The annual Dodge Construction Outlook was held last week and
for the most part the data is trending positive in the construction world. Overall construction starts are predicted to
rise once again, but at a slower rate than the past. This time, 6% is the number after gains of 9%
in 2014 and the estimated 14% rate for 2015.
Commercial construction is also being pushed upward with a healthier
jump in 2016. The one area to watch is the “office” category. Dodge is predicting an 11% jump but there’s
other analysis that I follow that is not as bullish. Obviously a majority of the audience who read
this blog are heavily involved in the office category in one form or
another. The other big take away was
that the cycle is looking healthy meaning there’s still expected growth to
happen. We’ve been hearing 2018 and 2019
so this seemingly is another affirmation of those previous predictions. As I think we all know, these forecasts are
not guaranteed and have been known to be wildly off… especially during the
recession. So everything needs to be
taken with a massive sized grain of salt.
Though in the end I will take these positive notes for sure….
Elsewhere…
-- One of the other big themes of the Dodge event was the
discussion about people and talent.
Basically the ability to hold on to your best people is a major concern
and it’s something on the radar at companies all over the globe. It also points to the need to train your
folks and grow your bench because it’s surely tough out there to bring folks
in.
-- So speaking of talent leaving….we as an industry lost a
major player to retirement…. The
incredible and iconic Ricky Shaw (Solar Seal, Shaw Glass, CGH) is calling it a
glass career after more than 40 years of industry leading moves, especially in
regards to equipment and products.
Obviously I am thrilled for him, even though his loss leaves a hole in
the fabric of the Northeast and New England glass and fabrication scene. So enjoy the next phase of your life Rick-
you have earned all of the skiing, golf, and whatever other recreational
approach you want to do!!
-- Now maybe Rick will become a consultant like the technical
wizard Chris Barry did when he retired from Pilkington a while back. I got to visit some with Chris this week and
even though he’s not associated with a company, his care and passion for this
industry has not waned one bit. He still
attends trade meetings and his activity and insight on our products is
absolutely crucial for all of us to respect and understand.
-- Good piece from Julie Ruth in the latest Glass
Magazine. Her first hand take of a
tornado in her community and then the reaction to it (from a business and code
approach) makes for a good read.
-- Last this week… quick book review. Have you ever read a book and 98% of it is
awesome and you’re so excited to see how it ends and then it closes with a
thunderous dud? Well that’s the book
“Almost- 12 Electric Months Chasing a
Silicon Valley Dream” This book about a start up in Silicon Valley was really
mesmerizing as the author wrote about what can go right and wrong (mostly
wrong) with a start up. So after spending a ton of time with this story and
really being invested, the ending just came up very short in my opinion. Anyway, if you want a book with 98% of an
interesting story with dysfunction everywhere, give this one a shot. By the way after a run of business background
books and history books, next one up is comedian David Spade’s biography. That surely will be different than what I
have been reading!
LINKS of the WEEK
-- I travel a ton and have never seen anything as cool and
different as this…
-- Going to be an interesting case to watch… not a lot of
thought went into what will happen with crazed fans from a movie.
-- This story is pathetic on every level and a terrible example
of ineptitude in our schools. good teachers deserve better!!
VIDEO of the WEEK
As someone who loves sports and media- this video is
perfection. Weird Al Yankovic with the
classic and clichéd sports press conference to its fullest. Great stuff!
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