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

    15H AGO

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

    5D AGO

    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
  3. Unfortunately, Business Really Is This Simple

    6D AGO

    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
  4. 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
  5. Nobody Warns You About This Phase of Business

    FEB 11

    Nobody Warns You About This Phase of Business

    Ever feel like your business is doing fine, you’re busy, making money, staying booked, but deep down, you know you’re not moving forward? In this episode of Hard Hat to CEO, Chris G. talks about that weird middle stage where everything looks good on paper, but you feel stuck. He shares a story about getting a Can-Am stuck in a ditch (and how that relates to your business), why just “working harder” won’t fix it, and how sometimes, you need to unload, shift gears, or even change direction altogether. Whether it’s letting go of some tasks, hiring help, or just making different decisions, this episode is full of real talk about what it takes to get unstuck, and grow. Episode highlights: (0:00) Intro (0:43) When hard work stops working (2:14) The Can-Am story and getting unstuck (3:41) Systems and SOPs to make life easier (4:21) Hiring help doesn’t mean letting go completely (5:46) Why fear plays a big role in feeling stuck (6:39) Don’t quit, just shift your effort (7:35) The power of coaches and mentors (7:58) Make the trail easier for the next person (8:54) 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/

    9 min
  6. Why Your Construction Website Isn’t Getting You Clients with Wes Towers

    FEB 6

    Why Your Construction Website Isn’t Getting You Clients with Wes Towers

    What if the only thing stopping customers from choosing you is your online presence? In this episode, Chris G chats with Australian branding expert Wes Towers about why every trade and construction business needs a clean, simple, and trustworthy website. Wes explains how clearer messaging, real photos and videos, and up-to-date content can help people feel confident picking you. They also talk about AI, why unique stories matter, and how small businesses can still look strong online without a huge budget. If you’ve been thinking about improving your website or finally building one, this conversation gives you encouraging, practical advice you can use right away. Wes Towers is an Australian digital marketing entrepreneur and the founder of Uplift 360, a digital agency that focuses on helping trades and construction businesses strengthen their online presence. With more than 20 years of experience in web design, SEO, and digital strategy, he teaches companies how to create clear, human-centered messaging that builds trust and attracts better clients. Early in his career, Wes was warned that AI might replace his work, but instead he learned to use new tools while doubling down on authentic, personalized content. Today, he’s known for helping businesses stand out online through practical strategies, strong branding, and websites that actually drive real conversations and customers. Connect with Wes Website: https://uplift360.com.au/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/westowers/ Episode highlights: (0:00) Intro (0:50) Chris welcomes Wes and his work with Uplift360 (1:49) Why even small subcontractors still need a website (3:40) The power of clear messaging to attract the right clients (4:51) How real photos and videos build trust fast (6:30) Common website mistakes and what to fix first (10:25) How AI affects trust and why authenticity matters (12:30) Why unique content helps Google and AI find your business (16:18) How small local businesses can still compete (21:49) Using social media the right way: bring people to your site (26:27) Why phone calls are still your strongest leads (29:29) 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
  7. The Difference Between Control and Leadership

    FEB 4

    The Difference Between Control and Leadership

    Ever feel like you're stuck doing everything yourself because no one else can do it "right"? In this episode, Chris G. breaks down why control isn’t leadership, it’s fear in disguise. He shares a funny (and frustrating) story about mismatched paint and painters who couldn’t read, then gets into the real fix: hiring the right people, writing things down, and letting your team do what they’re great at. Leadership isn’t about barking orders; it’s about creating clarity, building trust, and finally getting some breathing room. If you’re ready to stop micromanaging and start leading, this one's for you. Episode highlights: (0:00) Intro (0:37) Control feels good until it doesn’t (2:03) Why documentation matters (3:36) Good people solve problems before you even know they exist (4:19) Know what you want; let your team figure out the “how” (5:53) Confused teams don’t move; they freeze (6:36) Leadership frees you up to focus on what matters (7:44) Let go, but stay in the loop (8:39) 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/

    9 min
  8. How Smart Design Decisions Can Make or Break Your Remodel ROI with Erica Kalkofen

    JAN 30

    How Smart Design Decisions Can Make or Break Your Remodel ROI with Erica Kalkofen

    Can good design actually help you make more money on a home? In this episode, Chris G talks with Erica Kalkofen, a designer and contractor from Denver, about how smart remodeling can boost value and create homes people love living in. They cover what to look for when buying a house to flip, how to avoid costly design mistakes, and why having a clear plan matters. Erica also shares her step-by-step design process and explains how she helps homeowners stay on budget without giving up on style. Whether you're flipping houses, remodeling your own, or just curious about the process, this one’s full of useful tips and honest advice. Erica Kalkofen is a remodeling designer and licensed real estate agent based in Colorado with more than 20 years of experience in interior design, construction, and real estate. She is the owner of EK Kitchens & Design, where she guides homeowners and contractors through kitchen, bathroom, and whole‑home remodels with a signature six‑step design process that focuses on planning, materials, and communication. Erica combines real world construction knowledge with design and investment insight so clients make smart decisions that add value and improve how they live in their homes. She has worked on hundreds of projects across the Denver metro area and Grand County, and she also holds real estate credentials to help clients assess property value and resale potential. Connect with Erica: Website: https://getyourhometoday.com/ Episode highlights: (0:00) Intro (1:17) Meet Erica and her design background (2:20) How to spot a good flip (3:53) Why resale value matters (7:13) Erica’s six-step design process (12:13) Common remodel mistakes and fixes (17:24) When design choices cost you money (21:22) How budgets really break down (24:45) A worksheet that helps clients plan (27:13) Can AI help with remodeling? (29:21) Why design adds value to any construction business (31:56) Where to find Erica 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
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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.

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