Construction Brothers

Eddie’s going deep for today’s quote–all the way back to Sun Tzu’s Art of War (which you can hear for free on Youtube if you can spare 72 minutes.)

“Strategy without tactics is the slowest route to victory. Tactics without strategy is the noise before defeat.” Sometimes people will use these two words interchangeably. Here’s the difference:
Strategy is the long-term plan. What you plan to achieve in the distance.

Tactics are the thoughtfully crafted short-term methods for working out that strategy. 
In exploring Sun Tzu’s words, we discuss Tyler’s business and bodies on Everest.
We acknowledge that tactics may vary as you work backward from the strategy.

Go build something awesome!

CHECK OUT THE PARTNERS THAT MAKE OUR SHOW POSSIBLE: https://www.brospodcast.com/partners

FIND US ONLINE: 
-Our website: https://www.brospodcast.com 
-LinkedIn:   / constructionbrospodcast   
-Instagram:   / constructionbrospodcast    
-TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@constructionbrothers?lang=en
-Eddie on LinkedIn:   / eddie-c-057b3b11   
-Tyler on LinkedIn:   / tylerscottcampbell
 
If you enjoy the podcast, please rate us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to us! Thanks for listening!

Today we are in conversation with Clint Padgett, CEO / President at Project Success, Inc. From managing Olympic-scale projects for Coca-Cola to coaching project managers around the world, Clint dives deep into what makes planning work — and why most teams don’t worry soon enough. We cover why bad bids ruin trust, how to lead without authority, and the mindset shift young PMs need most.

Chapters:
From the Navy to Global Projects (00:00)
Our guest shares how his time as a Navy electrician led to a career managing Olympic activations — starting with a leap of faith during the 1996 Games.

How You Plan a World Cup (04:04)
Planning a FIFA event is surprisingly similar to planning a giant party. It’s all about logistics, timing, and making sure the Coke is cold.

Rookie Mistakes in Project Management (08:10)
New PMs often rush to execution without planning. But skipping those first few days of structure creates weeks of rework.

Leading Without Power (10:43)
When you don’t have authority, you lead through planning and trust. Without buy-in, you’re just another task competing for attention.

Planning Across Projects (14:08)
When team members are split across five jobs, smart scheduling avoids overload. It all comes down to float, flexibility, and clarity.

What People Get Wrong About Planning (17:02)
Overly optimistic timelines and ignoring outsourced work are two of the biggest killers in project schedules. Time elapsed is what matters.

Ask Dumb Questions, Early (20:10)
Even “stupid” questions can catch unrealistic expectations. Collaborative planning gives teams space to challenge assumptions safely.

People Over Process (24:13)
Project success depends on human connection — not just task dependencies. Why real conversations still matter more than Slack threads.

Plans Must Adapt (34:07)
When the situation changes, great teams pivot. Don’t let emotional attachment to a project cost another 6 months of effort.

Sales Promises vs. Reality (40:01)
When bids are made without planners, projects start on the wrong foot. Being the honest vendor might cost more — but builds lasting trust.

Reliability Wins Over Price (46:11)
The 2% more expensive team that delivers on time is always worth it. Clients don’t just want cheap — they want confidence.

The Worry Curve (48:58)
His favorite concept: teams usually worry too late. Good planning moves the worry to the start — where it can still change outcomes.

Go build something awesome!

CHECK OUT THE PARTNERS THAT MAKE OUR SHOW POSSIBLE: https://www.brospodcast.com/partners

FIND US ONLINE: 
-Our website: https://www.brospodcast.com 
-LinkedIn:   / constructionbrospodcast   
-Instagram:   / constructionbrospodcast    
-TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@constructionbrothers?lang=en
-Eddie on LinkedIn:   / eddie-c-057b3b11   
-Tyler on LinkedIn:   / tylerscottcampbell  

If you enjoy the podcast, please rate us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to us! Thanks for listening!

This week we’re talking "Hour of Power"—how we plan our weeks, avoid the Monday chaos, and yes, why stress cleaning might be your biggest productivity killer. Grab a pen (or a mop) and let’s set the week up right.

Go build something awesome!

CHECK OUT THE PARTNERS THAT MAKE OUR SHOW POSSIBLE: https://www.brospodcast.com/partners

FIND US ONLINE: 
-Our website: https://www.brospodcast.com 
-LinkedIn:   / constructionbrospodcast   
-Instagram:   / constructionbrospodcast    
-TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@constructionbrothers?lang=en
-Eddie on LinkedIn:   / eddie-c-057b3b11   
-Tyler on LinkedIn:   / tylerscottcampbell  

If you enjoy the podcast, please rate us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to us! Thanks for listening!

