Modern Contractor Solutions December 2020 : simplebooklet.com

STATE OF THE INDUSTRYExpert Commentary ................................................... 16PROJECT PROFILESSweet Success .......................................................... 20Paving Perfection ....................................................... 22EQUIPMENT SOLUTIONSHilti Delivers .............................................................. 24Master Builder ........................................................... 26ENVIRONMENTAL SOLUTIONSoil Connect .............................................................. 32MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONSJob Hunting ............................................................... 34Decision Making: Part 1 of 3 ..................................... 36Contact Tracing ......................................................... 38SOFTWARE SOLUTIONGame Day Analysis .................................................... 40LEGAL SOLUTIONChange Orders .......................................................... 42TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONSMoving Money .......................................................... 46Digital Awareness ..................................................... 48Security Integration ................................................... 50SAFETY SOLUTIONSafety Gear ............................................................... 52MAINTENANCE SOLUTIONWater Damage .......................................................... 54FEATURED PRODUCTDiablo Drill Bits ......................................................... 60Donna CampbellEditor in ChiefREFLECTING ON 2020I rang in the new year with family in North Dakota. Returning to work in January 2020 was festive and brimming with hope for an awesome year. World of Concrete in Vegas was amazing and I began planning for ConExpo in March. Being an avid news junkie, I knew of the virus and it’s fast-spreading disruption. As the stay-at-home orders were issued in March, the wave of “new normal” hit businesses hard and social distancing and wearing masks dominated messaging. MCS stayed the course and found new ways to connect the with industry by hosting a virtual trade show, and continued efforts to focus on the changing landscape with digital reach and social media. Our print issues starting with March 2020 were stellar; if you need to refresh your knowledge base, you can click your way through past issues on the Digital Edition page on mcsmag.com. For a better understanding of 2020 and the pandemic’s impact on various companies in the construction industry, check out the State of the Industry on page 16. The construction industry ebbs and flows and the innovative means efforted by manufacturers and general contractors kept the spirit of building alive and thriving … the outlook for 2021 is positive.There are new things on the horizon for MCS. As a teaser … starting in January 2021, I welcome thought leader Randy Goruk to the editorial mix with a monthly column, Coach’s Corner. Stay tuned for more.From all of us at Highlands Publications and the crew of Modern Contractor Solutions, have a merry and bright end to 2020 … we’ll catch up with you in 2021 (hopefully in-person sooner rather than later). Stay well; be strong, my friends.Cheers,www.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.comCRISTELA TSCHUMY Graphic Designercristela@mcsmag.com SETH SAUNDERS Digital Media Specialist seth@mcsmag.comINGRID BERKY Office Manageringrid@mcsmag.comTIM GARMONCEORUSSELL HADDOCKPresidentCHRIS GARMONCFODONNA CAMPBELLVice President, EditorialTONYA BROWNINGVice PresidentSUBSCRIPTION inquiries or changes:205.380.2048No 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 2N1@mcsmagModern Contractor Solutions MagazineModern Contractor SolutionsHOW TO CREATE AN INCLUSIVE CULTURE FOR WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTIONGuest Post by Holly WellesON THE BLOGWHITE HOUSE CHRISTMAS TREEA Kenworth T680 adorned with a stunning exterior graphics design and in Colorado began preparations for the 2020 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree. Apex Transportation in Henderson, Colorado, used the Kenworth T680 to transport the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree from the tree-harvesting ceremony in the Uncompahgre National Forest to Washington, D.C. The T680 transported the tree on a nearly 2,000-mile journey, which included a series of outdoor community celebrations, primarily within the state of Colorado. The graphics package featured a decorated Christmas tree and the U.S. Capitol Building, 14,023-ft Wilson Peak in Colorado’s Uncompahgre National Forest, and “From Colorful Colorado to America’s Front Steps.”

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DECEMBER 2020 www.mcsmag.com10industry newsB2W SOFTWARE ENHANCES ESTIMATING SOFTWARE CHANGE ORDER MANAGEMENT CAPABILITIES B2W Software has enhanced change order management capabilities within its B2W Estimate application. New functionality now makes it easier and faster for estimators to add, modify, and track change orders directly within an original estimate.With the new B2W Estimate enhancements, construction estimators can create any number of new change orders associated with a base bid within the application. They can add items and activities from the B2W Estimate database, or copy, paste, and adjust information from the base bid. Change orders appear as independent links within the B2W bid menu structure. Change orders are visible from bid pricing and distribution strategy tabs, allowing estimators to make adjustments separate from the base bid for individual change orders. Users can also lock the portion of the bid containing the change order once it has been accepted to prevent further modifications. B2W Estimate provides centralized, up-to-date cost data and structures along with specialized functionality for heavy construction estimating and bidding. The intuitive, easy-to-use solution allows contractors to maximize accuracy and speed, focus more attention on strategy and win more bids at better margins. For more, visit www.b2wsoftware.com.MANDATORY OR NOT, VACCINES BEGIN IN THE USAs COVID vaccines begin being distributed around the world, employers across all industries in the U.S. are trying to figure out whether or not they can require their employees to get a vaccine once it becomes widely available.Elaine Turner is a shareholder/partner at the national law firm Hall Estill who has been practicing labor law for more than three decades in states all over the U.S. She says requiring mandatory vaccinations will come with some challenges, “The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has not yet spoken to whether employers may mandate that all employees take a COVID-19 vaccine when one becomes available. However, during the H1N1 public health crisis, the EEOC determined that, during an influenza pandemic, employers could not mandate that all employees take a flu vaccine regardless of employee medical conditions and religious observances. Courts have reviewed similar issues related to mandatory vaccine policies for the flu and for other diseases as well. Under federal law, courts have found that employees were not exempt from mandatory vaccine policies when their medical condition did not rise to the level of a disability under the ADA or their anti-vaccine philosophy was not a sincerely held religious belief. Courts determining federal law claims have also not exempted employees from mandatory vaccine policies when to do so would impose an undue hardship Contractor’s #1 Choice for Flat FloorsA great power screed using straight ﬂat screed bars. The❝Black Beauty❞GET FLAT FLOORS!Screed bars are available in lengths up to 20 feet.▼ Equilateral screed bars stay straight through years of use.▼ Now available with “T” handle (shown) or “Bicycle” handle.▼LOCATE A DEALER AT advancedconcretescreeds.com OR CALL US AT 800-648-0542.

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DECEMBER 2020 www.mcsmag.com12industry newson employers such as healthcare providers whose patients would be placed at risk if exposed to employees with a contagious disease,” Turner says. “While we wait for the EEOC and other government entities to speak to the issue, employers should begin evaluating whether their business is legitimately in need of a mandatory COVID-19 vaccine policy or should merely encourage employees to take the vaccine. Under federal law, employers must have a reasonable belief that a mandatory vaccine policy is required because an employee’s ability to perform essential job functions will be impaired by COVID-19 or an employee will pose a direct threat due to COVID-19. This is likely an easy determination for healthcare providers, but not so easy for other kinds of employers who are outside the healthcare industry. Employers should also closely examine applicable state law requirements. Many states have laws relating to vaccine requirements. In the context of other vaccines, a small number of states have allowed individuals, such as school age children, to be exempt from mandatory vaccines based solely on their parents’ personal beliefs or the belief of the child,” Turner says. SERVICETITAN RANKS ON DELOITTE’S 2020 TECHNOLOGY FAST 500™ServiceTitan announces it ranked 154 on Deloitte’s Technology Fast 500™, a ranking of the 500 fastest-growing technology, media, telecommunications, life sciences, and energy tech companies in North America. ServiceTitan grew 773 percent during the 2020 ranking’s qualifying 3-year period, 2016 to 2019.ServiceTitan’s co-founder and chief executive officer, Ara Mahdessian, credits key new partnerships, including with Carrier, Service Finance, and Cloplay, and the introduction of powerful upgrades to its Marketing Pro software for the company’s revenue growth. “Our new partnerships, acquisitions, and integrations in 2020 were a big part of our success in a challenging economic climate,” Mahdessian says. “We also continued to develop the service and product that we offer, strengthening ServiceTitan’s position as the leading software for the home and commercial service industries. We’ve worked hard to build a culture that values innovation and passion, and we’re excited about finding even more ways to make life and work better for our customers.” For more, visit servicetitan.com.ADEACA INTRODUCES PROJECT BREAKDOWN STRUCTURE (PBS) TO TRANSFORM THE WAY LARGE PROJECTS ARE MANAGED AND EXECUTED Adeaca, a company dedicated to the innovative advancement of project business, announces the availability of its Project Breakdown Structure. As part of Adeaca’s Project Business OSHA 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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DECEMBER 2020 www.mcsmag.com14industry newsAutomation (PBA) platform, the Project Breakdown Structure is an innovative, revolutionary way of taking big, complex projects and making them significantly easier to manage.For the first time ever, project-based companies can take large complex projects and break it down into more manageable, controllable embedded projects, while maintaining a single hierarchical structure. This enables the parallel and detailed management of project segments by different departments and individuals, while creating transparency and accountability across the entire project for greater control. “For the past few decades, we haven’t seen any significant innovations that have transformed the way projects are managed and executed,” says Daniel Bévort, president and CEO of Adeaca. “That’s why we continue to see companies struggling with on time delivery and cost management. We created the Project Breakdown Structure as part of PBA to change that, and see it as the future of running large, complex projects.” Adeaca PBA’s Project Breakdown Structure enables companies to efficiently manage the finances and operations of their big projects to maximize performance. As a result, visibility and insight is better, costs are lower, and projects get delivered as promised. For more, visit www.adeaca.com/project-breakdown-structure.DOKA NOW STANDS FOR FORMWORK AND SCAFFOLDINGDoka’s shareholding in the American scaffolding manufacturer AT-PAC creates a strong global unit that combines international sales strength with decade-long know-how in scaffolding. In the future, Doka will act as a full supplier of formwork solutions AND scaffolding - in the sales, as well as in the rental segment.“With this strategic partnership, we offer much more than just scaffolding. We are now offering—as we have been doing in the formwork sector for decades—well thought-out scaffolding solutions and services to our customers,” says Doka CEO Harald Ziebula.Jeff Davis, CEO of AT-PAC on the shareholding: “With Doka, we have a strong partner in the construction industry. This strategic partnership means that Doka’s customers can benefit above all from the fact that they get everything from a single source”.In addition to high-quality designs and global availability of Ringlock, customers will especially benefit from a comprehensive digital construction management service. This ensures transparency, optimum coordination of all resources and greater economic efficiency. Doka’s international network also enables responding to individual customer requirements and local specifics. For more about Ringlock, visit www.at-pac.com.

