Construction Genius

In this episode, Eric Anderton breaks down findings from FMI's Q4 2025 Construction Outlook and the CIRT Q3 2025 Sentiment Index, revealing how 130 construction CEOs are preparing for a selective, profit-focused market. Learn why the flight to quality is reshaping bidding strategy, how firms are earning more by doing less, and what it takes to ride the 2026 infrastructure and tax-credit wave.     📚 Resources FMI Q4 2025 Construction Outlook CIRT Q3 2025 Sentiment Index   90-Day High-Performance Dashboard You can't afford to let your people drift. To drive real performance, you must coach with clarity and purpose.   Use the 90-Day High-Performance Dashboard to: Get clear on what matters most. Drive focused action and accountability. Strengthen trust and deepen relationships.   Success doesn't happen by accident. It happens when leaders coach with precision and consistency. Download the 90-Day High-Performance Dashboard here: https://www.constructiongenius.com/high-performance-in-a-new-role Coach your team toward real results — one conversation at a time.     Resources to Help You Win in Construction 📖 Construction Genius Book – No B.S., practical, hands-on leadership, strategy, sales, and marketing advice for construction companies. Click this link to buy the book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Construction-Genius-Effective-Hands-Leadership/dp/B0BHTRDY1T/ 🎯 The Shift: Move from Project Builder to People Leader – Master the leadership skills you need to succeed in construction. Click this link to learn more and enroll: https://theshift.constructiongenius.com ☎️ Book a 10-Minute Call with Eric Anderton – If you want to discuss how I can help you coach your leaders, let's connect. Book a 10-minute conversation here: https://10minutes.youcanbook.me 🎧 Subscribe & Share If this episode hit home, share it with your sales team. And don't forget to leave a review—it helps more construction leaders find Construction Genius!

Huw Roberts, CEO of PMWeb and former architect, shares insights from managing billion-dollar projects like JPMorgan Chase's tower. He discusses how contractors can transition from commodity pricing to strategic partnerships by focusing on long-term trust and collaboration. Huw emphasizes the importance of life-cycle contracts for better decision-making and advises on avoiding common communication pitfalls that can damage owner relationships. Also, he explores the role of AI as an advisory tool rather than a decision-maker, enhancing project management while ensuring human oversight.

Think federal contracting is too complex or risky? Think again. In this episode, Doug and Sean Reitmeyer of GCExperts reveal how to break into the federal market with nothing more than a SAM registration—and why it's one of the fairest, most cash-flow-friendly opportunities in construction. You'll learn how to avoid rookie mistakes, get paid in 14–30 days under the Federal Prompt Payment Act, and build credibility fast. With over a billion dollars in federal work under their belts, Doug and Sean know the game inside and out. Learn more at GCExperts.com Visiting Austin? Check out The Oasis and Steiner Ranch Steakhouse  Grab my book Construction Genius . 90-Day High-Performance Dashboard You can't afford to let your people drift. To drive real performance, you must coach with clarity and purpose.   Use the 90-Day High-Performance Dashboard to: Get clear on what matters most. Drive focused action and accountability. Strengthen trust and deepen relationships.   Success doesn't happen by accident. It happens when leaders coach with precision and consistency. Download the 90-Day High-Performance Dashboard here: https://www.constructiongenius.com/high-performance-in-a-new-role Coach your team toward real results — one conversation at a time.     Resources to Help You Win in Construction 📖 Construction Genius Book – No B.S., practical, hands-on leadership, strategy, sales, and marketing advice for construction companies. Click this link to buy the book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Construction-Genius-Effective-Hands-Leadership/dp/B0BHTRDY1T/ 🎯 The Shift: Move from Project Builder to People Leader – Master the leadership skills you need to succeed in construction. Click this link to learn more and enroll: https://theshift.constructiongenius.com ☎️ Book a 10-Minute Call with Eric Anderton – If you want to discuss how I can help you coach your leaders, let's connect. Book a 10-minute conversation here: https://10minutes.youcanbook.me 🎧 Subscribe & Share If this episode hit home, share it with your sales team. And don't forget to leave a review—it helps more construction leaders find Construction Genius!

