Builders Makers Doers: The Resilience Behind American Business

Andy Bassett and Elliot Bassett
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Management

Builders Makers Doers: The Resilience Behind American Businesses shines a spotlight on the trades and the people who power them. You’ll walk away from each episode with ideas and strategies to build a business that’s here to stay. We are here to tell real stories from the small businesses of America. Whether it’s through our hosts or through conversations with business owners like you, we are here to talk about overcoming obstacles, creating remarkable projects, and building companies designed to last. From navigating labor challenges and market shifts to leading teams and innovating with new tools, these are the real stories of resilience in action. Hosts Elliot Bassett and Andy Bassett guide the discussion, bringing curiosity and practical insight to uncover what makes these businesses thrive. If you’re a builder, maker, or doer – you’ll find strategies, inspiration, and hard-won lessons to help you protect what you’ve built and create a lasting legacy.

  1. 1d ago

    S1E32 | How B Street Built the Systems to Scale From 1 Shop to 15+ Locations

    Growing a trades business isn't just about finding more customers or opening another location. If the processes underneath the business aren't working, growth can expose the problems that were already there. Tony Wiese, CEO of B Street Collision Center, knows that firsthand. B Street started as a single collision repair shop founded by Tony's parents in 1978. Today, the second-generation family business has grown from one shop to 15+ locations across multiple markets. But that growth required Tony and his family to rethink how the business develops people, structures compensation, trains technicians, manages production, and expands into new locations. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN: ✅Why Tony believes you need to get your processes right before trying to scale ✅How B Street created a career path that moves young technicians through increasingly skilled positions ✅Why employees' peers play a role in advancement and promotions ✅How B Street aligns compensation so experienced technicians are motivated to develop younger employees ✅What Tony learned when the first version of B Street's team system “failed miserably” ✅Why operating existing locations and opening new ones eventually become two different businesses For owners and operators trying to grow without losing control of the business, Tony's experience shows what it takes to build the systems and people underneath the growth. GUEST INFORMATION Tony Wiese CEO, B Street Collision Center LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-wiese-0354a3228/ Website: https://bstreetcollision.com/ ▶ Watch the full episode and subscribe to Builders, Makers, Doers. Stay Connected & Follow the Movement • Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts • Follow Builders, Makers, Doers on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/ellerbrock-norris/ • Grab a copy of Andy Bassett’s book https://www.ellerbrock-norris.com/book CONNECT WITH THE HOSTS Andy Bassett CEO, Ellerbrock-Norris https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-bassett-cpcu-cic-7711853/ Elliot Bassett President and Partner, Ellerbrock-Norris https://www.linkedin.com/in/elliot-bassett-aip-cpcu-84499515/ 🌐 https://www.ellerbrock-norris.com/ CHAPTERS 00:00 — Meet Tony Wiese and B Street Collision Center 00:58 — How B Street Started as a Single Shop 05:26 — Taking Over the Family Business at 21 07:34 — Learning How to Actually Run a Business 11:50 — What Drove B Street's Growth 18:05 — The Playbook Behind Scaling the Business 23:02 — Solving the People and Training Problem 26:58 — How B Street Develops Skilled Technicians 33:58 — The First Team System Failed Miserably 39:28 — Why Tony Believes in the Trades 41:53 — How AI Is Changing B Street's Operations We often talk about the 10 impact areas of risk within a business. Now, you can join us for a FREE Resiliency Audit. In 30 minutes, we'll comb through your business, find where you may be at risk, and deliver a detailed plan on how to address the issues. Time to stop being reactive – and commit to being proactive. Schedule your audit today.  You clearly like learning how other businesses are building resiliency. From the people the hire to their safety practices, risk management strategies, exit planning and more. Now, you can do a deep dive on YOUR business – for free. We'll dive into your business and deliver a detailed report that shows you actionable next steps and potential cost long-term savings. Sign up today at www.ellerbrock-norris.com/resiliency.

