Construction Mentor Podcast

Ryan "Ike" Eisenhauer

Helping people find a better career, better life style, and better mind set. Not enough people are aware of the opportunities in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction industries! There is NO OTHER industry that offers such a broad spectrum of career paths with such high probabilities of substantial wealth. While most people think of the industry as "boots and jeans" working for "slave wages". Very few people are aware that most skilled trades people make well over $100,000 per year. Most are also unaware of the project management and executive positions available through out the industry. Not to mention the golden opportunities to become an entrepreneur and your own boss! This podcast highlights all of these opportunities, the increasing demand, decreasing supply, advancement and effect of new technology, and more. Most importantly our guests will share their stories of triumph over struggles such as poverty, difficulties in childhood, drug addiction, racism, immigration, mental health, disabilities, and more.... Please listen and share! You never know who's life will change from listening to this podcast!

  1. 1 DAY AGO

    #110 Single Father In Construction, Losing Your Job Becoming A Blessing, Writing Blue Collar Poetry

    In this episode of the Construction Mentor Podcast, host Ike speaks with Dustin Crosby, known as the Blue Collar Poet. They discuss Dustin's unique journey in the construction industry, his recent career transition into union carpentry, and the challenges he faced as a single father. The conversation highlights the importance of mentorship, personal growth, and the impact of social media in sharing blue collar stories. Dustin shares his insights on overcoming adversity, the significance of family, and his vision for supporting men in the community. The episode concludes with reflections on the future of blue collar work and the importance of being a positive role model for the next generation. Start the FREE Construction Project Management Introduction Course with CourseCareers Now: https://coursecareers.com/a/ike?course=construction-management&campaign=YT 📚 Student & Alumni Reviews: https://coursecareers.com/reviews 🎓Testimonial of CourseCareers https://youtu.be/RRl88nof5f8?si=dKeh4ZnnJ4Yfoo7l 🤯 Even More Testimonials: https://www.youtube.com/@coursecareers Takeaways: The construction industry offers attainable dreams for many. Dustin's unique content as a blue collar poet resonates with audiences. Career transitions can lead to better opportunities. Overcoming adversity can ignite a drive for success. Family plays a crucial role in personal growth and motivation. Single fathers face unique challenges but can thrive. Mentorship is vital for personal and professional development. Finding grace through poetry can help process emotions. Social media can be a powerful tool for sharing stories. Dealing with negativity requires resilience and self-awareness.

    1h 3m
  2. 28/12/2025

    #109 Life With Tourette Syndrome In The Trades, Getting Bullied, & Turning Your Pain Into Purpose

    In this episode of the Construction Mentor Podcast, host Ike speaks with Kevin Dasse, a steel worker and union steward, about his journey in the construction industry. They discuss the importance of mentorship, the role of unions, and the value of work ethic instilled from a young age. Kevin shares personal stories about overcoming bullying, the impact of family, and the lessons learned from his experiences in the trades. The conversation also touches on the significance of communication in relationships, mental health awareness, and the benefits of pursuing a career in construction. Kevin emphasizes the need for positive influences and the importance of investing in oneself for personal and professional growth. Start the FREE Construction Project Management Introduction Course with CourseCareers Now: https://coursecareers.com/a/ike?course=construction-management&campaign=YT 📚 Student & Alumni Reviews: https://coursecareers.com/reviews 🎓Testimonial of CourseCareers https://youtu.be/RRl88nof5f8?si=dKeh4ZnnJ4Yfoo7l 🤯 Even More Testimonials: https://www.youtube.com/@coursecareers Takeaways: The construction industry offers diverse opportunities for personal and professional growth. Mentorship is crucial for success in the construction field. Union stewards play a vital role in mediating between workers and management. Work ethic is often instilled from a young age through family values. Experiences of bullying can shape resilience and empathy in individuals. Real-world work experience is invaluable and can surpass traditional education. The importance of communication in relationships cannot be overstated. Mental health awareness is essential in high-stress industries like construction. Investing in oneself through learning and development is key to career advancement. Surrounding oneself with positive influences can lead to personal transformation.

