Transforming Commercial Construction | Unifying Fragmented Trades | Veteran Leader Preserving Legacies & Multiplying Value

The $550 Billion Problem: Why Trade Fragmentation is Killing Construction Projects

We've all been there. You're renovating your kitchen, and the plumber and electrician can't stand each other. They're playing territorial games, pointing fingers, and working around each other instead of together. You just know you're going over budget.

That same dysfunction happens in commercial construction—to the tune of $550 billion in overruns annually in the US.

But what if the trades actually played nice with each other?

This is what LCAB Holdings is building.

We bring together successful, independent trade companies under one umbrella—creating the skills and resources needed for midmarket commercial construction. Same expertise, less friction, better results.

It's Not a New Idea
This is exactly how the military operates. When you conduct an operation, it's not just infantry doing their thing. We coordinate artillery, aviation, logistics, engineering, maneuver, intelligence—all critical trades working as one force.

If these military trades treated each other like that plumber and electrician in your kitchen renovation, we'd never win a battle.

The difference? Leadership that works together.

The LCAB Model
Our leaders know each other. They've gone through leadership coaching together. They coordinate with and support each other across trade lines.

They're experts in their craft, but they also know how to create uncommon value by working seamlessly with other trades.

Great people + Great processes + Right mindset + Right leaders = Results

The construction industry doesn't have to accept fragmentation as "just how it is." We're proving there's a better way.

Are you a commercial construction business owner ready to be part of the solution? Let's talk about how joining forces can protect your legacy while delivering better outcomes for everyone.

#CommercialConstruction #Leadership #BusinessGrowth #VeteranOwned #ConstructionInnovation

Bob Dixon

Many of you know that I have a weekly Leadership Thought of the Week newsletter. I was doing research while preparing my Presidents' Day message and thought this would be more appropriate to post now.

Many of you know that I have a weekly Leadership Thought of the Week newsletter. It's a quick read designed to get leaders thinking about their leader

Open article: What 200 Years of American Crises Should Teach Us About Leadership in Volatile Times by Bob Dixon • 4 min read

What 200 Years of American Crises Should Teach Us About Leadership in Volatile Times

Every construction site is a battlefield.

Not because of the work. Because of the words.

Industry research says 70% of all communication on site is conflict resolution. Seventy percent.

Yet barely anyone trains their team for it. 

Leaders get thrown into the fire. Figure it out. Put out the flames. Keep the project moving.

Most do it by trial and error. Tempers flare, things spiral, nothing gets built faster.

Nobody hands out blueprints for resolving disputes. We trust foremen and supers will "just handle it." 

That's backwards.

If 70% of the job is conflict resolution, why is training optional? Why isn't it mandatory?

We'll spend weeks on safety or tools. Zero on defusing an argument between skilled trades. Zero on coaching a fired-up supplier. Zero on negotiating with an angry client or city inspector.

What does that cost? Schedule delays. Turnover. Burnout. Lost deals. And sometimes, job site accidents.

Construction is people business disguised as building business. 

You want things built right? Train your people to handle conflict right.

Otherwise, you're just hoping for the best on the most important part of the job.

What if I told you sustainability isn't just about saving the planet?

It's about saving your business too.

When I stumbled upon the MIT Sloan article featuring IKEA's CEO, it struck me how sustainability can double as a competitive advantage.

Here are 3 actionable insights from IKEA's strategy that any leader can apply to gain an edge:

Embrace Circular Economy
 → IKEA is redesigning products to ensure they can be reused, resold, or recycled.

↳ This isn't just ecofriendly; it's costeffective.
→ Ask yourself: How can your products or services be part of a circular economy?

Engage Your Entire Value Chain
 → IKEA is working with suppliers to reduce environmental impact.
→ Consider how you can collaborate with your partners to drive sustainable practices.
↳ Remember, a chain is only as strong as its weakest link.

Empower Customers
 → IKEA encourages customers to buy sustainably and rewards them for it.
→ Think about how you can motivate your customers to join your sustainability journey.
↳ Educate them on the benefits and provide incentives for sustainable choices.

Why does this matter?

Because as leaders, our role isn't just to lead for today but to leave a legacy for tomorrow.

Incorporating sustainability isn't just a trend—it's a responsibility.

And those who do it right, like IKEA, don't just survive; they thrive.

So, leaders, here's a challenge for you:

What one step can you take this week to integrate sustainability into your strategy?

Share your thoughts below or tag a colleague who needs to hear this today.

Helping companies to grow the business.

10+ Years of experience in recruiting and corporate HR role.

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The Battle

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