  2. Aug 25

    S1E31 | 9 Ways Contractors Can Take Control of Their E-Mod and Workers' Comp Costs

    Workers’ compensation can be one of the larger expenses in a trades business. But your E-Mod—and the costs connected to it—aren’t completely outside your control. In this episode of Builders, Makers, Doers, Andy Bassett and Elliot Bassett break down nine areas contractors can pay attention to if they want to better manage their E-Mod and workers’ compensation costs. The bigger lesson is that this isn't just an insurance problem. Safety practices, hiring, injury management, payroll accuracy, claims reserves, healthcare relationships, deductible strategies, and the way your company communicates its risk can all play a role. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN Why a culture of working safely goes beyond having a safety manual or toolbox talksHow recover-at-work programs can reduce the impact qualifying claims have on your E-ModWhy pre-employment screenings and the right healthcare providers matter before and after an injuryHow payroll classifications and claims reserves can affect workers’ compensation costsWhy understanding reporting rules and telling your risk-management story can create additional leverage with an underwriterThis episode is for contractors and trades business owners who want to understand the levers available to them instead of treating workers’ compensation costs as something they simply have to accept. CONNECT WITH THE HOSTS Andy Bassett CEO, Ellerbrock-Norris https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-bassett-cpcu-cic-7711853/ Elliot Bassett President and Partner, Ellerbrock-Norris https://www.linkedin.com/in/elliot-bassett-aip-cpcu-84499515/ 🌐 https://www.ellerbrock-norris.com/ ▶ Watch the full episode and subscribe to Builders, Makers, Doers. Stay Connected & Follow the Movement • Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts • Follow Builders, Makers, Doers on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/ellerbrock-norris/ • Grab a copy of Andy Bassett’s book https://www.ellerbrock-norris.com/book CHAPTERS 00:00 — 9 Ways to Take Control of Your E-Mod 01:00 — Why Your E-Mod Is Controllable 04:00 — Build a Culture of Working Safely 08:00 — Manage Claims Before Injuries Happen 10:00 — Recover-at-Work and E-Mod Impact 14:00 — Pre-Employment Screening and Injury Prevention 17:00 — Choosing the Right Healthcare Providers 20:00 — Get Classifications and Payroll Right 23:00 — Monitor Claims Reserves and Loss Runs 26:00 — Net Reporting and Deductible Strategies 29:00 — Carrier Credits and Underwriting Leverage 32:00 — Take Control of Workers’ Comp Costs We often talk about the 10 impact areas of risk within a business. Now, you can join us for a FREE Resiliency Audit. In 30 minutes, we'll comb through your business, find where you may be at risk, and deliver a detailed plan on how to address the issues. Time to stop being reactive – and commit to being proactive. Schedule your audit today.  You clearly like learning how other businesses are building resiliency. From the people the hire to their safety practices, risk management strategies, exit planning and more. Now, you can do a deep dive on YOUR business – for free. We'll dive into your business and deliver a detailed report that shows you actionable next steps and potential cost long-term savings. Sign up today at www.ellerbrock-norris.com/resiliency.

  3. Aug 11

    S1E30 | How a 74-Year-Old Construction Company Keeps Growing Without Losing Its People

