Opinion: Page 2

The latest opinion pieces by industry thought leaders

If you are interested in having your voice heard on Construction Dive's Opinion page, please read our editorial guidelines and fill out the submission form here.

  • Cyber internet security and privacy concept. Database storage 3d illustration.
    Image attribution tooltip
    JuSun via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    How construction escrow helps keep payments safe from cybercrime

    These types of accounts help contractors, lenders and suppliers protect funds from online fraud while keeping a project on schedule, writes title expert Michael Stump.

    Michael Stump • June 10, 2024
  • Construction workers listen to a mental health huddle discussion on an XL Construction jobsite.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of XL Construction
    Image attribution tooltip

    Safety pro gets personal about construction’s mental health challenges

    While the industry’s suicide and substance abuse rates are some of the highest, the issue doesn’t get enough attention, an XL Construction exec writes.

    Mike Popp • June 6, 2024
  • Three construction workers are in the middle background, surrounded by work on a large construction site.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Drazen_ via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    Successful contractors don’t fight change. They embrace it.

    Know when it’s time to look beyond a “that’s how things have always been done” mentality, writes consultant Matt Verderamo.

    Matt Verderamo • May 9, 2024
  • A woman with a safety vest in a hardhat looks at a tablet on a construction site. She is looking at it intently.
    Image attribution tooltip
    mihailomilovanovic via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    12 types of technology that can make jobsites safer

    Innovations such as wearables, drones and predictive analytics help improve hazard detection and incident prevention. 

    Lena Kenny • May 8, 2024
  • An aluminum New York City subway train at an underground station.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Permission granted by Dan Zukowski
    Image attribution tooltip

    Slow down underground to avoid accidents

    Speed is no substitute for safety in transit projects, writes construction executive RaShawn L. Austin.

    RaShawn L. Austin • May 7, 2024
  • construction workers wearing hard hats smile and stand together
    Image attribution tooltip
    Greenleaf123 via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    How tech can level construction’s playing field

    Tools like artificial intelligence and blockchain can help fill labor gaps while building a more diverse and innovative workforce, writes a contech executive.

    Alok Chanani • May 1, 2024
  • A document with the word "sustainable" highlighted
    Image attribution tooltip
    RapidEye via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    Greenwashing lawsuits could be headed for construction

    Here’s how contractors can protect themselves from being accused of making erroneous environmental claims.

    Garrett Gibson • April 22, 2024
  • a closeup photo of a bid contract
    Image attribution tooltip
    Alex Skopje via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    How to win without being the low bidder

    It is possible for contractors to secure projects based on value over price, writes consultant Chad Prinkey.

    Chad Prinkey • April 11, 2024
  • Two construction workers look at a phone
    Image attribution tooltip
    iStock/Katarzyna Bialasiewicz via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    How reverse mentoring benefits contractors in the age of AI

    A two-way knowledge flow can help older workers leverage artificial intelligence while building team trust among generations, writes a construction expert.

    Rahul Shah • March 13, 2024
  • Two businessmen shake hands over a business deal.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Stock Photo via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    2 steps to boost your win rate

    Build credibility and relationships with potential clients to negotiate more deals, writes a construction consultant.

    Matt Verderamo • March 11, 2024
  • A firefighter sprays a burning building with a hose.
    Image attribution tooltip
    DarthArt via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    Construction fire safety at ‘major crossroads,’ industry expert says

    New collaborative and digital-led solutions are needed to meet contractors’ fire prevention needs, according to a fire investigator.

    John Heinen • Feb. 22, 2024
  • A person in a yellow safety vest and hardhat holds a remote in their hand on a construction site.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Permission granted by Columbia Construction
    Image attribution tooltip

    Drones know the dirt: How UAVs can measure jobsite materials

    A reality capture manager at Columbia breaks down the basics, from software and training to regulations like the upcoming Remote ID Rule.

