Construction Brothers

Yes, you’ve probably heard this story before. It’s one that’s worth hearing again. Here’s a link to the text in case you’re interested in following along or reading it again later.Merry Christmas, everyone. 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!

Today we discuss seasonal bloating and iconic Christmas trees.00:00 - Sweater Talk and MoviesTyler’s the bloatiest in the middle. That’s today’s bit of TMI from the CBP. We start out today with a call-back to the episode with Dad. Tyler felt compelled to retroactively vote for Home Alone 2 as one of his favorite Christmas movies. We share a few others too. 04:08 - Rockefeller Center Christmas TreeWe wanted to know if there’s anything interesting that we can learn from the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree –maybe even something about construction. The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree tradition started in 1931 when a few construction workers pooled their money to get a tree in an attempt to raise the spirits of downtown visitors in the midst of the Great Depression. This year’s tree was in a standard old subdivision side yard in New York. 08:50 - The Tree Guy and the DecorationsTyler explains that each year’s tree is chosen and the delivery/installation process is overseen by Erik Pauze, who worked his way up from the position of summer worker at Rockefeller Center to the role of Head Gardener.Once the tree is in place, workers decorate the tree with 50,000 multi-colored LEDs. These are partially powered by solar panels atop Rockefeller Center. At the top is a 9-foot, 900-pound Swarovski star covered in 3 million crystals.15:50 - What Happens After?For many years, the tree was mulched after the holiday season and the mulch used in New York parks. In recent years, the trees have been milled and dried, with the lumber being donated to Habitat for Humanity.We discuss what this topic has to do with construction, and… Well, to be honest, we’re not sure. But it’s the holidays. We’re trying to do our part in bringing Christmas cheer. 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

Today Eddie relays 3 costs of leadership that he learned from Kirby Smart from University of Georgia.1) You will have to make hard decisions that negatively impact people you care about.2) You will be disliked despite your best attempts to do the best for the most. 3) You will be misunderstood, and you won’t always have the chance to defend yourself.Eddie’s advice: Write these down as a reminder to yourself. Leadership can be tough. It’s a part of the deal. 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!

This week we continue the conversation we started last week with Dad.00:00 - Introduction01:38 - Bogus RFIsDad continues his thoughts from last week regarding industry inefficiencies and complications. He explains how many people use the RFI as a delay tactic. He’s seen this on the receiving side as a project manager, but he’s also seen members of his own team do it from the sending side. Eddie talks about how he’s seen people creating an unnecessarily adversarial relationship for their own advantage. We discuss how this is present in at least some pockets of every sector of the industry. We discuss the role of owners in establishing the company culture in these regards.Dad recalls some technology complications when working with Tekla required several extra steps.09:15 - Product ProblemsEddie discusses the economies and efficiencies of steel production and design. Then he shifts to an exploration of the complexities of seeking subcontractors that can produce exactly what you, as a designer or fabricator, need from them. Dad sees it somewhat differently. He sees the problems as arising primarily from lack of specialty knowledge on the part of the designers. When the subs push back, the GCs don’t know enough about the sub’s industry to know that some of that pushback is nonsense. He says no part of this industry is rocket science, and that anyone who is willing to invest the research time can become knowledgeable about their related specialties. Eddie chimes in with some recollections of market shifts and subcontractor complications at various points in the growth of the industry.18:32 - The Sheet Metal Mattered…Dad shares about a project in Tampa where the quality and production method of the sheet metal complicated a project. Eddie discusses how some effectively handled BIM work couldn’t smoothly lead to a satisfactory final product without lots and lots of extra communication with the subs. Dad talks about Tekla added a new kind of fastener as a result of one ABSI project. We explore the reality that boldness is required to stretch the capabilities of software, production, and application. 23:13 - BIM’s Nothing More Than a Tool…Dad talks about how BIM is one of many industry tools that is only really useful if it’s in the hands of an expert. We get into the importance of knowing the industry nuances of a particular region–the little construction dialects and ecosystem issues. Eddie asks Dad to advise up-and-comers general contractors and project managers who want to break out of the fray. He starts with a review of the ways that business comes to different positions at different times. Then he tries to get us to gripe about RTU frames and the disproportionate complications those create. Dad finally gets around to his advice: Learn how to build. Then pay attention to what the subs are telling you but don’t believe everything they say. Eddie translates, clarifying that subs don’t necessarily know more than you do. He compares it to the classic ham-butt problem.34:51 - Software EvangelismWe discuss the claims of supposed savings that subs say they could have provided. Are they just blowing hot air? Often that’s the case. Dad claims some credit for the growth of Tekla. We reminisce about software evangelism experiences. Eddie recalls a presentation to a skeptical group that became deeply invested as soon as they saw a 3D image. Then we veer into our contempt for lying and the bridge-burning that result from it. Tyler shares a story about RTU solution shared with him and about how he learned that the most powerful question in construction: “Why?” Significant inefficiencies can often be avoided by asking that question kindly and selectively. 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

