The Construction Leadership Podcast with Bradley Hartmann

In episode 423, host Bradley Hartmann sits down with Bret Martz (VP - North American Professional Sales) of Trex and Chris Gerhard (Executive VP) of Specialty Building Products .

Bret and Chris share insights on the collaboration efforts between a manufacturer and a distributor that enable increased value to the dealer and their contractor customers. Their discussion touches on innovation, training and education, digital selling tools, and methods for assisting their independent dealer partners.

The conversation also delves into leadership lessons, with Martz and Gerhard sharing insights on empowering employees, learning from mistakes, and building a cohesive culture across the supply chain. They highlight the importance of clear communication, transparency, and a shared vision for serving contractors and homeowners.

 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.

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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 422, host Bradley Hartmann takes you on a journey from the Pacific Northwest to Kobe, Japan as he shares the incredible true story (with some fictional dialogue added for your listening pleasure!) of one of the most iconic companies of all time. The story reveals the two methods in which humans develop trust: task-based and relationship-based. While we talk about the construction industry being a “relationship business,” the truth is relationships actually come second in our Uncle Sam-style American culture.

To bridge the story with real-world application, Blake Hancock, CEO of Binswanger Glass, joins the show in the second half of the episode. Blake discusses his experiences working with teams from different cultural backgrounds and the importance of building trust and creating a comfortable work environment. He shares stories of his time living in China and the lessons he learned about effective communication and expectation-setting. Hancock emphasizes the value of open communication, continuous improvement, and the importance of getting all ideas on the table.

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].

Paul Robinson, founder of ConstructReach, discusses his passion for helping young people find opportunities in the construction industry. He emphasizes the need for equitable and inclusive practices in attracting and retaining diverse talent. Paul also shares his experience of working with his wife in the business and the importance of communication and intentionality. He highlights the value of his iReach podcast in creating a platform for industry professionals to share their stories and insights.

Chapters

02:59 :: The Power of Storytelling and Human Connection in Leadership

09:01 :: Transitioning from a Production Mindset to a Multiplication Mindset

14:15 :: Creating a Talent Profile and Hiring for Culture

29:42 :: Prioritizing Talent Acquisition and Retention

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 420, host Bradley Hartmann weaves together three captivating stories with valuable leadership lessons. First, he introduces Teddy Riner, the legendary Judoka who openly struggles with self-doubt despite his unparalleled success. Riner's vulnerability inspires reflection on overcoming imposter syndrome.

Free Account / Paywall: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5677073/2024/08/02/teddy riner-olympic-judo-gold-medal-france/? utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=twhq&source=twitterhq

Next, Hartmann explores the (supposed) cautionary tale of Ron Wayne, one of Apple's co-founders who sold his 10 percent stake for $800, now worth $320 billion. This story prompts discussion on defining "enough" and the potential pitfalls of chasing wealth.

Finally, Hartmann delves into the downfall of a successful Sriracha sauce partnership, using it to illustrate the importance of proactive negotiation planning. By considering best and worst-case scenarios, partners can avoid devastating business breakdowns. Through these diverse narratives, Hartmann offers listeners valuable insights on leadership, decision-making, and the human experience of extraordinary achievement. This episode challenges listeners to embrace self-doubt, reframe success, and prioritize relationship-building in business.

Paywall: https://fortune.com/2024/01/30/sriracha-shortage-huy-fong-foods-tabasco underwood-ranches/

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 419, Jon Vaughan returns to the show to examine leadership and culture building through the lens of sport—specifically, the head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Mike Tomlin. Before the 2022 season began, Tomlin joined the The Pivot Podcast, featuring former NFL stars/hosts, Ryan Clark, Fred Taylor and Channing Crowder. It was this interview that both Jon Vaughn and Hartmann agreed was a leadership masterclass that explains how Tomlin has never had a losing season in 17years leading the Steelers, not to mention the pair of Super Bowls he’s won as well.

Vaughn highlights Tomlin's focus on helping players achieve their dreams and the importance of setting clear expectations. Jon also discusses the fundamental attribution error and the danger of seeking comfort in leadership. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the importance of effective leadership and creating a culture that allows individuals to be their authentic selves.

The episode concludes by honoring the memory of John Ruhlin, a friend and mentor who taught them the power of gifting and building enduring relationships.

