Construction Genius

The basic purpose of every business is to make money. But if you want to stand out from the competition, you need to define what your business's deeper purpose is. Most successful businesses know what that is and it usually goes beyond the desire to make and have more financially.

This week's podcast episode is Part 1 of a four-part series aimed at the four critical questions that will help you to structure a one-page plan to drive your business. I begin this series with defining the deeper purpose of your company. I'll cover:

1. Why having a deep business purpose is important,
2. How to craft your purpose statement, with examples from real-life construction companies,
3. How to use your purpose to guide business decisions.

If you haven't figured out yet what your business's deeper purpose is, dive into this episode and get the inspiration you need to take action in crafting your very own purpose statement.

What's Discussed in This Episode:

1. Analogy of cars and business [1:26]
2. Overview of podcast episode [3:29]
3. The 'Why' question [4:36]
   1. Deeper purpose keeps you from a life of regret [6:19]
   2. Deeper purpose makes you unique and stand out [6:58]
   3. Deeper purpose keeps you from a life of grasping [7:12]
   4. Deeper purpose leads to fulfillment [7:39]
   5. Deeper purpose enables you to make the contribution your business is designed for [7:40]
4. Why having a deep business purpose is important [5:21]
5. Why spending time defining your deep purpose is vital [8:37]
   1. The concept of having skin in the game [8:50]
   2. Gather your core team [9:20]
   3. Bring a facilitator in [10:34]
   4. Setting aside time to have a discussion [11:18]
   5. Ask the question 'why do we exist?' [11:48]
   6. Crafting a deeper purpose is not a marketing or team building exercise [13:38]
   7. Don't do it for the approval of others [14:09]
6. How to craft the deep purpose of your business [8:44]
7. Examples of purpose statements from real-life construction companies [15:32]
8. The unique personal aspect of your purpose statement [17:35]
9. Using the deep purpose of your business in your daily decisions [18:04]
10. Authenticity in your purpose statement [20:56]
11. Allow your deeper purpose to drive your business [23:22]

Resources:

Are you frustrated with the planning meetings that get nowhere? You could benefit from engaging an expert meeting facilitator that knows construction.

Here's what Gregg Hall, President of Tilton-Pacific says about working with Eric:

"Eric has a natural ability to drive the conversation where it needs to go. Despite having no prior experience with our company, our culture, or our team, he was able to steer the conversation in the right direction without wasting any time. Rather than telling us what to do, he helped us to solve our own problems just by the questions he asked and the way he facilitated the conversation. I would also add that Eric has a natural gift for bringing out the best in the participants. Everyone was engaged and no one felt restricted in their ability to share openly.

His personal communication and leadership style, combined with a solid knowledge of construction, allowed us to accomplish so much more than expected in such a short period of time. It is for these reasons that I consider our time with Eric of great value and I have no hesitation in recommending Eric Anderton to others who might benefit from a skilled strategic planning facilitator who understands the construction industry."

To chat with Eric about if and how he can help go to his website: www.ericanderton.com/contact

Books mentioned in this episode:

• James C. Collins and Jerry I. Porras Built to Last (https://www.amazon.com/Built-Last-Successful-Visionary-Essentials/dp/0060516402)
• Patrick Lencioni The Advantage (https://www.amazon.com/Advantage-Organizational-Everything-Business-Lencioni-ebook/dp/B006ORWT3Y)
• Verne Harnish Mastering the Rockefeller Habits (https://www.amazon.com/Mastering-Rockefeller-Habits-Increase-Growing/dp/0978774957)

Connect with me on LinkedIn. For more podcast episodes, you may also visit my website. Tune in and subscribe to the Construction Genius: A Leadership Master-Class Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Stitcher.

Thank you for tuning in!

Social media is here to stay and it would be a huge mistake to not incorporate it into a company's marketing strategy because who isn't on social nowadays right? Today's businesses are utilizing it for the purpose of engaging with their customers and their audience. Construction companies are lagging behind though but it's not too late to start and while there are a lot of social media platforms out there, Linkedin is by far the most effective way to reach your niche.

