• From Ground Zero to Luxury Resorts: Designing Spaces That Transform Lives
    Feb 11 2025

    Kevin Kennon is an internationally renowned architect with over 40 years of experience, specializing in environmentally sustainable and innovative design. As the founder and CEO of Beyond Zero DDC Inc., Kevin leads the development of zero-carbon emission luxury eco-resorts in remote wilderness locations worldwide, merging design excellence with ecological responsibility. His extensive portfolio includes projects like the 1.5 million square foot Barclays North American Headquarters, the Rodin Museum in Seoul, and multiple award-winning Bloomingdale’s stores. Additionally, he led United Architects, a finalist in the prestigious World Trade Center design competition, further solidifying his impact on architectural innovation.

    Kevin’s expertise spans adaptive reuse, urban planning, and large-scale developments, with projects featured in the permanent collection of MoMA, New York. He has earned over 40 international design awards and is a sought-after thought leader, contributing to discussions on urban development, climate change, and sustainable architecture. His work extends beyond architecture; as an expert witness and lecturer at leading institutions like Yale and Columbia, he brings a multidisciplinary approach to his craft.

    🎙 What You’ll Learn in This Episode

    • How Kevin’s upbringing and exposure to architecture from a young age influenced his career path.

    • The unexpected ways literature and anthropology have shaped modern architectural thought and Kevin’s personal design philosophy.

    • The key characteristics that define good architecture and how it impacts urban environments and the people who inhabit them.

    • Why community-driven design is essential in making architecture more inclusive and meaningful for residents.

    • How modern sustainability efforts, technology, and AI are changing the way architects approach design.

    • The shift towards collaboration in construction and why architects and contractors must work together more effectively.

    💡 Key Takeaways

    1. Architecture is More Than Just Aesthetic – Great architecture isn’t just about how a building looks, but how it functions, impacts the community, and integrates with its surroundings.

    2. Sustainability Must Go Beyond Surface-Level Solutions – True green architecture requires deeper innovation than just adding vegetation to a building’s exterior.

    3. Collaboration is the Future – The adversarial nature of traditional construction practices is being replaced by a more cooperative approach that benefits all stakeholders.

    4. Technology is Reshaping Architecture – AI and robotics are set to revolutionize design and construction processes, demanding a shift in how architects and builders work.

    📚 Resources:

    Connect with Kevin:

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinkennonarchitect

    Website: https://www.kdcaia.com

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kevinkennonarchitects1041

    Restaurant Recommendation: https://www.viacarota.com

    📘 Ready to Lead Smarter? Check out Eric’s book, Construction Genius: Effective, Hands-On, Practical, Simple, No-BS Leadership, Strategy, Sales, and Marketing Advice for Construction Companies. It’s packed with insights to help you tackle the unique challenges of construction leadership. Get your copy here.

    🎓 Want to Level Up Your Leadership? Explore The Shift: Move from Project Builder to People Leader. This hands-on course helps construction professionals master leadership skills like productivity, conflict resolution, and team management. Learn more about the course here.

    📞 Interested in Coaching? Book a 10-minute call with Eric to explore how his coaching for construction executives can help you and your business thrive. Schedule your call now.

