In this episode of the Learnings and Missteps podcast, host Jesse welcomes Shane Patterson, founder and CEO of Jenga. With a background in finance and software engineering, Shane has focused on solving complex problems in the construction sector. The conversation highlights Shane's journey into the construction industry, his focus on building solutions for subcontractors, and the complexities involved in estimating and bidding processes. Shane discusses the importance of delivering undeniable value, understanding customer needs, and how technology is catching up to meet the deep requirements of subcontracting. The episode explores Shane's vision for a more efficient and risk-averse future for subcontractors, the concept of 'super subs,' and the potential impact of robotics on the industry.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview

01:06 Meet Shane Patterson: Founder and CEO of Jenga

02:50 The Complexity of Construction

03:39 Shane's Journey into Construction

05:57 Challenges and Lessons Learned

12:38 The Importance of Listening and Problem-Solving

26:29 Managing Feature Requests and Business Strategy

32:16 The Early Days of Construction Software

32:41 Challenges in Software Functionality

34:28 Deep Needs of Construction Technology

36:41 The Cost of Building Software

39:44 Subcontractors vs General Contractors

42:02 The Complexity of Subcontracting

48:53 Vision for the Future of Subcontracting

55:39 Overcoming Adoption Barriers

58:03 Delivering Maximum Value

01:02:29 Grand Slam Closing Question

Set the stage for an amazing new year with the Self First Framework.

https://calendly.com/jesse04/self-first-webinar

Download a PDF copy of Becoming the Promise You are Intended to Be
https://www.depthbuilder.com/books

Take Command of Your Day with the Daily Domination Board

Gear up for the new year 

The fastest path to real high performance isn’t a new app or a 4 a.m. alarm—it’s a cleaner day. We walk through a lightweight Daily Domination workflow that gets tasks out of your head, into a simple Trello board, and moving from To-Do to Done without drama. No complex frameworks, no calendar chaos—just a clear loop you can trust: dump, sequence, execute, reflect, and bucketize.

We start by capturing everything—client work, admin, errands, and even the tiny tasks that clog your attention. Then we show how to order your day for leverage, move one card at a time into Doing, and use the Done column to build visible momentum. The heart of the conversation is reflection: measuring your say–do ratio with honesty, finding the tasks that stall, and deciding whether to split them, schedule them, or delete them. You’ll hear how to protect evenings if planning triggers late-night work, and why consistency beats sophistication every time.

From there, we dig into bucketizing with labels—Work, Chores, Family, Fitness, or custom categories like Client Delivery, Pipeline, and Broadcasting. Color coding makes patterns obvious so you can steer your time toward what actually matters. You’ll learn how to evolve labels on the fly, personalize the system to your world, and use weekly reviews to course-correct without beating yourself up. Along the way, we share community wins, practical caveats, and the small habits that keep the board useful when life gets loud.

Ready to trade overwhelm for clarity? Grab the Daily Domination template, try a single day of the loop, and tell us what changed. If this helped, subscribe, share it with a friend who drowns in to-dos, and leave a quick review so more pros can find their flow.

Download a PDF copy of Becoming the Promise You are Intended to Be
https://www.depthbuilder.com/books

In this episode of the Learnings and Missteps podcast, Jesse interviews Mohit Bhagchandani, a data-led marketing expert and founder of Adeptimize. They delve into the essence of modern branding, discussing the importance of personal and business identities. Mohit highlights that a successful brand must stick in consumers' minds and emphasizes the necessary balance between organic and paid content in marketing strategies. The conversation provides insight into Mohit's entrepreneurial background and the crucial role of personal branding in business longevity. They discuss practical marketing advice for various industries, emphasizing adaptability, integrity, and customer-focused content creation. Mohit also unpacks the significance of genuine engagement with customers, leveraging social media effectively, and the intricate relationship between creativity and data in successful marketing.

00:00 Introduction to Modern Branding

00:17 Meet Mr. Mohit Bhagchandani

02:39 Understanding Modern Brands

03:31 Personal vs. Company Branding

05:41 The Importance of Personal Branding

12:58 Mohit's Entrepreneurial Background

23:44 The Role of Content in Marketing

27:32 Understanding the Essence of Marketing

27:54 The Importance of Original Content

29:07 Leveraging Old Photos for Marketing

30:45 The Role of Data in Marketing

34:43 Building a Community on Social Media

37:00 Starting a Business: Marketing Basics

38:10 Tailoring Marketing Strategies to Different Businesses

42:45 The Value of Professional Marketing Help

44:58 Diverse Clientele and Industry Experience

49:45 The Core Promise of Integrity in Marketing

54:02 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Set the stage for an amazing new year with the Self First Framework.

https://calendly.com/jesse04/self-first-webinar

Download a PDF copy of Becoming the Promise You are Intended to Be
https://www.depthbuilder.com/books

In this episode of the Learnings and Missteps podcast, Jesse reconnects with Megan Shapiro, an accomplished lawyer and repeat guest. They discuss her evolving career and ventures, including launching the Converge Construction Summit and her business coaching initiatives. Megan shares insights on navigating setbacks, growing her network, and intentionally serving her community. With candid stories of her unique branding journey and strategic goals, this episode offers inspiration for professionals looking to leverage their skills and passion for greater impact in their industries.

