Happy New Year! The holidays are behind us, the decorations are packed away, and it’s time to turn the page and get back to building momentum for a great 2026. January always feels like a fresh start, a chance to reset goals, refocus priorities, and put new ideas into motion with renewed energy and optimism.

If you’re attending TISE 2026 in Las Vegas this month, make sure to stop by the NTCA booth, which shares space with CTEF in booths 4854 and 6965. I’d love for you to introduce yourself and share what’s going on in your business.

Events like TISE are a great reminder that none of us are in this trade alone. We learn and grow best when we connect with one another, sharing challenges, solutions, and lessons learned from the field. And speaking of planning ahead, be sure to mark your calendars for Coverings 2026, coming up March 30–April 2. It’s one of the best opportunities all year to see innovation in action and strengthen the relationships that keep our industry moving forward.

This month we pick up our Business Acumen Series, as we dive into Problem-Solving Acumen: the capacity to analyze complex issues, identify root causes, and develop effective, lasting solutions. In our line of work, problem-solving isn’t optional, it’s a daily reality. Jobsite conditions change, schedules shift, materials arrive late, specifications and the scope of work get revised, and sometimes things just don’t go as planned. The leaders who stand out aren’t the ones who avoid problems; they’re the ones who face them head-on with clarity, confidence, and a steady hand.

Strong Problem-Solving Acumen starts with slowing down enough to define the real issue. Too often, we jump straight to a fix without understanding what’s truly causing the problem. Ask yourself: is this a materials issue, a process issue, a communication gap, or maybe something in the planning stage that needs to be revisited and improved?

Next, involve your team. The people closest to the work often see things leadership can miss. Encouraging open dialogue not only helps uncover better solutions but also strengthens trust, teamwork, and accountability. Remember, no one learns alone. Collaboration is one of the most powerful tools we have.

And finally, document your lessons learned. Every solved problem is a chance to refine your systems, improve your planning, and strengthen your reputation for reliability.

So, as we start this new year, challenge yourself to lead with curiosity, not frustration, when problems arise. Each challenge is an opportunity to grow—for you, your team, and your business. Let’s make 2026 a year defined by action, improvement, and practical solutions.

Next month in our series is People Management.

Until next time, stay focused, stay connected, and as always, Educate for Excellence.

Sincerely,

Rod Owen
President, NTCA
Rod.Owen@ccowen.us