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    37 mins
  • Adversary or Ally? How Owner's Reps and Contractors Team Up to Deliver Great Projects
    Feb 4 2025
    In this episode of Construction Genius, we’re joined by Zach Rapaport, founding principal of Meerkat, a real estate development consultancy focused on the hospitality segment.Meerkat offers strategic advisement for fractional development partnership insight and early stage exploration of a new deal/rebrand, as well as project leadership for development/renovation stage management. Zach started his career on the construction side, working with GCs to build compelling projects in the hospitality space. Following his stint in construction, he made the shift to real estate development and has been in that space since, breathing life into new and existing hospitality concepts. Having held VP tenure in-house with Life House Hotels, Selina, and Joe & The Juice, he is familiar with getting minimally resourced ventures off the ground efficiently and sustainably. With the majority of a typical project’s budget being construction (and the inherent risk associated with the process that requires a watchful eye), Zach and his team brings a wealth of knowledge and experience that keeps clients comfortable with the direction being taken for their company’s strategy via fractional development partner consulting as well as a project’s design & development via management. 🎙 What You’ll Learn in This Episode Zach's Path to Construction: Discover how Zach's unique background led him into the construction industry and how his diverse experiences have shaped his approach to development. From General Contractor to Owner’s Rep: Understand the challenges and learning curves Zach faced while transitioning from a general contractor to an owner's representative, and how this shift has influenced his perspective on project management. What Makes a Contractor Stand Out?: Learn the key traits and practices that Zach believes differentiate successful contractors, including effective communication, speed, and quality of work. Breaking the Owner’s Rep Barrier: Gain insights into how contractors can build trust and establish strong relationships with owner's representatives to enhance collaboration and project outcomes. Best Practices for Site Reporting & Communication: Explore the importance of thorough site visits, detailed reporting, and proactive communication in ensuring project success and client satisfaction. Handling Delays & Change Orders Effectively: Discover strategies for managing unexpected challenges, communicating delays, and handling change orders in a way that maintains trust and keeps projects on track. Managing Conflict & High-Stakes Decisions: Learn how to navigate conflicts and make critical decisions under pressure, drawing from Zach's experiences in high-stakes project environments. Red Flags That Make an Owner’s Rep Walk Away: Identify common pitfalls and warning signs that can deter an owner's representative from continuing a partnership with a contractor. How Contractors Can Vet Their Clients: Understand the importance of contractors qualifying their clients to ensure alignment of values, expectations, and project goals before entering into agreements. The Story Behind Meerkat Development & Closing Thoughts: Hear the origin story of Meerkat Development, its core values, and Zach's final thoughts on fostering successful collaborations in the construction industry. 💡 Key Takeaways Proactive and transparent communication is crucial for building trust and ensuring project success. Balancing speed and quality requires meticulous planning and a commitment to excellence. Understanding the perspectives of both contractors and owner's representatives can lead to more effective collaboration and better project outcomes. 📚 Resources: Connect with Zach Website: https://www.meerkatdevelopment.com/ LinkedIn Handle: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachrapaport/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meerkatdevelopment/ Zach’s Restaurant Recommendations in New York City: Scarr’s Pizza https://www.scarrspizza.com/ Wayan https://www.wayan-restaurants.com/new-york McSorley’s https://mcsorleysoldalehouse.nyc/ 📘 Ready to Lead Smarter? Check out Eric’s book, Construction Genius: Effective, Hands-On, Practical, Simple, No-BS Leadership, Strategy, Sales, and Marketing Advice for Construction Companies. It’s packed with insights to help you tackle the unique challenges of construction leadership. Get your copy here. 🎓 Want to Level Up Your Leadership? Explore The Shift: Move from Project Builder to People Leader. This hands-on course helps construction professionals master leadership skills like productivity, conflict resolution, and team management. Learn more about the course here. 📞 Interested in Coaching? Book a 10-minute call with Eric to explore how his coaching for construction executives can help you and your business thrive. Schedule your call now.
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    55 mins
  • Crafting a Perfect Exit Strategy: A Guide to Selling Your Business Internally
    Jan 28 2025

    Selling a construction company is one of the most significant decisions a business owner will face. In this episode of Construction Genius, Eric Anderton sits down with Tony Moayed, founder of TriCorp Group and President at TMCS, Inc., to uncover the strategic and emotional journey of transitioning his business to new leadership.

    Tony didn’t choose the highest bidder—he chose a path that prioritized loyalty, culture, and his company's legacy. If you’re considering selling your business or planning for retirement, this episode is packed with actionable insights and hard-earned lessons.

    🎙 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

    1. Why Internal Over External?

      • Tony’s decision to forgo millions from external buyers to protect his company’s culture.

      • The risks and rewards of selling internally.

    2. Timing the Transition:

      • How Tony’s planning process evolved over nearly a decade.

      • The importance of starting early and avoiding a rushed exit strategy.

    3. Structuring the Deal:

      • Innovative financial mechanisms that allowed employees to buy in without upfront cash.

