Building Scale

Tyler Sease discusses his background in structural engineering and the niche of Southern Steel Engineers, exploring the impact of large corporations on its culture and operations. He shares insights on balancing roles in different business cultures, hiring practices, team building, and ensuring safety and accuracy in engineering amidst growth. The episode covers strategic hiring, process evaluation, growth planning, and role redundancy. Tyler highlights training and retention strategies, managing people and processes, and documentation methods. He also addresses remote work dynamics, team communication, assessing new hires, and sustainable growth, offering leadership advice and closing thoughts.   Connect with Tyler Sease -  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-sease-pe/  Website: https://www.southernsteelengineers.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 and episode overview (0:23) Hosts and guest introduction (1:13) Sponsor: Technology Consultation (2:22) Tyler Sease's background and SSE's niche in structural engineering (4:18) Influence of large corporations on SSE's culture and operations (6:24) Balancing multiple roles and small vs. large business cultures (8:27) Hiring practices and building the right team (11:09) Safety and accuracy in engineering and managing growth (13:16) Strategic hiring and process evaluation (18:01) Planning for growth and role redundancy (20:52) Training and retention strategies (24:27) Learning curve in managing people and processes (26:02) Documentation methods and training effectiveness (28:14) Remote work dynamics and team communication (33:16) Assessing new hires and sustainable growth strategies (37:47) Leadership's approach to mistakes and team specialization (45:16) Transitioning from practitioner to manager (48:58) Advice for younger self and closing thoughts (49:40) Contact information and social media (50:12) Podcast mission and closing reminders (51:03) Closing tagline

Kendra Dinkins shares her journey and the history of Taylor Electric, highlighting the role of family and the challenges of market diversification. She discusses partnering with larger contractors and navigating MBE/WBE obstacles while emphasizing the importance of building trust in business partnerships. Kendra talks about proving worth as a minority-owned business, evaluating customer fit, and the significance of learning to say no. The episode delves into family business dynamics, decision-making, and managing economic downturns, including the impact of COVID-19. Kendra addresses employee loyalty, overcoming imposter syndrome, and leadership as an introvert, offering advice on self-care and work-life balance.   Connect with -  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kendra-dinkins-87398946/   Website: https://taylorelectricco.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 the episode and Kendra Dinkins (2:46) Kendra's background and Taylor Electric's history and challenges (7:00) The role of family in Taylor Electric and market diversification (13:07) Partnering with larger contractors and overcoming MBE/WBE challenges (18:33) Building and maintaining trust in business partnerships (22:07) Expertise and proving worth as a minority-owned business (25:55) Evaluating customer fit and learning to say no (29:50) Family business dynamics and decision-making (34:22) Economic downturns, COVID-19 impact, and workforce management (41:07) Employee loyalty and support during crises (43:33) Overcoming imposter syndrome and leadership as an introvert (47:24) Advice on self-care and work-life balance (49:59) How to contact Kendra Dinkins and Taylor Electric (51:04) Closing remarks and call to action

Brian Lotz shares his journey from early life to founding Lotz Custom Carpentry and merging with AM Woodland. He discusses the current size and operations of his business, emphasizing leadership development and team dynamics. The conversation explores organizational structure, budgeting, and workforce management, highlighting the collaborative design process and technology's role in scalability. Brian addresses generational work ethic and workforce trends, offering insights into continuous improvement and advice for his younger self.   Connect with -  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lotzcustomcarpentry/  Website: https://lotzcustomcarpentry.com/ Facebook: facebook.com/lotzcc Instagram: @lotzcarpentry   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) Growing people and its importance (0:43) Podcast introduction by Will and Justin (1:48) Guest introduction: Brian Lotz, founder of Lotz Custom Carpentry (3:05) Brian Lotz's early life and entry into construction (6:29) Starting his own business and merging with AM Woodland (13:30) Current business size, operations, and partnership dynamics (20:45) Leadership development and team dynamics (29:14) Organizational structure, budgeting, and workforce management (37:03) Collaborative design process and technology for scalability (45:02) Generational work ethic and workforce trends (49:11) Continuous improvement and advice to a younger self (56:16) Contact information and networking (57:13) Outro and mission statement