This week we are in conversation with Daniel Calabro, structural engineer and founder at Ferris.

00:00 – 03:01 | Foundations and Futures
Exponential growth, the foundational role of AEC industries, and a personal origin story rooted in the events of 9/11 set the tone for Daniel Calabro’s passion for structural engineering.

03:01 – 07:16 | School, Steel, and South Florida
A college football career at RPI, a surprise love for Python, and a move to South Florida during COVID all led to hands-on experience designing steel connections for NASA’s Artemis launch tower with Bechtel.

07:16 – 12:03 | Talent Crisis in Engineering
A detailed look at the declining supply of civil engineers and Daniel’s data-backed projection that by 2031, only 10 engineers will be available for every 26 job openings in the U.S.

12:03 – 16:09 | Losing the Narrative
Cultural competition from tech companies and content creation platforms is siphoning away potential engineers, while engineering remains under-marketed and misunderstood.

16:09 – 20:52 | Value, Risk, and Retention
The profession’s high-risk, moderate-pay equation is explored alongside burnout, respect, and why retaining engineers requires more than just raising salaries.

20:52 – 29:28 | Error Reduction and AI Assistants
Reducing mistakes is framed as the industry’s biggest efficiency lever, with Daniel proposing automation tools that double as educational systems—what he calls “recipes.”

29:28 – 37:09 | Crutches and Calculators
A philosophical conversation unfolds on whether AI creates dependency or simply represents the next evolution of engineering tools, much like calculators or CAD.

37:09 – 46:03 | Designing the Future
AI’s rapid creative evolution is examined, from sentiment analysis to generative art, along with why civil engineering must embrace these tools before falling behind.

46:03 – 52:58 | Pride, Projects, and Purpose
Engineering is reframed as a purpose-driven profession with power to shape communities, inspire wonder, and earn respect—if the industry is willing to tell that story more loudly.

52:58 – 53:04 |Final Word
The episode closes with appreciation, optimism, and a challenge to engineers everywhere: take pride, take ownership, and take the mic.

Go build something awesome!

CHECK OUT THE PARTNERS THAT MAKE OUR SHOW POSSIBLE: https://www.brospodcast.com/partners

FIND US ONLINE: 
-Our website: https://www.brospodcast.com 
-LinkedIn:   / constructionbrospodcast   
-Instagram:   / constructionbrospodcast    
-TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@constructionbrothers?lang=en
-Eddie on LinkedIn:   / eddie-c-057b3b11   
-Tyler on LinkedIn:   / tylerscottcampbell  

If you enjoy the podcast, please rate us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to us! Thanks for listening!

Check out Quickbase's project hub: https://www.quickbase.com/exchange/project-hub

Juggling 50 tools across 100 projects? We feel you. In this Five Minute Friday, we’re diving into one of the most common pain points in construction: scattered systems and the scramble to find what you need. We break down why it’s a jobsite and office headache—and highlight how Quickbase’s new Project Hub is helping bring everything (and everyone) back to one place.

Go build something awesome!

Sponsored by Quickbase

CHECK OUT THE PARTNERS THAT MAKE OUR SHOW POSSIBLE: https://www.brospodcast.com/partners

FIND US ONLINE: 
-Our website: https://www.brospodcast.com 
-LinkedIn:   / constructionbrospodcast   
-Instagram:   / constructionbrospodcast    
-TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@constructionbrothers?lang=en
-Eddie on LinkedIn:   / eddie-c-057b3b11   
-Tyler on LinkedIn:   / tylerscottcampbell  

If you enjoy the podcast, please rate us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to us! Thanks for listening!

In this episode, we wanted to do something a little different—and honestly, a lot of fun. We posted our signature megaphone question out to the construction community:
“If you had 60 seconds to speak to the entire industry, what would you say?” What came back was a flood of insights, rants, encouragement, and reality checks from folks across the field. From how we pay people to how we treat each other, and even how we sketch out ideas—this one’s packed with voices that matter. 

00:30 – What's a Megaphone Question, Anyway?
A quick explainer of the idea and how the construction community showed up to respond.

01:02 – Prompt Payment as a Measure of Respect
Why paying contractors on time is more than good practice—it’s survival for many in the trades.

05:08 – Enjoying the Process, Not Just the Win
What if the key to success is being the person others actually want to work with?

07:11 – Know Your Worth and Don’t Get Steamrolled
The real cost of being undervalued—and how to draw the line without losing your edge.

08:49 – Continuous Improvement Over Shiny Tools
Construction needs more than new machines and software. It needs a culture of iteration.