Tyler’s lit up--not angry, just literally lit up. Check out the Youtube version if you’re interested in seeing an illuminated version of Tyler. (We’ll understand if you’re okay sticking with the audio.)Tyler shares today about coping when things don’t go as planned. His suggestions? Nod. Accept it. Adjust. Focus on a solution. Eddie contributes some thoughts about how personality styles fit into these situations. He also reminds us that the way you handle the unexpected will have a significant effect on the way people see you.Yes, it’s important to be sure that you don’t let people take advantage of your roll-with-the-punches disposition. That being said, people will be much more likely to seek opportunities to work with you show yourself to be flexible. 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!

01:23 - IntroductionWe start out today with a short round-table chat about Mom dressing Tyler. And cussing. And Gallagher.03:20 - MoviesWe list some of our favorite movies–Christmas ones and Schwarzenegger ones. Dad thinks most Hallmark movies should just move on down the road. But then he goes on to talk about the one he watched with Mom. We learn that Pierce Brosnan has lost all of Dad’s respect.When it comes to Christmas movies, Eddie shares that Christmas Vacation is one of his favorites. Dad hasn’t seen it. He is a fan of Scrooged, though–especially Bobcat. Tyler shares a vote for Daddy’s Home. Dad shares that he doesn’t want to have anything to do with Elf. 10:50 - ABSI and TraumaTyler executes one of the oddest segues we’ve seen, but that does get us around to a conversation we wanted to have the last time Dad joined us. Dad was working on a project in Florida. Dad’s team won the bid, but he believes they got it because the owners knew they could push his team around. Then came the RFIs. Then came the atrium–with fiber optic stars. Dad played multiple roles on this project, and he saw his schedule slipping and slipping because of work not done in the design stage. Long story short, he decided it was time to move on from that company and start ABSI.25:50 - Birth of BIM and our first exposure to TeklaEddie shares about the first times he was exposed to these new terms and software packages. Dad reminisces about the earliest computerized drawings he did. 30:47 - Lessons LearnedEddie airs some grievances about where the industry is compared to where it should be. It’s the whole Jetsons flying-car thing. We speculate about why we haven’t come further. Dad talks about critical paths and faxes and crickets chirping as he sought to drum up business. Eddie thinks it’s largely obstinance and risk-aversion.The rest of this conversation will be in next week’s episode. 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

If you want to stand out in business, don’t be a whiner. It’s a natural human tendency, for sure. That’s why avoiding it will help you stand out from the crowd. Whining wastes time and strains relationships. The more you can suck it up and do the work when circumstances are tough, the better things will go for you and those around you. 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!

00:46 - IntroductionTyler shares a bit about Bill Holton and then starts us off with a few complaints about shipping shortfalls. 04:29 - Kubota HistoryBill reviews the background of Kubota in the US. In 1972, Kubota started selling tractors in the US. By 1978 they were selling excavators to construction contractors. The breadth of the Kubota line has been growing ever since. Over those 50 years, they’ve worked their way into just about every segment of construction. Tyler shares this thoughts about the stand-on skid steer 07:03 - The Present and Future for Kubota Bill drops a teaser about a new piece of orange equipment that will be announced at the World of Concrete. (We could tell he was tempted to spill the beans now.) He shares with us about his journey from safety inspector to his current position with Kubota. Then he tells us about the creation of Kubota University, the annual training program for sales reps and others. The program runs for eight weeks, providing playing/learning time for nearly 700 salespersons from around the country. He explains how important it is for sales staff to have hands-on experience. 17:40 - Kubota Ranch and KPathersTyler asks Bill to share about another hands-on opportunity that Kubota offers customers. He discusses the 300-acre space they’ve set aside to help people test the limits of the equipment. From there, Tyler shifts to the topic of Texas barbecue. Eddie asks Bill to share about the two-year KPathers program for recent college graduates. The purpose of the program is to provide participants with a sampling of direct experience in various aspects of the Kubota company. 30:35 - Megaphone MessageBill says he’d like to encourage the construction industry to be realistic and thoughtful about the transition to electric-powered equipment. Find Bill on LinkedInCheck 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

