Building Scale

Building Scale

By Will Foret, Justin NeagleBusinessEntrepreneurshipManagement
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Building Scale episodes

  • Driving Positive Accountability: From Blame to Collaboration with Rob Frost, NexGen Contracting
    Rob Frost discusses his journey from the military to the construction industry, emphasizing the importance of structured processes in a growing company. He explains the benefits of a self-perform strategy. Rob shares insights on integrating culture with labor partners and the role of vision in strategic planning. He highlights positive accountability and calculating ROI beyond finances, considering risk and efficiency. The episode covers building an operating system to reduce risk, challenges of deploying QMOS, tech investments like Smart Barrel, organizing digital architecture, and offers advice on empathy and people skills.

    Connect with Rob Frost - Manager for Systems and Strategy at NexGen Contracting (A Gray Company)

    LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/r-l-frost/

    Company LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/nexgencontracting/
    Website - https://www.gray.com/self-perform-services/

    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) Opening, podcast introduction, and importance of scaling with people, process, and technology
    (2:34) Guest introduction: Rob Frost
    (3:33) Rob Frost's background and military-to-construction transition
    (8:47) Building structure and process in a growing company
    (11:11) Self-perform strategy and its benefits
    (12:30) ESOP impact on decision-making and employee ownership
    (19:43) Long-term goals for a self-performing workforce
    (22:57) Integrating culture through labor partners
    (25:05) Vision integration and strategic planning process
    (30:25) Continuing vision integration and strategy
    (34:42) Positive accountability and its cultural impact
    (35:06) Calculating ROI beyond financial metrics
    (40:30) Considering risk and efficiency in ROI
    (45:38) Building an operating system to reduce risk
    (50:50) Challenges and lessons deploying QMOS
    (56:40) Technology investments to support QMOS
    (57:43) Implementing Smart Barrel and other tech solutions
    (59:27) Organizing digital architecture and analog governance
    (1:00:32) Developing next gen software and hardware validation
    (1:03:23) Offboarding expensive enterprise solutions
    (1:05:09) Advice to younger self: empathy and people skills
    (1:06:48) How to contact Rob Frost
    (1:07:18) Final thoughts and goodbyes
    1 hr 9 min
  • Interest Rates & Market Moves: Trends in Commodities and Construction with Jeffrey Wagner, AZ Construction and Renovation
    Jeff Wagner shares his journey from molecular biology to the construction industry, detailing the growth and evolution of Arizona Construction and Renovation. He highlights the importance of prompt payments to employees and subcontractors, while discussing challenges like client bankruptcy and the impact of COVID-19. Jeff delves into his transition from international to domestic projects and the role of private equity in single-family homes. He explains interest rate futures, diversification into insurance, and the use of futures contracts for lumber. Jeff emphasizes the significance of technology, maintaining happy employees, and offers advice to his younger self.

    Connect with Jeffrey Wagner, Arizona Construction and Renovation

    LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffrey-wagner-a894a811b

    Website - https://azconstruct.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

    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) Wire fraud in construction and podcast introduction
    (2:00) Call to action for cybersecurity assessment
    (2:23) Guest introduction: Jeff Wagner
    (3:33) Jeff Wagner’s background and entry into construction
    (4:12) Growth of Arizona Construction and Renovation
    (5:32) Paying employees and subcontractors promptly
    (7:23) Client bankruptcy challenges
    (8:01) Transition from molecular biology to construction
    (10:10) International to domestic project transition
    (14:00) COVID-19’s impact on the business
    (17:00) Private equity and single-family homes
    (19:00) Interest rate futures and hedging explained
    (23:09) Revenue growth from low interest rates
    (24:36) Diversification into insurance
    (26:05) Market outlook and hedging strategies
    (30:03) Impact of high oil prices
    (31:00) Using futures contracts for lumber
    (42:08) Technology and international business experiences
    (48:39) Sponsor: XYZ Construction Supplies
    (48:41) Conclusion of wire fraud story
    (51:29) Importance of happy employees
    (52:13) Advice to younger self
    (53:05) Contact information for Jeff Wagner
    (53:27) Final thoughts and closing remarks
    55 min
  • Hiring For Outcomes: Build Better Teams & Boost Lead Quality with Michael Pruitt, Master's Landscape Design
    Mike Pruitt joins the episode to share his journey in the AEC industry and discuss his strategic shift in business growth. He emphasizes the importance of identifying an ideal customer base and how raising the project floor has influenced lead flow. Communication is highlighted as a crucial element in project management, client trust, and satisfaction. Mike delves into the significance of core values in hiring and company culture, advocating for hiring based on outcomes rather than job descriptions. He explores the impact of technology investments, particularly AI, on efficiency and productivity. Reflecting on past experiences, Mike offers advice to his younger self and shares his insights on balancing people, processes, and technology.

