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CCCT Mag: Will Stern, Founder/CEO from Cardiff

Aug 17, 2025

Construction professionals face a rapidly evolving market where adaptability and diversification are critical to long-term success. Recent trends show overall construction spending growing modestly, with residential markets constrained by high interest rates and low affordability, while non-residential sectors, such as data centers, healthcare, education, and manufacturing, continue to expand.

Given these conditions, contractors should embrace flexibility, explore opportunities across trades, and consider new business models or partnerships to remain competitive. Real-world examples from tech companies like Slack and Instagram demonstrate the value of pivoting. What starts as one idea can transform into a high-demand solution with the right strategy and timing. Hands-on learning, even in small projects, can help business owners expand service offerings and build operational confidence.

Digital transformation is a central theme, with online visibility, content creation, and engagement through social platforms now essential for reputation and lead generation. Combining digital tools with personal connections, such as site visits, Zoom calls, and direct outreach, ensures contractors remain accessible and capable of capturing opportunities in a competitive environment.

The Cardiff Connection

In a conversation about the construction industry, William Stern, Founder of Cardiff, offered actionable insights that illuminate his deep expertise in construction and business growth. He emphasized the importance of recognizing market trends, understanding cash flow, and pursuing diversification to protect and expand a business. Stern shared examples of pivoting strategies, hands-on learning, and leveraging both digital and personal outreach to drive leads and build reputation.

He also discussed managing project costs, evaluating opportunities in new trades, and strategically investing in equipment and technology to maintain competitiveness. His guidance combines practical experience with a forward-looking perspective, providing contractors with clear, data-informed approaches to navigate today’s market challenges while positioning themselves for long-term success.

Since Cardiff provides construction-focused financial solutions, staying up to date with these trends is vital to supporting contractors and construction companies. Cardiff offers tailored lines of credit and equipment financing designed to meet the challenges of long payment cycles, high material costs, and labor shortages. By prioritizing cash flow and business credit over personal credit, Cardiff enables contractors to access funding quickly, invest in machinery or technology, and pursue new opportunities without disrupting ongoing operations.