During the economic recession, specialty contractors are being forced to do what they can to be more competitive and attractive to contractors. For some, that has meant upgrading skills, learning the latest about building information modeling and sustainability. For others, it has meant spreading out geographically. But all agree that surviving in this climate is about embracing change while still doggedly pursuing traditional jobs.
“There continues to be abundant opportunities for specialty contractors, even in this economic climate,” says Henry L. Goldberg, an attorney with Goldberg & Connolly of Rockville Centre, N.Y., which represents subcontractor firms. “The federal stimulus program, primarily with its emphasis on public works jobs, enables contractors already entrenched in this marketplace to readily take advantage of these opportunities, while contractors first expanding into public works must do so only with careful planning and guided by seasoned counsel.”
