Construction Brothers

In this, our third week focused on resolutions, Eddie encourages you to seek an opportunity to learn. You probably already have in mind someone whose work or career you admire. Don’t make it weird. Just ask a couple questions about the things you’ve observed in their work lives. Then shut up and listen.If this person becomes a long-term mentor, great. If this just ends up being one session of learning for you, also great. Either way, you’ll come out of the situation with some insights that position you for greater success.Check out the partners that make our show possible. Find Us Online: BrosPodcast.com - LinkedIn - Youtube - Instagram - Facebook - TikTok - Eddie's LinkedIn - Tyler's LinkedInIf you enjoy the podcast, please rate us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to us!

Today, we welcome Fouad Khalil. Fouad shares insights into how the construction industry is evolving to meet market demands. He emphasizes the importance of understanding customer needs and adapting business practices to align with shifting industry expectations.We discuss how the construction labor force is changing, with notable statistics like 14% of workers potentially being undocumented. Fouad reflects on the significant challenges these workforce dynamics present, including labor shortages and a rising wave of retirements.Fouad explains the critical role vocational training plays in preparing the next generation of workers. He discusses how global perspectives on construction labor offer valuable lessons for addressing workforce shortages and ensuring future sustainability.We dive into the concept of industrialized construction and why it's becoming a permanent fixture in the industry. Fouad outlines how this practice streamlines processes, enhances efficiency, and reduces waste, helping companies stay competitive in a challenging market.Fouad highlights the importance of automation and robotics in modern construction. From improving material efficiency to reducing project timelines, technology is reshaping the way we build. He also shares examples of how automation is minimizing waste and maximizing resource use.The conversation turns to the importance of adapting financial structures to support the industry's shift toward industrialized construction. Fouad emphasizes the role of early investments in ensuring successful project execution and delivering on customer expectations.Customization is becoming a game-changer in the construction industry. Fouad explains how modular approaches and tailored designs are helping companies appeal to diverse markets and differentiate themselves from competitors.We wrap up by discussing the exciting opportunities available in the construction industry. Fouad encourages young professionals to see the field as a place of innovation and growth, where they can make a meaningful impact and build a rewarding career.Find Fouad Khalil on LinkedInCheck out the partners that make our show possible.Find Us Online:Our Website - LinkedIn - YouTube - Instagram - Facebook - TikTokIf you enjoy the podcast, please rate us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to us! Thanks for listening.

We promise no original thoughts today. We do, however, hope you’ll find our borrowed insights to be useful. Eddie shares today about something he read about traits common to students in Ivy League colleges. It’s one that we’ve probably all seen in elite performers in other arenas as well. Don’t mistake it for apathy. It’s not a “Whatever” attitude. It’s just about unflappability. It’s just about not getting caught up in the stress in a way that you can’t make good decisions when the pressure is on. When you demonstrate this kind of ease, you’re setting the example for every one of your workers. You’re showing them how we handle things on this team. Here's a link to the podcast from which Eddie got the idea for today's episode. The relevant section starts around 6:30 Check out the partners that make our show possible. Find Us Online: BrosPodcast.com - LinkedIn - Youtube - Instagram - Facebook - TikTok - Eddie's LinkedIn - Tyler's LinkedIn If you enjoy the podcast, please rate us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to us! Thanks for listening!

