The Art of Investing

The start of a new year is a pivotal moment for any construction company. It marks the transition into a new cycle of bidding, planning, staffing, and financial management, and it sets the tone for profitability and stability over the next twelve months. For a construction company, the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) plays a critical role during this period. The CFO’s decisions in the first few weeks of the year can determine whether the company experiences steady growth, chaot

In the construction industry, the relationship between the CEO and CFO is one of the most important partnerships inside the company. Unlike many other industries where financial management and operational leadership can function in separate silos, construction requires the CEO and CFO to operate in constant alignment. Their decisions influence cash flow, bidding strategy, bonding capacity, project execution, workforce management, equipment planning, and long-term profitabilit

Small businesses today face financial challenges that are far more complex than simply tracking revenue and expenses. Cash flow cycles fluctuate, tax obligations shift, margins tighten, financing needs evolve, and owners often find themselves overwhelmed by financial decisions they were never trained to make. As businesses grow, the need for professional financial leadership increases—but hiring a full-time Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is costly and often unnecessary for com

Accounting for construction contractors is fundamentally different from accounting used in traditional businesses. Unlike retail, hospitality, or professional services—industries with predictable revenue cycles and straightforward cost structures—construction companies operate within a complex financial environment shaped by long-term contracts, variable costs, multi-location job sites, retainage, specialized billing methods, and strict reporting requirements. Because of thes

The construction industry is unique in its complexity. Unlike traditional retail, professional services, or manufacturing, construction contractors operate in an environment defined by fluctuating materials costs, subcontractor relationships, weather delays, retainage pressures, strict bonding requirements, and margin volatility that can change project by project. These factors create financial challenges that most small and mid-sized construction companies are not equipped t

As the year draws to a close, most West Virginians are thinking about the holidays, not their taxes. But before the ball drops in Charleston, it’s worth taking a few hours to look at your finances. Year-end tax planning  can help you save hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars by making smart financial decisions before  December 31. Once the new year begins, many of the best opportunities to reduce your taxes are gone. Here’s how thoughtful, local-focused planning can make a r

In the construction world, revenue isn’t earned all at once — it’s built over time, just like the projects themselves. Because of this, contractors often use the percentage-of-completion method (POC)  to recognize revenue. But along with that method comes two key balance sheet accounts that can confuse even experienced contractors: contract assets  and contract liabilities . Let’s break down what they are, how they’re calculated, and why they matter. What Are Contract Assets

Running a small business means juggling dozens of responsibilities — and taxes often land at the bottom of the list until deadlines start creeping up. But a little proactive planning can make a big  difference. Below are some simple, practical tax planning tips to help small business owners save money and avoid stress. 1. Separate Personal and Business Finances Keep your business and personal accounts completely separate.This means: Opening a dedicated business checking accou

As you grow into adulthood, you’ll be pulled in many directions—by your ambitions, friends, society, and the markets. Money won’t be the most important thing in your life, but how you handle it will shape your freedom, your opportunities, and even your happiness. I’ve spent my life allocating assets for families, institutions, and myself. What follows is a letter—really, a roadmap—of what I’ve learned. Consider it my attempt to pass you a compass for your financial journey. 1

Unlike public companies, private businesses don’t file 10-Ks, 10-Qs, or investor decks —so a solid financial analysis requires more digging, forensic thinking, and structured modeling. Whether you’re an investor, acquirer, lender, or internal operator, this guide walks through a professional-grade, step-by-step framework  for analyzing a privately held business. 1. Start With Core Financial Statements For a meaningful analysis, collect at least three full fiscal years  of: In