    A construction company does not last 74 years by doing everything the same way. Markets change. Work changes. People change. And the next generation of leaders has to be developed before the current one steps away. In this episode of Builders, Makers, Doers, Andy Bassett talks with Doug McCune, President/Owner of Puetz Design+Build, about how the company has grown from a traditional general contractor into a diversified construction business while staying focused on the people doing the work. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL LEARN: Why Puetz diversified into complementary services to protect the business from market swingsHow getting in front of students early helps build the next generation of trades professionalsWhy Puetz develops leaders who have physically done the workWhat happened when the company suddenly had $40–50 million in project volume to replace—and how the team respondedWhy Doug believes mistakes are part of growth—as long as you learn from themIf you own or lead a construction or trades business, this episode offers a practical look at building a company that can grow, adapt, develop leaders, and stay strong for the long haul. GUEST INFORMATION Doug McCune President/Owner, Puetz Design+Build LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doug-mccune-88959b13/ Website: http://www.puetzdesignbuild.com/ ABOUT BUILDERS, MAKERS, DOERS Builders, Makers, Doers is the podcast for owners and leaders in the skilled trades, construction, manufacturing, and industrial businesses. Hosted by Andy Bassett, each episode focuses on practical leadership, operations, risk management, financial strategy, and business systems that help companies build stronger organizations. CONNECT WITH THE HOST Andy Bassett CEO, Ellerbrock-Norris https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-bassett-cpcu-cic-7711853/ 🌐 https://www.ellerbrock-norris.com/ STAY CONNECTED AND FOLLOW THE MOVEMENT • Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts • Follow Builders, Makers, Doers on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/ellerbrock-norris/ • Grab a copy of Andy Bassett’s book https://www.ellerbrock-norris.com/book ▶ If you found this conversation valuable, subscribe to Builders, Makers, Doers and share this episode with another contractor or business owner who should hear it. CHAPTERS 00:00 — Meet Doug McCune and Puetz Design+Build 04:00 — How the construction business evolved 09:03 — Why diversification makes the business stronger 14:55 — Recruiting the next generation of tradespeople 18:25 — Why leadership starts in the field 22:05 — When $40–50 million in work disappeared 26:00 — Developing experienced people into leaders 29:00 — Preparing the company for future growth 33:29 — Why good leaders learn from mistakes We often talk about the 10 impact areas of risk within a business. Now, you can join us for a FREE Resiliency Audit. In 30 minutes, we'll comb through your business, find where you may be at risk, and deliver a detailed plan on how to address the issues. Time to stop being reactive – and commit to being proactive. Schedule your audit today.  You clearly like learning how other businesses are building resiliency. From the people the hire to their safety practices, risk management strategies, exit planning and more. Now, you can do a deep dive on YOUR business – for free. We'll dive into your business and deliver a detailed report that shows you actionable next steps and potential cost long-term savings. Sign up today at www.ellerbrock-norris.com/resiliency.

  4. Jul 28

    S1E29 | Why Your Workers' Comp Mod Can Cost You Jobs—Not Just Insurance Premiums

    Most contractors think workers' compensation only affects what they pay in insurance premiums. The reality is, your Workers' Comp Mod can impact far more than your insurance costs. It can influence whether you're eligible to bid major projects, qualify for large job sites, and remain competitive as your business grows. In this episode of Builders, Makers, Doers, Andy and Elliot Bassett break down Nebraska's transition from gross reporting to net reporting for workers' compensation and explain why the broader lessons apply to contractors across the country. They discuss how Workers' Comp Mods work, why safety culture is becoming a competitive advantage, how claim frequency differs from claim severity, and why telling your company's story to insurance underwriters can directly impact long-term profitability. Whether you're running a growing contracting business or leading an established company, this conversation provides practical strategies to better manage workers' compensation, reduce long-term costs, and position your business for future opportunities. IN THIS EPISODE  Why your Workers’ Comp Mod affects more than insurance premiums How your mod can determine whether you qualify for certain projects  The three phases of an effective worker-safety strategy  Why claim frequency can matter more than claim severity  How Nebraska’s move to net reporting affects deductible strategies ABOUT BUILDERS, MAKERS, DOERS Builders, Makers, Doers is the podcast for owners and leaders in the skilled trades, construction, manufacturing, and industrial businesses. Hosted by Andy and Elliot Bassett, each episode focuses on practical leadership, operations, risk management, financial strategy, and business systems that help companies build stronger organizations. CONNECT WITH THE HOSTS Andy Bassett CEO, Ellerbrock-Norris https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-bassett-cpcu-cic-7711853/ Elliot Bassett President and Partner, Ellerbrock-Norris https://www.linkedin.com/in/elliot-bassett-aip-cpcu-84499515/ https://www.ellerbrock-norris.com/ STAY CONNECTED & FOLLOW THE MOVEMENT Follow Builders, Makers, Doers on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ellerbrock-norris/ Learn more and grab a copy of Andy Bassett's book: https://www.ellerbrock-norris.com/book ▶ If you found this conversation valuable, subscribe to Builders, Makers, Doers and share this episode with another contractor or business owner who should hear it. CHAPTERS 00:00 – Introduction 01:00 – Why Workers' Compensation Matters More Than Ever 02:18 – How Your Workers' Comp Mod Can Affect Winning Work 05:00 – Why Smaller Contractors Should Pay Attention 08:03 – Understanding Workers' Compensation Costs 10:18 – The Three Phases of an Effective Safety Strategy 12:35 – Why Your Story Matters to Insurance Underwriters 17:18 – Nebraska's Net Reporting Change Explained 21:28 – When Deductible Strategies Make Sense 23:50 – Claim Frequency vs. Claim Severity 27:18 – Building a Safety Culture That Supports Growth 30:05 – Final Takeaways We often talk about the 10 impact areas of risk within a business. Now, you can join us for a FREE Resiliency Audit. In 30 minutes, we'll comb through your business, find where you may be at risk, and deliver a detailed plan on how to address the issues. Time to stop being reactive – and commit to being proactive. Schedule your audit today.  You clearly like learning how other businesses are building resiliency. From the people the hire to their safety practices, risk management strategies, exit planning and more. Now, you can do a deep dive on YOUR business – for free. We'll dive into your business and deliver a detailed report that shows you actionable next steps and potential cost long-term savings. Sign up today at www.ellerbrock-norris.com/resiliency.

