15 Small Business Lessons from Richard Branson

As Chairman of the Virgin Group, he has become a global icon challenging convention and succeeding against the odds. But much of what Branson said has special resonance for small business owners struggling to differentiate themselves in their markets.

June 14, 2011

On paper, global entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson is larger than life: entrepreneur with over 360 companies, chairman of the Virgin Group, author, adventurer, knight, patron, kajillionaire, would-be space traveler with a ballsy mantra, "Screw it, let's do it."

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White Cap has also acquired Crimson Steel Supply, LLC (Crimson Steel), a distributor and fabricator of engineered steel rebar and structural steel products serving non-residential and infrastructure end markets.

White Cap Expands Reach in Oklahoma, Oregon

White Cap has acquired Bend Construction - a supplier of struts, fasteners, anchors, and concrete accessories and products - and Crimson Steel - a distributor and fabricator of engineered steel rebar and structural steel products.

The Port of Baltimore is used by many of the largest construction machinery manufacturers.

Construction Supply Chain and the Baltimore Bridge Collapse

How much will construction and other supply chains be impacted by the collapse of the Baltimore Bridge and the suspension of traffic through the Port of Baltimore? End users may temporarily face delays and increases.

Emerging technologies and advancements including visual intelligence, sensors, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, robotics, immersive collaboration and 3D printing are surging in popularity among contractors and construction professionals.

Construction Trends for 2024

While the industry will continue to go through transformation like many others, those willing to marry the fundamentals of the craft with new technology and sustainable building methods can continue to experience great success in 2024 and beyond.

How Home-based Drug Deactivation and Disposal Saves Lives

Opioids in Construction: How Home-based Drug Deactivation & Disposal Saves Lives

Whether used by children or adults, excess medications in the household are a huge threat. Eliminating unused medications should be a top priority. Your employees should know that this is important to you as an employer.

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Exceptional Customer Service Starts with Confidence

Customers want to know that the employee they are working with is confident and will be able to serve them in a professional manner.

While cranes play a vital role in the transportation, construction, and agriculture industries, among others, operating this type of equipment can be especially dangerous if proper protocol is not followed.

Crane Safety Report Published

As the crane industry continues to navigate major safety challenges, NSC and the NCCCO Foundation plan to continue to provide additional resources to educate crane operators, inspectors, and employers about potential workplace hazards.

JA Mitsui Leasing has announced that it has acquired a 100% interest in Oakmont Capital Holdings.

JA Mitsui Leasing Buys Oakmont Capital

JA Mitsui Leasing announced today that it has acquired a 100% interest in Oakmont Capital Holdings.

Whether it's support with succession planning or effective people management, its experts are uniquely positioned to skillfully guide contractors in harmonizing their personal, operational, and financial strategies.

Performance Construction to Focus on Contractor Community

With a shift to exclusively serving contractors, PCA’s Business Consulting services offer even more specialized guidance for its clients.

In the past five years, ConstructReach has partnered with over 100 industry and education partners to host “I built this!”, introducing more than 2,000 high school students to career pathways.

ConstructReach Hosts "I built this!" Construction Learning Event

Students will be able to participate in work-based learning through a variety of activities led by general contractors and construction professionals.

Equipment dealers have expressed great concern with the rule, particularly as it relates to service and delivery trucks, as well as the cost increases and equipment delivery delays that will ensue.

AED Opposes California Rule on Internal Combustion Trucks

The ACF regulation requires fleet operators to phase out their internal combustion trucks and replace them with zero-emission trucks, starting in 2024.

Continuing education is a crucial aspect of maintaining a license, and after the initial course, learners are required to complete 16 hours annually.

Bullseye and Interplay Partner to Provide Professional Inspector Training

Learners progress at their own pace, with the program typically taking about four months to complete.

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Reminder: Call Before You Dig

To keep homeowners, families, and communities safe, a few days before breaking ground, make a free request to have the approximate location of buried lines marked with flags or paint by calling 811.

Rental Snapshot Zack Smith of Buffalo Equipment Rental

Rental Snapshot: Live in Texas & Give in Texas

Zack Smith has grown Buffalo Equipment Rental from just an idea to a successful family-operated rental business. He shares with us his biggest challenges, his ideal dinner guests, and more.

This webinar addresses purchasing guidelines crucial for Made-in-America purchasing in the construction and distribution sectors.

