PME - PME Perspectives

A Business Lesson from Braveheart, Al and Ellen

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What about Green?

As energy prices rise and our limited resources such as water continue to dwindle, our Federal and State governments are considering many new technologies to reduce consumption.

A Global Warming Tax on Your Business?

If forced to take a side, I would join the ranks of global warming skeptics. But there’s a gaping hole in my position, and it’s not in the ozone layer. My conflict is that I love glaciers, and they are disappearing.

Five Reasons to Give Thanks

With 2009 ticking down, it would be so easy to reflect on the hardships our country has endured this year. But in the spirit of Thanksgiving (and the quickly approaching holidays), here are five reasons to be thankful.

Marriott Bets $3 Billion on Indy Development

During a recent trip to Indianapolis, I took a few minutes to take in Marriott Place, a stunning downtown development slated for completion in February 2011.

True Grit: Remodeling Pros Share Survival Stories

The annual Remodeling Show took place in Indianapolis last week. I used the opportunity to poll contractors there one question: How is your business performing in your current market conditions?

Chick-fil-A Shines Brightly On a Rainy Day in Georgia

When’s the last time you blew away your customer, not just with good work, but truly great service? Now that would be worth tweeting about.

New YouTube Video Presents Stunning Facts on Social Media

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Eight Inspiring Business Tips

Today, I am encouraged and inspired. I am turning a deaf ear to the naysayers and a blind eye to the imagery of negativity. I see unlimited business opportunities. I am planning to succeed.

No, I am not smoking anything.

What a Week (or so) For Webinars!

On Sept. 22 and Oct. 1, John Siegenthaler, P.E., presented separate webinars on “Hydronic Options for High Capacity Domestic Water Heating: The Best Mix of Instantaneous Capacity and Storage” and “Integrating Geothermal Heat Pumps Into Hydronic Heating/Cooling Systems,” respectively.

I was fortunate enough to moderate the webinars, and like the hundreds (combined) who attended, gained some great insights into these topics.

Why You Need to Give a Twit About E-Media

In 2004, soon after delivering my daughter at Cedarville University in central Ohio, she told me about this interesting computer application called Facebook. It was a new way of interacting with other students on campus and other universities.

Let’s Knock Down 5 Million Crappy Houses

Last month, three single-family homes I pass while driving to work disappeared. They were there on my drive into work. But on the way home, only a “demolished by” sign remained. It was impressive.

I’m In A Fog

The “Gunning Fog Index” measures the readability of a sample of writing. The result indicates the number of years of formal education that a person needs to easily understand the text on the first reading. I thought about this recently while thumbing through some codes — in this case, the International Fuel Gas Code.

Let’s Bring Families to Trade Shows

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Hanging by a Thread

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Can “Junk Mail” Help Grow Your Business?

I miss “junk mail.” It’s true. Even though I sometimes complained when digging out from a pile of mail, I actually enjoyed opening it.

Fan Fair at the New (York City) Ballparks

I have been fortunate enough to visit both of New York City's new baseball stadiums this year. As a die-hard NY Yankee fan, it pains me to say that the new Citi Field (home of the NY Mets) is far superior to the new Yankee Stadium (ouch!).

Fortune Cookies Predict End to Recession, Housing Downturn

I’ve been saving fortunes from my Chinese dinners and I’m elated. Apparently, I’m in line for an incredible string of good luck. And my good fortune is your good fortune because we’re all in this downturn together.

Katrina Revisited

In Sept. 2005, the world was mesmerized by the greatest natural disaster in the history of the U.S. Most of us were glued to our favorite cable channel or Web site, watching hurricane Katrina pound the Gulf Coast without mercy. Our federal and state emergency services were in the spotlight. How would they respond to this overwhelming storm?

Watt Are You Talking About? Part 2 – The Summer Version

“Do the numbers made sense?” is a question that often bounces through my head. This question has once again been raised – this time with full-page ads for “…a home cooling breakthrough that uses 96% less electricity than air conditioners.” Wow, I thought, no more high rates to cool my home!

Can A Video Save Thousands of Lives?

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I See Disaster in Your Future…and That’s a Good Thing

The word disaster conjures up many images. In many scenarios, disaster is a bad thing. But it can also be a good thing. Allow me to explain.

Recession-Busting Strategies Part 4: The Top Four Ways to Motivate Your Staff

Many construction-related business owners and managers are aggressively managing their operations. They are cutting expenses, finding new efficiencies and improving their marketing effectiveness. But one recession strategy you might be overlooking is how to motivate your staff to help you succeed during these difficult times.

Recession-Busting Strategies Part 3: Four Business Groups That Help Construction Pros Succeed

Despite the construction downturn, now might be the best time to join a professional association or organization. Doing so might provide you with marketing advantages that your competitors won’t have.

No Need For Pool Heaters Here

The new Palazzo Versace hotel Dubai, which is now under construction, will have the first refrigerated beach in the world—so guests can sunbathe in comfort during the hottest days of the year. According to London’s Sunday Times, summer temperatures in Dubai average 103°F and can reach 122°F.