This Trend is Sustainable

Sometimes trends in the construction industry are reflected in the strangest of places. I read an article about how the H&M clothing store is struggling. For those of you who don’t have teenage daughters who are always looking for cheap and stylish clothing, H&M is renowned for selling low-priced, trendy clothing that might last for one season. They have mastered the trade of selling disposable clothing. The fact that their sales are down reflects a consumer trend that is moving towards quality and sustainability rather than fashion. Consumers are being drawn towards classic designs that will last for decades. Recently, I have seen this same trend towards quality and away from throwaway building materials gaining momentum in the construction industry.

For the past thirty plus years, the construction industry has concentrated on how to deliver a structure for the lowest possible price. This obsession with lowering cost has driven manufacturers to pursue cheaper materials and designs, and owners to squeeze every penny from the bidding process. This “price is king” mentality consistently drove down quality of design, materials, and labor to a point where class action lawsuits became the resulting profitable industry. Just like the cheap blouse at H&M, windows, hardware, appliances, plumbing fixtures, lighting, etc. are designed to reside in the landfill after satisfying a ten-year warranty. But a growing dissatisfaction with cheap construction practices has given birth to a refreshing trend towards sustainability.

I first saw this movement towards quality reflected in my business. Re-View Windows restores historic windows and manufactures historic replica windows that are designed to perform for centuries. Our business model is based upon quality, not price, and over the past 25 years, we have seen a consistent demand for business. Our products are also designed to be easily maintained to extend the life over several generations. One doesn’t have to look far for other examples of the drive towards quality and sustainable design: 

1. The Green Building Movement which has previously focused on energy efficiency has expanded to concentrate on sustainability and recyclability. The life cycle of a building is a critical factor in this program.
2. The use of recyclable materials is expanding in all areas of the construction industry with materials such as aluminum, glass, and wood gaining acceptance at the expense of petroleum-based products like vinyl.
3. The glass industry is shifting its priorities from energy efficiency to quality. “We became myopic about energy efficiency…now we are starting to think in terms of life cycle,” said Mic Patterson of Schuco USA.
4. The need for increased strength has long driven the concrete industry for years. Now, due to the escalation in repair and replacement costs, manufactures are paying more attention to durability than strength.
5. Commercial project bidding practices are evolving as evidenced by the increasing popularity of the Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) method. Rather than basing the reward of a project on lowest price, this method connects the owner, design team, and key subcontractors to work together from design through implementation.
6. Building Information Modeling (BIM) has adopted a “circular construction” model where materials stay in play for longer, getting reused or recycled whenever possible. Buildings are being viewed as “material banks” and the bill of materials captured by BIM facilitates reuse.
7. The use of independent quality control of construction processes is more widely used than ever before. At Re-View, for example, we have glazing, finishes, sealants, and other elements tested by independent agencies on a regular basis.

I’m greatly heartened to see this trend toward better-quality and more sustainable construction

practices gain a foothold. It’s been missing for far too long, resulting in added job expense in the form of rework, missed deadlines, and shoddy workmanship. When construction quality suffers, the

industry as a whole suffers. I’m hopeful that as we move into 2019, we’ll see a greater emphasis on

quality control and personal ownership of all aspects of the end product. For now, since my daughters

are both grown, I’m just glad my days of purchasing sub-standard clothing at H&M are over.

Statehouse Work

Re-View is one of the few companies that excels at the disciplines of wood window restoration, steel window restoration, and manufacturing wood window replicas  for large National Register Landmarks. This is best exemplified by our current State Capitol restoration work. At the moment, Re-View is working on five capitol buildings. We are restoring the existing steel windows on the Oklahoma and Nebraska Capitol buildings. Our craftsmen are also restoring the wood windows at the Colorado Capitol. The Michigan Capitol will soon be graced with our wood window replicas to match the original design. And finally, we are finishing up work on the Wyoming Capitol where we are performing a combination of wood window restoration and fabricating replicas.

