Slow season? Smart contractors don’t sit still

Wintertime can be slow even for contractors in warmer climes. This issue includes some tips for finding new work, deploying technology and holding onto good crew members so you can sustain the leaner months. And happy Veterans Day to the more than 528,000 veterans working in the construction industry.

But first, in our last round-up, we told you about a Usonian house; now we’ve got a Usonian Airstream travel trailer. 

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>>  Breaking into song. Sometimes inspiration hits and you make up a jingle about heavy equipment.

>>  Gadget play. Members of the Buffalo Bills football team explain joinery in a recent installment of their popular how-to series.

Ideas for navigating slow periods

Between economic issues, shutdowns and less daylight, finding additional income sources is vital. 

For example, you might take work that you wouldn't in better times if you have the skills and the project has sufficient margins. Options include setting up/taking down holiday lights and decor or being available for emergency repairs. The same goes for your equipment and vehicles, which could be repurposed for snow removal or other light-duty non-construction work. 

If those options aren’t available, use the time to make strategic investments in training or equipment maintenance so you’re ready when things pick back up. And it’s never a bad time to reach back out to former customers with a holiday greeting (which may prompt them to call you for a project!) or to cultivate relationships with prospective clients to prime your 2026 pipeline.

Why it matters: "Even the best plans don't always work out," admits Tyler Milyard, vice president of Western Constructors and owner of 1-800 Water Damage. Exploring different ways to make money now, perhaps before you have to, gives you a better chance of riding out changes in cash flow. (Greater Fort Wayne Business Weekly)

Even small investments in PM software generate ROI

You don’t need to make a big investment in project management to get a good ROI. That’s the takeaway from a new survey by Dodge Construction Network and Procore Technologies, Inc. The analysis shows that even light adopters and users of basic-level features benefit. Construction company owners and contractors in these categories note an immediate boost in data gathering and quality, thanks to a higher volume of actionable insights and fewer errors. More than 70% of owners say PM tech allows them to take on more business, and more than half of contractors report a rise in operational efficiency. 

The upsides are even higher for contractors and owners who invest more heavily in PM software and the people who use it. “The takeaway is not only that technology creates value, but that strong digital competency reliably amplifies it,” notes Donna Laquidara-Carr, Dodge’s director of industry research. 

Why it matters: In a highly competitive and volatile market, any edge is an advantage and you can see big operational and financial results from a small investment in PM software. (Dodge Construction Network)

Too much AI reliance could hurt your business 

While AI may not be coming for jobs on the worksite yet, since cobots still aren’t widely deployed, it is heading for the construction office. According to new data from Korn Ferry, 58% of companies that plan lower headcounts by increasing the use of AI are focusing on operations and back office workers. But don’t go overboard or you’ll risk creating more problems than you solve. 

That’s because jobs in these functions are where some of your best managers start, “filing papers, running reports, coordinating meetings...they did the routine stuff that taught them how the company actually works,” the report’s writers note. “Eliminate those roles today, and in a few years, you'll be scrambling to hire managers from the outside. They'll be expensive, won't understand your company, and will need months (or more) to figure out basics that your homegrown talent already knows.”  

Why it matters: While AI automation can improve productivity and accuracy for a lot of office and operations functions, investing in people is the key to long-term business sustainability. (Construction Dive)

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How to hold onto good employees

"We try to put the people who work with our company…in a position where they can be successful and they can do their job well because it helps everybody, it helps our customers, it helps our company, it helps our guys." 
—Greg Dobkin, American Construction Roofing, Siding and Windows

As the labor shortage grinds on, holding on to the good crew members you already have is a smart strategy. Greg Dobkin, founder of American Construction Roofing, Siding and Windows, tells the "Roofing, Siding and Painting Contractors Podcast" that he hasn’t experienced issues because he invests in keeping his crew trained on skills and safety, which yields other business benefits, too. Tune in to hear more of his discussion with host Jenni McMorran.

Thanks for reading today's edition! You can reach the newsletter team at thelevel@mynewsletter.co. We enjoy hearing from you.

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The Level is curated and written by Margot Lester and edited by Bianca Prieto.