February 19, 2026 A 53-year-old construction worker was killed Tuesday afternoon after being struck by a dump truck in a construction zone for a new subdivision in Manatee County, troopers said. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the crash happened around 12:02 p.m. on Feb. 18 near Diamond Reef Drive and Bella Mar Trail. Investigators said a 2026 Kenworth dump truck, driven by a 46-year-old woman from Wesley Chapel, was backing east on Bella Mar Trail. The man, who was

Step 4. Interviewing Candidates: How to Interview Like a Pro You’ve written the job description , posted the ad , and sorted through applications . Now it’s time to interview and find the right fit for your crew. Interviewing is your chance to go beyond the resume and see how someone communicates, handles pressure, and fits with your team. A good interview process helps you make smart hiring decisions and avoid costly mistakes. Start with Preparation Before you meet with can

Step 7: Final Compliance: Drug Testing and Employment Documentation After Hiring and Before Starting Work Hiring the right person is a big win. But before they step onto the job site, you need to take care of a few important details: drug testing and paperwork. Pre-employment drug testing happens after you make a conditional job offer. It’s the most common type of test, and applicants agree to it as part of the hiring process. New hires must sign a consent form before test

Step 5: Verify Before Hiring: References & Background Checks are Essential Hiring the right person isn’t just about a great interview. Checking references and verifying background details can save you from costly mistakes. These steps confirm skills, uncover potential red flags, and make sure the candidate truly fits your team. In construction, the stakes are even higher. One bad hire can lead to expensive errors, damage your reputation, or even cause legal trouble. Backgroun

Step 8: Welcome Aboard: Setting Up New Hires for Success Congratulations! You’ve made it through the hiring process. Now it’s time to help your new employee hit the ground running. Hiring is just the beginning. What comes next can make or break your team’s success. Whether your new employee is fresh to the field or a seasoned pro, a strong introduction builds confidence, reduces risk, and keeps projects running smoothly. In construction, high turnover and tight timelines oft

Step 1. Job Descriptions: Defining the Role and Skills Needed Let’s start with the basics. Before posting a job, reviewing resumes, or scheduling interviews, you need a clear understanding of the role and the person you're looking to hire. Defining the position upfront helps you stay focused, attract the right candidates, and avoid costly hiring mistakes. Let’s look at what that process involves, starting with the difference between a job description and a job posting. Jo

Step 2: How to Write a Job Post That Gets Noticed Now that you’ve nailed down the job description and know the kind of person you’re looking for, it’s time to write the job post, the part candidates actually see. A good job post connects you with people who not only have the right skills but also fit your crew and company culture. In a competitive market, a clear, honest post can help you stand out and attract the kind of applicants you actually want to interview. Use your jo

Step 3. Reviewing Applications: Finding the Best Candidates in the Stack It’s a good sign once the applications start rolling in, but it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Set Clear Expectations Before You Start To make things manageable before you begin screening, start by creating a shortlist of five or six must-have qualifications. Define your non-negotiables: skills, certifications, or experience that someone needs to succeed in the role. This keeps the process fast and focuse

Step 6. Making It Official – Steps to a Successful Conditional Job Offer What Is a Conditional Offer of Employment? A conditional offer of employment is simply a job offer that comes with a few requirements before it’s official. For most employers, these conditions include things like background checks, reference checks, or drug screenings. Why use it? It gives you a chance to confirm the candidate meets all your standards before they start work. If the conditions aren’t met,

Introduction: Why You Need a Hiring Process Why Start with a Plan? Hiring without a plan is like starting a job without blueprints, it’s a gamble. If you run a construction company, having a clear hiring process can save you time, money, and stress. When you know what steps to follow and why, you’re less likely to make costly mistakes. A good hire keeps your projects on track and your crew safe. A bad one? That can lead to delays, safety issues, and wasted

If you run a small business in Florida’s hospitality, service, or entertainment industries, you’ve probably known about the new “No Tax on Tips” law signed on July 4, 2025. It’s a federal tax change that lets employees deduct up to $25,000 in qualified tip income from their federal taxes between 2025 and 2028. It’s a win for your team, but here’s the catch: it doesn’t change how you handle payroll or workers’ comp reporting. Here’s how this law works and what doesn’t change.