Building Scale

Building Scale

By Will Foret, Justin NeagleBusinessEntrepreneurshipManagement
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Building Scale episodes

  • Unlocking Success: Serial Entrepreneur Reveals Government Secrets for Scaling Business with David Rambhajan
    In this captivating podcast episode of "Building Scale," we have a special guest, the remarkable David Rambhajan. As the former CEO and founder of Industria Construction Services, David unveils the secrets behind scaling a business using government programs and projects. Brace yourself for an enlightening discussion with this serial entrepreneur, investor, and small business advocate, who boasts extensive experience in the construction, real estate, and restaurant industries.

    Prepare to be inspired as David narrates his personal journey as a young entrepreneur who discovered his true calling and ventured into his own business. Armed with a small loan from his parents, he began supplying construction materials but soon realized his growth was stagnating. Undeterred, he took a step back, reevaluated his strategies, and implemented government programs to propel his business forward.

    This episode delves into the significance of gaining knowledge and leveraging government programs for business growth. David shares his own financial struggles and emphasizes the value of continuous learning. Unveiling the benefits of federal programs tailored for small businesses, he advises listeners to not solely rely on others, but rather seize the opportunities provided by the city, county, state, and federal government.

    Discover the different rules and regulations governing various government programs and channel your efforts towards meeting the demand for your product or service. Navigate the challenges of cash flow and bureaucracy with valuable insights from David's extensive experience.

    Join us in this thought-provoking episode as our esteemed guest reveals the key principles that led to his success. Learn to prioritize self-care, make a bigger impact, and nurture relationships. Just like a sharpshooter, aim for your goals with unwavering focus, armed with the right mindset, knowledge, and commitment.

    Gain wisdom from David's journey as he highlights the importance of mental well-being, continuous learning, and strategic decision-making. Unlock the secrets to success in the construction industry through joint ventures, strategic bidding, and scaling strategies.

    Unveil the significance of understanding and setting margins, strategic relationships, and adhering to compliance. Explore the realm of freedom and succession planning, ensuring a smooth transition for your business.

    Tune in to this power-packed episode of "Building Scale" to equip yourself with the right tools, understand the importance of data, and achieve compliance. Discover the impact of ratings on your business and uncover hidden opportunities, such as the tax rebate program for energy-efficient projects.

    Prepare to be empowered as David Rambhajan shares his invaluable advice on directing your efforts towards your target audience, paying it forward, and ultimately achieving success. Don't miss out on this remarkable episode of "Building Scale." Subscribe now to embark on a transformative journey towards scaling your business.

    (0:00) Introduction and Podcast mission statement
    (3:07) Guest's journey into entrepreneurship and early struggles
    (5:24) Strategies for business growth and discovery of federal programs
    (14:09) Importance of certification, understanding government contracts, and inspections
    (17:32) Introduction to the Sharpshooter Blueprint and the challenges faced by veterans
    (26:09) Lessons from entrepreneurship and the importance of focus in business growth
    (31:00) Risks of distraction and importance of strategic attention in business
    (39:28) Scaling up a business through joint ventures and government programs
    (51:09) Rules of business, federal contracting, and succession planning
    (1:07:11) Importance of safety, quality, profitability, and leveraging tax rebates
    (1:13:37) Advice to a younger self, value of mentorship, and closing remarks
    1 hr 18 min
  • Parspec Revolutionizes Construction Supply Chain with AI Transparency and Efficiency with Pratyush Havelia & Forest Flager
    In this episode, we explore the incredible journey of Parspec, as they digitize and optimize construction procurement and supply chain processes using cutting-edge AI technology. Discover how they are filling the void in the construction industry with a comprehensive digital database.
    Connect with Forest and Pratyush:

    Website: https://parspec.io/

    Forrest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/forestflager/

    Pratyush LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pratyush-havelia-9a139550/

    Connect with Justin & Will:

    Will's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willforet/

    Justin's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justneagle/

    Learn More & Connect With Spot Migration:

    Website: https://www.spotmigration.com

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/spot-migration

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spotmigration

    Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Spotmigration

    Do you want to be a guest on the show? Go to https://buildingscale.net/guests

    Need to discuss your IT and Cybersecurity Strategy? Go to https://buildingscale.net/help