Dena Prastos delves into her journey in waterfront architecture and her mission-driven entrepreneurship at Indigo River. She shares the challenges of becoming a certified woman-owned business and the impact of creating New York City's waterfront code. The discussion touches on specialization and on-the-job training in AEC, delegation, and the balance between quality control and task outsourcing. Dena talks about leadership growth, managing senior leadership disagreements, and the role of consultants in scaling a business. The episode also explores evolving business processes, software tools, team feedback, company culture, and talent acquisition. Connect with Dena Prastos -  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denaprastos/  Website: https://indigoriver.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 floating cities and writing the first waterfront code for New York City (0:45) Introduction of podcast hosts Will Foret and Justin Neagle (1:21) Sponsor: Technology Consultation Service (2:44) Guest Dena Prastos's background in waterfront architecture (6:08) Mission-driven entrepreneurship at Indigo River (8:23) Challenges of becoming a certified woman-owned business (10:28) The impact of creating NYC's waterfront code (11:41) Specialization and on-the-job training in AEC (14:25) Delegating responsibilities and training challenges (17:16) Quality control versus task outsourcing strategies (20:08) Implementing accountability and performance improvement plans (24:38) Leadership growth and embracing the CEO role (26:04) Managing senior leadership disagreements and decision-making (27:45) The role of consultants in scaling a business (28:28) Evolving business processes and the importance of software tools (32:10) Lessons learned from Indigo River's rapid growth (36:10) Team feedback mechanisms and the value of annual evaluations (39:48) Intentionality in company culture and mission-driven growth (43:15) Talent acquisition and fostering employee development (44:48) Indigo River's 3-5 year vision and the future of AEC technology (47:01) Advice to a younger self and entrepreneurial insights (51:09) Final thoughts and career advice (52:05) Closing remarks and podcast outro

Aaron Moore discusses his entrepreneurial journey, sharing insights from corporate America that shaped PPD Painting. He delves into scaling the business with a unique team and expanding into new markets, highlighting effective marketing strategies and the importance of employee accountability. Aaron addresses balancing emotions in business, managing opportunity costs, and making strategic decisions for growth. He emphasizes the value of forming industry associations, peer groups, and utilizing outside consulting. The conversation covers team development, adopting new technologies, fostering innovation, and building customer relationships, while exploring pricing strategies and recurring revenue models.   Connect with Aaron Moore -  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-moore-a954351b/  Website: https://www.ppdpainting.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 Aaron Moore (1:02) IT cybersecurity strategy in AEC businesses (2:24) Aaron Moore's entrepreneurial journey (4:34) Lessons from corporate America for PPD Painting (7:38) Scaling with a unique team and market expansion (16:47) Marketing strategies and setting up new offices (20:49) Employee accountability and learning from challenges (25:26) Balancing emotions in business (27:09) Managing opportunity costs and mental load (30:02) Prioritization and decision-making in business growth (31:21) Forming the commercial painting industry association (34:22) Benefits of peer groups and outside consulting (40:24) Team development and adopting new technologies (46:04) Fostering innovation and customer relationships (49:17) Pricing strategies and recurring revenue models (50:04) Reflections and advice for younger entrepreneurs (52:12) Contact info, final thoughts, and outro

Roger Krulak explores modular construction, comparing it to traditional methods. He discusses its efficiencies, challenges, and paradigm shifts in construction processes. The conversation covers planning, assembly, workforce considerations, quality assurance, and differences in construction drawings. Roger addresses organizational efficiency, risks, profitability, and technology's role in modular construction. He also tackles training, adoption, labor shortages, future challenges, and the need for continuous improvement. The episode concludes with insights on streamlining business processes, logistics, financing challenges, and advice for advocating modular construction. Connect with Roger Krulak -  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roger-krulak-b23a111/   Website: https://www.fullstackmodular.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 and challenges in manufacturing (1:31) Introduction of guest Roger Krulak and modular construction (3:49) Defining and history of modular construction (6:14) Comparing modular to traditional construction efficiencies (10:14) Challenges and paradigm shifts in construction processes (13:26) Practical applications of modular construction (17:39) Planning, assembly, and workforce in modular projects (21:54) Quality assurance and construction drawing differences for modular buildings (24:09) Organizational efficiency in the manufacturing process (30:12) Risks, profitability, and technology in modular construction (41:59) Training, adoption, and addressing labor shortages in the industry (48:21) Future challenges and continuous improvement in modular construction (53:00) Streamlining business processes and logistics in modular construction (58:55) Financing challenges and advice for advocating modular construction (1:02:15) Final thoughts, holiday wishes, and closing remarks

Rachelle Strole shares her approach to success, detailing her background and the origins of her company. She discusses overcoming challenges in commercial real estate and emphasizes the role of failure in fostering innovation and sustainable development. Rachelle redefines success by balancing business achievements with personal well-being. She highlights the importance of building a strong team and fostering leadership, while also acknowledging how personal interests can influence professional growth. The episode underscores the value of collaboration and continuous learning, offering insights into how these elements contribute to both individual and organizational success. Connect with Rachelle Strole -  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelle-smith-strole/   Website: https://www.camcre.com/   Connect with Justin - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justneagle/ Website: https://www.spotmigration.com   Keymakers - LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/keymakers-az/ Website: https://keymakers.org/ 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 Rachelle Strole's approach to success (3:17) Rachelle Strole's background and company origins (6:35) Overcoming challenges in commercial real estate (12:19) The role of failure in innovation and sustainable development (19:35) Redefining success in business and personal life (24:24) Building a team and fostering leadership (30:47) The impact of personal interests on professional growth (34:30) The importance of collaboration and continuous learning (41:20) Contact information and final thoughts (44:09) Conclusion and outro