Mark Whitson started at DPR with tools in hand, fresh out of college. Today, he's president of one of America's most respected construction companies. His journey reveals why DPR keeps top talent for decades while other companies struggle with turnover. Key insights: Career paths aren't ladders—they're rock walls requiring lateral moves and creative problem-solving. Culture survives when everyone owns it, not just leadership. The best stretch opportunities come with clear success criteria and strong internal coaching. Whitson's leadership philosophy: helping others turn the perceived impossible into possible. His advice for retention? Empower people to walk away from projects that don't align with company values. Connect with Mark and DPR: Visit DPR Construction to learn more about their innovative approach to building. And if you're ever near Pinehurst, North Carolina, check out Mark's golf course recommendation: Tobacco Road Golf Club – challenging, beautiful, and worth the trip.   90-Day High-Performance Dashboard You can't afford to let your people drift. To drive real performance, you must coach with clarity and purpose.   Use the 90-Day High-Performance Dashboard to: Get clear on what matters most. Drive focused action and accountability. Strengthen trust and deepen relationships.   Success doesn't happen by accident. It happens when leaders coach with precision and consistency. Download the 90-Day High-Performance Dashboard here: https://www.constructiongenius.com/high-performance-in-a-new-role Coach your team toward real results — one conversation at a time.     Resources to Help You Win in Construction 📖 Construction Genius Book – No B.S., practical, hands-on leadership, strategy, sales, and marketing advice for construction companies. Click this link to buy the book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Construction-Genius-Effective-Hands-Leadership/dp/B0BHTRDY1T/ 🎯 The Shift: Move from Project Builder to People Leader – Master the leadership skills you need to succeed in construction. Click this link to learn more and enroll: https://theshift.constructiongenius.com ☎️ Book a 10-Minute Call with Eric Anderton – If you want to discuss how I can help you coach your leaders, let's connect. Book a 10-minute conversation here: https://10minutes.youcanbook.me 🎧 Subscribe & Share If this episode hit home, share it with your sales team. And don't forget to leave a review—it helps more construction leaders find Construction Genius!  

Most GCs never get acquired. Cross Management Corporation did. Anne Caruso, CEO of CMC, explains how culture, client loyalty, and succession planning made her construction company attractive to Shimizu, a $14B Japanese contractor that acquired a majority stake. From her own journey into the CEO role to lessons on treating subs as partners and planning leadership continuity, Anne shares a roadmap for every GC that wants to be attractive to outside buyers. 🎧 Listen now and learn how to make your company irresistible.     90-Day High-Performance Dashboard You can't afford to let your people drift. To drive real performance, you must coach with clarity and purpose.   Use the 90-Day High-Performance Dashboard to: Get clear on what matters most. Drive focused action and accountability. Strengthen trust and deepen relationships.   Success doesn't happen by accident. It happens when leaders coach with precision and consistency. Download the 90-Day High-Performance Dashboard here: https://www.constructiongenius.com/high-performance-in-a-new-role Coach your team toward real results — one conversation at a time.     Resources to Help You Win in Construction 📖 Construction Genius Book – No B.S., practical, hands-on leadership, strategy, sales, and marketing advice for construction companies. Click this link to buy the book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Construction-Genius-Effective-Hands-Leadership/dp/B0BHTRDY1T/ 🎯 The Shift: Move from Project Builder to People Leader – Master the leadership skills you need to succeed in construction. Click this link to learn more and enroll: https://theshift.constructiongenius.com ☎️ Book a 10-Minute Call with Eric Anderton – If you want to discuss how I can help you coach your leaders, let's connect. Book a 10-minute conversation here: https://10minutes.youcanbook.me 🎧 Subscribe & Share If this episode hit home, share it with your sales team. And don't forget to leave a review—it helps more construction leaders find Construction Genius!  

In this engaging discussion, Sean Samson, CEO and founder of Sean Samson Training and EMAPlus, sheds light on the crucial shift from a transactional to a relationship-based mindset in contracting. He emphasizes the importance of building service divisions for steady revenue and higher business valuations. Listeners will discover the fundamental differences between service and construction management, learn about the three-step service sales process, and uncover strategies for creating long-term client relationships that enhance profitability.

