EPISODE 324: Are you spending most of your time putting out fires instead of working on your construction business? Join us in this week’s episode as Leyah Hostetter, our Director of Customer Success, sits down with Charles Rogers, co-founder of Rethink Enterprise, a dynamic custom home builder company based in Colorado. Today, Charles shares his transformative journey after signing up for our Systematize Your Construction Business (SYCB) program. From chaotic operations to streamlined success, Charles unveils how focusing on streamlining preconstruction processes and implementing rigorous accountability measures reshaped his custom home building business. Ready to transform your business? Tune in now and learn more!   Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00) Meet Charles Rogers and his works at Rethink Enterprise (04:34) Charles’ challenges before signing up for the SYCB program (05:45) How frustration affects his personal and business life (07:07) Turning  point with the SYCB program (11:58) Key benefits from the SYCB program (14:41) Impact on the team and operational efficiency (18:05) How life looks like after implementing SYCB program insights (20:27) Episode wrap-up (22:30)   Additional Resources: - Download your FREE strategic planning guide HERE - Schedule your business evaluation call with our team HERE - Join the FREE Get Out of Your Construction Business Masterclass HERE -- The Construction Leading Edge Podcast helps construction business owners maximize their revenue, eliminate chaos, systematize their work, and win back their time. Follow us on your favorite podcasting platform so you never miss an episode!

EPISODE 323: Do you wish you could sit down with a successful construction business CEO and pick his brain? This week’s interview with 30-year veteran CEO Jonathan Orpin is something you don’t want to miss. In this episode, I sit down with Jonathan Orpin, CEO of multiple profitable companies, including New Energy Works and Pioneer Millworks.  Jonathan’s passion for energy conservation and sustainable building led him to establish multiple interconnected and profitable businesses. Today, he shares how he transitioned his companies to 100% employee ownership by setting up an employee stock option plan (ESOP). He also explains how this plan ensures employees are well-invested in the company’s success, the best strategies for succession planning, and what businesses can achieve when prioritizing the triple bottom line approach. If you’re intrigued by how businesses can drive positive change, this episode is a must-listen!   Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00) Meet Jonathan Orpin and the businesses he built (02:26) The inception of Jonathan’s New Energy Works (06:35) The triple bottom line concept explained (08:50) How to articulate the company’s mission & vision with your employees (12:44) How to transition to 100% employee ownership (ESOP) (18:38) Benefits and challenges of an ESOP (28:23) Biggest mistakes most construction business owners make (37:16) What are the top priorities of a CEO? (39:59) The number one thing to look for when hiring an employee (46:11) What people need to know when starting a business (48:27) Rapid fire questions answered (53:22) Keep up with Jonathan (55:37)   Additional Resources: - Download your FREE strategic planning guide HERE - Schedule your business evaluation call with our team HERE - Join the FREE Get Out of Your Construction Business Masterclass HERE Keep up with Jonathan’s works: - Check out New Energy Works HERE - Check out Pioneer Millworks HERE -- The Construction Leading Edge Podcast helps construction business owners maximize their revenue, eliminate chaos, systematize their work, and win back their time. Follow us on your favorite podcasting platform so you never miss an episode!  

EPISODE 322: Is your construction business not making any progress? Are you putting things on hold for so long? You could be stuck in one of these hidden and destructive thinking traps. In this week's episode, I've invited Leyah Hostetter, our Director of Customer Success, and Monish Khadye, our Systematize Your Construction Business coach, to discuss the thinking traps holding back construction business owners. We uncover these pitfalls, how they affect your business and personal life, and some practical solutions to get out of these traps and unlock your business and life's full potential. So, if you want a meaningful change in your life, whether it's relationships, health, or business, this episode is for you. Tune in now!   Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00) Thinking trap #1: Fortune-telling (02:46) Thinking trap #2: Fear as a major obstacle (09:16) Thinking trap #3: Too busy or no time at all (14:39)  Thinking trap #4: Micromanagement (19:34) Thinking trap #5: Not trying something new (22:48) Thinking trap #6: I can’t afford____ (27:56) Thinking trap #7: Self-sabotage (35:06) Thinking trap #8: The comfort trap (36:18) Thinking trap #9: The shiny object syndrome (40:57) Thinking trap #10: Perfectionism (46:43) How to get out of these traps (57:42) Final thoughts (1:07:04)   Additional Resources: - Download your FREE strategic planning guide HERE - Schedule your business evaluation call with our team HERE - Join the FREE Get Out of Your Construction Business Masterclass HERE -- The Construction Leading Edge Podcast helps construction business owners maximize their revenue, eliminate chaos, systematize their work, and win back their time. Follow us on your favorite podcasting platform so you never miss an episode!  

EPISODE 321: Do you feel like you’re always falling short? Are you constantly comparing yourself to others?  Here’s what most of us don’t realize: Comparing your current situation to an ideal outcome is a sure way to get yourself frustrated. Unfortunately, that’s how most of us are hardwired–focusing on what’s wrong and living in the gap.  Measuring yourself against ideals is like measuring yourself against a moving horizon–you’ll never be contented or happy. The gap can never be satisfied externally. So, how does this affect you as a construction business owner? How do you break free from this deadly trap? In this week’s episode, we’ll explore what it’s like living in the gap, how to break free from it, and how to start living in the gain and generate enjoyable profits. To better understand what it’s like living in the gain, our Director of Customer Success, Leyah Hostetter, sat down with Alex Thompson, owner and CEO of Monon Construction Group, for an insightful interview. Don’t miss out on this one. Tune in now!   Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00) Seven questions you have to ask yourself (01:25) What happens when you’re in the gap? (02:52) What is living in the gain? (05:50) How to live in the gain (08:47) What have you accomplished? (16:47) Three options if you want to make a change (19:39) Meet Alex Thompson of Monon Construction Group (23:22) What does lack of accountability and systems look like (24:28) The impact of having a CEO schedule (29:01) What Alex learned from SYCB’s nailing the handoff process (31:08) Generating enjoyable profits (36:07) How’s life and business now for Alex (39:53) Additional Resources: - Download your FREE strategic planning guide HERE - Schedule your business evaluation call with our team HERE - Join the FREE Get Out of Your Construction Business Masterclass HERE – Listen to Episode 298: Why 10x Is Easier than 2x HERE -- The Construction Leading Edge Podcast helps construction business owners maximize their revenue, eliminate chaos, systematize their work, and win back their time. Follow us on your favorite podcasting platform so you never miss an episode!  

EPISODE 320: Adversity and challenges are a part of life. It isn’t going away. However, most of us falsely think that adversity is bad and that we should hide or avoid it. What if I tell you that adversity is the key to your success? You see, the adversity you’re dealing with is NOT the problem; it’s the story you’re telling yourself.  In this episode of The Construction Leading Edge podcast, we’ll dive deep into how you can reframe adversity to help you power through life and your construction business. Additionally, Leyah Hostetter, our Director of Customer Success, interviews Michael Thorp, one of our recent Systematize Your Construction Business (SYCB) program graduates, to share the business adversities and chaos he had to endure before signing up with our program and the most impactful lessons he learned that made the most significant change in his construction business. Let’s dive in!   Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00) The story of Admiral James Stockdale (01:41) Facing and reframing adversity in life (03:43) What most of us do when facing adversities (09:57) Persevering through adversity is the key to success (15:07)  What happens when you begin to embrace adversity (23:40) Meet Michael Thorp (27:04) Business challenges and chaos that Michael faced (32:21) Most impactful lessons that Michael learned from the SYCB program (36:46) Improving team efficiency and morale through open communication (40:14) How’s life and business now for Michael (42:46)   Additional Resources: - Schedule your business evaluation call with our team HERE - Download your FREE strategic planning guide HERE - Register for our FREE Get Paid for Estimates Masterclass HERE -- The Construction Leading Edge Podcast helps construction business owners maximize their revenue, eliminate chaos, systematize their work, and win back their time. Follow us on your favorite podcasting platform so you never miss an episode!  

EPISODE 319: Have you ever felt like your business is stuck in a loop, unable to break through to the next level? Do you ever wonder what’s missing? In this episode of The Construction Leading Edge Podcast, I’ll discuss how crucial habits and systems are in transforming your construction business and achieving new heights. We’ll dive deeper into the power of habit change, accountability, strategic planning, and leadership development in overcoming common business challenges. Lastly, Leyah Hostetter, our Director of Customer Success, speaks with Charles Grant, owner of Seven Ridges Construction, who shares his journey of transforming his construction business by implementing new systems, and how it led to improved efficiencies and client satisfaction. Let’s jump in!   Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00) The seven old habits that are holding you back (01:40) The concept of different results requires different habits (11:32) Leadership skills and their development (13:42) Story of Jake Browning’s success (18:00) The 90-day challenge (22:37) Interview with Charles Grant on business transformation (25:42) Charles Grant’s realization of change (28:47) Most impactful thing he learned from the SYCB program (31:31)   Additional Resources: - Schedule your business evaluation call with our team HERE - Download your FREE strategic planning guide HERE - Register for our FREE Get Paid for Estimates Masterclass HERE - Listen to Episode 276 HERE   Book Mentioned - Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear -- The Construction Leading Edge Podcast helps construction business owners maximize their revenue, eliminate chaos, systematize their work, and win back their time. Follow us on your favorite podcasting platform so you never miss an episode!  

EPISODE 318: Referrals can hurt your construction business. Relying on referrals alone is certainly a risky business. They’re more like an anchor that’s holding you down. So, what does an effective construction marketing look like? In this week's episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Spencer Powell, founder and CEO of Builder Funnel, a strategic marketing agency that helps remodelers and builders achieve sustainable business growth. Spencer and I talk about all things marketing–what's working and not working and the problems with relying solely on referrals. He also shares some valuable tips on how to build your pipeline of prospects, the top three marketing metrics you need to track, what to do when updating your website, and more. Let’s dive in!   Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00) What’s working and not working in marketing (05:19) Tips for building a pool of prospects (07:54) The downside of being 100% referral-based (13:59) Questions to ask when designing a marketing strategy (17:10)  Common marketing mistakes that builders and remodelers do (30:23)  Top three metrics you should be tracking (33:32)  How to effectively use social media (37:24) What builders and remodelers need to focus on in 2024 (42:54) Tips when updating your company website (49:46) How Spencer extracts himself from the daily operations (56:00) Keep up with Spencer and Builder Funnel (1:00:43)   Additional Resources: - Schedule your business evaluation call with our team HERE - Download your FREE strategic planning guide HERE - Register for our FREE Get Paid for Estimates Masterclass HERE   Guest Bonus: FREE copy of The Remodeler Marketing Blueprint Grab a free copy of Spencer’s book, The Remodeler Marketing Blueprint: How to Attract Quality Leads, Increase Sales, and Dominate Your Competition, by emailing him at spowell@builderfunnel.com with “Todd” in the subject line. Visit Builder Funnel for more information HERE. -- The Construction Leading Edge Podcast helps construction business owners maximize their revenue, eliminate chaos, systematize their work, and win back their time. Follow us on your favorite podcasting platform so you never miss an episode!  

EPISODE 317: How thoroughly have you outlined your business plan for the year 2024?  If you want to get out of the day-to-day firefighting, spend more time working on the business, and take things to the next level, you’re in the right place. In this week’s episode of The Construction Leading Edge Podcast, I’ll share the four (4) crucial steps to level up your construction business in 2024. I’ll discuss the three reasons why you need a strategic planning process for the next twelve (12) months, how to craft a well-thought-out business plan (plus a FREE strategic planning guide), and some of our top resources designed to help propel your construction business forward. Let’s jump right in!   Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00) Why you need a strategic business plan (02:03) #1 question to ask during the strategic planning process (07:55) Benefits of developing performance specifications for your business (09:42) How to extract yourself from day-to-day firefighting (16:24) Decide on what you’re going to do next (25:36) A top resource to help you get started (33:33) Episode wrap-up (35:05)   Additional Resources: - Schedule your business evaluation call with our team HERE - Download your FREE strategic planning guide HERE - Register for our FREE Get Paid for Estimates Masterclass HERE - Listen to Episode 315 HERE -- The Construction Leading Edge Podcast helps construction business owners maximize their revenue, eliminate chaos, systematize their work, and win back their time. Follow us on your favorite podcasting platform so you never miss an episode!

EPISODE 316: Are you a visionary leader? What does it mean to be one? Can being a visionary ensure success? This week, we’ll revisit a podcast episode with Monish Khadye, a construction business owner and our very own Systematized Your Construction Business (SYCB) facilitator and coach. Monish, who’s also a visionary, delves into the challenges, misconceptions, and myths that accompany this role on a daily basis. Join us as we explore the intricacies of a visionary’s mindset, uncover practical tips, and delve into how a visionary can overcome obstacles to realize their visions and foster a thriving construction business. Tune in now!   Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00) What do visionaries bring to the organization? (01:58) What do inconsistencies look like for a visionary? (12:03) The organizational whiplash explained (13:36) Visionaries lack clear direction (19:20) Why are visionaries reluctant to let things go? (23:17) Visionaries have underdeveloped leaders and managers (24:30) The genius with a thousand helpers (26:32) Visionaries get a sense of value from being needed (32:32) Resistance to following standardized processes (37:56) Visionaries get easily bored (39:32) On having no patience for details (43:30) Misconceptions and myths about being a visionary (44:39) What visionaries should do in their business (54:36) What happens when visionaries fully embrace their role? (1:06:15)   Additional Resources: - Schedule your business evaluation call with our team HERE - Download our FREE strategic planning guide HERE   Books Mentioned: - Rocket Fuel by Gino Wickman and Mark C. Winters - Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business by Gino Wickman - Good to Great by Jim Collins   --   The Construction Leading Edge Podcast helps construction business owners maximize their revenue, eliminate chaos, systematize their work, and win back their time. Follow us on your favorite podcasting platform so you never miss an episode!  

EPISODE 315: How clear are you on your strategy to be successful over the next twelve months? In this week’s episode, I’ll share three valuable business-building lessons that you can learn from Lockheed P-38 Lightning, a.k.a. the U.S. fighter plane that won WW2, and how you can apply those lessons in your construction business. We’ll discuss how to determine what you really want for your business, the process of creating a vision and delegating results, what it looks like when you have clarity in business and more. Let’s jump in!   Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00) The birth of the Lockheed P-38 Lightning (02:15) Business lesson #1 (05:12) Ask yourself what you want (07:08) How to determine what you really want (10:35) Business lesson #2 (12:15) Creating a vision and delegating results(15:25) What does a good handoff look like? (16:46) How to nail the handoff (22:37) Business lesson #3 (28:21) Questions to consider when developing a business strategy (29:02) How to have clarity on your plan for the future (32:51)   Additional Resources: - Download our FREE strategic planning guide HERE - Schedule your business evaluation call with our team HERE - Listen to my interview with Wes Palmisano HERE - Hear our clients' success stories HERE  - Visit Construction Leading Edge for more information HERE -- The Construction Leading Edge Podcast helps construction business owners maximize their revenue, eliminate chaos, systematize their work, and win back their time. Follow us on your favorite podcasting platform so you never miss an episode!  

EPISODE 314: Are you losing money even if your job cost reports look profitable? Then, you could have fallen into a bad financial trap that most construction CEOs fall into. In this episode, I sit down with Luke Holcomb, operations manager at Apparatus Contractor Services. Apparatus is a bookkeeping firm that helps construction business owners get their financial systems in place and optimize them. Today, Luke and I discuss some of the financial misconceptions that construction business owners have, the common problems that arise from them, and how crucial it is for CEOs to start understanding their finances. Luke also shares why and how you could lose money from your construction business, even if your reports look profitable, and what it looks like when you finally have your financial system in place. Let’s dive right in!   Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00) Meet Luke and how he got into business finance (03:30) Financial misconceptions construction business owners believe in (06:28) The fear of managing business finances (14:26) When is the right time for a CEO to start managing finances? (18:41) Common problems from believing in financial misconceptions (24:48) How crucial is job costing (28:55) Critical financial statements CEOs should be looking at (32:31) What does a balance sheet tell you? (39:00) Why do you need to know your business financial numbers? (40:31) How you can sell yourself out of business (43:12) Biggest problem with DIY-ing your business finances (47:28) On hiring family, friends, or local bookkeepers to do your books (50:36) What does it look like when you have your financial system in place? (57:16) Keep up with Luke and his team (1:04:39) Episode wrap-up (1:08:58)   Additional Resources: - Join our FREE Get Paid For Estimates Masterclass HERE - Hear our clients' success stories HERE  - Schedule your business evaluation call with our team HERE   Guest Bonus: 50% Discount on Services - Use discount code “ToddDawalt” to receive 50% off on services from Apparatus HERE - Check out Apparatus Contractor Services, LLC for more information HERE -- The Construction Leading Edge Podcast helps construction business owners maximize their revenue, eliminate chaos, systematize their work, and win back their time. Follow us on your favorite podcasting platform so you never miss an episode!  

EPISODE 313: Are you slaving away working in your construction business 70-80 hours per week? Is it possible to own a successful business and work fewer hours? In this replay episode of The Construction Leading Edge Podcast, we’ll revisit my interview with our Systematize Your Construction Business (SYCB) client turned coach, Monish Khadye. Monish and his wife Michelle own Khadye Design & Construction in Brisbane, Australia, specializing in renovations, extensions, and house remodelings. Between juggling construction and a baby on the way, Monish decided that he needed to systematize his business to spend more time with his family while keeping the business running and his people employed. And so he signed up for our Systematize Your Construction Business (SYCB) program in 2021; the rest was history. Today, Monish shares what led him to seek help with our team and the systems and processes he implemented to grow his construction business to where it is today. He also talks about his regular workweek back then and what it looks like now, stressing about taking quality time off and focusing on his CEO tasks instead of wearing many hats. Whether you’re starting or have been in this business for a long time but want to scale up your business, this episode is everything you need to hear. Let’s dive in!   Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00) Meet Monish Khadye (02:48) Why Monish wanted to become an SYCB coach (04:27) What has Monish experienced after joining the SYCB program? (09:10) The mindset shift if you want to systematize your business (12:08) Challenges that lead him to connect with our team (16:14) What does working 70-80 hours a week look like? (21:03) On dealing with anxiety, fear, and rejection (26:37) When Monish realized that the SYCB program was working (30:43) Most impactful systems and processes that really moved the needle (34:02) What does life and business look like now for Monish? (38:42) Surprising effects of systematizing your construction business (47:41) Advice for construction business owners (52:30)   Additional Resources: - Join our FREE Get Paid For Estimates Masterclass HERE - Hear our clients' success stories HERE  - Schedule your business evaluation call with our team HERE -- The Construction Leading Edge Podcast helps construction business owners maximize their revenue, eliminate chaos, systematize their work, and win back their time. Follow us on your favorite podcasting platform so you never miss an episode!  

EPISODE 312: Here’s the reality: Most small construction businesses have unintentionally designed their failure. Surprising, right? And that’s why eight out of ten construction companies find themselves where selling becomes nearly impossible.  So, what mistakes should you avoid if you dream of selling your business and enjoying retirement? In this latest episode of The Construction Leading Edge, I unravel the six mistakes that could render your business unsellable. We’ll also dig into the symptoms signaling trouble under the surface. Lastly, I also share four actionable steps to make your business sellable and why planning an exit strategy shouldn’t be the first thing on your list. Let’s dive in!   Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00) Why 80% of small construction businesses can’t be sold (01:02) Symptoms that your business is designed to fail (03:54) Mistake #1 that makes businesses unsellable (10:04) Mistake #2 that makes businesses unsellable (13:02) Mistake #3 that makes businesses unsellable (14:08) Mistake #4 that makes businesses unsellable (17:50) Mistake #5 that makes businesses unsellable (19:42) Mistake #6 that makes businesses unsellable (21:01) Four actionable steps to make your business sellable (23:43) Why planning an exit strategy should be last on your list (28:02)   Additional Resources: - Watch the replay on How to Recession Proof Your Business HERE - FREE training on how to get out of your business and make it run without you HERE - Hear our clients' success stories HERE  - Schedule your business evaluation call with our team HERE -- The Construction Leading Edge Podcast helps construction business owners maximize their revenue, eliminate chaos, systematize their work, and win back their time. Follow us on your favorite podcasting platform so you never miss an episode!  

EPISODE 311: How can you make your business resilient in the face of challenges? Forget the traditional definition of a recession as a financial crisis–it goes beyond that. When I say recession, it could be when your star employee jumps ship to a  competitor. It could also mean something happens to you, and your business can't run without you. As a CEO, what's your game plan when those happen? In this episode, I’ll be sharing ten (10) foolproof strategies to recession-proof your business so it can weather any storm that comes its way. I'll be sharing some practical and actionable steps you can implement as early as possible, highlighting some of the great resources we have at your disposal so you'll be better equipped with the knowledge to run your construction business through any rough waters. Ready to recession-proof your business? Let’s dive right in!   Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00) The many faces of recession (02:25) Drive your cash flow (04:24) Focus on maximizing your bottom line (06:24) Make your team more agile and efficient (11:39) Monitor your trade partners in your supply chain (17:27) Establish a go/no-go date on all of your projects (24:05) Upsell to current and past clients (28:43) Focus on your core competencies (30:51) Jim Collin’s The Hedgehog Concept explained (32:10) Lead your team well (33:34) Operate as the CEO (37:26) Leverage the 80-20 principle (40:44) Quick recap (42:14) Great resources for you to check out (43:22)   Additional Resources: - Watch the replay on How to Recession Proof Your Business HERE - FREE training on how to get out of your business and make it run without you HERE - Hear our clients' success stories HERE  - Schedule your business evaluation call with our team HERE -- The Construction Leading Edge Podcast helps construction business owners maximize their revenue, eliminate chaos, systematize their work, and win back their time. Follow us on your favorite podcasting platform so you never miss an episode!  

EPISODE 310: Most of the time, our goals remain goals–forgotten and collecting dust. That’s what usually happens when you operate in left-to-right thinking. But what if you could turn those business, life, or health goals into reality? In this week’s episode, I’ll discuss what right-to-left thinking is all about and walk you through the five ways to make it work for your construction business. We’ll also talk about the problems with left-to-right thinking (what most of us are stuck with), what it looks like when you apply a right-to-left thinking approach to your construction business, and so much more! Let’s jump right in!   Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00) The problem with left-to-right thinking (01:24) What is right-to-left thinking? (04:13) How to apply right-to-left thinking in big-picture strategic planning (04:43) What does financial right-to-left thinking look like? (08:52) Applying the right-to-left thinking in sales (13:56) How to nail the handoff (17:54) How to use right-to-left thinking when hiring (25:16) The Big Five Activities explained (28:52) Episode wrap-up (30:00)   Additional Resources: - Join our FREE Get Paid For Estimates Masterclass HERE - Hear our clients' success stories HERE  - Schedule your business evaluation call with our team HERE -- The Construction Leading Edge Podcast helps construction business owners maximize their revenue, eliminate chaos, systematize their work, and win back their time. Follow us on your favorite podcasting platform so you never miss an episode!

EPISODE 309: What does it take to grow a construction business to $250M in revenue? In this week’s podcast episode, I sit down with Wes Palmisano, CEO and owner of WJ Palmisano and its subsidiaries, to talk about how he scaled up his construction business by focusing on preconstruction. Today, Wes explains the importance of preconstruction and having the right systems and processes when scaling a business. He also talks about the biggest roadblocks hampering construction innovation, how he and his team are tackling those, how to work with external trade partners and subcontractors, with emphasis on building trust, and a lot more. Let’s get right into it!   Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00) How Wes Palmisano got into construction (02:30) Biggest construction problem that Wes is taking on (06:09) What are the roadblocks that are hampering construction innovation? (09:20) What does being a master builder look like? (14:08) Working with external trade partners vs. internally (16:06) How subs and external trade partners can build trust (22:52) How important is preconstruction (24:51) The importance of having systems and processes in scaling up a business (34:30) The guardrail approach explained (39:56) Advice to construction business owners in scaling up a business (42:43) Rapid-fire questions with Wes (48:21) Episode wrap-up (51:34)   Additional Resources: - Join Chaos to Control: Streamline Your Construction Business 28-Day Challenge HERE - Hear our clients' success stories HERE  - Schedule Your Business Evaluation Call HERE   Connect with Wes: - Follow Wes on LinkedIn HERE - Check out their company website HERE - Explore their other brands HERE -- The Construction Leading Edge Podcast helps construction business owners maximize their revenue, eliminate chaos, systematize their work, and win back their time. Follow us on your favorite podcasting platform so you never miss an episode!  

EPISODE 308: Do you feel like you just don’t have enough time? Are you working more hours than you want to? Well, you’re certainly not alone in that struggle. After talking and coaching hundreds of construction business owners, we’ve uncovered the common problems that are taking much of your precious time and energy. In this episode, I’ll share a game-changing four-step blueprint that could save you an extra 40 hours each month. And the best part? You don’t need to hire someone else or walk away from your duties and responsibilities. Additionally, I’ll delve into some clever strategies for those who are constantly putting out fires, Jeff Bezos’ secrets for task prioritization, what it looks like to finally reclaim your time, and a sneak peek at our exciting 28-day challenge. Let’s jump right into it!   Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00) Do these sound familiar to you? (01:01) Time-saving adjustment #1 - stop believing this lie (03:55) Common time and energy problems (07:11) Strategies when you are always putting out fires (10:57) Time-saving adjustment #2 - stop dealing with the symptoms (20:23) Time-saving adjustment #3 - get out of this vicious cycle (30:47) Time-saving adjustment #4 - communicate proactively (36:55) The truth about free estimates (40:53) What it looks like when you apply these adjustments (43:55) The 28-day challenge and other bonuses (45:51)   Additional Resources: - Join Chaos to Control: Streamline Your Construction Business 28-Day Challenge HERE - Hear our clients' success stories HERE  - Schedule Your Business Evaluation Call HERE -- The Construction Leading Edge Podcast helps construction business owners maximize their revenue, eliminate chaos, systematize their work, and win back their time. Follow us on your favorite podcasting platform so you never miss an episode!  

EPISODE 307: 70% of construction businesses fail in the first five years. Alarmingly, the construction industry also has the second highest rate of suicide of all workplace industries.  What if some of the most painful issues that construction business owners deal with can be traced back to a wrong belief? In this week’s episode, we’ll discuss how you should reexamine your job as CEO of a construction company. Today, I’ll unveil the biggest problems that most construction business owners face, how to prepare yourself as a leader to sustain your business growth, the problem with the if attitude, and so much more! Tune in now! Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00) The biggest lie (01:23) Biggest problems for construction business owners (04:20) The story of Tanner, who wants to be a starting catcher (05:51) What happens when you’re focused on getting something (10:08) The question you should be asking yourself (12:07) Two attitudes toward preparation (15:18) The problems with the “if attitude” (17:07) Questions for you to think about (20:36) What does it look like to prepare as a leader (22:44) Final thoughts (24:41)   Additional Resources: - Join the FREE Get Paid for Estimates Masterclass HERE - Get your FREE customized blueprint to systematize your construction business HERE - Hear our clients' success stories HERE    Listen to these episodes and learn from other CEOs - How Navy SEALS Would Build Houses, Mantras & Attacking the Housing Shortage with Garrett Moore | E250 - 3 Key Concepts to Grow a Custom Home Building Business with Alex Gregg | E299 - Foundations for Scaling a Business to $50M with Shawn Dominguez | E297 - Nailing the Handoff, Small Adjustments, and Navigating a Business Transition | E286 -- The Construction Leading Edge Podcast helps construction business owners maximize their revenue, eliminate chaos, systematize their work, and win back their time. Follow us on your favorite podcasting platform so you never miss an episode!  

EPISODE 306: What would you do if every day all you’re doing is putting out fires in your business? Have you considered selling your construction business to escape the daily stress at work? In this week’s guest, Leyah Hostetter, Construction Leading Edge’s Director of Customer Success, sits down with Michael Algren, owner of Algren Design & Building, to talk about the struggles he had with his luxury homebuilding and remodeling business and what did he do to transform it. Michael was already on the verge of selling his construction business last winter to transfer to Vermont. The stress was just too much for him to take. It was already affecting his physical, mental, and emotional health until, one day, he came across our Systematize Your Construction Business (SYCB) program. Today, Michael shares his business and personal life story before joining the SYCB program, how he lets his team create processes and empower them, what it’s like working for wealthy clients, and the systems he learned from SYCB that transformed his business. Let’s jump in!   Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00) Meet Michael Algren and his works (02:52) How Michael’s business looked like before and its ripple effects (04:03) What does it mean to be working with wealthy clients (08:06) A different approach to solving tardiness issue (11:13) How did Michael was able to let his team create their processes and solve problems (16:10) What were the impactful lessons that Michael learned from the SYCB program (25:10) How is life different now since Michael joined the SYCB program (28:33) Blueprint to systematize your construction business (31:42)   Additional Resources: - Apply for your FREE customized blueprint to systematize your construction business HERE - Join the FREE Get Paid for Estimates Masterclass HERE - Hear our clients' success stories HERE  -- The Construction Leading Edge Podcast helps construction business owners maximize their revenue, eliminate chaos, systematize their work, and win back their time. Follow us on your favorite podcasting platform so you never miss an episode!  

EPISODE 305: Does every question come to you? Do you find yourself giving different answers to the same questions? Your construction business could be having a major decision-making problem. In this week’s podcast episode, I talked about a crucial aspect of building a successful business, and that is decision-making. How do you make faster, better decisions like a CEO? Today, we’ll unravel the common symptoms of having a decision-making problem, the five failproof strategies on how to make faster, better decisions, and how to apply these in real-world construction problems. Let’s get started!   Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00) Symptoms that you have a decision-making problem (02:04) Myths and misconceptions in decision-making (05:22) CEOs should make as few decisions as possible (12:00) How to decentralize decision-making (15:20) The importance of documenting your processes (18:10) What is manufacturing urgency and how to create it (23:56) Make decisions in parallel instead of in series (30:00) Separate the decision from the implementation (33:10) How to use the 4-step framework in real-world problems (37:10) Quick recap (42:16) Final thoughts (44:18)   Additional Resources: - Apply for your FREE customized blueprint of the 5 Piece Bridge to Escape Operations HERE - Join the FREE Get Paid for Estimates Masterclass HERE - Hear our clients' success stories HERE  -- The Construction Leading Edge Podcast helps construction business owners maximize their revenue, eliminate chaos, systematize their work, and win back their time. Follow us on your favorite podcasting platform so you never miss an episode!

EPISODE 304: Are you struggling to motivate your team to be more productive or get them to use that new software subscription? In this week’s podcast episode, I sit down with two of our very own, Leyah Hostetter and Monish Khadye, to talk about the principles behind one of the most powerful books I’ve ever read–Instant Influence by Dr. Michael Pantalon. Today, we will talk about the Instant Influence principles, how psychological reactance gets in the way, and how to apply these principles to real-life situations. Let’s dive in! Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00) Meet The Construction Leading Edge Coaches (01:58) An overview of the book Instant Influence by Dr. Michael Pantalon (04:21) The three guiding principles of the book (06:17) How does psychological reactance get in the way (07:13) Why providing autonomy to your team is important and how to build it (19:34) What makes Monish’s employee performance reviews exceptional (34:34) How to use the Instant Influence principles to solve real-world problems (44:18) Final thoughts (1:06:16) Additional Resources: - Listen to our first book report episode HERE - Apply for your FREE customized blueprint of the 5 Piece Bridge to Escape Operations HERE - Join the FREE Get Paid for Estimates Masterclass HERE - Hear our clients' success stories HERE    Book Mentioned: - Instant Influence: How to Get Anyone to Do Anything Fast by Dr. Michael Pantalon - 10x is Easier Than 2x by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy - How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie -- The Construction Leading Edge Podcast helps construction business owners maximize their revenue, eliminate chaos, systematize their work, and win back their time. Follow us on your favorite podcasting platform so you never miss an episode!  

EPISODE 303: Is your business designed to scale or fail? How do you scale a construction business?  In this week’s episode of The Construction Leading Edge podcast, we’re doing a Q&A session. We will answer the most frequently asked questions and problems visionaries face when scaling a construction business. Today, we will debunk some myths and conceptions you may already believe when scaling a business, what you should do to scale a business, and the exact resources that will help you systematize your construction business. Ready to build your way to the top? Let’s jump right in!   Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00) Debunking the most common myths in construction (01:38) The real definition of systems (06:48) Why it’s important to put systems in place (10:00) Signs that builders need new systems (11:41) Tips for business owners who want to enjoy life out of business (16:20) The real reason why people don’t embrace a new process or systems (21:54) Strategies to prevent people from reacting negatively against new processes (24:25) How to scale your construction business (30:39) Available resources to systematize and scale your business (38:07)   Additional Resources: - Apply for your FREE customized blueprint of the 5 Piece Bridge to Escape Operations HERE - Join the FREE Get Paid for Estimates Masterclass HERE - Hear our clients' success stories HERE    Book Mentioned: - The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don't Work and What to Do About It by Michael E. Gerber -- The Construction Leading Edge Podcast helps construction business owners maximize their revenue, eliminate chaos, systematize their work, and win back their time. Follow us on your favorite podcasting platform so you never miss an episode!  

EPISODE 302: Is it good for husband and wife to do business together? In this week’s episode, Construction Leading Edge Director of Customer Success Leyah Hostetter sits with two of our Systematize Your Construction Business (SYCB) program students–Aaron and Ashley Steffens. Aaron and Ashley are the husband and wife dynamic duo behind Moose Ridge Design-Build Construction, a custom remodeling company based in Iowa. Today, they talk about their challenges running a construction business as a busy married couple. They share what they did to solve those challenges and what life looks like now after they went through the SYCB program. Let’s get started!   Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00) Meet Aaron and Ashley Steffens (06:22) Difficulties that Aaron and Ashley had with their remodeling business (07:21) What does it look like being married and working in the same company (09:04) Main takeaways from the SYCB program (10:36) The most beneficial change for their business (17:05) How project templates move their business (17:56) What does life look like now? (18:48) Why say no to wrong clients (21:56)   Additional Resources: - Apply for your FREE customized blueprint of the 5 Piece Bridge to Escape Operations HERE - Join the FREE Get Paid for Estimates Masterclass HERE - Hear our clients' success stories HERE  -- The Construction Leading Edge Podcast helps construction business owners maximize their revenue, eliminate chaos, systematize their work, and win back their time. Follow us on your favorite podcasting platform so you never miss an episode!

EPISODE 301: Have you ever rolled out a new process to your team only to be disappointed by how few people followed it? Perhaps, you thought about hiring new people and starting a clean slate at one point. In this week’s episode, I will pull the veil back on some of the real reasons why your team won’t change. And you’d be surprised to know that many of these reasons have very little to do with them. Today, I’ll break down the five real reasons why your team resists changes, some research studies to back these claims, and concrete action plans that you can apply in your construction business so you can get out of the day-to-day firefighting and make your business run without you. Let’s jump right into it!   Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00) A lesson I learned while managing a $20M project (03:10) Understanding psychological reactance (06:47) The why and WIIFM deficiencies (12:00) Uncovering the competing commitment concept (16:44) The four-part process of holding a competing commitment (22:19) Kanter’s Law: everything looks like a failure in the middle (32:29) The shiny object syndrome (36:25) Quick episode recap (41:33) Action plan to get your team to change (43:10)   Additional Resources: - Join the FREE Get Paid for Estimates Masterclass HERE - Hear our clients' success stories HERE  - Book a FREE call with our team HERE - Visit Construction Leading Edge for more HERE -- The Construction Leading Edge Podcast helps construction business owners maximize their revenue, eliminate chaos, systematize their work, and win back their time. Follow us on your favorite podcasting platform so you never miss an episode!

EPISODE 300: What if there’s one simple document that would tell you everything you need to know about hiring and retaining new employees? What if that same document would help increase your new hire retention by 82% and productivity by 70%?  In this week’s episode, I’ll share a webinar replay I did recently. Here, you’ll learn the five secrets of hiring and retaining the right employees. We'll uncover the three foundational pieces missing in most construction businesses, how these sabotage your hiring process, why your job descriptions could set up your new hires to fail, and what you can do instead. Plus, download a FREE copy of our onboarding guide and learn how you can apply it to your construction business so you’d never have a bad hire again. (Link is in the additional resources section below.)  Let’s dive in!   Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00) The onboarding roadmap (06:30) Pretend that you're from Missouri (13:05) The Big Five concept (18:47) Outcomes of a well-designed Big Five (26:03) Get over your fears (29:21) Fix your missing foundations (36:24) Quick recap (45:58) Action plan (46:42) Episode wrap-up (49:42)   Additional Resources: - Download the FREE onboarding guide HERE - Join the FREE Get Paid for Estimates Masterclass HERE - Hear our clients' success stories HERE  - Book a FREE call with our team HERE - Visit Construction Leading Edge for more HERE -- The Construction Leading Edge Podcast helps construction business owners maximize their revenue, eliminate chaos, systematize their work, and win back their time. Follow us on your favorite podcasting platform so you never miss an episode!  

EPISODE 299: What does it take to grow a successful custom home building company? In today's episode, we've invited a Systematize Your Construction Business (SYCB) client, Alex Gregg, a teacher-turned-construction-business-owner of Gregg Homebuilding, a Tennessee-based company specializing in custom-built and spec homes. Today, Alex shares the key concepts that moved the needle for his custom home building business and how he became a better leader. He also talks about how his company was able to switch from giving away free estimates to charging pre-construction services agreements, the major takeaways he had from joining SYCB, and more. Make sure to tune in so you won't miss it!   Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00) From teaching to homebuilding (01:07) What was it like starting a construction company in 2008? (04:19) Spec vs. custom home building (05:48) Misconceptions about custom home building (09:26) Keys to  growing a successful custom building  business (13:57) The truth about giving away free estimates (16:52) The Kent Hooper story (20:28) Why is it important for Alex to become a better leader? (27:07) Delegating outcomes vs. delegating tasks (32:07) The biggest problems that Alex had before joining SYCB (36:01)  What is nailing the handoff and its impact on Alex's business? (52:43) The turning-the-tables concept (56:29) Working ON vs. working IN (58:03) The 3 key concepts that grew his construction business (59:27) Life after implementing what he learned from SYCB (1:07:53) His most valuable takeaway as being part of the CEO Alliance (1:11:41) The biggest truth about running a business  (1:16:06) Rapid-fire lightning round questions (1:19:20)   Additional Resources: - Join the FREE Get Paid for Estimates Masterclass HERE - Hear our clients' success stories HERE  - Book a FREE call with our team HERE - Visit Construction Leading Edge for more HERE   Connect with Alex - Follow Gregg Homebuilding on Instagram HERE - Visit their website for more information HERE   Books Mentioned - Traction: Get A Grip On Your Business by Gino Wickman - Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win by Jocko Willink & Leif Babin - The Ultimate Sales Machine by Chet Holmes, Jay Conrad Levinson, Michael Gerber, and Amanda Holmes -- The Construction Leading Edge Podcast helps construction business owners maximize their revenue, eliminate chaos, systematize their work, and win back their time. Follow us on your favorite podcasting platform so you never miss an episode!  

EPISODE 298: How is 10x easier than 2x when scaling a business? Join us in today's episode as I sit down with our Director of Customer Success, Leyah Hostetter, and our client-turned-business coach for Systematize Your Construction Business (SYCB) program, Monish Khadye. Today, we will dive deep into Dan Sullivan's book 10x Is Easier Than 2x and how this could hack your construction business growth. We’ll talk about the 10x versus 2x framework, the mindset behind it, and how you can apply it to fast-track your business growth and make it run without you. You surely don't want to miss this. Tune in now!   Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00) A brief background about the book (01:52) Why is 10x easier than 2x (04:18) The 10x versus 2x framework (11:30) Eliminating the 80% and focusing on the 20% (17:05) An example of focusing on value (25:11) The mindset behind “how to 10x” (35:03) How owning your unique ability creates abundance (37:16) The gap versus gain mentality (39:42) Why you should practice gratitude (43:46) How the victim mentality creates scarcity (47:55) You get to choose the story you tell yourself (55:18) How to implement what you’ve just learned (58:31) Episode wrap-up (1:06:39)   Additional Resources: - Join the FREE Get Paid for Estimates Masterclass HERE - Hear our clients' success stories HERE  - Book a FREE call with our team HERE - Visit Construction Leading Edge for more HERE   Books Mentioned: - 10x Is Easier Than 2x by Dan Sullivan with Dr. Benjamin Hardy - The Obstacle Is The New Way by Ryan Holiday -- The Construction Leading Edge Podcast helps construction business owners maximize their revenue, eliminate chaos, systematize their work, and win back their time. Follow us on your favorite podcasting platform so you never miss an episode!  