  5. Jul 21

    S1E28 | Why This Electrician Trains His Team to Leave — On Purpose feat. Scott Vogeli

    Most contractors spend years trying to keep their best employees from leaving. Scott Vogeli believes that's the wrong goal. As the Owner of Modern Edison Electric, Scott has created a business model that intentionally develops experienced journeymen into future business owners. Instead of fearing employee turnover, he treats it as part of a long-term system for recruiting, leadership development, and sustainable growth. In this episode of Builders, Makers, Doers, Elliot Bassett sits down with Scott to discuss the operating principles behind Modern Edison—from building a "franchise on payroll" model and creating predictable marketing systems to developing the Safe Home Method that helped transform his company from a general electrical contractor into a specialized business with a clear mission. Whether you're an electrician, contractor, trades business owner, or entrepreneur, this conversation offers practical lessons on leadership, hiring, marketing, specialization, and building a company that can grow beyond the owner. IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: - Why Scott intentionally prepares journeymen to become future business owners - How the "franchise on payroll" model gives electricians ownership without ownership - Why predictable marketing systems outperform relying only on referrals - How specializing in electrical fire prevention helped Modern Edison grow from approximately $40K–$50K months to around $200K months - The hiring philosophy that treats recruiting and employee turnover as a repeatable business system - Why hiring the right assistant became one of the biggest growth accelerators in Scott's business - How creating systems—not just hiring people—allowed Modern Edison to scale ABOUT THE GUEST Scott Vogeli is the Owner of Modern Edison Electric, an electrical contracting company specializing in electrical fire prevention through its Safe Home Method. Scott also helps contractors build stronger businesses through marketing systems, operational structure, leadership development, and long-term career pathways for skilled tradespeople. Website https://modernedisonelectric.com/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottvogeli/ ▶ Watch the full episode and subscribe to Builders, Makers, Doers for more conversations with operators, builders, and business owners. STAY CONNECTED & FOLLOW THE MOVEMENT Follow Builders, Makers, Doers on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ellerbrock-norris/ Learn more and grab a copy of Andy Bassett's book: https://www.ellerbrock-norris.com/book CONNECT WITH THE HOSTS Elliot Bassett President and Partner, Ellerbrock-Norris https://www.linkedin.com/in/elliot-bassett-aip-cpcu-84499515/  https://www.ellerbrock-norris.com/ Subscribe to Builders, Makers, Doers for weekly conversations with contractors, founders, operators, and trades leaders building real businesses. CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 01:12 Scott's journey into the electrical trade 02:23 The service call that changed everything 05:05 Building the Safe Home Method 09:10 Why predictable marketing beats referrals 11:34 Building a predictable marketing engine 14:33 The "Franchise on Payroll" model 18:17 Why Scott trains employees to leave 21:22 Freedom through accountability and KPIs 25:00 Coaching contractors and building systems 30:30 The first hire that gave Scott his time back 33:40 The long-term vision for Modern Edison 36:00 Final thoughts We often talk about the 10 impact areas of risk within a business. Now, you can join us for a FREE Resiliency Audit. In 30 minutes, we'll comb through your business, find where you may be at risk, and deliver a detailed plan on how to address the issues. Time to stop being reactive – and commit to being proactive. Schedule your audit today.  You clearly like learning how other businesses are building resiliency. From the people the hire to their safety practices, risk management strategies, exit planning and more. Now, you can do a deep dive on YOUR business – for free. We'll dive into your business and deliver a detailed report that shows you actionable next steps and potential cost long-term savings. Sign up today at www.ellerbrock-norris.com/resiliency.