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The impacts of COVID-19 caused many of us to revamp our standard practices and adjust to new ways of communicating. For Aquajet, travel restrictions made it harder to offer hands-on training or technical services during the height of the pandemic. But our team found innovative ways to continue providing top-tier customer support. If we were able to get there, we did—even if it meant weeks of quarantine. We also found ways to provide remote assistance if there was no way to get there in person. The resilience we acquired facing these challenges will make us stronger in 2021.Looking ahead, infrastructure spending is on everyone’s minds, and there’s a very good chance we will see significant transportation legislation early in 2021. This will definitely move the needle in a positive direction for the American economy—and the Hydrodemolition industry in particular as contractors explore new ways to utilize their equipment for road and bridge repair applications. Construction is essential and most contractors are remaining busy while homeowners seem to be taking the time to do upgrades or other do-it-yourself projects with rented equipment that they may not have used otherwise. We’ve seen strong demand in that and other markets both in terms of contractors and homeowners. The significant industry demand, combined with the immense success of our new MAX-Series line of compact track loaders, has led to ASV increasing our production capacity by 30% in Q1 of 2021. This will create 28 new jobs in our Grand Rapids, Minnesota facility, made up of assemblers, welders, warehouse clerks, production staff, and more. The increased capacity will be a massive leap forward for our business and will strengthen ASV machine availability in the compact equipment industry. Overall, the industry outlook remains positive and in 2021 we continue to be optimistic in the growth we have planned. COVID-19 and the subsequent response by governments and companies around the world led to a slowdown in some markets, while others were able to power through. This uncertainty, paired with an election year in the U.S., led to a slower than normal spring and summer for many manufacturers since contractors were hesitant to make investments without a good idea of how the year would go. Thankfully, we’re seeing things turning around—including equipment orders—as customers regain confidence. This is partially based on optimism that an infrastructure bill will be top priority when Congress reconvenes in 2021 … increased spending for roads, bridges, airports, etc. would mean a big step forward on the road to recovery. However, social distancing and other safety measures will remain in place for some time. This “new normal” paired with an already dwindling workforce is why many forward-thinking contractors are turning to robotic solutions, such as Brokk. We gained big wins in 2020, which helped to balance out the downswing faced by the industry. Most notably, we hired an experienced outside salesman in the Midwest—Tim Smith—who has been a great source of support and knowledge for our customers. In 2021, we are looking to further expand our sales team and continue growing our dealer network in regions like the Southwest. We are confident that the market will come back strong and look at these expansions as a way to provide support for customers nationwide.The largest adjustment in our operations has been the way we communicate with customers. Traveling to jobsites for hands-on training has always been important to us. In light of the current climate, we’ve had to adapt, incorporating virtual communication methods and building our video library of applications to continue supporting our customers even when we couldn’t be there in person.DECEMBER 2020 www.mcsmag.com16state of the industryKeith Armishaw, Business Development Manager – North AmericaTate Johnson, Commercial DirectorMike Martin, Vice President of OperationsSeth Ulmer, Sales Managerwww.aquajet.se www.brokk.comwww.asvi.com www.curbroller.com

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www.mcsmag.com DECEMBER 202017This year taught us how to be extremely nimble in managing our business. The unexpected starts and stops taxed our supply chain, manufacturing, assembly, distribution, and more. We learned how to be smarter, more flexible and better at managing those aspects. Because of a slowdown in production, we were able to take a step back and assess a few details of our operation. We took a hard look at improving our assembly times, plant layout, and overall efficiencies. These improvements will help us going into 2021 as we ramp up production again. We also found new ways to stay connected to customers and develop new relationships. Our teams spent many hours conducting Zoom meetings, training sessions, and connecting with one another.We anticipate that 2021 is going to come back positively and dramatically. We are optimistic about rental centers going through replacement cycles and contractors eager to fill their fleet in anticipation for more jobs coming their way. 2020 showed the can-do spirit and adaptability of the construction industry and will go down as the year that the digital transformation of construction went mainstream. Construction was almost universally designated as “essential.” The industry responded in part by embracing cloud technology, digitalization, and remote work more deeply than ever before, keeping projects moving despite unprecedented challenges. The necessary shift to remote work served as a jolt to the status quo, leading many organizations to accelerate their move to the cloud and benefits like more efficient collaboration, better visibility, and lower IT costs. This year contractors had to find innovative ways to do more with less, delivering their essential work while dealing with new restrictions to keep workers safe. The outlook has turned decidedly optimistic. Construction spending and future forecasts are mostly back to pre-pandemic levels. With new efficiencies resulting from accelerated technology adoption, the industry has positioned itself for significant productivity gains in the years to come.Business and operations in 2020 at Jeffrey Machine remained steady and successful. “Looking back, the word of the year for 2020 for my company was flexibility. We had to practice it in every way from offering it to our employees who had ever-changing schedules with their children’s school, to changing travel schedules for sales reps, and learning what a new normal at work and in the industry looked like, masks and all,” says Jeffrey Sager. “This year also gave us perspective and time to develop and challenge employees.”Gabby Sager notes, “One of the biggest challenges this year was our sales force not being able to be out meeting new customers and visiting existing ones, along with not having in-person trade shows. We were fortunate to finish out ConExpo in early spring. We are looking forward to 2021 and expect more growth, education, and fulfilling the demand for drilling tools, along with getting back to attending shows and other in-person opportunities.”While 2020 was full of ups and downs, our sales and production rates remain steady. We adapted our sales plan for 2020 and are pleased to say we exceeded our revised forecast and are ending 2020 ahead of last year. To keep a focus on the safety of our employees and their families, we adjusted work schedules implementing alternating between two groups of the team on consecutive weeks. This helped to reduce contact between all of our staff and reduce the potential for exposure. Since the case numbers in our area have not spiked, we are now operating back at full staff with normal speeds and conditions.We will continue to support our customers as we head into 2021, working with them on payment schedules, quick delivery rates, and continuous customer support. It’s hard to estimate what the future of the industry will hold, but we look forward to helping our customers succeed. Terry Dolan, President & CEOBrad Barth, Chief Product OfficerJeffrey Sager, OwnerGabby Sager, Marketing ManagerMike Hale, Sales & Marketing Managerwww.hybridlifts.com www.jeffreymachine.comwww.ineight.com www.littlebeaver.com

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DECEMBER 2020 www.mcsmag.com18state of the industryThe pandemic created a number of challenges for contractors and equipment manufacturers around the world, including Mecalac. But, as Q4 draws to a close, we feel our North American debut has been a resounding success. Not that we are content to rest on our laurels. We expect 2021 will remain unpredictable and turbulent. In 2020, we witnessed many of our industry peers restructuring/downsizing as a result of decreases in demand, and there is little reason to believe that the situation in 2021 will suddenly stabilize—on the contrary, there is evidence to suggest that available capital for infrastructure spending will decrease further. However, we believe Mecalac’s innovative product lines are ideally suited to help the North American market bounce back by streamlining jobsites and injecting game-changing productivity. Given our market positioning, our relatively recent launch in North America, and our still nascent geographic coverage, we are optimistic that despite the headwinds, Mecalac will continue to grow briskly. For many of the industries Philippi-Hagenbuch serves, 2020 has been a difficult year. We saw a significant slowdown in the second quarter, putting stress on companies throughout the construction, aggregate and mining industries, but we are confident these industries will rise to the occasion. Our optimism is somewhat tempered as we wait for the dust to settle on the U.S. elections. We anticipate a significant transportation bill to be on the congressional agenda early in the year. The need for a solid infrastructure bill has been clear for some time, but with the added stress of the pandemic, approving spending early in 2021 would be a great way to increase jobs and jump-start the economy. We expect the benefits of infrastructure spending to quickly trickle down through the markets. Overall, we are hopeful production and spending will rebound to 2019 levels or higher. In 2020, the federal government passed the CARES Act and introduced the Payroll Protection Program (PPP). Since inception, PPP rules have been changing. While PPP loan proceeds may be forgiven and not includible in federal income, the IRS has confirmed that expenses paid with PPP proceeds are not deductible in 2020. Be aware of the state rules, too. Loan forgiveness applications are due within 10 months of receiving the loan. PPP loans less than $50,000 allow for a simpler loan forgiveness application and automatic forgiveness. For PPP loans between $50,000 - $150,000, talks of approving a 1-page simplified forgiveness application, similar to loans under $50,000, is still pending. Borrowers need to certify the proceeds were used for eligible purposes. Loans over $150,000 will endure the full forgiveness application process. PPP loans over $2,000,000 are subject to audit and require information supporting the financial needs of the borrower. Please note that information will be due to the lender within 10 business days of request. 2020 has been a uniquely challenging year. At Talbert Manufacturing, we had to adapt and evolve our processes and staffing on an almost daily basis, ensuring the health and safety of our employees while maintaining the high standards of quality and service for our customers.We are not alone in this. It has been a humbling experience to watch businesses and individuals come together and persevere through slowdowns and shutdowns around the world. A lot of the credit goes to Talbert’s network of reliable dealers and their customers for helping us stay on track despite the numerous speed bumps 2020 put in our path. What lies around the bend in 2021 is still unknown. On the road to recovery, a lot rides on companies’ ability to move goods from point A to point B. We’ve already proven that, as an industry, we can keep the wheels turning—and we will continue to do so. Peter Bigwood, General ManagerJosh Swank, Vice President of Sales & MarketingTroy Geisler, Vice President of Sales and Marketing www.mecalac.com www.stambaughness.comwww.philsystems.com www.talbertmfg.comKaren J. Poist, CPA, SALT DirectorKimberley D. Tarnakow, CPA, Senior Manager

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DECEMBER 2020 www.mcsmag.com20Sweet SuccessSweet Successpartitions add classic touchMICHAEL ANGELO WINERYInspired by two decades of undisputed confectionary bliss, the family/owners of Michael Angelo Bakery in Richfield, Ohio, decided to launch another palate-tempting enterprise to complement their successful local treasure. Co-owner and vintner, Lucia Ciocca, recalls, “We spent 3 years sampling differing wine blends in our cellars until we got it right.” The Michael Angelo Winery became a reality when the family opened its doors to an enthusiastic crowd in 2018. Designed to offer local Richfield customers a comfortable, café setting, guests can sip on a delicious glass of chardonnay, Riesling, bianco, or pinot grigio while being tempted by an alluring assortment of baked goods, including homemade breads, cheesecake, cookies, pastries, pizza, tortes, cannoli, and specialty cupcakes. RUSTIC EXTERIORLocated a few miles from the bakery, the Michael Angelo Winery was built from the ground up on several acres of farmland located in the outskirts of Richfield. The rustic exterior look was designed to emulate a typical California barn with weathered doors, brown stone, and dark fiber cement siding. When guests step inside, Ciocca explains, “Customers are immediately immersed in a bright, chic atmosphere highlighted by a white wine bar, white countertops, a jewelry case proudly displaying our premium baked goods, architectural lighting, a vaulted ceiling, and a lot of ambient light. Visitors then have the choice to comfortably lounge in couches by the fireplace or sit in the courtyard and enjoy the view of a beautiful vineyard along with a sparkling glass of wine and great-tasting pastry.”BEAUTY IN THE DETAILSGiven the fresh and trendy experience they strove to create throughout the winery/cafe, Ciocca and her family didn’t want to ruin the vibe with institutional-looking washrooms. “A totally family-owned business, myself, my husband, his two brothers and their wives are all extremely hands on and meticulous about nearly every detail that goes into our winery and bakery.”With the help of John Shiffler, owner and founder of Shiffler Equipment Sales, Ciocca selected Scranton Products’ Aria project profile

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www.mcsmag.com DECEMBER 202021Partitions as the perfect complement to the winery décor. “Scranton Products just nailed it,” offers Ciocca. “They had the best quality and blended so naturally with the open, modern look we wanted to achieve.”“The last thing we wanted to do was tarnish the ambiance with the typical gym, locker room, or mall bathroom,” says Ciocca. “We wanted something that would pair with everything else we put in place and provide customers with the same stylish look and feel no matter where they were in the winery.” Ciocca had specific guidelines from the outset. “We definitely didn’t want partitions that constantly needed touching up or even showed fingerprints. Metal was a no-go right from the start. We just didn’t want the shiny finish or to deal with all the dings and clanging noise.” Aria’s sleek design, privacy hinges, and quiet open/close doors met all those specifications and more.BLACK MATTE FINISHCiocca was particularly pleased with the Aria’s black matte finish on the full-length partitions which “meshed nicely” with each bathroom’s cement trough sinks, black hardware, and black and gray patterned tiles.Made of durable HDPE, Aria’s removes each stall’s sightlines through the use of continuous edge-mounted hinges. Other benefits include superior durability, a graffiti-free/scratch-resistant design, and easy cleaning and maintenance. The partitions come in a broad array of Aria designs—17 innovative doors, seven panels, and 27 rich colors and textures to accommodate nearly any style or décor. Shiffler notes, “No one can match their durability or the elegance and privacy now offered through the Aria product line. Scranton Products partitions are the best in the marketplace.” He speaks from experience having worked with the company for more than 30 years to specify lockers and partitions for everything from schools to recreational centers. CLOSING THOUGHTCiocca concludes, “The quality and sophistication just stood out. They were perfect for what we’re trying to do. We loved everything about the Aria Partitions right from the start and haven’t been disappointed with the choice since the day they were installed.” The entrepreneur has no doubts that the rest room partitions will withstand the test of time just as the fine vintages of the Michael Angelo Winery are sure to do. for more informationWith more than 30 years of experience, Scranton Products is the industry leader in plastic bathroom partitions and lockers. Endless design options and an array of designer colors and textures provide confidence and elegant style in every project, creating a lasting impression. Proudly made in the USA and constructed from premium-grade solid plastic. For more, visit www.scrantonproducts.com or call 800.445.5148.