Public speaking isn't just about talking; it's about influencing, connecting, and leaving a mark that lasts long after the last word is spoken. Most people find public speaking daunting, but does it have to be that way?  Public speaking is one of the biggest challenges for people no matter the industry. Some people are natural-born speakers. The others, not so much. In this episode of the Construction Genius podcast, Eric is joined by John Zalepka, a seasoned public speaking coach, to explore practical strategies to overcome fear, move beyond overconfidence, and connect with the audience. From crafting story-driven presentations to handling technical failures with grace, they explain how preparation, practice, and authenticity can turn speeches into powerful moments.  John Zalepka is an author and seasoned speaking coach who helps corporate leaders to effectively communicate brand messages with a confident voice. He serves as Director of Training & Industry Engagements at Specified Technologies Inc. (STI) and is Chair of the Communications Committee for the International Firestop Council (IFC). He is the author of 'The Presenter's Playbook: A blueprint for delivering impactful presentations for SMEs, FNGs & everyone in between.'  HIGHLIGHTS [01:27] The most common fears and barriers to public speaking. [04:19] Clarity in public speaking. [07:42] Extemporaneous speaking. [09:16] Finding a common ground with an audience. [12:16] The power of storytelling. [18:16] Capturing the audience's attention. [21:33] Handling tech failures with grace. [30:44] Signature phrases and closing techniques. RESOURCES Connect with John Zalepka LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/zalepka/  Email - john@corporatebrandinc.com  Website - corporatebrandinc.com                    stifirestop.com  The Presenter's Playbook: A blueprint for delivering impactful presentations for SMEs, FNGs & everyone in between by John Zalepka amazon.com/dp/B0FDCL2HSS    90-Day High-Performance Dashboard You can't afford to let your people drift. To drive real performance, you must coach with clarity and purpose.   Use the 90-Day High-Performance Dashboard to: Get clear on what matters most. Drive focused action and accountability. Strengthen trust and deepen relationships.   Success doesn't happen by accident. It happens when leaders coach with precision and consistency. Download the 90-Day High-Performance Dashboard here: https://www.constructiongenius.com/high-performance-in-a-new-role Coach your team toward real results — one conversation at a time.     Resources to Help You Win in Construction 📖 Construction Genius Book – No B.S., practical, hands-on leadership, strategy, sales, and marketing advice for construction companies. Click this link to buy the book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Construction-Genius-Effective-Hands-Leadership/dp/B0BHTRDY1T/ 🎯 The Shift: Move from Project Builder to People Leader – Master the leadership skills you need to succeed in construction. Click this link to learn more and enroll: https://theshift.constructiongenius.com ☎️ Book a 10-Minute Call with Eric Anderton – If you want to discuss how I can help you coach your leaders, let's connect. Book a 10-minute conversation here: https://10minutes.youcanbook.me 🎧 Subscribe & Share If this episode hit home, share it with your sales team. And don't forget to leave a review—it helps more construction leaders find Construction Genius!

Luca Dellana, an independent consultant and bestselling author known for his expertise in organizational challenges, dives into the art of playing the long-term game in business. He discusses the critical balance between immediate gains and sustainable success, shedding light on the hunter vs. farmer mentality. Dellana reveals how building trust and developing relationships are essential for leadership. He explores personal anecdotes, the impact of AI on skill acquisition, and strategies for overcoming short-term thinking, encouraging professionals to embrace patience and authenticity.

