Build America Podcast

Scott Jennings

After years of sharing real-world insights on the Pipeline Podcast, I’m excited to announce a major rebrand: The Pipeline Podcast is now The Build America Podcast! Why the change? I’ve just launched the first volume of my new Build America Construction Success Field Guide Series—compact, no-fluff guidebooks packed with tactics and lessons from my 35+ years in heavy civil construction. Bringing everything under the Build America banner makes it easier for you to find the resources you need to build better, grow smarter, and stay ahead of the competition. Let’s keep building America together.

  1. Jul 28

    S11, Ep313- What’s the Difference Between Unit Price and Lump Sum Bids?

    Here is the optimized Spotify podcast description based on your show notes. What is the difference between unit price and lump sum bids, and how do they impact your bottom line? In this episode of the Build America Podcast, host Scott Jennings breaks down the operational mechanics of the two primary ways construction bids are priced. Drawing from his extensive background as a laborer, civil construction company owner, and contractor, Scott explores the strategic pros and cons for both owners and contractors. He also shares unfiltered personal stories illustrating the massive financial risks and rewards of these bidding structures. What We Cover in This Episode: Unit Price vs. Lump Sum Bids: Learn the operational differences between breaking a project down into itemized units versus submitting a single, all inclusive price for the entire scope of work. The Strategy of Balanced and Unbalanced Bids: Discover how savvy contractors audit job quantities before bidding to artificially adjust unit prices and maximize profits when actual quantities change. Historical Pricing and Change Orders: How government agencies like State DOTs use unit pricing to budget multi million dollar projects in minutes, and how it provides a clear framework for change order negotiations. The High Stakes Realities of Contracting: The double edged sword of manipulating unit prices, and how contractual technicalities can lead to unfair payment scenarios. Resources Mentioned: Build America Book Series: Available on Amazon. Ted the Termite: A children's book series by Scott Jennings following Ted as he builds roads, lays pipes, and constructs bridges. Available on Amazon and major book retailers. Website: https://sjcivil.com/ LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/scott-jennings-p-e-1435103 Email: sj@sjcivil.com Blog: https://sjcivil.com/blog/ Podcast Link: https://anchor.fm/sjccsitesurvey 💡 Enjoyed the show? Please rate and review the podcast on Spotify to help more professionals in construction and engineering discover these insights! For more updates and resources, visit sjcivil.com. #BuildAmerica #ConstructionBidding #UnitPriceVsLumpSum #ContractingLife #ConstructionEstimating #ProjectBudgeting #CivilConstruction

    S11, Ep313- What’s the Difference Between Unit Price and Lump Sum Bids?

  2. Jul 6

    S11, Ep312- Trench Talk 07 - Brad Musick, Wastewater Operator

    Ever wonder what happens after you flush the toilet or wash something down the drain? In this episode of the Build America podcast, host Scott Jennings sits down with Brad Musick from Wastewater Solutions (WSI) to uncover the fascinating, unseen world of wastewater treatment. With over 40 years of experience, Brad shares his journey from the Navy to becoming a leading expert in the field. Together, they dive deep into the sophisticated blend of biology, physics, and massive infrastructure required to clean highly polluted water before it safely returns to the environment. From the Navy to Wastewater: Brad discusses his transition from military service to working at a local wastewater plant while balancing college and a starting family. The Magic of Biology: Discover how billions of bacteria are farmed to eat dissolved pollutants and transform dirty water into crystal clear effluent. Advanced Technology: Learn about the cutting edge roles of Ultraviolet (UV) treatment and Membrane Bioreactors in modern facilities. Class A vs. Class B Sludge: An explanation of how solids are treated, reduced, and recycled for beneficial agricultural use. The Unseen Infrastructure: A look at the incredible scale and financial investment buried right beneath our cities. The 5 Stages of Treatment: Preliminary (headworks and screening), Primary (clarifiers and gravity settling), Secondary (biological active sludge), Tertiary (advanced membrane filtration), and Disinfection (UV light execution). Microbe Environments: How operators manage Aerobic, Anoxic, and Anaerobic environments to maximize bacterial efficiency. Operations Insight: The critical roles of Return Activated Sludge (RAS) and Waste Activated Sludge (WAS) in maintaining plant balance. Through this conversation, it becomes clear that wastewater operators are the unsung heroes safeguarding public health and our natural water bodies every single day. Guest: Brad Musick Company: Wastewater Solutions (WSI) Email: Brad@ActivatedSludge.com Host: Scott Jennings, P.E. Website: https://sjcivil.com/ LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/scott-jennings-p-e-1435103 Email: sj@sjcivil.com Blog: https://sjcivil.com/blog/ Podcast Link: https://anchor.fm/sjccsitesurvey Also featuring the Ted Determite Children’s Book Series, available on Amazon! 💡 Love the show? Please rate and review the podcast on Spotify. Your support helps more professionals in construction and engineering discover these crucial insights. #WastewaterOperations #BuildAmerica #EnvironmentalEngineering #WaterTreatment #Sustainability #Microbiology #BioSolids