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DECEMBER 2020 www.mcsmag.com22project profilePaving PerfectionPaving Perfectionideal for mountainous paving projectsBOMAG TRACKED PAVEREstablished in 1972, Hat Creek Construction & Materials, Inc. has worked hard to become one of the leading heavy civil contractors in the North State. The scope of the company’s work has them working alongside the California Department of Transportation, state and county municipalities, as well as public and private organizations. Hat Creek also performs federal highway work across the western United States. They primarily work in Northern California and, more specifically, Shasta, Siskiyou, Modoc, Lassen, and Plumas Counties. MOUNTAINOUS TERRAINHat Creek Construction & Materials, Inc. recently took delivery of a brand new BOMAG Americas CR 1030 T paving machine from Herrmann Equipment, Inc. They were in the market for their first tracked paver to assist in their numerous mountainous paving projects. Weston Hutchings, vice president, Hat Creek Construction & Materials, Inc., has this to say about the recent purchase of their new BOMAG Americas CR 1030 T paving machine from Herrmann Equipment, Inc. “Our paving team has been requesting a track paver due to its ability to climb grades and handle curves on the two-lane highway projects. The BOMAG Americas CR 1030 T meets and exceeds Caltrans’ new ride specs, which makes for smoother transitions. This is especially important

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www.mcsmag.com DECEMBER 202023for more informationBOMAG Americas Inc., headquartered in Ridgeway South Carolina, and owned by the FAYAT Group, is known as the worldwide road building experts for soil and asphalt construction applications. BOMAG Americas offers a full product portfolio in road, soil, and asphalt construction and are known as the experts in design, research, and development in advanced engineered equipment and technology, servicing the world by industry experts. BOMAG Americas manufactures and services a broad range of product segments throughout North America along with their Dealer Partner network consisting of Cedarapids asphalt pavers, material transfer equipment, reclaimer/stabilizers, cold planner/milling machines, single drum and tandem vibratory rollers, pneumatic tire rollers, landfill refuse compactors and a full range of light compaction equipment. For more, visit www.bomag.com.on the terrain connecting driveways on our rural mountain roads,” says Hutchings. “The visibility and state-of-the-art electronics on our new BOMAG Americas paver make this machine our operator’s favorite.” THE DECISION FACTORHutchings adds, “When it came down to making a buying decision, Matthew Herrmann’s expertise and amazing individual support tipped the scale. We value our relationship with Matthew Herrmann and the Herrmann Equipment team. Recently, we had some questions and needed guidance on our new machine. I called Matthew the night before a big project, and he dropped everything and traveled to our jobsite to help us out,” continues Hutchings. “We appreciate the fact that Herrmann Equipment is local and can service our needs fast and efficiently. Their customer service is simply impeccable.”DEALER DELIVERSHerrmann Equipment stands by its business philosophy. It started as a niche business distributor company and continues today to be a distributor of specialty equipment for a single industry. The philosophy, then and now, is having exceptional equipment and providing exceptional after-sale support of both service and parts. Matt Nelson, director of sales for the Western Region, adds, “Herrmann Equipment not only is a locally owned and operated business, but brings decades of experience and knowledge in the paving industry and surpasses customer service year after year. BOMAG Americas is proud to have Herrmann Equipment as a flagship within our Dealer Partner Network.”Austin Miller, manager of paving business development, was excited about the opportunity for the BOMAG Americas CR 1030 T paver to show its power under extreme mountainous terrain while maintaining industry leading mat quality. “It just proves that taking the time to design and develop the right machine for the customer is the key to product performance. And, Herrmann Equipment makes our BOMAG brand stand above with excellent service and dedicated technical staff,” says Miller. “Herrmann Equipment and BOMAG Americas partner alongside our customers like Hat Creek Construction & Materials transforming the California infrastructure for the future.”CLOSING THOUGHTPairing the right equipment with the specs of a project is the perfect combination to save money, time, and effort to do the job right, meeting and exceeding expectations of quality.

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DECEMBER 2020 www.mcsmag.com24equipment solutionHilti DeliversHilti DeliversSDS-MAX COMBINATION HAMMER DRILLThe safety and productivity of tradesman on jobsites is crucial to a construction business—and choosing the right business partners can significantly impact both. The partner of choice for the Bartley Corporation’s power tools has long been Hilti. The company sights Hilti’s continuous innovation in safety, productivity as well as new and enhanced features and services, as playing a big part in that decision. For Bartley, a commercial concrete construction company serving the Maryland and Washington, D.C. metropolitan areas, business is consistent and expanding. So, when the time came to outfit new crews with tools, project manager Chris Bartley jumped on the opportunity to introduce his teams to Hilti’s newest combination hammer drill, the TE 70-ATC/AVR. “In our industry, there are so many products to choose from,” he says. “When you’re dealing with heavy-duty concrete drilling and demolition, we must consider how physically demanding the applications are on the tool and our employees. What we’ve learned is that Hilti products are safer, more powerful, and last longer. That’s why we’ve been a customer for more than 10 years.” MAXIMUM PERFORMANCE & PRODUCTIVITY Hilti, a leading manufacturer and provider of construction tools, technology, and services recently expanded its rotary and combination hammer tool portfolio with the next generation TE 70-ATC/AVR. Construction professionals are looking for solutions that will deliver power, performance, and productivity. Hilti says the new and improved tool will do just that, helping commercial contractors break and drill up to 40 percent faster in reinforced concrete and demolish more concrete than the competitors in its class. Bartley agrees, which is why the tool is currently being used on nearly 30 of its jobsites in the Mid-Atlantic area including government and commercial office buildings. “We’re really impressed with overall power and performance,” says Bartley. “This is our tool of choice for the most challenging applications we encounter whether it’s drilling, installing anchors, or breaking concrete. We also do a ton of underpinning work, which entails strengthening the foundation of an existing structure—it gets the job done.” The SDS-Max combination hammer drill comes with a detachable power cord that fits eight other Hilti tools. The detachable power cord feature makes for quick cord changes and reduces repair downtime caused by cut or frayed cords. “Usually, it’s just a matter of time before something happens and you have to replace a cord,” says Bartley. “With the TE 70-ATC/AVR, it’s a different experience. Instead of workers’ tools being down for days because they have to replace a cord, they have a backup cord with them, put it on and keep going.” cover storynew tool more powerful than ever before

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www.mcsmag.com DECEMBER 202025EXCLUSIVE SAFETY TECHNOLOGY Understanding the importance of worker safety on a construction jobsite, Hilti equipped the SDS-Max combination hammer drill with its exclusive Active Torque Control (ATC) technology, which stops the tool body from spinning uncontrollably if the drill bit jams. It also features Hilti’s Active Vibration Reduction (AVR), a technology that makes it less tiring to use. “We’ve used previous models of the TE 70 but, I think the most noticeable change in this new tool is the safety technology ATC and AVR,” says Bartley. “Obviously, we’re concerned about our workers because when you’re drilling into concrete with rebar, that can be hard on the body. This tool addresses those concerns and keeps us safer and more productive throughout the day.” FULL SERVICE & SUPPORT What attracted Bartley to the SDS-Max combination hammer drill was Hilti’s services, including Tool Fleet Management. “I have several conversations a week with my account manager and the timing just so happen to work out perfectly,” says Bartley. “Hilti had a new power tool release and I needed to supply my new crews with a fleet of tools. It was seamless to adopt and implement the tool. With Hilti Fleet and service support, we can focus on other work crucial to the business.” Bartley has been around for 50 years, with its mission being to provide quality service, customer satisfaction, and innovation—a commitment they believe directly aligns with Hilti. “This is a partnership. Hilti isn’t just selling us tools,” Bartley says. The TE 70-ATC/AVR is backed by the industry’s best tool services, available on Hilti’s Tool Fleet Management program or with Hilti’s warranty promise—20 years of repair or replacement of defective parts; 2 years no cost repair including wear and tear; and a guaranteed one-day turn-around on repairs. CLOSING THOUGHT In an ongoing chase for continuous improvement in productivity and safety that contractors face, professional-grade power tools can make a significant difference on the jobsite. Hilti’s product development teams continue to answer the call for innovation and the new TE 70-ATC/AVR is a welcome game changer. The SDS-Max combination hammer drill is fully available now throughout the U.S. and Canada. for more informationFor information on the industry’s first most powerful SDS-max combination hammer drill, visit hilti.com. TECHNICAL DATA • Weight in accordance with EPTA Procedure: 22 lbs• Single impact energy calculated: 10.7 ft-lbf• Full hammering frequency: 2830 impacts/minute• Triaxial vibration value for hammer drilling into concrete: 8.3 m/s²• Optimum Hammer drilling range: 25/32 – 2-5/32 in• Functionality: Active Torque Control (ATC), Active Vibration Reduction (AVR), Detachable Power Cord, Chiseling, Power Reduction

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DECEMBER 2020 www.mcsmag.com26equipment solutionMaster BuilderMaster BuilderKinsley Construction uses modern products to enhance aestheticsREFLECTING BRAND EQUITYFounded in 1963, Kinsley Construction’s mission is modeled after the Ancient Greek tradition of the master builder, who was singularly responsible for the design and construction of the built environment. According to its founders, “At Kinsley, we see ourselves as the modern-day master builder. When we are engaged in a project, we take full ownership of that project from beginning to end.” TIED TO EXCELLENCESuch commitment to integrity and excellence has enabled a small concrete subcontractor to grow into one of the region’s largest general contracting firms with locations in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia. All of the firm’s facilities are designed to reflect brand equity including the total renovation of a York, Pennsylvania, 27,433-square-foot vacant office space, which recently became Kinsley’s new corporate office. “As a significant partner of the city, Kinsley wanted a greater presence in York’s downtown,” notes Erin Himmelberger, an architectural practice lead at Warehaus, a Kinsley sister company. “We were hired to rehabilitate the entire building down to the steel and concrete, while embedding the firm’s signature brand throughout the building.” She notes that as a family-owned construction company that believes in quality workmanship, every product that goes into Kinsley’s building had to be exceptional and high-performance. NEXT CENTURY SPACEKinsley’s corporate management team wanted the master builder integrity reflected throughout the new facility from entryways to conference rooms to restroom facilities—which were specifically designed not to look like every other bathroom. To complement Warhaus’s “new, modern, next century, open space,” motif, Dave Hostetter, owner of Hostetter Supply in Seven Valley, Pennsylvania, immediately recommended Scranton Products. “They were definitely not looking for something “cookie-cutter” that you would see in the mall,” recalls Hostetter. “They wanted to bring the warm palette of the office space into the restroom. Scranton Products partitions not only checked the boxes on all of their design criteria, but also offered superior durability. Over the past few years, the restroom market has really shifted from metal, given that HDPE partitions don’t rust or dent and are so easy to clean.”He adds, “This was a no-brainer once everyone at Kinsley and Warehaus realized the quality, easy cleaning, and long-lasting durability of the company’s Aria and Hiny Hider partitions.” The Warehaus designers extended Kinsley’s corporate colors of black, red, charcoal gray, and light gray throughout the facility including the bathroom and locker room spaces. In total, four men’s and women’s restrooms containing 12 stalls were designed with Scranton Products’ mahogany-colored and orange peel textured Aria partitions while the facility’s in-house gym used the company’s Hiny Hider partitions within its dressing compartments, shower, and commode stalls. DURABLE PRODUCTSMade of durable HDPE for commercial and institutional environments, Aria Partitions were developed by Scranton Products to add an enhanced level of comfort and privacy as well as elegance, warmth, and charm to virtually any enclosed or private room. This includes removing sightlines with a continuous edge-mounted hinge

