AIS The Above Industry Standard Podcast

This week on AIS Ryan Kelly shares practical AI use cases for contracting companies, covering tools like Claude, Codex, and ChatGPT, and how AI can streamline operations, marketing, and decision making.

In this conversation, Ryan Kelly and Nate Burket discuss the complexities of home improvement projects, particularly the balance between DIY efforts and hiring professionals. They explore the pros and cons of DIY, the risks involved, and the importance of accountability in construction. The discussion also touches on project timelines, costs, and the value of professional advice for homeowners. In...

Scaling a Construction Business: Sales, Systems & Profit Strategies That Actually Work | Above Industry Standards (AIS) Podcast If you're running a construction company and wondering why growth isn’t translating into profit… this episode is for you. On the Above Industry Standards (AIS) Podcast , hosts Ryan Kelly and Nate Burket break down what it really takes to scale a construction busin...

In this engaging Episode of the AIS Podcast the boys has a welcome, former NFL quarterback Eric Ainge as he shares his journey from football to broadcasting, discussing the challenges and triumphs he faced along the way. He emphasizes the importance of resilience, leadership, and the mental game in both sports and business. Ainge reflects on his college football experience, the significance of ser...

In this conversation, Ryan Kelly and Nate Burket discuss various aspects of running a successful construction business, focusing on the importance of people and processes, the challenges of growth, and the integration of technology and AI. They explore hiring practices, sales strategies, and the significance of core values in shaping company culture and client relationships. The discussion also to...

In this episode of the AIS Podcast, host Ryan Kelly delves into the common disputes between clients and contractors in the construction industry. He discusses the reasons behind these conflicts, emphasizing the importance of setting proper expectations, effective communication, and the role of money in these relationships. Ryan also highlights the need for detailed proposals to avoid misunderstand...

In this episode, Ryan discusses the strategic planning process for 2026, sharing insights from his company's planning session involving 15 team members. He emphasizes the importance of personal reflections, team involvement, and the need for clear organizational structures. The conversation covers financial goals, budgeting strategies, sales tactics, and innovative tools that enhance project m...

In this episode of the AIS podcast, Ryan Kelly and Nate Burket discuss various aspects of remodeling, sales strategies, cash flow management, and the importance of productizing services. They share insights from their experiences in the construction industry, emphasizing the need for clear communication, effective marketing, and understanding financial dynamics. The conversation also touches on th...

In this episode, Ryan Kelly discusses the winter slowdown in the construction industry, exploring its causes and how contractors can mitigate its effects through effective marketing and planning. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the client conversion cycle, implementing robust business systems, and proactive marketing strategies to ensure a steady flow of work even during the slow mon...

In this episode of The AIs Podcast , Nate joins host Ryan for a deep dive into what it takes to grow and sustain a successful construction business in today’s competitive market. From productizing services and aligning sales processes with client expectations to overcoming operational challenges , the conversation explores how data-driven decisions and continuous learning drive business success. T...

Ryan Kelly and Nate Dogg don’t sugarcoat the world of home sales. They call out the lack of accountability, expose how easily homeowners get misunderstood, and tear into the chaos caused by sloppy communication and weak contracts. The two hammer on why most sales training falls flat and why reps keep stumbling on the same objections. They dig into the psychology behind the deal, unpack the games h...

In this conversation, Ryan Kelly and Nate Dogg discuss the intricacies of starting over in the construction industry, focusing on the differences between commercial and residential projects. They explore the challenges of client selection, payment terms, and the operational dynamics of subcontractors versus in-house labor. The discussion highlights the importance of strategic decision-making in na...

Join Ryan Kelly and Nate Dogg as they delve into the intricacies of leadership, the importance of legacy, and the challenges of scaling a business. From discussing the role of arrogance in leadership to the significance of reputation and impact, this episode offers valuable insights for entrepreneurs and business leaders. The balance between arrogance and confidence in leadership Building a legacy...

In this episode of the AIS Podcast, Ryan Kelly discusses the various challenges faced by KHB, emphasizing the importance of people in business operations. He explores the shift from KPIs to OKRs, the significance of tracking metrics for success, and the creation of an operations rulebook to enhance autonomy among team members. The conversation delves into the roles of superintendents and project m...

In this episode, we delve into the intricacies of leadership and organizational growth. Join Nate Dogg and Ryan Kelly as they explore the challenges and strategies of scaling a business, the importance of leadership in driving innovation, and the role of personal relationships in a tech-driven world. Discover insights on how to balance growth with maintaining a strong company culture, and learn fr...

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of sales compensation strategies. Discover how to design effective compensation plans that motivate your sales team and drive performance. Learn from industry experts about the latest trends and best practices in sales compensation. Key Takeaways:Understanding the fundamentals of sales compensation Innovative strategies to align incentives with business...

In this episode, Ryan Kelly discusses the evolving landscape of the trades as Gen Z enters the workforce. He explores the differences in work ethic, values, and expectations between Gen Z and older generations, particularly focusing on mental health, work-life balance, and the importance of meaningful work. The conversation also highlights the shift in trade education, the need for companies to ad...

In this conversation, Ryan Kelly and Nate Dogg discuss various aspects of running a construction business, focusing on the importance of leading and lagging indicators, client management, and the complexities of project management. They share personal experiences with alcohol, sleep struggles, and the challenges of maintaining healthy client relationships. The discussion emphasizes the need for pr...

In this episode, Ryan Kelly discusses the current state of immigration and its impact on the construction industry in California, particularly in light of recent protests and ICE actions. He emphasizes the importance of legal immigration processes and the contributions of undocumented workers to the economy. The conversation also touches on crime in construction, highlighting theft incidents and t...

In this conversation, Ryan Kelly discusses the intricacies of project management in the construction industry, emphasizing the roles of project managers, production managers, and superintendents. He highlights the importance of technology in streamlining processes and improving client communication, while also critiquing the limitations of Buildertrend software. The discussion further explores alt...

In this episode of the AIS Podcast, the hosts explore the transformative impact of AI on the construction industry. They discuss how AI can enhance client experiences, streamline project management, and optimize workforce scheduling. The conversation delves into the practical applications of AI in building client lifecycles, improving sales and marketing strategies, and even personal development....

In this conversation, Ryan Kelly and Nate Burket discuss the complexities of managing a construction business, focusing on time management, client expectations, and the challenges posed by California regulations. They explore the importance of face-to-face interactions, the psychology behind client decisions, and the financial struggles contractors face. The discussion also delves into the intrica...

In this episode, Ryan Kelly discusses various issues in the construction industry, including workers' compensation fraud, the dynamics between architects and general contractors, and the pitfalls of working with family. He shares personal anecdotes and insights on the importance of ethics in construction, the challenges faced by contractors, and the ongoing issues of scams within the industry.

In this conversation, Ryan Kelly and Nate Dogg explore the intersection of personal interests and professional life, particularly through the lens of golf and business. They discuss innovative strategies for business growth, the importance of integrating technology, and the potential of niche markets in home improvement. The dialogue also touches on the evolving workforce dynamics and the impact o...

In this conversation, Nate Dogg and Ryan Kelly delve into various aspects of financial management, client expectations, and the ethical challenges faced in the construction industry. They discuss the importance of cash flow management, the impact of social media on consumer expectations, and the need for responsible stewardship in business practices. The conversation also touches on the alarming i...