News - Madden Craftsmen

Common Misconceptions About the Construction Industry (And Why They’re Wrong)

Despite being one of the largest employers in the entire US economy, there are a lot of misconceptions floating around about the construction industry. Many of these misunderstandings or downright falsehoods are keeping prospective craftsmen out of the field. Here, we’ll set the record straight once and for all by clearing the air on some … Continue reading

Why Project Managers Are Hesitant to Digitalize (And Why They Shouldn’t)

As a project manager, you’re responsible for overseeing and managing the various moving parts that make up a construction site. From the health and safety of your team to the procurement of required equipment and the timely execution of the project, you have a lot on your plate. Luckily, there are some handy technological advancements … Continue reading

Why the Construction Industry is an Ideal Career Path for Veterans

According to the Department of Defense, around 200,000 servicemembers transition to civilian life each year. One of the toughest parts of this shift is finding a job that matches your skills while providing the support and environment veterans need to succeed. For decades, members of the military have found a new home in the trades … Continue reading

Tips for Building Camaraderie in the Construction Industry

Synergy is important to the success of any organization, but this cooperation and connectivity are uniquely critical in the construction industry. The heightened sensitivity of the work, the heavy-duty equipment used, and the potential safety risks, all demand a well-organized and well-connected team. Here, we’ll take a look at some actionable tips for building camaraderie … Continue reading

Avoid Dehydration on the Jobsite During the Summer Heat: 5 Tips

As a craftsman, you take pride in braving the summer heat. While other people are crowding around ACs in their cozy offices, you’re out on the job site breaking a sweat. There’s something immensely satisfying about pouring your energy into a project and seeing the results at the end of the long workday. Just like … Continue reading

How the Federal Infrastructure Plan Could Impact the Construction Industry

There’s been a lot of talk surrounding President Biden’s proposed infrastructure plan. Proponents claim it’s a job-boosting program addressing the country’s major infrastructure problem. Opponents say the plan overspends on too many unrelated sectors. As a leader in the construction industry, you have the potential of being uniquely impacted by this plan due to its … Continue reading

How to Kick Those Coffee Jitters

There’s nothing quite like a warm cup of joe to kick start the day. With it, you feel alert, more energetic, and ready to kick butt at work. Without it, you’re slow, groggy, and lethargic. But for all of the advantages that coffee brings, there’s one seemingly inevitable downside: the jitters. Every once in a … Continue reading

Productivity, Safety, & Quality: How to Balance All Three on the Jobsite

The construction industry is faced with pressures and obstacles that other sectors don’t have to worry about. From strict federal and state regulations to an alarming labor shortage, leaders in the field have a lot on their plates. When managing a construction project, you’re constantly trying to juggle different responsibilities that sometimes seem at odds … Continue reading

Tips to Prevent Your Eyewear from Fogging Up

Just great! After an hour of prep, you finally started getting into the meat of your project only to have your goggles fog up. Right when you were about to make some headway, you can’t see a darn thing! It’s a common nuisance afflicting all craftsmen at one point or another. Whether you’re wearing goggles … Continue reading

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