      • Avoiding common tax pitfalls with the help of the right advisors.

    4. Selecting the Right Leaders:

      • Tony’s criteria for choosing successors were loyalty, capability, and independence.

      • The "three-legged stool" approach to leadership: operations, estimating, and accounting.

    5. Navigating Challenges:

      • Managing client relationships during the transition.

      • How Tony maintained trust while stepping back from day-to-day operations.

      • Lessons from past partnerships and how they shaped this deal.

    💡 Key Takeaways:

    • A successful exit is about more than money—it’s about legacy, culture, and the people who make your business thrive.

    • A well-structured internal sale can benefit everyone involved when handled with foresight and care.

    • The role of trust, both in leadership and in navigating the complexities of a business sale.

    📚 Additional Resources:

    • Listen to Tony’s first interview about rebuilding TriCorp: https://www.constructiongenius.com/podcast/tony-moayed

    • Link to the book Outlive by Peter Attia: https://www.amazon.com/Outlive-Longevity-Peter-Attia-MD/dp/0593236599

    • Connect with Tony on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-moayed-2641624/

    🎧 Don’t miss this episode if you’re:

    • A construction business owner considering your exit strategy.

    • Curious about the benefits and challenges of an internal sale.

    • Looking for practical advice on leadership transitions and preserving company culture.

    📘 Ready to Lead Smarter? Check out Eric’s book, Construction Genius: Effective, Hands-On, Practical, Simple, No-BS Leadership, Strategy, Sales, and Marketing Advice for Construction Companies. It’s packed with insights to help you tackle the unique challenges of construction leadership. Get your copy here.

    🎓 Want to Level Up Your Leadership? Explore The Shift: Move from Project Builder to People Leader. This hands-on course helps construction professionals master leadership skills like productivity, conflict resolution, and team management. Learn more about the course here.

    📞 Interested in Coaching? Book a 10-minute call with Eric to explore how his coaching for construction executives can help you and your business thrive. Schedule your call now.