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www.mcsmag.com DECEMBER 202027and greatly improving aesthetics with a design that doesn’t use face-mounted hardware like traditional partition systems. Available with 17 innovative door designs, seven panel designs, and 28 rich colors and textures, Aria has also become recognized for its ability to distinctly elevate standard restroom interiors with captivating, beautiful designs and simple sophistication. In addition, if cleaned and maintained properly, HDPE partitions reduce costs in the long run. Mild stains and general soiling are often removed with a mild cleaner and water. Since plastic is a solid composite, it also maintains a property of impermeability that does not allow them to retain and/or absorb water. Because of this characteristic, the partitions resist water damage and are rust-proof. This makes the stalls ideal for power-washing and hose-down cleaning. CLOSING THOUGHTThe Kinsley project included everything from the selection of paint to the flooring and building materials, most of which were designed and built within Kinsley’s own fabrication facility. The effort resulted in an ultra-modern showpiece conveying a warm, textured appeal with an open floor plan, stand-up desks, soft seating, and window treatments that bathe every room in natural sunlight.“We loved the flexibility and design options provided by the Scranton Products partitions,” explains Himmelberger. “We couldn’t be happier with the results. The enhanced privacy and warm, textured feel of the Aria partitions fit perfectly with our design. And, our maintenance loves how easy they are to clean and maintain.”She adds, “Kinsley was so impressed with Scranton Products’ Aria partitions, we’ve been instructed to specify them for all of the company’s future expansions and renovations.” for more informationWith more than 30 years of experience, Scranton Products is the industry leader in plastic bathroom partitions and lockers. Endless design options and an array of designer colors and textures provide confidence and elegant style in every project, creating a lasting impression. Proudly made in the USA and constructed from premium-grade solid plastic. For more, visit www.scrantonproducts.com or call 800.445.5148.

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DECEMBER 2020 www.mcsmag.com32environmental solutionSoil ConnectSoil Connectsolving age-old problems with new technologyENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY Soil Connect is solving an age-old problem … streamlining the resourcing of the dirt you need to move and the way you transport it. We make it quicker, cheaper, and faster. We connect those that have it with those that need it—people and businesses with soil and aggregate with the people and businesses who need them. MATCHMAKERSimilar to a dating app, Craigslist or Airbnb, Soil Connect matches builders, contractors, landscapers, and other industry professionals so they can arrange the transport and management of soil. Traditionally, the construction community has had to rely on word of mouth and its established networks to broker these exchanges of dirt.Founded by a third-generation builder, Soil Connect has firsthand experience of the old school method for locating dirt and materials … calling people in your network after dinner looking for a certain kind of soil. Not much about sourcing and transporting soil and aggregates has changed since then, except for the use of cellphones instead of landlines.BENEFITS OF CONNECTINGSoil Connect recognizes the trucking of dirt is costly. By helping users find dirt closer to their jobsite, Soil Connect is able to help them save money. Additionally, by decreasing the distance between the dirt/material they’re moving, users are saving money on transportation costs, as well as reducing their CO2 emissions. The first product launched, the Soil Connect Marketplace, started with soil, then expanded into aggregates like rocks and stones, and then into recyclables, compost, and mulch. Now, with thousands of customers and more than 20+ types of materials, it is the nation’s leading dirt marketplace. The Marketplace features include a text-alert function called a Dirt Alert. Another feature vets the users and materials, as regions vary in terms of regulations and certification of material. If customers need a geotechnical report, they click a box. If they need a soil analysis, they simply click another box. OVERCOMING CHALLENGEAs we continue to address challenges throughout the supply chain of dirt movement, Soil Connect has launched eTickets, which is the digitization of both the manifests for the truckers hauling material and the entire ticketing process. Keeping track of paper tickets is a tiresome and often times impossible to read process causing customer everything from simple frustration all the way to not getting paid for their work. eTickets enables our customers to create tickets digitally, providing visibility throughout the entire pick-up and drop-off process. Drivers are able to take pictures and obtain eSignatures at both pick-up and delivery locations, eliminating disputes. eTickets also provides you with the ability to easily share the completed ticket with the company you’re doing the work for on an individual basis, or by downloading the file and emailing it to them. CLOSING THOUGHTAdditional features that are coming soon to eTickets include Contactless pick-up and deliveries, invoice integration with your A/P system (i.e., Quickbooks) and regulatory paperwork and tracking. Soil Connect will continue to solve old problems with new technology. for more informationSoil Connect is the first and only institutionally backed digital platform focused on the multi-billion-dollar soil and aggregates industry. The Marketplace was created to solve the high costs and inefficiencies associated with the transport and management of soil, aggregates, and other materials. Founded by third-generation builder and developer Cliff Fetner, the Marketplace connects those who have soil and aggregates with those who need it. The Marketplace offers a seamless and streamlined solution for excavators, contractors, developers, landscapers, and other building professionals to network and transact with one another while saving time and money and positively impacting the environment. For more, visit www.soilconnect.com.

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DECEMBER 2020 www.mcsmag.com34management solutionJob HuntingJob Huntingtips to restore your hope despite the pandemicBEST PRACTICESThis can be an especially frustrating and worrisome time for job seekers. Massive unemployment resulting from the coronavirus pandemic reflects decline and uncertainty in many industries. With fewer companies hiring, some workers who were laid off or furloughed face a more competitive job search. But while it’s easy to get discouraged, employment numbers are creeping back, and retooling the job search method can help them stand out in the crowd and find desirable employers, says Jack Whatley, a recruiting strategist who specializes in creating employer-branding campaigns. “Many companies still are actively recruiting and looking for people with the right skill set and mindset to fit these changing times,” Whatley says. “People seeking employment not only to pay the bills but also to find work that is meaningful to them can leverage this time to be strategic and nimble. “While there are factors job seekers can’t control, they can choose to equip themselves with more information, skill, and overall preparation, and in the process conduct a successful job search.” Whatley offers five tips to help job seekers navigate their job search during the pandemic. GATHER INTELWhatley says the pandemic can reveal the essence of a company’s culture, which is a priority for many job candidates today. In the process of searching companies, pay attention to their social media sites and websites, reviews by former employees, and how they are handling things now, Whatley says. “How are they treating employees during this continuing emergency? How have they adapted? Are they working from home? Did they lay off people, and if so, how quickly? Is there a community-mindedness to the business?” EXPAND YOUR SKILL SETWith fewer positions or expanded roles in different positions, versatility is key. “This is an ideal time to take online courses to expand your professional toolkit,” Whatley says. “Acquiring new certifications will be helpful when applying for new roles. Use online learning modules for platforms such as Zoom and Skype, which help practice interview skills and remote work. Hiring managers want to know you have the capabilities to navigate the tools and platforms for remote work.” EXPAND YOUR NETWORKData shows that networking remains a frequent factor in getting hired. Whatley says this is the time to make new Many companies still are actively recruiting and looking for people with the right skill set and mindset to fit these changing times.

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www.mcsmag.com DECEMBER 202035connections and reestablish existing ones. “First, paint a complete, updated picture with your profile on the job search site,” Whatley says. “Does your headline create a strong brand, and does your profile highlight your accomplishments and capabilities? Include keywords that might appear in job descriptions. Post content on your social media sites to show you’re engaged in meaningful conversation. And, challenge yourself to reach out to new people by sending customized invitations.” BE FLEXIBLE IN CAREER PATHSThe kind of work one has been accustomed to may not be feasible given the current economic climate and the changes some industries are undergoing. “Research what industries are hiring, those in which you could apply your skills, and consider taking something that may not be on your Plan A list, but rather might be Plan B or C,” Whatley says. “Consider temporary opportunities. Search for opportunities in which you can leverage your transferable skills in a different capacity.” BE PREPARED FOR THE VIRTUAL INTERVIEWVirtual interviewing is the new normal. “Dress appropriately, as though you’re in the company’s office,” Whatley says. “Make your environment clean, appealing, and well-lit. Treat the video interview as though it were in-person. Be aware of making eye contact through the monitor, your tone, and your mannerisms.”CLOSING THOUGHT“Be proactive and persistent, but also be patient,” Whatley says. “Hiring processes may go slower for some companies, but there is a lot a job seeker can do to be ready when they call.” for more informationJack Whatley (www.humancodeofhiring.com) is a recruiting strategist who specializes in creating employer branding campaigns that position companies as the employer of choice in their market. He is the author of the upcoming book Human Code of Hiring: DNA of Recruitment Marketing. Whatley is known for creating successful recruiting and employer-branding campaigns and delivering highly qualified applicants. His Driver DNA Hiring System has made Whatley the No. 1 people ops recruiting strategist for truck driving recruitment in the world. Together with his partner, daughter and innovation wizard Anika Whatley, they have expanded into other industries and have been working to perfect the Human Code DNA Hiring System, which uses the latest technology to improve the quality of worker life and enhance recruiter productivity. Challenge yourself to make new connections with people in the industry where your dream job exists.

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DECEMBER 2020 www.mcsmag.com36management solutionDecisionDecision Making Makingusing a matrix to improve success rateBEST PRACTICESItruly believe our lives are the result of our decision making. We are either recipients of good outcomes for proper decisions or victims of bad decisions. The product of our lives has less to do with luck, chance, serendipity, destiny, Acts of God, and more to do with our choices. Why are some folks not as good at decision-making than others? Let’s face it—some people are better at making decisions than others. But why?DECISION FATIGUEApprehension, stress, and dread can dramatically alter our choices. Stress makes us susceptible to tunnel vision or looking at choices myopically, causing us to be less able to take in the information we need for good decision making. Apprehension and fear make us more risk-averse than we would be normally and can influence us to take the path of least resistance, even though that choice may be the least beneficial.Also, timing can alter the effectiveness of decision making. In a research paper published by the National Academy of Sciences, psychologists examined the factors that affect whether a judge approves a criminal for parole. The researchers examined 1,112 judicial rulings over a 10-month period. All of the rulings were made by a parole board judge, who was determining whether to allow the criminal to be released from prison on parole. One would think many factors (such as the type of crime, the reputation of the parole candidate, etc.) would influence the choice to parole or not parole. However, the study found the single biggest influence on their decisions was the time of day.What the researchers found was that at the beginning of the day, a judge was likely to give a favorable ruling about two thirds of the time. However, as the morning wore on and the judge became exhausted from making multiple decisions, the likelihood of a parole candidate getting a favorable ruling steadily dropped to zero. After a lunch break, however, the judge would return to the courtroom restored and relaxed, and the likelihood of a favorable ruling would immediately jump back up to two thirds. As the day passed, the percentage of favorable rulings would drop back to zero by the end of the day.This trend held true for more than 1,100 cases. It didn’t matter what the crime was—murder, rape, theft, embezzlement—a parole candidate was much more likely to get a favorable response if their parole hearing was scheduled in the morning (or immediately after lunch) than if it was scheduled near the end of a long session. Researchers often refer to this phenomenon as “decision fatigue.” When the judge on a parole board experiences decision fatigue, they deny more parole requests. If you take a moment and think about it, it makes sense. When we are tired and stressed, we are less likely to make well-informed decisions.NATURAL-BORN OPTIMISMWe also need to be aware of our natural-born optimism, for that can harmfully influence decision making, too. Decision making is selecting a choice of actions based on risks versus rewards. Ideally, we want to pick the choice that offers the most gains with the least risks. However, sometimes we may discount the risks with self-messages like, “I know there are some real risks with this, but I am confident I can work it out” or, “I realize this may not be perfect but I am sure our people will overcome these obstacles By Preston IngallsPART 1 OF 3

