In this episode of Construction Trailblazers, host Samantha C. Prestidge sits down with Adam Hoots, founder of Construction A CHE Solutions and self-described Lean Construction Shepherd, for a real conversation about what lean construction looks like when you actually respect the people doing the work.

With more than 24 years of boots-on-the-ground experience and as a PhD candidate at Clemson University, Adam shares how his career began in the field as a teenager, why traditional lean transformations fail, and how ego, overwork, and poor planning continue to hurt both projects and people across the construction industry.

This episode goes beyond tools and buzzwords. Adam breaks down why coaching beats consulting, how leaders can earn buy-in without barking orders, and what it really means to balance the technical and human sides of construction. We also dig into superintendent burnout, accountability without micromanagement, and why getting “1% better” matters more than chasing massive overhauls.

If you’re a construction owner, superintendent, project manager, or operations leader who wants lean to actually stick on real jobsites, this conversation will challenge how you think about leadership, planning, and respect.

Key topics covered:

• Lean construction coaching vs traditional consulting
• Why most lean transformations fail
• Getting real buy-in from trades and field teams
• Accountability without ego or micromanagement
• The human cost of poor planning and overwork
• Leading with transparency instead of authority
• Small, practical steps to improve jobsite performance

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction to Adam Hoots
02:28 Starting in construction as a teenager
07:05 College, career shifts, and early lessons
10:22 Lean construction and industry-wide challenges
11:53 Coaching teams and teaching at Clemson
12:58 Personal challenges and building community
14:10 Lean principles vs construction culture
21:34 Work, leadership, and personal sustainability
22:22 The “nail in the head” leadership metaphor
23:23 How to get buy-in on projects
25:26 Accountability without micromanaging
33:35 What it means to be a Lean Construction Shepherd
42:01 Practical ways to get 1% better
44:53 Final thoughts

In this episode of Construction Trailblazers, I sit down with Myra Villalobos, founder of Villalobos Building — a New Mexico–based commercial contractor raising the bar on integrity, clarity, and people-centered leadership.

We dig into what House of Wolves really means, how instinct and courage show up on the jobsite, and why leading a construction team has more in common with a wolf pack than most people realize.

Myra breaks down how she balances big-picture vision with the relentless details of federal and state projects, why clarity is one of the greatest tools a leader can give their crews, and how the trades deserve far more respect as true craftsmen.

If you lead people in construction or want a smarter approach to managing teams and projects, this conversation will challenge the way you see the industry.

Learn how to protect your profit, avoid delays, and keep your projects running smoothly with construction consultant Joe Siewell — a specialist in helping subcontractors defend their pay, prevent claims, and stay compliant.

In this episode of Construction Trailblazers, host Samantha C. Prestidge and Joe break down:
✅ The biggest communication gaps between the field and the office
✅ Why most subs lose money because of poor documentation
✅ How to train field teams to spot risk before it becomes a claim
✅ What every subcontractor should include in a project playbook
✅ How to push back on GCs (without burning bridges)

If you’re a subcontractor, project manager, or field leader trying to reduce chaos and protect your bottom line — this episode gives you practical steps to strengthen your documentation, improve communication, and build smarter.

Welcome to Construction Trailblazers! In this episode, host Samantha C Prestidge sits down with Shayne Patterson, the co-founder of Jengai, to explore the transformative power of technology in the construction industry. Shayne shares his fascinating journey from investment banking to creating innovative solutions for subcontractors. Discover how Jengai is revolutionizing proposal creation, project management, and overall efficiency for subcontractors. Tune in to learn about the challenges and opportunities of implementing tech in construction and how early adoption can provide a competitive edge. Don't miss these insights and practical strategies for simplifying growth and leading a successful construction business.

00:00 Introduction to Construction Trailblazers
00:26 Meet Shayne Patterson: From Wall Street to Construction Tech
01:50 Shane's Journey: Tackling Subcontractor Challenges
04:28 The Evolution of Construction Technology
05:24 Why Focus on Subcontractors?
10:44 The Vision for Jengai
19:44 Lessons Learned and Future Plans
31:08 Advice for Business Owners
35:46 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of Construction Trailblazers, host Samantha C Prestige discusses faith-driven leadership with Adam Swain, founder of 6 33 Group, a civil construction company in Colorado. Adam shares his journey from discovering his faith in college to creating a people-first business rooted in care, integrity, and faith. They explore the challenges of leading with conviction in the tough construction industry, balancing mission with profitability, and the importance of community and support in preventing burnout. Adam's story emphasizes caring for employees, building a respectful culture, and integrating faith into leadership.

