Is your team resistant to change—coasting instead of attacking as you lead the team toward continuous improvement? 

Here’s what Major League Baseball’s Detroit Tigers can teach you about reversing the trend and building a high-performance identity.

This episode breaks down a surprising performance turnaround from one of the slowest teams in all of baseball—and shows how the same mindset shift, when applied to construction leadership, can reduce confusion, increase accountability, and build elite teams that consistently deliver.

In this episode, you will discover how to:

• Apply a simple 4-step framework to lower resistance and create lasting change in your construction teams
• Communicate why attitude and effort outperform raw skill when backed by the right metric
• Shift your team’s identity through daily habits and leadership clarity

If you want to eliminate firefighting, reduce confusion, and lead with more control, hit play now and learn how to drive measurable change—fast.

 This episode is brought to you by The Simple Sales Pipeline® —the most efficient way to organize and value any construction sales rep's roster of customers and prospects in under 30 minutes once every 30 days.

***

If you enjoyed this podcast, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Your feedback will help us on our mission to bring the construction community closer together.

If you have suggestions for improvements, topics you'd like the show to explore, or have recommendations for future guests, do not hesitate to contact us directly at [email protected].

Ever feel like your team knows what’s expected—but still falls short, time and again?

If you're a construction leader tired of repeating yourself, dealing with resistance to change, and constantly putting out fires, it may not be a people problem—it might be a standards problem. 

This episode reveals how vague expectations are undermining performance, and what to do about it.

In this episode featuring host Bradley Hartmann and his 13-year-old son who is a catcher, you will:

• Discover how clear, documented standards can radically improve accountability without micromanagement.
• Learn a simple tool you can apply immediately to boost team performance.
• Hear a relatable story that reframes how leadership standards can transform not just teams—but relationships.

Listen now to uncover the power of clear standards and how to use them to coach, lead, and build elite construction teams—without the firefighting.

 This episode is brought to you by The Simple Sales Pipeline® —the most efficient way to organize and value any construction sales rep's roster of customers and prospects in under 30 minutes once every 30 days.

***

If you enjoyed this podcast, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Your feedback will help us on our mission to bring the construction community closer together.

If you have suggestions for improvements, topics you'd like the show to explore, or have recommendations for future guests, do not hesitate to contact us directly at [email protected].

Do you know which of your leadership decisions will pay off—and which are quietly setting you up for delays, cost overruns, or missed opportunities?

In this episode, you’ll learn how legendary Orioles manager Earl Weaver built a career on outthinking his opponents—thanks to lessons learned from his mob-connected bookie, Uncle Bud. We’ll break down how these same probabilistic thinking skills can transform how you lead construction projects, forecast challenges, and guide your team to consistently win.

By listening, you’ll discover:

• The 4 components of a great prediction and why they matter more than gut instinct.
• How to measure and improve your decision-making accuracy over time.
• A free tool you can start using today to see problems before they happen and lead with more confidence.

Hit play now and learn how to make sharper predictions, improve your leadership accuracy, and keep your projects on time and under budget.

 This episode is brought to you by The Simple Sales Pipeline® —the most efficient way to organize and value any construction sales rep's roster of customers and prospects in under 30 minutes once every 30 days.

***

If you enjoyed this podcast, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Your feedback will help us on our mission to bring the construction community closer together.

If you have suggestions for improvements, topics you'd like the show to explore, or have recommendations for future guests, do not hesitate to contact us directly at [email protected].

In this episode of the Construction Leadership Podcast, host Bradley Hartmann asks a powerful question: Are you thinking too small? He’s joined by Christy Avalos, founder of Accessology and visionary behind Bethel Cannon Ranch in Whitewright, Texas—a one-of-a-kind, 83-acre social enterprise blending accessibility, healing, and community impact. From Highland cows and reindeer rentals to vocational training and paid transitional jobs for veterans, formerly incarcerated individuals, and those recovering from addiction, Christy’s vision is as bold as it is inspiring.