In today's episode, I talk with Tats Nakagawa, he gives valuable information about how construction companies can leverage their engagement through social media. We discuss also what areas most construction companies are failing when it comes to their social strategies and why finding the right person to manage your business's social media accounts is very important.

If you still haven't committed to using social media for boosting your business, let this episode motivate you to start now.

What's Discussed in This Episode:

1. Tats shares what social media platforms interested him way back 2004 [2:13]
2. Mistakes construction companies do with their social media activities [3:03]
3. What it takes to succeed in social media [4:30]
4. Why now is the best time to utilize social media [5:45]
5. Constructing a message that appeals to your audience [6:53]
6. Finding persons internally able to manage social media accounts [10:35]
7. Why social media is relevant nowadays [13:19]
   1. Linkedin
   2. Instagram
8. Best social media platforms for construction companies [15:16]
9. How to boost shared posts, articles, on Linkedin [17:57]
10. Strategies to boost reach on Instagram [20:02]
11. How to measure success on social media engagement [21:03]
12. Authenticity in social media [23:39]
13. Laying the foundations of a successful social media presence [26:25]
14. An overview of Tat's company [33:13]

About the Guest

Tats Nakagawa is the COO of a roof coating manufacturing company called Castagra. They help contractors, and commercial property owners solve difficult roof (tar & gravel) coating challenges. He is also an accomplished entrepreneur, author, and expert on innovation & marketing.

Over the past 20 years, Tats has launched hundreds of products and services, co-authored Overcoming Inventoritis: The Silent Killer of Innovation (Forward by Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple), spoken to a variety of industry groups including: Chartered Accounts of Canada, Canadian Bar Association, The American Chamber of Commerce and The International Internet Marketing Association, written articles for Fast Company, Construction Today and Industry Week and been quoted on CBS News, Global TV, CBC and in The Globe and Mail and BC Business.

Resources:

• Tats Nakagawa's Podcast (https://tatstalks.com/)
• Follow Tats Nakagawa on
• • LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/tatsuya/)
  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tats_n/
• Check out his company Website (https://www.castagra.com/)

Connect with me on LinkedIn. For more podcast episodes, you may also visit my website. Tune in and subscribe to the Construction Genius: A Leadership Master-Class Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Stitcher.

Thank you for tuning in!

In the construction industry preparation is vital for everything, from bidding, planning, and building work. We spend time preparing for things in the business so we can execute our work well; however, as important as it is to get the work done by careful preparation, have you stopped and asked if you are devoting that same amount of quality time to get ready for the day and ready for your leadership responsibilities?

A great day doesn't just happen by chance, if we desire for a great day to unfold, we also need to prepare for it and that's what I talk about in this week's episode. I share my personal morning routine, the things I consider during reflection and how it helps me get into the right frame of mind so I am ready to face a great day, every day. I do not just wish to inform but challenge you as well to get into this daily practice although it's not easy.

If you're up to the challenge of getting ready for a great day, tune in to this episode.

What's Discussed in This Episode:

1. My morning routine [0:56]
2. Overview of podcast episode [1:19]
3. Gratitude [2:04]
4. Pain [4:24]
   1. Encouragement (Who needs encouragement?)
   2. Accountability (Who needs accountability?)
   3. Recognition (Who deserves a pat on the back?)
5. Love [5:54]
6. Know what your unique contribution is [8:37]
7. Sobriety [10:09]

Resources:

I have spoken live and virtually to construction associations such as:

• The Associated General Contractors of America (AGC)
• The Associated General Contractors of California (AGC of California)
• Sacramento Regional Builders Exchange (SRBX)
• Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association (SMACNA)
• Construction Financial Management Association (Sacramento Chapter)

Contact me about speaking to your association or convention go to: https://www.ericanderton.com/contact/

Connect with me on LinkedIn. For more podcast episodes, you may also visit my website. Tune in and subscribe to the Construction Genius: A Leadership Master-Class Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Stitcher.

Thank you for tuning in!

Change can be difficult, but if you look at it from a growth perspective you will see that the risks that come with change are nothing compared to what you can gain. Prefabrication is being rapidly adopted across Construction and presents lots of profit opportunities for contractors who are willing to learn and adapt.

