Selling or transitioning a business is one of the most important strategy decisions you’ll make. The right team doesn’t just support the process—it shapes the value you capture, the risks you avoid, and the confidence you carry into your next chapter.
When Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast 20 years ago, the impact was deeply personal for many HORNE team members. They suffered alongside their neighbors with destroyed homes and lack of basic utilities. Then an opportunity to help the community they loved came knocking – they could serve through their role at HORNE.
Here are 10 depth-driven questions every construction owner should ask, complete with the real-world ROI, pitfalls to avoid, and practical steps to prepare for the moment you hand over your keys.
Every year, more than 6,000 construction workers in the U.S. die by suicide. That’s six times more than jobsite fatalities. And it’s not just happening off the clock. It shows up on the job in absenteeism, conflict, mistakes, substance misuse, and quiet moments that feel a little too quiet.
Under the 2025 Act, formerly the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), signed into law on July 4, 2025, federal law now requires certain adults enrolled in the Medicaid program to demonstrate compliance with work and community engagement requirements.[1] Beginning January 1, 2027, the federal government will no longer provide states with matching funds (currently 90%) for any adults who do not comply with federal rules.
Under the 2025 Act, formerly the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), signed into law on July 4, 2025, federal law now requires certain adults enrolled in the Medicaid program to demonstrate compliance with work and community engagement requirements.[1] Beginning January 1, 2027, the federal government will no longer provide states with matching funds (currently 90%) for any adults who do not comply with federal rules. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates that Section 71119 will reduce federal spending by $325.6 billion over the next 10 years. However, due to the “multiplier affect” and the state share of spending, the economic impact on states and families could reach nearly $1 trillion.
In construction, profit is rarely lost in one big decision. It slips away through inaccurate financials, outdated job cost forecasts, and misaligned billings. When revenue recognition isn’t precise, it distorts your financial statements, leads to cash flow surprises, undermines trust with bonding agents and lenders, and derails plans for growth.
When Brian looked at the roster of open roles at his growing commercial construction firm (including project foremen, carpenters, field engineers, etc.), he saw more than just job postings. He saw a warning sign.
CICPAC, in collaboration with economist Dr. Chris Kuehl and Armada Corporate Intelligence, has launched the 2025 Q2 quarterly economic report that specifically targets the construction sector. This report offers a comprehensive analysis of various factors that affect the construction industry on a macro level, including regional construction spending, raw materials, supply chain, banking and financing matters, and the overall construction industry outlook.
Under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) signed into law on July 4, 2025, federal law now requires certain adults enrolled in the Medicaid program to demonstrate compliance with work and community engagement requirements. Beginning January 1, 2027, the federal government will no longer provide states with matching funds (currently 90%) for any adults who do not comply with federal rules.
In construction, decisions pile up fast. One missed signal can wreck your timeline and crush your margin. It’s not a people problem, but rather a visibility problem. Many contractors still rely on scattered spreadsheets, inboxes, or what someone thinks is happening. That may have worked 10 years ago. It won’t hold up now.
Federal law now mandates that specific adults enrolled in the Medicaid program must show compliance with work and community engagement requirements.
In construction, cash isn’t just king; it’s the foundation on which your company is built. From managing payroll and subs to ordering materials and meeting bonding requirements, your ability to forecast and retain cash is what separates strategic leaders from knee-jerk contractors. When cash runs short, even profitable jobs can put a company at risk.
With a slim workforce and rising product prices, margins are tighter, and more work is going into each job to make it produce enough to pay yourself back. Now is the time, especially since we are within mid-year, to really focus on the projects you want that will create more margin and less stress.
A state and local sales/use tax exemption for general contractors and subcontractors purchasing materials and taxable services for construction projects funded by state or local government.
Welcome to the modern job site, where paper plans feel like fossils, and your youngest team member might troubleshoot your tech faster than IT. Gen Z isn’t just comfortable with technology; they’ve grown up immersed in it, bringing new expectations for efficiency and real-time access.
HORNE has once again secured a spot among the nation’s top firms in Engineering News-Record’s (ENR) 2025 rankings. The firm placed #19 among the Top 50 Program Management Firms and #26 among the Top 100 Construction Management-for-Fee Firms in the United States
Starting September 30, 2025, the federal government will no longer issue or accept paper checks for any payments—including IRS refunds, Social Security, and vendor disbursements.
