
Construction Champions Podcast
What does it take to be a Construction Champion?
Welcome to Construction Champions Podcast, where the top minds in construction share the strategies, mindset, and innovations needed to win every day. Hosted by Ron Nussbaum, this podcast delivers real, unfiltered conversations with builders, contractors, home service professionals, thought leaders, disruptors, and visionaries who are redefining the industry.
Join the Construction Champions movement. Subscribe now and be part of a community committed to building a stronger, smarter, and more successful construction industry.
Latest episodes

May 9, 2024 • 38min
Unlocking Potential with AI in Construction! Construction Champions Podcast 2-38 Ilan Buckman
In this episode of the Construction Champions podcast, host Ron Nussbaum explores the world of artificial intelligence (AI) in the construction industry with guest Ilon Buckman. They discuss how AI can revolutionize construction practices, enhance business operations, and improve customer experiences. The conversation delves into practical applications of AI, overcoming barriers to adoption, and leveraging AI tools to streamline processes in construction businesses.
About Ilan
Ilan is the founder of RTB-AI, a boutique consulting firm dedicated to helping construction professionals harness the power of artificial intelligence to boost their bottom line. With over a decade of experience at leading technology companies, Ilan specializes in aligning technological innovations with business strategies.
Ilan's link
https://www.rtb-ai.com/
Website
https://www.buildercoms.com/constructionchampionspodcast
Association of Professional Builders Annual Report
https://hubs.ly/Q02rT-1n0
For CRM Solutions: BUILD12
https://www.build12.com/constructionchampions?am_id=ron625
For Picture, Video, Document, and Communication Management: BuilderComs
https://www.buildercoms.com/
For Team Growth: Contractor Staffing Source: The Contractor Consultants https://www.thecontractorconsultants.com/
Join our community: Facebook Group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/957628795429538
00:00 Embracing Change and Growth in the Construction Industry
00:46 Unleashing the Potential of Technology in the Construction Industry
04:01 Harnessing AI in the Construction Industry to Improve Efficiency and Customer Experience
13:10 Unlocking Business Efficiency with Strategic AI Implementation
18:36 Unlocking Business Potential with Generative AI and Automation
25:22 Unlocking the Power of AI and Automation in User-Generated AI Use Cases
29:05 Revolutionizing Image Creation in the Construction Industry with AI
32:30 Embracing the Power of AI in Construction: A Dive into How AI Can Elevate Your Business
35:46 Maximizing Resources and Sponsorship Opportunities for Success
Keywords
Construction Industry
Construction Management
Construction Projects
Building and Construction
Construction Technology (ConTech)
Residential Construction
Commercial Construction
Construction Leadership
Project Management
Team Building in Construction
Leadership Skills
Construction Business Management
Effective Communication in Construction
Career Development in Construction
Skills Training in Construction
Professional Growth in Construction
Work-Life Balance in Construction
Construction Champions Podcast
Ron Nussbaum Interviews
Construction Insights
Construction Stories
Construction Networking
Construction Community
Join Construction Discussion
Construction Advice and Tips

May 6, 2024 • 25min
Disrupting Construction with Networking! Construction Champions Podcast 2-37 Tommy Whitehead
In this episode of the Construction Champions podcast, host Ron Nussbaum interviews Tommy Whitehead, a licensed contractor in Florida who disrupts the construction industry with innovative approaches. They discuss what it takes to be a construction champion, emphasizing the importance of networking, community engagement, and breaking stereotypes within the industry.
About Tommy
Tommy Whitehead is a Licensed Contractor, Podcast host, author, and President and CEO of TomCo Solutions, Inc. — one of only 50 certified LGBTQ Business Enterprises (LGBTBE) in the construction industry nationwide. He's also the founder of TomCo Capital Partners, Inc. - the only LGBTBE private equity firm in the US. In addition, he is a passionate volunteer and fundraiser for many worthy causes, including serving as current President of the Pride Construction Coalition, Board Member of the Tampa Club, committee member for the Bay Area Bridge Builders, former President of the Tampa Bay Bears, former Treasurer of the GaYbor District Coalition, and in 2023 he was honored as one of the Tampa Bay Business Journal OUTstanding Voices, Tampa Club 40 under 40, and was a Tampa Bay Business and Wealth Magazine's Individual Philanthropist of the Year nominee. When he’s not working or volunteering, Tommy enjoys theme parks, museums and relaxing by a pool with his husband, Nathan, and their teenage son, Matthew.
