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

Tips for Keeping Required Safety Training Fun, Loose, and Informative

Safety training. It’s a dreaded requirement for both employers and workers, but it’s essential for maintaining a safe work environment. Not to mention for meeting federal and state requirements as well. If your goal is to kill your team with boredom, go ahead with the standard “presentation” that involves encyclopedic-reading in a lecture-style setting. However, … 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

Can’t Find Talent in the Construction Industry? Here Are 3 Reasons Why.

One of the toughest challenges facing construction employers is finding the right talent. There’s nothing more frustrating than having lucrative projects lined up and struggling to recruit the team needed to deliver on the job. If this sounds like something you’ve experienced before, you’re not alone. It’s a common struggle for employers in the construction … 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

Mental Health: How to Broach this Serious Topic with Employees

It’s tough to find an area – either personally or socially – that hasn’t been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. But while tumbling industries, crashing markets, and falling unemployment numbers are highly visible, there are other ramifications that are going on behind-the-scenes. Mental health has just recently come into the spotlight as people come … 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 Get More Leads For Construction Work

No matter the size of your construction company, you are likely getting work through the bidding process… which means your livelihood depends on acquiring good leads! And it’s not just about getting more projects or more clients, it’s also about maximizing your efficiency! For example, you might be able to increase your revenue with fewer … 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

What To Do When Construction Business Is Slow

There’s usually less construction work to do during the colder months. Even when you have a building project scheduled during this slow season, it can be derailed when we’re hit by ice, snow, or harsh cold, wind and temperatures. Add COVID to the mix, and it becomes more difficult to project whether our construction will … 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

5 New Building Materials That Are Changing The Industry

Building materials have traditionally come from nature, which can also drive the cost or demand up – depending upon production and/or accessibility from resources available on earth. This is largely a driving force behind the innovation of new materials, which are usually developed to be more consistently available, as well as eco-friendlier and more cost … Continue reading