February 20, 2023

Here’s a breakdown of current Arizona construction market

Ask just about any contractor in the Valley about the state of their current business and projects and they’ll tell you this: Business is booming! But, as fruitful as the Arizona construction and development market is throughout Metro Phoenix, it’s not without its challenges.

Right now, Arizona’s contractors are like a little brother who just got a major score of LEGO kits — build your own Death Star, T-Rex and Batmobile. But, the little brother discovers a catch — his older sibling wants all projects completed in the usual allotted amount of time, yet several essential LEGO pieces are on back order for double the price as normal and his two best friends are working on their own projects. Another buddy is able to help build, but he’s charging 30% more for his labor than the best buds would have.  read more

Here’s how construction industry is building a sustainable workforce

According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, upwards of 47 million workers quit their jobs in 2021. Many have coined the disruption of the U.S. labor market “The Great Resignation.” Others — more recently — refer to the state of labor as “The Great Reshuffle,” as hiring rates outpace quit rates (since November 2020). In the construction realm, these semantic terms don’t quite capture the current labor market. If it had to be given a moniker, perhaps “The Great Disparity” would adequately represent the construction workforce environment. read more

John Francis Krecek

It is with great sadness that we announce that John Francis Krecek passed away unexpectedly on December 26th at the age of 64.

John leaves behind his wife of over 40 years, Deb Krecek, son and daughter in law, Brandon and Cody Krecek, and daughter, Ashley Krecek. As well as his mother, Kathy Krecek and siblings, Lynn Strohecker (Jerry), Julie Velasquez (Abe), Mary Lou Cloonan (Rob), Bob Krecek (Robin). John loved Deb’s sisters as his own, Donna Meeker and Mary Jo Heyman (Tim). John had a large family he enjoyed spending time with, including his many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his father Francis J. Krecek and his beloved great uncle Monsignor Michael Nestor. read more

Trade competition sets the gears in motion and students up for success

TUCSON, Ariz. (KOLD News 13) – A total of 150 students will compete in the Southern Arizona Construction Competition this weekend. The program is called, Joint Technical Education District (JTED). Organizers said, it is important to showcase different types of trade fields, especially now. Worker shortages in most industries are at all-time high and they hope this program will change that. read more