Construction Genius

Every day construction companies produce a treasure trove of information: Bidding benchmarks, production metrics, accounting data. There is a vast amount of value to that data if it is managed and utilized effectively. This requires the efficient implementation of technology and an understanding of the strengths and limitations of various technology solutions. Unfortunately, this is where many companies fall short and as EOS Group CEO, Nick Papadopoulos says "Contractors produce gold and throw it away." In today's episode Nick and I discuss: The challenges of historical data management A 4 step strategic process for flawless technology implementation 5 benefits of effective technology implementation and usage If you want to learn how to implement and leverage technology in your business, this episode is for you. What's Discussed in This Episode: Historical Data Management: Contractors produce gold and throw it away [00:06] Data is stored in tools but where do you go with that? [02:58] "Socialize" data for other people's decision-making [03:26] Lack of facts and relying on memory invites errors [07:14] Contractors struggle with data because they don't apply a holistic approach [07:47] Solving an isolated problem [08:25] The effort of preparing information is valuable [08:31] Good data management makes you credible [11:30] Opinion is good, but business needs data [11:58] Your response rate is crucial [14:18] Resistance comes with the presumption that estimating is about secrets [15:00] Managing differences of expectations towards technology [15:45] The younger generation want employers that allow them to use technology to their advantage [16:05] Your value is tied to the amount of information you can remember [18:27] Companies that use technology to support decision-making processes have higher workforce retention [22:16] The transient nature of work makes technology necessary [23:50] Overcoming struggle with data management [24:20] Where should contractors focus? [26:11] Manage your financials, then manage your projects [26:43] Let your data dictate your patterns [27:48] Lack of planning sidetracks contractors [29:01] Standardize data [30:14] Prioritize [31:08] Go slow to go fast [32:17] Construction is complex; deal with the reality [34:27] Rock climbing; you can't move too much [36:47] Balance change [37:15] Don't buy every license available [38:29] Technology is efficient but not fail-safe [39:58] Technology requires discipline and standards [41:21] The misconception of technology in terms of value [42:47] Data helps make an organization transparent [44:27] Knowledge made accessible produces tangible value [44:58] Solving problems with an agile approach [47:05] How EOS Group help companies become operationally efficient with technology [48:43] If you don't get the facts right, your execution wouldn't matter [48:50] The one restaurant you shouldn't miss in Santa Barbara [50:06] About the Guest: For the past 25 + years, Nick's drive and passion stems from being able to help companies in the AEC/O industry implement cost estimating technologies so they can work more efficiently. Nick strives to continue to create better solutions for process optimization along with developing software for benchmarking and predictive analytics. As technology has changed, so has Nick. The lens that he views upstream and downstream solutions for the AEC/O industry taking into account data architecture, metrics, analysis, and process design. Even with the digital disruption of the AEC/O industry, Nick has stayed true to his focus, which has resulted in over 2,000 successful integrations by developing award-winning and industry-leading commercial software applications and knowledge bases. Nick has become a trusted advisor to many of the largest AEC/O firms in the world and he has worked with many of ENR's top 400 firms, Fortune 1000 companies, and US Federal Agencies. He is very proud of the long-term and multi-year, multi-platform relationships he built. Nick is also actively involved in AACEI, ASPE, and ASTM. Resources: Check out the Eos Group website (https://eosgroup.com/) Follow Nick on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickjpapadopoulos/) If you are interested in a partnership, after listening to this podcast and would like to work with Nick or just learn more, please reach out to him through nickp@eosgroup.com Nick's restaurant recommendation - Olio e Limone Location - https://www.olioelimone.com/the-restaurant/location/ Website - https://www.olioelimone.com/ Connect with me on LinkedIn. For more podcast episodes, you may also visit my website. Tune in and subscribe to the Construction Genius: A Leadership Master-Class Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Stitcher. Thank you for tuning in!