00:00 Introduction to Construction Trailblazers

00:25 Meet Adam Swain: Founder of 6 33 Group

01:07 The Journey to a People-First Business

03:14 Faith-Driven Leadership in Construction

04:12 Challenges and Surprises in Running a Business

05:34 Building Personal Connections with Employees

07:56 Balancing Faith and Professionalism

10:54 Creating a Supportive Work Environment

14:30 Navigating Industry Challenges and Burnout

18:19 The Importance of Gratitude and Community

20:01 The Story Behind 6 33 Construction

21:34 Balancing Purpose and Profit

24:26 Advice for Aspiring People-First Leaders

27:41 Concluding Thoughts on Faith and Leadership

In this punch list episode of the Construction Trailblazers Podcast, we revisit impactful moments from a conversation with Andy Bergman, a communication coach specializing in blue-collar teams. Andy shares a pivotal experience in conflict resolution and highlights the importance of giving tough feedback. He also discusses how ego and pride interfere with effective leadership and the critical role of clear communication. Learn why addressing behaviors, not just individuals, is essential for leadership in construction. For the full conversation and more insights, visit constructiontrailblazers.com.

00:00 Introduction to the Punch List Episode

00:25 Andy Bergman's Conflict Resolution Story

01:11 The Importance of Honest Feedback

02:48 Communication and Emotions

03:26 Ego in Leadership

04:19 Clarity in Communication

05:53 Conclusion and Next Steps

Welcome to Construction Trailblazers! In this episode, Samantha C Prestige dives deep into effective leadership and communication within the construction industry with guest Andy Bergman. Andy, a leadership trainer and communication coach, shares his journey from HR and operations to helping construction teams handle tough conversations and improve communication. Listen as Andy discusses the importance of self-awareness, active listening, and addressing feedback effectively to boost teamwork, reduce turnover, and enhance overall project productivity. Whether you're a construction leader or aspiring to be one, this episode offers practical strategies for mastering tough conversations and fostering a productive work environment. Don't miss out on these invaluable insights!

00:00 Introduction to Construction Trailblazers

00:26 Meet Andy Bergman: Leadership Trainer and Communication Coach

01:05 Andy's Journey in HR and Operations

02:20 The Importance of Tough Conversations

05:22 From HR to Communication Coaching

07:36 Elements of Good Communication

08:44 The Role of Self-Awareness in Communication

16:27 Practical Applications and Business Benefits

20:30 Active Listening and Emotional Intelligence

30:18 Final Thoughts and Advice for Leaders

Punch List with Benjamin Holmgren: Building a Community for Contractors

Welcome to the Construction Trailblazers Podcast's punch list episode featuring Benjamin Holmgren, founder of Ground Crew. This episode highlights the journey of forming peer groups for dirt contractors, starting from a simple LinkedIn post to impactful peer groups across North America. Benjamin shares inspiring success stories from group members like Tom, who revolutionized his business approach. He also opens up about personal challenges, including a severe health crisis and the premature birth of his daughter, which reshaped his work-life balance. Tune in to hear practical advice on focusing and balancing high-energy entrepreneurship.

00:00 Introduction to the Punch List Episode

00:17 Benjamin Holmgren's Ground Crew Journey

01:42 The Impact of Peer Groups

02:10 Tom's Transformative Experience

03:51 Encouraging Vulnerability in Peer Groups

04:46 A Personal Story of Resilience

06:52 Balancing Work and Personal Life

08:03 Conclusion and Next Steps

Welcome to Construction Trailblazers, the podcast dedicated to leading people, managing projects, and simplifying the chaos of growth. Join host Samantha C Prestige as she chats with Benjamin Holmgren, the mastermind behind some of the most valuable peer groups and workshops in the construction industry. Discover how Ben's innovative approach is transforming the way contractors build successful businesses by shifting from short-sighted decisions to long-term strategies. Learn about the incredible impact of community and mentorship, and gain insights into the challenges and triumphs faced by construction professionals. Don't miss this inspiring conversation that emphasizes the importance of connection, vulnerability, and continuous learning in the construction world.

00:00 Introduction to Construction Trailblazers

00:21 Meet Benjamin Holmgren

01:01 Benjamin's Journey in Construction

01:43 The Birth of Peer Groups

04:22 The Impact of Peer Groups

07:10 The Power of Vulnerability

07:46 Leveraging Social Media

14:54 The Role of Mentors

17:48 Workshops and Their Value

19:55 The Dreaded Event Experience

20:26 Revolutionizing Workshops

21:26 Feedback and Aha Moments

25:28 Balancing Work and Family

30:29 Life-Altering Experiences

33:59 Practical Advice for Success

37:16 Conclusion and Resources

Helpful Links:

• Benjamin's Linked: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-holmgren-a3a58149/
• Learn more about peer groups: https://www.joingroundcrew.com/ 

In this episode, Samantha C. Prestige sits down with Bryant Soloman, a seasoned expert in construction leadership and operations, to discuss how construction businesses can streamline their processes for greater efficiency and profitability. Bryant shares valuable insights on building trust within teams, simplifying operations, and mastering financial management. He also offers actionable advice on transitioning to new technology and overcoming the fear of change, making this episode a must-listen for any construction leader looking to elevate their business.