
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

Jan 2, 2025 • 27min
Insurance Insights: Lowering Risks and Premiums! Construction Champions Podcast 3-1 Rocio Luna
In this episode of the Construction Champions podcast, host Ron Nussbaum sits down with Rocio Luna, a commercial insurance broker specializing in workers' compensation and insurance for contractors. They dive deep into the complexities of insurance for construction businesses, exploring ways to manage costs, reduce risks, and protect your company.
About
Rocio Luna is a seasoned commercial insurance broker with a specialized focus on the construction and staffing companies. Rocio leverages nine years of experience in managing workers' compensation claims, particularly within the stringent regulatory landscapes of California, Arizona, Texas, Washington, Nevada, and New York. She is well-versed in dealing with high Experience Modification Rates (EMRs), helping businesses struggling with frequent workers' compensation claims, general liability, auto, and employment practices issues.
links
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rocio-luna-ins/
https://www.rociolunains.com/
Tired of genic construction software and want your own
https://www.buildercoms.com/
Want a CRM that is built for the construction industry
https://www.build12.com/constructionchampions?am_id=ron625
Leave your new homeowners with the resources they need
https://gethometrack.com/
come hang out with us!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/957628795429538
Our Website
https://www.buildercoms.com/constructionchampionspodcast
Association of Professional Builders Annual Report FREE Pre-Order!
https://link.msgsndr.com/email-tracking/232d1370d5f?contactId={{contact.id}}&utm_source=email&utm_medium=email%20marketing
Keywords:
construction insurance, risk management, Rocio Luna, Ron Nussbaum, Construction Champions Podcast, insurance premiums, construction business protection, liability reduction, insurance strategies, cost savings

Dec 30, 2024 • 27min
Busting Permit Myths: Navigating the Process! Construction Champions Podcast 2-105 Isabella Marrero
The podcast episode explores the critical issues surrounding permits in the construction industry, highlighting the challenges contractors and homeowners face with inconsistent regulations and the temptation to avoid proper permitting. Isabella Marrero of Permit Busters shares insights into the importance of proper permitting, emphasizing that it protects both contractors and homeowners while ensuring safety and compliance.
About Isabella
Founded with the vision of empowering professionals in the permitting industry, Bella Academy stands as a beacon of knowledge and expertise.
I believe that a strong foundation in permit regulations, effective communication, and streamlined processes is key to success. Our curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including an in-depth understanding of local and national building codes, the intricacies of permit application processes, and advanced strategies for navigating permitting challenges. We also offer specialized courses in business permit coaching, aimed at those looking to expand their expertise into new realms of the permitting industry.
links
www.PermitBusters.com
Tired of genic construction software and want your own
https://www.buildercoms.com/
Want a CRM that is built for the construction industry
https://www.build12.com/constructionchampions?am_id=ron625
Leave your new homeowners with the resources they need
https://gethometrack.com/
come hang out with us!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/957628795429538
Our Website
https://www.buildercoms.com/constructionchampionspodcast
Association of Professional Builders Annual Report FREE Pre-Order!
https://link.msgsndr.com/email-tracking/232d1370d5f?contactId={{contact.id}}&utm_source=email&utm_medium=email%20marketing
Keywords:
permit process, construction permits, Isabella Marrero, Ron Nussbaum, Construction Champions Podcast, permit myths, compliance, project delays, construction approvals, efficient permitting

