Construction Genius

If you look back on your days as an employee at your first company, would you still be able to remember its core values and strategic focus? Most likely, not. How about if you surveyed your employees, do they know what your values and strategy are? Core values are what helps employees behave in a manner that benefits the company and strategic focus gives them a clear picture of how the business is going to succeed.  What does it take to ingrain the core values and strategy into your employees? That's what we're here to discuss in this week's Construction Genius episode with Bill Schultz, President of W.M. Schultz Construction. We talk about the measures he took to instill the core values and strategic focus in the hearts and minds of his people as well as what lead him into the creation of the 22 service standards. If you are struggling with making sure your employees share your vision and adhere to your company's values, then tune in to gain incredible insights now! What's Discussed in This Episode: What le

LeBron James is in the NBA Finals again. It's amazing the level of performance he's sustained for over 15 years. We all know he's incredibly talented, but his success is not due primarily to his natural abilities. Hard work, dedication, and understanding how to succeed is far more critical to LeBron achieving consistent excellence.  Today, let's learn some lessons from LeBron and other top-performing athletes and take a deep dive into the 99% perspiration that goes into excellence, and what you can do to get into the habit of greatness. We discuss: The seven areas of excellence Self-imposed roadblocks TDAAT Steps you can take to improve as a leader Don't settle for mediocrity. Keep striving for excellence and tune in to this episode! What's Discussed in This Episode: What is excellence? [04:18] The 7 areas of excellence [04:58] Why people put roadblocks on themselves [10:26] The difference between genius and dedication [11:48] The self-imposed roadblocks to excellence [08:51] Understanding quantitative

Every day construction companies produce a treasure trove of information: Bidding benchmarks, production metrics, accounting data. There is a vast amount of value to that data if it is managed and utilized effectively.  This requires the efficient implementation of technology and an understanding of the strengths and limitations of various technology solutions. Unfortunately, this is where many companies fall short and as EOS Group CEO, Nick Papadopoulos says "Contractors produce gold and throw it away." In today's episode Nick and I discuss:  The challenges of historical data management A 4 step strategic process for flawless technology implementation 5 benefits of effective technology implementation and usage  If you want to learn how to implement and leverage technology in your business, this episode is for you.  What's Discussed in This Episode: Historical Data Management: Contractors produce gold and throw it away [00:06] Data is stored in tools but where do you go with that? [02:58] "Socialize" data

Do the math they said. Math is the stronghold of business they said. They're not wrong. But while there's no denying that learning to count in more ways than one determines game-changing decisions in construction. Numbers are crucial for very obvious reasons, especially when it comes to changing gears from strength or growth to a business's impending survival mode. Got more than what you spent? Awesome! Make sure to keep it that way. Noticed code red signs on your cash flow? Time to get the data out and rein the cash in. Easier said than done, and that's why we have GrowthForce's Stephen King in today's Construction Genius episode, Cash King: 5 Ways to Master the Flow of Money in Your Business.  When it comes to math, it pays to listen to the real deal, so get ready to manage your cash flow better by tuning in to this very timely podcast! What's Discussed in This Episode: Data is king, today more than ever [03:15] Good accounting and Bad accounting [04:10] Data towards decisions [05:12] Get restructuring—ma

The construction industry is one of the major contributors to the US (and global) economy. But schools are putting less priority on technical education for young adults who will soon occupy most of tomorrow's workforce. People now have the choice to either get a 4-year degree from a college or immediately join the workforce right after graduating from high school. However, without having any practical skills, being able to find a fulfilling career (and build wealth)  can prove to be challenging. So how do we address this kind of situation? That's what we're here to discuss in this week's Construction Genius podcast with Kevin Dobson from Capital College & Career Academy (CAPCCA). He'll share with us how CAPCCA intends to take a different approach in solving these education problems. Help shape the future of the construction industry by tuning in to this episode! What's Discussed in This Episode: Why the educational system fails to produce qualified construction individuals [02:20] Having a degree doesn

The buildings and infrastructure you see all around you started with a single thought. That thought was communicated to people who then built with skill and hard work. Without that thought, nothing would be created. Just like how those buildings started with a thought, your thoughts and your mindset also play a critical role when it comes to the success of your business. Your thoughts dictate your actions and behavior. Without having control over your mindset, you can make poor decisions in critical situations that will affect you, your clients and even how your employees perceive you as their leader. What can you do to gain greater control? That's what we're here to find out in this Construction Genius episode as Casey Grey, founder of The Conscious Builder, shares with us how your mindset can make a difference to the way you manage your employees and your clients. Be a master of your mindset by tuning in to this episode. What's Discussed in This Episode: Business success is 20% mechanics and 80% psychology

As a construction executive, devoting all or much of your time to work is normal. After all, you need to adhere to some strict schedules and deadlines.But what you don't realize is that in putting yourself under immense pressure, you may be on the path to emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion. In this fast-paced environment, you may feel the need to do everything all at once in as little amount of time as possible. However, the tighter your schedule becomes, the more rushed everything seems to be, the harder it is for you to make rational decisions.  In this week's Construction Genius episode, we examine the daily routine of one of the best commanders in World War II, Field Marshal and 1st Viscount William Slim, and apply the lessons that we learn to our daily lives. Don't be too hard on yourself. Tune in to this episode. What's Discussed in This Episode: Leisure is time free from the demands of work or duty [01:38] Why it's so important for leaders to have leisure [02:12] Recollecting William Slim'

