Masonry Magazine October 1964 Page. 15
Better management is the key to increased profits. This was the message given Colorado mason contractors who attended a two-day Business Management School early this month in Denver.
Sponsored by the Colorado Mason Contractors' Association, Inc. in cooperation with the University of Denver's College of Business Administration, the two-day session was held at the Americana Motel in Denver. The program, which included lectures, discussions and work sessions, was conducted by Lee S. Evans and Raymond J. Emery of the Department of Building Industry and Real Estate at the University of Denver. The purpose of the seminar was to provide mason contractors with the tools needed for sound business management, estimating and cost control, proper supervision and profit planning.
The lack of proper planning was cited as the greatest weakness among contractors today. The lack of advance planning, it was pointed out, is the primary cause of declining profits in this age of specialization.
The causes of business failures today were pinpointed to five common faults. Poor management was cited as the most outstanding example of business failure. The second factor, the lack of working capital and excessive liabilities also ranked high on the list. Failure to keep abreast of competition, changes in techniques of production, and personal habits of management accounted for a smaller percentage of the failures.
Today, it was pointed out, the contractor must work more efficiently, plan carefully and diversify. If he is unwilling to do this, he should invest his money in another business or industry. With the ever changing pattern of business techniques, the contractor must make periodic evaluations of his current position and outline plans for future operations if he is to realize a fair return on his investment.
The instructors defined the traits of a good manager as a man who is working towards a goal as the result of sound advance planning. The successful contractor has outlined his objectives and has a clear-cut plan for (continued on page 16)
Management Stressed As Key To Business Success
Members of the Colorado Mason Contractors Association took note of new techniques that can be applied to their business operations.
During the two day session participants were, from time to time working out various problems such as break-even point, rate of profit and various estimating problems.
MASONRY October, 1964
Raymond J. Emery, associate professor of Building Industry and Real Estate discuss management techniques with Colorado mason contractors during school held October 1 and 2 in Denver.
Lee S. Evans, professor of management and chairman, Dept. of Building Industry and Real Estate, University of Denver shows mason contractors the way to business success increased profits.