The Well Built Podcast

Chad Prinkey
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Hosted by Chad Prinkey and Matt Verderamo, The Well Built Podcast delivers unfiltered, high-impact conversations on the most pressing topics in the construction industry. From leadership and business strategy to estimating, hiring, firing, bidding, preconstruction, and relationship management—Chad and Matt bring you practical insights and hard-won lessons from decades of experience. Whether you're a seasoned executive or an emerging leader, this podcast will equip you with the knowledge you need to overcome challenges and drive success.

  1. 1 day ago

    How Contractors Can Add 3 Points of Gross Profit in 12 Months

    What would 3 additional points of gross profit do to your bottom line? More than you might think. In this episode, Chad Prinkey and Matt Verderamo break down the practical levers contractors can pull to improve gross profit without simply chasing more revenue. Using a $100M contractor as an example, moving from 20% to 23% gross profit — while holding revenue and overhead constant — takes pre-tax net profit from $10M to $13M. That’s a 30% increase in net profit from a three-point improvement in GP. The question is: where do those three points come from? Chad and Matt get into the details, including: • Why better estimating-to-operations handoffs can reduce labor overruns • How PMs, superintendents, and foremen should plan work before crews hit the field • Why labor hours must be compared to actual production, not just the labor budget • The danger of throwing more manpower at a project because someone says they need it • Why the best self-performing contractors stay “lean and busy” • How production targets and field incentives can improve labor performance • Simple ways to buy materials better and reduce material waste • How client management and stronger boundaries can reduce wasted PM time • Why tracking PM and superintendent time can reveal capacity you already have • When contractors should prioritize current profit versus long-term enterprise value This episode is especially useful for owners, operations leaders, project executives, and financial leaders at self-performing contractors who want to make more money from the work they already have. CHAPTERS 00:00 The rules of recording two podcasts in one day 05:42 How to add 3 points of gross profit 06:41 Why gross profit matters so much 10:53 What gross profit actually means 13:44 The levers contractors can pull 15:04 Labor savings start with planning 18:01 The field takeover process 20:22 PM and foreman look-ahead planning 25:38 Labor forecasting and staying lean 29:36 Labor hours vs. actual production 32:00 The hidden cost of overhead labor 34:00 Incentivizing field leaders to beat labor budgets 38:52 Buying materials better 42:39 Reducing supervision and PM costs 45:07 Are your PMs overloaded — or inefficient? 50:24 Profit vs. enterprise value 55:02 Building for a major future exit 1:00:31 What Chad and Matt are reading If you want more practical ideas for building a stronger, more profitable construction company, subscribe to the Well Built newsletter and join the community: https://www.wellbuiltconsulting.com/well-built-newsletter-registration If you want to know more about what we help with, see our website here: https://www.wellbuiltconsulting.com/full-list-of-services If you are ready to talk with us, reach out here: https://www.wellbuiltconsulting.com/contact

