The Construction Leadership Podcast: Executive Strategies to Build Elite Teams & Consistently Deliver On-Time, Under Budget

Jon Vaughn returns to the show to discuss leadership through the lens of sports, with a particular focus on basketball. Jon and Bradley dive deep into Rick Pitino's transformation of St. John's basketball program, exploring how innovative strategies and intensive coaching can drive success in both sports and business. The conversation covers key leadership topics like competitive differentiation,...

This podcast episode explores leadership principles through the lens of inversion—focusing on what not to do to become a better leader. Bradley Hartmann shares insights from CNS 5632:Leadership Principles in Construction within the University of Oklahoma's MBA program for construction professionals, which was heavily influenced by Charlie Munger's mental models. The episode provides a comprehensiv...

Episode 451 dissects a clip from The Tim Ferriss Show featuring inventor Danny Hillis as he shares an entertaining story about working his way into Marvin Minsky's AI Lab at MIT. How? By living out our leadership tagline, "You are owed nothing. Deliver value first." He proactively solved problems and sought ways to be genuinely useful. Listeners will gain insights into: 1.Building meaningful profe...

In episode 450 of the Construction Leadership Podcast, host Bradley Hartmann interviews Dr. Sarah Buchner, a remarkable entrepreneur whose journey took her from being an impoverished 12-year-old carpenter in rural Austria to become a Stanford-educated tech founder. Buchner shares her inspiring story of overcoming societal barriers to build Trunk Tools , an AI-powered platform revolutionizing const...

In episode 449 of the Construction Leadership Podcast, host Bradley Hartmann reunites with Dave Reichert for an in-depth exploration of business growth, family dynamics, and leadership evolution. Eight years after his first appearance, Dave reveals how Davis-Hawn Lumber Company has transformed through strategic acquisitions, technological innovations, and the integration of his three sons into the...

In episode 448, host Bradley Hartmann discusses the importance of having robust, reliable processes that can withstand economic cycles. Using legendary physician Richard Feynman's "cargo cult" story as an analogy, this episode emphasizes the need to challenge assumptions and understand the true drivers of success, rather than relying on tribal wisdom. Key takeaways include: 1) Develop a "process s...

Episode 447 features Ed DeAngelis, CEO of EDA Contractors . Ed provides a masterclass in effective leadership for construction companies. DeAngelis shares how he has built a thriving, 450-employee organization by embracing "humanity as a strategy"—refusing to "keep the personal stuff at home" and embracing the fulness of each employee. DeAngelis discusses the importance of vulnerability, trust, an...

Episode 446 is a must-listen for any business leader looking to grow their influence and impact. Storytelling expert Paul Kix shares invaluable insights on how crafting compelling narratives can transform your career and company. Learn first-hand how top organizations like Disney and ESPN leverage storytelling to drive revenue. Discover strategies to uncover the limiting stories you tell yourself...

Unlock game-changing sales tactics with this exclusive excerpt from Bradley Hartmann's November 2024 guest appearance on The Lumber Slingers Podcast with Natalie Heacock and Chelsea Zuccato of Patrick Lumber. In this episode, you'll discover an actionable framework for crafting voicemails that demand a callback as well as other tactical sales management and sales rep skills to help your team diffe...

Exclusive excerpt from Bradley Hartmann's new book, The Air Raid Sales Offense —a sales philosophy based on simplicity, fearlessness, optimism, and fun. It draws parallels between the innovative Air Raid football offense and a new approach to sales that makes it easier for customers to buy. Hartmann shares his personal story and passion for the topic, introducing a system to help sales teams deliv...

Host Bradley Hartmann dives into the high-stakes drama unfolding between QXO, led by serial entrepreneur Brad Jacobs, and Beacon Roofing Supply. Jacobs is making an aggressive $11billion bid to acquire Beacon, setting the stage for a potential proxy fight. The discussion explores Jacobs' ambitious growth plans for QXO, the industry implications, the risks of such a hostile takeover attempt, and wh...

In episode 442, Tannis Liviniuk provides valuable insights into the role of a digital advancement executive and the challenges of technology adoption in the construction industry. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of how to effectively evaluate and integrate new technologies to improve productivity, safety, employee engagement, and retention. The conversation with Tannis offers practical...

