Imagine standing outside your home just hours after a fire. The structure is damaged, smoke still lingers, and you don’t know what to do next. Who shows up to help you in that moment?

That’s where 1-800-BOARDUP comes in. And Leading the charge is Beth Toenies, Chief Operating Officer of the company that’s turned chaos into clarity for homeowners across North America.

With 134 franchise locations serving more than 182 million people, Beth has built a reputation as both a decorated executive and a culture-driven leader. From securing burned-out homes to scaling operations across the U.S. and Canada, she has transformed the restoration industry with urgency, systems, and empathy.

In this episode, Beth shares:

● How she stumbled into restoration and why the mission keeps her here
● What it takes to scale a franchise network in a crisis-driven industry
● Why leadership culture matters as much as operations (and how managers impact mental health as much as a spouse)
● How AI is already reshaping the restoration industry — and why companies should embrace, not fear, it
● Her vision for expanding 1-800-BOARDUP and its sister brands under the Belfor Franchise Group

If you want to learn how to lead teams, scale franchises, and deliver hope at the worst moments of people’s lives — this episode will change how you view restoration, leadership, and resilience.

#Leadership #Franchising #Restoration #EmergencyResponse #Construction #Culture

Check out our whole catalog of Construction Hot Takes episodes on our website! https://ascentconsults.com/construction-hot-takes-podcast/

Interested in learning how Ascent's consulting services could potentially help improve your business's operations? 📈
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Margins don’t just disappear — they get chipped away by bad estimates, buyout mistakes, schedule delays, and one of the biggest myths in construction: thinking “remaining budget” is the same as a forecast.

In this episode of Construction Hot Takes, we dig into the real reasons general contractors go from a healthy profit to barely breaking even. You’ll hear straight talk on:

• Why good forecasting is more than subtracting costs from the budget
• How poor handoffs between estimating and project management kill jobs
• The hidden traps in buyout and scope
• How to spot schedule delays before they eat your margin
• The difference between managing a project and just watching it happen

If you’re a GC, sub, or anyone in construction, this is a no-BS guide to keeping your budget on track — and your profits where they belong.

#Construction #GeneralContractor #Budgeting #Forecasting #ProjectManagement #ConstructionBusiness

Most construction companies talk a big game about safety. PPE, compliance forms, toolbox talks—but why do crews still cut corners?

In this episode, Adam and Jeff tackle the uncomfortable truth: safety programs don’t create safety culture—leadership does. They share raw stories from the field, call out lazy thinking, and unpack why most “compliance-first” approaches are doomed to fail.

If you’re a GC, superintendent, or project manager trying to keep your people safe without being a babysitter—this one’s for you.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why most workers don’t care about your EMR
• The difference between compliance and care
• How top-down safety cultures actually get built
• What to say when your crew shrugs off protocols
• The ONE question every leader should be asking their teams

Do General Contractors still deserve their fee—or are they just expensive middlemen?

In this provocative episode, Adam and Jeff tackle a controversial listener question: "Do we even need General Contractors anymore?" With the rise of tech-driven management and self-performing owners, the traditional role of GCs is under scrutiny.

Join the debate as they explore:

• Why GCs transitioned from hands-on builders to "paper-pushing" construction managers.
• Hidden risks subcontractors and GCs face if owners start bypassing traditional models.
• Real-world scenarios where skipping the GC might actually make sense—and when it could lead to disaster.
• Why subcontractors might prefer direct-to-owner work (and why they often rely heavily on GCs).
• The new trend of GCs returning to a self-perform model to regain control of risk and quality.

Are General Contractors outdated—or more essential than ever? Listen and decide.

Key Insights:

• When direct-to-owner subcontractor relationships work well.
• Why GCs are crucial in managing complex project risks.
• The real implications for subs if GCs disappear.

Managing your construction budget is tough—but who's got it tougher? Subs or GCs?

Adam (former trade contractor) and Jeff (former GC) face off in this episode to settle a classic industry debate: whose project budget is actually harder to manage?

You'll hear:

• Why subcontractor budgets might actually be more complex.
• Hidden pitfalls subs face daily that GCs rarely experience.
• Real-world stories of budget management gone sideways (and lessons learned the hard way).

Think you know which side has it worse? You might be surprised.

Ready to end the argument? Hit play and decide for yourself.

“That Could Never Happen Here…Right?” – A Cautionary Tale of Financial Fraud

What if one trusted employee could quietly put your entire company at risk?

This week on Construction Hot Takes, Adam Cooper and Jeff Robertson dig into a real-life story that could happen in any construction business.

With Greg out on the road, Adam shares a case of financial fraud at a billion-dollar firm, where a regional manager manipulated millions in the books – and nearly brought the whole operation down. Names have been changed, but the lessons are very real.

This episode takes a deeper look into accountability, leadership blind spots, and the silent dangers of a culture where no one feels safe to speak up. Adam and Jeff unpack how poor systems, ignored red flags, and a lack of transparency can cost you everything.

Tune in as we explore:

(00:00) Reporting structure and accountability issues

(03:45) Was it intentional or just opportunistic?

(06:53) A consultant questions the reporting practices

(10:33) Why hands-on management still matters

(15:01) Cultural training and what accountability really means

(18:41) The cost of poor communication

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Fresh from a business leaders conference in Las Vegas, Adam brings back eye-opening insights on how rapidly AI is advancing… and why every construction company, big or small, can’t afford to sit on the sidelines.

Jeff and Adam unpack real-world ways AI can make a difference for contractors. From predictive scheduling and automated delay claims to AI-powered contract reviews, smarter procurement, and even proposal writing, they share clear strategies that any construction business can start using right now.