Together, they explore how business, compassion, and big thinking can intersect to create lasting change. If you've ever questioned the limits of your ambition—or how to turn purpose into action—this episode is for you.

Tune in for a lively, heartwarming, and thought-provoking conversation that just might expand your own vision.

 This episode is brought to you by The Simple Sales Pipeline® —the most efficient way to organize and value any construction sales rep's roster of customers and prospects in under 30 minutes once every 30 days.

***

If you enjoyed this podcast, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Your feedback will help us on our mission to bring the construction community closer together.

If you have suggestions for improvements, topics you'd like the show to explore, or have recommendations for future guests, do not hesitate to contact us directly at [email protected].

In episode 470 of The Construction Leadership Podcast, host Bradley Hartmann explores a powerful shift in how companies can better support young talent through meaningful relationships—by prioritizing partnerships over mentorships. Sparked by a client’s initiative to launch a formal mentorship program, Bradley reflects on why many such programs often fail despite good intentions. Drawing on real-world insights from companies across the industry, he uncovers common pitfalls in “corporate force-feeding” of mentorship and instead champions a more organic, thoughtful approach.

Through candid storytelling and practical advice, this episode highlights how companies can create authentic connections between new hires and seasoned professionals that drive lasting impact.

If your team is thinking about building a mentorship program—or wondering why a past one didn’t succeed—this episode offers the clarity and strategy you need to rethink your approach.

Thank you for listening!

 This episode is brought to you by The Simple Sales Pipeline® —the most efficient way to organize and value any construction sales rep's roster of customers and prospects in under 30 minutes once every 30 days.

***

If you enjoyed this podcast, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Your feedback will help us on our mission to bring the construction community closer together.

If you have suggestions for improvements, topics you'd like the show to explore, or have recommendations for future guests, do not hesitate to contact us directly at [email protected].

In episode 469 of the Construction Leadership Podcast, host Bradley Hartmann shares insights on leading with poise based on the advice of Nick Murray. Nick Murray, the tribal elder among leading financial advisors, hails from outside the construction industry, yet his leadership advice is rooted in the tendencies of human nature that affect us all. Murray emphasizes emotional control, trusting thoughtful long-term plans, and viewing equity investments as company ownership rather than mere stocks.

The episode remarks on the “full-blown investor panic” that consumed the first half of 2025 and invokes the wisdom of Rudyard Kipling's poem “If,” as well, underscoring the importance of maintaining composure and empathy as leaders.

Thank you for listening!

 This episode is brought to you by The Simple Sales Pipeline® —the most efficient way to organize and value any construction sales rep's roster of customers and prospects in under 30 minutes once every 30 days.

***

If you enjoyed this podcast, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Your feedback will help us on our mission to bring the construction community closer together.

If you have suggestions for improvements, topics you'd like the show to explore, or have recommendations for future guests, do not hesitate to contact us directly at [email protected].

This podcast episode explores the leadership lessons of Vice Admiral Horatio Nelson, drawing parallels between his naval strategies and modern business leadership. Host Bradley Hartmann and guest Paul Redwood discuss Nelson's innovative tactics, courage, and ability to lead from the front during the Battle of Trafalgar.

The episode emphasizes Nelson's key leadership traits: technical mastery, willingness to take risks, and trust in his team.

For listeners, particularly those in sales and leadership roles, the podcast offers actionable insights on navigating uncertain economic times. The main takeaways include:

•Developing a clear, consistent organizational narrative

•Leading by example, from the front

•Being innovative and adaptable

•Engaging directly with challenges rather than avoiding them

•Trusting and empowering team members

The episode uses Nelson's maritime leadership as a metaphor for modern business challenges, encouraging leaders to be proactive, strategic, and courageous in their approach to competition and market uncertainties.

Thank you for listening!

 This episode is brought to you by The Simple Sales Pipeline® —the most efficient way to organize and value any construction sales rep's roster of customers and prospects in under 30 minutes once every 30 days.

