Positive Projections for the Commercial Construction Industry in the New Year

As we move forward into the new year, the commercial construction industry is poised for an era of unprecedented growth and positive change. In the face of evolving challenges, the industry has consistently demonstrated resilience and adaptability, laying the foundation for a promising future.

Embracing Technological Advancements

One of the key drivers of optimism in the commercial construction sector is the ever-accelerating pace of technological innovation. The industry is evolving rapidly from advanced project management software to cutting-edge construction materials. Embracing these technologies enhances efficiency and opens doors to creative and sustainable solutions.

Sustainable Building Practices on the Rise

As environmental consciousness continues to grow, sustainable building practices are taking center stage. The new year is expected to witness an even greater emphasis on green construction, focusing on energy-efficient designs, eco-friendly materials, and the implementation of renewable energy sources. Commercial construction companies increasingly incorporate sustainable practices into their projects, contributing to a more environmentally conscious industry.

Innovative Design Trends Shaping Spaces

Architectural and design trends are evolving to meet the changing needs of businesses and communities. From flexible workspaces to wellness-focused designs, the commercial construction industry is at the forefront of creating spaces that meet and exceed expectations.

The coming year promises to bring even more innovative designs that prioritize functionality, aesthetics, and the well-being of occupants.

Industry Resilience and Positive Momentum

Reflecting on the challenges we have overcome in the past, the commercial construction industry stands as a testament to resilience. Despite uncertainties, the sector has consistently adapted to change, reinforcing its position as a cornerstone of economic development.
The positive momentum generated by successful projects, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to excellence bodes well for the future.

Looking Ahead with Confidence

As we are about to step into the new year, commercial construction companies have reason to be optimistic. The path forward is marked by promise and potential by embracing technology, championing sustainability, fostering innovative designs, and building on a foundation of industry resilience. The commercial construction industry is not just constructing buildings but shaping a future where success is anticipated and actively pursued.

Here’s to a year of construction, collaboration, and unparalleled success!

 

Building Gratitude: Reflecting on a Year of Progress and Partnership

In the face of challenging economic and labor market conditions, the construction industry encounters persistent obstacles in securing dependable labor and navigating the timely completion of projects through the permitting process.
Tri-Bay Construction has successfully weathered these post-pandemic challenges, owing much of our resilience to enduring relationships with our core group of subcontractors who share our commitment to developing and retaining skilled employees.

In a landscape where loyalty is a precious commodity, it serves as a foundational pillar in our collaborations. A testament to this enduring commitment is evident in the upward trajectory of many subcontractor employees who, starting as laborers when we initially connected, have since ascended to pivotal managerial roles.

Once humble laborers at the outset of our journey together, these craftsmen have evolved into seasoned journeymen within their respective trades.

At Tri-Bay Construction, we firmly believe that relationships form the foundation of a high-quality company. While factors like pricing, speed, and company size are relevant, we place paramount importance on our team’s pride in their work and the company they represent. 

Our diverse team, spanning from designers to cleaning companies, values the consistency and unwavering commitment to quality that defines our approach. Regardless of their role, every team member contributes to the final product, emphasizing equality and unity in our projects.

Acknowledging the challenges posed by staffing shortages on permitting processes, we strongly advocate for a collaborative approach that fosters teamwork, ensuring the preservation of both quality and efficiency in our endeavors.

Complete and well-prepared submissions facilitate smoother processing; therefore, we strongly encourage proactive collaboration with jurisdictions to foster streamlined workflows and enhance overall efficiency.

Instead of assigning blame, fostering a supportive environment and realistic expectations can enhance overall effectiveness. At Tri-Bay Construction, our ultimate goal is for every worker to end their day safely and return eagerly, contributing to a culture of mutual respect and shared success.

Transforming Fear into Empowering Knowledge

Over the past several months, we’ve had extensive discussions with numerous potential clients, ranging from small entrepreneurs and franchisees to existing business owners, investors, and developers. In our opinion, the most common obstacle to progress is fear. However, we believe that fear is not necessarily a negative thing. Exercising caution when embarking on an unknown journey can be an asset.
The fear of the unknown and the uncertainty of the outcome often create barriers that prevent people from moving forward.

Nowadays, the fear of project costs seems to be the most prevalent. In our experience, many individuals who wish to construct or remodel a building for their business have unrealistic expectations or limited knowledge of construction costs. Those unfamiliar with the construction industry often lack a comprehensive understanding of all the components involved in a project.

As a result of these unrealistic expectations regarding cost, time, stress, and level of involvement, significant disappointments arise. Many individuals decide not to proceed with their projects because they need to align with their desired timeline, budget, or vision.

It is crucial to address these concerns and ensure that clients have a realistic understanding of what to expect. By managing expectations and providing accurate information, we can help clients make informed decisions and achieve successful outcomes.

We can support each other in navigating the fears that come with taking risks. It’s true, construction projects pose risks for both clients and contractors, contributing to their costliness. Trust is a risk too, yet it forms the foundation of solid relationships. When we take risks, confidence and trust in ourselves and others require humility and a willingness to seek help. 

We firmly believe no one is meant to face life’s challenges alone. Taking the high ground demands courage and believing the outcome will benefit everyone involved. Treading on others’ toes and bulldozing through life may seem easier, but it’s not. Choosing the high ground, doing what is right, and being motivated by the desire to help others achieve their dreams provide opportunities for us to realize our own.

