Why Construction Companies Stop Growing—and How to Fix It
Construction Genius
Growth isn’t just about bigger projects or tighter timelines; it’s about developing leadership. When the leaders try to do everything themselves, struggle to delegate, or are unable to build trust within their teams, it often leads to hitting the ceiling. Emotional intelligence, intentional listening, and clarity of intent are essential in shaping high-performing teams. Building self-awareness, fighting the impostor syndrome, and leading through uncertainty might seem challenging at times, but it’s up to the leaders to decide which direction is best for your organization. Rachel...
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Forget Hierarchy — How This Construction Company Runs as a True Team
Construction Genius
What happens when leadership isn’t about control but about a shared goal? What if the future business world looks more like a team, not a hierarchy? As more companies reconsider the traditional structures, models like worker cooperatives and employee-owned cooperatives are gaining momentum. They offer a way to codify culture, share decision-making, and maintain purpose beyond the founder’s occupancy. These models present an agreeable alternative in a time when millions of small businesses face uncertain futures. It’s time to see ownership as not a privilege for the few but a path for the...
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The Fighter Pilot Mindset Every Construction Leader Needs for Safer, Faster Projects
Construction Genius
In today’s episode of Construction Genius, we dive deep into a powerful leadership framework that can transform how you run your construction projects — the Fighter Pilot Mindset based on John Boyd’s legendary OODA loop. In fast-paced, high-risk environments — whether it’s a fighter jet or a complex construction site — the speed and quality of your team’s decision-making can make or break project outcomes. Yet many construction leaders today face persistent challenges: ✅ Bridging the gap between office leadership and field crews ✅ Balancing safety and productivity...
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Speed, Quality, Cost: Using AI to Finally Get All Three in Construction
Construction Genius
The construction industry is currently at a significant juncture where the industry’s traditional practices begin to converge with new cutting-edge technologies like Artificial Intelligence. AI helps teams to uncover insights, streamline operations, and improve decision-making, making it an emerging powerful partner rather than a tool. Trevor Schick is the CEO of Slate Technologies, a company revolutionizing the construction industry through AI-driven decision support tools. He brings a unique perspective to the industry’s technological space, having a career leading global supply chains...
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From Stigma to Support: Fixing the Mental Health Crisis in Construction
Construction Genius
Dan Lester, Vice President of Field Culture and Inclusion at Clayco, brings a powerful voice to the conversation around mental health in the construction industry. Focusing on total health and well-being, Dan emphasizes that mental health is about managing everyday and extreme stress. Dan shares findings from a 2024 Clayco study showing that 54% of tradespeople reported anxiety or depression in the past year, yet many still feel ashamed to talk about it. Dan attributes this to stigma, pride, and the male-dominated nature of the industry. He stresses the importance of psychological safety...
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How to Win Negotiated Projects in Construction Without Competing on Price
Construction Genius
If you’re serious about winning more work, building trust with clients, and leading your sales team with confidence, let’s talk. I’m offering a free 10-minute call to help you pinpoint exactly where your sales process is breaking down—and what to do about it. 👉 Book your 10-minute call here: Don’t wait for the phone to ring. Let’s get proactive, strategic, and focused on what actually works in construction sales. Winning negotiated projects in construction isn’t about cutting into your profit; it’s about cultivating trust, clear communication, and placing yourself as the...
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From Bad Plans to Brilliant Builds: Practical Applications of AI in Construction
Construction Genius
As in any other industry, artificial intelligence is becoming a vital tool in construction, reforming how projects are designed, planned, and executed. It can help construction companies with critical challenges like skilled labor shortages by empowering junior employees with expert knowledge ingrained in digital tools. As the industry evolves, AI stands out as a practical, approachable tool that delivers efficiency and innovation. However, it’s important to note that AI is not a ‘know-all’ but rather a tool that continues to evolve and improve over time through user feedback and...
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Aggressive Patience: The Strategic Art of Family Business Succession
Construction Genius
Family business succession is not just about changing the leadership; it’s a delicate balancing act between maintaining the legacy and embracing innovation. Both founders and successors face the challenges of navigating deep personal attachments, generational differences, and the emotional weight of letting go and stepping up. A genuine succession requires more than a solid plan: it demands trust, humility, and the discipline to lead by example. Joining us today is Dimitri Sidiropoulos. Dimitri is a son, husband, father of three, and a second-generation leader in the construction...
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From Dictator to Coach: The Leadership Shift Every Construction Owner Must Make to Win in 2025
Construction Genius
Today, Eric explores the essential shift in leadership from the outdated command-and-control style to a coaching-focused approach. Eric addresses common leadership myths, emphasizes the power of trust, and outlines practical frameworks for effective coaching conversations. He highlights tools like the 90-Day High-Performance Dashboard to help leaders set goals, track progress, and foster accountability. With actionable advice on asking the right questions and creating a supportive culture, Eric equips leaders to build stronger teams and achieve long-term success. He closes with a call to...