10:01 – Sketch Before You Solve
Sometimes the fastest way to clarity is with a pencil, a napkin, and a good old-fashioned sketch.

12:05 – Should We Reinvent or Refine Our Workflows?
A back-and-forth on whether digital transformation means rebuilding from scratch—or just tweaking what's already there.

14:35 – Breaking the Low-Bid Mentality
If everyone looks and sounds the same, price becomes the only differentiator. Let’s change that.

18:22 – Leading Like Someone’s Watching (Because They Are)
We’re all setting examples—whether we realize it or not. Act accordingly.

20:09 – Construction Careers Go Beyond the Jobsite
Highlighting the essential support roles that keep projects moving—and often get overlooked.

22:14 – Four Pillars: Communication, Respect, Merit, and Tech
A framework for better team dynamics and culture, from phone calls to field collaboration.

31:01 – Don’t Trust Cost-Cut Claims Without Receipts
When someone offers a “money-saving” change, demand a side-by-side breakdown before approving it.

32:36 – Invest in the Team, Reap the Results
Why training, supporting, and empowering your crew is the best ROI in the business.

33:26 – Experience Over Degrees on the Jobsite
Reconsidering the four-year requirement—especially for field leaders who’ve earned their stripes.

34:10 – There’s No One “Best”—Just Smart Options
Most choices in construction have trade-offs. Focus on outcomes, not labels.

34:46 – 90% of Problems? Solved with Communication
Direct, empathetic conversations fix more issues than you’d think. The other 10% is scheduling.

35:22 – Wrapping Up: So Many Voices, One Industry
Each response had its own twist, but the common thread? We all want to build something better—together.

Go build something awesome!

CHECK OUT THE PARTNERS THAT MAKE OUR SHOW POSSIBLE: https://www.brospodcast.com/partners

FIND US ONLINE: 
-Our website: https://www.brospodcast.com 
-LinkedIn:   / constructionbrospodcast   
-Instagram:   / constructionbrospodcast    
-TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@constructionbrothers?lang=en
-Eddie on LinkedIn:   / eddie-c-057b3b11   
-Tyler on LinkedIn:   / tylerscottcampbell  

If you enjoy the podcast, please rate us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to us! Thanks for listening!

In this Five Minute Friday, we dive into the power of batching—grouping similar tasks to boost productivity and cut down on the mental whiplash of constant context switching. We talk about how we stack sales calls, cluster client and team meetings, and block out our golden hours (like 7:30–10:30 AM) for deep, focused work. 

Go build something awesome!

CHECK OUT THE PARTNERS THAT MAKE OUR SHOW POSSIBLE: https://www.brospodcast.com/partners

FIND US ONLINE: 
-Our website: https://www.brospodcast.com 
-LinkedIn:   / constructionbrospodcast   
-Instagram:   / constructionbrospodcast    
-TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@constructionbrothers?lang=en
-Eddie on LinkedIn:   / eddie-c-057b3b11   
-Tyler on LinkedIn:   / tylerscottcampbell  

If you enjoy the podcast, please rate us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to us! Thanks for listening!

In this episode, we’re joined by Chelsea Burkett, Deputy Program Director with AECOM

[00:01:13] Meet Chelsea Burkett
Chelsea introduces her role with Aecom and the scope of Austin ISD’s massive bond program.

[00:02:29] GMP 101
A foundational look at GMP pricing and how it supports collaborative delivery models.

[00:03:37] Early GC Involvement
Why selecting general contractors early creates synergy and reduces surprises.

[00:05:23] Community-Driven Design = Scope Creep?
How community input shapes schools—and complicates budgets.

[00:06:38] What’s in a GMP?
Chelsea walks through what the contract amendment includes and how it’s executed.

[00:08:49] Staying in Budget
The bond book, voter expectations, and how cost alignment is maintained.

[00:11:13] Supply Chain Chaos
Material pricing, long lead times, and how GCs manage risk today.

[00:15:24] The Open Book Advantage
Full transparency into sub bids, contingencies, and value engineering.

[00:17:02] The Grading Game
How GCs and subs are evaluated—points, interviews, and all.

[00:20:28] Risk, Clarifications & Allowances
Unpacking who owns what risk in complex multi-GMP projects.

[00:24:07] Liquidated Damages & Deadlines
Why hitting school opening day is non-negotiable—and risky.

[00:30:12] The Art of Negotiation
Navigating owner–GC–architect dynamics for long-term project health.

[00:34:08] Tariffs & Steel Shockwaves
The ripple effects of global politics on your jobsite.

