I first heard the phrase “frugal fatigue” a couple months ago at the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show in New Orleans. It refers to people who have grown so tired of minding their tight budgets that they are starting to spend money again.

 On the verge of 2013’s second half, the previously moribund commercial/industrial construction sector, which was hit hard during the Great Recession, is displaying increasing signs of recovery. 

Interest in biomass heating systems continues to rise, especially in rural areas of the United States and Canada. Although plenty of devices are available that burn wood to heat water, the state-of-the-art device is a wood-gasification boiler.

Most of us hate meetings. We feel we’re much too busy to take time out of our crazy schedule to stop and meet.

 First, a clarification. You will find the terms “graywater” and “greywater” used to describe the reuse of certain waters. Whether you prefer an “a” or an “e,” it is the same water. It’s dirty but not disgusting.  

With the early 2013 economy trending little better than last year’s state of suspended animation, the American consumer, comprising close to 70% of the nation’s $15.6 trillion gross domestic product, has maintained a sense of justifiable caution.

 Many parents avoid any discussion about the facts of life with their children. Are you one of many contractors who have never clearly defined the “facts of wages” with each of your employees? 

 Ever wonder why the most irritated people always call you? Actually, it could have less to do with you than it does with the kind of contracting business you’re in.  

 Recently I released one of my online technician training videos about how technicians can actually turn good communication skills into sales and profit for the company. Communication is a topic that gets talked about in a broad scope in our industry, but is seldom broken down into how critically important effective communication is to our overall success.