Russia, Ukraine, and Construction Costs

The Russian invasion of Ukraine was a surprise to many in the United States. While thousands of Ukrainians continue to flee their homes, the US is among the many countries who have imposed sanctions, or bans, on businesses operating in Russia. The hope is that this sudden economic downturn will encourage Russia to vacate Ukraine and allow a return to peace. 

While these sanctions are a key step to bringing a quick end to the war, they’ve caused a significant disruption to many industries around the world, including construction. Inflation, which was already affecting companies before the conflict, is expected to continue to rise, thanks to rising gas and oil prices. 

Lost Gas Lines & Rising Prices

Prior to the Ukraine invasion, Europe expected the Nord Stream 2 Pipeline to open, which would carry natural gas from Russia under the Baltic sea and into Germany, where it would then be dispersed throughout Europe. However, movement on the pipeline has stopped since the beginning of the war and is not expected to be revived. 

It’s no surprise that these rising gas prices will increase both the cost of shipping and using gas-run machinery, but they also affect the cost of building materials themselves. Many of the materials used in construction are energy-intensive to create, and most contain petro-carbons made from petroleum products. As the price of oil (petroleum) rises, these materials costs will also skyrocket. 

Supply Chain Domino Effect

What’s more, Russia is a main producer of both copper and aluminum, which had already increased in price by 25% and 33% over the last few years. With the war and sanctions disrupting the supply chain of these common metals, both the prices and the time to get items made out of these metals are expected to rise. The cost of steel and plastic are also rising.

Construction & Heavy Equipment Impacted

So what does all of this mean for construction companies? 

It means we’ll have to make important decisions about the types of projects we accept, the deadlines, and the communication with both investors and suppliers. Companies should discuss who will shoulder the burden of increased inflation, and strongly consider what they can afford before entering into any fixed price contracts. 

When considering timelines for jobs, it’s wise to include plenty of additional buffer time due to account for unexpected supply chain disruptions – clients will be happy when it’s done earlier than you originally planned, but not the other way around! If possible, consider smaller projects that have more certainty of cost and less delay risk. This will give you fewer time constraints and allow you to complete your projects without being strangled by labor shortages, rising costs, and supply chain issues. 

We’re in This Together

If your company is struggling to find equipment, staffing, or project management in this difficult time, Steadfast Entities, LLC is here to help. We pride ourselves on our efficiency, which keeps costs low and our customers happy. Contact us to find out more about how we can assist you today.

Housing Building Trends in 2022

Americans are spending more than ever on their homes, so it’s no surprise that these buildings are becoming more economical, sustainable, and comfortable in 2022. 

As we move into more renovations of single family homes, we expect to see an increase in the following trends: 

Moving the Inside Out… 

After spending much of the last two years inside, many people are moving the comforts of their living spaces into their backyards. High end pools, outdoor televisions, built-in projectors, and outdoor fireplaces are all becoming popular features for families to enjoy year round. 

… And the Outside In

When homeowners do have to be inside, they’re bringing the outdoors with them. There has been an upswing in “biophilic design”, with an increase of organic materials, light and airy spaces, plants, and other elements that focus on nature. 

Sustainability

With climate change coming to the forefront, eco-friendly building elements are on the rise. These include natural materials like brick and stone for home exteriors, and drought resistant landscaping in front and back yards. Metal roofs are also gaining popularity, as they can last 40-70 years and come in a wide variety of colors and styles. More than just being fashionable, sustainable materials like these have been shown to decrease homeowners’ costs, as they tend to require less maintenance and reduce the cost of utilities. 

Love Your Curves

Gone are the days of straight lines. Whether inside or outside, expect to see a transition towards curved edges. These can come in the form of arched door and window frames, barrel vaulted ceilings, or curving walkways. No matter where you find these curves, they’ll be sure to help homeowners show off their unique personalities and provide a warm, welcoming space.

Spice in the Kitchen

They say the kitchen is the heart of the home, so it’s no surprise that we are seeing sweeping changes in kitchen design. Minimalist, mostly white kitchens are being dropped in favor of warm, colorful cabinets, counters with a splash of color made of alternative materials, and patterned floors that celebrate and welcome all who enter.