  2. 28 Aug

    2% Decoded with Glen Yates

    What does it take to grow a specialty contractor from one field crew into a company with national reach—without losing the culture, accountability, and operational consistency that made the business successful in the first place?In this episode of 2% Decoded, Well Built CEO Chad Prinkey sits down with Glen Yates, CEO of Colt Builders, to unpack Colt’s growth from a roughly $1.7 million business with one field team in 2011 into a national commercial wood-framing contractor built around local leadership.Glen shares how Colt learned to follow great customers into new markets while developing strong local GC relationships, why geographic diversification has made the company more resilient, and how creating opportunity for employees became an important part of the growth model.The conversation also gets into the less visible systems behind that growth: building an executive team around character and integrity, maintaining alignment across geographically dispersed offices, investing in face-to-face communication, creating a clear brand promise, and standardizing processes without removing the judgment of high-performing people.Chad and Glen also discuss why Colt has built its business around seller-doers rather than a traditional sales force, how operational excellence becomes one of the strongest business-development tools a contractor can have, and why the right processes and training are essential if you want customers to receive the same experience in every market.In this episode:How Colt Builders grew from one crew into a national contractorFollowing great customers into new geographic marketsWhy national reach still requires strong local relationshipsUsing geographic diversification to create resilienceCreating career opportunities through company growthWhy character and integrity come before everything else in cultureBuilding an aligned executive and regional leadership teamThe value of in-person meetings in a distributed companyTurning a brand promise into a real operating standardWhy 90% accuracy is not good enough when building a leadership teamThe advantages and challenges of the seller-doer modelHow process, training, and great people work togetherWhere Colt Builders sees its next opportunities for growthCHAPTERS00:00 Welcome to 2% Decoded02:20 Glen’s path from the field to ownership04:11 What Colt Builders looked like in 201104:43 Coming out of the recession and finding a growth engine05:46 The beginning of Colt’s geographic expansion08:44 Building local relationships in new markets10:15 Why geographic diversification matters12:52 Character, integrity, and Colt’s culture16:23 Building an aligned leadership team20:47 Keeping a national company connected24:02 Building and delivering the Colt brand promise28:03 Leadership lessons and getting the executive team right31:15 Why Colt uses seller-doers instead of traditional salespeople35:02 Seeing ahead and managing the sales pipeline35:50 Process vs. people in operational excellence38:39 What’s next for Colt Builders40:37 Final thoughtsLearn more about Colt Builders:https://coltbuilders.comGet the book:https://a.co/d/0iUVpXvU Get construction leadership insights in your inbox:https://www.wellbuiltconsulting.com/well-built-newsletter-registrationWant to talk with Well Built?https://www.wellbuiltconsulting.com/contact#ConstructionLeadership #ConstructionBusiness #ContractorGrowth #OperationalExcellence #WellBuiltPodcast

  3. 14 Aug

    How to Build a Construction Employee Development Program That Works

    Most construction companies don't have an employee development program. They have a few classes, some ride-alongs, and a lot of “watch the experienced person and figure it out.” That works—until the company grows. In this episode of The Well Built Podcast, Chad Prinkey and Matt Verderamo break down what a real employee development system looks like for contractors: how to structure training around outcomes, how to combine classroom learning with practice and field coaching, and how to develop people for the next role before you promote them into it. They also get into positional onboarding, hard skills vs. soft skills, how often training should happen, why every training should be recorded, and when a contractor should own recruiting internally versus lean on an outside recruiter. If you're trying to develop stronger PMs, estimators, superintendents, department leaders, or future executives without relying on years of trial and error, this episode is for you. In this episode: Why “sending people to classes” is not a development program How to build a repeatable training system that scales as your company grows Classroom learning, practice, and on-the-job coaching Why onboarding is more than computers, passwords, and orientation Positional onboarding, mastery, and readiness Balancing technical skills with communication and leadership skills How training cadence should match the speed of development you need Why you should record every training When to use outside recruiters—and when recruiting should be an internal competency When a full-time internal recruiter starts to make sense Chapters: 00:00 Well Built team retreat and check-in 06:36 What an employee development program actually looks like 08:59 The Navy SEAL analogy—and the pushback 11:35 Classes vs. a real development program 13:55 Building a training system that scales 16:43 Classroom, practice, and on-the-job training 20:33 Coaching habits, attitudes, and performance 23:29 How often should you train? 25:56 Why immersive training works 28:11 Make new hires trainees before loading them with work 33:39 Onboarding, mastery, and readiness for the next role 36:20 Hard skills vs. soft skills 40:53 Record everything 42:23 Design the ideal program before compromising 44:25 Outside recruiters vs. internal recruiting 52:12 When to hire a full-time recruiter 58:18 What Chad and Matt are reading Get the book: https://a.co/d/0hYMQXqx Subscribe to the Well Built Newsletter: https://www.wellbuiltconsulting.com/well-built-newsletter-registration Talk with us: https://www.wellbuiltconsulting.com/contact #ConstructionLeadership #EmployeeDevelopment #ConstructionBusiness

