

Construction Champions Podcast
Ron Nussbaum
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.
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

May 15, 2025 • 29min
Adapting or Extinct: Joe Brady on the Future of Construction & Tech
The construction industry is changing fast, AI, mixed-use communities, jobsite tech, and storytelling all matter now.In this episode, Joe Brady, commercial real estate expert and author of Workshop, shares how builders can embrace change, adopt smart tech, and lead with clarity in today’s fast-moving world. From managing billion-dollar retail footprints to revitalizing urban spaces, Joe brings a high-level perspective that every contractor needs to hear. If you want to stay relevant and profitable, you need this conversation. What You’ll Learn:✅ Why reliability and trust are the keys to being a real Construction Champion✅ What separates great contractors from the rest (and it’s not price)✅ How better communication and storytelling can elevate your business✅ What AI and smart glasses mean for the modern jobsite✅ How to build lasting relationships in commercial and residential workListen on Wreaths Across America Radio Mondays at 2pm ET and Saturdays at 8pm EThttps://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/Newsroom/WreathsAcrossAmericaRadioConnectJoehttps://www.joebrady.ai/https://www.linkedin.com/in/joebrady03/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/adapting-or-extinct-the-future-of-construction-with-joe-brady#ConstructionChampionsPodcast #JoeBrady #CommercialConstruction #JobsiteTechnology #ConstructionLeadership #RonNussbaum #BuildBetter

May 12, 2025 • 42min
Master the One Skill That Changes Everything with Mick Hawes
If you want to lead better, sell more, and grow a strong construction business, it all starts with communication.In this episode, Mick Hawes, founder of Builders Business Black Belt, delivers a true masterclass on what separates the best builders from the rest. From mindset rituals and emotional control, to building real trust and creating unforgettable customer experiences, Mick shows why mastering communication is the single biggest lever for builders who want to grow.He also shares how he went from coaching athletes to coaching builders and why it all came down to a coin flip.What You’ll Learn✅ Why communication is the most profitable skill in construction✅ How to manage emotions and respond—not react—on the jobsite✅ The “Deliver Plus” mindset that transforms customer experience✅ The real secret to client loyalty and team buy-in✅ Why personal rituals can shift your whole business trajectory✅ How a coin toss led Mick to transform builders’ businessesConnectMickhttps://www.buildersbusinessblackbelt.com.auhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mickhawes/Ronhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-nussbaumhttps://www.ron-nussbaum.com/BuilderComs: The Client Communication Hub for Constructionhttps://www.buildercoms.com/ Websitehttps://www.constructionchampionspodcast.com/Episode Bloghttps://www.constructionchampionspodcast.com/post/the-most-underrated-skill-in-construction-communicationConstructionChampionsPodcast #MickHawes #BuildersBusinessBlackBelt #ConstructionMindset #CommunicationSkills #RonNussbaum #ConstructionLeadership #ConstructionPodcast

May 8, 2025 • 31min
From Ironworker to Industry Leader Jack Nix on Changing Construction
Jack Nix started in construction when he was tricked into pouring concrete and never looked back. Now he’s a respected leader, reshaping the construction industry by building bridges, both literal and figurative.In this episode, Jack shares: His journey from the field to building 9-figure companies Why mentorship and mindset matter more than methods How construction leaders can stop living in the past The two words that will make or break your business Why it’s time to combine heart and hard work If you’ve ever wondered how to lead a business, build people, and evolve construction, this is it.Jackhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-nix-309658147/Ronhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-nussbaumhttps://www.ron-nussbaum.com/BuilderComs: The Client Communication Hub for Constructionhttps://www.buildercoms.com/ Website https://www.buildercoms.com/constructionchampionspodcastEpisode Bloghttps://www.buildercoms.com/post/from-ironworker-to-industry-leader-lessons-from-jack-nix-on-building-what-matters#JackNix #ConstructionLeadership #BuildUSA #RonNussbaum #ConstructionChampions #BlueCollarSuccess #ConstructionPodcast

May 5, 2025 • 37min
How to Get Big Government Jobs in Construction with Samuel Smith
Subscribe Today!Want to win more construction jobs from the government? In this episode, I sit down with Samuel Smith, founder of Quality Government Solutions, to break down how small construction businesses can land big federal contracts.Episode Bloghttps://www.buildercoms.com/post/how-to-break-into-government-construction-work-with-samuel-smithWe talk about: The difference between a prime and subcontractor. How to build the right relationships. Why RFIs are your secret weapon. The myths about getting paid on time. How to get started even if you're a one-man crewIf you’re thinking about getting into federal construction projects, this episode is a must-watch.Learn more at: https://www.qgovsolutions.comContact Sam: ssmith@QgovSolutions.comRonhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-nussbaumhttps://www.ron-nussbaum.com/BuilderComs: The Client Communication Hub for Constructionhttps://www.buildercoms.com/ Website https://www.buildercoms.com/constructionchampionspodcast#ConstructionChampions #ConstructionBusiness #FederalContracts #GovCon #SubcontractorSuccess #ContractorGrowth #SmallBusinessWins

