Starting a business is something that, technically, almost anyone can do. The difference between the type of business we build is on the goals we pursue, what we want to achieve, and how. 

In today's episode, we chat with Mick Bigwood Jr., owner and operator at Bigwood's Custom Painting. He has a BS in Sports Management from the Delaware Valley University and a Masters in Sports Administration from Canisius College. He worked as a Business Manager of the Baseball All-Star Academy, and he coached the South Jersey Warriors baseball team for four years. 

We talked about his life before deciding to invest his time and effort in his family business and why he chose it. We also talked about the teachings he got along the way and helped him create the successful business he runs and why attitude and mentality are essential to growing a healthy business. 

Some Questions I Ask:

• Where did you see yourself going? You said you wanted to be in college. Did you have an ideal job or position you were trying to get to? (5:48)
• How was the experience of coaching the South Jersey Warriors? (7:08)
• You have taken over a family business. When did you decide that was going to be your path? (8:04)
• How long did it take you to settle in and feel comfortable with what you were doing? (10:21)
• What do you want to be in the next five years? Where do you see your company? (16:19)

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• When did Mick decide his path would be in the construction industry (8:30)
• Commercial vs. residential jobs' growth in 2020 (11:39)
• One of the reasons why Mick's business is thriving (14:31)
• How to make everyone's life easier (15:26)
• Working to replace ourselves and growing from there (17:23)
• The importance of learning to say no to clients (19:45)

Resources:

• Bigwood's Custom Painting website
• Bigwood's Custom Painting Facebook

Connect with Mick:

• LinkedIn

Let's Connect!

• LinkedIn
• Instagram 
• Twitter
• MPC Builders - Website
• MPC Builders - Facebook

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today's episode, I chat with RDL Construction's President, Ronald Lind. He briefly studied Business Administration, but what he believes helped him understand and succeed in the construction industry was picking people's brains, asking questions, and working hard.

In 2012, Ron put together RDL Construction, an ambitious project that didn't stop growing since. His company furnishes and installs interior and exterior metal and wood framing. They do acoustic ceilings, drywall, install doors & frames, toilets accessories, and more. RDL Construction carpentry service is so broad that it makes them a unique company in the construction market. 

We talked about his experience in the construction business, what he believes makes a good leader, how COVID affected his company, how he thinks it'll affect the industry, and what crucial characteristics a successful construction worker should have. 

Some Questions I Ask:

• Can you talk about your networking platform? (2:36)
• How did what you learned in college help you in your business? (6:08)
• How did you get into carpentry? Why did you choose the carpentry path? (7:30)
• Tell me about what LinkedIn has done for your company so far (9:12)
• Do you do any residential? Or do you do just all commercial these days? (14:33)

In This Episode, You Will Learn :

• Putting a team together the right way is the road to success (8:57)
• What you can get from LinkedIn (9:43)
• If you think on opening a business, working hard is the number one requirement (17:44)
• Ronald's advice for anyone who wants to get into the construction industry. (17:35)
• Why robots don't succeed in the construction business (20:40)

Connect with Ronald:

• LinkedIn
• RDL Construction website
• RDL Construction Facebook
• RDL Construction LinkedIn

Let's Connect!

• LinkedIn
• Instagram 
• Twitter
• MPC Builders - Website

MPC Builders - Facebook

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What is your relationship with fitness? Do you have any fitness or health goals for 2021? It’s no secret that gyms are among the many industries that were hit hard from the lockdowns during the global pandemic, but some owners have found a way to still be around for the people that wanted to keep their bodies in shape. 

In this episode, I am joined by my friend, Christian Lee. Christian is a biomechanical specialist and the owner of Escape Fitness Training Facility. Christian started in the financial industry and soon realized that he wanted to enjoy what he did for a living and pivoted to the fitness world. We talk about how his gym has been impacted by COVID-19, our experience playing semi-pro baseball together, and all about his inspiring background. Christian’s passion, focus, and the brand that he is building is something incredibly special to witness.

Listen to Episode 12, to learn about Christian’s training facility, how his business was impacted by the global pandemic, and all about his background that led to where he is today. 

Some Questions I Ask 

• How have you pivoted and made changes to survive this pandemic? (2:07)
• Why was your career at St. Johns cut short? (12:07)
• Biomechanical specialist means the quality of movement, correct? (23:17)
• Why is your training facility different from others? (24:38)

In This Episode You Will Learn 

• The background of Christian’s training facility (5:15)
• How Christian went from working in the financial industry to starting his gym (7:28)
• About Christian’s experience working with young baseball players (15:25)
• What Christian says is the hardest part about coaching (19:44)
• Where Christian wants to see himself in five years (27:15)

Connect with Christian 

• LinkedIn
• Twitter
• Facebook

Let’s Connect!