Tommy's links
http://buildingsuccessevent.com/https://www.tommywhitehead.com/
Website
https://www.buildercoms.com/constructionchampionspodcast
Association of Professional Builders Annual Report
https://hubs.ly/Q02rT-1n0
For CRM Solutions: BUILD12
https://www.build12.com/constructionchampions?am_id=ron625
For Picture, Video, Document, and Communication Management: BuilderComs
https://www.buildercoms.com/
For Team Growth: Contractor Staffing Source: The Contractor Consultants https://www.thecontractorconsultants.com/
Join our community: Facebook Group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/957628795429538
00:00 Fired Up in Construction: Energizing the Industry
00:47 Becoming a Construction Champion: Networking and Standing Out in the Industry
05:36 Mastering Networking for Contractors: Tips for Building Connections and Growing Your Business
09:29 How Dressing the Part Can Elevate Your Construction Business
12:54 Breaking Stereotypes in the Construction Industry: A Discussion on Misconceptions and Opportunities
16:16 Breaking Stereotypes in the Trades Industry: Be Yourself and Get Involved in the Community
20:00 Elevating the Construction Industry: Building Success Summit and Networking Tips
Keywords
Construction Industry
Construction Management
Construction Projects
Building and Construction
Construction Technology (ConTech)
Residential Construction
Commercial Construction
Construction Leadership
Project Management
Team Building in Construction
Leadership Skills
Construction Business Management
Effective Communication in Construction
Career Development in Construction
Skills Training in Construction
Professional Growth in Construction
Work-Life Balance in Construction
Construction Champions Podcast
Ron Nussbaum Interviews
Construction Insights
Construction Stories
Construction Networking
Construction Community
Join Construction Discussion
Construction Advice and Tips

May 2, 2024 • 27min
Navigating Legal Challenges in Construction! Construction Champions Podcast 2-36 Scott Reib
In this episode of the Construction Champions podcast, host Ron Nussbaum interviews Scott Reib, a lawyer with 27 years of experience, specializing in coaching small business owners, including those in the construction industry, on building shatterproof businesses. The conversation delves into the importance of legal preparedness, proactive strategies for handling litigation, and the significance of having key professional relationships in business.
About Scott
America’s Legal Coach and Zig Ziglar Small Business
Lawyer brings over 20 years of legal expertise to entrepreneurs.
Known for his Access Plan legal service, he aims to make legal advice
accessible and affordable, challenging the notion that it must be
intimidating. As a Ziglar Legacy Certified Trainer, Scott helps business
owners “shatterproof” their ventures, sharing insights in his podcast
and upcoming book, “The Shatterproof Entrepreneur.” He advocates
treating lawyers like primary care doctors, emphasizing proactive legal
support for long-term business success.
Scott's links
http://reiblaw.com/constructionchampions
https://www.linkedin.com/in/thescottreib/
Website
https://www.buildercoms.com/constructionchampionspodcast
Association of Professional Builders Annual Report
https://hubs.ly/Q02rT-1n0
For CRM Solutions: BUILD12
https://www.build12.com/constructionchampions?am_id=ron625
For Picture, Video, Document, and Communication Management: BuilderComs
https://www.buildercoms.com/
For Team Growth: Contractor Staffing Source: The Contractor Consultants https://www.thecontractorconsultants.com/
Join our community: Facebook Group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/957628795429538
00:00 Unveiling the Exciting World of Construction Champions Podcast
00:39 Building Shatterproof Construction Businesses: A Legal Perspective
05:15 Essential Tips for Construction Business Success: Stay in Your Lane and Use a Siloing Approach
08:28 Maximizing Asset Protection and Proactive Legal Strategies for Business Owners
16:38 Invest in Relationships and Information: Keys to Business Success
21:21 The Importance of Clear Documentation in Business Relationships and Legal Protection
Keywords
Construction Industry
Construction Management
Construction Projects
Building and Construction
Construction Technology (ConTech)
Residential Construction
Commercial Construction
Construction Leadership
Project Management
Team Building in Construction
Leadership Skills
Construction Business Management
Effective Communication in Construction
Career Development in Construction
Skills Training in Construction
Professional Growth in Construction
Work-Life Balance in Construction
Construction Champions Podcast
Ron Nussbaum Interviews
Construction Insights
Construction Stories
Construction Networking
Construction Community
Join Construction Discussion
Construction Advice and Tips

Apr 29, 2024 • 31min
Strategic Growth and Transition In Construction! Construction Champions Podcast 2-35 John Curtin
Host Ron Nussbaum welcomes guest John Curtin on Construction Champions podcast where they discuss the importance of preparing construction companies for sale or scaling. They emphasize the significance of building a business that can thrive with or without the owner, focusing on key areas like accounting, training, KPI monitoring, and organizational structure to increase business value and readiness for potential transactions.
