Construction Genius
Thomas Edison said, "Genius is 1% inspiration, 99% perspiration." This show interviews hard-working construction company owners and executives who share their wisdom, perspectives, and lessons learned from decades of experience bidding, planning, and building profitable projects. Topics include leadership, strategic planning, conflict resolution, niche identification, succession planning, talent management, business development, and business growth. Industry expert, Eric Anderton also shares his insights about how construction company owners can increase project profit by improving communication, running productive meetings, and attracting, developing, and retaining talented leaders. Tune in each week and get practical inspiration for how to build people, projects, and profits. "I know of no genius but the genius of hard work." John Ruskin
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Why Your Jobs Look More Profitable Than They Are: Indirect Allocations and Overhead in Construction
04/07/2026
Why Your Jobs Look More Profitable Than They Are: Indirect Allocations and Overhead in Construction
If your indirect costs aren't tracked—they're hiding. And what they're hiding is your true profit margin. In this episode of Construction Genius, Eric sits down with Kathe Barrington, CPA and fractional Controller/CFO with 20 years of construction experience, to break down one of the most misunderstood areas of construction accounting: indirect cost allocations, equipment costing, and overhead structure. Kathe explains the difference between indirect costs and G&A, how to think about owned equipment usage rates, what a clean chart of accounts should look like, and why your bank and bonding company will notice if you're burying job costs in overhead. She also shares her favorite phrase that every construction leader should internalize: every dollar needs a home and a purpose. In this episode, you'll learn: The difference between indirect costs, overhead, and G&A—and why it matters How to cost and track owned equipment using market usage rates Why inaccurate chart of accounts structure distorts job profitability How misallocated costs affect banking, bonding, and strategic decisions Why your estimators and accounting team need to speak the same language The two biggest areas of indirect cost leakage to look for first Why you should review indirect allocations monthly, not annually This is Part 4 of the Construction Accounting Series with Kathe Barrington. Previous Episodes in This Series
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From Napkin Sketch to Shovel in the Ground: The Pre-Con Process That Sets Your Field Teams Up to Win
03/31/2026
From Napkin Sketch to Shovel in the Ground: The Pre-Con Process That Sets Your Field Teams Up to Win
Most construction companies treat pre-construction as an estimating department. That mindset is costing them projects. In this episode, Eric sits down with Sam Potts, Director of Pre-Construction at JP Cullen—a $900M family-owned, self-performing GC out of Wisconsin. Sam explains why pre-con managers should be treated like project managers, how to align budgets around what actually matters to the owner, the power of a “yes-if” mentality when clients make unexpected requests, and what separates a good estimator from a great pre-construction leader. In this episode, you’ll learn: • Why pre-con’s real purpose is setting your project teams up to win • How discovery meetings and the right questions unlock owner priorities • The Risk Opportunity Log: a tool to eliminate budget surprises • Why cost transparency is the fastest way to build trust • How AI is starting to impact takeoffs—and the risk to junior estimator development • The leadership shift from directing to coaching that changed Sam’s career If you want pre-construction to become a true competitive advantage for your company, this episode is a must-listen.
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Only 2.5% of Contractors Finish on Time. Here's What They Do Before the Job Starts
03/24/2026
Only 2.5% of Contractors Finish on Time. Here's What They Do Before the Job Starts
Only 2.5% of contractors finish on time and on budget. Here's what they do before the job starts. In this episode, Eric Anderton breaks down Part 1 of FMI's 2025 Project Management Study — 243 executives, 84 PMs, real contractors, real numbers. What they found isn't revolutionary. It's the same truth Vince Lombardi was teaching in 1959. Preparation before the work starts. Accountability to a consistent standard. Everyone owning their role before the first crew hits the job site. The three things separating high performers from everyone else: PM involvement in estimating, structured pre-execution planning, and field buy-in before mobilization. The one role responsible for making all three happen — or failing to — is your project executive. Three Numbers Every Owner Should Know PM involvement in estimating → margin attainment jumps from 55% to 78% Thorough pre-execution planning → profit margins hit 81% vs. 50% of the time Strong field alignment → on-time/early completion 76% vs. 58% of the time Hosted by Eric Anderton — leadership coach, executive coach, and 20+ year veteran of the construction industry. FMI 2025 Study: Executive coaching for your PX — book a call: Construction Genius book: The Shift leadership course:
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How DPR Built the Discipline That Protects Construction Companies in Every Cycle
03/17/2026
How DPR Built the Discipline That Protects Construction Companies in Every Cycle
Construction companies don’t go out of business because they lack work. They go out of business because they take on too much work and lose discipline. In this episode, Eric Anderton talks with DPR Construction leaders Camilo Garcia and Mike Humphrey about how DPR built the discipline that carried the company through multiple boom-bust cycles—from early hypergrowth to market volatility in the 2000s, the 2009 downturn, and today’s AI-driven data center surge. They explain how DPR protects its culture through disciplined hiring, empowers teams with freedom within a framework, stays selective with customers and markets, and scales using operating ranges based on people—not just revenue. If you’re leading a construction company in a high-demand market, this episode shows how DPR stays disciplined while growing. Resources: DPR Construction: Connect with Camilo on LinkedIn: Connect with Mike on LinkedIn:
