Building Scale

On this episode your hosts Will and Justin recap Season 3. The things that you can learn from other business owners and leaders can be second to none and the last few months have proved very fruitful to our education. Connect with the Justin & Will: Will's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willforet/ Justin's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justneagle/ Learn More & Connect With Spot Migration: Managed IT Services & Support In Chicago, IL https://www.linkedin.com/company/spot-migration (0:00) Introduction to the Building Scale podcast (1:14) Scaling businesses of different sizes and goal setting (5:41) Acquisition process and importance of an independent fiduciary board (10:00) Introspection and hiring a COO for business growth (15:12) Mindset shift and the "yes and" attitude in AEC business growth (18:24) Case Study: Julian Mike from Chicago Light Foret and his unique business journey (22:26) Role of EOS and partnerships in AEC business success (26:27) Leveraging data for business agility and quick decision making in AEC businesses (30:16) Will Foret's speaking engagements on technology and cybersecurity in the AEC industry (39:07) Preview of upcoming guests and topics for the next season of Building Scale (41:44) Cybersecurity education for AEC businesses and episode wrap-up

Today on Building Scale our guest is Matt DiBara. Matt is a Fourth generation mason who mixed his first bag of concrete at age 9 and went on to spend most of his childhood learning the trade, eventually placing first in the national SkillsUSA masonry competition. From there, he branched out to attend the University of Massachusetts in Amherst, where he earned a degree in Construction Management and Environmental Design. After graduating, Matt took over his family's construction business and relocated to Los Angeles, where he went on to be mentored by the likes of marketing guru Jay Abraham and business tycoon Mike Agugilaro of CEO Warrior fame. Since then, he has built up DiBara Masonry to become the leading masonry and concrete company in the county, working on some of the most prestigious and well known celebrity homes in the city, in addition to restoring a number of Hollywood's most famous cultural landmarks. Matt realized that the struggles that contractors face when it comes to running a business are huge, specifically hiring qualified and reliable talent which was a massive undertaking and he quickly figured out some of the tricks and tips here. As he started building those strategies and creating scalable processes, he began finding a ton of success. So much so that he started to mentor other leaders and finally founded The Contractors Consultants. Connect with Matt: https://www.thecontractorconsultants.com/ https://www.dibaramasonry.com/ Email: MD@thecontractorconsultants.com Connect with the Justin & Will: Will's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willforet/ Justin's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justneagle/ Learn More & Connect With Spot Migration: Managed IT Services & Support In Chicago, IL https://www.linkedin.com/company/spot-migration (0:00) Introduction and Guest: Matt DiBara's Journey (7:54) Craftsmanship and Work Culture in Construction (16:07) Overcoming Challenges and Communication Styles in Construction (24:15) Contractor Consultants and Balancing Multiple Projects (26:14) Shift in Traditional Hiring Methods and Labor Market (31:27) Retention and Building a Positive Workplace Culture (38:04) Importance of the Right Team and Decision to Venture into Consulting (43:32) Role of Technology in Business Growth and Efficiency (46:17) Evolution of Advertising and Overcoming Fear of New Technology (52:32) Reflecting on Past Business Experiences and Importance of Innovation

Daniels + Chandler Architects formed out of a close friendship between two friend that were passionate about design and the impact it can have on the community. With the vast amount of construction taking place, they felt that the camaraderie between owners, builders, and designers could be enhanced to positively affect the overall design process. Guest number one; Halie Chandler is a Registered Architect and founding member of Daniels + Chandler Architects. With a focus primarily in healthcare and education following her studies, Halie has coordinated complex problems on both a large and small scale and values a team approach to create an effective solution. Halie holds a BArch from The University of Tennessee – Knoxville and holds certificates with NCARB and CDT. Halie volunteers as a team leader for the Nashville Affiliate of ACE Mentoring, is the AIA Emerging Professionals Committee Chair and WIA Committee Member, and is involved with ULI Nashville. Guest number two; Blake Daniels is a Registered Architect and founding member of Daniels + Chandler Architects. After spending nearly a decade working in the architectural field, Blake continues to develop extensive knowledge of the built environment and enjoys working with teams to turn client visions into reality. Blake holds a BArch from Mississippi State University and holds certificates with NCARB and CDT. Blake is active in the Nashville community as a member of The Phoenix Club of Nashville, AIA Middle Tennessee, and West End Community Church. So many great nuggets from Halie and Blake in this episode and you will see how you can run a great business being great at what you do, such as being amazing Architects in this case, and have people as the primary focus for your success. Incredible culture, incredible relationships with vendors, clients and team members. Truly a model for success. Connect with Halie and Blake: https://danielschandler.com/ Email: HChandler@danielschandler.com Email: BDaniels@danielschandler.com Connect with the Justin & Will: Will's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willforet/ Justin's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justneagle/ Learn More & Connect With Spot Migration: Managed IT Services & Support In Chicago, IL https://www.linkedin.com/company/spot-migration (0:00) Introduction to the Building Scale podcast and guests Blake Daniels and Haley Champ (5:00) Inception and growth of Daniels and Chandler Architects (10:00) Philosophy and experience of hiring at Daniels and Chandler Architects (15:00) Cultivating leadership and setting company goals (20:00) Navigating leadership challenges and the importance of training (25:00) Employee well-being, personal goal setting, and teamwork in portfolio projects (30:00) The concept of entrepreneurial tax and vetting advisors for business growth (35:00) Leveraging technology for business success and scalability (40:00) The importance of staying updated with latest technology in the AEC industry (45:00) Creating a supportive work culture and tracking key metrics for business success (50:00) Personal advice to younger selves and closing remarks (54:37) Thanks, invitation to share the podcast, and additional help for AEC companies

