MKR Blog
The construction industry enters 2026 facing both persistent headwinds and emerging opportunities. Rising material costs, ongoing labor shortages, and policy uncertainty continue to challenge business owners. But at the same time, there’s an undercurrent of guarded...
The Trump administration enacted new tariffs on lumber and kitchen cabinets, adding pressure to construction budgets. The tariffs apply a 10% duty on softwood lumber and a 25% levy on imported kitchen cabinets. By 2026, the cabinet tariff is set to double to 50%. As a...
Winning new business isn’t just about offering a competitive price. It’s about creating a well-structured and convincing proposal that shows why you’re the best choice for the job. Whether your company is established or still growing, improving your bidding process is...
As we move through 2025, construction businesses are navigating a mix of challenges and fresh opportunities. A steady economic rebound, higher levels of government investment, and rising demand for infrastructure, housing, and commercial development are driving growth...
For construction companies, growth and profitability often hinge on that company’s ability to overcome progress barriers. Whether it’s delays in project timelines, inefficiencies in communication, or outdated practices, construction firms need innovative solutions to...
Managing cash flow in the construction industry can be challenging, and it’s crucial to understand the difference between income and cash flow to avoid falling for the illusion of profitability. Many construction businesses may appear profitable on paper, but they...
Understanding how economic trends influence construction can provide valuable insights for businesses and professionals in the field. For instance, high interest rates and slower economic growth will put increasing pressure on construction and manufacturing this year....
Learn vital steps to protect construction workers and businesses from OSHA violations and fines. Stay informed about changing regulations, prioritize worker training, and utilize OSHA consultation services to maintain a safe jobsite.
Construction firms are catching on to the value that drones – or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) – add to construction projects. In this article, we’ll explore some of the benefits of construction firms using drone technology. Enhanced Accuracy Drones have the...
The construction industry isn’t known for its willingness to embrace change, so it’s no surprise that, generally, the industry’s been slow to accept technology. Enter the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent economic turmoil and labor and material shortages, and many...
Key Takeaways Hourly billing rewards time, not results. The traditional billable hour model creates a misalignment between client and firm. Clients want efficiency, but firms earn more when work takes longer. That tension is prompting a shift toward alternative fee...
Key Takeaways Not coordinating 401(k)s can cost couples real money. Research suggests couples who don't prioritize the highest employer match may lose an average of $14,000 in retirement wealth over their lifetime — not from saving too little, but from saving in the...
Key Takeaways AI can automate the basics of money management. From tracking spending patterns to suggesting realistic budgets and automating transfers to savings, AI-powered financial apps help people manage cash flow without the guesswork of manual tracking. AI is a...
Inheriting an IRA might feel like a financial win, but the rules today are different than they were just a few years ago. If you’re not up to date, an unexpected tax bill could catch you off guard. Here’s what changed, and how to plan around it. Changes Made by the...
The retail landscape has been reshaping since the pandemic, and what seemed like temporary changes have now solidified into permanent shifts in how consumers shop and what they expect from retailers. Here are the key trends shaping retail this year. Value-Oriented...
If you owe back taxes and you’re expecting a refund this year, you might be wondering if the IRS will keep it. In some cases, yes. In others, no. Whether the refund reaches your bank account depends on several factors. If you have unpaid federal tax debt, the IRS can...
President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) could change your tax return in real ways. The bill offers potential relief for parents raising kids, workers earning tips or overtime, and seniors on fixed incomes. There are a few key areas to pay attention to. Here’s...
Running a veterinary clinic means juggling patient care, staff needs, and business operations. Technology can help ease that load, and in 2026, several trends are beginning to emerge for better efficiency, security, and staff and client support. Here are the...
Health savings accounts (HSAs) are one of the best tools for saving on healthcare costs. And beginning this year, more Americans than ever will qualify for HSAs, thanks to the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB), which was passed last July. Read on to learn what’s changing,...
When you retire, you don’t have to move your 401(k) right away, and for many retirees, leaving it where it is could be a smart move. Employers are increasingly adding features that make staying in the plan more appealing. Why? Partly because when employees with large...