Reflections on 2016

I think that almost everyone would agree with me that 2016 was a crazy year on many counts. We were bombarded with bizarre events in sports, industry, human relations, and entertainment. This past year will be remembered for some time to come. In the wake of all of this tumult, the construction industry has trudged along under the radar. Both commercial and residential construction have grown to levels not seen for eight years. Construction-related employment has correspondingly advanced at almost twice the rate of conventional job growth. One thing I don’t like about the consistent and plodding growth we have experienced is that it tends to numb your motivation. So in an effort to keep myself alert, I looked at some key events from the past year that might provide inspirational lessons on how to make the most of 2017.

Your Strengths Can Cover UP Weakness

I am not a fan of mixed martial arts (MMA), but I am a student of success, and have found Ronda Rousey’s story to be an interesting example for any business. Rousey went from working three jobs to support herself to putting a women’s sport on the map. She was dominant in the ring, eliminating many opponents in less than 30 seconds. Unfortunately, her dominance became her Achilles heel because it was based upon doing only one thing very well. As her opponents became stronger in other methods of fighting, Rousey ignored this trend and continued to do what she did best. This strategy eventually led to a first loss in 2015 and an embarrassing defeat last Friday.

Most successful businesses achieve greatness by doing a few things very well. Amazon has done it in logistics, Apple in technical design, and Costco in retailing to serve as a few examples. Rousey shows us that it is time to look at whether our strengths are clouding our judgement. Are your competitors making strategic changes that threaten your business? Are companies from other industries entering your marketplace for the first time? Are there subtle shifts in your marketplace that are not visible because you are too busy with your nose to your grindstone? The time is right for a little strategic introspection before someone punches you in the face.

Never Give Up

The Chicago Cubs are the best example this past year of an outfit that struggled for the past century to meet their goals and finally came through with a World Series victory 108 years later. This unprecedented Series drought is the longest recorded by any major American sports team. Although the Cubs made it to the Series seven times during this period of famine, they always came up short. People were beginning to believe that a curse levied by the owner of the Billy Goat Tavern in 1945 was real. In 2016 the Cubs were able to shake the curse and ascend to the top of Major League Baseball.

Every business has its challenges whether they are minor or critical to survival. I think most people spend their efforts pursuing their dreams rather than basking in the glory of their achievements. And as is typical, our dreams are confronted, derailed, or undermined on a regular basis. At times one can wonder if attainment of a desired goal is even possible. At these times of despair, it is good to remember stories like the Cubs scripted in 2016. Anything is possible if you never give up.

    

It’s Never Too Late

I remember reading about the problems facing the Rio Olympics during the nine months preceding the games. When you combine delays in construction, construction defects, safety concerns, water & air pollution, failed infrastructure, and the Zika virus, it is amazing that the games weren’t cancelled. Given insurmountable odds of having their country ready to host, Rio came through in the end with a lot of hard work and some good ole fashioned luck.

Businesses often find themselves in overwhelming circumstances where the task at hand is daunting. Whether you have challenges in fueling unprecedented growth, developing a new product line or service, opening a new office, or struggling to stay afloat, achieving one’s goals can often appear impossible. If you ever find yourself wondering how you will make it to the finish line, remember Rio. The Olympics show us that anything is possible no matter how frightening the challenge.

I’m sure there are many other lessons to be learned from 2016, but these are a few that stood out to me. Since success in business can be fleeting, it helps to reflect upon lessons learned from external events so our strategies have a chance to continue to serve us well. May 2017 be your best year ever!

Capitol Improvements

One of Re-View’s strengths is its ability to work on historic windows for very large and complex National Register landmarks. Currently, we are working on four State Capitols at the same time. Each one has a unique set of challenges that makes our business fascinating. We are doing the following scope of work on these projects:

• Minnesota State Capitol: Re-View is finishing up its work on this project. We restored the historic exterior doors applying faux finishes on the interior. We removed existing aluminum replacement windows, restored the original wood window frames and fabricated and installed replica wood window sash into each opening. This brought the Capitol back to its original look.

• Colorado State Capitol: Re-View is performing wood window restoration on the existing window openings. We are removing the sash and bringing them back for a complete overhaul and restoring the frames in the field. When we are done with this work, the windows will be ready to perform for another 100+ years.

