I have often considered the fundamental goal of leadership not simply to accumulate power or authority but to cultivate an environment where others grow into leaders. True leaders inspire independence rather than dependency, guiding people toward compliance and greater confidence and capability. Effective leadership means helping individuals see and embrace their potential, nurturing their talents, and empowering them to shape their paths confidently.

Yet fostering genuine leadership among others requires humility and trust. It demands a willingness to step aside, allowing team members to step up, take initiative, and even risk failure. Leaders who genuinely impact lives prioritize developing strengths over correcting weaknesses. They provide guidance rather than directives, celebrating the growth of each individual. This approach creates a powerful cycle: as people become more capable, they feel encouraged to lead others, generating a culture of continuous growth and sustained impact.

The need for empowered leadership has never been more critical today. When we focus solely on creating followers, we limit our collective potential and stunt growth. Ralph Nader challenges us to rethink our leadership approach, asking whether we prepare others to lead, innovate, and thrive independently. Ultimately, the legacy of leadership isn't the number of followers one gathers but the number of confident, courageous leaders who emerge due to one’s influence.

Intentionally empower others today, nurture their strengths, and guide them toward becoming confident, independent leaders who inspire even more significant impact.

The U.S. commercial construction industry is experiencing a dynamic period marked by growth and significant challenges. In February 2025, total construction starts increased slightly by 0.5% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $1.1 trillion. This uptick was driven by a 22% surge in commercial groundbreakings, particularly in office, hotel, and parking garage projects. Notable developments include the $1.8 billion terminal at John Glenn Columbus Airport in Ohio and the $1.5 billion Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital replacement in Houston.

However, the industry faces headwinds from recent tariff implementations. On April 2, 2025, the U.S. imposed a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum imports, a 54% tariff on imports from China, and a 10% tariff on all UK imports. These measures are expected to increase material costs and disrupt supply chains, potentially affecting project timelines and budgets. The full impact of these tariffs is still unfolding, with the construction sector bracing for potential retaliatory measures from affected trade partners.

Compounding these challenges is a significant labor shortage. The Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) projects that the construction industry will need to attract approximately 439,000 net new workers in 2025 to meet anticipated demand. This shortage is driven by an aging workforce and increased construction activity. If unaddressed, the labor gap could lead to project delays and increased labor costs, further straining the industry's growth prospects.

The U.S. infrastructure sector is experiencing significant transformations, marked by ambitious construction projects and evolving policy directives. In Northeast Ohio, the Ohio Department of Transportation has initiated 172 new road projects totaling nearly $900 million, including significant endeavors like the I-480/I-77 interchange repaving and a $110 million effort to widen I-90 in Lorain County. Similarly, Minnesota has embarked on nearly 180 projects aimed at enhancing transportation infrastructure, such as resurfacing I-35W and widening Highway 10 in Coon Rapids.

Concurrently, the energy sector is witnessing a pivot towards integrating advanced technologies. The U.S. Department of Energy has identified 16 federal sites, including Los Alamos and Oak Ridge national laboratories, as potential locations for data centers to accelerate artificial intelligence development. This initiative aligns with the administration's focus on co-locating data centers with energy infrastructure to meet the escalating computational demands of modern AI systems. However, the construction industry faces challenges due to newly imposed tariffs on tech equipment imports from China, Taiwan, and South Korea, potentially hindering data center expansion plans by major tech firms.

In renewable energy, offshore wind projects are navigating a complex landscape. The Maryland Offshore Wind Project received federal approval in December 2024 and completed environmental reviews by January 2025, positioning it to contribute significantly to the state's renewable energy targets. Conversely, the Empire Wind project in New York faced economic setbacks, leading to the cancellation of its power purchase agreement for Empire Wind 2 due to rising inflation and supply chain issues. Additionally, a January 2025 executive order halting new offshore wind leasing and permitting has introduced further uncertainty, prompting reviews of existing projects and potentially impacting future developments.​

Residential construction activity across the United States has significantly accelerated in recent months, driven primarily by strong housing demand and continued low mortgage rates. Builders are racing to meet the heightened market needs, especially in suburban and rural areas, where increased remote working opportunities have motivated many families to seek more significant, more affordable homes. Newly approved residential projects have spiked, yet builders struggle with a critical shortage of essential materials like lumber, steel, and concrete, causing unprecedented delays and inflating overall construction costs.

Moreover, persistent labor shortages have emerged as another major obstacle, further complicating the industry's growth trajectory. Contractors nationwide report difficulties in hiring skilled tradespeople such as electricians, plumbers, carpenters, and masons, which has hampered productivity and extended project timelines. Workforce development initiatives are ramping up, with trade schools and construction associations advocating for renewed investment in vocational training programs to bridge the skilled labor gap and enhance long-term industry resilience.

Despite these challenges, homebuyer interest remains robust, driven by favorable interest rates and limited existing home inventory. Many buyers are increasingly willing to absorb the elevated costs and extended build timelines in exchange for customized housing options. Industry experts suggest that while the current boom shows resilience, sustained market growth will require compelling solutions to material shortages and workforce limitations, both crucial to stabilizing construction prices and improving housing affordability.

Introduction
Good morning, Team! Today's toolbox talk addresses the safe storage of ladders. While ladder safety during use is critical, improper storage can cause injuries and damage equipment.

Why It Matters
Poorly stored ladders can tip, fall, or become damaged, creating hazards and costing time and money. Proper storage keeps ladders secure, accessible, and ready for safe use.

Strategies for Safe Ladder Storage

Discussion Questions

Conclusion
Properly storing ladders prevents injuries and extends equipment life. Always use designated storage, inspect regularly, and keep ladders clean and accessible.

Store safely, work safely!