Publisher’s Note

PUBLISHER PUBLISHER’S PAGE by David Corson When the going gets tough,

the tough get going

Since March 2020, the world has become a very different place than the one we knew. Pre-COVID-19, construction and renovation projects were booming. We were experiencing an all- time high stock market, more employed citizens than ever, sports were being played on a daily basis and everything was humming along.

Then, the darn bug hit our shores and stopped our momentum in its tracks. Many had to get used to a new way of living, hunkered down in their homes and businesses. Many were forced to make serious decisions effecting millions of people lives and livelihoods. As a business owner, I had many sleepless nights in March and April trying to figure out what to do to maintain our business survival. Sometimes you need to go with your gut feeling—just go for it and let the chips fall where they may. Even with the doom and gloom in the news, we decided that losing was not going to be our destiny. We had to evolve with new ways of staying relevant and keeping our name out there to everyone who were alive and kicking and still open for business. Just like sports, losing teaches you how to win. It builds character to do things better in order to play another day. That does not come without sacrifice. You must work harder, smarter and have more determination than ever to achieve what you set out to do. Losing during Covid is not an option. It actually has been stimulating to see so many people go into survival mode and figure out how to do things better, reinvent themselves. Others who were unfortunately furloughed or laid off went out and started new businesses to help the economy get its mojo back with all the business pistons in our mighty economy engine performing like a fine-tuned high performance car. Don’t get me wrong, it has been no cake walk. Far too many people are still living the American dream one day at a time, but at least we are all trying different ways to stay alive. You take one win at a time. Sometimes, bad news can be a catalyst. It can make you take a good look at yourself, your company, your family and life in general. It makes you assess where you were, where you are and where you want to be so you can create a new plan and prosper. You have to believe in yourself and have confidence to know that only you and your teammates can get it done. You cannot rely on anyone else to help you. Too many people are going through the same battle. And only the strong and smart will survive. But most important, take a deep breath and let it rip. Do more with less and become a lean, mean fighting machine with only one goal—just win baby. At 57 years young, this has been the roughest game I have ever played in my life. I have lost many games in my sports career, but those losses have prepared me for the battle at hand today. I am grateful that I had the lessons of what losing feels like, what negative curve balls life throws at you that can hurt you both mentally and physically, where you feel like, “Is this all worth it? You know that deep down inside you there is that DNA that tells you never, ever quit trying. With a little luck and fingers crossed, we will make it through these uncertain times. I am bullish about the future of our commercial construction sector. Stay positive. Keep your blinders on. Keep your eye on the ball. There are plenty of games left to win. Remember, losing a few games keeps you grounded, helps you find what you need to do to improve and never let your guard down. So, be safe, keep the faith and we look forward to seeing you at the finish line—no matter how long it takes. CCR