Construction Mentor Podcast

Let's talk about how people screw up their construction projects. Not the top 3 ways, but these are 3 common mistakes that people make on their projects. Do NOT let this happen to you! Prioritize your client's success, even if that means taking the less comfortable road. Most importantly, do not become a "YES person". Learn to manage chaos and moments of crisis by educating your project teams AND...

In this episode we speak to Kevin Choquette, owner and operator of Ravin Builders in Rhode Island. Kevin found riches in the niches, despite having the ability to build a house entirely from the ground up, Kevin decided to focus on building decks. Find out why he has found great success in this niche, how he has been able to separate himself from the competition, increase profit margins, and allev...

In this episode we sit down with Garrett Davis, famously known as "The Life of Bub" on Instagram. Currently he is the part owner of Advanced Home Contracting down in South West Florida. Previously he ran his own carpentry and construction business in Maine. Garrett takes us through his roller coaster of a life story. How he knew that school was not for him, his entrance into the trades, how he sta...

The best education is an education that PAYS. That makes NCCER the best kind of education out there! In this episode we speak to Jennifer Wilkerson, Vice President of Innovation & Advancement for NCCER. NCCER is the National Center For Construction Education and Research, which is an organization that provides education for construction related fields. Opportunities for education include; trad...

Listen to Episode 24 of the Construction Mentor Podcast to find out how the Independent Electrical Contractors can help you enter the construction industry by developing your skills as an electrician. This is one of the highest paying niches in the trades and my #2 recommendation for anyone considering this as a career path. The national average is $65,000 per year before overtime.  In larger...

Adam Mills is the Owner of Mills Tile, a high end tile setting company in the Lake Tahoe area. In this episode Adam shares his inspiring story that took him from a "ski bum" to the owner of a multi-million dollar tile company. The road to success was not easy, Adam shares his traumatic experience being stabbed 6 times, including being stabbed in the throat, and his triumph over alcoholism. A battl...

In this episode we sit down with Ronnie “Fitter” Bowen. A local 803 pipe fitter, and construction social media creator / influencer from Orlando, Florida.  Fitter Bowen clarifies the difference between plumbers and pipe fitters, walks us through career opportunities and salaries as a union pipe fitter in Florida, how he started in the business, how much money he is making compared to his frie...

In this episode I interview Lia Lamela. She is not just a woman in construction, she is actually in the trades and loves her growing career as an electrician! She also happens to a podcast which is in the top 1% of all podcasts globally. (check out the "Sparky Life" Podcast). Lia has an inspiring story that everyone can learn from and that everyone should share, it could actually save someone's li...

We have a mental health crisis in America. According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the we lose 14 out of every 100,000 people to suicide which is 132 people per day. Men are 4X more likely to succumb to suicide than women. White men account for 70% of all suicide deaths. The suicide rate for construction professionals is 3.5X higher than the general population. According to th...

In episode 10 we covered AI and the effect on the future of construction. In that episode we discussed the impact of 3D printing and whether or not that would be eliminating jobs for construction workers. The truth is that concrete has become a commodity. Every year the prices rise as it becomes less and less available. So much so that there is a concrete mafia! As governments and jurisdictions cr...

Are you trying to find a job in construction? Are you nervous? Do you know where to start? Do you feel like you need experience but can't find a way to get any? It is ok, we are here to help! In this episode we walk through things you need to know in order to get that first job in construction! Including; how to find a job opportunity, how to dress for the interview, and what to say. Believe it or...

The football teams are a tiny fraction of the student population at any school ad students take a tremendous amount of pride in their success on the field. The big programs always win year in and year out. But who really wins? Which student body will feel better about their education and their salary after graduation? Which student body really wins in these matchups? Let's dive in! Key words... Co...

Managing client expectations is the single most important part of developing a successful relationship with your client. Managing expectations can also be the most important aspect of succeeding as a leader. Whether it is your client or the teams you are producing with, managing expectations has the most influence on those people wanting to engage in business opportunities with you again. Make the...

A lot of colleges have BIG football programs, but the football teams are only a small group of people at the University. What about the students? Who Really wins? Which school is the better INVESTMENT for their future? #collegefootball #collegegameday #roi #construction #investing #education #mentalhealth #mentor #uga #kentucky #texas #hornsup #hornsdown #oklahoma #boomersooner #studentloans #stud...

We sit down with the owner and operator of Black Label Carpentry, Tommie Mullaney. Tommie shares his inspirational story which includes struggles he has with autism, struggles with his parents, dropping out of high school in the 10th grade, and his success as an entrepreneur. His successful carpentry business has brought him freedom as well as a healthy salary of over $200,000 annually! Someone yo...

Reality is not reality. Perception is reality. When it comes to your career you must always keep this in mind. In other words, people will create a perception of you, and it may not be justified or fair in your eyes. They may create a perception about someone else that may not be justified or fair either. Have you ever noticed people play favorites with people who don’t deserve it? Maybe it is you...

In this episode we sit down with Marc Mason to talk about is upbringing and how he has risen to own several 7 figure businesses. Marc walks us through his personal life growing up; being raised by his grandparents, trauma he experienced at a young age, his experience at a vocational high school, getting his plumbing license and the obstacles he overcame on his way to a lucrative business career. M...

According to several construction management publications and technology companies, 75% of construction projects finish behind schedule or late. Why is that? What are the common mistakes made when creating a project schedule? What are the common mistakes during construction that cause us to be late or fall behind? Here are 7 reasons why we cannot maintain a project schedule on 75% of projects. The...

Before you decide what college you would like attend and before you decide what career you would like to pursue, you must evaluate the cost of the education vs the salary this will enable you to make. What does a college tuition cost? What will the student loan cost you each month for 30 years until it is paid off? How does the student loan interest rate effect that? What will your monthly budget...

Will artificial intelligence and 3D printing replace humans? It is a very valid question! Through out our first 9 episodes we have received thousands of comments and messages regarding A.I. Some people feel as though this is the answer to the labor gap. Others feel as though they will replace humans entirely, making construction a poor choice for a career. Neither of these appear to be accurate! W...

The #1 thing you must do to rise in your career is to find a mentor! Maybe even several mentors! But... why is it so difficult to find a mentor? Why do major corporations spend millions of dollars trying to develop a mentor program only to see people fail or leave the company at the same rate? Most importantly...why is it so important for you? Key words... Construction Jobs, Construction Manager,...

There is no doubt that the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction industry is facing a population collapse. What does that mean for you? With an increasing demand, and a decreasing supply... there is an unprecedented opportunity to create your own wealth! Key words... Construction Jobs, Construction Manager, Construction Sale training, Construction Fails, Construction Simulator, Construction...

Submittals are the most important document in construction. But RFI's are the lifeblood of construction. What is an RFI? An RFI is a "Request For Information". Essentially, a formal way of asking a question. There can be so much power in the art of asking questions. Asking questions can help you influence people, influence their perspective of you, which helps you sell, helps you manage, and most...

$100,000 is NOT a lot of money. Yet only 17% of the US population is above that salary benchmark. The bar is SO LOW for you to obtain a lifestyle that 83% of Americans will never hit. One problem is that people aren’t even looking at the construction or engineering industries as an option! If you show up, and you care, you will hit that benchmark...and then some! Key words... Construction Jobs, Co...

What is the difference between core and shell construction versus T.I. construction (tenant improvement). What do those terms mean? Do they pay differently? Is one type of construction a better career path than the other? Does one type of construction pay a better salary? Does either type of construction look better on the resume? Is either better during a recession? In this episode we cover it al...