Sarah Card shares her journey from overcoming the 2008 financial crisis to founding GC Legacy Construction and successfully navigating the challenges posed by COVID-19. She discusses securing Starbucks as a client and scaling the business through core values and long-term thinking. Sarah emphasizes the importance of daily reinforcement of these values and the strategic decision to bring trades in-house to drive growth. The conversation explores cultural integration, operational changes, and building new trades, along with offering logistics solutions that add value beyond construction. Connect with Sarah Card -  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahcard/   Website: https://gclegacyconstruction.comCompany LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gclegacyconstruction Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gclegacyconstruction/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gclegacyconstruction    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 Sarah Card's business vision and hosts' mission statement (1:33) Sponsor: Cybersecurity strategy (2:01) Sarah Card's introduction, company background, and career journey (5:15) Overcoming the 2008 financial crisis and transition to construction (10:29) Founding GC Legacy Construction and navigating COVID-19 challenges (17:07) Securing Starbucks as a client and scaling the business (21:17) Core values, long-term thinking, and building credibility (27:11) Importance of daily reinforcement of core values (29:22) Bringing trades in-house and the impact on growth (33:59) Cultural integration, operational changes, and building new trades (44:22) Adding value beyond construction and logistics solutions (49:59) Investing in technology and prioritizing processes (54:27) Future vision and advice to younger self (56:08) Contacting Sarah Card and parting words (56:47) Closing remarks and sponsor mention

Jed Richard shares his journey from the military to founding Richard Group, discussing the early financial challenges faced in the construction industry. He emphasizes the importance of consistency and keeping promises in entrepreneurship. Jed explores the balance of factors in construction projects and the significant role technology plays, particularly AI advancements and their ethical implications on jobs. He discusses the necessity of a technology code of conduct, effective data communication, and leadership development through technology. The episode highlights Richard Group's rebranding and future vision. Jed also offers advice on community engagement and self-improvement, concluding with reflections on AI's future in construction. Connect with -  Jed's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jedrichard/ Company's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/richardgroupllc Website: https://www.richardgroup.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 and Guest Background (1:48) Sponsor: IT Cybersecurity Strategy (3:18) Jed Richard's Background in Construction (4:53) Early Construction Industry Experiences (7:06) Military to Construction Career Transition (10:16) Founding of Richard and Early Financial Challenges (18:03) Entrepreneurial Lessons on Consistency and Promises (27:02) Balancing Construction Project Factors (28:31) Technology's Role in Construction (32:33) AI Advancements and Predictions for Construction (36:04) AI's Impact on Construction Jobs and Ethics (41:17) Technology Code of Conduct in Construction (46:24) Data, Communication, and AI (52:09) Leadership Development with Technology (59:32) Richard Group's Rebranding and Future Vision (1:07:09) Advice on Community and Self (1:09:45) Final Thoughts on AI in Construction (1:10:21) Connecting with Jed Richard (1:11:42) Closing Remarks and Thank Yous

Sheley Brien joins the episode to discuss her journey into the construction industry, emphasizing the balance between work-life and working with a spouse. She shares insights from her corporate background, highlighting how these lessons apply to construction, particularly in team building versus revenue growth. The conversation delves into the importance of business development metrics and the challenges of KPIs, including the impact of social media. Sheley talks about coaching subcontractors, building client trust, and navigating the bidding process. She addresses the pitfalls of low bids and compares construction to other industries. Sheley also offers advice to her younger self, underscores the importance of self-care, and reflects on career changes. Connect with Sheley Brien -  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheley-brien/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sheleybrien/ Website: https://briencontracting.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 and Podcast Mission (1:55) Introduction of guest Sheley Brien (3:01) Sheley Brien's background and journey to construction (7:26) Work-life balance and working with a spouse (12:31) Corporate lessons applied to construction (20:37) Team building vs. revenue growth (24:22) Business development and the importance of metrics (31:41) Challenges with KPIs and social media impact (38:19) Balancing business metrics and development (41:12) Coaching subcontractors and client trust (47:25) Bidding process, client savings, and deep relationships (50:06) The problem with low bids in construction (52:28) Construction compared to other industries and change order issues (55:48) Advice to younger self and career changes (58:24) Emphasizing self-care (1:01:49) Connecting with Sheley Brien and closing remarks