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 And another big one is using outdated contract templates.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. 

By Emma Peterson. 

Dive into the basics of boosting your business with industry consultant and operations expert John Kenney! 

If you haven’t already heard of John Kenney, he is the CEO of Cotney Consulting Group and a seasoned expert in contracting operations. Throughout his extensive career, John has helped contractors from across a wide variety of trades identify and resolve issues within their business practices so that their business can succeed. And you can get access to his valuable advice directly from the source by listening to his Blueprints for Success podcast!  

This podcast introduces its audience to groundbreaking ideas and practical strategies through exclusive interviews with industry leaders, innovators and mentors. This podcast was designed and planned specifically for contractors operating in outdoor living, hardscape, pool and spa, remodeling and specialty construction trades.  

Each episode promises to provide practical, experience-driven guidance and clear, actionable strategies that can be applied to real-world challenges contractors face in the field. Topics that John will be covering include but are not limited to:  

    Project estimating accuracy, cost prediction and risk management 

    Job planning and operational readiness 

    Service and maintenance profitability 

    Crew leadership and productivity 

    Scaling without losing control 

    Job cost reviews and performance metrics 

    Business planning for long-term growth 

The cherry on top? Each episode is only around 30-minutes long, making it easy to fit into your busy schedule! Make sure to tune in as John “uncovers the tools, techniques and insights that pave the way to success.”  

Listen to Blueprints for Success with John Kenney today.

OCS Influencer John Kenney says the industry's future rests on a foundation of stronger relationships and heightened professionalism

Building strong relationships and elevating professionalism will be essential for success in 2025 and beyond as the industry continues to evolve. Professionals operate in a field that relies on trust, quality workmanship and collaborative problem-solving. By focusing on communication, education and ethical practices, industry members can foster a culture that benefits everyone — contractors, suppliers and clients.

One of the key strategies for improving relationships within the community is by embracing transparent and consistent communication. In a world increasingly driven by digital tools, professionals can leverage platforms such as project management software, instant messaging and cloud-based document sharing to keep stakeholders in the loop. Timely updates and clear directives minimize misunderstandings and delays, building trust among team members and clients. Effective communication ensures a seamless workflow and a higher quality outcome as more projects span multiple companies and disciplines — such as architects, subcontractors and material suppliers.

Education and training also play a critical role in fostering professionalism. The industry is known for its hands-on nature, but professionals can distinguish themselves by staying current with new technologies, safety protocols and best practices. In 2025, experts who pursue ongoing professional development — through certifications, workshops, webinars and associations — are more likely to attract quality clients and stand out in a competitive marketplace. Mentorship programs are another avenue for sharing knowledge: pairing seasoned veterans with new entrants builds continuity, transmits institutional wisdom and strengthens team cohesion. Such efforts elevate the entire industry's skill level and reputation.

Additionally, strong relationships depend on shared ethical standards and integrity. Professionals who uphold fair business practices — such as honest pricing, transparent contracts and accurate project timelines — build long-lasting trust with customers and partners. In an age where online reviews and social media can make or break a company's reputation, ethical conduct and genuine customer care are more valuable than ever. Associations and trade groups can support these efforts by establishing clear guidelines and holding members accountable to a code of ethics. By aligning personal values with professional standards, contractors, suppliers and other stakeholders can collaborate more effectively, reducing conflicts and building goodwill.

Collaboration is another critical element of fostering professionalism. Successful projects often require coordination between contractors, suppliers and other trades. Instead of viewing peers as competitors, professionals can forge strategic alliances or partnerships that expand capabilities. For example, a company specializing in pools might partner with a landscaper, allowing both entities to offer a more comprehensive package to customers. Collaboration not only benefits clients but also strengthens networking opportunities within the industry. Professionals can tackle larger, more complex projects by sharing resources and expertise, improving their collective reputation and market share.

Innovation and sustainability should also guide professional behavior in 2025. Clients increasingly value eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient solutions, so businesses that offer cutting-edge, sustainable options stand to gain a competitive edge. These advancements require ongoing education and cooperation among manufacturers, contractors and regulators. Working together to adopt environmentally responsible practices demonstrates a commitment to quality craftsmanship and community stewardship.

Finally, fostering professionalism and strong relationships means recognizing and celebrating successes. Industry awards, conferences and publications showcasing standout projects promote top performers' recognition and inspire others to adopt similar standards. Honoring excellent workmanship also motivates teams to uphold high-quality work, further elevating the reputation of the industry as a whole.

In closing, the industry's future rests on a foundation of stronger relationships and heightened professionalism. By emphasizing transparent communication, ongoing education, ethical standards, collaboration and a commitment to innovation, professionals can thrive in 2025. Such efforts create a ripple effect — improving client satisfaction, enhancing the industry's public image and paving the way for steady growth and continued success.