In this episode of Building Doors, host Lauren Karan sits down with Michael Terry, a construction leader whose career journey has taken him from dreaming of becoming a vet to running his own business to senior leadership roles on both the contracting and client side. Michael shares candid insights into work ethic, ownership, and the importance of systems in building successful projects, as well as how to transition from “110% worker” to leader and mentor.

Michael’s story highlights resilience, entrepreneurial drive, and the value of mentoring the next generation. From early struggles at school to shaping communities through large-scale developments, his journey offers valuable lessons for anyone in construction, engineering, or leadership.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

Career Journey & Resilience

• How Michael went from aspiring mechanic and vet to becoming an engineer and entrepreneur.
• Lessons learned from starting and running his own business while studying.
• The importance of seeing setbacks as opportunities to build persistence and grit.

Ownership & Work Ethic

• Why treating every project dollar as your own drives better results.
• How ownership shapes decision-making, from budgets to quality.
• The balance between working at “110%” and knowing when to slow down.

Leadership & Mentorship

• Transitioning from worker to leader: leading by example and giving teams freedom to succeed.
• Why recognition and trust are vital in motivating high-performing teams.
• The role of mentoring in passing on hard-earned knowledge to the next generation of engineers.

Systems & Business Mindset

• How building repeatable systems creates long-term project success.
• Why a project should be run like its own business with a P&L mindset.
• The risks of leaner project teams and subcontractor-driven delivery models.

Client-Side Perspective

• The shift from contractor to client-side leadership and why patience is key.
• How to hold contractors accountable for quality while shaping better project outcomes.
• The legacy of moving from invisible infrastructure to building visible communities

Key Quotes from Michael Terry

• “Every dollar is your dollar. Would you accept it at home if you were paying for it?”
• “You can make one mistake, but never the same mistake twice.”
• “Most of the money is made before you break ground; after that, you’re just chasing it.”
• “The answer is three phone calls away, build your network, and don’t be afraid to ask.”

About Our Guest:

Michael Terry is a seasoned construction leader with experience spanning demolition, infrastructure, and development. From running his own business in his early 20s to senior leadership in client-side development, he brings a unique perspective on ownership, systems, and building high-performing teams. Passionate about mentoring, Michael is committed to sharing his knowledge with the next generation of engineers and leaders.

About Your Host:

Lauren Karan, founder of Karan & Co. and host of Building Doors, is dedicated to helping professionals unlock their potential. Through insightful interviews and real-life stories, Lauren empowers listeners to create opportunities and thrive in their careers.

How You Can Support the Podcast:

• Subscribe and leave a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
• Share this episode with engineers, contractors, and leaders in construction and infrastructure.
• Connect with Michael Terry on LinkedIn to learn more about his journey.

Stay Connected:

• Follow Lauren and the Building Doors podcast on LinkedIn.
• Subscribe to the Building Doors newsletter for exclusive content.

Let’s Connect:

• Want to be a guest or share feedback? Email us at [email protected].

Thank you for listening! It’s time to stop waiting and start building.