Youth Apprenticeship: Making a historic link into adult apprenticeship

Youth apprenticeship has been providing career exploration and pathway opportunities to high school students for more than 25 years. It can be a big advantage for students who have an idea of what they want to do but aren’t sure if a particular career area is right for them. It also provides employers with a new resource for talent. Youth apprenticeship has been around for years in other industry sectors, such as auto and manufacturing, which have seen significant success with it. It was approved for construction four years ago and is beginning to gain significant momentum in Wisconsin. Read the rest of entry »

OSHA reports seven worker deaths in Wisconsin in first five months of 2019

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reminds employers and employees to use extreme care and safety diligence in all work activities. In the first five months of 2019, five worker deaths have been reported to OSHA in Wisconsin, including two fatalities in construction. Read the rest of entry »

Social Media: Why you can't afford to sit on the sidelines any longer

At SuperCon in March, one of our sessions was on the subject of managing Twitter for your business. At the end of the session, after the speaker had provided a number of strategies on when and how to tweet, one attendee had a simple question: “How do you do a tweet?” It was an honest and humbling question, and one that’s likely being asked by many other contractors. Overall, construction companies do not place a strong emphasis on social media marketing. It’s just not what you do, but that doesn’t make it unimportant. Many contractors create social media accounts with the best of intentions, but then do nothing with them. Read the rest of entry »

Targeting the "independent contractor"

Advances in technology have resulted in one in five jobs in America now being some form of non-traditional worker-company relationship, like independent contractor. Independent contractor work is appealing for both the worker and the company. The contractor has the benefit of setting prices, work hours, type of work, and completion schedule. Misclassification occurs when an employer incorrectly defines a worker as an independent contractor rather than as an employee. Oftentimes, misclassification is an honest mistake by an employer, but there is a perception among some elected officials and union officers that employers misclassify their workers to evade the laws that protect employees and ... Read the rest of entry »

Why Succession Planning is Essential for Your Business

In my father's case, he ran a very successful hair replacement business for over 34 years. Dad was the lifeblood of the business. Although he had four other stylists, the business and reputation was clearly built on him. Heck, his name was the business's name. My father tried many times to entice me and my sisters to join the business, but we did not share his passion for the business that he did. So, my father continued on, building the business without our involvement until the worst day of my life, when I found out he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.  In passing, my father left us with quite a mess to manage. We had a business with long-standing employees but no one to manage the day-to-day operations. Needless to say, it was a trying time for my family ...
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Improving contractor performance (and profits)

The most unused tool for most contractors is their accounting system. There are few tools that can help either make more money – or help you to lose it all – than the accounting system. You use it to help improve your company’s performance and cash flow.A 2016 study by Dodger Data and Analytics concluded that high-performing contractors – those who complete 25 percent or more of projects ahead of schedule Read the rest of entry »

Revisiting predictions made about prevailing wage repeal

There’s an old quote that says, “the historian is a prophet looking backwards.” Legislation is oftentimes subject to predictions. While I’m not a historian, I like to examine the impacts of legislation, especially when it pertains to our industry. 

One such measure I’m watching is repeal of prevailing wage and the impact it is having on our industry. As you may know, Associated Builders & Contractors of Wisconsin advocated strongly for repeal of this arcane and archaic system for many years ... Read the rest of entry »

Madison Area OSHA office is moving

The Madison Area OSHA Office is scheduled to move as of the end of April 22. The new address and phone number will be 1402 Pankratz St., Suite #114, Madison, WI 53704. All correspondence will be sent from the current address until the move is complete. The current office email will not change. Read the rest of entry »

Essay contest held to promote construction

Did someone mentor or guide you in your career in construction? Acuity Insurance wants to know.  Acuity Insurance is holding an essay contest on the topic to promote construction. The inaugural Construction Appreciation Essay Contest will be held from April 17 to July 7. The contest, which focuses on mentors shaping individual careers, will help celebrate Construction Appreciation Week starting September 15.  ... Read the rest of entry »

Coaching: What is it? The answer ignites personal growth

A lot of people come to me curious about professional coaching sessions, but are afraid to dig deeply; concerned it's a form of counseling. I had similar perceptions and completely understand this type of apprehension. That is, until you discover the power of asking questions. There is the common fear of asking a "dumb" question. However, the answers to our questions bring us the most joy and personal growth.

I will provide some insight to answer the question: "What is coaching?" ... Read the rest of entry »