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A Smarter Way to Comply With Apprenticeship Requirements
03/10/2026
A Smarter Way to Comply With Apprenticeship Requirements
The Inflation Reduction Act is driving massive investment into construction—but the registered apprenticeship requirements tied to those tax credits are creating confusion and risk for many contractors. In this episode, Eric Anderton talks with Andy Seth, founder of Apprentix, about a smarter approach to complying with Inflation Reduction Act apprenticeship requirements—one that reduces risk, protects margins, and supports business growth. They break down how IRA apprenticeship compliance really works, why sponsorship matters, and how contractors can get compliant quickly without disrupting operations. If Inflation Reduction Act projects are affecting your bids or backlog, this episode will give you clarity and confidence. Connect with Andy Apprentix: Apprenticeship Launch System (Book): LinkedIn: X: Email: andy@apprentix.io Phone: +1 (303) 900-2215 Restaurant Mentioned:
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From Apprentice to General Superintendent: 30 Years of Construction Leadership
03/03/2026
From Apprentice to General Superintendent: 30 Years of Construction Leadership
Doug Ransom began his construction career at 18 as a union carpenter apprentice. Thirty years later, he serves as General Superintendent at JP Cullen & Sons, a fifth-generation commercial construction company. Learn more: In this episode, we discuss: Transitioning from foreman to superintendent Managing construction field teams Leadership development in commercial construction Field vs. office conflict Multi-generational construction company succession Related episodes on construction succession planning: Episode 170 Episode 186 Connect with Doug: Restaurant recommendation:
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How DPR Develops the Next Generation of Construction Leaders
02/24/2026
How DPR Develops the Next Generation of Construction Leaders
What does it really take to become a high-performing construction leader? In this episode of Construction Genius, Eric Anderton talks with Katharine Hamer, Project Manager at DPR Construction (San Diego), about leadership development, accountability, and culture in the field. From her background as a Division I lacrosse athlete to managing complex projects across higher education, healthcare, data centers, parking structures, and life science / biotech, Katharine explains how DPR develops leaders through discipline, humility, and real field experience. You’ll hear how accountability works without blame, why psychological safety matters on tough projects, and how young professionals can grow fast without skipping critical steps. Links: DPR Construction: Restaurant Recommendation (San Diego, CA): Dirty Birds Bar & Grill Restaurant Link:
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Estimating: The Art, the Science, and the Risk Margin Contractors Miss
02/17/2026
Estimating: The Art, the Science, and the Risk Margin Contractors Miss
Estimating isn’t just math—it’s how contractors decide which risks they’re willing to own. In this episode of the Construction Genius Podcast, Eric Anderton talks with Chris Clausing, Director of Program and Curriculum Innovation for Construction at Colibri Group, about why estimating is still more art than science—and why contractors consistently miss the risk margin that protects profit. Drawing on 25 years as a commercial general contractor, Chris explains how regional differences, niche discipline, poor handoffs, and earned value blind spots quietly erode margins. They also discuss how AI can help identify estimating risks—if it’s adopted thoughtfully. If you’ve ever won work that you later wished you hadn’t, this episode will change how you think about estimating.
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Integrated Design-Build: Speed, Quality, and Cost - Without the Tradeoffs
02/10/2026
Integrated Design-Build: Speed, Quality, and Cost - Without the Tradeoffs
Can you really deliver speed, quality, and cost in construction—without tradeoffs? In this episode of Construction Genius, Eric Anderton sits down with Ryan Teicher, CEO of REDCOM Design & Construction, to unpack how a fully integrated design-build model eliminates silos, accelerates delivery, and aligns teams around client outcomes. Ryan explains how bringing architecture, engineering, estimating, and construction under one roof leads to faster decisions, fewer conflicts, and better cost control. The conversation dives into early design consulting as a risk filter, sales as true client advocacy, maintaining client intent from concept through construction, and why strong leaders must be willing to walk away from the wrong projects. This is a practical, no-BS conversation about design-build done right, along with CEO-level insights on leadership, culture, and scaling a construction company. 🔑 Topics Covered Why integrated design-build can deliver speed, quality, and cost Early design consulting as risk management Turning sales meetings into working design sessions Maintaining client intent throughout construction Red flags that signal when to walk away from a project Breaking silos through culture, space, and leadership The CEO shift from operations to growth Ryan Teicher is the CEO of REDCOM Design & Construction, a fully integrated commercial design-build firm. He brings over 25 years of leadership experience across residential, commercial, and industrial construction, including managing complex projects for Merck, Citi, Siemens, Santander, and Quest. Since joining REDCOM in 2023, Ryan has focused on driving speed to market, operational efficiency, and cross-discipline collaboration by bringing architecture, engineering, and construction under one roof. He lives in New Jersey and serves on his town’s planning board, environmental commission, and as president of his synagogue. 🔗 Links & Resources REDCOM – About Us REDCOM – Project Portfolio REDCOM on LinkedIn Ryan Teicher on LinkedIn Construction Genius