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    51 mins
  • Building Tomorrow: Modular Construction's Role in Solving the Housing Crisis
    Jan 21 2025
    Meet Otis Odell, a principal at HED, an architecture design, engineering, and planning firm across eight offices in the USA. He oversees the National Business Leader role for housing and mixed-use projects. He leads a team within a company of approximately 450 people across nine offices, working in various sectors, including affordable housing, workforce housing, market-rate housing, luxury housing, student housing, senior housing, and hospitality. His experience in modular construction dates back to the late 1980s, when he worked as a young project architect on a modular project. He has closely followed the rise and fall of the modular industry and remains a strong advocate for its potential, particularly in light of current industry challenges. We start the conversation with Otis sharing his background and role in the industry. He then shared his thoughts on modular construction becoming more viable due to the increasing challenges faced by the construction industry, such as rising costs and labor shortages. According to him, the key to success lies in effective collaboration between the design team and the fabrication team. He also discusses how learning from past failures has helped the industry understand the importance of standardization, communication, and empathy for the different partners involved. We then move towards the housing projects and their significant impact on communities, where Otis explains the fundamental role houses play in people's lives, as they provide not only shelter but also security, community, and a sense of belonging. We also talk about how the relationship between individuals and their homes varies between cultures, with American culture frequently highlighting the transactional nature of housing, whilst other cultures place a greater emphasis on community and collaborative living. Further into the conversation, we dive into the power of storytelling. Storytelling is a crucial tool in moving projects forward, as it helps connect ideas, goals, and experiences in a meaningful way. Every project has a distinctive story that can be leveraged to foster trust, motivate action, and propel achievement. According to Otis, by understanding and listening to a client’s needs, you can craft a narrative that aligns with their aspirations and demonstrates your capability to deliver the desired results. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS [14:43] Otis’s background and his role in the industry. [06:31] Insights on modular construction's viability. [11:40] Contractual structures and owner involvement. [13:44] Navigating regulatory complexities in California housing. [17:27] Housing projects and their significant impact on communities. [23:17] The importance of embracing diversity. [24:47] The power of storytelling. [29:11] The relationship between sustainability and cost in construction projects. [34:23] Developing trust and collaboration among all parties. [41:54] The future of modular construction. KEY TAKEAWAYS Professionals in architecture and fabrication should be willing to collaborate more openly and understand each other's perspectives. Regularly monitor and advocate for relevant legislation. When working on housing projects, it’s important to understand the community’s values and needs. Focus on creating spaces that promote community integration. Making a conscious effort to interact with individuals from different backgrounds can greatly expand one’s perspective and enhance personal growth. Always start by listening carefully to the needs and goals of those you're working with. Create a foundation of trust by clearly defining the project’s goals and the key drivers of success. RESOURCES Connect with Otis Website - https://hed.design/people/jerome-otis-odell LinkedIn Handle: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerome-odell-aia-leed-ap-390833118/ Restaurant Reccomendation: https://www.tavernettadenver.com/menus/ Additional Construction Genius episode to listen to: Katerra: The Rise and Fall of a Billion Dollar Construction Start Up https://www.constructiongenius.com/podcast/katerra-the-rise-and-fall-of-a-billion-dollar-construction-start-up/ THE SHIFT Imagine making the shift from building projects to truly leading people. You’ve taken projects from start to finish—now it’s time to build a team of people who can do the same. In construction, authentic leadership goes beyond managing tasks; it’s about inspiring and guiding people. The Shift: Move from Project Builder to People Leader is a no-BS, hands-on course I designed specifically for construction professionals ready to make that transition. The Shift is all about mastering the skills that matter: Direct, clear communication. Handling tough conversations with confidence. Guiding your team toward quick, practical solutions. Setting the standard for high performance. And let’s be honest—you’re busy. That’s why I’ll also give you the tools to manage your time and energy efficiently ...
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    48 mins
  • Challenging the Status Quo: How Innovation Drives Growth in a Construction Business
    Jan 14 2025
