In episode 116 of Blue Collar StartUp, Mike and Derek sit down with construction attorney Greg Spaun to break down the legal risks contractors face and why contract details matter just as much as quality work. From “pay if paid” clauses to change orders and paperwork requirements, Greg explains how business owners can protect themselves before problems turn into expensive lawsuits. 

You can find Greg Spaun at wbgllp.com or email him directly at [email protected].

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0:00 Intro and hosts jump in

0:15 Welcome to Blue Collar Start Up

1:05 Business ownership while sick and falling behind

1:49 “Ask the Expert” segment returns

2:06 New show formats: roundtables, Women in Trades, interviews

3:06 Patreon plug and exclusive content breakdown

4:11 Sponsors supporting trade school students

5:16 Guest intro: Greg Spaun joins the show

6:37 Greg explains his construction-law-only firm

8:38 Why delayed/non-payment is so common in construction

11:30 Who Greg represents (subs, GCs, owners, insurers)

16:22 Trust is declining, contracts are protection

17:45 Modified contracts and “turnkey provision” horror story

20:29 Litigation vs prevention: why contractors wait too long

24:15 Negotiating contracts without losing the job

26:23 “Pay if paid” vs “pay when paid” explained

30:17 Keeping up with new laws and joining trade associations

33:37 Biggest lesson: good work isn’t enough without paperwork

37:02 How to contact Greg and closing wrap-up