Do the math they said. Math is the stronghold of business they said. They're not wrong. But while there's no denying that learning to count in more ways than one determines game-changing decisions in construction. Numbers are crucial for very obvious reasons, especially when it comes to changing gears from strength or growth to a business's impending survival mode. Got more than what you spent? Awesome! Make sure to keep it that way. Noticed code red signs on your cash flow? Time to get the data out and rein the cash in. Easier said than done, and that's why we have GrowthForce's Stephen King in today's Construction Genius episode, Cash King: 5 Ways to Master the Flow of Money in Your Business. When it comes to math, it pays to listen to the real deal, so get ready to manage your cash flow better by tuning in to this very timely podcast! What's Discussed in This Episode: Data is king, today more than ever [03:15] Good accounting and Bad accounting [04:10] Data towards decisions [05:12] Get restructuring—make that call [11:29] When the going gets tough, it's about what you keep, not what you make [12:43] If you want to sell your way to profits, don't [13:49] Discounting shouldn't come at the expense of profit gains [15:49] Hold on to that gross profit line[18:29] Identify your above-the-line costs [18:52] Choose long-term value over the cost of acquiring a customer [23:31] Forecast profitability through better pricing [27:16] Do the math; cover overhead costs [28:43] Outsource and do it right [31:46] Understand and be honest when your business is struggling [32:47] Recognize that people drive profits [33:49] Strengthen by keeping people who fit the core values [34:301] Determine key players whether they're in your business or the competition's [36:52] Cascade budget to the organization [37:46] Collections is king [42:33] About the Guest: GrowthForce President and CEO Stephen King has been highly-rated in the industry for his knack of visualizing the future of accounting, leading GrowthForce to become one of the fastest-growing companies in America. Boasting nearly three decades of credentials at the forefront of technology development and accounting system design, Stephen continues to be one of the leaders in the nation's largest outsourced accounting services for small businesses. Resources: Start making data-driven decisions (https://www.growthforce.com/pandemic) Check out GrowthForce Financial Management Services (https://www.growthforce.com/) Connect with or follow Steve to know more about this commitment on LinkedIn Stay updated with Steve and GrowthForce by following him on Twitter Connect with me on LinkedIn. For more podcast episodes, you may also visit my website. Tune in and subscribe to the Construction Genius: A Leadership Master-Class Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Stitcher. Thank you for tuning in!

The construction industry is one of the major contributors to the US (and global) economy. But schools are putting less priority on technical education for young adults who will soon occupy most of tomorrow's workforce. People now have the choice to either get a 4-year degree from a college or immediately join the workforce right after graduating from high school. However, without having any practical skills, being able to find a fulfilling career (and build wealth) can prove to be challenging. So how do we address this kind of situation? That's what we're here to discuss in this week's Construction Genius podcast with Kevin Dobson from Capital College & Career Academy (CAPCCA). He'll share with us how CAPCCA intends to take a different approach in solving these education problems. Help shape the future of the construction industry by tuning in to this episode! What's Discussed in This Episode: Why the educational system fails to produce qualified construction individuals [02:20] Having a degree doesn't necessarily secure a high-paying job in the future [03:41] How CAPCCA is helping students build their resume from day 1 [06:46] By making classes more meaningful, kids will see the point of school [08:08] Fixing the educational system to better address the construction industry needs [05:29] Working with your hands can help you overcome challenges [11:03] Why children serve as the beacon of hope for the community [09:40] The school should represent the needs of the community [12:19] We need to start treating young adults as young adults [13:36] Molding students to become tradespeople at an early stage [11:40] What happens when students decide to shift career choices [15:27] Training students with construction skills early on saves resources [19:55] Investing in apprenticeship vs retraining employees [20:38] Why construction executives should put importance on apprenticeship [22:04] The advantage of graduating fresh out of college with actual work experience [17:52] Their projected class size starting S.Y. 2022-2023 [24:43] CAPCCA's target launch date [23:45] CAPCCA looking to partner with prospective workforce trainers [25:52] Why Kevin went into teaching [27:50] How construction changed the life of a small family [29:18] Kevin's favorite restaurant [30:22] About the Guest: Discovering his passion for teaching since high school, Kevin Dobson is dedicated to helping students excel in their studies and perform well by the time they enter the workforce. However, he has seen a dilemma in the current education system that seems to remain unaddressed to this day: despite the rapid advancements in technology and the world, the way of learning still stays the same. That's why he founded the Capital College & Career Academy, a free public charter school dedicated to accelerating high school students in terms of career. It is slated to launch this coming January 2021 and offers technical education to its future students. Resources: Visit the CAPCCA Website (http://capcca.org/) Connect with Kevin Dobson on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-dobson-b6025217a/) Follow Sacramento CCA on Twitter (https://twitter.com/SacramentoCCCA) Follow them on their Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/SacramentoCCCA) Connect with CCA on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/capital-college-career-academy) Donate to CCCA and help shape the workforce of tomorrow (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cvqV-q7JCKOGgEKxIghx-Wjl1W5XvPHu/view?usp=sharing) Kevin's Restaurant Recommendation: Asian Cafe Website (https://asiancafesacramento.com/) Connect with me on LinkedIn. For more podcast episodes, you may also visit my website. Tune in and subscribe to the Construction Genius: A Leadership Master-Class Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Stitcher. Thank you for tuning in!

