
Managing Cash Flow in Construction
“We were always focused on our profit and loss statement. But cash flow was not a regularly discussed topic. It was as if we were driving along, watching only the speedometer, when in fact we were running out of gas.” – Michael Dell, Founder & CEO of Dell Technologies
It takes a broad skill-set to run a successful construction business and navigate the significant risks inherent in the industry. Not only do you need to know the ins and outs of construction, you must also be skilled at business management and finance. From executing contracts to understanding the bid process to managing resources, not the least of which is cash. The quote above from Michael Dell about cash flow is very timely and applicable for contractors. A large surety company recently listed its “Top 10 Reasons Contractors are at Risk of Failing,” with Insufficient Cash Flow as #4 on the list. Cash flow issues have historically been at the top of similar lists of construction industry risks. The ability to quickly access cash is the universal resource to fix just about any issue that arises.