Business Management

Since the New Horizons Foundation (NHF) origination in 2001, it has performed valuable research and produced project management processes and tools that have advanced the sheet metal and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) industry. Given the size of the sheet metal and HVAC industry’s body of knowledge, a well-defined information structure is needed for …

Continue reading “The NHF Digital Library: Research Report”

Every HVAC and sheet metal contractor — and really, every contractor — is aware that construction is an inherently risky business. Failing to address the risks native to the construction industry has long been understood to have a downward pressure on industry profitability, as well as potentially more serious ramifications for the individual contractor. This …

Continue reading “The Changing Risk Environment”

The New Horizons Foundation has published its fourth Futures Study, providing insights into what’s ahead for your business. A variety of factors will drive rapid change and uncertainty in the US construction industry – economic fluctuations, industry structure, and consolidation, regulatory shifts, labor availability, competition, market and social demands, and technological advancement. This comprehensive research …

Continue reading “The 2022 HVAC and Sheet Metal Industry Futures Study Update”

SMACNA members are eager to adopt new technologies, operational processes, and business strategies. Yet the implementation of organizational change – defined as an intentional, company-level adoption of new practices, technologies, or management approaches – can be extremely difficult. Through a national survey and interviews of SMACNA contractors, the top 8 most effective technology implementation management …

Continue reading “Organizational Adoption of New Technologies: Best Practices for SMACNA Contractors”

The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to the ability of internet-enabled devices to communicate independently. What that means for the construction and service contracting industries is unfolding in a variety of opportunities and challenges. This will have a transformative effect on these sectors of our economy, and smart contractors need to be aware of the …

Continue reading “White Paper: Internet of Things (IoT): Implications and Strategies for Sheet Metal and HVAC Contractors”

This 67-page publication provides detailed background on research completed for this project. It identifies the scope, sponsorship and funding by the New Horizons Foundation. The project was the product of discussions among contractors seeking to assist others who may be interested in a chance to grow. As a result of those discussions, a request for …

Continue reading “Developing the New Horizons Foundation Decision-Making Framework for New Market Entry in the Sheet Metal Construction Industry: Research Report”

Are you ready to add a new line of work or a new market for your existing line of work? Market opportunities can present themselves in a variety of ways: a customer could ask your company to expand geographically; an employee might offer up specific skills; or a new market in need of service can have …

Continue reading “Decision-Making Framework for New Market Opportunities: A 10-Step Process”

Most company leaders make market entry decisions once or twice in their careers; not enough to build experience. This 19-page publication adds the real experiences of others to understand the pitfalls and risks associated with a new market decision. This document relates to the 10-Step Decision Making Framework for New Market Opportunities. In fact, reviewing …

Continue reading “Decision-Making Framework for New Market Opportunities: Experiences From Sheet Metal & HVAC Contractors”

This paper includes a list of best practices to identify customer needs and satisfaction and outlines a cost-effective process to create a customer-centered culture. The white paper was written for HVAC and sheet metal contractors by Tom Schleifer, an author with experience and instant credibility in the industry.