Fix the Roof When the Sun Is Shining

Keep the schedule full.

As the economy shifts, many of us in the joinery industry find ourselves with less work. However, not everyone is facing a slowdown; just this week, I spoke with three firms enjoying record months. So, it’s not all gloom and doom.   For those of us with some “spare time” in our workshops or teams, it’s crucial to ensure this time is being used wisely.

We’ve all seen how tasks can drag on when there isn’t enough work in the pipeline, leading to a lack of pressure to keep things flowing smoothly and profitably. The phrase “fix the roof when the sun is shining” comes to mind—a reminder to make the most of the time we have, before things change and business picks up again.

Many companies have had to downsize due to the economic climate, retaining only their best team members for the future.  However, even with a leaner team, there are times when production gaps or site delays lead to underutilised hours. Without a focus on productivity, jobs can expand to fill the available time, resulting in lower gross profit and a loss of momentum within the team. The key is to maintain a sense of urgency and focus.

Every job must contribute to the bottom line and time is the thing we have the most control over, what we do with it and how well it is spent.

If a job has a set number of hours allocated, it’s vital to aim to complete it within that target. If the pace slows down, the job becomes less profitable, and the team may lose their edge. When work picks up again, they may find it challenging to regain their previous pace and efficiency.

Now is also an ideal time to tackle those internal projects and improvements that often get pushed aside. Whether it’s software upgrades, housekeeping, material storage optimization, inventory control, training, or branding initiatives, these tasks should be treated like any other job in the business. Create a detailed plan with objectives, a budget, and a timeline. Enter these projects into your planning system, and when there’s a production or administrative gap, schedule them in. Make it clear to your team that maintaining pace is crucial for both customer jobs and internal projects.  Place emphasis on these improvement projects at toolbox meetings.  By doing this, you are creating a positive vision of the future and demonstrating your commitment to the business, the team and the culture.

Some companies are seizing this opportunity (while keeping cash flow in mind) to focus on improvements.

Remember, the economy is cyclical, just like everything else. Now is the time for your team to practice, challenge themselves, and learn new skills. This applies across all areas of the business, from customer service, production and  installation.

Ian Featherstone is a cabinetmaker, business advisor, mentor and leadership coach, and the owner of Glass Half Full. He specialises in the construction industry, particularly the joinery & cabinetry sector. For more information or to find out how you can move your team forward, please visit www.glasshalffull.co.nz