First and foremost I should ask you this question. “Which two letters in the alphabet may be the most important to your company?” A clue – They are located right in the middle of the alphabet and are side by side. They are the N and the O. There are many times when saying “No” to a project is more important for your company than simply saying; “yes, sure we can.” read more…

Reorganization. The Most Difficult Project.

If you do not stop to get yourself organized because you are too busy working, you will stand still indefinitely. If you think your work week will not allow you more time, you need to be creative, find more time.  You must understand the need “not to work harder but to work smarter.” Your company may need a few areas reviewed and worked on, find time. The people that work around you will be motivated when given a clear picture of the needs and new directions you may be planning. Give everyone around you opportunity to succeed and they will help you work on new ideas. Create a road map and an atmosphere whereby individuals realize they work, where they can excel, for both themselves and the company. read more…

Estimating is knowledge and philosophy living side by side. I want you to read through “Estimating / Art or Science.” I have included it here for a reference to my estimating philosophy. Once you have a good understanding of estimating, you can get into the salesman’s mind set. Once you understand and have the knowledge of what goes into an estimate, you will be a much more successful project manager. read more…

When profits do not meet expectations there is usually a problem, and that problem should be found and corrected. The designs may be of your own or may be the design of others. However, all profit  begins at the spread sheet, during the take-off. Start there and know your numbers. Your numbers and my numbers will be different. Your facility and fabricating methods will be different from the next. Knowing the numbers of your competitor is one thing. read more…