Built to Scale: Timely advice for scaling your construction biz!

Mason Brady

Built to Scale is THE podcast for construction business owners looking to not just grow, but scale their business! Listen in for timely financial management and business strategy advice geared specifically for the construction industry. Learn how to increase your revenues and produce strong margins in your business. Let’s scale!

Episodes

  1. 23 OCT

    5 Construction KPIs Every Contractor Should Track (and What They Actually Mean)

    Are your construction KPIs actually driving better decisions or just filling dashboards? In this episode of Built to Scale, Mason Brady sits down with Ted Turner, a leadership coach with 40 years of experience in construction operations from the jobsite to the C-suite.Ted shares what truly matters when it comes to KPIs and metrics in the construction industry and how to use data as a tool for leadership, not punishment. They discuss how contractors can move beyond “gut feel,” create actionable scorecards, and build company cultures that understand what their numbers actually mean. From cash flow forecasting and earned value to leadership behaviors and forecasting accuracy. Topics We Cover 00:00 – Welcome & Ted’s 40-year journey in construction 06:06 – Why KPIs matter (and how data can become a trap) 13:00 – The key metrics that actually drive profitability 19:00 – Forecasting accuracy and smarter bidding decisions 36:00 – Cash flow strategies every construction company needs 43:53 – Earned Value explained: why more hours ≠ more profit 54:36 – The human side of KPIs: leadership, culture, and people If you’re a construction business owner who’s ready to make data your advantage, not your headache, follow Built to Scale for more conversations on cash flow, leadership, and growth in the construction industry. Visit https://Bradycfo.com/ For financial strategy for blue jeans and boots businesses Links from the show: ABC (Associated Builders and Contractors): https://www.abc.org/ AGC (Associated General Contractors): https://www.agc.org/ Intelligent Leadership Executive Coaching: https://www.ilecfranchise.com/ 🤝 Connect with Ted: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ted-turner-58612621/ 🎙️ Connect with Mason: https://www.linkedin.com/in/masonbrady/

    59 min

  2. 9 OCT

    How Texas Construction Businesses Can Cut Property Taxes with Smart Appeals

    In this episode of Built to Scale, host Mason Brady talks with Christopher Daugherty of Ryan LLC, a global corporate tax firm, about how contractors, developers, and construction businesses can save money through property tax appeals and exemptions. Chris explains how Texas’s unique tax system works, why property taxes are so high, and how business owners can ensure they’re paying only what’s fair. Topics we cover: 02:30 – Why property taxes are so high in Texas compared to other states. 07:00 – Real property vs. personal property — what contractors should know.10:15 – How the property tax appeal process works and key filing deadlines. 16:00 – Common misconceptions about lowering property value through appeals. 23:30 – Tips for contractors and developers to reduce property tax liabilities. 28:00 – Hidden tax savings: green energy incentives, R&D credits, and exemptions. Links from the show: Ryan LLC – Property Tax Services: https://ryan.com/ Texas Comptroller – Property Tax Resources: https://comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/property-tax/ IRS – Research & Development (R&D) Tax Credit Overview: https://www.irs.gov/businesses/research-credit 🤝 Connect with Christopher:💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-daugherty-b892394/ 🎙️ Connect with the Mason:💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/masonbrady/

    32 min

  3. 28 AUG

    The Hidden Tax Windfall for Contractors in 2025 (R&D Credits Explained)

    Could your construction or engineering firm be sitting on massive tax savings without even realizing it? In this eye-opening episode, Mason Brady is joined by Layton Johns and Jacob Wood from Capstan Tax to break down the major changes to R&D tax credits in the wake of the "Big Beautiful Bill." Learn how construction, engineering, and design-build firms can now reclaim massive deductions, avoid IRS pitfalls, and even unlock retroactive cash. If you’ve ignored R&D incentives before, 2025 may be your golden opportunity. Topics we cover: (02:23) – What qualifies as R&D for construction and design-build firms. (07:20) – Differences between tax deductions and credits for R&D. (14:24) – How the 2025 tax law eliminates amortization for domestic R&D. (22:27) – Retroactive tax relief for small businesses under $31M. (28:55) – Industry sectors contractors should target for R&D-heavy projects. Links from the Show: Capstan Tax Strategies: https://capstantax.com/ Jacob Wood on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-prentis-wood-7b206431 The One Big, Beautiful Bill Act (OB3): https://capstantax.com/the-one-big-beautiful-bill-act-ob3/ If you’re tired of surprise costs and shrinking margins, let’s fix it. Brady CFO helps construction business owners like you gain financial visibility and control. Learn more at ⁠https://bradycfo.com⁠ Let’s connect on LinkedIn 👇 🔨 Mason Brady: https://www.linkedin.com/in/masonbrady 📊 Layton Johns: https://www.linkedin.com/in/layton-johns

