Thom McAnally

Is Your Designer Pay Keeping Up with Inflation?

JobLine periodically updates our compensation calculator, and while I expect some surprises, this time, I was truly taken aback. Recent candidates have reported significantly higher compensation at their previous employers than we’ve seen for job postings. I’ve attributed this to...

#16304 Cover image
November 2024
Issue #16304
Page 100
Thom McAnally

Harnessing the Benefits of AI

Last month, I attended a seminar that sparked my interest in the potential for artificial intelligence (AI) in business. The event was held at an arts-focused hotel in Louisville, KY, during a company retreat my wife, an executive at the local hospital, was attending. One of the sessions...

#16303 Cover image
October 2024
Issue #16303
Page 92
Thom McAnally

Is Customer Service Still Important?

In the past, businesses prided themselves on exceptional customer service, especially in addressing warranty claims and service lapses promptly and effectively. Unfortunately, recent years, particularly since COVID, have seen a significant decline in this vital aspect of business. Take, for...

#16302 Cover image
September 2024
Issue #16302
Page 98
Thom McAnally

What Time is It?

If you are production oriented, I’m betting that you have frequently looked at your watch, phone, or computer to see what time it was. Time is a precious commodity, especially when you are supporting production. When I was a kid, first starting out in manufacturing as a sweeper, and came...

#16301 Cover image
August 2024
Issue #16301
Page 70
Thom McAnally

The Importance of Ownership

When we were young, we often said, “I want to own that.” Whether it was a new car, a boat, or a specific type of computer, owning something had significant meaning. We felt a sense of accomplishment when we attained something we desired. As we grew older, some of us were inspired to...

#16300 Cover image
July 2024
Issue #16300
Page 84
Thom McAnally

Enhancing Your Truss Design Team’s Performance with the JobLine Truss Design Skills Evaluation

As a manufacturing manager, you understand the importance of having a skilled and efficient design team. If you’ve encountered our Truss Design Skills Evaluation, you know its thoroughness in assessing truss designers. This evaluation measures skills and experience across nine key areas...

#16299 Cover image
June 2024
Issue #16299
Page 86
Thom McAnally

Placements for Subcontract Designers

For over 30 years, I’ve been placing truss designers with companies for full and part-time employment. In all of that time, I have not placed 1099 subcontractors. Back in the day, this included candidates looking for a remote job, who were out of work, or who simply wanted to make a little...

#16298 Cover image
May 2024
Issue #16298
Page 84
Thom McAnally

Will Offshore Designers Work for You?

You’ve likely been inundated with resumes and applications from independent offshore truss designers boasting software proficiency, estimating, takeoff, and design skills. Many highlight their experience with US and Canadian employers, often presenting themselves as part of a team of...

#16297 Cover image
April 2024
Issue #16297
Page 82
Thom McAnally

On-Site Homebuilding with an Off-Site View

Reflecting on the journey of building my on-site home versus years of off-site manufacturing, several insights have surfaced. While many may hesitate to do it again, I remain optimistic. Why the enthusiasm? Because every challenge I faced was met with a manufacturing mindset honed by the...

#16296 Cover image
March 2024
Issue #16296
Page 84
Thom McAnally

Navigating Employee Consolidation After an Acquisition: A Blueprint for Success

In the dynamic landscape of corporate growth, mergers and acquisitions (M&A) have become a common strategy for companies aiming to expand their market presence and enhance their capabilities. While these endeavors hold promises of increased efficiency and amplified market share, the process...

#16295 Cover image
February 2024
Issue #16295
Page 72
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