Contractor articles from January 2003

Contractor archives from January 2003

Kinetics Group stays focused in soft market. (Contractor of the Year).(Brief Article)
January 1, 2003... SANTA CLARA, CALIF. -- Kinetics Group, is CONTRACTOR magazine's Mechanical Contractor of the Year because of its outstanding performance in the face of significant downturn in the semiconductor industry, one of its key markets. Despite the...

Limbach `passes through to the light.'.(Limbach Facilities Services purchased from Enron)
January 1, 2003... HOUSTON -- On Friday the 13th of December 2002, Limbach Facilities Services won its independence from Enton as management and private investors bought the company. FdG Associates, a middle-market private equity firm based in New York,...

U.S. companies take action against pipe fitting imports.
January 1, 2003... CHICAGO -- In separate cases, U.S. producers of steel and iron pipe fittings have taken action to stem the flow of Chinese products that they contend are entering this country illegally or being sold at below-market prices. On Dec. 4,...

Contractor referral service expands to St. Louis, Atlanta. (Industry News).(Angie's List)
January 1, 2003... INDIANAPOLIS -- Angie's List, a company that collects customer satisfaction ratings on local service providers such as plumbers, electricians, roofers and landscapers, planned to open locations in December in Atlanta and St. Louis. The...

Federal terrorism coverage may lower insurance costs. (Industry News).(Terrorism Risk Insurance Act of 2002 passed)
January 1, 2003... WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Senate passed the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act of 2002 on Nov. 19 by a vote of 86-11, following passage by the House a few days earlier. President Bush signed the bill into law the following week. The law is designed...

Rays of hope plumbing market. (2003 Industry forecast).(Industry Overview)
January 1, 2003... WHEN IT COMES to predictions for the plumbing market in 2003, the most popular term seems to be "cautiously optimistic." "We see 2003 as being a relatively flat year, with new construction being up only slightly, the replacement market...

Hydronic, radiant sales: still on the rise. (2003 Industry Forecast).(hydronic and radiant heating equipment industry forecasts)
January 1, 2003... MANUFACTURERS of hydronic and radiant heating equipment are optimistic about business in 2003, with most predicting sales increases in the double digits. Much of the optimism is founded on the continued growth of radiant heating, which has such...

Industrial outlook: sees more activity. (2003 Industry Forecast).
January 1, 2003... HOUSTON -- While 2002 was an uncertain year, 2003 should see improving business conditions as corporate finance is reformed and consumer confidence returns, according to Industrial Information Resources' recently released 2003 Industrial...

PEX makers win California suit. (Industry News).(Los Angeles Superior Court judge orders that the plastic pipe be included in the California Plumbing Code)
January 1, 2003... LOS ANGELES -- A Los Angeles Superior Court judge has sided with PEX manufacturers in their lawsuit against the state and ordered that the plastic pipe be included in the California Plumbing Code. Superior Court Judge Dzintra Janavs agreed that...

Exelon mechanicals merge in Chicago. (Industry News).(Exelon Services Midwest Mechanical and Exelon Services VA Smith combine operations to form Exelon Services Mechanical Group)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2003... CHICAGO -- Two Chicago mechanical contractors, Exelon Services Midwest Mechanical and Exelon Services VA Smith, have combined operations to form Exelon Services Mechanical Group. The merger expands the firm's capabilities in mechanical...

Authorized master plumbers and mechanical contractors in Michigan are now able to obtain permits via the Internet.(Brief Article)
January 1, 2003... * Authorized master plumbers and mechanical contractors in Michigan are now able to obtain permits via the Internet. Applications completed online are immediately approved, providing contractors with a permit number that allows them to begin...

Bassett Mechanical.(has worked over 1 million hours without a timeloss injury)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2003... * Bassett Mechanical of Kaukauna, Wis., is celebrating a milestone in construction industry: working more than 1 million hours without a timeloss injury. The company employs more than 250 people who contributed to the nearly two-year record. In...

The National Standard Plumbing Code Committee requests that proposed changes to the 2003 National Standard Plumbing Code be made electronically by April 17.(Brief Article)
January 1, 2003... * The National Standard Plumbing Code Committee requests that proposed changes to the 2003 National Standard Plumbing Code be made electronically by April 17. If approved, these changes will appear in the 2004 Supplement to the 2003 NSPC, as...

