Construction Champions Podcast

Most construction projects don’t fail because of bad builders, they fail because of bad documentation and poor coordination.In this episode of Construction Champions, host Ron Nussbaum sits down with Marcy Sagal, Principal and Founder of MSA Interiors, a firm specializing in multifamily, senior housing, healthcare, and large-scale developments. With 25+ years in the industry, Marcy explains why getting design and documentation right the first time saves millions, builds stronger client relationships, and prevents costly mistakes.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why designing it right the first time is the foundation of a successful buildThe true cost of bad documentation (and how to avoid it)How early collaboration between architects, engineers, contractors, and designers prevents expensive reworkWhy weekly coordination calls save clients money and frustrationReal-world stories: from stadium renovations to multifamily housing to historic restorationsHow one set of flawless documents led to an unexpected call and a major stadium project years laterConnect with Marcy: MSA Interiorshttps://msainteriors.com/construction/Don’t let poor documentation sink your project. Learn how to do it right the first time.Listen on Wreaths Across America RadioMondays at 2pm ET and Saturdays at 8pm EThttps://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/Newsroom/WreathsAcrossAmericaRadioConnectRonhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-nussbaumhttps://www.ron-nussbaum.com/BuilderComs: The Client Communication Hub for Constructionhttps://www.buildercoms.com/ Website https://www.constructionchampionspodcast.com/Episode Bloghttps://www.constructionchampionspodcast.com/post/design-it-right-the-first-time-why-documentation-and-collaboration-save-millions-in-construction

Most contractors spend their lives building America but never build financial freedom.In this episode of Construction Champions, host Ron Nussbaum sits down with Ron Beckner Navy veteran, third-generation pipefitter, and financial advisor, to expose the hard truths about money in construction that no one teaches you.If you’ve ever thought buying a $150K truck is a tax strategy… this episode is for you.What You’ll Learn:The top 5 financial mistakes contractors make that keep them brokeWhy most 401(k) and retirement plans don’t work for working-class AmericansHow to bulletproof your finances with the R TIME™ formulaThe 5-point STAR system to protect your money, health, and legacySmarter tax strategies for contractors (beyond equipment write-offs)How to build real wealth and retire on your termsGuest Ron Beckner is the author of A Blueprint and Financial Guide for the Working Class American (Amazon & Audible).Connect with Ron: Peaks Integrity https://www.raymondjames.com/peaksintegrityDon’t just build projects. Build your financial future.Listen on Wreaths Across America RadioMondays at 2pm ET and Saturdays at 8pm EThttps://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/Newsroom/WreathsAcrossAmericaRadioConnectRonhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-nussbaumhttps://www.ron-nussbaum.com/BuilderComs: The Client Communication Hub for Constructionhttps://www.buildercoms.com/ Website https://www.constructionchampionspodcast.com/

In this episode of Construction Champions, we’re joined by Nicolas Breedlove, founder of PlaygroundEquipment.com, to dive into how his company scales nationally while keeping one thing non-negotiable: no callbacks.From schools and parks to general contractors and cities PlaygroundEquipment.com serves clients across the country. And they’ve built systems that make sure every job gets done right the first time.✅ Why callbacks kill scale in construction✅ How to train teams to solve problems before they happen✅ What it takes to run a national business in a high-touch industry✅ Why doing it right is cheaper than doing it twiceThis is a masterclass in running a customer-focused, operationally sound business in construction.Listen on Wreaths Across America RadioMondays at 2pm ET and Saturdays at 8pm EThttps://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/Newsroom/WreathsAcrossAmericaRadioConnecthttps://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolas-breedlove/https://www.playgroundequipment.com/Ronhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-nussbaumhttps://www.ron-nussbaum.com/BuilderComs: The Client Communication Hub for Constructionhttps://www.buildercoms.com/ Website https://www.constructionchampionspodcast.com/Episode Bloghttps://www.constructionchampionspodcast.com/post/why-this-national-playground-company-can%E2%80%99t-afford-callbacks

