

The Construction Leading Edge Podcast
Todd Dawalt
This podcast is dedicated to helping construction business owners eliminate chaos, maximize profit, and reclaim their freedom.
Designed for leaders who are ready to step out of the daily grind and take control of their business, The Construction Leading Edge Podcast delivers actionable strategies on systematization, time management, increasing profitability, and business growth. Whether it's stopping profit bleeds, building high-performing teams, or creating systems that allow your business to run without you, each episode will leave you with practical tools to unlock more profit, freedom, and impact.
Join Todd Dawalt every week for solo episodes packed with insights and guest interviews featuring industry experts who've mastered the art of building self-sustaining businesses. If you're ready to stop wearing so many hats and start leading your business like a visionary CEO, this podcast is for you.
Designed for leaders who are ready to step out of the daily grind and take control of their business, The Construction Leading Edge Podcast delivers actionable strategies on systematization, time management, increasing profitability, and business growth. Whether it's stopping profit bleeds, building high-performing teams, or creating systems that allow your business to run without you, each episode will leave you with practical tools to unlock more profit, freedom, and impact.
Join Todd Dawalt every week for solo episodes packed with insights and guest interviews featuring industry experts who've mastered the art of building self-sustaining businesses. If you're ready to stop wearing so many hats and start leading your business like a visionary CEO, this podcast is for you.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 25, 2025 • 1h 15min
How to Delegate Results by Letting Go of Control the Right Way w/ Max Christiansen | E406
🚀Is your construction business ready to scale? Take the FREE online assessment HERE ☎️Schedule your free business evaluation call with our team HERE – EPISODE 406: What if you could cut your daily calls from 60 down to 5 and finally take weeks off without the chaos following you? It's possible! Freedom in business isn't about working harder. It's about letting go of control and building systems that actually work. In this week's episode of the Construction Leading Edge podcast, I'm joined by construction business owner and long-time client turned guest coach Max Christiansen. Max is the founder and sales director at Tru Builders, a family-owned home remodeling company based in Arizona. Today, he reveals how systematizing your business can turn daily chaos into clarity and freedom. You'll discover… Why being the bottleneck is killing your business growth How structures create more freedom, not restrictions Why delegating the right way can help your team thrive How Max went from 60 calls a day to just 5—and took 18 weeks off The power of CEO time and protecting your schedule How systematizing opened the door for family succession …and more! Ready to reclaim your time, grow your business, and finally take that trip with your family? Let's get into it! Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00) Meet Max Christiansen (01:59) Key lessons from working at a national builder (07:53) From corporate America to entrepreneurship (09:41) Foundations of starting a business (13:48) Challenges of running a construction company (16:37) The dangers of founder bottlenecking (21:13) What you need to know about delegation (26:56) How to let go of control the smart way (29:43) The top systems with the biggest impact on Max's team (30:49) Measurable results of systematizing a construction business (37:36) Keys to implementing systems that actually work (42:36) Morning routines, CEO time, and the benefits of the CEO Alliance (44:07) Rapid-fire questions (1:02:59) Additional Resources: ⚡Is your construction business ready to scale? Take the FREE online assessment HERE ⚡Schedule your free business evaluation call with our team HERE – ⚡Check out Tru Builders for more information HERE – ⚡ Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn ⚡ Subscribe to our YouTube channel HERE ⚡Visit The Construction Leading Edge 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. Follow us on your favorite podcasting platform so you never miss an episode!

Aug 18, 2025 • 24min
One Thing Every Professional Construction Business Must Have to Grow | E405
☎️Schedule your free business evaluation call with our team HERE – EPISODE 405: Are you struggling with the chaos that comes with managing custom construction projects? Do you feel like every project is starting from scratch, and you're constantly putting out fires? Most construction business owners believe that having systems for custom projects removes personalization and freedom. But the truth is, systems actually create freedom. In this episode of the Construction Leading Edge podcast, I'll share how you can eliminate the chaos in your custom projects and systematize your business for maximum profit and freedom without losing the personal touch. Here's what we'll be discussing… Why your custom projects need a structured process (and how it'll make them smoother) How to create a strategic operating playbook (not just an employee handbook) The power of clear documentation and handoff checklists Why systems don't restrict your creativity—they create more freedom instead …and a whole lot more! Ready to stop micromanaging your team and start leading your business? Tune in now! Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00) Common misconceptions about custom projects (01:01) Systems and processes don't restrict creativity or freedom (03:26) The one thing every construction business needs (11:20) Key elements of a strategic operating playbook (12:44) Does an operating playbook work for luxury home clients? (17:55) How to build a strategic operating playbook (20:22) Additional Resources: ⚡Schedule your free business evaluation call with our team HERE – ⚡ Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn ⚡ Subscribe to our YouTube channel HERE ⚡Visit The Construction Leading Edge 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. Follow us on your favorite podcasting platform so you never miss an episode!