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Underbillings Bad. Overbillings Better: The Cash Flow Truth Construction Owners Can’t Ignore
02/03/2026
Underbillings Bad. Overbillings Better: The Cash Flow Truth Construction Owners Can’t Ignore
Kathe Barrington is a CPA specializing in construction. Before finding her true passion in cost accounting and then the construction industry, Kathe worked in different industries, including software, hardware, real estate, retail, and non-profits. Working directly with owners, banks, bonding agents, and CPA firms, Kathe helps bringing the entire team together so that they can make the best management decisions for the organization’s sustainability and future growth. Some of the services she provides include budgeting, forecasting, cost segregation, basic bookkeeping, and software implementations. Key Takeaways - Understanding over-billings and under-billings. - Why under-billing is always a warning sign. - The impact of billing patterns on bonding and banking relationships. - Owner responsibility and accountability. - Over-billing and customer relationships. - Treating over-billed cash with discipline and clarity. Connect with Kathe Barrington LinkedIn - Website - FaceBook - Previous episodes with with Kathe Barrington
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From Builder to Leader: The Hardest Shift in Construction
01/27/2026
From Builder to Leader: The Hardest Shift in Construction
The hardest transition in construction isn’t technical—it’s moving from building projects to leading people. In this episode, Eric Anderton talks with leadership expert Joel M. Hilchey about why so many construction leaders struggle once their hands come off the tools. They explore career development conversations, micro-feedback, why high performers leave first, and the subtle leadership habits that quietly drain initiative and ownership. If you’ve ever felt guilty because your boots aren’t muddy anymore—or caught yourself jumping back into the work “just to help”—this episode will hit home. 🎧 Practical. Honest. No fluff. 📘 Book: 🧠 Free Assessment:
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Bonding Capacity: Why Contractors Break Through or Get Stuck
01/20/2026
Bonding Capacity: Why Contractors Break Through or Get Stuck
Bonding is one of the biggest bottlenecks in construction growth—and most contractors misunderstand it. In this episode, Eric Anderton talks with Gary Eastman, President of Swift Bonds and Access Surety, about what sureties really look for when deciding whether to bond a contractor. They break down the Three C’s—Character, Capacity, and Capital—why character matters more than most owners realize, what happens behind the scenes during bond claims, and how smart contractors increase bonding capacity without blowing up their business. If you want to bid bigger jobs, improve margins, and reduce risk, this is a must-listen.
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From Civil Engineering to Superintendent: The “Field-First” Pivot
01/13/2026
From Civil Engineering to Superintendent: The “Field-First” Pivot
Construction doesn't solely rely on blueprints and hard hats; it also relies on curiosity, hands-on learning, and people who make the buildings come to life. For those who step into job sites, success is measured by attitude, adaptability, and willingness to ask questions. From building psychological safety to leveraging technology like robotics, the modern superintendent is constantly learning how to work smarter by balancing human expertise with innovation. Erin Saiki is a superintendent at DPR Construction who started her career pursuing civil engineering at UC Berkeley and discovered a passion for construction during a 2018 summer internship with DPR. After her graduation, Erin joined DPR as a project engineer but quickly realized her strengths and enthusiasm were better suited to the field rather than an office environment. Aligning herself with DPR’s field engineer program, she moved to site leadership and has since progressed to become a superintendent. Highlights [00:20] Erin path to construction leadership. [02:31] The importance of hands-on field experience. [08:00] Making clear, objective decisions based on what’s best for the job. [11:42] Psychological safety in construction. [16:50] Collaborative leadership vs. traditional leadership. [20:52] Management of tough conversations and self-awareness. [22:37] Bridging technology and craft work in construction. [28:44] The importance of getting involved early in the design phase. [33:14] The importance of addressing mental health issues in construction. [39:56] Showing up, volunteering, and finding ways to add real value. [41:18] The superintendent of the future. Key Takeaways Touch, observe, and follow. Spend time in the field to see how drawings translate into real installations. Go into the field expecting to learn and be comfortable admitting what you don’t know. Gather input from all trades before deciding and make the call once you have enough information. Build psychological safety. Encourage workers to speak up without fear of blame. Prepare mentally before a tough conversation and focus on what you can control, not how it will be received. Explain what the technology does and doesn’t do and frame technology as support, not replacement. Talk openly about mental health on site and build a supportive, respectful jobsite culture where workers feel safe. Connect with Erin SaikiLinkedIn - Website -
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Physical Progress vs. Financial Reporting in Construction Projects
01/06/2026
Physical Progress vs. Financial Reporting in Construction Projects
The field says the job is further along. Accounting says it’s not. In this episode, Eric Anderton and Kathe Barrington, CPA explain why that disconnect exists—and why both sides are right. The field measures physical progress. Accounting measures financial reporting. When those systems fall out of sync, WIP becomes unreliable, billing lags, and cash flow suffers. This episode is Part 3 of the Construction Accounting Series, following: If you want fewer surprises and better control over your jobs, don’t miss this conversation.
