Brian Gallagher

Throughout history, companies who embraced change and disruption have proven to be the most successful. In 2021, marketers will need to pivot and be intentional about adapting and improving their marketing approaches and building strategies that engage clients and drive the achievement of business goals. In some respects, the new roles and activities that are called for will expand a company’s very definition of marketing.

The oil and gas industry experienced unprecedented disruption in 2020. The global lockdown response to the COVID-19 pandemic caused an enormous reduction in fuel use in the transport sector, leading to an imbalance between supply and demand. Hydrocarbon processing facilities struggled to adapt their operations.

In today’s market, companies must take every opportunity to remain competitive—so there has never been a better time for construction companies to re-evaluate their employee recruiting and retention practices.

Graycor, a national general contractor founded in 1921, has ingrained its recruitment and retention efforts into the larger company culture through its engineer mentor committees (EMC).

The U.S. labor force—like every area of life—has been greatly affected by COVID-19. It’s hard to predict the ways in which labor supply and demand in the construction industry may ultimately change as a result of the virus. If some industries, such as the restaurant industry, take a long time to recover, it may cause more people to look at construction as a preferred career path. Another possible outcome is that capital spending will abate temporarily then see a spike in 2021 or later… Show more

The U.S. labor force—like every area of life—has been greatly affected by COVID-19. It’s hard to predict the ways in which labor supply and demand in the construction industry may ultimately change as a result of the virus. If some industries, such as the restaurant industry, take a long time to recover, it may cause more people to look at construction as a preferred career path. Another possible outcome is that capital spending will abate temporarily then see a spike in 2021 or later. Depending on how these and many other variables play out, construction workforce shortages that were severe in the years leading up to 2020 may improve—or they may not. No matter how the future unfolds, construction firms and power plant owners need to work together to implement best practices for attracting the best talent. Show less

Our industry has been disrupted. The extent of the impact of COVID-19 will not be known for some time, but one thing is certain; the construction business will not be as usual. Finding the elusive strategic balance for leading your company and structuring for success is essential.

As leaders we must adapt and adjust. The firms that are agile and embrace change will be the most resilient and emerge the strongest. Leaders of construction firms need to take this opportunity to pause and… Show more

Our industry has been disrupted. The extent of the impact of COVID-19 will not be known for some time, but one thing is certain; the construction business will not be as usual. Finding the elusive strategic balance for leading your company and structuring for success is essential.

As leaders we must adapt and adjust. The firms that are agile and embrace change will be the most resilient and emerge the strongest. Leaders of construction firms need to take this opportunity to pause and reflect on their business. We all have reacted and addressed social distancing, safety and productivity, but we must consider how our business needs to adapt. During the next several months, we are going to be faced with considerable societal, economic and political change. Show less

The Harvard Business Review introduced the concept of disruption as early as 1995. The authors’ insight was that small companies can successfully challenge larger incumbents by targeting market segments that are being overlooked, often offering their product at a low price point. Those small companies then move upmarket, taking market share from the larger companies. This applies to the construction industry.

The Harvard Business Review article focused on computer technologies, which… Show more

The Harvard Business Review introduced the concept of disruption as early as 1995. The authors’ insight was that small companies can successfully challenge larger incumbents by targeting market segments that are being overlooked, often offering their product at a low price point. Those small companies then move upmarket, taking market share from the larger companies. This applies to the construction industry.

The Harvard Business Review article focused on computer technologies, which are, inarguably, fast moving, with many product offerings that don’t address the immediate requirements of mainstream customers. However, disruption is not limited to computer technology. Any process or product that is fundamentally different from what is currently in use—and that causes unforeseen, large-scale change—can be disruptive. An example of a new technology that is not computer-based is the improvement to battery operation that has enabled electric cars and renewable energy storage. Similarly, improved oil extraction technologies have enabled hydraulic fracturing, which in turn has led to lower natural gas prices. Prefabrication and modularization are disruptive methodologies specific to the construction industry; they can result in lower cost and improved quality. Show less

During challenging economic times, communicating with prospects and clients is more important than ever. While activity has slowed, companies still need resources, solutions, information, products and services provided by firms in our industry. Continued investment in marketing is important.

