Building Scale

In this episode, Will and Justin review Season 2 learnings and discuss the AEC industry's lag in technology. They explore the role of ROI calculations, the impact of company ownership types, and unique processes like Rosemary's Method. The conversation also covers the benefits of collaboration, the importance of embracing change in technologies, and building a positive company culture. The episode concludes with a teaser for next season and key takeaways from the season. 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 to the Building Scale podcast and review of Season 2 learnings (2:42) Discussion on the AEC industry's lag in technology and the impact on construction (6:01) The role of ROI calculations and the industry's perspective on return on investment (14:40) The significance of company ownership types, employee ownership, and generational ownership (25:15) Unique Processes that Help Build Scale: Rosemary's Method and tax implications in building development (33:21) Working on the business versus in the business and the role of outside consultants (38:15) The benefits of collaboration, joint ventures, and being technology forward (44:25) Embracing change in technologies for long term gain and building a positive company culture (47:52) Teaser for next season's guest and discussion on why big initiatives fail or succeed (57:12) Closing thoughts, key takeaways from the season, future plans, and promoting AEC Resources page on Spot Migration

In this episode, Ryan Marks, CEO of USCO Cranes, shares his journey in the crane business, strategies for market presence, and overcoming leadership transitions. He discusses modernizing processes, planning for future generations, hiring philosophies, and leveraging technology for business scaling. Marks also reflects on advice to his younger self. Connect with Ryan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanuesco/ https://uescocranes.com/ 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 - 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 to Building Scale and guest Ryan Marks, CEO of USCO Cranes (3:54) Journey and growth in the crane business (10:17) Strategies for building relationships and market presence (13:10) Overcoming generational ownership challenges and leadership transitions (18:29) Modernizing business processes and implementing technology (25:32) Planning for future generations and balancing family-business dynamics (28:36) Philosophy on hiring, team fit, and dealing with toxic employees (36:28) Leveraging technology to scale the business (43:01) Reflections: Advice to a younger self and importance of investing early (45:07) Closing remarks and post-interview wrap-up

In this episode Dr. Troy was sharing some incredible information. This is an episode that you truly do not want to miss a single minute. An organized organization might believe that everything is running exactly how it should be. Dr. Troy would ask you to really rethink that. You may have some elements, but you may not have it all. Connect with Dr. Troy Hall https://drtroyhall.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 Dr. Troy Hall (2:03) Dr. Troy Hall's journey and Cohesion Culture (5:17) The problem of cohesion and its elements in the workplace (9:08) Deep dive into the 3 elements of Cohesion Culture (16:37) Enhancing company culture and understanding its real meaning (20:23) The role of meaning, purpose, and engagement at work (26:11) The impact of Cohesion Culture on employee performance (28:23) Measuring cohesion: KPIs, metrics, and assessment tools (33:17) The role of education and leadership in promoting Cohesion Culture (37:00) Balance between people and profit in businesses and leadership styles (49:01) Building a cohesive work culture and wrapping up the episode

‘Creating a Foundation for People to Thrive’ is a motive under a contracting firm T.W. Frierson which serves people to build corporate headquarters, temples, art manufacturing facilities, and logistics centers as well as remodels, construct-outs, and catastrophe recuperation projects. I was honored to have Kit Ozburn, the President of T.W. Frierson on our show. With more than 20 years of experience, Kit is driven by energy for the brilliant support of his company’s partners. The core values are characterized by the people as it's an employee-owned company. Connect with Kit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kit-ozburn/ Learn More About T.W. Frierson: https://www.twfrierson.com/ https://www.twfrierson.com/awards/ 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 - 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 Presentation: Kit Osborne (8:57) Transition of TW Frierson to an ESOP company (13:54) The structure, benefits, and considerations of an ESOP (16:11) Evolution of company culture and core values in an ESOP (26:18) Financial literacy and transparency in an ESOP (31:59) Employee participation and benefits in an ESOP (35:57) Onboarding, training, and safety measures at TW Frierson (40:18) Innovations: Intern program and use of videography for efficiency (47:43) Technology in business: Leveraging tech to win business (54:20) Final reflections: Advice to younger self and addressing mental health (59:10) Wrap up: Post-interview remarks and call to action by the hosts