In this week's episode, our guest is 21-year-old Gabe Sotello, who is a steel framer and drywall hanger. Gabe shares his journey from trade school to the job site while offering us an honest picture of the challenges, culture, and opportunities in construction. He also explains his decision to choose trade school over college, adapting with humility, and the need to be an open-minded novice who will learn, absorb, and adjust quickly. With practical advice on work ethic, communication, and finding the right trade early, Gabe is here to give a real-world roadmap to young people in finding success in the construction industry.  Throughout the conversation, you will hear about Gabe's background and journey to construction, the challenges he had to face and how he adapted to the industry as a novice, the importance of choosing your path with clarity and the importance of accepting the fact that traditional education is not everyone's forte, the importance of effective leadership and communication in construction, his advice for young people who feel uncertain about their future, and the need to be prepared for hard physical labor if you choose construction as your career path.    HIGHLIGHTS [02:02] Introduction and background to Gabriel.  [03:48] Gabe's journey to construction.  [06:10] Facing challenges and adapting in the construction industry.  [10:49] Choosing your own path.  [15:14] Effective leadership and communication in construction.  [19:09] Advice for young people.  [22:12] The dynamic between field and the office.  [25:37] Understanding the work style.    RESOURCES Restaurant Recommendation: https://originaltommys.com/locations/   90-Day High-Performance Dashboard You can't afford to let your people drift. To drive real performance, you must coach with clarity and purpose.   Use the 90-Day High-Performance Dashboard to: Get clear on what matters most. Drive focused action and accountability. Strengthen trust and deepen relationships.   Success doesn't happen by accident. It happens when leaders coach with precision and consistency. Download the 90-Day High-Performance Dashboard here: https://www.constructiongenius.com/high-performance-in-a-new-role Coach your team toward real results — one conversation at a time.     Resources to Help You Win in Construction 📖 Construction Genius Book – No B.S., practical, hands-on leadership, strategy, sales, and marketing advice for construction companies. Click this link to buy the book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Construction-Genius-Effective-Hands-Leadership/dp/B0BHTRDY1T/ 🎯 The Shift: Move from Project Builder to People Leader – Master the leadership skills you need to succeed in construction. Click this link to learn more and enroll: https://theshift.constructiongenius.com ☎️ Book a 10-Minute Call with Eric Anderton – If you want to discuss how I can help you coach your leaders, let's connect. Book a 10-minute conversation here: https://10minutes.youcanbook.me 🎧 Subscribe & Share If this episode hit home, share it with your sales team. And don't forget to leave a review—it helps more construction leaders find Construction Genius!

In a field like construction, where sales are complex, high-stakes, and often misunderstood, success depends less on competition on pricing and more on strategic engagement, early involvement, and paying attention and understanding the needs of the client.  Meet Matthew Neuberger, a prominent figure in the business world who is an expert in business development, specializing in executive sales consultation and sales productivity training. As a dynamic presenter and trainer, he helps industry leaders to articulate successful management, sales, and prospecting strategies. Focusing on businesses that are ready to rise above the low-bid mentality, his approach integrates strategic guidance, stakeholder alignment, and practical tools, allowing contractors to win more sustainable, profitable projects. He joined us today to talk about how contractors can break free from low-bid traps.   HIGHLIGHTS [01:58] From low-bid work to high-value projects.  [05:43] Time shift in sales process.  [12:16] Abundance vs. scarcity mentality.  [18:27] Parent, adult, and child framework.  [21:54] The importance of setting clear expectations.  [27:56] Understanding the decision-making process.  [34:41] Asking better questions.  [41:48] The importance of face-to-face communication.  [43:52] The ability to read what's not being said.  [47:45] The need for sales people to be good listeners.   RESOURCES Connect with Matt Neuberger LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/neubergerco/  Website - go.sandler.com/neuberger/    90-Day High-Performance Dashboard You can't afford to let your people drift. To drive real performance, you must coach with clarity and purpose.   Use the 90-Day High-Performance Dashboard to: Get clear on what matters most. Drive focused action and accountability. Strengthen trust and deepen relationships.   Success doesn't happen by accident. It happens when leaders coach with precision and consistency. Download the 90-Day High-Performance Dashboard here: https://www.constructiongenius.com/high-performance-in-a-new-role Coach your team toward real results — one conversation at a time.     Resources to Help You Win in Construction 📖 Construction Genius Book – No B.S., practical, hands-on leadership, strategy, sales, and marketing advice for construction companies. Click this link to buy the book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Construction-Genius-Effective-Hands-Leadership/dp/B0BHTRDY1T/ 🎯 The Shift: Move from Project Builder to People Leader – Master the leadership skills you need to succeed in construction. Click this link to learn more and enroll: https://theshift.constructiongenius.com ☎️ Book a 10-Minute Call with Eric Anderton – If you want to discuss how I can help you coach your leaders, let's connect. Book a 10-minute conversation here: https://10minutes.youcanbook.me 🎧 Subscribe & Share If this episode hit home, share it with your sales team. And don't forget to leave a review—it helps more construction leaders find Construction Genius!