    Connect with Michael Pruitt, Founder - Master's Landscape Design

    Michael's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-pruitt-30ba8456

    Master's Landscape Design: https://masterslandscapedesign.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

    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) Communication, project takeover, and podcast introduction
    (1:20) Building Scale mission and technology offer
    (1:56) Introduction of guest Mike Pruitt
    (3:19) Mike Pruitt's background and origin story
    (8:01) Shift in business growth strategy
    (10:12) Factors contributing to recent growth
    (13:16) Mindset shifts and strategic changes
    (15:43) Identifying ideal customer base
    (23:49) Impact of raising project floor on lead flow
    (28:49) Importance of communication in project management
    (31:34) The role of communication in client trust and satisfaction
    (35:28) Marketing versus referrals in lead generation
    (38:29) Importance of core values in hiring and company culture
    (42:12) Hiring for outcomes instead of job descriptions
    (47:39) The role of standards and character in team building
    (49:26) Investments in technology and their impact on business
    (53:41) The role of AI in the AEC industry
    (1:00:32) Embracing AI for efficiency and productivity
    (1:03:20) Reflecting on past experiences and advice for younger self
    (1:06:04) Contact information and helping others
    (1:07:40) Final thoughts and gratitude
    1 hr 9 min
  • Growth Without Compromise: From Bankruptcy to Building Businesses with Brent Garrett, The Skilled Trades Coach
    Brent Garrett shares his journey in the trades, discussing early challenges and pivotal lessons from his father. He highlights the importance of sales, strategies for profitability, and the evolution of leadership. Brent emphasizes the risks of stagnation, personal struggles, financial oversight, and building a strong company culture. He explores the "messy middle" growth phase and his investment in technology. Brent also discusses his coaching initiatives, insights from his book, and offers advice to his younger self, stressing the importance of helping others achieve their dreams.

    Connect with Brent Garrett, The Skilled Trades Coach and founder, Sirius Plumbing and Air Conditioning

    Brent Garrett's Book - 30 Days to a Better Business - https://www.amazon.com/s?k=30+Days+to+a+Better+Business

    Skill Trades Coach Website - https://www.skilledtradescoach.com
    Field Pulse - Business Software - https://www.fieldpulse.com

    Brent's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brent-garrett-b455aa11

    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) Learning from mistakes, introductions, and guest background
    (2:33) Brent Garrett's entry into the trades and early challenges
    (5:43) Father’s advice and overcoming business obstacles
    (8:32) Importance of sales in business success
    (10:53) Scaling a business and growth phases
    (14:35) The messy middle phase and its challenges
    (20:50) Profitability and growth strategies
    (27:01) Coaching the coaches and leadership evolution
    (30:41) Consequences of remaining in the messy middle
    (33:33) Personal struggles and learning lessons
    (36:55) Financial oversight and building a strong culture
    (44:44) Investing in technology for growth
    (50:10) Technologies Brent uses in his business
    (51:43) Closing thoughts and final reflections
    (52:34) Brent’s book and mentor-mentee relationships
    (53:32) Advice to his younger self
    (54:34) Emotional insights on business ownership
    (55:22) Helping others achieve their dreams
    (56:10) How to contact Brent Garrett
    (57:07) Brent’s coaching and retreats
    (57:33) Free ebook offer
    (57:57) Hosts thank Brent and wrap up
    (58:06) Podcast outro and encouragement
    (58:28) Call to action for technology improvement assistance
    59 min
  • Task-Based Success: Cutting Chaos Through Process Clarity with Heath Robertson, VDC Specialists
    Join Heath Robertson as he shares his journey from rock band member to founder of VDC Specialists. Discover how VDC grew from a bedroom startup to a thriving enterprise. Heath discusses challenges in scaling, strategic hiring, and the importance of differentiating field hires from BIM professionals. Explore VDC's training processes, remote work adaptation, and defining good vs. bad BIM. Hear real-life BIM ROI examples and learn about their internal technologies and self-updating training systems. Heath emphasizes adaptability and the dangers of rigid planning.