Quality Service Contractors will hold Power Meeting XVIII Feb. 20-22 at the Radisson Hotel in New Orleans.(Brief Article)
January 1, 2003... * Quality Service Contractors will hold Power Meeting XVIII Feb. 20-22 at the Radisson Hotel in New Orleans. Seminar topics include running a successful business, growing and managing service sales, running a company wellness program, carbon...

American Backflow Prevention Association.(is sponsoring workshops)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2003... * Region 12 of the American Backflow Prevention Association is sponsoring three workshops on backflow prevention and cross-connection control: Feb. 13 in Kearney, Neb., contact Tim O'Neal at 308/436-6857 or by e-mail at troneal@actcom.net;...

Plumbing Contractors of America.(registration for seminar)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2003... * Registration for the Plumbing Pre-Fabrication Seminar May 8-9 at the Radisson Hotel in Alsip, III. will begin at 8 a.m. March 10. Sponsored by the Plumbing Contractors of America and hosted by the C.J. Erickson Plumbing Co., the seminar will...

Linc Network creates closer links. (Industry News).(Scott Giacobbe, new president and CEO of Linc Service Contractor Network )
January 1, 2003... PITTSBURGH -- The Linc Service Contractor Network recently announced two organizational changes to strengthen the alignment between the 103 independently owned franchises of The Linc Corp. and the 12 company-owned mechanical service contractors...

NSMC unveils service unit. (Industry News).( North Shore Mechanical Contractors' division dedicated to smaller installations of mechanical systems)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2003... TOPSFIELD, MASS. -- North Shore Mechanical Contractors, a specialty plumbing firm based here, has formed a new division dedicated to smaller installations, maintenance and emergency service of mechanical systems. While NSMC has always worked...

RPA to give certification test at AHR Expo. (Industry News).(Radiant Panel Association will offer certification testing for radiant system designers and installers)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2003... CHICAGO -- The Radiant Panel Association will offer certification testing for radiant system designers and installers Jan. 28 at AHR Expo 2003 here. The RPA Certification Program recognizes technicians who demonstrate the experience and...

Sempra wins $ 98 million GSA contract. (Industry News).(Sempra Energy Solutions in contract with General Services Administration)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2003... SAN DIEGO -- Sempra Energy Solutions, the retail-marketing arm of Sempra Energy, has been awarded a $98 million, 20-year energy-services contract by the General Services Administration, which is building a campus for the Food and Drug...

Bell & Gossett unveils: heat exchanger programs.(Brief Article)
January 1, 2003... MORTON GROVE, ILL. -- Bell & Gossett has announced a heat exchanger service program offering reconditioning, service and repair of any make or brand of heat exchanger. The company offers two multi-step heat exchanger services: * The...

Remodeler predicts bath, kitchen trends.(DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen)
January 1, 2003... WACO, TEXAS -- Nine of 10 households invest more in real estate than they do in the stock market, and that fact continues to drive demand for the $120 billion remodeling industry each year, according to DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen. The...

C2000 elects officers, board members. (Industry News).(Contractors 2000)
January 1, 2003... WHITE BEAR LAKE, MINN. -- Edward A. Wolfe Jr. of Wolfe Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning in Newburgh, N.Y, recently was elected chairman and chief executive officer of Contractors 2000 at a recent board of directors meeting. He succeeds...

Construction firms invest in leadership programs. (Industry News).
January 1, 2003... NEW ORLEANS -- Hiring may be down as the economy slows, but leading architecture, engineering and construction firms say they're spending more to train their senior executives. That's the word from Construction Executive, a career...

The growth sequence for small contractors. (Schmitt on management).
January 1, 2003... THE EXCUSES contractors use to not raise prices would fill a book--a big, dumb book. Instead of going over them again, let's concentrate on a sure methodology for growing profitably. We're going to concentrate on small to medium contracting...

Tyco names new director. (Schmitt on management).(Tyco International Ltd. appoints George W. Buckley to board of directors)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2003... PEMBROKE, BERMUDA -- Tyco International Ltd. announced in December that George W. Buckley, chairman and CEO of Brunswick Corp., the manufacturer of boats, billiards and bowling equipment, has been appointed to the company's board of directors....