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www.mcsmag.com DECEMBER 202037to make this possible.” That over-confidence can springboard a choice that really is unfounded. A VICIOUS CYCLEMichael S. Vaughan, managing director and CEO of The Regis Co., states, “Poor decision making creates a vicious cycle that reinforces an already present anxiety about decision making.” In other words, if a person has made many poor choices before, a “self-fulfilling prophecy” of poor choices causes them to continue in that vein, as they expect to continue the pattern. Vaughan’s theory is that an enormous amount of time is wasted on undoing or justifying poor decisions, which again creates more apprehension about decision making. He says, “This cycle continues and further reinforces an individual’s fear of making important decisions.” And that means employees become less likely to step up, share innovative ideas, or solve problems.Another reason we make bad decisions is our beliefs and paradigms. Paradigms are defined as a typical example or pattern of something; a pattern or model. It is molded by our experiences and values. Paradigms that are in-synch with those beliefs and values are easily embraced. Those that are at odds with or in contrast to our beliefs and values are often rejected. Therefore, we may resist leaning toward certain decisions that are out of synch with those things we believe in and value. Listen to a discussion on politics or religion by people whose paradigms are different. An additional barrier to good decision making is irrational fear. An example would be the common fear of flying that many people have despite the fact that it is far safer than driving an automobile. This “upsizing” of the risk factor can cause people to make the wrong choices based on irrational fear. CLOSING THOUGHTYet another fallacy to decision making is the pressure to make a quick decision. Short-term pressures can negatively affect long-term choices by causing us to react without doing our due diligence or homework. Another time related issue is people often have a weakness for the immediate gratification from an enjoyable experience, even if it produces a substandard decision. Gratification over the long-term simply doesn’t produce the same instant, feel-good endorphin fix. for more informationPreston Ingalls is president and CEO of TBR Strategies, LLC, a Raleigh, North Carolina-based maintenance and reliability firm specializing in the construction and oil and gas industries. Preston can be reached at pingalls@tbr-strategies.com.Look for Part 2 of this article in the next Look for Part 2 of this article in the next issue of MCS as nine suggestions are issue of MCS as nine suggestions are detailed for making better decisions.detailed for making better decisions.

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DECEMBER 2020 www.mcsmag.com38management solutionContact TracingContact Tracingprivate, business-driven tracing is key to participationBEST PRACTICESContact tracing is critical for helping to stop the spread of COVID-19 on jobsites. Yet managing it is challenging. A lot of construction companies rely on paper-based check-ins and health screenings. Those records are then input into a spreadsheet. If someone at work is infected with the virus, the company has to comb through the records to see who was where and when. Inevitably, this process has a wide margin of error. Variables include illegible notes, human error, and lost files. Not to mention how much critical time is lost as legal and insurance risks rise.To avoid this, more companies are using contact tracing apps. However, there are concerns from employees about the apps having insight into additional data on their smartphones. From an employer perspective, managing health information creates new challenges with regard to HIPAA regulations. Additionally, faced with having to quickly and successfully manage employee and visitor safety, a health ordinance mandate, and potential liability, a business doesn’t have time to wait for a more secure contact tracing solution from the government or a large tech company. With private contact tracing, employee data is protected and the employer can produce a contact tracing report within minutes.BALANCING ACTBased on experience at several construction jobsites, private contact tracing is simple to set up. Workers and visitors can check into a jobsite using their own smartphone camera and pointing it at a dedicated QR-coded poster at the entrance. After the digital sign in, they take a private health screening. An alert on their phone lets them know if they’ve been approved or denied access to the site. If someone is denied due to a potential risk of having COVID-19 symptoms, the right people are alerted while still protecting the privacy of the employee’s health records. Employers can tailor the questions in the app based on local guidelines or their own requirements. For example, we use the Safe Site Check In (safesitecheckin.com) app. Now, the burden of managing employee health records is lifted because the app only provides check-in data and insight into who was approved or denied access. And unlike large tech companies, a private contact tracing app that’s managed by an employer can’t be used for persistent tracking of users’ location information. Yet it can assist public health authorities with broader tracing when required. In the event that an employee or visitor tests positive for COVID-19, the employer can quickly produce a contact tracing report an alert others that were in potential contact with the infected person. PARTICIPATION ACHIEVABLEContact tracing by governments, networks, and internet platforms has been met with mixed responses because of the public’s genuine privacy concerns. With a private, business contact tracing app, general contractors and employees are assured their personal health information is protected, and any other data on their smartphones can’t be accessed. For contact tracing to be effective, it needs to shift from an optional social contract to a private, business one. By Kyle Peacock

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www.mcsmag.com DECEMBER 202039Essentially, the employer only needs to know if everybody on the jobsite is symptom free. A private, business-led approach protects employers and employees.With even a small percentage of the workforce participating in contact tracing, it will make a difference. An additional benefit of digital check-ins is that it streamlines the employee and visitor sign in process. The time savings quickly adds up as hours can be saved every day. Also, for businesses that still use paper sign-ins for employees and visitors, shifting to digital sign-in offers greater visibility into jobsite activity. This includes tracking employees to hours and knowing how many people are at a location for safety record keeping, employment records, and emergencies.CLOSING THOUGHTThe goal of contact tracing is to strike a balance between private citizens sharing important health related information during a pandemic, and corporations not compromising employee data. For construction companies, the solution is private, meaning contact tracing is provided and managed by the employer. for more informationKyle Peacock is the CEO of Peacock Construction. Kyle got his start managing construction for Boston Properties, then joined Peacock as a project manager, eventually becoming CEO. A favorite project was the renovation of a 22,000-square-foot forensic lab for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Keeping the job running efficiently while the lab continued to operate was a technical challenge, but one Kyle thoroughly enjoyed.

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DECEMBER 2020 www.mcsmag.com40Game Day AnalysisGame Day Analysisstrategies for the construction winTEAM SPORTTeam sports—whether soccer, basketball, or football—depend on combining individual assignments into a common plan to create success. By doing so, the goal is for that effort to become something more than the sum of its parts. However, if just one person misses their assignment, the consequences can be disastrous. In the same way, construction is a team sport. It requires crews to be engaged, committed, and disciplined to put “points on the scoreboard.” It’s no wonder then that we hear more and more that crews are becoming actively “engaged in the game of being profitable” thanks to enhancements in construction progress tracking software.Today’s construction software helps promote this engaged team mentality fairly easily—if you know what to look for. In the spirit of the football season, let us look at how to attack your own scoreboard with today’s best real-time progress tracking solutions. THE GAME PLANIntegrated project planning: Understanding the playbook is step one for a winning team. With advancements in holistic planning for construction, gone are the disconnects of critical path method schedules and work packages. Integrating the daily game plan of work to be completed (tasks, quantities, goals, etc.) allows the seamless transfer of work packages to the crew in the field. THE KICK-OFFStarting the operation right: The last thing you want to do is turn the ball over on the opening drive. Starting an operation off right sets the entire day up for a successful result, which is why a fundamental part of the plan is daily tool box talks on safety, quality, and environmental risks. Mastering the first drive by ensuring everyone knows their assignment and the risks allows for proper execution before the game gets out of control. MOVING THE BALLTrue mobility on the field: Of course, what good is planning if you are unable to take it to the field? By now, it goes without saying that mobile solutions are no longer a nice-to-have on the jobsite. With a direct line of communication back to the office as notes, issues, and activities are collected, the team is kept up-to-date on their progress in real time.IN-GAME ANALYSISAdjusting on the fly with real-time productivity: The best teams are those that make the best in-game adjustments. By connecting the plan and budget with the field-captured times and quantities, crews gain access to immediate performance insight. This real-time productivity analysis allows for in-operation adjustments to continue on the path of success.TOUCHDOWNTrading guess work for accuracy: The end goal of every operation is to mark each activity as complete. Knowing where that end zone is, by utilising detailed quantity tracking rules, provides the confidence teams need to finish a drive successfully. And who knows, they might even throw in a little touchdown dance after checking that final step as complete!POST-GAME WRAP UPEliminating extra paperwork: Nothing beats the satisfaction of returning home after a job well done, especially if you can shorten the day by making quick work of administrative tasks to complete the shift. This helps to ensure timeliness and accuracy of payroll while also providing the final operational comparison of plan versus actuals. There is no better way to prepare for tomorrow, than to review the game film of today, validating performance against your goals.CLOSING THOUGHTMuch like the yards gained or lost on every down, construction can be summed up in daily wins and losses. Rather than the siloed point solutions you’ve grown accustom to, today’s best progress-tracking software helps your team keep an eye on the game play by play, so that gains can begin to out-weigh losses. By AJ Watersabout the authorAJ Waters is vice president, industry solutions for InEight, a construction project management software company. For more, ineight.com. software solution

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DECEMBER 2020 www.mcsmag.com42legal solutionChange OrdersChange Ordersthings to watch for in negotiationsBEST PRACTICESIt is the rare construction project that is completed without any change in the work. In most sophisticated construction projects, the contractual mechanism for managing these changes involves the issuance of a change order. However, managing change orders is not something project teams are always well-trained on, which can cause issues for small and big contractors alike. Let’s walk through some of the items a contractor should keep in mind when negotiating a change order with an owner. MAKE SURE YOUR PROJECT MANAGER HAS READ AND IS FAMILIAR WITH THE CONTRACTYour project manager or whoever will be responsible for negotiating a change order should understand the change order provision in your contract and any related terms and conditions from the contract (e.g., the differing site conditions clause, the force majeure clause, etc.). These provisions will describe the different occurrences that entitle you to a change order and the various conditions you must comply with to receive a change order. A contractor who does not understand these terms may inadvertently waive certain rights or remedies. For example, most change order clauses require some sort of notice prior to performing the change work. In some circumstances, ignorance of the notice requirements may forfeit a right to a change order. You may also leave money on the table if you do not read your change order clause closely. You need to, for instance, understand what markup you’re entitled to and if there are any contractual rates applicable to the change work. You also need to think carefully about what the downstream impacts to any subcontractors or suppliers will be. Do your subcontracts have change order requirements that differ from the general contract? Will those differences impact your costs? Does your change order pricing fully account for increased insurance, bond, Subguard, subcontractor overhead, etc. costs? READ THE FINAL CHANGE ORDER CAREFULLY, ESPECIALLY ANY CLOSING OR RELEASE LANGUAGEOn big or contentious change orders, the price negotiation may be all-consuming and exhausting, which may make you anxious to sign once you have settled on a price. But, before you execute the final change order, you should review it carefully (with counsel if necessary). You want to make sure that the final change order language captures the actual scope of the changed work. If there are changes to the contract or specifications arising out of a change, you should make sure that those are incorporated and that any references to those changes By Aman Kahlon

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www.mcsmag.com DECEMBER 202043elsewhere in the contract documents are appropriately revised to be consistent with the new language. You also want to be mindful of how the changed work is described. If it is described in vague or broad terms, you may later find an owner expecting you to perform work that you did not originally contemplate in the change. Similarly, you should pay attention to the closing or release language on the change order. Owners may require more expansive releases that could cut off your right to recover on future changes to the work. If you expect to encounter additional changes that are similar to the change order work but are not captured in your pricing, you should try and narrow or modify the release to account for anticipated future changes, where possible, which may better preserve your rights relative to future scope disputes. CLOSING THOUGHTScope changes can be difficult to navigate. Because “time is of the essence” on most construction projects, you may find yourself under a lot of pressure to negotiate a change quickly so as not to delay the project and increase costs for all parties involved. That is why it’s important to spend time drafting a contract that defines a reasonable process for evaluating and granting change orders. Then, when problems arise that require a change order, you have a strong framework for negotiations. Adhering to your contractual guidelines will make the change order process run smoothly. However, to avoid a disadvantageous result, you also need to think comprehensively about the project and how a particular change will affect follow-on work and work by your subcontractors and suppliers. Paying attention to your contract and thinking holistically about your project as you enter change order discussions with an owner should help you achieve a successful outcome. about the authorAman Kahlon is a partner in the Construction Practice Group at Bradley Arant Boult Cummings (www.bradley.com) in Birmingham, Alabama. He represents owners, general contractors, and subcontractors in construction and government contracts matters. His litigation experience covers a wide variety of disputes, including substantial experience in power and energy matters. He also advises clients on delay, interference, defective design, and negligence claims. He can be reached at akahlon@bradley.com. It’s important to spend time drafting a contract that defines a reasonable process for evaluating and granting change orders.

