Erik Bornstein, a former commercial and residential builder in Toronto, shares the earned insights that compelled him to quit his job, move to California, and launch TOOLBX, an online platform for building material suppliers that helps them simplify the lives of the builders they serve.

This episode is brought to you by The Simple Sales Pipeline® —the most efficient way to organize and value any construction sales rep's roster of customers and prospects in under 30 minutes once every 30 days.

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If you enjoyed this podcast, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Your feedback will help us on our mission to bring the construction community closer together.

If you have suggestions for improvements, topics you'd like the show to explore, or have recommendations for future guests, do not hesitate to contact us directly at info@bradleyhartmannandco.com.

In episode 430, Bradley Hartmann shares leadership insights from one of his favorite movies, Moneyball, starring Brad Pitt as the Oakland A’s general manager, Billy Beane. Joining Hartmann are Matt Potter (construction sales veteran) and Joel Stevens (HR expert), returning to the show after their excellent performances in episode 393 where we focused on the leadership aspects from the movie, Up in the Air (starring George Clooney and Anna Kendrick).

Hartmann, Potter, and Stevens explore Billy Beane's approach to challenging the status quo, getting his team to think differently about how to evaluate and build a winning roster. They discuss Beane's confrontational style with his scouts, his willingness to take risks by converting a career catcher named Scott Hatteberg to first base, and his ability to get buy-in from veteran players like David Justice.

Off the field, the trio examines the interpersonal dynamics and cultural shifts Beane had to navigate within the organization. They highlight his successes and missteps in communicating his vision and bringing the entire team along.

The conversation also touches on broader themes of competitive differentiation, developing confidence in employees, and the importance of diverse perspectives—lessons that translate well beyond the baseball diamond. Whether you're a Moneyball superfan or discovering it for the first time, this episode offers valuable insights for leaders in any industry.

This episode is brought to you by The Simple Sales Pipeline® —the most efficient way to organize and value any construction sales rep's roster of customers and prospects in under 30 minutes once every 30 days.

***

If you enjoyed this podcast, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Your feedback will help us on our mission to bring the construction community closer together.

If you have suggestions for improvements, topics you'd like the show to explore, or have recommendations for future guests, do not hesitate to contact us directly at info@bradleyhartmannandco.com.

In episode 429 of The Construction Leadership Podcast, host Bradley Hartmann sits down with Mireya Zapata, the Executive Director of the Lumbermen's Association of Texas (LAT). Zapata brings a wealth of experience to the role, having previously worked in politics, public relations, and for the Texas House of Representatives.

Throughout the conversation, Hartmann and Zapata dive into Zapata's background and her unique perspective on engaging the political process as the head of a state trade association. Zapata explains how she has been able to maintain a sense of enthusiasm and optimism despite the often divisive nature of politics today. She encourages LAT members to get involved, emphasizing that their industry expertise and firsthand experiences are invaluable when working to influence policy decisions.

The discussion then shifts to some of the key issues currently facing Zapata and her members, including housing affordability and organized retail theft. Zapata highlights LAT's efforts to support the Texas Association of Builders on the affordability challenge, as well as the association's work to increase criminal penalties for those engaged in sophisticated theft operations targeting building material suppliers.

Finally, Zapata offers a glimpse into her personal life, sharing how she manages the demands of leading a statewide trade group while also raising two children. She credits her family and involvement with nonprofit organizations as crucial outlets that help her maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Throughout the conversation, Zapata's passion for her work and her industry shines through, making this an engaging listen for anyone interested in the intersection of construction, politics, and association leadership.

This episode is brought to you by The Simple Sales Pipeline® —the most efficient way to organize and value any construction sales rep's roster of customers and prospects in under 30 minutes once every 30 days.

***

If you enjoyed this podcast, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Your feedback will help us on our mission to bring the construction community closer together.

If you have suggestions for improvements, topics you'd like the show to explore, or have recommendations for future guests, do not hesitate to contact us directly at info@bradleyhartmannandco.com.