The smart home is getting smarter with the help of kickstarter creations—and the number of innovations for our homes are endless. Let’s consider the recent example of a new AI (artificial intelligence)-powered smart planter. LeafyPod is a new way to care for your plants, set to ship in spring 2025. The solution has an automated watering system, which learns the plant’s behavior and dynamically adjusts its watering routines. Built-in sensors also allow the plants to communicate their needs, such as when they need more light, water, or different humidity levels. The cordless solution is battery operated with a charge that lasts up to three months and a 30-ounce water reservoir keeps plants thriving for weeks, even while you are away. Here is how this can help: Tech monitors and nurtures plants, so homeowners can focus on enjoying their lives. An app provides personalized plant care, keeping both plants and homeowners happy. The product promotes wellness by bringing nature into the homes in an easy way. Research shows plants reduce stress, boost mood, and improve indoor air quality. Looking to the future, we can expect more innovations such as this, especially with CES just around the corner. Our homes are getting smarter. Are we ready to…

Sustainability is key in several industries these days. Such is the case in manufacturing. Let’s consider the example of a new ice cream plant. Idaho Milk Products celebrated the groundbreaking of its new, sustainable ice cream and powder blending plant earlier in October. Owned by local Idaho dairy farmers, Idaho Milk Products is dedicated to a consistent and sustainable milk supply and has invested in innovation capabilities. Here is how this can help in manufacturing: Produce a variety of novelty products. Co-manufacture various ice cream products in partnership with brands. Capacity to produce roughly 14 million gallons of ice cream mix per year. Looking to the future, we will continue to see greater innovation and sustainability inside manufacturing plants, as companies look to produce a variety of more products. This is simply one example of how a plant is…

We know the labor shortage is a challenge. In fact, the U.S. BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) numbers and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce show there are a defined number of jobs and not enough workers or skilled workers to fill them—to the tune of roughly 2.2 million open jobs. In construction specifically, ABC (Associated Builders and Contractors) estimates the industry needs to attract an estimated 501,000 additional workers on top of the normal hiring pace in 2024 to meet labor requirements. If you were to ask Chicago’s Richard Group what the solution to this challenge is, it could be summed up in one word: culture. Established in 2014, Richard Group is a veteran-owned, national general contracting company, building efficient and dynamic spaces that advance community and sustainability. CEO and founder Jed Richard says the company prioritizes people and fosters an environment of grit, gratitude, and greatness. As it has done this, it has seen growth in a number of different areas. Here is how this approach can help in construction: Attracted key hires in operations, finance, and marketing. The company has more than doubled in size since 2022. The company has seen a staggering 390% revenue growth in the past five years. The company’s success extends beyond Chicago, with Richard now operating across 16 states and ranking as a large builder of Dept. of Veterans Affairs hospitals in the country. This expansion has brought more than 100 high-quality jobs, with more growth on the horizon. Looking to the future, we are going to have to be very creative if we want to solve the labor shortage in the construction industry. Workplace culture will be one of the keys to driving success in the construction industry for years to…