Craftsmen News - Madden Craftsmen

What It Takes to Work Hard, Stay Healthy, and Live Well

Construction is a tough gig. There’s no beating around the bush. But you know what? There’s something addicting about an honest day’s work that keeps you coming back for more. Each drop of sweat is a small deposit that you get to cash out at the end for a feeling of satisfaction and completion. Still, … Continue reading

Why Spokane is the Perfect Place to Enter into the Construction Industry

Looking for construction opportunities in the northwest but aren’t sure where to look? Spokane and some of its nearby regions are a great place to start. This city has had a booming construction sector for years and that trend is continuing to grow. With well-established employers, open positions, and a host of construction projects lined … Continue reading

Top 4 Seattle Fishing Holes

There’s nothing quite like getting lost in the great outdoors to recharge the batteries after a long stint on the job. With all of the natural beauty surrounding Seattle, there’s no shortage of great fishing spots. There’s something relaxing about being outside, listening to the sounds of nature, breathing in the fresh air, and taking … Continue reading

The Skills Craftsmen Bring to the Job

Craftsmen aren’t made…they’re born that way. It’s something innate. While skills can be refined and developed, there’s something to be said about what a craftsman can instinctively bring to the job. It’s these characteristics and tendencies that make certain people perfectly suited for this line of work. Sure, specialized capabilities can be learned, but the … Continue reading

Toughest Gear to Tackle the Bitter Winter Months

The winter months in the northeast are cold and bitter. But while others are cuddling up around the fireplace, you’re out there braving the elements getting some work done same as any other day. You don’t take a break just because Mother Nature decides to throw some colder temperatures into the mix. Your only concern … Continue reading

Why You Should Consider a Career in the Construction Industry in 2021

It’s hard to believe that 2020 has finally come to an end. With a fresh start in the New Year, you might be looking for a career change. Instead of bouncing around between unfulfilling roles, you want something that’s secure, rewarding, and meaningful. For those with an aptitude for hands-on work, the construction industry might … Continue reading

How To Become A More Valuable Craftsman – And Get Hired Faster!

Employment in construction is still growing fast, and getting more and more exciting with all the new innovations, so it’s an exciting industry to be a part of! Thanks to the labor gap and COVID, construction is in demand and it’s more likely than ever that you’ll be able to find work. But you’d be … Continue reading

How to Protect Your Construction Tools This Winter

Construction work during the winter months is hard on our body – and it’s the same thing with our tools! That’s why it’s important to protect and take extra care of your tools this season. Establishing a routine for your winter tool care will also help you from any job delays or downtime, so that … Continue reading

Outdoor Grilling In The Cold Winter

Have you been craving a barbequed steak lately? We are too! So go on now… get out that grill! You don’t have to wait until summer. Of all people that know how to survive working in the elements, it’s a good craftsman. We already keep ourselves going on a cold jobsite… so grilling should be … Continue reading

Does Drinking Coffee Help You Do Your Construction Job Better?

If you must get to the jobsite extra early, you may have relied on a good ol’ cuppa joe to get you through the morning awake. But you may not have realized that caffeine does more than just help you wake up and be alert. Caffeine can help you focus and physically perform better, as … Continue reading

The Dilemma of Self-Driving Cars in Construction

The construction industry is well-suited for automated tasks because it helps with the labor gap – as well as creating a safer culture. Self-driving vehicles or other automatic operating machinery takes the boring repetitive work from craftsmen, allowing craftsmen to supervise or utilize other specialized skills that are potentially less risky. And with the recent … Continue reading

Relieving Back Aches & Pains from a Construction Job

There were over 199,000 construction injuries in 2018, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and about 15% of those were back injuries. This is no surprise as construction work may require extended periods of lifting, pushing, pulling, twisting, and otherwise maneuvering heavy materials. Back injuries may be just about the worst because even small … Continue reading

A Craftsman’s Guide To Buying Work Gear and Tools

A craftsman’s tools get used every workday, so we know how important it is for you to choose the right ones! And because general contractor equipment gets so much use, it is important that you are making your decision wisely. Keep in mind that the standard rule is that if you are working on a … Continue reading

Unexpected Interview Tips That’ll Give You The Edge

If you’ve been doing any reading on job interviews, you know what the typical advice is. Dress well to make a good first impression. Research and prepare good questions. Give ‘em a strong handshake and send a thank you note. But sometimes it’s the little things during the interview that matter the most. Here are … Continue reading

Easy Lunches On A Construction Job Site

It can be difficult for us craftsmen to get in a good lunch on a jobsite! It has to be easy and convenient to pack and eat, but also high-energy with all the calories we need to keep going on our highly physical tasks. And, let’s be honest, it sucks to have the same ol’ … Continue reading