Building Scale

In this episode, Gary Cosmer, CEO of Lovett, shares his background in private equity and its application in his current role. They discuss Lovett's M&A process, post-acquisition financial management, and the differences between private equity and family funds. Gary also discusses implementing manufacturing experience in construction, business growth challenges, and the importance of leadership in scaling a business. The episode concludes with Gary's M&A growth strategy and his book recommendations. (0:00) Introduction and guest introduction - Gary Kossmer, CEO of Lovett (1:51) Gary's background, experience in private equity and application at Lovett (6:21) Mergers and acquisitions at Lovett: Process, due diligence, and learning from past experiences (14:17) Post-acquisition financial management: Budgeting and mitigating risks (20:36) Private Equity vs Family Funds: Differences, purpose, and how to find them (28:23) Implementing manufacturing experience in construction industry: Offshoring, labor costs, and inventory management (39:21) Business growth challenges and the importance of employee development in the construction industry (42:20) Role of leadership and management skills in scaling a business (45:17) Gary Cosmer's M&A growth strategy, business expansion and past acquisitions (50:42) Concluding thoughts: Book recommendations, how to get in touch with Gary Cosmer, and concluding remarks (52:34) Sponsor: AEC Resources page at spotmigration.com backslash AEC hyphen resources

In this episode, Jeff Meyers, CEO of DS Architecture, discusses his journey to leadership, the significance of a supportive work environment, and his personal struggle with bipolar disorder. He shares insights on the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), the impact of scaling back on company culture, and the importance of KPIs in the creative industry. Jeff also introduces 'Eight Ball', a predictive tool for business. (0:00) Introduction to the podcast, hosts, and guest - Jeff Myers (4:08) Jeff's journey to becoming the CEO of DS Architecture and importance of supportive work environment (9:57) Jeff's achievements and understanding 'ephominder' (13:07) Discussion on mental health: Jeff's personal struggle with bipolar disorder (15:07) Jeff's experience in national conference and mission of DS Architecture (20:57) Jeff's hiring process and introduction to the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) (24:03) Impact of scaling back on company culture and introduction of firm management program 'eight ball' (27:04) The importance of KPIs and process systemization in creative industry (31:07) Introduction to "Eight Ball": A tool for future business predictions and its utilization (37:21) Jeff Meyers on mental health, vulnerability and empowering people with mental illnesses (39:11) Closing remarks, contact information, and additional resources for AEC business development

In this episode, Aimee Carpenter, CEO of Solterra Solar, shares her insights on staff empowerment, hiring philosophy, and retention strategies. The discussion also covers performance expectations, building trust with stakeholders, and the role of data in decision-making. (0:00) Introduction and Guest, Aimee Carpenter's Background (7:31) Aimee's Challenges and Insights as CEO of Solterra Solar (12:58) Staff Empowerment and Hiring Philosophy (20:26) Emphasis on Quality Hiring and Performance-based Compensation (25:13) Staff Retention Strategies and Solar School Initiative (30:13) Employee Growth and Balancing Business Plans (34:36) Sales Performance Expectations and Evaluation (39:15) Building Trust and Relationships through Expectation Management (46:08) Data-driven Decision Making in Sales and Marketing (50:43) Conclusion and Contact Information for Aimee Carpenter

In this episode, Scott Maloney, founder of K2M Design, shares insights on company culture, the role of technology in scaling, and the shift from hardware to software. He discusses decision-making, acquisition success, lessons from failed investments, and the importance of trust in business. (0:00) Introduction by Will Foret, Justin Neagle, and Guest Scott Maloney (3:35) Examination of K2M Design's Core Values and Company Culture (7:09) Role of Technology in Scaling K2M Design (12:19) Shift from Hardware to Software and Impact on Business Operations (16:01) Importance of Technology in AEC Business Growth (19:10) Discussion on Business Decision-Making and Acquisition Success Story (23:54) Lessons from Failed Investments and Balancing Risk-Taking (26:56) Significance of Relationship and Trust in Decision Making (28:12) Getting in Touch with Scott Maloney and Reflections on AEC Industry Experience (29:00) Conclusion and How to Become a Guest on the Podcast