Discover the story of Julie Blankenheim and Mike Nykaza, who since 2017 have spearheaded Chicago Lightworks, a leading lighting sales agency in Chicago. They share insights on their 15% annual growth, rooted in a strong internal culture of trust, respect, and empathy. Learn how their expertise in lighting design, marketing, and robust education contributed to building a dynamic and successful team, representing over 100 manufacturers including Signify and Legrand. A must-listen for insights on leadership and innovative growth strategies in the industry. Connect with Julie or Mike: https://www.chicagolightworks.com/ Connect with the Justin & Will: Will's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willforet/ Justin's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justneagle/ Learn More & Connect With Spot Migration: Managed IT Services & Support In Chicago, IL https://www.linkedin.com/company/spot-migration (0:00) Introduction and background of guests - Julie Blankenheim and Mike Nykaza (6:37) The unique beginnings and growth strategy of Chicago Lightworks (13:15) Importance of company culture and training in business success (20:03) Changing the perception of sales through customer-focused selling (26:14) The role of a lighting agency in balancing the design and construction goals (29:08) Transition from startup to a larger business and the role of leadership (32:35) Navigating big decisions in technology implementation for business growth (39:19) Addressing invisible issues in the business and prioritizing employee wellbeing (43:45) Reflections: The true culture of the company, advice to their younger selves, and the power of teamwork (48:08) Contact information for Chicago Light Works and closing remarks

"Building Scale: Insights from MAPP's EVP Bradley Tassin" - Join us for an enlightening episode with Bradley Tassin, Executive Vice President of MAPP. With a 17-year tenure at MAPP, Bradley brings a wealth of experience in various aspects of commercial construction, including preconstruction, project management, quality control, and more. Covering diverse project types from office to petrochemical facilities, he brings a unique perspective. A Baton Rouge native and LSU graduate, Bradley is a LEED Accredited Professional and actively involved in multiple industry organizations like ICSC, ULI, TEXO, and the Dallas Regional Chamber. Stay tuned for key insights that make this episode essential for those in the construction industry. MAPP is hyperfocused on data analytics to give their customers the best possible outcome MAPP is hyperfocused on making sure that they have "Happy Mappies" and are doing all sorts of amazing things for their team MAPP is leading the way with different technologies and they are truly thinking differently than most companies. Connect with Bradley: Email: btassin@mappbuilt.com Connect with the Justin & Will: Will's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willforet/ Justin's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justneagle/ Learn More & Connect With Spot Migration: Managed IT Services & Support In Chicago, IL https://www.linkedin.com/company/spot-migration (0:00) Introduction and sponsor acknowledgement (5:00) Guest Bradley Tassin's journey in the construction industry and MAP (12:00) Role of client service and data management in MAP (20:00) The impact of technology on MAP's operations and decision-making (30:00) Addressing employee well-being and fostering a supportive culture at MAP (40:00) Future vision for MAP: Embracing technology and innovation (48:00) Bradley's advice for young professionals in the construction industry (52:00) Q&A session with Bradley Tassin (57:00) Closing remarks from hosts Justin Neagle and Will Foret (57:26) Mention of AEC Resources page

