Tag Archives: management

Should You Try Something New, Keep the Old, or Just Find What Works? Ultimately in real leadership, regardless of our situation as leader, manager, supervisor, or employee, we are all looking for a return on our investment (ROI). If you invest a few moments reading this article, I guarantee you …

Look to New Hires for Growth and Prosperity Two years ago, we relocated from our office of many years to a much larger building down the street which had space for growth. This move was strategic as we saw opportunity in a strong economy to continue to grow our company’s …

Abandon That Attitude and Embrace Apprenticeship Training! As business in the fire sprinkler industry picks up, more contractor companies are finding themselves with a wealth of projects to tackle. Despite the fact that this is what all contractors hope for, that kind of good fortune can also come with its …

The Field/Office Connection What is the “secret ingredient” to ensure a successful field workforce? Is it pay, benefits, apprenticeship, mentoring, quality tools and equipment, or maybe communication? This is a question for which companies struggle to find an answer, and one that can make or break the company. Like baking …

Participation. The act of taking part, sharing, and reaping the benefits of being related to a larger whole. The American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) has been developing and offering worthwhile educational courses, training exercises, advocacy outreach, product awareness, and impactful networking programs for over 36 years. How fitting then, at …

It is time for some reflection as my two-year tenure as Chairman of AFSA comes to a close. I am grateful to the Board and the past chairs for affording me the opportunity to represent our industry and to be part of this great organization. For the past 10 years …

… About Apprenticeship In 2008, the Department of Labor, Employment, & Training Administration (ETA) revised the Labor Standards for the Registration of Apprenticeship Programs. Revisions to these standards are uncommon, but this time the ETA got it mostly right. The revisions were intended to promote quality control of training programs, …

Look to the Next Generation When Recruiting Millennials are taking over the United States, and if you have seen the stereotypes that exist about our generation, this might make you a bit uneasy – but try to not judge us by our generational labels. The Millennials follow Generation X, born …

Spotlight: Susan Schierwagen, Vice President for Coupling & Fire Suppression Systems at Victaulic Friday, June 23, 2017 is International Women in Engineering Day, a day that according to the Women’s Engineering Society “focuses attention on the amazing careers in engineering and technical roles for girls, and allows us to celebrate …

Twenty-six years ago I was given the opportunity to run a division for my company. I was 31 years old and had six months of field experience, six years of design experience, and four years of estimating and project management. As is often the case, I was given the opportunity …