Construction projects have the unfortunate reputation of taking up to twice as long and costing twice as much as projected. While this is understandable due to the nature of changing material costs and unforeseen site issues, it can severely hurt your reputation and bottom line! Luckily, there are some precautions you can take that will …
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At Madden, many of our Craftsmen are at the top of their game, with talents that are so unique and high quality that they’re practically an art form. If you’re new to the trades, you might be wonder how you can become that good. The answer is right now! The primary differences between amateurs and …
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Big building companies see off-site construction as an important trend, shown by recent investments in US factory-built homes by some pretty big names in the industry, such as Louisiana-Pacific, Lennar, and Certainteed. Here are some of the big reasons why builders are beginning to utilize off-site construction in one form or
There’s not a better time to get into construction! The industry is expected to keep growing by 13% during the next 7 years, and we already have a significant shortage of craftsmen. If you’ve been thinking about getting into the industry, you may be wondering which positions are in
Meetings get a bad rep, but they can be very advantageous to your organization. When your meetings are swift and expedient, it’ll trickle down to better results outside the meeting; increasing productivity, encouraging autonomy, and increasing accountability. Remember, your team’s time is worth money for your organization, and you want to use it as efficiently …
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Craftsmen aren’t known for being ordinary, and we know you definitely have some unique and valuable talents in the trades! And when you have that extra edge, it helps you perform better at your current job, and gives you confidence if you’re looking to stand out during a new job search. Here’s some ways to …
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With craftsmen in high demand, it may feel like you can’t afford to fire anyone on your team. They’re going to be difficult to replace, and you’ve probably spent some time and money training and coaching them. However, you may miss a huge opportunity if you do nothing. An employee with negative attitude can be …
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If you’re feeling bored and complacent, it might be time to get a new job. Craftsmen are in demand, so now is definitely a good time to see what other options are available to you, if that’s what you decide. You may be hesitant if you’re not completely miserable, because it’s human nature to stay …
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Younger generations are generally being swayed away from the trades, and encouraged to go to college instead. However, the good news for us is that the current Millennial candidates aren’t as motivated by stability or money, as in generations past, because they’re more interested in a job that fits their desired lifestyle. A 2016 study …
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Every good craftsman needs a good pair of brown boots! The classic brown boot pairs well with jeans or dressed up with a suit. Depending upon your industry specialty, they can go from the job site to wearing them out around town. But there’s no need to own just one pair! Add another pair or …
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The summer months are usually busy for craftsmen in the Pacific Northwest, because we tend to schedule a lot of building projects when the weather is good. As that starts to slow down in the later months of fall, this is an ideal time for your craftsmen (and you!) to take a vacation – especially …
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In this job market where craftsmen are in high demand, it can feel a little like you don’t need to make as much of an effort at that next job interview. Let’s face it, if you’ve made it to interview stage, you probably already meet their minimum qualifications. You could probably wing it and find …
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Building construction is on the rise and good craftsmen are becoming more rare, so it can be difficult to find the time to mentor young craftsmen. On the other hand, mentorship could make a significant dent in the widening labor gap, and the benefits for the industry and your organization could largely outweigh the time …
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‘Blue-collar’ work wear such as Carhartt pants have actually become fashionable street wear, especially among millennials. The brand has received so much popularity that it’s common to see a 20-something year old sport a Carhartt beanie in any metropolis
It’s no secret that obesity has become common in the United States, especially among children. Estimates show that around one-third of American children are
