MCS August 2021 : simplebooklet.com

AUGUST 2021 www.mcsmag.com41448AUGUST 2021VOLUME 15 ISSUE 08Inside This Issue46special focusIN EVERY ISSUEIndustry News ............................ 08Modern Construction Products ... 55Coach’s Corner ........................... 56safety solution Work Zone Safetybest practices to keep workers safesafety solution Safe Loadinginsights from Talbert Manufacturingequipment solutionGas Detectionindustry-changing products24equipmentproject profile Basin Excavation GNSS technology tapped to deepen Palm Beach marina channelDRONE SAFETY ON THE JOBSITE Guest Post by Teari TennonHOW IS MACHINE LEARNING CHANGING CIVIL ENGINEERING?Guest Post by Emily NewtonTIPS FOR SELECTING HORIZONTAL BORING EQUIPMENTGuest Post by Mike HaleON THE BLOGequipment solutionHydrodemolitiontech sector equipment28equipment solutionTires Mattertires depend on application26A Jeffrey Machine 24” max cut .990 rock auger with a 130mm drive box, mounted on a CZM EK125, drilling holes on the side of I-85 outside of Atlanta, Georgia, to install sound barrier walls in residential areas.Photo courtesy of Jeffrey Machine, Inc.www.jeffreymachine.com

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SUBSCRIPTIONS For all changes, go to:MCSMAG.COMClick the SUBSCRIPTIONS button in the main menuwww.mcsmag.com P.O. Box 660197 | Birmingham, AL 35266DONNA CAMPBELL Editor in Chiefdonna@mcsmag.comMIKE BARKER Publishermike@mcsmag.com RANDY MOON Media Consultantrandym@mcsmag.comMICHAEL FISCHBACH Media Consultantmichael@mcsmag.com JOHN FRIEND Media Consultantjohn@mcsmag.comKEVIN MCCLARAN Media Consultantkevin@mcsmag.comLISA AVERY Art Directorlisa@mcsmag.comSETH SAUNDERS Digital Media Specialist seth@mcsmag.comINGRID BERKY Office Manageringrid@mcsmag.comTIM GARMONCEORUSSELL HADDOCKPresidentCHRIS GARMONCFODONNA CAMPBELLVice President, EditorialTONYA BROWNINGVice PresidentNo part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information storage-and-retrieval system without permission in writing from the publisher. The views expressed by those not on the staff of Modern Contractor Solutions, or who are not specifically employed by Highlands Publications are purely their own. All Industry News material has either been submitted by the subject company or pulled directly from its corporate website, which is assumed to be cleared for release. Comments and submissions are welcome, and can be submitted to donna@mcsmag.com.For reprint information, contact Chris Garmon at chris@mcsmag.com.Canada Post Publication Agreement #41578525. Undeliverables 355 Admiral Drive, Unit 4, Mississauga, ON L5T 2N1Modern Contractor Solutions Magazine@mcsmagModern Contractor SolutionsPROJECT PROFILESBasin Excavation ....................................................... 14Standing Ovation ....................................................... 18EQUIPMENT SOLUTIONSEquipment Management ........................................... 22Gas Detection ........................................................... 24Tires Matter ............................................................... 26Hydrodemolition ........................................................ 28ENVIRONMENTAL SOLUTION Inclement Weather .................................................... 30MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS Succession Planning ................................................. 34Worker’s World ......................................................... 36The Team Quit ........................................................... 38LEGAL SOLUTIONFormal Mediation ...................................................... 40TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONMobile Workforce Tech .............................................. 42SAFETY SOLUTIONSSafety Factor ............................................................. 44Safe Loading ............................................................. 46Work Zone Safety ...................................................... 48MAINTENANCE SOLUTIONSSynergy Works .......................................................... 50Fabric Structures ....................................................... 52FEATURED PRODUCTSullair: Portable Air Compressor ................................ 54Donna CampbellEditor in ChiefESSENTIAL EQUIPMENTWelcome to the August issue! This month’s focus is equipment. Whether it’s a tool, trailer, compact or heavy-duty piece of equipment, these essentials make or break a project. That’s why seeing is believing! Check out the article on the Palm Beach renovation of the marina sea floor with excavators on barges (pg 14) and a unique roof on a Kentucky venue project (pg 18). This month’s issue features Yardz with an article that tackles equipment rental needs and how technology can help old-school thinking make way for new-school ideas (pg 22). Dump truck tires are discussed on page 26; use the right tire depending on the application. Succession planning is a best practices’ topic on page 34. After 2020, making plans to move forward should also include an exit strategy. A must-read article on using technology and training to minimize the pain points for today’s worker is on page 36. During the summer months, travel increases … especially this year following the lockdown of the pandemic. Safety in work zones is everyone’s responsibility; so read the article on page 48.I attended the local launch of the Porsche Taycan, an electric car meant to change the way people travel by thinking of minutes of charge versus miles per gallon. It’s a beautiful car; however, I’d only make it to Omaha, Nebraska, if I wanted to drive to my home state of North Dakota. The issue? Charging stations. As I look forward to attending The Utility Expo in September, I have questions about electric equipment and productivity based on working hours. I’d love to know your thoughts on the matter. COACH’S CORNERCheck out what the coach says to Not a Fan of Warm Bodies inthis month’s column on page 58.ATLANTIC OCEAN (July 17, 2021) Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 2nd Class Tremisha Oxford, from Birmingham, Alabama, assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), receives congratulations from Command Master Chief De’Andre Beaufort during a frocking ceremony for newly advanced petty officers. Gerald R. Ford is underway in the Atlantic Ocean conducting Full Ship Shock Trials. The U.S. Navy conducts shock trials of new ship designs using live explosives to confirm that our warships can continue to meet demanding mission requirements under the harsh conditions they might encounter in battle. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Julie R. Matyascik

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AUGUST 2021 www.mcsmag.com8industry newsVERIZON LAUNCHES ROBOTICS BUSINESS TECHNOLOGYVerizon announces the formation of Robotics Business Technology to expand enterprise solutions for aerial (drones) and ground robotics. Robotics Business Technology includes Skyward, Verizon’s drone management company, incubed IT, a leading developer of software for autonomous mobile robots recently acquired by Verizon, and a team focused on automating command and control of robots on Verizon’s 5G Ultra Wideband network.As a part of new business incubation at Verizon, this new business unit will focus on creating integrated solutions that incorporate Verizon’s 5G and mobile edge compute (MEC) capabilities to help enterprise customers efficiently deploy, manage, and scale mixed fleets of aerial and ground robotics.“Enterprises in many industries are adopting drones and ground robots to gather data, survey and monitor infrastructure, and automate logistics operations,” says Mariah Scott, head of robotics business technology. “By integrating these fleets with one operational platform, and leveraging Verizon’s advanced connectivity solutions, businesses can speed up time to insight, increase automation of their operations, and deliver greater value.”Robotics Business Technology will provide connected robotics solutions to existing and future customers for indoor and outdoor use cases in manufacturing and logistics, commercial construction, oil and gas, energy and utilities, public sector, and media.“Robots are a critical aspect of the 5G future. The formation of this new business unit will accelerate the symbiotic relationship between humans and machines, paving the way for Verizon to transform the way businesses approach innovation and the future of work,” says Elise Neel, vice president of new business incubation. For more, visit www.verizon.com.SKILLED TRADES WORKER SHORTAGE WORSENING AMID SOARING DEMAND & WORKFORCE CRISISYou may have noticed construction projects are taking longer to complete these days. The primary reason? Skyrocketing demand and a worsening shortage of workers in the skilled trades where the need was already far outpacing the number of tradespeople available before the pandemic, according to a new analysis by PeopleReady’s skilled trades division. According to the PeopleReady Skilled Trades analysis of millions of job postings, skilled trades were one of the few industries to experience growth nearly every month throughout the pandemic. However, the number of skilled tradespeople, already at a massive deficit, didn’t keep up. Amid an overall workforce shortage, the gap between demand and supply for

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AUGUST 2021 www.mcsmag.com10industry newstradespeople is only growing wider. But it has created significant opportunities for anyone looking to make a career change. PeopleReady Skilled Trades notes that in addition to the need for skilled tradespeople, there are also plenty of helper or beginner positions available in nearly all of the trades for those looking to get their start in the skilled trades. For more, visit www.peopleready.com.OWENS CORNING LAUNCHES PINK NEXT GEN™ FIBERGLAS™ INSULATION Owens Corning, the company that invented fiberglass insulation, announced its latest advancement: PINK Next Gen™ Fiberglas™ insulation. Featuring advanced fiber technology, this superior insulation solution enables up to 23% faster installation compared to our existing products.The advanced fiber technology of PINK Next Gen™ Fiberglas™ creates a tightly woven network of soft, fine fibers to form a super-resilient blanket of insulating micro-pockets. Leveraging several new technology innovations, the new product is safe for installers and residents and faster to install than competitive insulation products and spray foam insulation. Because no hazardous chemicals are required to be mixed on the install site, there is less potential for human error, increasing peace of mind for installers and residents. “Contractors today have high performance expectations and extremely tight timelines,” says Joe Wagner, insulation marketing director. “This product evolution is a significant step-change in meeting the needs of contractors, as well as installers and builders.”The product is designed to meet building codes and help professionals manage through tight labor timelines and budgets by reducing install time.PINK Next Gen™ Fiberglas™ insulation focuses on solving problems in four meaningful areas: safety, precision, comfort, and sustainability.“PINK Next Gen™ insulation sets a new standard for insulation as the right choice for contractors and builders,” Wagner adds. “This is just the beginning of a series of ongoing innovations in 2021 and beyond that will enable Owens Corning to continue exceeding customers’ high expectations.” For more, visit visit www.owenscorning.com. THE CROSBY GROUP ANNOUNCES 2021 RIGGING FOR THE TROOPS CAMPAIGNThe Crosby Group, the world’s largest manufacturer of rigging, lifting, and material handling hardware, announces its Rigging for the Troops program for the third quarter of 2021. The Crosby Group will donate a portion of its U.S. sales to the Children www.rockwheelamericas.cominfo@rockwheelamericas.com | 814.466.7134OSHA Compliant Guardrail andStair Rail SystemsSafety Boot® Guardrail SystemStringerShield® Stair Rail System1.800.804.4741safetyboot.com• Non-Penetrating Design• Rugged Steel Construction• Exceeds OSHA Regulations• Simple, Aordable & Reusable• Residential, Multi-Family & Commercial Applications• Unique Free Standing Design• Keep Post Attached For Reuse On Next Level Or ProjectFeatured on osha.gov website!

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AUGUST 2021 www.mcsmag.com12industry newsof Fallen Patriots Foundation (www.fallenpatriots.org), up to $25,000. The Crosby Group manufactures a broad range of product solutions from leading brands including Crosby, Gunnebo Industries, Crosby Straightpoint, Crosby BlokCam, Speedbinders, and McKissick.Fallen Patriots provides college scholarships and educational counseling to military children who have lost a parent in the line of duty. After government programs, the average shortfall in college funding is $25,000. Supported by its loyal channel partners and end users throughout the United States, The Crosby Group will donate a portion of U.S. sales from July 15–September 15 to this honorable cause. For more, visit riggingforthetroops.com.MI-T-M CELEBRATES 50 YEARS OF BUSINESSThe Mi-T-M Corporation celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2021. The company was founded in 1971 by A.J. Spiegel who engineered and developed the very first 1,000 psi self-contained, gas-powered pressure washer. Today, Mi-T-M is a leading industrial equipment manufacturer and more than 450 dedicated employees build hundreds of products every day. Spiegel still leads the company and he credits his success to the dedication and drive of the employees that supported him through the years, “Our workers take pride in the jobs they do. They are the heart of this company and always have been.” Located in Peosta, Iowa, the Mi-T-M facility spans nearly 1-million square feet and includes complete fabrication, assembly, and distribution of its products. Well-known for pressure washers, Mi-T-M’s extensive product offering now also includes, generators, air compressors, and other industrial equipment found on jobsites worldwide. With a reputation of manufacturing product to the highest standards possible, every machine, accessory and component is rigorously tested before it leaves the distribution center. Over the years, Mi-T-M has been recognized by some of the most renowned names in the industry; Sherwin-Williams’s, Partner of the Year, Grainger’s Partners in Performance, John Deere’s Achieving Excellence-Vendor of the Year, and most recently Stihl’s Supplier of the Year. The Cleaning Equipment Trade Association awarded their highest accolade, Lifetime Achievement Award, to A.J. Spiegel in 2012. Over the past 50 years, the company’s products, technology, and manufacturing processes have advanced dramatically, but customer expectations have remained a top priority according to Sam Humphrey, Mi-T-M president, “Our customers deserve the best, and they deserve nothing less than a Mi-T-M.” For more, visit www.mitm.com.

