The CM Mentors Podcast

Episode Summary: In this Season 3 premiere, hosts Matt Graves and Kyle Grandell sit down with Josue Perea , owner of Covenant Solutions , to unpack the world of Building Information Modeling (BIM) . Josue shares his unconventional journey from electrician to BIM specialist, highlighting the critical role of field experience in effective design coordination. The conversation explores the disconnect...

Episode Summary: In this end-of-season special, Matt and Kyle reflect on the incredible growth and milestones of the CM Mentors Podcast in 2024. From coordinating standout guests to learning alongside the audience, the hosts share behind-the-scenes insights into producing Season 2. The episode also features a compilation of memorable moments, impactful advice, and standout conversations with some...

Episode Summary: In this episode, Matt and Kyle chat with Shea Fuller, an insurance expert with Holmes Murphy & Associates, specializing in construction policies, to break down the often complex world of insurance in construction. Shea discusses the critical need for customized insurance coverage in construction and emphasizes the importance of early broker involvement, especially when signing con...

Episode Summary: In this episode, hosts Matt Graves and Kyle Grandell take a break from guest interviews to catch up with each other and dive deep into some of the key trends impacting the construction management industry today. From discussing the challenges of balancing remote project management with on-site supervision to evaluating the potential future of AI and technology in construction, thi...

Episode Summary: In this insightful episode of the CM Mentors Podcast , hosts Matt Graves and Kyle Grandell sit down with Ted Keyport, a seasoned headhunter, and Principal at Keyport Search, who specializes in finding top talent in the engineering and manufacturing sectors. Ted provides behind-the-scenes insights into the recruitment process, covering key challenges, trends, and strategies for suc...

Episode Summary: In this episode of the CM Mentors Podcast , hosts Matt Graves and Kyle Grandell sit down with Jared Agee, Senior Project Support and Analysis at Nestlé Purina USA, to explore his diverse career in the construction industry. From starting on a farm to navigating the intricacies of industrial projects, Jared shares his personal journey and the lessons he’s learned along the way.  *...

Episode Summary: In this episode of the CM Mentors podcast, hosts Matt Graves and Kyle Grandell chat with Ashlyn Smith, the VP of Member Services at TEXO Association. TEXO combines two of the largest national construction associations, AGC and ABC, under one roof, providing invaluable resources to its members. Ashlyn shares her unique career journey, the importance of association engagement, and h...

Episode Summary: In this insightful episode of the CM Mentors Podcast, hosts Matt Graves and Kyle Grandell sit down with Drew Hanish, CEO of Pravo Construction, based out of Austin, TX. Drew shares his journey from a small town in North Texas to becoming the CEO of a thriving construction company that specializes in commercial construction and Re-Use renovation. The conversation gives into the cha...

Episode Summary: In this episode, hosts Matt Graves and Kyle Grandell speak with Kathryn Mattox, Senior Manager of Capital Governance for Nestlé USA. Kathryn shares her extensive career journey, from her beginnings in chemical engineering to her current role at Nestlé. She talks about her experiences with gender bias in the construction and engineering industries, her involvement in women’s mentor...

Episode Summary: In this special episode of the CM Mentors podcast, hosts Matt Graves and Kyle Grandell take a break from their usual guest interviews to catch up on the latest happenings in their lives, discuss the progress of the season so far, and share insights on current trends and topics in the construction industry. This candid and relaxed conversation gives listeners a chance to hear the h...

Episode Summary: In this episode of CM Mentors, Matt Graves and Kyle Grandell welcome Patrick Reiser, Principal of Reiser Cost Consultants (RCC). Patrick delves into his extensive experience in commercial real estate, emphasizing the critical role of proactive cost control measures in construction projects. He highlights the importance of fair and equitable solutions for both owners and contractor...

Episode Summary: In this episode, we welcome Cameron Smith, Senior Project Manager and Preconstruction Manager at C1S Group. Cameron shares his journey from civil engineering at UT Austin to managing complex design-build projects at C1S. He delves into the intricacies of the food and beverage industry, the challenges of working with manufacturing clients, and the importance of effective project ma...

Episode Summary: In this exciting episode of CM Mentors, we welcome Gloria Marie Fuentes, also known as Gigi, founder of GloJoy Construction. Gloria brings a wealth of experience from the Greater Tri-State area and shares her vision of a better way to approach construction projects. Tune in to hear her insights on building a client-focused, full-service construction agency, and her journey from wo...

Episode Summary: In this episode, we welcome Alexandra McMyler, CEO of Archer Specialties and Business Development Director at Sirius Building Company. Alexandra shares her unique journey from a rugby player and stay-at-home mom to a dynamic leader in the construction industry. Her story highlights the value of building relationships and embracing challenges in both personal and professional growt...

