Every B2B offsite production GM I talk to is busy. Busy fixing yesterday’s problem. Busy calming today’s customer. Busy worrying about tomorrow’s labor, margins, and schedules. But 2026 isn’t going to reward busyness. It’s going to reward preparation. Here are five actions every offsite production GM should already be planning
I may be beating a dead horse, but I feel so strongly about this particular aspect of leadership that I feel compelled to beat the drum touting the significance of culture, not only in the Offsite world but across the entire spectrum. It is without doubt the keystone of successful
When a modular company announces new partners and fresh capital, the industry’s first reaction is usually, “So… what really changed?” In Homeway’s case, the answer is everything that matters and nothing that shouldn’t. The Schieler family is still leading the company, the name is still Homeway Commercial, and the product
More Canadians are choosing to age in place rather than move into retirement facilities. Here’s how Quality Homes’ customizable modular bungalows — like the popular Riverstone — are redefining the forever home for retirees. QUALITY HOMES RIVERSTONE DESIGN For decades, retirement in North America followed a familiar script: sell the
After watching too many respected modular factories walk the Seven Stages of Slow Suffocation, you’d think someone would have invented a cure by now. But here we are—2025—and the pattern keeps claiming victims. Katerra isn’t the first, and it won’t be the last. Half the factories that look “fine” today
Enough negativity — this will probably be the last time I write about why factories fail. Not because the reasons have all been covered, but because I’ve spent enough time talking about the negative side of an industry I still believe has enormous promise. That said, one more needs to
There’s a quiet epidemic spreading through the offsite construction industry — and it’s not supply chain issues, labor shortages, or the latest round of code changes. It’s role confusion. Everyone’s suddenly an “advisor,” a “consultant,” or a “partner.” But too often, they’re none of those things. The result? Startups that
Cause and Effect Series
A new “Cause and Effect Series” by Bill Murray I’ve been asked many times, “Why do some modular factories make it while others don’t?” There isn’t one single answer—there are patterns. Over the next few articles, I’m taking a closer look at some of the most common causes I’ve seen
Everyone loves numbers. They’re clear, comforting, and easy to display in a meeting. Backlog, labor costs, and inventory utilization—these are the figures that fill spreadsheets and define progress reports. In my experience, they don’t tell the full story. Some of the most successful factories I’ve seen and managed weren’t the
It’s not a someday problem—it’s a now problem. Ford CEO Jim Farley has been warning that the shortage of skilled tradespeople is already choking the nation’s “essential economy.” He’s talking about construction workers, electricians, machinists, and auto techs—the people who physically make and maintain everything that keeps our society running.
In Albuquerque,New Mexico, a provocative new proposal is stirring up discussions about how cities can reclaim idle land and address housing shortages. Under the plan, modular housing units would be installed on vacant lots across the city—fast, affordable, and with less red tape. What if those modular units were made
Imagine this: 42 sleek, modern micro‑homes quietly springing up in East Chattanooga—affordable, sustainable, and community‑centered. Welcome to Valentina Estates, the first project of its kind in Tennessee, spearheaded by none other than former pro basketball player Rashad Jones‑Jennings. A true hometown hero, he’s swapping arenas for architecture, and the results are stunning.
When you finish your morning espresso, the last thing on your mind is what happens to those spent coffee grounds. Most of us assume they vanish into the trash, destined for landfills. But what if that leftover caffeine kick could help build your next home or office building? Thanks to
When rising sea levels and intensifying hurricanes threaten to wash away our coastal dreams, Seasafe Homes stands as a powerful beacon of innovation. Based in Tampa Bay, Florida, Seasafe isn’t merely building homes — they’re creating a new standard of resilience, speed, and energy efficiency designed to thrive where others
In a quiet corner of Durham, North Carolina, a small team of engineers is quietly working on something that could reshape the future of homebuilding. The company is called BotBuilt, and their mission is simple—but far from easy: use AI-powered robotics to solve one of the biggest problems in construction
In the words of Peter Drucker, “The greatest danger in times of turbulence is not the turbulence—it is to act with yesterday’s logic.” Never has that statement rung more true than in the current crisis gripping housing markets across North America. We are living in a time of turbulence: high
The construction industry often resists change, but one startup is proving that with vision, engineering, and perseverance, the system can be reimagined—quite literally. San Leandro-based Reframe Systems just won the prestigious 2025 House Building Prize from the Centre for Natural Material Innovation at the University of Cambridge, recognizing their groundbreaking