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AUGUST 2021 www.mcsmag.com14project profileFor almost as long as he can remember, David Logan has been involved in construction. The son of Murray Logan, owner of the self-named West Palm Beach-based construction company, he can recall going to one of his dad’s projects as a 10-year-old boy and being responsible for turning on jet pumps for his father and the crew. That gave David a taste for construction that never left him. Today, he and his brother Andy, as co-owners of Murray Logan Construction (MLC) have continued their dad’s commitment to make the company one of the area’s premier heavy marine construction companies. Currently involved in the largest project they’ve ever undertaken—heading up a major upgrade of the iconic Palm Beach Town Marina—the company was faced with a challenge: finding a way to accurately, but efficiently, excavate the floor of the marina basin. It was a challenge that was met with through the addition of GPS-based machine control systems in the pair of excavators performing the work. The solution proved so impactful that, when a subcontractor was brought in to supplement MLC’s fleet, they too, added the system to their machines. Success, it would seem, is contagious.“. . . NEED A BIGGER BOAT”The $38 million Palm Beach Town Marina Project was approved in response to a call for facilities better equipped to handle larger vessels. Keeping in mind that this is Palm Beach, a city with more than 30 people on Forbes’ list of the world’s richest people, larger vessels meant those 275 feet in length or better. According to David Logan, the trend for marinas like the one at Palm Beach is for bigger vessels, so the town is simply reacting to the demands of the market. “Before the renovation, there were already yachts over 200 feet that had berthed here, but there will undoubtedly be many more of that size and larger after this is complete,” he says. “It is a tremendous revenue source for the Town of Palm Beach; that was really the driving force behind the upgrade.” And a significant uptick in revenue it will be. In the past, the Town relied on the marina to pump about $3 million to $4 million into its coffers annually. However, once the new marina opens with its world-class Bellingham concrete floating docks, larger slips and more modern facilities, officials estimate it will generate net annual revenue in the $10 million to $12 million range. CHANGING TIDESWork on the marina began with the demolition of the three fixed concrete piers—named Brazilian, Australian, and Peruvian Docks—which had come to define the facility. They, along with a new 250-foot dock called the Palm Way Dock, will be rebuilt as concrete floating docks to provide 84 state-of-the-art, expanded and enlarged superyacht slips.“When we demolished the three piers, we took the resultant 2 million pounds of concrete debris offshore where it was used to construct artificial reefs,” says Logan. “Then, after starting construction of 1,500 feet of new seawall, we prepared to begin the excavation process.”Excavation of the marina sea floor was dictated by a need to provide 3 additional feet of water depth, deemed ample for mooring larger vessels in the marina. Logan says that the difference between Basin ExcavationBasin ExcavationGNSS technology tapped to deepen Palm Beach marina channelPROJECT WITH PURPOSEBy Larry Trojak

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David Logan Murry Logan Construction excavating on land and beneath the A BETTER APPROACH I did some research to see what other water s surface could not be starker Traditionally for MLC underwater contractors in the area were using for excavation would have entailed working land based excavation work and got good ground and you are good to go he says off a bathymetric survey followed by feedback from Steve Eakins of D S Eakins Out here where we are dealing with a large locating the barge excavator to an area Construction Around the same time one site that changes with the tide going one where a high spot was identified then an of our key subcontractors Marc Kleisley way for 6 hours and then the other way for 6 effort to accurately locate it Occasionally of Burkhardt Construction happened to hours and water elevations that change by they would have to resort to sending be going to a trade show so I asked him about 2 feet every day twice a day things divers down to mark an area with a buoy to find out what he could about machine On land you can put stakes in the aren t that easy So we needed a way to When dealing with 14 5 acres of work control while there When he came back accurately cut the necessary slopes and area however that isn t very practical we everything seemed to point us toward the various elevations without seeing them needed a better approach says Logan Topcon X 53i excavator system www mcsmag com AUGUST 2021 15

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project profile The attraction for Logan was the fact That s valuable because I m regularly they did they ve loved the results and that with the machine control system discussing the project with one or more because they also do a lot of marine his operators could know at all times of our operators With Sitelink3D I can be excavation they see it playing a big role even with their bucket 15 feet below seeing exactly what they are doing and for their future work the water s surface exactly where that we can manipulate settings or manage bucket was the depth it was at and its the work area without the need for me to CLOSING THOUGHT horizontal and vertical location drive out there get in a small boat and Rather than being hauled to a landfill for head out to the barge disposal the more than 90 000 cubic It gives our operators a level of confidence they d never had before Logan adds that he also uses the yards of material being excavated from he says There is no longer uncertainty solution to generate a range of different the marina sea floor is both finding new about whether they ve gone deep enough reports as well to set up multiple tasks life and playing a key environmental role or whether they ve done an area or not for the crews to complete For instance for the area it s right there on the screen in the cab I can grab a bathymetric survey model We re using that material to build insert that layer into their system and artificial islands and to raise the lagoon relied upon Wade Cook and Brent Hays Having no prior GPS experience Logan all my operators can see by color the bottom elevation for Palm Beach County from Lengemann Corporation their areas that they ve already successfully Environmental Resource Management regional Topcon dealer to get up and done as well as any remaining high spots says Logan When complete it will running The combination of Lengemann s indicated in red Then using the system serve as a habitat for both seagrasses expertise and the inherent ease of use they can simply go back and quickly and nesting birds The seagrasses will designed into the solution allowed address the high spots That function is prove critical for support of the manatee Logan s operators to be proficient within just invaluable to us population which particularly in the only a couple of days We quickly felt winter months is huge in this area like we d been using the system for a The Town Marina project has presented HISTORY LOVES COMPANY its challenges along the way but largely With an eye on the completion date and because of the performance of the SEEING EFFICIENCY IN 3D an unexpectedly high amount of rock machine control solution and my team s Recognizing that it would not be being encountered MLC turned to Vance embrace of the technology we will see a convenient for Logan to check on issues Construction to augment the existing successful on time completion and Palm in each operator s cab while they were excavation process In preparation for Beach will have a showplace of a marina working offshore Lengemann suggested making that happen Brad Albritton that MLC look into a site management and Jim Vance two of the company system the upshot being the company s principals met with Logan to discuss the purchase of Sitelink3D also from Topcon marina project long time that helped us a lot This solution gives us a real time look When we met I showed them The Palm Beach Town Marina is slated for a Fall 2021 opening about the author Larry Trojak is president of Trojak at what the operators are doing says the machine control solution and the Logan It also allows us to manage the results we were gaining from it says working surfaces with which they are Logan Almost immediately they felt for the construction recycling demolition working and do so from our office or they needed to add it to their fleet as scrap and aggregate processing industries elsewhere using any connected device well Again working with Lengemann 16 AUGUST 2021 Communications a Minnesota based marketing communications firm He has written www mcsmag com

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AUGUST 2021 www.mcsmag.com18project profileBig things are brewing in tiny Newport, Kentucky. This year, one of the most anticipated projects in the city’s history will lend another layer to the blossoming entertainment district in the city of slightly more than 15,000 residents.PromoWest Pavilion at Ovation is an indoor/outdoor concert venue that will host nearly 180 events a year, bringing up to 400,000 music fans to the site. The venue is part of Phase I of the project, which also includes a parking garage, office building, and a hotel. While Corporex, the master developer, completes elements of Phase I, it is commencing work on the 1,600-car parking garage that will support the entire Phase II structure. Phase II includes a pedestrian walkway, structured parking, residential units, office space, retail, entertainment, hotels, and an amenity club.Located just across the river from Cincinnati, PromoWest Pavilion at Ovation is the first part of the Ovation project that will be a major post-pandemic shot in the arm for Northern Kentucky.“The indoor/outdoor design accommodates an indoor audience of up to 2,700 and has an outdoor capacity of 7,000 for summer shows,’’ says Heather Harris, senior vice president for sales and marketing at Corporex. “The extraordinary outdoor design allows for larger shows during the summer in a unique and exciting setting while indoor space can be used for concerts and events of all types, year-round.”PAVILION AT A GLANCEDesigned by ATA Beilharz Architects of Cincinnati, the facility includes a structural steel frame with interior mezzanine and a raised stage. The $40 million concert stage project encompasses 38,000 square feet. It includes a sweeping roof design and sits atop a 550-car structured parking garage with a bus dock for touring performers and their teams. The indoor/outdoor venue is the third such concert venue by PromoWest, and features state-of-the-art lighting, acoustical systems, and an innovative reversible movable stage. It is divided into three independent concert spaces: an indoor music hall, indoor club, and outdoor amphitheater.PromoWest is an independently owned entertainment company and a partner of AEG Presents, one of the largest live music companies in the world. AEG Presents produces and promotes more than 11,000 shows annually.“PromoWest was looking to expand its footprint in the Greater Cincinnati market for some time,’’ Harris says. “Before the pandemic, the company operated the Bunburry Music Festival in Cincinnati for 9 years and already had a footprint here. Our long-standing legacy and connections in Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati made it possible for us to move quickly in partnership with PromoWest.”UNIQUE ROOF DESIGNOne of the most distinctive features of the project is a 24,000-square-foot roof that sweeps over the Pavilion. Built over a metal deck, the roof is a gray thermoplastic-polyolefin membrane installed over batt insulation.“The shape of the roof is a major part of the design of the building,’’ says Mark Bischoff, director of design for Corporex. “It provides a large sweeping gesture that highlights the stage. In terms of practicality, it also allows the building to be taller at the stage area, which requires Standing Ovationunique roof design made for installation challengesKENTUCKY VENUEBy Thomas RennerPhoto by Snappy George PhotographyThe pavilion includes three double-leaf smoke vents manufactured by The BILCO Company that allow firefighters to bring a fire under control by removing smoke, heat, and gasses from a burning building.

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www.mcsmag.com AUGUST 202119more height inside than the other parts of the building. Because many buildings that are around it have prominent views of the roof, this raised the importance of the roof design as a building feature.”TruCraft Roofing installed the roof, which is largely clear of heating and air conditioning equipment, vents, and exhaust. Large internal mezzanines in the building help regulate heating and air conditioning.“The drainage of the roof was carefully considered,’’ Bischoff says. “The roofing material is quite slick, which allows water to move quickly toward the drains. There is also a lip to keep the water from rushing past the drains and off the low end of the roof. This helps to keep the roof clear of clutter and reinforce its structural integrity.”AUTOMATIC SMOKE VENTSWhile the roof is largely clear of equipment, it did require the installation of three double leaf smoke vents. Manufactured by The BILCO Company, the 4-foot x 6-foot vents allow firefighters to bring a fire under control by removing smoke, heat, and gasses from a burning building. The units include a Thermolatch® positive hold/release mechanism that ensures reliable vent operation when a fire occurs. BILCO’s double leaf vents are engineered with gas spring operators to open covers in snow and wind conditions.“When given a choice for smoke or roof access hatches we tend to go with BILCO,’’ says Aaron Presar of TruCraft. “We’ve never had any issues with latches or mechanical issues on a new product. They have great accessible literature online for their products and our reps in this case, Chris Graves with Mueller Roofing and Joe DeFrain with Welling, are always helpful in finding any specific nuances required from project to project.”The unique design of the roof—“If you’re standing on the top it looks like a ski jump overlooking Cincinnati,’’ Presar says—made for some challenges in the roof installation. “Phasing and working around other contractors was a challenge,’’ Presar shares. “Some steps had to be done out of phase, such as putting on the roof prior to the walls being framed. We had good teamwork with the general contractor, Turner Construction.”CLOSING THOUGHTThe PromoWest Pavilion and the entire Ovation complex will be welcome additions to Newport. “Corporex did not let the pandemic slow us down. If anything, Corporex accelerated the construction timeline,” says Alan Bogart, vice president of construction, Corporex. about the authorThomas Renner writes on building, construction, engineering and other trade industry topics for publications throughout the United States.

