2019 Construction Industry Data and Trends

Understanding the annual forecast and projected trends in the construction industry is a vital part of the strategic planning process. Keeping informed of things like policy changes, tariffs, and employment projections can help businesses plan ahead and improve profit margins throughout the year. At The L.E. Smith Company, President Mari Ivan keeps a close watch on trends and industry forecasting. A few of the most notable outlooks for 2019 are summarized below. Forecast for 2019 is cautiously optimistic Although material costs and labor shortages will create some challenges in 2019, overall construction starts are expected to increase by approximately +3%.…

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L.E. Smith is Hiring: Installer

The L.E. Smith Company is hiring a new Installer. This is an hourly position that will be responsible for client interactions that include templating and installation as well as some fabrication of product for residential and commercial applications. Responsibilities: Attendance commitment for travel, some resulting in overnights Accuracy in measuring and installation Cleary communicate work performed both internally and with the client Complete documentation for field specifications to ensure proper processing Ability to learn and grow with economic changes in the industry Follow service level agreements Collaborate with a team on improvements and project success Skills: CDL and medical DOT…

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L.E. Smith is Hiring: Commercial Project Manager

The L.E. Smith Company is hiring a new Commercial Project Manager. This is an hourly position that will be responsible for managing commercial jobs of all sizes. Excellent client experience and retention will be the project manager’s primary focus. Candidates interested in applying for the position should submit their resumes at https://www.lesmith.com/contact-us/careers. Responsibilities: Backup support of other project management overflow, vacation coverage or turnover Project management for client retention Efficiently and effectively solve issues with management support and empowerment Maintain and coordinate efficient workflow with all departments for project success Work with department leads to ensure on-time, complete and correct project success Accountable…

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L.E. Smith is Hiring: Accounts Payable Clerk

The L.E. Smith Company is hiring a new Accounts Payable Clerk. Candidates interested in applying for the position should submit their resumes at https://www.lesmith.com/contact-us/careers. Responsibilities Match purchase orders to invoices and enter invoices into computer Reconcile processed work Verify entries Compare system reports to balances Charge expenses to accounts and cost centers Analyze invoice/expense reports and record entries Pay vendors: Monitor discount opportunities Verify federal ID numbers Schedule and prepare checks Resolve purchase order, contract, invoice, or payment discrepancies and documentation Ensure credit is received for outstanding memos Issue stop-payments or purchase order amendments Pay employees Receive and verify expense…

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L.E. Smith is Hiring: Craftsmen

L.E. Smith is growing and looking for craftsmen who are capable of working in a fast paced production environment. These are first shift positions. Candidates interested in applying should submit their resumes at https://www.lesmith.com/contact-us/careers. Craftsmen Requirements Accurately build tops to spec. This includes: Reading a tape measure to the nearest 1/16” Safely using hand routers, hand saws, hand files and table saws Must be capable of lifting 50 to 80 pounds consistently Skills  Math and spatial skills required Benefits  The L.E. Smith Company offers an extensive benefits package to include medical, dental and vision, as well as a wide variety of ancillary…

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L.E. Smith is Hiring: Client Service Team Lead

The L.E. Smith Company is hiring a new Client Service Team Lead. Candidates interested in applying for the position should submit their resumes at https://www.lesmith.com/contact-us/careers. Client Service Team Lead Responsibilities Backup support of department for overflow, vacation coverage or turnover Project management and client retention Efficiently and effectively solve issues with empowerment and management support Maintain and coordinate efficient workflow Work with department leads to ensure on-time complete and correct orders and jobs Hold accountability internally on timelines, processes, and schedules Review of accuracy on quoting and order entry Daily monitoring of on-time delivery Warranty review and processing Work closely…

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Tips for protecting your business from cyber attacks

Protecting your business against cyber attacks can seem overwhelming, especially if you don’t have a dedicated IT staff. Scott Buehler, Director of Information Systems at L.E. Smith, has a few tips that can help businesses of all sizes ensure their information and assets remain safe. Hackers prefer it if you simply give them information Unlike what you see in the movies, cyber attacks don’t often involve complex, password cracking software designed to break through sophisticated firewalls. In reality, hackers use a more straight-forward approach to gaining access to confidential information. They simply ask an employee to hand it over. Seems…

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Fitting big remodeling dreams into real life possibilities

When it comes to designing or remodeling a residential or commercial space, we know your customers can have some pretty big dreams. Sometimes those dreams fit right into their budget and lifestyle, but other times you are left watching a sale walk right out the door because of unrealistic expectations. What if we told you that there was a way to save that sale by using value engineering to make your customers’ dreams come true? Value engineering in action Mike and Samantha are homeowners who are remodeling their kitchen. They have binge-watched the HGTV channel for months and scoured every…

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Is the Reign of Granite Surfaces coming to an end?

It is no surprise that granite, a stone that once graced the homes of wealthy nobility and lined the walls of royal palaces, became one of the most sought-after surface materials for the kitchen and bath. For decades, granite countertops have been a popular choice for homeowners and remodelers alike, but according to a 2019 U.S Houzz Kitchen Trends Study,  granite’s reign may have finally come to an end. Granite countertops face increased competition Although we aren’t quite ready to believe that granite countertops have become yesterday’s trend, we wholeheartedly agree that there are quality surface options out there that…

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B2B marketing strategies for the slow season

The ups and downs of the construction industry can be enough to give anyone a few grey hairs. The stress over how to keep up during your busy times is only outweighed by worry over how long your business can survive during the slow times. While no single solution can make all of your worries disappear, having a solid marketing strategy can go a long way toward increasing your revenue and minimizing those peaks and valleys that challenge your business throughout the year. While we don’t recommend that you wait until business is slow to begin marketing, the extra time…

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