    In the competitive construction industry, innovation plays a crucial role in driving growth and success. Construction companies can differentiate themselves by adopting creative strategies, such as managing material supply chains and cultivating solid, business-like relationships with clients and subcontractors. The key to growth lies in continuously adapting, improving processes, and maintaining an agile mindset. Innovation lowers risk while simultaneously opening doors to new prospects and market expansion, whether through implementing new systems to optimize operations, the development of collaboration with reliable partners, or strengthening the standard for professionalism. Meet Chris Tatge, Wisconsin's largest turnkey framing contractor, past president of the National Framers Council, and structural building components association board member. He is also the co-owner of Dynamic Construction & DC Materials, a turnkey framer/lumberyard focused on providing labor and materials for large wood-framed buildings. He joined us today, to talk about how innovation drives growth in a construction business. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS [03:13] Shaping your journey with creativity. [07:00] Exploring and understanding the different career paths. [09:00] Taking control of resources for greater business success. [11:00] Breaking into the supply chain. [14:29] The importance of understanding the dynamics within the supply chain. [19:04] The power of a complementary partnership. [26:02] Making decisions in a growing business. [28:33] Navigating the ups and downs of a business. [33:29] The power of professionalism in construction. KEY TAKEAWAYS Parents should take the time to explore and learn about unconventional career opportunities. If you’re considering entering a supply chain, be prepared to invest time and effort into understanding the system and building the right relationships. When navigating a competitive industry or supply chain, communicate strategically. Form partnerships with people whose skills complement your own. In a small but growing business, maintaining agility can be crucial, but it's important to balance innovation with practical management. When facing difficult moments in business, try to keep a long-term perspective. RESOURCES Connect with Chris LinkedIn – linkedin.com/in/chris-tatge-38007a72/ Connect with Chris on X: https://x.com/framerchris DC Materials Website: https://dcmaterialsllc.com Structural Building Components Association: https://www.sbcacomponents.com National Framers Council: https://framerscouncil.org/ THE SHIFT Imagine making the shift from building projects to truly leading people. You’ve taken projects from start to finish—now it’s time to build a team of people who can do the same. In construction, authentic leadership goes beyond managing tasks; it’s about inspiring and guiding people. The Shift: Move from Project Builder to People Leader is a no-BS, hands-on course I designed specifically for construction professionals ready to make that transition. The Shift is all about mastering the skills that matter: Direct, clear communication. Handling tough conversations with confidence. Guiding your team toward quick, practical solutions. Setting the standard for high performance. And let’s be honest—you’re busy. That’s why I’ll also give you the tools to manage your time and energy efficiently so you can lead without getting overwhelmed. This course combines a self-paced masterclass with highly practical materials to help you shift from managing projects to leading people. Click the link to learn more about The Shift, including a detailed description, free bonuses, and testimonials from construction leaders like you who have already made the shift: https://theshift.constructiongenius.com/ Are people problems eroding your company's profits? Discover proven strategies to lead, strategize, and sell effectively, ensuring your projects stay profitable. Elevate your construction business by purchasing Construction Genius: Effective, Hands-On, Practical, Simple, No-BS Leadership, Strategy, Sales, and Marketing Advice for Construction Companies today and turn your people problems into profit!: www.amazon.com/Construction-Genius-Effective-Hands-Leadership/dp/B0BHTRDY1T/ Is an executive or leader in your company struggling? Reach out to Eric to discuss how his transformative executive coaching approach can help. Schedule a 10 minute call with Eric today to learn more: 10minuteswitheric.youcanbook.me
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    40 mins
  • Committed to Construction: Insights from an Aspiring Construction Leader
    Jan 7 2025
    When it comes to pursuing a profession in your field of passion, age is only a number. Starting a career in the construction industry requires a combination of perseverance, adaptability, and strong interpersonal skills. As you navigate this field, it’s essential to embrace a mindset of consistently showing up, no matter the challenges. Communication is key for smooth transitions between estimating and project management. Past experiences, like customer service, help build empathy and teamwork. Embracing mistakes with a positive attitude and focusing on growth fosters resilience. Whether learning or leading, humility, asking questions, and leading by example lay the foundation for long-term success in construction. Isaac Anderton, a 19-year-old student at American River College, is pursuing a career in construction. He currently works as an estimator at Crusader Fence, managing quotes and coordinating with project managers. He joined us today to talk about the things he learned and the best experiences he had in the construction industry. