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- [email protected] 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