Aug 11, 2025 • 26min
The Real Reason Visionary-Integrator Partnerships Finally Click (and Keep Growing) | E404
Struggling to bridge the gap between bold ideas and execution? Discover how visionary and integrator partnerships often stumble when unchecked creativity creates chaos. Learn about the importance of a strategic blueprint to transform frustrations into a structured system. Key components like defined roles and communication rhythms empower teams, turning frustration into momentum. Real-world success stories highlight the impact of implementing these frameworks, enabling construction leaders to turn their businesses into valuable assets.

Aug 4, 2025 • 31min
How to Engineer Your Construction Business to Double in 12 Months | E403
What happens if your construction business doubles overnight? It could crumble if not engineered for growth. Discover the signs that indicate your business isn't built to scale, and why hiring a superstar won't solve your problems. Learn a three-step formula to facilitate smooth growth, emphasizing the importance of systems and structured processes. Dive into the concept of creating a centralized playbook for operations, ensuring even ordinary employees can thrive. Prepare to double your revenue and reclaim your personal time!

Jul 28, 2025 • 26min
The Real Reason You Don't Have Time & What to Do About It | E402
Feeling overwhelmed by your workload? Discover why the lack of time is just a symptom of deeper issues in your construction business. Learn the Five Whys method to identify root causes and reclaim precious hours. Uncover how ineffective pre-construction processes can lead to business failure. Plus, get insights into the Builder CEO Weekly Operating System, designed to boost your time efficiency and help you regain control of your schedule. Say goodbye to being the bottleneck and hello to a more balanced work life!

Jul 21, 2025 • 46min
How to Make Faster, Better Decisions Like a CEO | E401
EPISODE 401: Do all decisions in your construction business fall on your shoulders? If you're a construction CEO, that's often just the reality—every choice runs through you, and the questions keep coming, even long after the workday ends. But it doesn't have to be. In this episode, we'll dive into the underestimated problem plaguing construction businesses—decision bottlenecks. Together we'll unpack… The serious consequences of slow, scattered, or centralized decision-making How to know if you have a decision-making problem The common myths and misconceptions about decision-making 5 CEO-level strategies that will help you lead without doing everything yourself …and so much more! If you feel—or know someone who feels—bogged down by decision overload, this episode is truly a must-listen. Let's dive in! Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00) Signs you have a decision-making problem (01:06) Debunking common misconceptions on decision-making (04:23) Successful CEOs should make as few decisions as possible (12:33) Why you should document your processes (18:45) What does manufacturing urgency mean (22:24) Make decisions in parallel instead of in series (30:36) Separate the decision from implementation (33:42) Episode wrap-up (42:47) Additional Resources: ⚡Join our Live Meetup this coming 16th of October. Register HERE ⚡Schedule your free business evaluation call with our team HERE – ⚡ Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn ⚡ Subscribe to our YouTube channel HERE ⚡Visit The Construction Leading Edge 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. Follow us on your favorite podcasting platform so you never miss an episode!

Jul 14, 2025 • 49min
How to Free Up 40 Hours a Month in Your Construction Business | E400
🚀Join our Live Meetup this coming 16th of October. Register HERE ☎️Schedule your free business evaluation call with our team HERE – EPISODE 400: Are you constantly putting out fires in your construction business? Do you feel like you never have time to work on your business because you're always reacting to problems? For many business owners, it's easy to believe that freeing up time means hiring extra help. But I'm here to tell you—you can reclaim 40 hours a month of your time without bringing anyone new on board. In this episode, we'll explore how adjusting your approach to time management, task prioritization, and communication can help you take control of your business, reduce overwhelm, and stop operating in constant reactive mode. You'll learn… Jeff Bezos's secret to creating more time (instead of managing it) The importance of identifying the root cause of recurring problems Common time and energy drains for construction business owners How eliminating free estimates can save you serious time …and more! If you're ready to stop firefighting and finally take back control of your schedule, this episode is for you. Tune in now! Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00) Stop believing the "I don't have the time" lie (02:13) Common time drains in construction businesses (05:26) How to focus on high-impact activities (09:13) Use the 5 Whys method to find the root causes (20:49) Breaking the vicious cycle of reactive work (33:20) Why you need proactive communication (39:27) Eliminate free estimates to save time (45:51) Additional Resources: ⚡Join our Live Meetup this coming 16th of October. Register HERE ⚡Schedule your free business evaluation call with our team HERE – ⚡ Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn ⚡ Subscribe to our YouTube channel HERE ⚡Visit The Construction Leading Edge 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. Follow us on your favorite podcasting platform so you never miss an episode!

