “The man who dies rich thus dies disgraced.” Less known is how Carnegie was driven to pass on his secrets of success to […]
TOUGH DECISIONS TO PULL OUR BUSINESSES THROUGH
The CFA Summer Meeting has always been my favorite association event and our recent gathering inWintergreen VA was no exception. The pleasant temperatures and inviting surroundings were a perfect setting for hearing a great lineup of speakers and renewing friendships with fellow contractors and suppliers. Thanks to all of you who made this a great event to attend. My mind drifts back […]
