Business ethics: Facing the dilemma

September 1, 2015  |  Management, Resources

It seems like, in the wake of big corporate scandals, a heightened awareness of business ethics pervades organizations of every size. Most ethical dilemmas, however, aren’t that momentous or dramatic. They’re rooted in commonplace business activities you and the people around you encounter every…
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Credit: Almost a four-letter word

September 1, 2015  |  Features, In the Shop, Management, Resources

Fabricators take a dim view of extending credit to customers… sort of. On the surface, it sure seems like a slam-dunk decision for a marine fabrication shop to not extend credit. “Let’s see, when you write off thousands and thousands of dollars—maybe even $100,000 over the 30-year life o…
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What ‘slow season’?

September 1, 2015  |  Features, In the Shop, Management, Resources

Indoor work, alternative income streams help fabricators get through the off-season. Boating in many locations is seasonal, but the need for income is constant. How do marine fabricators handle that conundrum? A variety of strategies offer ways that canvas shops can use to get ready for seasonal slo…
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Shop safety checklist

July 1, 2015  |  In the Shop, Management, News, Resources

Shop operators should consider these items: Automated external defibrillator Proper workspace ventilation for paints, solvents and other chemicals Respiratory protection Eye protection Gloves Operating fire extinguishers Shop evacuation plan and procedures Find more on shop safety with “Better…
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First-Aid Checklist

July 1, 2015  |  In the Shop, Management, Resources

OSHA standard 1910.151 (b) mandates an employer have “adequate first aid supplies…readily available,” although specific first-aid supplies are not listed. OSHA does not have a minimum requirement, but references ANSI Z308.1-2003 Minimum Requirements for Workplace First Aid Kits. According …
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Ten easy ways to cut your 2015 income tax bill

July 1, 2015  |  Management, Resources

By William J. Lynott If you’re like many busy business owners, you don’t pay much attention to income taxes until the filing deadline looms. “That can be a costly mistake,” says public accountant Jay Blumenthal of Abington, Pa. “One of the most effective ways to pare your business as well …
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Better safe than sorry

July 1, 2015  |  Features, Management

State and federal regulations—and common sense—keep shops safe. By Mason Riddle Marine shop safety entails more than the classic red and white first-aid kit filled with Band-Aids, Neosporin and ibuprofen. And what constitutes safety varies from shop to shop, depending on what is being fabricated…
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Thinking about a business loan?

May 1, 2015  |  Management, Resources

Where to find money in a tight economy By William J. Lynott Credit is the oil that lubricates the machinery of business. Whether it’s a loan to buy inventory or supplies, to support expansion, an equipment purchase, or just the need for a short-term loan to meet payroll or other operating expenses…
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Shop Talk: Custom Canvas

May 1, 2015  |  In the Shop, Management, Resources

Custom Canvas by Yvonne Contact: Yvonne M. Peters Location: Fort Myers, Fla. Year Established: 1996 Number of employees: 1 (self) Shop size: 1,000 sq. ft.   How did your shop get started? Owning a boat with my husband, Michael, and daughters Jessica, Melissa and Denise, who were young girls at …
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Problem deadline dead ahead

March 1, 2015  |  Management

A steady hand and a fallback plan can keep even best-laid plans from veering too far off course. Deadlines can paralyze, but it’s worth taking the time to analyze the situation. Use these questions to think through the issue: Am I facing a deadline or a target? A deadline is fixed, and implies som…
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