Building an employment brand, engaging educational institutions and participating in veterans' programs are ways for construction companies to build a talent pipeline that connects job seekers with opportunities, writes Brian Gallagher, vice president of corporate development at Graycor. Companies should also work with recruiters and organize outreach programs for minorities, retirees and women, Gallagher writes.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact the economy, businesses in the construction industry face dynamic challenges. Many firms are tightening their belts and cutting expenditures. During challenging economic times, communicating with prospects and clients is more important than ever. While activity has slowed, companies still need resources, solutions, information, products, and services provided by firms in our industry. Continued investment in marketing is important.

America is a land of opportunity, and nowhere is that more apparent than in the construction industry, which offers countless ways for someone to find career fulfillment, not only in terms of the variety of trades involved but in project type and location. Work in construction offers the classic American story: someone can start on the ground floor (literally) and work their way into a highly technical profession—or management or entrepreneurship or all the above. The challenge is connecting… Show more

America is a land of opportunity, and nowhere is that more apparent than in the construction industry, which offers countless ways for someone to find career fulfillment, not only in terms of the variety of trades involved but in project type and location. Work in construction offers the classic American story: someone can start on the ground floor (literally) and work their way into a highly technical profession—or management or entrepreneurship or all the above. The challenge is connecting job seekers to those opportunities. How can companies go about building a talent pipeline? Show less

Industrial, power and process construction projects face a unique set of challenges and opportunities. Each plant, unit, process or facility is unique and requires custom-designed equipment as well as complex mechanical, electrical and process piping systems. This translates into capital projects that require a significant investment in time and resources, before breaking ground.

Each year, technology continues to advance, and the innovations are impacting how marketers in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry plan, implement and measure their marketing programs. Keeping abreast of technology changes is a requirement for AEC marketers, and doing so will help AEC firms improve their marketing effectiveness in 2020. Following are key trends to watch.

Embracing “disruption” requires a shift in mindset, but those companies that welcome change can dramatically improve project outcomes.

Overview of disruptive technologies impacting the architecture, engineering and construction industry.

The construction industry needs to move beyond being a siloed and adversarial industry, where incentives lead stakeholders to preserve their own self-interests and priorities. The traditional chain of command that was instituted to avoid or mitigate risks has hefty costs in terms of delays and inaccuracies. Common goals are the solution, because synergies between team members can produce quality products more efficiently. Genuine collaboration results not only in improved outcomes for the… Show more

The construction industry needs to move beyond being a siloed and adversarial industry, where incentives lead stakeholders to preserve their own self-interests and priorities. The traditional chain of command that was instituted to avoid or mitigate risks has hefty costs in terms of delays and inaccuracies. Common goals are the solution, because synergies between team members can produce quality products more efficiently. Genuine collaboration results not only in improved outcomes for the owner, but in more successful projects for all parties involved. It leads to less friction, improved relationships, safer jobs, better quality and higher profits. Show less

It’s the classic American story: someone can start on the ground floor and work their way into a highly technical profession. The challenge is connecting job seekers to those opportunities during a time of low unemployment and workforce shortages.

The construction industry is already feeling the effects of the recent tariffs, not only with higher steel and aluminum prices, but with higher prices on Canadian lumber.

Technology and consumer behavior continue to evolve, having a significant impact on how marketers in the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry plan and execute their tactics. The “rules” change on a regular basis, so keeping a pulse on current trends will help AEC firms improve their marketing effectiveness. There are 10 key trends to watch.

Technology and consumer behavior continue to evolve, having a significant impact on how marketers in the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry plan and execute their tactics. The "rules" change on a regular basis, so keeping a pulse on current trends will help AEC firms improve their marketing effectiveness in 2018. There are 10 key trends to watch.

Same-day or drone deliveries…behemoth online retailers acquiring brick-and-mortar grocery stores…click-and-collect delivery models that funnel consumers to a pick-up location: these trends make for exciting headlines. But behind the scenes, manufacturers and retailers must constantly—and quickly—re-tool their distribution and delivery processes. Traditionally seen as cost centers, distribution centers are viewed as strategic assets that can provide a competitive advantage by savvy companies.

New manufacturing facilities represent a significant capital investment for any owner. By taking an approach that addresses a facility’s production and performance requirements in conjunction with the site requirements, owners can make more informed decisions that lead to project success.

Executives have been trying to mitigate risks and control costs for capital construction projects for decades, but the number of assumptions involved in early planning has consistently led to a high degree of uncertainty. Now technologies are converging to help reduce that uncertainty and enable executives to quickly evaluate options and make well-informed decisions regarding new facility projects.

