Building Scale

Building Scale

By Will Foret, Justin NeagleBusinessEntrepreneurshipManagement
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Building Scale episodes

  • How Innovation is Changing the Future of Design with Mike Sewell - Gresham Smith
    Mike Sewell joins the episode to discuss his data-driven approach to environmental design and the role of technology in the AEC sector. He shares insights into his career and motivation, emphasizing the importance of improving communities through design. The conversation highlights the Empath platform, its technical origins, applications, and pilot projects, demonstrating its business impact and cost savings. Mike addresses privacy and compliance in design, stress factors in transportation, and potential applications in healthcare and construction. The discussion also covers automation's impact on AEC, showcasing innovations to clients, and technology's role in hiring and employee retention. Mike concludes with advice for the younger generation.

    Connect with Mike Sewell -

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-sewell-a85a19a/
    Website: https://www.greshamsmith.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 to Mike Sewell and heart rate comparison
    (0:15) Mike Sewell's background and data-driven environmental focus
    (1:01) Podcast mission and introduction
    (1:21) Technology and cybersecurity in AEC
    (2:33) Guest introduction: Mike Sewell
    (3:18) Mike Sewell's career and motivation
    (4:57) Improving communities through design
    (6:11) Empath platform overview and technical origin
    (10:42) Empath platform applications and pilot projects
    (13:06) Future applications in various sectors
    (14:53) Business impact and cost savings with empath
    (17:33) Privacy and compliance in design
    (18:28) Stress factors in transportation and design
    (21:16) Healthcare and construction potential applications
    (22:49) Client collaboration and design innovations
    (31:24) Automation and its impact on AEC
    (33:02) Company culture and conscious automation decisions
    (37:07) Case studies of successful automation
    (41:26) Technology's role in hiring and employee retention
    (42:29) Showcasing innovations to clients
    (44:17) Gia: Implementation of an internal AI chatbot
    (50:29) Employee engagement with AI technology
    (51:08) AI use cases and presentations
    (52:05) Advice for the younger generation
    (53:45) Closing remarks and contact information
    (55:03) Outro and sponsor mention
    56 min
  • Building a Supportive Built World is Essential for Long-term Results with Josh Vitale - Project BUILT
    Josh Vitale shares his journey into the construction industry, emphasizing the importance of wellness in this field. He discusses his transition to construction advocacy and recounts early experiences that shaped his career. The episode delves into his role in personal crisis intervention and efforts towards systemic change. Josh analyzes the return on investment for wellness programs and highlights initiatives like Project Built. He discusses educational partnerships and family retreats, touching on fundraising efforts and the Recharge Room concept. The conversation covers peak performance hubs, collaboration with academia, and outreach during Construction Suicide Prevention Week. Josh concludes with insights on wellness and self-care.

    Connect with Josh Vitale  -

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-vitale-vitalchemy/

    Website: https://getbuilt.org/

    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 to wellness in construction and career journey
    (3:39) Transition to construction advocacy and early experiences
    (5:37) Personal crisis intervention and systemic change efforts
    (13:14) Analyzing the ROI on wellness programs and Project Built
    (16:34) Educational partnerships and family retreats initiative
    (24:46) Fundraising for family retreats and Recharge Room
    (28:35) Peak performance hubs and collaboration with academia
    (30:45) Construction Suicide Prevention Week and outreach
    (33:51) Final thoughts on wellness, self-care, and closing remarks
    36 min
  • Navigating Business and Life in Dark Times with Ryan Bitgood - Sunset View Windows and Doors
    Ryan Bitgood of Sunset View Windows and Doors joins the episode to discuss negotiation success and creating mutual value in deals. He shares his journey from a family business to a leadership role, emphasizing how his military background has influenced business dynamics. Ryan talks about scaling operations, visionary leadership, and overcoming pandemic challenges. He also discusses the transition from military to civilian leadership, managing customer expectations with long lead times, and resilience through martial arts. The conversation touches on leadership pressure, team morale, personnel challenges, and talent development. Ryan reflects on acquisitions, M&A experiences, and real estate investments, offering advice for future growth.

