By Emma Peterson.  

Understanding when fighting a claim is the right move, and when settling makes more sense.  

In a new episode of From the Ground Up™, Karol Weyman talks to John Kenney about handling legal claims. John is the CEO of Cotney Consulting Group, where he offers training and operations advice to professionals across the construction industry. And a fair bit of that advice is how to navigate the legal side of owning a contracting business. 

Claims and disputes are frustrating but not uncommon challenges for contractors. When asked about how to navigate this process, John’s first piece of advice was to find a way to distance emotion from the situation. He explained, “The first thing I love to tell contractors is keep emotion out of your decision because emotion is going to get you into trouble. And you can't decide based on being right, sometimes we can be right and it costs us way too much. You have to decide based on business impact.” 

So, how do you make the correct business decision about fighting or settling a claim? John tells contractors to look at three things – cost, time and recovery. He elaborated:  

The cost of the fight is related to attorney fees but also lost value. How much time are you spending focusing on this and missing other opportunities? The way I look at it is if you're going to spend money chasing it, then you're going to spend more time, which we all know is money, to recover, then, even if you're technically right, you're still losing.  

What contractors have to do is step back and use these three factors to assess whether they want to fight to prove a point or to move their business forward. If it’s the former, it might not be the time or the place. As John put it, “We want to make sure that it's a business decision. Sometimes it's just better off to get it settled, move on and be back to fight for another day.” 

And fighting another day doesn’t always have to be in court. In fact, the best business decision you can make is to proactively set up systems to avoid future claims as much as possible. John explained, “Honestly, a lot of the issues I see are not legal problems at the start. They're communication and documentation issues that turn into legal problems. So in the outdoor space, especially like landscaping, hardscaping, pool, etc., you have multiple trades overlapping, fast-moving projects and a lot of assumptions.”  

By removing those assumptions through clear communication and documentation, John shared what this looks like in practice:  

You need good documentation. Don't look at it as just having a bunch of paper. It needs to tell the story of the job clearly and consistently. To tell that story, you’ll want to have daily reports, photos from all stages of the project (including before and after images) as well as written change orders. There's no such thing as verbal. If you can't prove it, it can't be done.  

At the end of the day, John’s advice when it comes to claims is to avoid them. But if you do find yourself dealing with one, it’s key to ask yourself whether fighting or settling makes more sense for your business. And if you choose fighting, it's best to have the documentation in place to tell the story of what really happened.  

Listen to the podcast or Watch the recording to learn more about handling claims and other legal issues. 

By Cotney Consulting Group. 

Busy seasons will always come and go. The companies that last are the ones that build habits strong enough to handle the pressure. 

Being busy has never been the same thing as being profitable. Yet many contractors confuse the two. They measure success by backlog, trucks on the road or how hard everyone is working. The calendar is full. Crews are moving. Phones are ringing. From the outside, everything looks strong. But when the numbers are reviewed, margins are thin, cash is tight and leadership feels like they’re constantly chasing the following problem.

After decades in this industry, one pattern consistently emerges. Profitable companies don’t operate faster than everyone else. They operate with better habits. 

The first habit is clarity. Profitable contractors are transparent about how work flows through their company, estimating hands-off jobs the same way every time. Project managers know precisely what they’re responsible for and what they’re not. Foremen understand the plan before they ever step on the job site. There is less guessing, fewer assumptions and far fewer surprises. Busy contractors, on the other hand, rely heavily on tribal knowledge. People are expected to “just know” what to do. Sometimes that works. Often it doesn’t. 

Another key habit is disciplined estimating feedback. Profitable contractors don’t treat estimating as a one-way street. They review how jobs actually performed and feed that information back into future bids. Labor assumptions get tested. Production rates get adjusted. Risk items get flagged earlier. Busy contractors rarely close that loop. Once the job is sold, estimating moves on to the next bid and the same mistakes quietly repeat themselves. 

Scheduling habits also tell the story. Profitable companies schedule with intention. They consider crew capability, material delivery, weather exposure and job complexity. They don’t oversell capacity and hope it works out. Busy companies stack jobs on the calendar because sales momentum feels good. The result is crews bouncing between sites, production slowing and costs climbing without anyone fully understanding why. 

Communication is another separator. Profitable contractors communicate early and often. Problems are addressed when they’re still small. Change conditions are documented. Customers are kept informed. Field and office stay aligned. Busy contractors communicate reactively. Issues get discussed after they’ve already caused damage. Documentation lags behind reality. Customers feel the stress even if no one says it out loud. 