• LinkedIn
• Instagram 
• Twitter
• MPC Builders - Website
• MPC Builders - Facebook

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joining me on today’s show is someone who has grown up with a strong understanding of the construction industry, Victoria Levesque! Having been surrounded by family members who worked in this field from a young age, Victoria has leveraged that education to develop a successful career as both an estimator and managing director. She is now a proud Co-Owner of the established commercial glazing company, MEG Glass Inc.     

In this episode, we discuss Victoria’s journey to becoming a Co-Owner, how she has balanced her passion for dance with her construction skillset, as well as some advice for those out there who are wishing to make a start in this industry. 

Tune in to Episode 11 of Constructing Greatness to hear more!

Some Questions I Ask:

• What was the process of becoming an Eagles cheerleader like? (4:40)
• Did you ever consider moving into project management while working as an estimator? (7:06)
• What sparked your interest in the glazing world? (10:23)
• What inspired you to create your own business, MEG Glass Inc.? (11:06)
• Where do you see your company going in the next five years? (14:56)
• What are your passions outside of work? (16:26)

In This Episode You Will Learn:

• Some background on Victoria Levesque & Her introduction to construction (1:58)
• Why Victoria left LF Driscoll to work at RWW (8:03)
• What the application and certification process for MEG Glass Inc. was like as a WBE (13:09)
• Victoria’s advice for those contemplating entering the construction field (18:17)
• How the pandemic has affected Victoria’s business (22:19)

Let’s Connect!

• LinkedIn
• Instagram 
• MPC Builders - Website
• MPC Builders - Facebook 

Connect With Victoria Levesque:

• LinkedIn
• Instagram - MEG Glass Inc.
• Website: MEG Glass Inc.
• Email: [email protected]

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

They say two is better than one, and that sure is the case for M&T Roofing & Sheetmetal.

Kevin Mayoros and Andy Terefenko are two young, energetic, and inspiring gentlemen that I have had the pleasure of working with before and have seen their success since starting their business two years ago. 

In this episode, Kevin and Andy describe each of their individually unique journeys into the construction industry which then led to the two of them starting their own business together. After working on enormous projects for EDA Contractors, Kevin and Andy decided that they had the experience, motivation, and resilience to start their own roofing and sheet metal company together.

Listen to Episode 10, to learn how Kevin and Andy got into the roofing and sheet metal industry, why they decided to take the leap of faith and start their own business, and where they want to see their company in the next five years. 

Some Questions I Ask 

• Kevin, how did you get into becoming a roofer? (2:45)
• As a foreman, what was the biggest crew size that you were managing in the field? (6:03)
• Andy, when and how did you get into flat roofing and sheet metal? (11:44)
• Where do you want your company to be in five years? (19:38)
• What are you guys passionate about outside of work and family life? (25:23)

In This Episode You Will Learn 

• The project that I worked on with Kevin and Andy (1:47)
• How being a superintendent was harder for Kevin than he expected (7:03)
• Andy’s experience in the army before entering the construction industry (9:37)
• How work has been for Kevin and Andy (17:20)
• How Kevin and Andy became interested in starting their own business (21:48)
• Kevin and Andy’s advice for a young person interested in entering the construction industry (31:35)

Connect with Kevin and Andy 

• Facebook
• Website 
• Kevin’s LinkedIn

Let’s Connect!

• LinkedIn
• Instagram 
• Twitter
• MPC Builders - Website
• MPC Builders - Facebook

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Great businesses are rooted in humble beginnings. 

Joining me on the show today are brothers and business partners, Anthony and John Zurzolo, who are the sole founders and operators at Premier Window Cleaning. Having set out on their joint venture nearly seven years ago, Anthony and John took the extensive experience they’d developed over years of working in construction and maintenance to launch a successful business helping hundreds of clients across the Philadelphia area. 

We discuss how their business came to be what it is today, the dynamics they share as brothers running a company together, as well as their personal backgrounds within this industry. To hear more, tune in to Episode 9 of Constructing Greatness! 

