The Builder Upper Show

Kevin Ellertson, President of Limitless Property Works, shares his incredible journey from growing up in a family of house flippers to navigating the Great Recession and a serious injury, which eventually led him to start his own construction company. Tune in to hear how Kevin transitioned from doing odd jobs and roto-tilling gardens during the COVID-19 pandemic to scaling a successful commercial general contracting firm. He discusses key insights into marketing, the importance of communication, and utilizing technology like AI to grow his business.

In this episode of the Builder Upper Show, host Lou Perez welcomes John Wiley, CEO of Mangieri Electric. John shares his journey from starting in construction as a teenager to becoming a strategic advisor for private equity and a national brand ambassador for Think Realty. He dives deep into the importance of having an exit strategy for businesses, leveraging technology for scaling, and the value of building strong team relationships. John also highlights his experiences with various projects, including flipping a shopping center, repurposing a hospital, and managing a $60 million fund for single-family residences. This episode is packed with insights for anyone in the construction industry looking to scale their business and plan for the future.

Brian Keller discusses QBC's focus on multi-family projects and their dedication to improving the employee experience in the construction industry. He talks about his personal start in construction, the story behind QBC, and their unique approach to recruit and mentor young talent through local school programs and apprenticeships. Brian also highlights the importance of leadership development, the integration of new technologies like AI and time tracking apps, and offers valuable advice for budding construction business owners. Tune in to hear insights on how to innovate and transform your construction business from a seasoned expert.

Jeff Makey, founder of cLearn Training, shares his journey from construction work to becoming a leader in training and consultation. In this conversation, Jeff dives deep into the workforce challenges facing the trades, the importance of emotional engagement and mutual growth in training, and practical strategies for attracting and retaining talent in a shrinking labor pool. He also discusses how cLearn’s programs go beyond standard operating procedures to build company culture and vision, and explores the evolving role of technology and AI in construction training. Whether you’re a contractor, project manager, or industry leader, you’ll gain actionable insights on workforce development, upskilling, and creating effective training that sticks.

Salina Patel shares her journey into the construction software industry and provides expert advice on identifying the right time to invest in new ERP software. Learn about the red flags indicating outdated systems and the hidden costs they carry. Selena also discusses emerging trends like AI that are set to transform the construction industry. Don't miss her tips on what to consider when selecting new ERP software and how to ensure it aligns with your business needs.

In this She Builds Nation special episode, Coty Fournier, shares her inspiring journey from construction management student to senior executive and founder of a successful company. Listen as Coty discusses the seven qualities that propelled her career, her discovery of a passion for the construction industry, and her superpower of teaching and mentorship. Gain valuable insights on overcoming challenges in the industry as a woman in construction, and discover emerging trends that will shape the future of construction. Don't miss Coty's advice on maximizing field experience and the importance of bridging the gap between the office and the field.

In this She Builds Nation special episode, Irene Garcia shares her unique career path from an electrical apprentice to a project manager of a 60-story high rise, and how her experiences led to her founding a successful women in construction coaching business. Irene offers invaluable insights into overcoming challenges, building relationships, and leveraging opportunities for women in construction. Tune in to learn about emerging industry trends, essential career advice, and the steps to empower women in this dynamic field.

In this She Builds Nation special episode, Michele Heyward, founder and CEO of PositiveHire, shares her journey from being a civil engineer to creating more inclusive workplaces for women of color in STEM. Michele discusses her experiences as the only black woman on job sites during her 12-year career in construction, highlighting the challenges she faced and the lack of diversity in the industry. She emphasizes the importance of moving beyond surface-level diversity efforts by focusing on cultural change within organizations. Michele also provides insights on how women of color in STEM can advocate for themselves, such as leveraging Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and finding sponsors who can support career advancement. Her mission with Positive Hire is to address these systemic issues and foster more equitable environments in STEM fields.

In this She Builds Nation Special episode, we talk to Andrea Janssen, a certified executive coach, founder and CEO of Ambition Theory, and host of the "Ambition Theory Women in Construction" podcast. Andrea shares her journey from career coach to construction industry leadership expert, despite having no prior construction background. She discusses the critical distinction between mentorship and sponsorship, common obstacles women face in male-dominated sectors, and the importance of transformational leadership in today's construction industry. Andrea's unique perspective as someone who learned construction through helping women advance into leadership positions allows her to coach differently, focusing on transformational approaches that yield exponential rather than incremental growth.

A multifaceted professional with a background in welding, construction, and advocacy for women in trades, Demi Knight Clark discusses her career path, the influence of her trailblazing grandmother (one of the first female Marines and Rosie the Riveter during World War Two), and the challenges and innovations in the construction industry. From founding 'She Built This City' to promoting workforce development and engaging young girls in STEM, Demi's story is one of resilience, innovation, and empowerment. Tune in as she shares valuable insights on fostering diversity in male-dominated fields and the importance of sponsors over mentors for women aiming to break into these industries.