EPISODE 297: What is it like scaling a business? As a former Navy pilot with winning embedded already in him, Shawn Dominguez already had that fire to build a successful construction business. In 2022, Dominguez Design-Build Inc. was the fastest-growing company in Pensacola, number 4 in Florida, and number 11 in the U.S. This was just years after they went full-time in 2018. But Shawn knew that if he wanted to scale his business from $20M to $50M in revenue, he had to get the right pieces in place. And that's what motivated him to join our Systematize Your Construction Business or SYCB program. In today's episode, our very own Leyah Hostetter sits down with Shawn to talk about some of the foundations for scaling a business. He talks about how simple tasks can sometimes get in the way, the connection between standard processes and cash flow, what winning looks like, and the effects he and his team are experiencing after going through the SYCB program. Tune in now to learn more!   Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00) From Navy pilot to construction business owner (03:03) Challenges that Shawn and his team had before SYCB (06:03) What was it like handling frustrations in everyday executions? (08:30) Personal challenges that come with scaling a business (10:44) On nailing the handoff and creating an accountability chart (12:24) What does winning look like in construction? (13:42) Most impactful part of the SYCB program (16:56) Ripple effects of joining the SYCB program (17:53)   Additional Resources: - Check out the Systematize Your Construction Business Program details HERE - Hear success stories from our clients HERE - Book a FREE call with our team HERE - Visit Construction Leading Edge for more HERE -- The Construction Leading Edge Podcast helps construction business owners maximize their revenue, eliminate chaos, systematize their work, and win back their time. Follow us on your favorite podcasting platform so you never miss an episode!  

EPISODE 296: Adversity has a remarkable way of bringing out the best in you, which is exactly what happens when you start burning the ships. This act becomes a symbol of your unwavering commitment to your goals.  When those ships go up in flames, all means of escape vanish, leaving no safety net or fallback plan behind.  Through this situation, success becomes a matter of life or death, and the only way forward is through sheer determination, resilience, and perseverance. The question is: are you ready to go through this? So in today's episode, we will explore various misconceptions around stress, why you should be burning the ships, practical ways to manufacture adversity, and some tips on applying what you'll be learning today to your construction business. Make sure to tune in now!   Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00) The Johnny Cash song (00:53) Misconceptions about stress (02:39) How Navy Seals see adversity (07:09) Why you want to manufacture adversity (08:51) What does it mean to burn your ships? (14:09) Practical ways to manufacture adversity (18:19) Applying what you have learned (24:29) Great resources for you to bookmark (27:04)   Additional Resources: - Listen to Episode 274 with Torrey Hawkins HERE - FREE training on how to get paid for estimates HERE - FREE webinar on how to make your business run without you HERE - Hear success stories from our clients HERE - Book a FREE call with our team HERE - Visit Construction Leading Edge for more HERE   Books Mentioned: - Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill - The Art of War by Sun Tzu -- The Construction Leading Edge Podcast helps construction business owners maximize their revenue, eliminate chaos, systematize their work, and win back their time. Follow us on your favorite podcasting platform so you never miss an episode!  

EPISODE 295: Do you ever wonder if you can get paid for estimates even when doing small home building, remodeling, or commercial projects? In today's episode, we've invited one of our Masterclass students, Bobby Williams, president and CEO at BGW Construction in Indiana. Today, Bobby shares his experience after joining our Get Paid for Estimates Masterclass.  He talks about some of the biggest problems with giving out free estimates, why it's high time you start charging for pre-construction work, and the transformative ripple effects it can have on your construction business. Tune in now to learn more!   Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00) Meet Bobby Williams of BGW Construction (04:38) What are the biggest problems that come with free estimates? (09:16) Ripple effects of providing paid pre-construction services (12:37) Don't compare yourself to your competition  (21:24) The best of Get Paid for Estimates Masterclass (24:36) Why sign up for the Get Paid for Estimates Masterclass? (31:13) Episode wrap-up (34:29)   Additional Resources: - FREE training on how to get paid for estimates HERE - Hear success stories from our clients HERE - Book a FREE call with our team HERE - Visit Construction Leading Edge for more HERE -- The Construction Leading Edge Podcast helps construction business owners maximize their revenue, eliminate chaos, systematize their work, and win back their time. Follow us on your favorite podcasting platform so you never miss an episode!

EPISODE 294: How resilient is your construction business? And what should you do as a business leader to mitigate the risks? There is a military and business strategy called red teaming. Basically, it allows an organization to expose its weak points and stress test plans and strategies to counter them.  So in today's episode, we’ll dive deep into what a red team is, why you should use it, and some tools to help you red team your construction business to make it more resilient. Plus, we also have Leyah interviewing John Hall, a construction business leader, on how the Systematize Your Construction Business (SYCB) program helped him reclaim his time and empower his team. Tune in now to learn more!   Key Takeaways: What is a red team? (01:44) 5 reasons why a construction business needs to run a red team (05:43) The above-the-waterline or below-the-waterline analogy (09:46) The five-by-five risk matrix explained (13:22) Questions you need to ask as a business leader (18:57) Whose job is it to red team a construction business? (20:09) How to recession-proof your construction business (22:58) Leyah’s interview with John Hall (25:11) Problems that led John to join the SYCB program (25:53) How the SYCB program helped John and his team (27:46) Life before and after joining the SYCB program (31:31)   Additional Resources: - FREE webinar on how to recession-proof your business HERE - Hear success stories from our clients HERE - Book a FREE call with our team HERE - Visit Construction Leading Edge for more HERE -- The Construction Leading Edge Podcast helps construction business owners maximize their revenue, eliminate chaos, systematize their work, and win back their time. Follow us on your favorite podcasting platform so you never miss an episode!  

EPISODE 293: Did you know your construction business could be entitled to a whopping six-figure check (or more) from the IRS? For others, that may sound too good to be true, but yes, construction business owners can get significant cash incentives from the federal government. Large companies routinely take advantage of these cash incentives, yet most small companies like yours don't even know these benefits exist. Why is it so? In today's episode, we are joined by Justin Rupple of Business Group Resources, a business incentive recovery firm, to talk about tax credits your CPA may not be telling you about. Today, Justin discusses the tax credits that are available for business owners like you, how much money most construction businesses are leaving on the table, and how you can qualify for these tax credits.   Key Takeaways: Intro (00:00) #1 Most overlooked tax credit program (05:02) How much money is left on the table by construction businesses (07:43) Misconceptions about the research and development tax credit (08:47) How construction businesses can qualify for the R&D tax credit (12:57) Why does the R&D tax credit program exist? (14:58) Tax incentives: big corporations vs. small businesses (16:21) Reasons why CPAs don't go after R&D tax credits (18:32) Examples of how much construction businesses get from tax credits (21:40) Who can qualify for this tax credit? (27:22) Episode wrap-up (34:33)   Additional Resources: - Recover your tax overpayments HERE  - Book a FREE call with our team HERE - Sign up for our FREE training HERE - Visit Construction Leading Edge for more HERE   Connect with Justin: - Check Justin out on LinkedIn HERE - Check Business Group Resources for more HERE -- The Construction Leading Edge Podcast helps construction business owners maximize their revenue, eliminate chaos, systematize their work, and win back their time. Follow us on your favorite podcasting platform so you never miss an episode!  

EPISODE 292: What is it like to be a woman in construction? In this empowering episode, our Director of Customer Success, Leyah Valgardson, sits down with Sunkota Construction's Marketing and Business Development officer and co-business owner, Amy Rans. Today, Leyah and Amy delve into the fascinating role of women in the construction world and the truth about what it's really like to be a woman thriving in a traditionally male-dominated field. Amy also shares how she rebranded Sunkota Construction using her marketing expertise, tips for creating a great customer experience as a commercial contractor, and how our Systematize Your Construction Business (SYCB) program simplifies their handoff process. Make sure to check it out!   Key Takeaways: How Amy got into the construction world (01:39) Biggest challenges construction business owners face (05:16) Lessons that Amy learned being in the construction industry (06:54) How to be an attractive employer (09:41) The main transformation that Amy did with Sunkota Construction (16:11) What the business looks like before joining the SYCB program? (17:47) How to create a great customer experience as a commercial contractor (25:36) On retaining and attracting top-quality talents (38:39) The changes that SYCB did to their construction company (39:48) How to wow your customers (41:26) What it's like to be a female business owner in a male-dominated industry? (47:37) Advice to women who are interested or currently in the construction industry (49:49) The future of women in the construction industry (59:17) For those who want to start a construction business (1:00:18)   Additional Resources: - Book a FREE call with our team HERE - Sign up for our FREE training HERE - Visit Construction Leading Edge for more HERE   Connect with Amy Rans - Check Amy out on LinkedIn HERE - Visit Sunkota Construction for more info HERE -- The Construction Leading Edge Podcast helps construction business owners maximize their revenue, eliminate chaos, systematize their work, and win back their time. Follow us on your favorite podcasting platform so you never miss an episode!  

EPISODE 291: Do you feel like you're in this endless burnout cycle? Our guest for today indeed felt that way. He was getting used to taking a mini break and then coming back into the same rut repeatedly.  But he has finally decided to get away with it. How was he able to break that cycle after sixteen long years? Well, you're about to find out. In this week's episode, Systematize Your Construction Business (SYCB) coach Monish Khadye sits down with Josh Fravel of Fravel Home Improvements. Today, Josh talks about how he transitioned from wearing many hats to finally delegating tasks and letting go of control. He also shares how he empowers his construction team, the main problems he faced that led him to join the SYCB program, and its ripple effects on his business and personal life. Tune in now to learn more!   Key Takeaways: Meet Josh and his works at Fravel Home Improvement (00:56) Failure that set Josh up for later success (03:16) From doing everything himself to delegating tasks (08:43) On letting go of control (12:42) The growth catalyst for his remodeling business (17:24) On working with subcontractors and setting standards (19:50) How to set up your employees for success (23:41) One piece of advice he would give to his younger self (27:28) Part of the business that Josh has cracked on (29:12) What made him join the Systematize Your Construction Business (SYCB) program (32:57) Ripple effects after joining SYCB on his business and personal life (39:29) Episode wrap-up (47:52) Additional Resources: - Book a FREE call with our Construction Leading Edge team HERE - Learn how to get out of your business and make it run without you HERE - Visit Construction Leading Edge for more HERE   Check out Fravel Home Improvement - Follow Josh and his team on Instagram HERE - Visit their website for more information HERE -- The Construction Leading Edge Podcast helps construction business owners maximize their revenue, eliminate chaos, systematize their work, and win back their time. Follow us on your favorite podcasting platform so you never miss an episode!  

EPISODE 290: The reason you're not making any progress toward your goals is that you're trying. And I'm not saying you're trying too hard, but the problem is that you're trying, period. You may not know it, but trying will not turn your construction business into a $50 million business a year. What you need to do is to stop trying and start training. In today's episode, I'll share the key differences between trying and training, action items that move the needle, and the power of the "until attitude". And to prove that training rather than trying to be a better CEO of your construction business can stop profit bleeds, we have Ashley Fleschner to share his Systematize Your Construction Business (SYCB) program success story. Tune in now to learn more!   Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00) What is trying? (03:16) Difference between trying and training (04:07) Questions to ask yourself (17:33) The if attitude vs. until attitude (19:34) Quick recap (22:39) SYCB success story with Ashley Fleschner (24:38) Final question (30:50)   Additional Resources: - Book a FREE call with our Construction Leading Edge team HERE - Learn how to get out of your business and make it run without you HERE - Visit Construction Leading Edge for more HERE -- The Construction Leading Edge Podcast helps construction business owners maximize their revenue, eliminate chaos, systematize their work, and win back their time. Follow us on your favorite podcasting platform so you never miss an episode!

EPISODE 289: There is one part of your construction business that could lead to profit bleed, but they never show up on an invoice. That is your customer experience! Focusing on creating a great customer experience roadmap could differentiate you from your competitors. But where do you start? In this week's episode, Leyah Valgardson, our Director of Customer Success, and I will discuss why customer experience matters whether you're a homebuilder or a commercial contractor. Today, Leyah and I talk about the symptoms of customers having a bad experience, the three steps to creating a good customer experience and journey, and action items you can do today to improve your customer journey and make it a company culture. Let's jump right in!   Key Takeaways: Why customer experience matters (03:08) Your customer is buying an experience (09:06) Reasons to have a customer experience strategy (15:06) Symptoms of a customer having a bad experience (18:53) Customer experience vs. customer journey (25:06) Have a clear customer journey roadmap (26:39) Setting expectations clearly and consistently (38:26) Seeking ways to wow your customers (48:06) Positive ripple effects of providing great customer journey (1:00:57) Action items you can do today (1:07:21)   Additional Resources: - Apply to work with the Construction Leading Edge team HERE - Learn how to get out of your business and make it run without you HERE - Visit Construction Leading Edge for more HERE -- The Construction Leading Edge Podcast helps construction business owners maximize their revenue, eliminate chaos, systematize their work, and win back their time. Follow us on your favorite podcasting platform so you never miss an episode!

EPISODE 288: How do you attract top talents to your construction business? You'd be surprised that it isn't just about the money; it's something else. So in this week's episode, I sat down with Isaac Barlow, the CEO of busybusy, a top-ranked GPS time tracking software that provides what every construction business owner wants in a tracking app. Today, Isaac and I talk about what high performers really want and how having this in place will help you recruit top talents in the industry, improve your company's productivity, increase your profitability, and create a culture of excellence. He also shares some tips on handling obstacles and resistance in construction businesses and the role of faith and persistence in getting to where his company is today. Tune in now to learn more! Key Takeaways: Intro (00:00) How busybusy started out (02:52) Describing the business roadmap and handling obstacles (11:52) Does construction have to be chaotic? (19:24) Root causes hiding underneath the construction chaos (21:24) Why should you invest in a good pre-construction system? (24:45) Common misconceptions about a construction manager's role (27:47) Some of busybusy’s best features (31:37) How important is having access to job site data (34:06) How to improve productivity in construction businesses (40:46) Construction business trends that might surprise people (45:54) Cultivating company culture with busybusy (49:23) Episode wrap-up (57:55)   Additional Resources: - Schedule a FREE breakthrough session now with our team HERE - Learn how to get out of your business and make it run without you HERE - Visit Construction Leading Edge for more HERE   Connect with Isaac Barlow: - Connect with Isaac on LinkedIn HERE - Check busybusy for more information HERE -- The Construction Leading Edge Podcast helps construction business owners maximize their revenue, eliminate chaos, systematize their work, and win back their time. Follow us on your favorite podcasting platform so you never miss an episode!  

EPISODE 287: Here's what no one is talking about - good construction companies are actually good pre-construction companies.  Instead of giving away free estimates, they charge for doing them to bring great value to their clients, even at the early stage of the construction process. So in this week's episode, Construction Leading Edge's Systematize Your Construction Business (SYCB) coach Monish Khadye speaks with Daniel Hickey, owner and project manager at Hickey Construction. Daniel shares how his construction business went from earning $550k to $2M in just a few years - all thanks to solid pre-construction and rigorous handoff processes. He also talks about how he was kicked out of his business in a good way, the positive ripple effects that his customers and team have seen after putting in the right systems and processes, how the SYCB program impacted his business and family life, and more. Let's get this started!   Key Takeaways: Meet Daniel Hickey of Hickey Construction (03:17) What helped Daniel grow his construction business? (06:51) On delegation and accountability (12:12) The advantages of having a pre-construction process (14:56) From working 10-12 hours a day to 5 hours or less (17:06) On having clarity on what to achieve (26:59) “If you’ve got that drive, you can do it.” (32:17) Handoff and pre-construction tips (34:17) The ripple effects of a rigorous handoff and pre-construction process (45:22) Life after doing all the work in the SYCB program (56:48) How to systematize your construction business (1:20:31)   Additional Resources: - Schedule a FREE breakthrough session now with our team HERE - Learn how to get out of your business and make it run without you HERE - Visit Construction Leading Edge for more HERE   Connect with Daniel Hickey: - Reach out by sending your email to daniel@hickeyconstruction.ca - Check Hickey Construction for more information HERE -- The Construction Leading Edge Podcast helps construction business owners maximize their revenue, eliminate chaos, systematize their work, and win back their time. Follow us on your favorite podcasting platform so you never miss an episode!  

EPISODE 286: Bringing in a family member into your construction business and transitioning leadership is more challenging than you'd think. But our guests for today had cracked the code and can now go on vacations without being on their phones or laptops. In this week's episode, Construction Leading Edge's Systematize Your Construction Business (SYCB) coach Monish Khadye speaks with Tru Builders' owners, Max and Lori Christiansen, and their daughter/senior designer, Cassie Parra. Today, Max, Lori, and Cassie share their lessons on how they made it through the 2008 slowdown, navigating business transition, and the systems and processes that make their construction business successful. They also talk about the lessons they've learned from joining the SYCB program and its ripple effects on their business and lives. Tune in now to learn more!   Key Takeaways: How Tru Builders started (03:30) On handing the business over to your kids vs. them earning it (08:41) Being a designer is more than just the aesthetics (12:58) Failures and lessons that set Tru Builders for later success (17:43) On creating transparency with clients and charging the right amount (29:47) Systems and processes that are working well for Tru Builders (36:42) Lessons they learned from SYCB that made all the difference (44:55) How are life and business different now after joining SYCB (52:27) Tru Builders' 12-month and 5-year visions (1:00:03) Three crucial systems to accelerate your business results (1:06:08)   Additional Resources: - Schedule a FREE breakthrough session now with our team HERE - Learn how to get out of your business and make it run without you HERE - Visit Construction Leading Edge for more HERE   Connect with Tru Builders: - Check Tru Builders’ website for more info HERE - Follow them on Instagram HERE - Got any questions? Send your email to max@trubuildersaz.com, lori@trubuildersaz.com, or cassie@trubuildersaz.com -- The Construction Leading Edge Podcast helps construction business owners maximize their revenue, eliminate chaos, systematize their work, and win back their time. Follow us on your favorite podcasting platform so you never miss an episode!  

EPISODE 285: Are you part of or considering joining a family construction business? Do you find it hard to handle a family partnership? Our guest for today has learned it the hard way. In this week's episode, Systematized Your Construction Business (SYCB) coach, Monish Khadye, sits down with construction business owner and SYCB mentee Jake Lewendal. Jake built Momentum Development after coming out from two business partnerships, one of which was a family partnership that took a toll on his family. Today, Jake shares some key learnings from his family partnership, the best practices when considering joining a family business, and a few crucial things you must do upfront when setting up a business partnership. He also talks about handling hard conversations and rejections, the positive ripple effects he has experienced in life and business after joining SYCB, and more. Let's jump in! Key Takeaways: How Jake got into the construction world (03:16) The biggest shift that turned him from failure to success (08:57) How their family construction business broke down (15:24) On filling up the void with a business partner (21:20) Tips for people who are a part of or considering joining a family partnership (31:43) What he believes to be true in business that others find unconventional? (43:57) How Jake’s strengths became his weaknesses (45:56) Crucial questions to ask when starting a construction business (1:02:56) How to deal with rejection and build a rejection-proof routine (1:04:07) The main construction problems he had before joining SYCB (1:16:54) Most impactful things he learned from the SYCB program (1:25:13) How to systematize your construction business (1:42:39)   Additional Resources: - Schedule a FREE breakthrough session now with our team HERE - Learn how to get out of your business and make it run without you HERE - Visit Construction Leading Edge for more HERE   Connect with Jake Lewendal  - Reach out to Jake by sending your email to jake@momentumdevelopmentmt.com - Follow or DM Jake on Instagram HERE - Follow Momentum Development HERE -- The Construction Leading Edge Podcast helps construction business owners maximize their revenue, eliminate chaos, systematize their work, and win back their time. Follow us on your favorite podcasting platform so you never miss an episode!  

EPISODE 284: Do you feel like you don't get anything out of your team meetings? What happens if your meetings continue to be ineffective? General Stanley McChrystal, a retired U.S. Army general and book author, cracked the code on how meetings helped them win the war on Al Qaeda. In this week's episode, we'll talk about the best practices when conducting team meetings and how you can apply them to your construction business so you can make it run without you. Today, you'll also learn the connection between good team meetings and the culture of accountability, the ripple effects of ineffective meetings, and a success story from a construction business owner who's started implementing the strategies you’ll be learning today. Let's jump into it!   Key Takeaways: The operations and intelligence brief (02:47) Teaching people how to think vs. telling people what to do (05:54) You don't have time to wait for the 100% solution (09:11) The benefits of using empowered execution (11:58) Common issues with meetings (16:19) What are the ripple effects of ineffective meetings? (20:48) Best practices for construction team meetings (22:54) Three crucial systems to run effective team meetings (32:36) How to accelerate your results (35:26) David Hopkins' Systematized Your Construction Business (SYCB) success story (40:57)   Additional Resources: - Schedule a FREE breakthrough session now with our team HERE - Learn how to get out of your business and make it run without you HERE - Visit Construction Leading Edge for more HERE -- The Construction Leading Edge Podcast helps construction business owners maximize their revenue, eliminate chaos, systematize their work, and win back their time. Follow us on your favorite podcasting platform so you never miss an episode!  

EPISODE 283: Are you stuck in the day-to-day operations of your business? Do you worry that your business wouldn’t be able to run without you? Then I have two things for you - communication and delegation. In this week's episode, I want to share communication and delegation hacks to help you get out of operations so you can truly operate as a visionary. Listen in as I talk about the leading dominoes that will improve your organization's operational process, how to effectively communicate and delegate to your team, and a Systematize Your Construction Business (SYCB) success story featuring Andy Shelton of Birch Home Builders. So if you're a construction business owner looking to systematize your business and make it run without you, tune in now.  You don't want to miss this!   Key Takeaways: Are you a Trevor or a Logan? (02:40) Your brain is probably the root cause of communication problems (05:24) The Forgetting Curve study explained (07:10) Why you need to communicate less? (10:22) What is asynchronous communication? (13:06) How to effectively train your team (17:01) Think differently about delegation (23:24) How to delegate to your team (24:55) The five levels of delegations (30:22) A quick recap (34:06) Systematize Your Construction Business’ (SYCB) success story (40:04)   Additional Resources: - Want to learn more about what you could achieve with our SYCB program? Check out these success stories HERE - Schedule a FREE breakthrough session now with our team HERE - Learn how to get out of your business and make it run without you HERE - Visit Construction Leading Edge for more HERE -- The Construction Leading Edge Podcast helps construction business owners maximize their revenue, eliminate chaos, systematize their work, and win back their time. Follow us on your favorite podcasting platform so you never miss an episode!  

EPISODE 282: How do successful construction business owners get out of a slump? What do you personally do when things aren't going well?  Most of us would tend to focus on the negative things and just go into a downward spiral trend. In many cases, we start spouting off self-fulfilling prophecies, which eventually get worse as they happen. So in this week's episode, I want to share how great entrepreneurs think about adversity and how they overcome it. I talk about the Stockdale Paradox, how to get control of the story you’re telling yourself, what a mental hygiene exercise is, and some proven strategies for turning trials into triumphs. Tune in now to learn more!   Key Takeaways: What most of us would do when things don't go well? (01:12) There are no good or bad things (03:59) Separate observable facts from the story you're telling yourself (05:59) Detach from what’s going on in your head (06:42) Cultivate the habit of gratitude (07:45) Control the controllables (08:52) Reframe the situation (10:09) The Stockdale Paradox explained (12:39) Take extreme ownership of the situation (17:00) The catastrophizing strategy (19:03) How to do a mental hygiene exercise (20:53) Episode wrap-up (23:13) Additional Resources: - Schedule a FREE breakthrough session now with our team HERE - Learn how to get out of your business and make it run without you HERE - Visit Construction Leading Edge for more HERE   Books Mentioned: - Good to Great by Jim Collins - Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill - The Obstacle is the Way by Ryan Holiday -- The Construction Leading Edge Podcast helps construction business owners maximize their revenue, eliminate chaos, systematize their work, and win back their time. Follow us on your favorite podcasting platform so you never miss an episode!  

EPISODE 281: Learning to say no to the people or things that don't serve you or your business gives you room to say yes to those that do. And we've invited someone who just skyrocketed his construction business by saying no and focusing on the people. In this week's episode, I sit down with Mikhail Gannage, president of Gannage Design  & Construction. Mikhail went from being a long-time robotics engineer to running their family-owned construction business. According to Mikhail, by being selective in what projects he and his team take on, they have seen tremendous business growth - something they haven’t seen in years. So he's here to share the main root cause of his company’s profit bleeding and the systems and changes he implemented that grew his construction business from 2% to a whopping 15% net profit. He also talks about the connection between an accountability chart and a good handoff to profitability, the benefits of being in a mastermind group of construction business owners, and why working less makes him a better leader. Tune in now to learn more!   Key Takeaways: From robotics engineering to construction business owner (01:06) Best advice for those taking over a family business (04:42) Business problems Mikhail was dealing with (09:59) The main root cause of profit bleeding and its ripple effects (13:08) Most impactful systems and changes that grew his business (23:32) Dealing with one big hairy audacious goal (29:49) On accountability chart, good handoff and profitability (35:36) A peek into his construction business’s numbers (42:07) Benefits of being in a mastermind group (49:15) Why do construction business owners isolate themselves? (53:35) Why working less means doing more? (56:32) The biggest question to ask when starting a business (58:36) One final piece of advice (1:01:39)   Additional Resources: - Schedule a Breakthrough Session with our team HERE - Register for The ADVANCE Live Meetup | March 30-31, 2023 | Austin, TX HERE - Visit Construction Leading Edge for more HERE   Connect with Mikhail Gannage: - Follow Gannage Design & Construction on Instagram HERE - Reach out to Mikhail at mikhail@gannageconstruction.com - Visit Gannage Design & Construction  website for more info HERE -- The Construction Leading Edge Podcast helps construction business owners maximize their revenue, eliminate chaos, systematize their work, and win back their time. Follow us on your favorite podcasting platform so you never miss an episode!  

EPISODE 280: Success isn't determined by your age, gender, location, or any of those similar factors; it is the formation of habits that will. In this week's episode, I've invited Leyah Valgardson, Director of Customer Success here at Construction Leading Edge, to unpack the three core habits of success that successful construction business owners do. Leyah and I also talk about what really is success and happiness, how to build those habits of success as a construction business owner, creating accountability with like-minded people, and more. Let’s dive in!   Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00) What is a habit? (01:28) Success and happiness defined (04:10) Follow an effective morning routine (14:50) The power of gratitude (27:14) What is mindset, and how important is it? (29:29) Managing your inner critic (39:30) Prepare, plan, and execute (51:18) On execution being so hard (56:51) Strategies to create accountability (1:00:06) Episode wrap-up (1:05:58)   Additional Resources: - Listen to "The Hidden Dangers of Procrastination & How to Conquer It" episode HERE - Listen to the "5 Things Successful Entrepreneurs Manage That Nobody Warned You About" episode HERE - Schedule a Breakthrough Session with our team HERE - Register for The ADVANCE Live Meetup | March 30-31, 2023 | Austin, TX HERE - Visit Construction Leading Edge for more HERE   Books Mentioned: - The 5 AM Club by Robin S. Sharma - The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg - The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday - The 10x Rule by Grant Cardone -- The Construction Leading Edge Podcast helps construction business owners maximize their revenue, eliminate chaos, systematize their work, and win back their time. Follow us on your favorite podcasting platform so you never miss an episode!

EPISODE 279:  Why would venture capital firms put their money in the construction industry, especially nowadays? In this week's episode, I've invited David Bloom of Signia Venture Partners to talk about a venture capitalist view of the construction industry as a whole. Signia is a venture capital firm founded in 2012. David and his partners invest in entrepreneurs applying new technologies to old industries. Today, he's here to discuss why venture capital firms invest in the construction industry, their views on the housing shortage and the ripple effects, what type of companies they invest in, guidelines when investing in companies, and more. Tune in now to learn more!   Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00) Venture capitalist’s perspective on the construction industry (01:30) What is a venture capital firm? (03:44) Why invest in the construction industry? (05:52) Symptoms of the current housing crisis and the ripple effects (08:03) How venture capital firms view the housing shortage (15:10) David and his firm's portfolio of companies and what they're solving (18:05) What are the red flags to look for in a leader when investing? (22:34) On transitioning successfully from being a startup to CEO of an ongoing business (25:18) Key takeaways from Cetera's $2B venture funding failure (32:17) What are the things that outsiders don't know about the construction industry? (43:56)   Additional Resources: - Schedule a Breakthrough Session with our team HERE - Register for The ADVANCE Live Meetup | March 30-31, 2023 | Austin, TX HERE - Join the Move the Needle 28-Day Challenge HERE   Connect with David Bloom: - Reach out to David by emailing him at David@signiavc.com - Check out his articles on Substack HERE - Follow him on LinkedIn HERE -- The Construction Leading Edge Podcast helps construction business owners maximize their revenue, eliminate chaos, systematize their work, and win back their time. Follow us on your favorite podcasting platform so you never miss an episode!

EPISODE 278: How do you see yourself? Do you see yourself as a visionary leader? But what does it mean to be one? Does being a visionary guarantee success along the way? In this week's episode, I've invited Monish Khadye, a construction business owner and our very own Systematized Your Construction Business (SYCB) facilitator and coach. Monish is also a visionary, and today he talks about some of the challenges, misconceptions, and myths that a visionary has to deal with every day.  Join us as we discover how a visionary's mind works, some practical tips, and how a visionary should overcome challenges to achieve his visions and create a thriving environment in his organization. Tune in now!   Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00) What do visionaries bring to the organization? (03:24) What do inconsistencies look like for a visionary? (12:03) The organization whiplash explained (13:36) Visionaries lack clear direction (19:20) Why are visionaries reluctant to let things go? (23:17) Visionaries have underdeveloped leaders and managers (24:30) The genius with a thousand helpers (26:32) Visionaries get a sense of value from people being dependent on them (32:32) Resistance to following standardized processes (37:56) Visionaries get easily bored (39:32) On having no patience for details (43:32) Misconceptions and myths about being a visionary (44:39) Breaking down what a visionary should be doing in their business? (54:36) What happens when visionaries fully embrace their role? (1:06:15) Additional Resources: - Schedule a Breakthrough Session with our team HERE - Register for The ADVANCE Live Meetup | March 30-31, 2023 | Austin, TX HERE - Join the Move the Needle 28-Day Challenge HERE   Books Mentioned: - Rocket Fuel by Gino Wickman and Mark C. Winters - Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business by Gino Wickman - Good to Great by Jim Collins -- The Construction Leading Edge Podcast helps construction business owners maximize their revenue, eliminate chaos, systematize their work, and win back their time. Follow us on your favorite podcasting platform so you never miss an episode!  

EPISODE 277: We all want to be successful entrepreneurs. But most of the time, what drives us up to the pinnacle of success is not what we've learned from school.  In this week's episode, I reveal the five most important things that successful entrepreneurs manage that nobody warned us about. And I wish I had known these earlier when I started my career. When you're able to manage these five things properly, you become not only the best leader for your construction business but also the best version of yourself.  But there's also a quick way for you to manage all of these (without the guessing game), and I'll share that, too, in the podcast. So let's jump in! Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00) You need to manage your fears (01:24) Manage your inner critic (08:07) What happens when you don't manage your inner critic? (17:22) Manage your mental energy (19:25) One thing that's killing your mental energy (21:21) Manage your emotional state (22:56) Manage your strengths, not your weaknesses (27:14)   Additional Resources: - Join the Move the Needle 28-Day Challenge HERE - Register for The ADVANCE Live Meetup | March 30-31, 2023 | Austin, TX HERE - Schedule a Breakthrough Session with our team HERE -- The Construction Leading Edge Podcast helps construction business owners maximize their revenue, eliminate chaos, systematize their work, and win back their time. Follow us on your favorite podcasting platform so you never miss an episode!

EPISODE 276: Have you been putting things off lately? Do you thrive working on last-minute situations? There are serious hidden dangers that come with procrastination which most of us tend to ignore. In this week's episode, I've invited Leyah Valgardson, Construction Leading Edge Director of Customer Success. Leyah and I sit down to talk about the six different types of procrastinators, according to psychologists.  We also discuss the hidden cold-hard truth about procrastination, the strategies to overcome procrastination based on each type, and how procrastination affects the quality of your life. So if you want to know what type of procrastinator you happen to be and how to defeat it so you can become a better construction business owner, and a human being, in general, tune in now to this week's episode. Let's jump in!   Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00) Procrastinator #1 - The Worrier (04:21) Procrastinator #2 - The Perfectionist (08:32) Procrastinator #3 - The Overdoer (14:17) Procrastinator #4 - The Crisis-Maker (19:57) The Strengths Finder test explained (25:03) Procrastinator #5 - The Dreamer (26:19) Procrastinator #6 - The Defier (31:42) How does procrastination show up for us (35:45) Failure is a myth (39:54) Some cold-hard truth about procrastination (41:00) What happens if you continue to procrastinate (45:19) Procrastination affects the quality of your life (52:08) How to overcome procrastination (1:01:31) The fastest way to stop procrastinating (1:12:42) Additional Resources: - Join the Move the Needle 28-Day Challenge HERE - Register for The ADVANCE Live Meetup | March 30-31, 2023 | Austin, TX HERE - Schedule a Breakthrough Session with our team HERE -- The Construction Leading Edge Podcast helps construction business owners maximize their revenue, eliminate chaos, systematize their work, and win back their time. Follow us on your favorite podcasting platform so you never miss an episode!  

EPISODE 275: We all know how systems and processes could make or break your construction business. But what's holding you back from taking those dramatic changes that could increase your business profitability? In this week's episode, I've invited Michael Moore, owner and President of Waterton Construction Group. Waterton Construction is a hardscape site work improvement company based in north Texas.  Michael is here to share with us the systems and processes he used to increase his company's revenue by 30% and profitability by 60% year over year. He also talks about the effects of creating positive pressure for himself, the concept of stewardship, how it affects how Michael runs his business, and the systems and processes he had put in place to grow his business to eight figures working only twenty hours a week. Let's jump right in! Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00) Meet Michael Moore (05:40) Best habits that Michael picked up while working for a production builder (10:20) What led Michael to reach out for a business coach? (15:24) Most impactful systems and changes that moved the needle (25:55) The moment when Michael realized what his doing was working (38:22) What the business looks like now? (42:07) How his business growth impacted his personal life (46:37) On putting positive pressure on you (53:40) The most valuable part of being in a construction CEO group (1:02:51) What does stewardship in a business mean? (1:06:11) Mindset shifts that are crucial to his success (1:08:45) Episode wrap-up (1:15:05)   Additional Resources: - Join the Move the Needle 28-Day Challenge HERE - Register for The ADVANCE Live Meetup | March 30-31, 2023 | Austin, TX HERE - Schedule a Breakthrough Session with our team HERE   Connect with Michael: -  Find Michael on LinkedIn HERE - Check out Waterton Construction Group HERE   -- The Construction Leading Edge Podcast helps construction business owners maximize their revenue, eliminate chaos, systematize their work, and win back their time. Follow us on your favorite podcasting platform so you never miss an episode!

EPISODE 274: What makes a construction business successful? Is it cementing a failproof system OR finding the right people that get things done?  Torrey Hawkins, President of Angler Construction, LLC, drops some value bombs on how he managed to scale his construction business to $200 million in revenue per year. In this week's episode of The Construction Leading Edge podcast, I sit down with Torrey to talk about... - the biggest challenges that Torrey has faced in growing a business to $200 million per year - the systems and processes that catapulted his business to success - some advice on how to lead your construction team through tough times - what his day looks like as someone who has grown a business to such size and scale - and a whole lot more! If you're a visionary looking to scale your construction business while getting out of the day-to-day details, you'll get a lot of practical advice from this episode. Let's jump right in!   Key Takeaways: Meet Torrey Hawkins (01:06) How Torrey started his construction business (05:37) What does the business look like now? (07:16) Biggest challenges during the growth (13:08) How to level up as a construction business leader (18:03) Recruiting and hiring top-quality talent (20:15) On systems and processes that scaled the business (23:24) What it's like to be a visionary (30:29) How Torrey spends his time as a 9-figure construction business owner (36:50) Keeping your team moving forward during a crisis (38:14) On sharing the vision and getting the team on board with it (43:18) The burning-the-ship mentality (50:25) Managing the double-edged sword of being a visionary (53:23) Episode wrap-up (58:08)   Additional Resources: - Join the Move the Needle 28-Day Challenge HERE - Register for The ADVANCE Live Meetup | March 30-31, 2023 | Austin, TX HERE - Schedule a Breakthrough Session with our team HERE - Listen to my 2015 interview with Torrey HERE - Connect with Torrey HERE - Check out Angler Construction HERE -- The Construction Leading Edge Podcast helps construction business owners maximize their revenue, eliminate chaos, systematize their work, and win back their time. Follow us on your favorite podcasting platform so you never miss an episode!  

Episode 273: Your brain is hard wired to love habits.  Here's how you can use that to your advantage, and achieve just about any outcome you set your mind do. What you'll learn about in this construction podcast episode: "You don't rise to the level of your goals.  You fall to the level of your __________" Why habits exist, why they’re so powerful. How to hack habits The Golden Rule of Habits How to use Right to Left Thinking to harness the power of habits. What a keystone habit is, and why you want to start with them. Lessons from two of the most popular books about habits. Resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: Move the Needle 28 Day Challenge - www.constructionleadingedge.com/group   The ADVANCE Live Meetup | March 30-31, 2023 | Austin, TX - www.constructionleadingedge.com/advance   Schedule a Breakthrough Session with our team: www.constructionleadingedge.com/apply    

EPISODE 272: What is the secret formula to growing a business? What should a construction business owner have to lead a successful company?  There's really no secret formula, but our guest for today, Andy Kolp of Epic Building Company, did take his "steady" remodeling company to new success in its 14th year. After implementing new systems into his business process and shifting his mindset, he saw changes and wished he had done them sooner. From having one employee, Andy now has five employees on his payroll. His company has surprisingly gone up to 75% in annual revenue. And he isn't slowing down anytime soon as he's looking at a 100% revenue growth for next year. What did he do to achieve all of these incredible milestones? Tune in to this week's episode to find out more. Let's get started!   Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00) Meet Andy Kolp (02:36) Discipline and weight loss success (04:51) How important is mental toughness? (18:55) Working in vs working on your business (26:04) What does stagnant mean from a business perspective? (32:13) The mindset growth (38:10) Most impactful systems that brought success (43:34) What business looks like now? (56:13) On pre-construction services and agreement (58:36) What led to Andy’s mindset shift? (1:04:14) Last few questions (1:10:44)   Additional Resources: - FREE online training workshop: Get Out of Your Construction Business: How to Make it Run Without You here  - Learn how to recession-proof your business here  - Work with our team to systematize your business here   - Visit our website here - Check out Andy’s construction company here -- The Construction Leading Edge Podcast helps construction business owners maximize their revenue, eliminate chaos, systematize their work, and win back their time. Follow us on your favorite podcasting platform so you never miss an episode!  

EPISODE 271: Are you tired of doing never-ending, less urgent administrative work? As we all know, small business owners wear a lot of hats - bookkeeping, responding to emails, and posting on social media, to name a few. These tasks not only take a lot of time but also keep you from doing things that matter. And that's what we'll talk about in this week's episode. I sat down with two construction business owners - Kevin Franklin and Nathan Spearing - who found a great solution to their never-ending to-do list and after-hours work. Stay tuned and discover the benefits of hiring a Belay virtual assistant and the wonders it can do for your construction business.  Let's get started!   Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00) Meet Kevin Franklin (03:40) The problems before signing up with Belay (04:12) Lessons from Michael Hyatt’s Your World-Class Assistant book (06:25) Misconceptions about working with virtual assistants (VA) (07:11) Main tasks of a VA that have been most impactful (08:19) Why hire a virtual assistant from Belay? (13:08) Hacks in training a virtual assistant (16:00) Meet Nathan Spearing (19:49) Nathan’s pivotal moment (23:15) Life after hiring a virtual assistant with Belay (36:12) Nathan's Life on Target podcast (46:07)   Additional Resources: - FREE online training workshop: Get Out of Your Construction Business: How to Make it Run Without You here  - Learn how to recession-proof your business here  - Work with our team to systematize your business here   - Visit our website here - Hire a virtual assistant through Belay here - Connect with Kevin Franklin here - Connect with Nathan Spearing here - Listen to Nathan’s Life on Target podcast here -- The Construction Leading Edge Podcast helps construction business owners maximize their revenue, eliminate chaos, systematize their work, and win back their time. Follow us on your favorite podcasting platform so you never miss an episode!  

EPISODE 270: The only time contractors get involved and talk with an attorney is when something goes wrong. Do you agree? To prove that claim, we have Attorney Marc Gravely on the podcast today, whose work is on representing owners exclusively in construction disputes with general contractors, architects, and engineers. Atty. Gravely is here to share with us the common construction defects in building that lead to litigations, how to avoid or reduce the risk, insurance and contracts, and everything in between. So, make sure to tune in on this one and get yourself informed so you won’t have to deal with any litigations. Let's get started! Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00) Meet Atty. Marc Gravely (04:25) What do lawyers think about contractors? (05:36) Most common construction defects in buildings that lead to litigation (09:57) How to reduce the risk of construction defects (15:14) The missing process (18:15) Most common mistakes contractors make (22:05) GMP, time, and material contracts (25:04) How can a contractor protect themselves (26:39) How contractors should respond to issues (32:22) Mistakes to avoid that people make worse (38:30) The truth about a business that some find unconventional (43:07) Failures that set him up for later success (44:16) Marc's Reframing America's Infrastructure book (46:18)   Additional Resources: - FREE online training workshop: Get Out of Your Construction Business: How to Make it Run Without You here  - Learn how to recession-proof your business here  - Work with our team to systematize your business here   - Visit our website here   Connect with Marc - Grab a copy of his book here - Follow Marc on LinkedIn here - Visit Marc’s website here   -- The Construction Leading Edge Podcast helps construction business owners maximize their revenue, eliminate chaos, systematize their work, and win back their time. Follow us on your favorite podcasting platform so you never miss an episode!  