Want to stop losing deals at the pricing conversation?In this episode of Construction Champions, host Ron Nussbaum talks with Christopher Scoville, Founder & CEO of IMPROVIFI, a multi-lender financing platform crafted for contractors. Chris shares how offering financing can prevent lost sales, improve approval rates, and help builders confidently close more jobs.What you'll learn:Why contractors lose once-in-a-lifetime clients at the price stageHow IMPROVIFI's multi-lender system boosts client approval ratesThe difference between financing software and strategic sales toolsHow contractors can use financing to increase sales—not just fund themIf you’ve ever lost a sale to sticker shock or want more confidence when quoting this episode is for you.Listen on Wreaths Across America RadioMondays at 2pm ET and Saturdays at 8pm EThttps://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/Newsroom/WreathsAcrossAmericaRadioConnecthttps://improvifi.com/Ronhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-nussbaumhttps://www.ron-nussbaum.com/BuilderComs: The Client Communication Hub for Constructionhttps://www.buildercoms.com/ Website https://www.constructionchampionspodcast.com/Episode Bloghttps://www.constructionchampionspodcast.com/post/how-contractors-can-close-more-jobs-with-financing-options

Struggling to find and keep the right people?In this episode of Construction Champions, host Ron Nussbaum sits down with Mike Matalone, founder of XP3 Talent, to break down why most contractors hire the wrong way… and what to do instead.With decades of experience helping businesses build top-tier teams, Mike reveals how to stop wasting time on bad hires and start building a team that actually drives your company forward.✅ Why most hiring fails in the trades✅ The key to attracting the right talent in 2025✅ How to hire based on values, not just resumes✅ What culture really means (and how to fix yours)✅ How to become a leader your team wants to followIf you’re a contractor tired of turnover, no-shows, and poor culture, don’t miss this.Listen on Wreaths Across America RadioMondays at 2pm ET and Saturdays at 8pm EThttps://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/Newsroom/WreathsAcrossAmericaRadioConnectMikehttps://www.xp3talent.com/Ronhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-nussbaumhttps://www.ron-nussbaum.com/BuilderComs: The Client Communication Hub for Constructionhttps://www.buildercoms.com/ Website https://www.constructionchampionspodcast.com/

What does it take to last 30+ years in construction and still be thriving?In this episode of Construction Champions, host Ron Nussbaum sits down with general contractor Stacie Stewart, who built her career from mortgage lending to fix-and-flips, land development, and full-scale subdivisions.Now, she’s training the next generation of builders and she’s not holding anything back.✅ Why relationships are the real secret to construction success✅ The truth about subcontractor communication✅ How Stacie scaled from flipping homes to building entire subdivisions✅ What she teaches her students about doing things the right way✅ How she’s preparing to dominate in government contractingIf you're a builder, GC, or investor who wants to play the long game, this episode is for you.Listen on Wreaths Across America RadioMondays at 2pm ET and Saturdays at 8pm EThttps://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/Newsroom/WreathsAcrossAmericaRadioConnectStaciehttps://buildwithstacie.com/https://bwicontractors.comRonhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-nussbaumhttps://www.ron-nussbaum.com/BuilderComs: The Client Communication Hub for Constructionhttps://www.buildercoms.com/ Website https://www.constructionchampionspodcast.com/

Most construction software isn’t built for the people who actually use it.In this episode of Construction Champions, host Ron Nussbaum sits down with Pam Duffy, mechanical engineer and founder of Powerhouse Consulting Group, to break down why technology in the construction world so often fails and what needs to change.Pam shares her journey from engineering to leadership and consulting, and how her firm helps teams choose the right tools and actually use them.✅ Why software adoption fails in construction✅ The disconnect between tool creators and tool users✅ Why buying more tools isn’t the answer✅ How Powerhouse Consulting Group helps teams with selection and training✅ Why people should come before platformsIf you’ve ever bought software that didn’t deliver, this episode is for you.Listen on Wreaths Across America RadioMondays at 2pm ET and Saturdays at 8pm EThttps://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/Newsroom/WreathsAcrossAmericaRadioConnectPam https://mypowerhouse.group/https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisispamduffy/Ronhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-nussbaumhttps://www.ron-nussbaum.com/BuilderComs: The Client Communication Hub for Constructionhttps://www.buildercoms.com/ Website https://www.constructionchampionspodcast.com/Episode Bloghttps://www.constructionchampionspodcast.com/post/why-construction-software-fails-and-how-to-fix-it

