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Stepping Over Dollars to Pick Up Dimes
Innovation Still Matters
What have you done this week to inspire your customers and employees to be excited about your products or services?
by Tim Fausch | February 26, 2010 | Comments (1)
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Company Wide Game and a Stake in the Game
Computer Backup From Mild to Wild
When A Staff Member Is Spiraling Down
A Business Lesson from Braveheart, Al and Ellen
One of my favorite scenes from the 1995 film Braveheart takes place on the battlefield before the hand-to-hand combat takes place. In a rousing speech, Scotsman William Wallace challenges his troops to stay and fight. His words whip them into a frenzy.
by Tim Fausch | February 5, 2010 | Comments (4)
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How to Get Testimonials and Make Them Count
Meetings 101…Love them?...Hate them?
Need More Information…or Need More Implementation?
Afraid That Your Staff Is Slowing Down?
Falling Off the Wagon
Somebody’s Job
Time for Lunch
Why Would You Go To The Doctor and Not Do What You’re Told?
A Global Warming Tax on Your Business?
If forced to take a side, I would join the ranks of global warming skeptics.
by Tim Fausch | December 11, 2009 | Comments (12)
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Five Reasons to Give Thanks
With 2009 ticking down, it would be so easy to reflect on the hardships our country has endured this year.
by Tim Fausch | November 25, 2009 | Comments (5)
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The Good, The Bad and The Ugly of Family Dynamics
Here’s what you can do right now to make working
with family so much better.
by Al Levi | November 22, 2009 | Comments (1)
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Controlling Call Clusters
How you handle those high influx of emergency calls will determine if you're given further opportunities.
by Katie Rotella | November 16, 2009 | Comments (1)
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Wishing It Were So
"When
you put the car in the ditch, the first thing you need to do is stop spinning
the wheels.”
by Al Levi | November 15, 2009 | Comments (0)
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Marriott Bets $3 Billion on Indy Development
One of the benefits of my job is the ability to view construction projects in progress throughout the country. During a recent trip to Indianapolis, I took a few minutes to take in Marriott Place, a stunning downtown development slated for completion in February 2011.
by Tim Fausch | November 13, 2009 | Comments (3)
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Breakfast With Dr. Sturm
Upcoming Light + Building show blends the decorative and efficient.
by Katie Rotella | November 11, 2009 | Comments (0)
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What NOT To Do
How to die a quick death by e-mail campaign in nine
“easy” steps.
by Katie Rotella | November 9, 2009 | Comments (0)
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Master Answering, Booking Calls In Steps
Everything
that goes right and goes wrong can be traced back to how we do this simple but
vital first step with the customer.
by Al Levi | November 8, 2009 | Comments (0)
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True Grit: Remodeling Pros Share Survival Stories
The annual Remodeling Show took place in Indianapolis last week. I used the opportunity to poll contractors at the show, who were mostly from the Midwest.
by Tim Fausch | November 5, 2009 | Comments (3)
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Who Needs Social Media Anyways?!
Let’s break this down into a digestible format
for contractors and use these new tools to help increase sales.
by Elton Rivas | November 4, 2009 | Comments (0)
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Discovering WOW
Wharton research explores the key to great customer experiences.
by Katie Rotella | November 2, 2009 | Comments (0)
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Stop Destructive Patterns
Living
on caffeine, nicotine and something else?
by Al Levi | November 1, 2009 | Comments (0)
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Good Praise Bank Account
No more silent treatment. Tell your employees they're doing a good job.
by Al Levi | October 25, 2009 | Comments (0)
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Color Counts
Color can become
your personal brand.
by Katie Rotella | October 19, 2009 | Comments (1)
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Somebody Needs To Get Fired
Sometimes you need to let someone go to make your company
better.
by Al Levi | October 18, 2009 | Comments (0)
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Chick-fil-A Shines Brightly On a Rainy Day in Georgia
I fear we’ve lost our way. As businesspeople, we often react with such shocking shortsightedness that we fail to see into next year, maybe even into next week.
by Tim Fausch | October 14, 2009 | Comments (24)
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5 Marketing Questions
The words “budget cuts” are
still ringing in business owners ears.
by Katie Rotella | October 12, 2009 | Comments (2)
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Pick Me! Pick Me!
