Explore this deep dive into the business side of construction, including how to structure, organize, and operate a construction organization to maximize profit

The most visible work of construction contracting happens on the job site, but some of the most important aspects of running a construction business happen behind the scenes, on the financial and operations side. Construction is the second-most risk-intensive industry in the US, and both minimizing business failures and minimizing the damage that results from inevitable failures are critical. Structuring and managing a profitable construction business requires strategic sense and up-to-date knowledge.

The Business of Construction Contracting describes and analyzes the business side of construction, with a detailed exploration of the major types of business failure and how to avoid them. It’s designed for construction professionals who understand that in this industry everybody faces risk exposure, and the companies that survive and thrive are the ones who understand how to recognize the risks and respond accordingly. It offers documented research findings, rooted in years of construction business experience, that can help both new and veteran business owners find success.

The Business of Construction Contracting readers will also find:

• Exploration of the concepts of flexible overhead, corporate, and financial self-analysis
• Detailed discussion of topics including cash flow thresholds, construction market cycles, and more
• The latest industry technologies and techniques to manage a construction business

The Business of Construction Contracting is ideal for construction professionals – including general contractors, construction managers, and specialty contractors – as well as bonding and insurance professionals, construction attorneys, and vendors servicing the construction industry.

Thomas C. Schleifer, Ph.D., is a turnaround expert and the founder of the largest international consultancy firm serving the contract surety industry. He was also an Eminent Scholar at Arizona State University’s Del E. Webb School of Construction. He joined the construction industry at age 16 and has amassed more than 60 years of experience. This combination of practical, hands-on experience as a contractor and experience assisting financially distressed companies has given Dr. Schleifer a unique perspective on the causes of business failure and how to avoid them.

Aaron B. Cohen, MS, CPC, served for 10 years as the President and Owner of Apollo Trenchless, Inc. and has over 15 years of experience working as a project manager and estimator on infrastructure and utility construction projects. He held the Associated General Contractors (AGC) Lecturer position at Arizona State University where he currently teaches courses in infrastructure estimating and project controls. Currently Aaron is Director, Estimating Products at InEight, Inc. where he helps define and build software solutions for the construction industry.