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No Ego, No Surprises: The Succession System That Actually Works
Construction Genius
What is the greatest remark in your leadership? Is it what you’ve left behind, or is it what you’ve built? Brad DesJardin, retired president of DesCor Builders, joins today’s episode to explore a succession system that works, embedded with values, clarity, and trust. Through the lens of the construction industry, we discuss how to create a lasting impact by planning with purpose, raising the right people, and letting go at the right time. Whether you are a founder thinking about taking the next step or a leader stepping into a bigger role, join us and listen as a reminder; legacy isn’t...
info_outlineIn the pursuit of wealth and success, it is easy to become engrossed in conventional wisdom and the pressure to comply with industry standards. True success, on the other hand, is frequently characterized by your ability to stand out rather than fit in. Long-term success is based on a strong blend of competence and authenticity. The world is hungry for people who are genuinely skilled and capable, and if you can consistently deliver on your promises, you can carve out a distinct place for yourself, even if your approach is unconventional. Today, we are joined by Eric Jorgenson to talk about how to get rich without getting lucky.
Eric is the CEO of Scribe Media, the largest Professional Publisher. Scribe helps entrepreneurs, executives, and experts write, publish, and market their books. Eric is the author of The Almanack of Naval Ravikant, A Guide to Wealth and Happiness, and The Anthology of Balaji. He has sold over 1 million copies. He is also an investor in dozens of deep-tech startups through Rolling Fun. Eric writes at ejorgenson.com and hosts the podcast, Smart Friends. His blog has educated and entertained more than one million readers since 2014. He is on a quest to create—and eat—the perfect sandwich. Eric’s next project coming in 2025 is The Book of Elon Musk.
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS
[05:27] The importance of identifying and reflecting on the principles that guide your life.
[07:40] The difference between seeking wealth versus seeking status.
[11:15] The broader definition of wealth.
[15:17] The impact of mindset: optimism vs. pessimism.
[20:49] The importance of complementary skills in building successful partnerships.
[24:48] The definition of accountability.
[30:13] The types of leverage.
[33:59] The importance of leverage in business and the need to attract the right people and resources.
[40:21] The importance of delegating tasks.
[43:55] The value of customer experience and effective communication.
[19:51] Competence and authenticity.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
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Focus on creating lasting value, not just seeking external validation.
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Diversify your wealth by developing skills, influence, and the ability to be self-reliant.
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Surround yourself with optimistic, solution-oriented people who believe in progress and improvement.
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Recognize and leverage your strengths while seeking out partnerships with those whose skills complement yours.
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Focus on building leverage in multiple areas.
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Focus on tasks that only you can do and delegate the rest.
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Go beyond basic service and focus on providing an exceptional customer experience.
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Embrace your unique style and authenticity, but make sure your competence backs it up.
RESOURCES
Connect with Eric Jorgenson
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/erjorgenson
Website - ejorgenson.com/
Instagram - instagram.com/erjorgenson/
Twitter - x.com/EricJorgenson
Goodreads - goodreads.com/author/show/4029970.Eric_Jorgenson
THE SHIFT
Imagine making the shift from building projects to truly leading people.
You’ve taken projects from start to finish—now it’s time to build a team of people who can do the same.
In construction, authentic leadership goes beyond managing tasks; it’s about inspiring and guiding people.
The Shift: Move from Project Builder to People Leader is a no-BS, hands-on course I designed specifically for construction professionals ready to make that transition.
The Shift is all about mastering the skills that matter:
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Direct, clear communication.
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Handling tough conversations with confidence.
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Guiding your team toward quick, practical solutions.
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Setting the standard for high performance.
And let’s be honest—you’re busy.
That’s why I’ll also give you the tools to manage your time and energy efficiently so you can lead without getting overwhelmed.
This course combines a self-paced masterclass with highly practical materials to help you shift from managing projects to leading people.
Click the link to learn more about The Shift, including a detailed description, free bonuses, and testimonials from construction leaders like you who have already made the shift: https://theshift.constructiongenius.com/
Are people problems eroding your company's profits? Discover proven strategies to lead, strategize, and sell effectively, ensuring your projects stay profitable. Elevate your construction business by purchasing Construction Genius: Effective, Hands-On, Practical, Simple, No-BS Leadership, Strategy, Sales, and Marketing Advice for Construction Companies today and turn your people problems into profit!: www.amazon.com/Construction-Genius-Effective-Hands-Leadership/dp/B0BHTRDY1T/
Is an executive or leader in your company struggling? Reach out to Eric to discuss how his transformative executive coaching approach can help. Schedule a 10 minute call with Eric today to learn more: 10minuteswitheric.youcanbook.me