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Construction Hot Takes
Construction Hot Takes episodes
- Why Most ERP Implementations Fail Before They Begin
In this episode, Greg Gorman, Jeff Robertson, and Adam Cooper get into why companies change their ERP's and why the "why" has to come before the "what."
Is the need to change stemming from reporting you can't get, systems that don't talk, functionality you're faking with manual work? Plus, the real reasons behind a new ERP, questions to settle before you sit through a single demo, and why no system can handle it all.
Chapters:
00:05 - Introducing ERPs in Construction
02:30 - Common Motivations for ERP Migration
04:40 - The Importance of "Why" Over "What"
14:20 - Best Practices for Evaluating a Transition
18:24 - The Myth of the All-In-One SystemCheck 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-consultationFollow Ascent Consulting on social media! 🤳
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ascent-consulting-inc-/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ascentconsult/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ascentconsults/
X: https://x.com/ascentconsults/
Subscribe to our YouTube channel for alerts on our new episodes!
https://www.youtube.com/@constructionhottakes26 min - Ops vs. Estimating: The $200,000 Miss (And How to End the Tension)
Why is there so much friction between the field and the office? In this episode of Construction Hot Takes, we dive deep into the healthy (and sometimes not-so-healthy) tension between Operations and Estimating. We discuss common pain points—from conceptual estimating hurdles to massive takeoff misses—and share proven solutions like formal project handoffs and staff cross-training. Whether you’re a project manager or an estimator, learn how to bridge the gap and deliver more profitable projects.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and Conceptual Estimating
05:00 Estimating Documentation Grid and Project Manager Verification Practices
13:54 Line-Item Budget Validation
15:00 The Project Handoff Process
17:03 Handoff Meetings and Project Planning
26:15 Reducing Friction and Gaining Estimating ExperienceCheck 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-consultationFollow Ascent Consulting on social media! 🤳
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ascent-consulting-inc-/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ascentconsult/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ascentconsults/
X: https://x.com/ascentconsults/Subscribe to our YouTube channel for alerts on our new episodes!
https://www.youtube.com/@constructionhottakes32 min - The Key to A.I. for Construction Companies is NOT A Software Choice...
In this episode, Jeff Robertson, Adam Cooper, and Greg Gorman discuss why AI readiness starts long before choosing an AI tool. They explain why clean data, consistent processes, and strong operational foundations are the keys to successful AI adoption in construction. Ascent Consulting helps construction companies prepare for AI by improving data quality, streamlining operational processes, and creating technology strategies that support long-term growth.
Chapters:
03:21 - The Reality of AI Data Quality
05:44 - Building Foundational Data Practices
09:26 - AI Connectors and the Death of the Data Warehouse
17:50 - Automating Truth with Drone Technology
21:25 - Reducing Complexity to Focus on Building
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-consultationFollow Ascent Consulting on social media! 🤳
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ascent-consulting-inc-/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ascentconsult/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ascentconsults/
X: https://x.com/ascentconsults/
Subscribe to our YouTube channel for alerts on our new episodes!
https://www.youtube.com/@constructionhottakes32 min - How To Scale Your $5m-$10m Construction Business
In this episode, Adam Cooper, Jeff Robertson, and Gregory Gorman dive into a topic that is so interesting: how to scale a smaller construction firm. Typically working with larger construction firms, they don't get to talk about the unique challenges presented by scaling a 7-figure construction company, but they get into it on this one. We really hope you enjoy, and are curious what other questions you may have for the hosts. Maybe we'll respond to your comment next!
Chapters:
00:00 – Pre-Show Banter and Company Name Pronunciation
02:20 – Addressing a YouTube Comment on Scaling a Business
04:38 – Getting Out of the Center of the Wheel and Delegating Control
09:16 – Documenting Processes, Setting SOPs, and Ensuring Accountability
15:05 – Leveraging Software, Cash Flow Forecasting, and Creating a Growth Plan
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-consultationFollow Ascent Consulting on social media! 🤳
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ascent-consulting-inc-/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ascentconsult/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ascentconsults/
X: https://x.com/ascentconsults/
Subscribe to our YouTube channel for alerts on our new episodes!
https://www.youtube.com/@constructionhottakes26 min - Owning Your Narrative in the Age of Artificial Intelligence (in Construction Firms)
In this episode, Katherine Cooper brings her deep knowledge of A.I. in construction industry digital marketing to deliver a powerful message. Joined by Adam Cooper, she discusses the ways in which construction industry leadership must pivot as they consider how to adapt to the new way of the digital marketplace. You will not want to miss this one.
Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction & Online Narrative
01:59 – Defining Your Digital Story
03:31 – Surviving the AI Search Evolution
06:22 – Market Timing & Platform Strategy
17:12 – Technical Breakdown & Wrap-UpCheck 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-consultationFollow Ascent Consulting on social media! 🤳
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ascent-consulting-inc-/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ascentconsult/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ascentconsults/
X: https://x.com/ascentconsults/
Subscribe to our YouTube channel for alerts on our new episodes!
https://www.youtube.com/@constructionhottakes26 min - Adam, Jeff, and Greg React to HOT TAKES About The Construction Business
Everyone loved Part 1, and Part 2, so we are doing Part 3!
In this episode, Adam, Jeff, and Greg react to five HOT TAKES about the construction industry and decide whether they agree or disagree. You’re not going to want to miss this one. Comment with any takes you feel like deserve a reaction and dissection!
