Construction Hot Takes

In this episode, Jeff Robertson, Adam Cooper, and Greg Gorman discuss why AI readiness starts long before choosing an AI tool. They explain why clean data, consistent processes, and strong operational foundations are the keys to successful AI adoption in construction. Ascent Consulting helps construction companies prepare for AI by improving data quality, streamlining operational processes, and cr...

In this episode, Adam Cooper, Jeff Robertson, and Gregory Gorman dive into a topic that is so interesting: how to scale a smaller construction firm. Typically working with larger construction firms, they don't get to talk about the unique challenges presented by scaling a 7-figure construction company, but they get into it on this one. We really hope you enjoy, and are curious what other questions...

In this episode, Katherine Cooper brings her deep knowledge of A.I. in construction industry digital marketing to deliver a powerful message. Joined by Adam Cooper, she discusses the ways in which construction industry leadership must pivot as they consider how to adapt to the new way of the digital marketplace. You will not want to miss this one. Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction & Online Narrat...

Everyone loved Part 1, and Part 2, so we are doing Part 3! In this episode, Adam, Jeff, and Greg react to five HOT TAKES about the construction industry and decide whether they agree or disagree. You’re not going to want to miss this one. Comment with any takes you feel like deserve a reaction and dissection! Chapters: 00:00 – Segment Intro & Game Rules 00:46 – Communication Failures vs. Labor...

Big contractors don't scale by accident — they scale through systems. Adam Cooper spent 20 years inside the largest electrical contractors in the country before founding Ascent to bring that behind-the-curtain playbook to the mid-market. In this episode: why your problems aren't unique, why the owner is usually the bottleneck, and the view of how a real construction business runs. Chapters: 00:00...

In this gameshow edition of the Construction Hot Takes podcast, we play a game that illustrates the reality of many construction firms looking to grow. In the construction consulting world, those that are "in A.I." feel like they can solve everything with A.I. but it's often much more nuanced and A.I. can't solve every issue. So which "hammer" (A.I., Procore, Ops) will match which "nail" (business...

In this episode, Adam Cooper and Jeff Robertson talk about an all-too-common issue found amongst growing construction companies. They purchase the latest software with all the bells and whistles which seem to promise smooth sailing, but upon installing into the business, ends up being a source of MORE work, not less. Software misalignment can take something that was supposed to be a good thing, an...

In this episode of Construction Hot Takes, host Jeff Robertson dives into the often-overlooked but critical process of subcontractor pre-qualification. From identifying red flags like disappearing labor and aggressive billing to understanding key financial metrics, Jeff explains why every project manager must be a risk manager first. Learn how to look past professional relationships and focus on t...

In this episode, Jeff Robertson and Gregory Gorman deconstruct how construction firms could be thinking about automation and artificial intelligence in construction. We hope this brings lots of value to your construction organization! Check out our whole catalog of Construction Hot Takes episodes on our website! https://ascentconsults.com/construction-hot-takes-podcast/ Interested in learning how...

In this episode of Construction Hot Takes, our hosts, Adam Cooper and Jeff Robertson, break down why strategic business planning is often the first thing construction leaders ignore—and why it’s the most critical for long-term survival. From the "engineering mindset" trap to identifying actionable milestones, learn how to move past reactive decision-making and build a roadmap that survives economi...

If your CFO feels like the enemy… it’s probably not them. Most business owners unknowingly create friction with finance—and it shows up in missed profits, bad decisions, and constant tension. In this episode, we break down the 3 biggest mistakes leaders make that drive their CFO crazy—and how fixing them can unlock serious growth.  Chapters: 0:00 – Introduction: The CFO-Ops Dynamic 1:39 – Forecast...

Everyone loved Part 1, so we are doing Part 2! In this episode, Adam, Jeff, and Greg react to five HOT TAKES about the construction industry and decide whether they agree or disagree. You’re not going to want to miss this one. Comment with any takes you feel like deserve a reaction and dissection! Chapters: 0:00 – Introduction: The Reaction Segment Returns 0:48 – Topic 1: The Lowest Bidder Mindset...

In this episode, Adam Cooper and Jeff Robertson bring their decades of experience to lay out 3 of the top processes necessary for a construction firm to grow. We hope you enjoy this one! Chapters: 0:00 – Scaling Preconstruction & Estimating 7:30 – Systems for Operational Performance 15:18 – The Strategic Role of the Back Office 20:33 – Comparing GC vs. Trade Contractor Scaling 31:43 – Speciali...