One thing that all business owners need to face is that one day, we all need to pass the baton on to the next generation. However, for someone who has built his or her business from the ground up, it might not be the easiest thing to do. Succession planning is something that business owners tend to avoid. After all, giving away something that they've worked so hard to build to someone else is a tough decision. But what they don't realize is that it's something that they all need to do. And the earlier you can mold the next generation to be able to value your business as much as you do, the better. In this week's Construction Genius episode, Shone Freeman joins us to share the value of succession planning and what you can do to make the shift easier for you. Frame the future of your business by tuning in to this episode now. What's Discussed in This Episode: A brief background on S.R. Freeman [02:31] Why people are struggling with passing their business on [03:22] Choosing people for his succession plan [05:3

As a construction company, your expertise lies in building. But what most contractors fail to realize is that it is also a business that requires good management of the flow of money. Cash is what drives all businesses. It is vital to the survival and success of every company. But more often than not, contractors put cash flow issues on the backburner and focus on issues that they find easier or more urgent. In this week's Construction Genius episode, I talk with Patrick Hogan, CEO and co-founder of Handle.com, about the importance of good cash flow management and what you, as a construction executive, can do to improve cash flow in your business. Tune in and learn how to master your micro-economy by managing your cash. What's Discussed in This Episode: Why construction companies are struggling with cash flow [01:50] Contractors go out of business not because of lack of work, but because of too much work [03:21] The cash flow checklist [05:16] Delegating cash flow matters to in-house personnel or third

Every entrepreneur recognizes the challenges involved when starting a business—funding, workforce, looking for the right niche, and many more! This is why getting a business running requires that leap of faith, patience, and a whole lot of support. It usually takes several years to build a business from the ground up and construction startups may find it especially difficult to be competitive since most of their competition in the industry are already deeply rooted in the community. However, by choosing the right people to work with, the right niche, and proper financing, you can bump up your company's growth. In this week's Construction Genius episode, we have Walt Stahl, company president of The Stahl Companies, to inspire us with his entrepreneurial journey from being a State employee to being a president of a prestigious company. Tune in to this episode.  What's Discussed in This Episode: Why Walt Stahl decided to leave a secure job with the State of California and how he started his own business [02:54]

An ideal strategic plan can help scale your business and take you to where you want it to be in the coming years. But without clear priorities set into it, it may take longer than anticipated to achieve sustained business success. This week's podcast episode is the fourth and last part of the Triangle One-Page Planning Process series. Today, we'll examine how to create an efficient system in building your construction business by identifying your priorities as we cover: What is a priority and what makes it important, How to identify and clarify your priorities, and How to build a priority structure Be smart about dealing with every aspect of your business by listening to this episode now! What's Discussed in This Episode: Overview of today's topic [02:19] The 30-60-90 day rule [04:06] What makes prioritization important [04:44] Don't multitask; Focus on what's important [05:24] Focusing on a specific outcome provides a sense of accomplishment and momentum [07:07] What is a priority and why is it importa

You can start your construction business today and be like the rest of the businesses in the market. But with careful and refined planning, you can set yourself apart from the competition. This week's episode marks Part 3 of the four-part series on the Triangle One-Page Planning Process. Today, we'll focus on how to build sustained success in the construction industry. I will cover: How to identify your niche How to serve your niche How to grow your business Be unique! Craft your strategic plan and grow your business exponentially by listening to this podcast episode now! What's Discussed in This Episode: The example of Southwest Airlines [00:03] Sustained success is not an accident [01:05] Success in construction defined [04:26] Nail your niche [07:49] Your niche can be whatever you want [08:56] Identify your niche [05:05] It's now what you do but how you do it that sets your company apart [12:09] Techniques to drive up your revenue and drive down your costs [12:37] Customer service is a massive way t

Most leaders set career goals, whether it's becoming a senior partner or a company executive. But the journey towards achieving those goals is the biggest challenge that we actually face.  In this week's podcast episode, I have a great discussion with Eric Jones, President, and CEO of Foushée. We talked about his journey from the Naval academy to construction, and how he went in headstrong and gathered experience along the way as he traveled the leadership path towards eventual partnership in his company. We explore the importance of letting go of your ego in making important decisions and how he steered the company towards success when he became CEO. We also discuss how Eric's journey has prepared him to help the next generation of Foushée leaders travel a similar route with the goal of being the third generation of Foushée partners.  Tune in to this episode and learn how to remain unfazed and steadfast in your goal and ultimately build the path towards success. What's Discussed in This Episode: Eric's jour