  6. Jul 14

    S1E27 | John Malecki: Why Great Tradespeople Stay Stuck Self-Employed

    Most trades business owners don't struggle because they lack skill. They struggle because they become great at the craft—but never build the systems, leadership, and business knowledge needed to grow beyond themselves. In this episode of Builders, Makers, Doers, Andy and Elliot Bassett sit down with former NFL offensive lineman, entrepreneur, and YouTube creator John Malecki to talk about what it really takes to stop being self-employed and start building a business that scales. John shares how he went from getting cut by NFL teams to building one of the most recognizable woodworking brands on YouTube before expanding into a successful media business, generating more than 250 million long-form views and over $5 million in revenue across content, products, sponsorships, and backend offers. The conversation goes far beyond content creation. It's about learning faster, investing in yourself, building systems, and understanding why consistency beats perfection. IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: Why so many trades business owners stay self-employed instead of building a real businessThe coaching investment that changed John's trajectory as an entrepreneurWhy your business problems probably aren't as unique as you thinkHow being yourself builds trust long before customers ever buyWhy reps—not perfection—are the fastest path to long-term growthWhether you're a contractor, trades business owner, founder, or creator, this episode is packed with practical lessons you can apply immediately. ABOUT THE GUEST John Malecki is a former NFL offensive lineman turned entrepreneur, YouTube creator, and founder of John Malecki Media. Over the past decade, he has built multiple YouTube channels generating more than 250 million long-form views and over $5 million in revenue through advertising, sponsorships, products, and backend offers. Today, he helps founders build content systems that drive real business growth while continuing to educate and inspire builders, makers, and entrepreneurs through his content. Website: https://www.johnmalecki.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-malecki-0959b424/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JohnMaleckiUnscrewed  ▶ Watch the full episode and subscribe to Builders, Makers, Doers for more conversations with operators, builders, and business owners. STAY CONNECTED & FOLLOW THE MOVEMENT Follow Builders, Makers, Doers on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ellerbrock-norris/ Learn more and grab a copy of Andy Bassett's book: https://www.ellerbrock-norris.com/book CONNECT WITH THE HOSTS Andy Bassett CEO, Ellerbrock-Norris https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-bassett-cpcu-cic-7711853/  Elliot Bassett President and Partner, Ellerbrock-Norris https://www.linkedin.com/in/elliot-bassett-aip-cpcu-84499515/  https://www.ellerbrock-norris.com/ Subscribe for more conversations with founders, operators, and trades leaders building real businesses. CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 01:00 John's Journey from the NFL to Entrepreneurship 04:02 Starting a Business with No Roadmap 08:31 Why Great Tradespeople Stay Self-Employed 09:34 The $511 Coaching Investment 11:36 Learning Faster Through Community 12:37 Business Is Like Watching Game Film 15:22 Why People Buy You Before They Buy Your Product 19:17 Be Yourself on Camera 22:02 Why Reps Matter More Than Perfection 27:52 You Don't Need Greatness Early 31:16 Betting Big on the Next Stage 36:08 What's Next for John Malecki 39:43 You Can't Lose If You Don't Quit We often talk about the 10 impact areas of risk within a business. Now, you can join us for a FREE Resiliency Audit. In 30 minutes, we'll comb through your business, find where you may be at risk, and deliver a detailed plan on how to address the issues. Time to stop being reactive – and commit to being proactive. Schedule your audit today.  You clearly like learning how other businesses are building resiliency. From the people the hire to their safety practices, risk management strategies, exit planning and more. Now, you can do a deep dive on YOUR business – for free. We'll dive into your business and deliver a detailed report that shows you actionable next steps and potential cost long-term savings. Sign up today at www.ellerbrock-norris.com/resiliency.