10 ways to help your customer pick the “right”
contractor (you).
by Al Levi | October 11, 2009 | Comments (0)
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New YouTube Video Presents Stunning Facts on Social Media
Back in March, I blogged about a fascinating YouTube video called “Did You Know?” and received a lot of feedback from visitors. They said that the video helped them think about change and put it into perspective.
by Tim Fausch | October 5, 2009 | Comments (2)
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Secret Footage [Part 2]
More details on how to put a mystery shopping program into place the right way.
by Al Levi | October 4, 2009 | Comments (0)
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Secret Footage [Part 1]
If I video taped your employees, would you be
sick to your stomach or worse?
by Al Levi | September 27, 2009 | Comments (0)
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Eight Inspiring Business Tips
Today, I am encouraged and inspired. I am turning a deaf ear to the naysayers and a blind eye to the imagery of negativity. I see unlimited business opportunities. I am planning to succeed.
by Tim Fausch | September 24, 2009 | Comments (1)
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Ramp It Up
If you’re looking to slice a few company dollars
here and there, drop the knife when it comes to your marketing dough!
by Katie Rotella | September 21, 2009 | Comments (1)
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Why You Need to Give a Twit About E-Media
In 2004, soon after delivering my daughter at Cedarville University in central Ohio, she told me about this interesting computer application called Facebook. It was a new way of interacting with other students on campus and other universities.
by Tim Fausch | September 11, 2009 | Comments (1)
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Let’s Knock Down 5 Million Crappy Houses
Last month, three single-family homes I pass while driving to work disappeared.
Poof.
by Tim Fausch | August 24, 2009 | Comments (13)
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Let’s Bring Families to Trade Shows
I was aghast the first time I visited the annual trade show known as the South Atlantic Well Water Drillers Jubilee in Myrtle Beach, S.C. When the doors to the expo hall opened, in poured hundreds of families.
by Tim Fausch | August 10, 2009 | Comments (3)
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Hanging by a Thread
I rarely look out my seventh-floor window, but a few weeks ago a dangling window washer grabbed my attention. This guy--let’s call him Wally--was cleaning windows on a building adjacent to the one that houses BNP Media’s offices.
by Tim Fausch | August 3, 2009 | Comments (1)
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Can “Junk Mail” Help Grow Your Business?
I miss “junk mail.” It’s true. Even though I sometimes complained when
digging out from a pile of mail, I actually enjoyed opening it.
by Tim Fausch | July 22, 2009 | Comments (2)
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Fortune Cookies Predict End to Recession, Housing Downturn
I’ve been saving fortunes from my Chinese dinners and I’m elated. Apparently, I’m in line for an incredible string of good luck. And my good fortune is your good fortune because we’re all in this downturn together.
by Tim Fausch | July 9, 2009 | Comments (1)
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Katrina Revisited
In September 2005, the world was mesmerized by the greatest natural disaster in the history of the U.S. Most of us were glued to our favorite cable channel or Web site, watching hurricane Katrina pound the Gulf Coast without mercy.
by Tim Fausch | June 22, 2009 | Comments (0)
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I See Disaster in Your Future…and That’s a Good Thing
The word disaster conjures up many images.
by Tim Fausch | May 21, 2009 | Comments (4)
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Recession-Busting Strategies Part 4 – The Top Four Ways to Motivate Your Staff
Many construction-related business owners and managers are aggressively managing their operations. They are cutting expenses, finding new efficiencies and improving their marketing effectiveness.
by Tim Fausch | May 13, 2009 | Comments (0)
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Recession-Busting Strategies - Part 3: Four Business Groups That Help Construction Pros Succeed
Despite the construction downturn, now might be the best time to join a professional association or organization. Doing so might provide you with marketing advantages that your competitors won’t have.
by Tim Fausch | May 5, 2009 | Comments (1)
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Recession-Busting Strategies for Construction Pros -Part 2: Your Top 10 Marketing Investments
Now is the perfect time to rebalance your marketing efforts.
by Tim Fausch | April 28, 2009 | Comments (5)
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Recession-Busting Strategies for Construction Pros - Part I: Four Ways Your Competitors Out-Promote You
Many of your competitors will survive this recession, but only a handful will grow stronger. How in the world are they doing it?
by Tim Fausch | April 16, 2009 | Comments (3)
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How’s Your Project Pipeline?
Walking through downtown Nashville last week, I heard a country singer lamenting that he lost his girlfriend, his pickup truck and his construction business. OK, that last one was actually his hound dog, but it won’t be long before we hear songs about the heartbreak of losing construction work.
by Tim Fausch | April 7, 2009 | Comments (0)
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YouTube Video: Stunning Thoughts On The Pace of Change
I recently received a link to a YouTube video called “Did You Know?” It is fascinating look at the pace of change, including business and employment trends.
by Tim Fausch | March 20, 2009 | Comments (4)
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ISH Frankfurt: The Show Heats Up
PM gets a glimpse into the future of American heating possibilities.
by Katie Rotella | March 12, 2009 | Comments (1)
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ISH Frankfurt: Katie Gears Up For The Show
Day One of the world’s largest plumbing show sees
PM senior editor Katie Rotella feeling the pulse of the
industry and watching future trends.
by Katie Rotella | March 10, 2009 | Comments (0)
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Desperate Times Call For…Simple Measures?