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AUGUST 2021 www.mcsmag.com22equipment solutionSpreadsheets and whiteboards.For too long, commercial contractors and construction companies have managed their rented and owned equipment through these old-school methods. From the largest excavator to the smallest gas-powered chainsaw, too many contracting professionals have been keeping track of their precious construction equipment in ways that can only be described as “medieval.”Inefficiency is often the result. Machinery is lost. Time is wasted tracking it down. Data entry is time-consuming. Duplicate rentals are a common occurrence. Overdue rentals rack up unwanted costs. And if someone accidentally erases a whiteboard, forget it. Ultimately, it isn’t just time being wasted—it’s money. Lots of it. What’s more, although the process of renting equipment from suppliers has actually become easier, managing all those rentals has become more complex, especially when the equipment comes from multiple suppliers. There are technologies that can allow commercial contractors to better track their owned and rented assets. Some companies take advantage of them but too many don’t, for various reasons: • Some companies simply don’t know such resources exist. • Others are reticent to make the financial commitment. Construction companies often work on razor thin margins and any expenditures not deemed essential are often frowned upon. • For others, their current inadequate procedures are too ingrained in the company’s DNA (i.e., “We’ve being doing it this way for so long, and it’s worked pretty well, so why change?”) Of course, whether it actually has worked well is a dubious premise at best.Perhaps the most obvious reason stems from the nature of the industry as it relates to technology and/or automation in general. As a whole, construction has not embraced the advent of technology as eagerly or readily as other industries. However, that trend has been reversing in recent years. Take robotics, for example. Using robotics has allowed many construction companies to produce better quality work; solve the issue of skilled-labor shortages; and made the industry safer by taking the more dangerous and laborious tasks out of the hands of workers. Ultimately, robotic solutions have helped improve the quality, safety, and productivity of the construction industry. And it’s not just robotics. Egnyte, a leading cloud content collaboration software company, featured a blog in which they identified the top ten Construction and Engineering Technology Trends to Watch in 2021. It’s an eclectic array of methodologies: cloud computing, AI, digital data, and systems integration are just a few of the advanced methodologies that will be gaining traction in the construction field. And how about VR visualization, in which 3D models allow builders and investors to see what a building will really look like before ground is even broken. MOVING FORWARDWhich brings us back to our original point: With construction companies and contractors implementing advanced technology—not just related to actual construction but to so many aspects of their operation—why are they still using spreadsheets and whiteboards to manage their owned and rented assets? There’s no reason they should be. YARDZ produces the most powerful platform available to perform this task—and much more. As a company, we saw a massive vacuum, in which people were using manual processes that technology could solve. More specifically, we saw the need to “empower contractors and equipment managers and make things simple again.” With our experience in the construction and equipment rental Equipment ManagementEquipment Managementold-school methods should yield to new-school techTHE FUTURE IS NOWBy Jason PerezAs you might imagine, sticky notes on a whiteboard are a highly inefficient method for tracking rental and owned assets.

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www.mcsmag.com AUGUST 202123industries, we were uniquely qualified to address this issue.Consequently, we created YARDZ, a powerful tool for tracking rental and owned equipment. YARDZ lets companies save time and money by bringing technological efficiency to inventory management, reducing duplicate rentals and keeping close track of all equipment contracts and their provisions. BENEFITS OF YARDZFor rental equipment, the YARDZ tool allows contractors to see, in one place, all of their assets out in the field; the location of each piece of machinery; payment terms; and the date each item is due back at the supplier. The system also offers one-click call offs (calling rented equipment off on time is an area of huge potential savings), as well as alerts and inventory summaries. For owned equipment, YARDZ provides the same high level of management functionality but includes additional features such as the ability to track and schedule equipment maintenance, as well as keeping an eye on warranty information. There is also an important secondary benefit. Time not spent by managers or employees overseeing their equipment inventory can now be spent on other aspects of the job—perhaps aspects that previously weren’t getting done. So not only does the equipment management function become more efficient, but overall company productivity also gets a huge shot in the arm. Clearly, the YARDZ platform provides significant value in any economy, but in a post-COVID-19 business environment, it’s even more dramatic. With the reopening of the global economy, especially domestically, the demand is gaining momentum. As construction companies and contractors increase their workload—some at impressive rates—there will be an accompanying need to rent and purchase more equipment. CLOSING THOUGHTEquipment management is too important to trust to inefficient, old-school methods. Time to go back to school—a new school. about the authorJason Perez is the cofounder and chief executive officer of YARDZ, the leading technology platform in the management of rented and owned assets. For more, visit yardz.com.When it comes to managing your owned and rented assets, the YARDZ platform helps you keep all your ducks in a row—your loaders, too.

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AUGUST 2021 www.mcsmag.com24equipment solutionGas DetectionGas Detectionindustry-changing safety productsFOCUS ON THE FUTUREGas Clip Technologies believes that quality and affordability go hand-in-hand, which is why they manufacture top-of-the-line gas detectors and accessories that meet every budget. Each product meets the highest standard of reliability and longevity to ensure that every user’s safety remains uncompromised. Gas Clip’s multi gas detectors are perfect examples.AN INDUSTRY FIRSTThe Multi Gas Clip was Gas Clip’s first multi gas detector, and it was also the first portable gas detector in the industry to utilize infrared technology to detect combustible gases (LEL). The continuous run time of the Multi Gas Clip is 2 months. However, its sisters—the MGC Simple and the MGC Simple Plus—have continuous run times of 2 years and 3 years, respectively. Additionally, after being charged and calibrated during manufacturing, neither the MGC Simple nor the MGC Simple Plus require recharging or routine calibration, although bump testing prior to every use is advised. Also, all three of these detectors are designed to identify the presence and level of hydrogen sulfide (H2S), carbon monoxide (CO), oxygen (O2) and LEL.SINGLE GAS DETECTORSIn turn, on the days that require a single gas detector, Gas Clip Technologies has two to choose from—the Single Gas Clip (SGC) and the Single Gas Clip (SGC) Plus. Both include superior sensor reliability along with adjustable alarm set points, a programmable six-digit detector ID code, and a 2-year battery life. However, the SGC Plus also includes a built in “hibernate” mode that allows users to place it in a rested state when not in use. It is available in two models—SGC Plus H2S for detecting hydrogen sulfide and SGC Plus CO for detecting carbon monoxide. The Single Gas Clip, on the other hand, comes in three different versions—SGC O2 for testing oxygen levels, SGC H2S for testing hydrogen sulfide levels, and SGC CO for testing carbon monoxide levels. NEWEST ADDITON TO LINEUPWhether a worker uses a multi gas detector or a single gas detector, simplicity and longevity are guaranteed, as is compatibility with the newest addition to Gas Clip Technologies’ collection of gas detection solutions—the External Pump. This accessory is a motorized sampling pump that allows any Gas Clip diffusion detector—single gas and multi gas—to take remote samples from up to 75 feet away, drawing air at 2 feet per second. It has a 52-hour continuous run time, and the battery typically recharges in 4-6 hours. Audio and visual alerts will inform the user of possible errors including blockages and a low battery charge. Additionally, the sleek, ergonomic design of the pump allows it to sit comfortably in the user’s hand, which helps prevent potential drops. However, an alligator clip allows the user to firmly attach the pump to their belt, jumpsuit, etc. as needed. Either way, if the device takes a tumble, the durable casing can withstand the fall as well as other harsh treatment. CLOSING THOUGHTAfter more than a decade of creating industry-changing products, including its new External Pump, Gas Clip Technologies continues to keep its focus on the future and how to further develop simpler and safer gas detection solutions. However, those two concepts are merely stepping-stones to their ultimate goal—helping workers get home to their families at the end of the day; and in truth, that is what gas detection is all about. NOTE: Come see Gas Clip at the upcoming ASSP Safety Conference & Expo Sept. 14–15 Booth# 647for more informationFor more, visit www.gascliptech.com or call 972.775.7577.

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AUGUST 2021 www.mcsmag.com26equipment solutionDump trucks are used in all kinds of industries, from construction, agriculture, and mining, to transport all kinds of material. They come in many different sizes ranging from standard sizes to semi-trailer to super dumps and have many different load carrying capacities. BKT makes tires for all types of off-highway dump trucks used in construction, mining, and industrial applications. Some of the off-highway trucks the tires are designed for include articulated dump trucks, rigid dump trucks, and low-profile dump trucks. ARTICULATED DUMP TRUCKSArticulated Dump Trucks (ADT) or dump haulers are heavy-duty dump trucks that transport loads over very rough terrain, and can be used in mining, agriculture, construction, waste management, and highway maintenance. Most have payloads from 30-60 tons and are more maneuverable with greater traction, so they are ideal for smaller jobsites. Normally all-wheel drive, hydraulic cylinders pivot the whole tractor with a low center of gravity. RIGID DUMP TRUCK A rigid dump truck (RDT) has a fixed chassis with the moving dump bed mounted to the trucks rigid frame. They can typically go longer distances with heavier loads and at higher speeds. They require a well-maintained haul-road and their payloads can exceed well over 100 tons depending on the truck. With the larger payloads and faster speeds, they are generally more profitable and better for larger sites.Tires MatterTires Matterusing the right tire for the applicationDUMP TRUCKS ON THE JOBBy Scott Holub

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www.mcsmag.com AUGUST 202127LOW PROFILE DUMP TRUCK Low Profile Dump Trucks (LPDTs) are used in mining and tunneling projects with steep inclines and are articulated by design. The lower side height allows ease of loading and unloading. BKT has a full line of dump truck tires designed for every type of job from light to severe applications. BKT designs both bias and radial tires for off-road applications. Radial tires have a flexible casing which provides a smoother ride, yields less cuts, and lower heat generation. Radials also have a more consistent shape for longer tread life, and better traction and flotation. Bias tires have a stiffer carcass which leads to increased stability. Bias tires are also more economical.The EARTHMAX SR30 (E3/L3) is an all-steel radial with a design for ADTs but can also be used in loader applications. It has a block tread pattern for excellent traction, stability, and durability. It has a cut resistant compound to withstand harsh operating environments. The SR41 EARTHMAX (E4/L4) is an all-steel radial tire perfect for ADTs and loaders. It provides excellent resistance against punctures and an extended service life. In addition to long working hours without downtime, the tire ensures extraordinary comfort. The SR41 is also available in E4**** for LPDTs used in underground haulage operations.For rigid dump trucks, the EARTHMAX SR46 was designed to carry heavy loads in severe rocky, abrasive conditions, even harsh mining environments. Its lug block pattern helps maneuver corners and minimize tread damage. The cut and puncture resistance helps prevent damage to maximize productivity and tire life. EARTHMAX SR 45 PLUS is an All Steel radial tire specially designed for rigid haul trucks. It provides optimum traction and is ideal for operations in long hauls. The tread pattern of the SR 45 PLUS minimizes vibration and noise. The XL Grip is a bias tire with an E-3 tread for excellent traction. It has been designed for both articulated and rigid dump trucks. It is made to minimize cuts and punctures in severe and heavy-duty conditions resulting in an extended tire life.Also, a bias tire, the Rock Grip is an E-4 deep-tread designed to carry heavy loads for short hauls. The special tread compound minimizes cuts on the roughest ground condition.CLOSING THOUGHTWhatever type of off-road dump truck that is being used for your job, BKT has the right tire solution for the application and condition. about the authorScott Holub is manager, OTR technical services, with BKT. For more, visit www.bkt-tires.com.

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AUGUST 2021 www.mcsmag.com28equipment solutionHydrodemolitionHydrodemolitionperspective on the equipment in the tech sectorINDUSTRY TRENDSWhen changes disrupt an industry, advances in technology are often sought to boost a company’s performance. In the case of hydrodemolition, Aquajet is moving the construction industry forward. The following is an excerpt of a Q&A with Keith Armishaw, business development manager, with Aquajet.MCS: Aquajet has always been on the cutting edge of industry trends. What are you seeing as far as shifting perspectives when it comes to technology within the construction and demolition industry? ARMISHAW: Throughout the construction and demolition process, people at every level are embracing technology at a much faster pace than previously. From the worker on the jobsite all the way up to regulatory agencies and project stakeholders, we’ve seen increased demand for more advanced equipment, systems, and processes. Why is that? Well, the industry is changing. Younger workers are entering the market. Technology abounds in every other aspect of their lives, so they expect it in their workplace as well. We have a new generation of managers who want to protect their crews from the dusty, backbreaking methods of the past. They recognize that automation and robotics allow them to keep crews safer and healthier while also increasing productivity and overall cost effectiveness. Additionally, those outside the day-to-day work of building, such as regulatory agencies and project stakeholders, recognize the potential for safer, more eco-friendly construction practices thanks to more advanced technology. In terms of Hydrodemolition, we’ve seen our Aqua Cutter and Ergo robots open up new opportunities for contractors in a number of concrete removal and surface preparation applications. Our compact, heavy-duty equipment virtually eliminates the need for hand lances and jackhammers and offers unparalleled access in dangerous or confined spaces. It keeps employees out of the riskiest situations while providing up to 25 times the productivity for a truly optimized operation. More recently, though, we’ve seen a shift toward high-tech equipment management solutions that go beyond the immediate jobsite to help streamline logistics and overall operations. This is perhaps a new space for many manufacturers, but one with a lot of potential to help facilitate long-term success for customers.MCS: What is Aquajet doing to meet the needs of Hydrodemolition contractors in this new, high-tech industry?ARMISHAW: Aquajet has always been highly sensitive to immediate and future challenges facing our customers. We design our Hydrodemolition robots, high-pressure pumps, water treatment systems and attachments to provide solutions not just for today, but for tomorrow as well. This has led us to develop the most eco-friendly Hydrodemolition equipment on the market. In 2020 we launched the Ecosilence 3.0 high-pressure pump system to help Hydrodemolition contractors meet increasingly stringent noise restrictions. The compact system incorporates innovative sound-absorbing cassettes within the container’s walls and doors. A skid-mounted unit, featuring an integrated, low-emission engine with the latest technology and a liquid-to-air cooling system, provides power for the high-pressure pump. This unit also employs auto start/stop technology, Aqua Cutter and Ergo Hydrodemolition robots are opening up new opportunities for contractors in a number of concrete removal and surface preparation applications. Images courtesy of Aquajet.