  7. Jul 7

    S1E26 | I Never Applied for a Promotion—Now I Own the Company

    What does it take to go from operating heavy equipment to owning the company? Steven A. Koch II never chased promotions. He started at PSC Construction as a heavy equipment operator and earned new opportunities by consistently creating value, helping the people around him, and doing great work every day. Years later, he purchased the very company where he started and now serves as its President and Chief Executive Officer. In this episode of Builders, Makers, Doers, Elliot Bassett sits down with Steven to discuss leadership, business ownership, company culture, workforce development, and what it really takes to build a construction company that people are proud to be part of. Whether you're leading a crew, growing a construction business, or thinking about buying a company someday, this conversation offers practical lessons from someone who's lived every step of the journey. IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN Why earning trust creates more opportunities than chasing promotions.How Steven went from heavy equipment operator to business owner and CEO.Why surrounding yourself with the right advisors is essential when buying a business.Why the best compliment an employee can give an owner is bringing their friends and family to work with them.Why teaching, communication, and trust are the foundation of effective leadership. ABOUT THE GUEST Steven A. Koch II is the President and Chief Executive Officer of PSC Construction, Inc., a Nebraska-based heavy civil contractor specializing in site preparation, underground utilities, excavation, and industrial construction throughout the Midwest. LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-a-koch-ii-67b95916/ Website https://psccompanies.com/ WATCH MORE BUILDERS, MAKERS, DOERS ▶ Subscribe to Builders, Makers, Doers for more conversations with operators, builders, business owners, and industry leaders. STAY CONNECTED AND FOLLOW THE MOVEMENT Builders, Makers, Doers on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/ellerbrock-norris/ Website https://www.ellerbrock-norris.com/ CONNECT WITH THE HOST Elliot Bassett President & Partner, Ellerbrock-Norris https://www.linkedin.com/in/elliot-bassett-aip-cpcu-84499515/ CHAPTERS 00:00 Welcome and introduction 00:01 Steven's background in construction 00:05 From heavy equipment operator to leadership 00:08 Learning to lead people instead of equipment 00:12 Running operations at PSC Construction 00:14 Buying the company 00:20 Growing the Business 00:21 Building a people-first culture 00:23 Developing future leaders 00:25 A memorable construction project 00:27 The biggest challenges in construction 00:29 Why Steven loves the construction industry 00:30 The future of the skilled trades 00:32 Closing thoughts We often talk about the 10 impact areas of risk within a business. Now, you can join us for a FREE Resiliency Audit. In 30 minutes, we'll comb through your business, find where you may be at risk, and deliver a detailed plan on how to address the issues. Time to stop being reactive – and commit to being proactive. Schedule your audit today.  You clearly like learning how other businesses are building resiliency. From the people the hire to their safety practices, risk management strategies, exit planning and more. Now, you can do a deep dive on YOUR business – for free. We'll dive into your business and deliver a detailed report that shows you actionable next steps and potential cost long-term savings. Sign up today at www.ellerbrock-norris.com/resiliency.

