Built Different Podcast

College isn't the only path to success—and for many young men, it may not be the right one. In this episode of the Built Different Podcast, Eric Tilghman explores one of today's biggest questions: College vs. Trades. But this conversation goes far beyond careers. Eric shares why so many young men today feel lost, anxious, isolated, and without purpose—and why he believes responsibility, br...

In this episode of the Built Different Podcast, Eric Tilghman sits down with longtime Tilghman Builders team member Mike Monzo to discuss company culture, accountability, leadership, and the power of second chances. Mike shares his journey from struggling employee to one of the strongest culture carriers in the company. After being let go, hitting a personal low point, and taking a hard look in th...

What happens when the leader runs out of energy? In this episode of the Built Different Podcast, Eric Tilghman shares a brutally honest look at a week where he found himself off his routine, disconnected from his normal habits, and feeling the impact throughout his company. As leaders, we often focus on systems, processes, and performance. But what if the biggest factor affecting your team is you?...

Construction and addiction often go hand in hand. In this deeply honest episode of the Built Different Podcast, Eric Tilghman sits down with Tilghman Builders Project Closer, Shawn Fuerst, to talk about addiction, recovery, second chances, and the life-changing power of company culture. Just a few years ago, Shawn was living in a halfway house with no car, no license, and only 45 days sober. Today...

The business world glorifies hustle. Long hours. No days off. Burnout as a badge of honor. But what if that mindset is actually hurting your company? In this episode of the Built Different Podcast , Eric Tilghman breaks down why hustle culture creates exhausted teams, stressed owners, mistakes, poor leadership, and unsustainable growth. He shares a different path: How to build a business people ac...

What happens when the right person finds the right opportunity? In this episode of the Built Different Podcast , Eric Tilghman sits down with Joe Cunningham—a team member who went from zero construction experience to leading projects in just over a year. But this isn’t just a story about career growth… It’s about what happens when culture, leadership, and personal drive collide. Inside this episod...

What happens when a great company culture starts slipping… and it’s your responsibility to fix it? In this episode of the Built Different Podcast, Eric Tilghman shares a real, behind-the-scenes leadership moment inside Tillman Builders— when the office culture became too loose, productivity dropped, and standards started drifting. Instead of ignoring it, he stepped in. But here’s the truth most le...

What actually builds a great company—skill, systems… or people? In this episode of the Built Different Podcast, Eric sits down with Senior Estimator Eric Kovach, who’s been with Tilghman Builders for nearly two decades. This isn’t just a conversation about business. It’s a real, behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to build a company culture that people stay for. They dive into: The moment Eric...

If your team isn’t performing and the day-to-day vibe is frustration, stress, or constant disappointment—this episode is where you start. In The Man in the Mirror , Eric Tilghman breaks down why company culture isn’t “soft”—it’s a profit lever. Turnover, callbacks, reputation damage, and burnout are often culture problems in disguise. And the hard truth? Culture starts with the owner: your emotion...

In this episode of Built Different , Eric Tilghman sits down with Operations Manager J.P. Mel to break down what “company culture” actually means—and how they’ve built one that drives real results in an industry known for burnout, turnover, and toxic job sites. They talk about the difference between being “nice” and building true accountability, why authenticity matters more than branding, and how...

Most employees don’t quit suddenly — they decide quietly in the first few weeks. In this episode of Built Different , Eric Tilghman breaks down why onboarding is where retention is truly decided. From the interview process to week one in the field, Eric explains how culture, consistency, and leadership alignment determine whether someone buys into your company or starts planning their exit. You’ll...

In this episode, Eric Tilghman discussed how Burnout is normal - Turnover is expected - Negativity is tolerated. Most contractors accept this as "the cost of doing business". At Tilghman Builders we believe theres a better way. This Podcast exists to Change the Construction Industry. Listen to real world conversations about leadership, hiring, accountability, onboarding, & decisions...

In this engaging conversation, Eric Tilghman, CEO of Tilghman Builders, and his father Bob Tilghman, the Founder, CFO, and Director of Sales, discuss the evolution of their family business, the importance of company culture, and the values that have shaped their success. They reflect on the challenges of transitioning leadership roles, the significance of teamwork, and the impact of a positive wor...

We're launching the Built Different podcast, all about transformational leadership, company culture, enthusiasm, and vision.