    Connect with Heath Robertson - President and Founder of VDC Specialists, an electrical BIM/VDC firm:

    Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vdcspecialists/

    Heath LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/heath-robertson-3b1665100
    Company Website: www.VDCspecialists.com
    Company YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@vdcspecialists

    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, Heath Robertson’s unique ability, and host welcome
    (1:16) Mission and Sponsor: Introduction and sponsor message
    (1:51) Heath Robertson: Background and journey from rock band to VDC Specialists
    (5:32) What VDC Specialists does and early days starting from a spare bedroom
    (9:34) First hires, office space, and early growth
    (11:49) Scaling challenges: Consistent growth and hiring strategies
    (14:15) Field hires vs. BIM professionals and approaches to recruiting
    (18:54) Training process, timeline, and ensuring new hires are project billable
    (22:11) Managing mistakes and building a robust training process
    (25:50) Iterative training: Managing mistakes in micro-steps
    (27:43) Creating a robust training process and continuous improvement
    (30:13) Work-from-home stance and adapting to remote work
    (32:26) Leadership team structure and company growth
    (36:05) Good BIM vs. bad BIM: Definitions and impacts
    (41:41) Overcoming bad technology experiences
    (42:32) Real-life BIM ROI examples and transitioning to manufacturing processes
    (46:21) Job site efficiency and applicability of BIM/prefabrication for various project sizes
    (50:16) Internal technologies and importance of strong training programs
    (53:43) Developing a self-updating training tutorial system
    (55:05) Badge system for skill recognition and employee motivation
    (58:16) Custom-built tools for efficiency and subscription avoidance
    (59:55) Final advice: Focusing, adaptability, and avoiding rigid long-term plans
    (1:02:34) Contact info and closing remarks
    1 hr 5 min
  • From Labor to Leadership: Replacing Toxic People and Processes with Grant Christopher, Christopher Equipment
    Grant Christopher, owner of Christopher Equipment, joins the episode to discuss his journey in business expansion and leadership. He shares insights on automating the sales process and the transition of ownership from father to son, highlighting the challenges and strategies involved. The episode delves into the implementation of EOS for business structure, managing key person risk, and the importance of documentation and automation. Grant emphasizes the role of technology, utilizing AI for efficiency, and investments like SmartEquip to enhance operations. He reflects on the value of mentors, offers advice to his younger self, and shares his thoughts on balancing people, processes, and technology for business growth.

    Connect with Grant Christopher, President - Christopher Equipment:

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grant-christopher-886649a8/

    Website: https://www.christopher.equipment/

    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) Automating the sales process and podcast introduction
    (1:49) Sponsor: BuildingScale.net/health
    (2:04) Guest introduction: Grant Christopher, owner of Christopher Equipment
    (3:01) Grant Christopher's background and entry into the business
    (4:06) Growing the Shelbyville branch
    (5:05) Business expansion and leadership structure
    (6:35) Ownership transition from father to son
    (7:57) Challenges and strategies during the ownership transition
    (10:33) Changes in business focus and EOS implementation
    (12:34) Opening a fifth location and associated challenges
    (13:31) Customer demographics and market focus
    (15:41) Shifting business focus towards contractors
    (17:23) Key person risk and administrative challenges
    (20:21) Mitigating key person risk through documentation and automation
    (21:36) Managing part-time roles and data management
    (23:05) Addressing people issues and toxic high performers
    (30:15) Implementing EOS for business structure and decision-making
    (32:41) Delegating responsibilities and reducing role overload
    (34:36) Improving business operations with technology
    (36:04) Balancing people, process, and technology improvements
    (39:35) Utilizing AI for business automation and efficiency
    (43:57) Technology investments and their impact on efficiency
    (46:12) Using Rouse Analytics for fleet performance and market benchmarking
    (47:21) SmartEquip for streamlining parts orders and inventory management
    (48:34) Introduction to OWL and its potential benefits for customer retention
    (50:07) Benefits of proactive data visualization
    (50:19) Grant's advice to his younger self
    (51:17) Importance of mentors in business growth
    (51:31) How to contact Grant Christopher
    (51:45) Final thoughts from Grant
    (52:01) Closing remarks and reminder of the three pillars of scaling
    (52:22) Mission to simplify technology for AEC
    (52:28) Call to action for improving technology strategies
    53 min
  • Mindset Matters: Understanding Why People Follow Great Leaders with Rick Heagarty, Land IQ
    Rick Heagarty shares his journey in the AEC industry, discussing early career growth and the importance of vertical integration and developing people. He emphasizes partnerships for scaling and offers insights on forming successful collaborations. The episode explores Rick's ventures in expanding a closet company, real estate projects, and diversifying interests. He talks about increasing ticket value, the emotional impact of exiting businesses, and the importance of mindset. Rick highlights teaching mindset skills to employees and leading by example, along with leadership lessons from family dynamics and marketing mistakes.

