Feed Me Your Construction Content

We appreciate any and all feedback so feel free to send a text.

Ever wondered how setbacks can be powerful catalysts for growth? Join us as we share personal stories, like applying for jobs we weren't qualified for, to illustrate the concept of "failing forward." This episode sheds light on how viewing mistakes as learning opportunities can build resilience and success. We talk about the importance of fostering a culture where errors are not feared but embraced as part of the learning process. Reflecting on leadership and parenting, we discuss how allowing others to navigate their own failures can lead to stronger, more independent individuals.

Ready to transform your team's mindset and spark organizational change? Discover how cultivating a growth mindset within your team can ripple out to influence entire departments. We delve into strategies for process improvement, team development, and the magic of letting team members solve problems on their own. These practices not only enhance problem-solving skills but also foster a culture of independence and continuous growth. Tune in for practical insights and inspiration to build a resilient, growth-oriented team culture that thrives on learning and improvement.

Support the show

Carolyn can be found on LinkedIn at:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolyn-mcmahon-937b89158
Joshua can be found on LinkedIn at:
www.linkedin.com/in/joshuamcmahon15
Email for feedback, questions, complaints, etc:
[email protected]

Daily Journal: https://amzn.to/41p9aKE

We appreciate any and all feedback so feel free to send a text.

Have you ever wondered how an aspiring toy marketer found his calling in the home building industry? Join us as we sit down with Brad Hobert, a veteran home builder who shares his rollercoaster journey from a family business collapse to becoming an industry consultant and bestselling author. Brad's experiences during the late 2000s housing recession offer valuable lessons in resilience and adaptability that every builder can relate to. His infectious positivity and knack for storytelling make this episode both enlightening and immensely entertaining.

We also dive into Brad’s collaborative book project that tackles themes of overcoming challenges and professional empowerment, particularly spotlighting women in building. Hear about the inspiration behind his latest book and its impact on young students, alongside humorous missteps with its initial release on Amazon. From mountain biking adventures to balancing the demands of a long-running podcast, Brad shares his passion and future plans, offering a rich tapestry of personal and professional insights. Don't miss this multifaceted conversation that promises to leave you inspired and eager to conquer your own hurdles.

Brad can be found at: 
1. https://bradhaubert.com/
2. https://thefortthatwas.com/
3. https://www.facebook.com/groups/559332379320403

Support the show

Carolyn can be found on LinkedIn at:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolyn-mcmahon-937b89158
Joshua can be found on LinkedIn at:
www.linkedin.com/in/joshuamcmahon15
Email for feedback, questions, complaints, etc:
[email protected]

Daily Journal: https://amzn.to/41p9aKE

We appreciate any and all feedback so feel free to send a text.

What does it take to succeed in a male-dominated industry? Melody Hackett, a construction powerhouse with 34 years of experience, joins us to share her incredible journey from the field at Finer Homes to Vice President of Operations and Procurement at Eagle Construction. Melody opens up about the challenges and triumphs of managing essential departments and over 300 trade partners across multiple locations. Her candid reflections and humorous anecdotes provide a rare glimpse into the often gritty, always vibrant world of construction leadership.

Next, we delve into a deeply personal and inspiring chapter of Melody’s life—her brave battle with breast and thyroid cancer. Melody reveals how this life-altering experience reshaped her professional journey, prompting her to leave her high-stakes role at Eagle Construction after seven and a half years. By sharing the emotional and financial hurdles she faced, Melody underscores the importance of authenticity and resilience in both personal and professional realms, offering insights on how to navigate major career shifts with grace and courage.

Finally, we celebrate Melody’s new role as Sales Director at 84 Lumber, where she stands as the only female in her sales role within the Mid-Atlantic region. We discuss the shift towards turnkey solutions in the industry and Melody’s excitement for the Builder Bash event. Melody’s story of breaking barriers and aiming higher is a powerful testament to the changing landscape of construction. Tune in to hear about what sets 84 Lumber apart and the importance of knowing the people behind the materials, as we look forward to even more inspiring conversations in future episodes.

Support the show

Carolyn can be found on LinkedIn at:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolyn-mcmahon-937b89158
Joshua can be found on LinkedIn at:
www.linkedin.com/in/joshuamcmahon15
Email for feedback, questions, complaints, etc:
[email protected]

Daily Journal: https://amzn.to/41p9aKE

We appreciate any and all feedback so feel free to send a text.

Is standardization killing creativity in construction? Or is customization pushing projects over budget and behind schedule? Join us as we tackle these burning questions in an engaging discussion that kicks off with a humorous story about picking rocks from the yard. We'll take you through the heart of the debate, emphasizing how standardization can streamline costs and timelines for large-scale projects while customization offers unparalleled flexibility. But what are the financial trade-offs? And how can we bridge the gap between customer expectations and reality, especially with practices like fine grading in yard preparation? These points aren't just theoretical; they directly impact customer satisfaction and survey scores.