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www.mcsmag.com AUGUST 202129which temporarily shuts down the engine when not in operation. This feature reduces idling, saving as much as 20-25 liters of fuel a day, as well as water consumption. It also reduces wear on the pump and engine, increasing overall service life of the equipment. We also pioneered the only self-contained fully automated Hydrodemolition wastewater treatment system to give contractors more control. The EcoClear treats wastewater on-site and on-demand. It neutralizes water pH and reduces suspended solids for safe release into sanitary sewers, storm drains or directly into the environment, giving contractors options to meet their specific situation. It also allows contractors to reuse blast water in the high-pressure pump as part of a closed-loop system, opening up opportunities in remote locations or areas where securing water is a hurdle to Hydrodemolition success.Additionally, we’re developing equipment management solutions aimed at helping contractors maximize their Hydrodemolition potential on the business side, as well. These provide a digital toolkit to optimize logistics and equipment performance for long-term success.CLOSING THOUGHTAccording to Armishaw, predicting the next tech trend is tricky. Aquajet is certain Hydrodemolition technology will continue to advance at a rapid pace. As the labor force evolves, the tools needed to get the job done will continue to change, as well. And while we might not know exactly what the systems of tomorrow will look like, we are confident Aquajet will be at the forefront, as it’s been for more than 45 years. for more informationKeith Armishaw is the business development manager for Aquajet’s North American subsidiary. He has more than 25 years of industry and leadership experience. Aquajet is known as the industry leader in hydrodemolition machines and solutions, both in terms of quality and volume. The company’s headquarters and production facilities are in Holsbybrunn, Sweden, and sells globally. For more, visit www.aquajet.se.Aquajet designs their Hydrodemolition robots, high-pressure pumps, water treatment systems, and attachments to provide solutions not just for today, but for tomorrow as well, resulting in the most eco-friend-ly Hydrodemolition equipment on the market.

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AUGUST 2021 www.mcsmag.com30environmental solutionInclement WeatherInclement Weathernew solution to an old problemUNFORESEEN DELAYSWeather events can wreck construction sites and timelines. In fact, many contractors lament it is the leading cause of project delays. Inclement weather can create unsafe working conditions, damage equipment, delay material deliveries, block jobsite access points, move materials, deposit debris, and lead to potential legal issues. And these obstacles can extend project timelines, waste time and materials, and increase construction costs. Even when contractors do everything right when it comes to planning for weather events and mitigating their effects, severe or inclement weather can cause unforeseen delays.Severe weather events and natural disasters have become more frequent and intense. According to the Insurance Information Institute, there were an average of 520 natural catastrophes per year between 1989 and 2018. In 2019, there were 820 of them—a nearly 60 percent increase from the average over the past three decades.Weather events can increase construction costs. In total, weather-related delays cost the U.S. construction industry $4 billion annually. WEATHER AND RENTINGWhen companies rent equipment, and there is a project delay due to an unforeseen weather event, they often need their rentals extended to accommodate the new schedule. So, while contractors clean up their sites and try to get back on track, they also need to scramble to extend their equipment rentals or rent other equipment if the original rental isn’t available beyond the return date.And, they have to secure the equipment rental when other contractors in their area are in the same situation, which leads to a demand surge as contractors compete for the same equipment. WEATHER WARRANTYWeather Warranty provides a weather protection add-on for equipment rental customers. The company provides equipment renters an automatic extension of their rental agreement (or enough store credit to rent again when the weather clears) when severe weather causes unexpected delays. It lessens the impact of bad weather in advance by enabling the customer to lock in rental extensions if they pay a small fee at the time of the rental. The service works similar to travel insurance when you book a flight. If something goes wrong, and you can’t fly on those dates, you’re taken care of and able to rebook at a later date without having to pay full price for a new ticket. When you request Weather Warranty on your equipment rental, and weather delays your schedule, the rental gets extended automatically. PROTECTION PLANThis built-in weather protection plan eliminates the contractor’s worry that This Komatsu is not going to work today. Heavy rain overnight made the jobsite too dangerous and unproductive. Weather is a constant but unpredictable source of uncertainty, stress and financial loss for many equipment-renting construction professionals. Weather Warranty automatically extends equipment rentals so contractors can keep their rented equipment on site until the work is done and without any extra cost.

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www.mcsmag.com AUGUST 202131bad weather will push the job schedule out longer than their rental, and it removes the budget-busting potential of normal extensions since Weather Warranty pays the full cost. When Weather Warranty polled contractors about automatically extending equipment rental due to project delays caused by bad weather, 75 percent said they would pay extra for the service. And, it’s not only the contractors who benefit. Weather Warranty pays rental dealers to provide additional days with the equipment if a jobsite experiences extreme rain, wind or cold temperatures, and there is no charge to the rental company for partnering with Weather Warranty. “Weather Warranty is my new secret weapon! Like everybody else, I’ve been competing in the market on my equipment, my price and my reputation, but at the end of the day, I’m still always looking for that one thing that’s going to set us apart from every other rental dealer. When I discovered Weather Warranty, I knew I’d finally found it. Now I’m the guy that can say to my customer ‘If you rent from me, you don’t have to worry about the weather’. How cool is that? Big win,” says Mike Travis, former owner and general manager of CER Equipment Rental (CER). “CER and Weather Warranty help me to solve a real problem that I face daily. I feel like I can finally sleep at night. After a while, I just said to CER, ‘This is a no-brainer. Just include it on all my contracts,’ says Dick Charleau, president, Mid-Mass Renovating.Every machine and every rental are eligible for Weather Warranty. No exclusions. And, by offering Weather Warranty, shops like CER average five to eight percent extra revenue per rental. CLOSING THOUGHTFounded in 2020—in a year of a record-breaking number of tropical storms to affect the U.S.—Weather Warranty is a new solution to an old problem. “If project-delaying weather events are a contractor’s greatest enemy, then the rental dealer who can provide them with what they need, when they need it, and in a way that does not blow up their budget becomes the contractor’s biggest ally,” says Rick Wilmot, co-founder and product lead at Weather Warranty. “Help your customers plan for the unexpected and offer them what no one else can—an equipment rental experience without the weather worries.” for more informationWeather Warranty is a market-leading solution that uses cutting-edge weather technology and a trusted network of construction rental partners to provide peace of mind to equipment renters via low-cost, no-hassle equipment rental extensions. Renters of equipment can select the Weather Warranty opt-in service from select rental dealers across the U.S.

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AUGUST 2021 www.mcsmag.com34management solutionTwo high-profile founders and CEOs picked earlier this year to make major announcements. Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos announced he would leave his post, and Merck’s chairman and chief executive officer Kenneth Frazier announced he would retire as well. On July 5, Bezos formally stepped down as Amazon CEO where he is focusing on new products and initiatives for the company. Frazier officially stepped down in late May. From these announcements, it appeared that both Bezos and Frazier, as well as their respective organizations, had worked toward transitions to executive chairman for at least several years. Moreover, these announcements illustrate how succession planning can secure the future of a business while freeing up the owner or CEO to explore other opportunities or interests. This news also demonstrated why CEOs, executives, and companies in the construction industry should start succession planning now. Despite the merits of making a plan, close to 7 in 10 business owners have none in place, according to Rocket Lawyer, an online legal technology company. Nearly 8 in 10 founders say they are too preoccupied with the day-to-day running of their business to make such plans, based on surveys by Wilmington Trust. Four in 10 say their departure is too far off to justify the time and effort in planning. By the time the need for a plan becomes clear, it can be too late to find the best buyer or family successor that shares the owner’s principles.IMPORTANCE OF PLANNNGDeveloping an exit strategy for the CEO, including the selection and preparation of a successor, could take many years. A lack of succession planning can be a costly item for businesses as well as the owner who, as a result, may be forced to sell their business in a hurry at a lower price than expected. An absence of planning may also increase the likelihood of costly disputes among family members.Succession planning is all about knowing when the time is right to let another individual manage your business. Some would prefer to take themselves completely out of the process while others would like to remain part of the business that they’re so proud to have built. Having a reputable management team in place allows owners and CEOs to be ready for new opportunities and help mitigate risk from unforeseen challenges of leaving a business.How can succession planning benefit construction owners? There are four distinct ways: MAXIMIZING THEIR BUSINESS’ VALUEA core priority of most business owners is to maximize the value of their business whether they intend to sell or pass it on to a family successor. In the event of a sale, the amount raised can have a major impact on a number of goals for the business owner. These goals include retirement plans, taxation, compensation levels, insurance, shareholder agreements, and corporate finance strategies. An owner leaving a business to family members most likely would want to ensure their business has the maximum value secured and long-term potential in place. SECURING HARMONY AMONG THE NEXT GENERATIONSuccession is a time of heightened risk for business owners whether or not they hand control to family members or sell. An overall wealth plan—including a succession plan for the business and Succession PlanningSuccession Planningpreparing for an exit strategy BEST PRACTICESBy Bart GibsonSuccession PlanningSuccession Planningpreparing for an exit strategy BEST PRACTICESBy Bart Gibson

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www.mcsmag.com AUGUST 202135an idea on how to distribute any sales proceeds—can help to avoid or mitigate these risks, while also cementing family relationships across generations.Disagreements over the next steps to running the business or the appropriate distribution of business assets can cause breakdowns in family relations. For example, owners working in partnership may be happy to hand over to their next generation, but the other partners may be upset with this arrangement. Succession planning can help overcome these problems by dictating how businesses pass between generations. PREPARING TO SEIZE NEW OPPORTUNITIESMany business leaders set up a company and devote much of their energy to it for the entirety of their working lives. But there are examples of high-profile owners that continually look for the next business opportunity. A good succession plan can help this type of owner embark on a new venture or move into philanthropy on short notice. It’s also worth noting that many entrepreneurs mingle their business and personal wealth. Disentangling these sources of wealth may involve reworking a company’s corporate or legal structure or releasing money through borrowing, not only to free up funds for other ventures, but also to make a business appealing to an external buyer or investor.PRESERVING THE LEGACY BUILT Many owners have a very clear sense of purpose when it comes to running their business. They often run their operations with a clear vision and operating model, which may or may not be formally documented or shared across the business. Business owners should consider whether this same purpose and vision would carry on as their legacy after they step away from their business. The best way to preserve a legacy is to choose the right successor in the first place, whether it’s an outside buyer or family member.CLOSING THOUGHTA well-thoughtout succession plan can be the best way to ensure an owner’s staff is treated well after an exit and that an owner’s values remain core to the running of the business and its financial performance. As demonstrated by Bezos and Frazier, early and rigorous succession planning can set you and your business up for success as you leave the organization. about the authorBart Gibson is senior vice president - wealth management, The Harris Gibson Group, UBS Wealth Management. Bart has been managing business owners and high net worth families for more than 18 years. He takes the time to understand financial needs and risk tolerance so that a client will feel comfortable and confident with their financial decisions. He can be reached at bart.gibson@ubs.com.

