The Construction Leading Edge Podcast

Todd Dawalt

Are you a construction business owner looking to maximize revenue, eliminate chaos and turn your business into a well-oiled, profitable machine? Learn more at: http://www.constructionleadingedge.com/ Welcome to the Construction Leading Edge Podcast! Hi, my name is Todd Dawalt, and I want to help you grow your business the RIGHT way. On this podcast, I’ll share tactics and strategies for systematizing your business, so you can make more money and win back your time. Business owners, managers, project executives, project managers, and field leaders will all benefit from the interviews, resources, tools, and tips we have in store. Be sure to give us a follow, so you never miss an episode! read less
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Episodes

Is This Deficiency Plaguing Your Business? | E332
4d ago
Is This Deficiency Plaguing Your Business? | E332
EPISODE 332: Are you stuck in your construction business's day-to-day operations? Do you find yourself constantly bombarded by messages and phone calls from clients, trade partners, and your team? Are your projects taking way too long?  You may be suffering from a serious deficiency that’s costing many construction business owners millions of dollars! In this week’s episode, we’ll dive deep into the crucial yet often overlooked phase that’s causing chaos in your business operations: pre-construction. We’ll unpack common symptoms of a pre-construction deficiency, explore its side effects, and break down the secret to developing an effective pre-construction process. We'll also show you how mastering this phase can transform both your business and personal life. Join us in this riveting discussion! Let’s dive in!   Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00) The underlying problem (01:55) Common symptoms of a construction deficiency (03:38) Understanding the pre-construction deficiency (06:46) How the JETS trap affects your team and business (10:36) Nailing the handoff in five essential steps (12:22) Secret to developing an effective pre-construction process (16:07) Practical tips for a robust pre-construction process (20:06) Side effects of nailing the handoff (23:52) Reflective questions to ponder (30:03) Episode wrap-up (32:03)   Additional Resources: - Join our FREE Get Paid For Estimates Masterclass HERE - Download your FREE strategic planning guide HERE - Schedule your FREE 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!
What Construction CEOs Actually Need: A Roundup of the Best Ideas From a CEO Alliance Meetup | E331
17-04-2024
What Construction CEOs Actually Need: A Roundup of the Best Ideas From a CEO Alliance Meetup | E331
EPISODE 331: What sets successful construction business owners apart? Join me as I sit down with Systematize Your Construction Business (SYCB) coaches Monish Khadye and Leyah Hostetter. Today, we’ll dive deep into what transpired during our recent CEO Alliance Live Meetup in Del Mar, California. We'll unpack the biggest takeaways from the event, from mastering financial transparency to understanding the pivotal role of trust in creating a thriving construction business.  Additionally, we’ll share practical tips on applying these insights to your business so you can truly take on your CEO or visionary seat. Are you ready to elevate your leadership? Let’s dive in!   Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00) The CEO Alliance Live Meetup (01:46) CEOs get vulnerable on financial transparency (06:49) The three-step approach to reforming or building trust (11:29) Fourth crucial step when restoring trust (19:58) Why level up your pre-construction process (25:03) How to ensure business continuity (27:11) On CEOs having a solid integrator (31:03) Benefits of community among construction CEOs (34:37) What do construction CEOs have to say about the event? (42:09) Episode wrap-up (44:36)   Additional Resources: - Download your FREE strategic planning guide HERE - Schedule your FREE 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!