There’s also a difference in how time is treated. Profitable contractors protect it. Meetings have purpose. Job reviews happen on schedule. Leaders carve out time to look ahead instead of constantly reacting. Busy contractors spend most of their time responding to the loudest issue of the day. Planning gets postponed. Reviews get skipped. Decisions get rushed. Over time, that pace becomes exhausting and expensive. 

One of the most overlooked habits is how profitable companies handle job closeout. They don’t rush past it. They review what went right and what didn’t. They confirm costs, collect documentation and resolve loose ends. That discipline protects cash flow and improves future performance. Busy contractors move straight to the next job, leaving unresolved issues behind them. Those issues eventually resurface, usually at the worst possible time. 

Profitable companies also tend to be more selective. They don’t chase every job. They understand their strengths and avoid work that doesn’t fit their operation. Busy companies often say yes too often. The volume feels good, but the mix of work creates strain on crews, managers and systems. Over time, that strain shows up in turnover and margin erosion. 

Leadership behavior also plays a significant role. Profitable contractors are visible in their operations. They don’t micromanage, but they stay connected. They know what’s happening in the field and in the office. They reinforce expectations consistently. Busy contractors are often pulled in too many directions. Leadership becomes distant from daily execution, and problems grow quietly until they demand attention. 

None of these habits is dramatic. They don’t require new software or major restructuring. They require discipline. They require consistency. And they require leadership commitment. That’s why so many companies struggle to adopt them. It’s easier to stay busy than it is to stay controlled. 

The truth is that most companies already have the ingredients for profitability. They have capable people, solid demand and years of experience. What they lack isn’t effort. It’s operational habits that hold the line when things get hectic. 

Busy seasons will always come and go. The companies that last are the ones that build habits strong enough to handle the pressure. Profitability doesn’t come from working harder. It comes from working with intention, clarity and control. 

And in the trades, that difference is everything. 

By John Kenney, Cotney Consulting Group. 

When maintenance technicians operate with consistent awareness, they protect not only themselves but also every person who relies on the systems they maintain.

If there’s one area of maintenance work that demands absolute respect, it’s electricity. Technicians work around it every day — replacing lighting, resetting breakers, opening access panels, troubleshooting equipment and performing minor repairs that seem routine. But “routine” is precisely where danger hides. Most electrical incidents don’t happen during central installations or high-voltage work. They occur during everyday tasks where a technician feels confident, rushes the setup or assumes the system is safe. 

Electricity doesn’t give second chances. One mistake can lead to burns, shocks, arc flash injuries or worse. And the most dangerous part? Electrical hazards are often invisible until the moment something goes wrong. 

When familiarity becomes a risk 

Maintenance teams often know their buildings well. They understand which circuits serve which rooms, which panels feed which equipment and what happens typically when power is interrupted. That familiarity can create a false sense of security. A technician may assume a breaker is off because “it always is,” or they may reach into a junction box believing the system is dead. 

But buildings change over time. Contractors add circuits, tenants reconfigure spaces and equipment gets upgraded. A panel that once fed a single room may now carry loads for multiple systems. That’s when assumptions become dangerous. 

Never rely on memory. Always verify. That mindset saves lives. 

Start with testing — Every time 

Electrical safety begins with one foundational rule: 
Test before you touch. 

Lockout/tagout procedures exist for a reason. Yet in maintenance work, technicians often skip formal lockout procedures because they’re dealing with lower-voltage systems or quick fixes. But even a 120-volt circuit can cause severe injury or cardiac complications. 

Before starting any work: 

• Identify the correct breaker or disconnect 
• De-energize the circuit 
• Lock and tag the device if the task requires control 
• Test the circuit using an approved meter 
• Confirm the test equipment works by checking it on a known live source 

This last step — verifying the meter — is the one most often skipped, and the one most likely to catch a failed tester before it leads someone into danger. 

Hidden hazards behind panels and ceilings 

Maintenance technicians frequently open access panels, junction boxes or ceiling spaces to inspect wiring issues. The hazards here aren’t always obvious: 

• Live conductors that were never capped correctly 
• Multi-wire circuits sharing neutrals 
• Circuits feeding more than one panel 
• Damaged insulation from age or rodents 
• Improper modifications made by previous contractors 

What looks like a simple lighting or outlet issue may involve far more complexity than expected. A slow, deliberate approach is the safest approach. 

Using ladders around electrical work 

Electrical work typically requires elevating the technician on ladders, stools or portable platforms. Combining elevation with electricity creates a double hazard. Falls and shocks often occur together, and the combination can be fatal. 