In Episode 38 of The CM Mentors Podcast, Matt Graves and Kyle Grandell chat with Eric Anderton, Founder of Construction Genius. Topics Include: * Favorite Sports * Making the Shift from Leading Projects to Leading Companies * The “E.A.R.” Framework for Communication * How to Teach Someone what you know Instinctually * Construction Genius the Book * How to Run a “Kick-Ass” Meeting * How to Lead the...

In Episode 37 of The CM Mentors Podcast, Matt Graves and Kyle Grandell chat with Adeel Pirzada , CEO of Pircon Group. With a special guest appearance by Kevin Padillo . Topics Include: * The different “types” of Commercial Construction * Seft-Perform vs. Subcontract * Success with Design-Build Work * Differences Between Canadian and American Construction * Are Electricians the “smartest” trade? *...

In Episode 36 of The CM Mentors Podcast, Matt Graves and Kyle Grandell chat with Jack Rowe, Director of Land Entitlement and Development at Taylor Morrison. Topics Include: * What is Land Development? * The hardest part of the Job * How to be Successful with Utility Companies * spoiler: We wish we had better answers * What it was like entering the Industry * Working through the Bureaucracy of Citi...

In Episode 35 of The CM Mentors Podcast, Matt Graves and Kyle Grandell chat with Jonathan Cor, President of Customer Growth. Topics Include: * The legit opportunity to build a Personal Brand RIGHT NOW * Why do it? Tangible benefits? * Meme Marketing * Using Opus Pro for turning long-form videos into short viral clips with AI * GC bashing posts? Good or bad? * Thoughts on using ChatGPT for marketin...

In Episode 34 of The CM Mentors Podcast, Matt Graves and Kyle Grandell chat with Evan Oates, Vice President at EOS Builders, LLC . Topics Include: * EOS Internship Program * What a Project Engineer can expect on Day 1 * Teaching the Basics First * Concentrating on Soft Skills First * Kyle Bails on the Meme Game * Innovation Possibilities to Help the Workforce Gap Watch the interview on YouTube: Ab...

In Episode 33 of The CM Mentors Podcast, Matt Graves and Kyle Grandell chat with Kyle Nitchen, Senior Project Manager at Layton Construction. Topics Include: * Getting Interested in Construction * Our Coolest Projects * Kyle Describes the Meme Game: Literal Cloud Revision * What defines an Influential Project Manager * 7 Archetypes of an Influential Project Manager * Communicator * Enforcer * Buil...

In Episode 32 of The CM Mentors Podcast, Matt Graves and Kyle Grandell chat with Seth Gehle, Builder at David Weekley Homes. Topics Include: * The Power of LinkedIn * Helping Veterans * Hustling to Build a Network * Getting Giants on Your Resume * Tips for Being a Great Communicator * Running Your Own Race * Being the Best at EVERYTHING You Do * Blind Faith & Not Getting Caught Up in the Machine *...

In Episode 31 of The CM Mentors Podcast, Matt Graves and Kyle Grandell chat with Erin Khan, Founder & Sr. Consultant at Erin Khan Consulting . Topics Include: * Augmented Reality * Learning & Development via Technology * Construction is the New Cool * Tech Fatigue * With 1000s of Solutions, How do you Vet them? * ContechReviews.com Watch the interview on YouTube: About Erin: Erin Khan is an establ...

In Episode 30 of The CM Mentors Podcast, Matt Graves and Kyle Grandell chat with Chris Gutkes, President at Island Elevator. Topics Include: * What a Train Wreck * Kyle Describes the Meme Game: Meme Marketing * How Chris came into Running Island Elevator * The Worst Part of Running a Business * Self-Depreciation as a Leadership Skill * Elevators vs. The World: Why can’t we all get along? * AI in t...

In Episode 29 of The CM Mentors Podcast, Matt Graves and Kyle Grandell chat with Coty Fournier Professional Talent Development & Growth Strategist at Coty Fournier, Inc. Topics Include: * The Contractor who Doesn’t Bid on Work * Eliminate the Fear of Change Orders * Becoming a Company Executive * Importance of Subcontractors * Inside Commerical Construction’s MVPs * Adding Value to the Business De...

In Episode 28 of The CM Mentors Podcast, Matt Graves and Kyle Grandell chat with Lance Furuyama , Vice President of Operations at Factor X. This was a fun chat and halfway through Lance took over asking us the questions. We chatted about: * What is Equipment Salvage & How Does it Work * The Value of LinkedIn * Advice for our Younger Selfs * Introduced a New Meme Game Watch the interview on YouTube...