    S11, Ep312- Trench Talk 07 - Brad Musick, Wastewater Operator

  3. Jun 17

    S11, Ep311: A Checklist – Contract Niceties and Nice Niceties

    Starting a construction project on the right foot with the owner’s representative can pay massive dividends for a contractor. In this episode, host Scott Jennings breaks down the essential early stage actions that set a project up for success. Scott divides these into contract niceties (the administrative and legal safeguards) and nice niceties (the relationship building efforts) that help protect your profits and establish a harmonious workplace. Key Takeaways From This Episode: The Softer Contractual Items: Ensure you get critical financial and operational rates approved within the first 30 days, including your Schedule of Values, equipment rates, labor rates, and insurance rates. The Harder Contractual Items: Protect your business by identifying the true decision maker early, building an extended performance list for your exact daily burn rate, and mapping out strict contract notification timelines. The Nice Niceties: Construction projects are heavily driven by personalities. Learn how humanizing your clients and finding common ground can make tough future negotiations much smoother. Memorable Quote: "You never get a second chance to make a first impression... People like commonality between other people and people like to talk about their own lives, so why not do that? Why not feed them a little bit of happiness? It can make your job and your life a lot easier and a lot more fun." Resources & Links Mentioned: Book Series: Build America book series by Scott Jennings (Available on Amazon) Children's Books: Ted the Termite children's book series by Scott Jennings (Available on Amazon and major book retailers) Website: https://sjcivil.com/ Blog: https://sjcivil.com/blog/ LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/scott-jennings-p-e-1435103 Email: sj@sjcivil.com 💡 Enjoyed the show? Please rate and review the podcast, it helps more people in construction and engineering discover these insights. Don't forget to hit that follow button to stay updated. #BuildAmerica #ConstructionManagement #ProjectManagement #ContractorTips #ConstructionPodcast #BusinessDevelopment #OwnerRep #WorkSafe

    S11, Ep311: A Checklist – Contract Niceties and Nice Niceties

  4. Jun 1

    S11, EP 310 - Utility Drawings 101: The Plan and Profile

    No two sets of construction drawings are exactly the same, but mastering the absolute basics of civil utility plans is your ticket to navigating any job site with confidence. In this episode of the Build America Podcast, host Scott Jennings breaks down how to read and interpret utility plan and profile drawings. From understanding the differences between a bird's-eye plan view and a cross-section profile view, to untangling critical acronyms like HDPE, IE, and O/S, Scott shares lessons from his years in heavy civil company ownership to save you time, money, and headaches on your next project. Tune in to learn: Drawing Organization & Sequence: How civil sheets are organized in a massive project set (like a Costco or Walmart) and how to identify them using the letter C. Plan vs. Profile Perspectives: Why the plan view handles horizontal positioning while the profile view unlocks critical depth and grade data. Key Terms & Blueprints: Deep dives into baselines, stationing, offsets, and standard DOT plans. Hidden Site Complexities: What you need to watch out for regarding distorted drawing scales, dense urban utility crossings, and geotechnical soil boring overlays. Grab your highlighters, buckle up, and learn how to talk intelligently on the site. Work safe! 🔔 Subscribe & Stay Connected: Website & Blog: https://sjcivil.com/ LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/scott-jennings-p-e-1435103 Email: sj@sjcivil.com #BuildAmericaPodcast #UtilityDrawings101 #CivilEngineering #ConstructionLife #BlueprintReading #ProjectManagement #Estimating #Infrastructure