EPISODE 269: Joining me in this week's episode of The Construction Leading Edge podcast is Boxabl CEO and Founder Paolo Tiramani. He's here to sit down and talk with me on how Boxabl solves housing problems - one of the pressing issues we have in the U.S. and globally. Boxabl is a housing construction technology based in Las Vegas that revolutionizes global housing. With its innovative foldable house product, it has the potential to solve skyrocketing housing costs and homelessness around the world. If you want to know what it takes to build a company that solves big problems and how Paolo shares that big vision with his team, make sure to tune in to find out more.   Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00) Paolo's career prior Boxabl (01:08) What is Boxabl? (05:32) First principles explained (10:55) “Not all things need fixing” (24:30) How do you find the right questions to ask? (31:24) On global housing problems (35:29) How to share a big vision with your team (41:18) Business beliefs that others think are unconventional (46:39) Episode wrap-up (52:59)   Additional Resources: - FREE online training workshop: Get Out of Your Construction Business: How to Make it Run Without You here  - Learn how to recession-proof your business here  - Work with our team to systematize your business here   - Visit our website here   Check out Boxabl - Visit Boxabl’s website here - Follow Boxabl on Instagram here - Subscribe to Boxabl on YouTube here - Do you want to join their team? Shoot them an email at hiring@boxabl.com   -- The Construction Leading Edge Podcast helps construction business owners maximize their revenue, eliminate chaos, systematize their work, and win back their time. Follow us on your favorite podcasting platform so you never miss an episode!  

EPISODE 268: When you grow up fighting battle after battle, it's easier to throw in the towel and accept things the way they are.  But that wasn’t the case for our guests today. Joining us in this week's episode of The Construction Leading Edge are Daniel and Noell Jett - DIY home builders and creators behind the widely followed Jett Set Farmhouse and book authors of Create Your Dream Home on a Budget. This power couple overcame their own battles, persevered, and built a successful life - inspiring millions of people to make their dream houses even on a tight budget. And they're here to share with us… - the adversities they had to go through and how they overcame those - how they persevered in building their dream home even on a limited budget - and chock full of helpful tips for all of you brave enough to take on house projects. If you want to know more about handling adversities, perseverance, success, and working together as a homebuilder couple, make sure to tune in to this week's episode. You don't want to miss out on this one!   Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00) Noell's childhood story (01:19) The connection between success and perseverance (04:34) Building their dream home together (08:04) How do Instagram collaborations work? (16:20) Building your own home vs. hiring a builder(18:04) What is broken within the construction industry? (22:42) Tips for married couples who work together (25:38) How to address disagreements as a couple (28:28) How to avoid decision fatigue? (30:33) On believing something that others find unconventional (35:54) What's the purpose of social media? (36:47) Noell and Daniel's book launch (42:27)   Additional Resources: - FREE online training workshop: Get Out of Your Construction Business: How to Make it Run Without You here  - Learn how to recession-proof your business here  - Work with our team to systematize your business here   - Visit our website here   Connect with Daniel and Noell - Follow them on Instagram here - Visit their website here - Grab a copy of their book here -- The Construction Leading Edge Podcast helps construction business owners maximize their revenue, eliminate chaos, systematize their work, and win back their time. Follow us on your favorite podcasting platform so you never miss an episode!

EPISODE 267: Did you know that only 15% of employees are engaged while the rest of the 85% isn't?  According to a recent Gallup State of the Global Workplace Study, low employee engagement caused companies $450 - $500 billion per year. Think about that. Now, are your people engaged enough? Or do you do all the planning and implementation by yourself?  How do you get people to come out of their way to engage? We'll talk about that in today's episode of The Construction Leading Edge Podcast.  And joining me today is Leyah Valgardson, Director of Customer Success here at Construction Leading Edge. Tune in now as Leyah, and I talk about… - Why people don't want to engage? - Is money enough to get them motivated and engaged? - How to boost employee engagement? - And a whole lot more If you want to skyrocket your employee engagement and get your company closer to your vision, make sure to listen in. You don't want to miss this one!   Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00) Why are people disengaged at work? (02:32) What are employees looking for that will improve their engagement? (10:13) How do you get your team on board with your company's vision? (16:13) How to get people to embrace new processes? (24:30) Feedback when teams respond to new processes (29:18) Things that surprise people (33:03) How important is compensation to motivation? (38:20) Practical tips to improve employee engagement (40:22) Episode wrap-up (43:54)   Additional Resources: - FREE online training workshop: Get Out of Your Construction Business: How to Make it Run Without You here  - Learn how to recession-proof your business here  - Work with our team to systematize your business here   - Visit our website here -- The Construction Leading Edge Podcast helps construction business owners maximize their revenue, eliminate chaos, systematize their work, and win back their time. Follow us on your favorite podcasting platform so you never miss an episode!  

EPISODE 266: Your construction business’ success also depends on your trade partners (as I’d like to call them) or subcontractors.  Most of the time, when subcontractors mess up production, the general contractors’ (GC) initial response is to replace them.  Little did they know, though, that in doing so, they’re not just addressing the root cause of the problem, but they’re creating another issue that leads to another one, and so on. And that’s what we want to avoid. So, in this week’s episode, we’ll talk about three secrets on how to eliminate subcontractor chaos without finding new subs OR, worst, doing all the work yourselves. In addition, we’ll also touch base on some construction myths and thinking traps that contribute to this industry’s chaos and how to crush them instead. And when you finally understand these secrets, you can become the general contractor of choice in your market. If that sounds like the direction you’d want your company to take on, make sure to tune in to today’s episode. Let’s get started!   Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00) What are the problems with trade partners/subcontractors? (01:53) Is there really a skilled labor shortage? (03:13) Most common places people are losing time (05:06) Technology as a hurdle to productivity (12:16) You may be part of the productivity problem (13:23) Use the five why’s method (14:50) The underlying problem - JETS trap (17:06) How to eliminate all the chaos? (29:31) Quick recap (30:35)   Additional Resources: - FREE online training workshop: Get Out of Your Construction Business: How to Make it Run Without You here - Learn how to recession-proof your business here - Work with our team to systematize your business here    -- The Construction Leading Edge Podcast helps construction business owners maximize their revenue, eliminate chaos, systematize their work, and win back their time. Follow us on your favorite podcasting platform so you never miss an episode!  

EPISODE 265: When you think of it, all business problems are people problems. And in the chaotic construction world where systematization is not a norm, it’s safe to say that people problem remains the biggest main challenge, and it’s not the tools, projects, and whatnot. And to help us understand more about people problem, we have Eric Anderton on the podcast today. Eric is a leading construction leadership and strategic consultant, author, and keynote speaker behind Construction Genius, with over 25 years of experience in public speaking. And he’s here to sit down and talk about… - Why every business problem is a people problem? - How do you repel the wrong people and attract and retain your rockstar employees? - A guide on how leaders should help build their team’s confidence  - The 3 Fs in conducting an effective team meeting - Plus so much more If your construction business is struggling with endless problems, it’s time to get down to its root cause before it worsens. So, make sure to listen to today’s episode of The Construction Leading Edge podcast and learn how. You don’t want to miss this one! Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00) People problem as the biggest challenge (02:38) Symptoms if you have a people problem (04:02) How to repel the wrong people? (07:48) Best retention strategies (10:42) When a newcomer leapfrogs long-time employees (16:26) How does a leader build his team’s confidence? (19:46) Steps in making team meetings functional, fast, and fun (32:17) The truth about retirement (41:59) Episode wrap-up (44:28) Additional Resources: - FREE online training workshop: Get Out of Your Construction Business: How to Make it Run Without You here - Learn how to recession-proof your business here - Work with our team to systematize your business here    Connect with Eric - Grab a copy of his book Construction Genius here - Check out his podcast here - Visit his website here - Find Eric on LinkedIn here -- The Construction Leading Edge Podcast helps construction business owners maximize their revenue, eliminate chaos, systematize their work, and win back their time. Follow us on your favorite podcasting platform so you never miss an episode!  

EPISODE 264: What happens if you step away from your business for a week or a month? Would it thrive, survive or fail?  Is it even possible to run a business without you yet making eight sales figures?  Yes, it's possible! Someone cracked the code, and that's what you are about to learn today. We have Marc-André La Barre of Lib. as our guest for today, and he'll let us in on his secrets on what makes his design and construction service company runs like a well-oiled machine with little to no involvement from him. (His company just made $14M in sales on commercial services last year.) In today's episode, Marc and I will dive deeper into ... - His company's core values and how those translate to success - How to design a business that runs without you? - The mindset shifts needed  - and a whole lot more If you're a visionary who thrives in new business ideas and wants to create a business that runs without you, then you shouldn't miss out on this. Let's get started!   Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00) Meet Marc (01:02) How did it all started? (01:56) From residential to commercial services (10:38) What is Lib and what are its core values? (16:38) How do Lib's values show up for its staff and clients? (19:44) Marc's interpretation of E-myth (23:31) How to design a business that runs without you? (27:08) On trusting your staff and making mistakes (39:38) Why share equity in your business? (43:31) Mindset shifts needed for success (45:36) Episode wrap-up (59:18)   Additional Resources: - FREE online training workshop: Get Out of Your Construction Business: How to Make it Run Without You here - Learn how to recession-proof your business here - Work with our team to systematize your business here  - Books mentioned in this episode: The E-Myth by Michael E. Gerber Rocket Fuel by Gino Wickman and Mark C. Winters Traction by Gino Wickman Power to the Edge by David S. Alberts and Richard E. Hayes The 4-Hour Workweek by Timothy Ferriss   Connect with Marc: - Visit Lib’s company website here - Or email them at  info@lib.space   -- The Construction Leading Edge Podcast helps construction business owners maximize their revenue, eliminate chaos, systematize their work, and win back their time. Follow us on your favorite podcasting platform so you never miss an episode!

EPISODE 263: Are you spending your weekends on timesheets and payroll? If that's how your weekend looks, you have a big problem going on with your business. And that's what we'll solve for you in this week's episode of The Construction Leading Edge podcast. We've invited James Jessop, Ben Ercanbrack, and Isaac Barlow to talk about how they've finally won back their time and increased their revenue using the Busybusy app. Busybusy is an easy-to-use construction time-tracking app with features like digital employee clock in and out, photo upload for project documentation, equipment visibility, accurate job costing, and much more. As a project manager twenty years ago, I know how complex projects are, and I've learned that business management is way more important than the actual ability to build. And if you don't strengthen the business management side of things, then you won't have anything to build. The numbers are out there to prove that.  One of them shows that 70% of construction companies fail within seven years. And one of the major roadblocks in a construction business is the employee timesheet. Overpayment, unverified timestamps, over breaks, and unclear task documentation - do these sound familiar to you? So, if you’re in that same boat, make sure to tune in to today's episode as we unpack the benefits of using Busybusy and how it would impact your company and clients. Let’s get started!   Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00) What challenges lead James Jessop to sign up for BusyBusy? (03:55) On overpaying employees and incorrect timesheets (07:52) Benefits of using BusyBusy (10:48) Ben Ercanbrack on how challenging collecting time is (26:45) On Busybusy’s accurate job costing feature (30:20) Isaac Marlow on measuring results and better performance (33:23) What does winning look like? (37:28) What’s the norm in a construction business? (39:53) How did BusyBusy get started? (44:14) What problems does BusyBusy solve for contractors? (48:12) The future of BusyBusy (56:59) Episode wrap-up (1:05:08)   Additional Resources: - FREE online training workshop: Get Out of Your Construction Business: How to Make it Run Without You here - Learn how to recession-proof your business here - Work with our team to systematize your business here  - Win back your time using Busybusy here The Construction Leading Edge Podcast helps construction business owners maximize their revenue, eliminate chaos, systematize their work, and win back their time. Follow us on your favorite podcasting platform so you never miss an episode!

EPISODE 262: Are people making decisions about their homes based on logic or emotions? How does emotional buying help you grow your business?  In today’s episode of The Construction Leading Edge podcast, Josh Dembicki, President and Co-Founder of Colorado Siding Repair, and Matt Lewis, COO of Hover, sit down with me to talk about how Hover encourages emotional connection with the customers and how it has hugely impacted the overall business growth of Colorado Siding Repair. Hover is an app that allows homeowners to take photos of their homes and turn them into accurate measurements, better project estimates, and collaborative 3D models for better visualization. With Hover’s state-of-the-art features, Colorado Siding Repair was able to change the trajectory of its business with an impressive $11M in sales this year and a better 50% closing rate. But it’s not the tech that got them to where they are right now. It’s all about making an emotional connection with homeowners and letting them buy through emotions. With that being said, make sure to tune in to today’s episode as we discuss more of that and the amazing features of Hover that you and your team could take advantage of. Let’s get started! -- Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00) Meet Josh of Colorado Siding Repair (00:19) What is Hover? (01:53)  Are people making decisions on logic or emotions? (08:11) How is Hover impacting the estimating process (11:32) Best part of Hover during the operation process (15:31) Meet Matt of Hover (20:29) How did Hover start as a company? (24:08) Hover features for custom builders (25:49) Misconceptions and myths that contractors have (28:27) Hover's new direct ordering tool (35:43) What’s the best part about Hover? (39:01) Episode wrap-up (41:34) -- Additional Resources: - FREE online training workshop: Get Out of Your Construction Business: How to Make it Run Without You here - Learn how to recession-proof your business here - Work with our team to systematize your business here  - Build better projects using the Raken app here - Visit our website here -- Find Colorado Siding Repair - Visit Colorado Siding Repair’s website here - Connect with Josh Dembicki here   Find Hover - Check the Hover app here - Connect with Matt Lewis here -- The Construction Leading Edge Podcast helps construction business owners maximize their revenue, eliminate chaos, systematize their work, and win back their time. Follow us on your favorite podcasting platform so you never miss an episode!!

EPISODE 261: When we talk about a recession, we’re not just talking about a broad economic downturn. We’re talking about any big shock to a company’s system, which you are guaranteed to experience. Here are 10 tips to make your business more recession-proof. Resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: Apply to Work with Our Team to Systematize Your Construction Business: www.constructionleadingedge.com/apply Get Out of Your Business: Make it Run Without You This Year - www.constructionleadingedge.com/getout Recession Proof Your Business [Webinar Replay]: www.constructionleadingedge.com/recession  

EPISODE 260: Entrepreneurs act a certain way and achieve results because of what they believe.  There are 3 things entrepreneurs believe, that technicians do not.  Listen to find out what they are, and see which ones you believe. What you’ll take away from this construction podcast episode: The thinking traps every technician falls into. Examples of the JETS thinking trap. When does an entrepreneur set up their financial systems? Why an entrepreneur wants to be replaceable. Common mistakes the technician makes when hiring. How Truett Cathy, founder of Chick-fil-A thought about hiring. Resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: Get Out of Your Business: Make it Run Without You This Year: Free online training workshop - www.constructionleadingedge.com/getout Apply to Work with Our Team to Systematize Your Construction Business: www.constructionleadingedge.com/apply Raken - Get the data you need to build better projects with an app your field crews will actually use - https://www.rakenapp.com Belay Solutions: To learn more about all the ways BELAY can help your construction business and claim an exclusive offer just for our listeners, text the word EDGE to 55123 today.

EPISODE 259: Is your business headed for a tipping point? Are you personally approaching a tipping point? Over the next few minutes you’re going to go through our 12 point assessment to help you find out. What you’ll take away from this construction podcast episode: What does it look like when you hit a tipping point in your business? A 12 point assessment to determine if you or your business is approaching a tipping point. How Starving Horse Syndrome shows up. Symptoms that your team could be in a red line condition. Some examples of stress-induced health issues I’ve discussed with construction business owners recently. What the stress of your business could actually be doing to your family. Resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: Get Out of Your Business: Make it Run Without You This Year: Free online training workshop - www.constructionleadingedge.com/getout Apply to Work with Our Team to Systematize Your Construction Business: www.constructionleadingedge.com/apply Raken - Get the data you need to build better projects with an app your field crews will actually use - https://www.rakenapp.com Hover - Accurate measurements, collaborative design tools, and dependable estimates are all ways HOVER helps you serve your customers better and improve your operations to grow your business. https://hover.to/    

EPISODE 258: Why do 80% of construction businesses have zero terminal value? How are they designed to fail? What are some lessons from IBM and old iPhones? What can you do to avoid spending 30 years building something you can’t let go of? What you’ll take away from this construction podcast episode: Why 80% of construction businesses will never sell. An example of a very profitable construction business that was designed to fail. How a business can be like a hostage situation. A few indicators that your business is a victim of planned obsolescense. How your business will be valued when you try to sell it. 3 reasons IBM was successful. What “right to left thinking” looks like for big picture strategic planning. 6 mistakes to avoid so you don’t spend the next few decades building something that’s unintentionally designed to fail. Resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: Get Out of Your Business: Make it Run Without You This Year: Free online training workshop - www.constructionleadingedge.com/getout Apply to Work with Our Team to Systematize Your Construction Business: www.constructionleadingedge.com/apply Raken - Get the data you need to build better projects with an app your field crews will actually use - https://www.rakenapp.com Hover - Accurate measurements, collaborative design tools, and dependable estimates are all ways HOVER helps you serve your customers better and improve your operations to grow your business. https://hover.to/  

EPISODE 257: What you'll take away from this construction podcast episode: Is it possible to run a construction business that doesn't consume your life? Is it possible to own a business and work less than 40 hours a week? You may be surprised at how many hours Monish Khadye is working on his business now. Why he hated his business in May 2021. The mindset change you need to be prepared for if you want to change your business. The before and after pictures of his business. How he changed his mind about growing his business. The most impactful systems that gave him the most bang for the buck. Some of the unexpected side effects of systematizing his business. Why he has joined our team as a coach to help others systematize their business too. Resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: Get Out of Your Business: Make it Run Without You This Year: Free online training workshop - www.constructionleadingedge.com/getout Apply to Work with Our Team to Systematize Your Construction Business: www.constructionleadingedge.com/apply Raken - Get the data you need to build better projects with an app your field crews will actually use - https://www.rakenapp.com Hover - Accurate measurements, collaborative design tools, and dependable estimates are all ways HOVER helps you serve your customers better and improve your operations to grow your business. https://hover.to/  

EPISODE 256: Your time is one of your company’s most valuable resources. How are you being robbed of time, what is “sanctioned procrastination,” and how do you take back control of your time? What you’ll take away from this construction podcast episode: Three strategies to take back control of your time. Sanctioned procrastination, and how you might be guilty of it. Four things that are robbing you of your time. A few myths about time management. How to use batching to wrestle control of your time back into your hands. The person who is really to blame for your productivity. The connection between your calendar and anxiety. The problem with the question, “You staying busy?” Why your team is counting on you to use your time wisely. Resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: Get Out of Your Business: Make it Run Without You This Year: Free online training workshop - www.constructionleadingedge.com/getout Apply to Work with Our Team to Systematize Your Construction Business: www.constructionleadingedge.com/apply Raken - Get the data you need to build better projects with an app your field crews will actually use - https://www.rakenapp.com Hover - Accurate measurements, collaborative design tools, and dependable estimates are all ways HOVER helps you serve your customers better and improve your operations to grow your business. https://hover.to/ Delegate to Elevate: Free ebook from Belay Solutions - https://resources.belaysolutions.com/edge  

EPISODE 255: Is the chaos on your projects and frustration with your team a result of unclear roles and responsibilities?  What are the ripple effects on your team, customers and trade partners?  What are some unexpected good side effects of a good organizational design? What you’ll take away from this construction podcast episode:   The symptoms of unclear roles and responsibilities in an organization. Starving horse syndrome, and how it shows up. The ripple effect of unclear roles and responsibilities on company culture and your customers. What happens when your customers lose confidence. One reason you may never be able to sell your business. What happens when a business gets small again, according to the book The E-myth. The unexpected side effects of doing the work to create your Accountability Chart. What it could look like when you design your organization for the future.   Resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode:  Get Out of Your Business: Make it Run Without You This Year: Free online training workshop - www.constructionleadingedge.com/getout Apply to Work with Our Team to Systematize Your Construction Business: www.constructionleadingedge.com/apply Raken - Get the data you need to build better projects with an app your field crews will actually  use - https://www.rakenapp.com

EPISODE 254: Phil Coe voluntarily hit the reset button on his residential renovation business recently. Why did he do it, and how did it work out?  How has his perspective on his business changed in the past few months, and what did he do to achieve that?   What you’ll take away from this construction podcast episode with Phil Coe, owner of Revision Built, a residential renovation company in Ottawa, Ontario.   How he knew he needed to hit the reset button on his business. Building relationships is more important than the bottom line. When it’s time to forget what you already know Keys to working with trade partners and the success he’s experienced. The connection between your customer's problems and your ability to charge a premium Phil’s advice for you if you’re thinking about hitting the reset button Commercial work can be a race to the bottom The problems he was facing that led him to join our coaching program, and the results he’s experienced His biggest lesson from a few decades in the business The brilliant way he uses his Airbnb townhouse Resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: Get Out of Your Business: Make it Run Without You This Year: Free online training workshop - www.constructionleadingedge.com/getout Apply to Work with Our Team to Systematize Your Construction Business: www.constructionleadingedge.com/apply Raken - Get the data you need to build better projects with an app your field crews will actually  use - https://www.rakenapp.com How to connect with Phil Coe and Revision Built: Company website - http://www.revisionbuilt.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/revisionbuilt/

EPISODE 253: How to Get a Check from the IRS for Your Employee Retention Credit with Catherine Tindall Catherine Tindall is an entrepreneur, CPA and partner with Dominion Enterprises. She specializes in advanced tax reduction and is an expert on the employee retention credit, which is what this episode is all about.   What’s in it for you?  If you own a business, work for a business, or know someone who owns a business, this episode could be worth a lot of money.     What is the Employee Retention Credit, and why does it exist?   How the Employee Retention Credit is different from PPP or EIDL. How to determine if you might qualify. Some common misconceptions about ERC. A few case studies of businesses that received substantial checks for the ERC.   The deadline when the Employee Retention Credit will go away. Resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: See if you qualify for the Employee Retention Credit - https://dominiones.com/ Get Out of Your Business: Make it Run Without You This Year - www.constructionleadingedge.com/getout Apply to Work with Our Team to Systematize Your Construction Business: www.constructionleadingedge.com/apply Raken - Get the data you need to build better projects with an app your field crews will actually  use - https://www.rakenapp.com

EPISODE 252: Are you wasting marketing dollars?  How can you use your website as a “lever” to automate your sales process?  What’s the 80/20 on marketing activities you should be focused on now, even if you’re busier than ever?  Listen to my conversation with Spencer Powell to learn all that and more. What you’ll learn about in this construction podcast episode with Spencer Powell: Using marketing as a lever for adjusting lead flow. What you could be wasting your marketing dollars and energy on. How people really find you online. The 80/20 on marketing activities, and the question you need to answer first. What you can focus on now to strengthen your position during the next downturn. The biggest group of people you want to market to, that no one else is talking to. How to use lifestyle content to build relationships with future clients. How to use your website during the sales process. How can busy construction business owners leverage automation? How to say “No” gracefully. How creating constraints can make you more effective.   Resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: Get Out of Your Business: Make it Run Without You This Year - www.constructionleadingedge.com/getout Apply to Work with Todd Dawalt’s Team to Systematize Your Construction Business: www.constructionleadingedge.com/apply Delegate to Elevate: Free ebook from Belay Solutions - https://resources.belaysolutions.com/edge Raken - Get the data you need to build better projects with an app your field crews will actually  use - https://www.rakenapp.com How to connect with Spencer Powell: Builder Funnel Website: https://www.builderfunnel.com/ Builder Funnel Radio Podcast: https://www.builderfunnel.com/builder-funnel-radio

EPISODE 251: How do you know if you’re getting overcharged for your workers comp premiums?  If you are 100% happy with the checks you’re writing for workers comp, and feel great about how much you’re paying…you should probably skip this episode. What you’ll take away from this construction podcast episode with workers comp overpayment recovery specialist Scott Priz: There’s a 30% chance you’re getting overcharged for workers comp, and what to do about it. What a “shock” audit can look like, and how it could bankrupt you. Some of the pitfalls to watch out for that can create gigantic increases in premiums. How insufficient documents open the door to insurance companies doing what they want. Red flags that you could be getting overcharged. The two most common reasons contractors get overcharged. (Time tracking)  The biggest errors made during an audit, that you need to know about. A few things your insurance company is allowed to do to you if you don’t cooperate. The importance of your experience modification factor, and how to get it lowered. One way your experience modification factor can prevent you from bidding on work, and in extreme cases put you out of business. How to get your hard earned money back.       Resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode:   Contact Scott and our overpayment recovery partners - www.constructionleadingedge.com/recover Get Out of Your Business: Make it Run Without You This Year: Free online training workshop - www.constructionleadingedge.com/getout Apply to Work with Our Team to Systematize Your Construction Business: www.constructionleadingedge.com/apply Delegate to Elevate: Free ebook from Belay Solutions - https://resources.belaysolutions.com/edge Raken - Get the data you need to build better projects with an app your field crews will actually  use - https://www.rakenapp.com

EPISODE 250: Garrett Moore is a former Navy SEAL, and the founder of Agorus, a company tackling the housing shortage, the labor shortage and using software and robotics to build houses in days instead of months. Here’s what you’ll hear about in this construction podcast with Garrett Moore: How would a team of Navy SEALS build 500 houses. Misconceptions about being a NAVY SEAL. The biggest killer of teamwork. Amateurs train until they get it right and how pros train. How the Pareto principle applies to skilled trades training. Commander’s Intent and how you can use it. The North Star principle. Being stubborn on vision flexible on details. Risk avoidance vs. ownership, and which one creates a low trust environment. Trust allows decentralized command. Who goes first with trust? Why mantras are effective, and a few good ones to remember. What’s better than carrots and sticks? How being lukewarm hurts culture. Resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: Get Out of Your Business: Make it Run Without You This Year: Free online training workshop - www.constructionleadingedge.com/getout Systematize Your Construction Business Results Program - Apply to work with us: www.constructionleadingedge.com/apply Raken - Get the data you need to build better projects with an app your field crews will actually use - https://www.rakenapp.com How to connect with Garrett Moore, founder of Agorus: Company website: https://agorus.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/-garrettmoore-/  

EPISODE 249: Should you set company goals by yourself? What happens when a business acquisition goes wrong? How can a lack of SOPs kill a job instantly? How is Jeremy Flaten, owner of Jerco Construction, actually getting young people interested in the skilled trades? What you’ll take away from this construction podcast episode with Jeremy Flaten, owner of Jerco Construction: One of the greatest perks of being a business owner that might surprise you. How Jeremy uses hockey to get young people in the skilled trades. Why you should never set goals by yourself. How Jeremy is using Execution Plans to create a path to success with his team. How to use social media, even if you hate social media. How a business acquisition went wrong, and what Jeremy learned from it. The business case for a clean jobsite. What happened when Jeremy’s team started putting systems in place. Not having SOPs can kill a job instantly. If you’re not trying to better your business every day, you shouldn’t be in business. Running a business is like coaching in real life. How life is different after working in our coaching program. Resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: Get Out of Your Business: Make it Run Without You This Year: Free online training workshop - www.constructionleadingedge.com/getout Raken - Get the data you need to build better projects with an app your field crews will actually  use - https://www.rakenapp.com   How to connect with Jeremy Flaten: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/JerCoConstruction Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jerco2008/ Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP3T9cmOLxa9ylTcfVx97qw  

EPISODE 248: Here’s what you’ll take away from this construction podcast episode with Brady Fry, owner of Fry Classic Construction in Nashville: What’s better than timely communication? How his experience in the music industry helped him deal with construction issues. How to pave a wide path to success for your team. Why Brady strategically stopped using the word “estimate.” Don’t negotiate against yourself during a project. There are no casual conversations with clients. Talent wants to be on a winning team. The first person guy to get mad usually loses. Figuring out the people is a lifetime endeavor. How important psychology is to being a business owner. Why a really talented person may not want to start their own business.    The virtuous cycle of hiring talented people. Resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: Get Out of Your Business: Make it Run Without You This Year: Free online training workshop - www.constructionleadingedge.com/getout 3 Questions To Get Paid for Estimates:  Don’t write up another free estimate until you watch this free training video - www.buildermasterclass.com/script How to connect with Brady Fry: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/fryclassicconstruction/  Website - www.fryclassicconstruction.com  

EPISODE 247: What you’ll learn about in this construction podcast episode with Todd Dawalt and our Director of Customer Success, Leyah Valgardson: Top 5 fears you’ll need to push through to grow your business. How business owners tend to get in their own way. Are you “shoulding” all over yourself? Harmony vs. Balance. Practical tips to stop screwing yourself over. What’s in it for you in the Systematize Your Construction Business program.   Resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: Get Out of Your Business: Make it Run Without You This Year: Free online training workshop - www.constructionleadingedge.com/getout Delegate to Elevate: Free ebook from Belay Solutions - https://resources.belaysolutions.com/edge

EPISODE 246: How do you feel about the amount of hard earned money you pay to the federal government in taxes?  If there was a federal program designed to reduce your tax liability, but you didn’t know about it, would you want to take advantage of it? This episode is about overpayment recovery and will pull the curtains back on federal tax credits that could be available to you.  Credits that a lot of CPA’s don’t know about, or won’t dig into. Tax credits that a lot of small and medium sized construction businesses are taking advantage of. In this construction podcast episode, you’ll hear my interview with Justin Rupple, a Tax Incentive Specialist answer a few questions, including: What are some of the little known tax credits that are available to construction business owners? How much money is being left on the table every year by the average construction business? Why is it that a lot of CPAs don’t know about, or go after these tax credits? Who are some of the construction businesses who have recovered their overpayments, and how much did they get back? How does the process of recovering your overpayment work, and what’s the first step? What is this tax credit program, and why does it exist? What is the biggest reason most small businesses miss out on these tax credits? Resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: Take the first step to recover your tax overpayments - www.constructionleadingedge.com/recover Get Out of Your Business: Make it Run Without You This Year: Free online training workshop - www.constructionleadingedge.com/getout

EPISODE 245: What you’ll learn about in this construction podcast episode: If you’re delegating tasks, what you should be delegating instead. How to use the DOA concept to speed up decision making What can cost more than a wrong decision One of the myths that needs to be debunked about delegation Why you should divorce communication and accountability The 5 levels of delegation What good delegation will allow your team to find, that’s probably been there all along A lesson from a 1990’s hip hop song Resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: Get Out of Your Business: Make it Run Without You This Year: Free online training workshop - www.constructionleadingedge.com/getout CompanyCam - The photo app every contractor needs - https://companycam.com/cle

EPISODE 244: What you’ll learn about in this construction podcast episode: The “second set of eyes” concept. Advice for second generation business owners. What is exponentially more important in a family business. How a train is always failing. Why and how to depersonalize failure, and even celebrate it. Problems caused by having the company vision and process locked away in his head. When the best way to be profitable is not to focus on profitability. The “Flex Track” and the problems it can solve for you.   Resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: Get Out of Your Business: Make it Run Without You This Year: Free online training workshop - www.constructionleadingedge.com/getout CompanyCam - The photo app every contractor needs - https://companycam.com/cle   How to connect with Mikhail Gannage: Company website - https://www.gannageconstruction.com/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/gannagedesignconstruction Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/gannageconstruction/

EPISODE 243: “Why won’t my team take ownership and solve problems on their own? Why does every problem land back in my lap?” You could be surprised to find out what (and who) the real problems are. What you’ll learn about in this construction podcast episode: The real reasons your team may not be taking ownership and solving problems on their own. How you may be your own worst enemy. The question your team desperately wants an answer to. What, Why and How: Which should you focus on, and which should you stay out of. The danger of having a specific mindset. Resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: Delegate to Elevate: Free ebook from Belay Solutions - https://resources.belaysolutions.com/edge Get Out of Your Business: Make it Run Without You This Year -Free online training workshop - www.constructionleadingedge.com/getout  

EPISODE 242: What you’ll learn about in this construction podcast episode with Levi Benkert, Founder/CEO of Harbor Capital: Levi’s advice if you need to hire someone smarter than you.   What he learned from being a production homebuilder when 2008 hit. Why he focuses on buying real estate and avoids building it. The difference between Just in Time and Just in Case delivery, and the impact on industrial real estate. Why “I have no idea what’s going to happen next” is a great approach to the future. The business case for extending the space between stimulus and response. What happens when you take ownership for problems. How to prepare for a Black Swan event in your business.   Resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: Get Out of Your Business: Make it Run Without You This Year - www.constructionleadingedge.com/getout CompanyCam - The photo app every contractor needs - https://companycam.com/cle How you can connect with Levi Benkert: Company website: www.harborcap.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/Levijameshere

EPISODE 241: What is the Law of Compensation? How do you know if you’re even solving the right problem?  What if you don’t even understand what you’re disagreeing about?  Are you about to start a business that’s a waste of time?  What if you’re about to lose a good employee but you could avoid it?  In this episode you’ll learn one of the most important questions you can ask in 8 crucial situations.  In this episode you’ll learn about 8 situations you may want to ask this question: “What the #$%&  is the REAL problem?” When you find yourself in any sort of disagreement or negotiation If you’re planning to start a business. If you want to make more money as an employee. Why you want to ask it when you’re selling. Problems you can avoid when you think you have an employee performance issue. A few situations you may be dealing with, where the real problem isn’t so obvious. You'll also learn about the Law of Compensation. Resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode:  CompanyCam - The photo app every contractor needs - https://companycam.com/cle Apparatus Contractor Services: Offload Your Bookkeeping Headaches - www.goapparatus.com 3 Questions To Get Paid for Estimates:  Don’t write up another free estimate until you watch this free training video - www.buildermasterclass.com/script Get Out of Your Business: Make it Run Without You This Year: Free online training workshop - www.constructionleadingedge.com/getout

EPISODE 240: Here’s what you’ll get out of this construction podcast episode: 3 things that determine how much your business is worth to an investor. How long should you expect to stick around after you sell your business? Why you should never list a price on your business.  Who actually determines what your business is worth? Who is willing to pay a premium to buy your business?  The one surprising thing you need to know when you go to market. Biggest mistake owners make when they try to sell it. A few things to look at when considering a buyer. Benefits of putting your business on the market the moment you’re thinking about selling. When you should start thinking about your exit strategy. #1 thing to increase the valuation.  Constructive criticism is self love. #1 mistake to avoid when selling. When you need to make sure and maintain focus when selling your business. Resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: Get Out of Your Business: Make it Run Without You This Year - www.constructionleadingedge.com/getout CompanyCam - The photo app every contractor needs - https://companycam.com/cle Schedule a Strategy Call with Todd's Team - www.constructionleadingedge.com How to connect with Kimia Shadrokh of EBIT Associates LTD: Company website: www.EBITassociates.com Email: kshadrokh@ebitassociates.com  

EPISODE 239: What you’ll learn about in this construction podcast episode: “The data was staggering to me.” Why a contractor said that after reviewing his GPS reports. One profit gusher that plagues many small construction businesses. A few questions about your crew’s productivity you may NOT want to answer. 9 practical strategies you can use to stimulate productivity. A policy from Chick-fil-a you may want to adopt The best way to spend 5 minutes at the beginning of every shift One question you should ask your crew today. A great solution for eliminating this profit gusher Resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: Get Out of Your Business: Make it Run Without You This Year - www.constructionleadingedge.com/getout CompanyCam - The photo app every contractor needs - https://companycam.com/cle Curri - Sign up to get $40 of free credit.  Use Curri to deliver your materials.  https://www.constructionleadingedge.com/curri

EPISODE 238: What you'll learn about in this construction podcast episode: What’s in it for you to learn about sustainability and start incorporating it into your projects. Where the growing pressure is coming from, and what could happen to those who get left behind. What is a home energy management system, and why do homeowners want it? How to future-proof your projects The type of green that everybody loves The carrots that are out there when it comes to sustainability, as well as the sticks that could be coming soon. Resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: Get Out of Your Business: Make it Run Without You This Year - www.constructionleadingedge.com/getout Schedule a Strategy Call with Our Team - www.constructionleadingedge.com CompanyCam - The photo app every contractor needs - https://companycam.com/cle Schneider Electric Connected Home - https://www.se.com/us/en/home/offers/connected-home/ KB Home Sustainability reports - www.kbhome.com/sustainability  

EPISODE 237: There are 3 things most business owners want, however they're handcuffed from achieving them.  What are those handcuffs?  How are they affecting you? Here's what you'll learn about in this construction podcast episode: A potentially offensive philosophy about growing your business. 3 things nearly all business owners want How your "I Don't Want's" could be keeping you from your "I Want's" Some lies you my need to stop listening to Growing a business is like doing a backflip off a diving board The secret to getting everything you want, according to Zi Ziglar. A surprising way selfishness shows up Resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: Get Out of Your Business: Make it Run Without You This Year [Free Online Workshop] - Register at www.constructionleadingedge.com/getout  

EPISODE 236: Why is giving work away such a good idea if you want to grow your business?  What's the business case for "corporate social responsibility?"  How did an encounter with a little girl affect Charles early in his career? What you'll learn about in this construction podcast episode: What happens when an entrepreneur gets clarity on their vision. There is something that is better to get wrong than to not try at all.  What is it? "Doing well by doing good."  What that belief model means, and how an encounter with a little girl started it. The business case for corporate social responsibility...why it's good for your business to give work away. The power of authenticity and how you should be using it to connect with your employees and customers. Other resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: Builder Mastermind Group - https://buildermastermindgroup.com CompanyCam - The photo app every contractor needs - https://companycam.com/cle Curri - Sign up to get $40 of free credit.  Use Curri to deliver your materials.  https://www.constructionleadingedge.com/curri Schedule a Strategy Call with Todd Dawalt - www.constructionleadingedge.com   How to connect with Charles Antis: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-antis-a3b6637/ Antis Roofing website: www.antisroofing.com/  

EPISODE 235: Want results? At a certain point you need to forget about setting goals. There’s something else you should focus on instead. In this episode we’ll talk about Right to Left Goal setting, and the right time to forget about setting goals.   Resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: Builder Mastermind Group - https://buildermastermindgroup.com CompanyCam - The photo app every contractor needs - https://companycam.com/cle Flexbase the card built for construction companies - https://www.flexbase.app/todd Schedule a Strategy Call with Todd Dawalt - www.constructionleadingedge.com

EPISODE 234: Hiring high level talent required overcoming a few limiting beliefs, and it's been a key to growing revenue 26% in a year.  What else has Michael Moore done to grow his business and why does he say "success and failure aren't too far apart"?   What you'll take away from this construction podcast episode with Michael Moore, owner of Waterton Construction Group: Advice from a couple of guys who have been fired. The benefits of letting go of your business. Two things he’s done to increase revenue 26% in a year. Two places you need to go if you’re ever in McKinney, TX. Your definition of success is up to you. The right way to define success. Why success and failure aren’t too far apart. Myths about hiring high level talent and the truth about leading people who are better than you. Limiting beliefs around attracting talent and growing your team. The difference between building houses and building a business that builds houses. A few keys to cracking the code on selling. Resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: Waterton Construction Group - https://watertonconstruction.com/ Builder Mastermind Group - https://buildermastermindgroup.com Move the Needle 90 Day Accountability Challenge - https://buildermastermindgroup.com/move CompanyCam - The photo app every contractor needs - https://companycam.com/cle Curri - Sign up to get $40 of free credit.  Use Curri to deliver your materials.  https://www.constructionleadingedge.com/curri Schedule a Strategy Call with Todd Dawalt - www.constructionleadingedge.com  

EPISODE 233: Figuring out the 20% of activities that will yield 80% of results is good.  Figuring out the 5% that will give you 95% is even better, which is what these 5 Big Levers will do for you. What you'll learn about in this construction podcast episode: The 5 Biggest Levers you can pull to get 95/5 results in your business. Painful problems don't necessarily require painful solutions. Why you need to elevate and detach from your business. The two biggest human motivators, and how to leverage them. The first law of combat according to Jocko Willink and Leif Babin. How to design your company for the future. The "Nail the Handoff" process, and how to do it with your team. The #1 sales process lever to pull for homebuilders, remodelers and small commercial GCs. The difference between two personal trainers, and the lesson I learned. How to improve the chances of achieving your goals to 95%. Resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: Builder Mastermind Group - https://buildermastermindgroup.com Move the Needle 90 Day Accountability Challenge - https://buildermastermindgroup.com/move CompanyCam - The photo app every contractor needs - https://companycam.com/cle Curri - Sign up to get $40 of free credit.  Use Curri to deliver your materials.  https://www.constructionleadingedge.com/curri  

