Secrets to Building a Multi-Generational Construction Business to $20M | E369

Jan 6, 2025

Rocky Rhodes, co-owner of Dusty Rhodes Homes, brings nearly 60 years of experience in building a successful multi-generational construction business. He reveals the secrets to thriving in chaos, emphasizing the vital role of trust and defined roles within family-run businesses. Rocky shares lessons from the 2008 financial crisis that shaped his CEO mindset and discusses the transformative power of systems and processes. He also highlights the benefits of transitioning to paid estimates and offers insights on navigating market challenges while ensuring sustainable growth.

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Intro

00:00 • 2min

Building Trust in a Family Business

01:54 • 13min

Navigating Construction and Market Challenges

15:22 • 10min

Navigating Pre-Construction Challenges in Construction Projects

25:33 • 5min

Transforming Leadership in Construction

30:32 • 16min

Navigating Business Success Through Strategic Planning and Networking

46:38 • 3min

Balancing Growth and Purpose

49:41 • 8min

Exploring Culinary Delights and Business Strategies

57:21 • 4min

EPISODE 369: Is your construction business stuck in chaos? How do you build a thriving multi-generational construction business?

Join us as we uncover the secrets to creating a self-managing construction business that thrives for generations.

In this week's episode, I sit down with Rocky Rhodes, co-owner of Dusty Rhodes Homes–a Kansas City-based custom home builder operating for nearly 60 years. Rocky shares his journey from chaos to clarity, breaking down the strategies that helped his family business stand the test of time.

Today, you'll discover:

How trust and defined roles sustain family-run businesses
The game-changing power of paid estimates
Insights from the 2008 financial crisis that shaped Rocky's CEO mindset
The role of systems and processes in building a construction company that runs without you

Whether you're managing a legacy business or starting fresh, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways to help you scale sustainably.

Tune in now to learn more!

Key Takeaways:

Introduction (00:00)

Meet Rocky Rhodes of Dusty Rhodes Homes (02:03)

Key to building a multi-generational business (04:58)

Creating a high-trust environment in construction (09:17)

Lessons from the 2008 financial crisis (11:53)

Insights on the 2025 economy and housing market (15:22)

Transitioning to paid estimates for better clients (20:14)

Freeing time through better systems and a CEO mindset (28:04)

Financial impact of reducing inefficiencies (38:26)

Benefits of joining the CEO Alliance (42:36)

Rocky's business and personal goals for 2025 (49:38)

Rapid-fire questions (53:41)

Additional Resources:

- Download our FREE Strategic Planning Guide HERE

- Schedule your FREE business evaluation call with The Construction Leading Edge team HERE

- Learn how to make your business run without you HERE

- Check out Dusty Rhodes Homes for more information HERE

The Construction Leading Edge Podcast helps construction business owners maximize their revenue, eliminate chaos, systematize their work, and win back their time.