Construction Champions Podcast

Too many construction companies stay stuck because they’re afraid to change.In this episode of Construction Champions, host Ron Nussbaum sits down with Seth Fryer of Seppinen Contracting to talk about what it really takes to scale a construction business, from defining your vision to investing in growth and building communication between sales and operations.Seth shares real lessons from leading a 35-year-old family business through transition, growth, and modernization, including how to turn resistance into results and build clarity that unites your entire team.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhy clarity and vision separate small businesses from great onesHow to align your sales and operations teams for better communicationWhy “we’ve always done it that way” is the most dangerous phrase in constructionHow to introduce new leadership without disrupting company cultureTurning costs into investments, the mindset shift that fuels growthHow adaptability keeps contractors competitive in any marketThe difference between short-term revenue and long-term relationshipsHow to calculate the true ROI of business developmentLearn more about Seppinen Contracting: https://www.seppanencontractinginc.com/Connect with Seth on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seth-fryer-740725366/FREE Skool group!https://www.skool.com/mission-elite-ops-5659/about?ref=1a55bdb77dba443485258ad567edbb23Listen 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/

The construction industry doesn’t have a labor problem, it has a marketing problem.In this episode of Construction Champions, host Ron Nussbaum talks with JJ Owen, Executive Director of the Skilled Careers Coalition, and Jennifer Wilkerson, Vice President of NCCER, about how we can rebuild the reputation of construction and inspire the next generation of builders.They discuss how social media storytelling, mentorship, and authentic on-the-job content are transforming how Gen Z and Gen Alpha view the trades and how every contractor can get involved.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhy construction doesn’t need hype, it needs authenticityHow to make the trades aspirational again through real storytellingHow TikTok & YouTube creators are reshaping recruitmentThe “Tool Belt Generation” what Gen Z really thinks about the tradesHow to connect contractors directly with local schoolsWhy apprenticeships are the real four-year degreeThe massive opportunity for parents, coaches, and mentors to helpHow to turn awareness into long-term careers and pride in building AmericaLearn more:https://skilledcareers.orghttps://www.nccer.orgFREE Skool group!https://www.skool.com/mission-elite-ops-5659/about?ref=1a55bdb77dba443485258ad567edbb23Listen 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/

Most construction leaders burn out because they’re stuck putting out fires instead of building leaders.In this episode of Construction Champions, host Ron Nussbaum talks with Dr. Darrin Peppard, award-winning educator, leadership expert, and founder of Road to Awesome, about how to lead with clarity, stop being the firefighter, and create a team that leads itself.Darrin shares his journey from classroom teacher to superintendent and how his leadership lessons apply directly to construction owners and foremen learning to empower others.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:How to stop firefighting and start leading with clarityWhy most “servant leaders” get it wrong and how to fix itHow to empower foremen and team leads to solve problemsThe importance of listening and being intentional as a leaderWhy accountability and coaching are non-negotiable for growthHow to develop leaders from within and scale your business sustainablyWhy investing in leadership coaching saves money and time long-termLearn more: https://roadtoawesome.net/Connect with Darrin:LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrin-m-peppard-ed-d-29a7a147/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/darrin_m_peppard/?hl=enFREE Skool group!https://www.skool.com/mission-elite-ops-5659/about?ref=1a55bdb77dba443485258ad567edbb23Listen 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/

AI isn’t the future, it’s already here in construction.In this episode of Construction Champions, host Ron Nussbaum talks with returning guest James Hatfield, Chief Revenue Officer at LiveSwitch, about how contractors can start using AI right now to document jobs, reduce travel, improve communication, and protect their projects from risk and rework.James shares how AI is changing construction the same way paint sprayers, smartphones, and Nextel radios once did, one tool at a time. This episode breaks it all down in plain English, showing you where to start and how to scale.What You’ll Learn:How to start using AI today, even for freeWhy video documentation is the next revolution in constructionHow to use your phone to capture and analyze jobsite dataHow AI can eliminate manual data entry and paperwork fatigueWhy construction companies that adopt AI now will lead tomorrowHow LiveSwitch helps builders use video, voice, and AI to skip truck trips and save timeWhat the next generation of construction tools (like smart glasses) will look likeLearn more: Book a demo: https://book-a-demo.referral-factory.com/uifcCa22Website: https://www.liveswitch.com/Start your free trial: https://www.liveswitch.com/contact-signupCoupon: Use code "Champions10" for 10% off at checkout! Connect with James: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-hatfield/FREE Skool group!https://www.skool.com/mission-elite-ops-5659/about?ref=1a55bdb77dba443485258ad567edbb23Listen 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/ Websitehttps://www.constructionchampionspodcast.com/