Using building information modeling (BIM) during pre-construction planning now leads to lower risk and improved predictability during the actual construction phase of a facility.

New tech advances are poised to affect jobsite practices – and project costs – in ways that seemed like science fiction just a few years ago. The biggest change is the way that individual technologies are now synergistically working together and giving rise to emergent processes; the biggest challenge is to choose the technologies that are right for you and your company. The tech processes go beyond stand-alone solutions, which have typically been acquired and used by individual contractors… Show more

New tech advances are poised to affect jobsite practices – and project costs – in ways that seemed like science fiction just a few years ago. The biggest change is the way that individual technologies are now synergistically working together and giving rise to emergent processes; the biggest challenge is to choose the technologies that are right for you and your company. The tech processes go beyond stand-alone solutions, which have typically been acquired and used by individual contractors, and are creating systems that will require high level buy-in and strategic implementation. Show less

Most construction industry professionals acknowledge that increased adoption of technology is in their future. Yet many still resist committing their time or money, and others invest sporadically, hoping to see results by using tech for tech's sake. Improved project outcomes can only occur through understanding the most significant of the individual applications and devices that are currently available, and realizing how those technologies are already synergistically working together and giving… Show more

Most construction industry professionals acknowledge that increased adoption of technology is in their future. Yet many still resist committing their time or money, and others invest sporadically, hoping to see results by using tech for tech's sake. Improved project outcomes can only occur through understanding the most significant of the individual applications and devices that are currently available, and realizing how those technologies are already synergistically working together and giving rise to emergent processes. Show less

Acquiring an existing building shell to house manufacturing operations can seem like a real time- and money-saver to companies. But is it really?

The construction industry is striving to promote educational and career opportunities, further strengthening our state by providing jobs and viable career opportunities. The future of the construction industry is dependent on our ability to recruit, train and employ the next generation of pipe fitters, electricians, plumbers, welders, masons, sheet metal mechanics and service technicians.

3D modeling of 2-D drawings took the design world by storm. After that, time and scheduling information was integrated into models, taking them to the fourth dimension.

With aggressive project schedules becoming the industry norm, efficiency is more important than ever. Recently, many industrial manufacturing companies have changed their approach to project delivery, drawing inspiration from the popularity of lean manufacturing processes.

Foreign direct investment (FDI) in the United States has been a key driver in the recent manufacturing recovery. Capital investment in automotive, chemical, textile, aerospace and other manufacturing and production facilities by foreign-owned companies has been on a steady increase in the Southeast United States.

Taking a proactive and collaborative approach in the preconstruction phase is key to arriving at a project definition that will lead to successful project delivery.

Technology continues to revolutionize how companies in the architectural, engineering, construction (AEC) and manufacturing industries do business. In response to this trend, these firms need to leverage social media to establish and maintain a competitive marketing advantage. Building Business with Social Media is an introductory level book geared towards leaders, principles, and marketers for business-to-business companies and organizations.

Social media presents interesting… Show more

Technology continues to revolutionize how companies in the architectural, engineering, construction (AEC) and manufacturing industries do business. In response to this trend, these firms need to leverage social media to establish and maintain a competitive marketing advantage. Building Business with Social Media is an introductory level book geared towards leaders, principles, and marketers for business-to-business companies and organizations.

Social media presents interesting opportunities for business-to-business firms to engage in authentic dialogue and conversation with customers, position themselves as thought leaders, leverage marketing content, amplify and spread their message, generate leads and compliment marketing activities. This book will help you understand how the Internet has changed the way people seek and find information, communicate, collaborate, and engage.

Building Business with Social Media is designed to provide AEC, manufacturing and other business-to-business marketers with a basic understanding of social media tools, while providing ideas to enhance your firm’s online presence, build brand awareness and generate demand through the strategic application of social media tools. Show less

Many engineering and construction firms were slow to rebound from the recession, but a few of them made quicker recoveries than might have been expected. What were the secrets and strategies of those firms to “recession-proof” themselves? Our firm, O’Neal, Inc. — an employee-owned company that offers comprehensive engineering, procurement, and construction services — tripled its revenue at a time when other firms were still being hit hard. Several factors account for that success, but all share… Show more

Many engineering and construction firms were slow to rebound from the recession, but a few of them made quicker recoveries than might have been expected. What were the secrets and strategies of those firms to “recession-proof” themselves? Our firm, O’Neal, Inc. — an employee-owned company that offers comprehensive engineering, procurement, and construction services — tripled its revenue at a time when other firms were still being hit hard. Several factors account for that success, but all share the common theme of identifying areas in which growth and opportunities continued to occur. Show less

For years, off-shoring appeared to be an irreversible trend. After all, cost of labor drove many decisions to relocate operations and gave developing countries a significant and seemingly unassailable advantage.