    S11, EP 310 - Utility Drawings 101: The Plan and Profile

  5. May 20

    S11, EP 309 - Drop the Pronouns. Add the Units

    In this episode of the Build America podcast, host Scott Jennings discusses the critical role that clear communication plays in your professional and personal life. Drawing from his extensive experience in heavy civil construction, Scott breaks down how vague communication habits lead to errors, confusion, and social awkwardness in the workplace. Learn why being precise with your words is an easy, cost free way to demonstrate your expertise and get the job done right the first time. The Problem with Pronouns: Using "he," "him," or "it" without a clearly defined subject forces people to guess your meaning. Specificity prevents mistakes. Mastering Units of Measure: In construction and engineering, mixing up or leaving out units causes major issues. Scott highlights the danger of incomplete units like PSI versus weight, and why you must define calendar days versus work days in scheduling. The Cost of Omission: Omitting units entirely forces teams to guess critical metrics like RPM versus GPM. This shorthand can alienate team members and stop them from asking for clarification. Mentor the Next Generation: Experienced professionals should teach newcomers correct industry standards, like ordering concrete in cubic yards. Website: https://sjcivil.com/ Blog: https://sjcivil.com/blog/ Podcast Links: https://anchor.fm/sjccsitesurvey LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/scott-jennings-p-e-1435103 Email: sj@sjcivil.com Also featuring the Ted Determite Children’s Book Series, available on Amazon. If you found this episode helpful, please rate and review the show. Your support helps more professionals in the construction and engineering industries discover these insights. Do not forget to subscribe to stay connected for future updates and resources. Work safe! #BuildAmerica #ConstructionLife #ClearCommunication #ProjectManagement #CivilEngineering #Leadership #Mentorship #WorkSafe

    S11, EP 309 - Drop the Pronouns. Add the Units

  6. Apr 29

    S11, EP 308 - Pipeline Trench Talk 01 - Crane Operator Clem Conceicao

    In this episode of the Build America podcast, I sit down with Clem Kansisau, a veteran crane operator with over 37 years in the union. We are recording on location in Honolulu, Hawaii, where Clem and I have reunited on a project 20 years after we first worked together. Clem shares his deep history in the trades, stemming from a family legacy of crane operators, and offers a candid look at how the industry has evolved from the "muscle" of friction cranes to today’s high tech hydraulic machines. We dive into the critical importance of safety, the reality of working within load charts, and the "feel" required to be one with a machine that holds lives in its hands. Clem also provides invaluable advice for young engineers and tradespeople on staying alert, avoiding the distractions of technology on site, and the value of learning through hands on experience rather than just a search engine. Key Takeaways Family Legacy: Clem discusses growing up in a family of operators and how his father made a living running tower cranes in Waikiki. The Evolution of Cranes: A comparison between the "friction cranes" of the past that required immense physical energy and the computer assisted hydraulic cranes of today. Safety First: Why staying within the load chart is the only way to operate and the importance of never walking under a live load. Advice for the Next Generation: Clem explains why young professionals need to "keep their head on a swivel" and move away from their iPads to truly understand the job site cycle. The Trades as a Career: A look at the financial stability and quality of life offered by union trades in Hawaii. The Build America Book Series: Available on Amazon. Ted the Termite Children’s Books: A fun way to introduce kids to the world of construction, available on Amazon. Resources MentionedThe Build America Book Series: Available on Amazon. Ted the Termite Children’s Books: A fun way to introduce kids to the world of construction, available on Amazon. Work safe. #ConstructionLife #CraneOperator #BuildAmerica #SkilledTrades #HeavyEquipment #JobSiteSafety #ConstructionPodcast #BlueCollarLife #Engineering #WorkSafe

