Risk is everywhere in our industry, whether we like it or not.

Every time we walk onto a jobsite, sign a contract, or take on a new client, there’s risk involved. Things go wrong. Materials get delayed. Weather shifts. People get hurt. The question isn’t if we’ll face risk, it’s how well we identify and prepare for it.

That’s where Risk Management Acumen comes in. Risk Management Acumen is the ability to recognize, assess, and reduce the impact of the things that could go sideways in your business. And it’s not just about insurance policies or safety checklists. It’s a mindset, one that says: Let’s think ahead, not just react after the fact.

Start by paying attention to patterns. Do certain clients always pay late? Are you rushing through contracts without reading the fine print? Remember this about contracts: the large print giveth, but the small print taketh away! Are safety shortcuts becoming “normal”? Those are red flags, each one pointing to a preventable risk.

Managing risk doesn’t mean saying no to every opportunity. It means knowing what you’re saying yes to. Sometimes that’s walking away from a project with vague or unfavorable expectations. Other times, it’s upgrading your safety gear or running a quick refresher training after a close call. It could be as simple as taking five extra minutes to check the scaffolding or clarify who’s doing what before the crew starts the day.

You don’t need to be a risk expert. You just need to be honest about where your business is vulnerable, then take small steps to strengthen it. Talk with your team. Ask what’s not working. Encourage people to speak up when something feels off. A culture that respects risk is one that protects its people.

This month’s TileLetter theme is safety, and that ties directly into risk. Safety doesn’t happen by accident; it’s the result of paying attention to risk before it turns into harm. It’s choosing to build a culture where people speak up, double-check their work, and watch each other’s backs. It’s understanding that rushing through a job isn’t worth someone getting hurt, or a lawsuit that could have been avoided.

So, this month, take a moment to pause. Look closely at where your biggest risks lie, and start planning smarter. Because managing risk is about stacking the odds in your favor that lead to success.

Until next time, stay sharp, stay safe, and as always,
Educate for Excellence!

Sincerely,

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