However, several factors now are contributing to the decision to re-shore. As energy concerns escalate, re-shoring offers a way to reduce energy and transportation costs. The value of the U.S. dollar has deflated over the last ten years while the values of other industrialized… Show more

For years, off-shoring appeared to be an irreversible trend. After all, cost of labor drove many decisions to relocate operations and gave developing countries a significant and seemingly unassailable advantage.

However, several factors now are contributing to the decision to re-shore. As energy concerns escalate, re-shoring offers a way to reduce energy and transportation costs. The value of the U.S. dollar has deflated over the last ten years while the values of other industrialized nations’ currencies have risen. In many cases, the United States is a low-cost location for exporting products to other nations. Moreover, labor cost is in flux: wages are rising in developing countries while the increasing flexibility and productivity of the American worker is boosting U.S. competitiveness. Furthermore, advanced manufacturing techniques, which rely heavily on robotics and automation, make labor costs less of a factor than they once were. Show less

For years, off-shoring appeared to be an irreversible trend. After all, cost of labor drove many decisions to relocate operations and gave developing countries a significant and seemingly unassailable advantage.

A recent survey conducted by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Forum for Supply Chain Innovation indicates that nearly half of U.S. manufacturing companies are considering reshoring operations back to the U.S.

In the past, independent teams have focused solely on completing their portion of a construction project. Having separate workflows and hierarchies meant the flow of communication remained manageable. But the days of keeping each aspect of a capital project separated are a thing of the past. Communication has become much easier, not only in terms of conversations, but in terms of embodying and conveying complex ideas. It is desirable, therefore, that the efficiencies of a more collaborative… Show more

In the past, independent teams have focused solely on completing their portion of a construction project. Having separate workflows and hierarchies meant the flow of communication remained manageable. But the days of keeping each aspect of a capital project separated are a thing of the past. Communication has become much easier, not only in terms of conversations, but in terms of embodying and conveying complex ideas. It is desirable, therefore, that the efficiencies of a more collaborative workflow be captured. To accomplish this, integrated project delivery (IPD) has been used increasingly, achieving success in the industrial and manufacturing sectors. Show less

In the past, independent teams have focused solely on completing their portion of a construction project. Having separate workflows and hierarchies meant the flow of communication remained manageable. But the days of keeping each aspect of a capital project A state-of-the-art, grassroots, utility-scale power transformer and power components manufacturing plant that used the IPD method for its construction. All images courtesy: O'Nealseparated are a thing of the past. Communication has become… Show more

In the past, independent teams have focused solely on completing their portion of a construction project. Having separate workflows and hierarchies meant the flow of communication remained manageable. But the days of keeping each aspect of a capital project A state-of-the-art, grassroots, utility-scale power transformer and power components manufacturing plant that used the IPD method for its construction. All images courtesy: O'Nealseparated are a thing of the past. Communication has become much easier, not only in terms of conversations, but in terms of embodying and conveying complex ideas. It is desirable, therefore, that the efficiencies of a more collaborative workflow be captured. To accomplish this, integrated project delivery (IPD) has been used increasingly, achieving success in the industrial and manufacturing sectors. Show less

The IPD process can be successfully used for grassroots projects, facility expansions, major upfits, and relocation projects. For many, the IPD system reduces project risk, delivers predictable results, and maximizes the effectiveness of capital funding.

Encountering budget shortfalls or schedule overruns during a construction project can set off a cascade of problems. Fortunately, for contractors and industrial project owners, taking a proactive approach to project planning and using proven tools take the guesswork out of predicting a project’s scope, cost and schedule. Implementing these tools as part of a comprehensive preconstruction phase is the key to developing a project definition that leads to successful project delivery.

But before spending valuable dollars to relocate production facilities, conduct a comprehensive cost-analysis of overall benefits, as well as company-focused advantages and disadvantages for every aspect of production.

Manufacturing companies cannot afford to ignore the reshoring movement to bring production back to the U.S. from leading Asian, European and South American countries. But before spending valuable dollars to relocate production facilities, conducting a comprehensive cost-analysis of overall benefits, as well as company-focused advantages and disadvantages for every aspect of production, is a crucial part of the process.