Captive insurance results in savings. (Forum).(Specialty Trades Insurance Co. )(Column)
January 1, 2003... HOW WOULD YOU like to actually reclaim a portion of your workers' compensation and liability insurance premium each year? Sound too good to be true? Not for companies with a good safety performance record that are part of a captive...

Nation needs a strong steel industry. (Letters).(Letter to the Editor)
January 1, 2003... BLENHEIM, N.J. -- Why do we need to have a steel industry in the United States? Put another way, the question really is: What would the loss of America's steel industry mean for the United States? And why should our policy makers and citizens...

Time to tackle scalding issue. (Letters).(Letter to the Editor)
January 1, 2003... VIA E-MAIL -- I just read Dave Yates' column article regarding ASSE 1016/1017 thermostatic pressure balancing and control valves ("Grab the bull by the horns," November 2002, pg. 32). I am very glad he is addressing this issue for several...

Waterless urinal called `disgusting'. (Letters).(Letter to the Editor)
January 1, 2003... SIERRA VISTA, ARIZ. -- I saw Dave Yates' column about the waterless urinal online at CONTRACTOR's Web site at www.contractormag.com ("No deposit, no return," June 2002, pg. 28). I beg to differ with his evaluation. I live in Arizona and...

Craig column on Web site. (Letters).(Letter to the Editor)
January 1, 2003... VIA E-MAIL -- I have just finished H. Kent Craig's column in the November 2002 issue of CONTRACTOR on how project managers can assess their employers (pg. 42). I find his article very informative and was wondering if you have a Web site where I...

Fearless and relentless: our Mechanical Contractor of the Year is driven to overcome soft markets. (Contractor of the Year).(Kinetics Group )
January 1, 2003... Kinetics Group is our Mechanical Contractor of the Year, in part, because the semiconductor market tanked. The Santa Clara, Calif.-based company, No. 6 in last year's CONTRACTOR Book of Giants with revenues of nearly $863 million, was already...

Controlling the habitat house radiant wall. (Eatherton On Hydronics).(Column)
January 1, 2003... HE CONTROL LOGIC used in the Denver Habitat home is not your typical off-the-shelf control logic. The logic is one that is incorporated as a part of the Munchkin's on-board control system. The controls use an outdoor reset control that also...

Software for T&M, accounting and estimating. (Feldmans On Computers).
January 1, 2003... NICHE MARKET software can optimize the benefits of computerization. Below are three financial software solutions developed or adapted for the construction industry. Estimation's T & M Billing (Estimation, www.estimation.com, 800/275-6475,...

Don't make court tell you what you agreed to do. (McGreevy On Law).(Fox v. Mountain West Electric Inc.)(Column)
January 1, 2003... A CONTRACTOR IN Idaho recently learned how easily some routine construction work can turn into a roulette game, all because he went forward without an agreement. In Fox v. Mountain West Electric Inc., 52 P. 3d 848 (Idaho 2002), the court...

Using book value dangerous to your tax health. (Blackman On Taxes).(Column)
January 1, 2003... BUSINESS OWNERS CALL me with all kinds of what's-my-business-worth questions. It's amazing that most business owners don't have a clue as to the real value of their businesses. You'll like this story. A column reader (Joe) called to hire...

Comfort Systems names president. (Blackman On Taxes).(Norman C. Chambers, new president)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2003... HOUSTON -- Comfort Systems USA recently appointed Norman C. Chambers president. He also joined Comfort Systems' board of directors. Senior Vice President Dave Lanphar has become chief operating officer, reporting to Chambers. Lanphar had...

Contractors must avoid the `trust trap'. (Guest Columnist).(Column)
January 1, 2003... BUSINESS IS GREAT! You've been a member of Contractors 2000 now for a few years. You're implementing programs and systems and growing your company. You've developed a fine management team, and you finally feel like you can back off those...

The project management process needs a map. (Craig On Project Management).(Column)
January 1, 2003... FOR THE LAST few months I've been writing a primer of sorts on becoming a project manager. Previous columns covered determining if you have the aptitude to be a project manager; the education and credentials required; and assessing potential...

