Hard Hat to CEO with Chris Gilman

Chris Gilman
  • 5.0 (2)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

"Hardhat to CEO” is the podcast where we dive into the real stories behind the rise of construction business owners who are on a mission to grow, scale, and conquer the challenges that come their way. Join us as we explore the journeys, obstacles, and breakthroughs that define what it means to be an outstanding owner in the construction industry. Whether you're navigating the complexities of growing your business or pushing through tough times, these candid conversations will inspire you to overcome any challenge and reach new heights. Tune in, connect with fellow construction owners, and discover the strategies and insights to build a leading company.

  1. This Will Piss You Off! - The #1 Business Scam Everyone Falls For

    6H AGO

    This Will Piss You Off! - The #1 Business Scam Everyone Falls For

    Is growing your business always a good thing? In this episode, Chris G shares a story from when his sales team was doing great, but the company was still losing money. They were selling more than the company could produce. Stress went up, hours got longer, and profits dropped. Chris explains why many business owners chase growth because it looks good. More trucks, more tools, and more jobs can make people think the company is doing great. But those things do not always mean the business is healthy. Real success is simple. It means steady profits, good systems, and a team that knows how the company is doing. Before trying to grow bigger, business owners should first focus on making their business stronger and more profitable. Episode highlights: (0:00) Intro (0:30) Growth does not always mean success (1:28) When too many sales caused problems (3:28) Why growth can create stress and lower profits (5:04) The trap of chasing what looks good (8:03) Sharing company progress with your team (9:33) What real success feels like (10:25) Focus on profit before scaling (12:30) Why size does not equal strength (13:49) Outro Connect with Hard Hat to CEO on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BrHqc3wdF/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hardhattoceo/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dcgilman/

    14 min
  2. How To Stop Treating Time Like Credit with Andrew Hartman

    5D AGO

    How To Stop Treating Time Like Credit with Andrew Hartman

    Have you ever felt like you’re working all the time but still falling behind? In this episode of Hard Hat to CEO, Chris G talks with Andrew Hartman about why so many people feel stressed and overwhelmed by work. Andrew shares his own story of burnout after saying yes to too many projects and working nonstop. The stress even started hurting his health and family life. That experience pushed him to find a better way to manage time. Andrew explains his simple TimeBoss method, which uses three basic tools: your calendar, a backlog list, and a parking lot for urgent tasks. He also talks about treating time like cash, not credit, so you only commit to what you actually have time for. If you want to get more done and still have peace of mind, this episode will help you rethink how you use your time. Andrew Hartman is a business leader, coach, and speaker who helps professionals and teams improve how they use their time. He is the founder of TimeBoss, a system designed to help people achieve strong results at work while reducing stress and burnout. Earlier in his career, Andrew worked in the software industry, where he helped grow companies and led major projects. During that time, he experienced severe work overload and burnout, which pushed him to study time management and productivity more deeply. After years of testing different methods, he created the TimeBoss framework to help leaders, teams, and organizations work at a high level without constant pressure. Today, he teaches this approach through coaching, workshops, and training for companies and professionals. Connect with Andrew: Website: https://www.timeboss.us/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewhartman Join The Time Boss Masterclass: https://www.timeboss.us/masterclass Episode highlights (0:00) Intro (0:40) Why time is the one thing you can’t get back (1:01) Andrew’s early career and feeling overwhelmed (2:51) How stress started affecting his health and family (6:22) What burnout really feels like (8:45) The mindset shift that changed his life (10:45) How your time shows what you truly value (13:28) Why you should treat time like cash (19:49) The three tools in the TimeBoss system (24:24) Handling urgent tasks without losing focus (27:07) The simple rule for better delegation (29:36) Why weekly planning makes a big difference (34:28) How TimeBoss works with tools you already use (37:15) One easy step you can take this week (38:47) Where to find Andrew (39:45) Outro Connect with Hard Hat to CEO on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BrHqc3wdF/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hardhattoceo/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dcgilman/

