Titans of the Trades | Straight-Talk for Scaling Your Construction Business

SummaryJonathan Porter-Whistman, CEO of PerceptionPredict, discusses the big mistake people make in hiring and the need to slow down and carefully consider the hiring process. He emphasizes the importance of understanding why and how to hire, as well as the impact of poor hiring decisions on company culture and credibility. Porter-Whistman suggests that hiring should be approached as a half-million dollar decision and that companies should focus on creating an environment that attracts high-performing individuals. He introduces the concept of psychographic science and the use of data to predict performance in different roles. Porter-Whistman also highlights the importance of controlling thoughts and creating a positive employee experience. Takeaways·The big mistake in hiring is rushing through the process without careful consideration.·Slowing down and understanding why and how to hire is crucial for making effective hiring decisions.·Poor hiring decisions can have a negative impact on company culture and credibility.·Creating an environment that attracts high-performing individuals is essential for successful hiring.·Using data and psychographic science can help predict performance in different roles. Chapters00:00 The Big Mistake in Hiring01:06 The Importance of Slowing Down03:51 The Illusion of Hiring Difficulty04:20 The Romance Interview05:23 Creating a Repelling Marketing Strategy07:29 The Impact on Credibility08:22 Finding and Hiring A-Players09:15 The Science of Predictive Hiring10:12 Using Data to Improve Hiring12:13 Predicting Performance in Different Roles13:05 The Limitations of Online Instruments14:00 Controlling Thoughts for Better Hiring15:05 The Employee Experience16:02 Creating Powerful Rhythms in the Business18:03 Designing the Business Environment19:44 The Jazz Club Analogy21:25 Bringing in Talented Individuals Connect With Jonathan:LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jonathanwhistman Support Titans of the Trades: If you found this episode insightful, please subscribe, share, and leave a review for Titans of the Trades. Your support goes a long way in helping us bring more impactful discussions your way.

SummaryRichard Hart, the founder of Hart's Plumbing and Heating, shares his insights on finding and developing good people in the service industry. He shatters the myth that there are no good people out there and emphasizes the importance of the people in a business. Richard discusses the training and education programs at Hart's Academy and the company's commitment to providing high-value service. He also talks about the growth and expansion plans of Hart's Plumbing and Heating and their focus on acquiring smaller companies. Richard's passion for helping veterans and his dedication to changing the perception of service trades shine through in the conversation.Takeaways There are good people in the service industry, and it's a limiting belief to think otherwise.Training and education are essential for developing a skilled and professional team.Hiring for culture fit is crucial to ensure that team members align with the company's values and provide excellent service.Creating a positive perception of service trades requires delivering high-value service and exceeding customer expectations.Chapters00:34 The Existence of Good People01:27 Finding Good People03:48 Passion for Helping Veterans04:23 Acquisitions and Growth05:19 Providing High-Value Service06:02 Changing the Perception of Service Trades07:02 The Satisfaction of Helping Customers08:13 Respectful and Professional Service09:20 Creating a Respectable Team10:22 Training and Education for Growth11:07 Vetting and Onboarding Process13:03 Training Apprentices and Inspections14:27 Hiring for Culture Fit15:09 Richard's Journey and Milestones19:20 Addressing Culture Fit Issues20:18 Impact of Core Values and Training21:15 Opportunities and Contact InformationConnect With RichardWebsite: https://hartsservices.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-hart-438a74a6/ Support Titans of the Trades: If you found this episode insightful, please subscribe, share, and leave a review for Titans of the Trades. Your support goes a long way in helping us bring more impactful discussions your way.