I’m amazed at how fast the decline of the U.S. economy has impacted our lifestyles. We are buying far fewer goods and services that we now consider luxuries, and we are slowing the pace of our lives in the process.
by Tim Fausch | March 4, 2009 | Comments (1)
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Are Consumers 'Trading Down'?
How the current economic downturn will shape buying habits of tomorrow’s
consumers.
by Katie Rotella | February 23, 2009 | Comments (0)
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Five Tactics Your Competitors Are Using to Survive the 'New Normal'
I live and work in the rather sickly Detroit metropolitan market. Every time I drive by a flooring store, granite shop, plumbing showroom or contractor’s truck, I wonder how they are doing. What steps have they taken to cut costs? How long can they keep going if conditions don’t improve?
by Tim Fausch | February 23, 2009 | Comments (14)
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Las Vegas Construction Meltdown
I had heard that Las
Vegas construction was in huge trouble. According to
the reports, the financial meltdown had broken the city’s back. The cranes were
idle, the jackhammers silent and the workers sent packing. Put a fork in all
those huge building projects--they're dead.
by Tim Fausch | February 11, 2009 | Comments (7)
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Turnout, Innovation Light At IBS
My elation at booking a $34 hotel room on The
Strip in Las Vegas was tempered somewhat by the reason my room was so cheap.
by Bob Miodonski | February 10, 2009 | Comments (0)
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'Map' Your Success
Local searches and online shopping are the leading online
consumer behaviors.
by Katie Rotella | February 9, 2009 | Comments (1)
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Are My Bad Weather Blues Good News For You?
I’ve cleared my driveway for the 200th time this winter (OK,
it just seems like 200 times) only to have it recovered with a fresh blanket of
snow before I drive away.
by Tim Fausch | January 29, 2009 | Comments (1)
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AHR Expo: Day 1
Day One observations of the 2009 AHR Expo.
by Katie Rotella | January 26, 2009 | Comments (1)
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Are Obama Fans Too Optimistic?
Regardless of where you fall in the political spectrum, you
are likely looking forward to a change in Washington. If you are a business
owner or manager, you are especially excited by the prospects of a new cadre of
leaders generating optimism among consumers.
by Tim Fausch | January 21, 2009 | Comments (6)
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Only Great Products Will Sustain the Green Movement
For the last few years, anything green has received
incredible attention. The high price of oil, the threat of global warming, and
a strong economy have caused us to view the world through green-tinted glasses.
I don’t know about you, but I sometimes feel like I am drowning in a sea of
green.
by Tim Fausch | January 16, 2009 | Comments (6)
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Consumers May Demand Different Homes
What will this recession mean for tomorrow’s homes?
by Katie Rotella | January 12, 2009 | Comments (0)
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Happy Endings
Be the hero, and turn
a sad story into positive public relations.
by Katie Rotella | January 5, 2009 | Comments (0)
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I’m Dreaming of These Holiday Mergers
The recent spate of mergers caused me to wonder why we--the
valued customers of these companies--were not consulted about their unions. I know
we could pick better partners.
by Tim Fausch | December 23, 2008 | Comments (0)
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Do-It-Yourself Hydronic Radiant?!
Is
the New York Times actually advocating homeowners install
their own radiant PEX tubing ― in staple-up, no less?
by Katie Rotella | December 18, 2008 | Comments (0)
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Toothless Smiles
The construction market stinks. The stock market brings
constant pain. The financial bailouts grow more insane by the day.
Manufacturers are struggling. Nonprofits are laying off staff. Retailers are
filing for bankruptcy.
by Tim Fausch | December 16, 2008 | Comments (3)
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Customers Still In The Driver's Seat
66% of surveyed architects cite "client demand" as the primary influence on
their practice of green building.
by Katie Rotella | December 15, 2008 | Comments (0)
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Seasonal Secret Weapon
Put
your expertise out there for thousands (maybe millions) of potential customers
to see.
by Katie Rotella | December 15, 2008 | Comments (0)
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Let’s Profit From People’s Pain
Now that Thanksgiving is over, we have a few weeks before
the Christmas spirit peaks and we have to be nice to people. Now is the perfect
time to take advantage of people and make some easy money for your company.
