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.

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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 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].

In episode 464, host Bradley Hartmann shares a personal story about his attempts to sell an executive of a multi-billion-dollar company on a new idea. It’s a story about persuasion, business development, and entrepreneurial resilience. Hartmann shares his journey of launching a startup after the great recession, including details about his struggle to build a business.

The episode provides listeners with an intimate look at the challenges of entrepreneurship, including financial pressures and the complex process of selling to large organizations.

Hartmann describes his arduous six-month journey to secure a meeting with a high-level executive at an ENR 50 construction firm, highlighting the persistence required in sales and business growth.

For listeners, particularly those in sales, leadership, or entrepreneurship, the episode offers insights into:

•Navigating corporate sales processes

•Maintaining motivation during challenging business periods

•The importance of personal resilience

•Strategies for pitching and persuading decision-makers

 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].

Episode 463 features the expert builder panel from the 6th Annual Sales Fundamentals Workshop held in April 2025 in Fort Worth. The panel features industry leaders Brent Hull of Hull Millwork, Matthew Schmidt of PulteGroup, Bobby Krueger of The Krueger Group and MAVREK Development, Nathan Marsh of V&M Development, Jose Berlanga of Tricon Homes, and Dennis Casey of Cassity Jones Lumber Co.

The panel discusses sales strategies, overcoming challenges in construction, and improving customer relationships in the industry. Special highlights include stories of persistence, the importance of knowing your product and customer, and practical tips on adding value without being pushy.

Don't miss the valuable insights and actionable advice from seasoned professionals.

00:55:: Meet the Panelists

02:40:: Sales Strategies and Challenges

04:32:: The Importance of Persistence and Referrals

07:37:: Understanding Builder Needs and Expectations

13:11:: Mentorship and Continuous Learning

15:27:: Proactive Customer Service and Relationship Building

21:13:: Supplier Loyalty and Switching Factors

32:11:: Conclusion and Upcoming Opportunities

 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 462, Dr. Matthew Reyes takes over as host to explore the University of Oklahoma's specialized MBA program tailored for construction professionals. Dr. Reyes and guest Bradley Hartmann discuss the origins of the program, challenges faced, and curriculum designed to build stronger leaders in the construction industry.

Reyes and Hartmann delve into the importance of leadership training, communication skills, and decision-making tools like the 'inversion booklet' and 'Better Decisions App'. The episode emphasizes the need for practical, experience-based learning and the potential for continuous improvement in leadership abilities.

02:22 Curriculum Development and Industry Needs

04:21 Bradley's Involvement and Course Design

07:40 Leadership Training and Mental Models

13:11 Case Studies and Student Engagement

16:03 Leadership Definitions and Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

20:46 Tools for Leadership Development

28:38 Decision-Making and Predictive Tools

33:01 Behavioral Economics and Leadership

35:42 Conclusion and Future Iterations

 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].