Industry Trends

30 articles

A small contractor's office showing a mix of traditional blueprints and modern digital tablets, symbolizing the challenges and costs of adopting new construction software.
Tools & Equipment

Construction Software: Digital Shift Challenges & Costs

A small contractor could pay over $14,000 a year for a single construction management software platform, revealing the steep price of digital transformation in an industry often slow to adopt new tech

Kyle Brenner·June 18, 2026
5 Auto Body Shops Poised to Break Out in 2026, Led by Got Fender Bender
Automotive ServicesSponsored

5 Auto Body Shops Poised to Break Out in 2026, Led by Got Fender Bender

The auto body repair landscape is shifting. As the industry faces consolidation and challenges, with nearly 800 independent shops closing in 2024 according to Autobodynews, a new breed of focused, customer-centric shops …

Ben Foster·June 18, 2026
A sprawling modern data center adjacent to a high-tech healthcare facility, with construction cranes and drones in the background under a sunrise.
Materials

Data Centers and Healthcare Fuel Construction Planning Boost in 2026

Data centers now command 92% of all office-category construction dollars and a staggering 22% of total nonresidential building starts, up from under 2% in 2023, according to ConstructConnect News .

Kyle Brenner·June 10, 2026
AI analyzing complex data streams for aviation MRO parts procurement, balancing efficiency and strategic autonomy.
Industry

Aviation MRO Software Market Soars Amidst Efficiency and Autonomy Balancing Act

At AAR Corp., an AI-powered procurement solution called Airvoyant is now analyzing supplier quotes and generating purchase recommendations, moving towards autonomous ordering for aviation parts. This

Rick Donovan·June 9, 2026
A bustling construction site at dusk, symbolizing the current skilled trades shortage and the looming impact of automation and technological advancements.
Industry

Skilled Trades Face Record Shortage Amidst Industry Upheaval

The US economy currently loses an estimated $1 trillion annually due to delayed work and rising costs from a severe shortage of skilled trades workers.

Rick Donovan·June 9, 2026
Close-up of advanced air-cooled heat exchangers being installed into a futuristic car chassis on a high-tech automotive factory floor.
Industry

Air Cooled Heat Exchanger Market Booms Amidst Automotive Turmoil

While many automotive giants grapple with slowing sales and supply chain woes, a niche market for air-cooled heat exchangers is quietly forecast to grow at an 8.

Luis Ortega·June 5, 2026
Skilled construction workers observe a futuristic AI interface with a modern data center in the background, symbolizing the impact of AI on the industry.
Industry

AI reshapes construction skills, creating labor challenges

The AI data center boom is creating a 'two-tier construction economy,' pulling electricians and project managers from traditional sites with significantly higher wages, according to JD Supra .

Rick Donovan·June 5, 2026
A modern data center facility at dusk with construction cranes in the background, symbolizing industry growth and technological advancement.
Industry

Construction Execs See Strong Data Center Boom Ahead

At Jacobs, data centers' share of business doubled year over year, now accounting for 3-4% of its total revenue, according to Construction Dive .

Ben Foster·May 28, 2026
Construction executives in a boardroom, with one presenting modern data while others focus on traditional blueprints, symbolizing resistance to new leadership strategies.
How-To

Construction Owners Prioritize Fit, Resist Modern Leadership

A recent industry report revealed 70% of construction owners prioritize 'cultural fit' and 'industry tenure' over demonstrable P&L growth or technological expertise when hiring C-suite executives, acc

Scott Ramirez·May 20, 2026
A detailed cordless rotary tool on a workbench, showcasing its precision and portability for crafting and DIY projects.
Tools & Equipment

Cordless Rotary Tool Market: Modest Growth, Distinct from Broader Boom

While the global cordless power tools market is projected to nearly double to USD 22.

Kyle Brenner·May 15, 2026
Skilled tradespeople working on the construction of a large, modern data center, with AI-themed elements visible in the background.
Industry

AI's Data Center Boom Sparks Urgent Need for Skilled Trades

At a new hyperscale data center in rural Ohio, project managers offer six-figure salaries and signing bonuses for electricians and HVAC technicians.

Rick Donovan·May 15, 2026
Diverse apprentices learning skilled trades in a bright, modern workshop, highlighting the surge in vocational training to address labor shortages.
Industry

Apprenticeships Surge: Vocational Training Tackles Skilled Trades Labor Shortage

In 2023, Southern Home Services hired Matt Ellenberg to enhance training.

Ben Foster·May 6, 2026
A modern, electric lawnmower in a field at sunset, symbolizing the shift away from traditional gasoline engines.
Industry

Small Off-Road Engine Market Expands, Driven by Electrification

Last year, sales of battery-powered lawnmowers in North America surged by 28%, while traditional gasoline models saw their first decline in a decade, according to an Industry Trends Report .

Luis Ortega·May 5, 2026
Mechanics working on vehicles in a busy auto repair shop, surrounded by aftermarket parts, illustrating the stable automotive aftermarket industry.
Industry

SEMA Report: Specialty Equipment Sales Stabilize at $52.65 Billion

With new vehicle loan rates around 7.

Rick Donovan·May 3, 2026
A visual representation of the automotive aftermarket, showcasing a mix of traditional parts and advanced EV components, symbolizing industry growth and technological evolution.
Industry

SEMA Report: Automotive Aftermarket Faces Growth Amidst Tech Shifts

The automotive aftermarket is set to swell to $560 billion by 2027, yet traditional brick-and-mortar stores saw a 5% decline in foot traffic last year.

Rick Donovan·May 3, 2026
Professional cleaning crew working efficiently in a large, modern office building, showcasing the growth of the cleaning services market.
Services

Professional cleaning services market sees strong growth

By 2033, the global cleaning services market is projected to reach an astounding $770.

