Business Management

Resources

Report | Information Technology | Published 04.20.2023

The NHF Digital Library: Research Report

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 …

White Paper | Risk Management | Published 12.29.2022

The Changing Risk Environment

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 …

White Paper | Industry Trends | Published 08.31.2022

The 2022 HVAC and Sheet Metal Industry Futures Study Update

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 …

Cover Sheet - Organizational Adoption of New Technologies: Best Practices For SMACNA Contractors

White Paper | Information Technology | Published 06.28.2021

Organizational Adoption of New Technologies: Best Practices for SMACNA Contractors

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 …

The Internet of Things White Paper

White Paper | Information Technology | Published 07.09.2020

White Paper: Internet of Things (IoT): Implications and Strategies for Sheet Metal and HVAC 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 …

Developing the Decision-Making Framework for New Market Entry

Report | New Market Entry | Published 07.04.2017

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

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 …

Decision-Making Framework for New Market Opportunities: A 10-Step Process

Report | New Market Entry | Published 07.04.2017

Decision-Making Framework for New Market Opportunities: A 10-Step Process

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 …

Cover Sheet - Decision-Making Framework for New Market Opportunities

Report | New Market Entry | Published 07.03.2017

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

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 …

Link | New Market Entry | Published 01.10.2017

Decision-Making Framework for New Market Opportunities Website

A New Era of Customer Service

White Paper | Marketing & Customer Focus | Published 08.01.2016

White Paper: A New Era of Customer Service: How to Manage Customer Relationship

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.