Contractor
Showing 225–240 of 390 results
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Construction Success Story – New security system brings peace of mind
May / June 2014
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 438
Abstract: This issue’s “Construction Success Story” looks at the case of a family roofing company that had been in one place for over 50 years but hadn’t upgraded its security as the local crime rate increased. That changed when the owner arrived one day to find that a van had been broken into and tools stolen. Hoping to prevent even more serious theft, the owner consulted his financial advisor. Together, they formulated a budget and solicited bids for a new security system, eventually finding just the right one for the construction company.
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Build your competitive intelligence with benchmarking
May / June 2014
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 645
Abstract: Competitive intelligence is not “corporate espionage,” but a process of legally and ethically gathering relevant data on competitors. And construction companies can go about doing so in a variety of ways. This article explains how to start with benchmarking, the kinds of metrics that can be tracked and how to analyze the results.
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LEED: Redefined
May / June 2014
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 515
Abstract: The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) recently released the fourth generation of its renowned energy efficient building design. The updated framework dramatically expands the types of structures that may qualify for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification and includes a comprehensive suite of Web-enabled project management and assessment tools for contractors. This article takes a closer look at “LEED v4.”
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Nonqualified deferred compensation plans – Is your arrangement due for an update?
May / June 2014
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 939
Abstract: Nonqualified deferred compensation (NQDC) plans can help lure or retain a top-producing manager, but also put a substantial strain on a construction company’s finances. Furthermore, they can have an impact on a company’s long-term business strategy and succession plan. This article discusses four different categories of NQDC plans and the tax and cash flow implications of funded vs. unfunded plans. NQDC plans are complicated and the slightest of errors can have big consequences, so a sidebar discusses what the IRS looks for when performing an NQDC plan audit.
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Construction Success Story – Surety bond scam uncovered in the nick of time
March / April 2014
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 436
Abstract: This issue’s “Construction Success Story” examines the case of a local contractor moving into larger, municipal projects that required obtaining a surety bond. When he received an unsolicited offer, he decided to take it to his lawyer and financial advisor. This article shows that it was a wise move: What his experts learned about the surety owner led to the contractor tossing the offer into the shredder.
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Cash vs. benefits: The prevailing wage dilemma
March / April 2014
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 658
Abstract: Federal contracts can be a good way to expand the profitability reach of a construction company. But these jobs have their own complex rules, including paying prevailing wages pursuant to the Davis-Bacon Act. Many contractors face one particular dilemma when sorting through the prevailing wage requirement: Should they pay all applicable wages in cash or remit some of them as benefits? This article examines the pros and cons of each option.
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3 best practices for organic sales growth
March / April 2014
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 533
Abstract: When it comes to increasing sales in the construction industry, there’s always room for improvement. Organic growth — that is, sales growth not related to acquisitions or consolidation — should be a focus of every construction company owner. This article looks at three best practices for achieving it: attentive customer service, smart marketing and great employees.
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Get your money off the bench – How contractors can monetize receivables
March / April 2014
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 845
Abstract: In the construction industry, long payment times are, unfortunately and increasingly, the norm. Under the right circumstances, however, a variety of financial solutions are available to remedy uneven cash flow situations, invest in expansion or pay off debt. This article explains that, besides obtaining a line of credit from a bank, it may also be possible to try “factoring,” which involves receiving an immediate cash payment through the sale of a receivable to a third party. A sidebar discusses various options for dealing with delinquent debt.
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Construction Success Story – Ownership change leads to renewed customer service
January / February 2014
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 426
Abstract: In this issue, “Construction Success Story” looks at the case of a business that started going downhill after its founder retired and an investor group took over. The founder had been the primary point of contact for every client and performed virtually all of the account management. After the sale, the founder’s responsibilities were divided among three vice presidents, who also had other operational responsibilities. After they began losing accounts, their financial advisor suggested, among other things, improving their client management software and hiring an experienced account manager. These changes helped turn the company around.
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Temporary employees: The new normal for contractors
January / February 2014
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 527
Abstract: As the U.S. labor force continues to evolve, the already large number of temporary employees is expected to only get larger. So it’s important for contractors to review their current policies to ensure they’re prepared, protected and getting the best value out of each temp. This article lists a number of specific best practices to keep in mind and discusses guidance provided by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
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Watch out for the usual suspects when it comes to safety
January / February 2014
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 664
Abstract: Safety hazards are an inevitable part of a relatively high-risk endeavor such as construction. But every contractor needs to keep a watchful eye out for them. This article offers tips to avoid such hazards as falls, electrocution and structural collapse. It also discusses two organizations that every contractor should maintain contact with regarding safety.
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Financial reporting for contractors – Is the latest accounting framework for you?
January / February 2014
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 861
Abstract: For construction companies, the complex rules involved with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles often don’t provide much guidance that’s of particular interest or use — especially if the contractor never expects to go public or be acquired by a publicly traded company. To accommodate the simpler financial reporting needs of smaller private companies, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants has introduced the “Financial Reporting Framework for Small- and Medium-Sized Entities,” or FRF for SMEs. This article lists some key financial reporting areas affected by the framework, while a sidebar offers a checklist of “good fit” criteria to help contractors judge whether it’s right for them.
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Construction Success Story – Cracking the WIP with new software, best practices
November / December 2013
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 439
Abstract: This issue’s “Construction Success Story” examines the case of an owner who used an off-the-shelf spreadsheet program to generate his work-in-progress (WIP) reports. It got the job done, though the outdated software provided only a crude snapshot of his financials. After some of his competitors merged and profitability margins suddenly shrank, these reports made it difficult to know whether there was enough cash on hand to make payroll and pay the bills each month. His advisor recommended updating the company’s accounting software. The article shows the benefits the contractor obtained by automating some best practices.
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E-Verify 101: What you need to know
November / December 2013
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 522
Abstract: Companies across the United States increasingly are using the Internet to comply with our nation’s complex labor and employment laws. And construction businesses are leading the charge. A case in point is E-Verify, the online database that confirms with virtual certainty whether an individual is authorized to work legally in the United States. This article explains how it works and the benefits it can offer contractors.
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Contractors have options when it comes to financing
November / December 2013
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 653
Abstract: Although it’s hardly easy to obtain financing, the market has expanded to include many options. This article takes a look at some of the more common ones available to contractors. If taking out a bank loan isn’t feasible, getting a line of credit or a Small Business Administration loan might fill the bill.
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Power up, pay less – 3 strategies for managing your fuel costs
November / December 2013
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 880
Abstract: As the U.S. economy continues to improve overall, demand for gasoline and other energy sources is expected to increase. This could push up the price at the pump. The good news is that there are ways to manage fuel costs right now and going forward. This article offers three to consider: enrolling in a fleetwide fuel-purchasing program; using more sophisticated onboard GPS devices; and maintaining a strict vehicle maintenance regimen. A sidebar looks at different predictions of increased gas prices if proposed vehicle emission standards go into effect.