EPISODE 232: There's a hidden profit bleed that is killing contractors.  They can feel it but can't see it because it never shows up on an invoice or a bank statement. The worst effects can last a lifetime...  What you'll learn about in this construction podcast episode: - Bagpipes in Nebraska. - What is this hidden profit bleed? - How your future wealth is affected by it. - The only thing you may need to do in order to get paid more. - A lesson from physics. - What you should give the grave, and what you shouldn't take with you. - One form of this profit bleed that can't be measured, but could have the most impact on your life. - A simple 3 step process you can use to start reducing the effect of this profit bleed in your business and life. Resources mentioned in this construction podcast: The Builder Mastermind Group - Avoid costly mistakes by sharing ideas with a group of like minded construction business owners. https://buildermastermindgroup.com Schedule a Strategy Call with Todd Dawalt - https://www.constructionleadingedge.com/ Infratech Outdoor Heaters - https://infratech-usa.com/leadingedge CompanyCam - Document your jobs and protect your company - https://companycam.com/cle    

EPISODE 231: Neil Sundresh has grown Glacier West Construction dramatically in recent years.  How has his approach to quality control, delegation and the "fat steaks and bourbon" strategy helped him do it?  Listen to my conversation with Neil to learn that...and a lot more. What you'll learn about in this construction podcast episode with Neil Sundresh, owner of Glacier West Construction:  The “Fat Steaks and Bourbon strategy” and how Neil uses it to rob his clients. Stealing the magic sushi sauce How do you really scratch a client’s itch? Working with customers who can’t have mistakes. Why Neil says every builder should be a designer. A top down approach to quality control, and how it ties into sales. Importance of staying the heck out of the way. Delegation is not the same as autonomy. How to be insulated from problems. Sometimes you’re not in charge of your growth How to connect with Neil Sundresh: Company website: https://www.glacierwest.ca/ Resources mentioned in this construction podcast: The Builder Mastermind Group - Avoid costly mistakes by sharing ideas with a group of like minded construction business owners. https://buildermastermindgroup.com Schedule a Strategy Call with Todd Dawalt - https://constructionleadingedge.as.me/freesession Infratech Outdoor Heaters - https://infratech-usa.com/leadingedge    

  EPISODE 230: What you'll hear about in this construction podcast episode with Monish Khadye: - The business case for happiness - What are "dinner date" clients and why you want them - His rule for emails that don't allow him to be a jerk - Being happy to ask foolish questions. - When your goals aren't really YOUR goals - Keys to working with your spouse in a true partnership - The only way you're guaranteed not to fail - Embracing technology to make subcontractors more profitable and compress schedules. - Their upside down approach to business goal setting. - How he uses automation to deliver a higher volume of projects. - How he's cracked the code on performance reviews and peer reviews.   How to connect with Monish Khadye: Company website: https://www.khadye.com.au   Resources mentioned in this construction podcast: The Builder Mastermind Group - Avoid costly mistakes by sharing ideas with a group of like minded construction business owners. https://buildermastermindgroup.com Schedule a Strategy Call with Todd Dawalt - https://constructionleadingedge.as.me/freesession Start using the Preconstruction Services Agreement to Get Paid for Estimates - https://buildermasterclass.com/script  

EPISODE 229: What were the benefits of starting his homebuilding business in 2008? Alex Gregg explains, and also discusses some keys to setting expectations with multi-million dollar customers and knowing when to say "No." Here's what you're going to learn about in this construction podcast episode with Alex Gregg: - The benefits of starting a homebuilding business in 2008. - Keys to communicating with customers on multi-million dollar projects. - Expectations he sets with his clients. - How Alex thinks about failure, and a term that's better than failure. - How being part of the Builder Mastermind Group has re-energized him. - How using templates helps him automate his projects, avoid reinventing the wheel every time, and which templates he's been focused on. - The importance of knowing your costs. - How to know when to say No.   Resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: Live Meetup November 11-12 in Sarasota, FL - https://buildermasterclass.com/live The Builder Mastermind Group - https://buildermastermindgroup.com Schedule a Strategy Call with Todd Dawalt - www.constructionleadingedge.com   How to connect with Alex Gregg: Website - https://gregghomebuilding.com/ FaceBook - https://www.facebook.com/gregghomebuilding Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/gregghomebuilding  

EPISODE 228: What you're going to learn from this construction podcast episode with Tom Reber: -Your customers are always feeling something. Whose job is it to be in control of what they're feeling? - What is the Contractor Fight? The person you're fighting may surprise you. - Some of the common self-imposed struggles you may be dealing with. - Why Tom says it's a 100% guarantee you're the problem. - Why you shouldn't wish it was easier. - How things are probably much simpler than you're making them. - Tom explains the question, "Can you win six seconds?" - Tom also talks about his book and a TV show that are coming out soon. Resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: Free copy of Winning the Contractor Fight by Tom Reber - https://thecontractorfight.com/book/ Live Meetup November 11-12 in Sarasota, FL - https://buildermasterclass.com/live The Builder Mastermind Group - https://buildermastermindgroup.com Schedule a Strategy Call with Todd Dawalt - www.constructionleadingedge.com  

EPISODE 227: What is "Right to Left" thinking, and how can it help you scale your business, nail the handoff, avoid hiring mistakes, and get buy-in on your project schedules? What you'll learn about in this construction podcast episode: - The common symptoms of Left to Right operation in a construction business. How "Right to Left" thinking can be used: - Strategic planning for your business. - Setting and achieving your financial targets. - Creating a system for sales and lead generation. - Nailing the handoff to eliminate chaos on your jobsites. - Hiring for a newly created role. - Getting your field team bought into your project schedules. Resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: Live Meetup November 11-12 in Sarasota, FL - https://buildermasterclass.com/live Schedule a Strategy Call with Todd Dawalt - www.constructionleadingedge.com  

EPISODE 226: Most contractors aren't really in the building business. Why did John Wojtas downsize from 40 employees in 19 states, and how has he scaled his custom homebuilding business in the last year?   What you'll learn about in this construction podcast episode with John Wojtas of Paxis Group: - Why John downsized from 40 employees working in 19 states. - How he has grown from 4 to 13 employees in about 14 months. - When 80% of schedule overruns can be prevented - Why his company doesn't bid on projects. - A surprising benefit of using a Preconstruction Services Agreement. - Why John says he's not really in the building business, as a custom home builder. - The power of the pause. - Why he joined the Builder Mastermind Group, and the benefits he's seen as a member. - Crack the Code segment: One surprising strategy John uses with his people. Resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode:   The Builder Mastermind Group - Avoid costly mistakes by sharing ideas with a group of like minded construction business owners. https://buildermastermindgroup.com Schedule a Strategy Call with Todd Dawalt - https://constructionleadingedge.as.me/freesession   Start using the Preconstruction Services Agreement to Get Paid for Estimates - https://buildermasterclass.com/script  

EPISODE 225: What you'll learn from this construction podcast episode with Jerry McDaniels, owner of McDaniels Construction: - The benefits of starting a business twice. - Ghost expenses. - How and why Jerry is so focused on improving lives. - What burning the ships looked like for Jerry. - How Jerry knew he had to start his own business. - Why bigger is not better, and what actually is better. - The often-overlooked thing Jerry does that gets him more work than anything. - How Jerry's employees do self-evaluations. - One thing Jerry and his team have cracked the code on in business. - What led Jerry to join the Builder Mastermind Group, and the connection between strength in numbers and confidence.   Resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: The Builder Mastermind Group - https://buildermastermindgroup.com  

EPISODE 224: Bobby Williams was a teacher and football coach with a side-hustle construction business. How did he grow the business, how is he turning customers into disciples and what is the change he made recently that revolutionized the business? Here's what you're going to get out of this construction podcast episode: - How football coaching strategies apply to running a construction business. - How and why Bobby turned his side hustle construction business into a full time job. - Developing mental toughness. - Benefits of having a clearly defined and tight radius. - How to turn clients into disciples. - How a TV show cost him $22,000. - One thing BGW Construction has cracked the code on that has revolutionized their business. Resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: The Builder Mastermind Group - https://buildermastermindgroup.com How to Get Paid for Estimates - Watch this free training video before you do another free estimate - https://buildermasterclass.com/script How to connect with Bobby Williams and BGW Construction: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bgwconstruction Website - www.bgwconstructionllc.com  

EPISODE 223: What you'll learn about in this construction podcast episode from The Construction Leading Edge Podcast: - Benefits of starting a business in an economic downturn. - Unique challenges of building on an island. - When you have to taper your opinions. - Benefits of starting a business during an economic downturn. - The specific software and systems Ryan runs his business with. - Big differences between Quickbooks and Sage. - Setting expectations leads to happy customers. - What's in it for you to care about other people's feelings. - Finding shorter routes in your processes, and how to do it. - Why and how Ryan is constantly trying to work himself out of a job. Resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: 3 Minute Survey for the Builder Mastermind Group - https://buildermasterclass.com/mastermind 3 Questions to Help You Get Paid for Estimates - https://buildermasterclass.com/script Apparatus Contractor Services - Bookkeeping, financial reporting and payroll service for contractors - https://goapparatus.com How to connect with Ryan Perrone of Nautilus Homes: Company website: www.Nautilus-homes.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nautilushomessrq Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nautiluscustomhomes  

EPISODE 222: Here's what you're going to get out of this construction podcast episode: Creating a trust based organization, and how conflict helps create trust. How Reconstruction Experts has scaled to over $100 million in a short time. What are some common mistakes businesses make when trying to scale up? How important are systems and processes to scaling up, and why? Why do some people leave when you implement processes? What are some key differences between the CFO role and the CEO role, and what advice would you offer to someone who wants to make that transition? Rich's favorite failure. We go deep into the process of implementing systems and processes in your business. Where do you start? How do you get your team to implement it? What mistakes should you avoid? Resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: 3 Minute Survey for the Builder Mastermind Group - https://buildermasterclass.com/mastermind 3 Questions to Help You Get Paid for Estimates - https://buildermasterclass.com/script Apparatus Contractor Services - Bookkeeping, financial reporting and payroll service for contractors - https://goapparatus.com How to connect with Reconstruction Experts: Website: https://www.reconexp.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reconstruction_experts/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/ReconstructionExpertsInc/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/reconexphq  

EPISODE 221: John Warrillow is an expert in the mechanics of selling a business. He's helped thousands of business owners build and harvest the value of a business, and his written several books on the subject. Here's what you're going to learn about in this construction podcast episode: - Why most construction businesses are unsellable, and what to do to fix it. - What is TVR? - Trojan Horse effect of a subscription model. - The "Freedom Point", and how it relates to the right time to sell your business. - What John calls the "Pull Factor" and why it's important if you're planning to sell...or even retire. - Disastrous mistakes to avoid when selling a business. - Due diligence you should be doing as the seller. - Clauses to watch out for during a transaction. - I asked John what the #1 thing sellers do to sabotage themselves. - The question you don't want to answer during the negotiation. - Why the value of your business is in the eye of the beholder. Resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: STRUXI Labor Productivity Software - https://struxi.com 3 Questions to Help You Get Paid for Estimates - https://buildermasterclass.com/script Mastermind Group for CoConstruct Users- https://buildermasterclass.com/cogroup Schedule Your Strategy Call with Todd Dawalt - https://buildermasterclass.com/apply Connect with John Warrillow and get some of his resources - https://learn.builttosell.com/construction  

EPISODE 220: Mike Brewer is CEO of a plumbing business in Arizona with 400 employees. They stopped trying to find plumbers. Now they're creating them. What you'll learn about in this construction podcast episode: - How one word on your business card can steer business decisions. - The unique solution Mike's company is using to solve the skilled labor shortage. They're not trying to find plumbers...they're making them. - The piece of information that would have prevented Mike from starting his training program if he had known about it. - How he almost went out of business three times, and a couple of the reasons behind the near failure. - Importance of attaching actions to outcomes. - Why they provide financial management training for their new hires. - "Not having cash puts you out of business faster than anything else." - Importance of staying in your lane, understanding your limits. - MIke's thoughts on having a business coach and a system to follow. Resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: STRUXI Labor Productivity Software - https://struxi.com 3 Questions to Help You Get Paid for Estimates - https://buildermasterclass.com/script Mastermind Group for CoConstruct Users- https://buildermasterclass.com/cogroup Schedule Your Strategy Call with Todd Dawalt - https://buildermasterclass.com/apply Brewer Companies website: www.brewercompanies.com Brewer University: www.breweruniversity.com Brewer Craftsman Academy Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/BrewerCraftsmanAcademy Build Your Future Arizona: www.BYFAZ.org  

EPISODE 219: What you're going to hear about in this construction podcast episode with Kevin Oakley of Doyouconver.com: - How to avoid "selling yourself into bankruptcy." - Why advertising has zero momentum. - Tips on talking to your customers about problems caused by material delays and price increases. - What's happening with the Build to Rent market. - The most interesting trends Kevin is seeing with builders across the country right now. - Why now is a good time to pace yourself, no matter how badly you feel like you need to grow. - Some of the biggest mistakes many contractors are making, that you want to avoid.   Resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: STRUXI Labor Productivity Software - https://struxi.com 3 Questions to Help You Get Paid for Estimates - https://buildermasterclass.com/script Mastermind Group for CoConstruct Users- https://buildermasterclass.com/cogroup Schedule Your Strategy Call with Todd Dawalt - https://buildermasterclass.com/apply   How to connect with Kevin Oakley: Company website: https://www.doyouconvert.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinoakley/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/koakley81  

EPISODE 218: How did a moped accident set Connor Crook up for success? Why did an attorney buy a toolbelt company, and why is having an audience such a great idea? What you'll hear about in this construction podcast episode with Connor Crook, CEO of Diamondback Tool Co.: - Why should a business create an audience, and how do you go about building that audience? - Connor's process for creating new products, and why you might want to try it. - How do you know when to say no? - Some bad jokes about being an attorney with the last name Crook, and how he ended up owning a toolbelt business. - They Diamondback is doing about helping the skilled labor shortage. - The difference between IG and LI marketing - How a moped accident changed his life and set him up for success.   Resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: STRUXI Labor Productivity Software - https://struxi.com 3 Questions to Help You Get Paid for Estimates - https://buildermasterclass.com/script Mastermind Group for CoConstruct Users- https://buildermasterclass.com/cogroup Schedule Your Strategy Call with Todd Dawalt - https://buildermasterclass.com/apply   How to connect with Connor Crook: Diamondback Tool  - https://toolbelts.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/diamondback.toolbelts/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/connor-crook-bb82b110/      

EPISODE 217: What you'll learn about in this construction podcast episode: - Four steps construction business owners need to take in order to create financial freedom. - Four situations many contractors are stuck in, that you want to avoid. - How to get in the driver's seat with your cash flow. - The difference between insights and information. - Biggest mistakes that lead to "impossibly priced" projects that have no chance of profitability. -Where to start if you have plenty of work and your jobs are profitable, but not enough money in the bank. - Why cash flow problems aren't really problems.   Resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: How to Drive Your Cash Flow - https://buildermasterclass.com/drive Construction Financial Masterclass - https://buildermasterclass.com/cfo  

EPISODE 216: Kyle Little is the COO of Sherwood Lumber, one of the largest lumber distributors in the US.   What you're doing to get out of this construction podcast episode: - What's going on behind the scenes of skyrocketing lumber prices...that most people don't know? - How the fallout from 2008 connects to what's going on now. - Is this the new norm with lumber prices? - Is there a bubble coming? - What does the supply chain working itself out look like? - How can developer or contractor lock in price for a project in a year? - Transitioning leadership to a new generation - What does the future of the lumber prices look like from Kyle's perspective? - What is Sherwood Lumber doing to help address the problem with lumber prices?   Resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: STRUXI Labor Productivity Software - https://struxi.com Apparatus Bookkeeping Service - https://goapparatus.com Construction Financial Masterclass - https://buildermasterclass.com/cfo   How to connect with Kyle Little: Company website - https://sherwoodlumber.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyle-little-71547837/  

EPISODE 215: What you'll hear about in this construction podcast episode: - 3 DNA statements at Western Allied. - Keys to successful transition of leadership from one generation to the next. - One of Angie's favorite failures, and what she learned about rolling out a new process. - One thing that surprised her about being CEO, and her top priorities in that role. - Unconscious biases. - Angie's advice to young women who want to move into senior leadership. - The difference between diversity and inclusion. - A summer camp she's running to get young people into the trades. - Why helping your competitors get better is good for you.   How to connect with Angie Simon: Company website - www.westernallied.com SMACNA - www.smacna.org Let's Talk Shop Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lets-talk-shop/id1462173868   Resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: STRUXI Labor Productivity Software - https://struxi.com Apparatus Bookkeeping Service - https://goapparatus.com Construction Financial Masterclass - https://buildermasterclass.com/cfo

EPISODE 214: Mike is the CEO of MaterialsXchange, the digital marketplace to buy and sell wood products, bringing e-commerce efficiency to the process.  What you'll hear about in this construction podcast episode: -What's going on behind the scenes of skyrocketing lumber prices...that most people don't know? - How John Deere was going to wreck the economy. - The difference between a supply web and supply chain. - Where's all the money going? - What does the future of the lumber prices look like from Mike's perspective? - Difference between a supply web and a supply chain. - Mike explains what he means when he said, "When there's this much money laying around, someone's going to come pick it up." - Democratization of the market, and what it means. Resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: STRUXI Labor Productivity Software - https://struxi.com Apparatus Bookkeeping Service - https://goapparatus.com Construction Financial Masterclass - https://buildermasterclass.com/cfo How to connect with Mike Wisnefski: Company website - www.materialsxchange.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-wisnefski-6b32b57/  

EPISODE 213: What you'll hear about in this construction podcast episode: - Why Margaret Whelan says we have a process constraint, not a labor constraint. - What's going on with the build to rent product. - How to be a thought leader. - Creating demand vs. adding to supply. - The builders who are disrupting housing. - The best career advice Margaret received. - Why some of the biggest homebuilders aren't really homebuilders. - Why successful builders build every house twice -The biggest risk to the homebuilding industry right now? - What are some things going on at the macro level of the housing industry Margaret is most interested in? -The biggest opportunities builders should prepare to jump on over the next few years. - Autopsy accounting - What you need to do if you want to sell your business. How to connect with Margaret Whelan: Company website - https://www.whelanadvisoryllc.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/whelanmargaret Resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: STRUXI Labor Productivity Software - https://struxi.com Apparatus Bookkeeping Service - https://goapparatus.com Construction Financial Masterclass - https://buildermasterclass.com/cfo  

EPISODE 212: Ward Schraeder is a venture capitalist who has done bankruptcy turnarounds on 30+ businesses.  He's a real estate developer and most recently, host of the HGTV show Bargain Mansions   Here's what you're going to get out of this construction podcast episode: - Common factors among 30+ businesses in bankruptcy he was tasked with turning around. - The one reason that led him to shut down more businesses than anything else. - How he analyzes a business venture right off the bat. - How he accidentally became a TV personality. - Failure might be a myth. - What he's learned from working with people in the TV business. - Most common mistakes he sees contractors making. How to connect with Ward Schraeder: Website - https://wardschraeder.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/wardschraeder/ Vaya Space Rocket Company - https://www.vayaspace.com/ Brookfield Assisted Living in Arkansas - www.brookfieldseniors.com Resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: GoSite: Take Control of Customer Reviews - https://www.gosite.com/podcast Approval: Get Paid Faster Based on Project Milestones - https://www.withapproval.com Construction Financial Masterclass: Master the financial side of the business - https://buildermasterclass.com/cfo 3 Questions to Help You Get Paid for Estimates: https://buildermasterclass.com/script

EPISODE 211: Here's what you're going to get out of this construction podcast episode with Russ Little, of Jones Lang LaSalle: - Why "Coopetition" is better than competition. - How and why to get started with "relationship mining." - One common mistake to avoid when you start working with a new client... or change jobs. - Some changes Russ would suggest to contractors who want to be more successful. - The most challenging aspects of working inside large client organizations. - One particularly difficult employee Russ managed the most difficult situation he caused for Russ. - How an apparent failure turned out to be a setup for later success. - Red flags that tell you it’s time to have a talk with an employee. Resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: GoSite: Take Control of Customer Reviews - https://www.gosite.com/podcast Approval: Get Paid Faster Based on Project Milestones - https://www.withapproval.com Construction Financial Masterclass: Master the financial side of the business - https://buildermasterclass.com/cfo 3 Questions to Help You Get Paid for Estimates: https://buildermasterclass.com/script How to connect with Russ Little: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/russ-little-1a60b44/ Company website: www.us.jll.com  

EPISODE 210: Here's what you're going to get out of this construction podcast episode with Justin Bride of Ascent Contracting: - The difference between commercial and residential construction, and what each can learn from the other. - The importance of preconstruction in the residential construction industry. What happens when it's NOT done well? - How to market to architects and build relationships with them. - How Justin and his team get referrals from clients. - One specific red flag Justin looks for when talking to prospects. - One thing he focuses on showing homeowners and architects, so he can ignore his competition. - One key to a successful project that is often overlooked. - What Justin believes the role of the general contractor to be, which might surprise you. - A couple of things he feels like his company has cracked the code on. Resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: GoSite: Take Control of Customer Reviews - https://www.gosite.com/podcast Approval: Get Paid Faster Based on Project Milestones - https://www.withapproval.com Construction Financial Masterclass: Master the financial side of the business - https://buildermasterclass.com/cfo 3 Questions to Help You Get Paid for Estimates: https://buildermasterclass.com/script How to connect with Justin Bride: Company website - www.ascentcontractinginc.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ascentcontractinginc/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ascentcontracting  

EPISODE 209: Here's what you're going to get out of this construction podcast episode: - Things to stop doing if you want to recruit and hire young people. - What do most people get wrong about the skilled labor situation? - What is CREW Collaborative? - How the Build My Future event is different from other career fairs. - What ISN'T working when it comes to attracting young people? - What are some out of the box approaches Brandon recommends? - Why you need to stop letting people tell your stories and some advice on how you can get started. - Keys to retaining employees once they come on board.   Resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: GoSite: Take Control of Customer Reviews - https://www.gosite.com/podcast Approval: Get Paid Faster Based on Project Milestones - https://www.withapproval.com Construction Financial Masterclass: Master the financial side of the business - https://buildermasterclass.com/cfo 3 Questions to Help You Get Paid for Estimates: https://buildermasterclass.com/script   How to connect with Brandon Patterson: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonmpatterson/ Iowa Skilled Trades - www.iowaskilledtrades.com Crew Collaborative -  https://crewcollab.org/  

EPISODE 208: What you'll get out of this construction podcast episode: - The Art Of Delegation: How To Get Out Of Your Own Way - Addition Through Subtraction: How To Compound Your Results - Cost-Plus vs. Fixed-Cost projects. - The top one or two root cause problems builders and remodelers should focus on. - Putting systems and processes in place. - The problem with free estimates Resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: Fieldchat: Messaging built for construction teams - https://get.fieldchat.com/edge GoSite: Take Control of Customer Reviews - https://www.gosite.com/podcast Construction Financial Masterclass: Master the financial side of the business - https://buildermasterclass.com/cfo 3 Questions to Help You Get Paid for Estimates: https://buildermasterclass.com/script How to connect with Bryan Kaplan: Bryan's website - https://constructionconsulting.co/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/constructionconsulting.co

EPISODE 207: What you'll get out of this construction podcast episode: - Kristin Larson's top priorities as a CEO of Southwest Industrial Electric. - The keys to growing from 10 employees to 50, and the failure cycle she had to stop. - The few things on her financial dashboard she uses to keep tabs on her business. - A mindset shift that is common to most successful construction business owners. - How Southwest Electric uses games to achieve targets. - Communicating to a resolution with family members. - The system they SimPro for managing projects and maintenance work. - A situation where they made a mistake with a client, and how they dealt with it. totally honest with a customer when we make a mistake. Resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: Fieldchat: Messaging built for construction teams - https://get.fieldchat.com/edge GoSite: Take Control of Customer Reviews - https://www.gosite.com/podcast Construction Financial Masterclass: Master the financial side of the business - https://buildermasterclass.com/cfo 3 Questions to Help You Get Paid for Estimates: https://buildermasterclass.com/script   How to connect with Kristin Larson: Company website - https://www.southwestelectric.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-larson-718106b7/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/southwestindustrialelectric/  

EPISODE 206: What you'll get out of this construction podcast episode: What does Spencer Powell mean when he says to become "the Red Bull of the construction space." How the "script has flipped" when it comes to sales and marketing. Marketing activities that are mistakes and wastes of time. What a marketing funnel is, and the keys to a good one. Why did Spencer write an open letter to Houzz? Where you should focus efforts and resources to get the most bang for your marketing buck. How to get started creating content for your website and social media. A genius strategy for building referral partner relationships. The "Do More of What's Working" philosophy. The difference between the design of your website and the performance of your website.  Spencer's new book - The Remodeler Marketing Blueprint Resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: Fieldchat: Messaging built for construction teams - https://get.fieldchat.com/edge GoSite: Take Control of Customer Reviews - https://www.gosite.com/podcast 3 Questions to Help You Get Paid for Estimates: https://buildermasterclass.com/script The Remodeler Marketing Blueprint Book - https://remodelermarketingblueprint.com How to connect with Spencer Powell: Builder Funnel website - https://www.builderfunnel.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencerwpowell/  

EPISODE 205: 64% of construction companies fail in the first five years, usually because of cash flow problems. In this construction podcast episode you'll learn about: 8 mistakes construction business owners make when trying to solve their cash flow problems. What "Right to Left" operation looks like, and how it solved cash flow problems for one business. Some of the most common side effects of cash flow struggles. Details on The Construction Financial Masterclass - https://buildermasterclass.com/cfo What will you learn in this Masterclass: 1. Optimize your bookkeeping setup. 2. How to analyze your financial statements. 3. Pricing your work for profit 4. Maximizing your cash flow Get all the details on the Construction Financial Masterclass at https://buildermasterclass.com/cfo  

EPISODE 204: What you'll get out of this construction podcast episode: - How can going modular help builders deal with the current lumber price situation? - "All modular homes are prefab homes but not all prefab homes are modular homes." What does that mean? - What's in it for the homeowner in the way of indoor air quality? - What is the business opportunity in the modular business? - A few misconceptions and myths about modular? - How are permitting and inspections handled on modular homes? - If a builder wants to build either a spec or custom modular home, how would they get started? - What is going on at the macro-level in the industry? - Escalation clauses and contingency fee in financing to mitigate the risk of skyrocketing lumber prices. - The confusing "M" words. - Is modular is a type of home or a construction method? - Modular math allows for speed.   Resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: Fieldchat: Messaging built for construction teams - https://get.fieldchat.com/edge GoSite: Take Control of Customer Reviews - https://www.gosite.com/podcast Be Your Own CFO Masterclass: Master the financial side of the business - https://buildermasterclass.com/cfo 3 Questions to Help You Get Paid for Estimates: https://buildermasterclass.com/script Impresa Modular: https://impresamodular.com/ Connect with Ken Semler on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kensemler/

EPISODE 203: What you'll get out of this construction podcast episode: - Unique challenges of a project that is over 1,000,000 sf on a 125 acre site. - How to get people to fill out daily reports. - The tools two superintendents from Willmeng Construction are using to keep up with hundreds of employees on a massive project. - How they're using FieldChat and ProCore to revolutionize their operation. - A few ingenious ways to use QR codes on your jobsites. - Tips for getting people on board with using new technology or processes. - Some of the common misconceptions about being a construction superintendent, and what Jeremy and Derek think it's about. Resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: Fieldchat: Messaging built for construction teams - https://get.fieldchat.com/edge GoSite: Take Control of Customer Reviews - https://www.gosite.com/podcast Be Your Own CFO Masterclass: Master the financial side of the business - https://buildermasterclass.com/cfo 3 Questions to Help You Get Paid for Estimates: https://buildermasterclass.com/script

EPISODE 202: What you'll learn about in this construction podcast episode: "Stop screwing around with symptoms" How to get to the root cause of just about any problem. The "Systems Mindset" and what it looks like. Top 4 Profit Bleeds most contractors suffer from. Two big profit bleeds that can't be quantified, but are incredibly expensive. Answer to the question, "Where do I start putting systems in place?" Right to Left Thinking Five areas of your business to systematize, and how to get some quick wins. Resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: CoConstruct Masterclass - Eliminate bleeds to maximize your bottom line profits - https://buildermasterclass.com/coconstruct 3 Questions to Help You Get Paid for Estimates - https://buildermasterclass.com/script GoSite: Take Control of Customer Reviews - https://www.gosite.com/podcast Apparatus Contractor Services: Bookkeeping, Payroll and Financial Reporting for Small Construction Businesses - https://goapparatus.com Be Your Own CFO Masterclass - Master the financial side of the business - https://buildermasterclass.com/cfo  

EPISODE 201: What does a Navy SEAL strategy for raiding insurgent houses have to do with minimizing chaos for you?  I'll try to explain... What you'll learn about in this construction podcast episode: How a "touch it once" system helped Navy SEALs catch more insurgents during the war on terror. How "Point of Sale Thinking" will help you eliminate chaos in your business...even if you never use a cash register. How to use technology to automate your remembering and reminding. What an automated sales process looks like. How to set up a change order request process. An ingenious way of eliminating the headache of tracking PTO and vacation time. Resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: The Sales Autopilot Funnel - How to automate your sales process - https://buildermasterclass.com/autopilot Be Your Own CFO Masterclass - Master the financial side of the business - https://buildermasterclass.com/cfo CoConstruct Masterclass - Eliminate bleeds to maximize your bottom line profits - https://buildermasterclass.com/coconstruct Work The System: The Simple Mechanics of Making More and Working Less by Sam Carpenter Extreme Ownership: Jocko Willink and Leif Babin  

EPISODE 200: Martha Weidmann - CEO and Co-Founder at NINE dot ARTS | Art Consultants and Curators. NINE dot ARTS uses the power of original art to transform spaces (office buildings, multifamily, large land developments, healthcare facilities, to name a few, into experiences. They bridge the gap between arts and business.   What you'll get out of this construction podcast episode: - Martha's advice on selling to developers and project owners. -How does art pay for itself? - The difference between spaces and experience, and the business case for investing in that. - Creative placemaking. - A few difficult project situations she has worked through. - What makes a contractor successful, and why she hired the most expensive GC on her own commercial renovation project. Resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: Bosch Bluehound Asset Management - https://bluehound.boschtools.com/ 3 Questions to Help You Get Paid for Estimates - https://buildermasterclass.com/script Mastermind Group for CoConstruct Users - https://buildermasterclass.com/cogroup How to connect with Martha Weidmann: Company website - https://ninedotarts.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/martha-weidmann-b112396/

How many referrals are you losing because of your warranty process? Matt Hobbs shares some keys to a rock solid warranty program. What you'll hear about in this construction podcast episode: - The surprising connection between your referrals and the warranty period. - How to prevent warranty claims, regardless of the type of work you do. - Four keys to a rock solid warranty program -The biggest challenges builders are facing right now. - Root causes behind warranty issues - Four wall execution as a business development strategy - The benefits of finding a partner to handle your warranty program Resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: Bosch Bluehound Asset Management - https://bluehound.boschtools.com/ 3 Questions to Help You Get Paid for Estimates - https://buildermasterclass.com/script Mastermind Group for CoConstruct Users - https://buildermasterclass.com/cogroup How to connect with Matt Hobbs: Company website - www.prohome.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-hobbs-87706b198/ Email: matt(at)prohome.com

What you'll get out of this construction podcast episode: - How creating space to fail allows for innovation. - The surprising connection between safety and asset tracking. - Problems with the typical approaches to asset tracking on jobsites. - One way to create a culture of accountability. - An interesting jobsite Innovation Lab Oracle created, and some surprising things they learned from watching real life construction folks in the wild. - Which assets make sense to track on your jobsites, and what doesn't make sense. - How a platform can be leadership's "single point of truth." Resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: Bosch Bluehound Asset Tracking - https://Bluehound.boschtools.com 3 Questions to Help You Get Paid for Estimates - https://buildermasterclass.com/script Mastermind Group for CoConstruct Users - https://buildermasterclass.com/cogroup

You should walk into every contract expecting to negotiate?  Learn what to look for and how to quit getting screwed. What you'll get from this construction podcast episode with construction attorney Karalynn Cromeens: - The bid and scope are never the same, and not understanding the difference has cost some people their business. - There's no room for charity in a business transaction. - What is the first rule of subcontracts? - Common misconceptions about subcontracts. - How liens work and why they are leverage. - You should walk into every subcontract expecting to negotiate. What are some negotiation strategies? - Clauses to look out for in subcontract agreements - How to negotiate a "Pay when paid" clause - "Being clear is kind." - You say that "the bid and scope are never the same" and that you've had clients lose their entire business because they didn't realize this. - Tell us about the Subcontractor Institute - Talk about your book - Quit Getting Screwed Resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: Quit Getting Screwed: Understanding and Negotiating the Subcontract by Karalynn Cromeens- https://amzn.to/2Z2n725 Billd - They'll pay your supplier up front and give you 120 day terms.  Learn more and estimate your cash flow needs at http://www.billd.com/CLE 3 Questions to Help You Get Paid for Estimates - https://buildermasterclass.com/script Mastermind Group for CoConstruct Users- https://buildermasterclass.com/cogroup   How you can connect with Karalynn Cromeens https://subcontractorinstitute.com/ Karalynn Cromeens on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/karalynn-cromeens-55ba216/ Company website - https://cromeenslawfirm.com  

In this episode you'll hear my conversation with Ken Kucera, Vice President of Installed Sales and Manufacturing at 84 Lumber. What you'll learn from this construction podcast episode: - How you, the contractor, can get better value from your supplier. Info to share, questions to ask. - How will the lumber supply business look different to builders in the next 5 years? - Tips for nailing the handoff from design to manufacturing to supplier to the field. His team does a couple of innovative things. - Behind the scenes effects of COVID on a manufacturer and supplier like 84 Lumber. - Servant leadership - Why is 84 Lumber investing so much in manufacturing facilities? - What are some misconceptions builders have about 84 Lumber's manufacturing capability? - What capabilities 84 has that builders are missing out on? -How does 84 Lumber want to partner with builders? Resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: Billd - They'll pay your supplier up front and give you 120 day terms.  Learn more and estimate your cash flow needs at http://www.billd.com/CLE 3 Questions to Help You Get Paid for Estimates - https://buildermasterclass.com/script Mastermind Group for CoConstruct Users- https://buildermasterclass.com/cogroup How to connect with Ken Kucera, Vice President of Installed Sales and Manufacturing at 84 Lumber: Ken's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenneth-kucera-37981331/ 84 Lumber website - https://www.84lumber.com

Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas survived her brother's suicide and is now a subject matter expert in workplace suicide prevention, men's mental health and resilience. What you'll learn from this construction podcast episode: - Why a business owner said to her over coffee, "I don't want to wait until an employees dies." - Story about what a police chief said to one of his officers after he attempted suicide. - Why does the construction industry have one of the highest suicide rates? - What is the #1 canary in the coal mine, so to speak, when it comes to suicide. - How do issues of mental health connect with jobsite safety? - A few things to think about if you're within 10 years of retirement. - Behaviors that are early indicators you want to watch out for. - Crisis Inoculation Plan Resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: Workplace Suicide Prevention- https://workplacesuicideprevention.com/ Billd - They'll pay your supplier up front and give you 120 day terms.  Learn more and estimate your cash flow needs at http://www.billd.com/CLE 3 Questions to Help You Get Paid for Estimates - https://buildermasterclass.com/script Mastermind Group for CoConstruct Users- https://buildermasterclass.com/cogroup How to connect with Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas: https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com/

Here's what you'll get out of this construction podcast episode: - What is the #1 mistake small business owners make when recruiting for a new employee? - Questions you can ask to determine culture fit. - What is the #1 mistake small business owners make during the first week? - Why is the first week for an employee so critical? - What's the 80/20 on onboarding? - When and how do you introduce objectives and performance metrics to new hires? - How to keep your good employees.  - How can companies tie employee performance into the compensation strategy? - What is your employer brand and why does it matter? - Tips and tricks for finding new employees.   Resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: Resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: Download the 5 Steps to Align & Amplify Your Employer Brand - https://www.essentialhr.ca/leadingedge  LL Flooring - http://www.llflooring.com/pro Billd - They'll pay your supplier up front and give you 120 day terms.  Learn more at http://www.billd.com/CLE 3 Questions to Help You Get Paid for Estimates - https://buildermasterclass.com/script Mastermind Group for CoConstruct Users- https://buildermasterclass.com/cogroup How to connect with Laura Tolhoek of Essential HR: Email- laura@essentialhr.ca Website - https://essentialhr.ca LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/company/essential-hr-canada/

An interview with Corina Burton, Co-Owner of CPR Construction Cleaning, which currently serves the Arizona, Utah and California markets. This is a great conversation where we discuss topics including: - Why Corina says it's important to expect nothing in life. - What it was like starting a business as a single mom. - Transparency and authenticity. Most people shy away from these, but Corina has leveraged them to grow her business. - How she manages doubt and fear. - Her approach to maintaining a positive mindset, and he she deals with the inevitable setbacks entrepreneurs face.   Resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: LL Flooring - http://www.llflooring.com/pro 3 Questions to Help You Get Paid for Estimates - https://buildermasterclass.com/script Mastermind Group for CoConstruct Users- https://buildermasterclass.com/cogroup   How to connect with Corina Burton: Company website - https://cprclean.com/ LInkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/corina-burton-62815822

Pitfalls to avoid when promoting your people and creating job titles for them. What you'll get from this construction podcast episode: The Law of Crappy People Avoiding the Peter Principle in your company. How to (and why you should) think about job titles. The pitfalls of promoting people, and how you can skip them. How to set up a low stress promotion process for your team.   Resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: The Hard Thing About Hard Things: Building a Business When There Are No Easy Answers by Ben Horowitz - https://amzn.to/394dcxi LL Flooring - http://www.llflooring.com/pro 3 Questions to Help You Get Paid for Estimates - https://buildermasterclass.com/script Mastermind Group for CoConstruct Users- https://buildermasterclass.com/cogroup  

What you'll learn about in this construction podcast episode: - Benefits of getting out over your skis. - How Eric thinks about failure. - Why You DO need the practice. - What does "branding" mean? - The fine line of pushing your team just enough, without being reckless. - Specializing, and when it makes sense NOT to specialize. - Overhead creep and aggressive growth. Resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: LL Flooring - http://www.llflooring.com/pro 3 Questions to Help You Get Paid for Estimates - https://buildermasterclass.com/script Mastermind Group for CoConstruct Users- https://buildermasterclass.com/cogroup

What you'll learn about in this construction podcast episode: - How Travis Gardner ended the practice of doing free estimates. -The surprising response from the first prospect he pitched a preconstruction services agreement to. - How much he collected in the first month doing this. - The unexpected side effect on his business after he made this shift - How getting a "No" from a prospect is now a win for him.   Resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: LL Flooring - http://www.llflooring.com/pro 3 Questions to Help You Get Paid for Estimates - https://buildermasterclass.com/script Mastermind Group for CoConstruct Users- https://buildermasterclass.com/cogroup

"It was an incredibly powerful object lesson about what our unchecked negative self-talk can turn into and just how toxic it can be for all of us."   What you'll learn about in this construction podcast episode: What the "Inner Critic" sounds like, and how it can become toxic. How it's self-sustaining and what it says can become a self-fulfilling prophecy. Beating ourselves up, what the inner critic does, is a preemptive gambit to inoculate ourselves from external shaming. 8 Strategies for Managing Your Inner Critic Gratitude Catastrophize Make a Definite Decision Subtract the Negatives The B.H.A.G. Detach The Power of Generosity Community Resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: LL Flooring - http://www.llflooring.com/pro Get Paid for Estimates - https://buildermasterclass.com/script Mastermind Group for CoConstruct Users- https://buildermasterclass.com/cogroup The Happy Secret to Better Work- Shawn Achor - https://www.ted.com/talks/shawn_achor_the_happy_secret_to_better_work Fear Setting - Tim Ferriss - https://mindfulambition.net/fear-setting-tim-ferriss/ Art of War by Steven Pressfield Your Erroneous Zones by Wayne Dyer Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hills

What you'll learn from this construction podcast episode with Jeff Sawyer of TruNorth Construction: - How unhappy customers can be a symptom of gaps in your processes. - How Jeff's team uses TQM, total quality management, to make customers happier and get buy in from his team. - How Jeff looks at red flags and flaws in his processes. - We go deep into how to create processes for your business, and Jeff's advice for how and where to get started. - Jeff's unconventional approach to punchlists. - Great way to say thank you at the end of a project.   How to connect with Jeff Sawyer: http://www.trunorthconstruction.com Resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: LL Flooring - http://www.llflooring.com/pro Apparatus Contractor Services - http://www.goapparatus.com CoConstruct Software - http://www.constructionleadingedge.com/coconstruct Get Paid for Estimates  - https://buildermasterclass.com/script

