Construction Champions Podcast

Selling a construction company isn’t something you decide on Friday and complete by Monday. For most owners, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime decision and if you get it wrong, you can lose millions.In this episode of Construction Champions, Ron Nussbaum sits down with Cameron Bishop, Partner & Managing Director at Raincatcher, one of the leading lower-middle-market M&A firms specializing in construction and home-services companies.Cameron breaks down exactly what makes a construction business valuable, what buyers REALLY care about, how consolidation is reshaping the industry, and why many owners unknowingly sabotage their exit years before they ever consider selling.Email: cameron@raincatcher.comWebsite: https://raincatcher.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameron-bishop-19b6804/Helpful Resources for Construction ChampionsThese are tools and places we share because they can help you win on the job and in business.Join Our Free CommunityMeet other builders and leaders in our free Skool group. We share tips, training, and real talk every week.https://www.skool.com/mission-elite-ops-5659/about?ref=1a55bdb77dba443485258ad567edbb23LiveSwitch — Easy Jobsite VideoI am an ambassador for LiveSwitch because it helps you record clear video on the jobsite. Use it to track progress, do walkthroughs, and protect your business if questions come up later. It is simple, fast, and made for real work in the field. LiveSwitch (Jobsite Video Tool)https://join.liveswitch.com/construction-championsListen on Wreaths Across America RadioHear Construction Champions on national radio. Mondays at 2pm ET and Saturdays at 8pm EThttps://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/Newsroom/WreathsAcrossAmericaRadioConnect with RonLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-nussbaumBuilderComs — Better Client CommunicationBuilderComs helps construction teams keep all client messages in one place. No more missed calls or lost messages. Clear, simple, and built for construction.https://www.buildercoms.com/Construction Champions Podcast WebsiteSee all episodes, guests, and updates.https://www.constructionchampionspodcast.com/

Most contractors know how to work hard, make money, and support their families, but very few know how to actually use money as a tool to build wealth, freedom, and long-term stability.In this episode of Construction Champions, Ron Nussbaum talks with Ron Beckner, a third-generation pipe fitter, Navy veteran, and financial educator who helps working-class Americans understand money in a simple, practical, real-world way.Ron breaks down why so many tradespeople live paycheck to paycheck, how to build a financial foundation even if you feel behind, and why creating a “financial team” is not just for the ultra-rich. He explains the power of budgeting, building buckets of money, understanding taxes, protecting your future, and passing on a real legacy to your family.Whether you're a contractor, tradesperson, business owner, or union member, this episode will help you take control of your money, stop feeling overwhelmed, and start building a future you are proud of.Ron BecknerWebsite: https://peaks-integrity.comEmail: ron@peaks-integrity.comFree eBook Offer: Mention “Construction Champions Podcast”Helpful Resources for Construction ChampionsThese are tools and places we share because they can help you win on the job and in business.Join Our Free CommunityMeet other builders and leaders in our free Skool group.We share tips, training, and real talk every week.https://www.skool.com/mission-elite-ops-5659/about?ref=1a55bdb77dba443485258ad567edbb23LiveSwitch — Easy Jobsite VideoI am an ambassador for LiveSwitch because it helps you record clear video on the jobsite.Use it to track progress, do walkthroughs, and protect your business if questions come up later. It is simple, fast, and made for real work in the field. LiveSwitch (Jobsite Video Tool)https://join.liveswitch.com/construction-championsListen on Wreaths Across America RadioHear Construction Champions on national radio.Mondays at 2pm ET and Saturdays at 8pm EThttps://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/Newsroom/WreathsAcrossAmericaRadioConnect with RonLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-nussbaumBuilderComs — Better Client CommunicationBuilderComs helps construction teams keep all client messages in one place. No more missed calls or lost messages.Clear, simple, and built for construction.https://www.buildercoms.com/Construction Champions Podcast WebsiteSee all episodes, guests, and updates.https://www.constructionchampionspodcast.com/