Dec 26, 2024 • 10min
2025: Your Year to Become a Construction Champion Construction Champions Podcast 2-104 Ron Nussbaum
A personal reflection and motivational discussion about approaching the new year in the construction industry. The speaker shares his personal strategies for goal-setting, including a family "win board" to track achievements collectively. He provides insights into the evolving construction technology landscape, emphasizing the need for customized solutions and adaptable business models. The episode focuses on the importance of consistency, discipline, and a pragmatic approach to personal and professional growth in 2025.
links
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-nussbaum/
Tired of genic construction software and want your own
https://www.buildercoms.com/
Want a CRM that is built for the construction industry
https://www.build12.com/constructionchampions?am_id=ron625
Leave your new homeowners with the resources they need
https://gethometrack.com/
come hang out with us!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/957628795429538
Our Website
https://www.buildercoms.com/constructionchampionspodcast
Association of Professional Builders Annual Report FREE Pre-Order!
https://link.msgsndr.com/email-tracking/232d1370d5f?contactId={{contact.id}}&utm_source=email&utm_medium=email%20marketingKeywords:2025 goals, Construction Champion, Ron Nussbaum, Construction Champions Podcast, leadership, goal setting, construction success, industry impact, business growth, personal development

Dec 23, 2024 • 30min
The Future of Construction: Trends and Strategies! Construction Champions Podcast 2-103 Omar Zhan
In this episode of the Construction Champions podcast, host Ron Nussbaum interviews Omar, a construction technology entrepreneur, about the future of the construction industry. They explore the concept of a "future construction champion" who leverages technology, embraces continuous learning, and adapts to changing industry dynamics.
About
Omar Zhandarbekuly is an innovator at the forefront of construction technology, focusing on improving how projects are planned, managed, and delivered. With a career spanning over a decade, Omar has spearheaded the development of more than 7 million square feet of high-profile projects around the globe. He has collaborated with globally renowned firms such as SOM, Werner Sobek, and AS+GG, earning recognition for his expertise in complex, large-scale developments.
During his tenure at Katerra and Rivian, Omar demonstrated his ability to drive innovation at scale. At Katerra, he introduced a block scheduling methodology that significantly improved project efficiency, achieving the delivery of the K90 project in just 90 days. At Rivian, he played a key role in developing a construction cost intelligence platform for real estate and construction operations during the company’s rapid expansion.
A graduate of University of Nottingham, Duke University and 2024 CELI Fellow, Omar combines technical excellence with strategic insight, contributing to the advancement of sustainable and technology-driven solutions in the construction sector.
links
Omar Zhan LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/omar-zhandarbekuly/
Tired of genic construction software and want your own
https://www.buildercoms.com/
Want a CRM that is built for the construction industry
https://www.build12.com/constructionchampions?am_id=ron625
Leave your new homeowners with the resources they need
https://gethometrack.com/
come hang out with us!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/957628795429538
Our Website
https://www.buildercoms.com/constructionchampionspodcast
Association of Professional Builders Annual Report FREE Pre-Order!
https://link.msgsndr.com/email-tracking/232d1370d5f?contactId={{contact.id}}&utm_source=email&utm_medium=email%20marketing
Keywords:
future of construction, construction trends, Omar Zhan, Ron Nussbaum, Construction Champions Podcast, industry innovation, construction technology, competitive strategies, market adaptation, construction success

Dec 19, 2024 • 33min
The Power of People First Leadership! Construction Champions Podcast 2-102 Chad Prinkey
In this episode of the Construction Champions podcast, Ron Nussbaum and guest Chad Prinkey dive deep into what makes a successful construction business by emphasizing a people-first leadership approach. They discuss the importance of investing in employees, creating a supportive work environment, and taking a long-term view of business growth.
About
Chad Prinkey is the founder and CEO of Well Built Consulting and the author of the best-selling book Well Built and has spent 15 years transforming “good enough” companies into high-performing, scalable enterprises. With hands-on expertise honed in the high-pressure building industry and on construction job sites, Chad knows how to apply the same principles that drive success on-site to every business and in the boardroom. His team recently helped one general contractor scale from 300 employees to 3,000, making it the largest privately-owned landscape contractor in the world. He is also the author of the best-selling book, Well Built: How the Top 2% of Construction Contractors Create Superior Value, Profits, and Excellence. In Well Built, Prinkey lays out the roadmap for contractors to make meaningful upgrades in how they operate, strategize, manage teams, win new business, and deliver for customers.
links
Connect with Chad
https://www.linkedin.com/in/chad-prinkey/
https://www.wellbuiltconsulting.com/about
https://www.amazon.com/Well-Built-Construction-Contractors-Excellence/dp/B0CZ5GRLQG#detailBullets_feature_div
Tired of genic construction software and want your own
https://www.buildercoms.com/
Want a CRM that is built for the construction industry
https://www.build12.com/constructionchampions?am_id=ron625
Leave your new homeowners with the resources they need
https://gethometrack.com/
come hang out with us!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/957628795429538
Our Website
https://www.buildercoms.com/constructionchampionspodcast
Association of Professional Builders Annual Report FREE Pre-Order!
https://link.msgsndr.com/email-tracking/232d1370d5f?contactId={{contact.id}}&utm_source=email&utm_medium=email%20marketing
Keywords:
People First Leadership, leadership in construction, Chad Prinkey, Ron Nussbaum, Construction Champions Podcast, team building, employee engagement, construction culture, trust and collaboration, leadership strategies