00:00 Overcoming Setbacks and Learning from Failures

00:18 Introducing the Guest: Megan Shapiro

02:10 The Power of Branding and Personal Style

03:36 Embracing the Pink Blazer: A Branding Journey

06:43 Building a Community and Networking

11:54 The Importance of Tenacity and Resilience

13:09 Creating and Marketing Online Courses

16:41 The Value of Authentic Engagement

21:06 In-Person Networking and Building Relationships

26:20 Exploring New Ventures: Do It Like a Lawyer

31:15 From Conversation to Workshop

31:44 The Make Your Case Workshop

32:29 Challenges with Male Audiences

33:14 Success with Women-Focused Workshops

34:08 Resilience and Rejection

35:41 Expanding Influence and Impact

40:02 Balancing Law and Business

42:43 The Converged Construction Summit

53:47 Future Plans and Intentional Growth

58:23 Final Thoughts and Reflections

Set the stage for an amazing new year with the Self First Framework.

https://calendly.com/jesse04/self-first-webinar

Download a PDF copy of Becoming the Promise You are Intended to Be
https://www.depthbuilder.com/books

Ever feel overwhelmed by your to-do list? That sensation of drowning in tasks while your most important work gets pushed aside? You're not alone—and there's a solution hiding in plain sight.

In this eye-opening episode, Jesse breaks down a deceptively simple framework for identifying exactly which tasks in your life and business should be automated or outsourced. Using a visual "bucket and drops" system, you'll discover how to categorize your work, break large responsibilities into manageable components, and analyze frequency patterns to make strategic delegation decisions.

What makes this approach different isn't just the practical methodology, but Jesse's candid acknowledgment of the real barrier most professionals face: "The solution for getting comfortable with the idea of outsourcing or automating is reps." He shares personal examples from his own podcast production journey, revealing how he transitioned from doing everything himself to focusing solely on the interviews while delegating all other aspects to his team.

The brilliance of this system lies in its scalability. Whether you're considering hiring your first virtual assistant or looking to reclaim hours each week through strategic automation, this framework provides a clear path forward. Jesse offers specific tactics for getting started, including how to use AI tools to identify automation opportunities and how to begin with lower-risk monthly tasks if you're hesitant about letting go.

Ready to stop doing work that others could handle better? Want to invest more time in developing your unique gifts? This episode delivers the practical roadmap you need to make it happen. Listen now and take the first step toward working smarter, not harder.

Check out the Video for all the details

Learn all about the Self First Framework

Revolutionize your Routine with the Daily Domination Board

Set the stage for an amazing new year with the Self First Framework.

https://calendly.com/jesse04/self-first-webinar

Download a PDF copy of Becoming the Promise You are Intended to Be
https://www.depthbuilder.com/books

In this episode of the Learnings and Missteps podcast, host Jesse interviews Joseph Richards, the owner and chief takeoff officer at Flooring Takeoffs. Joseph discusses his unique career path, transitioning from an English teacher to a business owner, and the challenges he faced along the way. He talks about the importance of transparency, learning from mistakes, and the role of AI in the estimating world. The discussion also delves into the value of social media in growing a business, the significance of transferable skills, and the necessity of being able to delegate tasks in order to scale effectively.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview

02:46 Joseph Richards' Journey to Flooring Takeoffs

05:07 Challenges and Learning in the Estimating World

15:18 Starting a Business: Support and Initial Steps

20:31 Delegation and Scaling the Business

28:30 Finding the Right Clients and Staying in Your Lane

34:32 The Struggles and Cycles of Editing

36:30 Teaching vs. Creating: Finding the Balance

39:12 The Importance of Social Media Presence

47:41 Navigating AI in Estimation

56:52 Joseph Richards' Services and Insights

01:00:29 The Promise You Are Intended to Be

Set the stage for an amazing new year with the Self First Framework.

https://calendly.com/jesse04/self-first-webinar

Download a PDF copy of Becoming the Promise You are Intended to Be
https://www.depthbuilder.com/books

In this episode of the Learnings and Missteps podcast, host Jesse engages with Dr. Alejandra Rodriguez-Mielke, an expert in talent development and organizational analysis, who offers insights on cultural competence and adaptability. Dr. Alejandra shares her journey from Monterey, Mexico, to the United States, highlighting the importance of learning and teaching throughout her career. She emphasizes the significance of interpersonal skills, understanding cultural scripts, and being respectfully curious to thrive in diverse workplaces. This enlightening discussion delves into how cultural awareness can impact workplace dynamics, especially in safety, and offers valuable advice for young professionals seeking growth. Tune in to gain practical tips on overcoming fear, embracing flexibility, and fostering meaningful connections at work.