Safe practices include: 

• Using non-conductive ladders (fiberglass, not aluminum) 
• Keeping tools secured and organized 
• Avoiding overreaching, especially when working near live components 
• Ensuring proper lighting so the technician can clearly see connections 

Small mistakes are magnified when balance is involved. 

The right PPE for the job 

Maintenance work doesn’t always require full arc flash suits, but PPE still matters. Technicians should have access to: 

• Safety glasses or face shields 
• Insulated gloves for appropriate voltages 
• Non-conductive footwear 
• Flame-resistant clothing when exposure risks exist 

PPE isn’t needed for every minor task, but technicians must know when it is needed — and how to use it correctly. 

Communication prevents accidents 

In multi-tenant buildings, schools, industrial facilities and commercial spaces, electrical maintenance rarely happens in isolation. Technicians should follow a simple rule: 

If someone could be affected by your work, they must be informed of your work. 

This includes: 

• Tenants 
• Co-workers 
• Facility staff 
• Other contractors operating in the same area 

Unexpected power interruptions or partial shutdowns can create secondary hazards — equipment restarting, emergency lighting activating or mechanical systems losing control. Clear communication prevents confusion. 

Building a culture of electrical respect 

You don’t need to fear driving electrical safety — just respect and discipline. The best maintenance teams treat every circuit as live until proven otherwise. They follow the procedure even for small jobs. They slow down when conditions feel “off.” And they ask for help when the task requires additional skill or authorization. 

Electrical work rewards caution and punishes shortcuts. When maintenance technicians operate with consistent awareness, they protect not only themselves but also every person who relies on the systems they maintain. 

Electricity is the lifeblood of a building, and maintenance teams keep it flowing. With strong habits, proper training and a culture that values safe decisions, your technicians can perform even the most routine electrical tasks with confidence and care. 

OCS Influencer John Kenney says that, as more clients prioritize responsible design, the contractors who can confidently guide those conversations become more trusted.

In the outdoor living and pool space, sustainability has moved well beyond a talking point. It’s showing up in how projects are designed, how systems are installed and how clients make decisions. Homeowners and property owners are asking different questions today. They’re not just focused on how something looks when it’s finished — they want to know how it performs over time, what it costs to maintain and how it impacts water and energy use. 

From where I sit, this shift isn’t surprising. Every part of construction is moving in this direction. The contractors who recognize it early and adjust their approach are the ones who will stay ahead. 

One of the biggest areas where this is playing out is water management. Pools, irrigation systems and landscaping all rely heavily on water, and in many regions, that resource is becoming more closely monitored and more expensive. Contractors who understand how to design systems that use water efficiently are already setting themselves apart. 

That starts with smarter irrigation. Traditional systems often overwater because they’re not calibrated to actual conditions. Today’s systems can be designed with zoning, timing and controls that match the specific needs of the landscape. Drip irrigation, moisture sensors and programmable controllers all help reduce waste while keeping outdoor spaces healthy. 

Pools are seeing similar changes. Variable-speed pumps, automated controls and improved filtration systems allow pool owners to manage water circulation and energy use more efficiently than ever before. These aren’t just upgrades for the sake of technology — they directly impact operating costs. When contractors can explain that clearly, it shifts the conversation from price to long-term value. 

Material selection is another area where sustainability is becoming more visible. Clients are paying closer attention to what goes into their projects. That includes everything from decking materials and hardscape products to finishes and structural components. Durability plays a big role here. Materials that last longer and require less maintenance reduce the need for future replacement, which is one of the simplest ways to improve sustainability. 

Energy efficiency is also becoming part of the design conversation. Outdoor lighting, heating systems and water features all contribute to overall energy use. LED lighting, efficient heaters and smart automation systems allow these features to perform well without excessive consumption. Again, this isn’t about adding complexity — it’s about making better choices upfront that pay off over time. 

But one of the most important shifts isn’t in the products or systems themselves. It’s in how contractors communicate with clients. Sustainability doesn’t need to be presented as a separate feature. It should be part of the overall project discussion. When you talk about durability, you’re talking about sustainability. When you talk about lower operating costs, you’re talking about sustainability. When you design a system that performs efficiently year after year, that’s sustainability in practice. 

The contractors who do this well don’t overcomplicate it. They don’t rely on buzzwords or try to sell sustainability as an add-on. They incorporate it into their design and build processes. They explain the long-term impact in practical terms — water savings, energy efficiency, reduced maintenance — and let the client see the value. 