Sponsored by Quickbase.Today we are in conversation with Scott and Bob to tackle one of construction’s biggest pain points: inconsistent data and processes. From prefab to project closeout, they break down how standardization and the right tools can bring clarity, efficiency, and real results across any job size.01:00 – Meet Scott & BobIndustry experts from Trinity and Quickbase share their mission to unify construction data and operations.03:12 – The Big Problem: Inconsistent Data & ProcessesFrom field teams to executives, construction companies are plagued by fractured workflows and siloed tools.06:25 – Small Projects, Big Blind SpotsHow smaller jobs often fall through the cracks due to ad hoc tools like spreadsheets and emails.08:45 – Why Standardization Isn’t Optional AnymoreIf your teams manage projects differently, leadership loses the ability to assess performance across the board.12:15 – Are All Construction Projects the Same? Not Quite.Recognizing project-level variation without abandoning company-wide consistency is the sweet spot.14:00 – Lean Lessons from HockeyHow teams can stay on track—even with changes—by sticking to shared systems and clear data tracking.16:30 – Debunking 'We're Different': Standardization Is Always PossibleAfter working with hundreds of firms, Scott and Bob argue no contractor is too “unique” to benefit from process clarity.20:00 – New Hires, Vacations & the Bus FactorWhy consistent workflows empower teams to pick up slack, even when key players are out.22:30 – Lighthouse Electric: A Case Study in Connected ConstructionDiscover how one company used Quickbase to map everything—from prefab to procurement—into one system.26:00 – Prototype, Don’t Perfect: Build Smarter, Not SlowerQuickbase enables rapid iteration and feedback-driven solutions rather than expensive “one-and-done” systems.29:00 – The Four Pillars of Construction Process SuccessProductivity, safety, quality, and service—how top teams prioritize all four through digital workflows.33:00 – Forecasting with Data: From Tuggers to TrendlinesReal examples show how centralizing tool tracking improves budgeting, scheduling, and field coordination.36:40 – Scalability Over Shiny ToolsWhy small- to mid-sized firms should choose flexible platforms that grow with them—not bloated software suites.38:30 – Integration Made Easy: Connecting with Any GC’s SystemQuickbase can tie into nearly any project management tool, even when juggling multiple general contractors.42:00 – Final Thoughts: Improve Continuously & Listen to Your PeopleDon’t chase the newest tech blindly—bring your experienced team into the process and build together.CHECK OUT THE PARTNERS THAT MAKE OUR SHOW POSSIBLE: https://www.brospodcast.com/partnersFIND US ONLINE: -Our website: https://www.brospodcast.com -LinkedIn:   / constructionbrospodcast   -Instagram:   / constructionbrospodcast    -TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@constructionbrothers?lang=en-Eddie on LinkedIn:   / eddie-c-057b3b11   -Tyler on LinkedIn:   / tylerscottcampbell  If you enjoy the podcast, please rate us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to us! Thanks for listening!

It’s not worth it. You want to sleep at night.Manipulation sometimes comes in the form of straight-up lying, but it also sometimes comes in half-truths, intimidation. Sometimes it even comes in the form of donuts (although we won’t complain too hard about that one). Be a straight shooter. Not only will it keep you from being found out; it will also make life more pleasant for you. Word of mouth is big in the construction industry. Your reputation will precede you. Be the person who shows up when you say you’re going to show up. Take care of problems.  Find Us Online: BrosPodcast.com - LinkedIn - Youtube - Instagram - Facebook - TikTok - Eddie's LinkedIn - Tyler's LinkedInIf you enjoy the podcast, please rate us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to us! Thanks for listening!

In this episode, we sit down with Jeff, a seasoned veteran of both military and construction tech, to explore the parallels between warfighter support and field technology in construction. From his background in the New Zealand Army to developing tools for the U.S. DoD, Jeff shares powerful insights about product bias, user experience, and how tech must serve those at the sharp end of the spear. We discuss what goes wrong when tech is built in silos, the importance of post-sales support, and why field adoption is the true measure of success. Whether you’re a startup founder, a field leader, or a technologist, this is a must-listen on how to build tools that actually work—for the people who need them most.0:00 – What really matters in product success: post-sale support1:00 – Jeff’s military background and transition to construction tech3:00 – Comparing warfighters and constructors: tools, stress, and stakes7:00 – The disconnect between tech builders and field users10:30 – Why engineering bias can derail adoption17:00 – Designing for real personas, not ideal users22:00 – Field implementation: the napkin vs the model27:00 – The power of third-party feedback and checking your “true north”35:00 – Workflow integration: A to E to C to O41:00 – Tech adoption fails without a field-level incentive47:00 – The reality of scaling tech in the U.S. market50:00 – SMB vs enterprise: choosing who you’re really building for

