Build Your Success

On the Build Your Success podcast, host Brian welcomesRobbie “C.R.” Sawyer, Director of Safety for Florida at HB Next, who travels jobsite to jobsite coaching builders, GCs, and trade partners on OSHA 1926 and practical safety to keep businesses healthy and compliant. Robbie shares how his grandfather, a fire chief, modeled servant leadership by working alongside rookies and building trust, then e...

In this Build Your Success podcast episode,  Aaron Waechter, a Local Union 1121 millwright and tower lead on the Vineyard Wind offshore project, shares his path from studying engineering to completing a four-year apprenticeship and building a career in power generation. Aaron describes union training, paid hands-on learning,specialized courses in Las Vegas, and how opportunities led to nuclear wor...

On the Build Your Success podcast, host Brian Brogen interviews Andy Benedetto, business representative for Millwrights Local 1121, which covers Millwrights across the six New England states and is part of the North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters. Andy explains millwrights as industrial mechanics whoinstall, maintain, move, rig, and precisely align rotating equipment in power gener...

In this Build Your Success podcast episode, the hostwelcomes Brent Darnell, founder of Brent Darnell International, who has taught emotional intelligence and people skills in the construction industry since 2000 with a focus on mental, physical, and emotional performance. They discuss how the industry has shifted toward collaboration, purpose, and relationship-driven work, and why emotional intell...

This week I am sharing a lesson from our Foundation First Leadership membership meetings. Mikel Bowman gave a great lesson on the challenges associated with transitioning from Peer to Supervisor. Becoming a member of Foundation First Leadership allows you and two of your colleagues' full access to our live calls and all of the archived lessons: Foundation First - Build Consulting Services Host...

In this Build Your Success podcast episode, host Brianinterviews Adam Povitz, CEO of Anago Cleaning Systems, a three-tier commercial cleaning franchise operating across the U.S. and Canada with 1,800 franchisees and 50 master franchise regions. Adam explains how Anago supports post-construction final cleans that often lead to ongoing cleaning relationships, and how the model separates responsibili...

Host Brian Brogen introduces leadership readiness speaker and trainer Stephanie Nowak, who works with early-career professionals in the AEC industry. Nowak shares her background as an electrical design engineer, construction project manager, and engineering/construction group manager, thendefines leadership as servant leadership centered on trust, respect, collaboration, and advocating for one’s t...

On the Build Your Success podcast, host Brian interviewsLuke Hill, a Marine Corps veteran and staffing manager for Telson in Houston, about leadership, mentoring, and construction recruiting. Luke shares his background in staffing and apprenticeshipplacement, his family ties to the trades, and how a former gunnery sergeant shaped his leadership “true north”: leaving an organization and its people...

In this Build Your Success Podcast episode, Brian welcomesleadership coaches Missy Washam and Mayce DelValle from Mpactful Messages, they share how they met, became best friends and business partners, and help companies transform through leadership development. They define strong leadership as authentic, vulnerable, androoted in connection, emphasizing that everyone deserves to be led well and tha...

On this episode of the Build Your Success podcast, host Brian Brogen welcomes Rob Sublette Vice President of Mountain Man Welding, a family-owned Denver welding and fabrication company founded in 1992 that transitioned from oil and gas into water infrastructure and has welded much of Colorado’s major welded-steel water pipelines over the past 34 years.  Rob shares his path from welder helper to pr...

On this episode of the Build Your Success podcast we welcome Justin Barksdale, founder of Barksdale Safety and Barksdale Leadership. Justin shares his 15–16 years as a safety professional, starting as a scaffold builder, and explains his companies’ missions: educating, equipping, and empowering organizations to create safety and building leaders people want to follow and cultures people never want...

In this Build Your Success Podcast episode, host Brian Brogen interviews Rob Newman, Vice President of DeWalt Business Development Strategies, aboutleadership, innovation, safety, and workforce development in construction. Rob shares his 27-year journey at DeWalt, emphasizing leadership through listening, continuous learning, and self-reflection in communication. He highlights DeWalt’s new down-dr...