In this week's Construction Genius podcast episode I talk with Amy Marks. She is the Head of Industrialized Construction Strategy and Evangelism at Autodesk, but is better known in the industry as the Queen of Prefab. She gives valuable insights on why there is limited awareness of the prefab revolution that's happening, the barriers of the adoption of prefabrication, how to overcome the project mindset to move up the learning ladder, and a lot more.

This is an interview that will open your mind to what change in this industry looks like and why you should adapt now.

Here are some of the great takeaways from this episode.

What's Discussed in This Episode:

1. How Amy became known as the 'Queen of Prefab' [2:45]
2. Amy's transition from Xsite Modular to Autodesk [3:38]
3. Why there's a limited awareness of the industrial revolution that's happening [6:38]
4. How companies struggle to pitch prefab to owners for better understanding [9:16]
5. Barriers of the adoption of prefabrication to the AEC industry [11:18]
6. Educating on how to integrate prefab and how it might affect designs upfront [13:49]
7. Why making money should not get in the way of integrating prefab [15:58]
8. The need to upgrade your skill set to integrate prefabrication [19:12]
9. Reason why a disruption in the construction industry has not happened yet [20:25]
10. Overcoming the project mindset to move up the learning ladder [22:11]
11. What the industry will look like 5-10 years from now [26:00]
12. How Autodesk is positioned to help those in construction scale [28:03]
13. Where to find the resources to begin educating yourself [35:10]
14. The government's role in driving prefabrication [39:27]
15. Actions GC's and SC's can take to become more part of the AC ecosystem [44:45]

About the Guest:

Amy Marks is a leader, innovator and changemaker. Before joining Autodesk, she was the CEO of XSite Modular and pioneered a path to become the world's preeminent prefabrication consultant and is often called the Queen Of Prefab. Literally creating the role as the first prefabrication consultant.

Amy champions the use of optimized prefabrication across many building types including high-tech, healthcare, hospitality, data centers, residential and commercial buildings. She is a unique and outspoken agent for change that is well-respected across many industries and is a highly sought-after keynote speaker and chairperson of conferences on prefabrication.

Resources:

• Connect with Amy Marks on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/amykulkamarks/)
• Visit AutoDesk for more information (https://www.autodesk.com/solutions/architecture-engineering-construction/construction)
• Connect and Construct Autodesk University (https://www.autodesk.com/autodesk-university/conference/las-vegas/connect-construct-summit)
• Advancing Prefabrication (https://www.advancing-prefabrication.com/)
• Beckhard and Harris "Change Formula" (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Formula_for_change)

Connect with me on LinkedIn. For more podcast episodes, you may also visit my website. Tune in and subscribe to the Construction Genius: A Leadership Master-Class Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Stitcher.

You do not want to meddle in another person's affairs, but sometimes it's obvious that someone on your team is struggling. Their ability to perform at a high level is affected by what they are going through. They are stuck.

In this week's episode of Construction Genius, I explore why people get stuck, the impact it has upon your organization, and how you can help people get unstuck.

Tune in to this episode.

What's Discussed in This Episode:

1. The first reason people get stuck: Skill [2:25]
   1. Client-based
   2. Business development
   3. Job specific basis
2. The second reason people get stuck: Relationships [3:49]
   1. Change in culture in construction
   2. Change in technology
   3. Change in economy
   4. Personal crisis
3. The third reason people get stuck: Will [6:13]
4. The impact of stuck people upon your organization, project partners, your clients [9:41]
5. How to respond when someone in your organization is stuck [11:38]
6. A simple framework of small steps you can take to help those who are stuck [15:09]
7. A challenge to commit to meeting people who are stuck [21:53]

Resources:

• Career Development Plan (https://www.ericanderton.com/onepagecareerplan/)

Connect with me on LinkedIn. For more podcast episodes, you may also visit my website. Tune in and subscribe to the Construction Genius: A Leadership Master-Class Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Stitcher.

Thank you for tuning in!

