Construction Brothers

Today we’re going all-out with the construction analogies. Yes, it’s poetic. But it’s also pretty darn insightful and valuable.    When you’re a part of an organization, you pass information up and down the line all the time. If you fail to be a reliable link in that information chain, things fail to function smoothly. In electrical terms, if you fail to ensure that the current of information move...

If you need to learn a construction skill or train an employee on a specific skill, Jordan Smith has you covered. Jordan is the Head of Education of MT Copeland (in addition to owning and operating his own design/build firm ). MT Copeland provides affordable, professional-grade video courses for specific construction skills. Jordan does several of the videos, but a whole array of specialized instr...

Biff is back. This time he’s creating chaos in the water fountain line.    Since Tyler was homeschooled, he never had to deal with the complex social dynamic of “Give me fronts!” The thing is… None of us should have to deal with that in the world of construction.   So Eddie has a message to the general contractors out there: When you tell me that you’ll be done with something on a certain date and...

There’s a gap in the industry. Few people are doing more to fill that gap than Lydia Burns.  Lydia is known as a senior manager with Allied Construction Industries , a trade group that works on advocacy, networking, and solutions for a variety of parties within the construction industry. Last time we met with Lydia, we discussed her work with K-12 programs that familiarize students with various as...

Nobody’s going to make sure that you do it. It’s the advance preparation required for a project.    And it’s your responsibility.   You’ll see that Eddie feels pretty strongly about this–understandably so. It’s simply not fair to show up unprepared and then expect someone else to step up and fill the gaping chasm you’ve created.    Take responsibility for your own failures. Admit it. Then you may...

We all see communication disconnects between designers and builders every single day, so today we talk to one of our Dad’s old work buddies, Chuck Colwill. Why Chuck? Because Chuck is an expert in the design-build approach that produces a much more nimble and efficient building team.    Chuck’s work with his firm, Colwill Engineering , is a great example of how to gracefully, creatively navigate t...

Yup. Just two brothers talking about fartlek.    Life is busy. It’s easy to let physical fitness fall by the wayside. Today we step aside from professional concerns and into this area of personal improvement. We share a bit about our own experiences with physical training–specifically running.    Fartlek is a Swedish term. It refers to a kind of training that involves varying the pacing, intensity...

Eddie wore khakis and a button-down shirt to the office every single day for his first couple years in the office. He felt like this was a necessary part of showing that he took his role seriously. Tyler followed Eddie’s fashion leadership… for about a month.  Now, both of us wear jeans and a t-shirt to the office every day. And there is purpose behind this choice. This isn’t an episode about fash...

When we focus exclusively on the price of the bid, we risk finding ourselves working with people we can’t depend on. At the same time, we all know that our industry is built around profit.    Teams work best when there is balance between profit and relationship. This requires trust. When trust is present within and between crews, a project runs more efficiently and results in a better end product....

If you work in construction, you know that we have a problem. We need more young people! Someone needs to connect the countless dots of classroom learning, workplace skills, career awareness, and student interests. Lydia Burns is that connector of dots.  More formally, Lydia is known as a senior manager with Allied Construction Industries , a trade group that works on advocacy, networking, and sol...

Unclear expectations, scope creep, “Dude, that’s not my job!” Regardless of the phrasing, you’ve experienced it if you’re a contractor or a sub. Today we discuss how to avoid it.   What’s the answer?    Refine.  Be clear.  Empathize.    Find individuals who are masters of their specialties. Define the job you need each person to do and then hold yourself to those boundaries.    That’s the message...

Wally’s range of experience is more diverse than most. Who would have guessed that the Notre Dame leprechaun (yes, he was the official leprechaun for a year) would work his way to the rank of commander in the marines and pilot AH-1W Super Cobra helicopters? Eventually, Wally worked his way into construction leadership with FMI Consulting. Now Wally works as a public speaker and consultant, inspiri...

Nature’s timelines can seem unfair. The same is true of professional timelines. It can leave you feeling left behind. Our message: Cut yourself some slack! Stay the course! Don’t rush it!    Keep learning, and watch for opportunities to combine your passions, skills, and experience into something meaningful.     That’s the nugget of insight we offer in today’s Five-Minute Friday.  Find Us Online:...

When we don’t have a guest, it’s a bit like Dwight and Jim when Michael’s out of town. Today we confront the reality that we’ve talked out of both sides of our mouths. As we reflect on that, we touch on blood, politics, and mouse-movers. Do we un-contradict ourselves? You make the call. Be warned: our dander gets up a couple times.  Wait. Before we go any further… In case you came to the show note...

A few months ago, after a decade of the two of us working closely together, Tyler left ABSI to start his own company. What has Eddie learned from losing his right-hand man?   Help them leave well. Celebrate their wins with them. Be genuinely happy for them. Do your best to put yourself in their shoes.   Recognize and acknowledge that this separation is a form of loss, and with loss comes emotions...

Supply-chain challenges are certainly nothing new, but they’ve grown increasingly complicated over the last few years. Today we discuss how you as a contractor can approach these challenges whether you’re working on a local and global scale.   We get several helpful supply-chain insights from our guest Ernie Maschner. Ernie has been an influential presence in the construction industry for more tha...

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Whether you’re in sales or not, knowing how to sell can be an invaluable skill to understand and master. Jack Daly is a sales expert and coach with over 30 years of boots on the ground experience. He guides us through best practice and gives us tips on how to sell larger projects than you thought were possible.   Here are a few things you’ll learn!  The difference between a $1,000 salesperson and...

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Thanks for listening! Please be sure to leave a rating or review and follow us on our social accounts! SUBSCRIBE!       Like us on LinkedIn!       Like us on Facebook!     Follow us on Instagram! Eddie's LinkedIn       Tyler's LinkedIn       See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A little rain never hurt anyone. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Life isn’t in our control. Shocked? Neither are we. How does that affect this idea of “work-life balance”? It is important to realize how to deal with the things, not in our control. We tackle the importance of realizing work-life balance isn’t obtainable, but what is obtainable is making sure we don’t become overwhelmed by the things we enjoy and the things life deals. If you have been here for l...

We're reflecting on a statement made by our grandfather that had a huge impact on Tyler. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John Kenney is a 3rd generation roofer. Over John's 30+ years in the roofing industry he has worked in various roles. From Roofer, to Estimator to Project Manager. We dive into what has changed over his career and he shares some of the issues you can avoid when working with a roofing contractor!   Thanks for listening! Please be sure to leave a rating or review and follow us on our social accounts...

Eddie shares a hack you should try! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.