I find myself fascinated with this Brett Kavanaugh nomination; the man; the process; the compelling stories; the throwback to high school and college days. Although always interested in politics and the people that rule this great country, I have never been a strong political guy. I have always been one to see both sides and vote for the person that I felt had a heart and a passion for working for and behalf of all people. That could be a…
Driving down Christopher Road in south St. Louis County on Thursday (August 23) afternoon, I was tossing around thoughts in my head as to who to pray for; what to pray for; what thoughts to write; wondering aloud what direction my mind would take on this retreat—my sixteenth year of making this retreat at the Jesuit managed White House Retreat Center. I named many names, starting with family and friends in need of hope and prayer. I added many business…
Spring quickly turned to summer and summer seems to be moving across the area at lightening speed so I say it is time we talk PEOPLE. Cortex has graciously invited us to come down to their massive and most impressive development site for our next PEOPLE meeting. I am excited about the idea and quickly accepted and hereby announce the next PEOPLE meeting to be on Tuesday, August 21 from 4:00 to 5:30 on the Cortex site in the CIC…
To all, Donna and I recently had the honor of attending the graduation ceremony of the University of Davis Law School, Davis, California. We watched nine young, bright kids graduate with an environmental law degree on Friday evening and on Saturday evening watched 180 successful graduates cross the stage. Amanda Saunders, our youngest son’s girlfriend and most significant partner in life, was one of the nine and one of the one hundred eighty. The event was a true lesson and…
Fishing for Crappie; fishing for projects I recently went on a three-day fishing trip with my brothers on a somewhat calm and peaceful Kincaid Lake right outside of Murphysboro, Illinois. I could not help but notice the analogy of fishing for crappie to fishing for construction projects. Perhaps my thinking and lack of focus to the task at hand interfered with my ability to catch my share of keepable crappie fish. Somewhere between the eating and drinking and card playing,…
I have been silent for a while so thought I would update everyone on a few upcoming events and some thoughts swirling around in my head. Not all of them, just the ones relating to diversity and inclusion in our beloved design and construction industry. First, the second in a series of three or more classes to be held relating to discussion of the various chapters in my GUIDE TO BETTER BUSINESS book will be held at Hillsdale Fabricators on…
The following is a new program I am introducing for interested minority owned contracting firms. My plans are to start this program in April so now is the time to indicate your interest by completing the application on this page and e mailing it to PEOPLEofconstruction@gmail.com. I will contact you to set up an informational meeting to discuss further and to make sure the program fits your needs. At that time we will discuss the various options for mentors to…
Monday, we will celebrate Dr. King day, a cause for stopping to reflect and remember. Dr. King’s life and his words—with us forever—are a reminder to us of the ever constant fight for equality–in our country and in our industry. I was going to include some quotes from Dr. King’s famous “I HAVE A DREAM” speech on the PEOPLE web site but decided on another direction when I read the “Just Saying” message emailed by Rob Boyle, Justine Petersen. I…
—Peace, Joy, Love, Faith, HOPE, family, acceptance, forgiveness, gratitude, attitude– Let us never let the pressures of the commercialization of the holiday keep us from the true meaning of Christmas. Birthdays are always great causes for celebration. My best to all on my PEOPLE list. Enjoy the holidays with your friends and families and then let’s prepare for a most productive and defining year in 2018. I have a good feel for all this coming year. Lots of opportunities and…
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and the best of everything this holiday season to all my friends. I am thinking all things peace this year, thinking that if we bring peace to ourselves and to those around us, the little things such as acceptance and forgiveness will simply fall in place…and the world will be better. So, Peace is the PEOPLE word for 2017. Our next PEOPLE meeting will be Tuesday, Feb 13, at the offices of Hillsdale Fabricators,…