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Mental Health in Construction: The Safety Issue Nobody Wants to Talk About (But Everyone Lives With)
12/30/2025
Mental Health in Construction: The Safety Issue Nobody Wants to Talk About (But Everyone Lives With)
Dan Lester returns to Construction Genius for Episode 2 — and the numbers are getting louder. Clayco’s latest Combating Stigma findings show 64% of construction workers report anxiety or depression in the last 12 months, up from 54% the year prior. Eric and Dan go upstream: schedules, client expectations, leadership culture, and why “awareness” isn’t the same as support. You’ll hear practical ways leaders can spot struggle, have better conversations, and build a jobsite culture that drives performance without grinding people into the dirt. We’ll also link to Dan’s first episode: “From Stigma to Support | Ep. 333.”
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Stop Bidding Everything: The 10 Roadblocks Killing Your Construction Sales
12/23/2025
Stop Bidding Everything: The 10 Roadblocks Killing Your Construction Sales
Construction sales feel like a grind because the root problem isn’t sales — it’s the business infrastructure underneath. In this episode, we unpack the 10 structural roadblocks that make selling construction work under $100M so difficult. These issues include unclear vision, missing strategy, weak financial visibility, poor org structure, broken incentive systems, no management rhythm, and outdated hiring and development practices. Fix these, and sales becomes dramatically easier. Ignore them, and every bid feels like a battle. If you're tired of grinding, guessing, and hoping for better results, this episode gives you the roadmap. Top 10 Reasons Contractors Struggle to Scale: 1. Lack of a clear vision for the future 2. Lack of a clear, well-documented strategy 3. No critical metrics defining business performance 4. Poorly defined organizational structure and role clarity 5. Limited financial visibility and business acumen 6. Misaligned or poorly designed incentive systems 7. Undefined cultural norms, values, and beliefs 8. No management system to drive communication and accountability 9. Ineffective hiring processes 10. Lack of employee development capability 🔗 Connect with Matthew Neuberger Website: Contrarian Contractor: Book an Appointment: LinkedIn: Listen to another conversation with Matthew:
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Buyer-Ready in 12 Months: How to Make Your Construction Company Sellable
12/16/2025
Buyer-Ready in 12 Months: How to Make Your Construction Company Sellable
Most contractors wait too long to prepare their business for a sale—and lose millions because of it. In this episode, I talk with Cameron Bishop, Managing Director at Raincatcher, about what it really takes to make your construction company buyer-ready in the next 12 months. Cam brings 40+ years of executive and M&A experience and has completed more than 70 transactions worth over $500M. He breaks down the biggest deal killers, the accounting mistakes that stall closings, how to remove owner dependency, and why customer concentration over 20% scares buyers away. 🎧 Listen now, and connect with Cam at or on . 📧 | 📞 816-591-6610
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What Secular Leadership Models Reveal About Jesus (and Your Business)
12/09/2025
What Secular Leadership Models Reveal About Jesus (and Your Business)
Most leadership discussions avoid the most uncomfortable question: 👉 What actually makes a leader good? In this episode, I sit down with Father Daniel Brandenburg, author of Leader Like No Other: What Secular Leadership Models Reveal About Jesus, a book that flips the usual leadership conversation on its head. After completing a doctorate in leadership, Daniel realized something startling: Jesus, arguably the most influential leader in history, is almost completely absent from modern leadership theory. So he took ten major secular leadership paradigms and compared them directly with Jesus’ actions, decisions, and interactions. This conversation isn’t theological. It’s intensely practical. We explore how moral judgment, purpose, discipline, and organizational structure shape your company’s ability to perform, grow, and stay healthy. And we tie every concept back to real-world behavior, decisions, and consequences inside construction organizations. Learn More About Daniel Brandenburg LinkedIn - Website - Leader Like No Other: What Secular Leadership Models Reveal About Jesus Paperback by Fr. Daniel Brandenburg
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How to Use Your WIP to Protect Cash and Grow Profitability
12/02/2025
How to Use Your WIP to Protect Cash and Grow Profitability
In Part 2 of our WIP Mastery Series, CPA Kathe Barrington returns to show contractors how to use the WIP as a strategic decision-making tool. We dig into the three numbers every owner must check first, how underbilling reveals deeper project or client issues, and how the WIP exposes PM discipline long before problems hit the P&L. Kathe also walks through backlog planning, bid strategy, indirect cost allocation, and how to spot margin fade before it becomes expensive. If you want the financial clarity to run your company proactively—not reactively—this episode is essential. Learn more about Kathe: Website: LinkedIn:
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Build Trust, Win Work: How the Doer–Seller Model Helps Construction Firms Thrive
11/25/2025
