The Construction Corner

In this episode of Construction Corner, host Dillon makes the case that blue collar businesses — contractors, engineers, electricians, and tradespeople — are the real backbone of community giving. From sponsoring youth soccer teams and buying 4H animals at the county fair, to volunteering on chamber boards and national association committees, Dillon shares how he thinks about charity and community...

In this episode of Construction Corner, host Dillon gets candid about the challenges that come with rapid business growth — and how he's been forced to ruthlessly audit his time. As Vertical Design Services takes on more projects and clients than ever, Dillon shares how he's reevaluating speaking engagements, conference appearances, career fairs, and community commitments to protect his fo...

In this episode of Construction Corner, host Dillon breaks down the massive workforce shifts happening across America — from the $600 billion data center construction boom driven by the big hyperscalers, to how AI is simultaneously eliminating jobs at large corporations while creating new ones at smaller companies. He covers the growing apprenticeship-to-foreman ratio gap threatening job site prod...

In this episode, Dillon breaks down the major shift in electrical safety standards — NFPA 70B is now an enforceable standard, and it affects every facility owner, contractor, and insurance holder. He covers what arc flash studies are, why you need to keep them up to date, and how a proactive electrical maintenance program can save you significant time and money. Plus, he shares practical tips on i...

This episode is about using ultra-distance hiking and trail running as team-building experiences, sharing stories from 100-mile races, and planning intern training hikes in California mountain ranges. The conversation covers the mental challenges of extreme endurance, sleep-walking through races, and how these unique experiences create unforgettable learning moments that can't be replicated in...

In this episode, Dillon shares insights from a book that's transforming how he leads Vertical Design Services: "The Mission, The Men and Me" by retired Delta Force commander Pete Blaber. As the company scales—bringing Kowabunga Studios fully in-house, planning their October summit, and navigating massive contract negotiations—Dillon breaks down the leadership framework that's hel...

In this episode, Dillon dives into what it really takes to run an engineering firm working on mega projects like data centers. He explores the massive challenges around procurement, lead times, and electrical gear shortages in today's infrastructure boom—and reveals why the biggest bottleneck isn't design or labor, it's decision-making speed. Using XAI's rapid data center build as...

Host Dillon shares insights on growing Vertical Design Services' team, starting with the exciting news of hiring their first summer intern. He discusses the unique challenges of building a talent pipeline in the engineering and construction space, from providing housing for interns to creating exceptional experiences that set VDS apart from competitors. Dillon also covers the critical balance of s...

A deep dive into the electrical construction market, revealing how the industry has grown to $170 billion and why electrical work now represents 30% of construction projects—up from just 10% two decades ago. We explore the impact of electrification, the explosion of low-voltage systems in hospitals and other buildings, and why the demand for electricians and electrical engineers has never been hig...

In this episode of Construction Corner, host Dillon breaks down the right and wrong ways to use AI in business. While AI tools are everywhere, most people are using them for the wrong tasks—like writing generic emails or generating soulless responses that scream "bot." Instead, Dillon argues that AI's real power lies in strategic work: condensing weeks of market research into minutes...

In this episode of Construction Corner, host Dillon delivers a passionate manifesto on the power of making fast decisions and sticking with them. Reflecting on seven years of podcasting and a recent conversation with fellow entrepreneurs, he challenges the paralysis that keeps people from taking action. From Joe Rogan's 500 episodes before anyone cared to Mr. Beast's 15-year grind, Dillon...

In this episode of Construction Corner, host Dillon tackles a common entrepreneurial trap: refusing to train your team because "it's faster to just do it myself." Drawing from a recent conversation with a fellow entrepreneur and his own experience managing a team at 25, Dillon makes a compelling case for why training is non-negotiable. He explains that investing a few hours upfront t...

In this episode of Construction Corner, host Dillon dives into the impact of tariffs on the construction industry, specifically focusing on the recent doubling of tariffs on Chinese-imported silicon products. With the AI boom driving massive demand for data centers and computing power, Dillon explains how these tariffs will accelerate the onshoring of high-tech semiconductor manufacturing to the U...

In this episode Dillon discusses how to run an effective meeting. Give it the 3 minute listen.

In this episode of Construction Corner, host Dillon reveals the surprisingly simple reason why contractors choose Vertical Design Services for their electrical engineering needs: they pick up the phone. Drawing from a recent Christmas lunch conversation with clients, Dillon discusses how responsive communication—answering calls, replying to emails, and following up—has been the key to building las...

In this episode of Construction Corner, host Dillon discusses the importance of being proactive when pursuing major construction projects. Using a massive data center project as an example, he shares how doing upfront work—from creating one-lines and lighting designs to anticipating logistical challenges—sets contractors apart from the competition. Dillon emphasizes that winning big projects isn&#...

In this episode, Dillon breaks down what design build really means for electrical contractors. Learn how design build helps you move faster through projects by providing gear sizing, one-line diagrams, lighting packages, and panel schedules upfront—giving you hard costs before you bid. Discover how the process streamlines submittals, eliminates back-and-forth delays, and puts you in control of equ...

Comment your thoughts below and don't forget to like, SHARE, and subscribe! Brad Henderson is a commercial HVAC Project Manager and business development leader with Bay Climate Control & Refrigeration, serving the Gulf Coast region. With years of hands-on field and project execution experience, Brad brings a practical, jobsite-tested perspective to leadership, operations, and growth. Throu...

Dillon discusses how Vertical Design Services is scaling rapidly—doubling the team twice in one year—and the training strategies needed to make it work. Learn how they onboard new hires and interns, why contractors are at the center of their design-build approach, and how they're building training modules that teach both hard skills and the business side of construction that traditional engine...

In this episode, Dillon explains how developers and contractors who try to cheap out on quality drawings end up paying far more in delays, rework, and oversized equipment. Whether you're a contractor tired of working with incomplete plans, a developer looking to avoid costly mistakes, or an engineer wanting to understand industry standards, this episode delivers straight talk about what separa...

396 - The Power of Punctuality Dillon shares why being on time and communicating clearly are essential for success in construction and business. Hear real stories about missed meetings, time management, and how simple habits like punctuality and follow-through can set you apart from the competition.

395 - Inside the Insane World of Data Center Construction Ever wonder what it takes to power a modern data center? We dive into the mind-boggling world of data center construction, where a single rack can draw 160 kilowatts of power—four times what an entire house uses—and facilities need hundreds of them. From 3,000-amp chillers to forklift chargers to life-changing proposals, this is a behind-th...

In this episode of the Construction Corner Podcast, Dillon dives into the art of leadership and team development in the construction industry. Learn practical strategies for training new team members, balancing guidance with independence, and building a culture where people grow into effective leaders. Whether you’re a manager or aspiring leader, you’ll find actionable insights to help your team s...

In this episode, Jeff Smith shares 40+ years of experience in the construction industry. From installation to design and everything in between. Now he shares that experience and what the next generation can do to thrive in this industry! Comment your thoughts below and don't forget to like, SHARE, and subscribe! Want an Engineering firm BUILT for Electrical Contractors? Let's see how we ca...

392 - Build a Self-Sustaining Team: How to Grow, Develop, and Train Your People Are you ready to step back from the daily grind and let your construction business thrive? In this episode of the Construction Corner Podcast, Dillon shares actionable strategies for growing, developing, and training your team—so you can buy back your time and build a self-sustaining company. Tune in for practical tips...