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Tony Callahan

Tony L. Callahan, CPSM, CSCP, has worked in the home building industry for nearly two decades and is an expert in purchasing and supply chain management.

AI / firefly.adobe.com
AI being used for different tasks in a home building business.
Purchasing

5 Ways to Use AI for Purchasing

Artificial intelligence is relatively new and scarcely used in home building, but a good place to start is with your purchasing tasks
Dec. 6, 2024
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Efficient off-site construction works like an assembly line: it doesn’t require skilled framers to know which material goes where and how to fasten it, while the equipment’s technology makes precise cuts and identifies fastening patterns, limiting waste.
Business Management

Ways to Improve Home Building Productivity, Part 2: Automation

Home builders can maximize efficiencies gained through simplification and standardization by automating both on-site and back-office operations
Feb. 15, 2024
Improving building productivity starts with simplification and standardization. | Photo: Ivan Kruk / Stock.adobe.com
Improving Building Productivity Starts With Simplification And Standardization | Photo: Ivan Kruk / Stock adobe
Business Management

How to Improve Home Building Productivity, Part 1

Simplifying and standardizing your processes and purchasing creates efficiencies that save money and time and attract the best trade partners
Aug. 4, 2023
If you're looking to align your business expenses with lower volume, there are solid reasons to take a systematic approach rather than jumping straight to laying off employees. | Image: Nuthawut / stock.adobe.com
If You're Looking To Align Your Business Expenses With Lower Volume, There Are Solid Reasons To Take A Systematic Approach Rather Than Jumping Straight To Laying Off Employees | Image: Nuthawut / Stock adobe
Business Management

Advice for Right-Sizing Your Business Expenses

Why you should consider a holistic approach to cutting expenses when volume drops
March 21, 2023
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A lot of people feel the housing market will be OK because we’ve been undersupplying the market for so long. It's true we’ve undersupplied the market, but that view misses one key point: Look at all of the completed spec homes that don’t have a buyer. If it was just as simple as market undersupply, why aren’t these finished homes sold? The reason: affordability.
Leadership

Housing Affordability: Why This Downturn Is Different

The current shortage of affordable homes is due to more than just undersupply in the market
March 13, 2023
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Unlock the secrets of what someone’s nonverbal cues, such as facial expressions, eye contact, eyebrow movement, as well as movements with their hands, feet, head, and even posture, are telling you during a sales negotiation.
Purchasing

Sales 101: When Negotiating, Pay Attention to Body Language

Your ability to recognize nonverbal cues at the negotiating table can mean the difference between a bad deal and a successful outcome in a sales negotiation
Jan. 8, 2023
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An understaffed purchasing department won’t have time to properly vet price increases, competitively bid and accurately contract trades, minimize change-order costs, or ensure your next project starts on the right foot.
Purchasing

Purchasing Staffing Ratio: What Should It Be?

How to figure out proper staffing in your purchasing department to balance costs and value with profitability
Nov. 29, 2022
The best way to manage change is to involve those closest to the process. Those who help plan the battle don’t battle the plan. | Photo: courtesy Yunava1 / Marina / stock.adobe.com
The Best Way To Manage Change Is To Involve Those Closest To The Process Those Who Help Plan The Battle Don’t Battle The Plan | Photo: Courtesy Yunava1 / Marina / Stock adobe
Purchasing

A Six-Step Strategy to Reset Material and Labor Costs

In collaboration with your supply chain partners and internal team, consider this approach to adjust your costs and boost housing affordability
Oct. 3, 2022