In this episode of Chess Not Checkers, Keith Riddle and Jordan Tampien sit down with Justin Avey of Avey Construction to unpack his bold leap from retail management to construction entrepreneur. After 12 years at Best Buy, Justin cashed out his life savings, bought an excavator—with no prior experience—and bet on himself.

What followed was a crash course in hands-on learning, risk-taking, and relentless growth. From small excavation jobs to large-scale concrete and multi-family developments, Justin shares the realities of scaling a construction business, managing stress, securing capital, and knowing when to say “no” to the wrong opportunities.

This conversation dives into entrepreneurship, leadership under pressure, and the mindset required to grow without losing control. If you’re building something—whether it’s a business, a career, or a vision—Justin’s story is a powerful reminder that grit, clarity, and calculated risk can lay the foundation for something big.