• Wyoming State Capitol: Re-View is removing existing aluminum replacement windows and restoring the original wood frames. We are then going to fabricate historically accurate wood window sash to match the originals. To top it off, we are applying custom extruded aluminum on the exterior to match the profiles of the frames, brickmould, and sash.

• Oklahoma State Capitol: Re-View is restoring the 472 original steel windows and installing  aluminum storm windows on the interior to upgrade the efficiency of the window system. 

Just The Fax

I spent this week looking at a new phone system for the business and given the rapid changes in the telecommunications industry, there is a lot to consider. One development that has taken ten years to become a reliable option is Voice Over Internet Protocol or VoIP. Under this technology, phone calls are made using an Internet or private network connection. As I was considering changing my well-seasoned, hardwired system to this more flexible and less expensive alternative, I was confronted with what I should do with the fax line. I felt very uncomfortable in pulling the plug on this old-school warrior. It wasn’t long ago that the fax line was the lifeline for many construction-related businesses. Although today it is used primarily as a clearing house for discounted vacations, everyone still prints their fax number on their business cards. This made me wonder why we have become so attached to old technologies and habits when they no longer serve us and ponder other opportunities for change in the construction industry.

It wasn’t long ago that the fax machine was the best thing since sliced bread for business. Instead of using the US mail system, we could now receive bid invites, send out bids and communications, and even sign contracts via this wonderful machine. Written communication with the fax machine was virtually instantaneous, or at least much faster than the US mail or FedEx options. With the universal usage of e-mail, however, the trusty fax machine has been retired to the same pasture as the buggy whip and video rental stores. Why would you mess with a fax when you can command the transfer of information, documents, and pictures right from your desktop? What are some of the other technologies that are rendering our current practices obsolete?

It is amazing how bogged down our industry was in managing the masses of paperwork in the past. Now, cloud-based applications and online use of construction data has revolutionized how we communicate in the industry. The growth of online plan rooms to publicize projects that are bidding and to relay the construction documents and addenda has cut costs, increased exposure, and reduced the time it takes to bid a job. Programs like Textura that provide an array of programs that facilitate project communication, subcontractor qualification process, and invoice payment do a great deal to streamline what was once a cumbersome process of communication. And online banking has contributed immensely to the faster flow of funds to all parties. For those of us who have embraced these technological tools, life is so much more productive and easier to manage.

Building Information Modeling (BIM) has been a major breakthrough for how projects are designed and constructed. In the past, architects, contractors, and subcontractors worked as separate entities, only coming together when the building was being constructed. With BIM as the platform, now the design and construction team can work together more effectively to design, estimate, construct, and problem solve. This technology is creating an entirely new way of looking at the construction process. The benefits are lower costs, faster delivery, and fewer errors.

Advances in technological hardware have changed the way we work in construction. Jobsite computer systems and tablet computers enable the team to be equipped with the latest information on the project. New developments in Google Glass and Oculus virtual reality technology will most likely offer benefits to our current work processes. Another technology that is quickly gaining acceptance is 3D laser scanning. Architectural and engineering firms are using this developing technology to map out existing facilities with incredible precision or to serve as quality control of installed elements. Re-View has used laser mapping equipment to determine existing window sizes and shapes in historic structures. This has enabled us to manufacture historic window replicas with incredible precision.

What we are talking about here is changing the tools of the trade. Just as carpenters have put down hand saws and screw drivers for power tools, the entire industry needs to change to more powerful technological tools. I may love my old framing hammer, but it doesn’t hold up to modern nailers. So in that spirit, I think I’ll finally remove my fax number from my business card. 

Historic Train Stations

Back in the day when the railroad industry dominated travel in the United States, every town of size had a railroad station. These structures were often architecturally significant and ornate. In fact, some of the finest architecture in our country can be found in historic train stations.

Over the past 20 years, there has been a movement to invest in the restoration of these valuable artistic facilities. Many still function as rail hubs while others have been repurposed as museums, event space, offices, and unique retail centers.

Re-View has worked on the historic windows of some very distinctive train stations. We have restored historic wood and steel windows, preserving every element to its original state. We have also manufactured historically accurate wood window replicas to match the original windows. The following pictures capture some of our work over the years. 