[00:36:09] Fee Strategy
How GCs compete on cost and credentials—and when they ask for more.

[00:37:03] Chelsea’s Pain Points
Why early communication is everything in GMP negotiations.

[00:41:19] Use the PMIS!
Advice to subs: use project management systems to get seen and heard.

[00:43:14] People Matter
How staffing and turnover shape success across multiple projects.

[00:46:00] Smart Strategy ≠ Low Bid
The delicate dance of rewarding excellence while staying fair.

[00:48:35] Megaphone Moment
Chelsea’s call to the industry: prioritize relationships over ego.

Go build something awesome!

CHECK OUT THE PARTNERS THAT MAKE OUR SHOW POSSIBLE: https://www.brospodcast.com/partners

FIND US ONLINE: 
-Our website: https://www.brospodcast.com 
-LinkedIn:   / constructionbrospodcast   
-Instagram:   / constructionbrospodcast    
-TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@constructionbrothers?lang=en
-Eddie on LinkedIn:   / eddie-c-057b3b11   
-Tyler on LinkedIn:   / tylerscottcampbell  

If you enjoy the podcast, please rate us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to us! Thanks for listening!

Let the people leave! In this FMF, we're sounding off on one of the biggest time-wasters in construction: bloated, unfocused meetings. If you’re leading meetings, this one’s your reminder to plan with purpose.

Go build something awesome!

CHECK OUT THE PARTNERS THAT MAKE OUR SHOW POSSIBLE: https://www.brospodcast.com/partners

FIND US ONLINE: 
-Our website: https://www.brospodcast.com 
-LinkedIn:   / constructionbrospodcast   
-Instagram:   / constructionbrospodcast    
-TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@constructionbrothers?lang=en
-Eddie on LinkedIn:   / eddie-c-057b3b11   
-Tyler on LinkedIn:   / tylerscottcampbell  

If you enjoy the podcast, please rate us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to us! Thanks for listening!

In this episode, we explore the future of 3D modeling in construction with Timber Barker, CEO / Founder @ Boom Interactive - AI enabled 3D modeling software for everyone.

00:00 – 03:09 | The Living Floor Plan
Timber shares his mission: transforming flat, static floor plans into editable 3D models anyone can build and use in under an hour—creating a new standard in communication and collaboration.

03:10 – 07:14 | Learning from Canva
The team discusses how platforms like Canva and Figma disrupted creative workflows—and how Timber’s company aims to do the same for construction by making 3D modeling accessible to all.

07:15 – 10:32 | Facing Industry Denial
Resistance to change runs deep. Timber and the hosts explore how generational shifts, tools like Minecraft and Roblox, and a new mindset are starting to rewrite the rules in construction tech.

10:33 – 14:09 | Building What People Need
Timber offers startup wisdom: don’t wait to perfect your product—talk to real users early and often. That approach helped him refine the platform and gain five new customers per week.

14:10 – 18:03 | Ending the PDF Loop
Why is the industry still bouncing between 3D models and static PDFs? The conversation turns to creating end-to-end continuity without losing data or time.

18:04 – 23:12 | Smarter Schools, Safer Spaces
Timber explains how his platform helps schools stay safe with real-time, shareable 3D models that integrate IoT data and floor plan intelligence for first responders.

23:13 – 29:18 | Rethinking Site Selection
Imagine finding a new office or land, scanning a QR code, and editing a 3D layout on the spot. This use case shows major savings in time, money, and guesswork.

29:19 – 35:19 | Communicating With Architects
The software acts as a 3D Slack, helping owners and architects align visions, clarify needs, and reduce delays throughout early design and permitting.

35:20 – 44:08 | Data for AI Estimation
They explore how AI could automate layouts, cabling, and cost ranges—if we fix construction’s fragmented data problem. Timber’s solution might be the key.

44:09 – 1:00:53 | The Road Ahead
The episode wraps with a look at the future: permitting in 3D, streamlined billion-dollar projects, and how this ecosystem could change the way buildings are built and operated.

Go Build Something Awesome!

CHECK OUT THE PARTNERS THAT MAKE OUR SHOW POSSIBLE: https://www.brospodcast.com/partners

FIND US ONLINE: 
-Our website: https://www.brospodcast.com 
-LinkedIn:   / constructionbrospodcast   
-Instagram:   / constructionbrospodcast    
-TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@constructionbrothers?lang=en
-Eddie on LinkedIn:   / eddie-c-057b3b11   
-Tyler on LinkedIn:   / tylerscottcampbell  

If you enjoy the podcast, please rate us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to us! Thanks for listening!