Business View Magazine | Volume 8, Issue 9

53 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 8, ISSUE 9 the pressures of the city. Technology is also playing a role in helping the company succeed. Not cutting-edge technologies but a seemingly run-of-the-mill technology – the internet. “We currently use a website called Houzz, and it’s amazing how well it’s worked for us,” says Gaw. “Since most of the people visiting the website are looking for something specific, it’s helped us reach the right kind of client and sell them through our profile pictures and reviews.” Speaking on how the industry is responding to the pandemic, Gaw admits there’s been a lot of supply chain disruption but that things might balance out over the next year. “Lumber has been a major issue, what with the pricing bubble and all,” he explains, “but on the other side, in this area, we’ve seen labor costs come down as more young people join the trades.” He adds, “Although lumber and labor will normalize soon, what might take more time is global supply chain normalization. For example, two months ago, resin delays impacted composite decking and, currently, aluminum delays are impacting window schedules. In some way, this presents a moving target that might take time to normalize as various components of the global supply chain return to normalcy. On the upside, there’s so much capital in the market, and interest rates are so low that property values have accelerated, which has acted as a counterbalance for rising construction costs.” Over the next five years, Sippican Partners plans to continue innovating, refining its capabilities, and grooming the next generation for leadership. “It’s that delicate balance that we want to continue to maintain,” asserts Gaw. “One that supports building construction, local economic development, and the environmental preservation of the area. That is the edge we want to keep riding.” S I PP I CAN PARTNERS CONSTRUCT ION