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DECEMBER 2020 www.mcsmag.com46technology solutionMoving MoneyMoving Moneydriving project success with payment technologyHEALTHIER CONSTRUCTION ECOSYSTEMPayment processes in construction have long presented significant complexities for all project stakeholders, and the challenges from these historically manual and time-consuming activities can be particularly tough for subcontractors.George Pfeffer, a member of general contractor DPR Construction’s management committee, notes in a recent article that: “Many contractors say the biggest risk to the subcontractor community is getting paid in a timely manner. The industry needs to focus on the entire invoicing process and making sure it functions in an efficient and timely manner.” Founded in 1990, DPR has been a top 50 general contractor in the U.S. since 1997.Pfeffer went on to note that it’s key that “everyone feels invested in the health of the entire construction community and takes steps to be diligent in keeping money moving.”TECH BENEFITS PROCESSFrom our perspective at Oracle Construction and Engineering, technology certainly has brought much-needed improvements to the back office, but the critical and interrelated areas of invoicing, payments, and compliance management continue to pose headaches and risks for general contractors, owners, and subcontractors. Although these activities comprise an important part of effective project delivery, in many cases they remain manual, opaque, and disjointed for general contractors, their owner customers, and project subcontractors alike. The result is a lack of efficiency, visibility and control for all of the stakeholders—and potential financial uncertainty for the subcontractors. Further digitization holds the key to solving this longstanding challenge. Like the collaboration solutions that have driven new levels of field productivity in construction, cloud-based invoicing and payment solutions can enable collaborative and transparent processes. Such an approach helps save time, improve cash flow, minimize risk, and keep projects moving. The right technology can simplify, standardize, and automate processes, while also enhancing visibility for all participants by providing real-time access to current information. Benefits include greater productivity and visibility across stakeholders, reduced errors, and increased control over areas that entail risks. These risks include compliance, change orders, and lien waiver management.Such technology also helps customers ensure margin and enable scale without the traditional burdens of increasing costs or staff. We’ve seen that better processes can improve operations so significantly that they can help organizations grow their average project By David Kelly

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www.mcsmag.com DECEMBER 202047value, total project value, and the breadth of business.HEALTHIER ECOSYSTEM DPR is committed to continuous improvement and looked to the cloud when it set out to improve its payment management processes. The general contractor, which recorded more than $6 billion in revenues last year, needed a streamlined and efficient way to collect, approve, and pay subcontractors for over 500 project starts and 7,000 subcontracts written on average each year.To achieve this back-office transformation, DPR integrated its existing ERP application with Oracle Textura Payment Management Cloud Service. This enabled the general contractor to streamline and automate processes across payment and compliance management activities, including facilitating the secure, digital exchange of e-signed lien waivers for electronic payments to subcontractors using automated clearing house (ACH) transactions. “Every dollar counts right now for so many businesses and Oracle Textura has been a way which we’ve increased efficiency in paying our trade partners,” says Anna Bickford of DPR Construction. By integrating systems across billing, review, and compliance management and moving to electronic payment, DPR can now pay contractors in just a few days, allowing tens of millions of dollars to reach subcontractors up to 7 days faster. DPR also estimates savings of: • 450 company hours per week through subcontract change order compliance integration which allows for quicker reviews and updates of compliance status, enabling faster payment hold releases. • 360 company hours per week on managing call sheets by integrating Oracle Textura Payment Management with their ERP solution, eliminating double entry and improving information access. • 90 company hours per week by enabling sending invoice documents from the cloud service back into the company’s ERP so they can be accessed by accountants in either system at any time.“Solutions that help us increase efficiency and deliver better value for our customers are priorities across our business, from the field, and into the back office. Our Oracle Textura Payment Management integration has been an important part of how our accounting team contributes to that goal,” says Bickford. “The ability to share invoice documents electronically supports DPR’s paperless archive process and advances the project accountant’s ability to prepare payment applications for customers in a timely manner. This helps us build trust with both owners and subcontractors, and ultimately contributes to the health of the construction community as a whole.”CLOSING THOUGHTDPR’s vision and success is a leading example of how cloud-based payment management services can help an organization improve payment outcomes for all project stakeholders. Contractors of all sizes can benefit from contacting a payment management cloud service provider to learn how these solutions can help their organization thrive, grow, and build longstanding relationships with subcontractors and owners. about the authorDavid Kelly is vice president of client services for Oracle Construction and Engineering. For more information, visit Oracle Construction and Engineering: www.oracle.com/industries/construction-engineering.

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DECEMBER 2020 www.mcsmag.com48technology solutionDigital AwarenessDigital Awarenessinsights to drive good decisionsEVOLUTION OF TELEMATICSImagine you walk into your dispatch office and see that your vehicle has broken down, your driver is running out of available hours, and inclement weather is delaying your next job. As the fleet manager, you now have to decide how best to handle this perilous situation. You have relied on disparate data sources to get ahead of the problem, but still, you struggle for insights that can drive good decisions. Enter: Telematics 2.0—the evolution of telematics.To solve these issues for fleet and mobile asset managers, telematics will evolve from being a “dot on a map” tracking solution to a digital automation platform that ultimately guides an effective and fast decision-making process. The secret ingredient is artificial intelligence (AI), the programs that process all your data and give you exactly what you need to know in real time. In its core, there are four steps to get there. AWARENESSData comes in many shapes, sizes, sources, and colors. We see the fundamental first step in telematics evolution as “Awareness,” central data aggregation repository that can collect data from everywhere. Not just GPS tracking on a vehicle, but cameras, people, infrastructure, other vehicles, and much more. With IoT sensors becoming ubiquitous and APIs becoming standardized, we are fast connecting the physical world to digital awareness. INTELLIGENCEWhat do you do with all this data and awareness? A next step that we had serendipitously fallen into was reporting, alerting, and broadly classified as business Intelligence. I take this as a “trying to report on the data,” sometimes uncovering things you didn’t know (intelligence) and mostly reinforcing your gut instinct with visible data (bias validation). This solved some problems but didn’t get to the real “why?” which takes us to the next phase—cognition. COGNITIONTo answer “why?” something happens, you need a deeper contextual understanding of the situation. For this, we look beyond the digital signals from a source, and start looking for the intent of an action, layering in external factors, measuring the outcome in different situations, and creating a holistic view of why things happen. This is critical in going from repetitive robotic processes to real automation, where decisions can be made and enacted per the capability, situation, surrounding, and time. AUTOMATIONAutomation will transform work. It starts with augmenting your everyday tasks. Today, you, “the operator,” are at the end point of awareness and intelligence and make the final call on every decision. In this phase, we leverage cognitive insights to automate real-time operational decisions and provide deeper insights that may lead to business automation. AI AT WORKEach of these phases provide immediate and immense value and evolve simultaneously. The ability to connect, synthesize, analyze data at scale is AI at work. Not only does it automate our most mundane and repetitive processes but the instant insights from AI-powered telematics support decisions that save money and, possibly, lives.By Sid Nair

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www.mcsmag.com DECEMBER 202049By adopting state-of-the-art programs that can track multiple data sets on all of a fleet’s vehicles, AI-powered telematics platforms can predict what will happen next and empower fleet managers to make the best decisions with regard to pricing, scheduling, routing, and driver accountability. Some of the functions that enable increased safety include:• Spotting mechanical problems before they arise • Recommending secure routes • Accurate scheduling keeps drivers from being overextended• Dash cams can detect diver fatigueAdditionally, the use of highly evolved telematics holds the potential to increase operational efficiency and decrease institutional waste. Between surging insurance prices and rising compliance costs, fleet managers are being squeezed on multiple fronts. With little room to maneuver and grind out a slim margin, many have turned to telematics to ensure operations run as smooth as possible. In addition to increased safety, the economic benefits of a data-driven fleet have been the silver bullet for many fleet managers, keeping their businesses successful and growing even during the economic slowdown. Some of the AI-fueled efficiencies are as follows: • Smart routing and auto-calculated pricing that’s quoted according to likely future resources and logistics, such as traffic patterns and driver/asset availability• Predicted fuel usage based multiple data sets, including driver behaviors, altitudes, and vehicle condition• Holding drivers accountable by comparing their delivery times to other metrics and watching behaviors in real time through AI cameras inside the cabins CLOSING THOUGHTCloud-based telematic platforms that are built on an AI foundation hold the key to our transportation future. There is an immediate need for this technology in the fleet management space, and by adding data sets and tweaking algorithms, fleets can only get smarter, safer, and more efficient over time. This is a culmination of a technological evolution that will guide our fleet management decisions today and many years from now. about the authorSid Nair leads product management, strategy, and UX at Teletrac Navman. Sid has more than 15 years of experience in various transportation sectors like precision agriculture, aerospace, connected cars, and fleet management. For more, visit www.teletracnavman.com.

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DECEMBER 2020 www.mcsmag.com50technology solutionSecurity IntegrationSecurity Integrationunlocking its full potential to drive down costsINTERCONNECTIVITY OF INFORMATIONFor construction firms with significant fleet vehicle and equipment assets needing to be protected from theft or vandalism, fully integrating the latest capabilities of physical security and access control systems can drive down costs significantly.This “virtual” approach combines video surveillance, access control, and information technology (IT) integration to replace many of the functions of in-person security personnel, significantly reducing costs. Virtual systems can be customized to a variety of loss prevention situations no matter the size of the operation or type of assets that need to be protected. Examples include preventing the theft of trucks, batteries, catalytic converters, copper wire, scissor lifts, and other valuable items.The strategy takes full advantage of the interconnectivity of information across a broad range of systems and devices. Based on the construction firm’s priorities, integrated systems can intelligently sift through millions of points of information and prioritize only the most relevant events to deter and prevent theft in ways that were previously not possible.While such data has existed before today, many construction company owners are unaware of another critical factor: that the costs for managed IT services and integration continue to drop while the capabilities of the various systems have increased.“Using off-the-shelf tools to create super secure environments would have cost hundreds of thousands of dollars a year for larger organizations to staff, monitor, and support. We are routinely implementing these solutions with better, faster response, at a fraction of the client’s current cost,” says Eric Brackett, president of BTI Communications Group, a technology convergence provider serving the logistics, aerospace, healthcare, and loss prevention sectors. “However, I find that most construction professionals are too busy with their existing responsibilities to realize how much has changed and how valuable it could be to them.”While the status quo for physical security is familiar, the rapidly growing volume of data in the form of video, alerts, reports, etc. is threatening to hide the most important threats in the sheer volume of less important data. Yet such information continues to be continually reported and logged on sensors, cameras, servers, PCs, smartphones, two-way radios, and thermostats. The challenge has been sorting through these virtual mountains of data—often kept in separate, unconnected systems—quickly enough to act on threats in real-time, according to Brackett. Furthermore, IT technicians usually do not have the expertise or time to manage all these separate systems by themselves.“Now expert integrators have perfected the use of tools that bring all that information together into dashboards that convey needed information at a glance. This is combined with technical and operational procedures to analyze, parse, and present it. So, actual threats can be responded to and thefts deterred in real-time,” says Brackett.Where traditional systems can inundate security staff with mind-numbing nuisance By Del Williams