Manufacturing companies cannot afford to ignore the reshoring movement to bring production back to the U.S. from leading Asian, European and South American countries. But before spending valuable dollars to relocate production facilities, conducting a comprehensive cost-analysis of overall benefits, as well as company-focused advantages and disadvantages for every aspect of production, is a crucial part of the process.

Successful construction firms don’t view marketing as an expense, but rather a strategic approach to business. The “leading with marketing” philosophy embodies how a company approaches its business, marketplace and clients. When companies lead with marketing, they choose which markets to target, what services to offer, how to differentiate, how to communicate and how to win.

The current debate in the General Assembly over economic development incentives for data centers has South Carolina residents once again thinking about the overall value of using tax breaks to encourage job creation. While we should always look closely at any legislative measure that could impact state revenues, it has been proven that South Carolina’s incentives strategy creates jobs and ultimately generates a net gain in tax revenue.

What if a company announced it was hiring dozens of people in your community, but said 98 percent of the qualified applicants shouldn’t bother applying because they weren’t even going to be considered? What if somebody said that the only way for you to get a job in your community was to join an exclusive club dominated by out-of-state interests who don’t share your values? What if you were a business owner and were told that even though you earned a job through a competitive bid, you still had… Show more

What if a company announced it was hiring dozens of people in your community, but said 98 percent of the qualified applicants shouldn’t bother applying because they weren’t even going to be considered? What if somebody said that the only way for you to get a job in your community was to join an exclusive club dominated by out-of-state interests who don’t share your values? What if you were a business owner and were told that even though you earned a job through a competitive bid, you still had to pay a kickback to an outside group — driving up your costs and decimating your profits?

Those “what-ifs” are exactly what you get when the government forces project labor agreements (PLAs) onto taxpayer-funded construction. That’s why Associated Builders and Contractors supports state Rep. Bill Sandifer’s, R-Seneca, efforts to ensure fair and open competition on government construction projects through the Right to Work Act of 2012 Show less

As the 2011 legislative session continues, one of the top concerns of South Carolina citizens continues to be job creation. Right now, over 10 percent of our citizens are unemployed, many of them skilled workers. As our lawmakers search for viable options to put our state back to work, we are missing out on a veritable gold mine of economic development: alternative and renewable energy production, particularly solar energy.

While movie stars and athletes have made Twitter famous, it isn’t simply a pastime for the young, rich, and famous. In the AEC industry, the “micro-blogging” site has made great inroads. In fact, many of the departments of transportation and other public entities throughout the United States are using Twitter as a means to update the public about roadway and bridge projects, road closures, and even traffic and snow removal.

For manufacturers, production efficiency, innovation, cost management, and time to market are critical factors for achieving a competitive advantage. As such, manufacturing facilities are a key part of a company’s business strategy, and a strategic approach to delivering capital projects is required. By choosing the right project delivery method for capital construction projects, manufacturing companies can ensure successful project delivery and meet overall business goals associated with the… Show more

For manufacturers, production efficiency, innovation, cost management, and time to market are critical factors for achieving a competitive advantage. As such, manufacturing facilities are a key part of a company’s business strategy, and a strategic approach to delivering capital projects is required. By choosing the right project delivery method for capital construction projects, manufacturing companies can ensure successful project delivery and meet overall business goals associated with the project. Show less

While there is not one formula for all AEC firms, a common characteristic is effective marketing. Successful firms don't view marketing as an expense, but as a strategic approach to winning.

Leading With Marketing embodies how an AEC firm should approach their business, their marketplace and their customers. When companies lead with marketing, they stragegically choose which markets to target, what to offer, how to differentiate, how to communicate, and how to win.

Marketing is a bit of mystery to many in the concrete industry. For some, marketing is a distinct corporate division charged with the branding and promotion of a company. Still others task company owners or project managers with sales activities and marketing activities including proposals and cost estimates. Regardless of the approach, today’s successful companies recognize the importance of having an integrated marketing plan.

In today’s lexicon, the word “concrete” has come to symbolize strength, stability and the image of being set in stone. With this seeming permanence, it is no wonder that concrete is the most common solution for the water and wastewater industry for storage tanks. Beyond the inherent durability of concrete, a variety of post-tensioning and corrosion protection techniques are providing even longer-lasting and economical solutions.