Dec 16, 2024 • 43min
Leveraging AI to Add Value in Construction! Construction Champions Podcast 2-101 Mike Todasco
Mike Todasco, an AI researcher and former PayPal innovation leader, joins Ron Nussbaum to discuss how artificial intelligence can transform construction businesses and improve customer experiences.
About
Mike Todasco spends his days thinking about how AI will change how we create. Using generative tools like ChatGPT, Midjourney, and the ever-growing slate. He used to work at PayPal, focused on innovation. Where he evangelized creativity to employees of every nation. At PayPal he also had many roles in the field of product. From management to marketing to launch, which was a bit chaotic. Previously, he founded a company, Sketch Maven . Where long start-up nights turned his appearance to unshaven.
Prior to his career in tech, he was in finance and accounting you see
Starting his career at the company with a meatball logo, GE. He has an MBA from Berkeley and a BS from Illinois and occasionally teaches leadership to mature girls and boys. Mike has also been granted over 100 US utility patents and if you don't like his rhymes, you're on his list of enemy combatants. Overall Mike tries to be a very helpful guy, and while he uses the tools, he did not write this with AI
links
https://www.linkedin.com/in/todasco/
Tired of genic construction software and want your own
https://www.buildercoms.com/
Want a CRM that is built for the construction industry
https://www.build12.com/constructionchampions?am_id=ron625
Leave your new homeowners with the resources they need
https://gethometrack.com/
come hang out with us!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/957628795429538
Our Website
https://www.buildercoms.com/constructionchampionspodcast
Association of Professional Builders Annual Report FRRE Pre-Order!
https://link.msgsndr.com/email-tracking/232d1370d5f?contactId={{contact.id}}&utm_source=email&utm_medium=email%20marketing
AI and Business Transformation (00:14:23)
We're living in the most technologically exciting time
AI is potentially a bigger technological shift than the internet
Unexpected AI capabilities in professional communication and task automation
Practical AI Applications for Construction (00:16:44)
Use AI to automate non-value-add tasks
Streamline scheduling, customer communication, and administrative work
Free up time to focus on core business value
Key AI Recommendations (00:35:56)
Invest in ChatGPT ($20/month)
Use voice assistant mode for brainstorming
Experiment with AI tools to understand potential
Key References
AI Tools: ChatGPT, Claude by Anthropic
Companies Mentioned: PayPal, SpaceX
Concepts: Customer Experience, Business Innovation, AI Automation
Keywords:
AI in construction, leveraging AI, Mike Todasco, Ron Nussbaum, Construction Champions Podcast, artificial intelligence, construction technology, data-driven decisions, innovation in construction, project efficiency

