Masonry Magazine February 1987 Page. 38
New field managers are often thrust into positions of responsibility without a thorough understanding of the work itself. In addition to the obvious problems in this situation, more subtle difficulties arise from the natural antagonism between these young field managers and older, more experienced crew members.
Contractors are realizing the value of an engineering education for project managers as they see an increasing need for value engineering and design/build applications. Many project managers coming into construction are educated in the classroom rather than on-site. The scarcity of experienced field supervisors and project managers combine to make field operations more dependent on structured management systems and practices. This trend may be beneficial because consistent, practical management on the job site can significantly increase productivity.
Contractors are realizing the need for take-charge people to handle many divisions or expansions into new geographical locations. These people are hard-driving, energetic and motivated by compensation or long-term compensation potential. But contractors adding such bold personalities to their management teams may face unexpected organizational changes.
A trend is developing to use teamwork principles both in mid-level management and in the field. Effective teamwork requires contractors to focus more attention on understanding individuals and learning new management practices.
Marketing in Construction
Marketing is now becoming a hot topic in construction. For years, Fails Management Institute (FMI) tried to sell marketing programs to contractors. Finally, in 1982, our marketing seminar was a great success. We continue to see increasing interest and sophistication in using marketing in construction, even though some confusion remains about the difference in sales and marketing. There are several reasons why contractors are turning to a structured marketing approach.
First, the "good old boy" network isn't what it used to be. One factor in its erosion is that a large share of non-local contractors are moving into local markets and taking work. National developers are doing an increasing amount of work and taking certain contractors with them, stripping work from local firms. Cost competition is also putting pressure on long-standing business relationships.
Customer service is also gaining importance in construction today. The construction product remains essentially the same, so it's the degree of service and customer satisfaction that separates one contractor from another.
Construction firms are narrowing their focus and concentrating on the markets for which they are best suited. They determine where they are most profitable, have the most experience, and where the demand is greatest. To make this determination, some companies are using market research-with either in-house employees or an outside marketing research firm. They are using more sophisticated marketing tools in direct mail, project presentations and public relations to dovetail with detailed marketing plans and implementation strategies.
The growing substance abuse problem is also fueling a greater need for marketing. Contractors are finding themselves in a "damned if you do and damned if you don't" situation. They are being forced to institute new testing and safety procedures. Yet, they're also faced with liability for accidents as well as the legality of the testing itself.
Bid That Job That Was Once Out Of Reach
The new Ahrens elevators are perfect for lifting material up to 120 feet in tight spots and high places. Safe, efficient material handling at a fraction of the cost of a forklift. They are compact, easy to position and can be towed by a car. Bid jobs that were once out of reach, with an Ahrens material elevator. This efficient equipment will compliment your existing business and also enable you to expand into the specialized market of chimney repair.
Experts estimate that 50% of America's chimneys do not meet National Safety Standards. That's an awfully large market potential if you are a business which offers the Ahrens chimney relining process. With Ahrens, you simply pour a strong, new flue inside existing chimneys.
The relining process is adaptable to almost any size chimney, both commercial and residential. It can be installed almost any time of the year so you can increase off season business.
Ahrens provides their dealers with excellent support in training, advertising, and marketing programs. We even have WATS lines for dealer call ins and our service is second to none.
It's no wonder Ahrens is the fastest growing chimney relining process in the world. If you want to know more about what Ahrens can do for you, call or write now.
AHRENS CHIMNEY TECHNIQUE INC.
2000 Industrial Ave.
Sioux Falls, SD 57104
(605) 334-2827
Call now for a VHS video demonstrating the Ahrens process and see what it can do for your business. 1-800-843-4417