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS [02:03] What attracted Isaac to the construction industry. [03:47] Effective communication in construction. [07:17] Isaac's job as a painter when he was in high school. [08:23] The power of persistence and responsibility. [10:36] Customer service, empathy, and communication. [14:17] Isaac’s long-term goals in the construction industry. [15:15] Leading by example and handling failure. KEY TAKEAWAYS To improve the handoff process, maintain comprehensive documentation throughout estimating, focusing on rationale and detailed notes. To foster a "show up" mindset, challenge yourself with responsibilities that require persistence and self-motivation. To succeed in any industry, focus on building strong interpersonal skills, like being kind and understanding toward others. Don't be afraid to ask questions, no matter your experience level. To be an impactful leader, immerse yourself in the work alongside your team. When faced with failure, focus on quickly acknowledging it, apologizing if necessary, and learning from the experience. RESOURCES Isaac Anderton LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/isaac-anderton-12790621a/ Bradshaw Sandwich Shoppe: https://bradshawssubs.com/ THE SHIFT Imagine making the shift from building projects to truly leading people. You’ve taken projects from start to finish—now it’s time to build a team of people who can do the same. In construction, authentic leadership goes beyond managing tasks; it’s about inspiring and guiding people. The Shift: Move from Project Builder to People Leader is a no-BS, hands-on course I designed specifically for construction professionals ready to make that transition. The Shift is all about mastering the skills that matter: Direct, clear communication. Handling tough conversations with confidence. Guiding your team toward quick, practical solutions. Setting the standard for high performance. And let’s be honest—you’re busy. That’s why I’ll also give you the tools to manage your time and energy efficiently so you can lead without getting overwhelmed. This course combines a self-paced masterclass with highly practical materials to help you shift from managing projects to leading people. Click the link to learn more about The Shift, including a detailed description, free bonuses, and testimonials from construction leaders like you who have already made the shift: https://theshift.constructiongenius.com/ Are people problems eroding your company's profits? Discover proven strategies to lead, strategize, and sell effectively, ensuring your projects stay profitable. Elevate your construction business by purchasing Construction Genius: Effective, Hands-On, Practical, Simple, No-BS Leadership, Strategy, Sales, and Marketing Advice for Construction Companies today and turn your people problems into profit!: www.amazon.com/Construction-Genius-Effective-Hands-Leadership/dp/B0BHTRDY1T/ Is an executive or leader in your company struggling? Reach out to Eric to discuss how his transformative executive coaching approach can help. Schedule a 10 minute call with Eric today to learn more: 10minuteswitheric.youcanbook.me
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    19 mins
  • The Secret Sauce to Building a Killer Construction Career
    Dec 31 2024
    Career growth is a continuous process that requires both personal initiative and organizational assistance. To have a great career, you must approach your work with curiosity, always seeking fresh knowledge and ideas. Active listening to others, particularly those with more experience, enables you to learn useful insights and form lasting relationships. Equally vital is the mindset of contributing and aiding others, whether by assisting your team or understanding the wider picture of your organization's progress. Fawn Radmanich joined us for another insightful conversation about building a killer career in construction. She is a 24-year AEC industry veteran who has been a dedicated member of the Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS) for the past 19 years. Working with teams to secure multi-million- and billion-dollar design and construction projects, creating chances for individuals and organizations to have a brand influence, and figuring out how to promote employee engagement and a sense of belonging are some of her passions and areas of competence. She has worked on over 800 pursuit efforts across multiple market sectors, including higher education, civic, theme park entertainment, aviation, data centers, seismic/historic renovations, sports, hospitality, and many more. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS [07:17] Create a long-term, mutually beneficial relationship. [13:12] Peer connection for career growth. [19:49] Empowering others with knowledge. [24:53] Rotating employees through different roles within a company. [32:13] The balance of ego and humility in career building. [35:36] Navigating career setbacks and promotions. [40:46] Doing what’s best for the employees. [46:07] Overconfidence and a lack of humility. [49:02] Understanding the gaps in your competencies. [53:27] Wisdom for the young generation in construction. KEY TAKEAWAYS Evaluate whether your passion can be integrated into your job in a way that adds value to your company. To maximize the impact of an internship, create a structured program that involves real projects and broad exposure to different roles within the company. Focus on building relationships with your peers and colleagues, and proactively offer help. Encourage employees to participate in role rotations or "tours of duty" across different departments. Have an open conversation to understand motivations when an employee indicates they are leaving. To avoid career sabotage, stay humble, be curious, and focus on building relationships within your team. RESOURCES Connect with Fawn LinkedIn – linkedin.com/in/fawnradmanich/ www.smps.org www.stantec.com www.pcl.com Previous Episode with Fawn: www.constructiongenius.com/master-pursuit-marketing-learn-to-build-trust-focus-on-client-needs-and-secure-your-dream-projects-ep-291 THE SHIFT Imagine making the shift from building projects to truly leading people. You’ve taken projects from start to finish—now it’s time to build a team of people who can do the same. In construction, authentic leadership goes beyond managing tasks; it’s about inspiring and guiding people. The Shift: Move from Project Builder to People Leader is a no-BS, hands-on course I designed specifically for construction professionals ready to make that transition. The Shift is all about mastering the skills that matter: Direct, clear communication. Handling tough conversations with confidence. Guiding your team toward quick, practical solutions. Setting the standard for high performance. And let’s be honest—you’re