Technology? Friend or foe? Most of us have been in business for quite some time now, and whether we like to admit it or not, doing business nowadays is different from the way it was done, say, 30 years ago. The processes in the past, although effective, were limited. In today's business environment, technology is helping break down those limitations and construction companies are among the businesses benefiting from it.

In this week's podcast episode with Matt Harris, Chief Product and Strategy Officer at Viewpoint, we talk about the critical role technology plays in a construction business. Matt shares with us what challenges are common among large and small construction companies and how technology helps overcome those challenges. He also talks about what entails successful implementations of new technology in a company and the reasons implementations fail. We also discuss how contractors are adapting to technology in this age of digital transformation especially with the current situation due to this pandemic.

If you are among those needing a reason to incorporate new technology in their construction business, dive in to this episode.

What's Discussed in This Episode:

1. Technology solutions for construction businesses in a time of recession [2:43]
2. Key metrics to look for in a scenario planning [5:03]
3. Common challenges large and small construction companies share [7:55]
4. How challenges differ among small and large construction companies [9:13]
5. Practices of best performing contractors in terms of overall profitability [10:01]
6. Creating a balance for the need of reporting [10:36]
7. Differences in willingness and ability to adopt technology [12:28]
8. Fundamental challenges in implementing new construction solutions [14:08]
9. Drivers of change management in successful implementations [15:06]
10. Rhythms of communication to be on track [17:22]
11. Reasons implementations fail [18:29]
12. Willingness to apply business changes relevant to software implementation [20:44]
13. How contractors are adapting to this age of digital transformation [22:44]
14. Factors attributing to a contractor's readiness to adopt technology [24:01]
15. Why technology in the workplace is vital in this generation [25:10]
16. Advice to construction company owners contemplating technology change [25:51]

About the Guest:

Matt is responsible for driving Viewpoint's overall product strategy and roadmap, ensuring they address the real-world business issues construction professionals face every day. In addition, he is responsible for Viewpoint's merger and acquisition strategy and execution. Over the past 8 years at Viewpoint, Matt has helped to completely transform the Viewpoint product portfolio to include state-of-the-art browser based solutions along with multi-platform mobile applications, all of which integrate into Viewpoint's class leading construction ERP platforms. He has also led Viewpoint through eight construction software acquisitions which have added critical new products to the Viewpoint portfolio and cemented Viewpoint's construction software leadership in North America, the United Kingdom, and Australia.

He is passionate about the application of technology to transform work being done in the construction industry and has spoken at dozens of industry events on the best practices for construction technology strategies and implementation.

Resources:

• Visit the Viewpoint website (https://www.viewpoint.com/)
• Connect with Matt Harris on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattharrispdx/)

Connect with me on LinkedIn. For more podcast episodes, you may also visit my website. Tune in and subscribe to the Construction Genius: A Leadership Master-Class Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Stitcher.

Thank you for tuning in!

A better year, that's what we all hoped 2020 would be like. But five months into this year and we're all feeling the heavy weight that the challenges this current climate brings. For CEO's or those in executive leadership, there's a choice that you have to make though, either choose to look inwardly and start worrying about one's self or be mission focused during a period like this.

In this podcast episode, I have an interesting conversation with Curt Rocca, he shares his thoughts on what a realistic optimist is and also gives helpful advice for leaders who are facing the challenges that this crisis brings. We also discuss ways for companies to be effective in their scenario planning, the number of scenarios to plan for, focusing on the opportunities that lie even in this crisis, and a lot more.

If you want to be that bridge builder that your company needs, tune in to this episode.

What's Discussed in This Episode:

1. What it means to be a realistic optimist [3:13]
2. How do successful entrepreneurs bear the weight of responsibility in a crisis [4:18]
3. Recommended readings for leaders in a time of crisis [7:34]
4. Helpful advice on thinking creatively [9:33]
5. Staying ultra close with customers [11:12]
6. Being mission focused even in a time of crisis [11:42]
7. Advice for companies to be effective in their scenario planning [13:15]
8. Important things to take into account in a time of crisis [15:24]
9. Collectability of accounts receivable [16:54]
10. Planning different scenarios [19:45]
11. How CEO's or Executives should approach problem solving creatively [21:16]
12. Recognizing what opportunities are in front of you [23:24]
13. Real examples of companies that were able to right the ship [26:16]
14. Managing cash today for better opportunities in the future [31:28]
15. Recommended actions for CEO's to take in the next 30 days [32:50]

About the Guest:

Curt is a highly experienced and successful operating executive who leverages his personal experiences to help other companies become more successful.