Too many builders hit a wall trying to grow. Long hours, no profit, total burnout, it’s the silent crisis in construction.In this episode of Construction Champions, host Ron Nussbaum talks with Kyle Zanetto, founder of Zanetto Builders and Future Builder, about what it really takes to scale a construction company, systemize operations, and protect your sanity.Kyle went from 80-hour weeks and financial stress to running a $15 million high-performance home company with 36 employees, then built Future Builder, an educational platform now helping 100 builders around the world turn chaos into clarity.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:How to break free from burnout and rebuild your businessWhy most builders under-price jobs 25–30% (and how to fix it)How to estimate true labor costs and use live scoreboardsThe key to scaling without losing quality or controlWhy builders need business education as much as craftsmanshipHow collaboration beats competition in constructionHow Future Builder gives builders a complete white-label business systemConnect with Kyle: https://www.futurebuilder.co/Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/future.builder.co/Learn more about Zanetto Builders: https://www.zanettobuilders.com.au/Listen on Wreaths Across America RadioMondays at 2pm ET and Saturdays at 8pm EThttps://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/Newsroom/WreathsAcrossAmericaRadioFREE Skool group!https://www.skool.com/mission-elite-ops-5659/about?ref=1a55bdb77dba443485258ad567edbb23Ronhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-nussbaumhttps://www.ron-nussbaum.com/BuilderComs: The Client Communication Hub for Constructionhttps://www.buildercoms.com/ Websitehttps://www.constructionchampionspodcast.com/

What if your construction business could keep growing, even while you step back?In this episode of Construction Champions, host Ron Nussbaum talks with Dr. Ruth Mannschreck, dentist-turned-business-systems strategist and founder of WorkFewerHours.com, about how to design a company that runs without you.After reducing her own practice from 5 days to 2½ days a week and growing revenue, Dr. Ruth shares the same process any contractor can use to work smarter, not longer.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why “time management” is a myth and behavior management is the real secretThe 5 areas that make a business run without you (system, communication, team, culture, leadership)How to build robust operating systems for estimating, procurement & deliverySimple ways to fix chaotic communication without adding more meetingsHow to attract and retain high-performing team members with growth conferencesTurning core values into daily behaviors that shape company cultureThe shift from “working in your business” to “leading from behind your team”Download Dr. Ruth’s free checklist here: https://workfewerhours.comIf you’ve ever said “I don’t have enough time,” this episode will change how you think about ownership forever.Listen on Wreaths Across America RadioMondays at 2pm ET and Saturdays at 8pm EThttps://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/Newsroom/WreathsAcrossAmericaRadioFREE Skool group!https://www.skool.com/mission-elite-ops-5659/about?ref=1a55bdb77dba443485258ad567edbb23ConnectRonhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-nussbaumhttps://www.ron-nussbaum.com/BuilderComs: The Client Communication Hub for Constructionhttps://www.buildercoms.com/ Websitehttps://www.constructionchampionspodcast.com/

If you’ve ever seen “licensed and bonded” on a contractor’s truck but didn’t really know what that meant this episode is for you.In this episode of Construction Champions, host Ron Nussbaum talks with Gary Eastman, attorney and founder of Swiftbonds.com, about the truth behind surety bonds, what they are, how they work, and why more private and residential projects are starting to require them.Gary breaks down everything contractors need to know about bonding, including:What a surety bond actually is (and how it protects all parties)The difference between performance and payment bondsHow much bonds cost (and who pays for them)Why surety bonding is moving from government to private sector projectsHow contractors can get approved for their first bondCommon myths about bonding that hold builders backWhether you’re in commercial, residential, or public work, this episode will make you more informed than 90% of contractors in the field.Learn more at https://swiftbonds.com/or connect with Gary on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-eastman-6284323/Listen on Wreaths Across America RadioMondays at 2pm ET and Saturdays at 8pm EThttps://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/Newsroom/WreathsAcrossAmericaRadioFREE Skool group!https://www.skool.com/mission-elite-ops-5659/about?ref=1a55bdb77dba443485258ad567edbb23ConnectRonhttps://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/