The buildings and infrastructure you see all around you started with a single thought. That thought was communicated to people who then built with skill and hard work. Without that thought, nothing would be created. Just like how those buildings started with a thought, your thoughts and your mindset also play a critical role when it comes to the success of your business. Your thoughts dictate your actions and behavior. Without having control over your mindset, you can make poor decisions in critical situations that will affect you, your clients and even how your employees perceive you as their leader. What can you do to gain greater control? That's what we're here to find out in this Construction Genius episode as Casey Grey, founder of The Conscious Builder, shares with us how your mindset can make a difference to the way you manage your employees and your clients. Be a master of your mindset by tuning in to this episode. What's Discussed in This Episode: Business success is 20% mechanics and 80% psychology [01:51] The brain is a muscle that needs constant exercise [03:12] Meditation helps you control your reaction to uncontrollable events [07:28] Meditation gives you clarity and focus [05:07] Your employees will do as you do, not as you say [11:47] Leading by example is not micromanaging [12:19] Having control of yourself reflects how you are in control of a situation [10:40] The biggest factor in stepping into a role is the want to make the shift [15:59] How to transition from the project-building to the project-leading mindset [14:02] There's always a next project [18:52] Maintain mutual respect [19:31] To be able to manage clients, you have to get the right ones first [16:48] Asking questions is more important than telling [20:52] To achieve success, you have to keep moving forward and take action [22:48] True success is mastery over self [21:40] Managing family and business both at the same time [24:02] To get on the same page as your spouse, you need to listen [25:49] Casey's ideal day [28:40] Casey's favorite restaurant [31:00] About the Guest: Casey Grey is the founder of The Conscious Builder, an award-winning sustainable building company. With two decades of construction experience and over a decade of entrepreneurial experience, he now helps construction companies build homes in a more conscious manner. He hosts The Conscious Builder Podcast and is currently co-authoring a book with Kevin Harrington from The Shark Tank. Resources: Grab hold of Casey Grey's media kit (https://www.caseygrey.com/media-kit.html) Visit The Conscious Builder website (https://www.theconsciousbuilder.com/) Listen to The Conscious Builder Podcast (https://www.theconsciousbuilder.com/podcast) Watch out for their The 3 Day Cottage series (https://www.theconsciousbuilder.com/threedaycottageseries.html) Learn more about Case Grey (https://www.caseygrey.com/about.html) Subscribe to his YouTube Channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/theconsciousbuilder) Casey's Restaurant Recommendation: The Whalesbone restaurant Website (https://thewhalesbone.com/) Books mentioned in this episode: Beyond Mars and Venus: Relationship Skills for Today's Complex World by John Gray (https://amzn.to/2YJu4VP) Connect with me on LinkedIn. For more podcast episodes, you may also visit my website. Tune in and subscribe to the Construction Genius: A Leadership Master-Class Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Stitcher. Thank you for tuning in!