SummaryIn this conversation, Ryan Englin interviews Michael Fortinberry, the CEO and Founder of Protiv, a software platform that helps motivate and incentivize performance from hourly workers. They discuss the myth of hourly pay and the challenges of motivating blue-collar workers. Michael explains how linking incentives to performance can create motivation, engagement, and enthusiasm among hourly workers. He shares practical examples of implementing rewards and the positive impact it can have on productivity and quality. They also discuss the cultural shift required and the role of technology in simplifying the implementation process. Overall, the conversation highlights the importance of valuing employees and driving change in the construction industry. Takeaways·Linking incentives to performance can create motivation, engagement, and enthusiasm among hourly workers.·Digital time tracking is essential for implementing variable incentives based on performance.·Rewarding workers based on their performance can lead to increased productivity, improved quality, and cost savings. Chapters01:33 Challenges and Complexity of Change03:03 Practical Implementation of Rewards04:04 Motivating Workers with Incentives06:20 Motivating Top Performers07:15 Maintaining Quality and Efficiency08:48 Translating Bonuses into Value09:25 Weekly Pay and Individual Recognition10:24 Recruiting and Retaining Top Performers11:41 Changing the Compensation Culture13:37 Cultural Shift and Conflict Resolution16:16 Simplifying Implementation with Software19:26 Valuing Employees and Driving Change Connect With MichaelWebsite: https://www.protiv.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelfortinberry/ Support Titans of the Trades: If you found this episode insightful, please subscribe, share, and leave a review for Titans of the Trades. Your support goes a long way in helping us bring more impactful discussions your way.

In this conversation, Timothy Wingate and Ryan Englin discuss the power of integrating technology into financial and accounting processes in the construction industry. Timothy debunks the myth that doing things the same way is always the best way and emphasizes the importance of finding more efficient methods. Timothy explains how his company, G + F Business and Financial Consulting, helps construction companies implement technology to improve their operations. He highlights the need for clean and accurate financial records as a baseline for implementing technology.Timothy also discusses the role of project management software in streamlining processes and improving communication. He emphasizes the importance of giving oneself time to adapt to new technology and the long-term benefits it can bring to a construction business. Takeaways·Embracing new technology can make a company more efficient and allow for more work-life balance.·Implementing technology can help streamline processes and improve profit margins.·Consultants specializing in construction accounting and technology integration can help companies find the right software and systems to meet their specific needs.·Implementing technology requires time and patience, but the long-term benefits, such as increased efficiency, improved reporting, and the ability to focus on business development, make it worthwhile. Chapters03:32 Inefficient Processes in the Construction Industry04:26 The Role of Consultants in Implementing Technology05:22 Customizing Technology for Different Construction Businesses06:21 Assigning Roles and Responsibilities in Technology Implementation07:21 Transitioning from a One-Person Operation to a Company08:23 The Cost of Manual Processes and the Benefits of Automation13:04 The Importance of Daily Logs in Project Management16:18 The Time and Patience Required for Technology Implementation19:07 The Importance of Giving Yourself Time to Adapt20:18 The Impact of Technology on Business Growth and Success Connect With Timothy:Website: https://www.gplusf.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/twingatejr/ Support Titans of the Trades: If you found this episode insightful, please subscribe, share, and leave a review for Titans of the Trades. Your support goes a long way in helping us bring more impactful discussions your way.

SummaryCameron Sides, VP of Sales at Acquire ROI, discusses the myth of needing more applicants and the importance of optimizing ad spend using data. He explains how programmatic job advertising can expand job ad exposure to niche job boards and improve ad performance. Cameron emphasizes the significance of good job ad content and the impact of budget allocation on cost per apply. He also highlights the importance of a holistic hiring process and treating employees well for better retention. Takeaways·Optimizing ad spend using data can yield better results than simply increasing the budget.·Programmatic job advertising can expand job ad exposure to niche job boards and improve ad performance.·Good job ad content is crucial for a successful campaign.·A holistic hiring process, including a streamlined application process and efficient follow-up, can reduce acquisition costs and improve retention. Chapters01:31 The Myth of More Applicants04:35 Programmatic Job Advertising05:32 Expanding Job Ad Exposure06:29 Importance of Good Job Ad Content07:34 Budget Allocation and Cost per Apply09:48 Improving the Hiring Process11:38 Impact of Process on Acquisition Costs13:21 Retention and Treating Employees Well16:12 Holistic Process for Effective Hiring20:09 Offer and Contact Information Connect With Cameron: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameron-sides-770b42a6/  Support Titans of the Trades: If you found this episode insightful, please subscribe, share, and leave a review for Titans of the Trades. Your support goes a long way in helping us bring more impactful discussions your way.

