Customer Reviews

Construction Business Management: What Every Construction Contractor, Builder & Subcontractor Needs to Know

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Upon graduation from Georgia Tech's building construction program in 1982, I went to work for Nick Ganaway. One of the many reasons I selected his company was his obvious knowledge of business. Even more, I appreciated the motivation he placed in us (and himself) to always become better as contractors and as businessmen. We met frequently to "log in" new discoveries, efficiencies, risks, and methods of profitability that he had wisely accumulated for us. As I "ventured out" into the world and developed my own business with very little experience, I quickly noticed that although I was a "great" project manager that running a construction company was an entirely different issue. For example, do you understand the unique requirements of the construction firm owner? Terms in the project owner's construction agreement that can unfairly shift major risk onto your plate and what to do about them? How to ensure that you get paid for change orders? What to do when hard times suddenly strike (and they will)? After 25 years of experience in operating a commercial construction company, Mr. Ganaway explains chapter-by-chapter these and every other risk area you must manage if you are going to survive in construction. I know these explanations well as they ring in my mind from discussions with Mr. Ganaway concerning my very first projects and through calling for help with running my own construction business. You will feel like you're having these same discussions with him as you read this book. Every contractor, project manager, and construction student should read it. Today I use this very text to teach our students at Georgia Tech's building construction program how to run a business, as well as consulting in the same area. His principles work!

An added bonus to this text is the final chapter, where Mr. Ganaway makes the case for specializing in chain store construction. To "outsiders" who have not reviewed this market segment, I think you will be surprised at the benefits. If you are not already specializing in a niche market, this chapter is sure to start you thinking about it.

This is the first straightforward, down-to-earth book on how to run a construction business that I have come across. A realistic account of what it takes to start an enterprise and what it's like to be a contractor. Anyone contemplating starting their own construction company should read this before attempting it and every contractor already working at it should study Nick's work to learn how to do it better and to realize that they are not alone when they discover just how challenging and difficult the struggle for success can be. Everyone associated with the construction industry should read this book to gain an understanding of how the business really works.



Thomas, C. Schleifer, Ph.D.

Visiting Eminent Scholar
Del E. Webb School of Construction
Arizona State University

Author, Construction Contractors' Survival Guide

If you are a person that is just starting out in the Construction industry, this book can help guide you in the right direction. Many mistakes that I have made in the past 10 years are covered in these pages. I wish I would have had this book back then. It would have made our company grow and prosper without the glitches. I highly recommend this book.

This is a basic book, suitable for technical colleges, but not at university level. The author shares with you his experiences on running a small niche construction business, the dos and don'ts, throughout the entire project cycle. What it lacks is depth (so I knocked off one star), because each topic is often dealt with in one or two pages. But it made up by sharing some gems of wisdom. If you are looking for serious stuff, such as detailed cost estimating for bids or variation orders, this book is not for you. But if you are looking for a basic guide, this book is worth a look.

What makes this book indispensible is the first hand experiences collected over 25 years of practice which the author Nick Gangway shares with the audience. The narrative is far from the usual academic formality. It is packed with life examples and practical advice. Especially valuable are the red flags pointing at the potential risks and pitfalls of the construction business. Reading this book feels like speaking with a mentor revealing to you the secrets of the trade.

Lots of info in an orderly fashion and helpful checklists at the back. Great book for exactly what it is!

This book is great for someone just starting a business, I have been in the business for 10 years so most of it I was already doing, let me know I was on the right path. Good book to read before you start a construction business.

This is the book i was looking for and I got what I payed for. I started reading and I couldn't stop until I finished, having a new construction company the author gave me all I need to run my business, excellent.

This book provides a great foundation and overview of the construction industry as well as guiding the reader through the ends and outs of some of the finer details. Potential readers should review the book's index to get an idea of how thorough this book is. Great read!

This book is the source to all of your questions regarding Construction Management. This is a "must buy" all the way! The teachings of this book are valid and mandatory for all Builders, Sub Contractors, and General Contractors. If you want to do things right and boost your potential, than read this book.