2021 – What’s different (and what to do about it)

COVID 19 and the election have drastically altered our sense of normal. So we try to plan, all the while knowing that our best laid plans might be wrecked in just a matter of weeks or even days. In the crazy mess that was 2020, in all the hyper partisan division and the self-imposed and mandated quarantines, people still have basic wants and needs, but they have evolved. And that means unique opportunities in front of us... MORE

Hand drawings win big projects

Over the years, Mather Clarke has thought about going digital with his designs. But, he’s found clients love the artistry, and what’s most important is that the drawings and the presentation are detailed, well thought out and creative. This particular project became an HNA 2019 Project Award winner. “The client told me upfront, ‘I know this project's going to be more than $100,000.’ So I just went all in with the design.”... MORE

Look back to plan ahead

Our past gives us a lot of pointers for our future success. Self-examination is the perfect start for realizing the truth of who we are and what we can achieve. We can all dream big, and please do not squelch those dreams, but we need to be realistic and think through our future. Looking into the past can shed light onto what our capabilities, strengths and weaknesses are... MORE

Foremen – to make stars or to be one

What do Bart Star, Magic Johnson and Wayne Gretzky have in common? All were legendary players but failed as coaches. Being the best at what you do does not make you a great coach or supervisor. Sometimes the better we get at something, the harder it is to communicate and teach that talent to others. On the other hand, Vince Lombardi has been called the best football coach ever, yet he never played professionally... MORE

Next level tools for hardscaping

My father always likes to remind me how they used to set 4’ granite stairs by hand. Today I set those stairs with a powered suction tool attached to my mini-excavator while I sit in the air conditioned cab with the radio playing. For this article I’d like to tell you about some “next level tools” that we use on our job sites... MORE

Contractor Profiles

Working with strippers in Reno (cleaners & sealers too)

December/January 2021

Working with strippers in Reno (cleaners & sealers too)

Contractor Andrew Vear starts a paver maintenance company as a business opportunity for his son, and as a retirement vehicle for himself. MORE

Working to be the best

October/November 2020

Working to be the best

Focusing on efficiency, education and building a small, quality crew. MORE

Stone weathers Lake Michigan storms

August/September 2020

Stone weathers Lake Michigan storms

Award-winning "crazy quilted" natural stone paver project designed to take on high waves. MORE

Finding a happy place

June/July 2020

Biggest challenge is minimizing challenges

Contractor finds peace & profits transitioning to hardscape with a smaller, diverse, skilled crew. MORE

See More Contractor Profiles

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