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AUGUST 2021 www.mcsmag.com36management solutionWorker’s WorldWorker’s Worldusing tech + training to minimize pain pointsEXPERT Q&AInvesting in people, processes, and systems is on the top of most construction companies’ to-do list. Knowing how to best improve these areas is the most effective way to improve business. Below is a brief Q&A with David Wald, CEO of Aclaimant, a company with safety, risk, and analytics in one connected solution.MCS: How can contractors effectively train workers to use tech at the worksite to improve their overall business?WALD: The biggest hurdle contractors face when training workers to use technology at the worksite is tailoring the training to all generations in the workforce. Contractors must find creative and flexible ways to engage employees regardless of their age to ensure the tech training is resonating and is applicable to their specific roles at work. For example, this could mean swapping out the traditional webinar for a hands-on approach or interactive technologies where workers can test out the new technology on-site and receive feedback from managers and colleagues to make sure they’re using it correctly. Once employees have successfully been trained, organizations will see improvements to the overall business in terms of productivity and efficiency, but also as a means to better recruit + retain employees by giving them the ability to constantly gain new tech skills and progress in their careers. MCS: What technologies are available to construction workers that are transforming the nature of their jobs?WALD: While the construction industry has traditionally been slower to digital transformation, there are more and more technologies available that are transforming these worker’s day-to-day for the better. The biggest potential we’re seeing are tech tools that help contractors and employees control increased exposures and risk across jobsites. Construction companies’ biggest pain point is finding a better way to streamline workplace safety, near misses, and incident/claims management from the field. While many construction companies still rely on paper forms for incident reporting, this often leads to illegible or missing key information and slows down the entire incident management process. Providing these workers with a tech-enabled platform will create a more efficient way to report claims by allowing workers to file them in real time. Overall, this will reduce injuries and put safety back into the hands of construction contracts and workers. MCS: Why will offering construction workers opportunities for skill development—such as using tech—also help industries attract and retain talent?By taking the time now to put digital infrastructure in place for safety and risk management, teams can respond quicker, adjust, and get back to work more efficiently than the competition.

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www.mcsmag.com AUGUST 202137WALD: According to Associated Builders and Contractors, construction companies will need to hire 430,000 more workers than they employed last year to keep up with the demand for projects and as spending increases. By offering opportunities to train new hires and current employees to upskill and accelerate their careers, companies will not only be armed with an extra incentive to fill open roles but will also be meeting the needs of the modern employee who expects their employer to offer continual learning and advancement opportunities. In return, this will increase the retention of construction workers in an already competitive job market. Contractors are also faced with challenges as the construction industry, as a whole, struggles to fill a large labor gap as they’re tasked with ensuring employees are properly trained to avoid injury and use beneficial technology that reduces potential injuries. As digitization in the construction industry continues to accelerate, it’s imperative that every employee must be able to effectively and successfully use tech on-site to manage safety activities and ultimately increase productivity. MCS: What are your thoughts about the last 6 months of 2021 and the most important construction business segment to focus on for a dynamic 2022?WALD: The only thing certain in the next 18 months is change and uncertainty, between pandemic, regulation, labor availability, shutdown risk, and technology. The best strategy construction businesses have is to be prepared and nimble by making the investments now so they aren’t caught in a tough situation without time to prepare. CLOSING THOUGHTThe ultimate winners in this space will continue to be those who make investments in their people, processes, and systems to improve their ability to react to anything in the uncertainty ahead. By taking the time now to put digital infrastructure in place for safety and risk management, teams can respond quicker, adjust, and get back to work more efficiently than the competition, allowing teams to weather any storm that comes in 2021 or 2022. Safety and risk management, along with careful planning and organizational resilience, are the keys to the next 18 months and beyond and will serve everyone as we hope for the best and prepare for the worst in the months to come. for more informationDavid Wald is CEO of Aclaimant. For more, visit www.aclaimant.com.

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AUGUST 2021 www.mcsmag.com38management solutionLeadership’s role in workforce development extends beyond recruiting and training. Once you’ve built your team, you want to keep the team working together—safely and productively—for the long run. This is more efficient and more cost effective. More importantly, a stable, engaged team is more likely to see problems and help you solve them before anything goes wrong. But when leadership is deaf to team members’ words and needs, disaster strikes, and people leave.Take the case of Darien Sandor. His company, SunSand, was an innovative renewable energy construction company. (Note company and personal names have been changed to protect the privacy of actual client.) Built on a once-in-a-generation opportunity, SunSand was a leader in the shift to alternative power generation. However, what started with deliriously happy customers and enthusiastic investors ended in meteoric failure. In the beginning, SunSand’s facility construction was fast, and the quality of the work was top notch. The company used Artificial Intelligence (AI) and modular construction in ways competitors couldn’t compete with. Because SunSand built a reputation for being part of a cutting-edge solution, the organization was able to recruit skilled trades team members and teach valuable new and specialized skills early on. Business started booming.But SunSand’s honeymoon phase was short-lived. By their third year of business, soaring injury rates and a management culture that treated people as expendable caused mass resignations at two critical project sites for the company’s largest customer. SunSand leaders disregarded warnings from the workers about safety issues and negligent managers. Crane operator and rigger turnover quickly rose to 83%. Each crane operator and rigger who left cost SunSand $27,000 and $23,000 to replace, respectively. As the word spread that the principals at SunSand were more concerned with the organization’s image than its people, fewer people wanted to work for SunSand. With the shortage of available crane operators, one of the two critical projects ground to a halt for 6 weeks.As a result, SunSand’s largest customer awarded six additional contracts that SunSand was counting on to its competition. Almost as quickly as his company’s rise to success happened, Sandor soon found his company facing Chapter 11. IT’S A LEADERSHIP ISSUEWhile SunSand’s experience is extreme, it is not unique. The skilled trades development problem has many well-known and frequently discussed causes, including the tsunami of retirements, the lack of workers entering the field, unsafe and unstable working conditions, and the hazing that women and minorities face regularly.Too often when we ask company leaders why these and other conditions exist in their companies, they have a difficult time looking in the mirror and admitting that first and foremost, they have an organizational problem. We can trace each of the burning issues in this market, just as we can in the example of SunSand, to a lack of leadership.In SunSand’s case, it happened when the company’s leaders began thinking that the technology, the skilled craft, and the organization’s image as a leader in a new market were all more important than the people actually doing the work. Truly effective leaders understand that the best way to drive and sustain individual and organizational performance over time is to ensure all employees are committed, fully engaged, feel safe, and find meaning in their work. Although leaders cannot make people be committed and fulfilled, they certainly can create the conditions that facilitate engagement and high performance.A leader is anyone who manages anything in your company—from the CEO, VP of Finance, and Director of Safety, to the Superintendent, Supervisor and Foreman. Leaders who understand the significance of workers’ priorities, and who also realize they can encourage performance by creating the conditions for employees to thrive, are The Team Quitdeveloping, retaining a workforce requires the right leadershipTROUBLE AHEAD: NOW WHAT?By Peter Krammer and Bart Gragg

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www.mcsmag.com AUGUST 202139far more successful building a culture of engagement, safety, and growth. Every member of your team wants a say in their livelihood and their future, even if they don’t get their way. If you don’t involve them, they do their own version of risk analysis. If the overwhelming evidence points to danger or disrespect, they will leave. And, if like SunSand, word gets around, they won’t join in the first place.Just because a company offers a worker a job and provides training in a skill, it does not ensure loyalty from the worker, especially if the work environment does not keep them alive and thriving. When an internal career pathway is clear, when team members have input on decisions, and when everyone is afforded the respect to which they are entitled, only then will finding and keeping people willing and able to do the hard work of trades succeed.TOUGH QUESTIONSBuilding a successful workforce development program means honestly answering a set of questions designed to understand how your company is perceived internally and externally.• What do we offer to our team that the competition cannot? • Why would someone want to build a career in my company?• What is our attitude towards new team members who join?• Why do we accept high turnover as “normal” and a cost of doing business? • What do our customers think when we can or cannot keep the A-team together? Workers ask their peer groups where the work is and then ask about the leadership, starting at the project level.CLOSING THOUGHTWorkforce development is fraught with challenges on an individual, community, and employer level. A good recruiting and training program only brings people in the door. Loyalty and engagement are responses to conditions that all leaders create. As an employer and a leader, when you ensure the culture is right, people are far more likely to join and stick around to help build a successful and lasting business. about the authorsPeter Krammer has been helping leaders put their heads and hearts into their businesses for more than 30 years. Peter, senior partner with Okos Partners, is an author, consultant, trainer, program designer, entrepreneur, and jazz musician. For more about Okos, visit okospartners.com. Bart Gragg is president of Blue Collar University®. He works with business leaders, managers, and supervisors to plan and work more effectively with each other. Bart is an author, advisor, trainer, barrel racer, and photographer. For more, visit www.bluecollaru.com.BREAKING POWER WHEN IT COUNTS!POWERFUL | STRONG | EFFICIENTINDEPENDENT BREAKER PRODUCTS are Powerful, Strong, Highly Efficient, & Service Guaranteed. NO ONE CAN BEAT OUR PRICE • Wholesale Pricing ONLY • Best Product At The Best Price • Excellent Quality • Strong Power • Service Guaranteed • Precision Process • Excellent Quality Guaranteed• All Parts For All Products Are Readily AvailableBecome an Independent Breakers Dealer Today • Dealer Inquiries Welcomed150 Schuler Dr. Bardstown, KY 40004 • www.independentbreakers.com • 502-817-3323Call Call today! today!

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AUGUST 2021 www.mcsmag.com40legal solutionMediation can be a successful tool in resolving many different types of cases, but in the context of construction disputes utilizing mediation can be particularly effective. Construction disputes often consist of a series of interrelated, complex issues and involve multiple parties. A single case may involve a dispute over payment, cost overruns, changes, defective work, and/or delays. The case may also have both construction and design claims asserted within the same action and can involve the owner, architect, design subconsultants, general contractor, subcontractors, and/or suppliers. Often the complexity of the issues and relationships between the parties in dispute require the engagement of third-party consultants to serve as expert witnesses. Frequently, parties may not want to try these cases in front of a judge or jury, and/or it may become very expensive to litigate or arbitrate through a trial or hearing. How then can construction parties resolve their disputes short of a protracted legal fight? The answer often lies with formal mediation.MEDIATION PROCESSFor those who have not participated in a formal mediation, the process involves a neutral third-party mediator who brokers settlement negotiations between the parties. The mediation is typically hosted at the mediator’s office, counsel’s offices, or a neutral location. Parties each must have a representative attend who has authority to settle the case on that party’s behalf. Parties attend with their counsel and any key project personnel needed in addition to the individual with settlement authority. In some cases, technical experts (such as a scheduling consultant) may attend the mediation to provide input and assessment of the claims and issues. Mediation is entirely confidential, and no statements or communications can be used as evidence in the subsequent proceedings with the goal being to facilitate open and frank discussions as to how (or why) the parties could/should settle the dispute. Importantly, mediation is nonbinding—the parties commit to mediate a dispute, but they are not required to reach a settlement. The mediator leads the mediation but does not serve as judge or jury. The mediator typically gathers all parties and their counsel together for an opening session, discusses various claims and issues to gain understanding of the alleged damage, and breaks the parties up into separate rooms to begin the negotiation process. ON THE WEBRead about the nuances of a good mediator in this article on mcsmag.comMediation can be invaluable in helping the parties truly gain an understanding of the other parties’ factual and legal position. Again, with a complex construction case there are often many issues and claims to address. Gaining this understanding is often the first step in reaching a resolution. This process is also effective because it “sequesters” and brings the parties together to commit to the negotiation process—this may be the last opportunity to resolve the case before further litigation or arbitration. Most construction disputes are resolved at mediation rather than at trial. MEDIATION AS A REQUIREMENT?Most state courts will require the parties to mediate a case at some point during the litigation. Federal courts will require a formal settlement conference administered by the judge or magistrate and/or mediation. The American Arbitration Association requires mandatory mediation for disputes over $100,000. Regardless of whether the court or arbitrator requires mediation, project participates should consider making mediation mandatory under the applicable construction contract. A typical construction contract will require mediation as a mandatory precondition Formal MediationFormal Mediationa primer on mediating complex disputesRESOLUTION SOLUTIONBy Christopher S. Drewry

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www.mcsmag.com AUGUST 202141to initiating a lawsuit or arbitration. The contract may also dictate who the mediator is, how the mediator is selected, the location of the mediation and/or the time within which the mediation should be conducted. Another consideration is to require stair stepped settlement negotiations in addition to formal mediation. The contract could require that when a claim or issue arises, field level personnel must first discuss the issue and attempt resolution. If that process fails, the matter gets elevated to project managers and/or senior executives or principals to discuss and conduct settlement discussions. Only if that process fails does it elevate to formal mediation. Such a process is designed to facilitate an early resolution.THE TIMING OF MEDIATIONThere is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. As mentioned above, the contract may dictate when mediation is to occur. Pre-suit mediation is designed to avoid litigation or arbitration all together, with the goal being to avoid the time and costs incurred with a lawsuit or arbitration proceeding. Pre-suit mediation presses the proverbial “pause” button on a dispute before a lawsuit or arbitration is filed. Once litigation or arbitration is initiated, the considerations may change. However, in certain cases, the parties need document or information exchanges to understand their respective positions and facilitate a more productive mediation—one which has a better chance of success. Mediation may be conducted before depositions are taken. In other cases, depositions (or at least a limited number) or other procedural motions are needed to position the case for a productive mediation. Most importantly, two rounds of mediation may be needed particularly with a complex construction dispute. Many times, it takes an initial first day of working through the various claims and issues before progress is made, and the parties commit to a second day of mediation to truly attempt to negotiate a settlement.CLOSING THOUGHTUnderstanding the mediation process and how it can be effective may resolve your next construction dispute. Consider how you want to address mediation in your construction contract, and work with your counsel to determine when mediation is right for you. Then, find the right mediator with the right personality fit for the parties and counsel, especially one that meets your specific needs. about the authorChristopher S. Drewry is a partner with the law firm of Drewry Simmons Vornehm, LLP, in Indiana (www.dsvlaw.com), where he focuses his practice on construction law and litigation, as well as labor and employment law and litigation. Chris is currently the Chair of the Construction Law and Litigation Committee of the International Association of Defense Counsel He can be reached at cdrewry@dsvlaw.com.