Today on Building Scale we are joined Dan Zawacki. Dan is a Certified Traction/EOS Implementer whose passion is teaching, facilitating and coaching business owners and their leadership teams on how to get the most out of their companies and live a better life. Being in the trenches for over 35 years as an entrepreneur has allowed him to help business owners and their leadership teams get what they want from their businesses. His 30 years of creating and owning LobsterGram.com has given him the knowledge, both the good, bad and ugly. He knows what it’s like to own and operate a business. After creating, building, and selling Lobster Gram, his mission is now to be a resource for entrepreneurial companies. Dan shares his story about creating Lobster Gram with only $1,000. Lobster Gram started in his parents 2-car garage and bootstrapped it into a $15 million dollar company. Lobster Gram was one of the first companies to have a website way back in 1996 and the FIRST company to use Google AdWords (I know, sounds crazy.) It was a great 30 year run that has allowed him to successfully implement EOS in all of his clients’ organizations. Connect with Dan: https://www.eosworldwide.com/ Email: danzawacki@eosworldwide.com Phone: 847-814-4123 Connect with the Justin & Will: Will's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willforet/ Justin's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justneagle/ Learn More & Connect With Spot Migration: Managed IT Services & Support In Chicago, IL https://www.linkedin.com/company/spot-migration (0:00) Introduction and Guest Dan Zawacki (7:29) Transition from LobsterGram to EOS Implementer (13:08) Business Culture, Core Values and Right People in Right Seats (21:44) Uncovering Issues During EOS Implementation and Accountability Chart (30:16) Setting and Achieving Company Goals with EOS (33:47) The Structure and Value of the Level 10 Meeting (44:56) Implementation and Importance of Core Processes (53:45) Common Issues in Early and Mature Stages of Companies (57:59) Role of Technology and Cybersecurity in Business (1:07:38) Dan's Personal Advice and Lessons Learned over 20 years (1:12:39) End of Episode and Invitation for Guest Appearances

Today on Ira Singer. Ira is the Founder & Chief Marketing and Communications Officer of Mosaic Construction and its affiliated brands Design Construction Concepts (DCC) and Cannabis Facility Construction (CFC) a design-build firm based in Northbrook, Illinois. Ira leads new business development, estimating, marketing and management of trade partner relationships. Ira co-founded Mosaic Construction in 2005 and shares his 30+ years of construction industry expertise with team members and clients every day. He leads the firm’s work in the commercial and multifamily sectors, working with clients to transform their buildings to better fit the needs of their tenants, residents, staff and visitors. Ira is a highly-respected speaker and thought leader on multifamily, commercial and residential design-build construction and has been a featured guest on numerous industry podcasts. Ira earned his Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communication & Rhetoric from the University of Illinois. He devotes significant personal time and effort to philanthropic endeavors including his involvement at the Center for Enriched Living, a non-profit serving people with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Enjoy this conversation we have with Ira and hear all the amazing answers he gives to our questions. Ira is a true professional that cares about his people and doing things the right way. Connect with Ira: Contact Info: (847) 504-0177 ira@mosaicconstruction.net LinkedIn: Ira Singer : https://www.linkedin.com/in/ira-singer-3b78917/ Mosaic: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mosaic-construction-llc CFC: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cannabis-facility-construction DCC: www.linkedin.com/company/design-construction-concepts-inc- Facebook: Mosaic: https://www.facebook.com/mosaic.construct CFC: https://www.facebook.com/canabisfacilityconstruction/ DCC: https://www.facebook.com/DesignConstructionConcepts Instagram: Mosaic: www.instagram.com/mosaic_construction CFC: www.instagram.com/cannabisfacilityconstruction DCC: www.instagram.com/designconstructionconcepts Connect with the Justin & Will: Will's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willforet/ Justin's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justneagle/ Learn More & Connect With Spot Migration: Managed IT Services & Support In Chicago, IL https://www.linkedin.com/company/spot-migration (0:00) Introduction to the Podcast, Hosts, and Guest Ira Singer (4:28) Expansion into the Cannabis Industry and Challenges faced during Growth (12:04) Importance of Relationships and Partnering Philosophy in Business Growth (20:29) Project Management and Unique Business Model of Mosaic Construction (26:30) Talent Management and Scaling Strategy in a Growing Business (35:42) Transparency in Budgeting and Financial Planning for Business Scale (38:14) The Role of Technology and Reinvestment in Business Growth (44:12) Future Technology Advantages for Scaling the Business (46:22) Final Advice and Wrap Up with Ira Singer (51:16) Closing Remarks and Encouragement to Share the Podcast

