I'm The Gaffer

How can businesses build resilient, accountable teams that thrive in a culture of transparency and safety? In this episode, Gavin sits down with Karin Ovari and Nuala Gage, hosts of The Safety Collaborators Podcast, to unpack the power of accountability, effective leadership, and workplace culture. The duo shares strategies for integrating team psychology, communication, and values to foster trust...

Are you leaving money on the table in your construction business? In this episode, lean management expert Erika Giuggio explains how construction companies can save thousands by outsourcing non-core tasks and identifying hidden costs in areas like merchant services and telecom.  Erika shares her unique journey from urban planning to developing a franchise model that helps business owners stre...

Are you struggling to meet deadlines on your construction projects? The insights from Ernest Szydelski, CEO of Hustro, may hold the solution.  Szydelski discusses the challenges of strategic planning versus tactical planning on construction sites, highlighting the need for user-friendly software that can quickly capture and organise on-site information. Hustro's approach focuses on speed and...

Are you stuck struggling to grow your construction business? Take inspiration from Tom O'Toole's remarkable journey. Born on an Irish farm, he learned the value of hard work early on. Fascinated by construction from a young age, Tom honed his skills as a plasterer before earning a degree in construction management.  His grit and determination led him to London, where he climbed the ranks, gaining...

Are you an ambitious construction entrepreneur eager to elevate your business? Industry veteran Ron Stein has the insights you need.   Having started as a young professional facing challenges in securing major projects, Ron has now become a trusted mentor, guiding others toward success in the competitive construction world. With his years of experience and his straightforward approach, he highligh...

Are You Falling Behind Your Competitors by Not Using Technology? Digital transformation can sound like a daunting task. Images of complex software overhauls and costly IT investments are what usually come to mind.  However, digital transformation doesn't have to be a massive undertaking. In fact, it can be as simple as adopting user-friendly applications to streamline everyday processes. AJ Waters...

Do you know that you are losing money by not paying attention to your costs? Introducing LiveCosts.com - the revolutionary cost management platform that's transforming small to medium-sized construction companies.  Unlike traditional methods, LiveCosts.com seamlessly connects your estimating, accounting, and operational data, providing real-time visibility into your project performance. No more gu...

How can construction companies foster a culture of equality, empowerment, and shared success among a diverse workforce? Wally Adamchik, Founder, Speaker and Consultant at Firestarter Speaking & Consulting speaks on his holistic perspective on construction leadership, and his approach on changing the culture of the construction industry.   In this episode, Gavin and Wally discuss the importance of...

Are you worried about the potential disasters that could come from a legal dispute in your small to medium enterprise?  Megan Shapiro, an experienced construction law attorney, shares her expertise on the high costs of litigation, the importance of proactive contract ownership, and the emotional toll of legal disputes.   This episode is perfect for those attempting to understand the legal landscap...

Do you believe construction contracts need to be more transparent, more trusting, and more human? Ray Mellor-Pike, MD at RMP Consulting, talks about the virtues of moving past the “us versus them” mentality that pervades construction contracts, in order to create a better industry overall.   Gavin and Ray discuss what makes a good contract, how improving relationships can be the key to success, an...

Do you want to improve your approach to hiring, but are unsure how to do it? Lucy Clarke is the co-founder of Fixed Construction, a UK-based startup aiming to disrupt the construction recruitment industry using technology.   In this episode, Gavin and Lucy discuss fundraising for construction tech, using AI to improve recruitment, and what needs to change in the construction recruitment industry....

Do you want to attract and leverage talent from diverse backgrounds?  Chris Guerra shares his unique journey of transitioning from a career in education to the construction industry, highlighting the benefits that non-traditional skill sets can bring.   Chris and Gavin discuss the difficulties of changing careers into the construction industry, how to improve onboarding and education for new const...

Do you want to effectively manage the growth and scaling of your businesses? Coralee Beatty is here to help you develop leadership skills, delegate tasks, and optimise business processes to make the most of your construction business.   Coralee and Gavin discuss overcoming the challenges of scaling a business, prioritising time, and automating inefficiencies to improve productivity and work-life b...

Should your small to medium enterprise be taking on public sector contracts? Paul Sheridan, a director for the Construction Industry Federation, talks about the challenges and opportunities that come with public sector contracts, drawing from his years of experience representing the interests of the leading construction firms in Ireland.   Paul and Gavin speak about the problems with Irish governm...

Are you leaving money on the table with your construction contracts? According to industry experts, subcontractors and suppliers could be missing out on 5-15% of their potential profits by not properly negotiating and managing their contracts.   In this eye-opening discussion, construction veteran Cian Brennan shares his insider knowledge on how the big players in the industry use contractual stra...

How can construction companies foster a culture of empathy and collaboration? Jonathan Cinelli, a seasoned construction professional, emphasises the importance of prioritising people over profits. By cultivating psychological safety, open communication, and genuine connections, companies can unlock higher engagement, productivity, and sustainability.   Jonathan’s coaching approach challenges tradi...

Are you struggling to optimise your supply chain and procurement processes? Keith Wright, a seasoned industry expert, may have the answers you need. With over 30 years of experience in the building materials sector, Keith has seen it all - from navigating economic shocks to leveraging data-driven insights to drive efficiency.   In his upcoming book, "The Power of Professional Procurement," Keith s...

How can we get more young people interested in construction careers? The construction industry faces a skills shortage as the workforce ages, yet it offers many opportunities for rewarding careers. We must promote construction as a viable option to new generations through innovative outreach on social media platforms they use daily.   By showing young people real career paths and role models simil...

How can construction companies better support the career development of their employees? Construction firms should directly sponsor learning opportunities to help workers gain qualifications for management roles. Cory Fisk's Construction Management Essentials program is an example of a personalised curriculum that could be tailored for individual company needs. Sponsoring programs shows employees...

What opportunities exist for construction companies to better attract and retain talent? While the construction industry faces challenges in perception and career progression, focusing on developing a strong company culture and values alignment could help attract and engage the best people. With a clear vision and strategy communicated throughout the organisation, employees would understand how th...

How can the construction industry better attract and retain young talent? According to Clyde Reid, there needs to be a focus on fostering collaboration and respect in the workplace. As someone who entered the industry after overcoming a difficult relationship with his father, Clyde emphasises the importance of supporting emotional and mental health and treating all workers with dignity. Rather tha...

What opportunities exist for skilled workers in the construction industry over the next decade? For those seeking a well-paying career path without the burden of student loans, the construction industry presents a valuable option for the next 10 years and beyond. Ryan discusses why the children of people who own construction companies are often not entering the construction field, leaving many ope...

Chris Tatge knows how to scale a construction business and in this episode of I’m The Gaffer he shares valuable lessons on the importance of staying focused on your core competencies while still being open to new opportunities.   Chris talks about managing supply chain risks and how critical it is to cultivate strong relationships in every part of your supply chain. He also speaks about the experi...

Construction is a demanding industry with long hours, stressful deadlines, and hazardous working conditions that takes a toll on workers not only physically but also mentally over time.  While some larger companies have started implementing wellness programs, many construction professionals still struggle in isolation without access to resources.  Gianluca Pascale has important insights about supp...

What challenges do small construction businesses face when managing their finances and assessing risk? Robin Hayhurst, an experienced construction professional who now focuses on coaching and mentoring others, provided valuable insights on this topic.  Small firms often struggle with accurately classifying costs as either overheads or site expenses, which can negatively impact their reported profi...