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AUGUST 2021 www.mcsmag.com42technology solutionThe COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent economic downturn sparked transformative and essential change for the construction industry, shining a light on the importance of technology to streamline critical business processes. Companies increasingly relied on mobile workforce platforms to conduct their health and safety check ins, risk management assessments, time reporting, and other critical functions. And now, even as the pandemic’s severity wanes, companies have recognized the benefits to their business and have decided there’s no going back.During a recent interview on the Mobile Workforce Podcast, JBKnowledge CEO James Benham advised companies to not fight change—especially when it comes to implementing technology. “Embrace change for what it is—the potential to dramatically improve your life and your business,” says Benham.Here’s a look at the construction industry’s pandemic-forced changes, the building world’s increased use of technologies to survive recent challenges and how tech will help companies thrive moving forward in a post-COVID world. HEALTH, SAFETY CHECK-INSSafety regulations at many levels of government required construction companies to screen workers for COVID-19 symptoms upon arrival and departure from their projects. Running through a list of symptoms and temperature checks meant safer jobsites for everyone. With the help of a mobile workforce platform, many performed screenings digitally, allowing them to track employee symptoms and potential exposures in the event that a positive case arose. Armed with this verifiable information on who was on a jobsite, where they were working and who they were working with, helped companies effectively perform contact tracing, inform workers of the situation, and make on-site adjustments accordingly. This specific live field data wasn’t as critical on a pre-pandemic jobsite. However, live field data’s ability to enhance safety is something the industry needs to take a closer look at moving forward, and well beyond when COVID restrictions are lifted. Especially since this ultimately means safer, healthier workers overall. Consider the flu season. The same pre-shift health and wellness screenings can be used to keep sick employees at home and off of jobsites, both preventing the spread of further infection and keeping projects fully staffed and on track. Beyond flu season, a mobile workforce platform allows employees to quickly report safety issues and enables a company’s leadership to easily share detailed videos and instructions on safety procedures with their entire workforce. The result? Safer, less risky jobsites across the industry. RISK MANAGEMENT ASSESSMENTSThe pandemic eliminated any elbow room construction companies had when it came to risk—and that’s not a bad thing. With projects shelved and budgets tight, companies didn’t have the luxury of taking risks without it being potentially catastrophic for their bottom line. However, those who did take a calculated and financially sound risk to invest in the right technology for their business are today better for it. With the ability to harness live field data, data management solutions have helped construction leaders mitigate previously challenging field risks. “It’s about becoming more productive and also becoming safer and less risky,” Mobile Workforce Techchanging field operations for the betterPOST-COVID WORLDBy Mike Merrill

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www.mcsmag.com AUGUST 202143says Benham. “My hope has been for construction companies to understand they have to invest to get a return. They have to take risks to get a reward.”Equipped with more information on project scheduling, safety, and productivity, construction companies can make smarter, more strategic decisions about their existing projects and the future projects that they will also take on. Mobile workforce solutions have placed vital data in the hands of leaders that allow them to better understand the risks and potential profits for each and every project. And with the ability to track employee time and safety, perform real-time earned value calculations, and give up-to-the-minute budget analysis, decision makers can accurately track a project’s progress and ensure its not going off the rails. REAL-TIME REPORTING, TRACKINGWith zero room for error, the pandemic highlighted a top concern for companies: inaccurately paying employees for their time. This might seem like an afterthought, but it shouldn’t be. Inaccurate time tracking is an issue that can balloon a company’s labor costs by hundreds of thousands of dollars or more a year depending on the size of the labor force. The critical need to tighten up worker time tracking in the field was further magnified in the midst of the pandemic as companies simply couldn’t afford to over pay for these mistakes and “guesstimates” any longer. Those who implemented mobile workforce technology to track employee hours in real time will continue to leverage the clarity of live field data to save administrative time, prevent human error, increase job cost accuracy and ensure that workers are being paid for actual hours worked and not just an estimate. This practice saved a substantial number of dollars during the pandemic, and that’s not a practice those companies will ever turn away from now. CLOSING THOUGHTThe pandemic shed light on many of the construction industry’s pain points and weaknesses. Fortunately, effective technology has been, and will continue to be, readily available to address health and safety concerns, mitigate risks and tighten up operations. As the world opens back up and returns to a pre-pandemic normal, construction tech is one area not moving backward. With the benefits provided by these powerful accuracy solutions, we’ll see a boost in construction best practices that will mean safer, less risky jobsites in a post-COVID world. about the authorMike Merrill is co-founder and chief evangelist of WorkMax by AboutTime Technologies and host of The Mobile Workforce Podcast. Mike has been an entrepreneur and business owner in the construction and technology industry for nearly three decades.

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AUGUST 2021 www.mcsmag.com44safety solutionSafety concerns and issues are always looming large on construction sites due to the constantly changing and sometimes precarious surroundings, the handling of large and sometimes unstable equipment, and the use of chemicals and materials that may pose health, site, and environmental risks. Clearly, ensuring safety on a construction site is top of mind for site/building owners, architects, contractors, and work crews. Safety needs to be a major consideration when deciding on which vendors and products to use for each project and phase on a construction site.Waterproofing of roofs, podium and plaza decks, and other new or existing elevated structural decks can be accomplished with either a cold-applied or hot-applied liquid waterproofing product, each of which has its advantages. This article will address the safety considerations for each type of waterproofing application. HOT RUBBERIZED ASPHALTThe elements that create significant safety concerns with any project—the use of heat, open flame, and anything flammable—are all required by Hot Rubberized Asphalt (HRA). An HRA installation involves using a large, heavy kettle for heating up the asphalt to 375-400°F, which can take 3 hours, and then keeping it hot during the waterproofing process. The kettle is heated with propane, adding both open flame and pressurized flammable gas hazards to the jobsite. The HRA itself can cause serious burns if it contacts the skin.HRA installations require Hot Work permits for the duration of the application and beyond to assure fire risks are controlled. In some jurisdictions, there are also fire marshal restrictions for the jobsite.In addition to heat and flame, HRA produces a noxious odor and fumes that can be disturbing and become a nuisance to neighbors, leading to complaints. More importantly, the level of VOCs HRA produces can be harmful and negatively impact the environment.COLD-APPLIED WATERPROOFINGCold-applied waterproofing products, such as GCP’s SILCOR® hand-applied and spray-applied waterproofing, do not have these same physical hazards. The use of propane or flame are not necessary to prepare cold-applied materials and there are no hot kettles or buckets involved, making cold-applied waterproofing a safer, fire and burn-hazard free option without compromising performance. CLOSING THOUGHTCold-applied liquid waterproofing offers easy application free from the hazards that come with the heat and flame required by HRA applications. Safety Factorcold-applied versus hot-applied liquid waterproofingTOP OF MINDBy Greg Austin about the authorGreg Austin is the global product director, specialty building materials, for GCP Applied Technologies. He has a background in consulting and almost a decade of experience in waterproofing system development and construction materials. For more, visit gcpat.com.Safety needs to be a major consideration when deciding on which vendors and products to use for each project and phase on a construction site.

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AUGUST 2021 www.mcsmag.com46safety solutionSafe LoadingInsights from Troy Geisler from Talbert ManufacturingEXPERT Q&AWith projects in high gear, transporting equipment from jobsite to jobsite needs to be done efficiently, effectively, and safely. GC’s need to know the right trailer to use and how best to secure the load. Here’s insight from Troy Geiser, vice president of sales and marketing with Talbert Manufacturing. MCS: Safe heavy-haul loading starts with selecting an appropriate trailer for the intended equipment. How do operators spec a heavy haul trailer?GEISLER: Trailer capacity should be an operator’s first concern in spec’ing a trailer. Start by figuring out the total weight of the haul, including all equipment and attachments. With this number in mind, it’s time to compare trailer capacities since not all 55-ton lowboys are created equal. While they might all be capable of hauling 55-tons, some will need the entire deck length to haul that weight safely. Others might only need half the deck length for the same weight. Since loads are rarely uniform, having a trailer rated in half deck capacity gives operators a more realistic indication of what the trailer will be able to handle without structural failure. Bigger doesn’t necessarily mean better when it comes to hauling. Using a trailer with a much higher capacity than the intended load can also lead to complications. For example, using a 55-ton trailer for a 35-ton haul can work, but the light load might mean the trailer has a higher deck height than when it is fully loaded. This could require an operator to alter the intended route if the higher load can’t fit under overhead obstacles. It may also result in a load that is considered oversized. In the U.S., generally, this is anything over 13 ft, 6 inches tall; 8 ft, 6 inches wide; 48 ft long; and more than 80,000 lbs gross weight (including truck, trailer, and payload). If a load exceeds in one of these areas, it may require a permit. Working with knowledgeable dealers and manufacturers can provide a trailer that not only has the necessary capacity, but one that limits permit costs when hauling oversize equipment. Telescopic trailers—trailers with dual kingpin settings that can be operated empty without a permit in states with a 43-ft kingpin law—as well as flip up and removable axle attachments are just a few examples of versatile designs available from select manufacturers.Additionally, some equipment will require special considerations. For example, when hauling paving or low-clearance equipment, selecting a trailer with a low load angle is important for safe loading. When hauling an excavator, operators need to consider where the boom will sit on the trailer and how it will be cradled. A low position of the boom is critical for keeping the load within height restrictions. Some top-tier manufacturers offer customizations such as a rear bridge design that eliminates interference with boom placement and makes transportation safer and easier.Taking these things into account—capacity, load concentration, permits, and special equipment considerations—operators can spec the right trailer for the haul. MCS: Once an appropriate trailer is selected, are there any general tips operators can use to ensure safe, smooth loading?GEISLER: When it’s time to start loading or unloading equipment, the first thing to do is make sure there is plenty of room to operate the equipment, trailer, and tractor safely. This can be challenging on crowded jobsites, but taking shortcuts like side loading are highly dangerous and strongly discouraged. Side loading, aside from increasing the risk of tipping equipment, can also cause premature damage to the trailer, decreasing overall efficiency. There should be enough space around the equipment and trailer to provide a