In episode 441, Dustin DeWald joins the show to talk leadership—on the gridiron (leading Iowa Wesleyan in the early 90s, he threw for 12,045 yards and 115 touchdowns) and in homebuilding (leading Dustin DeWald Custom Homes since 1992). DeWald is a custom home builder in Copperas Cove, Texas, the birthplace of the innovative Air Raid offense developed by Hal Mumme that changed the game of football...

In episode 440, Jon Vaughan wrests control of the host role and turns the table on Bradley Hartmann as they discuss Hartmann's new book The Air Raid Sales Offense. They discuss how the principles of the air raid offense in football can be applied to sales strategies in the LBM industry. The conversation covers topics like simplifying sales processes, building stronger customer relationships, and c...

Dan Starr, CEO of Do it Best since 2016, joins the show to discuss the $200 million acquisition of True Value that included inventory, brand rights, and paint manufacturing facilities. The acquisition has created the world's largest network of independent home improvement stores.   At Bradley Hartmann & Company, we help construction teams improve sales, leadership,  and communication by reducing m...

In episode 438, you'll dive into the wisdom and insights of industry veteran Jim Hershey. Jim shares lessons learned on his remarkable leadership journey as well as insights learned from mentors like Bill Lee and Kevin Hancock. This episode is full of practical advice you can apply imediately, including Jim's unique perspective on accountability, the power of handwritten notes, and the transformat...

Bradley discusses leadership lessons that can be learned from the classic holiday film  Elf with Data Scientist, Brock Lacy and returning guest, Sales Leader, Matt Potter.  They examine Walter Hobbs' transformation from tough leader to family man as well as Buddy's likability.  Also, find out why actor Faizon Love had the name Wanda on his Gimbels' name badge.   At Bradley Hartmann & Company, we h...

In this special bonus episode 436, Project Manager Taylor Parker of Lingenfelter Luxury Homes discusses Adam Lingenfelter's leadership style along with providing insight on how he manages relationships with subcontractors and what the best suppliers do to make a positive impact.   At Bradley Hartmann & Company, we help construction teams improve sales, leadership,  and communication by reducing mi...

Luxury home builder Adam Lingenfelter returns to the Construction Leadership Podcast, sharing insights on how his business has evolved since 2019. Adam discusses the challenges of the pandemic, including supply chain issues, pricing volatility, and the need for more proactive planning. He emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships with customers, subcontractors, and suppliers, inve...

In episode 434, you'll discover the superhuman skill that saved Hartmann over $250,000 this year. Frustrated with the burden of email, Bradley shares the simple yet effective approach to taming your inbox. This episode—including a philosophy, framework, and tool—is a game-changer for anyone struggling to conquer their overflowing inbox.   At Bradley Hartmann & Company, we help construction teams i...

In episode 433, Dr. Carla Fowler joins the show to share earned insights on leadership from her academic and athletic background. Carla is the founder of executive coaching firm THAXA , which converts her expertise in performance science into practical advice for leaders at all levels. You'll discover immediately actionable insights on how to embrace the slog of hard work and how the newly coined...

In episode 432, Bradley shares his belief—along with a simple four-step formula—to take advantage of the most overlooked key to reaching your goals (and those of your team members) faster in 2025 and beyond.   At Bradley Hartmann & Company, we help construction teams improve sales, leadership,  and communication by reducing miscommunication, strengthening teamwork, and bridging language gaps betwe...

Erik Bornstein, a former commercial and residential builder in Toronto, shares the earned insights that compelled him to quit his job, move to California, and launch TOOLBX , an online platform for building material suppliers that helps them simplify the lives of the builders they serve.   At Bradley Hartmann & Company, we help construction teams improve sales, leadership,  and communication by re...

In episode 430, Bradley Hartmann shares leadership insights from one of his favorite movies, Moneyball, starring Brad Pitt as the Oakland A's general manager, Billy Beane. Joining Hartmann are Matt Potter (construction sales veteran) and Joel Stevens (HR expert), returning to the show after their excellent performances in episode 393 where we focused on the leadership aspects from the movie, Up in...

In episode 429 of The Construction Leadership Podcast, host Bradley Hartmann sits down with Mireya Zapata, the Executive Director of the Lumbermen's Association of Texas (LAT) . Zapata brings a wealth of experience to the role, having previously worked in politics, public relations, and for the Texas House of Representatives. Throughout the conversation, Hartmann and Zapata dive into Zapata's back...