    Connect with Rick Heagarty:

    LinkedIn - Rick Heagarty - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickheagarty/

    Madison Street Capital - https://www.madisonstreetcapital.com/
    Land IQ - https://landiq.com/
    Southern Closets - https://southernclosets.com/
    615 Design Group - https://615designgroup.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

    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) Transparency, trust, and toughness in partnerships; Introduction by Will and Justin; Will's message on technology and cybersecurity; Guest introduction: Rick Heagarty
    (3:14) Rick's entry into the AEC industry
    (4:58) Rick's early career and business growth
    (7:44) Explanation of vertical integration
    (11:50) Importance of developing people in business
    (12:06) The role of partnerships in scaling businesses
    (16:30) Detailed discussions in forming partnerships
    (18:32) Questions to ask potential business partners
    (23:09) Number of partnerships created
    (24:00) Vertical integration and starting new ventures
    (25:07) Expanding the closet company
    (26:15) Development company and real estate projects
    (27:22) Diversifying business ventures
    (31:02) Increasing average ticket value
    (37:08) Exiting businesses and selling process
    (41:36) Emotional impact of exiting a business
    (44:08) Mindset and its importance in business
    (44:55) Teaching mindset skills to employees
    (48:17) Applying learned wisdom in business
    (51:02) Importance of leading by example
    (54:15) Leadership lessons from family dynamics
    (56:34) Marketing mistakes and lessons learned
    (57:32) Contact information and closing remarks
    59 min
  • Remodel Your Finances: Renovating Condos and Building True Financial Security with Camilla Jeffs, Cultivate Advisors
    Join Camilla Jeffs as she shares her journey from early real estate ventures to becoming a business leader. Discover her insights on buying versus building a business, buying a construction company, and building remotely. Camilla highlights the importance of partnerships, client experience, and acquiring financial skills. She also delves into balancing family life with entrepreneurship, involving children in business, and utilizing tax benefits. Learn about her experiences with flood restoration, condo renovations, and selecting trade partners. Camilla's transition to consulting with Cultivate Advisors is discussed, along with advice for young professionals.

    Connect with Camilla Jeffs, President - KohlerHaus Remodeling Co. and consultant, Cultivate Advisors

    Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/camilla-jeffs

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/camilla.jeffs/
    https://www.kohlerhaus.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

    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, podcast mission, and sponsor message
    (1:49) Guest introduction: Camilla Jeffs and her background
    (3:04) Camilla’s origin story and early real estate experiences
    (6:24) Deciding to buy versus build a business
    (8:31) How to find a construction company to buy
    (10:22) Building a business remotely and intentionally
    (12:48) Importance of partnerships in business
    (16:22) Focusing on client experience in construction
    (20:23) Learning financial and business management skills
    (23:20) Book recommendations for business management
    (24:17) Balancing family life with entrepreneurship
    (25:33) Involving and teaching children in business activities
    (28:34) Utilizing tax benefits for employing children
    (30:37) Lessons from early business challenges
    (31:06) Handling flood restoration and renovation projects
    (34:45) Navigating condo renovation complexities
    (40:16) Building reputation and managing subcontractors
    (42:41) Developing processes for selecting trade partners
    (46:31) Transition to consulting and joining Cultivate Advisors
    (48:41) Advice to your younger self
    (50:26) Contacting Camilla Jeffs and Cultivate Advisors offer
    (52:03) Closing thoughts and thank yous
    54 min
  • Engineering Your Future: Embrace Learning, Not Just Winning with Chris Sutton, Sutton Engineering
    Chris Sutton, CEO of Sutton Engineering, shares his journey in MEP engineering and founding his company. He discusses expanding to New York, the importance of mission-critical work, and transitioning from a hustle mindset to structured growth. Chris highlights leadership challenges, personal development through Vistage, Strategic Coach, and EOS, and emphasizes defining a company's 'why' and building strong relationships. The episode covers strategic hiring with tools like the Culture Index and Kolbe assessments, payment challenges in commercial projects, and using technology for growth. Chris concludes with insights on automation, process improvement, and advice for young professionals.