Can you think of a more difficult decision than the one that President Truman had to make in 1945? We can’tSometimes sitting still and not doing anything is the riskiest thing to do. Tyler recalls a conversation with friend of the show Henry Nutt III. Henry recounted a situation where his boss left him in a room and told him to sit tight until the boss returned. Henry sat around for a while and then decided to go ahead and do what it was that he thought had to be done in this room. His boss returned and decided that Henry had leadership skills. Entrepreneurship involves risk. It requires initiative and a willing to act when others might be unwilling to do so.Eddie encourages us to ask ourselves honestly what we could change about ourselves in order to improve our productivity or some other form of success. Chances are that we know what needs to be done and we’re simply not acting on that knowledge. Inaction often makes failure more likely that action. Here’s the whole quote as attributed to Harry S. Truman: “There is some risk involved in action, there always is. But there is far more risk in failure to act.”Check out the partners that make our show possible.Find Us Online: BrosPodcast.com - LinkedIn - Youtube - Instagram - Facebook - TikTok - Eddie's LinkedIn - Tyler's LinkedInIf you enjoy the podcast, please rate us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to us! Thanks for listening!

00:00 - IntroductionWe open with coffee talk today–and sugar intake, including some beverage shortcuts. Tyler calls it cheaping out; Eddie calls it hillbilly lemonade. We also reminisce about our favorite waitress, 4’10” Miss Connie with the beehive haircut. Oh yeah, also pickle races. Poor Miss Connie.08:05 - Entrepreneurship: A Good Idea?A few weeks ago, guest Matt Aston recommended the book The E-Myth Revisited (now available in an updated version). Tyler shares that this book hit him in the teeth when he picked it up recently. We’re discussing this book today because it’s filled with great content for construction-related entrepreneurs. Business is hard. Each year, 627,000 businesses are started and 595,000 businesses fail. Many of those may have been active for several years, but still, it’s clear that starting and running a business successfully is tough work. Author Michael E. Gerber shares his insights by telling the story of Sara, a fictional pie maker.12:46 - Initial E-Myth Takeaways Eddie shares the first bits of insight that he took from this book. Gerber distinguishes between the technician,  the manager, and the entrepreneur. These are three roles may exist in A technician is the person who can do something well. A manager the person who is good at logistics and task completion. An entrepreneur is the person who works not so much in the business and on the business. Tyler explains that many businesses are started by technicians who quickly find themselves needing to now fill all three of these roles. And since they may not have management strengths or entrepreneur strengths, their businesses often fail. Tyler and Eddie both share examples of how this pattern played out in their respective businesses, ABSI and Storybuilder. The pattern is one that will sound familiar to you if you’ve started your own business. As a company grows, team members are added in a less-than-strategic manner, resulting in confusion and frustration. The next step is often a soft collapse back to the point where the business owner is once again handling almost everything.   22:55 - SystemsTyler shares that his entrepreneurial journey has gone through the first part of this cycle. Tyler and Eddie discuss the smoothness of the system that makes this podcast operate and Tyler contrasts that with his business. Eddie discusses Gerbers references to Ray Kroc and what he did with McDonald’s. Kroc bought a system. Gerber makes the argument that even owners of small businesses need to approach their business like a franchise in regard to team-building, systems, and training. Tyler refers to the movie Founder, which tells Kroc’s story. This leads to some talk about the turn-key revolution pioneered by McDonald’s. Tyler encourages business owners to check out Loom as a means of creating operational guides.32:12 - Training and More Eddie shares that one of the lessons from the book that most resonated with him was the importance of determining your primary aim. In other words, what is your life goal? If this business cannot generate that reality, then don’t pursue the business. Tyler critiques this a bit, saying that the process needs to be considered as much as the primary aim. He said that the path to that end is just as important. Structuring a desired lifestyle now is as important as an entrepreneurial endgame. Eddie discusses the book’s 4 tenets of strategy: organization, management, people, and marketing. Then there’s a 5th-systems–that was more than we could discuss today. 36:12 - The HotelTyler and Eddie discuss Gerber’s hotel storyline. Gerber recounts his experience learning about the systems that enabled this hotel to operate on such a high level. Then Gerber contrasts this hotel experience with a barbershop that provides high-quality service up front but was unable to repeat the quality of that experience over time. Tyler discusses the importance of not just first but also second, third, and fourth impressions. It’s about consistently focusing on the things that are essential.  Check out the partners that make our show possible.Find Us Online: BrosPodcast.com - LinkedIn - Youtube - Instagram - Facebook - TikTok - Eddie's LinkedIn - Tyler's LinkedInIf you enjoy the podcast, please rate us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to us! Thanks for listening!

