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. 5d ago

    S11, EP317 - Be Credible. Otherwise, Why Bother?

    In this episode of the Build America Podcast, Scott Jennings explores the critical importance of credibility and truthfulness when providing legal testimony. Drawing from a bench trial involving a 16 million dollar microtunneling project under the Mississippi River for the City of Minneapolis, Scott breaks down why judges value authentic, direct witnesses over evasive experts and project managers. Discover how real courtroom findings, clear technical explanations, and strict discipline in answering questions can make or break a legal case. What you will learn in this episode: Bench Trial Dynamics: How a single judge evaluates evidence and assesses witness credibility without a jury. The Project Dispute: The background behind a high stakes microtunneling federal lawsuit between a contractor and subcontractor. Why Testimony Fails: The ways combative cross examinations, evasive responses, and conclusion directed statements dismantle believability. What Makes an Effective Expert: Why the ability to explain complex engineering concepts simply is just as valuable as technical degrees. The Green Pen Rule: Essential advice for depositions and courtroom testimony on answering only the precise question asked. Website: sjcivil.com Blog: sjcivil.com/blog Podcast Stream: anchor.fm/sjccsitesurvey LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/scott-jennings-p-e-1435103 Email: sj@sjcivil.com Notable Quotes:"The PhDs on the wall, the knowledge of what's going on technically, all this is very valuable. However, what is of equal, maybe even more value in a certain analysis of expert witness effectiveness efficacy is the fact that lawyers, I can tell, and this judge, I can tell, really want someone who comes on the stand and can explain a difficult concept clearly." "The question was not, 'What is the color of the pen?' The question was, 'Do you know the color of the pen?' So your answer to 'Do you know the color of the pen?' is yes. The answer is not green." Additional Resources:Check out the Ted Determite children's book series, created to introduce young readers to core construction concepts such as laying pipe and building bridges. Available on Amazon. Connect with Scott Jennings:Please rate, review, and subscribe to help other construction and engineering professionals discover these insights. #BuildAmericaPodcast #ConstructionLaw #ExpertWitness #Podcast #BenchTrial #LegalTestimony #BuildAmerica #Microtunneling #Depositions

    S11, EP317 - Be Credible. Otherwise, Why Bother?

  2. Sep 15

    S11, Episode 316 - Dear Owner, No Change Orders Thank You

    In this episode of the Build America podcast, host Scott Jennings presents an open letter to project owners, breaking down why contractors genuinely despise change orders. Contrary to popular belief, contractors want clear plans, fast answers, and zero interruptions. Scott explores the hidden costs of delayed submittals, the cash flow strain that forces builders to act like banks, and why decisive owner leadership is the ultimate way to stay out of disputes. Key Topics Covered The Reality of Change Orders: Why contractors prefer flawless contract documents over constant scope modifications. The Imbalance of Project Timelines: How strict contractor deadlines contrast with slow owner and architect turnarounds for submittals and site evaluations. Cash Flow as Oxygen: The financial burden of funding payroll, materials, and equipment while waiting months for approvals. Why Fast Decisions Matter: How a quick rejection helps mitigate losses far better than weeks of silence. Real Industry Experience: Scott shares a firsthand story of having to cover three separate payrolls across two states to keep a job moving when subcontractors ran out of funds. Decisive Leadership: How proactive owner management sets the tone, saves money on bid day, and keeps projects out of legal conflict. Ted Determite children’s book series by Scott Jennings, introducing young readers to foundational construction concepts. Resources MentionedEnjoyed this episode? Please leave a rating and review to help more industry professionals find the show. #BuildAmericaPodcast #Construction #Contractors #ProjectOwners #ChangeOrders #ConstructionManagement #ScottJennings #ConstructionBusiness

    S11, Episode 316 - Dear Owner, No Change Orders Thank You

  3. Sep 1

    S11, Ep315- Parkinson's Law - Hoping to Quantify Pacing

    In this episode of the Build America Podcast, host Scott Jennings dives into Parkinson's Law and its complex impact on heavy construction scheduling, worker pacing, and delay claims. While the principle states that work expands to fill available time, proving intentional pacing in construction disputes creates major challenges for owners and contractors alike. Key Takeaways The origins of Parkinson's Law from Cyril Northcote Parkinson's 1955 essay in The Economist Defining pacing in heavy construction and how tasks stretch across extended durations The hurdles project owners face when attempting to identify, quantify, and penalize contractor slowdowns Real world scenarios exploring owner caused delays and strategic labor pacing Contractor behavior during concurrent delays and the legal arguments surrounding project slowdowns Comparing European empirical pacing models with developing United States construction case law Please rate and review the show on Spotify to help more construction and engineering professionals discover these insights. #ConstructionManagement #ParkinsonsLaw #HeavyConstruction #ConstructionClaims #DisputeResolution #ProjectScheduling #DelayClaims #CivilEngineering #ThePipelinePodcast #ScottJennings

    S11, Ep315- Parkinson's Law - Hoping to Quantify Pacing

  4. Aug 20

    S11, Ep314- Reading Rebar Drawings 101

    Master rebar shop drawings with host Scott Jennings as he translates detailer terminology into clear jobsite execution. Learn how to bridge the gap between engineering contract plans and field installation to keep your projects on schedule and structurally sound. In This Episode Rebar Fundamentals: Understand tensile loads, Grade 40 versus Grade 60 steel, and how reinforcing controls concrete cracking. Mats vs. Curtains: Identify the clear differences between horizontal slab reinforcement and vertical wall steel. The Purpose of Shop Drawings: See how detailers turn engineering concepts into actionable plans for fabricators, ironworkers, and inspectors. Bar Sizing Conventions: Master the eighths of an inch sizing scale for quick recognition. Decoding Callouts and Abbreviations: Break down complex callouts such as Number 6 MK605 at 6 inch EW T and B, along with vital shorthand like CLR, EF, EP, and TOF. Estimating Rules of Thumb: Use the practical 200 pounds per cubic yard guideline for quick structural concrete estimates. Books: Explore the Build America Book Series and the Ted the Termite Children Books authored by Scott Jennings. Article: Review the companion article with shop drawing diagrams and rebar placement photos. Connect: Reach out at sjcivil.com or contact Scott Jennings directly via email and LinkedIn. Resources and ConnectRate and review the show to help fellow construction and engineering professionals discover these insights. #BuildAmerica #Construction #CivilEngineering #StructuralEngineering #Rebar #ConcreteConstruction #ShopDrawings #Ironworkers #BlueprintReading

    S11, Ep314- Reading Rebar Drawings 101

  5. 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?

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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
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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
    303
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Scott Jennings
  • Show Website
    Build America Podcast

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