    40 min
  3. 5 Things I Did To Stop Wasting My Evenings

    MAR 3

    5 Things I Did To Stop Wasting My Evenings

    Do you ever get home from work, but your mind is still on the job? In this episode, Chris G talks about the five simple changes that helped him take back his evenings and finally rest. He shares how he stopped making big decisions at night and started writing a short list to clear his head. He quit scrolling on social media before bed and set clear rules about not answering calls or texts after a certain time. He also cut off caffeine in the evening, stopped watching the news at night, and chose family time, reading, or being outside instead. After going through serious health issues, Chris learned that stress is not worth it. Your evenings belong to you and the people you love. Episode highlights: (0:00) Intro (0:41) Taking Chris’ evenings back (2:44) Writing simple lists to calm the mind (3:48) Stopping social media at night (6:54) Setting boundaries with work and news (9:37) Easy evening habits for better sleep (12:40) Taking the first step when you feel tired (13:56) Why your health matters more than work (15:16) Outro Connect with Hard Hat to CEO on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BrHqc3wdF/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hardhattoceo/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dcgilman/

    16 min
  4. Why Failure Is the Secret Weapon of Successful People with Ari Rastegar

    FEB 26

    Why Failure Is the Secret Weapon of Successful People with Ari Rastegar

    What if the thing you call failure is actually the moment that sets you up to win? In this episode of Hard Hat to CEO, Chris G. talks with Ari Rastegar about how losing a business became the push he needed to build a thriving real estate company investing in 38 cities across 13 states. Ari keeps it real as he shares why your health matters more than hustle, how the people around you shape your future, and why attitude comes before skill. They also talk about building strong teams, learning from mistakes, and what to do if you’re starting from zero. It’s an honest conversation about growth, ownership, and doing the inner work that leads to real success. Ari Rastegar is an American real estate investor, entrepreneur, and author. He is the founder and CEO of Rastegar Property Company, a commercial real estate investment and development firm based in Austin, Texas. Born and raised in Texas, he earned his undergraduate degree from Texas A&M University and later received his law degree from St. Mary’s University School of Law. He began investing in real estate while still in law school and went on to build a firm that has invested in and developed properties across multiple U.S. markets. Rastegar is also the author of The Gift of Failure, where he shares lessons on mindset, resilience, and personal growth drawn from his own business journey. Connect with Ari: Website: http://rastegarproperty.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arirastegar/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/rastegar/?hl=en Grab a copy: https://tinyurl.com/5y97wj4t Episode highlights: (0:00) Intro (0:59) Meet Ari and his real estate journey (5:53) Why failure teaches you how to win (9:04) Health first, business second (12:11) Attitude vs. skill (20:33) Building the right team (26:17) Starting from nothing and building up (28:13) Where to find Ari and his book (29:23) Outro Connect with Hard Hat to CEO on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BrHqc3wdF/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hardhattoceo/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dcgilman/

    30 min
  5. The Cost of Being the “Reliable One” in Business

    FEB 24

    The Cost of Being the “Reliable One” in Business

    Have you ever noticed that the more reliable you are, the more everything lands on your plate? In this episode, Chris G. talks about the hidden cost of always being the one who answers the phone, fixes the problem, and saves the day. At first, it feels like leadership. But over time, it slows your growth, stresses you out, and keeps your team from stepping up. Chris shares real stories from sales, property management, and running multiple businesses to show why turning responsibility over to others is the key to growth. When you trust your team, you free up your mind, make better decisions, and build a stronger business. Episode highlights: (0:00) Intro (0:38) The cost of always being reliable (1:40) Letting customer service do their job (5:55) Stress and mental overload (9:09) Let your team make decisions (10:52) Stop trying to handle everything yourself (18:43) Why letting go helps your business grow (20:25) Outro Connect with Hard Hat to CEO on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BrHqc3wdF/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hardhattoceo/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dcgilman/

    21 min
  6. Why Most Real Estate Deals Are Bad (And How to Find the Good Ones) with Frank Iglesias

    FEB 19

    Why Most Real Estate Deals Are Bad (And How to Find the Good Ones) with Frank Iglesias