Dec 12, 2024 • 31min
How to Generate Red Hot Leads in 24 Hours! Construction Champions Podcast 2-100 John "JD" Dwyer
The podcast episode features a deep dive into innovative marketing strategies for construction and service-based businesses, with a primary focus on Facebook contest marketing. John "JD" Dwyer shares his expertise in direct response marketing, explaining how businesses can generate high-quality leads by creating engaging, targeted contest campaigns. The discussion highlights the importance of understanding marketing techniques beyond technical skills, and provides practical, actionable advice for businesses looking to improve their client acquisition strategies.
About
John is a marketing enigma, a “direct response customer attraction expert” who thinks way outside the box. His marketing consultancy business is called The Institute Of Wow – & John’s mantra is that one’s marketing needs to “wow” prospects. He’s also the guy who shocked the marketing world some years back when he convinced Jerry Seinfeld to come out of retirement to be the spokesman for an Australian banking institution, The Greater Building Society. Jerry headed up a “free vacation campaign” which broke home loan lending records and remains folklore in the global banking industry…..people received a “free vacation” when they got a home loan. This was probably one of the most successful “incentive-promotions” in the world, resulting in many BILLIONS of dollars in extra home loans. John helps business owners understand how to exploit platforms like Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn by implementing “incentive-based marketing offers” that can be targeted specifically to certain audiences.
His client list reads like a Who’s Who of business and includes the likes of Rupert Murdoch’s News Ltd, 7 Eleven, Westfield Shopping Centres, Walt Disney, KFC and BP to name a few.
links
https://theinstituteofwow.com/
The Facebook Contest Formula - https://fbcontestformula.com/
For anyone who’d like to have a Zoom Chat - https://getmorejd.com/
Get more leads, Set more estimates, and Close more jobs 👇
https://www.build12.com/constructionchampions?am_id=ron625
Simplify Your Construction Projects, Boost Your Productivity 👇
https://www.buildercoms.com/
Building Home Profiles 👇
https://gethometrack.com/
Get Your Own Branded Software 👇
https://buildercomsai.com/home
Join our community 👇
https://www.facebook.com/groups/957628795429538
Our Website
https://www.buildercoms.com/constructionchampionspodcast
Association of Professional Builders Annual Report
https://hubs.ly/Q02rT-1n0
Keywords:
lead generation, red-hot leads, JD Dwyer, Ron Nussbaum, Construction Champions Podcast, construction marketing, client attraction, lead conversion, sales strategies, fast lead generation

Dec 9, 2024 • 30min
CEO = Head Coach: Throwback Episode! Construction Champions Podcast 2-99 Les O'Hara
In this Throwback episode, Les O'Hara shares insights into successful construction business management, using sports coaching as a metaphor. He emphasizes the importance of understanding financial metrics, creating a compelling vision, and maintaining a customer-first approach. Les advocates for business owners to act as "head coaches," focusing on recruiting top talent, maintaining the economic engine, and holding team members accountable, rather than getting bogged down in day-to-day operational tasks.
About
Personally estimated and closed million dollar plus construction projects. Took 4 different types of contracting businesses passed the 7-figure mark in revenues. Back-to-back National Franchise of the Year in an HVAC restoration company that was started from scratch. Currently owns a masonry company that he manages in under 20 hours a week that did over $3.0M in 2021. A world-class youth and HS football coach with an 88-15 career record. But his biggest accomplishment by far is his dream project: His 4 boys and amazing wife of 26 years.
What I can do:
Solve all kinds of problems and develop strategies to never have them again.
Who I work best for:
Property managers/owners that want #contractinggreatness. Construction business owners who are #buildinggreatness. Aspiring athletes that are #chasinggreatness.
Why I do it:
To honor God and try to fulfill the dream of becoming a full-time football coach one day when I retire.
When should you call:
NOW!
links
LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesohara/
BUILD12
https://www.build12.com/constructionchampions?am_id=ron625
The Contractor Huddle
https://www.contractorhuddle.com/
BUILD12
https://www.build12.com/constructionchampions?am_id=ron625
Simplify Your Construction Projects, Boost Your Productivity 👇
https://www.buildercoms.com/
Building Home Profiles 👇
https://gethometrack.com/
Get Your Own Branded Software 👇
https://buildercomsai.com/home
Join our community 👇
https://www.facebook.com/groups/957628795429538
Our Website
https://www.buildercoms.com/constructionchampionspodcast
Association of Professional Builders Annual Report
https://hubs.ly/Q02rT-1n0
Keywords:
CEO leadership, head coach mindset, Les O'Hara, Ron Nussbaum, Construction Champions Podcast, team motivation, culture building, leadership strategies, construction success, empowering teams

