When I went to the role of Managing Editor for the first time Forconstructionpros.comI thought I had a pretty solid understanding of the construction. With a professional background in marketing for HLK systems, insulation, asphalt roof, cover material and much more, I was not a total newcomer in the building world. But I quickly recognized: Working in construction and construction work are two very different things.
I have learned more in the four months since the helmet than I had ever expected – not only through machines and materials, but also about the people, the challenges and the dynamics that drive this industry ahead.
Here are a few things that surprised me the most: impressed):
1. There are So many Types of building systems
Okay, I understand – that should be a child's play, right? According to my limited knowledge of the equipment in general, I had no idea how big the world building equipment was. Earth movement, compact earth -moved, compression equipment, roadbuilding, underground, concrete buggies and sponsors … I could continue, and these are just the big objects. Every time I think I have the grip on what is out there, I discover a completely new category. Each machine has a certain job, and there is often a rent, adherence or software solution with which this job is done faster, safer or more efficiently.
2. Equipment loan is a large part of the business
Now I have never thought that companies and contractors who do the work do not have their equipment. It is never anything that came to mind when I saw an ongoing construction project, landscape construction company at work. Regardless of whether it is small contractors who are renting what they cannot afford to own them, or large companies that optimize their fleets for certain projects is a strategic component of the construction site. It's not just a comfort – it is a business model.
3. Ai does not come. It's already there.
AI pulls his head into almost every industry around the world, so I thought that the construction was no different – I just didn't know it How It was used. When I heard about “AI in the construction”, I imagined a little far away and experimentally. No longer. From automation from starts to estimate of security on construction, equipment tracking and even forecast expectation, AI is already embedded in the tools and platforms that are currently using contractors. And it develops quickly. And when I learned about autonomous equipment on construction sites? I was awe. Although it can still do a lot of AI, it is certainly here to stay.
4. The work challenges are real – and do not disappear
One of the most discussed topics I covered is the qualified lack of work. At the same time, many employees in the industry deal with underemployment or seasonal gaps. It is a complex problem without a simple solution, but one that almost every contractor, association and manufacturer talks about. Everything means – from changing the perception of business to rethinking how we humans recruit, train and keep. Since the older generation is retiring, it is more important than ever to promote commercial schools and find young specialists.
An continued education
These are just a few of the eyes that I have learned since joining this corner of the industry. And I know that I only scratched the surface.
If you are a contractor, manufacturer, technician or someone else who has been doing this for years and visits the FCP – thank you for learning from your world. If you are new here, welcome, welcome to the deep end.
Let's dig in.