    (0:00) Introduction and Guest Introduction
    (1:00) Sponsor: Building Scal
    (5:04) The Technology and Growth of Parsley
    (8:27) Navigating Team Growth and Hybrid Work Challenges
    (16:47) Planning and Goal Setting in a Young Company
    (23:48) Value Proposition of Parsley in the Lighting and Electrical Products Industry
    (28:07) The Intersection of Technology and Construction Expertise
    (32:32) The Role of AI in the Construction Industry
    (38:00) Overcoming Resistance to Technology Adoption in the Construction Industry
    (44:02) Designing Software for the Fragmented Construction Industry
    (51:37) The Importance of Cybersecurity in the AEC Industry
    (55:10) Closing Remarks: Advice to Younger Selves and How to Contact Guests
    (59:01) Recap of Scaling a Business and Closing Words
    1 hr
  • Uncover the Secrets: Systems, Processes, and Investment Tools with Dana Toscano-Harder
    Join us as we sit down with the remarkable Dana Toscano Harder, owner of INDEP Chicago Consulting. With their extensive experience and comprehensive understanding of building projects, Dana shares invaluable insights on navigating the construction industry with finesse. Discover the inspiring story behind the creation of INDEP, a business that emerged during the pandemic. Hear firsthand how Dana connected with small and diverse businesses, empowering them with knowledge and understanding.

    Prepare to be captivated as we delve into the challenges and dynamics within the construction industry. Uncover the truth about the perception and treatment of small businesses by larger counterparts. Explore the role of capacity-building programs and their impact on improving efficiency, capacity, and mindset.

    But that's not all! We shed light on the importance of negotiating contracts instead of blindly signing them. Learn how articulating your needs as a smaller business can lead to a mutually beneficial partnership with larger entities. Witness the positive changes in the workforce, demanding fair compensation and better lifestyles.

    Operational support and business development take center stage as we emphasize their significance for small and diverse firms. Uncover the secrets to effective systems, processes, and investment in tools like websites and capability statements to showcase your business. Network and build relationships with potential partners and clients to skyrocket your success.

    We're not done yet! Explore the wealth of agencies and programs available to support small and diverse businesses in the contracting industry. From the Illinois Tollway to federal programs like Sbtrc and PTAC, these resources provide technical assistance, subsidize costs, and guide you through the bidding and contracting process.

    Discover how agencies refer businesses to offer their services for subsidized payment, revolutionizing small business programs. Overcome the paperwork and administrative challenges that often hinder progress. Our goal is to empower you with the tools and knowledge needed to thrive.

    Unearth the obstacles contractors face post-pandemic, from material unavailability to workforce shortages. Gain insights into the importance of adequate insurance and efficient paperwork compliance. Learn how to navigate the lengthy payment process while maintaining valuable relationships with material suppliers.

    But wait, there's more! We uncover a fundamental truth – the key to success lies in training and mentoring employees. Discover why clear direction and job expectations are essential for fostering engagement and preventing frustration. Embrace the value of nurturing high-performing individuals and the positive impact they can have on your company.

    Come explore the transformative power of mentoring and the significance of youth voices in creating change and innovation. Witness the importance of diversity, inclusion, and social responsibility. Challenge old habits and explore alternative sources for recruitment to promote meaningful social impact.

    To connect and engage meaningfully, consider aligning your company's values with the aspirations of your employees. Embrace open communication, training, and caring for your team. Discover the value of partnerships between agencies, membership organizations, and community colleges to bridge the gap and unlock untapped potential.

    Transportation partners play a vital role in removing barriers and promoting diversity and inclusion. Utilize your status and connections to raise awareness and connect with a wider range of individuals.

    (0:00) Introduction and Host Introductions: Will Foret and Justin Neagle
    (0:29) Sponsor: Building Scale Podcast Mission and Sponsor Message
    (1:07) Guest Introduction: Dana Toscano-Harder and her Professional Journey
    (7:36) Changes in the AEC Industry: People, Culture, and Capacity Building Programs
    (13:20) Networking and Relationship Building in the AEC Industry
    (17:42) Impact of Capacity Building Programs on Small Business and Diverse Partners
    (23:41) Importance of Training, Mentoring, and Employee Retention in Small Businesses
    (28:57) Transitioning from Traditional Methods to Digital Solutions in the AEC Industry
    (31:07) Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in the AEC Industry
    (43:23) Impact of the Infrastructure Bill on Civil Engineering and Job Opportunities
    (47:17) Technology Challenges and Cyber Security in the AEC Industry
    (1:07:08) Reflections: Advice to a Younger Self and Contact Information for Dana Toscano-Harder
    (1:08:57) Closing Remarks and Outro
    1 hr 10 min
  • Empower Your Financial Security: Unveiling Solutions to Combat Wire Fraud and Scams with Conduit Security CEO Ryan Castle
    In this episode, we dive into the lack of effective solutions in the marketplace for preventing finance professionals from making costly mistakes. Discover the delicate balance between security and convenience in a fast-paced business environment. Uncover the prevalence of social engineering and the vulnerability of business transactions to these cunning attacks.