In this episode, Bob Armbrister, CEO of Spark Business Works, discusses the importance of culture, user input, and strategic planning in technology transformation. He explores the evolution and future trends of technology in the construction industry, stresses the significance of ROI and client selection, and dispels common misconceptions. Armbrister also shares insights on overcoming resistance to technology, the role of empathy in software development, and his company's scaling strategies. You can contact Bob at https://www.sparkbusinessworks.com/contact for better streamline work and simple processes. His company builds technology solutions on your demand and then implement them with you. 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 - 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 to the podcast and guest, Bob Armbrister, CEO of Spark Business Works (5:00) The role of culture and user input in technology transformation (11:38) Core focus and strategic planning in technology transformation initiatives (15:30) Evolution of technology in the construction industry and the need for upgrades (20:31) The unique challenges and significance of language in technology applications in construction industry (27:57) The importance of ROI and criteria for choosing clients in construction and technology projects (34:24) The risks in the technology industry and misconceptions in construction industry (40:06) The future of technology adoption in construction industry and the role of backlog in ROI projects (45:31) Understanding clients and overcoming resistance to technology in the construction industry (52:52) The role of empathy in software development and how Spark Business Works scales its operations (1:00:01) Personal development in quarterly objectives and encouraging firms to start their technology transformation journey (1:05:07) Closing remarks and episode wrap-up

In this episode, Eric Sanderson joins Justin Neagle and Will Foret to discuss executive roundtables, large project coordination, and the role of dialogue in project management. They dive into strategies for scaling up, the role of technology in the construction industry, and overcoming resistance to change. The episode concludes with reflections on business leadership and career advice. Connect with Eric: Website: https://redrocksadvisors.com Email: ej@redrocksadvisors.com Phone: 970-215-6340 (Just No Spam Allowed) Connect with the Justin & Will: Website: https://spotmigration.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/spot-migration Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spotmigration Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/c/Spotmigration Will's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willforet/ Justin's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justneagle/ 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 - 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 of hosts and guest, Eric Sanderson (4:00) Discussion on executive roundtables in the AEC industry (12:04) Challenges and best practices in large project coordination and communication (25:25) Importance of dialogue, contingency planning, and compromise in project management (37:10) Strategies for scaling up to bigger projects and understanding joint ventures (44:03) Distinguishing between working in your business vs. on your business (50:17) Role of technology in construction industry's success and scalability (57:40) Overcoming resistance to change for business evolution (1:02:29) Reflections on business leadership and career progression advice to younger self (1:05:06) Contact details for Eric Sanderson and closing remarks

In this episode, Wally Adamchik shares his expertise on managing the right people for construction companies, the role of technology in scaling, and the importance of company values in decision-making. He discusses the evolution of procurement and marketing in construction, strategies for successful technology implementation, and the potential of microlearning. Check these out to learn more about Wally Adamchik and growing leaders to scale your business: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/wallyadamchik Website: www.constructionleadership.com Email: wally@beafirestarter.com Connect with the Justin & Will: Website: https://spotmigration.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/spot-migration Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spotmigration Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/c/Spotmigration Will's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willforet/ Justin's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justneagle/ Tune in to learn about the Hottest Insider News | Tips | Tricks | Hacks, and everything you need to know on Architecture, Engineering, Construction and Technology! 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 - 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 background of guest Wally Adamchik (4:14) Identifying and managing the right people for construction companies (8:12) Differences in company scales and the role of technology in scaling (10:07) Understanding the success triangle: technical competence, management, and leadership (15:00) Recognizing and implementing necessary changes within an organization (22:07) The role of company values and trust in decision-making and implementations (27:20) The evolution of procurement, marketing, and technology in construction (35:44) The importance of technology in cost analysis and potential of microlearning (40:09) Strategies for successful technology implementation (43:37) Wally's advice to his younger self and reflections on his career (50:08) Closing remarks and promoting the Building Scale podcast