    Connect with Chris Sutton, Sutton Engineering:

    LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-sutton-pe-cxa-5a786a35/

    Website - https://sutton.engineering/

    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) Early business development and introduction
    (2:15) Guest introduction: Chris Sutton, CEO and founder of Sutton Engineering
    (3:22) Chris Sutton's journey into MEP engineering
    (4:55) Founding and evolution of Sutton Engineering
    (6:25) Expansion to New York and strategic hires
    (7:56) Mission critical work and its importance
    (10:45) Transition from hustle to structured growth
    (11:17) Leadership challenges and personal development
    (13:37) Influence of Vistage, Strategic Coach, and EOS
    (16:56) Recommended books and their impact
    (18:57) Defining company 'why' and unreasonable hospitality
    (20:55) Building strong relationships internally and externally
    (22:44) Finding the right people and right seat
    (23:44) Using Culture Index and Kolbe assessments
    (26:45) Focus on mission critical work
    (29:02) Being prime vs. subcontractor on projects
    (31:33) Payment issues in commercial projects
    (33:24) Q1 success and growth plans
    (35:19) Implementing EOS for scaling
    (38:25) Scope and scale of mission critical projects
    (45:24) Importance of data centers in daily life
    (45:49) Rise of mission critical engineers in Albany
    (48:34) Leveraging technology for growth
    (49:54) Focus: Automation, leadership, and process improvement
    (51:23) Documenting and automating with monday.com
    (52:49) Exploring AI tools for business
    (55:39) Advice to your younger self
    (57:30) Contact info and closing remarks
    1 hr
  • Resilience Beyond Injury: Knowing When To Slow Down And Double Down with Steven Whitehouse, Southeastern Tank
    Steven Whitehouse, COO of Southeastern Tank, shares his journey in the construction industry, detailing his path to joining the company and its growth. He discusses Southeastern Tank's niche services and the importance of aligning hires with core values for talent retention. Steven highlights the significance of a family culture, loyalty, and leadership development. The conversation covers strategic acquisitions, expansion into chemicals and water treatment, and the lessons learned from these experiences. Steven also delves into technology and process improvements, including implementing AI like ChatGPT, and the challenges of technology adoption. The episode concludes with Steven's advice and contact information.

    Connect with Steven Whitehouse, COO - Southeastern Tank

    Website: https://setank.com/

    Website: http://swandfriends.org/
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/southeastern-tank-inc./
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-whitehouse-04925650/

    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) Advice to Younger Self & Podcast Introduction
    (1:52) Sponsor: Book a call to maximize IT cybersecurity strategy
    (2:21) Guest Introduction: Steven Whitehouse, COO of Southeastern Tank
    (4:01) Early Experiences in Construction
    (5:05) Overview of Southeastern Tank’s Services and Niche
    (6:04) Steven’s Journey to Joining Southeastern Tank
    (7:33) Growth and Expansion at Southeastern Tank
    (9:01) Hiring, Retaining Talent & Predictive Index
    (15:19) Aligning Hires with Core Values
    (17:07) Employee Retention & Family Culture
    (20:25) Loyalty, Dedication, and Leadership Growth
    (21:28) Building Something Amazing Together
    (23:15) Opportunity and Challenges in Acquisitions
    (26:27) Expansion into Chemicals and Water Treatment
    (27:34) Inheriting and Shaping Company Culture
    (30:33) Lessons Learned from Acquisition
    (33:46) Technology and Process Improvements
    (37:40) Deciding When to Invest in Technology
    (40:01) Pulling the Plug on a Major ERP Investment
    (42:25) Implementing ChatGPT & AI in the Office
    (45:06) AI Concerns, Adoption Challenges, and Team Adaptation
    (51:22) Final Advice, Contact Info & Closing Remarks
    56 min

About Building Scale

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