There’s also a business advantage to this approach. As more clients prioritize responsible design, contractors who can confidently guide those conversations become more trusted. They’re not just installing a project — they’re helping clients make informed decisions about how their outdoor space will function for years to come. 

Like any shift in the industry, this one comes with a learning curve. New systems, new materials and new expectations require contractors to stay informed and adapt. But the fundamentals remain the same. Good planning, quality installation and clear communication still drive successful projects. 

Sustainability is simply adding another layer to that process. 

And the contractors who embrace it as part of their everyday work — not as a separate initiative — are the ones who will continue to grow as the market evolves. 

By John Kenney, Cotney Consulting Group.

Safety, productivity and craftsmanship all begin with a well-kept work environment. 

In every outdoor trade — whether you're laying pavers, installing lighting, building outdoor kitchens, maintaining sports surfaces, landscaping or servicing pool equipment — the quality of the jobsite starts with a straightforwardpractice: housekeeping. It’s the most basic safety principle, yet the first to slip when schedules tighten or crews get comfortable. 

Clean, organized jobsites don’t happen by chance. They occur by culture. And the companies that treat housekeeping as non-negotiable see fewer injuries, fewer delays and far better production flow. Messy sites slow you down, damage materials, frustrate customers and create hazards that don’t need to exist. Clean sites eliminate guesswork. 

The jobsite tells a story 

Walk any jobsite for the first time, and you’ll know immediately whether the project is under control. When cords are tangled, materials are scattered, trenches are left open and tools are abandoned where they were last used, it’s a sign that processes — and safety — are being ignored. 

On the other hand, a tidy jobsite shows respect: for the craft, the property, the customer and most importantly, the crew. Housekeeping isn’t cosmetic. It’s operational discipline. 

Every trade benefits: 

• Hardscape needs stable walk paths and organized staging. 
• Landscaping crews rely on clear access routes for mowers and equipment. 
• Lighting installers need uncluttered areas for ladders and trench work. 
• Pool technicians need dry, slip-free working zones. 
• Maintenance teams need safe walk-throughs in occupied facilities. 

No matter the job, housekeeping reduces risks before they become incidents. 

Most injuries come from simple hazards 

It’s not the significant hazards that catch most workers off guard — it’s the small ones — a tool hidden in tall grass. A hose stretched across a walkway. A loose paver is left in a path. A wet patch near a pool system. A cord positioned right where a ladder needs to be set. 

These hazards lead to: 

• Trips and falls 
• Twisted ankles 
• Sprains and strains 
• Material damage 
• Delays in workflow 
• Equipment downtime 

A five-minute cleanup can prevent a month-long injury. 

Make housekeeping continuous, not occasional 

The biggest mistake supervisors make is treating housekeeping as something to do “at the end of the day.” By then, it’s too late. Hazards were present all day long. 

Professional crews build housekeeping into the flow: 

• After each material delivery 
• After each task is completed 
• Before moving to a new work area 
• During downtime or crew transitions 
• At each break or shift change 
• As part of pre-task planning 

A jobsite should evolve cleanly as work progresses — not turn into a cleanup project at 4:30 p.m. 

Designate work zones and access paths 

Well-defined zones eliminate half the clutter on a jobsite. Crews should know: 

• Where materials are staged 
• Where tools are stored 
• Where waste is collected 
• Which path does the equipment travel 
• Where ladders and scaffolds will be set 
• Which areas are blocked off for customer safety 

Clear boundaries keep workers from improvising, and improvisation is where hazards multiply. 

Control cords, hoses and tools 

Across all outdoor trades, the most significant housekeeping hazards are the simplest: 

• Extension cords 
• Lighting cables 
• Irrigation hoses 
• Airlines 
• Power tools left on the ground 
• Open bags, buckets and containers 

Crews should use cord bridges, hose ramps, overhead routing or temporary securing whenever possible. Tools go back to a designated location — not wherever workers finish the task. 

The goal is predictable organization. Workers should always know where to find tools and where to avoid tripping hazards. 

Waste management is more than cleanup 

Scrap stone, tile shards, cut wire, broken pavers, packing straps, plastic wrap and vegetation debris all create hazards if not removed promptly. Leaving waste behind not only risks injury but also damages equipment tires, dulls bladesand slows production. 

Good housekeeping includes: 

• Dedicated waste collection areas 
• Regular debris removal 
• Covered bins for wind-prone sites 
• Prevention of scattered materials in customer areas 

Customers notice good waste management — it reflects the professionalism of the crew and the company. 