Some Questions I Ask:

• How did you both launch your careers in the construction world? (1:44)
• What percentage of your client base is residential versus commercial? (7:12)
• What services do you provide besides window cleaning? (8:24)
• Where do you see your business going in the future? (18:28)
• What are your passions outside of work? (21:04)
• What advice would you give to those wanting to make a start in the construction industry? (25:42)

In This Episode You Will Learn:

• A brief background on Premier Window Cleaning (6:40)
• What the ‘customer bill of rights’ refers to (9:18)
• How Anthony and John created their business (10:09)
• Why cultivating a loving company culture is so important for John and Anthony (16:32)
• Upcoming projects at Premier Window Cleaning (23:31)

Let’s Connect!

• LinkedIn
• Instagram 
• MPC Builders - Website
• MPC Builders - Facebook 

Connect With Anthony Zurzolo:

• LinkedIn

Connect With John Zurzolo:

• LinkedIn
• Email: [email protected]

Resources:

• Website: Premier Window Cleaning
• Website: We Hate Dirty Windows
• Facebook: Premier Window Cleaning
• Instagram: Premier Window Cleaning

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you ever wondered what the job of a glazier entails? Installing glass tables, custom mirrors, and storefronts are just a few of the jobs that glaziers do. Who better to tell us more about this specific role in the trade industry other than my guest today, Patrick McIntyre, a glazier professional, and business owner. 

In this episode, Pat provides an insightful look at what a glazier’s role is. After working as a glazier in the trade industry for a couple of different companies, Pat felt a need to seek out a challenge. He started his own business, Synergy, which provides glass and door services. 

Listen in to Episode 8, to learn the unique role of a glazier in the trade industry, the ins and outs of Pat’s business, and how COVID-19 has impacted the glaziers’ industry. 

Some Questions I Ask 

• How did you start in the trade industry and what have been your roles? (1:30)
• Did you question yourself at all? (6:15)
• What are the opportunities that COVID-19 has brought to you? (8:08)
• What is your servicing area? (13:58)
• What are all the components of being a glazier? (15:25)
• Do you have any regrets about choosing your path? (17:02)
• What new projects are getting you excited? (18:35)

In This Episode You Will Learn 

• Pat’s journey to starting his own business and how it operates today (4:08)
• About Pat’s partnership with DelCo Solutions (10:30)
• What the glazier’s apprenticeship process is (12:13)
• The variety of jobs as a glazier (15:50)
• How Pat spends his time outside of work (18:03)
• A breakdown of different roles in Synergy (20:11)
• How my business has been affected by COVID-19 (22:39)

Connect with Patrick McIntyre

• LinkedIn
• Synergy - Website
• Facebook Page
• Phone number: 484-540-3117
• Email: [email protected] 

Let’s Connect!

• LinkedIn
• Instagram 
• Twitter
• MPC Builders - Website
• MPC Builders - Facebook 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Construction isn’t always a one-way career. The lessons and professional experience the construction industry provides is sometimes the building blocks before another career. This is exactly the case for my guest in today’s episode, Don Martin. 

Although Don and I played baseball on the Temple University team together, both went into construction after college, both became podcast hosts, our careers turned out very different. After Don’s time in construction, he found his passion in educating, mentoring, investing, professional speaking, business coaching, and marketing specialists. In this episode, Don and I cover his background in construction, his network marketing success, and how construction helped him in his business ventures. 

Tune in to Episode 7 to learn how construction can teach lessons to grow success in all careers!

Some Questions I Ask 

• Why did you choose to go to Temple University? (2:22)
• What have you done in construction and how has it propelled your career? (4:10)
• How did you get involved in network marketing and DMJ International? (19:00)
• What exactly is DMJ International? (25:26)
• What is the platform Shop.com? (27:00)
• What can Shop.com do for someone? (30:06)
• How has COVID19 impacted your business? (34:07)
• Would your biggest competition be Amazon? (39:34)
• How did starting in construction help you on your current path? (42:15)
• What are you passionate about outside of work? (50:28)

In This Episode You Will Learn 

• How Don and I met (1:32)
• Don’s experience in construction (5:29) 
• Why Don believes leverage is a key to wealth (8:21)
• Don’s experience in real estate investing (10:42)
• About Don’s podcast The Grynd Lyfe (12:45)
• What Don believes dictates if someone is successful (15:00)
• Why Don left construction (17:18)
• Why real estate is great to invest in (27:44)
• The difference between Amazon and Shop.com (39:50)
• How Don met his wife in the business (47:35)

Connect with Don 

• LinkedIn
• Shop.com
• Don’s Podcast - The Grynd Lyfe 

Let’s Connect!

