There is a myth in business that “good strategy takes a long time.” If you asked ten consultants how they would develop strategy, you would likely get ten different answers. Things like lengthy surveys, multi-day retreats, or workshops spread across months. All this needs to be compiled into binders that Read more…
Most business owners think they have a strategy. To prove it, they point at results: Revenue is up, headcount is growing, projects keep coming in, the phone is ringing, cash flow is decent. To prove strategy, they will point to growth. But ask them why this growth is occurring, and Read more…
Your Tools aren’t the problem. I’ve been in a number of conversations lately with firm owners trying to get a handle on resource management. Almost all of them are struggling—and for good reason. Project schedules are dynamic. Project management discipline is inconsistent. And let’s be honest, our people aren’t interchangeable Read more…
Introducing the BOSS Strategy Execution System™ I’ve always been a pretty good vicarious learner. Early on, that meant watching my older siblings—seeing what worked, what didn’t, and adjusting accordingly. Later, that shifted to reading the work of people who had already figured some things out, and spending time in peer Read more…
As a small business consultant, I start most engagements with a simple assessment: 20 questions covering the fundamentals of how a business actually runs. Strategy, accountability, metrics, cadence, decision-making—nothing exotic. Just the basics. Here’s the hard truth: most small businesses score pretty low on that first pass. That usually changes Read more…
A CFO I worked with used to say, “The difference between an accountant and an engineer is that the accountant doesn’t think they can do engineering.” It’s a funny line, but there’s some real insight behind it. Most accounting firm owners I’ve worked with are sharp, disciplined, and deeply grounded Read more…
What’s New, What’s Next, and What Hasn’t Changed Attending AIA 2025 was a reminder of how quickly the design and construction industry is evolving—and how much remains grounded in the enduring values of the profession. The Rise (and Rise) of AI Artificial Intelligence was no longer a fringe idea or Read more…
Ask most business owners what strategy means, and you’ll hear some version of “a plan to grow.” But growth isn’t the only reason to think strategically—sometimes, it’s not even the right one.
In the design and construction industry, every successful project begins with a solid plan, but even the best plans can fall apart without proper execution. AEC firms understand that effective project management is critical to delivering on time, within budget, and to the client’s satisfaction. However, there’s often a gap Read more…
Have you been struggling to keep up with running your firm? Stuck on the hamster wheel trying to be the leader, operator, business developer and technical guru? Do you lack the time to focus on creating improvements or growth, but aren’t confident you can carry a full-time COO? You are Read more…