IIJA/BABA Purchasing Guidelines Explained in Webinar

The on-demand webinar delves into the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and the Build America, Buy America Act of 2021 (BABA).

Cold planers, such as this Bradco unit, are used for asphalt and concrete pothole and frost heave repair, curb cutting, pavement texturing and the removal of traffic lane stripes and roadway around manholes.

Cold Planer Attachment Maintenance for Best Performance

Manufacturers design cold planer attachments to require minimal maintenance. Unfortunately, this has led to many operators completely ignoring most maintenance functions with their picks.

Having the right insurance coverage, as well as effectively training your employees, is vital to minimizing liability exposure for your equipment rental business.

How Insurance, Training and Communication Can Protect Your Rental Business from Liability

Insurance, training and communication can go a long way toward protecting your equipment rental business from exposure to liability

Spanning 20,300 sq. ft., the new Cloquet, Minn. branch is specifically designed to support a larger material handling of equipment parts and rental inventory, provide comprehensive in-house shop service, and accommodate the company’s broad product offerings.

Fairchild Equipment Reveals New Facility in Cloquet

The new facility represents a step forward in Fairchild Equipment's ability to offer equipment maintenance and repair services, an expanded rental fleet, and a venue that better accommodates the company's product range.

Jon-Don has partnered with PPG to expand its offering of resinous floor coatings for concrete flooring.

Jon-Don Partners with PPG to Expand Resinous Coatings

Jon-Don has also partnered with PPG to create a series of one-day training events for concrete professionals who want to learn how to select and apply PPG products.

“I’ve been using Bobcat equipment for years on my farm in Waco, and I can’t imagine working without it. My Bobcat machines have empowered me to bring some of my biggest ideas to life,” said Gaines.

Bobcat Hires Magnolia Co-founder Gaines

From tending gardens to managing goats, pigs, and horses, Gaines is already sharing the work he is accomplishing with his Bobcat equipment.

Building Trades Recovery Week - Breaking Down Stigma and Creating Hope

Recovery Week: Breaking Down Stigma & Creating Hope

Hope, help, and healing come through recovery. The story behind Building Trades Recovery Week, how it started in Boston, and is now spreading throughout the New England construction industry.

Each episode will feature the journey of women in STEM, construction, and skilled trade careers with the goal of inspiring the next generation while fostering an inclusive environment where women are celebrated for their contributions every day.

John Deere Sponsors Women in Construction Docuseries

By showcasing the day-to-day lives, challenges, and accomplishments of women in these industries, John Deere and A Greener Tomorrow hope to raise awareness about the valuable contributions they make to the industry and beyond.

There needs to be a consistency of communication among the players involved with the execution of the project. Feedback on what was planned and expected should be confirmed so estimators can make sure that their efforts were accurate.

How to Set the Perfect Pre-Construction Meeting Agenda

Seven agenda items that will make every pre-construction meeting a success

Attaching a crumber or trencher cleaner on the end of the boom can help ensure maximum trench depth is achieved.

Top Five Customer Frustrations With Trencher Rentals

To give rental businesses some insight into what frustrates customers most about walk-behind trencher rentals, we talked to a few operators about their experiences. We also talked to leading manufacturers about want to keep in mind the next time you choose a model for your inventory.

This easy-to-use design offers a more ergonomic and user-friendly experience.

Stellar Unveils Upgrades to TMAX Mechanic Trucks at Work Truck Week 2024

Aimed at enhancing functionality and the user experience, updates to the Stellar TMAX lineup include new boom-tip lights on cranes, which offer a smaller profile to fit into tighter spaces and feature six LED lights for optimal brightness.

Live demos at PAVE/X were a hit.

First-Ever PAVE/X Featured Sweeping Education + LIVE Equipment Demos

NAPSA partnered with the inaugural event in San Antonio to bring industry-specific content to attendees.

The breadth of the product lineup on display at Work Truck Week 2024 spotlights Mack’s commitment to vocational applications and making sure customers have several options from which to choose.

Mack Trucks Discloses Lineup for Work Truck Week 2024

The trucks on display are configured for a variety of applications, with the Mack LR Electric also offering the benefits of reduced emissions.

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Your Balance Sheet: A Critical Financial Tool

The balance sheet is one of the most underutilized financial tools in business, and it shouldn’t be. It can provide valuable information about the health of your business, and also help you ensure the accuracy of your financial statements.