They also explore next-gen tools like helmet cameras that detect safety risks in real time, and how generative AI is quickly becoming one of the most powerful teammates on the job site.

Tune in as we explore:

(00:00) AI in project delay analysis

(03:56) The power of contract analysis automation

(08:35) Embracing new tools in construction

(10:01) How AI is transforming financial dashboards

(12:51) The importance of field feedback requests

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Episode Summary
In this mini-episode of Construction Hot Takes, our experts tackle a common challenge in the construction industry: what to do after purchasing Procore construction management software. They share practical insights on implementation, training, and maximizing the value of your Procore investment.

Key Points Discussed
- Beyond the "Orange Easy Button"- Why Procore isn't a magic solution and requires proper implementation
- Implementation Strategy - Setting up roles, permissions, and selecting initial projects
- Core Functionality Focus- Starting with drawings, specifications, daily reports, and photos
- Common Implementation Mistakes - Why many companies struggle with adoption
- Training Requirements - The importance of proper onboarding and continuous education
- ERP Integration - Considerations when connecting Procore with financial systems
- Aligning Expectations - Ensuring everyone understands why the software was purchased

Expert Tips for Procore Success
- Identify champions and administrators within your organization
- Begin with a few test projects before full-scale implementation
- Focus on the basics: drawings, specifications, daily reports, photos, and RFIs
- Invest in proper training for all team members
- Consider how Procore will integrate with existing systems
- Clarify your objectives and communicate the "why" to your team

Who Should Watch
- Construction company owners who recently purchased Procore
- Project managers struggling with Procore implementation
- Construction professionals evaluating Procore for their business
- Technology decision-makers in construction firms
- Anyone responsible for construction software adoption

About Construction Hot Takes
Construction Hot Takes delivers straight-talking, practical advice for construction professionals. Our hosts have helped hundreds of clients build better construction companies and understand what it takes to run successful, profitable businesses in the construction industry.

Check out our whole catalog of Construction Hot Takes episodes on our website! https://ascentconsults.com/construction-hot-takes-podcast/

Interested in learning how Ascent's consulting services could potentially help improve your business's operations? 📈
Click here to schedule a free 30-minute consultation with one of our expert construction consultants: https://info.ascentconsults.com/meetings/acooper/30-minute-performance-consultation

Follow Ascent Consulting on social media! 🤳 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ascent-consulting-inc-/
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Tags: Procore implementation, construction software, Procore training, construction management software, Procore ERP integration, construction technology, Procore best practices, construction project management, Procore setup guide, Procore consultant

There’s a huge disconnect between construction operations and finance teams—and when it comes to construction risk management, that divide can cost projects big. Who should really be responsible for reducing risk on construction projects? Is it construction accounting and finance, or does project management and field operations need to step up?

In this episode of Construction Hot Takes, Adam, Greg, and Jeff break down how construction business leaders can bridge the gap between construction finance and operations to improve risk mitigation. From contract terms to budgeting, scheduling, and field execution, both teams play a role—but too often, they’re working against each other instead of together.

If you want to reduce risk on construction projects, avoid costly mistakes, and create a more aligned team, this is the episode for you. Watch now to learn how to manage construction risk before it’s too late!

Check out our whole catalog of Construction Hot Takes episodes on our website! https://ascentconsults.com/construction-hot-takes-podcast/

Interested in learning how Ascent's consulting services could potentially help improve your business's operations? 📈
Click here to schedule a free 30-minute consultation with one of our expert construction consultants: https://info.ascentconsults.com/meetings/acooper/30-minute-performance-consultation

Follow Ascent Consulting on social media! 🤳
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ascent-consulting-inc-/
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#ConstructionRisk #ConstructionManagement #ProjectManagement #ConstructionFinance #ConstructionAccounting #ConstructionOperations #ConstructionBusiness #RiskMitigation #ConstructionLeadership #GeneralContractor #ConstructionIndustry #ConstructionProject #ReduceConstructionRisk #ContractorSuccess #BuildingBetterProjects

In this episode of Construction Hot Takes, Adam, Greg, and Jeff reveal the 5 simple mistakes that can completely ruin and de-rail a construction project by causing delays and budget overruns and tanking profitability.

According to Ascent CEO Adam Cooper, one of the biggest mistakes too many construction companies are making today is simple not fully reading or understanding construction contracts. Too many general contractors and subcontractors skim through contracts without catching key clauses that impact payment terms, liability, and scope — leading to major problems down the line.

The guys also call out real construction business mistakes they’ve seen firsthand, like project managers making scheduling decisions without considering material lead times, or owners assuming that hitting revenue goals means they’re actually profitable. Lack of construction business training at every level leads to bad decisions that cost companies money and credibility.

Whether you’re a project manager, owner, or contractor, knowing what NOT to do is just as important as knowing the right moves to make. If you want to learn how to avoid the top 5 reasons construction projects fail, this episode is a must-watch.

Check out our whole catalog of Construction Hot Takes episodes on our website! https://ascentconsults.com/constructi...

Interested in learning how Ascent's consulting services could potentially help improve your business's operations?
Click here to schedule a free 30-minute consultation with one of our expert construction consultants: https://info.ascentconsults.com/meeti...

Follow Ascent Consulting on social media!
LinkedIn: ascent-consulting-inc-
Facebook: ascentconsult
Instagram: ascentconsults
X: https://x.com/ascentconsults/

Subscribe to our YouTube channel for alerts on our new episodes! @ascentconsults