    Connect with Ryan Bitgood -

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-bitgood-a620a861/

    Website: https://sunsetviewconstruction.com/

    IG: @ryanbitgood

    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) Ryan Bitgood's negotiation success and mutual value in deals
    (1:04) Introduction and Building Scale podcast mission
    (2:10) Introducing Ryan Bitgood and Sunset View Windows and Doors
    (3:01) Ryan Bitgood's journey from family business to leadership
    (6:10) Military background influencing business dynamics
    (9:18) Business scaling and operational growth strategies
    (15:50) Visionary leadership and overcoming pandemic challenges
    (22:31) Military to civilian leadership transition
    (26:37) Managing customer expectations with long lead times
    (30:08) Resilience through martial arts and adversity
    (38:08) Leadership pressure and team morale maintenance
    (41:56) Personnel challenges and talent development
    (44:43) Acquisitions, M&A experiences, and real estate investments
    (57:03) Reflecting on past lessons and advice for the future
    (59:45) Contacting Ryan and closing remarks
    (1:00:42) Sponsor: BuildingScale.net/help
    1 hr 2 min
  • Transforming Construction: A Tech-Driven Journey with Thomas Berrington - French Brothers
    Thomas Berrington discusses the role of data-driven decision-making in the construction industry. He shares insights from his journey into construction and IT, focusing on technology's impact on French Brothers' operations. The episode covers challenges in securing leadership buy-in for new tech, strategies for non-technical communication, and the importance of historical data for efficiency. Thomas also explores Power BI integration for executive and customer insights, the debate between third-party solutions and custom development, and adapting tech for a younger workforce. He concludes with thoughts on data management, AI roadmaps, and offers final advice.

    Connect with Thomas Berrington -

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-berrington-innovates/
    Website: https://frenchbrothers.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 and Importance of Data-Driven Decision Making
    (1:30) Introduction of Guest Thomas Berrington
    (2:34) Thomas Berrington's Entry into Construction and IT
    (5:00) Technology's Impact on French Brothers' Operations
    (9:56) Challenges and Leadership Buy-In for New Technology
    (14:22) Communication Strategies with Non-Technical Teams
    (23:39) Historical Data Utilization and Efficiency in Home Building
    (27:01) Power BI Integration for Executive Visibility and Customer Insights
    (33:09) Third-Party Solutions vs. Custom Development
    (34:23) Adapting Technology for a Younger Workforce and Training Trades
    (38:17) Data Management Lessons and Performance Reviews
    (43:34) Consultants, Optimization, and AI Roadmap
    (45:13) Final Advice from Thomas Barrington
    (46:47) Connecting with Thomas Berrington and Custom Applications
    (47:32) Closing Remarks and Episode Recap
    (47:55) Mission Statement and Call to Action
    49 min
  • Empowering Employees: A New Era in Interior Design with Marcy Segal - MSA Interiors
    Marcy Segal of MSA Interiors joins the episode to discuss the significance of diverse revenue streams and her journey in the AEC industry. She provides an overview of MSA Interiors, highlighting their employee focus, future plans, and new training programs. Marcy shares insights on value engineering, client collaboration, and leveraging in-house capabilities. Reflecting on lessons from the 2008 financial crisis, she emphasizes the importance of embracing diverse projects and community engagement in design. The conversation explores resilience, team input, and the role of caregiving experience in leadership. Marcy also discusses the benefits of entrepreneur groups and EO, concluding with advice on seeking and acting on guidance.

    Connect with Marcy Sagel -

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcysagel/
    Website: www.msainteriors.com
    Email: [email protected]    

    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 the importance of diverse revenue streams
    (1:26) Guest introduction: Marcy Segal of MSA Interiors
    (2:19) Marcy Segal's journey and overview of MSA Interiors
    (6:20) Employee focus, future plans, and launching new training programs
    (11:12) Value engineering, client collaboration, and in-house capabilities
    (18:41) Lessons from the 2008 financial crisis and embracing diverse projects
    (25:21) Impact, empathy, and community engagement in design
    (29:00) Resilience in business and encouraging team input
    (33:47) Leveraging caregiving experience in leadership
    (37:18) Entrepreneur groups and the benefits of EO
    (42:22) Final advice: Seeking and acting on advice
    45 min
  • Building a Legacy: Making It Work 3 Generations Deep with Grant Holdsworth - Holdsworth Construction
    In this conversation, Grant Holdsworth, a third-generation builder and owner of Holdsworth Construction, shares his journey in the construction industry, emphasizing the importance of hands-on experience, the transition into the family business, and the challenges of scaling operations. He discusses the evolution of the company from primarily residential projects to a balanced approach that includes commercial work, highlighting the significance of custom millwork as a unique selling point. Grant also delves into the implementation of EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) to improve accountability and efficiency within the business, and he offers valuable advice for future generations in the industry.