The CEO Mindset Shift: A Panel Discussion | E330
08-04-2024
The CEO Mindset Shift: A Panel Discussion | E330
EPISODE 330: Do you feel stuck in your construction business's day-to-day operations? Do you dream of taking it to the next level but are unsure how? These experts might teach you a thing or two. Join us in this week’s panel discussion (and our first in-person episode) featuring Alex Gregg, Michael Moore, and Alex Thompson.  These accomplished construction business owners share their pivotal shift from running a busy business in a firefighter mode to leveraging key talents in their teams and eventually putting on their CEO hats.  Today, we discuss how to transition from an operator mindset to a CEO mindset, the importance of habits and routines, how to foster a culture of accountability and growth, the value of letting go, and more. Are you ready to transform yourself and grow your business? Let’s dive in!   Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00) Meet the panel of experts (04:55) Key shifts from thinking as an operator to CEO (06:31) Importance of habits and routines (13:08) The right-to-left thinking mindset (18:22) Creating a culture of accountability (19:46) How to ensure you’re continuously evolving as a CEO (34:11) The value of letting go for growth (37:42) How successful CEOs look at mistakes (46:29) Resources for construction CEOs (47:55)   Additional Resources: - Download your FREE strategic planning guide HERE - Schedule your FREE business evaluation call with our team HERE - Join the FREE Get Out of Your Construction Business Masterclass HERE Books Mentioned: Traction: Get a Grip On Your Business Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones 10x Is Easier Than 2x The E-Myth: Why Most Small Businesses Don’t Work and What to Do About It Organizational Physics: The Science of Growing a Business Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap…And Others Don’t Think and Grow Rich The Gap and The Gain: The High Achiever’s Guide to Happiness, Confidence, and Success Blue Ocean Strategy: How to Create Uncontested Market Space and Make the Competition Irrelevant The Coaching Habit: Say Less, Ask More, & Change the Way You Lead Forever Three Laws of Performance: Rewriting the Future of Your Organization and Your Life -- 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!
Executing a Successful Business Turnaround & Strategically Letting Go with Michael Moore | E329
01-04-2024
Executing a Successful Business Turnaround & Strategically Letting Go with Michael Moore | E329
EPISODE 329: How can construction businesses thrive even during economic downturns?  Join us in this week’s podcast episode as Michael Moore, owner and president of Waterton Construction Group, shares his journey in navigating the challenges of growing a construction company and how systematization and strategic changes turned his company from six-figure losses to seven-figure profits. Today, Michael breaks down the impactful systems and processes he implemented, the selling the gap concept, how to master the art of letting go, and much more. Ready to systematize your construction business and get out of the chaos?  Tune in now to learn more.   Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00) Meet Michael Moore and his works at Waterton Construction (01:54) Adapting to the current economic indicators and market dynamics (03:35) Most impactful business changes & systems that Michael implemented (06:24) Transitioning to ERP accounting software, revenue maximizer, and forecasting tools (09:39) Discussing the selling the gap concept in pre-construction (21:13) What didn’t work out for Michael (27:28) The results and growth following systematic changes (30:53) Practical advice on mastering the art of letting go (32:33) What business and life have been for Michael after the changes (39:41) Advice to construction business owners (52:02) What it’s like being in the CEO Alliance (1:01:12) Episode wrap-up (1:07:08)   Additional Resources: - Download your FREE strategic planning guide HERE - Schedule your FREE business evaluation call with our team HERE - Join the FREE Get Out of Your Construction Business Masterclass HERE   Keep up with Michael - Listen to Episode 234: Hiring High-Level Talent, Growing Revenue & Keys to Selling HERE - Listen to Episode 275: Stewardship, Creating Terminal Value & Increasing Profit 60% HERE - Follow Michael on LinkedIn HERE - Visit Waterton 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!
How to Become Addicted to Your Business Without Dealing 24/7 Phone Calls with Alex Knapp | E328
25-03-2024
How to Become Addicted to Your Business Without Dealing 24/7 Phone Calls with Alex Knapp | E328
EPISODE 328: Are you tired of constant phone interruptions while trying to spend quality time with your family? Construction business owners know this feeling all too well. In this week’s episode, Leyah Hostetter, our Director of Customer Success, interviews Alex Knapp, the owner of Minneapolis Decks, as he shares his journey from being bombarded with round-the-clock phone calls to becoming addicted to working on his business. Alex talks about his challenges while running his company and what led him to enroll in our Systematize Your Construction Business (SYCB) program. He also breaks down some of the systems and changes that transformed his business, how he gets everyone on his team on board with these changes (even the senior ones), and the profound effects of these changes on his employees, business, and personal life. Let’s dive in!   Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00) Meet Alex Knapp and how he started Minneapolis Decks (04:59) Challenges that Alex faced in his construction business (05:35) How to deal with a Pandora’s box (07:23) Getting everyone on board with the new processes (09:05) Most impactful part of the Systematize Your Construction Business (SYCB) program (09:59) From confused to motivated employees (13:13) Episode wrap-up (14:21)   Additional Resources: - Download your FREE strategic planning guide HERE - Schedule your FREE business evaluation call with our team HERE - Join the FREE Get Out of Your Construction Business Masterclass HERE Keep up with Alex and His Team: - Follow Minneapolis Decks on Instagram HERE - Check out Minneapolis Decks 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!