As a construction executive, devoting all or much of your time to work is normal. After all, you need to adhere to some strict schedules and deadlines.But what you don't realize is that in putting yourself under immense pressure, you may be on the path to emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion. In this fast-paced environment, you may feel the need to do everything all at once in as little amount of time as possible. However, the tighter your schedule becomes, the more rushed everything seems to be, the harder it is for you to make rational decisions. In this week's Construction Genius episode, we examine the daily routine of one of the best commanders in World War II, Field Marshal and 1st Viscount William Slim, and apply the lessons that we learn to our daily lives. Don't be too hard on yourself. Tune in to this episode. What's Discussed in This Episode: Leisure is time free from the demands of work or duty [01:38] Why it's so important for leaders to have leisure [02:12] Recollecting William Slim's daily routine [03:43] You need to have a small buffer after waking up to prep you for the day [05:33] Spend time in casual and social interactions with your staff [06:09] Keep your finger on the pulse of the operations [07:55] The best work gets done from 6 AM to 12 NN [08:58] Devote your afternoon for important but not-so-urgent matters [10:38] Take a break from the daily grind and exercise [11:57] There's a time to be alone and a time to be with others [13:53] Make sure to get enough undisturbed sleep [14:58] Why you need to free up some of your time, leader or not [16:07] 7 steps in incorporating leisure time to your schedule [19:00] Resources: Another episode inspired by "Defeat Into Victory": https://www.ericanderton.com/podcast/turning_defeat_into_victory Connect with me on LinkedIn. For more podcast episodes, you may also visit my website. Tune in and subscribe to the Construction Genius: A Leadership Master-Class Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Stitcher. Thank you for tuning in!

One thing that all business owners need to face is that one day, we all need to pass the baton on to the next generation. However, for someone who has built his or her business from the ground up, it might not be the easiest thing to do. Succession planning is something that business owners tend to avoid. After all, giving away something that they've worked so hard to build to someone else is a tough decision. But what they don't realize is that it's something that they all need to do. And the earlier you can mold the next generation to be able to value your business as much as you do, the better. In this week's Construction Genius episode, Shone Freeman joins us to share the value of succession planning and what you can do to make the shift easier for you. Frame the future of your business by tuning in to this episode now. What's Discussed in This Episode: A brief background on S.R. Freeman [02:31] Why people are struggling with passing their business on [03:22] Choosing people for his succession plan [05:38] Owner's mentality vs employee's mentality [06:49] The reason Shone wants to pass his business on [04:23] How to set up the succession plan [08:02] Facilitating understanding between the field and the office [09:52] How to overcome the challenge of letting go of your business [10:50] The restricted stock unit plan [12:33] What makes the restricted stock unit plan better than other plans [14:38] How he is molding his successors and the qualities he looks for in a person [17:25] Instilling the transfer of ownership in the client's mind [18:09] How to mold people into having an owner's mindset [20:17] A piece of advice for executives in undergoing the succession planning process [21:26] When to start the succession planning process [22:34] The succession planning process is a constant process [23:32] Shone's legacy [25:45] Shone's favorite vacation spot [26:17] About the Guest: Shone Freeman is the President of S.R. Freeman, one of the biggest construction companies in the San Francisco Bay Area. From his humble beginnings as an expert carpenter, he was known as the best framer in the business. Founding his company in 1992, he has since scaled his company over the next two decades and has become well-valued in the community. Resources: Visit the S.R. Freeman website (https://www.srfreemaninc.com/) Connect with me on LinkedIn. For more podcast episodes, you may also visit my website. Tune in and subscribe to the Construction Genius: A Leadership Master-Class Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Stitcher. Thank you for tuning in!

