“There are people who make things happen, there are people who watch things happen, and there are people who wonder what happened. To be successful, you need to be a person who makes things happen.”

– Jim Lovell

Attention business owners and managers: It is crucial that you thoroughly investigate the background of every supervisor within your organization, regardless of their level. Your objective should be to uncover their humble beginnings and their journey to management. In the construction industry, it is highly probable that you will find that a staggering 99% of supervisors lack a college or trade school education. They have emerged from the school of hard knocks. It takes an excruciatingly long time for individuals like these to ascend to the esteemed position of manager, long after they have proven their ability to lead teams. Unfortunately, these individuals are rarely provided with a clear roadmap on how to become effective people managers. Consequently, they often wander aimlessly until someone from the management team recognizes their exceptional abilities. Let me emphasize this point: "Without fail, these individuals are discovered because they possess an unparalleled ability to make things happen." Business leaders, listen up: The process of developing a supervisor should commence on their very first day of work. Allow me to share a true anecdote: During my field visits with powerline construction crews, I observed a field foreman hastily folding up the work order drawings when he noticed his apprentices glancing at them. He insisted that they had "important work" to attend to, discouraging them from examining the plans they didn't comprehend. Sensing an opportunity, I intervened and opened up the plans, inviting the apprentices to take a closer look. I explained the significance of each line on the drawings and pointed out the various elements such as boxes, poles, transformers, wires, and other objects that were represented. I conveyed to them, "When you eventually become foremen, these are the tasks you will need to execute to ensure a successful project in every aspect." It is of utmost importance to remind every "first day on the job worker" that their foreman was once in their shoes. They too had a first day, just like the one they are experiencing today. It has always been evident that young individuals embarking on a career in construction or any other field require constant encouragement from day one to unleash their full potential, as exemplified by their supervisors. It is imperative to intentionally chart out the path to management, ensuring that each person who aspires to become a foreman knows precisely what steps they must take.

— Wayne Jensen

Presented by: Wannemacher Jensen Architects, Inc.

Currently In The News

Biden announces $1.3 billion to build new power lines, upgrade aging electric grid

President Joe Biden has approved $1.3 billion to build three new interstate power lines to help transition the U.S. electricity grid to clean energy.

The Biden administration set a 2035 deadline to convert the nation to a carbon-pollution free power sector.

The federal funding represents a step forward, though electric transmission line development is complicated and often runs into construction and planning obstacles.

President Joe Biden announced a $1.3 billion federal investment to build three new interstate power lines in an effort to upgrade the US electric grid and transition to clean energy. The lines will cross six states: Arizona, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Utah, and Vermont. The projects include the Southline Project, which will bring wind power from New Mexico to Arizona, the Twin States Clean Energy Link Project, which will connect Canada's clean energy to New England, and the Cross-Tie project, which will deliver renewable energy from the West to the Midwest. The goal is to supply an additional 3.5 gigawatts of energy to the grid, creating 13,000 new jobs. This investment is part of the Biden administration's plan to achieve a carbon-free power sector by 2035 and update the aging energy infrastructure. However, building power lines can be challenging and may face delays. The federal government aims to expedite permitting processes to make grid infrastructure development more efficient.

America’s low-carbon transition could improve employment opportunities for all

The USA is likely to see consistent job growth from the transition to net zero, but the gains will be unevenly distributed, shows a new analysis.

A new analysis by researchers from Imperial College London, published in Nature Climate Change, highlights the need for new policies to ensure a fair transition to a low-carbon future. The analysis shows that the USA, along with other countries, is planning for a future with minimal carbon emissions and significant investment in clean energy. However, the impact on employment is uncertain, particularly for low-skilled workers. The researchers found that decarbonization will lead to job growth, but fossil fuel-producing states need to prepare for fewer mining jobs by creating alternative opportunities. The analysis also reveals that the renewable energy sector generally employs more women, which could improve gender equality in fossil fuel-dependent states. The researchers suggest that states should carefully plan the energy transition to ensure fairness for all workers. They recommend providing retraining opportunities for the existing workforce and training young people in low-carbon technologies. The analysis was conducted using the Regional Energy Development System (ReEDS) energy system model and the team has made their code openly available for other countries and regions to use. The researchers emphasize the need for similar policies to incentivize the rapid shift to clean energy in order to boost employment and achieve global carbon reduction goals.

Global Weatherization Service Market to Total US$ 52,852.1 Million by 2033, Expanding at a 3.8% CAGR

The rising demand for weatherization services is driven by growth in both residential and commercial real estate markets. The United States expected weatherization service market to expand at a CAGR of 5.3% through 2033

The global weatherization service market is projected to reach a valuation of US$ 36,399.0 Million in 2023, with a projected CAGR of 3.8% between 2023 and 2033. The use of digital platforms, health and environmental certifications, and green financing options are driving the growth of the industry. Weatherization can enhance building resilience against climate change impacts. Data analytics and monitoring tools are being used to assess building performance. Specialized training and certification programs for weatherization professionals can improve services. There are opportunities for companies to expand weatherization services internationally. The market in China is expected to expand at a CAGR of 5.4% through 2033. The new construction segment is expected to account for a share of 70.8% in 2023. The market value of weatherization service is expected to reach US$ 52,852.1 Million by 2033.

Construction Marketplace

As the U.S. Consumer Goes, So Goes the U.S. Economy

Last week, we learned that in the third quarter of 2023, real GDP grew at a 4.9 percent annual rate.

Total personal consumption expenditures (PCE) inflation was 0.4% in September, increasing 3.4% over the past year. Core PCE inflation, excluding volatile food and energy prices, was 0.3% in September and is up 3.7% over the past year. A year ago, financial news outlets predicted a recession with 100% certainty. However, recent reports show economists are now optimistic about the U.S. economy, which has grown at a healthy 2.9% over the last four quarters. Consumption spending makes up two-thirds of the U.S. economy, and the strong performance of the U.S. consumer has been a surprise. The labor market has remained strong, with low unemployment and high labor force participation. This has led to large income gains for American households, driving positive growth outcomes and correcting recession calls. Falling inflation and President Biden's investment agenda have also contributed to GDP growth. Despite facing headwinds, the U.S. economy has proven to be consistently resilient, with the American consumer playing a significant role in this economic resilience.

Direction Of The Business

A proposed clean energy transmission line in New England gets federal boost

A proposal to build a new transmission line to connect New England with Canadian hydropower is one step closer to reality.

The U.S. Department of Energy has chosen the Twin States Clean Energy Link as one of three transmission projects for its $1.3 billion investment in grid capacity. Twin States is a proposal from National Grid and Citizens Energy Corporation to connect New England with power from Hydro-Quebec. The project has received support from local officials but still needs regulatory approvals. The developers have addressed community concerns by using existing right of way and burying the transmission lines underground in some areas. The project could provide 1,200 megawatts of transmission capacity and help facilitate more clean energy resources. National Grid estimates it will save energy customers $8.3 billion in the first 12 years and is constructing a $260 million community benefits plan.

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“This brilliant book will shatter your assumptions about what it takes to improve and succeed. I wish I could go back in time and gift it to my younger self. It would’ve helped me find a more joyful path to progress.” —Serena Williams, 23-time Grand Slam singles tennis champion

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