In this episode, Adam, Jeff, and Greg react to four HOT TAKES about the construction industry and decide whether they agree or disagree. You’re not going to want to miss this one. Comment with any takes you feel like deserve a reaction and dissection!  Chapters:   0:05 – Segment Intro: The Rules of Engagement   1:06 – Statement 1: Labor vs. Leadership  9:47 – Statement 2: Subcontractors vs. GCs in...

In this episode, Jeff Robertson breaks down the three ways construction companies can leverage AI to boost productivity, eliminate data silos, and make smarter decisions on the job site. Chapters: 0:00 – Introduction: The AI Tipping Point in Construction 0:48 – Level 1: AI-Enhanced Software 2:53 – Level 2: Integration and Orchestration Layers 5:01 – Level 3: AI-Native Applications 6:45 – Conclusio...

In this episode, Jeff Robertson dives into AI in construction, breaking down adoption tiers, practical use cases, and how contractors of all sizes can leverage AI to protect margins, streamline processes, and grow their business. Chapters: 0:00 – Introduction: The Solo Podcast 4:27 – Understanding the AI Marketplace 6:52 – The Three Tiers of AI Application 12:12 – Market Adoption: Large, Mid, and...

A.I. is affecting every single facet of the construction industry. We are committing to doing a quarterly update, and this is the Q1 2026 State of A.I. update from the Construction Hot Takes podcast. Here, we talk through 5 key updates in the world of construction A.I. Chapters: 00:00 – Intro to AI Trends 04:02 – Embedded AI "Co-pilots" 07:11 – Document & Contract Intelligence 12:22 – AI-Assis...

In this episode, Gregory Gorman draws on his industry leading expertise in construction accounting especially as it has been dramatically affected by A.I., specifically how A.I. is enabling the continuous close. Chapters: 0:00 – Intro to Market Trends 1:52 – Understanding Risk Management 3:29 – Scaling Your Operations 6:09 – Tech Integration in Construction 10:55 – Future Outlook & Closing Che...

In this episode, Katherine Cooper talks about the new wave of search in 2026 that is powered by A.I. While many have already familiarized themselves with Search Engine Optimization, Answer Engine Optimization and Generative Engine Optimization remain untapped by most even prominent firms. Be sure to check this episode out and walk away with some of the key next steps that your construction firm ca...

In this episode, Gregory Gorman and Adam Cooper do a quick episode on the basics of private equity for construction businesses. Having plenty of experience working with construction firms with interest in working with private equity, this can provide you with some context. If you have any specific questions Adam or Gregory will be able to speak in depth with you about your concerns so please reach...

In this episode we are joined by Joshua Gregory, VP at Alston Construction, and friend of Adam Cooper since high school. They draw from their respective experiences in the world of construction to talk about the divide between pre-construction estimation and post-launch operations, and the reasons one may want to appreciate both sides no matter which side one works on. Hope you enjoy this episode....

In this episode, Jeff Robertson, Gregory Gorman, and Adam Cooper talk about the reality of ERP implementation. Especially if you are considering this for your construction organization, this episode will be highly valuable for you as the conversation goes through the many facets of consideration that must occur in order for a successful, smooth changeover to occur. Check out our whole catalog of C...

In this episode, Katherine Cooper and Adam Cooper talk about the functions of sales, marketing, and business development within the context of residential construction firms. Check out our whole catalog of Construction Hot Takes episodes on our website! https://ascentconsults.com/construction-hot-takes-podcast/ Interested in learning how Ascent's consulting services could potentially help improve...

In this episode, our resident finance expert Gregory Gorman and operations expert Jeff Robertson talk about how artificial intelligence is transforming the world of construction accounting. We get really specific in this episode, so we hope you find value in this conversation. Check out our whole catalog of Construction Hot Takes episodes on our website! https://ascentconsults.com/construction-hot...

In this episode, Katherine Cooper and Adam Cooper discuss the differences between sales, marketing, and business development within the context of a commercial construction firm. Check out our whole catalog of Construction Hot Takes episodes on our website! https://ascentconsults.com/construction-hot-takes-podcast/ Interested in learning how Ascent's consulting services could potentially help impr...