Construction Champions Podcast

Most contractors hire for skill and ignore fit. That’s why turnover, frustration, and chaos keep repeating.In this episode of Construction Champions, host Ron Nussbaum talks with Josh Hill, former Australian Army Officer and Co-Founder of Super Hired AI, about how to rethink hiring and culture from the ground up.Josh brings a bold, global perspective on challenging complacency, understanding human drivers, and designing work environments that attract the right people, not just the available ones.If you’ve ever hired someone and thought, “They looked great on paper but didn’t work out,” this episode will change how you build your team forever.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhy “we’ve always done it this way” kills business growthHow complacency quietly destroys culture and performanceWhy hiring should be a matchmaking process, not a checklistThe difference between managing people vs. managing workHow to apply marketing principles to recruiting top talentWhy bad hires cost more than failed projectsHow great hires multiply team energy and executionWhat the future of work looks like and how to lead itLearn more: https://www.superhired.ai/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 has a reputation problem, but one man decided to fix it.In this episode of Construction Champions, host Ron Nussbaum talks with John Hill, founder of The Good Contractors List, about how he built the first and only contractor network that stands between homeowners and contractors with a $25,000 guarantee on every job. John’s mission is simple: protect homeowners, highlight good contractors, and rebuild trust in an industry that’s lost too much of it. What started as a vision in Dallas–Fort Worth has now grown into a nationwide movement and it’s changing how homeowners hire, how contractors sell, and how construction companies protect their reputation.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhy the construction industry has a trust problem (and how to fix it)How The Good Contractors List became a third-party accountability systemWhat “safe contractor communities” are and how they work nationwideHow ego and isolation hurt the trades more than anythingHow John built a movement from nothing after surviving a heart attackWhy communication and mediation prevent 99% of disputesHow collective authority marketing builds stronger local networksThe truth about what happens when a project goes wrong and how they handle itLearn more: https://thegoodcontractorslist.comFREE 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/

Want to win government contracts but don’t know where to start? This is your playbook. In this episode of Construction Champions, host Ron Nussbaum talks with Chris Clausing, Director of Government Programs at Colibri Group, about how to navigate DBE (Disadvantaged Business Enterprise) and SBE (Small Business Enterprise) certification, find the right opportunities, and actually win profitable government work. With over 20 years of construction experience, including running his own general contracting firm, Chris understands the real challenges small contractors face. From SAM.gov registration to GSA certification, NAICS code alignment, and small business set-asides, this episode walks you through it all.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeHow to get DBE & SBE certified (step-by-step)The difference between federal, state, and local contractingWhat it means to be a “responsible bidder” not just the lowestHow small contractors can partner with primes through teaming agreementsHow to register on SAM.gov and apply for GSA contractsHow to identify your NAICS codes and align with your core scopeHow small and minority-owned firms can access set-aside contractsThe importance of resilience and process in public sector growthLearn more: https://dbesupport.com/Connect with Chris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gcexamprep/ Email: cclausing@ceihome.com 954-315-7680FREE 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/Episode Bloghttps://www.constructionchampionspodcast.com/post/how-small-contractors-can-get-certified-and-win-government-contracts

Most contractors don’t need more leads, they need better systems.In this episode of Construction Champions, host Ron Nussbaum sits down with Daniel Strohli, entrepreneur and founder of ProfitsX, to talk about how contractors can stop relying on luck and referrals and instead build automated systems that attract quality clients, simplify communication, and scale profitably. Daniel shares lessons from real estate, tech, and construction that reveal why most contractors are stuck working in their business instead of on it and how to fix it today.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why contractors don’t have marketing problems, they have system problemsThe 5 Ps of success: Proper Preparation Prevents Poor PerformanceHow to go from “gas station handshake” deals to digital consistencyWhy automation and follow-up systems are worth more than paid adsHow to track and measure engagement, not just generate namesThe real difference between a lead and an engaged buyerHow ProfitsX helps construction companies systemize marketing, sales, and client follow-upThe mindset shift: Stop surviving, start scalingLearn more: https://profitsx.comExclusive Offer for Construction Champions Listeners: Get a Free Website & Marketing Audit at https://profitsx.comFREE 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/

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/Helpful Resources for Construction ChampionsThese are tools and places we share because they can help you win on the job and in business.Join Our Free CommunityMeet other builders and leaders in our free Skool group.We share tips, training, and real talk every week.https://www.skool.com/mission-elite-ops-5659/about?ref=1a55bdb77dba443485258ad567edbb23LiveSwitch — Easy Jobsite VideoI am an ambassador for LiveSwitch because it helps you record clear video on the jobsite.Use it to track progress, do walkthroughs, and protect your business if questions come up later.It is simple, fast, and made for real work in the field.LiveSwitch (Jobsite Video Tool)https://join.liveswitch.com/construction-championsListen on Wreaths Across America RadioHear Construction Champions on national radio.Mondays at 2pm ET and Saturdays at 8pm EThttps://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/Newsroom/WreathsAcrossAmericaRadioConnect with RonLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-nussbaumBuilderComs — Better Client CommunicationBuilderComs helps construction teams keep all client messages in one place.No more missed calls or lost messages.Clear, simple, and built for construction.https://www.buildercoms.com/Construction Champions Podcast WebsiteSee all episodes, guests, and updates.https://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/