Building on Leadership

I was recently asked what I thought were the best books on the topic of leadership, which is a difficult question to answer. It is almost as difficult to answer as what is my favorite album of all time. There are so many good ones; how does one pick a favorite? To assist me in my answer, I thought I would search the Internet for other lists of top works on leadership and compare the search results to books I’ve put in that category. What I discovered was very surprising. There were several classics on the list that one would expect, like Man’s Search for Meaning and How to Win Friends and Influence People. However one book kept coming up on people’s lists that I wouldn’t have classified as a source for the fine art of leadership. Alfred Lansing’s book, Endurance, was on most of the lists as a top ten consideration. How does a book about a failed Antarctic expedition capture the essence of leadership? And how could people in the construction industry benefit from this story?

I read Endurance many years ago because I appreciate works that document the human struggle through adversity. Books like Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl, Into Thin Air, and Unbroken provide me with solace that things could always be worse and that putting up a good fight can often be worth it. The book Endurance is about a 1914 expedition lead by Sir Ernest Shackleton where 27 men under his command attempted to become the first to cross the Antarctic continent. The expedition failed miserably, with the ship getting engulfed in massive ice floes early in the trip, changing the mission to one of survival. The book elegantly documents a 20-month struggle to find food, shelter, safety, and eventual rescue. So what are the leadership lessons to be gleaned from this work? There are many, and I think that architects, contractors, developers, and owners in the construction industry should practice the main principles in this book as basic business practices.

Choose Your People Wisely

Earnest Shackleton took a great deal of time in selecting his crew to join him on the expedition. Although he placed a great deal of emphasis on technical qualifications, he was more interested in the quality of the character than the skill set. Shackleton knew that a grueling expedition would require a group that could function as a team, had high integrity, and could be trusted. These same principles determine success in business today. Hiring managers are learning that work ethic and integrity will get you much farther than expertise. It’s more common these days to see sports teams base their recruiting on quality of character rather than the pursuit of the superstar. The best companies in the construction industry are those that are capable of attracting talent that can work together effectively, eliminate drama, embrace a challenge, and have fun while doing it.

Your People Come First

Throughout the story of Endurance, Shackleton is focused on making decisions that will save his crew from their devastating circumstances. Every decision he makes is in the best interests of the group. He had to make many personal sacrifices and risk his life throughout the mission to accomplish this feat. Shackleton knew that his motivation and influence on the group’s welfare was not just necessary for survival, but more importantly, it served as a good example for everyone involved. The only way to gain commitment from the team is to show commitment yourself. If your people feel that you care for their well being and success, they are much more likely to display the same care for their work associates. The essence of “we are all in this together” is a powerful force for any business.

Flexibility is Essential for Success

From the very start of the expedition, Shackleton had to change his goals depending upon changes in circumstances. He had to adapt to losing the ship, finding secure refuge, securing food and water, and searching for rescue. He also had to communicate the constantly changing plans to the team so they would cooperate on working toward the tasks at hand. The construction industry is ripe with change. During the latest recession many companies were thrown into survival mode similar to the Endurance team. Changes in the economy, design tastes, market movements, availability of financing, etc., require the construction industry to keep on its toes and adapt to the new challenges. Your ability to change gears in the construction industry can make all the difference in the world.

Maintain Optimism in the Face of Adversity

I am sure that Shackleton questioned many times during the group’s travails whether the crew would make it home safely, but he never let anyone know that he doubted their success. He knew that if he displayed any indication of hopelessness, the team would quit the fight, disband, or even mutiny. A realistic optimism is essential to survive in business or to grow into new arenas. The construction industry is littered with challenges; legal issues, safety concerns, and labor matters to name a few. Maintaining optimism from the top is essential if it is going to permeate throughout the ranks. Everyone needs to believe that no matter how daunting the challenge, the team is capable of achieving the progress needed to meet their goals.

I still find it amazing that an expedition that occurred over 100 years ago would serve as a guideline for effective business leadership today. Although I certainly don’t practice all of these principles as effectively as I would like in my daily activities, the voyage of a small crew of adventurers gives me hope to continue the struggle for success. I think that all of us in the construction industry would benefit from reading this book and adopting some of the principles in our day-to-day practices.