May 1, 2025 • 39min
Stop Losing Money in Construction The Profit Fix with Russ Stephens
Subscribe Today!Most builders don’t know their numbers and it’s costing them everything.In this hard-hitting episode, Russ Stephens, Co-Founder of the Association of Professional Builders (APB), returns to the Construction Champions Podcast to break down why mindset, margins, and fixed costs are the make-or-break difference between building a business and slowly going broke.Russ exposes the biggest myths in construction pricing and explains how to go from barely surviving to running a predictable, profitable building company using data, clarity, and smarter financial planning.What You’ll Learn:✅ Why 95% of builders don’t understand true profitability✅ The mindset shift that creates real growth✅ How to calculate fixed costs & job pricing the RIGHT way✅ Why builders must target a 10% net profit minimum✅ The #1 number your accountant probably isn’t telling you (Work in Progress!)✅ How APB’s “Pricing for Profit” calculator protects builders from losing jobs to bad mathConnectRussAssociation of Professional Builders Annual Report FREE Pre-Order! https://link.msgsndr.com/email-tracking/232d1370d5f?contactId={{contact.id}}&utm_source=email&utm_medium=email%20markeRonhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-nussbaumhttps://www.ron-nussbaum.com/BuilderComs communication software and systems to grow your business!https://www.buildercoms.com/ Tranzlation AI is the real-time voice and text translation platform built for the trades, eliminating language barriers on jobsites so crews can work faster, safer, and smarter.https://www.tranzlationai.com/Website https://www.buildercoms.com/constructionchampionspodcast#ConstructionChampionsPodcast #RussStephens #APB #KnowYourNumbers #ConstructionProfit #BuilderMindset #RonNussbaum #ConstructionBusinessSuccess

Apr 28, 2025 • 31min
Fix Your Supply Chain & Save Thousands – Janna Colucci from Bundle
Subscribe Today!Most delays and cost overruns in construction come down to one thing: materials not showing up on time or at the right price.In this powerful episode, Janna Colucci, Co-Founder of Bundle, reveals how contractors can finally eliminate the chaos of procurement, speed up purchasing, and leverage group buying power to slash material costs.Whether you’re a custom builder, remodeler, or scaling team, this episode is your playbook to fix the broken way you buy materials and take back control over your jobsites and budgets.What You’ll Learn:✅ How to permanently solve jobsite material delays✅ Why procurement is quietly killing profits—and how to fix it✅ How to use Bundle to gain big builder buying power even as a smaller contractor✅ Why AI and automation are essential for construction businesses in 2025✅ How to build smarter material workflows without 6-month software rolloutsConnectJannahttps://bundle.buildjanna@bundle.buildhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jwc2021/Ronhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-nussbaumhttps://www.ron-nussbaum.com/BuilderComs builds custom communication software and systems that work for your construction business, not against ithttps://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/ Website https://www.buildercoms.com/constructionchampionspodcast#ConstructionChampionsPodcast #JannaColucci #BundleBuild #ProcurementSolutions #ConstructionTech #RonNussbaum #ConstructionEfficiency #MaterialManagement

Apr 24, 2025 • 30min
Outsource Smarter, Build Faster With Karen Walshe from Go Recruit
Subscribe Today!Is your business buried in admin work, quotes, emails, or social media that you don’t have time for?In this episode of the Construction Champions Podcast, Karen Walshe, founder of Go Recruit, shares how construction companies are scaling up and reclaiming their time by leveraging offshore staffing done the RIGHT way with structure, support, and results.From administrative assistants to BIM experts and architects, Karen breaks down how outsourcing can be cost-effective, scalable, and built for contractors, not just tech companies. If you’ve ever asked, “How do I find the right help?” this episode is your answer.What You’ll Learn:✅ Why most offshore staffing fails—and how to avoid the traps✅ How to find specialized help in admin, design, accounting & more✅ Why communication and onboarding matter more than you think✅ The secret to scaling without sacrificing quality✅ How construction companies are building dream teams for 70% lessConnectKarenhttps://gorecruit.io/Ronhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-nussbaumhttps://www.ron-nussbaum.com/BuilderComs builds custom communication software and systems that work for your construction business, not against ithttps://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/ Websitehttps://www.buildercoms.com/constructionchampionspodcast#ConstructionChampionsPodcast #KarenWalshe #GoRecruit #ConstructionStaffing #OffshoreSupport #ScalingConstruction #RonNussbaum #ConstructionAdminHelpKaren Walshe, Go Recruit, offshore staffing for construction, contractor admin help, construction outsourcing, BIM outsourcing, architect outsourcing, admin assistant for builders, Ron Nussbaum, construction champions podcast, home builder support, scaling construction business, virtual assistants for contractors, construction industry