Home Sweet Office

Working from your bed or couch is a thing of the past. As more people leave the corporate office behind, home offices are becoming an integral part of every house. For new construction, this can mean more rooms or set-aside office spaces. During renovations, rooms are transformed to be multifunctional, often combining the office with a guest room or part of the kitchen. 

Whatever your project, Steadfast Entities, LLC can support you with the equipment and staff you need to complete it quickly, efficiently, and for the best price. Contact us today! 1.855.449.0777

Top 10 Best States for Construction Jobs

Does the New Year have you itching for a change? 

As the pandemic slows and people return to work, construction jobs are now more available than ever across the country. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the number of construction industry jobs is expected to grow by 7% into 2030, and that the increase in federal funding from the Infrastructure Bill will provide stability for many types of construction companies throughout the coming years. 

Maybe you’re looking for better opportunities, to make some money in the booming housing market, or to start fresh somewhere different. If you’re in the construction field or just starting in the industry, and looking for a change in locale, here are the top 10 best states for construction.

Top 10 states with the most construction job openings: 

  • California: 672,280
  • Texas: 608,110
  • Florida: 413,800
  • New York: 311,430
  • Pennsylvania: 213,630
  • Illinois: 181,550
  • Ohio: 178,900
  • North Carolina: 178,710
  • Virginia: 165,410
  • Washington: 161,780

While having plenty of opportunity is important, so are wages. Many of the states with the most jobs available (Texas, Florida, Ohio, North Carolina, and Virginia in particular) all have an average wage below the national average of $25.93. 

Top 10 states with the best wages per hour:

  • Hawaii: $35.08
  • Illinois: $33.86
  • Massachusetts: $32.65
  • New York: $32.49
  • Alaska: $32.33
  • Washington: $32.23
  • New Jersey: $31.51
  • California: $30.78
  • Connecticut: $30.15
  • Minnesota: $30.09

Enjoying the warm, sandy beaches of Hawaii after a long day of work might sound relaxing, but  once again it’s important to consider other factors, like the high costs of living. Taking this into consideration, let’s look at what states have the most growth potential, measured by population growth from 2020-2021. 

Top 10 states with the most growth potential:

  • Texas: +310,288
  • Florida: +211,196
  • Arizona: +98,330
  • North Carolina: +93,985
  • Georgia: +73,766
  • South Carolina: +59,976
  • Utah: +56,291
  • Tennessee: +55,099
  • Idaho: +53,151
  • Nevada: +29,920

Top 10 states with the largest populations (in billions): 

  • California: 39.512
  • Texas: 28.996
  • Florida: 21.478
  • New York: 19.454
  • Pennsylvania: 12.802
  • Illinois: 12.672
  • Ohio: 11.689
  • Georgia: 10.617
  • North Carolina: 10.488
  • Michigan: 9.987

When combining all of these factors, professionals found the following 10 states to be the absolute best for those looking to work in the construction industry, with great potential, growth, and wage numbers. 

Top 10 best states for construction work:

  • California
  • Illinois
  • New York
  • Washington
  • Texas
  • Florida
  • Pennsylvania
  • Ohio
  • Georgia
  • North Carolina

No matter where you live, now is a great time to be in construction. We’re happy to be a part of this ever-growing industry and to be recognized for our dedication to quality workmanship and customer service. 

If you’re one of the many project managers looking for staff in the new year, reach out today to see what we can do for you. Let’s ease those staffing woes and provide you with the people you need, when you need them.

 

Read more employment data and the full article at CONEXPO-CON/AGG.

Diversity in Construction

The construction industry often struggles with diversity. 

It’s most clear when it comes to gender: as of 2021, women comprise only about 8% of the total construction workforce, despite making up 47% of all employed people worldwide. Of that 8%, only about 1% work on jobsites, with the majority of women being placed in office and sales positions. 

Similarly, there is a huge disparity when it comes to race: 58.7% of those working in construction are white, followed by 24.5% Hispanic or Latino and 10.7% Black or African American. 

Why does it matter?

Research has shown that having a wider mix of people on your staff improves morale and productivity, and keeps workers on your team longer. The good news is that diversity is always improving and there are things you or your job leaders can do to help. With the ever-increasing housing market, it’s expected that the industry will need another 430,000 workers in the coming year. Widening your search to include underrepresented individuals can help fill those labor gaps. This also tends to improve performance, as a larger hiring pool means opening yourself up to finding more talent and a wider range of skills (studies have shown inclusive firms have 1.32 times higher productivity than less diverse firms). 