AGC, subs agree to partner. (Craig On Project Management).(partnering agreement between Associated General Contractors of America and American Subcontractors Association )(Brief Article)
January 1, 2003... WASHINGTON -- Associated General Contractors of America President Larry Gaskins and American Subcontractors Association President Anne Bigane Wilson recently signed a partnering agreement. ASA and AGC announced their intention to cooperate to...

Elliott-Lewis to operate, maintain stadium. (Industry News).(hired by National Football League's Cleveland Browns )
January 1, 2003... CLEVELAND -- The NFL's Cleveland Browns have hired Elliott-Lewis Corp. of Philadelphia to operate and maintain critical facilities in the team's $290 million stadium. The expansion team recently completed its fourth season in the stadium, built...

CES starts hospital jobs. (Industry News).(Comprehensive Energy Services has contract for the Inpatient Tower expansion at Florida Hospital-Fish Memorial in Orange City, Florida)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2003... ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, FLA. -- Comprehensive Energy Services has started work on a $1.6 million HVAC contract for the Inpatient Tower expansion at Florida Hospital-Fish Memorial in Orange City, Fla., and is supplying and installing $400,000 of...

The ultra boiler. (reader's choice).
January 1, 2003... THE ULTRA BOILER is currently available in two models, the Ultra 155 and the Ultra 230. It offers precision hydronic data technology, a system that delivers precise control of hot water needs, maximizing the units efficiency (the 230 model...

7500 series ultimate reusable respirators. (Products).
January 1, 2003... * 7500 SERIES ULTIMATE REUSABLE RESPIRATORS are designed for abatement and mold remediation applications. An exhalation valve helps reduce heat and moisture buildup in the facepiece. A dual-mode head harness helps reduce tension and pressure on...

This fire protection control system. (Products).
January 1, 2003... * THIS FIRE PROTECTION CONTROL SYSTEM is designed for 1 1/2" and 2" pipe sizes. It is preassembled and includes a water supply shut off valve, sprinkler system valve, alarm and supervisory switches and easily-viewed pressure gauges. It can also...

The flexible type B gas vent connection system. (Products).
January 1, 2003... * THE FLEXIBLE TYPE B GAS VENT CONNECTION SYSTEM is ideal for tight or odd-shaped spaces. It is UL-listed for single- and double-wall applications, and allows for quick, easy connection to single or multiple units. The system features a...

The ranger 305D generator. (Products).
January 1, 2003... * THE RANGER 305D GENERATOR features a 300 amp, DC multi-process diesel engine and high productivity welding output, making it ideal for pipe welding applications. It is compact and maneuverable around the job site, and delivers 10,000...

The EF series of ultra high effeciency water heaters. (Products).
January 1, 2003... * THE EF SERIES OF ULTRA HIGH EFFICIENCY WATER HEATERS feature venting flexibility and quiet operation. They deliver 98.5% thermal efficiency that saves money and qualifies for tax rebates in many states. Installers can vent the equivalent of...

The QVM9 and QXM8 multipurpose boilers. (Products).
January 1, 2003... * THE QVM9 AND QXM8 MULTIPURPOSE BOILERS have earned the EPA's Energy Star rating for efficiency. The QVM9 models run on natural and LP gas, and deliver and AFUE of 90%. The QXM8 models run on fuel oil only, and deliver 85% AFUE. Each model is...

The hydroguard series E490 thermostatic valves. (Products).
January 1, 2003... * THE HYDROGUARD SERIES E490 THERMOSTATIC VALVES are designed to deliver safe, tempered water to multiple lavatory sinks. They enable schools and other large institutions to distribute high volumes of water at higher temperatures, minimizing...

Two circuit balancing valves. (Products).
January 1, 2003... * TWO CIRCUIT BALANCING VALVES are now available for order in both angled and straight configurations. The 10" and 12" valves feature pressure-differential read-out ports on both sides of the valve body to allow for easier installation; a...

The series FS-780 and FS-790 sanitary floor sinks. (Products).
January 1, 2003... * THE SERIES FS-780 AND FS-790 SANITARY FLOOR SINKS are manufactured from 304 stainless steel and feature a loose set cast stainless steel grate, dome bottom strainer and no hub outlet. They are available with a variety of optional features...