Housekeeping defines your reputation 

Safety, productivity and craftsmanship all begin with a well-kept work environment. When supervisors model strong housekeeping habits, crews follow. When expectations are clear and consistent, housekeeping becomes secondnature. 

The most straightforward truth is this: Clean jobsites are safer jobsites. And safer jobsites produce better work. If you want fewer injuries, fewer disruptions and more professional results across your outdoor living projects, start with housekeeping. Every day. Every trade. Every job.

By John Kenney, Cotney Consulting Group.

Awareness isn’t luck. It’s discipline. And in every outdoor trade, it’s what keeps workers whole and projects moving.

In every outdoor trade — tile and hardscaping, landscaping, pool and spa, lighting, sports surfaces, agronomics, maintenance and outdoor living builds — there’s one skill that separates safe crews from struggling ones: the ability to spot hazards before they become incidents.

Contractors often invest in PPE, equipment, tools and training, but overlook the one resource that matters most on a jobsite: a crew that pays attention. Workers who can recognize changing conditions, shifting risks or developing hazards are the ones who prevent accidents long before they occur.

Hazard awareness isn’t luck or instinct. It’s a learned skill, developed through experience, repetition and leadership. The good news? Any crew can build it — if they treat awareness as part of the job, not an afterthought. 

The jobsite never stays the same 

Outdoor jobsites are dynamic environments. Weather changes. Equipment moves. Materials get delivered. Trenches open. Surfaces shift. Multiple trades overlap. A safe area in the morning can become dangerous by lunch. Workers who expect the jobsite to stay the same will miss the hazards forming right in front of them. Workers who expect change stay alert. 

Hazard awareness begins with asking the most straightforward question: What has changed since the last time I was here? 

Minor hazards become big problems 

In every trade, major injuries almost always start with something small: 

• A ladder set on uneven ground 
• A partially buried cord across a walkway 
• A loose paver or tile offcut 
• Water leaking near electrical equipment 
• A trench left open without marking 
• A stone slab leaning instead of being stored flat 
• Soft soil after rain 
• A tool left where someone doesn’t expect it 

None of these hazards looks deadly on its own. But accidents rarely happen as a single event — they form through a chain of ignored or unseen details. Hazard awareness is the ability to recognize that a chain is forming. 

The best workers scan constantly

Awareness isn’t a one-time assessment. It’s continuous. 

Effective workers scan: 

• Above for overhead hazards 
• At eye level for moving equipment and other trades 
• Below for footing, debris and uneven ground 
• Behind before stepping or moving materials 

This situational scan takes seconds but prevents hours of downtime, injury or rework. It’s the difference between reacting to hazards and anticipating them. 

Production pressure kills awareness 

When crews feel rushed, their vision narrows. They see only the task in front of them — not the hazards around it. This tunnel vision leads to: 

• Trips 
• Slips 
• Pinch points 
• Electrical contacts 
• Poor ladder placement 
• Material handling injuries 
• Vehicle or equipment strikes 

Supervisors must emphasize that safety is part of production, not a delay to it. A worker who gets hurt stops production entirely. 

Teaching crews to “slow the job down by one minute” 

Hazard awareness can be trained — if you teach crews to pause. Before starting a task, workers should take a one-minute pause and ask: 

1. What am I about to do? 
2. What could hurt me or someone else? 
3. What has changed in the last hour? 
4. Do I have the right tools and PPE? 
5. Is anyone working around me who affects my safety? 

This one — minute mental checklist sharpens focus, reduces errors and brings hidden hazards to the surface. 

Near misses are gold 

A near miss is not a “lucky break.” It is a warning sign — and one of the best training tools you have. When crews share near-miss stories — honestly and without blame — they teach each other what to look for. They build a culture where awareness becomes a shared responsibility rather than an individual burden. 

Leaders who use near misses as learning opportunities strengthen their team’s risk recognition skills faster than any formal training alone. 

Supervisors shape awareness culture 

Hazard awareness spreads from the top down. When supervisors walk jobsites with purpose — spotting hazards out loud, explaining why conditions are dangerous and addressing issues immediately — crews adopt the same habits. 

On the other hand, when supervisors overlook hazards, crews learn to do the same. 

Awareness is contagious. Leadership determines whether it spreads or dies. 

Hazard awareness is the most powerful safety tool your crews have — and it doesn’t cost a dime. When workers learn to see the jobsite clearly, anticipate changing conditions and speak up when something looks wrong, you unlock a level of safety and professionalism that elevates every segment of your business. 