Chapters:
00:00 – Segment Intro & Game Rules
00:46 – Communication Failures vs. Labor Shortages
05:19 – The Risk of Relying on One "Superstar" PM
08:56 – Why Field Superintendents Clash with Corporate
16:18 – How Bad Estimating Handoffs Impact Projects
21:31 – Will AI Replace Construction Superintendents?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-consultationFollow Ascent Consulting on social media! 🤳
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ascent-consulting-inc-/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ascentconsult/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ascentconsults/
X: https://x.com/ascentconsults/
Subscribe to our YouTube channel for alerts on our new episodes!
https://www.youtube.com/@constructionhottakes25 min - From Journeyman Electrician to 350+ Companies Helped: How Adam Cooper Built Ascent
Big contractors don't scale by accident — they scale through systems. Adam Cooper spent 20 years inside the largest electrical contractors in the country before founding Ascent to bring that behind-the-curtain playbook to the mid-market. In this episode: why your problems aren't unique, why the owner is usually the bottleneck, and the view of how a real construction business runs.
Chapters:
00:00 – Adam Cooper’s Career Journey
08:06 – Why Ascent Consulting Was Founded
17:23 – Learning to Be a Consultant
20:59 – Growing Ascent Consulting Nationwide
24:23 – Key Lessons for Construction Companies
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-consultationFollow Ascent Consulting on social media! 🤳
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ascent-consulting-inc-/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ascentconsult/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ascentconsults/
X: https://x.com/ascentconsults/
Subscribe to our YouTube channel for alerts on our new episodes!
https://www.youtube.com/@constructionhottakes39 min - Choosing the Right Hammer: Approach YOUR Construction Problem the Right Way
In this gameshow edition of the Construction Hot Takes podcast, we play a game that illustrates the reality of many construction firms looking to grow. In the construction consulting world, those that are "in A.I." feel like they can solve everything with A.I. but it's often much more nuanced and A.I. can't solve every issue. So which "hammer" (A.I., Procore, Ops) will match which "nail" (business scenarios)? Hope you enjoy!
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Hammer vs. Nail02:52 Case Studies: WIP, RFIs, and Estimating
08:31 Predictive Safety AI Success Story
11:15 Breaking Down Data Islands & Bid Roulette
14:59 Lightning Round & Key Takeaways
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-consultationFollow Ascent Consulting on social media! 🤳
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ascent-consulting-inc-/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ascentconsult/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ascentconsults/
X: https://x.com/ascentconsults/
Subscribe to our YouTube channel for alerts on our new episodes!
https://www.youtube.com/@constructionhottakes17 min - New Software Gone WRONG: The BIGGEST Tech Issue for Construction Companies
In this episode, Adam Cooper and Jeff Robertson talk about an all-too-common issue found amongst growing construction companies. They purchase the latest software with all the bells and whistles which seem to promise smooth sailing, but upon installing into the business, ends up being a source of MORE work, not less. Software misalignment can take something that was supposed to be a good thing, and turn it into a nightmare. What are the common pitfalls? How does a firm go about fixing the misalignment that is the root of a lot of construction firm issues? This is an important one. We hope you enjoy!
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-consultationFollow Ascent Consulting on social media! 🤳
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ascent-consulting-inc-/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ascentconsult/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ascentconsults/
X: https://x.com/ascentconsults/
Subscribe to our YouTube channel for alerts on our new episodes!
https://www.youtube.com/@constructionhottakes18 min - Your Subcontractor Might Be About to Burn You
In this episode of Construction Hot Takes, host Jeff Robertson dives into the often-overlooked but critical process of subcontractor pre-qualification. From identifying red flags like disappearing labor and aggressive billing to understanding key financial metrics, Jeff explains why every project manager must be a risk manager first. Learn how to look past professional relationships and focus on the data to prevent subcontractor default before it starts
Chapters:
00:00 Subcontractor Default and the Power of Pre-qualification
05:50 Defining Pre-qualification: Beyond the Paperwork
02:22 The Cost of Ignoring Pre-qualification
07:23 Subcontractor Red Flags: Early Warning Signs
09:55 Predicting Failure: The Financial Review
13:11 Common Mistakes PMs Make with Pre-qualification
15:21 Final Action Items: Be Proactive, Not Reactive
.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-consultationFollow Ascent Consulting on social media! 🤳
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ascent-consulting-inc-/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ascentconsult/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ascentconsults/
X: https://x.com/ascentconsults/
Subscribe to our YouTube channel for alerts on our new episodes!
https://www.youtube.com/@constructionhottakes18 min
About Construction Hot Takes
From the publisher's feed
Hosted by Adam Cooper, CEO of Ascent Consulting, alongside Senior Consultants Gregory Gorman and Jeff Robertson, Construction Hot Takes show dives into the gritty, unfiltered realities of building a profitable construction company. With nearly 100 years of combined experience, they’ve been there—from carrying gear on job sites to leading Ascent, a consulting powerhouse that exclusively serves construction companies across North America.
Each episode is packed with insights, strategies, and insider knowledge from the industry’s top consulting firm for contractors. Discover what big national contractors know about growing a business, get actionable advice on boosting efficiency, and learn how to supercharge your project pipeline. Tune in, get inspired, and gain the knowledge to take your construction business to the next level.