When it comes to confidence and peace of mind within your business, there’s nothing that compares to having employees who actually care. Is this obvious? Yup. Still bears repeating.When your workers are thankful for their job, they’re going to bring creativity, responsiveness, and conscientiousness to their work. Everyone that your business touches will notice the difference. How do you make your employees thankful? Treat them well. Model gratitude. Show appreciation. Complain less. Take advantage of little opportunities to let every contractor, client, or customer you come into contact with that you’re thankful for the role they play in your professional life. 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!

Today’s episode includes a visual demonstration, so you may want to consider watching the Youtube version. This episode is a re-air from earlier in 2023.00:00 - Bloody Dumpling Shenanigans (and Introduction)Dumplings can be deadly. What a birthday… After that story, we shift to today’s guest, John Fay.John is the founder and CEO of Låda Cube (pronounced Lauda Cube). Låda Cube produces pre-fab cassettes that are used in the place of conventional stud-and-drywall walls. 04:25 - John Explains Låda CubeRecent refinements of production efficiencies has enabled Låda Cube to explore the benefits of standardization. This standardization yields multiple benefits:Final assembly is more consistent.Assembly can be handled by minimally skilled workersEntire walls can be disassembled and their parts reused–either when it’s time to reconfigure a space or in the case of a more complete demolition.Låda Cube modules are small enough to be easily handled, and they fit together with a cam-lock system that each has 750 lbs of carrying power. The cassette-built wall can then be covered with a variety of finish surfaces that can be switched out when it’s time for a change of decor. 10:15 - Timelapse Video John explains that specialized cassettes can serve customized features:Increased load-bearing capacityPlug-and-play electrical systemsSpace for plumbing accessThe goal is to have a system that never goes obsolete–that will be reverse compatible long into the future.John shares about one of Låda Cube’s large recent projects, a series of WalMart vision centers. If the work on these centers would have been done using conventional methods, it would have taken 16 days per center. With the modules, each center was finished in 3 days.15:30 - Cost and Production PaceWe explore the topic of cost. As you might expect, this type of product is currently a premium product. Låda Cube is currently priced at $4.50/linear foot. John believes digitization and production improvements will eventually bring that number below $2. The trickle-down benefits of standardization include faster estimates and reduced errors. John said his crew can generally give a phase-one drawing within just a few hours.The Låda Cube team is now working on software integrations that will populate modules in the design phase so that estimates and invoices can be almost immediate and also transparent. We discuss both cost and quality. John explains that the ½” MDF that is their current main skin finish material. He says that they’re occasionally using Avonite and, in the long run, would like to pursue partnerships with gypsum manufacturers to integrate small panels with easy seam solutions. 27:32 - Vision Center Cost BreakdownsTyler asks John to share some of the specific costs related to the Walmart vision center projects, including a large refund that the accountants struggled to process. John anticipates the development of a third-party market for exchanging components of this sort of system. He explains that there is no reason for any of their products to ever end up in a landfill.We hear about door integration when John explains that representatives from MillerKnoll contacted them to say that they’ve never hung a door on a truer wall. This is due to the fact that the Låda Cube cassettes are built to tolerances of 15/100”.Eddie addresses some of the mindset shifts that owners, contractors, and municipalities will need to consider in transitioning to this sort of construction. 37:50 - John’s Megaphone MessageThe Låda Cube team sees themselves as changers of environments. When they approach a worksite, they try to remove the fear and tension that might be there.They want to show compassion and to champion people well.Find John Online: LinkedIn - Låda CubeCheck 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