Build Trust, Win Work: How the Doer–Seller Model Helps Construction Firms Thrive
Construction BD expert Ken Harms joins me to break down the rise of the Doer–Seller model — a relationship-driven approach where project managers and superintendents help win work by serving clients, asking better questions, and building long-term trust. We unpack how owners’ expectations have shifted, why the rainmaker era is over, how to train introverted technical pros to engage confidently, and why firms that ignore this model will be trapped in low-bid work. If you want more negotiated work, more repeat clients, and teams who know how to build trust on and off the job, this episode delivers the roadmap. Ken’s links:Website: LinkedIn:
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WIP Reports Made Simple: The Key to Stopping Hidden Job Losses
11/18/2025
WIP Reports Made Simple: The Key to Stopping Hidden Job Losses
Most contractors think they understand their WIP reports—but few actually use them to stop hidden job losses. CPA Kathe Barrington joins Eric Anderton to explain how to simplify your WIP, prevent fake profits, and keep your cash and bonding capacity intact. You’ll discover: • Why bad budgets destroy profits • How percent-complete accounting really works • How PMs and accountants can finally get on the same page Connect with Kathe Barrington 🌐 Website: 💼 LinkedIn: 📘 Facebook: 👉 More from Construction Genius 📘 Get the book Construction Genius: 🧠 Learn about
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From Superhero to System Builder: The Key to Leading a Scalable Company
11/11/2025
From Superhero to System Builder: The Key to Leading a Scalable Company
Hero culture caps growth. Eric and process-improvement pro show you how to trade capes for systems using a no-BS What–Why–How framework. Define the what (outcome), clarify the why (priority), then let your people own the how. We unpack faster bad-news communication, direct vs. root vs. latent causes, the Golden Hour for standardizing wins, and the Four M’s (Man, Machine, Material, Method). If you want a business that runs when you step away—and gets the most out of your people—this episode is your blueprint. Grab George’s book or visit . 90-Day High-Performance Dashboard You can't afford to let your people drift. To drive real performance, you must coach with clarity and purpose. Use the 90-Day High-Performance Dashboard to: Get clear on what matters most. Drive focused action and accountability. Strengthen trust and deepen relationships. Success doesn't happen by accident. It happens when leaders coach with precision and consistency. Download the 90-Day High-Performance Dashboard here: Coach your team toward real results — one conversation at a time. Resources to Help You Win in Construction 📖 Construction Genius Book – No B.S., practical, hands-on leadership, strategy, sales, and marketing advice for construction companies. Click this link to buy the book on Amazon: 🎯 The Shift: Move from Project Builder to People Leader – Master the leadership skills you need to succeed in construction. Click this link to learn more and enroll: ☎️ Book a 10-Minute Call with Eric Anderton – If you want to discuss how I can help you coach your leaders, let’s connect. Book a 10-minute conversation here: 🎧 Subscribe & Share If this episode hit home, share it with your sales team. And don’t forget to leave a review—it helps more construction leaders find Construction Genius!
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Turn Your Website Into a Growth Engine
11/04/2025
Turn Your Website Into a Growth Engine
Most construction companies treat their website like a digital brochure. Big mistake. Rob Murray from Intrigue Media joins Eric to explain why even $50M buyers do Google contractors—and how a smart, strategic website builds trust and drives real opportunities. You’ll learn how to position your company vertically or horizontally, speak to multiple buyer types, and use short, authentic testimonials that convert. Rob also shares a simple spreadsheet exercise that exposes your most profitable niche—and how to use client interviews to rewrite your homepage in their words. Turn your website into a growth engine today. Visit Learn more at Toronto tip from Rob: grab dinner at the —the view’s unbeatable. 90-Day High-Performance Dashboard You can't afford to let your people drift. To drive real performance, you must coach with clarity and purpose. Use the 90-Day High-Performance Dashboard to: Get clear on what matters most. Drive focused action and accountability. Strengthen trust and deepen relationships. Success doesn't happen by accident. It happens when leaders coach with precision and consistency. Download the 90-Day High-Performance Dashboard here: Coach your team toward real results — one conversation at a time. Resources to Help You Win in Construction 📖 Construction Genius Book – No B.S., practical, hands-on leadership, strategy, sales, and marketing advice for construction companies. Click this link to buy the book on Amazon: 🎯 The Shift: Move from Project Builder to People Leader – Master the leadership skills you need to succeed in construction. Click this link to learn more and enroll: ☎️ Book a 10-Minute Call with Eric Anderton – If you want to discuss how I can help you coach your leaders, let’s connect. Book a 10-minute conversation here: 🎧 Subscribe & Share If this episode hit home, share it with your sales team. And don’t forget to leave a review—it helps more construction leaders find Construction Genius!
