We talk show with Angelo Suntres, a passionate advocate for construction workforce transformation, to dive deep into the biggest challenges and opportunities shaping the industry today.

Topics

• The Hard Truths (Expectations & Realities)
• Generational Divide: Old School & New School Collide
• Mental Health & Construction Culture 
• Leadership That Actually Works
• Smashing The Class System
• The Crossroads (Technology, Modern Leadership, Mental Health)
• Retention & Training 
• Building Community 

The Bred to Build Podcast is built for everyone looking to learn, grow, and level up — subscribe now for fresh episodes and more raw, unfiltered industry conversations. 

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👷‍♂️ Angelo Suntres
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👷‍♂️ Brek (Co-Host)
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👷‍♂️ Keith Callaway Jr. (Co-Host)
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How to lead when things go sideways. 

In this episode, we dive deep into the challenges of handling unexpected problems on the job site and when situations take a turn for the worse. Our guest, John Scepaniak, shares his extensive experience and insightful strategies for maintaining composure and leadership during chaotic times.

Handling Bad News:

• John reflects on receiving some of the worst calls about equipment failures and how he managed these situations without resorting to frustration or anger.
• Why it's crucial for leaders to remain composed and the impact this has on the team's morale and learning.

Leadership and Communication:

• How John developed his leadership style to foster a supportive and transparent environment.
• Strategies to ensure his team feels comfortable sharing bad news, which helps in managing issues more effectively and promptly.

Maintaining Composure:

• Mental frameworks he employs to stay calm when faced with unexpected challenges.
• Insights into how staying composed can lead to better problem-solving and prevent escalation of issues.

Creating a Supportive Environment:

• Balancing accountability and support, ensuring team members are both responsible

Guest Intro: John Scepaniak, a seasoned leader in the construction industrym discusses effective communication and leadership under stress. John is known for his calm demeanor and supportive approach to managing crises.

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👷‍♂️ John Scepaniak 

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This is the first time MattBangsWood shares his story. We learn more about his influences, how he got started, and the mentality he's developed to stay hungry in the game.

Episode Summary: 

• Family background and influences
• Building Up Contacts and Networking
• Social Media and Its Impact (Pros & Cons)
• Looking Forward and Supporting the Youth
• Advice to Those Starting Out 
• Where's Matt Going Next...

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Building Up Contacts and Networking:

• Matt's approach to networking and building contacts within the construction industry, especially leveraging social media.
• Key moments and strategies that helped him break into bigger projects and expand his network.

Social Media and Its Impact:

• The role of social media in growing his personal brand and balancing content creation with running a business.
• Reflects on his motivations for starting on YouTube and shares lessons learned from his journey in content creation.

Looking Forward and Supporting the Youth:

• Why he got his "Keep Talking" tattoo.
• Matt's motivations and long-term goals in both framing and content creation.
• The evolving perception of construction careers, the influence of social media, and the importance of supporting the youth in the industry.

Rounding Out:

• Matt shares the most rewarding aspects of being a framer and content creator and offers advice to those looking to enter the construction trades.
• Future aspirations and his vision for the next few years in both his professional and personal life.

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👷‍♂️ Matt Panella | MattBangsWood (Guest)

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@mattbangswood on Instagram
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👷‍♂️ Keith Callaway Jr. (Co-Host)
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👷‍♂️ Brek (Co-Host)
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Have you ever felt like you had a "make you" or "break you" project?

We dive in with Victor Mezhvinsky, President and Founder of FORMA Construction, whose journey from immigrant roots to luxury builder is nothing short of inspiring -- Especially with one make or break project that defined his future.

Episode Summary: 

• Family Journey and High Expectations
• The Epiphany and Entrepreneurial Drive
• Navigating Challenges and Building Success
• The Project That Defined His Future 
• Craftsmanship and Company Culture
• Innovation and Growth Mindset

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EPISODE NOTES:

Family Journey and High Expectations:

• Victor shares his family's journey from the Soviet Union to the United States, highlighting the hardworking ethos instilled by his father.
• He reflects on the high-pressure environment at home and the expectations placed on him to succeed in conventional professions.

