Building Scale

Scott Franchini joins the episode to discuss his career journey and the growth of RedHammer from Hawaii to Arizona. He shares insights on managing outsourced teams and addressing client concerns about outsourcing. Scott highlights the use of Predictive Index in hiring and performance assessments, along with the importance of performance feedback and construction accounting processes. The conversation covers common mistakes in construction accounting, including the segregation of duties. Scott also discusses expanding into new markets and adjusting sales approaches.   Connect with -  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottfranchini/   Website: https://www.redhammer.io/   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 focus on problem statements (1:32) Guest introduction: Scott Franchini from Red Hammer (3:12) Scott's career journey and scaling Red Hammer (9:14) Outsourcing and client security concerns (13:20) Training and hiring philosophies in construction accounting (23:01) Interview process and personality assessments (30:28) Fundamentals and integration in construction accounting (36:37) Addressing common issues and preventing fraud (44:16) Starting a business in a new market and sales strategies (49:40) Relationship-based sales and client relationship fit (53:20) Service offering strategies and leadership advice (56:07) Conclusion and contact information (56:51) Closing remarks and mission statement

TJ O'Connor joins the conversation to share his career journey, detailing his pivot from a tile contractor to the trucking industry. He discusses his leadership philosophy and strategies for transforming a low morale team, highlighting a case study of employee behavior improvement through trust. The episode delves into servant leadership and the importance of including truck drivers in company decisions. TJ emphasizes the significance of employee engagement, tackling introversion, and improving public speaking skills. He reflects on his leadership legacy, transparency, and the impact of mentorship on career development.   Connect with TJ O'Connor -  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tj-o-a3122623a/  Website: https://www.cemexusa.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 welcome to Building Scale (1:00) Host introductions, mission statement, and sponsor plug (2:16) Guest introduction and TJ O'Connor's career journey (5:41) Pivoting careers: From tile contractor to trucking (7:28) Leadership philosophy and overcoming workplace challenges (10:59) Strategies for turning around a low morale team (20:23) Observing and measuring positive changes in team morale (25:33) Case study: Employee behavior transformation through trust (29:04) Discussing servant leadership and organizational structures (32:22) Engaging and including truck drivers in company decisions (38:47) The significance of employee engagement in leadership (44:06) Tackling introversion and improving public speaking skills (47:13) Reflecting on leadership legacy and transparency (50:27) The impact of guidance and mentorship on career development (55:06) TJ O'Connor's advice to his younger self (57:40) Final thoughts and contact information (59:19) Closing remarks and next episode teaser

Tyler Johnston of Berg Enterprises Inc. shares his journey and discusses how military leadership principles have influenced the AEC business. He details the growth and operational structure of Berg Enterprises. The conversation addresses hiring challenges in rural areas and strategies for leveraging local talent. Tyler emphasizes leadership development, technology in organizational change, and learning from predecessors to improve communication. He highlights the benefits of aggressive technology adoption, including transitioning to cloud solutions like Salesforce and implementing NetSuite for accounting. Tyler shares insights on using technology to stand out in competitive markets and embracing subscription-based models for continuous value.   Connect with Tyler Johnston -  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greentechvet/  Website: https://www.bergenterprises.com/ Bio: https://www.greentechvet.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 Berg Enterprises Inc. and Tyler Johnston's journey (6:38) Tyler Johnston's transition to the energy industry (11:00) Military leadership principles in the AEC business (15:08) Growth and operational structure of Berg Enterprises (19:49) Overcoming hiring challenges in rural areas (22:41) Strategies for leveraging local talent (27:15) Leadership development and technology in organizational change (30:03) Learning from predecessors and improving communication (34:18) Strengthening the leadership team with enterprise sales experience (45:11) Benefits of aggressive technology adoption (47:35) Transition to cloud solutions: FieldEdge to Salesforce (51:09) Integrating Salesforce and cataloging assets (53:35) NetSuite implementation for accounting (54:38) Using technology to stand out in competitive markets (56:06) Embracing subscription-based models for continuous value (59:24) Tyler's advice to his younger self and contact information (1:02:41) Closing remarks and mission statement