An increase in talent can also lead to improved problem-solving, as a wide range of experiences and perspectives mean more innovation when facing challenges on the jobsite. More innovation leads to quicker solutions, which means your company can outperform your less diverse competition. It’s also going to get you noticed, as high performance and a positive work environment are two of the best ways (along with decent pay and benefits) to attract and retain quality craftspeople to your team – critically important with today’s labor shortages

How do I diversify my workforce? 

First, check in with yourself. Make sure that you are offering the same opportunities for leadership and promotion to everyone. For example, are the women on your team offered the same leadership opportunities as the men, or are they limited to only administrative positions? These changes often start with company management reevaluating their current policies, and making sure they are free from unconscious biases and discrimination. This could mean changing promotion criteria and providing diversity training to both management and employees. 

When hiring new employees, aim for a blind review that omits the applicant’s name so you can be more impartial. Have multiple people on your hiring team, and whenever possible include people from diverse backgrounds. 

Building new partnerships is also key to bringing in new and varied talent. Starting a partnership with a local high school, community college, or nonprofit to teach youth and young adults construction skills can not only get your name out into the community, but can also jump start the training of your next batch of employees with little effort on your part. This also ensures the diversity of your workforce is representative of your community. 

Diversity and inclusion is the way of the future. Put your organization in a position to succeed by hiring and promoting a diverse range of staff. With this mindset, you can resolve labor shortages while ensuring your staff feel safe, satisfied, and empowered in the new year. 

Data Source: Zippia

Exosuits: A Rising Star in Construction Safety

Due to the extreme physicality of their job, it’s no surprise that as many as 30% of construction workers end up missing work due to back injuries. The long hours, repetitive movements, unequal lifting, and heavy tool belts make construction the number one occupation resulting in lower back pain. However, new technology is offering hope to the backs of construction crews, health care workers, soldiers, and agricultural workers everywhere in the form of exosuits.

What are they?

Exosuits, sometimes called exoskeletons, are wearable frameworks that provide back and joint support and lower the forces that can lead to injury, chronic pain, and fatigue. Exosuits have been around since the 1960s, but their bulk and rigid structure restricted movement and made working in tight spaces difficult. Despite the better physical support for users, this inability to complete their jobs quickly and efficiently led many workers to abandon their use. 

Exosuit creators have been listening to feedback, and many new models appeared on the market in the last several years, with even more technological enhancements expected to appear by 2025. 

Types of Exosuits

“Soft-shell” suits, also called soft exosuits, are becoming popular because they provide extended mobility while still providing support. Corporations like Toyota and Walmart have started testing new suits with sensors that alert workers when they’re engaging in risky movements. These suits also collect data that give employers insight into which jobs and tasks pose the highest risk of injury. If successful, employers could then use this data to improve workplace design and equipment.  

New robotic exosuits are also expected to revolutionize the construction industry. Originally designed by the military and later used in healthcare, these suits might make you think of Tony Stark and Ironman. Consisting of a metal framework fitted with motorized muscles, these suits multiply the wearer’s strength, making objects feel significantly lighter and leading to fewer injuries on the jobsite.

Suits also come in two categories: passive, which means there are no batteries, actuators or motors to assist with physical activity; or active, with technology that takes on some of the load for the wearer. Some examples of passive suits include overhead exosuits that offer neck, shoulder, and arm support while workers perform overhead installation work, and chairless chairs, which lock in place to support workers who are crouching or standing in the same position for a long period of time. 

Active suits might include arm support limbs that let workers lift heavy tools, as well as full body suits that use compressed air to take most of the lifting load off the wearer. 

The Future of Exosuits

While most employers would jump at the opportunity to keep their workers safe and compliant, the cost of exosuits has often been a deterrent. However, exosuit prices have been dropping since 2015. As technology gets better and more affordable, it’s only a matter of time before every construction site adopts this powerful tech. 

Whether it’s active or passive, soft-shell or robotic, we’re excited to see how exosuit technology will continue to expand, creating new and innovative ways to protect our workers and make sure your projects are done on time, every time. 