• LinkedIn
• Instagram 
• Twitter
• MPC Builders - Website
• MPC Builders - Facebook

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Everyone’s path looks different. Some people might know the field they want to work in from the moment they could talk and some people do a complete 180 career change later in life. Some people, like my guest today, find great success in taking a career risk that is completely separate from what their “plan” was. 

My guest today, Michael Tester, once a Bio-Psychology major, found his calling in the construction industry during his senior year of college and has since been extremely successful in his roles in architectural design, estimating, and project managing. Mike credits these various roles to giving him the wide experience he needed to become the successful business owner he is today. 

Tune in to Episode 6 to learn how Mike started out in construction, the different responsibilities in his various jobs, and how he scaled his business to the booming success it is today. 

Some Questions I Ask: 

• You have a degree in Bio-Psychology. Why that major? (2:46)
• When did you become a project manager at Hunter Roberts? (7:05)
• What made you leave Hunter Roberts to go to MLP Builders? (8:16)
• Can you give specific numbers on how you grew your business? (16:32)
• What projects are you working on right now that you get excited about? (18:23)
• What’s your advice for someone who is interested in joining the construction & trade industries? (23:00)

In This Episode You Will Learn 

• How Mike and I met (1:26)
• How Mike became interested in working in construction (3:00)
• The projects that Mike worked on with the architectural design firm (4:48)
• Mike’s journey to starting his own business (13:22)
• How Mike’s business scaled so quickly (16:44)
• The effects of COVID-19 on Mike’s business (19:56)
• Mike’s passions and hobbies outside of work (22:13)

Connect with Mike 

• Tester Construction Website 
• [email protected] 
• LinkedIn
• Instagram

Let’s Connect!

• LinkedIn
• Instagram 
• Twitter
• Youtube
• MPC Builders - Website
• MPC Builders - Facebook 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Career changes are scary no matter what, but taking the leap to own your own business is a different level of risk. 

Many of us experience a variety of roles in our careers and some of these take place in companies that at first seem great, but then the dysfunctional work culture is uncovered. In today’s episode, my guest and business partner, Michael Parnell describes his journey to owning his own construction business. He dives into his roles on mega projects, working within a dysfunctional work culture, starting his own business, and his passion for nonprofits.

Michael Parnell is a seasoned Project Manager who has worked on well over a half-billion dollars in construction work. He has worked on projects over $100 million dollars such as the RedBull Arena and the Conrad New York Hotel. His negative experience working with The Holder Group led to him starting his own business, MPC Builders. Through MPC Builders Michael donates 10% of each project to the Cure JM Foundation which raises money and awareness for the autoimmune disease, juvenile myositis, which his daughter suffers from. 

Learn about project management of mega projects, owning a construction business, and juvenile myositis on Episode 5 of Constructing Greatness.  

Questions I Ask: 

• How many people are working on projects of this magnitude? (2:00)
• What were your responsibilities as a senior project manager on large projects? (3:40)
• What were your responsibilities as a project engineer? (7:31)
• What was your role in the Holder Group? (12:39)
• When did you decide to open up MPC Builders? (18:13)
• When did you know you wanted to get into the construction management world? (23:39)
• Tell us about how you became an adjunct professor? (29:36) 
• How will Covid-19 change the construction industry? (33:51)
• Tell us about the Cure JM Foundation? (38:24)
• Are you considering starting your own nonprofit? (45:41)
• What do you do outside of work? (50:48)
• What would be your advice for someone that wants to get into the construction industry? (53:58)

In this Episode, You will Learn:

• Michael’s experience working on the Red Bull Arena (2:14) 
• Senior project manager duties on large scale projects (3:52) 
• The beginning of Michael’s construction career (7:35) 
• Michael’s experience as a project engineer (8:13) 
• Michael’s career journey (12:03)
• Michael’s dysfunctional experience within the Holder Group (15:35)
• What led to Michael opening up his company, MPC Builders (21:47)
• What sparked Michael’s interest in construction (23:44)
• How teaching helped Michael overcome public speaking fears  (31:11)
• How Michael thinks Covid-19 will be affecting the construction industry (34:16)
• Michael’s daughter’s experience with juvenile myositis (39:23)
• Michael’s upcoming fundraiser (47:27) 
• Michael and Nicholas’s hiking endeavors and goals (52:19)
• Michael’s advice for people interested in construction (54:26)

Connect with Michael

• Michael’s LinkedIn
• MPC Builders Website 
• Cure JM Foundation
• Support Michael’s Fundraiser 

Let’s Connect!

• LinkedIn
• Instagram 
• Twitter
• MPC Builders - Website
• MPC Builders - Facebook 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.