Jacqueline Loftis and Amanda Simon from Cresa share their career journeys. Amanda discusses her career shift and how Cresa works with the right clients, emphasizing the value of hiring their firm. They explore business development, team recruitment strategies, and the importance of building careers and refining processes. The conversation covers cost savings, value engineering, and bid selection, along with client retention and the role of an owner's rep. They discuss managing change orders, becoming a preferred vendor, and the significance of transparency, honesty, and core values in partnerships. The episode also touches on the impact of technology and AI in the AEC industry and the role of data in construction.   Connect with Jacqueline and Amanda -  Jacqueline's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqueline-loftis-0bb15473/  Amanda's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-simon-construction/  Website: https://www.cresa.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 (1:43) Guest introduction: Jacqueline Loftis and Amanda Simon from Cresa (3:30) Backgrounds of Jacqueline and Amanda (4:45) Amanda's career shift and overview of Cressa's services (13:22) Working with the right clients and the value of hiring Cressa (19:23) Business development and team recruitment strategies (22:24) Building careers and refining processes (24:06) Discussing cost savings, value engineering, and bid selection (30:23) Client retention and the importance of an owner's rep (36:03) Managing change orders and becoming a preferred vendor (43:07) Emphasizing transparency, honesty, and core values in partnerships (46:11) Technology and AI's impact on the AEC industry (54:08) Final thoughts and how to connect with the guests (1:02:06) Closing remarks and sponsor message

Eric Whobrey from ARCO Construction shares insights into his role and the company's approach to small incremental innovations. He addresses the challenges of naming conventions and change management in innovation. Eric discusses ARCO's business structure, venture capital insights, and entrepreneurial mindset for expansion. The conversation covers scaling challenges, standardizing processes, and measuring innovation ROI. Eric explains how Airtable streamlines project management and improves subcontractor rating processes. He highlights the role of technology in scaling, addresses automation and job security concerns, and emphasizes the importance of standards. Eric offers advice on embracing failure and leadership in innovation.   Connect with Eric Whobrey -  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericwhobrey/  Website: https://thearcoway.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 Eric Whobrey's background (5:24) Eric Whobrey's role at ARCO Construction (6:59) Small incremental innovations at Arco (8:27) Tackling naming convention issues (14:04) Change management challenges in innovation (20:29) Arco's business structure and venture capital insights (23:38) Arco's entrepreneurial mindset and expansion strategy (26:31) Scaling challenges and standardizing processes (30:19) Measuring Innovation and ROI (31:15) Streamlining project management with Airtable (34:34) Improving subcontractor rating processes (39:41) Process improvement benefits and challenges (44:26) Role of technology in scaling businesses (45:41) Addressing automation and job security concerns (46:50) Achieving scale through innovation (49:02) Subcontractor ratings to prevent costly errors (51:28) Recognizing limitations when scaling (52:54) The significance of standards in scaling (54:27) Eric's advice on embracing failure (56:10) Leadership in innovation and learning from failure (57:09) Connecting with Eric Whobrey (58:02) Closing remarks and sponsor mention

Tony Disilvestro shares his journey from the restaurant industry to construction, emphasizing the importance of people in scaling businesses. He discusses the challenges of hiring versus investing in employees and addresses workforce shortages by treating subcontractors as team members. Tony talks about balancing multiple businesses and launching an employee training platform, shifting focus to SaaS, and exploring future ventures. He reflects on his aspirations, family influence, and company culture, and details integrating technology in business operations. The episode covers cash flow management, enhancing communication efficiency, and Tony's advice to his younger self, concluding with insights on IT and cybersecurity in business.   Connect with Tony -  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonydisilvestro/   Website: https://tonydisilvestro.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 podcast and hosts (1:38) Sponsor: Message and call to action (3:21) Guest introduction and Tony Disilvestro's origin story (5:29) Transition from restaurants to construction and the importance of people in scaling (9:52) Hiring vs. investing in employees and leadership challenges (23:28) Addressing workforce shortages and treating subcontractors as team members (30:39) Balancing multiple businesses and the launch of Employee training platform (37:38) Shifting focus to SaaS and exploring future ventures (41:59) Tony's aspirations, family influence, and company culture (45:33) Integrating technology in business operations and assessing its impact (56:06) Strategies for cash flow management and financial delegation (57:52) Enhancing communication efficiency and advice to younger self (1:00:18) Purpose of the podcast and final thoughts (1:02:04) Recap of the three pillars of scaling a business (1:02:24) Closing remarks on IT and cybersecurity in business

Will Foret and Justin Neagle discuss the mission of Building Scale and delve into the complexities of investing in AEC technology versus cost analysis. They explore Mancini Duffy's technology strategy and the challenges of tech updates within the industry. The conversation touches on Moore's Law in the AEC context, scaling through acquisitions, and integrating technology. They address technology debt and demystify AI in AEC, before examining cybersecurity in the AEC supply chain, including compliance, liability, and linking safety with cybersecurity. The episode concludes with strategies to protect against common cyber threats and the aftermath of cyber incidents in construction. 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 mission of Building Scale (2:05) Investing in AEC technology versus cost analysis (3:16) Mancini Duffy's technology strategy (7:07) Overcoming tech update challenges in AEC (10:21) Moore's Law in the AEC industry context (14:19) Scaling through acquisitions and tech integration (18:41) Addressing technology debt (21:18) Demystifying AI in AEC (25:39) Cybersecurity in the AEC supply chain (28:31) Navigating compliance and liability in cyber breaches (31:01) Linking safety and cybersecurity in AEC (33:15) The aftermath of cyber incidents in construction (34:54) Protecting against common cyber threats (36:18) Wrap-up and contact info