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2026 Starts Now: The Construction Outlook Every CEO Needs to Hear
10/28/2025
2026 Starts Now: The Construction Outlook Every CEO Needs to Hear
In this episode, Eric Anderton breaks down findings from FMI’s Q4 2025 Construction Outlook and the CIRT Q3 2025 Sentiment Index, revealing how 130 construction CEOs are preparing for a selective, profit-focused market. Learn why the flight to quality is reshaping bidding strategy, how firms are earning more by doing less, and what it takes to ride the 2026 infrastructure and tax-credit wave. 📚 Resources 90-Day High-Performance Dashboard You can't afford to let your people drift. To drive real performance, you must coach with clarity and purpose. Use the 90-Day High-Performance Dashboard to: Get clear on what matters most. Drive focused action and accountability. Strengthen trust and deepen relationships. Success doesn't happen by accident. It happens when leaders coach with precision and consistency. Download the 90-Day High-Performance Dashboard here: Coach your team toward real results — one conversation at a time. Resources to Help You Win in Construction 📖 Construction Genius Book – No B.S., practical, hands-on leadership, strategy, sales, and marketing advice for construction companies. Click this link to buy the book on Amazon: 🎯 The Shift: Move from Project Builder to People Leader – Master the leadership skills you need to succeed in construction. Click this link to learn more and enroll: ☎️ Book a 10-Minute Call with Eric Anderton – If you want to discuss how I can help you coach your leaders, let’s connect. Book a 10-minute conversation here: 🎧 Subscribe & Share If this episode hit home, share it with your sales team. And don’t forget to leave a review—it helps more construction leaders find Construction Genius!
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Inside the Owner-Contractor Relationship: Lessons from Billion-Dollar Projects
10/21/2025
Inside the Owner-Contractor Relationship: Lessons from Billion-Dollar Projects
Construction contractors seeking to break free from commodity pricing discover transformative strategies for building strategic owner partnerships in this revealing interview. PMWeb CEO Huw Roberts shares insider perspectives from managing billion-dollar projects, including the $5 billion JP Morgan Chase tower in New York. Learn how successful contractors differentiate themselves through strategic positioning, technology integration, and communication excellence. This episode covers design-build-operate advantages, AI implementation without excessive risk, and the three critical objectives every owner prioritizes. Roberts reveals common communication mistakes that damage relationships and provides actionable strategies for contractors working with sophisticated owners managing 30,000+ active projects simultaneously. Key Topics Covered: • Strategic contractor positioning versus commodity vendor relationships in large projects • Design-build-operate contracting methods for long-term partnership success • Construction project management technology integration and collaboration strategies • AI implementation approaches: advisory roles versus dangerous automation decisions • Communication best practices that prevent costly owner relationship breakdowns • Technology planning requirements for sophisticated owner partnerships • Real-world insights from billion-dollar construction project management Guest Credentials: Huw Roberts - CEO, PMWeb Global Construction Software Background: Former architect specializing in hospital and institutional design Current Role: Leading construction project management technology for major owners Portfolio Scope: 30,000+ active projects across universities, airports, financial institutions Notable Projects: JP Morgan Chase $5 billion tower, UC Davis Health systems Links and Resources: PMWeb Website: Contact: 855-GO-PM-WEB Case Studies: LinkedIn: 90-Day High-Performance Dashboard You can't afford to let your people drift. To drive real performance, you must coach with clarity and purpose. Use the 90-Day High-Performance Dashboard to: Get clear on what matters most. Drive focused action and accountability. Strengthen trust and deepen relationships. Success doesn't happen by accident. It happens when leaders coach with precision and consistency. Download the 90-Day High-Performance Dashboard here: Coach your team toward real results — one conversation at a time. Resources to Help You Win in Construction 📖 Construction Genius Book – No B.S., practical, hands-on leadership, strategy, sales, and marketing advice for construction companies. Click this link to buy the book on Amazon: 🎯 The Shift: Move from Project Builder to People Leader – Master the leadership skills you need to succeed in construction. Click this link to learn more and enroll: ☎️ Book a 10-Minute Call with Eric Anderton – If you want to discuss how I can help you coach your leaders, let’s connect. Book a 10-minute conversation here: 🎧 Subscribe & Share If this episode hit home, share it with your sales team. And don’t forget to leave a review—it helps more construction leaders find Construction Genius!