Tracking Metrics, Casting Vision & Implementing Systems with Alex Gregg | E327
18-03-2024
Tracking Metrics, Casting Vision & Implementing Systems with Alex Gregg | E327
EPISODE 327: Imagine leaving your teaching job and starting your dream business amidst an economic meltdown. It sounds daunting, right? This is how Alex Gregg, owner of Gregg Homebuilding, started his custom homebuilding company in Tennessee. From facing the uncertainty of the 2008 global financial crisis to transforming challenges into success stories, Alex shares his inspiring journey and the foundation that shaped his construction company. We talk about the most impactful systems that grew his custom homebuilding business (which recently generated $10M in revenue), highlighting the importance of tracking metrics, casting a clear vision, and implementing systems.  He also shares some of the challenges he encountered while implementing these changes, the mindset that got him through it, the ripple effects on his business and personal life, and more. Let’s dive in!   Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00) Alex’s transition from teaching to homebuilding (05:51) On handling business challenges and frustrations (10:10) 3 most impactful systems that changed Alex’s construction business (18:11) On tracking metrics and its ripple effects (22:15) Why you should start charging for estimates (27:29) The role of accountability chart in any business (30:02) Effects of nailing the handoff and focusing on pre-construction (32:27) Life before and after implementing these systems (35:01) How casting a clear company vision and systems help in building great teams (40:58) Most significant challenges when implementing changes in business (48:09) The difference in mindset between building a project and putting systems in place (51:08) On being around with like-minded people and building relationships (56:10) Rapid-fire questions with Alex Gregg (1:04:28) Episode wrap-up (1:07:06)   Additional Resources: - Download your FREE strategic planning guide HERE - Schedule your FREE business evaluation call with our team HERE - Join the FREE Get Out of Your Construction Business Masterclass HERE Keep up with Alex Gregg - Visit Gregg Homebuilding for more information HERE - Follow Gregg Homebuilding on Instagram HERE - Listen to episode 299 with Alex Gregg 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!
From Homebuilder to Business Builder: The Systems That Eliminate CHAOS and Improve Everyone’s Experience with Jeff Bowers | E326
11-03-2024
From Homebuilder to Business Builder: The Systems That Eliminate CHAOS and Improve Everyone’s Experience with Jeff Bowers | E326
EPISODE 326: Most construction business owners handle all aspects of their companies themselves: estimation, sales, project management, and more. However, it is easy to overlook the need to develop business acumen alongside trade skills when running a construction business. Jeff Bowers, our guest on this week’s podcast, understands this principle better than most.  As the owner and CEO of Masterpiece Design Build, a full-service general contracting firm specializing in designing and building custom homes, major residential renovations, and additions along with commercial projects, Jeff brings decades of industry experience to the table. During this conversation, Jeff shares on the podcast how businesses should navigate economic downturns, the value of systematizing your construction process, the importance of improving everyone’s experience throughout construction, and the strategic systems and processes that built his company to where it is now. Let’s dive in!   Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00) Meet Jeff Bowers (04:42) From painting contractor to custom home builder (09:56) Navigating economic downturns and the role of resilience (11:40) Focusing on business systems over manual skills (21:40) Common fears to overcome when growing a business (24:50) The impact of systematizing your construction process (27:44) How important is the experience during pre-construction and construction processes (32:13) Systems that grew Jeff’s construction business (38:07) Does construction always have to be chaotic? (45:51) Jeff’s advice for construction owners (46:52) The CEO Alliance and its impact to Jeff (53:32) What separates great companies from good companies (59:02) Advice to his old self (1:04:24) Rapid-fire questions with Jeff (1:07:40)   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 Jeff Bowers’ Masterpiece Design Build: - Check out Masterpiece Design Build’s website HERE - Follow Masterpiece Design Build on Instagram 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!