Apr 21, 2025 • 33min
The Video Tech That’s Disrupting Construction w/ James Hatfield
Subscribe Today!What if you could eliminate miscommunication, slash jobsite visits, and protect your business—all with a single tap?In this episode of the Construction Champions Podcast, James Hatfield, founder of LiveSwitch and a former contractor turned tech innovator, shares how his team is bringing instant video communication, documentation, and site visibility to the construction industry—no apps, no downloads, just results.If you’ve ever been burned by miscommunication, delays, or callbacks—this tech will change how you run your business.What You’ll Learn:✅ Why customer experience and communication define today’s champions✅ How instant video can protect your crew and your bottom line✅ The power of "instant replay" in construction with cloud-based video✅ Why you don’t need extra apps or wearables—just your phone✅ The future of remote project management, AI, and decentralization in construction✅ How to get faster bids and better leads with remote video toolsConnectJameshttps://www.liveswitch.com/ → Click “Book a Demo” and request Jameshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/james-hatfield/Ronhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-nussbaumhttps://www.ron-nussbaum.com/BuilderComs builds custom communication software and systems that work for your construction business, not against ithttps://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/ Website https://www.buildercoms.com/constructionchampionspodcast#ConstructionChampionsPodcast #JamesHatfield #ConstructionTech #VideoDocumentation #RemoteConstructionManagement #RonNussbaum #LiveSwitch

Apr 17, 2025 • 27min
Stop Wasting Time! The Smart Way to Run Payroll w/ Natalie Kolasa from Hourly
Subscribe Today!Still using spreadsheets and paper timecards? You’re wasting valuable time and it’s costing you more than you think.In this episode of the Construction Champions Podcast, Natalie, Territory Sales Manager at Hourly, shares how contractors are finally ditching outdated payroll systems and saving massive time and money by switching to tech that’s actually built for construction. We talk about automated time tracking, geofencing, payroll compliance, and eliminating admin headaches—all with white-glove support that grows with your business. If you're still doing payroll the old-school way, this is the episode that’ll make you switch.What You’ll Learn:✅ Why time is your most valuable resource—and how you’re wasting it✅ How Hourly eliminates the payroll guesswork with smart automation✅ What geofencing and geotracking can do for jobsite accountability✅ How early tech adoption helps you scale faster✅ Why proper payroll = employee trust, better retention, fewer mistakes✅ How to onboard easily with zero stressConnectNataliehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/nataliekolasa17/https://get.hourly.io/payroll-natalie/Ronhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-nussbaumhttps://www.ron-nussbaum.com/BuilderComs builds custom communication software and systems that work for your construction business, not against ithttps://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/ Website https://www.buildercoms.com/constructionchampionspodcast#ConstructionChampionsPodcast #PayrollForContractors #NatalieFromHourly #TimeTrackingTools #SmartConstructionTech #ContractorSuccess #ronnussbaum

Apr 14, 2025 • 37min
You’re Not Broke, You’re Just Bookkeeping Wrong! w/ Natalia Zacharin
Subscribe Today!Most contractors look at their bank account and assume they’re profitable.But are they really?In this episode of the Construction Champions Podcast, Natalia Zacharin, founder of Zacharin Consulting, breaks down why bookkeeping isn’t just data entry, why most construction business owners are blind to their real financial health, and how to take control with fractional CFO services that actually move the needle.If you’ve ever felt like you’re working hard and still not seeing the money—you need this episode.What You’ll Learn:✅ Why “knowing your numbers” is the foundation of scaling✅ How most contractors hire wrong for bookkeeping✅ Why your CPA, bookkeeper, and CFO all need different info✅ How to build financial reports that help you make real decisions✅ What trends matter—and how to forecast cash before it’s gone✅ How to spot bad bookkeeping before it hurts your bottom lineConnect Resources & Freebies from Natalia Zacharinzacharinconsulting.com/constructionFree Downloads: Checklist for a Financially Successful Business7 Ways to Find Money in Your Business NowRonhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-nussbaumhttps://www.ron-nussbaum.com/BuilderComs builds custom communication software and systems that work for your construction business, not against ithttps://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/ Website https://www.buildercoms.com/constructionchampionspodcast#ConstructionChampionsPodcast #NataliaZacharin #KnowYourNumbers #ContractorCashFlow #FractionalCFO #RonNussbaum #ConstructionBusinessTipsTags