In the second half of our episode, we focus on the home building sector's tight schedules and the complexities of customization. Real-life examples bring to light the potential pitfalls of not managing these elements well, leading to delays and dissatisfied clients. We share practical strategies for effective pre-construction planning, transparent communication, and managing client expectations to avoid such issues. Finally, we express our love for the building industry and our gratitude to our listeners. We encourage everyone to share their feedback and leave five-star reviews, hinting at even more in-depth discussions on this topic in future episodes. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and elevate your construction projects.

Support the show

Carolyn can be found on LinkedIn at:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolyn-mcmahon-937b89158
Joshua can be found on LinkedIn at:
www.linkedin.com/in/joshuamcmahon15
Email for feedback, questions, complaints, etc:
[email protected]

Daily Journal: https://amzn.to/41p9aKE

We appreciate any and all feedback so feel free to send a text.

Feeling the sands of the beach still between our toes, we, Carolyn and Joshua McMahon, tackle the post-vacation blues head-on. Ever experienced that bittersweet moment when the calm of your holiday collides with the rush of returning to work? We get it. That's why this week's heart-to-heart chat delves into the rejuvenating powers of taking time off and the art of smoothly transitioning back to the grind. We share how we prep our construction teams for our absence and the importance of acknowledging their hard work, ensuring we don't undermine their efforts upon our return.

In a candid reflection, we highlight how companies across Tennessee are fostering environments that encourage rest and relaxation for their employees. This isn't just about kicking back with a cold one; it's about maintaining the drive and morale that keep our industry thriving. So, tune in and join our conversation on striking the right balance between work dedication and personal well-being. We promise, you'll come away with strategies to help you and your team return from vacation without missing a beat, ready to tackle the projects that await with renewed vigor and focus.

Support the show

Carolyn can be found on LinkedIn at:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolyn-mcmahon-937b89158
Joshua can be found on LinkedIn at:
www.linkedin.com/in/joshuamcmahon15
Email for feedback, questions, complaints, etc:
[email protected]

Daily Journal: https://amzn.to/41p9aKE

We appreciate any and all feedback so feel free to send a text.

Ever wondered how a bundle of decisions can cement into the walls of your dream home? Strap in as we recount our journey through the maze of production home building, where every tick of the clock counts. You'll get a first-hand account of the rigidity and rush that come with a builder's schedule – imagine having just one week for structural tweaks and a single day to nail down those design details. We'll lay bare the rollercoaster of emotions, from the highs of envisioning your future abode to the heart palpitations induced by looming deadlines. And if you've ever pondered the price of change, let's just say we've got some stories that might make your wallet wince.

Switching gears, we take you down the less traveled, yet equally bumpy road of custom home construction. Here, patience isn't just a virtue; it's a necessity, as we share tales from townhouses that took their sweet time to specs that spun into sanctuaries. You'll hear about our personal tango with design choices during the great pandemic shuffle and learn why a stubborn stand on that Italian marble might just be worth it. We've teamed up with savvy professional designers, who've helped us polish those rough edges on the path to creating a home that's not just a structure, but a story – your story. Tune in and transform your home-building blueprint into a tale of triumph, one layer of paint at a time.

Support the show

Carolyn can be found on LinkedIn at:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolyn-mcmahon-937b89158
Joshua can be found on LinkedIn at:
www.linkedin.com/in/joshuamcmahon15
Email for feedback, questions, complaints, etc:
[email protected]

Daily Journal: https://amzn.to/41p9aKE

We appreciate any and all feedback so feel free to send a text.

Embark on a journey with us, Carolyn and Joshua McMahon, as we unravel the intricate tapestry of construction processes, transforming a cacophony of decisions into harmonious homes. It's a tale of transition, from the methodical beat of high-volume production builders to the improvisational rhythm of semi-custom and full-custom construction, where pre-construction scheduling becomes the cornerstone of project harmony. In this episode, we lay bare the challenges that can arise when clients dance to their own beat, dismissing deadlines as mere suggestions, and the domino effect it has on starts, closings, and the sacred construction cycle time. Moreover, we dissect the dynamics of construction loans and the varied nuances when they rest in either the buyer's or the builder's hands.

Step inside the architect's mind and experience the delicate balance of adhering to Architectural Review Board regulations while choreographing a client's vision into reality. We celebrate a homebuilding process revolution that compresses months into a mere three months from blueprint to permit approval, by orchestrating selection decisions in tandem with the permit waiting period. We share the secrets to crafting a process map that not only sets clear selection deadlines but also conducts the intricate dance of project management. Join us as we spotlight the criticality of prioritizing processes to avoid the pitfalls of pressure-driven, last-minute decisions, ensuring that the final masterpiece hits every note with precision and grace.