The superbrute circulator. (Products).
January 1, 2003... THE SUPERBRUTE CIRCULATOR is a three-speed pump with the flexibility, torque and full-flow features ideal for hydronic heating and radiant panel installations. A removable check valve contributes to a large flow range of 0 to 17 gal. per minute...

I-95 portable drain cleaning machine. (Products).
January 1, 2003... l-95 PORTABLE DRAIN CLEANING MACHINE weighs only 39 lb. Operators can use 7/8" X 15' sections to clear 4" lines, then by repositioning the chuck cone switch to 5/8" X 7 1/2' sections to smaller 2" to 3" drains--no tools or adapter required....

This pullchain water closet. (Products).
January 1, 2003... THIS PULLCHAIN WATER CLOSET is a nostalgic reproduction that complements a Victorian-style bathroom, and is offered in either porcelain or solid oak. It combines authentic period design with all the comforts of modern technology. Features...

The series 4100 and 4200 condensate return pumps. (Products).
January 1, 2003... THE SERIES 4100 AND 4200 CONDENSATE RETURN PUMPS come with vertical multi-stage low NPSH pumps. They come with steel or cast iron tanks and can be supplied in a wide range of configurations. Each pump is available in Simplex or Duplex models...

The pot filler faucet. (Products).
January 1, 2003... THE POT FILLER FAUCET is expandable and retractable to make filling large pots easy. It has a single-lever handle for ease and convenience. It is offered in over 33 finishes. Watermark Designs CIRCLE 115 ON INQUIRY CARD ...

The BHE22 7/8" SDS rotary hammer. (Products).
January 1, 2003... THE BHE22 7/8" SDS ROTARY HAMMER features a winding protection grid which deflects airborne debris from armature windings to increase motor life. It has a 4.7 amp motor that delivers 97 in.-lb, of torque. Metabo CIRCLE 116 ON INQUIRY...

The ensemble wall surround. (Products).
January 1, 2003... THE ENSEMBLE WALL SURROUND is constructed of solid Vikrell material and manufactured in four modular pieces that are easily transportable by one person and provide a seamless, watertight installation without the need for caulk. Two styles are...

This power-return tape measure. (Product).
January 1, 2003... THIS POWER-RETURN TAPE MEASURE has a wide width for an extra-long stand out, and features a rare earth magnetic tip that holds it firmly in place on iron and steel surfaces, allowing for fast, easy, one-person measurements. The blade is...

The treviso roman tub faucet. (Product).
January 1, 2003... THE TREVISO ROMAN TUB FAUCET features classic European styling and sculpted lever handles at an affordable price point. Intricate detailing and a longer and taller spout make for a striking, sleek design. Available in chrome, brass and brushed...

This durable, high-torque wrench set. (Product).
January 1, 2003... THIS DURABLE, HIGH-TORQUE WRENCH SET is available in three sets of combination box/open end: a 10-piece set ranging from 1/4" to 13/16"; a 13-piece set ranging from 1/4" to 1"; and a 16-piece set ranging from 1/4" to 1 1/4", and a four-piece...

The ecopower sensor faucet. (Product).
January 1, 2003... THE ECOPOWER SENSOR FAUCET generates its own power by harnessing the flow of water through it, thanks to an internal turbine. It does not require time-consuming battery change-outs that require the water be shut off. It is ideal for high-volume...

The GS-1930 scissor lift. (Product).
January 1, 2003... THE GS-1930 SCISSOR LIFT incorporates built-in diagnostics that notify operators of possible fault conditions. It also features disc brakes, and a variable speed motor for extended battery and motor life. Proportional controls give the lift...

The spectrum 625 plasma cutter. (Products).
January 1, 2003... THE SPECTRUM 625 PLASMA CUTTER has a rated cut of 1/2" on mild steel. The rugged 57 lb. unit can cut at a rate of 16" per minute on 1/2" steel using a hand-held torch. It has a rated output of 40 amps/140 VDC at 50% duty cycle. An electronic...

The model SP160 digital solar panel thermometer. (Products).
January 1, 2003... THE MODEL SP160 DIGITAL SOLAR PANEL THERMOMETER does not require an external power source. It is compact enough to fit into tight spaces, measuring only 4.5" X 1.125" X .625". It features a 4" probe cord, temperature range of -58[degrees]F to...