In this episode, Joe Furey from Michael Graves Architecture and Design discusses company culture, growth strategies, and the role of technology in the AEC industry. Topics include the impact of mergers and acquisitions, organic growth versus strategic acquisitions, and the evolution of company culture for a new generation. Connect with Joe: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jfurey/ Connect with Michael Graves: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/michael-graves-design-group/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mgravesdesign/YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOEc35ZL9TZeG1FhUgvvMMQ/videos American Building Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/american-building/id1535403483 Connect with Will and Justin: Will's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willforet/ Justin's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justneagle/ Connect with Spot Migration: 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 (0:00) Introduction and Guest Background: Joe Furey, Michael Graves Architecture and Design (5:16) Post-Michael Graves Company Culture and New Growth Strategies (11:07) Mergers and Acquisitions as a Succession Strategy (16:29) Organic Growth vs. Strategic Acquisitions (21:07) Evolving Company Culture for a New Generation (26:25) Technology Investments for Business Efficiency and Growth (30:21) Technology as a Competitive Advantage in the AEC Industry (34:15) Closing Thoughts on Company Culture, Future Strategies, and Technology (35:23) Closing Remarks and Contact Information

On this episode Gary Cosmer of LOVETT shares with us his journey from being in the private equity space to becoming a partner and the CEO of the iconic brand - LOVETT. He discusses how he implemented advanced manufacturing concepts into his construction business. Gary also shares his expertise with M&A. This includes opportunities companies can look for as well as ways to avoid the pitfalls that many business owners find themselves in when they are going through their first few acquisitions. (0:00) Introduction to the podcast, hosts and guest Gary Cosmer (1:14) Journey to Lovett: Gary's backstory and partnership with Dale (2:30) Key insights: Importance of branding in AEC industry and advice to younger self (3:10) Decision-making: Importance of patience and observation (3:57) Business analogies from drag racing (4:58) Business success: Shaving off tenths of a second (5:38) Closing remarks and invitation for future participation (6:15) Contacting Gary Cosmer: Final thoughts and details (6:20) Podcast closing and call to action

In this episode, Justin Nagel, Will Foret, and Jeff Meyers discuss the concept of "Aframinder," delve into the core values of DS Architecture, and share Jeff's advice to his younger self. They also engage in a discussion on mental illness and the Aframinder Movement. (0:00) Podcast and Guest Introduction (1:14) Explanation of "Aframinder" (2:16) Core Values of DS Architecture (3:12) Jeff's Advice to His Younger Self (4:18) Discussion on Mental Illness (5:11) The Aframinder Movement (6:14) Closing Remarks and Resources

In this episode, co-host Justin Neagle shares his journey from law to marketing, his passion for creativity, and his unique strengths. He discusses key lessons from the Building Scale podcast and his vision for its future. The episode concludes with a call to action. (0:00) Introduction to the Building Scale podcast and co-host Justin Neagle (2:53) Justin's decision to transition from law to marketing (3:06) Discussion on Justin's passion for creativity (5:13) Exploration of Justin's superpowers (7:10) Key lessons learnt from the Building Scale podcast (9:11) Justin's vision for the future of Building Scale (10:26) Conclusion and call to action

In this episode, Justin Neagle and Will Foret discuss Will's early IT career, his experience with avant-garde technology in trade shops, and his unique problem-solving skills. They delve into the concept of scalability in AEC and reflect on the best Building Scale moments. (0:00) Introduction to the podcast and hosts (2:41) Will Foret's education and early career in IT (4:45) Experience with leading-edge technology in trade shops (6:39) Deep dive into scalability in the AEC industry (8:55) Will's unique problem-solving skills in complex situations (10:07) Highlighting the best experiences from the podcast so far (13:29) Final thoughts and future direction of Building Scale (15:18) Conclusion, closing remarks, and sponsor messages

In this episode, Aimee Carpenter, CEO of Solterra Solar, shares her journey from salesperson to business owner in the AEC industry. She provides insights on challenging stereotypes, overcoming fear and imposter syndrome, and offers advice to her younger self. (0:00) Introduction to the Building Scale podcast and guest, Amy Carpenter (1:47) Amy's transition from salesperson to CEO of Solterra Solar (2:32) Challenging stereotypes in the AEC industry (3:11) The journey to becoming a business owner in the AEC industry (4:25) Reflections and advice to younger self (5:51) Overcoming fear and imposter syndrome in the construction industry (7:27) Invitation for Amy Carpenter to return for another episode (7:54) Closing remarks and key takeaways (8:33) Promoting the Building Scale podcast and AEC resources