Paddling his canoe to a flooded jobsite, Byron didn't realize disaster would turn into opportunity. What you'll learn from this construction podcast episode with Byron Brooks: - The "Builders and Brews" program he's been working on to bridge the gap between builders, designers and architects. - The mindsets that keep construction business owners from networking and sharing resources. - His background has helped him deal with controlled chaos, including a time he visited his jobsite in a canoe, after a flood. - How to use "fear setting." - The "I want to Be here in 10 years" philosophy. - Using potentially cringeworthy humor to connect with clients. - How he stopped doing free estimates and started using preconstruction agreements.   Resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: LL Flooring - http://www.llflooring.com/pro Apparatus Contractor Services - http://www.goapparatus.com CoConstruct Software - http://www.constructionleadingedge.com/coconstruct Get Paid for Estimates  - https://buildermasterclass.com/getpaid   How to connect with Byron Brooks: Brookwright website - https://www.brookwright.ca Builders and Brews on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/buildersandbrewsyyc/  

What you'll learn from this construction podcast episode with David Procida: How "money is a scorecard" and how David thinks about money. How does action cure fear? Biggest mistake to avoid when selling a business His favorite failure in business How being leveraged is like walking a tight rope How the purchase price for a construction business is determined How buyers will look at your business. David's advice if you want to start a business.   Resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: Apparatus Contractor Services - http://www.goapparatus.com CoConstruct Software - www.constructionleadingedge.com/coconstruct Get Paid for Estimates [Free Training] - https://buildermasterclass.com/getpaid   How to connect with David Procida: Adicorp website: http://www.adicorp.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-procida-27607b49/

How is the construction industry set up to lie to each other, and what does a "dirt to dishes in 4 weeks project" look like?  Listen to my interview with Anthony Amunategui to find out. What you'll get from this construction podcast episode: The importance of taking care of and getting buy-in from the front line site workers. Why are projects headed toward "dirt to dishes in 4 weeks?" Why does Anthony said, "our industry is set up to lie to each other?" Productivity killers on jobsites. The importance of planning on nationwide rollout projects. Some of the non-traditional work cultures Anthony embraces. CDO Group - https://cdogroup.com/ Connect with Anthony on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyamunategui/ Resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: Apparatus Contractor Services - www.goapparatus.com CoConstruct Software - www.constructionleadingedge.com/coconstruct Get Paid for Estimates [Free Training] - https://buildermasterclass.com/getpaid

"Why did they pick THAT contractor?  How are those decisions made?" This episode with Jean Brownhill will help answer those questions. What you'll get out of this construction podcast episode: - Some red flags your customers are watching out for with you. - What is the ideal contract delivery method? Lump sum, cost plus, GMP, T&M? - Common trends in customer feedback that you need to be aware of. - Key expectations you want to set with your clients up front. - How to re-establish productive communication when you get sideways with a client. Resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: Other videos and resources - https://buildermasterclass.com Billd - They'll pay your supplier up front and give you 120 day terms.  Learn more at www.billd.com/CLE CoConstruct Masterclass -Maximize Bottom Line Profitability - https://buildermasterclass.com/coconstruct CoConstruct software - Schedule your projects, see all your financials, and eliminate chaos in your business.  My #1 recommendation for builders and remodelers - www.constructionleadingedge.com/coconstruct Sweeten - www.sweeten.com/expert

Struggling with customer communication chaos?  Here are 4 strategies. What you'll get out of this construction podcast episode: How to lead your customers with systems. A thinking trap to avoid that is the root cause of a lot of communication chaos. Why you're not a call center. How to "batch communication." Using your project management software as a funnel instead of a filter. How to anchor your customers' expectations, and what you want to anchor them to up front.   Resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: Other videos and resources - https://buildermasterclass.com Billd - They'll pay your supplier up front and give you 120 day terms.  Learn more at www.billd.com/CLE CoConstruct Masterclass -Maximize Bottom Line Profitability - https://buildermasterclass.com/coconstruct CoConstruct software - Schedule your projects, see all your financials, and eliminate chaos in your business.  My #1 recommendation for builders and remodelers - www.constructionleadingedge.com/coconstruct

Why you should have the "Always Be The Buyer" mindset, and how clarity is the gateway to confidence.   What you'll get out of this construction podcast episode: Why you should approach every transaction with a "buyer" mindset...even when you're the seller. Why you need to narrow down the clients you work with, and what to expect when you start doing it. How clarity in your numbers leads to confidence, and the interesting ripple effects that come along with that. Common bookkeeping mistakes you could be making. How Steve Kreitzberg operates as a "parallel entrepreneur." The chronic problem that caused Steve to start up Apparatus Contractor Services. One myth about Quickbooks that you may have heard. The interesting term Europeans use for what Americans call "revenue."   Resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: Apparatus Contractor Services - Bookkeeping, Payroll and Reporting for Contractors only - www.goapparatus.com Billd - They'll pay your supplier up front and give you 120 day terms.  Learn more at www.billd.com/CLE CoConstruct - Schedule your projects, see all your financials, and eliminate chaos in your business.  My #1 recommendation for builders and remodelers - www.constructionleadingedge.com/coconstruct

What Adam Rushing means, "Money isn't real," and how his time as building ships, servicing wind turbines and running a sawmill set up him to own a construction business. What you'll get out of this construction podcast episode: - What Adam means when he says, "money isn't real," and how that perspective helps him in business. - Where all growth happens. - Adam's favorite failure, and how he looks at failure (if he would even call it that.) - How his background building ships, running a sawmill, and servicing wind turbines set him up for success as a construction business owner. - His advice for you if you're planning to start a construction business.   Resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: Billd - They'll pay your supplier up front and give you 120 day terms.  Learn more at www.billd.com/CLE 32 Productivity Hacks - www.buildermasterclass.com

What is the most overlooked part of the sales process, and why is the 55+ market a "blue ocean" for builders? This is an interview with Paul Hanson, President of Epcon Franchising, where he helps builders develop Epcon Communities’ luxury homes and communities that have proven very popular with 55+ homebuyers. What you'll get out of this construction podcast episode: - The most overlooked phase of the sales process. - How do you qualify leads into prospects? - Do emotions come into play in the sales process, and if so...how? - What's different about the 55+ demographic? - Keys to picking a site for land development? - What is the blue ocean opportunity for homebuilders? - The Epcon Franchising model, and where to get more information? - One little nugget is a service that will give you demographic information in an area, so you can analyze it for your business...or a new housing community.   Resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: Epcon Franchising - www.epconfranchising.com Paul Hanson on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/pahanson/ CoConstruct: The best software for builders and remodelers - www.constructionleadingedge.com/coconstruct 32 Productivity Hacks - https://buildermasterclass.com Optimize Your Overhead Guide - https://buildermasterclass.com

Who is the forgotten group that needs to be convinced skilled trades are a good career?  How do you find good people? David Broomhead created Tradehounds to help solve the skilled labor issue. What you'll get from this construction podcast episode: - The forgotten group of people that need to be included if we're going to get young people into the trades. - What you can do to help solve our perception problem that's behind the skilled labor shortage. - How is COVID going to affect the labor pool going forward. What's changed? - What the "gig economy" and how it can help solve the labor gap. - Tradehounds is the LinkedIn for construction workers. - Two things you should publicize if you want to hire good people. Resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: Tradehounds - www.tradehounds.com Get Paid for Estimates [Free Training] - www.buildermasterclass.com  

6 mindsets that are connected to profit bleeds, and how free estimates are costing you more than just your time. What you'll get from this construction podcast episode: How the "as little and as late as possible" mindset is behind a surprising number of profit bleeds, and what you can do about it. "Your thoughts tend to clothe themselves in reality." Does the scarcity mindset lead to scarcity of money, or vice versa? How the poverty mindset can screw you over when you have a surplus of resources. "Are they resources or rewards?" What are some of "The Gaps" you need to solve to eliminate profit bleeds. Why giving away free estimates is killing your bottom line, even when you get the job. The paradox of the inner critic   Resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: The CoConstruct Masterclass on Bottom Line Profitability - https://buildermasterclass.com The best software for builders and remodelers - www.constructionleadingedge.com/coconstruct Right to Left Thinking - Episode 65 of my podcast 10 Things Worth $1,000 per Hour - Episode 139 8 Profit Bleeds That Cause Busy Contractors to Lose Money - Episode 156

We don't have a skilled labor shortage.  We have a productivity crisis.  Some of the root causes could surprise you.   What you'll get out of this construction podcast episode: Why productivity problems aren't really problems. How to uncover the root cause of any issue you're dealing with. Advice from Dr. Wu. What "mental malware" is, how how it could be affecting you. The surprising effect your mindset has on their productivity. Resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: 32 Productivity Hacks - [Free PDF Guide] https://buildermasterclass.com Masterclass on Boosting Bottom Line Profits - https://buildermasterclass.com CoConstruct Software for Builders & Remodelers - www.constructionleadingedge.com/coconstruct

Use this 3 pronged approach to reduce the profit bleeds, chaos and loss of will to live from the punchlist phase.   What you'll get from this construction podcast episode: How to set up your agreements so your punchlist process causes fewer profit bleeds. Systems you can put in place during construction to reduce rework, unsolicited charity, and opportunity cost. How to anchor your customers to the right expectations. A step by step process you can use for your punchlist phase that puts it all together. Resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: Productivity Hacks & Optimize Your Overhead [Free PDF Guide] - www.buildermasterclass.com CoConstruct Software for Builders and Remodelers - www.constructionleadingedge.com/coconstruct Tsheets Time Tracking Software - www.constructionleadingedge.com/tsheets CompanyCam Photo App for documenting your QC process and punchlist - www.companycam.com

Boost your sales by learning some insider secrets only bankers usually know about. What you'll get from this construction podcast episode: - Insider secret about financing that contractors need to know about. - Two things lenders care about.  There are only two. - Why Giri Addanki says "Zero percent interest cards are just kicking the can down the road." - How can contractors use financing to increase sales...even commercial contractors? - The three different financing models that are out there, and a relatively new model that's "bringing the marketplace to the kitchen table." - Misconceptions about offering financing. - How the flow of money works when you offer financing. - Mistakes they make when getting set up with a lender? - What are the biggest problems contractors can solve by offering financing?   Resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: Acorn Finance - www.acornfinance.com CoConstruct Software: Run your entire business on it - www.constructionleadingedge.com/coconstruct

There's gold in the dysfunction at your jobsites.  Here are 9 proven hacks you can use to boost productivity at your jobsites.     Here's what you're going to get out of this construction podcast epsisode: - Nine proven hacks you can use to boost productivity on your jobsites. - Why you should Stay Out of Stores. Period. - What can you do about personal phone usage on the jobsite? - Two questions to cover every morning in a 5 minute huddle. - What does it mean to "batch communication?" - What does a deep work session look like for you? - How you can use "visual scopes of work" to reduce mistakes and rework. - The phrase you probably use that needs to be deleted from your vocabulary. - What is the handoff, and why should you focus on it to boost productivity?   Resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: Download the Productivity Hacks Guide with all 32 hacks - https://buildermasterclass.com/tips CoConstruct Masterclass: Maximize Bottom Line Profits - https://buildermasterclass.com CoConstruct Software for Running Your Entire Business - www.constructionleadingedge.com/coconstruct

What are some of the challenges of an $800M renovation project?  What about "herd knowledge" and "training fatigue" when it comes to new software?     What you'll get out of this construction podcast episode: - Insider perspective from two the Bear Construction team working on the $800 million renovation of the Old Chicago Post Office. - Some of the surprising challenges Nick, Tony and their team faced during this massive project. - What are some of the most interesting tech solutions out there right now for contractors? - Some big mistakes to avoid when rolling out a new piece of software to manage projects, like they did with Fieldwire. - What are some tips for getting your team to embrace a new system? - How to go about selling upper management or ownership on the idea of changing a process or investing in software. - Some of the biggest challenges for contractors that the Fieldwire team is tackling. Resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: Bear Construction Company - www.bearcc.com Fieldwire Field Management Software for Contractors - www.fieldwire.com

What you’ll learn in this construction podcast episode: What are private capital groups and how do you find them? The difference between debt lenders, private equity and private capital groups The basics of how a real estate deal (multi-family or land development) gets financed. One of the not-so-well-known tax credits available to homebuilders Common misconceptions about financing real estate deals. The mindset of loan committees who decide on financing deals “The balance sheet and property doesn’t need to be perfect, but your character needs to be good.” The script you want to have ready that will help you get your deal across the finish line. When is the right time to start meeting with financing groups? (It’s sooner than you think.) The question you should ask every lender or investor who turns you down. Investors have a 90/10 rule to ensure you have skin in the game. How to get started if you want to start developing your own projects. How to get a “free look” at a property with no risk so you can do due diligence. What does “going hard” on a property mean? Michael’s advice on how much of your own money you should put in a deal. When’s the right time to go back to your lenders or investors when things don’t go well? One big mistake builders and developers make when dealing with lenders and investors. How to contact Michael Berke Tempo Capital Group www.tempocapitalgroup.com

Learn from the mistakes Mike McCallum made the first time he started his drywall business, and the adjustments he made the second time around. What you'll get out of this construction podcast episode: - The quickest way to go out of business is to do work based on someone else's numbers. - Everybody has a boss - The mistakes he made the first time around as a drywall construction business owner. - The danger of not charging enough for your work. - Why the term cash flow may be a misnomer. - The importance of protecting your credit - How to determine if a potential employee is reliable.   Resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: Eliminate Profit Bleeds - Schedule a free strategy session with Todd Dawalt to identify your biggest profit bleeds and map out a plan to eliminate them - www.constructionleadingedge.com/call FieldChat - Get your free trial at www.fieldchat.com/edge CompanyCam is now totally free for small teams. Signup is quick and easy and there’s no card required. Discover which plan fits your needs and get your company started at www.companycam.com/cle Tsheets Time Tracking App - www.constructionleadingedge.com/tsheets Monday project management app - www.constructionleadingedge.com/monday How you can connect with Mike McCallum: www.drywall918.com https://www.facebook.com/mccallumandsons/

Leadership and business lessons from a retired Army General now running a construction business. Don't miss this one. What you'll get out of this construction podcast episode: - What disappointed Larry Harrington the most when he transitioned from the military into the construction industry. - Larry's "4 E's" - Leadership lessons from leading troops in the war on terror. - This is essentially a leadership masterclass from a man with 40 years experience leading large teams and initiatives in a variety of environments. You might want to listen to this one a few times. Resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: Eliminate Profit Bleeds - Schedule a free strategy session with Todd Dawalt to identify your biggest profit bleeds and map out a plan to eliminate them - www.constructionleadingedge.com/call FieldChat - Get your free trial at www.fieldchat.com/edge CompanyCam is now totally free for small teams. Signup is quick and easy and there’s no card required. Discover which plan fits your needs and get your company started at www.companycam.com/cle

What if you could create your own economic stimulus package and get a refund on your worker's comp policy?   Here's what you'll get from this construction podcast episode: - How to potentially get a refund from your worker's compensation policy. - The financial upside of a training program. - A few questions your accountant needs to be asked. - What is a "mid-term audit" of your GL policy, and why right now is a really good time to do it. - Why you want to put a good timesheet tracking system like Tsheets in place.   Resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: Eliminate Profit Bleeds - Schedule a free strategy session with Todd Dawalt to identify your biggest profit bleeds and map out a plan to eliminate them - www.constructionleadingedge.com/call FieldChat - Get your free trial at www.fieldchat.com/edge Connect with Jeff Heet - www.ioausa.com LinkedIn - http://linkedin.com/in/jeffheet  

What you'll hear in this construction podcast episode with Tom Reber of The Contractor Fight: - Your mindset and why it's where the game is won or lost. - How to get out of your comfort zone. - Time is the fuel for fear. - A few great questions you can ask to sell at higher margins. - A few things you absolutely need to think about as you come out of the COVID-19 pandemic. Resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: The Contractor Fight - https://thecontractorfight.com/ Eliminate Profit Bleeds - Schedule a free strategy session with Todd Dawalt to identify your biggest profit bleeds and map out a plan to eliminate them - www.constructionleadingedge.com/call FieldChat - Get your free trial at www.fieldchat.com/edge

When Kelly Hollatz left her corporate event planning career to start a construction safety business, she was turned down by every bank she met with.  What lessons from beauty pageants kept her going? What does she mean "the weak weed themselves out of her team?" What you'll hear in this construction podcast episode with Kelly Hollatz owner of First Star Safety: - How a conversation with a man in a restaurant affected her entrepreneurial journey. - The lessons she learned from participating in beauty pageants that set her up for business success. - How to boost your confidence. - How she didn't back down or quit after being turned down by every banker she met with. - "Doing what you're passionate about is a cardinal mistake." - The difference between being comfortable and complacent. - Making it your strong suit to find your weaknesses. - What she looks for in a potential employee, and why the weak weed themselves out of her company. Resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: Offload your bookkeeping headaches - Learn more about the Apparatus Team and how outsourcing your bookkeeping, reporting and payroll headaches could help - www.constructionleadingedge.com/headache   Eliminate Profit Bleeds - Schedule a free strategy session with Todd Dawalt to identify your biggest profit bleeds and map out a plan to eliminate them - www.constructionleadingedge.com/call   How to get in touch with Kelly Hollatz: www.firststarsafety.com Kelly's LinkedIn page Company Facebook page First Star Safety's Instagram page  

How does your marketing affect your employees, and what does it mean to turn your organization inside-out? What you'll get from this construction podcast episode: How does your marketing affect employee attraction and retention? What does it mean to "give it all away to keep it?" Tips for generating more leads Common mistakes and misconceptions about your website The entrepreneur mindset How to get found by Google What happens if strangers land on your website? Resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: Offload your bookkeeping headaches - Learn more about the Apparatus Team and how outsourcing your bookkeeping, reporting and payroll headaches could help - www.constructionleadingedge.com/headache   Eliminate Profit Bleeds - Schedule a free strategy session with Todd Dawalt to identify your biggest profit bleeds and map out a plan to eliminate them - www.constructionleadingedge.com/call   The Hook Agency - www.hookagency.com Tim Brown's Lead Generation Guide - www.hookagency.com/leads Tim's SEO Strategy - www.hookagency.com/seo-basics  

Listen to a master class on contract law with construction attorney Bruce Inosencio. Common mistakes to avoid and contract "red flags" to run from.   What you'll get from this construction podcast episode: Some of the risks you should be looking at, but probably aren't. The biggest risks to watch out for in your contracts. How to prevent disputes. The most common mistakes Bruce sees various contractor types making from a legal standpoint. A few red flags in contracts that should be non-starters for you, and you should run from. Advice that could save you thousands of dollars, and could even save your business.  Resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: Offload your bookkeeping headaches - Learn more about the Apparatus Team and how outsourcing your bookkeeping, reporting and payroll headaches could help - www.constructionleadingedge.com/headache   Eliminate Profit Bleeds - Schedule a free strategy session with Todd Dawalt to identify your biggest profit bleeds and map out a plan to eliminate them - www.constructionleadingedge.com/call

There are some counter-intuitive things you should be doing, and some mistakes to avoid during this recession. There's also one thing you should do that your banker might not like... What you'll get out of this construction podcast episode: The "ambulance chasers" that could come out in a few months, and how to prepare for them now. How to recession proof your resume if you're an employee. One thing you should consider doing right now that your banker might not appreciate. Avoiding "air bubbles" in your backlog. A surprising thing about marketing during a recession. A few things you should be tracking right now to set yourself up in case you want to make an insurance claim. Resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: Rock the Recession - The book by Jonathan Slain - www.constructionleadingedge.com/rock   Offload your bookkeeping headaches - Learn more about the Apparatus Team and how outsourcing your bookkeeping, reporting and payroll headaches could help - www.constructionleadingedge.com/headache   Eliminate Profit Bleeds - Schedule a free strategy session with Todd Dawalt to identify your biggest profit bleeds and map out a plan to eliminate them - www.constructionleadingedge.com/call

What's one thing you should do at the beginning of a crisis that your banker might not like? How can you make your business a "hard target" for failure? Spencer Padgett and I discuss... What you'll get out of this construction podcast: Advice from a couple of guys who have been through financial disaster before. A few things you can to set up a proper baseline to deal with all the chaos. Some advice that your banker might not appreciate. Five lessons you can learn from a financial crisis, and what you can do right now. A few self-destructive behaviors to avoid (from personal experience.) How to use the COVID-19 induced recession as an opportunity. Resources mentioned in this construction podcast: CoConstruct - The software and community that will help you run your entire construction business.  More details on CoConstruct at this link - http://www.constructionleadingedge.com/coconstruct   Apparatus Team - Offload your bookkeeping, reporting and payroll headaches.  Learn more at this link - www.constructionleadingedge.com/headache    Eliminate Profit Bleeds - Schedule a free strategy call (if still available) with Todd Dawalt by selecting a time at this link - www.constructionleadingedge.com/call

What stimulus funds are available, and how can you request them?How can you manage finances during this crisis so you survive AND are in a better position when things start returning to normal? Get your questions answered by Nicole Landau, who specializes in providing CFO (Chief Financial Officer) services to a variety of construction businesses. Contact Nicole Landau - www.landauconsultingsolutions.com Resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: FieldChat - Get 15% off by going to www.fieldchat.com/edge Companycam - Get your 14 day free trial + 50% off your first two months at https://companycam.com/cle Suffering from profit bleeds?  Schedule your free strategy call with Todd Dawalt at www.constructionleadingedge.com/call  

Here's a different way to to look at the Coronavirus pandemic. What you'll get out of this construction podcast episode: - What are some of the new problems being created by COVID-19 that could turn into projects? - How to "flow to problems." - How to take this opportunity to "sharpen the saw." - Answer the question, "how much of the profit in your backlog do you want to keep?"   Resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: FieldChat - Get 15% off by going to www.fieldchat.com/edge Companycam - Get your 14 day free trial + 50% off your first two months at https://companycam.com/cle Suffering from profit bleeds?  Schedule your free strategy call with Todd Dawalt at www.constructionleadingedge.com/call

Why did Scott Wentz set up a nonprofit to get young people into the construction trades, and how is the Builders Bridge program working?   Here's what you'll get out of this construction podcast episode: The overlooked group of people whose misconceptions about the construction industry are keeping young people away. What's missing from the typical approaches many are using to try to attract young people to the trades? What is a "homebuilding immersion trip?" What's in it for homebuilders and trade partners to get involved with creating pathways into the trades? How you can get involved with Builders Bridge. Resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: FieldChat - Get 15% off by going to www.fieldchat.com/edge Companycam - Get your 14 day free trial + 50% off your first two months at https://companycam.com/cle Suffering from profit bleeds?  Schedule your free strategy call with Todd Dawalt at www.constructionleadingedge.com/call Builders Bridge - Bridging the gap between the opportunities in the homebuilding industry and the needs in our communities https://buildersbridge.com/  

What if you hire all the right people and your company still breaks.  What if filling all your openings actually makes things worse?   Here's what you'll get out of this construction podcast episode: Would you vote yes or no to raise the dam? Why you may not actually have a labor shortage.  (What is it then?) How hiring more people could be the worst thing you can do. Details on the "other" skilled labor shortage that's much worse than ours, and what they're doing about it. What is load shedding, and how might it help you? Learn about one type of "organizational malware." Details of one contractor who is busier than ever, but not making more money.  What are the "profit bleeds" he's suffering from...and the alarming amount it's costing. Resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: The ADVANCE Bottom Line Growth Hacks and Secrets Conference - https://constructionbusinessaccelerator.com/advance Are you suffering from profit bleeds?  Map out a plan of attack to stop the bleeding.  Schedule your free strategy call with Todd Dawalt at www.constructionleadingedge.com/call

Looking for ways to make your field crews more productive?   The "Lynyrd Skynyrd Principle" and a few other productivity hacks will help.   Resources and tools mentioned in this construction podcast episode: The ADVANCE: Bottom Line Growth Hacks & Secrets for Builders and Contractors - Live Event - https://constructionbusinessaccelerator.com/advance How to Build a Healthy Backlog of High Margin Work - Get your free copy of my video course - https://constructionbusinessaccelerator.com/backlog  

When their business almost failed in 2016, Rob, his brother and his Dad realized some weaknesses that needed to be fixed, and it set them up for growth.   What you'll learn from this construction podcast episode: How their near failure in 2016 set them up for success. Keys Rob has learned to running a business with his dad and brother. The question Rob would ask you if you tell him you're thinking about starting your own business. How one person can be a cancer to your team. There are no shortcuts in construction. Rob's story of how he went from working in the trades to being a construction business owner. Resources and tools mentioned in this construction podcast episode: The ADVANCE: Bottom Line Growth Hacks & Secrets for Builders and Contractors - Live Event - https://constructionbusinessaccelerator.com/advance 25 Questions to Qualify Leads: https://constructionbusinessaccelerator.com/backlog How to Build a Healthy Backlog of High Margin Work - Get your free copy of my video course - https://constructionbusinessaccelerator.com/backlog  

A lot of contractors are busier than ever before, but are making less money than before...even losing money.  Why is that?   In this episode you'll learn about eight profit bleeds that cause really busy contractors and builders to lose money.  You might be surprised to see how much these profit bleeds add up to at the end of the year. Resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: Resources and tools mentioned in this construction podcast episode: Companycam - Get your free trial + 50% off your first two months at https://companycam.com/cle Systematize Your Construction Business - Free Video Series - https://constructionbusinessaccelerator.com  The ADVANCE: Bottom Line Growth Hacks & Secrets for Builders and Contractors - Live Event - https://constructionbusinessaccelerator.com/advance Schedule Your Free Call with Todd Dawalt - www.constructionleadingedge.com/call

What are systems you can use to eliminate tire kickers, close more sales, eliminate chaos, and boost profits?  Here are 5 questions from podcast listeners that will help you. Questions I answer in this construction podcast episode: How do we do job cost tracking so we can check it with our original estimate and know if we are estimating correctly and making a profit? I want to polish our whole business up.  Where should I start? We need a process for how to pass projects from sales to project management. What are pricing strategies and ways to close more sales?  Many times I lose jobs because I am either priced too high or because someone else was referred...and I was found on the web. How do I eliminate tire kickers? Resources and tools mentioned in this construction podcast episode: Companycam - Get your free trial + 50% off your first two months at https://companycam.com/cle Systematize Your Construction Business - Free Video Series - https://constructionbusinessaccelerator.com  The ADVANCE: Bottom Line Growth Hacks & Secrets for Builders and Contractors - Live Event - https://constructionbusinessaccelerator.com/advance

How did Joel make the jump from electrician to business owner?How did an "epic failure" set him up for success? How can commitment be infectious? What you'll get out of this construction podcast episode: What does Joel mean, "the only way out is through?" How your commitment level can be infectious. One question that's better than, "what can I do?" The difference between crockpot and microwave thinking. Why you can never really be fully prepared to own a construction business. The surprising parallels between marriage and business. Why Joel's advice to his 20 year old self would be, "You're the problem." Resources and tools mentioned in this construction podcast episode: Companycam - Get your free trial + 50% off your first two months at https://companycam.com/cle Systematize Your Construction Business - Free Video Series - https://constructionbusinessaccelerator.com  The ADVANCE: Bottom Line Growth Hacks & Secrets for Builders and Contractors - Live Event - https://constructionbusinessaccelerator.com/advance   How you can contact Joel Krugjohann: www.urbanknox.net joel(at)urbanknox.net  

The Vietnam war, and one commanding officer in particular, had a great influence on Greg Howell, one of the founding fathers of Lean Construction.   What you'll get out of this construction podcast episode: How the Lean Construction movement got started. Greg's experience as a Navy SeaBee, and how that influenced Lean. The impact of one commanding officer's leadership style, and how it changed Greg's approach to leadership. The books he recommends that you read A few paradigm shifts that construction leaders need to make. The difference between an order and a promise. One unexpected benefit of Lean principles that he can't quite explain yet. Why he only gave a few orders as a commanding officer in Vietnam...and one of them involved a monkey. Resources and tools mentioned in this construction podcast episode: Companycam - Get your free trial + 50% off your first two months at www.companycam.com/cle Systematize Your Construction Business - Free Video Series - https://constructionbusinessaccelerator.com  The ADVANCE: Bottom Line Growth Hacks & Secrets for Builders and Contractors - Live Event - https://constructionbusinessaccelerator.com/advance

What's going to happen if your business shuts down for a week?  How much would that cost you?  Would it be an extinction level event?  How can you plan for, or better yet prevent, that from happening? What you'll get from this construction podcast episode: Are you a "single point of failure" in your business?  If so, what can you do about it? Some of the biggest potential interruptions in your construction business. How to start developing your business continuity plan. A few potential risks to the continuity of your business you may not have considered. How can another company's ability to manage risk affect YOUR business?  You might be surprised. Resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: FieldChat - www.fieldchat.com/edge Systematize Your Construction Business - Free Training Videos - constructionbusinessaccelerator.com  Secrets of Successful Contractors - Free Video Series - constructionbusinessaccelerator.com/secrets Schedule Your Free Call with Todd Dawalt - www.constructionleadingedge.com/call

Information Bulemia and Resultophilia are two common thinking traps that cause a lot of entrepreneurs to screw themselves over.   What you'll get out of this construction podcast episode: What are the symptoms of "Resultophilia" and how to get cured from it. How Information Bulemia causes overwhelm and anxiety. How you could be screwing yourself over repeatedly at one particular part of a project. Common thinking traps that business owners can avoid...and make projects and life a lot smoother.   Resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: Fieldchat - www.fieldchat.com/edge Systematize Your Construction Business - Free Training Video Series - https://constructionbusinessaccelerator.com  Offload Your Bookkeeping Headaches - www.constructionleadingedge.com/headache Secrets of Successful Contractors - Free Video Series - https://constructionbusinessaccelerator.com/secrets  

A deadly combat situation Todd Forsman experienced offered some powerful leadership lessons that apply to the construction industry.   What you'll get out of this construction podcast episode: Leadership lessons Todd learned during his military experience. The story of a deadly situation Todd experienced in the Middle East, and the leadership lessons he learned from it. A communication problem he faced in combat, the solution he developed for it...and how that has influenced the work he's doing now. If you're a construction technophile, there's an opportunity you might want to get in on.   Resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: Quickcarl.com Fieldchat.com - Go to www.fieldchat.com/edge to get 15% off. Systematize Your Construction Business - The Free Video Series - https://constructionbusinessaccelerator.com  Schedule Your Free Strategy Session with Todd Dawalt - www.constructionleadingedge.com/call

What’s going on behind the scenes of the skilled labor shortage…that nobody’s talking about?  How is Kassidy Hazelton attacking the labor crisis in a brilliant way?   What you’ll get out of this construction podcast episode:   How to own your weaknesses, and why you want to do this. How to develop confidence. What’s going on behind the scenes of the skilled labor shortage that nobody’s talking about? How should we be talking about the construction industry differently? What is Kassidy doing to attack and solve the construction labor crisis in a brilliant way? Kassidy’s advice for women leaders in construction   Resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode:   PebbleBam.com - A social job board for the construction industry. www.pebblebam.com   HireHardHats.com - Reliable, on-demand hiring to bring relief to the labor shortage. www.hirehardhats.com   FieldChat - Click here to get 15% off and streamline your jobsite text messaging - www.fieldchat.com/edge   Peer Groups - Click here to learn how to join a Peer Group of other like-minded construction business owners - https://constructionbusinessaccelerator.com/group   The ADVANCE Live Events - Get all the details and grab your seat for the next live event - https://constructionbusinessaccelerator.com/advance   Secrets of Successful Contractors - Get your free video series to learn what the big companies are doing that you might not know about -  www.constructionleadingedge.com/secrets

"Place your army in deadly peril, and it will survive; plunge it into desperate straits, and it will come off in safety. For it is precisely when a force has fallen into harm's way that is capable of striking a blow for victory. Out of options and faced with death, troops execute at an extremely high level."  Sun Tzu   What you'll get out of this construction podcast episode:   What is the Death Ground Strategy, and how does it apply to business and leadership? What is "Desperate Ground" according to Sun Tzu, and why should you intentionally get yourself into tight spots? How can you use this principle to spend more time with your kids, your spouse....even start a business? Some specific ways you can implement this strategy to boost productivity on your projects. Resources mentioned in this construction podcast: The ADVANCE live events - https://constructionbusinessaccelerator.com/advance Interested in one of Todd's coaching programs?  Schedule your free strategy call at www.constructionleadingedge.com/call Systematize Your Construction Business - Click here to get the free training when it's available

Why do megaprojects fail, and how does that affect you...regardless of what size project you're doing? What you'll get from this construction podcast episode: One surprising reason megaprojects fail. What is the "quadruple bottom line?" A few red flags Gaf looks for when selecting a contractor. Why do Navy SEALs make good project managers? Gaf's advice to make your next presentation or sales pitch more successful. Resources mentioned in this construction podcast: The ADVANCE live events - https://constructionbusinessaccelerator.com/advance FieldChat - Get 15% off by going to www.fieldchat.com/edge  Gaf Gaffen's company website - www.gafcon.com

You might be holding yourself back...even sabotaging yourself and your finances.  Learn how in my interview with Jill Thomas. What you'll get out of this construction podcast episode: How you could be sabotaging your financial health. Why is stress induced anxiety a "learned" response...and what you can do about it. Positive thinking is useless unless you do something specific. The importance of looking at why you're doing something. The "no problem" problem. What does self-sabotage look like? How does lack of confidence hurt a leader financially? What is "mental malware" and how to fix it.   Resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: The ADVANCE Vegas 2020 - Click here for the details or go to  https://constructionbusinessaccelerator.com/advance  FieldChat - Clean up your jobsite communication.  Go to www.fieldchat.com/edge to save 15%. Jill's website - https://soulconnecthypnotherapy.com/free

If I had spent more time analyzing my weaknesses and less time building alibis to cover them, I would be much further along.  I'll bet you would too. Which of these 57 Famous Alibis are you using to cover your weaknesses? IF I had money... IF I had a good education... IF I only had time... If I did not fear what THEY would say... IF I had the talent some people have... IF I could just get started... My challenge for you: Listen to the entire list of 57 Famous Alibis and see which ones you are using as an excuse to cover your weakness. Resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: For a limited time only - get a 7 day trial of The Construction Business Accelerator for only $1.99 - https://constructionbusinessaccelerator.com/start

The construction industry is being disrupted, and you might end up going the way of Blockbuster if you're not aware of what's going on.   Resources mentioned in this construction podcast: The ADVANCE Vegas 2020 - https://constructionbusinessaccelerator.com/advance Systematize Your Construction Business - The free training video series Todd's website - www.constructionleadingedge.com 

"It can't get here fast enough."  Why would Rob Strobel, President of a large concrete contracting business say that about the next recession?  Listen to Jonathan Slain, coauthor of the book Rock the Recession explain....   What you'll get from this construction podcast episode: Learn how everyone is a few days away from their own recession. What is a "non-economic" recession, and what yours might look like. How can you create wealth during the next recession? What are some leading indicators, or red flags to watch for, that will signal the next recession? What can you do right now to limit your financial risk?   Resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: Rock the Recession: How Successful Leaders Prepare For, Thrive During, and Create Wealth After Downturns Recession.com - Use "Edge" as a coupon code. The ADVANCE Vegas 2020 - The live event for construction business owners. Systematize Your Construction Business - Get on the wait list for when it reopens.

What's in it for you to join a mastermind?  What's the "Explainer Effect," and what are some of the most common challenges that being part of a mastermind could solve?   Resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: The Construction Business Accelerator 

This conversation between two pilots led to a tipping point in the war in the South Pacific during WW2, and also illustrates how to start putting your business into overdrive. What you'll get from this construction podcast episode: Four steps to start putting your business into overdrive. The most often overlooked question that you need to answer first. Why shouldn't everyone get an estimate from you? You should be selling on ________ instead of ________. If you shouldn't build your business around people, what should you build it around? Resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: The Construction Business Accelerator Program - Get your $6,000 of free bonuses now before it's too late. FieldChat - The ultimate text messaging platform for construction sites.

Boost profits, shorten schedules and even reduce jobsite supervision with the untapped potential of your supply chain.  Plus one thing you can do to help the skilled labor shortage. What you'll get out of this construction podcast episode: How to boost profits by communicating with your suppliers differently. One strategy from the war on terror that could help you reduce your jobsite supervision. Who or what is the actual enemy you're fighting against? One thing builders and GCs can do this week to help solve the skilled labor shortage. What does it mean to "change by evolution, not revolution?" Resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: Schedule your free Business Breakthrough Session with Todd Dawalt Systematize Your Construction Business - Free Training Workshop FieldChat - Reduce rework and mistakes by organizing your jobsite communication   How to connect with Felix Vasquez Click here to learn more about Felix and Hyphen Solutions  

How is your time worth $1,000 per hour?  Here are ten things you can and should be doing that are worth $1,000 per hour. What you'll learn about in this construction podcast episode: How to start thinking differently about your time. If your job isn't to reduce cost...what is your job? What is opportunity cost, and how might it be hammering your bottom line. My #1 business development strategy. How most productivity problems are foreseeable...and how to prevent them. How a few phone calls saved me around $500 per day...every day.   Resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: Systematize Your Construction Business - Free Training Workshop FieldChat - Reduce rework and mistakes by organizing your jobsite communication Tsheets time tracking  Offload your bookkeeping and payroll headaches

How are you accidentally driving away first time customers?  What does Google REALLY care about?  How can you get more good online reviews? What you'll get from this construction podcast episode: What you may be doing to drive away first time customers. What does Google really care about?  (It's not whether you're a big or small business...in fact it has little to do with you.) What you can do to get more positive online reviews. How can you erase bad online reviews? One strategy that will incentivize your employees to generate more positive online reviews.   Resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: Freshlime  Social Media for Remodelers - Done For You Service Offload Your Bookkeeping and Payroll Headaches Systematize Your Construction Business - Free Training Workshop   How you can learn more about Jay Bean's company, Freshlime: Go to www.constructionleadingedge.com/freshlime to get more info and request a demo.    