Most construction delays aren’t caused by labor.They aren’t caused by materials. They’re caused by communication failures between engineers, contractors, inspectors, and municipalities.In this episode of Construction Champions, Ron Nussbaum sits down with Daniel McCaulley, founder of Ultimus Engineering, to reveal the real bottlenecks, slowdowns, and misunderstandings that cost contractors time, money, and sanity. Daniel shares how engineering firms traditionally bottleneck projects, why design-build is massively underrated, and why contractors and engineers often feel like they are “speaking different languages.” From permitting nightmares, to inspectors changing positions last minute, to engineers handing projects off to the “B team” halfway through, Daniel breaks down how to eliminate the chaos and communicate clearly so projects can actually move. This is a masterclass in engineering communication, construction leadership, and building processes that prevent rework, frustration, and delays.What You’ll LearnWhy engineering is often the #1 reason jobs get delayedHow to communicate with engineers so neither side gets lostWhy design-build speeds up projects up to 40%How wrong drawings, missing as-builts, and old buildings create disastersThe truth about inspectors, plan reviewers, and code interpretationHow engineering firms “bait-and-switch” their teams (and how Ultimus avoids it)How to get clarity early so projects don’t fall apart lateWhy contractors and engineers must learn to speak each other’s languageAbout Daniel McCaulleyFounder & CEO of Ultimus Engineering. Licensed professional engineer with a background in oil & gas, manufacturing, aquatics design, and ground-up + remodel engineering. Known for solving engineering challenges with speed, flexibility, direct communication, and a “concierge-style” service model many firms avoid.Website:https://ultimus.engineeringEmail:info@ultimusengineering.comPhone:972-825-7741LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/ultimus-engineeringhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/danielmccaulley/Why This Episode Matters for ContractorsIf you’re tired of delays, wrong drawings, rework, missed details, and communication nightmares, Daniel breaks down exactly how to fix it.Most contractors will save time and money just from watching this episode.Helpful Resources for Construction ChampionsThese are tools and places we share because they can help you win on the job and in business.Join Our Free CommunityMeet other builders and leaders in our free Skool group. We share tips, training, and real talk every week.https://www.skool.com/mission-elite-ops-5659/about?ref=1a55bdb77dba443485258ad567edbb23LiveSwitch — Easy Jobsite VideoI am an ambassador for LiveSwitch because it helps you record clear video on the jobsite. Use it to track progress, do walkthroughs, and protect your business if questions come up later.It is simple, fast, and made for real work in the field.LiveSwitch (Jobsite Video Tool)https://join.liveswitch.com/construction-championsListen on Wreaths Across America RadioHear Construction Champions on national radio.Mondays at 2pm ET and Saturdays at 8pm EThttps://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/Newsroom/WreathsAcrossAmericaRadioConnect with RonLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-nussbaumBuilderComs — Better Client CommunicationBuilderComs helps construction teams keep all client messages in one place. No more missed calls or lost messages. Clear, simple, and built for construction.https://www.buildercoms.com/Construction Champions Podcast WebsiteSee all episodes, guests, and updates.https://www.constructionchampionspodcast.com/