busy. That’s why I’ll also give you the tools to manage your time and energy efficiently so you can lead without getting overwhelmed. This course combines a self-paced masterclass with highly practical materials to help you shift from managing projects to leading people. Click the link to learn more about The Shift, including a detailed description, free bonuses, and testimonials from construction leaders like you who have already made the shift: https://theshift.constructiongenius.com/ Are people problems eroding your company's profits? Discover proven strategies to lead, strategize, and sell effectively, ensuring your projects stay profitable. Elevate your construction business by purchasing Construction Genius: Effective, Hands-On, Practical, Simple, No-BS Leadership, Strategy, Sales, and Marketing Advice for Construction Companies today and turn your people problems into profit!: www.amazon.com/Construction-Genius-Effective-Hands-Leadership/dp/B0BHTRDY1T/ Is an executive or leader in your company struggling? Reach out to Eric to discuss how his transformative executive coaching approach can help. Schedule a 10 minute call with Eric today to learn more: 10minuteswitheric.youcanbook.me
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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • Breaking the 'Everything Is Awesome' Syndrome: Smarter Inspections, Safer Sites
    Dec 24 2024
    Construction safety is a top issue that necessitates a shift in thinking and approach to properly manage hazards and safeguard workers. Traditional safety indicators, such as the recordable incident rate, have been widely used, but they only reveal part of the story. To effectively enhance safety results, contractors must look beyond this data and focus on detecting and mitigating high-risk exposures that could result in significant injuries or fatalities. Meet David Tibbetts, Chief Safety Officer at Highwire. A certified safety professional with more than 20 years of occupational safety experience in both general industry and construction settings. He assists hiring partners at High Wire in identifying, managing, and reducing risks posed by contracting partners on building projects and in already-existing operational facilities by using their portfolio of software solutions. He joined us today to talk about the importance of a proactive safety culture, beyond mere compliance, focusing on both leading and lagging indicators. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS [01.05] How safety became David’s passion. [02.05] Building better relationships with owners. [03.33] The importance of building a strong safety culture. [05.27] The importance of a robust inspection program. [06.38] Building a powerful inspection structure. [08.11] The balance between recognizing good performance and addressing safety concerns. [11.07] Mitigating garbage data. [15.19] Understanding prequalification. [21.11] The value of having practical experience in both the general contractor and owner sides of construction. [22.06] The role of technology in facilitating different aspects of construction delivery. [24.09] The importance of looking beyond traditional safety metrics. KEY TAKEAWAYS If you're working with an involved owner, take advantage of that opportunity to foster a collaborative environment. Don't overlook the need for strong leadership and management systems that enable the execution of safety programs. Implement a robust inspection program and track the data consistently. Ensure your inspection program is seen as a tool for growth and improvement, not just as a way to point out mistakes. When reviewing inspection data, look for patterns that suggest your program might be missing unsafe behaviors or high-risk activities. Approach prequalification with a mindset of collaboration rather than elimination. RESOURCES Connect with David LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/david-f-tibbetts-csp-91abb615 Website - highwire.com THE SHIFT Imagine making the shift from building projects to truly leading people. You’ve taken projects from start to finish—now it’s time to build a team of people who can do the same. In construction, authentic leadership goes beyond managing tasks; it’s about inspiring and guiding people. The Shift: Move from Project Builder to People Leader is a no-BS, hands-on course I designed specifically for construction professionals ready to make that transition. The Shift is all about mastering the skills that matter: Direct, clear communication. Handling tough conversations with confidence. Guiding your team toward quick, practical solutions. Setting the standard for high performance. And let’s be honest—you’re busy. That’s why I’ll also give you the tools to manage your time and energy efficiently so you can lead without getting overwhelmed. This course combines a self-paced masterclass with highly practical materials to help you shift from managing projects to leading people. Click the link to learn more about The Shift, including a detailed description, free bonuses, and testimonials from construction leaders like you who have already made the shift: https://theshift.constructiongenius.com/ Are people problems eroding your company's profits? Discover proven strategies to lead, strategize, and sell effectively, ensuring your projects stay profitable. Elevate your construction business by purchasing Construction Genius: Effective, Hands-On, Practical, Simple, No-BS Leadership, Strategy, Sales, and Marketing Advice for Construction Companies today and turn your people problems into profit!: www.amazon.com/Construction-Genius-Effective-Hands-Leadership/dp/B0BHTRDY1T/ Is an executive or leader in your company struggling? Reach out to Eric to discuss how his transformative executive coaching approach can help. Schedule a 10 minute call with Eric today to learn more: 10minuteswitheric.youcanbook.me
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    37 mins