    What if the reason most investors lose money isn’t the market… but the numbers they accept? In this episode of Hard Hat to CEO, Chris G. talks with seasoned investor Frank Iglesias about what’s really working in today’s real estate world. With 17 years of experience, Frank shares why he sticks to conservative “all in” numbers, why cash flow matters more than hype, and how strong negotiation skills can make or break a deal. He also explains why local market knowledge is gold and why just because a lender will fund a deal doesn’t mean you should do it. If you want honest, practical advice from someone who has seen the highs and lows, this one’s for you. Frank Iglesias is a real estate investor, entrepreneur, coach, and podcast host based in Atlanta, Georgia. He began investing around 2008 after leaving a career in information technology and music to pursue real estate full-time. Over the past 17 years, he has completed hundreds of transactions using strategies such as wholesaling, fix-and-flips, buy-and-hold rentals, and new construction across multiple states. Known for his conservative, numbers-focused approach, Frank emphasizes protecting profits and managing risk in changing markets. In addition to actively investing, he coaches other real estate entrepreneurs and shares practical lessons drawn from both his successes and challenges in the industry. Connect with Frank: Website: https://workingwithhouses.com/ https://frankiglesias.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/frankiglesias7/ Phone: 678-408-2228 Email: info@workingwithhouses.com Episode highlights: (0:00) Intro (1:10) Meet Frank and his real estate journey (3:38) What “quick cash” really means (7:11) Why 65 percent all-in still works (11:59) The lost skill of negotiation (17:01) Hyper-local market knowledge (24:50) Best, worst, and most likely case planning (28:16) Financeable vs. profitable deals (33:20) Where to learn more about Frank and what he does (34:30) The risks of remote investing (39:55) Outro Connect with Hard Hat to CEO on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BrHqc3wdF/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hardhattoceo/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dcgilman/

    40 min
  7. Unfortunately, Business Really Is This Simple

    FEB 18

    Unfortunately, Business Really Is This Simple

    What if business isn’t complicated at all… just uncomfortable? In this episode, Chris G. shares a real story from running a $20 million family business and how everything changed when he put a simple budget in place and aimed for a clear 10% profit. He explains why you must charge the right price, stop trying to “save” money in ways that cost you time, and fix problems at the root instead of putting band-aids on them. Chris also talks about making decisions faster, learning from mistakes, hiring strong people, and trusting your team. Business can be simple when you lead well, stay focused, and keep moving forward. Episode highlights: (0:00) Intro (0:23) Building a budget and setting profit goals (2:45) Charge what you’re worth (5:13) Fix problems at the root (6:28) Make decisions and move forward (8:13) Time is money (9:22) Hire great people and lead well (11:41) Outro Connect with Hard Hat to CEO on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BrHqc3wdF/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hardhattoceo/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dcgilman/

    12 min
  8. How ADUs Are Changing Real Estate with Avi Kaufman

    FEB 13

    How ADUs Are Changing Real Estate with Avi Kaufman

    What if you could look up a property and quickly know what you’re allowed to build before you ever leave your office? In this episode of Hard Hat to CEO, Chris talks with Avi Kaufman about ADUs, also known as accessory dwelling units, and why they are popping up all over the country. They explain what an ADU is, how it can help families keep loved ones close, and why it is becoming a smart way to add housing and income. Avi also shares how his company uses AI to sort through complicated zoning rules so builders can answer homeowner questions faster and with more confidence. If you’re tired of chasing projects that go nowhere, this episode gives you a practical way to save time and win more work. Avi Kaufman is a U.S. military veteran, real estate professional, and Co-Founder and Chief Real Estate Officer of FutureLot, a property technology company that helps builders and homeowners quickly understand what can be built on residential lots. After years working as a real estate broker and seeing projects stall due to confusing zoning laws, he helped create a platform that combines mapping, data, and AI to simplify early-stage property research. His focus is on making zoning clearer, saving builders time, and helping create more housing opportunities through smarter planning and development. Connect with Avi: Website: https://www.futurelot.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/avinkaufman/ Email: avi@futurelot.com Episode highlights: (0:00) Intro (0:44) Meet Avi Kaufman (2:40) What an ADU is and why they matter (5:40) Costs and savings to think about (8:05) Financing options for ADUs (13:19) Using AI to understand zoning (27:57) How builders can use this to boost sales (31:20) Where to find Avi and his resources (32:17) Outro Connect with Hard Hat to CEO on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BrHqc3wdF/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hardhattoceo/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dcgilman/

    33 min
See All (162)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

"Hardhat to CEO” is the podcast where we dive into the real stories behind the rise of construction business owners who are on a mission to grow, scale, and conquer the challenges that come their way. Join us as we explore the journeys, obstacles, and breakthroughs that define what it means to be an outstanding owner in the construction industry. Whether you're navigating the complexities of growing your business or pushing through tough times, these candid conversations will inspire you to overcome any challenge and reach new heights. Tune in, connect with fellow construction owners, and discover the strategies and insights to build a leading company.

Information