Rework is one of the biggest silent killers in construction, costing contractors time, profit, morale, and reputation. But what if most rework is completely avoidable?In this episode of Construction Champions, Ron Nussbaum talks with Brendoan Nielsen, Managing Director of JC Engineers in Australia, about the real reasons construction projects fail, why teams don’t ask questions, and how engineering, communication, and leadership can eliminate rework before it happens.Brendan explains why construction teams follow bad drawings without questioning them, why the industry is stuck in a blame culture, and how leaders can transform their job sites by creating a culture where questions are encouraged, not punished.If you run projects, manage crews, deal with engineers, or oversee budgets… this episode will change how you look at construction forever.What You’ll LearnWhy rework happens and why it’s almost always preventableHow engineering and design disconnects lead to costly mistakesWhy teams don’t speak up even when they know something is wrongHow the blame culture destroys communication on job sitesPractical steps to reduce rework, confusion, and stressWhy asking better questions creates better projectsHow to fix communication between engineers, PMs, and crewsReal-world examples from Brendan’s work helping contractors “pull rabbits out of hats”Timestamps00:00 Intro01:26 What makes a construction champion03:50 Why crews don’t ask questions06:11 The engineering gap nobody talks about08:45 How to break the blame culture11:20 Rework: the hidden cost destroying construction14:20 Why drawings don’t match reality17:04 How political budgets encourage waste19:52 How Brendan helps contractors fix project problems22:40 Communication: the real jobsite superpower26:18 How to deal with high-stress moments on site29:40 Why storytelling matters in project management33:01 Final advice for every contractorAbout Brendan NielsenManaging Director at JC Engineers (Australia), Brendan helps contractors solve complex engineering problems, eliminate rework, and communicate solutions clearly to crews, PMs, and stakeholders. He specializes in bridging the gap between design and construction so teams can build faster with less stress.Connect with Brendan on LinkedIn or at JC Engineers.https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendan-nielsen-59013a46/https://www.jcengineers.com.au/For Contractors, This Episode Is a Must-WatchIf you’re tired of rework, miscommunication, bad drawings, finger-pointing, or wasted budget, this episode gives you the tools to build the project right the first time.Helpful Resources for Construction ChampionsThese are tools and places we share because they can help you win on the job and in business.Join Our Free CommunityMeet other builders and leaders in our free Skool group. We share tips, training, and real talk every week.https://www.skool.com/mission-elite-ops-5659/about?ref=1a55bdb77dba443485258ad567edbb23LiveSwitch — Easy Jobsite VideoI am an ambassador for LiveSwitch because it helps you record clear video on the jobsite. Use it to track progress, do walkthroughs, and protect your business if questions come up later.It is simple, fast, and made for real work in the field. LiveSwitch (Jobsite Video Tool)https://join.liveswitch.com/construction-champions Listen on Wreaths Across America RadioHear Construction Champions on national radio.Mondays at 2pm ET and Saturdays at 8pm EThttps://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/Newsroom/WreathsAcrossAmericaRadioConnect with RonLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-nussbaumBuilderComs — Better Client CommunicationBuilderComs helps construction teams keep all client messages in one place.No more missed calls or lost messages. Clear, simple, and built for construction.https://www.buildercoms.com/Construction Champions Podcast WebsiteSee all episodes, guests, and updates.https://www.constructionchampionspodcast.com/

Most contractors don’t realize their business already has a credit file and it could be costing them jobs, cash flow, insurance rates, and commercial opportunities.In this episode of Construction Champions, Ron Nussbaum sits down with Gerri Detweiler, one of America’s leading experts on business credit, to break down how business credit really works for contractors.You’ll learn how to build business credit, how to avoid personal guarantee traps, why some contractors lose profitable bids without ever knowing why, and how to protect your company before you take on your next job.If you want to grow, scale, and protect your construction business, this is a must-watch.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeHow business credit actually works for contractorsBusiness credit vs personal credit (and why contractors confuse them)Why your business may already have a credit profile you’ve never seenThe biggest mistakes contractors make with vendor accountsHow to build business credit with suppliers and trade linesHow bad information on your report can cost you projectsHow to check the credit of companies you work withWhy personal guarantees can expose you legally and financiallyHow to use business credit to protect cash flow and growthTimestamps00:00 Intro02:11 What makes a construction champion05:25 Business credit vs personal credit explained08:50 How business credit files get created11:45 Why business info gets mixed up and how to fix it15:30 How business credit impacts contractors19:02 The truth about personal guarantees21:49 How to build business credit the right way25:10 Protecting yourself using credit checks on clients and partners29:12 Why contractors get burned on jobs33:40 Final advice from GerriAbout Gerri DetweilerGerri is a nationally recognized expert in business credit, financing, and small business financial systems. She helps contractors and small business owners understand how to build, manage, and leverage business credit to create more stable and profitable companies.http://www.gerridetweiler.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/gerridetweilerIf You’re a Contractor, Start HereThis episode will help you avoid bad clients, protect your cash flow, and build a financially strong business that wins bigger jobs.Helpful Resources for Construction ChampionsThese are tools and places we share because they can help you win on the job and in business.Join Our Free CommunityMeet other builders and leaders in our free Skool group.We share tips, training, and real talk every week.https://www.skool.com/mission-elite-ops-5659/about?ref=1a55bdb77dba443485258ad567edbb23LiveSwitch — Easy Jobsite VideoI am an ambassador for LiveSwitch because it helps you record clear video on the jobsite.Use it to track progress, do walkthroughs, and protect your business if questions come up later.It is simple, fast, and made for real work in the field.LiveSwitch (Jobsite Video Tool)https://join.liveswitch.com/construction-championsListen on Wreaths Across America RadioHear Construction Champions on national radio.Mondays at 2pm ET and Saturdays at 8pm EThttps://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/Newsroom/WreathsAcrossAmericaRadioConnect with RonLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-nussbaumBuilderComs — Better Client CommunicationBuilderComs helps construction teams keep all client messages in one place.No more missed calls or lost messages.Clear, simple, and built for construction.https://www.buildercoms.com/Construction Champions Podcast WebsiteSee all episodes, guests, and updates.https://www.constructionchampionspodcast.com/