    We explore the intricate web of business email compromise, where it's not just the company's emails that are compromised, but also their counterparts. Learn how these control problems can have detrimental consequences and why the responsibility falls on the sender of the wire.

    Prepare to be astounded as we unveil the dangers of AI-generated fake content and how it blurs the lines between genuine and deceitful. Uncover the motivations and methods of cybercriminals involved in ransomware attacks, and why financial gain often trumps political or activist reasons.

    Join us as we expose the increasing sophistication of cybercriminals and their use of generative AI technology for fraudulent activities. Discover how they exploit verbal confirmation procedures and manipulate human vulnerability to execute their nefarious plans.

    In this thought-provoking episode, we emphasize the importance of awareness, training, and specialized finance team support in combating cyber fraud. Uncover the concept of defense in depth, where seamless integration of technical controls prevents potential security breaches.

    Don't miss out on the eye-opening discussion on email-based fraud and the need for verification in a secure manner. Learn how to protect yourself from social engineering attacks and why being cautious and vigilant is paramount.

    Be prepared to be amazed as we reveal the challenges involved in recovering money from scams employing money mules. Explore a gripping case of financial fraud and how a robust system can prevent such incidents. Discover the significance of transparency, verification, and efficient auditing systems.

    Join us on this thrilling journey into the world of wire fraud and financial scams. Don't miss out on this opportunity to safeguard your financial well-being. Tune in to Building Scale and protect yourself from the cunning schemes of cyber criminals. Contact us now for more information, and remember to stay vigilant in the ever-evolving landscape of fraud prevention.

    (0:00) Introduction and Guest Ryan Castle, CEO of Conduit Security
    (4:09) Ryan's Journey from FBI Agent to Cyber Security Expert
    (7:10) The Intersection of IT and Cybersecurity in Business
    (11:47) Understanding Business Email Compromise and Cyber Security Breaches
    (14:13) Legal and Insurance Aspects of Cybercrime
    (16:08) Cyber Threats: Ransomware, Data Theft and Geographical Trends
    (23:42) Prevention of Cybercrime: Training, Policy, and Technical Controls
    (32:22) Sponsor: Invitation to Subscribe
    (32:58) Elaborate Cyber Heists and How to Prevent Them
    (38:25) Investing Time in Cybercrime Prevention and Role of Technology
    (46:44) Introduction to Ryan Castle's Software for Workflow Automation
    (51:24) Reflections: Lessons Learned and Advice for Younger Self
    (55:49) Closing Thoughts and Call to Action for Listeners
    57 min
  • Strategic Vision: How Long-Term Planning Empowers Business Success with Spacesmith Founder Jane Smith
    In our latest episode, we have a very special guest, Jane Smith, the founder of Spacemith, an architecture, planning, and interior design firm based in New York. Jane shares her incredible journey and how she discovered her passion for architecture. But that's not all, Jane also emphasizes the critical importance of long-term planning for businesses.

    The podcast episode is packed with valuable insights and powerful tips for businesses looking to succeed. From managing staff during slow and intense times, to adding people to the vision and adapting to market changes, our guest speaker covers it all. Jane also highlights the significance of mentorship in her life and how it helped her grow as an individual and build her business.

    The conversation doesn't stop there. We also touch on the importance of utilizing external consultants for business success, as well as the three pillars of scaling a business: people, process, and technology. With her years of experience, Jane emphasizes the need to think ahead when it comes to business planning and envisioning what you want the business to be in 20 years.

    Join us in this episode of Building Scale and learn from one of the most successful leaders in the industry. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to gain valuable insights and take your business to the next level. Tune in now!