    40 min

  4. 21 AUG

    How to Increase Your Bonding Capacity (Contractors Must Know This)

    Are you leaving bigger projects on the table because of bonding limits? In this Built to Scale episode, Mason Brady sits down with Chris Kolkhorst, Surety & Bonding leader at Higginbotham, to demystify bonding for construction companies. They break down the three types of bonds, how underwriters actually view your financials, and the smart moves you can make today to protect your bonding capacity and win bigger jobs. Topics we cover: 05:25 – Bonding basics: performance, payment & maintenance 07:50 – Why bonding works like credit, not insurance 11:22 – First-time contractors: how to qualify15:28 – CPA reviews vs. audits (and real costs) 19:06 – Predictability beats promises with underwriters 29:34 – Contract clauses that protect your margins 33:20 – Working capital rules: LOC vs. refinance 37:02 – $1 cash = $20 in bonding capacity41:33 – Tax write-offs that hurt bondingResources:https://www.higginbotham.com/Connect with Chris Kolkhorst: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ckolkhorst/ If you’re tired of surprise costs and shrinking margins, let’s fix it. Brady CFO helps construction business owners like you gain financial visibility and control. Learn more at ⁠https://bradycfo.com⁠ Let’s connect on LinkedIn 👇 🔨 Mason Brady –https://www.linkedin.com/in/masonbrady/ 📊 Layton Johns – /layton-johns

    48 min

  5. 31 JUL

    Opportunity Zones Map 2025: How to Find the Best Places to Build and Invest

    In this Built to Scale episode, Mason Brady and Layton Johns break down how the updated 2025 tax law changes the game for Opportunity Zones. They reveal where to build, how to invest smartly, and why rural zones now offer even greater tax advantages. Topics we cover: 00:00 – What are Opportunity Zones and how they’ve evolved in the 2025 tax bill 01:55 – How capital gains deferral works and what’s new for investors 06:12 – Why investing through a certified Opportunity Fund is critical 09:40 – New incentives for rural zones and how they increase deductions 11:52 – What builders need to know about development in low-income areas 15:00 – Why multifamily housing is likely to lead in rural zone development 20:00 – Who these tax plays are really for: high-net-worth vs. general contractors 25:00 – How stacking Opportunity Zones with QPP bonus depreciation creates big wins 27:14 – Final takeaways: where to market, who to connect with, and why this matters Resources: https://taxpolicycenter.org/briefing-book/what-are-opportunity-zones-and-how-do-they-work If you’re tired of surprise costs and shrinking margins, let’s fix it. Brady CFO helps construction business owners like you gain financial visibility and control. Learn more at https://bradycfo.com Let’s connect on LinkedIn 👇 🔨 Mason Brady – linkedin.com/in/masonbrady 📊 Layton Johns – linkedin.com/in/layton-johns

    31 min

  6. 17 JUL

    What Is Bonus Depreciation? How 100% Write-Offs Work in 2025 (For Construction Companies & Contractors)

    In this post-bill breakdown episode of Built to Scale, Mason Brady and Layton Johns dive deep into the implications of the newly signed tax law, with a sharp focus on bonus depreciation. They walk through real-world examples, explain how contractors can use the law to strategically grow, and caution against common pitfalls. Topics we cover: 00:00 – Why bonus depreciation is back at 100% and what it means for contractors 1:59 – How to expense vehicles, machinery, and gear in year one 7:10 – When accelerated write-offs can hurt in a slow year 11:14 – What qualifies and when to use Section 179 vs. bonus depreciation 17:29 – What qualifies as production property under the new law 26:13 – How new facilities may drive regional building demand If you’re tired of surprise costs and shrinking margins, let’s fix it. Brady CFO helps construction business owners like you gain financial visibility and control. Learn more at https://bradycfo.com/ Let’s connect on LinkedIn 👇 🔨 Mason Brady – https://www.linkedin.com/in/masonbrady/ 📊 Layton Johns – https://www.linkedin.com/in/layton-johns/