***

If you enjoyed this podcast, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Your feedback will help us on our mission to bring the construction community closer together.

If you have suggestions for improvements, topics you'd like the show to explore, or have recommendations for future guests, do not hesitate to contact us directly at [email protected].

In episode 467, we flash back to December of 2021 to revisit the life and leadership philosophy of American war hero and former Vice Presidential candidate Admiral James Stockdale. The episode focuses on his experiences as a prisoner of war in Vietnam and his stoic approach to surviving extreme adversity. Hartmann delves into Stockdale's key influences, particularly the philosophical work "The Enchiridion" by Epictetus, which emphasizes controlling one's emotions and focusing on what's within one's power.

The episode offers listeners practical insights into:

•Maintaining mental resilience during challenging times

•Understanding the Stockdale Paradox

•Developing emotional control and personal responsibility

Listeners will gain valuable leadership lessons about:

•Distinguishing between what you can and cannot control

•Maintaining dignity and strength under extreme pressure

•The importance of mental fortitude in overcoming obstacles

 This episode is brought to you by The Simple Sales Pipeline® —the most efficient way to organize and value any construction sales rep's roster of customers and prospects in under 30 minutes once every 30 days.

***

If you enjoyed this podcast, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Your feedback will help us on our mission to bring the construction community closer together.

If you have suggestions for improvements, topics you'd like the show to explore, or have recommendations for future guests, do not hesitate to contact us directly at [email protected].

In episode 466 of the Construction Leadership Podcast, host Bradley Hartmann delves into John W. Miller’s new book, 'The Last Manager: How Earl Weaver Tricked, Tormented, and Reinvented Baseball.' Hartmann explains why this is the best leadership book he’s read in the past two years, highlighting Weaver's innovative use of analytics and his unique leadership style that led to his success as the manager of the Baltimore Orioles.

Miller, a journalist, high school baseball coach, and former scout with the Baltimore Orioles, discusses the intricate layers of Weaver's character, his paradoxical leadership traits, and his impact on players and the game. Key topics include the evolution of baseball management, Earl Weaver’s dark and light sides, and actionable leadership insights for listeners from Weaver's story.

 This episode is brought to you by The Simple Sales Pipeline® —the most efficient way to organize and value any construction sales rep's roster of customers and prospects in under 30 minutes once every 30 days.

***

If you enjoyed this podcast, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Your feedback will help us on our mission to bring the construction community closer together.

If you have suggestions for improvements, topics you'd like the show to explore, or have recommendations for future guests, do not hesitate to contact us directly at [email protected].

In episode 465 of the Construction Leadership Podcast, host Bradley Hartman meets up with Chad Raymond, Division Director of the Henry Company. They discuss fostering innovation, team growth, and effective leadership.

Listeners will learn actionable strategies to enhance their teams' innovativeness, including the importance of keeping an open mind, utilizing a victory log, and fostering proactive habits.

Chad shares his experiences and insights on balancing reactive and proactive tasks, encouraging innovation through structured brainstorming, and the significance of clarity in leadership goals. They also delve into maintaining thoughtfulness and generosity in personal and professional interactions.

03:59 The Importance of Changing Your Mind

08:49 Encouraging Innovation in Teams

14:36 Thoughtfulness, Generosity, and Specificity

16:12 The Power of Walking and Self-Reflection

22:21 Clarity and Communication in Leadership

25:40 Building Confidence and Overcoming Fear

28:05 Setting and Achieving Big Goals

 This episode is brought to you by The Simple Sales Pipeline® —the most efficient way to organize and value any construction sales rep's roster of customers and prospects in under 30 minutes once every 30 days.

***

If you enjoyed this podcast, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Your feedback will help us on our mission to bring the construction community closer together.

If you have suggestions for improvements, topics you'd like the show to explore, or have recommendations for future guests, do not hesitate to contact us directly at [email protected].