    (0:00) Introduction to Building Scale with hosts Justin Neagle and Will Foret
    (2:49) Guest: Jane Smith, Architecture Firm Owner
    (6:00) Jane's Journey: From Employee to Business Owner
    (10:36) Scaling the Business: Adding People and Adapting to Market Shifts
    (15:23) Sustainability and Succession Planning in Business
    (20:22) Building Relationships, Trust, and Advocacy in the AEC Industry
    (28:43) Sustainability in Building and Design: Spacemith's Approach
    (33:06) The Role and Value of Consultants in the Building Process
    (44:26) Navigating the Pandemic: Role of Technology and Remote Working
    (52:36) Jane's Advice to Her Younger Self and Closing Remarks
    (56:05) Sponsor: Name and Call-to-action
    57 min
  • Mastering Structure Before You Scale: Insights from Odyssey Founder Mark Sheeran
    In this episode, we are honored to have Mark Sheeran, founder of Odyssey Advisors, who shares his journey in the AEC industry. Mark emphasizes the importance of having a structure for decision-making and accountability. Our discussion ranges from identifying core functions within a business to delegating tasks and building a leadership team that is effectively coordinated. We explore the Greiner Curve and how it applies to managing a growing organization. Mark also shares his insights on the impact of technology on the construction industry and the importance of cybersecurity.
    Connect with Mark:

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markjsheeran/

    Website: https://www.odysseyadvisors.us/

    Connect with Justin & Will:

    Will's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willforet/

    Justin's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justneagle/

    Learn More & Connect With Spot Migration:

    Website: https://www.spotmigration.com

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/co

    (0:00) Introduction to the Building Scale podcast and hosts, Justin Neagle and Will Foret
    (2:45) Guest Mark Sheeran's journey into the AEC industry and the inception of Odyssey Advisors
    (10:18) Importance of structure, identifying core functions and the role of a visionary in scaling a business
    (25:17) The role of an operating system in business and its key components
    (31:10) Impact of business size on leadership structure and the importance of technology in business operations
    (37:57) Emotional aspects of leadership, the role of empathy and the importance of regular meetings and accountability in business growth
    (44:05) Scalability of business structures and the role of different business operating systems in growth and scaling
    (50:30) The navy seals and army analogy for Odyssey's services; transitioning from a fractional to a full-time COO
    (51:08) The impact of technology on AEC businesses, including cybersecurity
    (54:12) Mark Sheeran's advice to his younger self and how to get in touch with him
    (58:04) Wrap up, reminder about the three pillars of scaling a business and information on how to book a call with Building Scale for IT and cybersecurity strategy consultation
    1 hr
  • Tech & Software Transforming Construction with Yves Frinault
    Are you curious about how technology and software are transforming the construction industry? Look no further than the Building Scale podcast! In our latest episode, we welcome guest Yves Frinault, CEO and co-founder of Fieldwire, a construction field management platform used in over 100 countries. Yves shares his experience witnessing the construction industry's lack of progress technologically and how Fieldwire is changing that. Our conversation covers everything from the company's acquisition by Hilti to the challenges of maintaining company values as the organization grows in size. We even discuss the importance of choosing the right software for your construction needs. Don't miss out on this informative and inspiring episode of Building Scale!
    Connect with Yves Frinault:

    Yves LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/yvesfrinault

    Fieldwire LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/fieldwirelabs

    Hilti LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/hilti

    Fieldwire Website: www.fieldwire.com

    (0:00) Introduction and guest background: Steve Rena, founder of Fieldwire
    (10:38) Balancing work and personal interests: Gaming and construction
    (12:44) Early challenges in scaling a company: Financial risks and investor support
    (18:44) Maintaining company culture and boldness during and after acquisition
    (29:27) Preserving company culture and values during business growth
    (38:08) Discussion on current issues and future innovation in the construction industry
    (1:00:13) Reflections and advice: The value of risk-taking and embracing the unknown in business
    (1:30:00) Process implementation for business growth in AEC businesses
    (1:50:00) Case study: Successful scaling in an engineering firm
    (2:20:00) Recap and conclusion of the episode
    (2:30:00) Sponsor: Sponsor name
    1 hr 4 min
  • Building Diversity and Scaling Success in Construction with the Federation of Women Contractors' Jaemie Neely
    Discover the Building Scale podcast's latest episode that dives into the importance of diversity in the construction industry. In this episode, Will and Justin interview Jaemie Neely, the Executive Director of the Federation of Women Contractors (FWC), who shares her experience in the industry and the history of FWC. With its three pillars of legislation, networking, and technical support, the FWC advocates for diversity in the industry and connects women-owned businesses to construction opportunities.
    Connect with Jaemie Neely:

