To have fun or not to have fun? That is the question. Are you curious how companies like Google, Zappos, and Southwest develop those winning workplace cultures with such high productivity and profitability? Regardless of the industry, there is a common thread running through the highest performing companies: the inherent or stated culture of fun. Among companies denoted as “great” in Fortune’s “100 Best Companies to Work For,” a whopping 81 percent of employees say they work in a “fun” environment.

Business executives have coaches and mentors who help them get better. Sometimes they don’t like what they are told, but after conversations settle in, they might actually hear what it is that the coach is saying. At the heart of every conversation is usually this: How can one be more successful and happy? The answer lies within each person, and that is not just whimsical talk. It is about their perspective and their priorities.

Are your workers lethargic, apathetic, unmotivated, or disengaged? Many business owners’ problem is that they are giving employees what they think employees want, but not what they really need. Fat salaries and perks are great, but what they also want is to be inspired, connected, and living a life of purpose. They need to feel valued. As their leader you need to lead from need.

While Tom Keller of Brazos Urethane may be known as “Tom the Roofer” after his work on the Superdome post-Hurricane Katrina, his work in the coatings industry can’t be contained by the Big Easy. His work has spanned from San Francisco to Miami, and he’s currently focusing on branded roofs of national sports arenas. However, his beginning had much more humble roots.

Unfortunately, many meeting planners — aside from those who specialize in the tech industry — shy away from technology. They may be familiar with some of the new technologies available, but they don’t utilize them consistently and end up missing out on important opportunities.

More than 60 percent of U.S. business owners are over 50 years old, and many of them are looking toward retirement and the process of attracting and vetting potential buyers to take the reins. The differences in yesterday’s and today’s business landscapes are stark.

As he approached the podium, Taylor could feel his face begin to redden and the perspiration building on his palms. He mentally recited his opening line with each step to center stage, hoping above all else that he did not stumble over the words, or worse, draw a complete blank

Concrete is a very strong, durable material, and it is the primary substrate on which flooring materials are applied. What is well documented but seemingly not well understood are the problems that moisture can cause on a concrete floor that has been coated with non-breathing flooring materials.

Do you ever feel overwhelmed as a manager? Being overburdened by the responsibility of having to figure out what others want and need from you is a familiar feeling shared among leaders.

From the bar room to the board room, a different brand of mixology is taking place: the meticulously designed publicity campaign. All beneficial and lucrative public relations (PR) strategies are devised like a classic cocktail.

In business today, effective influence is essential. Want your ideas implemented? You must influence others to act on them. Want more clients? You must influence people to buy from you.

Every small business owner struggles. Some simply cannot go on and decide to close the doors. But some make unbelievable comebacks. Against astounding odds, they come from far behind — and fight back to win. Interested?

The cold and inclement forecast of winter brings with it a hardship for many people related to the coatings world, including owners, engineers, and architects.

Take inventory of your successes. What comes to mind? The title of your position in your company? How much money you make? The value of your home? An award you won?

A concise Work Plan must be submitted with each bid proposal, including that for coatings work. Failure to submit a Work Plan may be cause for rejection of the bid