"You manage things; you lead people."

—Rear Admiral Grace Murray Hopper

As we dive into the challenges and opportunities of the day, let's reflect on the wisdom of Rear Admiral Grace Murray Hopper: "You manage things; you lead people."

In our roles, let's keep the following in mind:

🚀 Empower Through Leadership: While tasks and projects require management, our true impact lies in how we lead and inspire those around us. Leadership is about empowering individuals, fostering growth, and creating a collaborative environment.

🌐 Build Strong Connections: Remember that behind every task is a person with unique skills, aspirations, and potential. Strengthening our connections with team members not only enhances productivity but also cultivates a positive and vibrant workplace culture.

🔧 Efficiency in Management, Empathy in Leadership: Efficiently managing tasks is essential, but let's not forget the human element. Show empathy, understanding, and encouragement in your leadership approach. A motivated team achieves remarkable results.

🌟 Lead by Example: Leadership isn't just a title; it's a set of actions. Lead by example, demonstrating the values and work ethic you expect from the team. Your actions can inspire others to reach new heights.

Today, let's embrace the dual role of managing tasks effectively and leading our team with purpose. Together, we can achieve not just goals but a shared vision of success.

Wishing you a day filled with impactful leadership!

— Wayne Jensen

Presented by:

Wannemacher Jensen Architects, Inc.

Currently In The News

Warfeather: A Veteran's Triumph in Entrepreneurship, Fueled by SBA Support and a Commitment to Diversity

In the realm of small businesses, the image often conjured involves local retail shops or family-owned services. However, the story of U.S. Army veteran Adam Oglesbee and his company, Warfeather, adds a unique twist to the narrative.

A decade ago, Warfeather was the epitome of a small enterprise, with Oglesbee and a helper working on construction sites in eastern Oklahoma. Fast forward to 2018, and Warfeather caught fire, experiencing exponential growth and transforming into a thriving operation with nearly 40 employees, annual revenue exceeding $25 million, and an impressive backlog of work totaling around $80 million.

The turning point for Warfeather's success? According to Oglesbee, it was the support of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The SBA, known for opening doors for small businesses nationwide, played a pivotal role in Warfeather's trajectory.

Oglesbee, now the CEO, credits the SBA for providing crucial working capital through the federal 7(a) loan program. This financial support enabled Warfeather to compete on equal footing with larger players in the construction industry. Additionally, SBA certification as a qualified small business made Warfeather eligible for lucrative government contracts, a key factor in the company's rapid growth.

The numbers tell the tale of Warfeather's ascent: from $700,000 in annual revenues in 2018 to an impressive $25 million in 2023. The company's outstanding performance did not go unnoticed. In 2022, Oglesbee was named Oklahoma's small businessperson of the year by the SBA, and in 2023, Warfeather received recognition as Oklahoma's veteran-owned business of the year.

Warfeather represents one of nearly 2 million veteran-owned small businesses in the U.S., collectively contributing $1.3 trillion in annual sales and employing 5 million workers. According to Fernanda Pedraza-Schmitt, director of the SBA's Oklahoma City office, veterans, equipped with critical thinking and risk assessment skills from their military service, often find success in entrepreneurship.

The SBA plays a vital role in assisting veteran entrepreneurs by providing guaranteed loans, certification for government contracts, and partnering with third-party organizations to offer training programs, technical advice, and strategic guidance.

Oglesbee, who served in the U.S. infantry, emphasizes the importance of a diverse workforce at Warfeather. Notably, 85% of his employees are veterans, and a significant number are women, both in administrative roles and as project managers. Oglesbee, a member of the Choctaw Nation, also values the representation of Native Americans among his staff.

In the end, Warfeather's journey highlights the symbiotic relationship between veteran entrepreneurs and the SBA, showcasing how collaboration and support can turn small businesses into major success stories.

Defending Against the Digital Siege: A Comprehensive Guide to Cybersecurity for Construction Businesses in 2023

In an era dominated by digital landscapes, the protection of businesses, particularly those in the construction industry, is facing an escalating threat cybersecurity breaches. As of 2023, the global average cost of data breaches has surged to $4.45 million, a 15% increase over the past three years, according to an IBM study. For businesses, especially small enterprises, fortifying defenses against these cyber threats has become imperative. Here's a comprehensive guide to help safeguard your business in the digital age:

1. Strengthen Protective Systems:

• Identify Sensitive Information: Recognize and prioritize sensitive data like financial information and personal identifiers. Enhance protection through measures such as password protection, firewalls, and encryption.

• Regular Data Review: Conduct an annual review of information to ensure proper protection. Dispose of unnecessary sensitive information securely.

• Backup Important Data: Safeguard critical data by regularly backing it up on external hard drives, offering protection against ransomware attacks.

