Stronger, Healthier, Better: Fitness & Business Lessons from a Gym Design Expert
Release Date: 03/18/2025
Why Construction Companies Stop Growingâand How to Fix It
Construction Genius
Growth isnât just about bigger projects or tighter timelines; itâs 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 itâs up to the leaders to decide which direction is best for your organization. Rachel...
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Forget Hierarchy â How This Construction Company Runs as a True Team
Construction Genius
What happens when leadership isnât 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 founderâs occupancy. These models present an agreeable alternative in a time when millions of small businesses face uncertain futures. Itâs 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 todayâs episode of Construction Genius, we dive deep into a powerful leadership framework that can transform how you run your construction projects â the Fighter Pilot Mindset based on John Boydâs legendary OODA loop. In fast-paced, high-risk environments â whether itâs a fighter jet or a complex construction site â the speed and quality of your teamâs decision-making can make or break project outcomes. Yet many construction leaders today face persistent challenges: â Bridging the gap between office leadership and field crews â 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 industryâs 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 industryâs 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 youâre serious about winning more work, building trust with clients, and leading your sales team with confidence, letâs talk. Iâm offering a free 10-minute call to help you pinpoint exactly where your sales process is breaking downâand what to do about it. đ Book your 10-minute call here: Donât wait for the phone to ring. Letâs get proactive, strategic, and focused on what actually works in construction sales. Winning negotiated projects in construction isnât about cutting into your profit; itâs 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, itâs important to note that AI is not a âknow-allâ 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; itâs 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 youâve left behind, or is it what youâve built? Brad DesJardin, retired president of DesCor Builders, joins todayâs 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 isnât...
info_outlineChris Howell, CEO and Founder of SPX, is at the forefront of luxury gym design, blending aesthetics with functionality to create immersive fitness experiences. SPX crafts wellness spaces for high-end hospitality groups and multi-family residences, integrating cutting-edge equipment with innovative interior design.
In today's conversation, Chris shares insights into his career transition from Wall Street to fitness, influenced by his athletic background in lacrosse at Hofstra University. He emphasizes the importance of nutrition over exercise, sustainable fitness routines, and balancing cardio with strength training.
Chris also discusses gym design strategies, highlighting early collaboration with architects and the challenges of translating vision into execution. He delves into the sauna and cold plunge routines, injury rehabilitation, and the business strategy of targeting ideal clients. His approach underscores incremental changes for long-term health and success, both in fitness and business.
HIGHLIGHTS
[00:06] Gym Design Firm Overview
[01:56] Athletic Background and Career Transition
[04:21] Sauna and Cold Plunge Usage
[07:38] Nutrition and Fitness Challenges
[13:55] Balancing Cardio and Weights
[18:01] Managing Injuries and Rehabilitation
[21:12] Business Goals and Strategy
[25:17] Finding the Right Client Avatar
[29:14] Incremental Changes in Fitness and Nutrition
RESOURCES:
Connect with Chris Howell:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/chrishowell16/
Website: spxgymdesign.com/
Restaurant Recommendations in NYC
Emily: https://www.pizzalovesemily.com/
Catch Steak: https://www.catchrestaurants.com/location/catch-nyc/
Resources to Help You Win in Construction
đ Construction Genius Book â No B.S., practical, hands-on leadership, strategy, sales, and marketing advice for construction companies. Click this link to buy the book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Construction-Genius-Effective-Hands-Leadership/dp/B0BHTRDY1T/
đŻ The Shift: Move from Project Builder to People Leader â Master the leadership skills you need to succeed in construction. Click this link to learn more and enroll: https://theshift.constructiongenius.com
âď¸ Book a 10-Minute Call with Eric Anderton â If you want to discuss how I can help you coach your leaders, letâs connect. Book a 10-minute conversation here: https://10minutes.youcanbook.me
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