Chapters

02:11 :: Pete Rose documentary and Banditry v. Stupidity

08:35 :: Introducing Mike Tomlin

10:06 :: “The Standard is the Standard”

12:30 :: Tomlin's Leadership Style

16:38 :: Leader’s job is helping others achieve their dreams

19:36 :: Pitfalls of seeking comfort in leadership

30:12 :: Building a culture of authenticity

42:54 :: Power of vulnerability and intimacy

43:21 :: Upside of catchphrases

51:05 :: Honoring the Memory of John Ruhlin

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 conversation, Chelsea Zuccato, a sales manager at Patrick Lumber Company, discusses various topics related to leadership and sales. She shares her favorite leadership movie, offers insights on finding niche markets, and offer actionable advice on increasing delegation as leader. Chelsea also emphasizes the value of taking risks, learning from failures, and how the core values at Patrick are reflected in her everyday behavior. Hartmann and Zuccato wrap up the episode discussing her involvement in the North American Forest Foundation and the impact of her podcast, Lumber Slingers.

Chapters

06:06 Finding Your Niche: Building Relationships and Becoming an Expert

09:03 Embracing Risks and Learning from Failures

13:27 Ownership and Accountability: Keys to Success

19:29 The Power of Paying Attention: A Recipe for Sales and Leadership

26:18 Paying Attention and Showing Up

29:07 Managing Time and Delegating Effectively

33:34 The Impact of Podcasting and Consistency

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 417, host Bradley Hartmann discusses the fallacy of "cascading communication" as a leadership metaphor. He argues that while information may cascade down through an organization, behavioral change does not. Using Newton's laws of motion as a framework, Hartmann explains how leaders need to approach communication differently to drive real change. He suggests moving away from a one-time "cascade" of information and instead implementing a persistent "drip campaign" of communication using various platforms and tactics. This includes things like weekly newsletters, personalized video messages, live Q&As, and gamification elements. The goal is to anticipate and overcome the natural human tendency to resist change. Hartmann provides a downloadable checklist of these proven communication strategies for listeners to use in their own organizations. The key is crafting a multi-faceted, multimedia approach rather than relying on a single cascade of information from the top down. This, Hartmann argues, is a more effective way for leaders to drive the behavioral changes they seek.

You can download the PDF template discussed in this podcast at bh&co.com/blog

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 416, Ben Breen of the Project Management Institute (PMI) joins the show from Australia. Ben is the Global Director of Construction at PMI and he discusses his background in international construction and the leadership principles that have guided his career from construction student, builder, consultant, and leader within PMI.

Ben describes how to best learn from mentors around you and why the industry should ditch the phrase “soft skills” for “power skills” to describe the suite of leadership behaviors that include intentional listening, empathy, and servant leadership. Ben closes by detailing the value of the PMI Construction Professional certification (PMI-CP)™.

Project Management Institute (PMI) is the world's leading association for those who consider project, program or portfolio management their profession. Through global advocacy, collaboration, education and research, PMI works to prepare more than three million professionals around the world for the Project Economy: the coming economy in which work, and individuals, are organized around projects

Chapters

01:02 Passion for Construction and Architecture

03:34 Key Leadership Principles

06:27 Making Tough Decisions as a Leader

09:13 Developing Soft Skills in Project Managers

11:27 The Importance of Power Skills

12:45 What Not to Do in Developing Project Managers

14:11 The Role of Zooming In and Out as a Leader

20:22 PMI's Role in the Construction Industry

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 415, Krysta Van Ranst of Building PPL joins The Construction Leadership

Podcast to discuss how to leverage learning and development to build stronger people

that will drive your future growth. Krysta offers insights on when NOT to invest in

leadership training and shares her firm’s proprietary Building PEOPLE model, which

includes providing professional development, employee growth planning, onboarding,

leveraging processes and procedures, and the best methods to engage future hires.

They also discuss the relationship between people and profits and the importance of

balancing both, based on a LinkedIn article by Jon Vaughan, a frequent guest on the

show. Krysta closes the episode with a pair of books recommendations: "The Pursuit of

Excellence” by Ryan Hawk and “Unreasonable Hospitality” by Will Guidara. Thanks you

for listening.

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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 414, HR Huntsman—CEO of Leader's Edge Consulting and Coaching—joins The Construction Leadership Podcast to help leaders and teams become the best version of themselves. HR shares insights on leadership, talent acquisition, and personal growth. He emphasizes the importance of storytelling and the power of human connection in leadership. HR also discusses the need for leaders to transition from a production mindset to a multiplication mindset, empowering their team members and intentionally developing their potential. (And no, HR would not tell Bradley what his initials stand for. Hartmann asked twice.)

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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].