Time really is money

February 6, 2020  |  Editorial, Features

Track time for better bidding By Sigrid Tornquist Just as the first step in money management is to understand your spending habits, the first step in shop efficiency is to know how your workers are spending their time. The formula to figure out how much chargeable time versus non-chargeable time you…
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Realistic Resolutions

January 1, 2020  |  Editorial

The tradition of making New Year’s resolutions is thousands of years old—possibly stretching back to the ancient Babylonians. The word resolution means being purposeful; intentionally deciding to do or not do something and then following through.  Resolving to do more of what works and less…
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Embrace change

September 1, 2019  |  Editorial

We all know that change is inevitable. This knowledge is a relief when things are going poorly and worrisome when things are going well. The transition to Fall brings changes to the weather and perhaps a gradual slowing to the frenetic pace of marine work. It’s a good time to take stock and commit…
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Valuable perspective

July 1, 2019  |  Editorial

by Elisa Bernick Perspective is defined as “a way of looking at or thinking about something.” It’s not an accident that we talk about “losing” and “gaining” perspective. It’s a valuable currency that we sometimes have more of and sometimes less.  At this time of year, it’s not unu…
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Keeping your balance

May 1, 2019  |  Editorial

2019 looks like another year of growth for the marine industry, according to IFAI’s market research. The U.S. economy is above full employment and consumer confidence is at a 17-year high. Entering 2019, consumers see a stronger economy than do businesses; however, both believe the economy has roo…
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Editorial: Generativity

March 1, 2019  |  Editorial

I ran into the term “generativity” recently. It was coined by psychoanalyst Erik Erikson in 1950 to denote a concern for establishing and guiding the next generation through caring, teaching and engaging in creative work that contributes to society. I saw numerous examples of generativity at the…
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New Years Lesson

January 1, 2019  |  Editorial

Do you wake up raring to go, or are you a reluctant riser? For most of us, the answer is “it depends on the day.” Keeping yourself energized takes more than another cup of coffee; it requires staying challenged and curious. A good way of accomplishing this is to continually think of yourself as …
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New and Improved

September 1, 2018  |  Editorial

If you think this issue looks different, you’re not imagining things. We’re kicking off a fresh design to give you even more of what you love about the magazine: more how-to information, more photos, more products and more actionable ideas for success. With streamlined fonts and page designs, an…
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The busy season

July 1, 2018  |  Editorial

Welcome to midsummer! Tis the season of abundant sunshine, early and late days and lots of hard work. The busy season can make or break a business. The requests come in fast and furious, and the tricky bit is making sure the finished projects meet your standards and your clients’ expectations. The…
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Innovation and growth

May 1, 2018  |  Editorial

Each year, IFAI publishes a state of the industry report that factors in numerous market realities. This year’s report shows that growth was strong in the marine fabric market in 2017, and this growth is expected to continue into 2018, despite higher oil and gas prices. During this busy time of ye…
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