The Construction Leading Edge Podcast

Todd Dawalt
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  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • EVERY TWO WEEKS
The Construction Leading Edge Podcast

The Construction Leading Edge is a one stop shop for contracting professionals who want to be more effective entrepreneurs and leaders. Business owners, managers, project executives, project managers, and field leaders will all benefit from the interviews, resources, tools, and tips offered.

  1. 2 DAYS AGO

    5 Steps to Creating a Foolproof Customer Acquisition System for Builders with Spencer Powell

    EPISODE 363: Is your construction business relying too heavily on referrals? It’s time to rethink your marketing strategy. In this week’s episode, we’re joined by Spencer Powell, founder of Builder Funnel, where we discuss in-depth on how to create a customer acquisition system that attracts the right customers consistently. Spencer reveals the risks of depending solely on word-of-mouth marketing, the power of targeted marketing, how to craft messaging that truly resonates with potential clients, and how to design a marketing strategy that converts. From defining a niche to measuring ROI, this episode is packed with actionable advice for builders looking to skyrocket their marketing strategies. Let’s jump right in!   Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00) Meet Spencer Powell from Builder Funnel (02:58) Why relying on referrals makes you vulnerable (04:17) Defining your ideal client (07:04)  The importance of niching down and how to do it (11:54) Building a customer acquisition system (23:05) Crafting a message that resonates with your desired clients (27:54) Content marketing vs. paid advertisements (40:04) Maximizing lifetime customer value (53:05) How to track your marketing efforts (55:12) Keep up with Spencer (57:59)   Additional Resources: - Watch episode 318 with Spencer HERE - Join our FREE Get Out of Your Construction Business Masterclass HERE - Watch our FREE online training: How to Finally Scale Your Construction Business by Unlocking the Secret Profit Phase of Every Project  HERE - Schedule your FREE business evaluation call with our team HERE    Connect with Spencer: - Grab a free copy of Spencer’s book, The Remodeler Marketing Blueprint, by emailing him at spowell@builderfunnel.com with “Todd” in the subject line. - Visit Builder Funnel for more information HERE -- The Construction Leading Edge Podcast helps construction business owners maximize their revenue, eliminate chaos, systematize their work, and win back their time. Follow us on your favorite podcasting platform so you never miss an episode!

    1h 3m
  2. Pitfalls to Avoid When Scaling a Construction Business | E362

    18 NOV

    Pitfalls to Avoid When Scaling a Construction Business | E362

    EPISODE 362: Has your construction business been doing great lately and now you’re thinking about scaling up? Before you make any moves, you need to hear this. In this week’s episode, we’re joined by our Construction Leading Edge team, Leyah Hostetter and Monish Khadye, to dive into the common pitfalls of scaling a construction business. We break down why chaos is a choice, how the “Just Enough to Start” (JETS) trap can hurt your reputation and profits, and why the DIY approach simply doesn’t work. Plus, we reveal why systems are essential even for small companies, the risks of building a business around people, and more. If you’re a construction business owner looking to scale with a strong foundation, this episode is exactly what you need. Let’s jump right in!   Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00) Pitfall of ramping up marketing without operational support (02:55) Why the “Just Enough to Start” (JETS) is a costly fallacy (10:09) The problem with a DIY approach to your business (24:08) Systems are essential even for small companies (30:35)  Chaos as a self-correcting phenomenon (36:13) Why you shouldn’t design your business around people (38:34) Episode wrap-up (47:08)   Additional Resources: - Watch our FREE online training: How to Finally Scale Your Construction Business by Unlocking the Secret Profit Phase of Every Project  HERE - Schedule your FREE business evaluation call with our team HERE  -- The Construction Leading Edge Podcast helps construction business owners maximize their revenue, eliminate chaos, systematize their work, and win back their time. Follow us on your favorite podcasting platform so you never miss an episode!

    51 min
  3. Breaking Free From the Construction Overwork Culture and Client Chaos w/ Kris Miller | E361

    11 NOV

    Breaking Free From the Construction Overwork Culture and Client Chaos w/ Kris Miller | E361

    EPISODE 361: Do you feel trapped by the constant chaos of your construction business? In this week’s episode, Leyah Hostetter, our Director of Customer Success, sits down with Kris Miller, President of KLM Construction, to explore the strategies that turned his business from a chaotic struggle into a well-oiled machine. Kris opens up about the impact of simple yet powerful communication hacks he implemented, like weekly client updates, and how a systematized handoff between pre-construction and construction transformed his business.  He also shares how using accountability charts helped eliminate bottlenecks and allowed him to slowly step back from daily operations. If you’re ready to break free from the construction overwork culture and work from 80 hours to 10 hours per week, all while making progress on your construction business, don’t miss this episode! Let’s jump right in!   Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00) Meet Kris Miller of KLM Construction (02:35) Bridging the pre-construction to construction gap (03:13) Kris’s light bulb moment (05:21) How is SYCB different from other coaching programs (08:48) Importance of accountability charts and systematized handoffs (12:06) Kris’s goal for a balanced work-life (14:17)   Additional Resources: - Watch our FREE online training: How to Finally Scale Your Construction Business by Unlocking the Secret Profit Phase of Every Project  HERE - Schedule your FREE business evaluation call with our team HERE  - Check out KLM Construction HERE -- The Construction Leading Edge Podcast helps construction business owners maximize their revenue, eliminate chaos, systematize their work, and win back their time. Follow us on your favorite podcasting platform so you never miss an episode!