As summer projects ramp up and field hours stretch long, overtime can quietly erode your profitability. In our work with contractors across the Southeast, we’re seeing it again this year: strong backlogs, tight labor pools, and scorching weather that demands more from your team—and your budget.
HORNE announced its support of four charities in Alabama, Mississippi, North Carolina and Pennsylvania. Fueled by the HORNE Community Foundation, the 2025 second-quarter Seasons of Giving campaign recipients will all receive donations to fund their specific missions, with $100,000 given in total.
You wouldn’t build a high-rise on a shaky foundation, so why run your construction business on one?
The most proactive providers may see that public-provider partnerships addressing health-related social needs (HRSN) will be increasingly critical to align with legislative goals addressing long-term poverty, while also focusing on improving the integrity of the programs through reduction in fraud, waste and abuse.
With college costs through the roof, AI creeping into every office job, and a growing hunger for hands-on, meaningful work, more young adults are trading textbooks for toolbelts.
SOC (System and Organization Controls) audits are essential for businesses to demonstrate their commitment to protecting sensitive data. They not only offer transparency but also enhance the trust of stakeholders by evaluating the effectiveness of your organization’s controls.
Managing third-party risk is no longer optional—it’s critical for business security. At HORNE, we provide comprehensive Vendor Management Assessment & Advisory services to help
organizations assess, manage, and mitigate risks associated with their vendor relationships.
HORNE announced its support of four charities in Alabama, Tennessee and Texas. Fueled by the HORNE Community Foundation, the 2025 first-quarter Seasons of Giving campaign recipients will all receive donations to fund their specific missions. Their missions range from providing access to various summer camps to providing spiritual guidance and addressing hunger needs.
CICPAC, in collaboration with economist Dr. Chris Kuehl and Armada CI, has launched the 2025 quarterly economic report that specifically targets the construction sector.
Business continuity planning (BCP) is no longer just a nice-to-have. It’s a critical necessity for any organization that wants to safeguard against disruptions. Whether you’re dealing with a cyberattack, natural disaster, or supply chain failure, having a solid BCP ensures that your organization can weather the storm and continue operations with minimal downtime.
As the U.S. House of Representatives returns from its District Work Period, its top priority will be to assemble its budget reconciliation package.
Medicaid is the largest single source of coverage for paid long-term services and supports (LTSS) in the U.S. According to CBO, the federal share of payments for institutional care, primarily nursing facilities, will be $73 billion in 2030.
Medicaid, along with all forms of health insurance products, can be organized and visualized according to the following five pillars: eligbility, benefits, service delivery, financing, and administration.
As the U.S. House of Representatives returns from its District Work Period, its top priority will be to assemble its budget reconciliation package. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO), the nonpartisan scorekeeper for Congress, has informed leadership and members this level of savings cannot be achieved without reductions in spending levels to the Medicaid program.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned in my years of working with leaders across industries, it’s this: the ability to manage a multigenerational workforce isn’t just a challenge—it’s an opportunity. In our recent webinar, I explored how leaders can bridge the generational divide, leverage diverse strengths, and create a workplace culture that works for everyone.
I work daily with construction companies, tackling their most significant workforce and business challenges. I know how easy it is to get caught up in the daily grind—pushing projects forward, solving immediate problems, and keeping things moving. But too often, that urgency masks deeper inefficiencies, financial risks, and workforce struggles that can erode long-term success.
In today’s competitive labor market, salary compression isn’t just an HR challenge—it’s a financial and cultural risk that can weaken your workforce. You’re not alone if you struggle to keep top talent engaged while offering competitive wages to new hires.
In construction, many leaders start as top-performing employees—highly skilled in their trade, hardworking, and reliable. Over time, their expertise earns them a promotion to a management role. But once they step into leadership, they quickly realize that running a team requires an entirely different skill set.
Every business reaches a crossroads at some point: How do you continue to grow and increase value while reducing dependence on yourself? Whether your goal is to expand, transition leadership, or prepare for a sale, these three strategies can help strengthen your company for the long term.
Seasoned and successful contractors know firsthand the sector’s cyclical nature. Their experience offers valuable insights into how to navigate these fluctuations, from the hustle and bustle of economic booms to the challenges contractors face in lulls of downturns.
