Could your construction or engineering firm be sitting on massive tax savings without even realizing it?

In this eye-opening episode, Mason Brady is joined by Layton Johns and Jacob Wood from Capstan Tax to break down the major changes to R&D tax credits in the wake of the "Big Beautiful Bill." Learn how construction, engineering, and design-build firms can now reclaim massive deductions, avoid IRS pitfalls, and even unlock retroactive cash. If you’ve ignored R&D incentives before, 2025 may be your golden opportunity.

Topics we cover:

(02:23) – What qualifies as R&D for construction and design-build firms.

(07:20) – Differences between tax deductions and credits for R&D.

(14:24) – How the 2025 tax law eliminates amortization for domestic R&D.

(22:27) – Retroactive tax relief for small businesses under $31M.

(28:55) – Industry sectors contractors should target for R&D-heavy projects.

Links from the Show:

Capstan Tax Strategies: https://capstantax.com/

Jacob Wood on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-prentis-wood-7b206431

The One Big, Beautiful Bill Act (OB3): https://capstantax.com/the-one-big-beautiful-bill-act-ob3/

If you’re tired of surprise costs and shrinking margins, let’s fix it. Brady CFO helps construction business owners like you gain financial visibility and control. Learn more at ⁠https://bradycfo.com⁠

Let’s connect on LinkedIn 👇

🔨 Mason Brady: https://www.linkedin.com/in/masonbrady

📊 Layton Johns: https://www.linkedin.com/in/layton-johns

Are you leaving bigger projects on the table because of bonding limits?

In this Built to Scale episode, Mason Brady sits down with Chris Kolkhorst, Surety & Bonding leader at Higginbotham, to demystify bonding for construction companies. They break down the three types of bonds, how underwriters actually view your financials, and the smart moves you can make today to protect your bonding capacity and win bigger jobs.

Topics we cover:

05:25 – Bonding basics: performance, payment & maintenance

07:50 – Why bonding works like credit, not insurance

11:22 – First-time contractors: how to qualify15:28 – CPA reviews vs. audits (and real costs)

19:06 – Predictability beats promises with underwriters

29:34 – Contract clauses that protect your margins

33:20 – Working capital rules: LOC vs. refinance

37:02 – $1 cash = $20 in bonding capacity41:33 – Tax write-offs that hurt

bondingResources:https://www.higginbotham.com/Connect with Chris Kolkhorst: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ckolkhorst/

If you’re tired of surprise costs and shrinking margins, let’s fix it. Brady CFO helps construction business owners like you gain financial visibility and control. Learn more at ⁠https://bradycfo.com⁠

Let’s connect on LinkedIn 👇 🔨 Mason Brady –https://www.linkedin.com/in/masonbrady/

📊 Layton Johns – /layton-johns

In this Built to Scale episode, Mason Brady and Layton Johns break down how the updated 2025 tax law changes the game for Opportunity Zones. They reveal where to build, how to invest smartly, and why rural zones now offer even greater tax advantages.

Topics we cover:

00:00 – What are Opportunity Zones and how they’ve evolved in the 2025 tax bill

01:55 – How capital gains deferral works and what’s new for investors

06:12 – Why investing through a certified Opportunity Fund is critical

09:40 – New incentives for rural zones and how they increase deductions

11:52 – What builders need to know about development in low-income areas

15:00 – Why multifamily housing is likely to lead in rural zone development

20:00 – Who these tax plays are really for: high-net-worth vs. general contractors

25:00 – How stacking Opportunity Zones with QPP bonus depreciation creates big wins

27:14 – Final takeaways: where to market, who to connect with, and why this matters

Resources:

https://taxpolicycenter.org/briefing-book/what-are-opportunity-zones-and-how-do-they-work

If you’re tired of surprise costs and shrinking margins, let’s fix it. Brady CFO helps construction business owners like you gain financial visibility and control. Learn more at https://bradycfo.com

Let’s connect on LinkedIn 👇

🔨 Mason Brady – linkedin.com/in/masonbrady

📊 Layton Johns – linkedin.com/in/layton-johns

In this post-bill breakdown episode of Built to Scale, Mason Brady and Layton Johns dive deep into the implications of the newly signed tax law, with a sharp focus on bonus depreciation. They walk through real-world examples, explain how contractors can use the law to strategically grow, and caution against common pitfalls.