    40 min

  7. 26 JUN

    Big Beautiful Bill Summary: Tax Breaks & Builder Incentives Explained

    How will Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill reshape construction, manufacturing, and your business strategy? In this episode, Mason Brady and Layton Johns unpack “Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill”, a massive tax reform initiative with sweeping implications for the construction and manufacturing industries. With the bill poised to pass around July 4th, this episode explores how it could transform financial planning for builders, CFOs, and operators. Topics we cover: 0:00 – Intro 2:15 – Overview of Trump's Big Beautiful Bill 6:45 – 100% Bonus Depreciation for Equipment & Facilities 11:05 – Vehicle Interest Deduction 14:30 – No Tax on Overtime 19:40 – Opportunity Zones & Rural Revitalization 24:10 – Defense Spending & Federal Contracting 28:05 – Rollback of EV Credits & Return to Combustion Incentives 32:30 – SALT Deduction Limit Changes 35:50 – Workforce Development & Trades Incentives If you’re tired of surprise costs and shrinking margins, let’s fix it. Brady CFO helps construction business owners like you gain financial visibility and control. Learn more at https://bradycfo.com/ Let’s connect on LinkedIn 👇 🔨 Mason Brady – https://www.linkedin.com/in/masonbrady/ 📊 Layton Johns – https://www.linkedin.com/in/layton-johns/

    37 min

  8. 22 MAY

    Facing a Recession? Here’s What Construction Owners Should Know | EP 4

    Is your construction business recession-ready?In this episode, Mason Brady and Layton Johns break down what construction companies can do right now to prepare for economic downturns: from diversifying job types to securing credit lines before you need them.Learn how to protect your margins, maintain cash flow, and position your company to thrive no matter what the economy throws at you.00:00 – Intro: Facing economic uncertainty as a builder02:45 – Why now is the time to recession-proof03:14 – Low-bid vs. negotiated work: shifting your strategy07:08 – How to stand out and diversify your client base10:30 – Credit lines, bonding, and CPA-reviewed books🚧 Want help preparing your construction business for what’s next?Visit https://bradycfo.com/ or connect with Mason & Layton on LinkedIn:🔨 Mason Brady – https://www.linkedin.com/in/masonbrady/📊 Layton Johns – https://www.linkedin.com/in/layton-johns/Let’s build smarter. Let’s build to scale. 📈

    16 min

  9. 22 MAY

    Tariffs Are Coming, Should You Buy Now or Wait? | EP 3

    In this episode, Mason Brady and Layton Johns break down how construction business owners should respond to today's volatile economic climate. From whether to pre-purchase materials to how to handle equipment costs and protect cash flow, this is the guidance you need to lead with confidence (not fear).00:00 – Should you buy now or wait?02:30 – How to lead through economic uncertainty04:51 – The real cost of storing materials07:44 – Fear-based decisions vs. wisdom-based strategy13:09 – When it makes sense to invest in equipment🔧 Want to protect your margins and make smarter financial decisions?Visit https://bradycfo.com/ or connect with Mason & Layton on LinkedIn:🔗 Mason Brady – https://www.linkedin.com/in/masonbrady/🔗 Layton Johns – https://www.linkedin.com/in/layton-johns/💬 Let’s build something profitable — and built to scale.

    22 min

  10. 22 MAY

    How to Prevent Profit Fade in Construction Projects | EP 2

    In this episode, Mason Brady and Layton Johns discuss how construction owners can incentivize their team, implement the right metrics, and build a culture that protects margins.From project manager accountability to smarter job tracking, this is your roadmap to long-term profitability.00:00 – You can’t stop profit fade alone01:10 – How to align your team around profitability03:31 – Metrics that reveal top vs. struggling PMs05:43 – Smarter incentives without compromising quality10:04 – Habits and systems that protect your marginsIf you’re tired of surprise costs and shrinking margins, let’s fix it.Brady CFO helps construction business owners like you gain financial visibility and control. Learn more at bradycfo.com.Let’s connect on LinkedIn 👇🔨 Mason Brady – https://www.linkedin.com/in/masonbrady/📊 Layton Johns – https://www.linkedin.com/in/layton-johns/

    16 min

  11. 12 MAY

    Profit Fade in Construction: What It Is and How It Happens | EP 1

    In this episode of Built to Scale, Mason Brady and Layton Johns tackle profit fade: when projected profits quietly disappear. They explain how poor reporting, mismanaged labor, and overlooked change orders create hidden losses. Learn how to catch the warning signs early and correct course. This is essential listening for any construction business owner serious about protecting margins.

    17 min
  • 11 Episodes

About

Built to Scale is THE podcast for construction business owners looking to not just grow, but scale their business! Listen in for timely financial management and business strategy advice geared specifically for the construction industry. Learn how to increase your revenues and produce strong margins in your business. Let’s scale!

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