• Use Two-Factor Identification: Implement an additional layer of security by enabling two-factor identification.

• Proper Device Disposal: Safely dispose of old devices, ensuring no residual sensitive information remains.

2. Employee Training:

• Background Checks: Run thorough background checks on potential hires during the hiring process to identify any red flags.

• Phishing Awareness: Train employees to identify phishing emails, a common method for hackers. Look out for unofficial URLs, generic greetings, grammatical errors, urgent requests for personal information, and suspicious links.

• Device Protection Protocols: Establish clear protocols for protecting work accounts, laptops, and cell phones. This includes strong, unique passwords, safe device storage, and never leaving devices unattended.

3. Invest in Cybersecurity Insurance:

• Post-Breach Protection: Recognize that despite preventive measures, breaches may occur. Invest in cybersecurity insurance to cover expenses related to legal actions, business interruption losses, fraudulent transfers, and reputational damage.

• Reward for Information: Some insurance providers may cover the cost of a reward for information leading to the apprehension of cybercriminals.

4. Routine Evaluation and Expert Consultation:

• Evaluate Systems: Regularly evaluate protective systems to ensure they are operating effectively and update them as needed.

• Consult Cybersecurity Experts: Work with cybersecurity experts to maintain and select the right protective measures and software for your business.

In an age where cybersecurity threats are dynamic and sophisticated, taking these steps can significantly enhance your business's resilience. Remember, cybersecurity is not a one-time endeavor but an ongoing commitment to protecting your business and its stakeholders in the digital frontier. U.S. Manufacturing Resurgence Faces Workforce Challenges Amidst Unprecedented Growth.

Embracing the Digital Revolution: Transformative Impact of Digitization in the Global Modular Construction Landscape

The construction industry, often criticized for its reluctance to embrace technological change, is experiencing a paradigm shift. As an employee in a global modular construction business, my perspective offers insights into the transformative power of digitization on a global scale, particularly in the realm of modular construction.

Digitization as a Culture of Innovation:

VBC stands as a design-led provider of manufactured buildings, where technology is not just integrated but central to its operations. A culture of innovation prevails, with board members and directors boasting backgrounds in technology, steering the company towards a tech-driven future.

The Impact of Digital Technology Post-COVID:

Digital communication and AI have become indispensable post-COVID, especially for integrating teams across different locations. From video conferencing and document sharing to workflow automation in manufacturing, digital technology alleviates administrative burdens and facilitates project management across time zones.

The Crucial Role of Data in Construction Digitization:

Better planning is a dire need in construction, where projects often suffer delays and budget overruns. Data emerges as a linchpin for technology-driven businesses like VBC, influencing decision-making across various facets, including design, costing, scheduling, compliance, health and safety, quality control, and environmental performance.

AI Revolutionizing Construction:

AI becomes a cornerstone for analyzing data in construction, simulating human intelligence and bringing about transformative changes. Examples include:

• Automatically generating tender documents, eliminating repetitive bid writing tasks.

• Producing design solutions using modular building components, optimizing space, and advising on cost implications.

• Analyzing high-traffic areas for building design adjustments.

• Observing health and safety, automating data collection, and preventing common issues.

Applying Digital Technology to Offsite Construction:

In manufacturing, full automation is achievable. VBC's timber-framed modular factory in California exemplifies this with robotized wall assembly lines, creating a zero-labor process. AI is leveraged to manage workflows efficiently.

Challenges and Solutions in Modular Building Procurement:

Fragmentation in the modular sector due to concerns over intellectual property is a hurdle. A platform approach facilitating information sharing among manufacturers could streamline processes and reduce risks for clients. Collaboration, rather than competitive tendering, emerges as a potential solution.

Addressing Skills Gaps Through Digitization:

The construction industry grapples with severe skills shortages, prompting a shift towards technology integration. Engineers, computer scientists, and data analysts become integral to optimizing various stages of construction, presenting a unique opportunity to attract younger generations to the industry.

Balancing Technology and Humanity in Construction:

While digitization is inevitable and powerful, the human element remains crucial in the relationship-based construction industry. People do business with people, and technology is only as good as the data supporting decision-making.

In conclusion, modular construction, with its automated manufacturing processes, stands at the forefront of the digital revolution in construction. Embracing new technologies has the potential to enhance efficiency, building safety, performance, and the overall lifespan of built assets. As we navigate this digital transformation, the industry has an opportunity to not only adapt but thrive in a new era of construction.

DIG INTO THIS ONE

With 33 powerful stories, Mike takes you on a transformative journey, revealing the fundamental principles of effective leadership. Each story highlights a key leadership lesson, such as leading from the heart, accountability, communication, and strategic thinking, providing readers with practical strategies to enhance their leadership abilities.