Managing Construction During the Ho-Ho-Holidays

The holidays are fast approaching, which means keeping your construction crews happy, safe, and productive as the days get shorter and celebrations with family and friends are on their minds. It can be hard to strike a balance between maintaining project momentum and giving your crews a much-needed break, so we’ve provided the following tips to help you manage the holidays and start the new year on a high note:

  1. Underpromise & Overdeliver.

    Clients can be stressed during the holidays, and may set high expectations that can’t be met when crews are taking extended time off to spend with their families. Plan ahead for the additional time needed, and be honest with clients about reduced productivity from November to January, while assuring them the project will continue to move. By working this extra time into your schedule, you’ll be able to focus on quality work instead of unsafely rushing, and you’ll still meet deadlines. Plus, if you finish early, you’re sure to be your client’s favorite holiday gift giver! 
  1. Limit the Overtime.

    Clients might push extra hard during the holidays, but don’t let that turn into running your crews into the ground. Extra long hours, all nighters, and extreme stress on the jobsite can lead to mistakes, injuries, and/or burnout, especially when workers are expected home for holiday celebrations. If you do need your crew to work extra during this season, consider offering holiday bonuses and/or flexible hours to boost morale and keep workers productive. In today’s labor shortage, you can’t afford not to.
  1. Communicate your holiday schedule.

    Communication is always key, but it’s especially important when communicating expectations around holiday work. Plan what days you’re giving your crew off. Is it just Thanksgiving or also the Friday after? Is Christmas Eve a half day, a full day, or completely off? If you want to give your crews a break, but also want to keep that productivity on high, some companies find it helpful to hire a dedicated holiday team, often filled with out-of-state workers who are already planning on spending the holidays away from home. While these workers often expect higher pay to make up for spending the season away from their families, they are also expecting to work the hours that your current crews want off, and can be key to finishing projects by their expected deadline. See what Steadfast has available by contacting us here
  1. Don’t schedule new or complicated projects.

    With national staffing and supply shortages everywhere, you should expect holiday projects to take even longer than usual. To avoid disappointing clients, focus on completing current projects first. If you’re able to take on something new, limit it to projects your crew is already familiar with. Managing projects on the frontside can keep both clients and operators happy during the holiday season. 

Managing projects during the holidays requires some extra thought, but with these tips and proper planning, it’s sure to be your best season yet. And don’t forget that Steadfast Entities is here to help. Whether it’s finding staff for the holidays, equipment rentals to finish that project on time, or getting the key products to keep your site running at maximum efficiency, we’re here to help. 

Contact us today to see how we can help keep your holidays (and your worksite) bright! 

The 5 Biggest Construction Cyber Risks

October is cybersecurity month, so we’re spotlighting the risks construction companies are now facing and how you can prevent them! 

While this hasn’t always been the top concern for construction leaders, cybersecurity is quickly rising in the ranks as more and more construction firms are targeted in malware and ransomware attacks.

Why is construction a target? 

Construction data doesn’t include the same amount of compromising client information as data from a bank might. While this seems like a good thing at first, it also means there are significantly fewer regulations around privacy and data security in the construction industry. 

At the same time, technology is exploding with new possibilities for the future of construction. Without these important security regulations in place, however, these new technologies present a big risk to an enterprising construction tech company.

What are the 5 biggest risks?

  1. Phishing is when someone uses a fake email address, posing as someone trusted, to try to get information from your organization. Rushed employees might overlook the red flags and provide them what they need, compromising your organization. 
  1. Domain imposters purchase domain names similar to your own or to a trusted partner, then email from them. Even if it’s someone you don’t recognize, the domain name creates a false sense of trust. 
  1. Password guessing via computers can also be surprisingly easy, allowing a hacker access to a legitimate employee’s account. From there, a hacker can send emails or access sensitive information.
  1. Ransomware is the scariest of the bunch. After gaining access to your construction company’s system (possibly using one of the methods above), the hacker will block access and demand a ransom for operations to resume. 
  1. Fraudulent wire transfers can also devastate a company. Using one of the above methods along with social engineering (manipulating people into doing what you want), an unsuspecting employee could transfer money to a hacker, all while thinking they were doing their job to keep the company running smoothly.

How do I protect my company?

You’re probably already very familiar with locking and securing your physical equipment. So now you need to learn how to be just as vigilant with your data. 