As a construction company, your expertise lies in building. But what most contractors fail to realize is that it is also a business that requires good management of the flow of money. Cash is what drives all businesses. It is vital to the survival and success of every company. But more often than not, contractors put cash flow issues on the backburner and focus on issues that they find easier or more urgent. In this week's Construction Genius episode, I talk with Patrick Hogan, CEO and co-founder of Handle.com, about the importance of good cash flow management and what you, as a construction executive, can do to improve cash flow in your business. Tune in and learn how to master your micro-economy by managing your cash. What's Discussed in This Episode: Why construction companies are struggling with cash flow [01:50] Contractors go out of business not because of lack of work, but because of too much work [03:21] The cash flow checklist [05:16] Delegating cash flow matters to in-house personnel or third party agencies [03:43] Macro-economy vs micro-economy [06:35] The value of establishing a good relationship with your accounts payable [09:53] Things to do before signing a contract with an accounts payable [07:43] Limit the accounts receivable retained in your records [12:26] Immediate solutions to micro-economy cash flow issues [10:58] Pay attention to your day sales outstanding to get paid quickly [15:07] Avoid building a subservient relationship with your general contractor [16:26] How to protect your lien rights [13:04] The nitty-gritty of Handle.com [17:21] Three things you can do to improve your cash flow in the next 30 days [20:10] Patrick's favorite restaurant [23:25] About the Guest: Patrick Hogan grew up in a lumber business family and is an expert in construction payments. Patrick graduated from UC Hastings Law School and is a licensed California attorney. Patrick is the CEO of Handle.com which helps contractors and suppliers improve cash flow and protect payment rights. Patrick will share the latest trends in cash flow management and discuss the secrets to successful cash flow and payment protection within the construction industry. Resources: Handle.com Website (https://www.handle.com/) Cash Flow Checklist (https://www.handle.com/checklist) Patrick's Restaurant recommendations: Brenda's French Soul Food Address (652 Polk Street @ Eddy San Francisco, CA 94102) Phone Number (415-345-8100) Website (https://frenchsoulfood.com/) Brenda's New Orleans Kitchen Address (Broadway @ 41st Oakland, CA 94611 Phone Number (510-929-0510) Website (https://brendasoakland.com/) Connect with me on LinkedIn. For more podcast episodes, you may also visit my website. Tune in and subscribe to the Construction Genius: A Leadership Master-Class Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Stitcher. Thank you for tuning in!

Every entrepreneur recognizes the challenges involved when starting a business—funding, workforce, looking for the right niche, and many more! This is why getting a business running requires that leap of faith, patience, and a whole lot of support. It usually takes several years to build a business from the ground up and construction startups may find it especially difficult to be competitive since most of their competition in the industry are already deeply rooted in the community. However, by choosing the right people to work with, the right niche, and proper financing, you can bump up your company's growth. In this week's Construction Genius episode, we have Walt Stahl, company president of The Stahl Companies, to inspire us with his entrepreneurial journey from being a State employee to being a president of a prestigious company. Tune in to this episode. What's Discussed in This Episode: Why Walt Stahl decided to leave a secure job with the State of California and how he started his own business [02:54] The challenges in starting a business [05:30] Transitioning from a secure state government job to an independent consultancy [08:22] Why you should treat your employees right [11:03] The challenges in project management [12:39] The importance of support and investing in people [14:57] How to pick the right niche, and the benefits and effect of niche focus [16:22] Why hunger, being smart, and humility are essential attributes for your team [19:36] How to look for hunger and the importance of the hiring process [21:34] The relationship between culture and hunger [22:18] Why humility is an essential asset in construction [23:35] What is 'being smart' and why is it important in a construction setting? [26:46] How construction consultants bridge the gap between owners and general contractors [29:41] Choose the right clients and walk away from bad ones [34:53] Things that Walt would have done differently [36:20] Three useful advice for construction startups [38:46] About the Guest: Walt Stahl is a leader in the construction management business. Starting as a Chief Compliance Officer for California's Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (OSHPD), he is now the president of The Stahl Companies, one of the leading construction and project management companies for the healthcare industry in Sacramento, California. With 20 years of being in business, Walt Stahl has mastered the ins and outs of the construction management business. Resources: The Ideal Team Player: How to Recognize and Cultivate The Three Essential Virtues (https://amzn.to/2T5Zyll) Connect with me on LinkedIn. For more podcast episodes, you may also visit my website. Tune in and subscribe to the Construction Genius: A Leadership Master-Class Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Stitcher. Thank you for tuning in!