Most construction companies waste money on marketing, but it doesn’t have to be that way.In this episode of Construction Champions, host Ron Nussbaum sits down with Paige Wiese, founder of Tree Ring Digital, to talk about how contractors can actually make marketing work.From busted SEO promises to misunderstood branding, Paige breaks down the real reasons marketing doesn’t work for most contractors and what to do differently.✅ Why “set it and forget it” marketing fails✅ The truth about SEO, leads, and Google✅ What every contractor needs before spending on ads✅ Why marketing should always align with your brand voice✅ How Tree Ring Digital helps contractors get resultsIf you’re spending money on marketing and not seeing results, this episode is a must-listen.Listen on Wreaths Across America RadioMondays at 2pm ET and Saturdays at 8pm EThttps://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/Newsroom/WreathsAcrossAmericaRadioConnectPaigeWebsite: https://www.treeringdigital.com/ConstructionChampionsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paigewiese/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TreeRingDigital/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/treeringdigital/Tree Ring Digital LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/treeringdigital/posts/?feedView=allYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@treeringdigitalRonhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-nussbaumhttps://www.ron-nussbaum.com/BuilderComs: The Client Communication Hub for Constructionhttps://www.buildercoms.com/ Website https://www.constructionchampionspodcast.com/Episode Bloghttps://www.constructionchampionspodcast.com/post/marketing-in-construction-is-broken-here-s-how-to-fix-it

The SEO game is changing, fast.In this episode of Construction Champions, Ron Nussbaum sits down with Bob Clark, founder of Contractors Partner, a digital marketing agency that specializes in helping contractors rank #1, get leads, and build a brand that wins.Bob shares what’s actually happening in search today, from Google’s new AI overviews to why content and branding are more important than ever. With AI reshaping how customers search, Bob explains how small contractors can stay ahead by building a brand that shows up everywhere.✅ Why Google’s search results are being replaced by AI✅ How local contractors can still rank #1✅ What contractors must do to win long term✅ SEO myths and mistakes in the trades✅ How Bob went from homebuilder to SEO expertIf you rely on referrals, rankings, or leads, this is a must-listen episode.Listen on Wreaths Across America RadioMondays at 2pm ET and Saturdays at 8pm EThttps://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/Newsroom/WreathsAcrossAmericaRadioConnectBobwww.contractorspartner.comhttps://www.youtube.com/@contractorspartnerRonhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-nussbaumhttps://www.ron-nussbaum.com/BuilderComs: The Client Communication Hub for Constructionhttps://www.buildercoms.com/ Website https://www.constructionchampionspodcast.com/

What happens when a Navy submarine officer becomes a general contractor… and then a business coach?In this episode of Construction Champions, host Ron Nussbaum sits down with Dave Rossberg to talk about the real battlefield in construction, not just bidding, building, or margins, but customer service.Dave shares his wild journey from nuclear subs to startup chaos to government contracting and finally to helping trades-based businesses run smoother, scale faster, and serve better.This episode is packed with raw, practical insight:✅ Why contractors are losing sight of the customer✅ How consolidation is coming and what to do now✅ Why systems should serve the client, not the owner’s ego✅ The surprising mindset shift contractors need to thrive✅ What really separates construction champions from everyone elseIf you're in the trades and serious about building a business that lasts, this episode is for you.Listen on Wreaths Across America RadioMondays at 2pm ET and Saturdays at 8pm EThttps://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/Newsroom/WreathsAcrossAmericaRadioConnectDavedave@davidrossberg.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/davidrossberg/Ronhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-nussbaumhttps://www.ron-nussbaum.com/BuilderComs: The Client Communication Hub for Constructionhttps://www.buildercoms.com/ Website https://www.constructionchampionspodcast.com/