Construction Champions Podcast

Most contractors struggle with hiring and retention, but it doesn’t have to be that way.In this episode of Construction Champions, host Ron Nussbaum sits down with Paul Sanneman, founder of Contractor Staffing Source, who has worked with over 2,000 contractors in 40+ years. Paul explains why most contractors fail at hiring, the six myths that hold them back, and how AI and technology are changing recruiting forever.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why recruiting never stops if you want to grow your businessThe 6 myths that make contractors fail at hiringHow to write job ads that actually attract A-playersWhy speed-to-response is the key to winning candidatesHow AI is transforming recruiting (from job ads to interviews)Why “adapt or die” applies to hiring as much as to technologyWhy employees aren’t expensive, they’re your best investmentListen on Wreaths Across America RadioMondays at 2pm ET and Saturdays at 8pm EThttps://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/Newsroom/WreathsAcrossAmericaRadioConnectPaulMillion Dollar hire - Course https://contractorstaffingsource.com/free-course/?afmc=2p Free Cognitive ability assessment https://contractorstaffingsource.com/cognitive-ability-test/?afmc=2q Free DISC Assessment https://contractorstaffingsource.com/disc-assessment/?afmc=2r Website: http://www.contractorstaffingsource.com?afmc=BuildercomsRonhttps://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-contractors-fail-at-hiring-and-how-to-fix-it-with-ai

Most developers struggle with parking ratios, excavation costs, and wasted space in new builds. But what if there was a smarter way?In this episode of Construction Champions, host Ron Nussbaum talks with Christopher Tiessen, President & CEO of Klaus Multiparking America, about mechanical parking systems and how they’re changing the way we think about space in construction.Christopher breaks down:What mechanical parking actually is (stackers, puzzle parking, and fully automated systems)How it saves developers money on excavation, labor, and materialsWhy education is the biggest barrier to adoption in the U.S. marketHow these systems create faster ROI and open up new revenue opportunitiesWhat contractors, developers, and municipalities need to understand about this innovationWhether you’re a contractor, developer, or city planner, this episode gives you the tools to understand how mechanical parking fits into the future of construction and urban development.Listen on Wreaths Across America RadioMondays at 2pm ET and Saturdays at 8pm EThttps://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/Newsroom/WreathsAcrossAmericaRadioConnecthttps://us.multiparking.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-tiessen-6bb4ba14b/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/

Are you tired of working 24/7 in your construction business?Most contractors don’t have a business, they just have a stressful job. In this episode of Construction Champions, host Ron Nussbaum talks with Mike Abramowitz (Better Than Rich) about the systems every contractor needs to grow a predictable business.We cover:How to grow your construction business without burning outWhy contractors need a CRM, website optimization, and client journeyHow to set up systems that create freedom (not chaos)Why most contractors never build sellable or scalable companiesHow automation can save you 10–20 hours a weekFree resources: https://betterthanrich.com/GSDListen 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/the-lead-domino-how-contractors-can-fix-the-foundation-of-their-business

How do you go from selling furniture to building a $15 million roofing and restoration company in just a few years?In this episode of Construction Champions, host Ron Nussbaum talks with Aaron Christy, founder of Indy Roofing & Restoration, about how consistency, reviews, and relationships helped him scale into one of Indiana’s top residential roofing companies. Aaron shares how he leveraged Google reviews, guerrilla marketing, and networking with realtors to gain traction and why consistency in the “little things” separates champions from the rest. He also opens up about visiting other companies, learning from industry mentors, and how conferences can (and can’t) create real value.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:How Aaron pivoted from furniture sales to roofing in 2018Why Google reviews are a game-changer for lead generationThe power of asking happy customers every time (and making it habit)Why consistency is the real difference-maker in scaling a companyThe importance of mentorship and visiting other contractorsWhat to look for (and avoid) when investing in conferencesConnect with Aaron on Facebook (his main social platform)Listen on Wreaths Across America RadioMondays at 2pm ET and Saturdays at 8pm EThttps://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/Newsroom/WreathsAcrossAmericaRadioConnectAaronhttps://indyroofandrestoration.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/

Most contractors think equity is only for big companies or tech startups. But there’s a better way to keep your best people without giving away ownership, creating tax headaches, or drowning in legal fees. In this episode of Construction Champions, host Ron Nussbaum talks with Chris Buttenham, co-founder of Reins and author of Alternative Equity, about the basics of phantom equity and alternative equity, what they are, why they exist, and how contractors can use them to: Retain top employees Transition businesses without selling to private equity Create real incentives without napkin deals or handshake promises What You’ll Learn in This Episode: What is phantom equity? (a bonus tied to company value, not stock or liability) What is alternative equity? (a toolbox of modern incentives beyond traditional ownership)Why these incentives exist and why traditional equity fails for contractorsHow phantom equity avoids liability, surprise tax bills, and paperwork headachesPractical ways contractors can use alternative equity for retention and successionIf you’ve never heard of phantom equity before, this is your crash course.Listen on Wreaths Across America RadioMondays at 2pm ET and Saturdays at 8pm EThttps://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/Newsroom/WreathsAcrossAmericaRadioConnectChrishttps://www.myreins.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/what-is-phantom-equity-a-contractor%E2%80%99s-guide-to-alternative-incentives

Most builders settle for code, but code is just the bare minimum.In this episode of Construction Champions, host Ron Nussbaum talks with Mark Garraty, founder & CEO of Royal Texan Homes, about why responsibility, health, and legacy matter more than volume or ego in construction. From designing forever homes to planning for electrification and healthier indoor air, Mark shares why contractors must build beyond the minimum if they want to leave lasting value for clients and communities. What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why responsibility is the foundation of being a construction championWhy code is the floor, not the ceiling and how to build better than minimum standardsThe emotional investment of building a forever homeHow to design homes for future-proofing, electrification, and healthWhy chasing “biggest builder” titles destroys craftsmanship and prideWhy your values and processes determine long-term success, not top-line growthDon’t just build homes. Build responsibility, health, and legacy.Listen on Wreaths Across America RadioMondays at 2pm ET and Saturdays at 8pm EThttps://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/Newsroom/WreathsAcrossAmericaRadioConnectMarkhttps://royaltexan.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/building-beyond-code-mark-garraty-on-responsibility-health-legacy-in-homebuilding

Most contractors don’t fail because they can’t build, they fail because their business is chaos.In this episode of Construction Champions, host Ron Nussbaum sits down with Scott Beebe, founder of Business on Purpose and author of The Chaos Free Contractor. With over a decade helping contractors build purpose, people, process, and profit, Scott reveals how to replace chaos with clarity.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why clarity beats chaos every time in construction businessesThe RPMs of great leadership: Repetition, Predictability, MeaningScott’s Big Five communication touchpoints (the meetings every contractor must run)How to break free from excuses like “we’re different” and “we talk all day long”The mindset shift: “It may not be my fault, but it is my responsibility”Why your process is your product, not your trade skillsScott’s book: The Chaos Free Contractor https://businessonpurpose.com/book/Don’t just build projects. Build a business that runs without chaos.Listen on Wreaths Across America RadioMondays at 2pm ET and Saturdays at 8pm EThttps://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/Newsroom/WreathsAcrossAmericaRadioConnectScotthttps://businessonpurpose.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/from-chaos-to-clarity-scott-beebe%E2%80%99s-operating-system-for-contractors

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 Radio Mondays 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 Radio Mondays 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