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www.mcsmag.com DECEMBER 202051alerts, many of which go ignored, the goal of the fully integrated virtual approach is to vigorously and promptly protect valuable construction assets from theft without unnecessary staffing, excess equipment, or complexity.In terms of video surveillance, that means instantly spotting any anomalies and escalating only those that need attention. It means preventatively spotting any discrepancies in door or gate access control, based on time of day, location, personnel involved, and other factors. It means “slicing and dicing” a host of variables specific to the business that must be considered, and drawing the attention of security personnel or managers when it is time to act, and not when it is too late.BEYOND THE STATUS QUOFor many construction firms that have security cameras and access systems already installed, there may be some level of integration but most are not able to unlock the full potential.“Construction firm owners and managers are disappointed when they hit the limits of their current physical security systems, and become frustrated when their vendor is not proactive about helping them find solutions. For example, they may need the equipment to work even when it is raining, and do not want to turn off equipment because it wakes them every time a spider crawls across a camera lens,” says Brackett. System integration can be assigned to in-house IT staff, but many already find themselves overwhelmed with their existing responsibilities. “Traditionally, full physical security integration would require a team of engineers with specialized training to set it up, keep it working, and manage all these events day-to-day,” says Brackett.Given the challenges and limitations of the traditional approach to physical security, many construction firms with assets requiring protection are outsourcing to managed IT service providers, who must increasingly be an expert in all systems. With broad expertise, managed IT vendors can extract value from each individual system, while taking advantage of the tremendous added value in a more comprehensive, fully integrated implementation. Utilizing such an integrated set of tools, along with enhanced system intelligence, can significantly reduce the need for traditional security guards. Instead of a full-time security operation center listening to an endless flow of logs and events, such a system can be more proactive and provide essentially 24/7 virtual security for a fraction of the cost. In fact, often this is accomplished without human intervention or the need for any payroll.Unfortunately, managed IT service providers rarely are experts in all disciplines—but they do exist. BTI, for example, can manage and integrate any/all systems down to installation of cabling and computer hardware.“We are continually designing and installing these systems down to the wiring, so it’s relatively easy for us to tailor them to the specific requirements of individual construction firms needing asset protection,” says Brackett. According to Brackett, such intelligent systems then prompt security guards, supervisors or managers to take immediate, appropriate action in a variety of settings to keep people or property safe.As an example, he notes that construction firms may need to protect their truck fleets from thieves entering their lots at night to steal vehicles. Or the firms may need to prevent battery theft. In such a case, cut locks and sliced cables not only cost thousands of dollars of damage to each vehicle, but also render it inoperable until repaired.In choosing a physical security integration partner, however, the best have an extensive knowledge of the available products and component parts of any system and are able to tie them together in a manner that extracts significant added value. In other words, the whole properly integrated system should be much greater than the sum of its parts.That being said, the price for such expert integration is much lower today than many construction firm owners would expect for the quality of service and the effectiveness of the theft deterrence.Where old school security may involve renting guards round the clock or missing important threats because disparate systems are not communicating, taking advantage of physical security integration can ensure a prompt response when it is needed to prevent theft at much lower cost. about the authorDel Williams is a technical writer based in Torrance, California. For more information on BTI Communications Group, visit www.btigroup.com.

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DECEMBER 2020 www.mcsmag.com52safety solutionSafety GearSafety Gearmeeting the needs of women in the tradesCLOSING THE GAPBy Robin SkillingsThe building and construction industries have seen an increase of women on jobsites. As more hardworking women enter the construction trades, proper personal protective equipment (PPE), specifically women’s footwear, has become vital. For years, women have struggled to find PPE and workwear designed and built to fit her body frame and structure and therefore had to settle for the men’s version sized down to a smaller size. From head to toe, modern PPE can now be found in women’s sizes, but the range of options, the product design, and quality have been limited. Ill-fitting PPE can lead to a higher risk of on-site accidents and injuries, and at least one contributing factor to these dangerous mishaps can be improper safety footwear. Today, many different styles of women’s safety footwear are made on a women’s specific last. The last is the form used to define the space inside of the boot and its overall shape. Building the work boot on a women’s specific last means that the boot is designed and built to meet the biomechanic nuances of her foot and ultimately provide a more comfortable, safer option. Some brands have taken their already-extensive research and development even further with real-world testing using feedback and commentary from tradeswomen across various industries. WOMEN IN THE TRADESA study from the Institute of Women’s Policy Research reported that the number of women working in construction trades increased by 17.6 percent between 2017 and 2018, raising the total number of women in the trades to over 250,000. According to a recent CNN Business story, many states are putting budgets behind the recruitment and apprentice support for women and minorities within the trades. California, for example, is implementing a $50 billion, 10-year building program to fund road repairs, bridge maintenance, and

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www.mcsmag.com DECEMBER 202053public transit, by utilizing the funds from a gas tax increase. The plan also includes a $25 million investment to recruit and support more women in the trades. With women becoming a larger segment of today’s construction workforce, it is critical that PPE be created specifically for a woman’s body and her specific needs. With a shortage of trades workers in America, many companies are recruiting qualified women to fill positions across all areas of the jobsite, and that’s gone a long way to help bridge the gender gap. Construction work and other trades have always been considered predominantly male industries, but as more women carve their place in the gritty construction and contracting landscape, they’re now taking a larger portion of the workforce than they ever have before. ANATOMICAL DIFFERENCES Safety products for the jobsite are adapting to the growing demographic of women in the construction labor force. More companies are offering the right tools for the job simply by making more women-specific PPE. It is important for women on the construction site to have safety footwear that is made specifically for them and their body structure. The anatomical differences between a man and woman’s foot are inherently different. A woman’s foot is smaller and her bones and tendons are shaped differently. Bone structure, size, width, and shape of men’s and women’s feet create a need for a different ground-up design, not necessarily different styles or even materials. Additionally, the way a woman stands, moves, and walks is different, and this creates a vital need for safety footwear to fit the structural differences between genders. When women are spending long days on the jobsite, comfort is key, and this often begins with properly-fitted footwear. Women who might have chosen a men’s style work boot usually have to compensate for the poor fit and this affects their performance on the job and potentially puts them at a higher risk for accidents. For example, when women wear men’s boots their foot will often shift inside the shoe, causing more chances of hot spots which can develop blisters. The upper is often built too large to accommodate a woman’s smaller foot shape, making it harder to tighten the laces enough to secure their foot in the shoe. Mens boots are also heavier to lift with each step which only increases the chances of slips, trips, and falls—the No. 1 cause of injury on jobsites. EVOLUTION OF FOOTWEARThe modern work boot has evolved. Materials have advanced. Outsoles, uppers, and construction options have also improved over time with research and development around comfort and durability. Styles too have changed as jobs have become more specialized and the worker’s need for fit and function have become a priority. Today, there are a multitude of different features, styles, fabrics, and technologies in the women’s work boot market that make it easier for her to choose the proper work boot or work shoe for the job. Women no longer have to settle for a bulky work boot, or worse, a flimsy boot with shades of pink. Women’s safety footwear now comes in a variety of silhouettes, from Romeo-style pull-ons to 8-inch lace-ups. Not only is this diversity of offering important to the preference of the wearer, but it makes choosing the right boot or shoe for the job easier. At a time when numerous skilled trade jobs require a safety toe, we’re also seeing an evolution in the materials used for toe caps that are being integrated into women’s safety footwear. While tradeswomen can still purchase footwear with the traditional steel or aluminum safety toes, more options like composite or carbon-fiber, which is 15 percent lighter than steel toes, are being designed into women’s product lines. The new Chicago waterproof boot is the first KEEN Utility work boot to feature a carbon-fiber safety toe as a part of its Tradeswomen Tested collection. The advantage of a lightweight material isn’t limited to gender, it’s a critical safety component that factors heavily into all-day comfort.There have also been numerous material and technological innovations in women’s safety footwear to improve jobsite safety. Reflective material is used in safety shoes for workers in low lighting conditions, reflecting active light sources to keep workers visible in dimly lit locations. Heavier duty materials such as Barnyard-Resistant Leather are being designed into the boot’s construction to protect the wearer but also to extend the longevity of the product from harsh chemicals or minerals on the jobsite. CLOSING THOUGHTNo matter the profession, women work in the same conditions and require the same level of quality and durability as men. Today’s tradeswomen can expect to find a great safety boot or shoe with all the same advanced features and quality of materials included in men’s styles. Proper fitting women’s PPE can make all the difference in the prevention of injury and accidents and the leading brands are continually working to learn and understand how to produce the best footwear to support tradeswomen across all industries. about the authorRobin Skillings is the senior global marketing director at KEEN Utility. KEEN Utility, a leading industrial and service footwear brand, successfully exceeds footwear safety standards while combining advanced durability and innovation with the same comfort and unparalleled classic fit offered by KEEN outdoor, lifestyle, and kids footwear. KEEN Utility footwear is grounded in protection with the goal to make boots to fit you better. The whole you. For more, visit keenfootwear.com/work.

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DECEMBER 2020 www.mcsmag.com54maintenance solutionWater DamageWater Damagethe unseen risks at jobsitesWINT-WATER INTELLIGENCEWater damage is an underrated threat on construction jobsites that can cause both acute and ongoing costs to contractors and project managers. With cold weather coming, there are also additional challenges faced protecting jobsites from the risk. Meet Yaron Dycian, chief product and strategy officer at WINT-Water Intelligence, as he dives into the issues in the following Q&A.MCS: What are the invisible costs related to water damage that construction companies don’t consider?DYCIAN: Construction executives aren’t always afraid of water damage, and they should be. If they consider the prospect, most will think, “I’m insured, so I’m in good shape.” But the reality is they’re not.Let’s start with deductibles. Contractors are paying out of pocket for any damage below the deductible. People usually don’t track those figures, so they add up. If your deductible is $25,000, and there are three water damage events on the project, that can ultimately cost $60-$70,000 out of your pocket.Now, if you have a water damage event that you can submit to insurance, there is no guarantee you can recoup all the costs. Submitting the documentation is quite a complex process. It can take many months of work, and there are costs associated with that. Those invisible costs add up. There are additional costs that become baked in over the long term. File big enough claims, and insurers will raise the deductible and next year’s premiums. Finally, there is the somewhat intangible but very real cost in reputational damage. If water damage incidents slow enough projects down, it will directly impact the contractor’s reputation. It might be hard to quantify, but reputational damage can cause real loss in future business.MCS: What are the dangers facing the plumbing at construction sites during the winter?DYCIAN: Obviously, the first is freezing. I’ve seen it multiple times on construction sites. There is water in the pipes, but the building is unoccupied and unheated. It’s not uncommon for someone to forget and leave a window open. Now, during the weekend or during inclement weather, there is nobody there to see the window was left open, and the temperatures might already be in deep sub-freezing territory. And that cold temperature will hit an exposed pipe and cause it to burst. Indoor pipes are not protected against outside temperatures. It’s a very common situation. Moreover, the plumbing in office building or typical large multi-tenant buildings will have tens of thousands of pipe fittings. All you need is one—just one out of those tens of thousands—to break. So, what are the odds that can happen? They’re pretty high.In winter, jobsites can be unattended for stretches of time due to inclement weather or the holidays. And if these leaks are not discovered promptly, that one broken fitting in one of the upper stories of a building will result in massive damage. This can cost from hundreds of thousands to many millions of dollars based on the scale of the damage and the size of the project. MCS: What technological solutions do construction companies turn to in order to prevent/mitigate water damage on jobsites? DYCIAN: The first category to discuss is floor-based touch sensors. They’re old-fashioned technology that has been in use for decades. These sensors are, basically, just two wires in a container there are placed on the floor somewhere. If they get covered with water, it causes