Many skilled tradespeople are promoted to foremen without the leadership skills they need. While they excel at the work itself, an entirely different skill set is required to lead a team. The transition from hands-on tasks to the ability to manage people is a change that may feel unnatural.
For construction firms that are required to provide performance bonds, bonding capacity is much more than a financial metric. It’s the key to sustaining long-term growth.
Most would agree, incentive bonuses are critical in the QSR space. However, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to designing an effective bonus plan. The challenge lies in creating a structure promoting positive behaviors while aligning with the owner’s best interests—particularly for low-volume stores.
HORNE strengthens its leadership team by appointing 12 new directors across various departments and locations. These talented individuals bring a diverse range of skills to support the firm’s growth and commitment to client service.
Fractional executives are changing the way businesses access top-tier leadership. This article explores the benefits of this flexible and cost-effective model, especially for industries like construction that require specialized expertise.
OSHA has updated its PPE rule to require proper fit for all construction workers. This article summarizes the key changes, emphasizing the importance of properly fitting PPE in enhancing safety and inclusivity in the construction industry.
The construction industry faces increasing scrutiny regarding immigration compliance. This article provides essential guidance on navigating ICE audits, E-Verify, and I-9 verification to protect your workforce and your business.
HORNE made a significant impact in 2024, donating over $600,000 and contributing 2,290 volunteer hours to communities across the nation, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines. Learn more about their commitment to giving back.
Thrive in 2025 with these essential tips for QSR owners. This article provides practical advice on cash flow management, tax planning, bill pay strategies, employee retention, and cost-cutting to boost your restaurant’s success.
CMS reaffirms the availability of Medicaid and CHIP coverage for addressing Health-Related Social Needs (HRSNs). This article explores how states can leverage these programs to provide critical services and improve health equity.
Discover key insights from the November 2024 Economic Newsletter, highlighting trends in economic growth, construction industry performance, labor costs, material prices, and credit conditions. Learn how ongoing trade tensions and market dynamics impact strategic planning for construction and related sectors in 2025. Stay informed to navigate challenges and seize opportunities effectively.
This article provides valuable insights into Program Income management for CDBG-DR and CDBG-MIT grantees, drawing from HUD’s September 2024 training series. Learn about key requirements, best practices, and how to maximize your grant funding.
The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has issued a Final Rule updating the Federal Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200). This article summarizes the key changes, including increased thresholds, revised definitions, and updates to subrecipient monitoring and procurement standards.
HORNE spreads holiday cheer by donating $100,000 to seven Mississippi and Alabama nonprofits through its Seasons of Giving campaign. The HORNE Community Foundation supports organizations like the Alzheimer’s Association, Ballet Mississippi, and more.
Don’t miss out on valuable tax savings! This article provides essential tax planning strategies for construction businesses in 2024, covering Section 199A, bonus depreciation, retirement plan enhancements, and more.
Creating a workplace where people thrive isn’t just a goal—it’s the key to your organization’s success. As Joey Havens shared in a recent discussion, building a magnetic culture begins with leaders who prioritize connection, trust, and belief in their teams.
The convergence of DOGE, the Loper Bright decision, and the Byrd Rule could significantly reshape the US government. This article explores their potential impact on government efficiency, administrative law, and budget processes.
HUD has updated its environmental review regulations to include radon contamination analysis. This article provides a quick guide for CDBG-DR and CDBG-MIT stakeholders on understanding and complying with the new radon policy.
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has released a Final Rule updating the Uniform Act (URA) for the first time in nearly two decades. This article summarizes the key changes, including increased benefit levels, enhanced relocation planning, and expanded eligible moving expenses.
Stay informed about the latest developments in year-end tax planning. This article provides valuable insights and tips for individuals and businesses, covering key topics like TCJA updates, depreciation strategies, BOI reporting requirements, and more.
The post-election transition at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is a complex process involving personnel changes, policy shifts, and navigating the complexities of a new administration. This article provides an inside look at the key challenges and priorities during this critical period.
Ensuring quality in Medicaid managed care is a complex challenge. This article explores the role of External Quality Review Organizations (EQROs) in assessing performance, measuring outcomes, and driving quality improvement in Medicaid programs.
Retaining skilled workers is crucial in today’s competitive construction landscape. This guide provides actionable strategies to combat high turnover, from crafting effective job descriptions to conducting insightful exit interviews. Learn how to build a workplace where your construction crew feels valued and engaged.