Today on Building Scale we are talking with Tony Mirchandani. If you are interested in hearing about a company working to make sure that everyone is doing something that they love and are passionate about then look no further. Tony has been pushing to grow RTM and he has done so in a very unique way. Mergers and acquisitions are the primary way of growth but Tony is not just looking at the bottom line for these M&A's he is truly trying to find companies to partner with that allow people on both sides to find a win. He is helping people throughout his company to find something that they are passionate about for their work and then they do not treat work as something that they have to do but more like a position that they cannot wait to do. As CEO, Tony Mirchandani is responsible for RTM’s vision, strategy and operations to provide quality engineering in a customer-focused culture. By leading a collaborative team, he fosters RTM’s commitment to continuous quality improvement, best practices initiatives and enhancing the professional development programs. His expertise spans mergers and acquisitions, business development, financial management, engineering and leadership. With a strong background in both technical and operations environments, he has a unique understanding of project management, quality control and the ability to exceed client expectations. You do not want to miss this one because I know Tony is sharing some information that all owners and CEO's should be listening to! Connect with Tony LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/rtm-engineering-consultants/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/rtmengineering Twitter - https://twitter.com/RTM_ENG Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rtmengineering/ Connect with the Justin & Will: Will's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willforet/ Justin's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justneagle/ (0:00) Introduction and guest Tony Mirchandani's role at RTM Engineering Consult (3:22) Scaling RTM Engineering Consult and the mindset shift that led to growth (10:03) Importance of collaboration and working "on" the business, not "in" the business (14:10) The concept and journey of RTM's Big Hairy Audacious Goal (BHAG) (16:24) Discussing RTM's acquisition strategy and the importance of culture fit in mergers and acquisitions (20:48) Implementing the EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) in RTM and defining success beyond monetary gains (30:00) Differences between small and large businesses and the opportunities with being acquired (37:10) The concept and benefits of a platform organization in M&A (40:34) The role of growth and the unique perspective of engineers in the consulting industry (45:03) Leveraging technology in the design, communication, and the impact of choosing the right or wrong technology (53:20) Tony's advice to his younger self, learning from other entrepreneurs, and future plans for RTM (56:10) Contact details and closing remarks from Justin and Will

In this episode, Justin and Will explore how advanced technology is crucial for scaling modern construction companies. They discuss the importance of investing in tech to attract new talent and the necessity of categorizing technology expenses into five key areas: software, communications, audio/video, computer equipment, and cybersecurity. This strategic approach helps in making informed decisions for business growth and managing risks effectively. A vital listen for understanding technology's impact in the AEC industry. Connect with Justin & Will - Will's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willforet/ Justin's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justneagle/ Learn More & Connect With Spot Migration Managed IT Services & Support In Chicago, IL - Website: https://www.spotmigration.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/spot-migration Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spotmigration Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Spotmigration Do you want to be a guest on the show? Go to https://buildingscale.net/guests Need to discuss your IT and Cybersecurity Strategy? Go to https://buildingscale.net/help (0:00) Introduction and mission of the podcast (1:30) Role of technology in AEC industry and top-level construction companies (6:18) Understanding technology spend and importance of cybersecurity in AEC industry (14:31) Leveraging younger talent and technology for business efficiency (19:21) Justifying the cost of cybersecurity and consequences of neglect in construction businesses (25:27) Importance of business continuity and research in construction businesses (30:41) Long-term benefits and considerations of investing in technology (40:32) Understanding the cost implications of delaying technology investments & concept of 'soft cost loss' (46:19) The impact of technology on field operations and cost inefficiencies (48:29) Closing remarks, reflections, and invitation to listeners and potential guests

Discover the inspiring story of Micah Lacher, President of Anchor Investments, on Building Scale. Learn about his success in managing over $300 million in real estate transactions and his unique approach to property investment. Micah also shares insights on his groundbreaking venture, Mission Hotels, which supports underserved communities through its profits. Additionally, delve into his philanthropic efforts with Team Chad and other community organizations. An insightful episode highlighting a blend of business acumen and social responsibility. Connect with Micah: https://www.linkedin.com/company/6647140/ https://www.instagram.com/missionhotels/ https://www.instagram.com/russellnashville/ https://www.instagram.com/thegallatinhotel/ https://www.instagram.com/506lofts/ www.anchorinv.com www.missionhotels.com www.teamchad.us Connect with the Justin & Will: Will's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willforet/ Justin's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justneagle/ Learn More & Connect With Spot Migration Managed IT Services & Support In Chicago, IL - Website: https://www.spotmigration.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/spot-migration Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spotmigration Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Spotmigration Do you want to be a guest on the show? Go to https://buildingscale.net/guests Need to discuss your IT and Cybersecurity Strategy? Go to https://buildingscale.net/help (0:00) Introduction and Guest Micah Lacher's Background (10:00) Benefits of Entrepreneurs' Organization & Micah's Professional Purpose (15:24) Transition to Purpose-Driven Business and Growth Plans (21:10) Building Trust with Investors and Expanding the Business (26:15) Operational Challenges and Strategic Relationships (31:39) Role of a COO and Letting go of Operational Control for Growth (35:18) Communication, Prioritization and the Role of a Leader (40:41) Implementing EOS Business Model and Documenting Business Operations (45:06) The Role of Technology in Scaling the Business (55:37) Reflecting on the Journey, Overcoming Obstacles and Closing Thoughts