    1h 22m
  3. 22/12/2025

    #108 Keys To Contract Negotiation In Construction, Contingency, Profit Margin, and Client Savings

    In this episode of the Construction Mentor Podcast, Coach Ike discusses the various aspects of construction project management, focusing on the importance of understanding contingencies, the differences between owner's and contractor's contingencies, and the implications of different contract types. He emphasizes the need for effective communication with clients to navigate complex financial discussions and ensure project success. Additionally, he introduces his construction management course, which aims to fill knowledge gaps for both new and experienced professionals in the industry. Start the FREE Construction Project Management Introduction Course with CourseCareers Now: https://coursecareers.com/a/ike?course=construction-management&campaign=YT📚 Student & Alumni Reviews: https://coursecareers.com/reviews 🎓Testimonial of CourseCareers https://youtu.be/RRl88nof5f8?si=dKeh4ZnnJ4Yfoo7l 🤯 Even More Testimonials: https://www.youtube.com/@coursecareers Takeaways:The construction industry offers numerous opportunities for personal and professional growth.Understanding contracts is crucial for effective project management. Contingencies serve as a financial safety net for unforeseen issues in construction projects. Clear communication with clients is essential to avoid misunderstandings about budget and spending. Owner's contingency is controlled by the client, while contractor's contingency is managed by the contractor. Different contract types (lump sum, cost plus, GMP) have distinct implications for risk and profit. Setting clear expectations at the beginning of a project can prevent conflicts later on. Educating clients about the purpose of contingencies can foster better relationships. Maintaining a positive client relationship is key to securing future work. The construction management course provides valuable insights and practical knowledge for aspiring professionals.

    31 min
  4. 18/12/2025

    #107 College Dropout Becomes Electrician; Works On Wind Farms, Solar Energy, Nuclear Facilities etc.

    In this episode of the Construction Mentor Podcast, Coach Ike and Patrick discuss the various aspects of working in the construction industry, particularly as an electrician. They explore the benefits of traveling for work, the financial advantages of union jobs, and the journey of transitioning from a missionary to a skilled tradesman. Patrick shares his experiences growing up in a blue-collar environment, navigating college decisions, and the challenges of the apprenticeship process. The conversation emphasizes the importance of finding a career path that suits individual preferences and the potential for growth within the trades. Takeaways: The construction industry offers numerous opportunities for financial success. Traveling for work can provide unique experiences and higher pay. Understanding union benefits is crucial for maximizing earnings. Growing up in a blue-collar environment can shape career choices. College is not the only path to success; trades offer viable alternatives. The apprenticeship process is essential for gaining skills and experience. Networking and family connections can help in entering the trades. Being open to learning from others is vital in the trades. Career progression in the trades can lead to various opportunities. Finding a career that fits personal values and lifestyle is important. Start the FREE Construction Project Management Introduction Course with CourseCareers Now: https://coursecareers.com/a/ike?course=construction-management&campaign=YT 📚 Student & Alumni Reviews: https://coursecareers.com/reviews 🎓Testimonial of CourseCareers https://youtu.be/RRl88nof5f8?si=dKeh4ZnnJ4Yfoo7l 🤯 Even More Testimonials: https://www.youtube.com/@coursecareers

    1h 3m
  5. 11/12/2025

    #106 Who Plays The Most Important Role In The Success Of A Construction Project and Career?

    In this episode of the Construction Mentor Podcast, Coach Ike shares his personal journey in the construction industry, highlighting the importance of mentorship and the often-overlooked role of laborers. He discusses his recent achievements, including passing a significant licensing exam and being recognized as one of the top young professionals in construction. Ike emphasizes the critical contributions of laborers to project success and the value of servant leadership in fostering strong relationships within the industry. He concludes with reflections on his experiences and the importance of acknowledging those who have supported him along the way. Takeaways Whatever you want your life to look like is attainable through construction. Passing the NASCLA exam opens up opportunities in 18 states. Recognition from peers is a significant achievement. Laborers play a crucial role in the success of construction projects. Mentorship is vital for career growth and success. Servant leadership is essential in the construction industry. Building relationships with laborers can enhance project outcomes. Transparency with laborers can lead to better project management. The construction industry offers lucrative opportunities for laborers. Acknowledging the contributions of others is key to personal success. Start the FREE Construction Project Management Introduction Course with CourseCareers Now: https://coursecareers.com/a/ike?course=construction-management&campaign=YT 📚 Student & Alumni Reviews: https://coursecareers.com/reviews 🎓Testimonial of CourseCareers https://youtu.be/RRl88nof5f8?si=dKeh4ZnnJ4Yfoo7l 🤯 Even More Testimonials: https://www.youtube.com/@coursecareers

    34 min
  6. 03/12/2025

    #105 Why Do People Hate Mike Rowe?