    S11, EP 308 - Pipeline Trench Talk 01 - Crane Operator Clem Conceicao

  7. Apr 1

    S11, EP 307 - Smartsheet™- A Contractor's Dream

    In this episode of the Build America Podcast , host Scott Jennings provides an unfiltered look at Smartsheet. Describing it as "Excel, but not Excel" , Scott explains why this cloud based platform is a "Contractor’s Dream" for managing critical project data like submittals, RFIs, and change orders. Drawing from his experience as a heavy civil construction company owner , Scott explores how Smartsheet turns raw data into live dashboards and offers a level of customization that industry specific software often lacks. Whether you are in the office or the field, this episode highlights how to move away from reactive "firefighting" and maintain a professional overview of your project's health. Beyond the Spreadsheet: Learn about versatile data visualizations including Gantt charts, calendars, and Kanban style Card views. Extreme Customization: How the platform stays flexible enough to fit specific internal processes in construction, manufacturing, or even pharmaceuticals. Live Dashboarding: How sheets feed directly into visual dashboards to provide managers with immediate project metrics. Mobile Functionality: Using phone based "Forms" to log site deficiencies and photos that instantly populate the main grid. Cost and Licensing: Scott shares his experience with the price point, reporting a cost of approximately $450 per license per year. Submittal and RFI Logs: Track every stage of a request and identify exactly whose "ball" is in which court. Deficiency Tracking: Log issues line by line, attach photos directly to the row, and set automated alerts for subcontractors. Document Management: Keep project letters, pictures, and change orders organized and easy to find by attaching them to specific data rows. Team Coordination: Use collaborative calendars to manage office vacations and project milestones in real time. Website: https://sjcivil.com/ LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/scott-jennings-p-e-1435103 Email: sj@sjcivil.com Blog: https://sjcivil.com/blog/ Ted Determite Children’s Book Series: Available on Amazon. If you found this episode informative, please rate and review the show to help more construction and engineering professionals discover these insights. Subscribe to the Build America Podcast on your favorite platform to stay connected. #Smartsheet #ConstructionManagement #ProjectTracking #WorkflowAutomation #CloudCollaboration #SaaS #BusinessEfficiency #Dashboarding #ConstructionTech #BuildAmerica

    S11, EP 307 - Smartsheet™- A Contractor's Dream

  8. Mar 25

    S11, EP 306 – How to Start a Professional Construction Company

    Thinking about starting your own construction company? In this episode of the Build America Podcast, Scott Jennings breaks down exactly what it takes to build a professional, sustainable construction business—from the ground up. Drawing on real-world experience, Scott walks through the critical first steps: choosing the right niche, securing paying clients, setting up your legal and financial structure, and building the credibility needed to win work. He also dives into the realities of entrepreneurship in construction—cash flow, risk, competition, and the mindset required to succeed. Whether you're transitioning from employee to owner or looking to grow your existing operation, this episode delivers practical, no-BS insights you can apply immediately. In this episode, you’ll learn: How to choose the right construction niche Why securing clients is more important than anything else The role of attorneys, CPAs, and proper business setup How to manage cash flow, insurance, and bonding What it really takes to operate and grow a construction company Starting a construction business isn’t easy—but with the right foundation, strategy, and persistence, it’s absolutely achievable. 🎧 Tune in and start building your path to ownership. Follow & Connect:Website: https://sjcivil.com/LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/scott-jennings-p-e-1435103Email: sj@sjcivil.com ⭐ Don’t forget to rate & review the show—it helps more professionals discover these insights! #ConstructionBusiness #Entrepreneurship #StartYourBusiness #ContractorLife #SmallBusinessGrowth #ConstructionIndustry #BusinessStartup #Leadership #BuildAmerica #BusinessTips

    S11, EP 306 – How to Start a Professional Construction Company
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

After years of sharing real-world insights on the Pipeline Podcast, I’m excited to announce a major rebrand: The Pipeline Podcast is now The Build America Podcast! Why the change? I’ve just launched the first volume of my new Build America Construction Success Field Guide Series—compact, no-fluff guidebooks packed with tactics and lessons from my 35+ years in heavy civil construction. Bringing everything under the Build America banner makes it easier for you to find the resources you need to build better, grow smarter, and stay ahead of the competition. Let’s keep building America together.

Information

  • Creator
    Scott Jennings
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    299
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Scott Jennings
  • Show Website
    Build America Podcast