Jul 7, 2025 • 35min
5 Ways Right-to-Left Thinking Can Work for You | E399
🚀Join our Live Meetup this coming 16th of October. Register HERE ☎️Schedule your free business evaluation call with our team HERE – EPISODE 399: Do you often find yourself reacting to problems instead of making progress? Many construction business owners feel like they're stuck in a loop of chaos, constantly chasing the next urgent task. But what if you could get ahead of the game? What if you could plan for success rather than react to it? What if you could finally check off the goals that have been collecting dust on the shelf? In this episode of the Construction Leading Edge podcast, I'll reveal a simple but powerful way to transform your business using "right-to-left" thinking. Here's what we'll cover: What right-to-left thinking is, and how it differs from traditional goal setting How working backwards from your goals can help your business grow with less stress 5 key areas in your business where you can apply right-to-left thinking How these shifts will give you greater clarity in your business and help you make better decisions The impact of a solid handoff process on projects …and more! Want more clarity and control in your business? Don't miss this episode. Tune in now! Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00) The problem with left-to-right thinking (00:19) What right-to-left thinking really means (03:02) Using right-to-left thinking for big picture strategy planning (03:34) Setting financial targets and breaking them down (07:23) Strategic sales forecasting using right-to-left thinking (14:04) Nailing the handoff in project management (17:31) Hiring with the end in mind (26:53) Final thoughts (31:58) Additional Resources: ⚡Join our Live Meetup this coming 16th of October. Register HERE ⚡Schedule your free business evaluation call with our team HERE – ⚡ Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn ⚡ Subscribe to our YouTube channel HERE ⚡Visit The Construction Leading Edge 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. Follow us on your favorite podcasting platform so you never miss an episode!

Jun 30, 2025 • 1h 27min
The Secret to Building Client Trust and Team Loyalty with Brady Fry | E398
🚀Join our Live Meetup this coming 16th of October. Register HERE ☎️Schedule your free business evaluation call with our team HERE – EPISODE 398: Still struggling with chaos in your construction business? You're not alone. A lot of construction business owners assume that chaos comes from rapid business growth, but that's a myth and that's what keeps you stuck. In this episode of The Construction Leading Edge Podcast, I sit down with Brady Fry, the owner of Fry Classic Construction, who shares valuable insights on managing a construction business with efficiency and clarity. Today, you'll learn… How Brady's experience in the music industry helped him deal with construction issues Why he strategically stopped using the word "estimate" How to avoid common pitfalls when managing client expectations What makes clarity a competitive edge in negotiating prices and schedules The role of psychology in running a successful business The virtuous cycle of hiring talented people …and more! If you're ready to cut the chaos, build a winning team, and manage client relationships with ease, this episode is for you. Tune in now! Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00) Meet Brady Fry of Fry Classic Construction (01:38) How Brady's background in the music industry helped him (07:52) The importance of staying calm under pressure (13:04) Why understanding psychology is key to running a business (18:40) Why Brad stopped giving free estimates and what he does instead (24:49) The power of strategic communication in construction (35:22) Building trust with clients through clear expectations (49:46) Signs you're lacking clarity around roles and accountability (1:05:50) Why talented people don't always want to start their own business (1:11:38) The virtuous cycle of hiring talented people (1:18:57) Additional Resources: ⚡Join our Live Meetup this coming 16th of October. Register HERE ⚡Schedule your free business evaluation call with our team HERE – ⚡Follow Brady Fry on Instagram and LinkedIn ⚡Check out Fry Classic Construction HERE – ⚡ Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn ⚡ Subscribe to our YouTube channel HERE ⚡Visit The Construction Leading Edge 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. Follow us on your favorite podcasting platform so you never miss an episode!

Jun 23, 2025 • 59min
Build Your Business So You Can Sell It with John Warrillow | E397
🚀Is Your Construction Business Ready to Scale? Take the free online assessment HERE ☎️Schedule your free business evaluation call with our team HERE – EPISODE 397: Have you ever thought about selling your construction business? Many construction business owners believe that all businesses are meant to be sellable. But here's the truth: selling a business isn't just about finding a buyer—it's about building something that can thrive without you. In this episode of The Construction Leading Edge Podcast, I'm joined by John Warrillow, the expert in business value creation. Today, he shares why most construction businesses aren't sellable and how you can transform yours into a valuable asset. Listen in as he also breaks down… The Trojan Horse effect–a secret that can increase your business's value What is TVR, and why is it important When is the best time to sell your construction business Disastrous mistakes to avoid when selling a business Clauses to watch out for during a transaction The #1 thing sellers do to sabotage themselves …and more! If you want to know how to build a business that thrives without you and is irresistible to potential buyers, make sure to watch or listen to this episode. Let's dive in! Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00) Why most construction businesses are unsellable (02:33) John's background in business sales and his journey (04:21) The importance of identifying a TVR business model (07:24) The Trojan Horse effect of subscription models in business (13:39) Why recurring revenue is interesting for a potential buyer (17:51) Understanding when to sell your business (22:19) Biggest mistakes in selling businesses and how to avoid them (35:01) Why business owners should perform due diligence on potential buyers (39:13) Clauses to watch out for when selling your business (41:30) What do silent auctions and being dressed for success mean? (43:25) How to get the best deal when selling (48:09) Additional Resources: ⚡Is Your Construction Business Ready to Scale? Take the free online assessment HERE ⚡Schedule your free business evaluation call with our team HERE – ⚡Follow John on LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter) ⚡Check out Built to Sell HERE for more information – ⚡Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn ⚡Subscribe to our YouTube channel HERE ⚡Visit The Construction Leading Edge 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. Follow us on your favorite podcasting platform so you never miss an episode!