At DCA, Curt works with companies to enhance their success and financial reward through effective strategic planning, operational effectiveness, acquisition-driven growth, and creating high-value exits for business owners.

He is a creative problem solver and is often called upon by companies looking for innovative, out-of-the-box solutions to their most challenging or their most critical issues. A seasoned and skilled negotiator, Curt is also one of the region's most experienced and most successful M&A advisors, having overseen dozens of highly-successful transactions.

Resource Links:

• Visit DCA Partners website (www.dcapartners.com)
• Scenario Planning Spreadsheet (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-QEYxYY0DXufD9uxVg4E_dTAZTo8ltD6/view?usp=sharing)

Restaurants in the Sacramento Area:

• Vaiano Trattoria (http://vaianotrattoria.com/)
• Jack's Urban Eats (http://www.jacksurbaneats.com/)
• Leatherby's Family Creamery (https://leatherbys.net/)
• Mikuni Sushi (https://mikunisushi.com/)

Connect with me on LinkedIn. For more podcast episodes, you may also visit my website. Tune in and subscribe to the Construction Genius: A Leadership Master-Class Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Stitcher.

Thank you for tuning in!

Resource Links:

• A free copy of my Kick-Ass Meeting Report (https://www.ericanderton.com/kickassmeetings)
• Let's Talk Shop Podcast (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lets-talk-shop/id1462173868)
• Western Allied Mechanical Inc. Website (http://westernallied.com/)
• Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association Website (https://www.smacna.org/)

The past two decades have witnessed major crises affecting the whole country - 9/11, the 2008 global financial crisis, and the most recent one being the COVID-19 pandemic. Business leaders are faced with the challenge to rise up and lead optimistically during this period of uncertainty over everything that's going on (which is not an easy feat) towards the future where things will be back to normal.

In this episode, we have Angie Simon, President of Western Allied Mechanical. She shares with us how she is navigating through this crisis as a leader and how they are addressing the issues regarding the changes that they have to implement in a period like this. Our discussion is one that provides encouragement especially because it's evident how she is leading her company optimistically even in the midst of this crisis.

If you're looking for that 1% inspiration to remain positive and lead optimistically, I highly recommend that you tune in to this episode.

What's Discussed In This Episode:

1. Angie's perspective on the three major crises [3:38]
2. How varied age groups reacted to changes in the company due to the crisis [7:31]
3. Struggles that Angie's company is facing in this crisis [8:07]
4. Communication inside the company to address additional safety issues [9:15]
5. Dealing with isolation woes [11:00]
6. How the leadership is navigating their way through this crisis into the future [13:23]
7. Observations regarding the remote work scheme [14:34]
8. Changes in communication rhythms due to the crisis [15:50]
9. The role of a company's core culture in a crisis [16:44]
10. Navigating the crisis as a union contractor [18:01]
11. The balance between empathy and the need for productivity [19:08]
12. Framework for scenario planning of this crisis [20:31]
13. What decisions were made during the crisis that prove useful in the future [22:02]
14. Supporting and interacting with clients [23:02]
15. The good things that are coming out of this crisis [24:04]
16. Connecting with industry partners and competition [25:24]
17. Cementing employee relationships in a time of crisis [26:45]
18. What Angie has discovered about herself in this crisis [28:49]
19. Shows Angie has watched during the lockdown [30:03]
20. Alternative ways Angie has reached out and helped contractors in this crisis [31:43]
21. Angie's pollyanna principle [33:32]

About the Guest:

Angie has led Western Allied Mechanical as President since 2009, and has been with the company for three decades. During this time, she has served as visionary, spokesperson and role model for the entire WAM team, and the industry in general. A proud supporter of women in the workplace, she has championed many programs aimed at creating opportunities for women to succeed in many sectors of the business. As a testament to this, 40% of WAM employees are women. In 2019, Angie became President of the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors National Association (SMACNA), furthering her influence in our industry.