Awareness isn’t luck. It’s discipline. And in every outdoor trade, it’s what keeps workers whole and projects moving. 

OCS Influencer John Kenney says the businesses that handle the busy season best are the ones that prepared in advance.

For contractors in the outdoor living and pool industry, spring doesn’t ease in slowly. It arrives all at once. The weather breaks, homeowners start thinking about backyard projects and suddenly the phones begin ringing. Estimates stack up, installation schedules fill quickly and crews move from quiet winter weeks into full production mode almost overnight.

That seasonal surge can be a great opportunity, but it can also expose weaknesses in a company’s operations. I’ve spent most of my career working with contractors across the construction industry, and one pattern shows up again and again. The businesses that handle the busy season best are the ones that prepared for it weeks earlier. Spring success isn’t just about demand; it’s about readiness.

One of the first areas contractors should evaluate before the rush begins is scheduling. Outdoor construction projects often involve multiple stages — design work, site preparation, structural installation, finish work and sometimes ongoing maintenance. If schedules aren’t carefully planned, jobs begin to overlap, straining crews and creating delays for customers. Reviewing the spring workload early allows companies to map out realistic timelines and avoid the scramble that comes when too many projects are promised at once. 

Crew readiness is just as important. Many companies add seasonal workers or expand their teams when demand increases. That growth can be helpful, but only if those new team members understand the company’s standards and workflow. A short preseason meeting with crews to review expectations, safety practices and jobsite procedures can prevent problems once projects are underway. When everyone starts the season on the same page, production tends to run much more smoothly. 

Suppliers also play a major role in seasonal preparation. Pool equipment, outdoor materials, lighting systems and landscape components often have longer lead times once demand spikes. Contractors who coordinate with suppliers early — confirming inventory availability and delivery timelines — reduce the risk of projects stalling halfway through installation. A few proactive phone calls in late winter can save weeks of frustration once spring demand is in full swing. 

Another area that deserves attention before the busy season starts is estimating capacity. When inquiries increase, it’s easy for companies to rush through proposals to keep up. That’s where mistakes happen. Underestimating labor hours, overlooking material needs or misjudging project timelines can quickly erode profit on otherwise good jobs. Contractors who create a structured estimating process — and stick to it even when things get busy — protect both their reputation and their margins. 

Customer communication also becomes more critical as demand grows. Homeowners planning outdoor projects often want their pool or backyard space ready as soon as warm weather arrives. In reality, installation schedules depend on many factors: crew availability, weather conditions, material deliveries and the complexity of the project itself. Contractors who communicate realistic timelines early in the process tend to avoid frustration later. Clear expectations are one of the most effective tools for keeping projects — and relationships — on track. 

Spring preparation isn’t just operational. It’s also an opportunity to remind potential customers that your company is ready for the season. Sharing project photos, maintenance tips or early-season inspection reminders through your website or social media helps homeowners start thinking about outdoor improvements. When they begin researching contractors for a new installation or renovation, your company is already on their radar. 

But even the best marketing won’t make up for poor preparation behind the scenes. The outdoor living industry, much like other construction sectors, operates in cycles. Slow periods give contractors time to organize systems, review processes and strengthen their operations before demand ramps up again. Companies that use the off-season wisely are usually the ones that handle the busy season with confidence. 

In the end, the arrival of spring doesn’t create successful companies. It simply reveals which ones were ready for it. Contractors who enter the season with organized schedules, prepared crews, strong supplier relationships and disciplined estimating processes put themselves in a position to handle growth without sacrificing quality or profitability. 

For outdoor and pool professionals, the busy season will always come quickly. The real question is whether the business behind the projects is prepared to handle it. 

By John Kenney, Cotney Consulting Group.

When crews stay alert and respect the hazards that hide in daily work, they reduce injuries, build trust and keep operations moving safely.

When most people think of fall hazards, they picture roofs, scaffolds — elevated platforms. But for maintenance technicians, the most dangerous fall risks aren’t always the high ones — they’re the everyday ones. A quick ceiling tile replacement, a light fixture repair, a step onto a ladder — even a walk across a slippery floor can turn into a serious injury in seconds. 

Falls remain one of the leading causes of workplace injuries across all industries, and maintenance work sits right in the middle of that risk. The problem is simple: technicians perform high-frequency, short-duration tasks. These tasks don’t look dangerous. They seem like routine, low-risk activities. And because of that, workers let their guard down. 