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaemieneely/

    Website: https://fwcchicago.com/

    (0:00) Introduction to the podcast, hosts, and guest Jamie Neely
    (5:00) Overview of Federation of Women Contractors and its impact
    (15:00) Discussion on the controversial bond threshold increase
    (20:00) Importance of KPIs and networking opportunities in the AEC sector
    (25:00) FWC's educational initiatives and support services
    (30:00) Challenges faced by small women contractors and solutions
    (35:00) Addressing cash flow and labor shortage issues in the construction industry
    (41:00) The need for diversity and representation in the construction industry
    (46:00) Role of technology in construction and compliance challenges
    (56:00) Jamie's advice to her younger self and contact information
    (59:00) Closing remarks and call to action for listeners
    1 hr
  • Collaborating and Standardizing to Scale with Kelly Lazuka, CEO of Fullerton Engineering
    Building Scale Podcast: Kelly Lazuka on Business Growth in AEC" - Explore how CEO Kelly Lazuka scales businesses using people, process, and technology. With 23 years in the wireless industry, she discusses overcoming challenges, fostering team collaboration, and building strong company culture. Learn about automation, project management, and the importance of trust, communication, and diversity in the workplace. A must-listen episode for insights into driving business success.
    Connect with Kelly Lazuka:

    Kelly's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-lazuka-b4abb294/

    Website: https://www.fullertonengineering.com/

    Connect with Justin & Will:

    Will's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willforet/

    Justin's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justneagle/

    Learn More & Connect With Spot Migration:

    Website: https://www.spotmigration.com

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/spot-migration

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spotmigration

    Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Spotmigration

    (0:00) Introduction and overview of the podcast's mission
    (0:32) Sponsor: Episode's Sponsor
    (1:07) Interview with Kelly Lazuka: Career journey, transition to sales, and becoming CEO of Fullerton Engineering
    (13:08) Improving collaboration and operational efficiency at Fullerton Engineering
    (27:30) The role of empowerment, trust, and a hybrid work model in team management
    (32:28) Changes in leadership and team meetings during the pandemic
    (36:30) Sponsor: Reminder to subscribe
    (37:30) Scaling businesses: The role of standardization, training, and adjusting sales goals
    (41:04) Managing costs in AEC: Outsourcing, offshoring, and vendor selection
    (46:59) Leveraging technology and automation in the AEC business
    (52:46) Reflections on a 20-year career in the AEC industry and being a woman in the industry
    (56:52) Recap of the episode and call to action: Sharing the episode
    (57:10) Invitation to book a call for IT and cybersecurity strategy
    58 min
  • Investors, Business Leaders, and a Network of Talented Professionals, One Freedom with Jon Lowrance
    Join us as we delve into Jon Lowrence's journey as CEO of One Freedom, a construction-related business acquisition firm. Jon discusses scaling businesses through people, processes, and technology, emphasizing IT maintenance, task delegation, and the human element in business. He offers practical tips on acquisitions, due diligence, and financing, highlighting the significance of relationships with previous owners and productivity enhancement. This episode also covers the essentials of communication, culture, and technology investment, including cybersecurity prevention. An enlightening session for anyone interested in business growth and effective management.
    (0:00) Introduction and mission of Building Scale
    (1:31) Interview with guest John Lawrence: His journey and the origin of 1 Freedom
    (7:41) Process of acquiring a company: Learning from mistakes and balancing processes
    (15:45) Finance and relationship management in acquisitions
    (22:26) Strategies for business growth: Delegation, business development, and finance
    (31:23) Communication in business: Its importance and impact on growth
    (38:55) The influence of ownership change on company culture
    (43:00) Role of IT in business: Due diligence, cybersecurity, and outsourcing
    (57:12) The cost and benefits of investing in professional IT services
    (1:00:07) Reflections and advice from 20 years in the industry
    (1:02:01) Contacting Jon Lowrance and closing remarks
    1 hr 4 min

About Building Scale

From the publisher's feed

We interview successful Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) business leaders to learn how they use people, processes, and technology to scale their businesses.