In this episode, Rosemary Swierk, founder of Direct Steel and Construction, shares her entrepreneurial journey and discusses the company's services and impact. The conversation delves into the current AEC industry challenges, including inflation and supply chain issues. Rosemary also highlights the importance of financial strategy, risk management, and innovative solutions like technology and team collaboration to navigate these challenges. The episode wraps up with a success story of a dilapidated building turned investment. Check these out! SBDC: www.sba.gov/local-assistance/resource-partners/small-business-development-centers-sbdc PTAC: Help for Government Contracting - APTAC - Association of Procurement Technical Assistance Centers Learn more about Rosemary and Direct Steel Construction: Website: General and Commercial Contractor | Crystal Lake, IL Connect with the Justin & Will: Website: IT Support and Services LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/spot-migration Facebook: Spot Migration Youtube: Spot Migration Will's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willforet/ Justin's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justneagle/ Tune in to learn about the Hottest Insider News | Tips | Tricks | Hacks, and everything you need to know on Architecture, Engineering, Construction and Technology! 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 - 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 to the podcast, hosts, and guest, Rosemary Swierk (2:23) Rosemary's entrepreneurial journey and the start of Direct Steel and Construction (6:18) Services offered by Direct Steel and Construction and their impact on clients (29:58) Discussion on the current state of the AEC industry, inflation, and supply chain issues (36:12) Importance of financial strategy and risk management in the construction business (42:20) Strategies for managing inflation and supply chain disruptions in the AEC industry (44:55) The role of technology and team collaboration in overcoming market challenges (47:41) Rosemary's story of a dilapidated building turned successful investment (49:07) Wrapping up the interview, contact information for Rosemary, and closing reflections (50:37) Outro, thank you to listeners, and an invitation to potential guests

In this episode, we delve into the relationship between business continuity, IT, and management. We discuss the importance of backup internet and data restoration, implementing new IT systems for cost-efficiency, and the evolving role of IT in modern companies. We also explore the significance of managerial skills in IT leadership, the role of company culture in scaling, and the consideration of time and ROI in IT processes. (0:00) Introduction to the episode and hosts (6:00) Exploring operational vs technical truths in business (14:37) Business continuity: Importance of backup internet and data restoration (19:15) IT and Management: Bridging the communication gap for business continuity (26:14) Cost and efficiency: Implementing new IT systems (28:03) The evolving role of IT in modern companies: From finance to operations (31:03) IT leadership: The importance of managerial skills and non-technical training (34:51) The role of company culture in scaling and communication (37:10) IT processes: Consideration of time and return on investment (41:12) Backing up network configurations: Manual vs automated backups (43:30) Conclusion and call to action

In this episode, we’ve got Pat Whelan sharing years-worth of nuggets to help the New Breed of AEC Industry Leaders make the most informed and educated business decisions that will transcend generational barriers. Pat is a serial entrepreneur – ran a successful general contracting company for 18 years before establishing paskr, a web-based construction software for streamlining and automating the construction building process. Pat has gracefully made his exit from both firms after 18 years (each), with a hefty sum of best practices in tow – everything the future leaders of AEC need to know to scale their businesses through the path of least resistance. Email: mail@patsinbox.com Website: www.paskr.com/ Connect with the Justin & Will: Website: IT Support and Services LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/spot-migration Facebook: Spot Migration Youtube: Spot Migration Will's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willforet/ Justin's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justneagle/ Tune in to learn about the Hottest Insider News | Tips | Tricks | Hacks, and everything you need to know on Architecture, Engineering, Construction and Technology! (0:00) Introduction and Guest Introduction: Pat Whelan (3:46) The Role of Technology in Scaling Businesses and Overcoming Resistance (13:59) Generational Differences in Hiring and Adapting to Needs (18:16) Efficiency in Business: "One Hat, One Seat" Concept and Hiring for Potential vs Experience (24:13) The Impact of Hiring a Competent Controller and Understanding Opportunity Costs (27:26) The True Cost of Paperwork and Administrative Inefficiency (33:18) Overcoming Resistance to Technology in Construction and Adapting to Changes (37:22) Achieving Better Days with Technology: Viewing Technology as an Asset vs a Cost (44:01) Inefficiency of Bidding Process in Construction and the Importance of Choosing the Right Software (57:09) Advice to Younger Self and the Importance of Setting Realistic Expectations in Business (1:01:26) Discussing Future Plans and Final Thoughts (1:02:47) Closing Remarks and Invitation for Potential Podcast Guests