The Epiphany and Entrepreneurial Drive:

• The pivotal moment when he realized his true calling in construction, spurred by a desire to break away from societal norms.
• He discusses the risk-taking mindset that led him to venture into real estate and ultimately establish FORMA Construction.

Navigating Challenges and Building Success:

• Victor's early challenges, including securing a significant loan and navigating disagreements with his business partner.
• Importance of prioritizing quality over quantity, which set FORMA Construction apart in the industry.

Craftsmanship and Company Culture:

• Victor shares his obsession with craftsmanship and the company's commitment to excellence, driving a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
• FORMA's mission and values, emphasizing the importance of aligning the team with a shared vision.

Innovation and Growth Mindset:

• How Victor stays ahead of innovation and fostering a growth mindset among its employees.
• Insights into maintaining a balance between setting high expectations and providing validation and support to the team.
• Victor's favorite Vicism
  • “What got you here won’t get you there.”
  • “Just because I give you a recipe, it doesn’t make you a chef.”
  • “Good judgement comes from experience, good experience comes from bad judgement.”

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CONNECT WITH US:

👷‍♂️ Victor Mezhvinsky (Guest)

• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Website

👷‍♂️ Matt (Co-Host)

• YouTube
• @mattbangswood on Instagram
• LinkedIn

👷‍♂️ Brek (Co-Host)

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• @wearehammr on Instagram

On this episode we dive in with the legend, Ryan Smith (aka Roof Slayer), to discuss his journey of mastering framing and roof cutting, gaining knowledge, and embracing growth and mentorship.

Episode Summary: 

• Ryan's Journey and Expertise
• The Market for Hand-Cut Roofs
• Passing Down Knowledge and Challenges
• Embracing Education and Mentorship 

Ryan's Journey and Expertise:

• Ryan shares his journey into the construction industry, starting at 18 years old with a passion for carpentry.
• He discusses his role as the sole roof cutter for a custom framing company in Buffalo, New York, emphasizing the meticulous process of learning and mastering roof cutting techniques.

The Market for Hand-Cut Roofs:

• Learn about the niche market for hand-cut roofs and discuss the cost comparison between on-site cutting and pre-fabricated truss systems.
• Ryan sheds light on the challenges and advantages of hand-cut roofs, particularly in regions like Buffalo.

Passing Down Knowledge and Challenges:

• Ryan reflects on the lack of motivated individuals entering the trades and the changing work ethic among younger generations.
• The importance of passing down knowledge and strategies to ignite interest in the construction industry among the youth.

Embracing Education and Mentorship:

• The significance of sharing knowledge and experiences in a positive light to inspire future generations of construction professionals.
• His involvement in educational initiatives, including filming courses on Roof Cutting with MT Copeland, to contribute to the industry's growth.

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👷‍♂️ Ryan Smith aka Roof Slayer (Guest)
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👷‍♂️ Matt (Co-Host)
YouTube
@mattbangswood on Instagram
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👷‍♂️ Brek (Co-Host)
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@wearehammr on Instagram

On this episode we dive in with Herb Sargent, President and CEO of Sargent Corporation, known for their heavy civil construction work across seven states in the Northeast.

Episode Summary: 

• Exploring Sargent Corporation
• Transition to Employee Ownership
• Investing in People and Development
• Utilizing Podcasting for Company Growth
• Future Outlook and Personal Reflections

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Exploring Sargent Corporation:

• Insights into Sargent Corporation's extensive operations and its evolution into a prominent player in heavy civil construction.
• Herb's brief college experience and the pivotal decision to return to the family business.

Transition to Employee Ownership:

• The journey of transitioning Sargent Corporation into an employee-owned business, emphasizing his commitment to building a legacy beyond familial succession.
• Dig into the significance of employee ownership and its impact on company culture and success.

Investing in People and Development:

• Emphasis on personnel development, retirement planning, and creating opportunities for employee growth.
• Sargent Construction Academy, designed to recruit, train, and empower individuals in the construction industry.

Utilizing Podcasting for Company Growth:

• Sargent's On-Track Podcast and its role in amplifying the company's mission of investing in people.
• Insights on the concept of "Momentum of the Flywheel" and its relevance to sustaining organizational success through continuous development and execution.