CertainTeed stands out as a pioneer, especially with its innovative ONE PRECISION ASSEMBLIES™ (OPA™) system. This cutting-edge approach to building is redefining efficiency, quality, and sustainability in residential construction. photos – OPA™ system Understanding ONE PRECISION ASSEMBLIES™ Introduced in March 2023, the OPA™ system offers fully constructed wall, floor, ceiling,
Offsite construction as a segment of the homebuilding industry, often times suffers from a common bafflement, lack of an understanding coupled with an appreciation for Building Science. In a recent conversation with Mark Eckard,President of Restoration North he attempts to cut to the chase. Mark is a veteran builder as
Gary’s viewpoint is for informational purposes only…and a few chuckles! Starting a modular home factory is easy! All you need is a building, some equipment, a few workers, a design, a sales team, a delivery system, a set crew, a finishing crew… oh, and a small fortune. Simple, right? Today,
For centuries, builders have relied on natural ventilation to keep buildings cool and dry. Before the era of modern air conditioning, homes featured elevated roofs, ventilated attics, and airflow gaps behind exterior materials to regulate temperature and moisture. These passive cooling techniques not only enhanced comfort but also preserved the
When it comes to modern modular homes that balance functionality with style, the Foxboro Model by Quality Homes stands out. Designed with both aesthetic appeal and practical living in mind, this home offers a thoughtfully crafted floor plan that caters to a variety of lifestyles. Whether you’re a growing family
Bureaucratic delays, logistical challenges, and high costs have long marked the journey of disaster relief housing. But now, a pioneering solution is rolling down the highways, offering wildfire survivors not just a roof over their heads but a renewed sense of stability. Nano Nest, a modular housing innovator, is changing
Every B2B offsite production GM I talk to is busy. Busy fixing yesterday’s problem. Busy calming today’s customer. Busy worrying about tomorrow’s labor, margins, and
I may be beating a dead horse, but I feel so strongly about this particular aspect of leadership that I feel compelled to beat the
When a modular company announces new partners and fresh capital, the industry’s first reaction is usually, “So… what really changed?” In Homeway’s case, the answer
More Canadians are choosing to age in place rather than move into retirement facilities. Here’s how Quality Homes’ customizable modular bungalows — like the popular
After watching too many respected modular factories walk the Seven Stages of Slow Suffocation, you’d think someone would have invented a cure by now. But
Enough negativity — this will probably be the last time I write about why factories fail. Not because the reasons have all been covered, but
There’s a quiet epidemic spreading through the offsite construction industry — and it’s not supply chain issues, labor shortages, or the latest round of code
Cause and Effect Series
A new “Cause and Effect Series” by Bill Murray I’ve been asked many times, “Why do some modular factories make it while others don’t?” There
Everyone loves numbers. They’re clear, comforting, and easy to display in a meeting. Backlog, labor costs, and inventory utilization—these are the figures that fill spreadsheets
It’s not a someday problem—it’s a now problem. Ford CEO Jim Farley has been warning that the shortage of skilled tradespeople is already choking the
In Albuquerque,New Mexico, a provocative new proposal is stirring up discussions about how cities can reclaim idle land and address housing shortages. Under the plan,
Imagine this: 42 sleek, modern micro‑homes quietly springing up in East Chattanooga—affordable, sustainable, and community‑centered. Welcome to Valentina Estates, the first project of its kind in
When you finish your morning espresso, the last thing on your mind is what happens to those spent coffee grounds. Most of us assume they
When rising sea levels and intensifying hurricanes threaten to wash away our coastal dreams, Seasafe Homes stands as a powerful beacon of innovation. Based in
In a quiet corner of Durham, North Carolina, a small team of engineers is quietly working on something that could reshape the future of homebuilding.
In the words of Peter Drucker, “The greatest danger in times of turbulence is not the turbulence—it is to act with yesterday’s logic.” Never has
The construction industry often resists change, but one startup is proving that with vision, engineering, and perseverance, the system can be reimagined—quite literally. San Leandro-based
CertainTeed stands out as a pioneer, especially with its innovative ONE PRECISION ASSEMBLIES™ (OPA™) system. This cutting-edge approach to building is redefining efficiency, quality, and
Offsite construction as a segment of the homebuilding industry, often times suffers from a common bafflement, lack of an understanding coupled with an appreciation for
Gary’s viewpoint is for informational purposes only…and a few chuckles! Starting a modular home factory is easy! All you need is a building, some equipment,
For centuries, builders have relied on natural ventilation to keep buildings cool and dry. Before the era of modern air conditioning, homes featured elevated roofs,
When it comes to modern modular homes that balance functionality with style, the Foxboro Model by Quality Homes stands out. Designed with both aesthetic appeal
Bureaucratic delays, logistical challenges, and high costs have long marked the journey of disaster relief housing. But now, a pioneering solution is rolling down the