Masonry Magazine September 2004 Page. 54
News
Quality Growth continued from page 51
Flower Mound's commitment to quality development in residential and commercial areas as strongly supported by its 100% residential masonry requirement and its 50% commercial requirement. The city actively reviews commercial development plans to ensure that large retailers design and construct buildings that complement the overall architectural style of the business district.
In addition to Flower Mound, the Cities of Hurst, North Richland Hills and Wylie are aggressively seeking to ensure quality code improvements to maximize the most important source of financing for city services in the future. Wylie just announced a 100% masonry residential requirement, and the City of Hurst is adding brick fences to many of its new subdivisions to decrease noise and create a more distinctive appearance.
Southwestern Brick Institute (SWBI) Executive Director Glen Duncan notes, "Seeing city leaders, planners and development specialists concentrate on 'front-end development' is exciting for the residents and business owners alike. Both groups see quality construction requirements as an insurance policy that protects the future value and appreciation of their investment."
For more information, contact SWBI at (800) 733-1813 or visit www.swbrick.com.
ABC, Labor Department Join to Promote Web-based Tool
Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) signed an agreement with the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) to work together to promote greater awareness of the electronic and print materials available from DOL to assist construction industry employers in complying with federal labor laws.
These compliance assistance resources include DOL's Employment Laws Assistance for Workers and Small Businesses (elaws) Advisors, a series of Internet-based, interactive tools that mimic the interaction an individual would have with a DOL employment law expert; the DOL toll-free help line (866-4-USA-DOL); and the agency's Employment Law Guide handbook.
"ABC is committed to educating construction employers and workers about federal labor laws," said Bob Piper, ABC Vice President of Workforce Development. "This new partnership will improve communications with the construction industry on current labor law and future provisions that will affect the entire construction industry workforce. This effort complements ABC's existing partnership with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. We are honored to advance this valuable initiative with the Department of Labor," said Piper.
ABC continued on page 54
Embracing Technology
MASONRY NEWS CONTRACTOR TIP
Let's face facts. How many of you cannot use a computer? Or, maybe you have one for your secretary, but it's not important for you to know how to use it. Most of us like to pretend we don't need computers and that our businesses will be fine without them, but did you know that many companies today are requesting bids and submitting that information over the Internet?
The time is drawing near when computers will be a must in almost all companies. Yes, even mason contractors will need to learn how to use a computer if they want to stay competitive in the future don't let time run out before you learn. Sure, computers cost money, but they save you time. Think about it. Once you spend an hour on the phone with someone, that hour is lost forever. Wouldn't it be worth a small investment in technology to save that time and be freed up to make money?
I just came back from the Masonry Show in Tampa. Normally, after being out of town several days, I would have 20 to 30 calls to return. Only two years ago, these return calls took me up to a day and a half to get through all of them. This time when I returned it was different. I had 40 e-mails with only four voice messages to address. I went through all of the e-mails and returned my phone messages in about two hours and thirty minutes. Can you imagine how long it would have taken me to return 44 phone messages? I had more catch-up to do than ever, however, I was done in a fraction of the time it used to take me.
Also, I can usually return three to five e-mails in the time it takes me to return one phone call. Plus, e-mail is really simple. A lot of the time, people are looking for a simple "yes or no answer. In this case, you just type "yes" or "no" and send. Others just give me an answer and I don't even need to respond. Much of the extra conversation that goes along with a phone call does not take place in e-mails. It's quick, efficient and easy.
So how did I become so much faster at communicating than I was only a year ago? I'm certainly not an expert on computers or one with an extensive education. In fact, like many other mason contractors, I have only a high school education. My education has been in the field, better known as the school of hard knocks, and the best education one could ever ask for if you are in an industry like ours. As our business grew, I realized that, to be efficient in the office, our staff must embrace technology. So, a year ago I had the local college come out and train me and the members of our staff on the basics how to type and use e-mail. Now, it is amazing the time we save every day just by using e-mail alone. If one of us has something to tell the whole office staff of 13 co-workers, we can type the message and send it "company-wide." This used to take much more time, running up and down the halls to be sure everyone got the message. Also, it is in writing, so later no one can claim they weren't informed of the details.
Learning to type and e-mail is a necessity in business, maybe even more important nowadays than using the telephone. If you and your employees haven't embraced technology, I encourage you to do so. It's an investment that you won't regret, and it could make the difference in getting bids and jobs in the future. Next month, we'll talk about estimating with computers. Stay tuned!
Provided by Damian Lang, President of Lang Masonry Contractors, Inc. and EZ Grout Corp.