You can get difficult clients, bosses and employees to do what you want...even if they don't like you.   What you'll learn in this construction podcast episode: The surprising thing you should try to catch your employees doing. How to turn difficult clients into fans. Keys for getting difficult employees to step it up. "When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at begin to change."  What does that mean? The psychological principals you want to use for good and not evil. What kind of reinforcement actually works? The surprisingly effective Ben Franklin Effect. Resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: FieldChat - The text messaging platform for construction jobsites. Systematize Your Construction Business - Free training series Schedule a free call with Todd & get more free resources

Two leaders of organizations with billions in real estate assets sat down recently and talked about how they solve problems, grow their businesses and the future of construction. What you'll learn in this construction podcast episode: Why Lisa Picard, CEO of EQ Office, isn't interested in sending out any more RFP's. What does business travel at the speed of, and how does that affect you? What the developers of billions of dollars of commercial real estate assets are looking for from their contractors in the future. Brilliant ideas you can use to solve your problems and be more innovative. What is a "hackathon" and how can you use it? What does it mean to "red team" an issue? Why you may want to have a FailCon event in your company. Three big announcements ProCore rolled out at GroundBreak2019. Resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: Secrets of Successful Contractors: The Free Video Series Schedule Your Free Business Breakthrough Strategy Session with Todd Dawalt Visit the Construction Leading Edge site - www.constructionleadingedge.com      

What shows up when you're committed, and how can adversity be a good thing?  Thomas Andrews, electrical construction business owner explains. What you'll learn in this construction podcast episode: How did Thomas and I find ourselves in Quebec trying to order a weird drink to a french speaking bartender. What happens (that's a little hard to explain) when you stop trying and commit? "When you know your Why, the How comes naturally." What has Thomas done in 2019 to dramatically change his business...and his mindset. What would he tell you about The ADVANCE live event?   Resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: The ADVANCE live event for construction business owners Systematize Your Construction Business - Click here to get the free training or join the waitlist to be notified when it runs again.   How to contact Thomas Andrews thomas@currentelectricok.com

How does Toby Jones get work without even bidding?  Why did he gladly pay $10,000 for a phone number?   What you'll learn in this construction podcast episode: How does Toby manage to get work without even bidding? What phone number did he pay $10,000 for, and why was it such a good investment? How did his business get started in a Borders book store one night? The difference between commercial and residential, and which one Toby focuses exclusively on. Toby's #1 piece of advice that will make you rethink how you approach your subs and clients.   Resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: FieldChat - The ultimate text messaging platform for construction sites. The ADVANCE Live 2 Day Event for Construction Business Owners   How to connect with Toby Jones of Jones Construction Solutions: Jones Construction Solutions website - www.jonesconstructionsolutions.com/ Facebook Page Instagram - @jonesconstructionsolutions    

What's my #1 business development strategy that prohibits talking about yourself?  Where should you start transforming your mindset?   What you'll learn about in this construction podcast episode: Want to break into a new market or just build your network?  Try this strategy out. If you don't talk about yourself, who should you talk about when building a network? How to use social media to build your referral network...without doing any selling. One thing you can do for three minutes a day that will change your life. A dead simple way to start creating systems and processes for your business. One question you probably haven't thought about answering as you begin to build systems.   Resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: FieldChat - The ultimate text messaging platform for construction sites The ADVANCE - Live 2 day mastermind event for construction business owners  

Taking ownership goes a long way toward solving a lot the biggest problems plaguing your projects, your business and changing your life. What you'll learn about in this construction podcast episode: What taking ownership of your construction project schedules looks like. The difference between asking questions and getting answers. Why "not my job" or "by others" isn't good enough. How to lead your clients through their projects. Who should be deciding how successful you are? What does Will Smith have to do with all this? How to start taking ownership of your business. Where should you start if you want to turn your life around. Resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: Extreme Ownership - by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin The Construction Business Accelerator The ADVANCE Live Event Offload your bookkeeping headaches FieldChat - The ultimate text messaging platform for construction sites

The cannabis construction segment of our industry is booming and expected to grow.  Eamonn O'Kane, CEO of Valiant America has grown a construction business that specializes in this industry.   Here's what you'll learn in this construction podcast: Why does Eamonn say the cannabis construction industry is a "minefield?" What are the pitfalls to watch out for? The types of buildings in the cannabis industry. What is the biggest opportunity right now in this segment? Why did Eamonn move to the U.S. from Ireland, and how did he start a business? What was Eamonn's biggest challenge getting started? Hint..it wasn't "out there."   Resources mentioned in this construction podcast: FieldChat - The ultimate text messaging platform for construction sites and crews The ADVANCE - A 2 Day Live Event for Construction Business Owners Peer Groups - Click here to learn how and why you might join a small group of other construction business owners for monthly accountability calls   How you can contact Eamonn O'Kane Company website - https://www.valiant-america.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/valiant-america/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ValiantAmerica/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/valiantamerica/

You can select the right "voice" based on the situation you're in.  How can you build your confidence? What are some of the mistakes we make toward the other gender? Listen to find out...   What you'll get out of this construction podcast episode: Find out which of the four voice styles you have, and how to master it. How you can build your confidence. What is "porcupine wrestling?" The unintentional biases men have toward women. The biggest mistakes women leaders make in business. Expert advice on improving your customer experience. Where to start if you want to create a great training program. What is a "trust account" and why should you care?   Resources mentioned on this construction podcast: Women in Residential Construction Conference - September 25-27, 2019 The ADVANCE Live Event hosted by Todd Dawalt - October 17-18, 2019 Peer Groups for Construction Business Owners - Interested? Send a text to 859-409-8849   How you can connect with Leyah Valgardson: Company website - https://www.leadersvoice.co Instagram LinkedIn

What are some of the biggest mistakes contractors make with W.C? What should your broker be doing for you on your W.C. policy?  How can you get your Experience Mod down?  What you'll learn in this construction podcast episode: What is your Experience Modification Rating, and how can you get it reduced? How can you minimize your Worker's Comp premiums? How often should your broker have an accountability check, and what questions should you ask them? What are some of the biggest misconceptions about worker's comp insurance? What is a "Unit Stat Report" and why should your broker be preparing one for you? Resources mentioned in this construction podcast: FieldChat - The ultimate text messaging platform for construction sites The ADVANCE - The live 2 day mastermind meeting for construction business owners - October 17-18, 2019 in Lexington, KY      

How do you build custom modular homes on an island? What's going on in the offsite construction industry, and where is it heading?  How can YOU build your business with what's in your pocket? Do you hate doing your own bookkeeping...or do you suck at it?  Now there's a better way. [Click here to learn more]   Here's what you'll learn in this construction podcast: How Dave Cooper is building his business with videos he shoots with the phone in his pocket. What is the big picture of the offsite/modular construction industry?  Who are some big players investing money there? Challenges involved with building a modular home on an island. Common misconceptions about modular and offsite construction. How you can and should get started with video to grow your business and your personal brand. Resources mentioned in this construction podcast: Connecticut Valley Homes - www.ctvalleyhomes.com Dave's website - www.davecooper.live Connect with Dave on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/davecooperlive/

The "Mythbusters" edition where you'll learn the myths and urban legends about growing your construction business that need to be debunked. Click here to enroll in The Construction Business Accelerator while you still can   What you'll learn from this construction podcast: Silver Bullet Syndrome How you can triple a business in size and cut the stress in half. Why not wanting to grow your business is selfish How Charles Lindbergh turned the tide in the South Pacific during WW2. Your problems may not be "out there" FAQs about the Construction Business Accelerator program What can The Construction Business Accelerator do for you? Click here to see why it's a no-brainer

Systematize Your Construction Business: The audio from the webinar and online training video series.  Click here to enroll in The Construction Business Accelerator while you still can   What you'll learn from this construction podcast: - Learn how to identify the root cause(s) of your cash flow problems, and get strategies to solve it. - Find out how Jeff, a custom home builder saved the 40% of his week he was spending texting, calling and emailing subs and customers. - Discover how Ryan was able to cancel plans to hire two sales reps by making a simple tweak to his sales process. - The biggest mistake you could be making when it comes to solving the chaos in your business. - Discover the secret to creating better processes that require less effort and less enforcement. - Figure out which Stage (1 through 5) YOUR business is at, and what you need to hammer on to get to the next stage. Stick around to the end and you'll find out how to get $6,000 worth of free resources. What can The Construction Business Accelerator do for you? Click here to see why it's a no-brainer

How to think about cash flow differently, and tips for getting better financial clarity from a former construction business owner who happens to be a CPA. What you'll learn about in this construction podcast: The danger of not handling your books. What does it look like to have good financial data How can your numbers tell you a story that's useful? How to think about cash flow differently Spencer's most educational mistake as an entrepreneur. What is the language barrier you need to be aware of...and how do you overcome it? Resources mentioned in this construction podcast: Systematize Your Construction Business - Get your free training videos while they're still available The ADVANCE Fall 2019 - The live event for construction business owners Spencer's website - Shift Financial - www.shiftfinancial.co

Avoid 5 common mistakes when trying to eliminate chaos in your business by implementing systems. Click here to get the free training videos - Systematize Your Construction Business (For a Limited Time) Mistakes to avoid: Jumping to a solution too early Treating the symptoms Operating in a vacuum Not following through Reinventing the wheel   Resources mentioned in this construction podcast: Tsheets time tracking app Systematize Your Construction Business - Free Training Worshop Register for THE ADVANCE Live Event in Lexington, KY October 17-18

Most of the chaos in your business could be symptoms of systems deficiencies.   Click here to sign up for the free training series - Systematize Your Construction Business

I would have saved hundreds of thousands of dollars if I had listened to this advice 15 years ago.  Don't make the same mistake I did.  You'll also learn a few ways to make yourself worth $1,000 per hour. Click here to schedule your free Business Breakthrough Call with Todd Dawalt Imagine this: -You have a clear vision of where you want your business to be in one year.  Five years. - You have a plan to get you from where you are today to where you want to be.   - You know exactly what you need to work on at any point, and have confidence in your plan. - You have access to a group of other construction business owners like you, so you can bounce ideas off, and just talk to. - You have access to training to help you upgrade your skills, and access to experts and resources to help you offload the stuff you don't want to do. - You learn how to uncover the hidden mental blocks, limiting beliefs and things in your blind spot that have been holding you back. - You have someone to hold you accountable and keep you focused so you maintain momentum in the right direction. - You have more time.  More money.  More energy.  A business that works for you and supports your ideal lifestyle. What would that do for you?  What would be the best part? Does that interest you? That's exactly what construction business owners just like you are getting from the Construction Business Accelerator and my 1:1 coaching program. If you are ready to take the first step and learn how to get away from those frustrations and get the results you want, then go to constructionbusinessaccelerator.com. Through July 25th I'm offering a free 30 minute business breakthrough call for construction business owners.   Go to constructionbusinessaccelerator.com and click the button to schedule your business breakthrough call.

Are you the only construction business owner who deals with your particular fear or frustration? Probably not... Listen to this construction podcast episode to learn the top fears and frustrations I have compiled after coaching and interviewing hundreds of construction business owners. What's YOUR biggest fear that keeps you up at night? What frustrates you the most about your construction business? You might be surprised to find out you're not alone... Click here to schedule your free Business Breakthrough Call with Todd Dawalt Imagine this: -You have a clear vision of where you want your business to be in one year.  Five years. - You have a plan to get you from where you are today to where you want to be.   - You know exactly what you need to work on at any point, and have confidence in your plan. - You have access to a group of other construction business owners like you, so you can bounce ideas off, and just talk to. - You have access to training to help you upgrade your skills, and access to experts and resources to help you offload the stuff you don't want to do. - You learn how to uncover the hidden mental blocks, limiting beliefs and things in your blind spot that have been holding you back. - You have someone to hold you accountable and keep you focused so you maintain momentum in the right direction. - You have more time.  More money.  More energy.  A business that works for you and supports your ideal lifestyle. What would that do for you?  What would be the best part? Does that interest you? That's exactly what construction business owners just like you are getting from the Construction Business Accelerator and my 1:1 coaching program. If you are ready to take the first step and learn how to get away from those frustrations and get the results you want, then go to constructionbusinessaccelerator.com. Through July 25th I'm offering a free 30 minute business breakthrough call for construction business owners.   Go to constructionbusinessaccelerator.com and click the button to schedule your business breakthrough call.  

Why is giving work away such a good idea if you want to grow your business?  What's the business case for "corporate social responsibility?"  How did an encounter with a little girl affect Charles early in his career? What you'll learn about in this construction podcast episode: What happens when an entrepreneur gets clarity on their vision. There is something that is better to get wrong than to not try at all.  What is it? "Doing well by doing good."  What that belief model means, and how an encounter with a little girl started it. The business case for corporate social responsibility...why it's good for your business to give work away. The power of authenticity and how you should be using it to connect with your employees and customers. Other resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: FieldChat - The Ultimate Text Messaging Platform for Construction Sites Offload Your Bookkeeping Headaches and spend your time on things that actually makes you money Webinars and training resources for construction business owners Free video series: Secrets of Successful Contractors   How to connect with Charles Antis: Connect with Charles on LinkedIn Antis Roofing website: www.antisroofing.com/

Your insurance coverage could have gaping holes in coverage...and you could save thousands by making a few adjustments.  Insurance expert Sean Mulhern explains.   What you'll learn about in this construction podcast episode: Four most frequently overlooked coverages in insurance policies that could leave you exposed. The real risks of uninsured subcontractors. How to stay out of trouble if you use 1099 subcontractors. Tips for saving money on insurance while getting better coverage. How a time tracking system can save you thousands of dollars a year on workman's comp insurance. When and why you should want to prepare for an insurance audit. Other resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: Nine Mistakes That Could Be Killing Your Sales Get your free 10 day trial of The Construction Business Accelerator FieldChat - The Ultimate Text Messaging Platform for Construction Sites Webinars and training resources for construction business owners Free video series: Secrets of Successful Contractors Free Strategy Call – Own a construction business? Click here to schedule your free strategy session with Todd Dawalt.   Some resources Jennifer mentioned and how you can contact her:

Do you understand the threat to your business from disengaged employees?  What's going to happen if your people get tired of not being recognized?  Can you really motivate them? What you'll learn about in this construction podcast episode: The threat that disengaged employees pose to your construction business. What is the business case for employee recognition? Should you recognize results or behavior, and why? What wrong beliefs are you stuck in when it comes to recognizing employees? What does "safegagement" mean and why should you care? The biggest mistakes you could be making when trying to motivate your people. Click here for details on Spencer Powell's "done for you" social media service for remodeling contractors.  It's a no-brainer.   Other resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: Buildwithout.com - Find freelancers.  Build your business without all the headaches of employees. Get your free 10 day trial of The Construction Business Accelerator Webinars and training resources for construction business owners Free video series: Secrets of Successful Contractors Free Strategy Call – Own a construction business? Click here to schedule your free strategy session with Todd Dawalt.   Some resources Jennifer mentioned and how you can contact her: Company website - www.cashort.com Jennifer's email - jwoods(at)cashort.com Schedule a call with Jennifer Woods  Download resources Jennifer mentioned on the podcast    

Are  you making these common social media mistakes contractors make?  Where SHOULD you focus your energy?  How can you attract your ideal clients?  Listen to find out. Click here to access free training on cash flow, selling mistakes to avoid and the Secrets of Successful Contractors What you'll learn about in this construction podcast episode: How you can get your ideal clients to contact YOU. Which social media platforms should you forget about...and which should you double down on? What are the best social media post types to use? Tips for outsourcing work to virtual or remote workers. The biggest mistakes you could be making when it comes to social media.   Click here for details on Spencer Powell's "done for you" social media service for remodeling contractors.  It's a no-brainer.   Other resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: Buildwithout.com - Find freelancers.  Build your business without all the headaches of employees. Get your free 10 day trial of The Construction Business Accelerator Webinars and training resources for construction business owners Free video series: Secrets of Successful Contractors Free Strategy Call – Own a construction business? Click here to schedule your free strategy session with Todd Dawalt.

How did Jesse Lane get his first commercial project?  What's his business development strategy, and will it work for you?   What you'll learn about in this construction podcast episode: The most expensive mistake Jesse Lane made when starting his commercial general contracting business. How you can create time by automating parts of your life...very simply. Why you might want to get into commercial work if you're currently doing all residential. How you can get your first commercial job. Some of the systems you'll need if you want to scale your business. Why you might want to build a personal brand.   How to connect with Jesse Lane:    ► Jesse's Instagram - @jesselanetv https://www.instagram.com/jesselanetv/   ►Jesse's company website - http://www.jlaneconstruction.com/   ►Jesse's YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/jesselanevlogs   Other resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: Get your free 10 day trial of The Construction Business Accelerator Webinars and training resources for construction business owners Free video series: Secrets of Successful Contractors Free Strategy Call – Own a construction business? Click here to schedule your free strategy session with Todd Dawalt.

 How should you talk to people about the trades if you actually want them to work for you? What is #concretetough? Listen to Jereme Montgomery, advocate for the concrete industry explain... Click here to access free training on cash flow, selling mistakes to avoid and the Secrets of Successful Contractors What you'll learn about in this construction podcast episode: One thing missing from the conversation about the skilled workforce shortage. Some tips if millennials are a mystery to you. Is there really a skills gap or is it something else? What are they doing in Nebraska that you should be paying attention to? Ten reasons to be #concretetough   Other resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: Get your free 10 day trial of The Construction Business Accelerator Webinars and training resources for construction business owners Free video series: Secrets of Successful Contractors Free Strategy Call – Own a construction business? Click here to schedule your free strategy session with Todd Dawalt.   How you can connect with Jereme Montgomery: Twitter Instagram LinkedIn #ConcreteTough on Youtube Ten Reasons to be #ConcreteTough

How is Andy growing his team in the middle of a labor crisis? What's he doing with social media that many contractors aren't? Why does he train potential competitors to his roofing business? Click here to access free training on cash flow, selling mistakes to avoid and the Secrets of Successful Contractors What you'll learn about in this construction podcast episode: Surprising ways you should use social media to grow your business and your team...even if you're in commercial work. Andy's most expensive mistake in business, and how you can avoid doing the same thing. Why is Andy helping potential competitors grow their business? The power of being part of a team of contractors, and what it has allowed Andy to do since joining. The difference between commercial and residential, and the benefits for roofing contractors to grow their commercial side. The commercial roof coatings niche, and why it's one you might want to get into. Roofing Business Master Class - Click here for instant access to the followup videos where Andy shares his strategies for growing a roofing business. How to connect with Andy Near: Empire Contractors website - www.roofsbyempire.com Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/king.near Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/nextlevelroofer/ Email - andy.empirecontractors(at)gmail.com   Other resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: Get your free 10 day trial of The Construction Business Accelerator Webinars and training resources for construction business owners Free video series: Secrets of Successful Contractors Free Strategy Call – Own a construction business? Click here to schedule your free strategy session with Todd Dawalt.

Learn the #1 mistake contractors make when doing their own accounting and what you may be missing out on with construction financial expert Nicole Landau. Click here to access free training on cash flow, selling mistakes to avoid and the Secrets of Successful Contractors What you'll learn about in this construction podcast episode: The #1 mistake you could be making if you do your own acccounting. Pitfalls to watch out for if you own or are part of a family owned construction busines. Great advice for improving your cash flow situation. Dicey situations to watch out for related to workman's comp insurance. What does a CFO do...and how can you have their help without hiring an employee? Misconceptions about outsourcing that could be holding you back. A financial dashboard - what it does and what should be on yours. How to connect with Nicole Landau: Visit www.landauconsultingsolutions.com and request a free consultation.   Other resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: Get your free 10 day trial of The Construction Business Accelerator Webinars and training resources for construction business owners Free video series: Secrets of Successful Contractors Free Strategy Call – Own a construction business? Click here to schedule your free strategy session with Todd Dawalt.

Your competition is trying to poach your top talent right now. What are you doing to keep them around?  Listen in and learn what contractors are doing to preemptively win the war for talent. Get Your Free Copy of The Revenue Maximizer - Schedule for Revenue and Stay Out of the "Cash Flow Crunch" What you'll learn about in this construction podcast episode: The REAL problems behind the labor shortage you need to solve. Why I call it the "skilled workforce delusion." A few things you may not have considered when trying to figure out how to connect with younger generations. Strategies for changing the narrative on the construction industry. Common mistakes you could be making when trying to roll out a new initiative on your project or in your business.   Other resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: Get your free 10 day trial of The Construction Business Accelerator Webinars and training resources for construction business owners Free video series: Secrets of Successful Contractors Free Strategy Call – Own a construction business? Click here to schedule your free strategy session with Todd Dawalt.   How can you learn more about GroundupConstruct? www.groundupconstruct.com

Not using social media?  You could be missing out on four major uses...and your competition could be getting an advantage. Get Your Free Copy of The Revenue Maximizer - Schedule for Revenue and Stay Out of the "Cash Flow Crunch" What you'll learn about in this construction podcast episode: There are three large groups of people that are critical to your business that you need to connect with...even though they aren't customers. The danger of transferring your habits and preferences onto other people. A strategy you can use to grow your team, and when you should start using it if posting positions on jobs boards isn't working. One of the top motivators of your employees and how social media can help you tap into it. Other resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: Get your free 10 day trial of The Construction Business Accelerator Webinars and training resources for construction business owners Free video series: Secrets of Successful Contractors Free Strategy Call – Own a construction business? Click here to schedule your free strategy session with Todd Dawalt.

"Spencer, can you deposit $1 million on Monday?"  How did Spencer Padgett reply to his banker's request?  How did his homebuilding business survive the recession.  How did a Snickers bar cost $40,000? Get Your Free Copy of The Revenue Maximizer - Schedule for Revenue and Stay Out of the "Cash Flow Crunch" What you'll learn about in this construction podcast episode: Leadership lessons from Spencer's tenure in the Naval Academy and the United States Marine Corps. The cautionary tale of "The $40,000 Snickers Bar." How Spencer's company pivoted to survive the recession of 2008. The importance of "grit." Business lessons Spencer has picked up from working with a software company. Why did Spencer make the transition from homebuilder to working as Builder-in-Residence at CoConstruct? How to get in touch with Spencer Padgett: Connect with Spencer on LinkedIn CoConstruct's website - www.coconstruct.com Other resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: Register for The Advance Spring 2019 in Fort Meyers, FL on April 12-13 Get your free 10 day trial of The Construction Business Accelerator Webinars and training resources for construction business owners Free video series: Secrets of Successful Contractors Free Strategy Call – Own a construction business? Click here to schedule your free strategy session with Todd Dawalt. Tired of Bookkeeping? Learn about a way to offload those headaches so you can do what makes you money 

Here's what you're going to get from my conversation with Devon Tilly from The Art of Construction Podcast: Get Your Free Copy of The Revenue Maximizer - Schedule for Revenue and Stay Out of the "Cash Flow Crunch" What you'll learn about in this construction podcast episode: Trends that are coming soon you need to be aware of. Is the proliferation of technology in construction helping...or hurting? Advice for tech folks who want to have meaningful discussions with contractors. How to NOT get left behind by technology. Be sure to subscribe to The Art of Construction Podcast hosted by Devon Tilly!   Other resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: Get your free 10 day trial of The Construction Business Accelerator Webinars and training resources for construction business owners Free video series: Secrets of Successful Contractors Free Strategy Call – Own a construction business? Click here to schedule your free strategy session with Todd Dawalt. Tired of Bookkeeping? Learn about a way to offload those headaches so you can do what makes you money 

What would you do if you were going to start a business?  I'm thinking about hiring someone in the office.  How do I get my guys to be more productive.  I answer these common questions in this episode. Get Your Free Copy of The Revenue Maximizer - Schedule for Revenue and Stay Out of the "Cash Flow Crunch" What you'll learn about in this construction podcast episode: The surprising question I ask people who say they want to start a business.  Why you don't want to be the guy with a hammer in search of a nail. How to figure out the type of work that is in your wheelhouse. Some criteria I would look for in an ideal business. What I advise my clients to do before they hire someone. Why you might want to "outsource and reallocate," and how to do it. What activities should you NOT be doing efficiently? What you need to do first if you want your people to be more productive. The parable of Eight Pickles, and what you can learn from it. Other resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: Get your free 10 day trial of The Construction Business Accelerator Webinars and training resources for construction business owners Free video series: Secrets of Successful Contractors Free Strategy Call – Own a construction business? Click here to schedule your free strategy session with Todd Dawalt. Tired of Bookkeeping? Learn about a way to offload those headaches so you can do what makes you money 

Homebuilders and remodelers should check out these featured exhibitors and speakers at IBS 2019 in Vegas.  You'll also get some tips for eliminating chaos and making time slow down. Tips for Eliminating Chaos and Making Time Slow Down: Batch communication with customers Focus on the handoff points in your project Clearly establish roles and responsibilities Fire yourself from bookkeeping, and partner with a company like Apparatus Contractor Services. Run your business "right to left" using the Revenue Maximizer method  "Just starting to think "right to left" has been a huge lead domino...I'm starting to enjoy my job.  I haven't enjoyed my job in a long time. I see things unfolding and I have hope now."  Thomas A. Click here to get the Revenue Maximizer program at no cost with your free 10 day test drive of the Construction Business Accelerator.   Featured Exhibits You Should Check Out at IBS 2019 in Las Vegas: STACK Construction Technologies STACK Construction Technologies provides cloud-based, takeoff and estimating software that can be used by all types of contractors including custom home builders, general contractors, roofers, painters, flooring installers, drywallers, landscapers, plumbers and other trades. Booth Location: Visit STACK in Booth #SU216 located in the South Hall.   Website:  www.stackct.com   CoConstruct   CoConstruct is a web and mobile based Construction Management System for custom home builders and remodelers, and their mission us to reduce chaos in your day to create a rewarding building experience for both you and your clients.   Thousands of companies rely on CoConstruct every day to coordinate their projects, communicate with their clients and crew, and control all the financials of their business.   Booth Location: Visit the CoConstruct team in Booth # SU1025   Website: www.coconstruct.com   Featured Presentations You Should Check Out at IBS 2019 in Las Vegas:   #1. Managing Business Growth: A Roadmap for Taking the Leap from Small to Medium & Beyond - Spencer Padgett A small builder's business is in constant flux, and finding an avenue for growth can be daunting. The ability to scale sales, operations, construction supervision and client services allows growth to happen—but only if it is tightly managed and the risks are addressed. (Click here for more details)     #2. Hunting for Unicorns: Creating the Skilled Labor You Need by Attracting & Cultivating Talent - Shawn Van Dyke   This advanced session explores why construction companies must shift from "hiring for skill" to "recruiting for talent" in order to remain relevant in the coming years, and how to develop recruiting, hiring, and training practices that show Millennials a path...(Click here for more details)     #3. Learning and Growing Through Podcasts - Devon Tilly   When was the last time you signed up for a course, read a business management book or went to an HBA meeting to hear a great speaker? It’s likely that most builders haven’t done more than one of those things in the past year.  (Click here for more details)   #4. It's Not a Skilled Labor Problem...It's a Process Problem - Todd Dawalt   The skilled labor shortage in the construction industry isn't really a "problem."  The shortage of skilled labor is actually a symptom of an underlying process problem.  In this session you will uncover some of the process problems hidden in plain sight, how another industry is addressing its skilled labor shortage and what you can do, such as adopting offsite building solutions, to relieve the strain on your labor force before you hire more employees.  (Click here for more details)  

Can a couple run a business together?  How do you draw the line between home and business...or does there even need to be a line? Get Your Free Copy of The Revenue Maximizer - Schedule for Revenue and Stay Out of the "Cash Flow Crunch" What you'll learn about in this construction podcast episode: Keys to running a construction business as a couple. The importance of having a clear vision and goals for the growth of Matt and Katyana's business. Why are Matt and Katyana so good at implementing and making stuff happen? What did they do to accelerate their business so quickly? Finding the right balance between creativity and systems. What role did mindset play in the growth of Matt and Katyana's business? What would they tell you about being in Todd Dawalt's coaching program? Other resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: Get your free 10 day trial of The Construction Business Accelerator Free video series: Secrets of Successful Contractors Free Strategy Call – Own a construction business? Click here to schedule your free strategy session with Todd Dawalt.   How to connect with Matt and Katyana: Their website - www.entreprisejackson.com Instagram - @entreprisejackson

There's a valuable lesson to be learned from some polar explorers 100 years ago that points to one of the root causes behind the skilled workforce delusion. Get Your Free Copy of The Revenue Maximizer - Schedule for Revenue and Stay Out of the "Cash Flow Crunch" What you'll learn about in this construction podcast episode: What is the deficiency that caused polar explorers and rich children to die of a mysterious disease in the early 1900's? Simon Sinek's "Golden Circle" and the missing ingredient most construction companies are ignoring. What is the deficiency that is one of the root causes of so many problems facing the construction industry? What are we doing wrong when trying to convince young people to go into a skilled trade? What is the missing ingredient that will inspire people to join our industry? What can/should leaders do to help their teams be more productive, engaged and motivated. Other resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: Get your free 10 day trial of The Construction Business Accelerator Free video series: Secrets of Successful Contractors Free Strategy Call – Own a construction business? Click here to schedule your free strategy session with Todd Dawalt.

Worried about your cash flow? Struggling with payroll and vendors? This 5 step process will help you get out of "cash flow crunch" mode. Get Your Free Copy of The Revenue Maximizer - Schedule for Revenue and Stay Out of the "Cash Flow Crunch" What you'll learn about in this construction podcast episode: A 5 step strategy that will help get you out of your cash flow crunch. You are your own worst enemy.   How do you take yourself out of the game mentally? What is "sanctified procrastination?" How does your refusal to delegate well screw up your succcess? Events vs. Stories Other resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: Get your free 10 day trial of The Construction Business Accelerator Free video series: Secrets of Successful Contractors Free Strategy Call – Own a construction business? Click here to schedule your free strategy session with Todd Dawalt.

How will you ever retire?  When should you start planning for it? What are the options for selling or transitioning your business? Get Your Free Copy of The Revenue Maximizer - Schedule for Revenue and Stay Out of the "Cash Flow Crunch" What you'll learn about in this construction podcast episode: One thing every construction business owner should do immediately for the sake of their family and employees. Most common mistakes contractors make when it comes to succession planning. Misconceptions construction business owners have about succession planning, exit planning and selling their business. The worst case scenario you need to plan for...that's worse than you dying. The five most common exit strategies for construction businesses. The key ingredients for each exit strategy. You might be surprised how far in advance you should start planning for an exit or succession. Other resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: Get your free 10 day trial of The Construction Business Accelerator Free video series: Secrets of Successful Contractors Free Strategy Call – Own a construction business? Click here to schedule your free strategy session with Todd Dawalt.   How you can connect with Ken Hedlund of Somerset CPAs: Company website: www.somersetcpas.com Connect with Ken Hedlund on LinkedIn  Ken's email address: khedlund(at)somersetcpas.com

What do CFOs and Controllers do for construction companies?  Jessica Krause is a construction financial expert and shares some great tips for you. Maximize Your Revenue, Eliminate Chaos and Build a Well-Oiled Machine - [FREE Training for Contractors] What you'll learn about in this construction podcast episode: The biggest financial mistakes contractors typically make. The real root causes of cash flow problems.  Where do they begin, and how long does it take for the symptoms to show up? What does a CFO do, and when should you hire one? Jessica's #1 tip for a small business owner. How to determine how much you should pay yourself. What is the first step if you're thinking about retirement.   Other resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: Get your free 10 day trial of The Construction Business Accelerator Free video series: Secrets of Successful Contractors Free Strategy Call – Own a construction business? Click here to schedule your free strategy session with Todd Dawalt.   How you can connect with Jessica Krause: Website: www.newlyfekc.com Email: jessicak@newlyfekc.com

Tom Reber from The Contractor Fight shares some great advice for contractors. Get Your Construction MBA (Masters of Business Acceleration) Click Here to Learn How What you'll learn about in this construction podcast episode: The biggest root cause problems contractors face based on Tom Reber's experience. Fear around selling and how to deal with it. The importance of getting your thinking right. Misconceptions about having a business coach. How to get more disciplined. Clarity leads to success. Why "owning your crap" is essential Click here to download the PDF Cheat Sheet - Nine Mistakes Killing Your Sales   "We're finally able to pay ourselves what we deserve."   Click here to hear what Matt and Katyana did to get to a point in their business where they could say this. Other resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: Tom Reber's podcast - The Contractor Fight Get your Construction MBA (Masters of Business Acceleration) Free video series: Secrets of Successful Contractors Free Strategy Call – Own a construction business? Click here to schedule your free strategy session with Todd Dawalt.    

Three surprising and counter-intuitive lessons from talking to hundreds of contractors in 2018, plus my story and the vision for the future. Maximize Your Revenue, Eliminate Chaos and Build a Well-Oiled Machine - [Get Your Free Trial]  What you'll learn about in this construction podcast episode: Some of the surprising lessons I've learned from talking to hundreds of contractors.   What you need to stop doing if you want to make your actual problems go away. Why success is as much about subtraction as addition. You don't need more information...you may actually need less. If your biggest challenge isn't "out there," then where is it? Todd's back story and how the podcast got started. The vision and mission for the future and how you can get involved. Click here to download the PDF Cheat Sheet - Nine Mistakes Killing Your Sales   "We're finally able to pay ourselves what we deserve."   Click here to hear what Matt and Katyana did to get to a point in their business where they could say this.   Other resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: Get your free 10 day trial of The Construction Business Accelerator Free video series: Secrets of Successful Contractors Free Strategy Call – Own a construction business? Click here to schedule your free strategy session with Todd Dawalt.

"There is no line that shouldn't be crossed with customers and employees." Listen as Neil Sundresh discusses the role of transparency and goodwill in acquiring and growing Glacier West Construction. Maximize Your Revenue, Eliminate Chaos and Build a Well-Oiled Machine - [FREE Training for Contractors]   What you'll learn about in this construction podcast episode: What Neil Sundresh learned from acquiring a construction business. The surprising importance of goodwill in the process of buying a business. Some of Neil's most educational mistakes. The first question he would ask a construction business owner who says they want to grow their business. What would Neil do differently if he could do it all over again. The counter-intuitive way Neil has successfully used transparency to grow relationships with clients and employees. Neil's experience in my 1:1 coaching program. Click here to download the PDF Cheat Sheet - Nine Mistakes Killing Your Sales   "We're finally able to pay ourselves what we deserve."   Click here to hear what Matt and Katyana did to get to a point in their business where they could say this.   Other resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: Get your free 10 day trial of The Construction Business Accelerator Free video series: Secrets of Successful Contractors Free Strategy Call – Own a construction business? Click here to schedule your free strategy session with Todd Dawalt.

Want to sell more work at higher margins? When you stop making a few of these most common selling mistakes, you might be surprised what will happen. Maximize Your Revenue, Eliminate Chaos and Build a Well-Oiled Machine - [FREE Training for Contractors] What you'll learn about in this construction podcast episode: There are at least 9 mistakes I see contractors making that are killing their sales.  Here are a few: #3. Lack of Strategy - Being unclear on the kind of work you want to do and not having a consistent system for generating leads is a recipe for a roller coaster, feast-or-famine business. #4. Wasting Time - Most contractors are wasting time on unqualified leads AND putting too much unnecessary details in their estimates.  This sets off a domino effect because it handcuffs you to your computer, doing too much work for people who were probably never going to become customers. #6. Talking About You - The more you talk about you, your company history, equipment, etc....the less your prospect cares.  You need to stop talking about things that put them to sleep, and start talking about things that make them want to take action. Click the link below to download a one pager with all nine mistakes. Click here to download the PDF Cheat Sheet - Nine Mistakes Killing Your Sales   "We're finally able to pay ourselves what we deserve."   Click here to hear what Matt and Katyana did to get to a point in their business where they could say this.   Other resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: Get your free 10 day trial of The Construction Business Accelerator Free video series: Secrets of Successful Contractors Free Strategy Call – Own a construction business? Click here to schedule your free strategy session with Todd Dawalt.

Gerri Dominikos has grown her NYC construction business with strategies she learned from her corporate career.  Listen to learn how she did it.   Maximize Your Revenue, Eliminate Chaos and Build a Well-Oiled Machine - [FREE Training for Contractors] What you'll learn about in this construction podcast episode: What Gerri calls the "evolution of tradesman" and the skills gaps of new hires coming out of trade school. A customer service culture is more important than ever to avoid being a commodity. The big corporate strategies and tactics Gerri has used to systematize and grow her business. What it means to "learn how to hunt." Gerri's experience taking over a family business, and what you can learn from it. Why it is crucial to have the right mindset. How to say "No" strategically Other resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: Get your free 10 day trial of The Construction Business Accelerator Free video series: Secrets of Successful Contractors Free Strategy Call – Own a construction business? Click here to schedule your free strategy session with Todd Dawalt. How you can connect with Gerri Dominikos: Company website - www.airlogix.co Email - Gerri@airlogix.co Phone - (718)947-1311 x221

How Audree Grubesic built a successful modular home building business, and some tips for growing your construction business. Maximize Your Revenue, Eliminate Chaos and Build a Well-Oiled Machine - [FREE Training for Contractors]   What you'll learn about in this construction podcast episode: How Audree Grubesic made the transition from sales and marketing to construction business owner. The most common misconceptions about modular construction. What home builders need to know about modular and off site construction, and why you might want to consider this method. Audree's experience has a woman starting a business in what is considered to be a male dominated industry. The importance of setting expectations with your clients. Audree's advice for helping you grow your construction business.   Other resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: Get your free 10 day trial of The Construction Business Accelerator Free video series: Secrets of Successful Contractors Free Strategy Call – Own a construction business? Click here to schedule your free strategy session with Todd Dawalt.   How you can connect with Audree Grubesic: Connect Home Builders - www.connecthomebuilders.com Audree's email - audree@connecthomebuilders.com

How have we failed 70% of the people working in the construction industry?  What are most contractors doing that is causing them to fail? Maximize Your Revenue, Eliminate Chaos and Build a Well-Oiled Machine - [FREE Training for Contractors]   What you'll learn about in this construction podcast episode: The REAL issues behind the skilled labor shortage. The disconnect between field labor leaders and management, and how the system is often designed to fail. The common mistakes you could be making when it comes to compensation. The difference between merit based increases and socialist increases...and which is better for high performing teams. What is the most overlooked group of people that has a huge impact on whether new employees are successful. Why are people really leaving your company?   Other resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: Get your free 10 day trial of The Construction Business Accelerator Free video series: Secrets of Successful Contractors Free Strategy Call – Own a construction business? Click here to schedule your free strategy session with Todd Dawalt.   How to contact John Morris: Associated Builders and Contractors National Website - www.abc.org Ohio Valley Chapter of the ABC - www.ovabc.org John's email address - john(at)ovabc.org  

You say you don't want to compete on price, but the way you're selling makes you do just that.  Learn what you stop doing to avoid that. Get my Contractor Sales Accelerator program free for 10 days   What you’ll learn in this construction podcast episode: Why you're going about selling all wrong...unless you want to be a commodity. How to keep your spot as the incumbent service provider. How to unseat the incumbent contractor and take their spot. What should be in your three chapter book titled, "Why You Should Hire Us." How to present in such a way that it resonates with your prospect's brain. How to avoid becoming a commodity. Why you're always competing on price, and what you can do to get away from it.   How you can contact Jeff Echols Connect with Jeff on LinkedIn Jeff's website Download the ebook Jeff mentioned in the podcast   Other valuable resources mentioned in this construction podcast: Get your free 10 day trial of The Construction Business Accelerator Free video series: Secrets of Successful Contractors Free Strategy Call – Own a construction business? Click here to schedule your free strategy session with Todd Dawalt.

Ten activities construction business owners and leaders can engage in that are worth $1,000 per hour...or more. Here's what you'll learn when you listen to this construction podcast from www.constructionleadingedge.com:   Ten Activities Worth $1K Per Hour or More: #1.  Selling new projects or contracts If you can spend 8 hours estimating, selling and negotiating a new contract that will yield $8,000 in profit, that makes your time worth $1,000 per hour. #2.  Upselling existing clients There two questions, totaling five words you can ask that will give your revenue on every project a 1% - 2% boost.   #3. Building key relationships If you want to generate more leads (which you should), don't start with advertising or social media.  Start by building your referral network.   #4. Planning your projects Every decision on a project is going to be made at some point.  You can either decide in the heat of battle, when labor and equipment costs are racking up...or you can do it in advance. Planning is simply making decisions in advance. You can spend 4 hours planning your work and expect to save or avoid $5,000 - $10,000 in costs, making your time worth $1,250 - $2,500 per hour. #5. Preparing and reviewing contracts. Don't assume just because the contract is "boilerplate" or "standard" that it's OK.  You should review every contract and look at: - Payment terms - Insurance requirements - Dispute resolution terms - Reporting requirements - Scope of work - Contract documents - Owner obligations   #6. Building systems  Think of building systems as investing your time, and getting a return on time invested (ROTI). For example: If you spend 10 hours creating a system or process that will save your company 100 hours per year, that is a good ROTI, which could make that time worth over $1,000 per hour.   #7. Hiring and Training You could spend 3 days recruiting, interviewing and hiring for a key role (PM, superintendent, etc.) who will generate $10,000 profit per month. That means the time spent hiring is worth $5,000 per year.   #8. Strategic Sourcing / Vendor Negotiation I spent a couple of hours negotiating a better deal with a crushed stone supplier a few years ago.  The result? I saved $500 per day...every day. When negotiating, I recommend giving the vendor a price target, instead of asking for their best price.  Start the conversation with, "Will you take....?" Other ideas include: - Negotiating for free delivery service. - Contact your insurance agent and get better rates. - Call your credit card company and negotiate a lower interest rate. - Negotiate a lower lease rate with your landlord in return for renewing the lease. - Set up a commercial account with your parts supplier and negotiate a discount off retail. - Buy fuel in bulk. - Start with the suppliers you buy the most from and work your way down the list.   #9. Quality control  To prevent rework, punchlist issues, warranty problems, and long term risks that result in litigation, perform your own quality control inspections. Identify key points in your projects when work gets concealed or covered up, and inspect the work to verify compliance with the contract documents. For example: - Inspect building subgrade before foundations are installed. - Pre-pour inspections before concrete slabs are poured. - Framing and rough-in inspections before insulation and drywall goes in. - Above ceiling inspections before ceiling tile installation. - Water testing of windows and building envelope materials. - Roofing inspections. I have identified mistakes and potential risks worth hundreds of thousands of dollars during quality control inspections. What if you could spend one hour doing quality control and find an issue that would have cost $1,000?  Would that be time well spent?   #10. Strategic planning As a business owner, it is IMPERATIVE that you have a vision and direction for your business.  Investing the time in your business to develop your vision, then turn that into a strategic action plan will accelerate the growth of your business.   Resources mentioned in this construction podcast: The CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS ACCELERATOR - Maximize revenue, put financial stress and anxiety behind you and turn your business into a well-oiled machine. Outsource your bookkeeping headaches:  Click here to learn more about the special package Apparatus Contractor Services put together for the CLE Nation. Tsheets app for timesheets Archisnapper app for jobsite inspections, checklists and reports  

Is your company culture screwed up? Is it suffering from a "purpose deficiency?" Why should you care? Listen to this construction podcast episode with Kevin Monroe to find out. What you’ll learn in this construction podcast episode: What's going to happen if you aren't intentional with your company culture. (It's not good.) Does your company have the symptoms of a screwed up culture? Is your team displaying the symptoms of a purpose deficiency? Your company has values, whether you know it or not.  How do you uncover them?   Does servant leadership really work? Crucial lessons you can learn from a fighter pilot who spent seven years in a prisoner of war camp in Vietnam. How you can contact Kevin Monroe Kevin's website - www.kevindmonroe.com The 28 Day Sprint - www.28daysprint.com   Other resources mentioned in this construction podcast: Get your free 10 day trial of The Construction Business Accelerator Free video series: Secrets of Successful Contractors Free Strategy Call – Own a construction business? Click here to schedule your free strategy session with Todd Dawalt.

