The NEXT Academy

In this episode of The Builder's Bookshelf, we unpack Ron Shaich’s Know What Matters and explore how construction leaders can stop confusing busyness with progress by telling themselves the truth, identifying what actually matters, and acting on it with intention. You’ll learn how future-back thinking, smart bets, and honest priorities can help you build not just a stronger company, but a life and career you’ll respect when you look back.

Enjoy Episode 16 and #BeNEXT

In this episode of The Builder's Bookshelf, we break down The Founder’s Mentality and explore why so many growing construction companies lose the very edge that made them successful in the first place—speed, clarity, and obsession with the front line. You’ll learn how to protect an insurgent mission, stay close to the field, and build an owner’s mindset so your company can grow without becoming slow, bloated, and forgettable.

Enjoy Episode 15 and #BeNEXT

In this episode of The Builder's Bookshelf, we break down Daniel Pink’s Drive and translate autonomy, mastery, and purpose into the jobsite—where “carrots and sticks” might get compliance, but rarely get commitment. You’ll learn how to motivate construction teams without micromanaging, build pride in craft, and create a culture where people bring their brains to work, not just their bodies.

Enjoy Episode 14 and #BeNEXT

In this episode of The Builder's Bookshelf, we break down Move Fast and Fix Things and translate its “trusted leader” playbook into the jobsite—where speed is often demanded, but trust and clarity are the real fuel. You’ll learn how to fix the system (not blame the people), build psychological safety so bad news travels fast, and create faster, cleaner execution without breaking your team.

Enjoy Episode 13 and #BeNEXT

In this episode of The Builder's Bookshelf, we break down Leadership on the Line and explore why leading real change is dangerous—because it threatens people’s habits, identities, and comfort, not just their to-do list. You’ll learn how to “get on the balcony,” manage the heat, give the work back to the team, and stay steady long enough for adaptive change to actually stick.

Enjoy Episode 12 and #BeNEXT

In this episode of The Builder's Bookshelf, we break down Adam Grant’s Think Again and translate the “scientist mindset” into the real world of construction—where strong opinions, jobsite folklore, and ego can quietly cost you time, money, and trust. You’ll learn how to rethink faster, argue less, learn more, and become the kind of leader who stays adaptable, sharp, and dangerous in a changing industry.

Enjoy Episode 11 and #BeNEXT

In this episode of The Builder's Bookshelf, we break down The Outsiders and explore how eight low-ego, radically rational CEOs built extraordinary results by mastering the unsexy skill that actually drives long-term success: capital allocation. You’ll learn how to think like an owner, avoid “growth for growth’s sake,” and make calmer, smarter decisions about where your time, money, and attention should go—on projects and in business.

Enjoy Episode 10 and #BeNEXT

In this episode of The Builder's Bookshelf, we unpack Michael Watkins’ The First 90 Days and turn it into a practical game plan for stepping into a new role in construction—whether you’re a first-time PM, a new superintendent, or taking over a tough project. You’ll learn how to accelerate your learning, secure early wins, align with your boss and stakeholders, and treat your first three months like critical path for your leadership career.

Enjoy Episode 9 and #BeNEXT

In this episode of The Builder's Bookshelf, we unpack Jocko Willink and Leif Babin’s Extreme Ownership and translate its combat-tested leadership lessons directly onto the jobsite—where excuses are common, stakes are high, and results are visible in concrete and steel. You’ll learn how taking radical responsibility for schedule, safety, quality, and communication can transform you from a finger-pointer into the kind of leader people trust, follow, and willingly go the extra mile for.

Enjoy Episode 8 and #BeNEXT

In this episode of The Builder's Bookshelf, we unpack Jim Collins’ Good to Great and translate its biggest ideas into the world of construction—Level 5 leadership, getting the right people on the bus, finding your “Hedgehog,” and pushing the flywheel project after project. You’ll learn how disciplined people, disciplined thought, and disciplined action can transform a “good contractor” into the firm everyone else is quietly chasing.

Enjoy Episode 7 and #BeNEXT