Why a Strong Work Ethic is Essential in Construction

Here at Tri-Bay Construction, we have built a team that thrives on the values of a work ethic. While some may attribute it to the generation of our employees and partners, others recognize that it is a natural characteristic ingrained within us. We continually develop and rebuild our external team as well.
Over the past decade, Tri-Bay and its support teams have refused to follow “societal norms” and thrived on standing out as a company that “does things differently.”

We own any mistakes we do make and do not make you pay for them. We correct those mistakes as soon as they are recognized. We also acknowledge and admit that we can make mistakes (humanness) and learn something new every day. 

We have found in over thirty years in the construction industry that no one knows everything there is to know. If they say they do, we thank them for their vast knowledge and move away quickly. If we are not learning, we are not listening.

As we learn, we will teach. When we need help, we ask. When we hit a wall, we seek a new path. When wrong, we admit it and seek right. We have recently observed certain societal norms that we find hard to accept, and we believe such attitudes should not be tolerated. Nor should you!

We have had to turn down projects from clients who have big dreams but do not have the financing to back those dreams. We believe in supporting those who have a dream and wish them success.

However, we will not compromise that vision for profit by leading them down a path that would eventually shatter it. We have had to invoke contractual clauses because of signatures not being honored. We have faced individuals with such massive egos that they have attributed design flaws, substandard construction, and hollow sales pitches to us.

We have waited for permits from jurisdictions for months without them considering the effects on the Owners, businesses, or tenants who are depending on those spaces to make a living.

The saddest part of the last situation is that you and I are paying the salaries of those who can change the current situation but will not.

The attitude appears to be, “What is good enough for Congress is good enough for us! If they will not get anything accomplished, neither will we.”
The sadder part of that scenario is that we seem to accept that and justify it with things like, “Well, everyone is busy” or “That’s just the way it is.”
We can lament these experiences or find the best solutions available to work through these situations and maintain a positive work environment for all our clients, regular subcontractor partners, regular design team, and other support personnel we choose to surround ourselves with.
The past is unchangeable, and the future is unknown, but the present and what I do today will affect my future. We do not pass judgment on those who might be conformists, for that is a choice, and because of where we choose to live, we have options today.
Call it old-fashioned, outdated, out of vogue, not profitable enough, or any other description you wish. Tri-Bay Construction continues to operate with a work ethic and surrounds itself with those who share those values. A strong work ethic has brought us success in business and life, forging enduring relationships with exceptional individuals and companies that we are honored to be associated with.
The reward has been and continues to be priceless. “Any job worth doing is worth doing well!”
Leader or Lemming?

Prioritizing Dedication, Responsibility,
and Integrity in Business

If we told you about a company that embodies the following characteristics and consistently delivers top-quality work, how would you describe them in just two words?
  • Dedication
  • Disciplined
  • Productive
  • Dependable
  • Responsible
  • Fosters Teamwork
  • Professional
  • Integrity
We would say that
the company has a
strong work ethic.
Do you, personally, and the company you work for fit this description?

Typically, the companies that possess these qualities employ individuals who live by these principles and surround themselves with others who have the same. Unfortunately, what is more common, it seems, are individuals and businesses that are apathetic, unprofessional, procrastinate, miss deadlines, make excuses, have negative outlooks, and do not own their errors but rather blame others. With this type of environment in the business world, day-to-day operations and activities become more challenging for businesses with solid work ethics.

It would be easy to surrender to this condition. The old “if you can’t beat them, join them” cliché rears its head. Battling this attitude is another quality of a strong work ethic. This environment fosters creativity, innovation, improved communication skills, and proactive action for many. Surrendering to apathy makes the problem worse. No matter how difficult, perseverance brings rewards.

The reward is not always immediate, and one often experiences frustration, disappointment, and delays before attaining it. Ultimately, the payoff is the retention of reputation, personal satisfaction, client satisfaction, and the discovery of new relationships with those who share that strong work ethic. Maintaining a work ethic also can identify those who are not like-minded.

It might be worth asking ourselves (and perhaps doing so regularly):
Is there value in the following?
  • Having a solid work ethic?
  • Being honest?
  • Owning your mistakes?
  • Being on time?
  • Doing what you say you will do?
  • Acting professionally?
  • Looking professional?
  • Doing things right because it is the right thing to do?
  • Maintaining quality even when no one is looking?
We believe these actions have unparalleled value for our clients and each of us individually.
Clients will receive quality work and speak positively of their experience with us (priceless). Upon completion, we will depart with a sense of accomplishment and pride in our work, assured that we credit our team members for the project without any regrets or concerns.
The next question that may arise is, “Well, how much are these things worth?” Only the individual can provide an answer to that. The reality is that maintaining these qualities in today’s environment does cost more. Does the Iron Triangle of Business, good, fast, and cheap, exist?
We think not. Many will have you believing this or at least wanting to believe it. If you buy into this philosophy, beware! Cheap always costs more eventually; good is non-negotiable (would you knowingly choose low-quality work?), and fast is relative and subjective.
For example, building permits are not fast (for several reasons; can you say government efficiency?), design is not fast (without a plan, plan to fail), and while construction can be a lot of things, high quality, and right is far more desirable than fast.

What may have become “societal norms” post-pandemic (we seem to measure all things this way), we do not have to become a lemming (“a person who follows the will of others, especially in a mass movement, and heads straight into a situation or circumstance that is dangerous, stupid, or destructive”) and surrender to these characteristics. Maintaining a strong work ethic is possible even in the face of resistance and obstacles.

When you find businesses with a good work ethic, spread the word. Which beast will you feed today, knowing the one you nourish will thrive and grow? Do you stand out from the crowd and recognize the importance of a solid work ethic, or follow the herd like a lemming?