The M-series tap water reverse osmosis system. (Products).
January 1, 2003... THE M-SERIES TAP WATER REVERSE OSMOSIS SYSTEM is a line of commercial water purification systems designed to utilize the latest in low energy membrane technology by using the highest production membranes available. Models are offered in sizes...

The copper victorian soaking bath. (Products).
January 1, 2003... THE COPPER VICTORIAN SOAKING BATH resembles a traditional claw-foot bathtub. The copper is raw and will change color and character with the passage of time. Each end of the bath has a slight recline. The top of the bath is finished off with a...

A complete selection of high-flow plastic filters. (Products).
January 1, 2003... A COMPLETE SELECTION OF HIGH-FLOW PLASTIC FILTERS is offered in a wide choice of materials, micron sizes and end fittings to meet specific design engineering requirements. Housings are offered in nylon, acetal and acrylic. Filter cartridges are...

Apollo 34 D series thermostatic mixing valves. (Products).
January 1, 2003... APOLLO 34 D SERIES THERMOSTATIC MIXING VALVES install easily on individual fixtures within domestic hot water systems. The ASSE 1016-certified valves sense outlet temperature and compensate for fluctuations in incoming hot and cold water...

Deep pour grout. (Products).
January 1, 2003... DEEP POUR GROUT is a 100% solids, filled-epoxy compound ideal for such uses as: forming mounting pads to 6" deep; rebuilding spalled concrete; setting machine anchor bolts; and leveling compressors, generators, large pumps and other machinery....

The commander pro constant pressure system. (Products).
January 1, 2003... THE COMMANDER PRO CONSTANT PRESSURE SYSTEM has models that cover 7, 10, 19, 27 and 40 GPM configurations. The various models are designed to provide flows from 3 to 35 GPM and pressures ranging from 25 to 80 psi. Models are available to provide...

The liquiphant FTL 20. (Products).
January 1, 2003... THE LIQUIPHANT FTL 20 is a point level switch for liquids level measurement. The small size permits the tiny measuring fork to fit inside pipes as small as 1/2". It replaces float switches, capacitance probes, ultrasonic gap switches and...

The termovar automatic thermic valve. (Product).
January 1, 2003... THE TERMOVAR AUTOMATIC THERMIC VALVE is operated by a self-contained thermostatic element. It allows the boiler temperature to rise quickly on start-up by minimizing circulation through the boiler until the boiler operating temperature is...

The watersoft line of filter and cartridges. (Product).
January 1, 2003... THE WATERSOFT LINE OF FILTERS AND CARTRIDGES offers a broad range of cartridge styles and micron ratings for virtually all filtration applications. Filter types include spunfiber, string-wound and pleated media, as well as carbon block and...

The updated cast iron technical manual. (Literature Showcase).
January 1, 2003... THE UPDATED CAST IRON TECHNICAL MANUAL is now available. The company manufactures a full line of Service and Extra-Heavy cast iron and soil pipe and fittings from 2" to 15", and Double-Hub pipe from 2" to 6". The company also manufactures a...

The all-new edition of the copper tube handbook. (Literature Showcase).
January 1, 2003... THE ALL-NEW EDITION OF THE COPPER TUBE HANDBOOK is a step-by-step guide to copper tube selection, system design and installation. It contains critical technical and performance data updated to reflect recent developments in pressure ratings,...

The E-force four-color brochure. (Literature Showcase).
January 1, 2003... THE E-FORCE FOUR-COLOR BROCHURE is an introduction to the line of super high efficiency commercial gas water heaters. These heaters boast an unprecedented 98.5% thermal efficiency that reduces utility expenses, saves customers money and...

This comprehensive catalog. (Literature Showcase).
January 1, 2003... THIS COMPREHENSIVE CATALOG covers the company's full line of more than 5,000 plumbing supplies. It contains over 150 pages of products including drain repair, basket strainers, bath wastes, floor drains and plumbing accessories. The new catalog...

Kinetics stays flexible and focused. (Editorial).(Editorial)
January 1, 2003... TIMING IS EVERYTHING. When the editors of CONTRACTOR decided to re-institute our Mechanical Contractor of the Year feature after a five-year hiatus, we picked a year when many contractors are struggling to keep business and profits up in a down...