This past month our fearless leader, Tim Schauer, was asked to contribute an article to the Vancouver Business Journal.  They asked him to share his thoughts regarding the economic outlook for our industry in the coming year. The article is below.

At the turning of the year, as we reflect on the road our businesses just traveled while attempting to forecast the road ahead, I’m struck with the ever-present truth that the only certainty is uncertainty. I suggest that your willingness to plan for uncertainty is the biggest influencer for any economic forecast. The economy is recovering with some vigor, but it’s a different economy. Businesses and their employees are spending money differently – from advertising, to borrowing, to organization participation. The old economy isn’t coming back. Like a successful new year’s diet (keyword: successful), the necessary changes can’t be temporary until you feel better. To stay successful, behavior has to evolve permanently.

Hiring and on-boarding new employees is one of the most rewarding and exciting aspects of my job.  

I have had the privledge of helping to welcome new employees and their families to MacKay Sposito all across the company.  In the past 2 months, we have welcomed 53 new employees to the team.  While most of these hires are for our Construction Management and Inspection division we haven't stopped recruiting for all areas of our business.  We have hosted welcome fairs throughout the month to bring these new team members in to pick up their equipment and to meet the team in the office supporting their field work. The employee services team has invested long hours to make sure our new employees have what they need to do their job.  That's what makes us happiest and I couldn't be prouder of the team I work with everyday.