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Get Paid in Less Than 30 Days: How to Secure Federal Projects and Make Money Fast
10/14/2025
Get Paid in Less Than 30 Days: How to Secure Federal Projects and Make Money Fast
Think federal contracting is too complex or risky? Think again. In this episode, Doug and Sean Reitmeyer of GCExperts reveal how to break into the federal market with nothing more than a SAM registration—and why it’s one of the fairest, most cash-flow-friendly opportunities in construction. You’ll learn how to avoid rookie mistakes, get paid in 14–30 days under the Federal Prompt Payment Act, and build credibility fast. With over a billion dollars in federal work under their belts, Doug and Sean know the game inside and out. Learn more at Visiting Austin? Check out and Grab my book . 90-Day High-Performance Dashboard You can't afford to let your people drift. To drive real performance, you must coach with clarity and purpose. Use the 90-Day High-Performance Dashboard to: Get clear on what matters most. Drive focused action and accountability. Strengthen trust and deepen relationships. Success doesn't happen by accident. It happens when leaders coach with precision and consistency. Download the 90-Day High-Performance Dashboard here: Coach your team toward real results — one conversation at a time. Resources to Help You Win in Construction 📖 Construction Genius Book – No B.S., practical, hands-on leadership, strategy, sales, and marketing advice for construction companies. Click this link to buy the book on Amazon: 🎯 The Shift: Move from Project Builder to People Leader – Master the leadership skills you need to succeed in construction. Click this link to learn more and enroll: ☎️ Book a 10-Minute Call with Eric Anderton – If you want to discuss how I can help you coach your leaders, let’s connect. Book a 10-minute conversation here: 🎧 Subscribe & Share If this episode hit home, share it with your sales team. And don’t forget to leave a review—it helps more construction leaders find Construction Genius!
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Leading Without the Ladder: Mark Whitson’s Path at DPR
10/07/2025
Leading Without the Ladder: Mark Whitson’s Path at DPR
Mark Whitson started at DPR with tools in hand, fresh out of college. Today, he's president of one of America's most respected construction companies. His journey reveals why DPR keeps top talent for decades while other companies struggle with turnover. Key insights: Career paths aren't ladders—they're rock walls requiring lateral moves and creative problem-solving. Culture survives when everyone owns it, not just leadership. The best stretch opportunities come with clear success criteria and strong internal coaching. Whitson's leadership philosophy: helping others turn the perceived impossible into possible. His advice for retention? Empower people to walk away from projects that don't align with company values. Connect with Mark and DPR: Visit to learn more about their innovative approach to building. And if you're ever near Pinehurst, North Carolina, check out Mark's golf course recommendation: – challenging, beautiful, and worth the trip. 90-Day High-Performance Dashboard You can't afford to let your people drift. To drive real performance, you must coach with clarity and purpose. Use the 90-Day High-Performance Dashboard to: Get clear on what matters most. Drive focused action and accountability. Strengthen trust and deepen relationships. Success doesn't happen by accident. It happens when leaders coach with precision and consistency. Download the 90-Day High-Performance Dashboard here: Coach your team toward real results — one conversation at a time. Resources to Help You Win in Construction 📖 Construction Genius Book – No B.S., practical, hands-on leadership, strategy, sales, and marketing advice for construction companies. Click this link to buy the book on Amazon: 🎯 The Shift: Move from Project Builder to People Leader – Master the leadership skills you need to succeed in construction. Click this link to learn more and enroll: ☎️ Book a 10-Minute Call with Eric Anderton – If you want to discuss how I can help you coach your leaders, let’s connect. Book a 10-minute conversation here: 🎧 Subscribe & Share If this episode hit home, share it with your sales team. And don’t forget to leave a review—it helps more construction leaders find Construction Genius!
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How to Make Your Construction Company Attractive to Outside Buyers: Culture, Clients, Succession
09/30/2025
How to Make Your Construction Company Attractive to Outside Buyers: Culture, Clients, Succession
Most GCs never get acquired. Cross Management Corporation did. Anne Caruso, CEO of CMC, explains how culture, client loyalty, and succession planning made her construction company attractive to Shimizu, a $14B Japanese contractor that acquired a majority stake. From her own journey into the CEO role to lessons on treating subs as partners and planning leadership continuity, Anne shares a roadmap for every GC that wants to be attractive to outside buyers. 🎧 Listen now and learn how to make your company irresistible. 90-Day High-Performance Dashboard You can't afford to let your people drift. To drive real performance, you must coach with clarity and purpose. Use the 90-Day High-Performance Dashboard to: Get clear on what matters most. Drive focused action and accountability. Strengthen trust and deepen relationships. Success doesn't happen by accident. It happens when leaders coach with precision and consistency. Download the 90-Day High-Performance Dashboard here: Coach your team toward real results — one conversation at a time. Resources to Help You Win in Construction 📖 Construction Genius Book – No B.S., practical, hands-on leadership, strategy, sales, and marketing advice for construction companies. Click this link to buy the book on Amazon: 🎯 The Shift: Move from Project Builder to People Leader – Master the leadership skills you need to succeed in construction. Click this link to learn more and enroll: ☎️ Book a 10-Minute Call with Eric Anderton – If you want to discuss how I can help you coach your leaders, let’s connect. Book a 10-minute conversation here: 🎧 Subscribe & Share If this episode hit home, share it with your sales team. And don’t forget to leave a review—it helps more construction leaders find Construction Genius!
