Contractor
Showing 369–384 of 390 results
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Going, going, gone … Catch profit fade before it lowers the curtain on your bottom line
September / October 2008
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 940
Abstract: Many construction projects fall prey to a very real, and potentially disabling, financial predicament called “profit fade.” It occurs when a job fails to go as planned, and the carefully estimated profit margin shrinks to nothing — or less. This article explores some ways to catch this dollar-deadly threat.
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No construction company is safe – Fraud continues to impede projects, threaten profits
September / October 2008
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 649
Abstract: Compared to the risks construction companies face every day on their jobs, fraud may seem a relatively small danger. It isn’t. Construction companies that are victims of fraud experience a median loss of $330,000, according to the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE). This article looks at some of the “hot” forms of fraud to watch out for and suggests some measures to prevent these crimes and others.
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Construction Success Story – Cost segregation study gives one contractor a competitive edge
July / August 2008
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 400
Abstract: In this issue’s “Construction Success Story,” we tell the tale of a commercial contractor who wanted to expand his market base by bidding on a proposed medical clinic. He knew his team could do the job, but one of his competitors had more experience in the construction of health care facilities. To gain a competitive edge, his financial advisor came up with a bold idea: As part of his bid proposal, the contractor could suggest organizing a cost segregation study.
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Do you know how much worker turnover is costing you?
July / August 2008
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 640
Abstract: Estimates on the cost of turnover vary widely but, however you crunch the numbers, it’s expensive. And that’s precisely why it’s so important that contractors figure out how much turnover is costing their construction businesses. This article offers a way to do just that and explores some options for cutting turnover costs as well.
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Worth a look: Web-based project management software
July / August 2008
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 489
Abstract: Many construction company owners have their own distinctive means of managing jobs, be it a dry erase board in the job trailer or a spreadsheet on their laptops. Nonetheless, one upgrade that’s well worth looking into is Web-based project management software. This article looks at the functionality and benefits of these applications. (Updated 4/20/12)
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PPE should be on employers’ dime, OSHA says
July / August 2008
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 528
Abstract: It’s a decision the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) says could prevent thousands of work-related injuries each year. That is, the agency now requires employers to provide employees with virtually all of their personal protective equipment (PPE), such as hard hats and nonprescription safety goggles. This article explains the rationale behind this new rule along with the finer points of abiding by it.
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Nonqualified deferred compensation plans – Reward, retain key employees with these arrangements
July / August 2008
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 971
Abstract: Many contractors have a few key employees who play a critical role in their construction company’s success, and they want to reward these superstars for their hard work while increasing the likelihood that they won’t jump ship to the competition or strike out on their own. In these cases, a nonqualified deferred compensation (NQDC) plan may be just what a construction company owner is looking for. This article describes the ins and outs of these arrangements, which allow business owners to give their very best employees an extra, tax-deferred retirement reward that can be structured in a variety of ways.
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Construction Success Story – Family business squabbles speak to future opportunities
May / June 2008
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 397
Abstract: In this issue’s “Construction Success Story,” we tell the tale of how the owner of a homebuilding and rehab company in a historically lucrative suburban area welcomed his son and daughter into the family business only to see them almost immediately set to bickering. It seems both had differing ideas of which strategic direction the company should head in. For guidance, the business owner turned to his financial advisor, who could provide an objective, business-oriented perspective that would keep matters from becoming too personal.
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Generate, authenticate, substantiate – Winning the change order game
May / June 2008
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 663
Abstract: It’s a rare, if nonexistent, construction project that goes exactly as planned. That’s why savvy contractors know how to play the change order game. This article reveals the keys to victory — in short, contractors have got to generate, authenticate and substantiate. (Updated 4/20/12)
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Recent NLRB rulings settle long-standing litigation
May / June 2008
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 552
Abstract: Some recent National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) rulings settle long-standing litigation. The decisions came about by close margins — many were decided by 3-2 votes and, for the most part, they favor open-shop contractors. This article provides summaries of the rulings in question.
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When it comes to diversifying, look before you leap!
May / June 2008
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 524
Abstract: Despite trimming all visible fat from their operations and improving efficiency as much as possible, many contractors just can’t get their bottom lines to where they want them to be. To cope, some consider diversifying into a new market or service. This article explains that diversification can be either a lifesaver or a letdown, depending on the approach taken. (Updated 3/23/12)
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4 reasons to engage in some midyear tax planning
May / June 2008
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 955
Abstract: Although contractors tend to have plenty on their respective plates at any given moment, they shouldn’t let that fact keep them from engaging in some midyear tax planning. For starters, they’ll be making their lives easier come year end when they’ll really need to start thinking about taxes. But there are other reasons as well. This article offers four of them, including saving on equipment acquisitions and grabbing the still-available energy tax credit.
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Construction Success Story – Contractor creates a total communications plan
March / April 2008
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 355
Abstract: In this issue’s “Construction Success Story,” the owner of a midsize construction company that specializes in commercial projects was growing increasingly concerned that many of her staff members felt left out of the communications loop. She wanted to restore morale without blowing her budget on expensive technology. For guidance, she turned to her financial advisor and, together, they devised a cost-effective “total communications plan.”
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Psst — wanna buy my construction company? ESOPs offer another retirement option
March / April 2008
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 668
Abstract: As many contractors near retirement, they begin to wonder what to do with their businesses. In many cases, the answer is to sell to a third party, transfer ownership to family or key employees, or liquidate. There is, however, another option worth considering — the employee stock ownership plan (ESOP). This article discusses the ins and outs of these increasingly popular arrangements.
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5 ways to strengthen your surety relationship
March / April 2008
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 563
Abstract: Call it a “necessary evil” or “the cost of doing business.” However one looks at it, for most contractors, bonding is a fact of life. One way to keep your bonding capacity strong is to maintain a strong relationship with your surety. This article provides five ways to do just that.
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Get a handle on your supply chain with materials management software
March / April 2008
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 520
Abstract: Sad tales of lost or never-received supplies are heard all too often on construction sites everywhere. Fortunately, today’s materials management software can help contractors get a handle on their supply chains — and save money in the process. This article outlines the features of materials management software.