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www.mcsmag.com DECEMBER 202055a short that the system detects and sends an alert message. The problem is these sensors are merely reactive. If they don’t activate until they get wet, water has already been spreading. By the time an alert comes, significant damage can already have occurred. And even if someone receives the alert, they need to physically travel to the jobsite to shut off the water, losing time, while the damage continues to mount.But innovations in leak prevention technology are giving contractors and developers the power to proactively mitigate water damage remotely. Advances in artificial intelligence and machine learning are being applied to water monitoring systems. This gives the systems the ability to learn normal water usage patterns on a jobsite or in a building in progress, alerting contractors or project manager when an abnormality is detected. The systems can also automatically shut off the water supply to the jobsite or building to avoid or minimize damage. MCS: Are there any other components of water damage risk management to consider?DYCIAN: Technology is part of the solution, but contractors need to take water damage as seriously as any other risk. A plan to mitigate water damage or loss should be in place at the beginning of a project. Incorporating the new AI-based water monitoring technology should be part of a broader plan that involves field management personnel, project partners, and even the risk management staff of the project’s insurer. CLOSING THOUGHTEnsure that water damage mitigation procedures and policies are known and used by any subcontractors. Remember, recognizing the water risk and preparing for the potential fail will pay off in the end. for more informationWINT is passionate about helping the world conserve one of its most precious resources, and the company is dedicated to helping businesses prevent the hazards, costs and waste associated with water leaks. Utilizing the power of artificial intelligence, the convenience of high-speed cellular data connections, and smart shut-off valves, Water Intelligence units provide an all-in-one solution for commercial facilities management teams looking to eliminate the fear of water-leak disasters and ongoing water waste. For more, visit www.wint.ai.PLAY VIDEO

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featured productfeatured productDiablo, a solution-oriented range of best-in-the-world and best-for-our-world products for the professional user, introduces a new full-range of SDS-Plus and SDS-Max Rebar Demon™ 4-cutter full carbide head hammer drill bits for concrete and reinforced concrete applications. Designed with innovative technology to meet the user’s needs, this new range answers the growing issues of life, durability, strength, and speed.Concrete building trends continue to grow at a fast pace, driven by both the robust economy and building codes for commercial and residential sectors. The building materials industry is creating higher-strength concrete and rebar forcing power tool manufacturers to develop stronger, more powerful drills. However, current drilling solutions in the marketplace have not kept up with these growing trends: the ability to handle high-heat, tough to drill applications such as rebar, or being fast enough to minimize labor costs.For years, Diablo has received end-user feedback requesting state-of-the-art products to address durability, strength, speed, and labor costs, all of which are not currently offered. Diablo’s first-ever complete range of Rebar Demon™ 4-cutter full carbide head hammer drill bits is the ultimate solution for drilling fast, precise holes without the need of changing to a rebar cutter to drill reinforced concrete, delivering extreme savings in time and money.Diablo’s revolutionary range of SDS-Plus and SDS-Max Rebar Demon™ 4-cutter full-carbide head hammer drill bits are the only bits designed to be the most durable, fastest, and coolest solutions on the market. The Rebar Demon bits feature up to 2X more Dura-Carbide to withstand up to 1800°F of intense heat whereas standard bits fail at 800°F. Diablo’s impact resistant 4-cutter full-carbide head withstands the stress of high-powered hammer drills and the impact of rebar by taking small bites of rebar to deliver controlled carbide wear, reduced vibration and up to 7X longer life. Produced with Tri-Metal Fusion Welding, the full-carbide head resists heat and prevents breakage in extreme impact situations. Precision Tip delivers the stability and accuracy required to produce fast, precise holes in reinforced concrete for anchor setting. Diablo’s Rebar Demon™ range includes (75) hammer bits, covering a range of sizes:• SDS-Plus range: 5/32 to 1-1/8 in. • SDS-Max range: 3/8 to 2 in.For more, visit www.diablotools.com/takestheheat.DECEMBER 2020 www.mcsmag.com60Rebar Demon™ SDS-Plus & SDS-Max 4-Cutter Full Carbide Head Hammer Drill Bits

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www.mcsmag.com DECEMBER 202061Lind Equipment announces the launch of the Beacon978 LED Light Cart. Each light head provides 22,500 lumens of crisp, white light output while using only 150W of power. The Beacon978 LED Light Cart uses the incredibly bright LED light heads that were adapted from the 7-time award-winning Beacon LED Tower. Each light is constructed from cast aluminum and polycarbonate lenses that will withstand the harshest weather and treatment on the jobsite. The all-steel heavy-duty frame boasts a sturdy winch-assisted 12-foot mast that is lightweight and easily portable. The cart has purposefully designed foam-filled rubber tires that guarantees portability on rough terrain. For more, visit www.lindequipment.net.LIND EQUIPMENTBeacon978 LED Light CartIntroducing the Insight® Versafit clip on Sunvisor system. Constructed with all the rugged characteristics and positional articulation customers have come to expect from Rosen’s aviation, marine, and military visors but developed with simple clip-on technology for ease of use on a wide range of cars, trucks, and rigs. The clamping feature adjusts to most any vehicles standard cloth or vinyl visor. Maximum factory visor depth for clamp is 10 3/4”, minimum 5 1/4”. Standard lens widths accommodate virtually all vehicle types. They feature a slide rail, 3rd axis tilt, and rotational positioning. For more, visit www.rosenvisor.com. ROSEN SUNVISOR SYSTEMS Insight® Versafit Maximize your legal load and avoid fines with LoadPro. Lightweight, rugged, and low-cost solid-state electronic sensors deliver high accuracy of > ±2.5% where it counts: 90-100% GVW. The system is easy to install, without welding or fabrication. Due to its technology, no recalibration is required. Loads are displayed for each axle, axle group, gross vehicle weight, and trailers. Without any driver input, clear visual and audio alarms make it simple to stay within the designed and legal limits of your vehicle. LoadPro supports modern telematics output to facilitate fleet operations. Request your free 30-day demo online. For more, visit loadprosystems.com.LOADPROOverload Monitoring SystemSoil Connect recognizes the trucking of dirt is costly; helping users find dirt closer to their jobsite helps contractors save money. Introducing eTickets—the jobsite tool for everyone and anyone that plays in the dirt. eTickets is an easy way to capture, track, and share the details of hauling materials from one destination to the next, enabling you to get paid faster. eTickets eliminates the use of paper tickets, letting you easily track your loads, capture pictures of the materials, and obtain eSignatures. For more, visit www.soilconnect.com.Miller Electric Mfg. LLC adds two new bold helmet graphics to its lineup. Gear Box™ and Metal Matrix™ graphics are available on Digital Elite™ and Classic Series helmets. Metal Matrix, a Classic Series helmet, is designed with sleek, silver tones inspired by the many layered textures produced by melting metal. Gear Box, a Digital Elite Series helmet, is inspired by the gaming world, with intricate details and a color scheme of shaded blacks, deep bronze and silvery blues. For more, visit millerwelds.com/helmets.SOIL CONNECT eTicketsMILLER ELECTRIC MFG. LLC Helmet Graphics Winter Equipment improves the wear bar on its Razor® XL Carbide Snowplow Cutting Edge System. The Razor XL system includes three interlocking cutting edges that have pre-welded wear bars and abrasion-resistant covers. The new wear bars are one-piece, high-quality cast design that are 2 inches longer than the previous wear bar and filled with Winter® carbide matrix for increased blade life and superior cutting power; can be used in highway, city street, and rural road applications. Shipped free, the system comes ready to mount, with all parts, hardware, and installation directions in a single box. For more, visit www.winterequipment.com.WINTER EQUIPMENT Razor® XL Carbide Snowplow Cutting Edge System modern construction products

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DECEMBER 2020 www.mcsmag.com62Lind Equipment, a world leader in UVC LED decontamination technology, announces its newly developed Apollo UVC LED system has been proven to kill the SARS-CoV-2 virus—the first Canadian-designed UVC LED system proven effective against the virus that causes COVID-19. The development paves the way for rapid, portable decontamination of shared spaces such as medical facilities, long-term care homes, and high-traffic public spaces, all at the flick of a switch. Western University’s ImPaKT lab tested the Markham, Ontario, company’s Apollo UVC LED system and found that, at a dose of only 10mJ/cm2, the Apollo UVC LED system killed at least 99.99% of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Lind’s UVC LED lights can be mounted on a wall, hung from a ceiling, or arranged on panels or stands. They plug into a standard outlet, can be turned on or off instantly and come standard with a 360-degree microwave sensor to protect people that come too close to the UVC light. The lights can decontaminate surfaces and air in minutes, making them suitable for daily use in such settings as construction, retail, gyms, restaurants, offices, classrooms, aircraft, and public-transit vehicles. MEET INDUSTRY NEEDSIn addition to being a proven method to kill SARS-CoV-2, the Apollo UVC LED system is extremely flexible and can be incorporated into other devices to provide different form factors and intensity levels to meet specific industry needs. The Apollo UVC LEDs have no bulbs to break or glass to shatter, and they can be arranged in a virtually unlimited way to deliver the exact dose needed. While other UVC decontamination products rely on outdated and mercury-containing bulb-based technology, the Apollo UVC LED system is more durable, flexible, and energy efficient. To put these results in context, a standard 50W Apollo UVC LED decontamination light can reach the 10mJ/cm2 dose required to kill 99.99% of SARS-CoV-2 within 30 seconds at a 2-foot distance and in less than 8 seconds from 1-foot away. Alternative designs using the Apollo UVC LED system can scale up or down from there depending on the requirements. The Apollo UVC LED system can be deployed across many applications and form factors. The design of the system is such that the intensity and range of the UVC can be quickly altered for the decontamination problem it is solving. Lind Equipment has developed the Apollo UVC LED system into decontamination conveyors, retrofit kits for locker decontamination, and a casino chip cleaner to name a few.UNIQUE SOLUTIONSIn addition to its own suite of Apollo branded UVC decontamination products, Lind Equipment has worked with other businesses to create specific solutions for their unique needs. Examples of these original equipment manufacturer (OEM) uses of the Apollo UVC LED system include the CleanBot™ UVC decontamination robot designed by CrossWing (a leader in autonomous robots) and the CleanRide™ UV-C™ patent pending vehicle decontamination system from Team Eagle (a leader in equipment and software for airfield management and maintenance). LIND EQUIPMENTApollo UVC LED SystemScientifically proven to effectively kill SARS-CoV-2 for more informationLind Equipment is a leading manufacturer of UVC LED decontamination lighting, portable LED lighting, hazardous location and industrial work lighting, portable power, static grounding, and GFCI products. With more than 70 years of experience providing products for industrial and hazardous locations, Lind Equipment is trusted on some of the toughest jobsites in the world. Lind’s expertise and robust design makes it the supplier to construction sites, oil refineries, mining companies, and general industry. Lind’s extensive line of portable electrical products can be seen on its website at www.lindequipment.net.ROME specializes in disc plows, earthmoving scrapers, land leveling scrapers, and haul roadmaintenance equipment for the construction industry.ROMEROME manufactures construction disc plows from 6' wide up to 20' wide that range from 400 pounds per blade to an industry leading 1100 pounds per blade. ROME offers disc blade sizes from 28" up to 42" in diameter ontheirconstruction plows. No matter what your application or power unit size ROME has you covered on your construction tillage needs.tillage needs.ROME manufactures earth moving scrapers in both pivot dump and ejector styles. The pivot dump line ranges from 9 yards to 21 yards. The ejector line ranges from 16 yards to 35 yards.ROME's haul road maintenance line is far and above the most diverse in the industry. Whether you need a simple bottomless scraper, ejector finishing scraper, or a roller box scraper ROME has you covered.For more information on our products or for the closest authorized ROME dealer please contact us.

Modern Contractor Solutions December 2020

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