Is Bigger Really Better?
Many years ago at a summer meeting the topic of one of the speakers was “How To Grow Your Business?” His opening statement was, “Why do you want to grow? Do you think that growth is going to substantially increase your bottom line?” “If you are willing to do more than you are paid to […]
Safety 24/7
Last fall a truly “by the book” safe GC tendered a project. Submission of our OSHA training certifications and Safety Program was part of the subcontractor selection process. The submittal included a full-page list of questions about our safety practices. I met with the safety officer on the jobsite and explained that I chose to […]
March Madness
Let’s face it, I’m about this entirely and I’m guessing many of you are too. I don’t have many conversations it seems without someone having a college team that inspires them. Now, maybe you’re not a basketball fan and prefer wrestling or football, but you have to admit that there is a frenzy, a delirium, […]
Millennials in the Workforce
Millennials: we have all heard the word used in some way or another. In the workforce, it can carry a negative connotation among employers. Lazy, high maintenance, ignorant, entitled, and self-righteous are just a few of the words used to describe them. But this word carries with it another implication that the world is changing […]
The Power of Following Up
You can get many of the things you want in life simply by following up. Follow up with that prospect that hasn’t returned your call. Follow up with your customer to let them know your men are on the jobsite. Follow up to ensure the concrete is on the way. Follow up with your employee/coworker […]
Trick of the Trade: The Step-Down Flow-Stop
This ‘Trick of the Trade’ is shared by Mary Wilson of Michel Concrete Inc. in Springfield, IL. Mary offers this solution in response to the challenge by CFA President, Dennis Purinton. Mary’s company is rewarded with 50 points to her member account to be redeemed for an upcoming registration, event or purchase. The tip comes […]
Concrete Contractors Should Use the New (and Better) I-9 Form
Effective January 22, all US employers must be using the new version of Form I-9. Although in its simplest format, the form is relatively unchanged, contractors can and should download the form from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services webpage and use the new form on a computer. Use this link: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9 There are […]
Tips for Pouring Concrete Foundations in Cold Weather
As published in Concrete Contractor Magazine December 04, 2013By James R. Baty II, F.ACI, F.TCA Question: Concrete foundation pours in cold weather will be affected by temperatures in the mid 30s to mid 40s or lower. How should I ensure my customers and our building inspectors that the walls will perform as designed? – Concrete Contractor […]
Confirming the Connection Detail for a Residential Footing
As published in Concrete Contractor Magazine, January/February 2017. This column is an expansion of the footing detail discussion offered in the December 2016 edition. In this issue, a CFA member asks for an interpretation of the cover requirements for dowels in a footing used to provide connection between the concrete footing and the foundation wall. […]
Opiates and Workers’ Compensation Injuries: Dangers and Solutions
In combating the epidemic of addiction, the U.S. Surgeon General has just announced plans to tackle alcohol and drug abuse, nationally—especially opioid addiction—urging doctors, policymakers and the public to ramp up efforts to combat the growing U.S. healthcare crisis. The numbers are real! Since 2000, the rate of overdose deaths involving opioids—Fentanyl, Percocet, Vicodin, […]