Future Outlook and Herb's Personal Reflections:

• Get a glimpse into the future plans and developments of Sargent Corporation, emphasizing a commitment to long-term vision and adaptability.
• Herb's personal journey and the pivotal moments where belief from others truly shaped his confidence and leadership approach.

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Follow us on Social & Give us a Shout.
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👷‍♂️ Herb Sargent (Guest)
Instagram
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YouTube
Website

👷‍♂️ Matt (Co-Host)
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@mattbangswood on Instagram
LinkedIn

👷‍♂️ Brek (Co-Host)
LinkedIn
Hammr.com
@wearehammr on Instagram

College wasn't for Justin. His father was a builder and he found himself in Arizona building everything from kidney bean pools, shark tanks, and monster pools to keep the desert residents cool. 

On this episode we discuss more about: 

• What motivated him to specialize in pools 
• Lessons from another plumber in 2008 
• What qualities separate good builders from bad builders
• How to motivate your team and keep your team's morale high
• Training and retraining your team

Getting your systems in place isn't your strong suit?
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The all-in-one platform built for Construction. 

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👷‍♂️ Justin Bowie (Guest)
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👷‍♂️ Matt (Co-Host)
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👷‍♂️ Brek (Co-Host)
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7 Ways Sell On Value Not Price. We break down 7 topics in the episode and how it's worked for TJ Snowdon in his business. 

1. Communicate well. Communicate often. 
2. Be responsive. Take initiative. 
3. Get organized. Build systems. 
4. Show up. 
5. Be confident in your work. But don't be cocky.
6. Look the part. Be professional.
7. Make sure you're qualifying your client. Not just them qualifying you. 

Getting your systems in place isn't your strong suit?
Hammr has got your back. 
Time tracking, payroll, benefits and compliance — in one place.
The all-in-one platform built for Construction. 

-> Visit Hammr.com to Get Your Free Demo <- 

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👷‍♂️ TJ Snowdon (Guest)
Snowdon Construction on Instagram
Website
Previous Episode w/ TJ Snowdon: 
Ep. 2 Building Camaraderie 

👷‍♂️ Matt (Co-Host)
YouTube
@mattbangswood on Instagram
LinkedIn

👷‍♂️ Brek (Co-Host)
LinkedIn
Hammr.com
@wearehammr on Instagram

American Pavement started with humble beginnings. It is a family-run business that prides itself on hard work, branding, and elevating the paving industry. In this episode, we chat with Matt Stanley, one of the four sons, about the family's history and the vision behind starting and growing the well-respected movement, Raised On Blacktop.

In this episode we dig into: 

• Story behind American Pavement
• Growing up in a construction family 
• Family dynamics (roles & responsibilities)
• Founding story of Raised On Blacktop
• Growing the paving community 

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👷‍♂️ Matt Stanley (Guest)
American Pavement on Instagram
Raised On Blacktop on Instagram
Matt Stanley on Instagram
Matt Stanley on LinkedIn

👷‍♂️ Matt (Co-Host)
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@mattbangswood on Instagram
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👷‍♂️ Brek (Co-Host)
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We did something new. We brought on a listener to share how the podcast has positively impacted them. Here are some things Lucas said during this episode:

• "Yes, recommend 10/10. Listen to the podcast. Take in as much content as you can. It has been phenomenal."
• "Taking those points from the podcast and like morphing it into... what can this do for me? And it's just been compounding."
• "They should listen to it because the content is there. Look beyond the conversation, and picture in your mind, like, how can I put that into play? And, what can I do to morph that idea into my business and into my brand?" 

Lucas Comstock originally posted on Brek's LinkedIn (this post) and shared how the podcast has been a game changer for him and his business. We decided to bring him on here to share knowledge he's gained and the improvements being made in his life. 

Some key topics:

• Bred To Build was the first to come up when he searched "construction" in Apple Podcasts
• 3 episodes have been game changers for him (Episode 27, 31, 32)
• The podcast content is top-notch but make sure you actually apply it so you can lean

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👷‍♂️ Lucas Comstock (Guest)
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Instagram

👷‍♂️ Matt (Co-Host)
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Instagram @mattbangswood

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Instagram @wearehammr