Connect with Alejandra: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alejandramielke/

00:00 Introduction and Adapting to Change

00:44 Meet Dr. Alejandra Rodriguez Mielke

02:43 The Power of Curiosity and Action

04:52 Organizational Analysis and Human Dynamics

15:04 Challenges in Leadership and Management

29:10 Cultural Competence and Personal Growth

32:30 From Teen Dreams to Professional Realities

33:08 Embracing Human Connections Beyond Credentials

34:04 Understanding and Developing Cultural Competence

36:03 Cultural Differences and Workplace Safety

37:40 Respectful Curiosity and Cultural Cruise Control

39:08 Personal Stories of Cultural Cruise Control

47:13 The Courage to Connect and Overcome Rejection

53:38 Final Thoughts and How to Connect with Dr. Alejandra

Set the stage for an amazing new year with the Self First Framework.

https://calendly.com/jesse04/self-first-webinar

Download a PDF copy of Becoming the Promise You are Intended to Be
https://www.depthbuilder.com/books

The Guilt-Free Future Planning method helps prioritize personal goals that consistently get pushed aside when we're busy making things happen for everyone else. This three-step process—Brain Dump, DAMN Matrix, and Walking the Plank—creates a framework for getting your goals out of your head, prioritizing them, and committing to action.

• Brain Dump: List all your goals in three categories—business/professional growth, personal growth, and meaningful connections
• Focus only on what YOU want, not what others expect of you
• DAMN Matrix: Prioritize goals based on impact (high/low) and effort (high/low)
• Start with high impact/low effort goals to build momentum
• Walking the Plank: Commit to goals one at a time in priority order
• Block time in your calendar specifically for your personal goals
• This method is part of a larger Self-First Time Mastery approach
• Momentum matters more than completion—just start making progress

If you want to try this method, download the template using the link provided. For those who prefer learning with community, sign up for the full Self-First Time Mastery workshop where we'll cover guilt-free future planning, strategically selfish scheduling, and daily domination.

Check out the Video Demonstration on YouTube: https://youtu.be/EXj7NpfBpzo

Download a PDF copy of Becoming the Promise You are Intended to Be
https://www.depthbuilder.com/books

In this insightful episode of the Learnings and Missteps podcast, host Jesse interviews Kabri Luhrman Schmid, a nationally recognized construction influencer and project superintendent at Hensel Phelps. Kabri shares her 18-year journey in the construction industry, focusing on complex projects and redefining leadership. The conversation delves into her approach to jobsite leadership, emphasizing the importance of creating environments where workers feel valued and empowered to contribute. Kabri discusses the concept of psychological safety, the role of effective communication, and the impact of building trust within teams. She also touches on the challenges and rewards of being a change agent in a traditionally rigid industry. Throughout the episode, Kabri's authentic passion for people and process improvement shines through, making this a must-listen for anyone in the construction field.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest

02:32 Diving into Job Site Leadership

04:11 Personal Experiences and Leadership Style

06:59 Challenges and Consensus Building

10:55 Impact of Leadership on Job Sites

11:07 Listener Shoutout and Feedback

12:45 Early Career Lessons and Mentorship

14:27 The Importance of Listening and Learning

21:12 Creating a Learning Environment on Job Sites

27:31 The Value of Human-Centric Leadership

30:12 The Impact of Long-Term Industry Experience

30:41 Championing Mental Health and Wellbeing in Construction

32:00 Building Relationships and Overcoming Friction

32:53 The Power of Small Actions in Creating Change

34:09 Navigating Leadership and Performance Evaluations

47:06 The Importance of Psychological Safety

52:58 Authentic Leadership and Industry Recognition

57:41 Final Thoughts and Connecting with the Audience

Set the stage for an amazing new year with the Self First Framework.

https://calendly.com/jesse04/self-first-webinar

Download a PDF copy of Becoming the Promise You are Intended to Be
https://www.depthbuilder.com/books

In this episode of the Learnings and Missteps podcast, Jesse revisits a conversation with Heather Jones of Archer Estimation and Consulting. Heather shares her insights on battling estimator burnout and stress, her journey to starting a business with her husband, Jake, and their lifestyle as digital nomads. They discuss the impact of traveling on reducing work stress, the importance of learning the local language, and how they manage their business on the go. Heather emphasizes the need for personal growth to better serve others and hints at unique approaches to improving the construction industry.

00:00 Introduction

01:01 Meet Ms. Heather Jones

02:47 The Journey to Lima, Peru

05:13 Starting Archer Estimation and Consulting

06:34 Becoming Digital Nomads

08:49 Learning and Adapting Abroad

12:33 Tips for Traveling and Language Barriers

12:55 Shoutout and Time Management Workshop

15:46 Stress and Burnout in Estimating

17:06 Balancing Work and Travel

18:29 Roles and Responsibilities in the Business

22:48 Challenges in the Estimating Industry

32:25 Incentive Structures and Project Performance

34:33 Starting a Business: The Cheat Code

36:35 The Importance of Personal Touch in Business

43:40 Balancing Work and Personal Life

56:07 The Ripple Effect of Positive Change

01:02:26 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Set the stage for an amazing new year with the Self First Framework.

https://calendly.com/jesse04/self-first-webinar

Download a PDF copy of Becoming the Promise You are Intended to Be
https://www.depthbuilder.com/books