Up Front

Adding Layers

Mark@markfowler.org (Mark Fowler) — Tue, 22 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Why do our solutions often create more problems? In construction, healthcare, and beyond, complexity has become the default—but at what cost?

Tariffs and U.S. Construction

Mark@markfowler.org (Mark Fowler) — Mon, 23 Jun 2025 10:21:44 -0400

Tariffs are not new to the U.S. construction industry, but recent increases could create ripple effects across the economy. Here's how tariffs impact trade with Canada, labor shortages, and the bigger economic picture.

The Importance of Access Doors

Mark@markfowler.org (Mark Fowler) — Tue, 20 May 2025 12:01:29 -0400

Access doors play a crucial role in building maintenance and safety, and while building codes governing them may seem complex or overly strict, they ultimately serve practical and life-saving purposes when understood in context.

Flashing a Window: Simple, Standard and Secure

Mark@markfowler.org (Mark Fowler) — Mon, 21 Apr 2025 10:25:06 -0400

Proper Window Flashing Is Essential for Preventing Water Intrusion. While Various Methods Exist, Following Industry Standards and Keeping the Process Simple Helps Ensure Durability, Reduce Installation Errors, and Minimize Construction Risks.

Wild Country

Mark@markfowler.org (Mark Fowler) — Fri, 21 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0400

The wildfires that happened in Los Angeles decimated communities—but this one was different.

What Are Best Practices?

Mark@markfowler.org (Mark Fowler) — Thu, 20 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0500

How do best practices differ from industry standards?

Stucco Installation Standards: How ASTM Shaped the Industry

Mark@markfowler.org (Mark Fowler) — Mon, 27 Jan 2025 09:00:00 -0500

From history to hidden agendas, explore how ASTM standards came to dominate lath and plaster—but fail to address key challenges.

The Pros and Cons of Piecework

Mark@markfowler.org (Mark Fowler) — Tue, 17 Dec 2024 23:00:00 -0500

How should you pay your workers?

Blue-Collar Cred

Mark@markfowler.org (Mark Fowler) — Mon, 25 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Some people look down on blue-collar workers yet also try to be part of the group.

Time to Renovate

Mark@markfowler.org (Mark Fowler) — Thu, 24 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Is the remodeling/restoration market untapped by the wall and ceiling industry?

Proper Order

Mark@markfowler.org (Mark Fowler) — Mon, 23 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0400

There is a correct way to go about a construction project, and not doing so can have consequences.

Have We Missed the Mark?

Mark@markfowler.org (Mark Fowler) — Thu, 22 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0400

When is a practice too much? Do the codes offer the best guidelines always?

Good Luck with That

Mark@markfowler.org (Mark Fowler) — Tue, 23 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Being a subcontractor is harder than you think.

Passion for Work

Mark@markfowler.org (Mark Fowler) — Mon, 24 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Are there cultural differences between the European and American trades?

Simpler Times

Mark@markfowler.org (Mark Fowler) — Thu, 23 May 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Why are companies more focused on their stock market prices than moving their industries forward?

Know Your Product Line

Mark@markfowler.org (Mark Fowler) — Thu, 25 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Be informed on contractors’ rules if you are selling a product to them.

Gypsum Sheathing

Mark@markfowler.org (Mark Fowler) — Fri, 22 Mar 2024 01:00:00 -0400

The evolution of a construction material.

The Perfect Specification

Mark@markfowler.org (Mark Fowler) — Tue, 27 Feb 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Specification writers should think more about inexperienced installers.

Ceilings with Stucco, EIFS and DAS

Mark@markfowler.org (Mark Fowler) — Thu, 18 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Having a backing behind lath is a step that should not be taken lightly.

Walk Around

Mark@markfowler.org (Mark Fowler) — Mon, 20 Nov 2023 11:13:53 -0500

OSHA is reviewing a regulation that may change OSHA inspections.

Be Safe!

Mark@markfowler.org (Mark Fowler) — Mon, 20 Nov 2023 11:13:53 -0500

Protecting your workers goes beyond OSHA standards.

Best Practices

Mark@markfowler.org (Mark Fowler) — Thu, 19 Oct 2023 00:00:00 -0400

The best way to do something may differ depending from person to person.

American Heroes

Mark@markfowler.org (Mark Fowler) — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 00:00:00 -0400

The 10 C’s of leadership used by Lee Iacocca.

Metal Lath: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow

Mark@markfowler.org (Mark Fowler) — Wed, 23 Aug 2023 00:00:00 -0400

The wall and ceiling industry’s past and present, show it will have a successful future.

Insulated Stucco

Mark@markfowler.org (Mark Fowler) — Mon, 24 Jul 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Do not be apprehensive of insulation with stucco.

Greenwashing

Mark@markfowler.org (Mark Fowler) — Thu, 22 Jun 2023 00:00:00 -0400

The troubling term that has many implications in regards to the green building movement in construction.

You, The Inventor

Mark@markfowler.org (Mark Fowler) — Wed, 19 Apr 2023 05:00:00 -0400

Creating a successful product is not as easy as people think.

Faux & Plaster Finishes

Mark@markfowler.org (Mark Fowler) — Wed, 15 Mar 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Using Venetian plaster is very different from veneer plaster.

Is It Too Late?

Mark@markfowler.org (Mark Fowler) — Tue, 24 Jan 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Leaving issues for someone else to handle could result in catastrophe.

Habitual Success

Mark@markfowler.org (Mark Fowler) — Tue, 24 Jan 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Eight philosophies that will help you as an individual—and as a business owner.