Welcome to this episode of the Build Your Success Podcast! Host Brian Brogen is joined by Jeff Martin, EHS Manager for Komatsu America, as they discuss leadership, culture, and community involvement. With over 34 years at Komatsu, Jeff shares his journey from EMT to Environmental Health and Safety Manager, his insights on leadership and extreme ownership, and the importance of building a strong cu...

In this episode of the Build Your Success Podcast, hostBrian Brogen welcomes Marie Milord, a safety and health professional specializing in utilities and heavy civil sectors. Marie, a board member of the New York City American Societyof Safety Professionals and an accomplished coach, delves into leadership dynamics, the importance of emotional intelligence (EQ/EI) in construction, and her bold ini...

Welcome to the Build Your Success podcast, hosted by BrianBrogen. In this episode, we welcome Jared Millar, founder of Big Blue Collar, an expert in lead generation and smart automations for blue collar businesses. Jared shares his background growing up in the trade industryand transitioning to helping blue collar businesses scale and reclaim their time. He discusses the importance of having the r...

Here is a replay of a popular episode a few years ago. Grady Judd is the Straight Shooting Sheriff of Polk County FL, he is the first sheriff in the county's history to be elected to 5 consecutive terms. Sheriff Judd believes in servant leadership and listens to those that he serves. "When you mess up, you have to dress up, fess up and fix up" Own your mistakes and get better. "...

In this episode of the Build Your Success Podcast, host Brian Brogen welcomes Paul Idziak managing partner and private equity advisor for Faithman Group. They discuss Paul's extensive background in the energy sector, covering his career progression and diverse leadership roles. The conversation delves into Paul's views on effective leadership, the importance of building a robust talent pip...

In this episode of the Build Your Success podcast, hostBrian Brogen welcomes Orlando Haynes, North American Talent Acquisition Lead for The Mosaic Company. Orlando shares his insights on leadership, personal branding, and the evolving landscape of skilled trades. Brian and Orlando discuss the importance of servanthood inleadership, the benefits of building a personal brand, and the critical need f...

Welcome to another exciting episode of the Build Your Success podcast! In this episode, host Brian welcomes Emily Brown, Vice President of Talent Development at McCownGordon Construction.  Emily shares her journey from project management to leading a learning and development team. She discusses the importance of training, retention, and emotional intelligence in the construction industry. From sim...

On this episode Brian shares the latest stats from Spotify In 2025 the Build Your Success Podcast has grown by over 200% in audience, added 40% more followers , and massively increased listening time. And get this — Listen Notes now ranks us in the top 3% of podcasts worldwide . THANK TO YOU our amazing listeners!! To celebrate, I am replaying an early episode with my friend and guest Rob Maynard....

Welcome to Build Your Success podcast, hosted by Brian Brogen. In this episode, Brian hosts Michael Turner, Director of Prefabrication at Helix Electric. Michael is a third-generation electrician and workforce development advocate. Michael shares insights from his rich family history in the electrical trade, his early experiences on job sites, and deep thoughts on leadership and mentorship in the...

In this episode of the Build Your Success podcast, host Brian invites Ashley Gill, principal safety consultant at ERM and adjunct professor at Charlton State, to share her journey into the safety profession.  Ashley discusses her unexpected path from business graduate to safety expert, sparked by witnessing a serious workplace injury. She emphasizes the importance ofcontinual growth, mentorship, a...

Welcome to another exciting episode of the Build Your Success Podcast! In this episode, we dive deep into values and culture in the construction industry with Daniel Beatty, the owner of Constructive Leadership Solutions. Join host Brian Brogen as Dan shares his career journey, discussing the three-act play of his professional life - from gaining skills in operations to giving back by guiding the...

In this episode of the Build Your Success Podcast, hostBrian Brogen welcomes Nathan Somerville, founder and CEO of Vector Net. Nathan shares his diverse background in engineering and construction, discussing his journey from Oklahoma to Florida and beyond. They delve into leadership, the challenges and benefits of adopting new technology in the constructionindustry, and the impressive advancements...

In this episode of the Build Your Success podcast, host interviews AI specialist and CEO of GCM, Zach Giglio. Zach shares his journey into AI, the importance of leadership in adopting AI, and practical tips for implementing AI in theconstruction industry. Learn from his experiences with AI training and workshops, and get insights on how to effectively use AI to improve processes without scaling in...