If you don’t know what’s working in your marketing, you’re flying blind.In this episode of Construction Champions, host Ron Nussbaum talks with Jason Rhoads, CEO of Rhoads Creative, about how to build digital marketing systems that deliver measurable ROI for builders, remodelers, and trades.Jason has spent over two decades helping construction businesses master SEO, lead tracking, and performance analytics. He breaks down how contractors can move from “throwing money at ads” to making marketing an investment that drives predictable growth and why it all starts with understanding the numbers.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeThe Digital Marketing Ladder: how to prioritize SEO, ads, and social the right wayWhy marketing is an investment, not a spendHow to track real ROI (even if you think it can’t be done)What metrics actually matter and which ones don’tHow to tell if your marketing is working (and when to stop doing what’s not)How builders can measure true cost per lead and cost per saleWhy construction isn’t “different” it’s a business like any otherWhat AI, search, and platforms like TikTok mean for 2026 marketingLearn more: https://rdgcreative.com/Helpful Resources for Construction ChampionsThese are tools and places we share because they can help you win on the job and in business.Join Our Free CommunityMeet other builders and leaders in our free Skool group.We share tips, training, and real talk every week.https://www.skool.com/mission-elite-ops-5659/about?ref=1a55bdb77dba443485258ad567edbb23LiveSwitch — Easy Jobsite VideoI am an ambassador for LiveSwitch because it helps you record clear video on the jobsite.Use it to track progress, do walkthroughs, and protect your business if questions come up later.It is simple, fast, and made for real work in the field.LiveSwitch (Jobsite Video Tool)https://join.liveswitch.com/construction-championsListen on Wreaths Across America RadioHear Construction Champions on national radio.Mondays at 2pm ET and Saturdays at 8pm EThttps://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/Newsroom/WreathsAcrossAmericaRadioConnect with RonLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-nussbaumBuilderComs — Better Client CommunicationBuilderComs helps construction teams keep all client messages in one place.No more missed calls or lost messages.Clear, simple, and built for construction.https://www.buildercoms.com/Construction Champions Podcast WebsiteSee all episodes, guests, and updates.https://www.constructionchampionspodcast.com/

Most contractors hire for skill and ignore fit. That’s why turnover, frustration, and chaos keep repeating.In this episode of Construction Champions, host Ron Nussbaum talks with Josh Hill, former Australian Army Officer and Co-Founder of Super Hired AI, about how to rethink hiring and culture from the ground up.Josh brings a bold, global perspective on challenging complacency, understanding human drivers, and designing work environments that attract the right people, not just the available ones.If you’ve ever hired someone and thought, “They looked great on paper but didn’t work out,” this episode will change how you build your team forever.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhy “we’ve always done it this way” kills business growthHow complacency quietly destroys culture and performanceWhy hiring should be a matchmaking process, not a checklistThe difference between managing people vs. managing workHow to apply marketing principles to recruiting top talentWhy bad hires cost more than failed projectsHow great hires multiply team energy and executionWhat the future of work looks like and how to lead itLearn more: https://www.superhired.ai/FREE Skool group!https://www.skool.com/mission-elite-ops-5659/about?ref=1a55bdb77dba443485258ad567edbb23Listen on Wreaths Across America RadioMondays at 2pm ET and Saturdays at 8pm EThttps://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/Newsroom/WreathsAcrossAmericaRadioConnectRonhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-nussbaumhttps://www.ron-nussbaum.com/BuilderComs: The Client Communication Hub for Constructionhttps://www.buildercoms.com/ Website https://www.constructionchampionspodcast.com/

