Welcome back to the Top Contractor School Podcast, where contractors come to grow stronger, scale smarter, and build businesses that last.

In this episode, Eric Guy sits down with John Somers, Vice President of Construction & Utility Sector at the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), to unpack where the construction industry is heading—and what contractors need to do to stay ahead. From technology and workforce challenges to leadership, collaboration, and innovation, John shares insight from nearly two decades helping bridge the gap between manufacturers, contractors, and policymakers.

🔥 Inside this episode:

✅ How John went from small-town Wisconsin to leading one of construction's biggest associations

✅ The mission of AEM—and how it connects manufacturers, contractors, and regulators

✅ Key challenges contractors face today: workforce, rising costs, and efficiency

✅ Why data and technology are shaping the next era of construction

✅ Lessons from ConExpo and The Utility Expo—beyond just the machines

✅ How collaboration and education are driving industry innovation

✅ Why relationships and people remain the real foundation of construction

✅ Leadership insights: leading through relationships, not authority

✅ The #1 mistake contractors make when adopting new tech

✅ Why small and mid-size contractors still have massive influence in this industry

If you're serious about leading your business into the future, this conversation will help you see the bigger picture—and give you practical steps to adapt, innovate, and win.

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