Falls happen at heights you don’t expect 

A fall from six feet can be life-changing. A fall from two feet can cause a fractured wrist or spine. A fall from a ladder’s second rung is more common — and more serious — than most realize. Maintenance workers spend their days moving between rooms, climbing into ceiling spaces, stepping around obstacles and working on multi-level surfaces. None of thislooks risky. But the risk is real. 

Every day repair tasks often involve: 

• Step stools, ladders and portable platforms 
• Slippery or wet surfaces 
• Uneven floors or loose materials 
• Clutter in tight mechanical rooms 
• Dim lighting in older buildings 
• Carrying tools or equipment while climbing 

When these factors stack together, even a seasoned technician can lose footing. 

The “quick task” is the most dangerous 

You’ve seen it on every jobsite: a worker grabs the closest chair, bucket or unstable object to stand on “just for a second.” They lean too far to one side to change a tile. They climb with tools in hand instead of using a belt. They adjust a light fixture while balanced awkwardly on a ladder. 

It’s the quick, everyday tasks — the ones technicians believe they can do without thinking — that cause the most injuries. That confidence becomes complacency, and complacency is what leads to falls. 

Ladder safety must be non-negotiable 

Ladders are involved in a large percentage of maintenance-related fall injuries and the cause is rarely the ladder itself — it’s how it’s used. Reinforce these fundamentals: 

• Inspect the ladder before use 
• Use the right ladder height for the job — no leaning sideways or standing on the top steps 
• Maintain three points of contact 
• Keep tools in a belt, not hands, while climbing 
• Never place ladders on boxes, tables or uneven surfaces 
• Secure the area below from foot traffic 

A ladder is not a shortcut. It’s a piece of equipment that demands respect. 

Floors are a hidden fall hazard 

Maintenance workers frequently travel across wet, polished, dirty, uneven or obstructed floors. Plumbing repairs, restroom work, HVAC condensation and cleaning operations create slipping hazards that appear without warning. 

Simple reminders can prevent serious injuries: 

• Use caution signs and communicate wet-floor areas 
• Wear proper slip-resistant footwear 
• Keep pathways clear of tools, hoses and debris 
• Address spills or leaks immediately 
• Improve lighting where visibility is low 

The best slip-and-fall prevention strategy is solid housekeeping. A clean, organized space is a safer space. 

Working above ceiling tiles isn’t a “low-risk” task 

Accessing overhead spaces — ceiling grids, duct chases and wiring runs — often requires awkward positioning. Workers balance on ladders, reach above shoulder height and navigate around ceiling framing. All of this increases the chance of losing balance. 

Encourage technicians to: 

• Use stable, properly rated ladders or small platforms 
• Position themselves directly under the work, not at an angle 
• Keep both feet firmly planted 
• Avoid overreaching to avoid repositioning 

A few extra steps to reposition a ladder are always better than a fall. 

Make it cultural, not conditional 

The strongest maintenance programs are built on safety habits that become routine. When supervisors consistently model and enforce correct practices, crews follow suit. Encourage the use of stop-work authority: if a technician feels unsafe, they should speak up without hesitation. 

A strong safety culture sends a clear message — the company values the worker more than the task. 

Falls don’t start with the fall — They start with the setup 

Almost every fall incident has a moment before it when someone could have made a different choice. Better footing. Better lighting. The right ladder. A cleared walkway. A slower, safer approach. 

Maintenance work may be routine, but safety cannot be. Staying aware of fall hazards — especially the ones hiding in everyday tasks — is what keeps technicians protected and facilities running smoothly. 

Even the simplest repair deserves full attention. When crews stay alert and respect the hazards that hide in daily work, they reduce injuries, build trust and keep operations moving safely. 

By Emma Peterson. 

Navigating a legal landscape that is growing more complex every day.  

In a new episode of From the Ground Up™, Karol Weyman got the chance to chat with John Kenney about navigating the legal world as a contractor. John is the CEO of Cotney Consulting Group and has over 45 years of experience in the field as a contractor. He shared a bit about what his company does, saying, “We work with contractors, we get information out there, we do trainings and we help them work on their business processes.” A huge part of that work is helping contractors learn how to navigate the legal landscape; things like regulations and contracts.  

Navigating this has always been key to business success, but is more important today than ever before. Why? The world is growing more complicated. John explained, “The world is getting more and more complicated with regulations, technology and more. Really, the entire way we go about business and everything else has changed.”  