  8. Jun 17

    S1E25 | A Safety Program on Paper Is Worse Than None feat. Jesse Phillips

    Most contractors think safety problems happen because they don't have enough policies. Jesse Phillips sees a different problem. The companies that struggle most often aren't missing safety programs. They have safety programs nobody follows. In this episode of Builders, Makers, Doers, Elliot Bassett sits down with Jesse Phillips, Director of Safety at Ellerbrock-Norris, to discuss what actually creates safer jobsites, stronger accountability, and better business outcomes. The conversation goes beyond OSHA, PPE, and compliance requirements and gets to the real issue: operational discipline. If your company has policies on paper but struggles with execution in the field, this episode will hit close to home. IN THIS EPISODE Why paperwork creates false confidenceThe leadership mistake most safety programs makeWhat data centers are forcing contractors to learnWhy experienced crews become the highest-risk crewsThe hidden cost behind preventable incidentsThe accountability gap hiding inside most safety programs WHO THIS EPISODE IS FOR  ContractorsConstruction company ownersTrade business operatorsProject managersField leadersSafety professionalsOperations leaders GUEST INFORMATION Jesse Phillips, CHST Director of Safety Ellerbrock-Norris LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-phillips-chst-755672265/  Website: https://www.ellerbrock-norris.com/ ▶ Watch the full episode and subscribe to Builders, Makers, Doers for more conversations with operators, builders, and business owners. Stay Connected & Follow the Movement Follow Builders, Makers, Doers on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ellerbrock-norris/ Grab a copy of Andy Bassett’s book https://www.ellerbrock-norris.com/book CONNECT WITH THE HOSTS Andy Bassett CEO, Ellerbrock-Norris https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-bassett-cpcu-cic-7711853/  Elliot Bassett President and Partner, Ellerbrock-Norris https://www.linkedin.com/in/elliot-bassett-aip-cpcu-84499515/  https://www.ellerbrock-norris.com/  CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to Jesse Phillips and Safety Leadership 01:34 How Construction Safety Has Changed 02:32 Why Safety Programs Fail Without Enforcement 04:14 The Data Center Effect on Construction Safety 07:22 Documentation Doesn't Create Accountability 11:07 What Jesse Looks For on Every Jobsite 13:00 The Real Danger of Complacency 14:05 Why Corrective Actions Matter 17:11 Safety Culture Takes Time to Build 20:18 What Contractors Get Wrong About OSHA 27:40 The Wildest Safety Stories Jesse Has Seen 30:16 Final Lessons for Contractors We often talk about the 10 impact areas of risk within a business. Now, you can join us for a FREE Resiliency Audit. In 30 minutes, we'll comb through your business, find where you may be at risk, and deliver a detailed plan on how to address the issues. Time to stop being reactive – and commit to being proactive. Schedule your audit today.  You clearly like learning how other businesses are building resiliency. From the people the hire to their safety practices, risk management strategies, exit planning and more. Now, you can do a deep dive on YOUR business – for free. We'll dive into your business and deliver a detailed report that shows you actionable next steps and potential cost long-term savings. Sign up today at www.ellerbrock-norris.com/resiliency.

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About

Builders Makers Doers: The Resilience Behind American Businesses shines a spotlight on the trades and the people who power them. You’ll walk away from each episode with ideas and strategies to build a business that’s here to stay. We are here to tell real stories from the small businesses of America. Whether it’s through our hosts or through conversations with business owners like you, we are here to talk about overcoming obstacles, creating remarkable projects, and building companies designed to last. From navigating labor challenges and market shifts to leading teams and innovating with new tools, these are the real stories of resilience in action. Hosts Elliot Bassett and Andy Bassett guide the discussion, bringing curiosity and practical insight to uncover what makes these businesses thrive. If you’re a builder, maker, or doer – you’ll find strategies, inspiration, and hard-won lessons to help you protect what you’ve built and create a lasting legacy.

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