    Connect with Grant Holdsworth -

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grant-holdsworth-252b42135/
    Website: www.holdsworthconstruction.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 and overview of Grant Holdsworth and Holdsworth Construction
    (1:05) Grant's early exposure and career journey in construction
    (3:46) Proving oneself and leadership transition in the family business
    (9:08) Evolution and unique aspects of Holdsworth Construction
    (16:15) Challenges and balancing of custom woodworking and project types
    (22:51) Decision making and reducing fatigue for clients
    (27:56) Managing crew downtime and homeowner involvement
    (32:33) Implementing EOS and overcoming initial challenges
    (37:31) Adapting to change and growth with EOS
    (41:04) Organizational clarity and evolving family working relationships
    (46:04) Achieving efficiency and structural changes
    (48:27) Benefits of Level 10 meetings and IDS for issue management
    (51:52) Final advice for younger self and closing thoughts
    54 min
  • Building a Legacy: Making It Work 3 Generations Deep with Grant Holdsworth - Holdsworth Construction
    In this conversation, Grant Holdsworth, a third-generation builder and owner of Holdsworth Construction, shares his journey in the construction industry, emphasizing the importance of hands-on experience, the transition into the family business, and the challenges of scaling operations. He discusses the evolution of the company from primarily residential projects to a balanced approach that includes commercial work, highlighting the significance of custom millwork as a unique selling point. Grant also delves into the implementation of EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) to improve accountability and efficiency within the business, and he offers valuable advice for future generations in the industry.

    Connect with Grant Holdsworth -

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grant-holdsworth-252b42135/
    Website: www.holdsworthconstruction.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 to Grant Holdsworth and podcast mission
    (2:20) Grant Holdsworth's background and journey in the family business
    (9:00) Evolution of the family business and project types
    (14:00) The craftsmanship of the mill shop and custom woodworking
    (21:05) Streamlining construction processes and managing client decisions
    (27:55) Consequences and management of project delays
    (34:08) Implementing the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS)
    (39:53) Adapting to leadership and structural changes in a family business
    (47:44) Recognizing growth opportunities and the value of structured meetings
    (53:27) Final advice and closing thoughts
    57 min
  • Empowering Women in Construction: The Move Over Bob Initiative with Kate Glantz
    Kate Glantz discusses the Move Over Bob initiative, highlighting its cultural impact and the success of their first magazine issue aimed at reframing construction careers for young women. The episode explores the influence of teen magazines, the multifaceted lifestyle in construction, and the importance of representation. Kate addresses challenges like social media skepticism and workforce shortages in schools, while emphasizing the success of organic outreach and print materials. The conversation covers expanding the initiative, building a production arm, and engaging with general contractors to challenge gender stereotypes. Kate shares insights on community, industry support, and the importance of advocacy for women in construction.

    Connect with Kate Glantz - 

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kateglantz/  
    Website: https://moveoverbob.com/
    Email: [email protected]
     
    Connect with Justin -
    Justin's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justneagle/
    Spot Migration: https://www.spotmigration.com
    NCBOI: https://ncboi.org/
     
