Podcasts

In this episode of A Viewpoint on Construction, Robert Kruse with MDU Construction Services Group follows up on our previous podcast on getting the most out of software investments. Kruse, the director of financial software systems for MDU, talks from the contractor perspective about the rigid planning and research that goes into both making a software decision and implementing that software. From security of the solutions to company needs and pain points to features and functionality of the solutions to getting user adoptions and training, there are a host of areas where forward-thinking contractors should have a solid game plan to ensure long-term success.

In this episode of A Viewpoint on Construction, Tim McNally, a principal with Tilson Technology Management talks about why many technology users do not take full advantage of the software and technology tools they have at hand. Contractors can do a number of things to maximize their software solution investments – from committing to deeper research and exploration at the purchasing stage to collaboratively working to improve buy-in and usage across the entire organization. McNally discusses some of the latest technology advancements, how they’re best implemented and what companies should be thinking about to ensure smooth transitions.

Maintaining proper licensing, permits and compliance measures is the bitter pill that every above-board contractor needs to take. This can be a daunting challenge as confusion about different state and local rules, complex filing and reporting procedures and more can easily make contractors’ heads spin. John Beck, director of market strategy at Harbor Compliance joins this episode of A Viewpoint on Construction to discuss the compliance landscape, highlight what contractors — big and small — need to look for and what penalties organizations can face for lack of compliance. Compliance is an absolute must to protect the public from fly-by-night outfits and shoddy work but navigating compliance issues requires due diligence and attention. Beck provides food for thought on how to best approach compliance management.

In this episode of A Viewpoint on Construction, we talk about succession planning with Gregg Schoppman, principal and Florida consulting manager with construction consulting firm FMI. As the construction industry workforce evolves, older generations of leaders are turning over the business torch to younger generations. How well contractors manage this process can significantly impact both the short- and long-term success of the company. What many contractors don’t know is that effective succession planning is a five- to 10-year process. Hear real-world stories, best practices and what contractors should be doing to develop an effective succession planning game plan.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, three people out of every 100 are injured every day on the job in construction. In this episode of A Viewpoint on Construction, we look at how the construction industry is tackling safety challenges head-on. Greg Sizemore, vice president of health, safety and workforce development with the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) joins the show to discuss programs and technologies that are working and where the industry still falls short. Sizemore discusses the need for more safety leadership, safety improvement steps contractors can take and why the biggest roadblocks contractors cite to drastically reducing safety incidents – time and money — are more than offset by the higher productivity levels and lower overhead that enhanced safety measures provide.

In this episode of A Viewpoint on Construction, we sit down with Kathleen Baldwin, CPA, CCIFP and executive director of the Construction Industry CPAs/Consultants Association (CICPAC), to discuss the expanding role and importance of CPA firms and professionals in the construction industry. Hear why construction firms shouldn’t wait to enlist a CPA and what to look for when selecting a firm. Rather than just a taxes and audit firm, the right CPA firm can become a trusted advisor for contractors, a guide for organizational growth, diversification, technology, security, risk mitigation and much more.

In this episode of A Viewpoint on Construction, we look at the staggering numbers behind suicide in the United States, including the high rate in construction. Hear a moving discussion between our host and Patsy Dunn, CFP with Siteworks Design/Build. Dunn sits on the Executive Committee of the Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA) and runs the organisation’s Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention (CIASP) program.

In this episode of A Viewpoint on Construction, the importance of trade associations to the strength of the construction industry and the success of member contractors is examined. Michael D. Bellaman, president and CEO of Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) shares his insights about the positive impacts trade associations can have, from legislative bargaining power to professional development to key networking, branding and leadership benefits for organizations.

Introducing our new Podcast series: A Viewpoint on Construction, Modern Takes on a Transforming Industry. Episode 1: Women in Construction In this episode of A Viewpoint on Construction.