HORNE is pleased to announce the appointment of Clay Kittrell as Chief People Officer. Kittrell brings a wealth of experience in human resources and a proven track record of success in HR transformation, talent management, and strategic HR solutions.
Our recent webinar with HORNE coaches Tara Chrisco and Mary Ivon Montgomery discussed the key items to consider when building a coaching culture within your organization. Here’s a look at the key takeaways:
HORNE today announced its donation of $100,000 to relief efforts following Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The third-quarter Seasons of Giving campaign recipients, fueled by the HORNE Community Foundation, will each receive $25,000.
HORNE congratulates Government Services Partner Alethia Thomas on her recent recognition as a 2024 Honoree — an outstanding business leader in professional services — at the Houston Business Journal’s 2024 Women Who Mean Business Awards.
As the backbone of America’s infrastructure, the construction industry faces a hidden crisis that demands urgent attention—making suicide prevention a core safety priority.
In the construction industry, having a robust succession plan is not merely a prudent measure—it is essential for long-term success.
Toward the end of 2023, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) introduced important guidance for the interchangeable use of Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) and CDBG Mitigation (CDBG-MIT) funds.
Our partners at CICPAC Tax Thought Leadership Committee have compiled a brief summary of various tax planning issues potentially impacting the construction industry.
HORNE’s Board of Directors recently appointed Bob Harland as a director in HORNE’s Intelligence and Automation team.
One of the key differences between these two types of companies is the presence of a formal Strategic Plan that is guided by a clear vision of where the company is going — and how it can continuously make improvements along the way. While every company is unique, we’ve identified six key factors that can impact the success of any strategic plan.
CICPAC, in collaboration with economist Dr. Chris Kuehl and Armada CI, has launched the 2024 Q2 quarterly economic report that specifically targets the construction sector.
HORNE’s Board of Directors recently appointed Meg Annison as the firm’s Director of Communications.
In June, the Office of the Actuary (OACT) at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released its annual National Health Expenditure (NHE) data with projections through 2032. CMS projects that NHE will exceed $5 trillion in 2024 and reach $7.7 trillion in 2032. For perspective and comparison, U.S. healthcare spending ranks as the third largest GDP in the world.
Having a formal strategic plan in place can help you avoid this common pitfall, and help keep you on track to achieve your future goals – whether they be short, mid or long term.
The construction industry is cyclical, and cycles tend to follow a predictable pattern. First, boom times lead to expansion. Next, expansion reaches a peak. This inevitably is followed by a contraction, which in turn is followed by a bottoming out.
When day-to-day business is booming, it’s easy to let other areas of business take a back seat. A sound strategic plan will help you keep a focus on key action items that will help you function more efficiently and profitably today — and move your company closer to its long-term vision.
While rapid growth can create a welcome spike in revenues, it can also have undesired effects. These include a host of unforeseen problems that impact risk, exposure, profitability, employee turnover, cash flow and long-term business objectives.
Monitoring is a tool that federal and state agencies use to reinforce collaboration between awarding agencies (e.g., FEMA or HUD) and their grantees; it is a Government Accountability Office (GAO) standard that provides information that is critical for making informed judgments about program effectiveness and management efficiency.
INSIDE Public Accounting has ranked HORNE number 29 on the Top 500 Firms list for 2024.
As stewards of taxpayer funds, all federal grantees have the responsibility to impede, identify, and address any suspected or known acts of fraud, waste, abuse, or mismanagement to ensure proper and efficient use of federal funding.
Around every five years, HUD’s Community and Planning Development (CPD) office publishes a Notice to HUD grantees that contains guidance relating to U.S. geographic datasets used for compliance purposes with CDBG and other HUD programs.
Five non-profits across Texas, Tennessee and Mississippi will each receive $20,000 to support their community service efforts thanks to HORNE’s Seasons of Giving initiative, powered by the HORNE Community Foundation. HORNE team members nominated these organizations within their communities to receive a charitable donation.
HORNE is proud to announce its recent segment on Lifetime TV with Military Makeover: Operation Career, a program dedicated to assisting military servicemen and women transition out of the military and back into civilian life.
On April 23, 2024, HUD released a “final rule” that updated their regulations for managing floodplains and protecting wetlands to incorporate the Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS).
If you are a nursing home operator in Florida, you may be wondering how to get ready for the upcoming financial audit. Here are some essential steps…