IntroductionToday we welcome Joe Purtle, who is here to talk to us about concrete forms. Joe has been in construction for well over two decades, and he’s currently the COO of Doka, which specializes in forming and shoring. Eddie shares a bit about his experience in construction back in the 2x4 and plywood days. He shares how cool it’s been to see the complexity of forms increase over time and to see how those forms have become woven into BIM software.We discuss how designers and other stakeholders view concrete forms. Joe explains that the placement of concrete drives the schedule on many large projects. And the placement of concrete is largely dependent on the completion of formwork. Cycling of formwork and big dadgum messesEddie asks Joe to explain the cycling (reuse) of forms on large projects. Doka’s job is to understand the complicated aspects of forming and pouring and how these complexities can affect a schedule. We discuss the benefits of modular approaches and cycling of forms. Joe discusses the importance of knowledgeable planning and the unfortunate results when things to wrong and a form gets trapped. It’s what the bros and their Georgia buddies would call a “dadgum mess.”Joe shares about how he has seen companies process decisions related to renting vs. buying. He also discusses sustainability issues and equipment that measures temperature and pressure to optimize the curing process. We get into the optimization of pouring and the incorporation of reusable sensors that give designers and project managers the ability to know things they would have previously not known without expensive, messy tests. Prefab of formworkEddie asks Joe to share about prefab work such as cast-in-place parking garages. Joe explains that Doka can build and ship complete beam forms that are pretty much ready to plug and play when they arrive at the job site. They have CNC machines that can put curves into forms with highly detailed specs when the customer wants it.   Tyler connects these abilities to the overall increase in complexity of structures. Joe shares about the pride we’ve discussed in previous episodes that comes with seeing a really cool building and being able to say you had something to do with that. BIM ModelingEddie asks Joe to explain how Doka’s work integrates with the BIM process. He explains that they’re already working within Revit and Tekla but that they are quickly extending their integration even further. We discuss how AI is streamline design. Then there are the AI features that simply increase the team’s everyday operations. Joe shares some thoughts about “real BIM” vs. “Hollywood BIM” and how these differences affect scheduling. Eddie shares some thoughts from a designer’s perspective as well as thoughts about storing huge form components that are not easy to move. We spend some time discussing the design rules being used to form AI and how significantly this process will likely change design work in the future. Then we discuss the role that human insight and finesse play in this process. Megaphone Message Joe’s message to the industry is this: The industry needs to come together and stop working in silos. The sooner we can create true collaboration through the available technologies, the sooner we’ll progress to a future we can’t even imagine at this point. Find Joe on LinkedIn Check out the partners that make our show possible.Find Us Online: BrosPodcast.com - LinkedIn - Youtube - Instagram - Facebook - TikTok - Eddie's LinkedIn - Tyler's LinkedInIf you enjoy the podcast, please rate us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to us! Thanks for listening