by Tim Fausch | December 4, 2008 | Comments (3)
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Housing Mess = Pent-Up Demand For Your Services
Earlier this week the U.S. Commerce Department released
October stats indicating that new home and apartment construction have dropped
to an annual rate of 791,000 units, a 4.5% decrease from September.
by Tim Fausch | November 19, 2008 | Comments (2)
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Selling Hydronics
Find your "innovation fulcrum."
by Katie Rotella | November 10, 2008 | Comments (2)
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Eat or Be Eaten
I love nature shows, especially those that
demonstrate ferocity in the animal kingdom. Last night I caught a segment where
an imposing monitor lizard went looking for lunch in a badger’s den, only to
end up becoming lunch for the badger.
by Tim Fausch | November 7, 2008 | Comments (3)
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California Dreaming … or Nightmare?
When I took my first trip to California in 1982, the state’s sunny skies,
palm trees and ocean views entranced me. With the Mamas and the Papas’
“California Dreaming” playing in my head, I understood why people were moving
there in droves.
by Tim Fausch | October 31, 2008 | Comments (2)
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Finding Hidden Treasure
Who wouldn’t love to discover hidden treasure?
Wouldn’t it be great to stumble across a priceless painting at a garage sale or
find a rare historical document in your attic?
by Tim Fausch | October 24, 2008 | Comments (0)
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Green Gold
It’s been fascinating watching the world turn green, i.e. “environmentally sensitive.” Because BNP Media has published Environmental Design + Construction magazine since 1997, we’ve been able to watch the recent “green rush” from a position of insight.
by Tim Fausch | October 17, 2008 | Comments (7)
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Social Connections
Be
a connector and watch your business grow.
by Katie Rotella | October 13, 2008 | Comments (0)
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That Will Be $49 for Parts and $99 for Fuel
Fuel prices are adding to the pressure on construction pros.
by Tim Fausch | October 9, 2008 | Comments (2)
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From The Show Floor: ISH Day Three
Katie Rotella blogs from this year’s ISH North America
tradeshow and Network ’08 conference … Day Three.
by Katie Rotella | October 3, 2008 | Comments (1)
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I've Got the Bailout Blues
Bailout or keep bailing?
by Tim Fausch | October 3, 2008 | Comments (1)
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From The Show Floor: ISH Day Two
Katie Rotella blogs from this year’s ISH North
America tradeshow and Network ’08 conference … Day Two.
by Katie Rotella | October 2, 2008 | Comments (0)
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From The Show Floor: ISH Day One, 2nd Half
Katie Rotella blogs from this year’s ISH North America
tradeshow and Network ’08 conference … Day One: 2nd Half.
by Katie Rotella | October 1, 2008 | Comments (0)
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From The Show Floor: ISH Day One, Half-Time
Katie Rotella blogs from this year’s ISH North America
tradeshow and Network ’08 conference … Day One: Half-Time.
by Katie Rotella | October 1, 2008 | Comments (0)
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From The Show Floor: ISH Pre-show
Katie Rotella blogs from this year’s ISH North America
tradeshow and Network ’08 conference … Pre-Show.
by Katie Rotella | September 30, 2008 | Comments (0)
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Houston, We Have Big Problems
Many in Texas are returning to homes that look like this tornado-ravaged home in Florida.
by Tim Fausch | September 23, 2008 | Comments (1)
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How Do You Handle Today’s Tattoo Culture?
The Herman Group reports that “most courts have
backed up businesses in their right to make appearance demands from employees.”
by Jim Olsztynski | September 23, 2008 | Comments (0)
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Waterproof Business Cards
We strive so hard to stand out from the
competition, and something as simple as your business card could make the
difference.
by Katie Rotella | September 22, 2008 | Comments (1)
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No Time to Play Possum
Don't be wild-eyed from this week's wild ride on Wall Street.
by Tim Fausch | September 19, 2008 | Comments (2)
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Celebrating Sept. 12; The Future of Trade Shows
September 11 was a somber day for me. From the moment I turned on my car radio in the morning until I went to sleep, words and images kept flooding my mind.
by Tim Fausch | September 12, 2008 | Comments (2)
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Adventures In Construction: Trends From The Trenches
See what readers said about their 2008 losses and their 2009 forecasts.
by Tim Fausch | September 5, 2008 | Comments (1)
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You Can't Miss
As our nation's children head back to school this month, So Should You!
by Katie Rotella | August 31, 2008 | Comments (0)
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Trends From The Trenches
In just a few months we’ve gone from feast to famine…from too much business to “where is the business?”…from fat and happy to hungry and stunned.
by Tim Fausch | August 28, 2008 | Comments (4)
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