Marketplace

Trimble Successfully Tests Fully Autonomous Soil Compactor at Site C Project, Paving the Way for a Safer, Greener, and More Efficient Future in Construction

During the Trimble Dimensions 2023 conference, Trimble announced the completion of its first live test of a fully autonomous soil compactor on the Site C project, marking a significant milestone in the company's journey toward deploying autonomous vehicles on construction sites. The Site C project, a large-scale infrastructure initiative, provided an ideal environment for testing the autonomous technology.

Cameron Clark, Earthmoving Industry Director for Trimble's Civil Infrastructure Solutions, emphasized the cost and safety benefits that autonomy could bring to major infrastructure projects. He stated, "We are pleased that this initial testing reinforces our philosophy that autonomous technology will play an important role in delivering a cheaper, faster, safer, and greener future for the construction industry."

Why Site C Project for Testing:

• Cost and Safety Benefits: Autonomy is seen as a solution to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve safety in large infrastructure projects.

• Willingness to Embrace Technology: The Site C project owner and contractor, ACCIONA Infrastructure Canada Inc. and Samsung C&T Canada Ltd., demonstrated a willingness to embrace new technology on their job site.

Trimble's Competitive Edge:

Trimble, known for accurate land survey equipment, maintains a competitive edge with a claimed accuracy of 2 mm over extensive distances. The combination of LiDAR and camera sensors, coupled with Trimble's precise fixation on the ground, contributes to its advantage.

Project Details and Contributions:

Contractors involved in the Site C project, including ACCIONA and Samsung, played key roles in the creation of an earthen dam, diversion tunnels, and a roller-compacted concrete foundation for the generating station and spillways. Once completed, the hydroelectric dam is expected to supply 1,100 megawatts of electricity annually to northeastern British Columbia.

Benefits of Autonomous Vehicles:

• Sustainability: The autonomous compactor aligns with Samsung's vision of a more sustainable future, contributing to the project's sustainability goals.

• Skilled Labor Shortage: Autonomous vehicles address the global shortage of skilled construction workers, providing a solution to a persistent challenge faced by the industry.

The Future of Autonomous Construction:

Trimble's successful test of the fully autonomous soil compactor not only marks a significant achievement in the company's autonomous vehicle roadmap but also underscores the potential of autonomous technology to revolutionize the construction industry. As autonomy becomes more prevalent, it is expected to drive efficiency, safety, and sustainability while mitigating challenges associated with labor shortages.

Direction Of The Business

Autodesk Unveils Workshop XR: Transforming AEC Design Reviews with Immersive Collaboration in Virtual Reality

Autodesk, a leading design and engineering software company, has unveiled Autodesk Workshop XR, an immersive design review workspace connected to Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC). Workshop XR aims to enhance design reviews for the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry by providing a real-time, shared experience for teams to review 3D models and their data from anywhere.

Key Features of Workshop XR:

1. Immersive Workspace:

   • Workshop XR offers an agile and immersive workspace designed to streamline AEC collaboration in virtual reality (VR).

   • Teams can analyze intricate details of their designs within a dynamic virtual environment.

2. No-Prep Model Loading:

   • AEC teams can easily experience and analyze models, both small and large, from Autodesk Construction Cloud in real-time, eliminating the need for extensive preparation.

3. Full Access to Autodesk Construction Cloud Data:

   • Project data is seamlessly streamed from Autodesk Construction Cloud into Workshop XR.

   • Teams have a single source of truth for files and issues, enhancing spatial understanding in both VR and traditional environments.

Benefits for the AEC Industry:

• Effective Collaboration: Workshop XR facilitates more effective and efficient design reviews, enabling teams to track issues, catch errors, and enhance spatial understanding.

• Frictionless Design Reviews: With automatically connected data from ACC, no-prep model loading, and synced issue tracking, Workshop XR makes design reviews frictionless and efficient.

• Better Decision Making: The shared experience in Workshop XR empowers teams to make better decisions, resulting in more profitable and sustainable projects.

Testimonials from Early Users:

Stantec, a global leader in sustainable design and engineering, has already experienced the benefits of Workshop XR during design reviews. According to Jon Matalucci, BIM/VDC Manager at Stantec, "Workshop XR allows our team to work smarter and focus on delivering the best projects to our clients."

Conclusion:

Autodesk's Workshop XR represents a significant advancement in the AEC industry, fostering innovation, efficient collaboration, and improved decision-making during the design review process. The immersive and connected virtual workspace aligns with the industry's evolving needs for sustainability, profitability, and spatial understanding in project development.

JOIN THE CONVERSATION ON TWITTER