About John
John Curtin is one of the founding members of Now Capital Partners. John offers diverse accounting and financial experience, with a proven track record in management, leadership, and a powerful growth mindset. He has consulted with over 250 companies in M&A transactions, raising startup capital, implementing ERP systems, managing banking relationships, and providing business-critical solutions. He graduated from Biola University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance and Business Law.
As a serial entrepreneur, John has founded multiple companies including the Ghost Tribe Entertainment and Lazarus Technologies companies responsible for developing new industry-standard facial animation. Before founding Now Capital Partners, John was responsible for managing and allocating over $2B in property investment funds for a property developer. John describes himself as a capital allocator with a talent for simplifying the complexities of finance. John still holds interests in contract manufacturing companies across the globe and in investment real estate.
Early in 2020 John became Partner for NOW CFO Los Angeles and grew the market over 250% year-over-year for the last two years and counting. As a partner at NOW CFO and CEO at Now Capital Partners, John brings the perspective of the real-world entrepreneur and founder into all of the deals at Now Capital Partners.
John's link
https://nowcapitalpartners.com/
Website
https://www.buildercoms.com/constructionchampionspodcast
Association of Professional Builders Annual Report
https://hubs.ly/Q02rT-1n0
For CRM Solutions: BUILD12
https://www.build12.com/constructionchampions?am_id=ron625
For Picture, Video, Document, and Communication Management: BuilderComs
https://www.buildercoms.com/
For Team Growth: Contractor Staffing Source: The Contractor Consultants https://www.thecontractorconsultants.com/
Join our community: Facebook Group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/957628795429538
00:00 Burning the House Down with Construction Champions Podcast
00:08 Unleashing the Secrets to Becoming a Construction Champion
06:26 Maximizing Business Value: Key Factors to Focus on for a Successful Acquisition
09:45 Unlocking Business Value: The Power of Systems and Culture in Business Sales
14:11 Maximizing Business Growth Through Strategic Acquisitions and Professionalization
18:43 Building a Company That Can Be Sold: Key Strategies for Success
22:50 Maximizing Business Value and Legacy in the Construction Industry
Keywords
Construction Industry
Construction Management
Construction Projects
Building and Construction
Construction Technology (ConTech)
Residential Construction
Commercial Construction
Construction Leadership
Project Management
Team Building in Construction
Leadership Skills
Construction Business Management
Effective Communication in Construction
Career Development in Construction
Skills Training in Construction
Professional Growth in Construction
Work-Life Balance in Construction
Construction Champions Podcast
Ron Nussbaum Interviews
Construction Insights
Construction Stories
Construction Networking
Construction Community
Join Construction Discussion
Construction Advice and Tips

Apr 25, 2024 • 34min
Strategies for Achieving Goals in Construction! Construction Champions Podcast 2-34 Nathan Rosenlund
Ron hosts Construction Champions Podcast and welcomes Nathan Rosenlund as a guest in an episode focused on the love and passion for the construction industry. They discuss the essence of being a construction champion, maintaining passion, building a strong foundation for a construction business, creating a positive company culture, and the importance of aligning vision with a clear plan.
