Building Scale

Will Foret, Justin Neagle

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Entrepreneurship
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We interview successful Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) business leaders to learn how they use people, processes, and technology to scale their businesses.

1 Sept

From Estimating to COO: Growth Through Emotional Intelligence with Mike Wood, Jarrett Companies

Mike Wood, COO at Jarrett Companies, shares his journey in the construction industry, highlighting the growth and structuring of the company, including its expansion into full-service MEP and new divisions. He discusses building successful teams, leadership evolution, and fostering self-awareness to avoid burnout. Mike emphasizes the importance of honesty, respect, and trust in leadership, as well as navigating difficult conversations. He outlines the benefits of a double check system, enhancing client relationships, and the significance of clear communication and documentation. The episode also covers investing in technology, such as CRM implementation, and reflects on two decades of business experience.
25 Aug

Global Market Dynamics: The "Concrete" Evidence of Brand Value with Rich Szecsy, Big Town Concrete

Rich Szecsy, CEO of Big Town Concrete, discusses his journey in the concrete industry and the impact of Texas's population growth on concrete consumption. He explores the competitive landscape and benefits of private companies, sharing insights from his experience with mergers and acquisitions (M&A). Using a pizza vs. tacos analogy, Rich explains modern M&A strategies, emphasizing technology and AI. He highlights the importance of mindset, preparation, and economic awareness in selling a business. The episode also covers AI's role in the AEC industry, focusing on labor augmentation and shared data, with advice on embracing risks and valuing field experience.
11 Aug

Driving Positive Accountability: From Blame to Collaboration with Rob Frost, NexGen Contracting

Rob Frost discusses his journey from the military to the construction industry, emphasizing the importance of structured processes in a growing company. He explains the benefits of a self-perform strategy. Rob shares insights on integrating culture with labor partners and the role of vision in strategic planning. He highlights positive accountability and calculating ROI beyond finances, considering risk and efficiency. The episode covers building an operating system to reduce risk, challenges of deploying QMOS, tech investments like Smart Barrel, organizing digital architecture, and offers advice on empathy and people skills.
28 Jul

Interest Rates & Market Moves: Trends in Commodities and Construction with Jeffrey Wagner, AZ Construction and Renovation

Jeff Wagner shares his journey from molecular biology to the construction industry, detailing the growth and evolution of Arizona Construction and Renovation. He highlights the importance of prompt payments to employees and subcontractors, while discussing challenges like client bankruptcy and the impact of COVID-19. Jeff delves into his transition from international to domestic projects and the role of private equity in single-family homes. He explains interest rate futures, diversification into insurance, and the use of futures contracts for lumber. Jeff emphasizes the significance of technology, maintaining happy employees, and offers advice to his younger self.
14 Jul

Hiring For Outcomes: Build Better Teams & Boost Lead Quality with Michael Pruitt, Master's Landscape Design

Mike Pruitt joins the episode to share his journey in the AEC industry and discuss his strategic shift in business growth. He emphasizes the importance of identifying an ideal customer base and how raising the project floor has influenced lead flow. Communication is highlighted as a crucial element in project management, client trust, and satisfaction. Mike delves into the significance of core values in hiring and company culture, advocating for hiring based on outcomes rather than job descriptions. He explores the impact of technology investments, particularly AI, on efficiency and productivity. Reflecting on past experiences, Mike offers advice to his younger self and shares his insights on balancing people, processes, and technology.
7 Jul

Growth Without Compromise: From Bankruptcy to Building Businesses with Brent Garrett, The Skilled Trades Coach

Brent Garrett shares his journey in the trades, discussing early challenges and pivotal lessons from his father. He highlights the importance of sales, strategies for profitability, and the evolution of leadership. Brent emphasizes the risks of stagnation, personal struggles, financial oversight, and building a strong company culture. He explores the "messy middle" growth phase and his investment in technology. Brent also discusses his coaching initiatives, insights from his book, and offers advice to his younger self, stressing the importance of helping others achieve their dreams.
30 Jun

Task-Based Success: Cutting Chaos Through Process Clarity with Heath Robertson, VDC Specialists

Join Heath Robertson as he shares his journey from rock band member to founder of VDC Specialists. Discover how VDC grew from a bedroom startup to a thriving enterprise. Heath discusses challenges in scaling, strategic hiring, and the importance of differentiating field hires from BIM professionals. Explore VDC's training processes, remote work adaptation, and defining good vs. bad BIM. Hear real-life BIM ROI examples and learn about their internal technologies and self-updating training systems. Heath emphasizes adaptability and the dangers of rigid planning.
23 Jun

From Labor to Leadership: Replacing Toxic People and Processes with Grant Christopher, Christopher Equipment

Grant Christopher, owner of Christopher Equipment, joins the episode to discuss his journey in business expansion and leadership. He shares insights on automating the sales process and the transition of ownership from father to son, highlighting the challenges and strategies involved. The episode delves into the implementation of EOS for business structure, managing key person risk, and the importance of documentation and automation. Grant emphasizes the role of technology, utilizing AI for efficiency, and investments like SmartEquip to enhance operations. He reflects on the value of mentors, offers advice to his younger self, and shares his thoughts on balancing people, processes, and technology for business growth.

Trailer

TRAILER - BUILDING SCALE

In this episode, Will and Justin explore the roles of AEC leaders and the importance of people, process, and technology in the industry. They discuss the impact of litigation on business growth, the crucial role of maintenance in construction, and the balance between scaling, profitability, and sustainability. Also, they delve into the effects of changing technology and compare building a business for legacy versus planning for an exit. The episode concludes with an invitation for listener participation.

We interview successful Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) business leaders to learn how they use people, processes, and technology to scale their businesses.

Creator

Will Foret, Justin Neagle
Years Active

2022 - 2026
Episodes

191
Rating

Explicit
Copyright

© Copyright 2026 Building Scale
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