  • Learn about cybersecurity (by reading articles like this!) and stay on top of the latest hacking methods. 
  • Teach yourself and your staff to recognize suspicious domains and email addresses. Nothing is so urgent that you can’t double-check the sender’s request! 
  • Create strong passwords and enable multi-factor authentication.
  • Set up cybersecurity software, like email spam filters and malware protection.
  • Keep backups of all your data so you won’t be vulnerable to ransomware. 
  • Consider cybersecurity insurance or a third-party cybersecurity company. 

Some of these protections can be set up in just minutes! Protecting yourself and your business is easy when you get in the habit of good security. Explore cybersecurity more at Cox Blue.

Environmentally Friendly Construction: It’s Easier Than You Think

When you think of a construction project, you don’t always picture green trees and eco-friendly landscapes. Yet construction plays a big part in how we interact with the world and the impact we have on it. Construction projects develop the infrastructure of the future. 

As technology improves and more countries buy into environmentally-friendly industry, construction gains new opportunities for better results and safer worksites. From biophilic designs to research into more sustainable (and more effective!) construction materials, construction leaders have the opportunity to make big, positive changes in their projects – and their bottom line! 

AGC Report

Recently, the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) released a 16-page report on the government’s incentives and investment into modernized infrastructure projects that incorporate key sustainability elements, like reducing waste, water usage, and energy consumption. The report discussed the many tax incentives and ways that modernized construction will be supported as we move into the future. 

The AGC also shared several green strategy ideas in the report, including:

  • Solar-powered trailers
  • Energy-efficient lighting
  • Carpooling
  • Anti-idling policies
  • Hybrid vehicles
  • Engine retrofits
  • Jobsite recycling 
  • Water conservation
  • Paperless administration
  • Renewable energy credits
  • Green-certified office spaces

While these sustainability enhancements might seem like more trouble or money than they’re worth, streamlining operations and improving materials can actually save money and dramatically improve a company’s long-term viability.  

One notable example is a company that instituted an anti-idling policy “to reduce fuel consumption, emissions, noise pollution and needless engine wear and tear.” By instituting this simple policy, the company saved more than $800,000 on just one project.

You Can Make an Impact

Whether you’re a CEO, a project manager, or an operating engineer, there are ways you can improve your impact on the environment at work. Some easy ways to get started include:

  • Source sustainable and/or prefabricated materials
  • Go paperless whenever possible
  • Recycle materials when safe to do so
  • Get the latest in energy-efficient equipment
  • Track utilities and energy consumption
  • Promote ridesharing, hybrid vehicles, and anti-idling policies

You can also share this article on your social media, tell your team about some of the ideas, or start brainstorming ideas that would work best for you. Together we can set up a better tomorrow for us all!

Steadfast is committed to sourcing modern, environmentally-friendly equipment and operators trained in sustainable operation. Give us a call to rent equipment or staff your next job: 1-855-449-0777.

What NOT To Do: The 5 Biggest Construction Fails in the US

Structure and safety go hand in hand. Without strong structural engineering and expert construction, there’s no guaranteed safety for those using the road, bridge, building, or space. Here’s a look at the 5 biggest construction fails in United States history and how they could have been avoided. 

Hyatt Regency Walkway (1981)

Deaths: 114

The walkways on the second and fourth floor of the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Kansas City, Missouri collapsed under the weight of guests, falling onto a busy lobby below. A total of 114 people were killed and another 200 injured.

The sleek, new lobby opened in 1980 and featured walkways anchored by steel rods. The problem lay in the connection between a single set of hangar rods threaded through to a double-rod system anchored to the upper walkways. This placement caused undue stress and would never have passed an inspection, yet somehow no one noticed the fault during construction. 

This incident could easily have been prevented by more knowledgeable contractors and a more thorough safety inspector during initial construction. 

The Knickerbocker Theater (1922)

Deaths: 98

This DC theater collapsed during a silent move and just two days after the biggest blizzard in the city’s history. The weight of the snow caused the building’s roof to buckle, killing 98 and injuring 133. One of the worst disasters in the city’s history, immediate emergency response was delayed and unorganized as hundreds rushed to the area. Subsequent investigations blamed the use of arch girders rather than stone pillars to support the roof. 

This disaster could have been prevented by managing risk in construction and accounting for all possible types of weather in that region. Better maintenance of the building (i.e., removing the snow more quickly) would also have been critical in this situation.

