Articles by Tanja Kern

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Construction Data

Construction Costs Rise Fastest Since Early 2023

New analyses from AGC and ABC show construction input prices surged in November, driven by tariff-impacted materials and energy costs.
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Tanja Kern
January 14, 2026
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Construction input prices jumped 0.4% to 0.6% in November, marking the fastest annual increase since January 2023. With aluminum, steel, and energy costs climbing amid tariffs, contractors are raising bids, passing on costs, and planning cautiously—even as some remain optimistic about margins next year.


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Contractor Profile

How a Cartoon Beaver Helped a 50-Year Roofing Company Find New Life

A Rhode Island contractor’s bold rebrand replaced patriotic trucks with a friendly mascot—and unlocked explosive growth.
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Tanja Kern
January 14, 2026
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When political perceptions began costing him leads, third-generation roofer Sean King made a risky decision: rebrand his family business around a smiling cartoon beaver. Eight months later, Busy Beaver Roofing is seeing record drive-by leads, stronger community engagement, and expansion into new markets.
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Construction Data

Data Centers Lift Construction Outlook, but Economic Worries Grow

Survey shows strong demand for data centers and power projects in 2026, even as contractors grow more concerned about recession risks, labor shortages and policy uncertainty.
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Tanja Kern
January 13, 2026
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While data centers and power projects are driving commercial demand, contractors say economic uncertainty and workforce shortages could affect residential and mixed-use construction in 2026, according to a new AGC and Sage survey.


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Construction Employment

Construction Jobs Dip in December as Unemployment Hits 5%

AGC says hiring plans remain for 2026, but labor shortages and policy uncertainty continue to weigh on construction employment.
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Tanja Kern
January 12, 2026
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Construction employment declined by 11,000 in December and the unemployment rate among workers with recent construction experience jumped to 5.0 percent, AGC said, even as many firms still plan to add headcount in 2026 if they can find qualified workers amid persistent labor shortages.
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Smart Strategies for Faster Collections
Legal Insights

The Art of Accounts Receivable

From customer vetting to payment plans, Trent Cotney outlines proven ways contractors can reduce risk, speed up collections and keep cash moving
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Tanja Kern
Trent Cotney, Attorney at Law
Trent Cotney
January 8, 2026
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Unpaid invoices are rising, and “wait and see” isn’t a strategy. In this episode, Trent Cotney shares practical ways to collect faster: vet customers upfront, track AR weekly, follow a consistent contact plan, use payment options, and know when owners should step in.


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