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By Kim Slowey Good estimators are worth their weight in gold, but it's not just about crunching the numbers. A successful construction project starts with a solid bid, and estimators are key in putting together a thorough and accurate proposal. What do companies today look for in an estimator? Some obvious and not-so-obvious qualities. Math skills and attention to detail Many estimators, particularly ones working for subcontractors, spend a lot of time performing quantity takeoffs, which involves tabulating the amount and type of materials required on a project along with [...]

By Brian Binke As commercial construction recruiting firms continue to look for new ways to solve the labor shortage impacting the industry, a growing number of search consultants are reaching out to military veterans to fill vacant construction jobs. Not only are military veterans taking the oath of enlistment to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, many of them are also signing up to help rebuild the infrastructure of America. In addition to epitomizing teamwork, veterans also have the confidence, discipline and problem-solving skills [...]

By Chuck Rotondo Brian Binke of Construction Today, an online magazine, recently wrote an article titled “Solving the Skilled Labor Shortage in Construction.” He listed four approaches to attract more skilled workers to the industry. They are:   1. Allocating Funds Binke suggests “the government to take a portion of the money they dedicate to four-year colleges and put those funds towards getting more people enrolled in trade schools.” While not everyone may be the “college-type,” doing so would give these students a chance to excel outside of the educational [...]

By Kim Slowey Experience is the real gauge of a quality superintendent. Construction projects don't run themselves, and a good superintendent is a critical layer between project managers and field operations. Like many skilled construction jobs, superintendents are in demand. Here’s what contractors are looking for in a superintendent today according to Brian Binke, president and CEO of Detroit-area construction executive search firm The Birmingham Group, Stability Potential employers look for substantial periods of employment — at least one to two years —  even though many construction workers are known [...]

By Brian Binke: January 22, 2018 Once you’ve landed the best candidates for your construction jobs, the focus of your organization should shift to employee retention strategies. As a matter of course, retention should be an ongoing focus for your firm. Losing skilled workers, especially during a labor crisis, will negatively impact your company’s bottom line through lost time, slower project completion, and repeated training. A great way to help with retention is to implement performance-based incentives. Proven Retention Strategies Perhaps one of the most effective ways to achieve better [...]