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www.mcsmag.com AUGUST 202147CUTTING EDGE IMPALEMENT PROTECTIONCARNIE CAP is the most effective way to cap exposed rebar while keeping your workers safe and on the job.National OSHA Compliant • CAL-OSHA ApprovedPatent #5826398, 6073415ORDER TODAY!(888) 743-7725 www.carniecap.comWORKS IN HORIZONTAL, VERTICAL & INCLINATIONAPPLICATIONS✓ ASSEMBLE WITH 2X4 OR 2X6 LUMBER ALREADY ON SITE✓ SAFELY DISTRIBUTES WEIGHT ACROSS ENTIRE SYSTEM✓ NO MORE CAPPING EVERYREBAR!✓ clear line of sight to the operator in the machine. A spotter is recommended, especially when loading equipment with restricted lines of sight directly in front of their tracks or tires. And, it goes without saying that familiarity with the equipment being loaded, as well as the trailer, makes for a smoother, safer operation. A smooth transition from surface to surface is imperative. Any bumps between the ground and the deck or the deck and the rear bridge can make loading more difficult and dangerous since it forces equipment operators to increase power to clear the obstacle. Operators should also be aware of a particular trailer’s breaking point and use caution when loading and unloading to minimize lifting axles off the ground. The magnified stress on the axles as the trailer comes back down can cause damage and premature wear. Quality trailers with high safety ratings offer some advantage here. The safety rating is an indicator of how much stress a trailer can safely handle. It encompasses factors such as the strength of the raw materials used in the trailer’s construction and how the beams and cross members are configured. A trailer with a safety margin of 2.5 to 1 is designed to better handle momentary increases in payload, even those that occur during loading and unloading.Once the equipment is safely loaded, a thorough pre-trip inspection is recommended. Ensure the load is secured with well-maintained, properly rated equipment. Inspect chains, binders, straps, or other tie downs, looking for cracks, fraying, weak links or other signs of wear that might require replacement. A visual inspection of the trailer is also recommended to ensure no damage has occurred during loading. Issues that weren’t apparent when the trailer was empty might also be evident at this point, so be sure to check the trailer body and systems. This includes breaks, tires (properly inflated), suspension, electrical and cylinders, as well as the deck, gooseneck, and other components. CLOSING THOUGHTOverloading is highly discouraged by trailer manufacturers. A single overload might not cause the trailer to fail, but it is another unsafe shortcut that puts the operator and public at risk. It puts unnecessary stress on the trailer components, increasing the likelihood of future failure. for more informationTroy Geisler is the vice president of sales and marketing for Talbert Manufacturing. He has more than 15 years of experience in trailer sales, including more than 5 years with Talbert. For more, visit www.talbertmfg.com.ON THE WEBRead about Austin Talbert’s entry into heavy-haul loading in this article on mcsmag.com

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AUGUST 2021 www.mcsmag.com48safety solutionWatch for the orange barrels and signs of construction in progress as you navigate during the summer months; it’s a matter of safety for construction workers and yourself. To learn the latest about work zone safety, I had the opportunity to speak with two experts from Travelers. Below is an excerpt from our conversation. MCS: How dangerous are work zones for construction workers, and what can be done to help keep them safe?TIM MCGRATH: According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), fatal crashes in work zones increased by 11% between 2018 and 2019, with 762 fatal crashes and 842 fatalities. While we saw lower volumes of roadway traffic in 2020 during the height of the pandemic, the danger did not decrease. In fact, late last year, the Pew Charitable Trusts reported that work zone crashes and fatalities spiked in some states during the pandemic. For instance, the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) found that by the end of August 2020, twice as many drivers had crashed into work zones as compared to the same time period in 2019. MoDOT also stated that distracted driving remained a leading contributor to work zone crashes.In addition, the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) found that 60% of highway contractors experienced a motor vehicle crashing into their work zone over the past year.These numbers are a sobering reminder that working near moving vehicles and other heavy equipment can create significant risk of injury and property damage. To help keep workers safe, one of the most effective steps a contractor can take is to slow traffic down whenever possible. This can be done by coordinating with state and local authorities to reduce the posted speed limit; engaging with local police to monitor traffic speeds; and using speed-indicating message boards that tell motorists how fast they are driving and warn them to slow down. Contractors can also provide “positive protection,” which are devices that contain and redirect vehicles to help reduce the risk of vehicle intrusion into a work zone. For example, mobile or concrete barriers and crash attenuator trucks or trailers can help separate workers from traffic. Technology is another way to keep workers safe. Intrusion alarms, for instance, can detect if a vehicle enters a work zone and then will initiate an audible alarm to alert workers to the danger. We are seeing an increase in the use of smart highway systems, including queue warning systems where sensors on barriers trigger variable-message boards when traffic begins to back up, warning drivers well in advance of the impending slowdown of traffic. Flaggers are important, too, since they can immediately notify their coworkers by blowing a whistle, honking a horn, or alerting them by some other method if there’s a vehicle coming. Carefully selecting and training traffic flaggers and providing them with high-visibility apparel and equipment are all crucial elements.MCS: Why do these hazards increase during the summer months, and has the pandemic had any effect on this?CHRIS HAYES: In the summer months, the amount of construction usually increases. This can result in lane closures and changes in traffic patterns for drivers to navigate. In addition, more people are vacationing during this time of year, Work Zone Safetynavigating best practices to keep workers safeEXPERT Q&ABy Donna Campbell

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www.mcsmag.com AUGUST 202149increasing not only the levels of traffic but also the number of motorists driving on unfamiliar roadways. In summer we also see an increase in the number of hours construction workers are present on a jobsite, particularly in states with seasonal operations. There may also be more night work, which can contribute to the risks, as visibility decreases.As we consider what effect the pandemic might have had, I think it’s worthwhile to look at how driving patterns changed. In the 2021 Travelers Risk Index, which looked at how COVID-19 and remote work affected roadways and risky driving, we found that the percentage of people who drive daily decreased from 63% before the pandemic to 47% today. While 24% of those surveyed thought roads are safer today than before the pandemic, many respondents reported engaging in dangerous behaviors while driving: 20% admitted to checking social media, up from 13% pre-pandemic; 19% said they took pictures and shot videos, an increase from 10% before the pandemic; and 17% said they shopped online while driving, up from 8% pre-pandemic.The Travelers Risk Index also found that employees continue to feel the need to be reachable while driving during business hours, with 1-in-4 respondents saying they answered work-related calls and texts while behind the wheel.All these distracting behaviors may have contributed in part to more hazardous roads last year. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), 2020 motor vehicle deaths were up 8% from 2019—the highest percentage increase in 13 years.As we continue to weather the pandemic, we’ve seen traffic numbers surge back to pre-pandemic levels. More people feel comfortable traveling this summer than they did in 2020. And while construction did continue during the height of the pandemic, we are seeing an increase in the number of active projects across the country. With more work zones and drivers, there is greater risk of a crash.MCS: Is distracted driving an issue for the construction industry in general and in roadside work zones?CHRIS HAYES: Yes, distracted driving is an issue for both. Any company with employees who drive on the job is at risk of having a crash caused by a distracted worker, and the construction industry is not immune. Along with driving to and between jobsites and work zones, construction workers are also frequently behind the wheel, moving equipment, and materials. The 2021 Travelers Risk Index found that 64% of construction business executives worry some or a great deal about liability because of distracted driving, and 18% reported they’ve had an employee get into a collision while driving for work purposes due to distracted driving.It’s important for contractors to train workers about the risks of distracted driving and safety best practices, and take the time to create and promote a clear distracted-driving policy that is regularly reviewed with employees and followed by managers.TIM MCGRATH: Workers in a work zone are sometimes only a few feet away from traffic, putting them at risk of being struck by a distracted driver. Data from NHTSA’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System shows that distracted driving is probably more of a significant factor in fatal work zone crashes than in non-work zone crashes. CLOSING THOUGHTHaving protections in place and training workers on safety protocols in work zones remain essential for minimizing risk. for more informationThanks to Chris Hayes, assistant vice president of workers compensation and transportation, risk control, and Tim McGrath, field director for risk control and construction, at Travelers, for sharing their expertise on work zone safety.

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AUGUST 2021 www.mcsmag.com50maintenance solutionSoftware for equipment maintenance provides powerful opportunities to cut costs and increase uptime, but success is not as simple as downloading applications and handing out tablets. Synergy between people, processes, and the technology itself define the companies that achieve the fastest and strongest ROI.“A growing number of contractors are realizing that traditional maintenance programs based on spreadsheets, paper, and personal knowledge in the heads of mechanics and managers are holding them back,” says John Kane, product manager at B2W Software. “They’re shifting to a more proactive and technology-driven maintenance management culture.”That transition includes evaluating and adjusting maintenance processes to leverage technology. These contractors also define company-specific objectives, get buy-in within the maintenance team and across the company, and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to make data-driven decisions and improve continuously.GETTING STARTEDJeff Bremer, vice president of fleet at GeoStabilization International (GSI), and Tom Garrett, vice president of administration at Kubricky Construction, have implemented B2W Maintain and made concurrent process changes to support the technology. Between them, they manage more than 1,600 pieces of equipment.“We started with identifying what the existing processes looked like, so we could identify and define which ones needed improvement,” explains Bremer. GSI is based in Colorado and provides geohazard mitigation services throughout the U.S. and Canada and in New Zealand, and specializes in emergency landslide repairs, rockfall mitigation, and grouting. Kubricky Construction is a member of the D.A. Collins group and is based in New York. The company provides a variety of civil and bridge construction, pavement, site development, and utility services throughout the Northeast U.S. Kubricky’s Garrett says defining goals is important. Cutting maintenance costs and increasing uptime were obvious ones at the company. Kubricky was also seeking to eliminate what Garrett called siloed interactions between the shop and teams in the field. “We wanted communication and data going back and forth freely between the two sides, so that everyone knows what’s going on,” he adds.Bremer notes that it is important to establish effective maintenance codes at the outset. These codes bring structure and consistency to how a company records the type of work being performed and the reason it is being performed. “You do a lot at the beginning setting up the system so that down the road you have good, actionable data,” he explains.SELLING THE WHY‘Why do I have to do this?’ is a question contractors can expect when they implement new maintenance processes and technology. Bremer and Garrett agree that involving the maintenance team in developing processes and articulating the benefits to the company and to the individuals impacted are vital.“A leader may know where a company needs to be in terms of maintenance processes, but you can’t just take the team and magically transport it there,” says Bremer. “You have to change in progressive steps and you have to sell the ‘why’ to get buy-in along the way.”At Kubricky, demonstrating opportunities for improved efficiency was important. Highlighting how new processes and technology make day-to-day tasks easier was another important strategy. “‘Easier and simpler’ is a lot easier to get a buy-in for than ‘harder and more complicated’,” says Garrett. “That’s where technology comes in; you need process change, but technology can ease the angst of new processes.”At GSI, Bremer relies on a tool he calls RACI (responsible, accountable, consulted, informed) to bring structure and visibility to activities, roles, and responsibilities within the maintenance group. Dozens of activities ranging from creating and scheduling work orders to processing inspections and updating warranty information are listed, and the roles or individuals responsible for, accountable for, consulted on or informed about those activities are identified. The document evolves continuously, as the company makes process changes.GETTING PREVENTIVE & DATA DRIVENA more proactive approach that automates preventive maintenance is a goal for most companies that adopt Synergy Workscreating a winning equipment maintenance cultureCUT COSTS, INCREASE UPTIMEBy Greg Norris

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www.mcsmag.com AUGUST 202151maintenance management software. That is because preventive maintenance can be up to five times less costly than corrective maintenance and it limits unplanned downtime. Contractors can also minimize the follow-on costs of that downtime: disruptions on the jobsite and the need to rent or own replacement equipment.Maintenance requirements and intervals for each piece of equipment are entered into the software program at the outset. Meter readings, such as the number of hours a machine has operated, then trigger the software to generate notifications when preventive maintenance is due. The readings can come from inspections or field logs, or they can come into the maintenance software automatically from telematics technology on the equipment.Bremer says those interval notifications should also include specific instructions. “A lot of companies get to the point where their system can tell them when to service a piece of equipment, but without a definition of what ‘service’ means at that interval,” he explains. The instructions should include the specific activities that the mechanic must complete, such as replacing components or pulling a fluid sample, as well as the parts and equipment needed.Hitting preventive maintenance targets has a secondary benefit beyond cost savings and uptime. “The morale of the maintenance team goes up when you’re not constantly fighting fires and dealing with emergency issues,” Bremer contends. “We saw a noticeable decrease in stress levels.”Access to data on maintenance activities and costs is another benefit of software and process changes “If you’re not measuring something, you don’t know if you’re doing well or getting better,” say Garrett. Maintenance costs as a percentage of revenue, emergency versus preventive items or hours, planned versus unplanned work, overtime hours and response times for repair requests are common maintenance KPIs at Kubrick, GSI, and other companies. Contractors also track down days as a percentage of work days, idle time as a percentage of operated time, and other data.CLOSING THOUGHTBremer and Garrett have achieved significant improvements in these and other KPIs. They credit a shift in culture that has allowed their teams to optimize maintenance software. They also confirm that the process is an ongoing one. about the authorGreg Norris is director of marketing communications at B2W Software. The company’s ONE Platform connects people, workflows and data and includes advanced, unified applications to manage estimating, scheduling, field tracking, equipment maintenance, data capture, and business intelligence. Greg can be reached at: gnorris@b2wsoftware.com.

