3 Moves That Actually Accelerate Field Work

Everyone’s trying to go faster. Most are just circling the delay in a fancier dashboard.

In this issue, I’m breaking down 3 field moves that are actually speeding up real work, 2 shifts I think more people should be paying attention to — and (as always) one fiber f*ck up that proves we still need to bring string.

1. Price for terrain, not miles.

Crews are still getting burned by contracts priced per foot when the job includes bore, rock, or unknowns. Distance isn’t the problem. Digging is.

Takeaway: Start estimating based on effort, not route length. It’s the only way to keep margin intact.

2. Lock materials before the bid — not after.

Material delays are quietly blowing up timelines. You win the work but can’t get the conduit? That’s not a win.

Takeaway: Pre-lock your material package before you submit. It gives you speed and leverage when timelines tighten.

3. Fewer layers = faster builds.

The fastest crews aren’t necessarily bigger — they’re just less tangled. When the GC, client, and field leads are aligned, approvals move.

Takeaway: Whether you’re the GC or working with one, simplify decision paths. Delays hide in confusion.

1. Everyone's hiring. No one’s training.

Most operators are still betting on hiring their way out of backlog. But no one’s building a bench.

What to watch: The ones investing in field training now will quietly own the next two years.

2. Designers and field crews are finally talking — and it’s speeding everything up.

Teams doing site walks together before trench are cutting mistakes in half.

What to notice: That kickoff call? Not enough anymore. Pre-walk is the new standard.

If your trench line wanders like this, someone either skipped the chalk line — or followed it with their eyes closed.

Straight trench. Straight timeline. Start there.

What's New With Us?

June’s shaping up to be a busy one. We’ll be out at a few key shows — if you’re headed to any of these, let us know. Always good to connect in person:

• Fiber Connect – Nashville, TN – June 1–4

• SCTE Hill Country Chapter – Round Rock, TX – June 11–12

• Broadband Communities Summit – Houston, TX – June 23–25

Everyone says they want speed.

But real speed shows up in the trench, in the bid, in the way you walk a job before the shovel hits dirt.

The teams that move fast aren’t rushing — they’re just better lined up.

Stay sharp,
Tim