    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

    (0:25) Introduction and shout out to Karen at Ace
    (0:51) Move Over Bob initiative, first magazine issue, and cultural shifts in construction
    (2:06) Kate Glantz's initial conversation and success of the first magazine issue
    (3:21) Impact of teen magazines and reframing construction careers for young women
    (4:32) Multifaceted lifestyle and representation in construction
    (5:29) Reaching young women and the concept of a teen magazine for trades
    (6:10) Creative process and initial skepticism about a print magazine
    (7:17) Challenges with social media and workforce shortage in schools
    (8:20) Organic outreach, distribution success, and the longevity of print materials
    (10:06) Expanding Move Over Bob initiative and addressing labor shortage
    (11:32) Building a production arm, digital content, and addressing gender stereotypes
    (14:04) Engaging with general contractors, historical gender roles, and marketing trades
    (17:28) Tools, techniques, and marketing to solve labor shortage
    (17:59) How Kate and Angie met and their backgrounds
    (21:02) Building Move Over Bob together and embracing purpose-driven work
    (24:04) Breaking the status quo and reception to the Move Over Bob initiative
    (33:50) Importance of community, representation, and goals for Move Over Bob
    (38:38) Industry support, advocacy, and allyship for women in construction
    (41:30) Closing remarks and contact information
    (41:56) Sponsor: Ace
    43 min
  • Seeing Blind Spots & Avoiding Expensive Mistakes with Matt Chitwood - Pivium
    Matt Chitwood shares his journey in the AEC industry and Pivium's challenges. He discusses their recent warehouse move, leadership changes, and balancing tradition with innovation. Matt shares insights on family dynamics, accountability in delegation, and hiring practices in family businesses. He explores leadership, managing personality traits, and the importance of an effective board, including lessons from tough advice. The episode also covers navigating technology challenges, risk assessments, and engaging with the local business community. Matt also underscores the value of networking.

     

    Connect with Matt Chitwood - 
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewchitwood/ 
    Website: https://www.pivium.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 and guest Matt Chitwood
    (2:25) Matt's entry into the AEC industry and Pivium's challenges
    (6:23) Warehouse move and leadership changes at Pivium
    (11:14) The role of tradition and innovation in scaling
    (17:55) Handling family dynamics and avoiding stagnation
    (23:16) The significance of accountability in delegation
    (28:16) Incorporating hiring and family business practices
    (31:33) Leadership and managing personality traits
    (34:08) The creation and influence of a board
    (38:59) Strategies for building an effective board
    (44:25) Learning from tough board advice
    (48:09) Navigating technology challenges in business
    (51:36) Risk assessments for business continuity
    (54:30) Matt's advice to his younger self
    (55:49) Engaging with the local business community
    (57:22) The importance of networking
    (58:25) Contacting Matt Chitwood
    (59:45) Matt's final insights on community in business
    (1:00:48) Hosts' closing thoughts on community value
    (1:01:33) Recap and final call to action
    (1:01:51) Outro
    1 hr 2 min
  • Hijacking The Reward System to Change Your Life and Business with Michelle Rutkowski - MOR Studio
    Michelle Rutkowski delves into her architectural journey and the foundation of MOR Studio, focusing on the intricate balance between business growth and personal life. She explores the role of dopamine in motivation and the reward system, detailing the four pillars of reward: connection, discovery, movement, and rest, with practical applications for AEC businesses. The discussion extends to the biological underpinnings of productivity and team dynamics, including the neuroscience of endorphins. Michelle shares personal insights on dopamine regulation, emphasizing the design of spaces that foster community engagement and minimize distractions, integrating the reward system into architectural design.

     

    Connect with Michelle - 
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-rutkowski-aia-leed-ap-645b9814/ 
    MOR Website: https://www.morstudio.net
    MDB Website: https://www.mydopamineblueprint.com  
     
    Connect with Justin -
    Justin's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justneagle/
    Spot Migration: https://www.spotmigration.com
    NCBOI: https://ncboi.org
     
    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 to Michelle Rutkowski and the reward system
    (2:33) Michelle's journey into architecture and founding MOR Studios
    (6:59) Balancing business growth with personal life and understanding the reward system
    (10:53) The impact of dopamine on motivation and the reward cycle
    (15:18) The four pillars of reward: Connection, discovery, movement, and rest
    (18:19) Practical examples of the reward system in AEC businesses
    (20:12) Biological basis of productivity and team dynamics
    (23:29) Neuroscience behind endorphins, mu opioid receptors, and visioning
    (25:04) Personal experience with dopamine regulation
    (27:32) The plasticity of the reward system and overcoming addiction
    (29:46) Leveraging the reward system for healthier lifestyle choices
    (31:07) Designing spaces for community engagement and reducing distractions
    (33:22) Integrating the reward system into architectural design
    (37:02) The experience and impact of well-designed spaces
    (38:16) Strategies for creating engaging architectural spaces
    (40:54) Closing thoughts and contact information
    44 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.