Rick Donovan·April 30, 2026
A bustling, modern cleaning services facility showcasing advanced water-saving technology and specialized senior care, reflecting significant market growth.
Services

Cleaning services market booms from $112B amid demand shifts

The U.S. cleaning services market is set to expand by over 50% to USD 177.5 billion by 2033, yet the real story isn't just its size, but a quiet revolution where water-saving systems and specialized s

Rick Donovan·April 24, 2026
A lone construction worker on a high beam at dusk, head in hands, looking overwhelmed amidst an unfinished city skyline, symbolizing the mental health crisis in skilled trades.
Safety

Skilled trades face mental health crisis. Safety efforts fall short in 2026.

A significant percentage of skilled trades workers are actively considering leaving their jobs, a trend directly threatening the future productivity and sustainability of vital industries.

Ben Foster·April 24, 2026
Autonomous vehicles navigating a futuristic city at dusk, with AI data streams visualizing their decision-making processes.
Automotive Services

Level 2+ Autonomy's Surge: Automotive Services Face Major Industry Shifts

DeepRoute.ai's city NOA system prevented over 180,000 potential collisions in the past year. This immediate safety impact from advanced Level 2+ autonomous driving systems is undeniable. The deploymen

Luis Ortega·April 16, 2026
Autonomous construction robots and drones operating on a futuristic building site, showcasing advanced technology and efficiency in the modern construction industry.
Industry

Advanced Construction Tech Boosts Efficiency Amid Workforce Shift

Bedrock Robotics, an autonomous construction tech startup, secured $270 million in Series B funding, pushing its total investment beyond $350 million, according to Electrek .

Rick Donovan·April 12, 2026
Modern skyscraper facade featuring advanced fire-resistant glass, with subtle heat waves indicating its protective capabilities against fire.
Industry

Heat-Resistant Glass Market Soars, Fire-Resistant Glass Set to Double

The global fire-resistant glass market, valued at USD 11.

Kyle Brenner·April 12, 2026
Robotic arms performing intricate tasks on specialized manufacturing equipment, symbolizing the rise of automation in industry.
Industry

Automation's Grip Tightens on Specialized Equipment Markets

The United States faces a projected shortage of 600,000 welders over the next decade, a gap so vast it will compel the widespread adoption of physical AI in manufacturing, according to Design News .

Ben Foster·April 11, 2026
Professional landscaper using a powerful, modern battery-powered leaf blower on a well-maintained lawn during autumn.
Services

Why pro landscapers are choosing top battery blowers

Gas-powered leaf blowers are explicitly not recommended for professional use in 2026, despite decades of market dominance.

Kyle Brenner·April 11, 2026
An empty New York brewery taproom with closed doors and silent beer taps, symbolizing industry consolidation and closures.
Industry

New York Brewery Closures Signal Consolidation Amid Shifting Industry Trends

After a decade of operation, Strong Rope Brewery's Gowanus location, a pioneer in using all-NY hops and malt, is closing its doors this March.

Rick Donovan·April 11, 2026
Modern industrial factory floor with machinery and workers, highlighting fasteners, symbolizing the projected $115.67 billion market growth by 2032.
Industry

Industrial Fasteners Market Growth Projected to Reach $115.67 Billion By 2032

New research projects the industrial fasteners market will grow to USD 115.67 billion by 2032, with a 3.48% CAGR driven by key manufacturing, automotive, and construction trends.

Kyle Brenner·April 9, 2026
A futuristic industrial setting where advanced agentic AI robots collaborate with human workers, showcasing the transformative impact of autonomous systems on skilled trades and manufacturing.
Industry

Agentic AI Adoption Trends Signal a New Era for Industrial Trades

Recent market reports reveal staggering growth in agentic AI adoption for industrial applications. This trend is set to fundamentally reshape the skilled trades by 2035.

Rick Donovan·April 8, 2026
A diverse team of professional cleaners using advanced technology in a modern office building, symbolizing the transformation and innovation in the commercial cleaning services sector.
Services

Cleaning Services Sector Sees Business Model Shifts, Contract Expansions

The commercial cleaning services sector is undergoing a major transformation, driven by business model shifts and significant contract expansions globally. Clients now demand integrated, technology-driven partnerships, reshaping the industry's future.

Rick Donovan·April 6, 2026
Close-up view of precisely engineered metal gears inside a power tool, showcasing the intricate mechanics that contribute to tool performance and durability in the evolving market.
Industry

The Gears of Progress: Analyzing Power Tool Gears Market Growth Trends

The quality of a power tool often comes down to its unseen internal components. This article delves into the power tool gears market, revealing how these critical parts drive performance and durability in modern tools.

Kyle Brenner·April 6, 2026
Industry

How Evolving Skilled Trades Apprenticeships Boost Workforce Development and Wages

Apprentices earn a competitive wage from day one, a core benefit driving the latest trends in skilled trades apprenticeship programs. Federal investment and a focus on diversity are reshaping workforce development across multiple industries.

Ben Foster·April 1, 2026
A futuristic underground city infrastructure with glowing pipes, showing a dynamic chemical reaction clearing blockages in a transparent drain pipe, symbolizing market growth and maintenance.
Services

Global Drain Cleaning Chemicals Market Forecasts Steady Growth Through 2035

The global drain cleaning chemicals market is projected to exhibit steady expansion through the 2026-2035 forecast period, driven by aging infrastructure and non-discretionary demand. This growth highlights a persistent need for drainage maintenance services across residential, commercial, and municipal sectors.

Rick Donovan·March 31, 2026