How do you grow a family HVAC business into a multi-location success story without losing your values?In this episode of Construction Champions, host Ron Nussbaum talks with Trey McWilliams, third-generation HVAC leader and founder of Blue Cardinal Home Services, about what it takes to grow, lead, and exit the right way.Trey shares how he turned his family business into a powerhouse by staying true to his craftsman-first mindset, creating structure without losing heart, and building a team of champions that now leads the way in HVAC, plumbing, and electrical.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:How to grow a family business into a scalable platformWhat it really takes to be a tradesman-first leaderWhy sales isn’t about pressure, it’s about permanent solutionsHow to create the right dispatch and technician mix for performanceWhen to take chips off the table without selling your soulHow Blue Cardinal Home Services empowers operators, not replaces themWhy “working yourself out of a job” is the real definition of leadershipLearn more: https://www.bluecardinalhomeservices.com/Connect with Trey: trey@mcwilliamsandson.comListen on Wreaths Across America RadioMondays at 2pm ET and Saturdays at 8pm EThttps://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/Newsroom/WreathsAcrossAmericaRadioFREE Skool group!https://www.skool.com/mission-elite-ops-5659/about?ref=1a55bdb77dba443485258ad567edbb23Ronhttps://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/

FREE Skool group!https://www.skool.com/mission-elite-ops-5659/about?ref=1a55bdb77dba443485258ad567edbb23Most contractors think marketing success means running ads. But the truth is, your Google Business Profile, reviews, and office location are doing most of the heavy lifting.In this episode of Construction Champions, host Ron Nussbaum talks with Gabe Bustos, founder of Hector Home Services Marketing, about the real-world steps to build predictable, reliable lead flow using Google Maps, reviews, and smart location strategy.Gabe explains exactly how to:Rank higher on Google Maps and get consistent leadsCollect and manage Google Reviews the right wayUse your office location to dominate your target marketDecide when to use SEO vs paid ads for local leadsAdapt to AI-driven ad changes on Google & MetaCreate authentic content that outperforms AI templatesFree Analysis Offer: https://hectorhomeservicesmarketing.com/If you’ve ever asked “how do I get more construction leads online?”, this episode gives you the blueprint.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/

Construction is changing fast and the biggest threats aren’t just interest rates.In this special edition of Construction Champions, host Ron Nussbaum sits down with Scott Cannon, CEO of BigRentz and SiteStack, to talk about the real challenges contractors face in 2025: rising costs, labor shortages, supply chain unpredictability, and consolidation from private equity.Scott explains why predictability of cost is the real tax on contractors, how AI procurement platforms like SiteStack help level the playing field, and why small contractors must collaborate and embrace tech if they want to compete against national roll-ups.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why interest rate cuts don’t solve construction’s real pain pointsHow material costs rose 40% in five years (and what to do about it)Why we’ll be short 1–2 million electricians in the next decadeHow AI procurement tools predict costs and improve bidding accuracyWhy data co-ops give independents power against national playersHow private equity consolidation is reshaping construction tradesWhy adopting software built for construction is non-negotiable in 2025Listen on Wreaths Across America RadioMondays at 2pm ET and Saturdays at 8pm EThttps://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/Newsroom/WreathsAcrossAmericaRadioConnectScotthttps://www.bigrentz.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/sccannon/Ronhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-nussbaumFREE Skool group!https://www.skool.com/mission-elite-ops-5659/about?ref=1a55bdb77dba443485258ad567edbb23BuilderComs: The Client Communication Hub for Constructionhttps://www.buildercoms.com/ Website https://www.constructionchampionspodcast.com/