SummaryIn today's episode, we had the privilege of hosting Mike Kaeding, CEO of Norhart, who shared his transformative approach to disrupting the construction space. Mike's company is driving a 20-30% reduction in construction costs with a vision to achieve 50% reduction. By integrating all trades under one roof and implementing revolutionary techniques like the assembly line, they're building affordable housing at scale. More than just tech, Mike's insights on recruiting rockstar employees and building a values-aligned culture are invaluable.  Takeaways·Construction costs can be substantially reduced, leading to affordable housing for all.·Bringing all the work under one roof and applying revolutionary techniques improves efficiency and reduces project timelines.·Coordination and collaboration between trades are crucial to avoid delays and maximize productivity.·Recruiting top talent and building a strong culture are essential for long-term success. Chapters00:34 Reducing Construction Costs01:15 Bringing Work Under One Roof03:03 Coordination and Efficiency04:42 Benefits of Controlling the Process05:17 Collaboration and Recruitment06:27 Building a System07:52 Overcoming Challenges08:17 Transition to Vertical Integration09:17 Learning and Improvement10:03 Short-Term Pain for Long-Term Gain11:14 Making a Meaningful Impact12:45 Learning from Other Industries15:39 Recruiting Top Talent Connect With Mike:Website: https://www.norhart.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikekaeding  Support Titans of the Trades: If you found this episode insightful, please subscribe, share, and leave a review for Titans of the Trades. Your support goes a long way in helping us bring more impactful discussions your way.

SummaryBryce Wuori, the founder and CEO of Pavewise, discusses the impact of technology on the construction industry. He dispels the myth that construction will never change and highlights the importance of embracing new ways of doing things. Bryce shares his personal journey in the industry and how it led to the creation of Pavewise. The conversation explores the communication challenges in construction and the need for technology champions. The benefits of integrating technology, such as saving time and reducing stress for managers, are discussed. The role of automation and its impact on the industry is also explored. Bryce emphasizes the importance of attracting the younger generation to construction and changing the narrative around the industry. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the recession-proof nature of construction. Takeaways·The construction industry needs to embrace new ways of doing things and dispel the myth that it will never change.·Integrating technology in construction can save time, reduce stress, and improve communication.·Automation is playing a significant role in the industry, allowing for more efficient processes and higher quality outcomes.·Attracting the younger generation to construction is crucial for the industry's future success.·Construction is a recession-proof industry with ample opportunities for growth and success. Chapters03:29 Communication Challenges in the Construction Industry04:21 Integrating Technology and Attracting the Younger Generation06:06 The Role of Automation in Construction07:43 The Need for Technology Champions in the Industry11:57 Automating Weather Tracking and Compliance12:23 Saving Time and Reducing Stress for Managers14:06 Productivity and Mental Health Benefits19:27 The Recession-Proof Nature of the Construction Industry Connect With Bryce:Website: https://pavewisepro.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryce-w-89818b237/  Support Titans of the Trades: If you found this episode insightful, please subscribe, share, and leave a review for Titans of the Trades. Your support goes a long way in helping us bring more impactful discussions your way.

SummaryIn this conversation, Jeff Wald debunks the myth that AI and robotics will take away a significant number of jobs in the coming years. He explains that throughout history, similar fears have arisen with the introduction of new technologies, but the impact on jobs has been gradual and limited to repetitive, high-volume tasks. He uses the example of the ATM to illustrate how automation does not lead to job loss but rather a shift in job roles. Jeff emphasizes the importance of staying informed about technological advancements and continuously upskilling to stay relevant in the changing job market. Takeaways·AI and robotics are not going to take away a significant number of jobs in the coming years.·The fear phase is a common reaction to new technological advancements.·Automation and robotics primarily replace repetitive, high-volume tasks, not entire professions.·Staying informed about technological advancements and continuously upskilling is crucial to staying relevant in the job market. Chapters00:20 AI and Robotics Myth02:33 Fear and Freak Out Phase03:29 Impact on Repetitive Tasks05:54 Reshoring Trend07:43 Long Process of Technological Revolution08:11 ATM Example12:49 Staying Relevant and Upskilling16:06 Retooling the Workforce17:21 Labor Shortage as the Overriding Story19:19 Book Information Connect With Jeff:Website: https://www.jeffwald.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffwald/  Support Titans of the Trades: If you found this episode insightful, please subscribe, share, and leave a review for Titans of the Trades. Your support goes a long way in helping us bring more impactful discussions your way.