    Erik Gronneberg • Feb. 14, 2024
  • Three construction workers stand in a tunnel, silhouetted in shadow.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Martin Barraud via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    3 reasons why new tradespeople don’t stick around

    Poor training, bad bosses and other frustrations can drive away new recruits to the construction industry, writes a Texas quality control manager.

    Fulton Cure • Feb. 6, 2024
  • two construction workers walk in a warehouse under construction
    Image attribution tooltip
    Sean Anthony Eddy via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    4 ways to level construction’s playing field

    Barriers that impede minority-owned businesses reflect a broader systemic issue, says an industry executive.

    Andre Sappington • Feb. 5, 2024
  • Employee v. independent contractor
    Image attribution tooltip
    Alex Wong / Staff via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    7 ways that Davis-Bacon changes could cost contractors

    Updates to prevailing wage laws will impact builders looking to win in the booming federal infrastructure market.

    Ashley Eley Cannady • Feb. 1, 2024
  • Arbitration agreement paperwork
    Image attribution tooltip
    gesrey via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    5 benefits of arbitration for construction disputes

    Avoiding court can save time and money while leading to better project outcomes, says attorney Jacqueline Greenberg Vogt.

    Jacqueline Greenberg Vogt • Jan. 26, 2024
  • Two construction workers look at a phone
    Image attribution tooltip
    iStock/Katarzyna Bialasiewicz via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    Why — and how — to ignore nasty emails

    Don’t fall for these common mistakes when a rude message hits your inbox, writes consultant Matt Verderamo.

    Matt Verderamo • Jan. 24, 2024
  • A young construction worker uses a tablet to view plans on a jobsite.
    Image attribution tooltip
    sorn340 / Stock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    How to gain respect from experienced co-workers

    Young construction leaders must learn how to navigate relationships with the seasoned pros on their team, according to an industry consultant.

    Matt Verderamo • Dec. 18, 2023
  • man and women in front of camera at an online webinar
    Image attribution tooltip
    izusek via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    5 tactics to tell — and sell — your firm’s story

    Once you know what you want to say to potential clients, decide how best to present it.

    Chemene Phillips • Dec. 14, 2023
  • two business people shaking hands through a glass window.
    Image attribution tooltip
    gradyreese via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    3 steps to a profitable exit strategy

    To make the most money when it’s time to sell, owners need to focus on building value in their firms, writes construction consultant Matt Verderamo.

    Matt Verderamo • Nov. 21, 2023
  • Three construction workers look at plans on a jobsite.
    Image attribution tooltip
    ljubaphoto/E+ via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    8 ways to build your brand

    Contractors often downplay marketing efforts and instead rely on word-of-mouth connections, but a few simple steps can help find new clients, says a construction branding expert.

    Chemene Phillips • Nov. 7, 2023
  • An exterior image of a veterans center building
    Image attribution tooltip
    Permission granted by Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs
    Image attribution tooltip

    Billions in deferred maintenance projects coming to US facilities

    A nationwide push to address delayed upkeep on public buildings and infrastructure will create myriad opportunities for contractors, according to a consultant.

    Mary Scott Nabers • Oct. 25, 2023
  • Four construction workers stand in front of a building entrance.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Permission granted by Robert Belmont/Novo Construction
    Image attribution tooltip

    5 ways to improve construction DEI

    One CEO says some companies may overlook the importance of diversity, but the business case for it is compelling.

    Jim Fowler • Oct. 20, 2023
  • Construction workers on site carrying slab.
    Image attribution tooltip

    Shutterstock / CoolKengzz

    Image attribution tooltip

    Diversity, not racism, must be construction’s default

    In an industry known for overcoming challenges, progress on inclusion doesn’t measure up, according to one construction CEO and author.

    Melvin Gravely • Oct. 17, 2023
  • Three construction workers are in the middle background, surrounded by work on a large construction site.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Drazen_ via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    Are your subs covered?

    A COI does not promise actual insurance coverage, so contractors must be thorough in confirming that they are protected. Here are five things to look for.

    Melanie C. Kalmanson • Sept. 14, 2023