Structuring a Construction Business For Growth with the Right Systems with Nolan Harris | E325
04-03-2024
Structuring a Construction Business For Growth with the Right Systems with Nolan Harris | E325
EPISODE 325: Who doesn’t dream of expanding their construction business? We all do. Yet, along with expansion comes more significant challenges. Without the right systems, it’s easier to forget about scaling up. This was precisely the situation our guest found himself in. In this week’s episode, Leyah Hostetter, our Director of Customer Success, sits down with Nolan Harris, the owner of Riviera Construction, who specializes in high-end custom homes and remodeling in Southern California.  Nolan opens up about his bold decision to downsize and the driving force behind his re-expansion efforts. He also shares the transformative tools and systems he learned through our Systematize Your Construction Business (SYCB) program, how he effectively integrated these systems to streamline his business growth and much more. Ready to grow your business? Let’s dive in!   Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00) Meet Nolan Harris and his works at Riviera Construction (04:08) Solving chaos through downsizing and saying no (05:37) The transformative impact of systematizing the preconstruction process (10:32) Team empowerment and redesigning the business (14:11) Shifting from free estimates to paid preconstruction services (17:24) Renewed excitement and growth strategy for the business (21:34) Nolan’s office space expansion and hiring strategies (23:00) Episode wrap-up (24:44)   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!
Eliminating Chaos Through Accountability and Focusing on Preconstruction with Charles Rogers | E324
26-02-2024
Eliminating Chaos Through Accountability and Focusing on Preconstruction with Charles Rogers | E324
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!
Succession Planning, The Triple Bottom Line, and Setting Up an ESOP with Jonathan Orpin | E323
19-02-2024
Succession Planning, The Triple Bottom Line, and Setting Up an ESOP with Jonathan Orpin | E323
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!
Stop Sabotaging Your Success: Hidden Thinking Traps Entrepreneurs Should Avoid | E322
12-02-2024
Stop Sabotaging Your Success: Hidden Thinking Traps Entrepreneurs Should Avoid | E322
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!
Living in The Gain and Generating Enjoyable Profits with Alex Thompson | E321
05-02-2024
Living in The Gain and Generating Enjoyable Profits with Alex Thompson | E321
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!
How Adversity Can Crush You or Make You Unstoppable (You Choose)  | E320
29-01-2024
How Adversity Can Crush You or Make You Unstoppable (You Choose) | E320
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!
Why Breaking Old Habits is Key to Achieving New Business Heights | E319
22-01-2024
Why Breaking Old Habits is Key to Achieving New Business Heights | E319
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!
How Referrals Can Hurt You & Other Insider Marketing Secrets with Spencer Powell | E318
15-01-2024
How Referrals Can Hurt You & Other Insider Marketing Secrets with Spencer Powell | E318
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!
4 Crucial Steps to Level Up Your Business in 2024 | E317
11-01-2024
4 Crucial Steps to Level Up Your Business in 2024 | E317
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!
Breaking Down the Top 10 Challenges and Myths of a Visionary Leader with Monish Khadye (A Replay) | E316
03-01-2024
Breaking Down the Top 10 Challenges and Myths of a Visionary Leader with Monish Khadye (A Replay) | E316
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!
Business Building Lessons from the Fighter Plane That Won WW2 | E315
26-12-2023
Business Building Lessons from the Fighter Plane That Won WW2 | E315
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!
How CEOs Think Differently About Money & Financial Systems with Luke Holcomb | E314
18-12-2023
How CEOs Think Differently About Money & Financial Systems with Luke Holcomb | E314
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!
The Systems Behind an 8-Hour Workweek with Monish Khadye | E313
11-12-2023
The Systems Behind an 8-Hour Workweek with Monish Khadye | E313
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!