An ideal strategic plan can help scale your business and take you to where you want it to be in the coming years. But without clear priorities set into it, it may take longer than anticipated to achieve sustained business success. This week's podcast episode is the fourth and last part of the Triangle One-Page Planning Process series. Today, we'll examine how to create an efficient system in building your construction business by identifying your priorities as we cover: What is a priority and what makes it important, How to identify and clarify your priorities, and How to build a priority structure Be smart about dealing with every aspect of your business by listening to this episode now! What's Discussed in This Episode: Overview of today's topic [02:19] The 30-60-90 day rule [04:06] What makes prioritization important [04:44] Don't multitask; Focus on what's important [05:24] Focusing on a specific outcome provides a sense of accomplishment and momentum [07:07] What is a priority and why is it important? [03:25] Three main areas of the construction business [08:13] How to identify and clarify your priorities [07:59] The three parts of an action plan [09:56] A rally-cry gives clarity, focus, and motivation [10:07] Everybody has to take off their hats when figuring out your top priority is [12:49] How to make a priority structure [09:08] 3 to 5 fierce focus are required to achieve the rally-cry [14:52] The areas of fierce focus [14:20] Leading indicators allow you to be proactive; Lagging indicators, reactive [17:09] Beware that you don't overburden your heroes [18:43] Identify your critical numbers [16:27] Prioritization may come as a challenge for business owners [20:16] Leaders can't agree on what's important [21:05] Make sure to design a simple plan around identifying your priorities [22:12] Steps you can take to design and move forward with your one-page plan [24:06] Resources: Construction Niche Analysis (https://www.ericanderton.com/sweetspot) Triangle One Page Plan Template (https://www.ericanderton.com/triangleplan/) Construction Genius Podcast Episode 77 (https://www.ericanderton.com/podcast/go-deeper-how-to-define-purpose-and-spark-your-business-success-ep-77/) Construction Genius Podcast Episode 79 (https://www.ericanderton.com/podcast/how-to-discover-and-leverage-your-companys-unique-personality/) Construction Genius Podcast Episode 81 (https://www.ericanderton.com/podcast/sustain-success-how-to-build-a-unique-strategic-plan-ep-81/) Triangle One Page Plan Template: https://www.ericanderton.com/triangleplan/ Contact Eric: www.ericanderton.com/contact Connect with me on LinkedIn. For more podcast episodes, you may also visit my website. Tune in and subscribe to the Construction Genius: A Leadership Master-Class Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Stitcher. Thank you for tuning in!

You can start your construction business today and be like the rest of the businesses in the market. But with careful and refined planning, you can set yourself apart from the competition. This week's episode marks Part 3 of the four-part series on the Triangle One-Page Planning Process. Today, we'll focus on how to build sustained success in the construction industry. I will cover: How to identify your niche How to serve your niche How to grow your business Be unique! Craft your strategic plan and grow your business exponentially by listening to this podcast episode now! What's Discussed in This Episode: The example of Southwest Airlines [00:03] Sustained success is not an accident [01:05] Success in construction defined [04:26] Nail your niche [07:49] Your niche can be whatever you want [08:56] Identify your niche [05:05] It's now what you do but how you do it that sets your company apart [12:09] Techniques to drive up your revenue and drive down your costs [12:37] Customer service is a massive way to drive up your revenue [13:47] Ask how you can serve your niche [09:59] Maintain a commitment to discipline [18:13] Focus on internal growth [18:45] Analyze your competition [20:29] Growth is essential to construction companies [17:15] Resources: Construction Niche Analysis ( https://www.ericanderton.com/sweetspot) Triangle One Page Plan Template (https://www.ericanderton.com/triangleplan/) Construction Genius Podcast Episode 77 (https://www.ericanderton.com/podcast/go-deeper-how-to-define-purpose-and-spark-your-business-success-ep-77/) Construction Genius Podcast Episode 79 (https://www.ericanderton.com/podcast/how-to-discover-and-leverage-your-companys-unique-personality/) Connect with me on LinkedIn. For more podcast episodes, you may also visit my website. Tune in and subscribe to the Construction Genius: A Leadership Master-Class Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Stitcher. Thank you for tuning in!