The construction industry has a reputation problem, but one man decided to fix it.In this episode of Construction Champions, host Ron Nussbaum talks with John Hill, founder of The Good Contractors List, about how he built the first and only contractor network that stands between homeowners and contractors with a $25,000 guarantee on every job. John’s mission is simple: protect homeowners, highlight good contractors, and rebuild trust in an industry that’s lost too much of it. What started as a vision in Dallas–Fort Worth has now grown into a nationwide movement and it’s changing how homeowners hire, how contractors sell, and how construction companies protect their reputation.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhy the construction industry has a trust problem (and how to fix it)How The Good Contractors List became a third-party accountability systemWhat “safe contractor communities” are and how they work nationwideHow ego and isolation hurt the trades more than anythingHow John built a movement from nothing after surviving a heart attackWhy communication and mediation prevent 99% of disputesHow collective authority marketing builds stronger local networksThe truth about what happens when a project goes wrong and how they handle itLearn more: https://thegoodcontractorslist.comFREE Skool group!https://www.skool.com/mission-elite-ops-5659/about?ref=1a55bdb77dba443485258ad567edbb23Listen on Wreaths Across America RadioMondays at 2pm ET and Saturdays at 8pm EThttps://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/Newsroom/WreathsAcrossAmericaRadioConnectRonhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-nussbaumhttps://www.ron-nussbaum.com/BuilderComs: The Client Communication Hub for Constructionhttps://www.buildercoms.com/ Website https://www.constructionchampionspodcast.com/

Want to win government contracts but don’t know where to start? This is your playbook. In this episode of Construction Champions, host Ron Nussbaum talks with Chris Clausing, Director of Government Programs at Colibri Group, about how to navigate DBE (Disadvantaged Business Enterprise) and SBE (Small Business Enterprise) certification, find the right opportunities, and actually win profitable government work. With over 20 years of construction experience, including running his own general contracting firm, Chris understands the real challenges small contractors face. From SAM.gov registration to GSA certification, NAICS code alignment, and small business set-asides, this episode walks you through it all.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeHow to get DBE & SBE certified (step-by-step)The difference between federal, state, and local contractingWhat it means to be a “responsible bidder” not just the lowestHow small contractors can partner with primes through teaming agreementsHow to register on SAM.gov and apply for GSA contractsHow to identify your NAICS codes and align with your core scopeHow small and minority-owned firms can access set-aside contractsThe importance of resilience and process in public sector growthLearn more: https://dbesupport.com/Connect with Chris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gcexamprep/ Email: cclausing@ceihome.com 954-315-7680FREE Skool group!https://www.skool.com/mission-elite-ops-5659/about?ref=1a55bdb77dba443485258ad567edbb23Listen on Wreaths Across America RadioMondays at 2pm ET and Saturdays at 8pm EThttps://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/Newsroom/WreathsAcrossAmericaRadioConnectRonhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-nussbaumhttps://www.ron-nussbaum.com/BuilderComs: The Client Communication Hub for Constructionhttps://www.buildercoms.com/ Website https://www.constructionchampionspodcast.com/Episode Bloghttps://www.constructionchampionspodcast.com/post/how-small-contractors-can-get-certified-and-win-government-contracts

Most contractors don’t need more leads, they need better systems.In this episode of Construction Champions, host Ron Nussbaum sits down with Daniel Strohli, entrepreneur and founder of ProfitsX, to talk about how contractors can stop relying on luck and referrals and instead build automated systems that attract quality clients, simplify communication, and scale profitably. Daniel shares lessons from real estate, tech, and construction that reveal why most contractors are stuck working in their business instead of on it and how to fix it today.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why contractors don’t have marketing problems, they have system problemsThe 5 Ps of success: Proper Preparation Prevents Poor PerformanceHow to go from “gas station handshake” deals to digital consistencyWhy automation and follow-up systems are worth more than paid adsHow to track and measure engagement, not just generate namesThe real difference between a lead and an engaged buyerHow ProfitsX helps construction companies systemize marketing, sales, and client follow-upThe mindset shift: Stop surviving, start scalingLearn more: https://profitsx.comExclusive Offer for Construction Champions Listeners: Get a Free Website & Marketing Audit at https://profitsx.comFREE Skool group!https://www.skool.com/mission-elite-ops-5659/about?ref=1a55bdb77dba443485258ad567edbb23Listen on Wreaths Across America RadioMondays at 2pm ET and Saturdays at 8pm EThttps://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/Newsroom/WreathsAcrossAmericaRadioConnectRonhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-nussbaumhttps://www.ron-nussbaum.com/BuilderComs: The Client Communication Hub for Constructionhttps://www.buildercoms.com/ Website https://www.constructionchampionspodcast.com/