Willow Island (1978)

Deaths: 51

A West Virginia power station cooling tower was under construction and the contractor was building scaffolding. Unlike standard scaffolding methods, however, this contractor bolted scaffolding to the cooling tower itself and poured concrete each day to raise the scaffolding higher. As the tower reached 166 feet, a crane pulling up a bucket of concrete fell toward the inside of the tower and the previous day’s concrete collapsed. 

All 51 construction workers on the tower fell to their death as the scaffolding crumbled, making it the deadliest construction accident in U.S. history. OSHA and the National Institute of Standards and Technology were quickly involved. Their investigations pointed to concrete that had not sufficiently cured, missing or defective bolts, and rushed construction. 

This tragic accident shows the importance of safety inspections at the worksite and taking time to finish steps completely, even when there’s pressure to finish a job.

L’Ambiance Plaza (1987)

Deaths: 28

A 16-story apartment building in Bridgeport, CT collapsed during construction, killing 28 workers. While many still debate the cause or causes of this disaster, one resulting investigation concluded that the lifting assembly for these slabs was at fault. 

Observers of the accident and workers onsite also noted that the accident was highly preventable and that it showed the deficiencies of the lift slab construction technique. Following the event, a federal investigation was conducted into the techniques used on the job. 

This accident demonstrates the importance of using the most modern, technologically-advanced, and proven techniques in construction. While you don’t want to be using tech that hasn’t been field-tested, you also don’t want to be a stick in the mud avoiding newer, safer construction options. 

Champlain Towers South Collapse (2021)

Deaths: 18

This surfside condominium building collapsed in Miami, Florida, killing 18 and injuring 11 more. Of the 136 total units in the building, 55 were destroyed. Just a couple years before, an inspection had found severe problems with the building that went unrepaired. 

The cause of the disaster was multifaceted and included long-term degradation of reinforced concrete in the underground garage. The building was also shown to be sinking at a faster rate than surrounding buildings (about 2 millimeters/year), creating tension. Moreover, poor waterproofing practices meant that the areas beneath the pool deck had deteriorated and weakened the structure. 

This disaster shows how critical environmental factors are in the engineering and construction process. A better understanding of the surrounding environment and long-term maintenance could have saved this building from its sinking, water damage, and deteriorating concrete.

Don’t rely on inexpert operating engineers or overused equipment – Steadfast Entities prides itself on using the best in modern technology and expertly-trained operators for every job. Be safe, be effective, and be Steadfast! Contact us for your next job: jhworthy@steadfastentities.com

Constructing Connections: Why Word of Mouth is King

Even in today’s streamlined, modern world full of email, social media, and millions of connections available in an instant, personal relationships reign supreme. In fact, 92% of all consumers around the world say they trust word-of-mouth referrals more than other forms of advertising (Nielson, 2012).

The construction industry is a perfect example of how important personal relationships are: according to the Home Improvement Research Institute (HIRI), 88% of all contractors primarily use word of mouth to grow their business (2020). 

So why is word of mouth still so important?

Because relationships trump any digital convenience. Consumers and business owners are willing to risk having their groceries delivered for the sake of convenience, but they’re not willing to take a gamble with their roof, a new office building, or a highway construction project. 

They need someone they trust and you can only trust people you know.  

Don’t know a contractor? Well, you know other people and those people know contractors that they trust. It’s the next best thing, and it’s monumentally more effective than any amount of digital advertising. Relationships develop over time and a reliable business relationship depends on consistent communication and trust. 

While business relationships are key, you can still build lasting connections and develop a strong online strategy at the same time! Social networking, when used correctly, can foster your in-person connections and encourage positive word of mouth.

Construction is a people-based industry.

From operators to subcontractors, you have to trust the people you work with in this industry. You’re not alone in a cubicle or working remotely, so positive communication is key. These connections are building industries while we’re shaping what the world looks like tomorrow. 

Here are some tips to get your subcontractors and customers spreading the love:

  • Put customer service first, especially communication
  • Ask for and reward referrals to your business
  • Share your business accomplishments, community activities, and charity work
  • Create a community

No matter what, remember that construction is built by and for people, so don’t lose sight of the strong connections around you! Build tomorrow – one customer, subcontractor, or business partner relationship at a time.