Each person has a unique personality. Companies are made up of people, and each company has a unique personality, or way of behaving.  This week marks Part 2 of our four-part series explaining the Triangle One Page Planning Process. In this episode, we'll focus on how to discover and leverage your company's unique personality. I will cover: The definition of personality, The distinction between personality and values, How to discover and clarify your company's unique personality, How to use your personality as a competitive advantage, and How it works with purpose to provide a solid foundation for your company. Start leveraging your company's unique personality to your advantage and stand out from the rest of the competition by listening to today's podcast episode. What's Discussed in This Episode: The four fundamental personality types [00:09]  Values defined [04:39] Personality is a reflection of the company [05:34] What is personality and how does it differ from values? [03:56] Personality and purpos

In the construction industry there are many strategies to generate and increase profits, including safety. However, with some construction companies, instead of creating a balance, we see a pendulum that swings between productivity and safety, undermining the truth that a safe company is a profitable company.  In this week's podcast episode, I have a great conversation with Larry Markham, co-owner and founder of SAFE (Safety Associates For Employers, LLC). He stresses the importance of prioritizing safety in the workplace and how it affects profitability, how the safety culture starts at the top and how CEOs can demonstrate this culture personally to their employees. We also talk about making the right financial investments when it comes to safety, and what the safety culture will look like in 5-10 years from now.  Tune in to this episode and gain valuable insights regarding the need for a safety culture in the construction industry.  What's Discussed in This Episode:  Larry talks about how his passion for s

The basic purpose of every business is to make money. But if you want to stand out from the competition, you need to define what your business's deeper purpose is. Most successful businesses know what that is and it usually goes beyond the desire to make and have more financially.  This week's podcast episode is Part 1 of a four-part series aimed at the four critical questions that will help you to structure a one-page plan to drive your business. I begin this series with defining the deeper purpose of your company. I'll cover: Why having a deep business purpose is important, How to craft your purpose statement, with examples from real-life construction companies,  How to use your purpose to guide business decisions.  If you haven't figured out yet what your business's deeper purpose is, dive into this episode and get the inspiration you need to take action in crafting your very own purpose statement.  What's Discussed in This Episode: Analogy of cars and business [1:26] Overview of podcast episode [3:29

Social media is here to stay and it would be a huge mistake to not incorporate it into a company's marketing strategy because who isn't on social nowadays right?  Today's businesses are utilizing it for the purpose of engaging with their customers and their audience. Construction companies are lagging behind though but it's not too late to start and while there are a lot of social media platforms out there, Linkedin is by far the most effective way to reach your niche.  In today's episode, I talk with Tats Nakagawa, he gives valuable information about how construction companies can leverage their engagement through social media. We discuss also what areas most construction companies are failing when it comes to their social strategies and why finding the right person to manage your business's social media accounts is very important.  If you still haven't committed to using social media for boosting your business, let this episode motivate you to start now.  What's Discussed in This Episode:  Tats shares what

In the construction industry preparation is vital for everything, from bidding, planning, and building work. We spend time preparing for things in the business so we can execute our work well; however, as important as it is to get the work done by careful preparation, have you stopped and asked if you are devoting that same amount of quality time to get ready for the day and ready for your leadership responsibilities?  A great day doesn't just happen by chance, if we desire for a great day to unfold, we also need to prepare for it and that's what I talk about in this week's episode. I share my personal morning routine, the things I consider during reflection and how it helps me get into the right frame of mind so I am ready to face a great day, every day. I do not just wish to inform but challenge you as well to get into this daily practice although it's not easy.  If you're up to the challenge of getting ready for a great day, tune in to this episode.  What's Discussed in This Episode:  My morning routine [

Change can be difficult, but if you look at it from a growth perspective you will see that the risks that come with change are nothing compared to what you can gain. Prefabrication is being rapidly adopted across Construction and presents lots of profit opportunities for contractors who are willing to learn and adapt.  In this week's Construction Genius podcast episode I talk with Amy Marks. She is the Head of Industrialized Construction Strategy and Evangelism at Autodesk, but is better known in the industry as the Queen of Prefab. She gives valuable insights on why there is limited awareness of the prefab revolution that's happening, the barriers of the adoption of prefabrication, how to overcome the project mindset to move up the learning ladder, and a lot more.  This is an interview that will open your mind to what change in this industry looks like and why you should adapt now.  Here are some of the great takeaways from this episode.  What's Discussed in This Episode:  How Amy became known as the 'Queen

You do not want to meddle in another person's affairs, but sometimes it's obvious that someone on your team is struggling. Their ability to perform at a high level is affected by what they are going through. They are stuck.  In this week's episode of Construction Genius, I explore why people get stuck, the impact it has upon your organization, and how you can help people get unstuck.  Tune in to this episode.  What's Discussed in This Episode:  The first reason people get stuck: Skill [2:25] Client-based  Business development  Job specific basis  The second reason people get stuck: Relationships [3:49] Change in culture in construction  Change in technology  Change in economy  Personal crisis  The third reason people get stuck: Will [6:13] The impact of stuck people upon your organization, project partners, your clients [9:41] How to respond when someone in your organization is stuck [11:38] A simple framework of small steps you can take to help those who are stuck [15:09] A challenge to commit to meet