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Stop Thinking Like a Contractor Before It's Too Late: The Service Revenue Revolution
09/23/2025
Stop Thinking Like a Contractor Before It's Too Late: The Service Revenue Revolution
Shifting from a transactional mindset to a relationship-based mindset is the heart of growth in the contracting world. Instead of purely relying on projects, businesses are eager to find new opportunities in building long-term relationships and creating steady revenue streams through service. This episode focuses on the mindset, process, and leadership needed to be at the top of this transformation. Sean Samson is the CEO and founder of Sean Samson Training and EMAPlus. Sean is an industry thought leader and a mentor within the electrical, mechanical, service, and construction areas. Having trained and consulted over 300 contracting organizations across 16 countries, he is a highly sought-after industry leader whose training focuses on strengthening contractor service and maintenance operations. He joined Eric today to talk about how contractors can transform their businesses by building service divisions. HIGHLIGHTS [01:49] The Light Bulb Moment: Building a Service Division. [05:58] The mindset shift. [09:21] Overcoming overhead concerns. [14:49] The fundamental difference between construction and managing service. [20:17] The role of smaller service agreements. [23:39] Playing your own game. [28:30] Building a service division in larger organizations. [34:19] The three steps of selling service. [40:02] The first step of building the ‘game’ of service. [44:29] Multi-year sales agreements. RESOURCES Connect with Sean Samson LinkedIn - Website - 90-Day High-Performance Dashboard You can't afford to let your people drift. To drive real performance, you must coach with clarity and purpose. Use the 90-Day High-Performance Dashboard to: Get clear on what matters most. Drive focused action and accountability. Strengthen trust and deepen relationships. Success doesn't happen by accident. It happens when leaders coach with precision and consistency. Download the 90-Day High-Performance Dashboard here: Coach your team toward real results — one conversation at a time. Resources to Help You Win in Construction 📖 Construction Genius Book – No B.S., practical, hands-on leadership, strategy, sales, and marketing advice for construction companies. Click this link to buy the book on Amazon: 🎯 The Shift: Move from Project Builder to People Leader – Master the leadership skills you need to succeed in construction. Click this link to learn more and enroll: ☎️ Book a 10-Minute Call with Eric Anderton – If you want to discuss how I can help you coach your leaders, let’s connect. Book a 10-minute conversation here: 🎧 Subscribe & Share If this episode hit home, share it with your sales team. And don’t forget to leave a review—it helps more construction leaders find Construction Genius!
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Public Speaking Without Fear: Practical Strategies for Construction Leaders Who Want to Influence and Inspire
09/16/2025
Public Speaking Without Fear: Practical Strategies for Construction Leaders Who Want to Influence and Inspire
Public speaking isn’t just about talking; it’s about influencing, connecting, and leaving a mark that lasts long after the last word is spoken. Most people find public speaking daunting, but does it have to be that way? Public speaking is one of the biggest challenges for people no matter the industry. Some people are natural-born speakers. The others, not so much. In this episode of the Construction Genius podcast, Eric is joined by John Zalepka, a seasoned public speaking coach, to explore practical strategies to overcome fear, move beyond overconfidence, and connect with the audience. From crafting story-driven presentations to handling technical failures with grace, they explain how preparation, practice, and authenticity can turn speeches into powerful moments. John Zalepka is an author and seasoned speaking coach who helps corporate leaders to effectively communicate brand messages with a confident voice. He serves as Director of Training & Industry Engagements at Specified Technologies Inc. (STI) and is Chair of the Communications Committee for the International Firestop Council (IFC). He is the author of ‘The Presenter's Playbook: A blueprint for delivering impactful presentations for SMEs, FNGs & everyone in between.’ HIGHLIGHTS [01:27] The most common fears and barriers to public speaking. [04:19] Clarity in public speaking. [07:42] Extemporaneous speaking. [09:16] Finding a common ground with an audience. [12:16] The power of storytelling. [18:16] Capturing the audience’s attention. [21:33] Handling tech failures with grace. [30:44] Signature phrases and closing techniques. RESOURCES Connect with John Zalepka LinkedIn - Email - Website - The Presenter's Playbook: A blueprint for delivering impactful presentations for SMEs, FNGs & everyone in between by John Zalepka 90-Day High-Performance Dashboard You can't afford to let your people drift. To drive real performance, you must coach with clarity and purpose. Use the 90-Day High-Performance Dashboard to: Get clear on what matters most. Drive focused action and accountability. Strengthen trust and deepen relationships. Success doesn't happen by accident. It happens when leaders coach with precision and consistency. Download the 90-Day High-Performance Dashboard here: Coach your team toward real results — one conversation at a time. Resources to Help You Win in Construction 📖 Construction Genius Book – No B.S., practical, hands-on leadership, strategy, sales, and marketing advice for construction companies. Click this link to buy the book on Amazon: 🎯 The Shift: Move from Project Builder to People Leader – Master the leadership skills you need to succeed in construction. Click this link to learn more and enroll: ☎️ Book a 10-Minute Call with Eric Anderton – If you want to discuss how I can help you coach your leaders, let’s connect. Book a 10-minute conversation here: 🎧 Subscribe & Share If this episode hit home, share it with your sales team. And don’t forget to leave a review—it helps more construction leaders find Construction Genius!
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