Connect with me on LinkedIn. For more podcast episodes, you may also visit my website. Tune in and subscribe to the Construction Genius: A Leadership Master-Class Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Stitcher.

Thank you for tuning in!

Resource Links:

• A free copy of my Kick-Ass Meeting Report (https://www.ericanderton.com/kickassmeetings)

Book Recommendations:

• Who by Geoff Smart
• Traction by Gino Wickman

• Good to Great by Jim Collins

• Snowball by Warren Buffet

With the average turnover rate being 38% to 40%, construction companies are experiencing a struggle of finding good talent in the industry resulting in company growth being put to a halt. Any successful company can say that success is a team effort and not just a one-man show. People are our most valuable assets but attracting the right talent does not just happen without strategies in place.

In this episode I talk with Justin White, the President of K&D Landscaping. He shares how his company has managed to reduce the turnover rate to 18% by a shift in mindset that led to the mirroring of marketing and sales strategies that they use with clients. He provides concrete examples of tactics that worked for them and how they make sure that they don't just hire the right talent but keep them. The points discussed in this episode can serve as an eye-opener to construction business owners.

If you are excited about getting the right talent but clueless on what steps to take to go about it, then this episode is definitely for you.

What's Discussed In This Episode:

1. What Justin's company is focusing on this year [3:06]
2. How dilution of talent impacts company growth and client experience [3:36]
3. Effective strategies to attract good talent [4:26]
4. Applying the marketing mindset to attract talent [4:59]
5. Marketing in the hiring perspective [6:14]
6. Community outreach as a marketing strategy [9:03]
7. Justin shares hiring methods that did not work out for them [11:46]
   • Phone interviews [14:18]
   • The hiring manager [17:04]
   • 1st in-person interviews [19:12]
   • 2nd in-person interviews [21:29]
8. The screening process
9. The 'hire slow' methodology [23:08]
10. Use of assessments [24:53]
11. Onboarding: The '90-day' period after the hire [27:18]
12. What happens when you hire the wrong person [29:36]
13. How to mitigate employees having negative leverage over the employer [33:12]
14. The importance of getting in touch with applicants right away [35:52]
15. Why employees should be top priority [38:30]
16. Wrap-up of discussion [39:24]

About the Guest:

Justin White is the President of K&D Landscaping a full-service construction and maintenance landscape company located in Santa Cruz, California.

Connect with me on LinkedIn. For more podcast episodes, you may also visit my website. Tune in and subscribe to the Construction Genius: A Leadership Master-Class Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Stitcher.

Thank you for tuning in!

Resource links:

• Free copy of Kick-ass meeting report (www.ericanderton.com/kickassmeetings)

Have you ever been in a position where someone has leverage over you? They have the power to influence your decisions, often against your will.

Employees having leverage is a struggle most business owners have faced, especially in the construction industry. You may not want to be confrontational about it, preferring to shrug it off. Unfortunately, this usually doesn't work and it can bring more harm, robbing you of the joy and the freedom of running your business.

In today's podcast, I will give you examples of leverage and discuss the impacts negative leverage has on business owners and companies as a whole. I also seek to provide you with practical advice on how leverage situations can be avoided.

If you are a business owner struggling in this area, may this podcast give you that 1% inspiration you need to face this problem head-on.

What's Discussed in this Episode:

1. A recount of my personal experience on negative leverage [1:06]
2. How business owners are affected by an employee's leverage over them [3:01]
3. The five examples of leverage [4:20]
4. The impact of negative leverage on your company [17:28]
5. Practical ways to avoid leverage situations [20:16]
6. A challenge to business owners [23:17]

Connect with me on LinkedIn. For more podcast episodes, you may also visit my website. Tune in and subscribe to the Construction Genius: A Leadership Master-Class Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Stitcher.

Thank you for tuning in!