About Nathan
Nathan has been in the construction sector for over 2 decades, building, learning, implementing, and guiding people to reaching there dreams. He started as a pole barn builder, then moved on too cabinet making, up to management, and everything in between. Because of his vast experience, he has been able to bring this all together to offer his clients a foundation, that will stand the test of time. Nathan Started Kodiak Consulting & invented the 6-sided business model, which guides clients to peace of mind, knowing their business will have a plan that will guide them for years to come. Based out of Duluth MN, Nathan has a beautiful family, and gets to live in the country, outside of Duluth. And like most other contractors he knows, he has a few projects that still need to be completed on his house. Nathan loves to travel with his family, loves ice fishing, and being a part time chef in his wife’s kitchen.
Nathan's links
Website – kodiackconsultingllc.com
LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/nathanrosenlund
Set up a 1:1 - https://tidycal.com/nathanrosenlund/30-minute-meeting
Website
https://www.buildercoms.com/constructionchampionspodcast
Association of Professional Builders Annual Report
https://hubs.ly/Q02rT-1n0
For CRM Solutions: BUILD12
https://www.build12.com/constructionchampions?am_id=ron625
For Picture, Video, Document, and Communication Management: BuilderComs
https://www.buildercoms.com/
For Team Growth: Contractor Staffing Source: The Contractor Consultants https://www.thecontractorconsultants.com/
Join our community: Facebook Group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/957628795429538
00:00 Unveiling Construction Champions Podcast: Burning Down the House with Nathan
00:35 Unveiling the Passion of Construction Champions
08:54 Staying in Love with Construction
18:54 Building Camaraderie in Industrial and Maintenance Work: Stories of Camaraderie and Teamwork
20:55 Building a Strong Company Culture: The Key to Empowering Your Team
26:43 Secrets to Successful Project Management in the Construction Industry
30:01 Unveiling the Love for the Construction Industry
Keywords
Construction Industry
Construction Management
Construction Projects
Building and Construction
Construction Technology (ConTech)
Residential Construction
Commercial Construction
Construction Leadership
Project Management
Team Building in Construction
Leadership Skills
Construction Business Management
Effective Communication in Construction
Career Development in Construction
Skills Training in Construction
Professional Growth in Construction
Work-Life Balance in Construction
Construction Champions Podcast
Ron Nussbaum Interviews
Construction Insights
Construction Stories
Construction Networking
Construction Community
Join Construction Discussion
Construction Advice and Tips

Apr 22, 2024 • 37min
Standing Out Through Video in construction! Construction Champions Podcast 3-33 Brian Meek
In this episode of Construction Champions podcast, host Ron Nussbaum interviews Brian Meek, a digital marketer specializing in video marketing for the construction industry. They discuss the importance of storytelling in videos, building trust with customers, conveying authenticity, and staying ahead of digital marketing trends.
About Brian
Brian Meek is the owner of Meek Marketing, a video marketing company that specializes in helping contractors and home service providers become impossible to ignore. Brian has used his diverse sales and digital marketing background to help businesses blend storytelling, marketing, messaging, and authenticity to set themselves apart from their competition.
Brian's links
Website: www.meekmarketing.com
Social: www.instagram.com/meek_marketing
Website
https://www.buildercoms.com/constructionchampionspodcast
Association of Professional Builders Annual Report
https://hubs.ly/Q02rT-1n0
For CRM Solutions: BUILD12
https://www.build12.com/constructionchampions?am_id=ron625
For Picture, Video, Document, and Communication Management: BuilderComs
https://www.buildercoms.com/
For Team Growth: Contractor Staffing Source: The Contractor Consultants https://www.thecontractorconsultants.com/
Join our community: Facebook Group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/957628795429538
00:00 Revolutionizing the Construction Industry: A Podcast Journey
00:33 Unveiling the Heart of Construction Champions in the Industry
04:56 The Power of Storytelling in Marketing and Connecting with Customers
08:07 The Power of Video Marketing: Building Trust and Connection
13:00 Maximizing the Impact of Video Content Marketing for Your Business
18:59 The Power of Marketing in the Digital Landscape: Insights from a Marketing Expert
25:35 The Future of Content Creation and Marketing: Quality Over Trends
29:17 Navigating the Future of the Construction Industry: Embracing Video Trends and Authenticity
34:03 Unlock Your Video Potential: A Journey to Becoming a Construction Champion
Keywords
Construction Industry
Construction Management
Construction Projects
Building and Construction
Construction Technology (ConTech)
Residential Construction
Commercial Construction
Construction Leadership
Project Management
Team Building in Construction
Leadership Skills
Construction Business Management
Effective Communication in Construction
Career Development in Construction
Skills Training in Construction
Professional Growth in Construction
Work-Life Balance in Construction
Construction Champions Podcast
Ron Nussbaum Interviews
Construction Insights
Construction Stories
Construction Networking
Construction Community
Join Construction Discussion
Construction Advice and Tips

Apr 18, 2024 • 29min
Secrets to Becoming a Champion in the Industry! Construction Champions Podcast 2-33 Ira Singer
Host Ron Nussbaum interviews Ira Singer, a founding member of Mosaic Construction, on what it takes to be a construction champion. They discuss the importance of legacy building, communication, relationship management, and continuous improvement in the construction industry.