    In this episode, Ike discusses the construction industry and the impact of Mike Rowe as a prominent advocate for blue collar work. He addresses various critiques of Rowe's messaging, particularly regarding education, wage stagnation, workplace safety, and the romanticization of blue collar jobs. Ike emphasizes the importance of authentic representation and the need for better messaging to attract talent to the industry. He shares personal experiences and insights into the future of construction, advocating for a positive perspective on blue collar careers. Takeaway: The construction industry offers diverse career paths. Mike Rowe has significantly raised awareness for blue collar work. Critiques of Rowe often stem from misunderstandings of his messaging. Education is not limited to traditional college paths. Wage stagnation is a complex issue in the labor market. Workplace safety in construction has improved over the years. Romanticizing blue collar work can overlook real challenges. Authentic representation in media is crucial for the industry. Career growth opportunities exist beyond the trades. The construction industry is evolving and improving continuously. Start the FREE Construction Project Management Introduction Course with CourseCareers Now: https://coursecareers.com/a/ike?course=construction-management&campaign=YT 📚 Student & Alumni Reviews: https://coursecareers.com/reviews 🎓Testimonial of CourseCareers https://youtu.be/RRl88nof5f8?si=dKeh4ZnnJ4Yfoo7l 🤯 Even More Testimonials: https://www.youtube.com/@coursecareers

    43 min
  7. 19/11/2025

    #104 Why Do Trades Hate Architects?

    In this episode of the Construction Mentor Podcast, host Ike discusses the complex relationship between architects and contractors, exploring the challenges and misunderstandings that arise in construction projects. He emphasizes the importance of communication, responsibility, and collaboration to create successful outcomes in the industry. The conversation covers various topics, including the issues with bid sets, the significance of existing conditions, the RFI process, and the impact of late design changes. Ike advocates for extreme ownership and setting up win-win scenarios for all parties involved in construction projects. Takeaways: Construction offers opportunities to build your dreams. Understanding perspectives is key in architect-contractor relationships. Responsibility in design is often a point of contention. Bid sets can complicate the pricing process. Effective communication is crucial for project success. Boilerplate details can lead to confusion and inefficiency. Verifying existing conditions is essential for accuracy. RFI responses should be clear and timely. Late design changes can disrupt project flow. Managing punch lists effectively is vital for project closure. Start the FREE Construction Project Management Introduction Course with CourseCareers Now: https://coursecareers.com/a/ike?course=construction-management&campaign=YT 📚 Student & Alumni Reviews: https://coursecareers.com/reviews 🎓Testimonial of CourseCareers https://youtu.be/RRl88nof5f8?si=dKeh4ZnnJ4Yfoo7l 🤯 Even More Testimonials: https://www.youtube.com/@coursecareers

    48 min
  8. 13/11/2025

    #103 From 7th Grade Dropout To 6 Figures In Construction Management

    In this episode, Eric Will Hunt and Ike discuss the importance of mentorship, personal growth, and the construction industry. They share personal stories about overcoming challenges (having dropped out of school in the 7th grade, being welfare, and a parent struggling with addiction) the value of hard work, and the impact of having a mentor. The conversation also touches on the misconceptions about the construction industry and the opportunities it offers for a fulfilling career. Takeaways: Flip the script before asking for more money by adding value. Model success by following those who have what you want. Mentorship can be found online through social media. Hard work and persistence are key to success. The construction industry offers diverse career paths. Experience can outweigh formal education in many fields. Networking and putting yourself in front of the right people is crucial. Listening and observing can be more valuable than speaking. Overcoming a challenging background is possible with determination. Quality of life perks in property management are often overlooked. Start the FREE Construction Project Management Introduction Course with CourseCareers Now: https://coursecareers.com/a/ike?course=construction-management&campaign=YT 📚 Student & Alumni Reviews: https://coursecareers.com/reviews 🎓Testimonial of CourseCareers https://youtu.be/RRl88nof5f8?si=dKeh4ZnnJ4Yfoo7l 🤯 Even More Testimonials: https://www.youtube.com/@coursecareers

    31 min

About

Helping people find a better career, better life style, and better mind set. Not enough people are aware of the opportunities in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction industries! There is NO OTHER industry that offers such a broad spectrum of career paths with such high probabilities of substantial wealth. While most people think of the industry as "boots and jeans" working for "slave wages". Very few people are aware that most skilled trades people make well over $100,000 per year. Most are also unaware of the project management and executive positions available through out the industry. Not to mention the golden opportunities to become an entrepreneur and your own boss! This podcast highlights all of these opportunities, the increasing demand, decreasing supply, advancement and effect of new technology, and more. Most importantly our guests will share their stories of triumph over struggles such as poverty, difficulties in childhood, drug addiction, racism, immigration, mental health, disabilities, and more.... Please listen and share! You never know who's life will change from listening to this podcast!

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