Danielle Puente, President of DP Electric, shares the origin and growth story of her company, delving into the dynamics and challenges of running a family business. She discusses how company culture and employee retention strategies are crucial for growth and the importance of investing in people. Danielle elaborates on implementing EOS for effective leadership and the roles of visionary vs. integrator. The conversation covers DP Electric's apprenticeship and training programs, their impact on retention, and strategies for hiring senior-level staff using personality assessments.   Connect with -  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-puente-torres-63147239/  Website: https://www.dpelectric.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 podcast and its mission (1:39) Guest introduction: Danielle Puente, President of DP Electric (3:40) Origin and growth story of DP Electric (8:24) Dynamics and challenges in family-run businesses (13:22) Company culture and employee retention strategies (19:18) Importance of investing in people for business growth (22:08) Implementing EOS for effective leadership (26:18) Exploring visionary vs. integrator roles (27:45) DP Electric's approach to apprenticeship and training programs (34:05) Measuring the impact of apprenticeship on retention (37:21) Strategies for hiring and vetting senior-level staff (42:11) Utilizing personality assessments in the hiring process (45:27) Technological evolution within DP Electric (50:28) Insights from other industries and the future of AI in AEC (52:14) Emphasizing cybersecurity and risk management (54:53) Reflecting on lessons learned and advice to younger self (57:33) Closing remarks and contact information (59:10) Outro

Bill Mandara discusses his career journey and entry into architecture, detailing his early experiences and the ownership transition at Mancini Duffy. He explores partnership dynamics, managing decisions, and lessons learned. The episode delves into Mancini Duffy's growth strategies post-2020, including mergers, acquisitions, and organic growth. Bill emphasizes the importance of embracing technology, innovation, and empowering employees, highlighting proprietary software and the benefits of VR/AR. The conversation covers technology evolution during COVID, the impact of AI, and maintaining creativity. Bill also shares insights on advice he'd give to his younger self.   Connect with Bill Mandara -  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-mandara-ra-8ab36b11/   Website: https://www.manciniduffy.com/Email: wmandara@manciniduffy.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 of Bill Mandara and company growth (1:17) Will Foret and Justin Neagle introduce Building Scale podcast and discuss technology in AEC (2:32) Bill Mandara's career journey and entry into architecture (7:23) Bill's early experiences and ownership transition at Mancini Duffy (12:12) Partnership dynamics and complementary skills with Christian (18:15) Managing disagreements and lessons from partnership (21:06) Mancini Duffy's growth, challenges, and strategies post-2020 (24:06) Mergers, acquisitions, and organic growth at Mancini (28:22) Embracing technology, innovation, and empowering employees (33:27) Developing proprietary software and benefits of VR/AR in projects (41:10) Technology evolution during COVID and as an investment (46:16) Innovating to differentiate in the AEC industry (50:00) The impact of AI on architecture and maintaining creativity (54:12) Bill's Anti-Architect podcast and advice to his younger self (57:23) Closing remarks and contact information (59:05) Sponsor: [Sponsor Name]

Dr. Brook Choulet discusses her journey into private practice and the importance of mental health in the construction industry. She shares insights on expanding her practice, working with family, and finding niches in concierge and sports psychiatry. The conversation covers long-term goals, community support, and lessons learned from CEO clients. Dr. Choulet also talks about managing a large team, networking strategies, and building a personal brand through writing for Forbes. The episode concludes with final thoughts and contact information.   Connect with Brook -  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brook-choulet/   Website: https://www.brookchouletmd.com/ Phone: (480) 612-8985     Connect with Justin - Justin's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justneagle/ Website: https://www.spotmigration.com   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 with Dr. Brook Choulet's background and decision to pursue private practice (1:50) Mental health in the construction industry and overview of the conversation (5:22) Expansion of practice and working with family in business (7:07) Networking, niches in concierge and sports psychiatry (9:10) Long-term goals and importance of community support (14:32) Learning from CEO clients and creating a structured workday (18:58) Managing a large team and overcoming perception worries (21:40) Scottsdale Professional Collective and networking strategies (25:32) Writing for Forbes and building a personal brand (30:26) Final thoughts, contact information and closing remarks (31:18) Sponsor: ${name}