Opportunities for Enhancement During Times of Uncertainty for Infrastructure Services
The beginning of 2025 looked like an exciting time of growth and expansion for the US economy and business owners. Markets were soaring and consumer optimism was high when the year began, but that excitement has been tempered by a significant amount of uncertainty. Tariffs, government layoffs, geopolitical uncertainty and market volatility have dampened the initial excitement as most business owners are trying to make sense of the continued changes week to week.
In this uncertainty business owners can be innovative and consider expansion opportunities for their infrastructure services businesses, especially engineering and construction. If we look back at other times of volatility, we can gain some perspective. It was only five years ago during COVID when it was predicted that it was the end of retail, an in-office workforce, restaurant dining and the demise of the travel industry. Fast forward to today where all the “Chicken Little” predictions failed to come true and many of these industries have recovered significantly and are thriving since the end of the pandemic.
Just like companies created ways to pivot during COVID by adjusting their businesses to meet the needs of the consumer, i.e. meal delivery, remote working, increase in retail delivery; companies should look at today’s challenges and find ways enhance their businesses for their customers.
During the pandemic, Delta Airlines significantly increased its spending on free inflight Wi-Fi for domestic and international flights and in-flight entertainment to enhance customer experience and improve loyalty. As a result, revenues soared in 2023-2024 despite decreased profitability as a result of increased spending. Delta is on target to have its best year in company history in 2025 because of its investments.
Infrastructure services companies can embrace new systems and technologies, streamlining their operations and creating greater value in the future. How?
- Adopt BIM (Building Information Modeling): BIM can help streamline project planning and design, enabling remote collaboration and reducing errors.
- Implement drone technology and site monitoring tools: Drones and other technologies can be used to conduct site surveys, monitor progress, and ensure compliance with safety protocols.
- Diversify supply chains and material sources: Companies can look for alternative suppliers and explore nearshore options to minimize reliance on a single source and reduce supply chain disruptions.
- Shift towards modular and prefabricated construction: Prefabrication allows companies to build in controlled environments, reducing on-site labor and enhancing project efficiency.
- Review and renegotiate contracts: Companies need to work with clients and subcontractors to adjust contract terms with change of control clauses to mitigate risks associated with potential delays and cost escalations.
- Focus on cash flow management: Companies should prioritize projects with stronger financial viability and implement strategies to ensure smooth cash flow during this time. Showing strong financial management is essential to long term viability in this market.
Infrastructure services companies—especially in the engineering and construction sectors—have an opportunity not just to survive, but to evolve. History shows that downturns often pave the way for innovation and long-term success. By investing in technology, diversifying operations, and proactively managing risk and cash flow, business owners can turn today’s challenges into tomorrow’s competitive advantages. The companies that adapt now will be best positioned to lead the market when stability returns—stronger, more resilient, and ready to grow. FOCUS can help your business navigate uncertainty and position for long-term growth. Contact us to start the strategic conversation.
Prior to joining FOCUS, Mrs. White served as a Principal at Walden Businesses, where she participated and closed on middle market sell-side and buy-side engagements in the businesses services, manufacturing, retail, e-commerce, and food and beverage industries. Mrs. White has consulted with hundreds of small businesses and secured over $30 million in funding while working for the University of Georgia’s Small Business Development Center.
For 10 years, Mrs. White worked for TSYS, the largest credit processing company in the world, on global expansion strategies including business development, mergers and acquisitions, company integrations, and lead origination. During her tenure working for TSYS in Europe and the U.S., she led a high growth sales team to secure millions of dollars in new business in domestic and international markets to expand the company’s prepaid and loyalty footprint with large global banking institutions and businesses including Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Santander, HSBC, Mercedes-Benz, and Harley-Davidson.
While serving as president and CEO of The Brumby Chair Company, Mrs. White secured strategic business alliances, positioned an experienced management team, streamlined operations, and developed an e-commerce platform launching the family-owned company into a new era of prosperity.
While maintaining ownership of The Brumby Chair Company, Mrs. White is recognized as a trusted business strategist. She has been a frequent public speaker at international conferences, universities, and professional business organizations. As an ongoing advocate for small business owners, Mrs. White is a frequent guest on Fox Business News, 11-Alive, and WSB Atlanta. She holds a dual Bachelor of Science degree in both Political Science and Accounting from Presbyterian College and an MBA in Marketing from the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business. In addition, she attended the Certified Mergers & Acquisitions Professional Program at the Coles College of Business’s Executive Education Program at Kennesaw State University.