Abot Ira
Experienced and passionate collaborator; working directly with owners, property managers, asset managers, and investors on their commercial, multifamily, retail, medical office, and hospitality real estate projects.
I am part of a unique team of resourceful, connected professionals who understand the importance of transparent and candid communication while focused on project excellence and client satisfaction. We deliver best-in-class design/build projects across a broad spectrum of real estate assets.
Relationship building and helping others is part of my DNA and have been foundational to my success in life.
Bringing our team into a project as early as possible will help determine preliminary budgets, critical path scheduling, constructability and how to best achieve your vision.
We focus on Doing it the Right Way, Building Relationships, Closing the Loop, Anticipating your Needs, Contributing to a Positive Environment and Communicating the Story which define who we are and what we do at Mosaic Construction.
Ira's links
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ira-singer-3b78917/
https://mosaicconstruction.net/
Website
https://www.buildercoms.com/constructionchampionspodcast
Association of Professional Builders Annual Report
https://hubs.ly/Q02rT-1n0
For CRM Solutions: BUILD12
https://www.build12.com/constructionchampions?am_id=ron625
For Picture, Video, Document, and Communication Management: BuilderComs
https://www.buildercoms.com/
For Team Growth: Contractor Staffing Source: The Contractor Consultants https://www.thecontractorconsultants.com/
Join our community: Facebook Group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/957628795429538
00:00 Unleashing the Construction Champion Within: A Podcast Journey
00:25 Unveiling the Secrets of Being a Construction Champion
03:50 Building a Legacy in Construction: Championing Trade Partners and Communication
07:59 From Local to National: The Growth and Success of Mosaic Construction Company
17:59 The Evolution of Construction Business: Embracing Technology and Continuous Growth
23:17 Building a Construction Legacy Through Effective Communication and Partnerships
Keywords
Construction Industry
Construction Management
Construction Projects
Building and Construction
Construction Technology (ConTech)
Residential Construction
Commercial Construction
Construction Leadership
Project Management
Team Building in Construction
Leadership Skills
Construction Business Management
Effective Communication in Construction
Career Development in Construction
Skills Training in Construction
Professional Growth in Construction
Work-Life Balance in Construction
Construction Champions Podcast
Ron Nussbaum Interviews
Construction Insights
Construction Stories
Construction Networking
Construction Community
Join Construction Discussion
Construction Advice and Tips

Apr 15, 2024 • 33min
Thriving in the Construction Industry! Construction Champions Podcast 2-31 Royal Mortier
In this podcast episode of Construction Champions, host Ron Nussbaum interviews guest Royal Mortier, the founder of Pliris and Pliris Plans. Royal shares his journey in the construction industry, from working in various construction roles to founding his companies that focus on providing permit-ready house plans to homebuilders. The conversation delves into what makes a construction champion, the importance of resilience and resourcefulness in the construction industry, the challenges of transitioning from physical labor to business management, and the significance of building efficient systems and processes as a business grows.
About Royal
Royal Mortier was a home builder before he became a structural engineer. He’s an army veteran, a father, and a husband as well. Now, he is the owner and founder of Pliris and also involved in Big Brothers Big Sisters — a non-profit organization that provides long-term, one-to-one mentoring to help change the course of vulnerable young people's lives.
