As I write this, I have a bottle of unscented lotion nearby. I have a fresh tattoo on my right forearm that complicates typing. What does a tattoo have to do with marine fabrication businesses? Allow me to explain. I spent years planning this distracting itch on my arm. I thought of the idea while [...]

On a rainy Monday morning in November, I chose between two different outfits. I spent extra time on my daily grooming, and I inhaled the fresh smell of a new bag I’d purchased. Before we left home, my child suggested we take a video to mark the occasion. I even brought cookies for the others [...]

I have been pondering the old adage “change is the only constant.” In business, adapting to changes in staffing, workload, economic forces, fabrication techniques and production processes are all crucial to the bottom line and longevity. But change is often uncomfortable, and embracing its possibilities can be challenging. This issue of Marine Fabricator is about [...]

Innovation relies on a hard-to-define mix of creative ideas mingled with nuts-and-bolts skills. Harnessing and honing both can help you design and execute creative, successful and profitable projects. It can also help prevent the burnout that commonly hits at this time of year thanks to punishing work schedules that can dull your edge and lead [...]

The term “excellence” is frequently used to describe the qualities of being superb, first rate and exquisite. Whether or not your projects reach a state of “excellence” (as you describe it for yourself), attempting to reach it is a worthy goal. But this attempt is often thwarted by the common enemies of excellence: fatigue, overwork, [...]

The term “future proofing” loosely means anticipating the potential shocks and stresses of the future and developing methods to minimize their effects. It’s an idea often used in industries like technology, health care, industrial design, climate change forecasting and, I would argue, it applies to nearly any business, including marine fabrication. It requires consciously understanding [...]

When your projects start to feel stale or boring, make it a habit to look around for inspiration. Inspiration can be found through mentors, online training, classes, boat shows, workshops, books and conferences. It can also be found in unexpected places and through chance conversations. Once you bump into a new concept or technique, you [...]

There is often confusion over the difference between change and transformation. They are closely related however change is typically smaller, well-defined and predictable, while transformation is something closer to reinvention. It involves greater risks, is far less predictable and results in more dramatic change. Both are critical for business success.  This issue of Marine Fabricator [...]

Running a successful business means being on the same team as your customers and employees. During the busy season, this can be challenging. I was reminded of this by my son who works at a restaurant that’s open seven days a week. The food is wonderful and the place is always packed, but the restaurant [...]

As a serious gardener, I think a lot about tools. Gardening in Minnesota is not for the faint of heart. Preparing the beds, pruning, weeding, planting and harvesting all happen in a relatively short period, so choosing the right tools, using them properly and keeping them in peak condition is critical to a successful harvest. [...]