News - Madden Craftsmen

5 Winter Activities to Get In Touch With Your Wild Side

With winter in full swing, most people are retreating into their homes for a few months of hibernation before comfortable weather resumes. As a craftsman, you’re not phased by the biting temperatures or retreating daylight. You’re used to braving the elements every day on the job site. Let’s explore some exhilarating winter activities you can … Continue reading

How Project Managers Can Overcome Labor Shortages: 4 Key Strategies

It’s no secret. The construction industry is facing a worsening shortage of talent brought on by a confluence of issues including an aging workforce, lack of interest among younger professionals, and increasing demand for construction projects. Here, we’ll look at some ways project managers can overcome these labor challenges to continue growing their business into … Continue reading

5 Undeniable Reasons a Construction Gig is Better Than A Desk Job

Whether you’re a high schooler thinking about entering into the job market, a college student looking for a rewarding career path, or an employee seeking a more meaningful profession, the construction industry might just be exactly what you need. Every day, tens of millions of workers assume their positions at desks from 9 until 5, … Continue reading

You Thought You Knew What Duct Tape Was Used For (Think Again!)

Duct tape is notorious for its ruggedness, strength, and versatility. It’s the closest thing you’ll ever have to the perfect tool. For decades, craftsmen have been using duct tape for quick fixes, unique builds, and other odds and ends. You’ve probably already gotten creative with this dynamic tool, but you haven’t thought of everything! Let’s … Continue reading

What the $1.2 Trillion Infrastructure Bill Means for the Construction Industry

After months of bureaucratic stagnation and political tug-of-war, Congress has finally passed the long-awaited infrastructure bill. Despite being stripped down from its original size, this critical piece of legislation still promises to provide a boom to the construction industry. Whether you’re the owner of a construction business or a project manager, you’re probably wondering how … Continue reading

Add These Must-Have Winter Tools to Your Arsenal When Battling Snow & Ice

Craftsmen are natural problem-solvers. It’s one of many characteristics you perfect on the job site and bring to other areas of your life. With winter just around the corner, you’re already anticipating all of the problems the unrelenting northwestern climate can dish out. Now is the time to start stocking up your arsenal of tools … Continue reading

Why Craftsmen Are Your Construction Company’s Most Valuable Asset

When thinking about your company’s most valuable assets, a number of vital pieces might come to mind. Effective bidding strategies, cash flow management, advanced technology and equipment, and robust safety standards are just a few essential elements to your business’s success. But they still don’t come close to having the same impact as a construction … Continue reading

Awesome Things You Can Do With a Wooden Pallet

Wooden pallets are a dime a dozen on the job site with a clear functional use. But over the past few years, an entire subculture of crafty individuals has found countless ways to repurpose these seemingly static items into a variety of creative uses. As a craftsman, you’re never one to shy away from a … Continue reading

Home DIY Fixes That Will Label You the Handyman Hero

As a craftsman, you take pride in your handiwork both on and off the job site. Whether you’re tackling a major project at work or just doing some touchups around the house, you’re aiming for a perfect final product. This commitment to quality makes craftsmen the go-to solution whenever something needs repairing, fixing, or building … Continue reading

Is College Worth It?: What the Trades Offer Above Higher Education

With rising tuition costs and an increasingly competitive workforce, it’s no secret that many people are starting to question the value of a college education. For decades, it was widely accepted that a college degree was the most secure path towards a rewarding career. Now, many high schoolers are turning their attention towards alternatives like … Continue reading

The Science Behind Assembling the Perfect Toolbox

Whether you’re taking on a project at home, helping out the neighbors, or making a quick fix, you deserve a toolbox that gets the job done. While normal people are perfectly fine with choosing a random toolbox and tossing in some random tools, that’s not going to fly with you. As a craftsman, you see … Continue reading

9 Characteristics You Develop on the Job Site That Benefit Your Life Overall

Being a craftsman isn’t just a job. It’s a lifestyle. The skills you develop on the job site have a broader impact on other areas of your life. Here, we’ll take a look at some characteristics that benefit craftsmen overall. Problem-solving skills On the job site, there’s no giving up or starting over. When you’re … Continue reading

Tips for Landing Your Construction Bids More Consistently

One of the most important components of a successful construction business is the ability to land ongoing projects. As the project manager, you’re tasked with leading this bidding process. You have to come up with an enticing proposal that realizes the client’s vision, remains within budget, and convinces them your team is best suited for … Continue reading

The 10 Craftsmen Commandments to Follow On and Off the Job Site

There’s no profession quite like being a craftsman. It requires a certain level of drive, commitment, and grit that most people don’t have. Craftsmen might come from all walks of life but there’s a unifying creed that connects all who join the ranks. This unspoken code informs everything a craftsman does both on and off … Continue reading

How Project Managers Can Handle Delays More Efficiently

Delays are a costly thorn in the side of construction managers. With so many working parts on the job site, it’s nearly impossible to keep everything on schedule 100% of the time. Every so often, something will slip through the cracks resulting in a delay. Even if the cause is out of your control, how … Continue reading