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AUGUST 2021 www.mcsmag.com52Whether storing heavy equipment and machinery, raw materials or finished products, it’s critical that valuable investments are protected. Among the most important decisions is choosing the storage construction material. While wood and metal are traditional options, when built correctly, a fabric-covered structure can be the best solution for protecting assets and investments for decades. QUICK RETURN ON INVESTMENT When thinking of building, a lengthy process involving concrete, brick, and rebar might come to mind. This is not the case with fabric structures, which can be built quickly in about half the time as traditional structures with more cost-effective materials. According to Visual Capitalist, over the past year, the price of lumber has increased by 377% in the United States – reaching a record high of $1,635 USD per board feet. Fabric provides an economical and durable alternative to expensive metal and wood construction. The material also lets more natural light filter through, helping to alleviate the expense of energy costs. Overall, fabric structures boast low operation and maintenance cost in comparison to traditional buildings, while offering a large, secure and well-ventilated storage solution. ENGINEERED TO LAST It might seem like common sense, but it’s important when building a fabric structure to work with a company that truly understands fabric. As a critical part of the investment, fabric that is fire resistant, able to withstand harsh weather, and treated for protection against the sun’s ultraviolet rays should be a basic expectation. Starting out with a high-quality fabric will help to prevent the fabric membrane from weakening or breaking down and add years to the fabric cover’s life. There’s also an important step to be mindful of when it comes to protecting the metal framework of the structure for years to come. All steel trusses and truss components should be galvanized with a zinc coating to protect against corrosion. But it’s critical that the steel is coated inside and out. It’s a common misconception that all fabricated galvanized steel has an interior coating, when in fact most just have a coating of zinc rich paint applied to the outside. Hot dip galvanized steel should be the industry standard, as the dipping process covers the framing materials down to the smallest crevices, inside and out, to help maximize structural integrity and crate a tough barrier against corrosion. Not only does this help prevent the building from buckling from within, but the additional strength allows the structure Fabric Structuresboast low operation and maintenance cost STORAGE AND WAREHOUSINGBy Jason St. Georgemaintenance solution

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www.mcsmag.com AUGUST 202153to withstand high winds, temperature fluctuations, and heavy rain or snow falls. FULLY CUSTOMIZABLE Fabric structures typically come in a variety of designs and configurations to choose from, allowing the structure to be custom engineered in any way that might be needed to accommodate bulk materials, overhead equipment, conveyors, catwalks, shipping and receiving equipment, and more. The various offerings of widths and heights offer ample clearance for easy access and movement so workers can safely and easily load, unload, and handle valuable assets. The flexibility also allows for a number of extra features, such as HVAC systems or insulation for complete climate control if needed. Many fabric structures can also be built without any center poles, pillars or other interference, allowing for a nice clear span interior. This makes it easier and safer to maneuver trucks and machinery like cranes, conveyors, or catwalks that might be necessary when handling material assets. And depending on the fabric structure company, custom-engineered fabric structure can be as small as 16 feet wide to as large as 250 feet wide and built for any length.Unlike other types of structures, fabric structures are scalable and able to grow alongside the business. And the structures can even be relocated to other locations if required. Some fabric structure companies can offer site-specific customization for new buildings. Calhoun Super Structure, for example, uses a proprietary 3D Finite Nonlinear Analysis to model the true shape of fabric under load. The process considers the snow, rain, wind, and seismic conditions at the building site to offer an optimized foundation design to deliver the strongest building design for each unique location. CLOSING THOUGHTWhen it comes to selecting what type of storage building is right protecting valuable assets, fabric structures are a clear winner when it comes to ROI—especially when we consider the current cost of wood. But it’s critical to work with a company that specializes in fabric structures and has the engineering experience to back it up. When they do, contractors will benefit from a strong structure that can grow with them and their business for decades. about the authorJason St. George is a business development manager with Calhoun Super Structure, a pioneer in the fabric structure industry with nearly 30 years creating the strongest, safest, and most reliable series of structures on the market. Located in Tara, Ontario, Canada, Calhoun values your investment. For more, visit calhounsuperstructure.com.

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AUGUST 2021 www.mcsmag.com54featured productSullair is at it again. This time turning the world of portable air compressors upside down with the Sullair Mid-Range Series—the ultimate in efficiency and versatility. With the 800HH/900H model delivering 800–900 cfm at 150–200 psi, and the 920H/1100 model delivering 920–1100 cfm at 100–150 psi and the ability to set nearly infinite pressure and flow combinations within those ranges, these units can cover the jobs of up to nine compressors. Featuring best-in-class fuel efficiency, a compact design and unprecedented versatility and ease of use, these two units are a revolutionary change to compressed air on the jobsite. 30-YEAR LEGACYLegendary compressors start with legendary air ends. Driven by the Sullair 23-Series variable capacity air end, the Mid-Range takes a 30-year legacy of Sullair spiral valve expertise in the industrial market on the road. Not only is this air end extremely efficient, it provides the durability Sullair is best known for. This means the Mid-Range is in it for the long haul and ready to work alongside you all day, every day for a long time.At its core, the Sullair Mid-Range Series is designed for maximum efficiency. It is the first Sullair portable diesel air compressor to incorporate electronic spiral valve technology which helps maximize fuel efficiency and extend runtimes by matching air supply to demand. This means your compressor stays on the job as long as you do—it doesn’t quit until you quit. Plus, this technology allows nearly infinite combinations of pressure and flow options which can be changed quickly and easily using the state-of-art touch screen controller.The Sullair Touch Screen Controller (STS) is designed for ease of use on the jobsite. With the touch of a finger, you can set pressure and flow values, control spiral valve operation and get in-depth compressor information—even with work gloves on. Premium engines make this compressor an unmatched powerhouse on the jobsite. You have your choice of a Caterpillar 7.1l or Perkins 1206J diesel engine. With all the features that matter, these engines are small, designed for reduced noise and longer service intervals—up to 500 hours. All backed by industry-leading dealer networks. Plus, the smaller package size of the engine reduces the overall compressor weight. This makes towing and maneuverability easier and minimizes impacts to the environment. Coupled with the Sullair Electronic Spiral Valve Technology, these engines help the Mid-Range provide best-in-class fuel efficiency and reliable operation in cold weather or high altitudes. MID-RANGE SERIES DELIVERSSullair left no stone unturned when designing this Series. Mid-Range compressors have multiple service doors with robust push-to-close latches. These provide easy access to all service components to maximize time on the jobsite and help increase worker safety. Users also have the option of adding Airlinx®, which provides telematics and remote monitoring capabilities.The Sullair Mid-Range Series is a true master-of-all-trades. With best-in-class fuel efficiency, unprecedented versatility, and the durability Sullair promises with every unit, you can count on this compressor to revolutionize compressed air on the jobsite.CLOSING THOUGHTSullair has been on the leading edge of compressed air solutions since 1965. Sullair understands air compressors are more than just construction equipment, they are critical to keep jobsites up and running. That’s why Sullair offers true compressed air solutions engineered for reliability, durability and performance. Reliability means your compressor shows up on the jobsite every day, ready to work as hard as you do. Durability means bulletproof equipment ready to stand the test of time and keep running for years to come. Performance means compact designs for easier storage and maneuverability, increased efficiency for longer time on the jobsite and, for larger units, easy-access connections to external fuel sources making long-term operation possible. For more, visit www.upsidedowncompressors.com. SULLAIR: PORTABLE AIR COMPRESSOR Turning the World Upside Down with the Mid-Range Series

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www.mcsmag.com AUGUST 202155modern construction productsSTAY UPDATED:@modern contractor solutions@mcsmagThe Cat D4 (formerly D6K2) Dozer is a favorite because of its power, precision, and optimized balance for smooth grading performance. The D4 has a net power of 130 hp. A lower sloping hood line provides up to 30 percent better visibility to the area in front of the blade. The shorter sight lines mean the visual distance between the blade and the material pile is shortened by about 40 percent, so less time is spent backing up to get a full view of the material and the job gets done faster. Customers can also add factory integrated Cat Grade with 3D. For more, contact the local Cat dealer or visit www.cat.com. CATERPILLARD4 DozerApplied Machinery Sales introduces a new Merlo product: the DBM 3500 Cement Mixer. The DBM 3500 is a self-contained mini cement mixer. It has a drum volume of 1,321 gallons delivering 4.6 yd3 of concrete. The self-loading bucket handles up to 25 cu/ft of aggregate at each load cycle. The pump moves 66 gallons of water per minute into the mixing drum, suppling up to 37.7 sq ft of concrete in less than 15 minutes. The DBM cement mixer is suitable for working in confined, difficult-to-reach spaces. The large water tank allows operation in areas without a water supply. For more, visit ams-merlo.com. AMS-MERLOMini Cement MixerThe Husqvarna DM 200 is a tough and versatile D-handle drill motor optimized for handheld drilling of holes from 1–3 inches. Delivering top class drilling performance in both wet and dry applications. The uncomplicated and sturdy design, all-around usability makes it an ideal part of any craftsman’s toolkit as well as for rental purposes. The Husqvarna DM 200’s casing is made of sturdy impact-proof polyamide plastic with ball valve coupling for wet drilling, vacuum coupling for dry drilling, detachable front handle, wrenches, and user manual. The two integrated levels make it easy to enable exact horizontal and vertical working positioning. For more, visit husqvarnacp.com. HUSQVARNAHandheld Core DrillThe Alliance 585 radial’s steel-belted construction and unique hybrid tread pattern—combining the traction of curved lugs with the firm ground contact and scrub resistance of block tread—helps telehandlers, backhoes, and compact loaders deliver more horsepower. The multi-directional design grips equally well in forward and reverse on paved or loose ground, while reduced rolling resistance boosts fuel economy. In addition, reinforced sidewalls and steel radial belts protect against punctures and impact damage. Ask your tire dealer or visit yokohama-oht.com. YOKOHAMA OHTAlliance 585 Radial

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AUGUST 2021 www.mcsmag.com58Dear Not a Fan of Warm Bodies,It is probably no surprise that this challenge isn’t unique to you. The shortage of skilled workers is an industry-wide problem. Many supervisors tell me their crews would prefer to work short-handed than have an unskilled “warm body” added to the crew. But that’s not always the best answer. Here are four actions you can take to improve your situation.✖ EMBRACE EACH “WARM BODY”Remain open-minded, supportive, and positive about any new hires, experienced or not. The most effective leaders know that genuine caring earns their loyalty, which is critical to the success of the team, the project, and the organization. Many supervisors fall short in giving an abundance of praise, recognition, and positive reinforcement. It’s not hard to do—to both existing and new crew members—and it doesn’t cost anything. You’re creating a sense of belonging, which people value. ✖ BUILD TEAM CHEMISTRYBe mindful of the need to build a team atmosphere that has fantastic chemistry. When you do, employee engagement and improved skill will follow. The result will be sustainable success going forward.What’s needed to achieve high levels of team chemistry? Ensuring an alignment of values among teammates and within the organization. Their skill sets, backgrounds, and experience may differ, but organizational and personal values must line up. Know that you can always train and develop skills. Instead, concentrate on hiring people based on how well their values support your organization’s values.✖ COMMUNICATE THE PROJECT’S PURPOSE Everyone wants to contribute to the success of a project, so make sure all jobs you ask your crew to perform have meaning. This means taking extra time to explain why the tasks they’re doing are important to the whole project. Also ask all crew members to focus on the purpose of the project versus the tasks they’re performing. For example, you’d say, “The school you’re helping build will be a great place for kids to get an education and grow into future business leaders.” That’s a more meaningful message than saying, “Move these bricks from point A to point B.”✖ PROMOTE THEIR DEVELOPMENTExceptional leaders proactively and strategically develop their people because they know that the more developed their people become, the better they will perform. Eventually this will result in better-than-industry-average results. A development method often overlooked is emphasizing cross-functional training. You want to provide the “warm bodies” you’re training with exposure to different aspects of construction outside their primary area of responsibility. When done correctly, cross-functional training improves overall performance and results.CLOSING THOUGHT Your goal should be to never lose good employees; they are more than warm bodies. You’ve invested in them, so strive to keep them on your crew. If you don’t retain your top workers or can’t find the right talent, what does that say about your organization’s future? HEY COACH, As a construction supervisor, I am challenged by finding good workers for my crews. When we need additional workers, we are mainly given warm bodies. Yet, these inexperienced workers are unproductive, typically require extra supervision, make costly mistakes, and slow down the crew. What could I do to improve the situation?about the coachAs a leadership development expert, Randy Goruk works with construction industry leaders to improve employee engagement and business growth. Register to receive his Leadership Tip of the Week at www.LeadersEdge360.com, or contact him directly to learn how he can help you and your team: randy@LeadersEdge360.com.

MCS August 2021

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