Royal's links
https://pliris.co/
https://plirisplans.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/royal-mortier-p-e-7a1ab541/
Website
https://www.buildercoms.com/constructionchampionspodcast
Association of Professional Builders Annual Report
https://hubs.ly/Q02rT-1n0
For CRM Solutions: BUILD12
https://www.build12.com/constructionchampions?am_id=ron625
For Picture, Video, Document, and Communication Management: BuilderComs
https://www.buildercoms.com/
For Team Growth: Contractor Staffing Source: The Contractor Consultants https://www.thecontractorconsultants.com/
Join our community: Facebook Group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/957628795429538
00:00 Ignite Your Construction Business with the Construction Champions Podcast
00:34 From Construction Worker to Engineering Firm Leader: The Inspiring Journey of Joelle Mortier
04:21 Secrets to Success in the Homebuilding Industry: From Construction Champion to Business Savvy
10:44 Transforming from Hands-On Work to Business Leadership in Construction Industry
20:25 Revolutionizing Project Management and Communication Tools for Global Teams
28:02 Building a Strong Construction Company: Lessons from Military Leadership
31:12 Becoming a Construction Champion: A Call to Action
Keywords
Construction Industry
Construction Management
Construction Projects
Building and Construction
Construction Technology (ConTech)
Residential Construction
Commercial Construction
Construction Leadership
Project Management
Team Building in Construction
Leadership Skills
Construction Business Management
Effective Communication in Construction
Career Development in Construction
Skills Training in Construction
Professional Growth in Construction
Work-Life Balance in Construction
Construction Champions Podcast
Ron Nussbaum Interviews
Construction Insights
Construction Stories
Construction Networking
Construction Community
Join Construction Discussion
Construction Advice and Tips

Apr 11, 2024 • 31min
Enhancing Productivity in Construction! Construction Champions Podcast 2-30 Paul Jackson
Host Ron Nussbaum welcomes guest Paul Jackson to the Construction Champions podcast to discuss the importance of identifying and eliminating friction points in construction businesses to improve efficiency and scalability. They emphasize the need for small businesses, especially in the construction industry, to streamline processes through automation and systematization.
About Paul
The founder & CEO at Method: CRM. I lead our team of 100 Methoders building a no-code SaaS platform to help small and medium-sized businesses improve their workflows and ease their growing pains.
Paul links
https://grow.method.me/constructionchampions/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulalexjackson/
Website
https://www.buildercoms.com/constructionchampionspodcast
Association of Professional Builders Annual Report
https://hubs.ly/Q02rT-1n0
For CRM Solutions: BUILD12
https://www.build12.com/constructionchampions?am_id=ron625
For Picture, Video, Document, and Communication Management: BuilderComs
https://www.buildercoms.com/
For Team Growth: Contractor Staffing Source: The Contractor Consultants https://www.thecontractorconsultants.com/
Join our community: Facebook Group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/957628795429538
00:00 Burning Down the House with Construction Champions Podcast
00:13 Burning Down and Rebuilding the Construction Industry: A Conversation with Paul on Construction Champions Podcast
03:37 Maximizing Efficiency in Construction Businesses
09:13 Navigating the Transition to Automation in Small Businesses
14:05 Transforming a $3,000,000 Business by Automating Estimates and Deposits in Construction Trades
19:59 Maximizing Efficiency in Customer Relations and Business Operations
23:16 Unlocking Business Success: Identifying and Resolving Friction Points
27:42 Breaking Through Friction Points in Construction Business for Long-Term Success
Keywords
Construction Industry
Construction Management
Construction Projects
Building and Construction
Construction Technology (ConTech)
Residential Construction
Commercial Construction
Construction Leadership
Project Management
Team Building in Construction
Leadership Skills
Construction Business Management
Effective Communication in Construction
Career Development in Construction
Skills Training in Construction
Professional Growth in Construction
Work-Life Balance in Construction
Construction Champions Podcast
Ron Nussbaum Interviews
Construction Insights
Construction Stories
Construction Networking
Construction Community
Join Construction Discussion
Construction Advice and Tips

Apr 8, 2024 • 27min
Financial Management Secrets for Construction! Construction Champions Podcast 2-29 Kathy Svetina
Guest Kathy Svetina, a fractional CFO for small businesses, discusses the importance of work in progress reports in construction for financial operations and profitability. Topics include financial forecasting, hiring a controller CFO, and avoiding financial pitfalls.