ASTM International (American Society for Testing and Materials) is an organization that can have a substantial impact on construction projects, yet quite a few folks are not familiar with it. ASTM was founded in 1898 for the development and delivery of voluntary consensus technical standards for a wide variety of materials, systems and services. ASTM’s [Read More]
If Bank Credit is hard to get these days then Surety Credit is a real close second
While I think our economy continues to heal from what we are seeing the next 12 to 18 months will see more failures of the weak in commercial real estate and the construction industry. 2012 will be a tough year on the sureties and surety credit will even be harder to obtain over the next [Read More]
For Retailers, A Catch 22 Today Means Liquid Assets for Tomorrow
I read recently in the Wall Street Journal that as of May, retailer Bed Bath & Beyond had $1.64 billion in cash and short-term treasuries, and expects to generate at least another $600 million by February. Nationwide, non-financial businesses had approximately $1.85 trillion in liquid assets as of June. That’s pretty good, I would say. [Read More]
The Solution to a Macro Concrete Problem? Think Micro.
We were asked recently to help one of our customers with a damaged concrete sidewalk. Sounds simple enough, but it wasn’t just any sidewalk. This one was elevated and it was absolutely necessary for this office facility that the sidewalk remain navigable for the tenants through out the repair process. In years past, if someone [Read More]
In Construction, Take Disputes Out of the Boxing Ring and Into the Boardroom
This morning we resolved a disagreement involving a large piling and timber wall we constructed in Ohio. How? We finally got everyone together in one room and we talked. It got me thinking about how we used to resolve disputes. It was similar to a boxing match, when the two sides would spar for a while [Read More]
International Council of Shopping Centers 2010 Roundup
This week I attended the national convention of the International Council of Shopping Centers, a member-driven organization for the retail industry. This year there were about 25,000 attendees. I felt the mood of the conference was positive optimism with a sense of getting down to business. Here’s what I’m taking with me: Landlords and retailers [Read More]
Scout’s Honor: Communication is the Key to Business
I have been involved with the Boy Scouts of America for about 35 years. It’s a wonderful organization—I would encourage you to find a troop for your sons or grandsons if they are not already active. BSA teaches many essential skills that help children as they grow. I’ve found the basic principles they learn as [Read More]
Run the Race with Endurance, Then Push for Excellence at the End
Lately, it seems like I’m surrounded by races. Earlier this week, I told you about my Indy Grand Prix of Alabama experience at Barber Motorsports Park. A NASCAR race happened just down the road last weekend at the Talladega Superspeedway. This Saturday, the Kentucky Derby will be run for the 136th time. To me, business [Read More]