SummaryIn this conversation, Ryan Englin and Tom Marino discuss the challenges faced by entrepreneurs in finding work-life harmony and growing their businesses. They debunk the myth that entrepreneurs have to do it all themselves and emphasize the importance of delegating tasks to a competent team. Tom highlights the need for systems and processes to ensure consistent quality and efficiency. He also stresses the importance of branding, prospecting, sales, production, and building relationships in running a successful business. Tom shares insights on hiring and retaining employees, and the importance of investing in people to achieve time freedom. The conversation concludes with an offer for listeners to receive a free copy of Tom's book, “The Atomic Game Changer,” and to schedule a free 30-minute consultation with Atomic Business Coaching.Takeaways·       Entrepreneurs should delegate tasks to a competent team instead of trying to do everything themselves.·       Systems and processes are essential for consistent quality and efficiency in business operations.·       Branding, prospecting, sales, production, and building relationships are the core activities every business owner should focus on.·       Hiring and retaining employees who can do 60-80% of what you do is crucial for business growth.·       Investing in employees is an investment in time freedom and can lead to significant returns. Chapters00:36 The Biggest Myth: Doing It All Yourself04:22 The Challenges of Running a Business05:37 The Need for Training and Education07:02 The Five Core Things Every Business Owner Needs to Do08:43 The Importance of Branding and Reputation10:33 Finding Employees Who Can Do 60-80% of What You Do11:41 Surrounding Yourself with People Better Than You13:14 Employees as Investments in Time Freedom14:39 The ROI of Investing in Employees15:56 The Entrepreneurial Roller Coaster16:41 Deciding What to Delegate23:15 “Atomic” Offers Connect With Tom:Website: https://www.atomicbusinesscoaching.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-marino-06957a29/  Support Titans of the Trades: If you found this episode insightful, please subscribe, share, and leave a review for Titans of the Trades. Your support goes a long way in helping us bring more impactful discussions your way.

SummaryIn this conversation, Keith Ingels discusses the importance of continuous improvement in business and dispels the myth that it requires massive leaps. He emphasizes the value of taking small, manageable steps every day and setting realistic goals. Keith also highlights the importance of visualizing processes, involving fresh eyes, and empowering employees to identify and solve problems. He discusses the impact of continuous improvement on onboarding and employee morale, as well as the role of Raymond in providing logistics solutions. The conversation emphasizes the need for a mindset shift and a focus on customer needs.Takeaways·       Continuous improvement is about taking small, manageable steps every day.·       Visualizing processes and involving fresh eyes can help identify and solve problems.·       Setting realistic goals and focusing on the process rather than the end result is key to continuous improvement.·       Empowering employees and building morale through continuous improvement can reduce absenteeism and turnover. Chapters02:09 Continuous Improvement in Small Steps03:09 Setting Realistic Goals05:06 The Value of Fresh Eyes11:14 Understanding Value Add14:08 Continuous Improvement in Recruiting and Onboarding16:15 The Importance of Understanding the Why18:29 Empowering Employees and Building Morale19:38 Taking Ownership of Morale and Absenteeism22:19 Making Work Easier and Improving Morale23:11 The Role of Raymond in Logistics Solutions Connect With Keith:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keith-ingels-14453615/ Support Titans of the Trades: If you found this episode insightful, please subscribe, share, and leave a review for Titans of the Trades. Your support goes a long way in helping us bring more impactful discussions your way.