Jean Ferreira was born in Brazil, and decided to leave a career with Victoria's Secret to start a construction business.  Listen and learn from her amazing story. Claim your free 10 day trial of The CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS ACCELERATOR What you’ll learn in this construction podcast episode: Why Jean Ferreira decided to leave Victoria's Secret to start a construction company. How she went over two years without landing a project...and why that was a GOOD thing for her. Lessons she learned from Victoria's Secret that helped her construction business. Some secrets and tips that have helped her become the owner of a successful WBE, MBE and DBE certified business. How to contact Jean Ferreira, CEO of Ferreira Holding Group: LinkedIn Email - jeanf1326@yahoo.com Resources mentioned in this construction podcast: Get the Revenue Maximizer and Contractor Sales Accelerator when you claim your free 10 day trial of The Construction Business Accelerator Free video series: Secrets of Successful Contractors Free Strategy Call – Own a construction business? Click here to schedule your free strategy session with Todd Dawalt. Offload Your Bookkeeping, Payroll and Back Office Headaches - Click here to request a free call with the Apparatus Contractor Services Team  

Success is nothing more than a few simple disciplines practiced every day. Here are some rituals and hacks you can use to beat overwhelm and get more work done. Get more free productivity hacks with your free 10 day trial of The CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS ACCELERATOR - https://constructionbusinessaccelerator.com What you’ll learn in this construction podcast episode: How does discipline equal freedom? What is the antidote to anxiety? Daily rituals you can use to free up your brainpower and get more consistent results. Situational rituals you can use to stop screwing yourself up. Why you should set up weekly rituals for your business. Batching activities - why you should be doing it, and what it will do for you and your team. Resources mentioned in this construction podcast: Get your free 10 day trial of The Construction Business Accelerator Free video series: Secrets of Successful Contractors Free Strategy Call – Own a construction business? Click here to schedule your free strategy session with Todd Dawalt. Have questions? Email Todd at todd(at)constructionleadingedge.com or call/text (859)667-2015.  

There's a goldmine of opportunities to find customers, employees and subcontractors...and very few contractors know about it. Grab your free 10 day trial of The CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS ACCELERATOR What you’ll learn in this construction podcast episode: Three ways construction business owners and leaders can use LinkedIn to solve their problems and grow their business. The  most common misconceptions about LinkedIn. A strategy you can use to generate leads and even get people to contact you about doing business with them. Why you might want to take advantage of this approach...before others find out about it. How to contact Ryan Lawson of Master Messaging: Ryan's email: rlawson@mastermessaging.com www.mastermessaging.com Resources mentioned in this construction podcast: Get your free 10 day trial of The Construction Business Accelerator Free video series: Secrets of Successful Contractors Free Strategy Call – Own a construction business? Click here to schedule your free strategy session with Todd Dawalt.

Builders and managers operate on different schedules, and when the two collide it causes problems with productivity, quality, and employee engagement. Grab your free 10 day trial of The CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS ACCELERATOR What you’ll learn in this construction podcast episode: What you may be doing to sabotage your crews' productivity and quality, without even knowing it. Why a 30 minute meeting can blow half a day. The concept of "attention residue" and how it shows up on construction sites. Why "batching" communication is such a good idea. The fundamental difference between the way builders and managers break up their days. What you can do (and stop doing) to make your crews more productive. Why flipping your organizational chart is such a good idea. Why you should give your people permission to NOT answer the phone. Resources mentioned in this construction podcast: Get your free 10 day trial of The Construction Business Accelerator Free video series: Secrets of Successful Contractors Free Strategy Call – Own a construction business? Click here to schedule your free strategy session with Todd Dawalt.

We're handcuffing our people by forcing them to use a process that hasn't changed in 100 years.  We need to address our process and productivity...not just find more people. Grab your free 10 day trial of The CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS ACCELERATOR What you’ll learn in this construction podcast episode: If we don't really have a skilled labor shortage, then what's the problem? The seven most dangerous words in the English language. What is "FIOSS" and how is it disrupting the residential framing industry? The difference between FIOSS and prefabrication. There's a fundamental problem with the way we build projects that incentivizes people to do the wrong thing.  What is it? Why you need to communicate with your field crews like they are machines. Resources mentioned in this construction podcast: Get your free 10 day trial of The Construction Business Accelerator Free video series: Secrets of Successful Contractors Free Strategy Call – Own a construction business? Click here to schedule your free strategy session with Todd Dawalt. How you can contact Gerry McCaughey Company website - www.entekra.com Gerry's email - gerry(at)entekra.com

Described as a "badass she-wolf" in a family owned business, selling to the construction industry, Katie Roman has some great advice you should listen to. Grab your free 10 day trial of The CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS ACCELERATOR What you’ll learn in this construction podcast episode: Why you're probably afraid of selling, and how to get over it. Tips for building relationships and selling in a tough environment. How to handle the challenges of a family owned construction business. What you need to get over in order to be successful. How to overcome the not-so-helpful stereotypes in the construction industry, especially for young women. Advice for women in construction, and one common mistake they should avoid. How to confront issues in a family business in a healthy way. Resources mentioned in this construction podcast: Get your free 10 day trial of The Construction Business Accelerator Free video series: Secrets of Successful Contractors The Advance 2018 – Click here for details on this live mastermind event for construction business owners. Free Strategy Call – Own a construction business? Click here to schedule your free strategy session with Todd Dawalt.   How to contact Katie Roman: Aries Building Systems - www.ariesbuildings.com Phone - (703)820-2900

Tired of chaos in your business or on your project?  Here's how to eliminate it... Grab your free 10 day trial of The CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS ACCELERATOR What you'll learn in this construction podcast episode: Laminar flow vs. turbulent flow, and what does that have to do with a construction business. Biggest mistakes people make when setting up systems. Why "information brokering" is a big part of your job. How the 80/20 principle can be applied to chaos elimination. How deep do you need to go before you start picking solutions?  It's further than you think. Why "operating in a vacuum" is a mistake. What is "shared consciousness" and how to make it happen. A few things to watch out for when eliminating chaos. Resources mentioned in this construction podcast: Get your free 10 day trial of The Construction Business Accelerator Free video series: Secrets of Successful Contractors The Advance 2018 - Click here for details on this live mastermind event for construction business owners. Free Strategy Call - Own a construction business? Click here to schedule your free strategy session with Todd Dawalt.  

Don't be a hammer in search of a nail. Andy Rosic of The Home Depot and Todd Dawalt chat about the pitfalls of a solution obsessed mindset.  In this episode of The Construction Leading Edge podcast you'll learn:  Key problem solving methods for business owners.  How to switch from selling solutions, to adapting to solving customer's unique problems.  How to cut down on waste in project management.   The importance of software and technology in the construction industry.  Industry insights from working with contractors.  How to get in touch with Andy Rosic:  Andy's email: andy_rosic@homedepot.com  Andy's website: www.andyrosic.com     Resources mentioned in the podcast:   Secrets of successful contractors video series.   The Construction Business Accelerator: Boost Revenue 27%, Put Financial Stress Behind You and Turn Your Business Into a Well-Oiled Profitable Machine.   Schedule Your Construction Business Breakthrough Session. 

This episode of The Construction Leading Edge podcast is a conversation with Todd Staley of IWR North America. He shares some essential inside knowledge on augmenting business strategy and company culture. What you'll learn in this episode: How to grow your business by shrinking your client base. How to use reporting to track productivity. How to win in labor management. How to grow leaders by cultivating a dynamic company culture. How to create and market new service lines. How to sell to general contractors. How to get in touch with Todd Staley:  IWR's website: www.iwr-na.com Todd's LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/toddstaley/ Todd's email: tstaley@iwrna.com  Resources mentioned in this podcast:  The Construction Business Accelerator: Boost Revenue 27%, Put Financial Stress Behind You and Turn Your Business Into a Well-Oiled Profitable Machine.    Schedule Your Construction Business Breakthrough Session. 

Struggling to run your family business? Need help creating accountability within your firm? Listen and learn from business coaches Todd Dawalt and Dominic Rubino as they share essential construction industry advice. What you’ll learn in this episode: How to navigate the delicate dance of running a family business How to set up systems to provide accountability Profit leaks: what they are and how to identify them Advice on how to create more time for your business How to approach succession planning   How to contact Dominic Rubino:   Dominic’s website: Cabinet Maker Profit System.com   Dominic’s email: dr@cabinetmakerprofitsystem.com   Resources mentioned in this episode:     The Cabinet Maker Profit System Podcast   Profit Leaks Print Out   The Finance and Forecast Meeting Print Out   The Construction Business Accelerator: Boost Revenue 27%, Put Financial Stress Behind You and Turn Your Business Into a Well-Oiled Profitable Machine.    Schedule Your Construction Business Breakthrough Session. 

A strong and positive mindset is the most important characteristic of an outstanding leader. Learn how to de-bug your belief system by identifying and conquering the limiting beliefs that are sabotaging your success.    A preview of what you'll learn in this episode:  Limiting beliefs 1 - 5  Obstacle focus vs. Objective focus : An obstacle focus will limit you to obsessing over the obstacles to achievement rather than the objective you are working towards. Scarcity mentality: People stuck in a scarcity mentality believe that everything is a zero sum game. They believe that selling means taking and struggle with paranoia.  Success as a destination: "When I accomplish ______ all my problems will be gone." Success is in the process. Believing that success is a destination is a recipe for disappointment.  Achievement vs. appreciation: An achievement centered mindset brews frustration. Choosing appreciation over achievement frees up mental space wasted on frustration and replaces it with gratitude and focus. The escape route mentality: Spending time working on a "Plan B" or finding a way out of your current project drains you of energy that should be channeled towards project execution. Listen for the full rundown of the 37 limiting beliefs! Resources mentioned in this podcast: Schedule Your Construction Business Breakthrough Session  The Construction Business Accelerator: Boost Revenue 27%, Put Financial Stress Behind You and Turn Your Business Into a Well-Oiled Profitable Machine     

What does a sticky situation with an emergency generator have to do with Donald Trump? Anchoring. An important negotiation tactic and a fundamental human tendency to place outsized importance on the first piece of information presented, anchoring can work in your favor or work against you. Listen to learn how to plant the anchor firmly on your side of the negotiating table.   What you'll learn in this episode:   What the anchoring effect is.  The science behind how the anchoring effect works.  How to create an anchor price, time estimate, etc. Understanding the zone of possible agreement (ZOPA).  Negotiating from your anchor.  Diffusing a counter anchor.   Resources mentioned in this episode:  The Construction Business Accelerator: Boost Revenue 27%, Put Financial Stress Behind You and Turn Your Business Into a Well-Oiled Profitable Machine.  Schedule Your Construction Business Breakthrough Session.  [FREE COURSE] Create A Construction Project Schedule With MS Project...In Less Than One Hour.   

Mitch Kenney has cracked the code on pay per click advertising and SEO optimisation. He started with a small plumbing operation which he quickly grew after perfecting these online marketing techniques. Now he runs his own marketing firm and plumbing and HVAC businesses. Listen to learn more about how you too can grow your business through online advertising.  What you're going to learn in this podcast:  1. Getting the phone to ring through internet marketing  2. The art of SEO optimisation  3. The importance of reviews  4. Pay per click advertising: keywords, budgeting, calls to action, and landing sites. 5. Tips on sales and "following the money"  6. The importance of good service and good hires  7. Tips on how to move from a "scarcity mindset" to an "abundance mindset"  Resources mentioned in this episode:  How to contact Mitch Kenney:  Email: mk@pipesmedia.com    Website: www.pipesmedia.com   Apparatus Contractor Services   The Construction Business Accelerator        

Some of the things on your to do list have disproportionate effects on your mental state, productivity and business.  They are "Lead Dominos." Click here to see how the Construction Business Accelerator can help you turn your business into a well-oiled machine. This construction podcast from www.constructionleadingedge.com is going to help you identify your lead dominos, so you can operate at a high level every day, and get more of the right work accomplished. What you'll learn about in this construction podcast episode: What is a "lead domino," and how understanding the principle will help you. How to identify the lead dominos in your personal life, projects and business. The lead dominos I incorporate into my morning routine. One surprising lead domino that seems to have nothing to do with work, but actually affects everything. A lead domino that the US Army incorporates into their Master Resilience Training program that may surprise you. The lead domino that most construction business owners need to focus on to drive their business to the next level. Resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: Fishbone Diagram template [PDF] Download Essentialism by Greg McKeown Episode 31: The Unimportance of Practically Everything The Food Plan that will help you lose 10 lbs in a month and solve the "energy roller coaster." Free Course: How to Create a Construction Schedule Using Microsoft Project Free Video Series: The Secrets of Successful Contractors The Construction Business Accelerator: Boost Revenue 27%, Put Financial Stress Behind You and Turn Your Business Into a Well-Oiled Profitable Machine.  

"You're not that smart.  Your job is to find the right formula and turn the crank."  Dr. Wu. [FREE WEBINAR] Boost Your Revenue 27% Next Month - Click Here to Register (Hurry...spots are limited) This construction podcast from www.constructionleadingedge.com is about a philosophy I learned from one of my college professors, Dr. Wu. That philosophy ("Find the right formula. Turn the crank.") worked for engineering problems, and it works for construction business owners and leaders too.  If you want better, more consistent results in something, you need to take Dr. Wu's advice. What you'll learn about in this construction podcast episode: How your time could be worth $1,000 per hour or more. The benefits of finding a formula that someone else already figured out. The formula successful contractors use to schedule their projects and deliver them on time.  [FREE COURSE] How to Create a Construction Schedule With MS Project Why your cash flow problems aren't really problems, and what you can do to improve your cash flow situation. The root problems you need to attack if you want to improve cash flow. Two tips that will improve your crew productivity. CREW PRODUCTIVITY BOOSTER & THE CASH FLOW SOLUTION - Get them free when you join the CBA Mastermind Group You can learn the secrets successful contractors use to grow their business without hiring more people or finding more customers. Resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: [FREE COURSE] How to Create a Construction Schedule with MS Project - Click here to get your free copy (supplies are limited). Join an exclusive group of construction business owners, and get the CREW PRODUCTIVITY BOOSTER and THE CASH FLOW SOLUTION for free. Click here to learn more about the CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS ACCELERATOR Mastermind Group. [FREE WEBINAR] Boost Your Revenue 27% Next Month...Without Chasing Down New Employees or Customers (For construction business owners only - limited spots available)

This episode of the Construction Leading Edge podcast from www.constructionleadingedge.com addresses this problem: The typical approach to construction safety ignores the well-known science of human motivation...and could actually make some people LESS LIKELY to work safely. Topics covered in this construction podcast: The psychology that is ignored by the typical approach to safety enforcement and discipine. Wrong Belief #1: "It's my job to think for you and keep you safe." Wrong Belief #2: "I have to motivate you to work safely." Wrong Belief #3: "I have to tell you how to work safely and control you." The two biggest motivators, that are well-known by motivation and psychology experts, but ignored by many construction safety programs. Why safety should not be a priority. Five strategies you can use to tap into the psychology of human motivation and help your team work more safely. Resources mentioned in this construction podcast: Instant Influence: How to Get Anyone to Do Anything--Fast by Michael Pantalon Join the Construction Business Accelerator Mastermind Group - Become part of an exclusive group of construction business owners and get the support and answers you need for your business. Free Microsoft Project Scheduling Course - Learn how to create your own construction schedules in MS Project...for FREE.   Construction Business Owners - Schedule a Free Business Breakthrough Coaching Session

Aaron Fairchild grew a homebuilding business in a recession and funded it like a software company.  How did he do it?  This episode of The Construction Leading Edge Podcast from www.constructionleadingedge.com is an interview with Aaron Fairchild, CEO of Green Canopy Homes. Here's what you'll get from this construction podcast: Why money is a means to an end. How Aaron got into development to grow his homebuilding business, and some of the mistakes he made. The interesting approach he used to fund his business during the recession. The business case for "green" or sustainable construction. What you need to think about before using the latest innovative product or material on your project. What "founder's issues" are, and why business owners should care. The connection between growing your business and letting go of control. Why you can't scale your business without trust.   Resources mentioned in this construction podcast: Green Canopy's website - www.greencanopy.com Green Canopy's "Purposeful Growth" Video Secrets of Successful Contractors - A Free Video Series for Construction Business Owners Want to Eliminate Chaos, Boost Revenue 27% and Streamline Your Business? Click Here to Schedule Your Free Business Breakthrough Session  

Biggest employment mistakes contractors make. A defense you can use for an OSHA citation. Payment dispute tips. Employee or independent contractor? Episode #74 of The Construction Leading Edge construction podcast from www.constructionleadingedge.com is an interview...really more of a master class with construction attorney Philip Siegel. Philip Siegel is an attorney who specializes in helping general contractors, subcontractors and suppliers stay out of and get out of trouble when it comes to labor/employment law, OSHA citations, contract consulting, payment disputes, and construction litigation. What you're going to learn about in this construction podcast: What is the unforeseeable employee misconduct defense in response to an OSHA citation?  Why drug testing?   How to avoid payment disputes and get paid faster. Medical marijuana - What you may not be aware of. What you need to know if you work in a state with legalized marijuana Independent contractor or employee? How to stay out of trouble. Top 3 employment mistakes contractors make One thing every contractor should do this week to avoid trouble with a federal agency that is ramping up activity right now.   Resources mentioned in this construction podcast: Secrets Strategies of Successful Contractors: Free Videos for Construction Business Owners Schedule your free Business Breakthrough Coaching Call   How to contact Philip Siegel Phone: 404-469-9197 E-mail: pjs@hpsslaw.com Website: www.hpsslaw.com  

Symptoms vs. problems. How to identify the underlying problems causing low productivity, and solve them for good. How do the big successful contractors do it? Episode #73 of The Construction Leading Edge podcast from www.constructionleadingedge.com will show you a process you can use to get at the underlying problems to the symptoms you're dealing with, and solve them. Here's the process outlined in this construction podcast: 1. Identify the symptom or issue you're dealing with. 2. Ask, "What could be causing that symptom or issue?"  Make a list of Level 1 potential causes. 3. For each of those causes/issues, list the underlying problems that could be behind them (Level 2, Level 3, etc.) 4. Keep asking, "What could be causing that?" until you get to the basic underlying problem. 5. Design a system, process or plan that will solve the basic underlying problem.   Let's look at the example of Low Crew Productivity: Level 1 Potential Cause: Lack of Material Level 2 Causes behind the lack of material: Material wasn't ordered on time. Material was damaged during double handling. Material was delivered to the wrong place. Somebody forgot to pick up material from shop or supply house. Material was lost. Solutions to the Level 2 Causes behind the lack of material: Develop a material procurement schedule to ensure material is ordered and delivered at the right time. Have a jobsite logistics plan to pre-plan where material will be offloaded so it doesn't have to be moved. See #2. Have a daily planning process. Stock commonly used materials at the jobsite or shop. Hire a runner to pick up materials. Establish one person and one place where all deliveries go to avoid deliveries being lost. Level 1 Potential Cause: Crew efficiency and production Level 2 Causes behind low crew efficiency and production: Cell phone usage. Too much time in meetings. Spending time picking up materials. Time spent fueling trucks and equipment. Gathering tools and supplies at the shop in the morning. Time lost driving to and from lunch. Lack of goals.  They don't know what winning looks like. Lack of planning. Insufficient tools or poor tools. Work area is not ready when they get there. Work may be getting done but it's not reported to the office. Crew waits for instructions from the boss. Solutions to the Level 2 Causes behind low crew efficiency and production: Listen to the podcast to hear about the systems, processes and solutions you can use. Resources mentioned in this construction podcast: Secrets Strategies of Successful Contractors: Free Videos for Construction Business Owners Schedule your free Business Breakthrough Coaching Call  

"Estimating has nothing to do with selling." Mindset issues successful contractors must overcome. The critical financial factors you need to focus on. Free help to eliminate chaos in your business This construction podcast from www.constructionleadingedge.com is an interview with Brian King, founder, owner and president of A M King, a $100 million design build construction firm. What you'll learn about in this construction podcast: The wrong mindsets you need to overcome to be successful as a construction business owner. Why Brian says, "Estimating has nothing to do with sales." The critical few financial areas of the business you need to understand. Advice for you if you're starting a construction business. Why starting a subcontracting business might be a smart move. If you're just starting your career, or about to get out of school, Brian has some great "unsolicited career advice" you should listen to. Resources and links mentioned in this construction podcast: AM King Group's webiste - www.amkinggroup.com Brian King's blog - www.briantking.com Join the Construction Leading Edge Nation - www.constructionleadingedge.com/nation Resources for Construction Business Owners Strategies the Most Successful Contractors Use to Improve Cash Flow, Delegate Better and Get More Done in Less Time Schedule Your Free Business Breakthrough Coaching Call

Keys to growing a business to $20 million. The importance of having a business coach. Empowering people and "making their dreams come true." This construction podcast episode from www.constructionleadingedge.com is an interview with Andy Boyd, President of Integrated Protection Services (www.integratedprotection.com), and when you listen, here's what you'll learn...   Topics covered in this construction podcast episode: What you need to focus on and watch out for at different stages of business growth. Is tension and conflict healthy inside an organization? How do you delegate decisions effectively? (Leaves vs. branches) The questions Andy would ask if you said you wanted to grow your business. Strategy for attacking the aging workforce/skilled labor shortage problem. How empowering people and setting up Business Unit Leaders have been keys to success. The importance of having a business coach when Andy started out. Want to boost revenue 25% - 50% and turn your company into a well-oiled machine?  Click here for some free help.   Resources mentioned in this construction podcast: Integrated Protection Services - www.integratedprotection.com Andy Boyd's email - aboyd@integratedprotection.com Team of Teams by General Stanley McChrystal Predictable Success - Getting Your Organization on the Growth Track & Keeping It There Relentless: From Good to Great to Unstoppable Hacks and Secrets for Construction Business Owners

Tips for making your next big hire. Attacking the skilled labor shortage problem. Misconceptions about women in the trades. Misconceptions about millennials in construction.   Episode #70 of The Construction Leading Edge podcast from www.constructionleadingedge.com is a conversation with Human Resources expert Luiza Mills, VP of Human Resources for a large electrical contractor in New England. Topics you'll learn about in this construction podcast: Advice for making your next big hire. Unique strategies for solving the skilled labor shortage. Common misconceptions about women in the trades, and what we can co about it. How lean manufacturing methods can help the skilled labor shortage. What it means to have "internal customers." How do you keep millennials from leaving your company?   How you can get in touch with Luiza Mills: Luiza's email: lmills(at)iesc1.com Interstate Electrical Services website: www.iesc1.com   Resources mentioned in this construction podcast: 25 Point Construction Business Checkup Hacks and Secrets for Construction Business Owners How Construction Project Leaders Can Put "Empowered Execution" to Work for Them.

Why do architects and engineers leave out so many details?  What can you do if there is conflict between contractors and designers?  How do you solve this age old problem? This episode of The Construction Leading Edge podcast is a conversation with Spencer Fullerton, who has the unique experience of being a consulting engineer and a construction superintendent. Topics you'll hear about in this construction podcast episode: Why design details can get missed, or left out intentionally. Who actually does a lot of the detailed design? Why is there often animosity between contractors and designers? Two statements you can make that will build trust. The problem with specifying execution details, and why specifying end results is better. Strategies you can use to make your interactions with designers smoother. The problem with the old RFI process. Advice you should heed if you're starting your career in design or construction. Resources you might be interested in: Construction Business Owner Hacks - Click here to learn some powerful strategies used by successful construction business owners. Inspire Your Team to See the Vision & Do Great Work - Learn how the principle of "Empowered Execution" can help you. How to contact Spencer - spencerfullerton10(at)gmail.com

Friends are for weekends. The difference between doing the work and running a business. How to make the transition from the field to the office. These are a few of the lessons that Roy Garner, owner of Eco Construction Services shares on this construction podcast episode. Here's what else you'll learn from this construction podcast: - What you need to know if you're in commercial work and considering residential, or vice versa. - The mindset changes you need to make to be a business owner. - Some surprises that you should prepare for if you're going out on your own. - How Roy made the transition from working in the field every day, to running work from the office. - What being a member of the Construction Business Accelerator program has done for Roy and his business.   Resources mentioned in this construction podcast: The Construction Business Accelerator program The E-Myth Contractor: Why Most Contractors' Businesses Don't Work and What to Do About It   How to contact Roy Garner: Eco Construction Services website - www.ecoconstructionservices.com Roy's email address - roy(at)ecoconstructionservices.com Eco Construction Services Facebook page

Get control of your cash flow - Maximize revenue - Sell better to sell more - Maximize personal productivity - Increase crew productivity... These are a few of the Top 10 Things you can do if you own or manage a construction business, to make this the best year ever. Here are the Top 10 Ways to Make This the Best Year Ever: #1. Get control of your cash flow - Poor cash flow is not a problem...it's a symptom of other problems. A few strategies to improve your cash flow include... - Reduce "opportunity cost." - Figure out "invoicing gymnastics" to speed up payments - Eliminate "ticket starvation" to make sure you get paid for 100% of the work you do.   #2. Maximize revenue - Your business is a revenue generating machine that turns days into dollars. A few strategies that will help you maximize revenue include... - Identify your key revenue producing activities - Figure out who your key revenue producing employees are - Eliminate, Automate and Delegate - Operate with a "Right to Left" mentality    #3. Sell better...to sell more - Understand the psychology of selling. - Learn how to talk to customers about THEM...and not YOU. - Get over your mindset issues related to selling - Put systems in place Go listen to Episode 38 and Episode 61 for more on selling.   #4. Maximize personal productivity - Only do what only you can do. - Outsource, delegate, automate, and eliminate   #5. Increase crew productivity - Over invest in planning your work - Understand how to motivate your people - Create systems and processes to help them operate at peak efficiency. - Help them make you more money   #6. Recruit and hire to build your business - Determine the right time to hire. - Create a job description. - Find qualified candidates. - Know how to interview them and find out the right information. - Figure out a compensation package. - Training and on-boarding process so they succeed.   #7. Harness the power of effective delegation - You need to build leaders to grow your business. - Stop being a micro-manager...just stop it! - Get past the mindset issues preventing you from delegating. - Learn how to be "end result" focused, instead of "how to" focused.   #8. Master the art of handling conflict - Unresolved conflict is a productivity killer, causes lots of good people to go work elsewhere, and is a leading cause of business failure.   #9. Sharpen your planning skills - Lincoln said, "Give me 6 hours to chop down a tree and I'll spend the first 4 hours sharpening the axe." - Get better at planning for strategic business decisions, hiring, safety, revenue, profit, staffing...everything. - Planning is solving problems in the future, before they happen.   #10. Learn how to build systems - A business consists of a lot of repetitive tasks that need a consistent process in order to get consistent results. - Many business activities are about the transfer of information, and you need to build consistent systems for doing so. - Systems for time tracking, change orders, sales, training, and invoicing, are all key to building your business.   The Good News:   First - These are all skills that you can learn.   Second - The Construction Business Accelerator is designed to help you with all of them.   Click here to learn how the Construction Business Accelerator can help you make THIS YEAR... Your BEST YEAR EVER.  

Failure is a figment of your imagination. Resistance is a force that's trying desperately to keep things the same. Welcome to The Construction Leading Edge podcast from www.constructionleadingedge.com.  The construction podcast for construction business owners and leaders. What you'll learn about in this construction podcast episode: Why failure is a figment of your imagination. How you should think about failure What "Resistance" is, and its sole mission. An impossible construction project from a few thousand years ago. What you should expect Resistance to sound like when you try to accomplish something significant in your life or business. Resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: PROJECT LEADER BOOT CAMP - For superintendents, project managers and project leaders who want to get to the next level. CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS ACCELERATOR  - If you want to grow or start a construction business, I want to help you. COACHING PROGRAM - If you want accelerated results, individual accountability and a customized plan to solve the specific challenges in your business... CLICK HERE TO SCHEDULE YOUR FREE 30 MINUTE STRATEGY CALL    

Get in the driver's seat of your company's revenue, your income, project schedules, quality, safety, and more by thinking "Right to Left." This construction podcast is brought to you by www.constructionleadingedge.com   Resources mentioned in this construction podcast episode: Owner Hacks & Secrets - A Free Video Series for Construction Business Owners The CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS ACCELERATOR - Take your business to the next level 1:1 Coaching for Accelerated Results - Click here to schedule a free strategy session with me.  

What are the 10 most expensive tax mistakes contractors make? Can you make money by hiring a CPA?  Episode #64 of The Construction Leading Edge Podcast from www.constructionleadingedge.com is an interview with Craig Cody, who is a Certified Public Account, Certified Tax Coach and former NYPD police officer. In this construction podcast episode you will learn about: The biggest mistake small business owners make regarding taxes. The 10 most expensive tax mistakes that cost business owners thousands of dollars. What does a CFO do, and when you should hire one. Advice if you're planning to start a construction business. Why you should consider outsourcing your bookkeeping. How often you should meet with your CPA. Resources mentioned in this podcast episode: Get a free copy of Craig's book - "Ten Biggest Tax Mistakes That Cost Business Owners Thousands" Craig Cody's email - craig(at)ccodycpa.com Project Management Hacks and Secrets - Free video series The CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS ACCELERATOR program 

Episode #63 of The Construction Leading Edge podcast from www.constructionleadingedge.com is a Q&A session with answers to questions a few of you have submitted to me. Topics covered in this construction podcast include: - How you can outsource your bookkeeping. - Why you SHOULD outsource your bookkeeping. - What is OPPORTUNITY COST and how do you calculate it? - If you're a construction business owner, go to www.constructionleadingedge.com/call to schedule a free 30 minute strategy session with me. - The first thing you should do if you're planning to start your own business. - How you can get paid to prepare for being a construction business owner. - A strategy you can use to get your first few projects as side gigs. - Why do micro-managers micro-manage? - Tips you can use to deal with a micro-manager boss. - Why you might want to start looking for a new job if your boss is a micro-manager.   Resources mentioned in this construction podcast: Free Strategy Session for Business Owners - Click here to schedule a no-cost 30 minute call with me to strategize on your next move. Construction Business Accelerator is designed to help construction business owners and up-and-coming owners avoid getting punched in the face. Project Leader Boot Camp will help you if you're a PM, superintendent, team lead, or foreman and want to move up to the next level of your career. Project Management Hacks and Secrets - Click here to get your hands on a free video series that will help you solve problems in the future, harness the power of delegation and inspire your team to do great work.

There's a myth that says if you're entrepreneurial, you have to own a business...or you're a quitter.  You can be entrepreneurial and be an employee.   This episode of The Construction Leading Edge podcast from www.constructionleadingedge.com will show you some characteristics of an entrepreneurial employee, how you can set up a business inside an existing business, and what to do next: Topics covered in this construction podcast include: - Operating with a high sense of agency - Why you need a bias toward action - Objective focus vs. obstacle focus - Taking ownership...as an employee - Solving problems vs. collecting them - How to & why you should support the boss - Embracing the process - How to structure a "business inside a business" - Setting up a compensation package that's win-win - An ownership stake in the business may not be a good thing - What you need to do next If you lead a construction business, as the owner, CEO, COO, vice president, general manager or any other role that involves leading and growing a construction business...I want to help you. Imagine this.  What if you could.... - Focus on being strategic and growing your business. - Spend your time developing your team. - Feel like you own a business, not just  own a job. - Make the jump and get to the next step with your business. - Spend less time putting out fires and dealing with minutae. - Have systems in place to reduce the chaos. What if you stay stuck where you're at? - What will happen when the economy changes? - How long have you been frustrated?  Is it going to get better by itself? - What's going to happen if you keep going the same thing? As I said, I want to help you, and the best way I can do that is with the Advanced Construction Leadership Community. Head over to www.constructionleadingedge.com/community to find out how it will help you.  

Selling That's what Episode 61 of The Construction Leading Edge podcast from www.constructionleadingedge.com is all about... Ryan Lawson from Master Messaging (www.mastermessaging.com) and I cover a bunch of good material that will help you. Topics covered in this construction podcast include: Common mistakes you probably make when selling. What it means to sell based on value. How do you determine the value you offer. Is it a value position or a value proposition? Is, Does and Means...and what you need to focus on. How can you sell in a low bid environment? The psychology of selling and decision  making. Resources mentioned in this construction podcast: How to Communicate Value - Click here to download the free ebook The Advanced Construction Leadership Community - Take your small construction business to the next level.  Click here to learn how joining the ACLC will help you win.

This is episode 60 of The Construction Leading Edge podcast from www.constructionleadingedge.com Click here for more info on PROJECT LEADER BOOT CAMP In this episode you’ll hear about a few things…. The solution to the construction industry’s biggest problem could be right in front of us. The game changer leadership principle that gave US troops the advantage on D-Day. How the same principle helped solve the largest sewer overflow in a city’s history. What you can do to get to the next level in your career. Links mentioned in this episode: Watch the entire video on empowered execution – www.constructionleadingedge.com/leader Click here for more info on PROJECT LEADER BOOT CAMP

"A focus on a 'skilled workforce is the wrong approach.  What we need is a well-led workforce." Episode 59 of The Construction Leading Edge podcast from www.constructionleadingedge.com is an interview with Mark Breslin of Breslin Strategies, and in this construction podcast, we cover topics including the following: Why we need a well-led workforce, not just a skilled workforce. Common mistakes contractors make when it comes to their field level leaders. What is the ROI for investing in field leaders? Characteristics to look for when you're hiring or promoting leaders. How to move up in the ranks of your company if you're an up-and-coming leader. Key areas to train your leaders on. What progressive project owners understand about field leadership, and what they're doing to make sure they get it on their projects. Resources mentioned in this construction podcast: Breslin Strategies - www.breslin.biz Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking by Malcolm Gladwell Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol Dweck

Is your successful construction company showing early warning signs it will self-destruct?  Discover some of the red flags in this podcast episode. Claim your free 10 day trial of The CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS ACCELERATOR Why Successful Contractors Self-Destruct and Why Leaders Fail. “Ego-driven people scare me the most. In this business, pride and ignorance go together, and experience and humility go together. If you have been around construction long enough, you have failed and been humbled. If you are prideful and arrogant in construction, you simply have not been hit yet.”   Topics covered in this construction podcast episode include: Why Do Successful Contractors Self-Destruct? How the "mind of the contractor" is a two edged sword Attitudes and mindsets commonly associated with financial crisis The problem when a CEO acts like a PM Contractors are good builders, but they don't give enough attention to the financial side If you're a business owner, do you have a succession plan? The innovation process problem Click here to download the 15 Red Flags That A Successful Contractor Will Self-Destruct Eleven Major Attributes of Leadership*: Unwavering courage Self-control A keen sense of justice Definiteness of decision Definiteness of plans The habit of doing more than paid for A pleasing personality Sympathy and understanding Mastery of detail Willingness to assume full responsibility Cooperation Ten Major Causes of Failure in Leadership*: Inability to organize details Unwillingness to render humble service Expectation of pay for what you "know" Fear of competition from followers Lack of imagination Selfishness Intemperance Disloyalty Emphasis on authority Emphasis on title *Shared from "Think and Grow Rich" by Napoleon Hill  Click here to download the 15 Red Flags That A Successful Contractor Will Self-Destruct     Other resources mentioned in this construction podcast: Get your free 10 day trial of The Construction Business Accelerator Free video series: Secrets of Successful Contractors Free Strategy Call – Own a construction business? Click here to schedule your free strategy session with Todd Dawalt.

Welcome to Episode 57 of The Construction Leading edge podcast from www.constructionleadingedge.com, THE construction podcast for small construction business owners, where my job is to grow your leadership skills, grow your business and grow your income. Ready to put your construction business into overdrive? In this construction podcast episode you'll learn some secrets about Owner's Reps.  If you're an owner's rep, you'll learn how to be a more effective one.  If you're a contractor, you'll learn how to deal more effectively with the owner's reps you work with. Topics covered in this construction podcast include: When should an owner file liquidated damages when a project is delayed? What are the most important things to keep an eye on as an owner representative? What are the most critical aspects in a project that should be done in the front end of a project? The things an owner's rep should STAY OUT OF. Keys to successfully working with your owner's rep so you can get repeat business: Identify and close the "Knowledge Gap" Surprises are bad Be a good steward of their time and attention Don't be a problem collector  Be sure to follow my Facebook page to get insider business and leadership tips.

Welcome to episode #56 of The Construction Leading Edge podcast, brought to you by www.constructionleadingedge.com. Click here to learn how to make your crew more productive...and profitable This episode is an interview with Dan Harbin, Founder and Owner of Redwood Builders, located outside San Francisco, California.   Dan has been working on his business part time for the past year or so, and just recently took the leap to dedicating 100% of his time to growing his business. We cover topics including: When do you know it's the right time to jump and go all in on your business? How do you pick a niche market to focus on? The strategies Dan learned in commercial construction management that he uses with his residential clients. How Dan markets his business using social media. The most educational mistake Dan has made so far in business. "Every day is a roller coaster." The research Dan recommends before you start up your business.    Are you ready to take your construction business to the next level?  Click here to join a group of other entrepreneurs doing just that.   How to connect with Dan Harbin: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/redwoodbuildersgc www.redwoodbuildersgc.com  

Welcome to The Construction Leading Edge podcast from www.constructionleadingedge.com.  Episode #55 is an interview with Dan Parish, CEO of Millworks By Design, and we cover topics including: Click here to learn how to make your crews more productive...and profitable. - How Dan got started as a finish carpenter and ended up as a CEO. - Why starting a business during a recession can be a good thing. - Dan's advice if you're thinking about starting a business.  (It's actually a question) - How you can be entrepreneurial, without starting your own business. - Company culture, and how it happens whether you want it to or not. - Why Dan is so focused on safety right now. - The benefits of hiring millennials. - His book recommendations. Are you ready to take your business to the next level? Click here to learn how the Advanced Construction Leadership Community can help you do it.  