  4. 24 Jul

    2% Decoded with Aaron Shapiro

    Get the book: https://a.co/d/02xXUBIx Subscribe to newsletter: https://www.wellbuiltconsulting.com/well-built-newsletter-registration Talk with us: https://www.wellbuiltconsulting.com/contact What does it take to build a construction company that lasts for generations? In this episode of 2% Decoded, Matt Verderamo sits down with Aaron Shapiro of Shapiro & Duncan, a third-generation mechanical contractor celebrating 50 years in business. Aaron shares how the company’s people-first culture, commitment to training, and long-term approach to decision-making have helped it become a market leader in the DC metropolitan area. They discuss why saying “no” can be one of the strongest tools in business development, how unexpected tragedy reinforced the importance of delegation and succession planning, and why Shapiro & Duncan invests more than $10,000 in the six-week boot camp completed by each new field hire. Aaron also explains how the company transformed prefabrication from an internal support function into an entirely new revenue stream. In this episode: Why the right work matters more than simply winning more work How an honest “no” can build lasting client trust Lessons from the life and leadership of Aaron’s uncle, Sheldon Shapiro Why succession planning must extend through every level of a company The long-term return on investing in employee training How prefabrication improves safety, quality, and predictability Why “bad news early is good news” in construction The value of asking questions—even when you think you know the answer Whether you lead a construction company, develop business, manage projects, or are preparing for your next leadership role, this conversation offers practical lessons for building a company that can perform today while preparing for the next generation.

  5. 10 Jul

    2% Decoded with Noah Lyden

    In this episode of 2% Decoded, Matt Verderamo sits down with Noah Lyden, CEO of Lywood Electric, for a real conversation about leadership, trust, hard work, and what it takes to build a contractor that can handle the complicated work others say cannot be done. Noah shares the story of growing up in the electrical trade, stepping into leadership at a young age, building a mission-driven company, and creating a team culture where people are trusted to own their work. From heavy industrial and commercial design-build work to automation, service line growth, and the lessons learned from decades in the field, this conversation is packed with practical insight for construction leaders, owners, and anyone trying to build something that lasts. If you lead a construction company, manage teams, or want a behind-the-scenes look at how top contractors think, this episode is for you. Subscribe to the Well Built Newsletter:https://www.wellbuiltconsulting.com/well-built-newsletter-registration Buy our book:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CZ58WSC5?ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_PB77VS383GVNWVHSBH6N&bestFormat=true Contact Well Built Consulting for an intro conversation:https://www.wellbuiltconsulting.com/contact CHAPTERS00:00 Welcome to 2% Decoded01:05 The story of Liewood Electric03:38 What design-build really means in industrial electrical work06:22 Growing up in the electrical trade10:07 Earning respect as a young leader13:13 The leadership lesson Noah learned from his father15:17 Choosing to build the family business19:08 Being mission-driven instead of money-driven21:42 Why micromanagement kills ownership26:46 Leading through hard times30:30 Building trust across the team33:37 Making bold business decisions36:32 Why leaders need to go see people in person39:02 Taking care of the people who take care of the company40:47 What is next for Liewood44:19 Final advice: take care of people and work hard ABOUT WELL BUILT CONSULTINGWell Built Consulting helps construction companies build stronger businesses, stronger teams, and stronger futures. Through strategy, leadership development, business development, and operational support, we work with contractors who want to grow with purpose and build companies that last. #ConstructionLeadership #ConstructionBusiness #ElectricalContractor #DesignBuild #ContractorGrowth #Leadership #WellBuiltPodcast

  6. 26 Jun

    Why Most Construction Companies Fail at Succession — And How to Do It Right

    How is your company doing? Take the free assessment here: https://www.wellbuiltconsulting.com/assessment If you like our content, subscribe to our free newsletter: https://www.wellbuiltconsulting.com/well-built-newsletter-registration Succession planning is one of those things construction leaders know they should be thinking about, but it is easy to push off. The work is busy. The jobs are moving. The team is stretched. And if the right people are still in the right seats today, it can feel like there are more urgent things to deal with. Until someone leaves. Or gets promoted before they are ready. Or a senior leader starts stepping back and everyone realizes too much of the company still lives in one person’s head. In this episode, Chad Prinkey and Matt Verderamo talk about succession planning for construction companies, and why it matters long before there is a crisis. They dig into the real-world leadership gaps that show up inside growing contractors, including veteran project managers leaving unexpectedly, high-potential employees getting moved up too soon, and companies relying too heavily on outside hires because they have not developed enough internal talent. This is not just about replacing people. It is about building a company that can keep growing without being knocked off course every time someone changes roles. In this episode, Chad and Matt cover: Why succession planning should start before someone announces they are leaving How to use a future org chart to spot leadership gaps early Why timelines matter when transitioning people into new roles How to test high-potential managers before giving them the full seat Why internal development is often the difference between steady growth and expensive disruption How owners can protect the future of the business by building leadership depth now If you own, lead, or help manage a construction company, this conversation will help you think more clearly about the people your company will need next, not just the people it needs today. The best time to build your next generation of leaders is before you urgently need them. Subscribe for more conversations on construction leadership, business growth, ownership, operations, and building a company that can carry the load.