Topics we cover:

00:00 – Why bonus depreciation is back at 100% and what it means for contractors

1:59 – How to expense vehicles, machinery, and gear in year one

7:10 – When accelerated write-offs can hurt in a slow year

11:14 – What qualifies and when to use Section 179 vs. bonus depreciation

17:29 – What qualifies as production property under the new law

26:13 – How new facilities may drive regional building demand

If you’re tired of surprise costs and shrinking margins, let’s fix it. Brady CFO helps construction business owners like you gain financial visibility and control.

Learn more at https://bradycfo.com/

Let’s connect on LinkedIn 👇

🔨 Mason Brady – https://www.linkedin.com/in/masonbrady/

📊 Layton Johns – https://www.linkedin.com/in/layton-johns/

How will Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill reshape construction, manufacturing, and your business strategy?

In this episode, Mason Brady and Layton Johns unpack “Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill”, a massive tax reform initiative with sweeping implications for the construction and manufacturing industries. With the bill poised to pass around July 4th, this episode explores how it could transform financial planning for builders, CFOs, and operators.

Topics we cover:

0:00 – Intro 2:15 – Overview of Trump's Big Beautiful Bill 6:45 – 100% Bonus Depreciation for Equipment & Facilities

11:05 – Vehicle Interest Deduction

14:30 – No Tax on Overtime

19:40 – Opportunity Zones & Rural Revitalization

24:10 – Defense Spending & Federal Contracting

28:05 – Rollback of EV Credits & Return to Combustion Incentives

32:30 – SALT Deduction Limit Changes

35:50 – Workforce Development & Trades Incentives

If you’re tired of surprise costs and shrinking margins, let’s fix it. Brady CFO helps construction business owners like you gain financial visibility and control.

Learn more at https://bradycfo.com/

Let’s connect on LinkedIn 👇

🔨 Mason Brady – https://www.linkedin.com/in/masonbrady/

📊 Layton Johns – https://www.linkedin.com/in/layton-johns/

Is your construction business recession-ready?In this episode, Mason Brady and Layton Johns break down what construction companies can do right now to prepare for economic downturns: from diversifying job types to securing credit lines before you need them.Learn how to protect your margins, maintain cash flow, and position your company to thrive no matter what the economy throws at you.00:00 – Intro: Facing economic uncertainty as a builder02:45 – Why now is the time to recession-proof03:14 – Low-bid vs. negotiated work: shifting your strategy07:08 – How to stand out and diversify your client base10:30 – Credit lines, bonding, and CPA-reviewed books🚧 Want help preparing your construction business for what’s next?Visit https://bradycfo.com/ or connect with Mason & Layton on LinkedIn:🔨 Mason Brady – https://www.linkedin.com/in/masonbrady/📊 Layton Johns – https://www.linkedin.com/in/layton-johns/Let’s build smarter. Let’s build to scale. 📈

In this episode, Mason Brady and Layton Johns break down how construction business owners should respond to today's volatile economic climate.

From whether to pre-purchase materials to how to handle equipment costs and protect cash flow, this is the guidance you need to lead with confidence (not fear).00:00 – Should you buy now or wait?02:30 – How to lead through economic uncertainty04:51 – The real cost of storing materials07:44 – Fear-based decisions vs. wisdom-based strategy13:09 – When it makes sense to invest in equipment🔧 Want to protect your margins and make smarter financial decisions?Visit https://bradycfo.com/ or connect with Mason & Layton on LinkedIn:🔗 Mason Brady – https://www.linkedin.com/in/masonbrady/🔗 Layton Johns – https://www.linkedin.com/in/layton-johns/💬 Let’s build something profitable — and built to scale.

In this episode, Mason Brady and Layton Johns discuss how construction owners can incentivize their team, implement the right metrics, and build a culture that protects margins.From project manager accountability to smarter job tracking, this is your roadmap to long-term profitability.00:00 – You can’t stop profit fade alone01:10 – How to align your team around profitability03:31 – Metrics that reveal top vs. struggling PMs05:43 – Smarter incentives without compromising quality10:04 – Habits and systems that protect your marginsIf you’re tired of surprise costs and shrinking margins, let’s fix it.Brady CFO helps construction business owners like you gain financial visibility and control. Learn more at bradycfo.com.Let’s connect on LinkedIn 👇🔨 Mason Brady – https://www.linkedin.com/in/masonbrady/📊 Layton Johns – https://www.linkedin.com/in/layton-johns/

In this episode of Built to Scale, Mason Brady and Layton Johns tackle profit fade: when projected profits quietly disappear. They explain how poor reporting, mismanaged labor, and overlooked change orders create hidden losses.

Learn how to catch the warning signs early and correct course. This is essential listening for any construction business owner serious about protecting margins.