This episode of The Construction Leading Edge Podcast  is an interview with construction entrepreneur Jonah Canter, owner of Canter Construction in Charleston, SC. Click here to learn how to help your crews make you more money. Topics we cover in this episode include: How Jonah is still getting business from a single lead generation strategy he used. Differentiating yourself from the competition. Why Jonah focuses on getting Google reviews, and what that has done for his business. His non-traditional background that led him to owning a construction business. Common mistakes made by people starting a construction business. What Jonah uses social media for....but you may not have thought about. Strategies for negotiating with price hagglers. Sweat equity Resources mentioned in this episode: Two articles Jonah has written: Hell hath no fury Like ME scorned and how it helped me build my business Generating No-Cost Construction Leads Through Realtors – A Tutorial How you can connect with Jonah Canter: Company website - www.canterconstructionsc.com Instagram - @chucktown and @canterconstruction

This episode of The Construction Leading Edge podcast from www.constructionleadingedge.com is an interview with serial construction entrepreneur Randal DeHart, who has started, built and sold multiple construction businesses in his career.   Learn more about the Advanced Construction Leadership Community We cover topics including: Why it's not the workers' fault you're not making money. Why money is made in the office...not the field. How you can make money by buying new equipment. The "yellow fever" many contractors get every spring. Should you buy equipment or pay taxes? What's more important...reducing cost or increasing revenue? Who should be on your five person board of advisors. How to start thinking about succession planning. Advice for you if you're thinking about starting a business. How to make your field crew more profitable. Resources mentioned: W. Edwards Deming "Until One is Committed" - The poem How to connect with Randal: His website - www.fasteasyaccounting.com Quickbooks templates available for download - www.fasteasyaccountingstore.com

The Business Case for Diversity in Construction Welcome to Episode 52 of The Construction Leading Edge podcast from www.constructionleadingedge.com.  This an interview with Dr. Michael Hatcher, President of Sovereign Construction and Development. Topics we discuss include: How Michael started his business.  His approach will surprise some of you. How he landed his first contract. The business case for diversity If you're just "checking the box" for diversity, you could be making a mistake. Resources mentioned in this episode: Free audio book and 30 day trial from Audible   How to connect with Michael Hatcher: Company website - www.sovereignbuilt.com Twitter - @drbigmikephd or @sovereignbuilt  

The root cause of low confidence is a lack of action... Welcome to Episode 51 of The Construction Leading Edge podcast from www.constructionleadingedge.com.  This an interview with Ryan Michler - veteran, entrepreneur, husband, father and founder of OrderOfMan.com. This episode is all about personal development, and while the conversation is aimed at men, most of the concepts and strategies we discuss will help men and women. Topics we discuss include: The root cause of a lack of confidence Why systems and processes are better than goals Why you need a life philosophy Leadership lessons Ryan Michler has learned Dealing with resistance Resources mentioned in this episode: Free audio book and 30 day trial from Audible Ryan Michler's website - www.orderofman.com Deep Work by Cal Newport Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink Ego Is The Enemy and The Obstacle Is The Way by Ryan Holiday  

The "If we can't find them, we'll have to create them," strategy to the skilled labor shortage. Welcome to Episode #50 of The Construction Leading Edge podcast, brought to you by www.constructionleadingedge.com, which continues to tackle the skilled labor shortage problem in construction. This episode is an interview with Shawn Van Dyke, COO of a trim and millwork contractor in Knoxville, TN and a 20 year veteran of the construction industry. We talk about topics including: The unique approach his company is taking to solve the skilled labor shortage problem. "If we can't find them, maybe they don't exist.  Maybe we'll have to create them." The surprising page on their website that has been a powerful recruiting tool. How new hires can achieve a level of skill at a craft much faster than was possible in the past. How social media helps their carpenters hone and improve their skills. Practical advice you can use to clean up the paperwork side of your business. Resources mentioned in this episode: The Paperwork Punchlist - 28 Days to Streamline Your Construction Business Shawn's website - www.shawnvandyke.com Shawn's email - connect(at)shawnvandyke.com If for some reason you have not joined The Construction Leading Edge Nation... Click here to join The CLE Nation

Do you have a construction workforce problem? One solution is to keep the talent you currently have... Welcome to Episode #49 of The Construction Leading Edge podcast from www.constructionleadingedge.com, which takes another swing at helping you solve the skilled construction workforce shortage and/or staffing deficit you are facing. How do I find good talent?  How can I keep other companies from stealing my people? What do I have to do to keep my good employees from leaving? How much should I offer to pay someone? How do I go about finding a better job?  Can a recruiter/headhunter really help me? If these are questions you have asked..... Then this podcast episode is for you. Eli White is an expert at finding talent for construction companies, and helping talented construction professionals find their next career opportunity. In this podcast, we cover topics including.... What you need to be doing with your construction workforce NOW so you survive the next recession. What it means that you are in an "employee's market." The surprising and simple thing many companies are NOT DOING to solve their construction workforce problem. Tips for recruiting, training and managing millennials. Opportunity mapping How you can figure out the right compensation package to offer a new employee. How to work with a recruiter if you are looking for the next career opportunity. Resources mentioned in this interview Join the Construction Leading Edge Nation My Resources page - Click here to get instant access to free training, a free webinar and my reading list that just might change your life Mike Rowe Works Foundation - " The Skills Gap is here, and if we don’t close it, it’ll swallow us all. Which is a long way of saying, we could use your help…" How to connect with Eli White Her website - www.bravorecruiters.com LinkedIn Facebook Page Email - elizabeth.white(at)bravorecruiters.com  

Skilled workforce shortage problem? Here are some tips... Welcome to Episode #48 of The Construction Leading Edge podcast from www.constructionleadingedge.com, which tackles the skilled workforce shortage problem facing the construction industry. Are you facing the upcoming months wondering how you're going to staff your project load? Having more work than you have workers to do it is a good problem....but it's still a problem. Maybe you have heard construction thought leaders discuss the skilled labor shortage in our industry, and heard them talk about going into high schools and trade schools to tell kids that a career in the construction industry is a great way to raise a family. You're shaking your head thinking, "That's a great idea, but that doesn't help me next week or next month." You need some solid strategies that will help you next month, next week...or even tomorrow. If that's you, then this podcast will help. You need to listen to the entire podcast, but here are a few nuggets for you....  Load shedding : The deliberate shutdown of parts of a system to prevent failure of the entire system, when demand strains the capacity of the system. Load shedding, a strategy used by electrical engineers, can also be used to help solve your workforce shortage problem. Step #1: Identify your Key Revenue Producing activities Step #2: Determine the personnel involved in those activities - they are your Key Revenue Producers  Step #3: Identify the non-revenue producing activities your Key Revenue Producers are spending time on Step #4: Eliminate, Automate and Delegate to "load shed" those activities Eliminate unnecessary paperwork, moving material around the job, and time wasted talking. Automate activities like timesheet tracking (Tsheets) and field reporting (Archisnapper) Delegate activities like buying material, renting tools, servicing and transporting equipment to less skilled staff members. Click here to give a few bucks to support The Construction Leading Edge  Check out my Resource page for a bunch of helpful courses, articles, book recommendations and other stuff that will help you. Hope this helps. Todd

Welcome to Episode #47 of The Construction Leading Edge podcast from www.constructionleadingedge.com. This is an interview with David Moody, founder and owner of C.D. Moody Construction, a general contractor located in Lithonia, GA.   In this interview with David Moody, I cover topics including the following: His background, which is a little surprising for a guy who started a construction company. The story of how his business started. His approach to leadership and business. The tragic event that occurred during his childhood, which he had to overcome years later. How that tragic event led him to help others who have similar experiences. His advice for construction business owners A whole lot more.... Resources mentioned in this interview The Construction Leading Edge Nation - click here to join up My Resources page - Click here to get instant access to free training, a free webinar and my list of books that just might rock your world. How to connect with David Moody Company website - www.cdmoodyconstruction.com David's personal blog - moodyspeaks.com David Moody on LinkedIn

Jennifer Lanzetti: Survivor contestant and virtual construction business owner Click here to join The Construction Leading Edge Nation In this episode of The Construction Leading Edge podcast I interview Jennifer Lanzetti, Survivor Season 32 contestant (that's right...the TV show), virtual construction business owner and survivor of some real life adversity.  Here are some of the topics we cover: Was the "all girl alliance" she tried on Survivor a mistake? The business lessons she learned from being on Survivor. Did she learn any lessons in leadership from being on the show? The personal adversity she faced long before she was on a reality show, and how that adversity has shaped her. What NOT to do when you are in a crisis.  (Hint: Avoid anything that provides INSTANT relief.) Jennifer's career path, what led her to start her own business two years ago. The connection between the economic crash of 2008 and Building Information Modeling (BIM.) The internal and external resistance she faced when starting her business. The benefits of being direct and how that shows up in her business and life. Jennifer's daily routines.  Lots of other goodness.... Resources mentioned in this episode : Dr. Wayne Dyer's Blog War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Battles by Steven Pressfield Switch: How to Change Things When Change Is Hard by Chip Heath The Go Giver: A Little Story About a Powerful Business Idea by Bob Burg Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us by Daniel Pink How to connect with Jennifer: Her company website - www.cn3dconstruction.com Email - jennifer(at)cn3dconstruction.com Facebook LinkedIn Twitter

Construction Business Startup Advice and Coaching Click here to join The Construction Leading Edge Nation In this episode of The Construction Leading Edge podcast I talk with David King, founder of RollTheLex Painting about how he started the business in mid 2015, learn about his story and then offer him some coaching advice. You can get involved with the conversation too!  Click here to go the the CLE Facebook page and share your advice (or questions) with David. Here are some of the topics we cover: How and why he decided to go with a construction business startup The niche market that David focuses on, and why. How he uses Facebook to grow his business...check out the RollTheLex Facebook page here. How his beard may or may not be the #1 reason for his success.... The tough lessons he has learned in his first year in business Resources mentioned in this episode: Daniel Lapin's unique perspective on making money - click here to read more 41 Mistakes to avoid when dealing with conflict at work Do you want to use Facebook to grow your business? Send me an email at todd(at)constructionleadingedge.com and let me know....I may put together some resources if enough people are interested. Until next time, Todd  

Randy Hall is President & CEO of Batson Cook Company, #148 on the 2015 ENR Top 400 Contractors list. Click here to join The Construction Leading Edge Nation In this episode of The Construction Leading Edge podcast I talk with Randy Hall of Batson-Cook Company, one of the largest contractors in the southeast, about a variety of topics including the following: Which is more important, watching people grow or watching buildings grow? Why you need to develop your presentation and communication skills. Emotional Intelligence and why you need to understand it (Check out Episode 16 with Brent Darnell) Valuing people over process Randy's leadership influences The biggest challenge that the construction industry faces Randy's advice to business owners and aspiring leaders Resources mentioned in this episode The Leadership Pipeline: How to Build the Leadership Powered Company - Ram Charan How you can connect with Randy Twitter LinkedIn

Guy Sanders of DPR Construction, one of the largest contractors in the US, shares strategies you can use to grow your team and grow your business by building relationships with large contractors like DPR. DPR Construction is #21 on the 2015 ENR Top 400 Contractors list with $2.9 billion annual revenue and 2,600 employees.  Guy Sanders is one of DPR's leaders and talent managers, and we discuss topics including the following: How to know when you have the wrong people on the bus, and you need to make a change. DPR's philosophy, "Who we build is as important as what we build." How company culture affects people growth. How subcontractors can build relationships with large contractors like DPR Construction. Mistakes subcontractors make when trying to build relationships. How to connect with Guy: Guy Sanders on LinkedIn Guy's email address - Guys(at)dpr.com Resources: Click here to go to my Resources page for free downloads and resources Click here to join the Construction Leading Edge Nation

Listen as Greg Howell tells the origin story of Lean Construction Welcome to episode #42 of The Construction Leading Edge Podcast from www.constructionleadingedge.com, which is a great interview with Greg Howell, a founding father of Lean Construction. In this interview Greg shares some amazing insights and stories on the following topics: How the Lean Construction movement got started. Greg's experience as a Navy SeaBee, and how that influenced Lean. The impact of one commanding officer's leadership style, and how it changed Greg's approach to leadership. The books he recommends that you read A few paradigm shifts that construction leaders need to make. The difference between an order and a promise. One unexpected benefit of Lean principles that he can't quite explain yet. Why he only gave a few orders as a commanding officer in Vietnam...and one of them involved a monkey.   Resources mentioned in this episode: Power To The Edge - Command and Control In The Information Age Team of Teams - McChrystal, Collins, Silverman and Chris Fussell. (Click here to listen to my interview with Chris Fussell) Turn The Ship Around - David Marquet Normal Accidents: Living With High Risk Technologies - Charles Perrow 41 Mistakes To Avoid When Dealing With Conflict At Work Archisnapper - An app for creating good looking project reports and punchlists

Ken Stowe has been in the construction industry for over 25 years, working for companies including Disney, Pizzagalli and Macomber Builders, and now helps AEC firms across the globe leverage the power of BIM (Building Information Modeling) in their businesses. Listen to this interview to listen to Ken discuss the following topics: How to accelerate your project schedule 7% - 12%. What you should and should not be prefabricating. How modeling your projects during the bidding process can make you more profitable. Key lessons Ken learned while working at Disney. The "Dominoes of Waste." The 19 Benefits of BIM (Building Information Modeling). Why 2D blueprints are not good for communication. Resources mentioned in this episode: 41 Mistakes to Avoid When Dealing With Conflict Ken's video workshop "ROI of BIM for Construction." A Brief History Of The Concept of Waste In Production by Lauri Koskela, Rafel Sacks and John Rooke The Effects of Building Information Modeling on Construction Site Productivity by Douglas Chelson   How you can connect with Ken Stowe: LinkedIn Email - Ken.Stowe(at)autodesk.com

How to get started with Lean Construction, even if you have no idea where to start... David Umstot is the President of Umstot Project and Facilities Solutions, LLC.  He is a California-registered Professional Civil Engineer with 29 years of leadership experience in private sector and public agency construction program management and facilities management.    He has delivered more than $2 Billion in construction projects, and he is an expert in project delivery methods, specifically lean construction.     We cover topics including: - Lean construction techniques that will help your foremen nearly double their success rate at meeting schedule and production commitments.   - How Lean Construction methods can help you speed up your projects and make more money.   - The fundamental mindset shifts you need to make to be more successful.   - A better way to plan your projects, and how you can never issue meeting minutes again.   - What is the Last Planner system?   - How to get started with Lean, even if you have no idea where to start.   -Why being a successful "firefighter" on a project can be a bad thing.   - The psychology of motivation that Lean planning taps into.   How to connect with David Umstot:   Company website - www.umstotsolutions.com   David's LinkedIn page (which also has some interesting articles and videos)   Email - david.umstot (at)umstotsolutions.com   Resources mentioned in this episode:   Archisnapper - A great way to create good looking reports to keep your clients informed on projects.   41 Mistakes to Avoid When Dealing With Conflict At Work - Download the entire list and see which ones you are guilty of.  

Tony Booth has worked for one of the biggest contractors in the world, has run a family owned small contracting business and is now a consultant for contractors and runs The Contractors Coachcast podcast as well as www.contractingcoach.com   Click here to learn how to move your Lean planning into the digital world with LeanPlanner   During this interview we talk about how contractors can provide high level customer service and get repeat business.  Tony also shares a few of his "6 Tips for Choosing the Right Construction Projects."   Listen to Tony's podcast on Stitcher (click here) or on iTunes (click here)   How to connect with Tony Booth   Contracting Coach website - www.contractingcoach.com   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/boothtony   Twitter: http://twitter.com/anthonybooth   Facebook: http://facebook.com/ContractingCoach   Resources discussed in this episode:   LeanPlanner from Newforma   Archisnapper app for preparing good looking jobsite reports with pictures...and less headaches.    Click here to watch a quick demo video of Archisnapper and learn how to get a 20% discount.

How you should think differently about construction estimating Some new strategies you need to embrace and some systems you can use to become an entrepreneurial estimator. Offering "Free Estimates" is like a car dealership offering free test drives. It's time to stop thinking of it as "estimating," and start calling it selling, business development or revenue generation. Common frustrations from construction estimators and business owners: "I send out a lot of estimates, but they don't go anywhere." "I want to get more private and negotiated work, but I don't get invited to bid." "I waste so much time doing budgeting and design work for people who either don't have the budget or they're just kicking tires." "I have a business to run, and I can't spend all my time doing estimates." You need to think about construction estimating differently: If your value proposition is to offer a quote, you're not standing out from the crowd. Advertising "Free Estimates" is like a car dealership offering "Free Test Drives." More about that later. Let's stop calling it "estimating," and call it selling, business development or revenue generation. Realize that everyone who comes in contact with a customer is in business development, not just your sales and estimating folks. Just like good sales people don't sit and wait for the phone to ring, like an "order taker," if you are responsible for estimating, you need to realize that you can and should be strategic. Strategies: 1. The focus must be on the needs of the CLIENT, not on YOUR needs or capabilities. Remember the Toby Keith song, "I wanna talk about me," from several years ago? It was a popular song, but it is a lousy marketing strategy. If you look at a lot of contractors' websites (probably yours too), you will be given the opportunity to learn about where their office is, how long they've been in business, how many employees they have, the charities they support, pictures of the last 5k their CEO ran in, their certifications, acronyms of all the trade organizations they are part of, a detailed listing of their cranes, dump trucks and trackhoes complete with model numbers (my favorite), and maybe a bunch of technical jargon. Guess what? Your prospects don't give a flip how many 185 cfm air compressors you have or the maximum digging depth of your biggest trackhoe , or even where your CEO went to college! Here's what they want to know: "Can this company solve my problem?" Think about it. If you needed to hire a CPA, would you care what model of laptop she built spreadsheets on? Probably not. Instead of talking about yourself and your company, you need to be focused on your prospect. Start by answering these questions: What kind of external problems do they experience that you can help with? They need to expand their plant, have a blocked drain, deteriorated driveway, need to remodel their office, etc. What are the internal problems they may be dealing with? They might be afraid of paying too much, nervous about having someone in their house, feel bad because their house is run down, or concerned about the future of their job if they don't manage the office remodel properly. How you can you help them with the external problems, and how can you address their internal problems or concerns. In a nutshell, talk about your prospect and their needs a lot more than you talk about you, your company and your equipment. 2. Shift the focus away from PRICE, which is a commodity, and focus on building relationships and trust. Back to "Call for a free estimate."  First off, have you EVER heard of someone who actually charges for an estimate? Secondly, do you really want to compete strictly on price? "Call for a free estimate" is code for, "I am a commodity and the only value I can provide you is a number, so you can shop around and compare my price to all the other guys who think of themselves as commodities too." The purpose of the construction estimating and sales process is to create opportunities for people to get to KNOW, LIKE and TRUST you. When people know you, like you and trust you, they are very likely to do business with you. So here's what you should do. Take the "Call for a free estimate button" off your website. Today. "If I stop offering estimates, how do I engage with my prospects?" Figure out something that will be of value to your ideal prospect and give it away on your website. Set up a simple opt in form on your site so people enter their email address to receive that something valuable. Then you can follow up with them periodically. What should you give away? Here are a few examples: - For all contractors: Free Checklist for Project Owners/Homeowners: Top Ten Things To Remember When Hiring a Contractor.- General Contractor - Checklist for vetting out contractors, a case study on lien laws or a comparison of the different contract delivery methods available, e.g. design-build vs. traditional design-bid-build. - Deck builders: Put together a document with a bunch of different deck planning ideas, ideally consisting of pictures of your work.- Concrete finishers: Checklist of things to consider when replacing your driveway or patio.- HVAC installers: List of any rebates available from local utility companies for replacing air handling units, condensing units, furnaces, etc.- Electricians: Case study on how much money could be saved, and rebates that could be realized, by upgrading light fixtures in a commercial building. When you give away something valuable to your prospect, you are positioned as an authority on the subject and they feel like you are on their side. It also taps into one of the tools of influence that Robert Cialdini wrote about in his book, "Influence," which is reciprocity. 3. Be generous. Add value every opportunity you get. (Listen to Episode 16 with Brent Darnell) 4. Understand their problems and pain instead of just giving an estimate on what they ask for. Give your clients what they NEED, even if that's different than what they ASK for. 5. Qualify your prospects and get to level of commitment with the optimal amount of effort. Remember the Three D's: Dollars, Dirt and Desire. 6. Follow up. Follow up. Follow up. Tactics and systems 1. Set up a CRM database to keep track of contacts, opportunities, calls, emails, and set reminders, etc. There are plenty of low cost options out there, and they are worth the money. Check out my buddy Rob McKinney's site at  www.conappguru.com for some recommendations. 2. Identify the ideal clients (developers, general contractors, property owners, etc.) you would like to work with. Do an 80/20 analysis (Listen to Episode 31) 3. Network your way into making connections with people on your target list (LinkedIn, Twitter, etc.) 4. Keep your eyes open for articles or resources that would be valuable to your target prospects, and every month or two, send them an email with valuable information. Consider setting up a blog to post articles written by you or others. 5. Call your prospects about once a month and ask if there is anything they need help with. Sometimes it is all about timing. 6. Call your subcontractors and vendors and ask them to make introductions to people on your target list. 7. Call architects engineers, that work in your area or industry and offer to provide free budget work if they need help. Add them to the target list and contact them regularly. This will help you learn of upcoming projects, and help get your name on the bid invitation list. 8. Hand written notes: It sounds old school, but after your first phone call with someone on your target list, send them a hand written thank you note on some nice stationary. It has a surprising effect. Joe Girard, the #1 car salesman in the country for twelve years, sent out 13,000 cards per month that said, "I like you. Happy (Insert holiday of the month.)" What should you do next? Listen to Episode 16 with Brent Darnell and Episode 31 on how to do an 80/20 analysis. Print out these show notes. Follow the advice of my old college professor, "Turn the crank."  Set up your system and begin to work through the strategies and tactics If there's something you need help with or have questions about, email me - todd(at)constructionleadingedge.com. Join the Construction Leading Edge Nation to get insider access to the resources I am working on.

Will Hodges is President of Cadence McShane Construction Company, a general contractor in Dallas, Houston and Austin Texas with around 135 employees and an annual revenue of about $260 million.   During this interview we talk about how he made the transition from project management and operations into executive leadership, the importance of company culture, workforce development and how to be strategic with your business and your career.     A lot of people run their construction business like a project.  What are the problems with this approach?   [Will Hodges]  A construction project is linear, one dimensional, has a set of plans and specs, etc.  You're going to build the project over 18, 24 or 30 months, get a certificate of occupancy and move on to the next project.   People have come up through the ranks with that perspective as field engineer, project manager, senior PM, VP, etc.   Businesses are multi-faceted with a lot things to consider; techonology, banks, HR, surety, etc.  It is must more strategic and not as linear as running a project.  If you run your business like a project, you get out of a strategic mindset and get into a tactical mindset, and you can get lost in the weeds.   How can someone make the transition from a linear project based mindset to a strategic mindset?   [Will Hodges] Some people's strengths are in very tactical things, and some people's strength is in more strategic things.  It's just how they are hard wired.   There are things you can do and processes you can use to stretch you into a more strategic mindset and think a little more globally.     One of the things we talk about is where we want to be in three, four or five years, understand  where we are today and all the pieces that will help us get where we want to be.   Listen to the rest of the interview to hear Will's answers to a few other questions like:   How important is the culture of an organization, and how does it impact the bottom line?   How is the construction industry guilty of having a "herd" mentality?   You shared an equation, "Performance + Behavior = Results."  What does that mean?   If you had an audience with a group of construction business owners and could give them one piece of advice, what would it be?   How to connect with Will Hodges   www.cadencemcshane.com   Will's email address - whodges(at)cadencemcshane.com   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willhodgescmc   Twitter: https://twitter.com/WillHodgesCMC

How to develop joint ventures and collaborative relationships as a diverse contractor, how to maintain culture in an organization and Monroe's approach to giving back to his local community. In this episode, I interview Monroe Barnes, President of MBJ Consultants in Cincinnati, OH, which provides construction management and facilities management services to clients in the midwest and California. Click here to learn more about LeanPlanner from Newforma Here are some of the questions I asked, and Monroe's responses: How important is the culture of an organization, and does it affect the impact the bottom line?[Monroe] Our culture is to service the customer, service the customer more, then service the customer again. The customer is our friend. If you don't service your customer and don't do a good job, it definitely impacts the bottom line. We drive a culture of taking care of each other, on the job and outside the job. If you get in trouble outside of work, it is going to affect your ability to do a good job at work. What are some things you do to reinforce culture?[Monroe] I've had to remind some of my apprentices that the way they look and carry themselves is a reflection of the company. I try to make my people understand that they should carry themselves in a way that it looks like they care about themselves and about the company. When you think of a successful construction company, what are the measuring sticks you use?[Monroe] Companies have to make money to be successful, but they also need to impact their community. Part of your success is to help those who can't help themselves, or need to find kids that have had tough starts, are underprivileged and bring them into the company so they can grow up and have families, and their kids can grow up in a normal atmosphere. Then all of a sudden we break this poverty mode. Success goes a lot further than just creatinga project on time. I think it's the lives in your organization that you affect, and the community. What are the challenges to people trying to make the jump out of poverty?A lot of the young men we may hire, nobody has ever demanded anything out of them. I have one guy who practically raised himself. They've never seen anyone get up and go to work every day, or buy groceries, or buy new cars. Some of these kids are sheltered within their community, often surrounded by people who would rather sell drugs or steal than get a job. What are some of the common mistakes you see construction business owners make?[Monroe] Sometimes we spend too much time on the paper documents, and on how you build buildings. I wish I had learned more about the business side; the financial side, cost projections, what is the bank looking for, what is the bonding company looking for? I spent too much time on just the plans and specs of the projects while the business thought process was suffering, and dragging down our business. What are some practical things you do to focus on the business and not just the projects.[Monroe] At the end of the day, my job is to manage the risk of the company. In order to do that, you need to have data. If you are gathering data, and keep seeing the same mistake coming up, you can hone in on it, and figure out how to mitigate that problem. Using data to help you mitigate your risks is very important. Click here to learn more about LeanPlanner from Newforma Listen to the rest of the interview to hear Monroe's advice on how to develop joint venture partnerships with large contractors and a variety of other topics. How you can get in touch with Monroe www.mbjconsultants.commbarnes@mbjconsultants.com Want more content and insider information like this?  Click here to join The Construction Leading Edge Nation

This episode of The Construction Leading Edge podcast (press and hold on this link) is an interview with Jim Johnson, President and CEO of GE Johnson Construction Company in Colorado Springs, CO.     The company was founded in 1967 and made the 2015 ENR Top 100 Green Building Contractors list.   Here are a few of the topics we cover in the interview:   How important is the culture of an organization and how does it impact the bottom line?   [Jim] Our culture is more important than the bottom line, and our culture is not for sale.  We believe if we manage our culture, the bottom line will take care of itself.   Our company has decided that we don't want to be a compliance department. We believe if we reinforce and keep promoting our culture, the policy manual will take care of itself.   What is your philosophy and approach when it comes to leading people?   [Jim] I am a believer that you really have to develop your own style of leadership.  It's really hard to be someone who you aren't wired like.  I set out on a quest to inventory my own skill sets and develop my own leadership style.  During the course of that, I realized that there are people are better at the finances and better at preconstruction than me.    My collaborative style was by me admitting, "I don't have all the answers."  Most of the time, my employees have the answers.    I'm smarter when other people are helping me think.   What is your advice for people who want to develop their leadership skills?   [Jim] I would listen.  When I was growing up there were different people who I identified with leadership, and I would listen to those people.   I would also be honest and genuine with yourself.  There are different places to try your leadership skills.  They don't have to be in the workplace.    Take some risks, try some different things and be willing to get feedback.   What are some of the mistakes you see construction business owners making?   [Jim] People often forget this is a business.  Sometimes the best person to deal with the complexities is not your sister-in-law.  You need to decide whether you want to surround yourself with talent or family members. The most talented project engineers and superintendents may not be the right people to run the business.   Be willing to take advice from attorneys, accountants and bonding companies. It is an evolving business and one person can't do it all in more...it's just to complex and too fast.   Listen to the entire interview to learn about the importance of transparency in leadership and what Jim calls, "the speed of trust."   Resources mentioned in this episode   Bid Ocean - You can get bid opportunities for the type of work you do in the markets you serve, delivered to your email inbox.   Archisnapper - Avoid contract disputes and justify your requests for schedule extension by creating regular reports for your projects.  This app would have saved a project I took over $67,000 in liquidated damages. I use this app every week.   Join the Construction Leading Edge Nation to get insider access to the stuff I am working on.   Click here to show some love and leave a review on iTunes.

In this episode of The Construction Leading Edge Podcast (www.constructionleadingedge.com) we will be covering... Construction Technology You Probably Didn't Know Existed Press and hold on this link to go to the full show notes   James Benham is CEO of JBKnowledge (www.jbknowledge.com), who advises and consults 700 construction companies on technology.  He also speaks all over the country on trends that his firm identifies as coming up. Some of the most exciting technologies being developed today according to James are: Computer Vision - Interior 3D Scanning Drones 3D Printing Augmented and Virtual Reality Real time applications that allow for synchronicity between jobsite and office We also talk about a few other topics, including: - Common mistakes contractors make when it comes to technology, and some recommendations to avoid them. - The importance of mobile devices. - The basics of where to start if you don't know what to do first. - The importance of data security, and how most contractors are at risk.   How you can connect with James JamesBenham.com - James' personal site @jamesmbenham - Twitter JBKnowledge.com - Corporate website   This episode is sponsored by... Archisnapper - A slick app for creating jobsite inspection reports, preconstruction photo reports, etc.  If you are uploading pictures from your phone and sticking them in a Word document...you need to sign up for a free trial of Archisnapper. Tsheets - The best mobile time tracking and reporting app on the planet.  Check them out...sign up for a free trial.  

In this episode of The Construction Leading Edge Podcast (www.constructionleadingedge.com) we will be covering... The Top 10 Mistakes To Avoid When Dealing With Conflict At Work Press and hold on this link to go to the full show notes Out of the total list of 41 Mistakes that I put together, here are the Top 10 I covered in the podcast Click here to download the complete list of 41 Mistakes to Avoid.. #2 Not recognizing the cost of unresolved conflict – According to Daniel Dana, author of a book on conflict resolution, “Unresolved interpersonal conflict in the workplace is one of the largest reducible productivity costs, yet it is the least identified.” #3 Avoiding conflict – A recent survey found that 35% of managers would rather jump out of a plane than deal with conflict. 27% would rather shave their head for charity, and 8% would rather eat bugs. #10 Using anger – Don’t respond to issues when you are angry or upset.  Many people use anger to fuel them to overcome their fear of confrontation. #13 - The Avalanche – Don’t let issues pile up over time until you unload like an avalanche, wiping out everything in your path. #14 - Speculating about motives – You can judge facts, but you can only speculate/guess why someone did something. You know what happens when you ASSUME. #23 - The "Go-Between".... Listen to the podcast to hear about the rest or just click here to download the complete list of 41 Mistakes to Avoid When Dealing With Conflict At Work. Other resources mentioned in this podcast Archisnapper - Slick app for preparing jobsite inspection reports, preconstruction photos, and any report that requires you to insert pictures and text into a Word or Google Doc.  Tsheets - The best mobile time tracking app I have ever used. 

This is The Construction Leading Edge podcast (www.constructionleadingedge.com), my name is Todd Dawalt, and my job is to help you grow your leadership skills, grow your business and grow your income. Need help with daily reports? Sign up for a free 15 day trial of Raken In this episode, I interview Chris Fussell. He is the Chief Growth Officer at McChrystal Group. He's an author of the New York Times bestseller, Team of Teams: New Rules of Engagement in a Complex World. Chris was commissioned as a Naval Officer in 1997, and spent the next 15 years on US Navy SEAL Teams, leading SEAL elements in combat zones around the globe, including Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan. A few years ago, Chris left the Naval Special Warfare Development Group to join the McChrystal Group. They are a leadership and management consultancy composed of a mix of folks from the military, academic, business, and technology sectors. Their consultants specialize in transforming stagnant and siloed organizations into cohesive, adaptable “teams of teams”. In a nutshell, in this interview you will learn about how the military special operations leadership had to change their approach during the war on terror in Iraq and Afghanistan and how the principles they developed apply to business today. You will learn about distributed networks, what empowered execution is and how to create a shared consciousness. Sign up for a free 15 day trial of Raken: The #1 Construction App for Daily Reporting Here's how you can learn more about and connect with Chris: His book: Team of Teams: New Rules of Engagement in a Complex WorldThe McChrystal Group - www.crosslead.comTwitter - @fussellchris Chris' articles:The biggest career lesson this Navy SEAL learned in Iraq - Fortune Magazine Why Special Ops Stopped Relying So Much on Top-Down Leadership - Harvard Business Review    

Todd Dawalt here from The Construction Leading Edge (www.constructionleadingedge.com).   If you lead a business, department or a project, you're probably busy, there's always work to do, you could always use more customers, and every part of your operation can be optimized to be more efficient. A lot of people think that when they need to get more results, speed things up, increase profit, etc. the answer is simply to do more, work more, hire more people, or just work harder. Wrong. The reality? In business, almost every activity is a waste of time. Want to learn the principle that will help you increase output while decreasing input? It's the same principle used by Warren Buffett and the guy who invented shorthand. Listen on.

Welcome to another episode of the Construction Leading Edge podcast. My name is Todd Dawalt, and today is going to be a little different.  I’m going to start with a story. It was August 2014, and I had spent two or three hours preparing for this meeting.  I was nervous because this meeting would determine the future of my job. When it was time, I drove a few miles to the Applebees where we agreed to meet, and I had a knot in my stomach.  This was going to be one of the most difficult, and important conversations of my life. You see, I was meeting with the owner of the company I worked for to confront him about some things, and frankly I didn’t know if I would have a job when it was over. This episode is all about Unresolved Conflict and how to improve your conflict resolution skills. According to Daniel Dana, author of a book on conflict resolution, “Research suggests that unresolved interpersonal conflict in the workplace is one of the largest reducible productivity costs, yet it is the least identified.” A NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) report says, Interpersonal conflict on the job is identified as one of the top occupational job stressors strongly linked to a reduction in worker psychological and physical health. [FREE PDF GUIDE]Cheat sheet you can use to have that "tough conversation" with an employee, sub...even the boss. Click here to go to the show notes on www.constructionleadingedge.com/030 Click here to go 

Welcome to episode #29 of The Construction Leading Edge Podcast (www.constructionleadingedge.com) where my job is to help you grow your leadership skills, grow your business and grow your income. This episode is part 2 of The Construction Business Accelerator program, where I will be going deep into specific strategies and tactics that I used to double revenue and triple profits at a construction company I ran for about three and a half years. Today's episode is about Leveraging Your Labor Force Key points include the following: The importance of showing your team "what winning looks like." What transparency will do for your organization. Two of the biggest motivators that don't cost anything. How to grow your people along the delegation spectrum. One of Nemoto's "Ten Principles of Leadership" that most managers don't follow. Want to get insider information and stay connected with this stuff?  Click here to join the Construction Leading Edge nation - or go to www.constructionleadingedge.com/nation.

www.constructionleadingedge.com Welcome to The Construction Leading Edge Podcast, where my job is to help you grow your leadership skills, grow your construction business and grow your income.   In this episode I interview Dan Conery, VP of Business Development with Newforma, a company that develops software for the construction industry. We talk about advice for millennials, how contractors should approach innovation, why Dan is jealous of the people he sells software to, and some great sales and business development advice.   If you need help keeping a scattered project team working together, click here to download a free resource guide from Newforma or go to www.newforma.com/constructionleadingedge Click here to join the Construction Leading Edge Nation and get insider access to the stuff we are working on.

Welcome to episode 27 of The Construction Leading Edge podcast www.constructionleadingedge.com  Click here to download a free resource guide from Mallorie's team - "WHERE WE'RE HEADED: Construction Technology Trends for 2015"   

Welcome to Episode 26 of The Construction Leading Edge podcast.  My name is Todd Dawalt and my job is to provide the tools and resources you need to grow you leadership skills, grow your construction business and grow your income. Today’s episode is an interview with Cesar Abeid, the host of The Construction Industry Podcastand The Project Management For The Masses Podcast He is also the author of an upcoming book, Project Management For You. You can find connect with Cesar at www.cesarabeid.com and learn more about all the great work he is doing for construction and project management pros. Here are some of the resources mentioned in this podcast: David Allen – www.GettingThingsDone.com Susanne Madsen – www.PowerofProjectLeadership.com Dorie Clark – www.dorieclark.com/stand-out Remontech – If you need a construction jobsite monitoring camera, connect with Cesar atwww.RemonTech.com

Welcome to Episode 25 of the Construction Leading Edge podcast.  My name is Todd Dawalt and my goal is to provide the tools and resources to grow your leadership skills, grow your business and grow your income. Free online training for contractors: How to get out of cash crunch mode and upgrade your profit margins. 5 simple strategies I used to get out of the vise-like grip of poor cash flow, while doubling a construction business in a few years. In this episode I share practical strategies for contractors that are part of the Construction Business Accelerator Program. This episode focuses on how to eliminate “ticket starvation,” and make sure to get paid for 100% of the work you do. Is your company doing work for free?  Listen to this podcast to learn how to make sure you avoid “ticket starvation.”

Welcome to Episode 24 of the Construction Leading Edge podcast.  My name is Todd Dawalt and my goal is to provide the tools and resources to grow your leadership skills, grow your business and grow your income. Free online training for contractors: How to get out of cash crunch mode and upgrade your profit margins. 5 simple strategies I used to get out of the vise-like grip of poor cash flow, while doubling a construction business in a few years. This episode is an interview with Nick Baucom, a former Marine who had to close down his construction business, but rebounded to start a successful business a few years later.  In this episode Nick talks about: How saying, “No” is very freeing. Learning to be comfortable in the “fog of war,” and how to be decisive in spite of combat. “Discomfort means something is being done.” Nick’s advice for anyone considering starting a business More resources from Nick Baucom Nick’s book – On The Move: A Marine’s Guide to Entrepreneurial Success Washington Post Article about Nick and his business Articles Nick has written in Inc. Magazine Want to connect with Nick? His website – www.twomarinesmoving.com Facebook – and – Twitter

Welcome to Episode 23 of the Construction Leading Edge podcast.  My name is Todd Dawalt and my goal is to provide the tools and resources to grow your leadership skills, grow your business and grow your income. Free online training for contractors: How to get out of cash crunch mode and upgrade your profit margins. 5 simple strategies I used to get out of the vise-like grip of poor cash flow, while doubling a construction business in a few years. This episode is an interview with Torrey Hawkins, founder and president of Angler Construction Company in Houston, TX and we talk about the following: How he has nearly doubled the business in the past year, despite the fact that low oil prices have impacted the Houston region. Avoiding “shiny object syndrome,” or how to stay disciplined when things are going well. Torrey gives some solid advice to young leaders and small business owners.  Enjoy!

Welcome to Episode 22 of the Construction Leading Edge podcast.  My name is Todd Dawalt and my goal is to provide the tools and resources to grow your leadership skills, grow your business and grow your income. In this episode I interview Greg Laszczynski, an executive with Layne Inliner, who talks about the following: One simple habit that anyone can do to differentiate themselves from the competition How he built a successful business from ground zero in almost impossible circumstances The power of building relationships and trust How you can win contracts, even if you are not the low price What to do when you have a bad manager His advice for construction entrepreneurs, construction business owners and young millenial leaders If you like this kind of content and this approach to leadership rings your bell, you should join theConstruction Leading Edge Nation. Why else would you want to join the CLE Nation?  To be part of a community of like minded construction leaders and get insider access to CLE content not available to the public.  (We may try to take over the world eventually too.)

Culture:  noun cul·ture \ˈkəl-chər\  A blend of the values, beliefs, taboos, symbols, rituals, and myths a company develops over time.  Whether written as a mission statement, spoken or merely understood, corporate culture describes and governs the ways a company’s owners and employees think, feel and act. Does your company have a safety program or a safety culture? What’s the difference?  One requires constant maintenance and enforcement and the other tends to take care of itself. Keys to creating a construction safety culture: 1. Safety can NOT be a priority. 2. Safety must become a value or a conviction, neither of which will be shuffled like a priority. 3. Change the mindset about who is responsible for safety. 4. Develop “small unit cohesion.” Some practical things you can do to create a safety culture: 1. Reward safe behavior on the spot. 2. Reward safety innovation. 3. Gather the crew – and their families – outside of work. 4. Engage the crew on how to solve safety problems. Ask questions instead of prescribing policy. 5. There are a few others in the podcast. Listen to the podcast to hear a few other strategies for developing a safety culture, and some steps around how to respond to a safety violation.

Culture:  noun cul·ture \ˈkəl-chər\  A blend of the values, beliefs, taboos, symbols, rituals, and myths a company develops over time.  Whether written as a mission statement, spoken or merely understood, corporate culture describes and governs the ways a company’s owners and employees think, feel and act. Does your company have a safety program or a safety culture? What’s the difference?  One requires constant maintenance and enforcement and the other tends to take care of itself. Keys to creating a construction safety culture: 1. Safety can NOT be a priority. 2. Safety must become a value or a conviction, neither of which will be shuffled like a priority. 3. Change the mindset about who is responsible for safety. 4. Develop “small unit cohesion.” Some practical things you can do to create a safety culture: 1. Reward safe behavior on the spot. 2. Reward safety innovation. 3. Gather the crew – and their families – outside of work. 4. Engage the crew on how to solve safety problems. Ask questions instead of prescribing policy. 5. There are a few others in the podcast. Listen to the podcast to hear a few other strategies for developing a safety culture, and some steps around how to respond to a safety violation.

Welcome to Episode 20 of the Construction Leading Edge podcast.  My name is Todd Dawalt and my goal is to provide the tools and resources to grow your leadership skills, grow your business and grow your income. This episode lays out a step by step process and a framework to follow when you have a construction project crisis. Step #1 – Figure out when you need to act. It it is a life safety issue, the answer is, “Immediately.” Resist the temptation to jump in and “just do something.” When does your risk profile change? Consider contract schedule dates, weather, season changes, price increases, etc. Step #2 – Look backward…. To download the step by step process for How To Respond To A Project Crisis, join the Construction Leading Edge Nation, and you will get access to the pdf guide, as well as a few other valuable resources.

A key skill for leaders is knowing when to quit. In Episode 19 of the podcast, I have a conversation with my good friend and former colleague Bert Lace.  A conversation that serves as a postmortem analysis of the past four years we worked together, how we helped to grow a construction business from 20 to 50 employees, the leadership strategies we tried that worked, the ones that didn’t work, and ultimately why we both decided to quit and walk away. Topics Bert and I cover include the following: How to motivate your team Building a healthy team culture Dangers of gossip and how to exterminate it How to handle confrontation I hope this helps you! Todd

Welcome to Episode 18 of the Construction Leading Edge podcast. My name is Todd Dawalt and my goal is to provide the tools and resources to grow your leadership skills, grow your business and grow your income. If you are involved with the construction industry and have any interest in keeping up with the cutting edge technology that is currently available, or would like to get a sneak peek into what is coming online soon…you are in for a treat today. You are about to listen to an interview with Rob McKinney, also known as the Construction App Guru, or the “conappguru.”  He is a real life construction guy who works for a general contractor in Atlanta AND spends a significant amount of time researching and testing out construction software and mobile apps for the construction industry. He also serves as a consultant to software developers and has given several keynote talks on construction technology. How you can connect with Rob: Twitter – @conappguru His blog – www.conappguru.wordpress.com

Like it or not, the construction industry is moving toward a more collaborative project delivery approach. Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) and lean construction delivery approaches are growing in popularity, and the days of simply executing a project to meet plan, spec, budget, and schedule will soon be a thing of the past. Project Owners Are Buying An Experience, Not Just a Finished Product. In Episode 16 of the podcast, Brent Darnell (www.brentdarnell.com) sheds some light on the field of Emotional Intelligence and talks about how we contractors can use it to get an edge in our personal and professional lives. Be sure to head over to www.brentdarnell.com to view the videos, resources and courses Brent has available. The science behind Emotional Intelligence is fascinating.  Enjoy!

Here’s the deal:  You have limiting beliefs that are like lenses that you see the world through, but you don’t know they are there. These limiting beliefs are messing up your relationships, keeping you from getting promotions, and preventing you from growing in your personal and professional life. Limiting beliefs are “the lid” on your growth. Want to know how to identify these limiting beliefs, then reverse them?

Welcome to another episode of The Construction Leading Edge Podcast. In this episode I interview Dan Heinemeier, Executive Director of the Lean Construction Institute, and we talk about the benefits of using “lean” construction principles and tools in our projects. I put together a free Lean Construction Resource Guide that will tell you what you need to get started.  To download it, enter your name and email below. If you are viewing this in a podcast player, head over to www.constructionleadingedge.com/014 and you will be able to enter your info. For more information on The Lean Construction Institute, visit their website at www.leanconstruction.org.