  7. 12 Jun

    2% Decoded with Chad Prinkey & Guest Evan Winston

    This episode unlocks the secret blueprint behind one of the most successful and diversified construction firms in the country—Hercules Fence. Evan Winston, CEO of Hercules, reveals how a deep commitment to patriotism, innovative marketing, and relentless operational excellence propelled his company from a small local fence provider to a $100 million powerhouse with over 300 employees and six locations. Discover how strategic diversification across geographic regions, product lines, and sectors—ranging from federal security to data centers—creates resilience in even the toughest economic cycles. Evan shares the behind-the-scenes story of how 9/11 transformed his business focus towards high-security and counter-terrorism fencing projects, positioning Hercules as a key player in protecting critical national infrastructure. You'll learn the leadership moves that set top 2% companies apart, like earning equity through hard work, building unbreakable relationships with GCs, and cultivating a strong brand presence through guerrilla marketing and iconic signage. Evan emphasizes the importance of a culture rooted in accountability, responsiveness, and humility—highlighting how admitting mistakes and squashing problems early is foundational to their success. This episode also dives into practical lessons on scaling operations, leveraging partnerships, and embracing innovation—like adopting automation and AI—to reduce stress and boost efficiency. Whether you're a contractor, an aspiring entrepreneur, or someone passionate about building a legacy, this conversation inspires actionable insights on how strategic vision, hardworking culture, and relentless brand building turn a small family business into a national leader. Perfect for those who want to fast-track their growth, master operational excellence, and create a brand that leaves a lasting impact—this is your insider look at what it really takes to be in the top 2%. Why listen? Because Evan's journey proves that extraordinary success isn’t just about doing big projects—it's about doing the right things consistently, embracing diversification, and leading with purpose. Hit play now and start building your own legacy from the inside out. Links: Register for our Newsletter: https://www.wellbuiltconsulting.com/well-built-newsletter-registration Get the Well Built book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/0fIoDTab In-Person Training Opportunities: https://www.wellbuiltconsulting.com/leadership-readiness-program

  8. 29 May

    2% Decoded with Guest Eric Ritchie

    Newsletter: https://www.wellbuiltconsulting.com/well-built-newsletter-registration Well Built Book: https://a.co/d/08Zs1Wvc Most companies struggle to maintain their culture and growth momentum simultaneously — but not Sargent Corporation. Eric Ritchie, president and CEO, reveals how their intentional approach to culture, leadership, and strategic planning has kept them resilient through a century of business. In this candid conversation, Eric shares the foundational lessons learned from a blue-collar childhood in rural Maine, the importance of trust, transparency, and investing in people. Discover how Sargent’s core purpose and values are not just words but living principles that guide every decision — from expanding offices across three states to navigating turbulent economic times. You’ll uncover: The surprising power of codifying your company’s culture and why it’s a game-changer for sustainable growth Practical strategies for leadership succession that keep culture intact amid rapid expansion How to build trust that accelerates teamwork and accountability at every organizational level Why investing in workforce development isn’t a cost but the smartest long-term business move The importance of “adjusting” as part of a growth mindset, and how to recognize when a reset is needed If you’re a leader grappling with scaling your business without losing sight of your core values, this episode is essential. Eric’s stories of resilience, trust, and culture are a masterclass in building a company that lasts — from a company that’s just celebrated 100 years, to a future that could thrive for 200. Perfect for operations managers, entrepreneurs, or anyone committed to forging a legacy of integrity while achieving extraordinary growth. Learn how to leave a lasting impact, one deliberate decision at a time.

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About

Hosted by Chad Prinkey and Matt Verderamo, The Well Built Podcast delivers unfiltered, high-impact conversations on the most pressing topics in the construction industry. From leadership and business strategy to estimating, hiring, firing, bidding, preconstruction, and relationship management—Chad and Matt bring you practical insights and hard-won lessons from decades of experience. Whether you're a seasoned executive or an emerging leader, this podcast will equip you with the knowledge you need to overcome challenges and drive success.

Information

  • Creator
    Chad Prinkey
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    25
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Chad Prinkey
  • Show Website
    The Well Built Podcast

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