When I was in my early ‘40s and still trying to figure out how to be successful in business, a wise person explained the Circle of Life to me.  

“Bruce,” he said, “your 20’s are all about trying out all kinds of things to see what it is that you like to do.”

“Then your 30’s are all about perfecting your craft and skills in what you chose to do.”

“Following that,” he added, “your 40’s are all about developing executive and management skills, expanding your network of colleagues and, most importantly, building your reputation.”  

“Then, your 50’s are all about leveraging the past 30 years of knowledge and relationships that you developed.” 

“And finally,” he said, “your 60’s all about hiring 20 and 30 year olds and giving them an opportunity to see if what you do,” and here he paused, “-- is something they’d like to do.”

Well, time proved him right.  Things pretty much worked out as he said.  Sure, life being what it is, there were still questions, concerns, struggles, near misses and close calls, and challenges to work through. Yet overall, life played out pretty much like he said it would. As we gained more experience and knowledge and applied it to our business, our batting average got better and better.  

The great thing about building is that you never stop learning. Every project you do adds to your experience and your knowledge. You meet new people, new trades and new clients. You get to figure out who your team really is and who you can count on.

So, as we wrap up a very unusual year, keep in mind that whatever decade of life you find yourself in is right where you’re supposed to be. 

Whether you’re in your 20’s and still figuring out which trade is right for you. Or in your 30’s and really honing your skills. 

Or now in your 40’s burnishing your executive skills, networking and cementing your reputation. Or in your 50s, deciding how to leverage the past 30 years. Just know that it’s a long game in the building business.  

Just like building a house requires good site preparation, a strong foundation, a solid frame, and a good roof before you can start setting trim and finishes, your career requires the same intent. Realize each day, each decade, builds on the one before. And that each decade is just a phase. 

Most importantly, be sure to give yourself a daily vacation of at least 30 minutes, an opportunity to enjoy life. A few moments that you look forward to, that pulls you through the mundane and tedium that is a part of everyone’s everyday life. 

Nothing lasts forever, neither good times nor bad. This is not a-get-rich-quick industry. If you recognize that early on, have faith in what you can do with your head and your hands, you will be the ultimate Lotto winner in life. You will have earned the prize. 

At the same time, stay cognizant that as a successful contractor, you will often walk a tightrope. You’ve got to effectively balance the interests of your clients, the design professionals you work with and your trades. 

You’ll be relentlessly pursuing the practice of building well combined with a bit of artistry and a dose of psychology. All the while, paying close attention to the finances and cash flow of your business.

You’ll never be bored. The economy and the market change like cold fronts over the mountains.  Sometimes you’re in smooth air and other times it’s all a tumble. 

Building codes change every three years. Regulations and requirements become ever more stringent. Design ideas are always pushing the envelope. 

Then there’s the evolution of new tools and technologies which are constantly developing. When I started out, no one had pneumatic nail guns. Nor did we have electric chop saws. Laser levels? Those were special effects in the first Star Wars. Cordless tools? Hah! 

Then there’s the variety of new products, methods and materials that are continually being mass marketed. Some work and some don’t. Some require careful application. Others need detailed education of the trades. All of which means you want to be on the leading edge, but not the bleeding edge.  

It’s a dynamic and never ending practice. If you looked at all the challenges at once, it would be intimidating. Yet, by taking it one step at a time, it’s just a continual evolution through the decades. What is timeless is the sense of satisfaction from the completion of a construction project. 

Just as the completion of a career is. Both can be deep and fulfilling, almost spiritual, especially in experiencing people enjoying living in what you built and seeing a community develop over time.

Happy Holidays and Best Wishes for a Healthy New Year!