Dec 5, 2024 • 34min
Mastering Client Acquisition: for Construction! Construction Champions Podcast 2-98 Rick Storlie
In this episode of the Construction Champions podcast, Rick Storlie shares insights into building a successful construction business by focusing on creating unique value, understanding your target market, and developing systematic approaches to lead generation and client acquisition. The discussion emphasizes the importance of niching down, being selective about projects, and creating a business that allows owners to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Rick provides practical advice for construction professionals looking to grow their businesses strategically, highlighting that success is not just about scaling, but about creating a business that aligns with personal goals and provides meaningful opportunities.
About
Starting as a framing carpenter in 1988, Rick has worked in every aspect of the building industry, including picking up garbage on construction sites to working as a GM for a large custom home builder. In 2005 Rick started offering sales training and management coaching. In 2020 Rick launched Builder Lead Converter (BLC)- a builder’s perfect sales assistant. BLC Attracts, Captures & Converts high-quality leads for its builder partners so they can pick & choose their clients and jobs.
links
https://builderleadconverter.com/
Get more leads, Set more estimates, and Close more jobs 👇
https://www.build12.com/constructionchampions?am_id=ron625
Simplify Your Construction Projects, Boost Your Productivity 👇
https://www.buildercoms.com/
Building Home Profiles 👇
https://gethometrack.com/
Get Your Own Branded Software 👇
https://buildercomsai.com/home
Join our community 👇
https://www.facebook.com/groups/957628795429538
Our Website
https://www.buildercoms.com/constructionchampionspodcast
Association of Professional Builders Annual Report
https://hubs.ly/Q02rT-1n0
Keywords:
client acquisition, construction sales, Rick Storlie, Ron Nussbaum, Construction Champions Podcast, lead generation, client conversion, sales process, construction business growth, client retention

Dec 2, 2024 • 22min
The Human Side of Construction! Construction Champions Podcast 2-97 Shaq Cornelious
In this episode of the Construction Champions podcast, host Ron Nussbaum interviews Shaquille Cornelius, a construction business owner with a multi-generational background in the industry. The conversation explores critical aspects of successful construction businesses, focusing on employee treatment, effective management, and the importance of staying focused on core competencies. Shaq shares personal insights about avoiding common business pitfalls, valuing employees, and maintaining professional standards in the construction industry. The discussion emphasizes that success in construction comes from treating people right, understanding your strengths, and building a solid business foundation.
About
Former athlete and Chemist turned entrepreneur who decided Tech sales was the best of both worlds. The ability to be paid based off performance but also having the team camaraderie was exactly what I love about this role.
Being an athlete gave me the work ethic and competitive drive to strive for greatness and dominant in everything.
links
https://www.instagram.com/shaqconquers/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaquille-david-cornelious-a8a268225/
Get more leads, Set more estimates, and Close more jobs 👇
https://www.build12.com/constructionchampions?am_id=ron625
Simplify Your Construction Projects, Boost Your Productivity 👇
https://www.buildercoms.com/
Building Home Profiles 👇
https://gethometrack.com/
Get Your Own Branded Software 👇
https://buildercomsai.com/home
Join our community 👇
https://www.facebook.com/groups/957628795429538
Our Website
https://www.buildercoms.com/constructionchampionspodcast
Association of Professional Builders Annual Report
https://hubs.ly/Q02rT-1n0
Keywords:
Construction human side, Shaq Cornelious, construction leadership, team building, work culture, empathy in construction, construction podcast, people-first construction, building relationships, successful teams