Support the show

Carolyn can be found on LinkedIn at:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolyn-mcmahon-937b89158
Joshua can be found on LinkedIn at:
www.linkedin.com/in/joshuamcmahon15
Email for feedback, questions, complaints, etc:
[email protected]

Daily Journal: https://amzn.to/41p9aKE

We appreciate any and all feedback so feel free to send a text.

Unlock the secrets to a thriving construction business with our latest episode! Carolyn and Joshua McMahon are at it again, guiding you through the maze of partnerships and collaborations that are the bedrock of commercial success. Join us as we dissect the essentials of aligning your company's vision with that of your customers, tradespeople, and suppliers. Our conversation pivots around the critical symbiosis between a builder's project type and a trade's specialization, unraveling the potential hazards to your budget and schedule. We're spilling the beans on how to foster enduring relationships in the industry that prioritize long-term growth over fleeting victories.

Step into our world as we scrutinize the electrician trade, and unravel the complexities that come with onboarding new contractors. We lay out the blueprint for a standardized bidding process that brings fairness to the forefront while touching on how craftsmanship quality and clear communication can make or break your pricing strategy. Our real-life examples are a treasure trove of insights, revealing the strengths and pitfalls in a contractor's business approach. We're not just talking shop; we're rewriting the book on developing a team culture that transforms your bottom line.

We cap off this power-packed session with wisdom on navigating the unpredictable waters of hiring. Balancing intuition with strategy, we explore how setting clear expectations and fostering a climate of respect and collaboration can enhance job satisfaction, customer happiness, and profit margins. Remember, each setback is merely a stepping stone to greater learning and success. Your stories fuel our passion, so let's build this community together. Make sure you leave us a five-star review if you're picking up what we're putting down!

Support the show

Carolyn can be found on LinkedIn at:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolyn-mcmahon-937b89158
Joshua can be found on LinkedIn at:
www.linkedin.com/in/joshuamcmahon15
Email for feedback, questions, complaints, etc:
[email protected]

Daily Journal: https://amzn.to/41p9aKE

We appreciate any and all feedback so feel free to send a text.

Ever wondered how a construction firm could soar in profitability, even in the face of a labor crisis? Strap in as we unpack the mechanics of forging partnerships that can transform your business's bottom line. Our latest episode is a treasure trove of insights from a recent ECI webinar, where we learned that adopting a sports team's collaborative hustle is more than just a metaphor—it's a strategy. We dissect the intricacies of shared visions, goals, and the unwavering perseverance needed to thrive amidst industry skepticism. It's about aligning everyone's eyes on the prize, from the freshest recruit to the seasoned CEO, and how that collective focus can lead to personal and organizational triumphs.

The conversation doesn't stop at teamwork—we also get to the heart of what makes a brand resonate, be it the swagger of Air Jordans or the reliability of a well-oiled construction brand. Just like a punch crew ensures a homebuilder's reputation for quality, we delve into how a strong brand identity can alleviate the headache of micromanagement and foster customer trust. The narrative unfolds to reveal the subtle art of choosing partners based on vision congruence over cost—a decision that can solidify your brand's strength and catapult your business to new heights. This episode is a must-listen for anyone in the construction industry looking to revamp their approach to partnerships, brand identity, and overarching success.

Support the show

Carolyn can be found on LinkedIn at:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolyn-mcmahon-937b89158
Joshua can be found on LinkedIn at:
www.linkedin.com/in/joshuamcmahon15
Email for feedback, questions, complaints, etc:
[email protected]

Daily Journal: https://amzn.to/41p9aKE

We appreciate any and all feedback so feel free to send a text.

Ever wondered about the hidden costs lurking behind 'free estimates' in construction? This episode breaks ground on the truth behind this industry practice, unearthing the real investment of time and resources that both builders and clients must consider. We're putting on our hard hats to navigate the intricacies of the Pre-Construction Planning Agreement (PCPA), a tool that revolutionizes the early stages of custom home building. You'll learn how a PCPA sets a firm foundation for the project, allowing for a comprehensive blueprint, and ensures all pre-construction essentials are managed with the utmost precision. For anyone within the throes of building or renovating their dream home, this episode is the blueprint for success.

Turning the tables on traditional estimating and pricing, we're zeroing in on the secrets that elevate small-scale operations to luxury home builders. Discover how initial remote consultations can streamline the client vetting process and push a construction business to its peak performance. We'll share firsthand experiences of the pressures in quoting premium prices, arming you with the tools to convey the quality of high-end finishes confidently. This episode isn't just about the nuts and bolts of construction; it's an insider's guide to nurturing a mindset that attracts the right clients and projects, crafting a construction business that's built to last.

Support the show

Carolyn can be found on LinkedIn at:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolyn-mcmahon-937b89158
Joshua can be found on LinkedIn at:
www.linkedin.com/in/joshuamcmahon15
Email for feedback, questions, complaints, etc:
[email protected]

Daily Journal: https://amzn.to/41p9aKE