An example of these complexities is tighter notice requirements and stricter enforcement of contract deadlines. John elaborated, “Owners and general contractors are absolutely starting to enforce these written notice clauses aggressively. And if you do miss a deadline, even by a day, you're going to lose your claim.” Another example of how John has seen the legal world of contracting shift recently is in relation to payment risk. He explained, “We're seeing longer payment cycles, increased disputes and a lot more owners pushing risk downstream.” 

So what can contractors do in response to these pressures and complexities? Clean records and responsive contracts. Because contractors are being held to higher standards than ever before, it is crucial to make sure you have a clear understanding of what you are getting into and set yourself up for success in the future. John shared a bit about how you can do this:  

Make sure you read your contracts carefully. I still see contractors agreeing to broad indemnification clauses that are dangerous because they don’t have any damage for delay provisions... Scope is another huge one, make sure that contracts define scope so all parties are on the same page... And another big one is using outdated contract templates. I see a lot of contractors using stuff that actually pertains to laws that have changed. So, if you’re working off a template from five or six years ago, make sure to get it reviewed to make sure you are covered today. 

Overall, the best legal protection is proactive reviews with legal experts. As John put it, “Contracts are living risk management documents. A lot of people don't understand this, so if yours hasn't been updated, then it's behind. And understanding everything in your contract is part of positive risk management.” 

Listen to the whole podcast or Watch the recording with John to learn more about navigating the legal world as a contractor. 

OCS Influencer John Kenney says the right tools help deliver efficiency, clarity and responsiveness in a competitive market.

Tools and technology have long shaped how outdoor and pool contractors work, but the pace of change has accelerated. What used to be optional is quickly becoming expected, and contractors who adapt thoughtfully are finding it easier to manage crews, control schedules and deliver a better client experience. The key isn’t chasing every new gadget. It’s understanding which tools actually improve how the work gets done. 

On the jobsite side, must-have tools are increasingly about consistency and efficiency. Laser levels, digital measuring tools and layout systems have reduced guesswork in pool construction, hardscapes and outdoor structures. When layouts are accurate from the start, downstream trades move faster and rework drops. Battery-powered equipment has also advanced significantly, giving crews greater flexibility without sacrificing performance. Less downtime, fewer cords and safer worksites all add up over the course of a season. 

Design technology is another area where contractors are seeing real gains. Digital design and visualization tools allow builders to show clients exactly what a finished outdoor space will look like before construction starts. That clarity reduces change orders and sets expectations early. When clients can see how features, lighting and materials work together, decisions get made faster and projects move forward with fewer surprises. 

Behind the scenes, software has become just as important as what’s happening in the field. Scheduling and project management platforms help contractors juggle weather, crew availability and material deliveries, three variables that rarely line up on their own. When schedules are in one place and updates are made in real time, crews show up prepared rather than waiting for instructions. That efficiency protects margins and keeps projects moving. 

Maintenance and service software is also gaining traction, especially for contractors offering ongoing pool and outdoor care. Digital service logs, automated reminders and mobile reporting make it easier to manage recurring work without relying on memory or paper systems. For contractors, that means fewer missed visits and better documentation. For clients, it means reliability and transparency — two things that build long-term relationships. 

Innovative technology is changing how outdoor spaces are used and maintained. Pool automation systems now manage filtration, heating, chemical balance and lighting from a single interface. Clients can monitor and adjust settings from their phones, while contractors gain remote visibility into system performance. That allows issues to be addressed before they turn into service calls or complaints. 

Lighting and water management have also become more sophisticated. Intelligent lighting systems automatically adjust brightness, color and timing, improving both aesthetics and energy efficiency. Water management tools help monitor usage, detect leaks and maintain proper levels, which is significant for both residential and commercial installations where operating costs matter. 

For contractors, the most significant benefit of smart tech isn’t novelty — it’s control. Systems that provide real-time data help diagnose problems faster and reduce unnecessary site visits. That saves labor and keeps technicians focused on productive work. It also positions contractors as long-term partners rather than one-time installers. 

Adopting new tools does require discipline. Technology only works when teams are trained, and systems are used consistently. The contractors who get the most value don’t overwhelm their crews with apps. They standardize a few key tools and build processes around them. That approach keeps technology supportive instead of disruptive. 

Looking ahead, tools and technology will continue to shape how outdoor and pool businesses operate. The contractors who benefit most won’t be the ones with the most software licenses or the newest gadgets. They’ll be the ones who choose tools that align with their workflow, train their teams properly and use technology to reinforce — not replace — good construction practices. 

In a competitive market, efficiency, clarity and responsiveness matter. The right tools help deliver all three. Used correctly, technology becomes less about innovation and more about professionalism — and that’s what clients notice most.