    19 min
  4. From Breaking Even to Big Wins: How Empowered Teams Drive Real Profits w/ John & Shannon Springstead

    4 NOV

    From Breaking Even to Big Wins: How Empowered Teams Drive Real Profits w/ John & Shannon Springstead

    EPISODE 360: Is your construction business stuck operating on a zero-profit margin while you’re tied to it 24/7? It’s time to break the cycle, just like our guests did. Meet John and Shannon Springstead of John Springstead Construction–a father-and-daughter duo who completely overhauled their business. In this episode, John and Shannon share their experience with our Systematize Your Construction Business (SYCB) program, which helped them reduce chaos and move toward profitability. They share how SYCB empowered them to delegate responsibilities, set up clear communication channels, and take charge of their projects without constant oversight. You’ll hear how they started charging for estimates after doing it for free for 15 years and how their “Nail the Handoff” system has brought peace and structure to their operations. Tune in to uncover the secrets to transforming your construction business into a self-managing powerhouse!   Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00) Meet John and Shannon Springstead (02:22) Initial struggles with zero-profit margins and lack of growth (03:53) How empowering employees results in effective delegation (07:28) Impact of Nail the Handoff meetings on team clarity (09:02) From 15 years of free estimates to charging for them (13:57) Benefits of delegating to the “super” in daily operations (20:01)  What’s next for John Springstead Construction? (24:01)   Additional Resources: - Watch our FREE online training: How to Finally Scale Your Construction Business by Unlocking the Secret Profit Phase of Every Project HERE - Schedule your FREE business evaluation call with our team HERE  - Check out John Springstead Construction HERE -- The Construction Leading Edge Podcast helps construction business owners maximize their revenue, eliminate chaos, systematize their work, and win back their time. Follow us on your favorite podcasting platform so you never miss an episode!

    29 min
  5. Why Saying “No” to Clients Could Save Your Construction Business w/ Dan Flansburg | E359

    28 OCT

    Why Saying “No” to Clients Could Save Your Construction Business w/ Dan Flansburg | E359

    EPISODE 359: Imagine being booked solid for the entire year but not with the right projects or clients. Sound familiar? Meet Dan Flansburg, owner of Flansburg Construction. This was Dan’s reality until he realized that saying “yes” to every client and project was holding him back. In this week’s episode, we’re joined by Dan, who shares his experiences and strategies for growing a successful design-build construction company. Driven by a misalignment of values with his previous employer, Dan decided to start his own company in 2011. He explains how saying “no” to the wrong projects allowed him to focus on his ideal clients, which in turn led to more referrals and sustainable growth. Dan also discusses the challenges he faced scaling his construction business, transitioning from a hands-on role to managing processes, and how systematizing operations improved his team’s communication and efficiency. Tune in now to discover how refining your processes can be a game-changer and why saying “no” might be the best decision you ever make.   Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00) Meet Dan Flansburg of Flansburg Construction (02:31) Dan’s transition from employee to business owner (05:28) From doing it all to managing people (07:08) Why free estimates are often inaccurate (12:43) How to determine your ideal client as a construction company (14:30) Side effects of saying "no" to your less ideal projects or clients (20:51) How to maximize referrals for your construction business (22:31) The struggles Dan faced that pushed him to join SYCB (24:58) Clarifying roles and responsibilities (29:20) Business impact after joining the SYCB program (39:10) Knowing your numbers can save you a lot of headaches (52:23)   Additional Resources: - Join the Construction Leading Edge community HERE - Join our FREE Get Out of Your Construction Business Masterclass HERE - Schedule your FREE business evaluation call with our team HERE or tap the “APPLY NOW” button on our website   Connect with Dan and Flansburg Construction - Follow them on Instagram HERE - Visit Flansburg Construction’s website for more information HERE -- The Construction Leading Edge Podcast helps construction business owners maximize their revenue, eliminate chaos, systematize their work, and win back their time. Follow us on your favorite podcasting platform so you never miss an episode!

    58 min
  6. How to Get Paid for Upskilling Your Construction Employees w/ Krysta Van Ranst

    21 OCT

    How to Get Paid for Upskilling Your Construction Employees w/ Krysta Van Ranst

    EPISODE 358: Did you know construction companies are sitting on untapped training funds? In this week’s episode, Krysta Van Ranst of Building PPL–a consulting firm specializing in training and team building for construction companies–reveals how businesses can use state grants to fund training programs, upskill employees, and boost profitability. Today, Krysta breaks down everything you need to know about qualifying for a construction training grant and aligning training with business goals for maximum impact. This episode also covers the common misconceptions about construction training, why you should allow employees to challenge existing processes, and how companies can think long-term when it comes to workforce development. Let’s jump into it!   Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00) What are training grants and why do they exist? (02:42)  Meet Krysta Van Ranst of Building PPL (8:33) Misconceptions about being an entrepreneur (14:47) How to qualify for a construction training grant (16:57) Common myths and misconceptions about construction training (22:09) Overcoming employee resistance to behavioral changes (32:12) Aligning training with company goals (45:55) Rapid-fire questions (49:51)   Additional Resources: - Join the Construction Leading Edge community HERE - Join our FREE Get Out of Your Construction Business Masterclass HERE - Schedule your FREE business evaluation call with our team HERE or tap the “APPLY NOW” button on our website   Connect with Krysta  - Follow Krysta on LinkedIn HERE - Visit Building PPL HERE for more information -- The Construction Leading Edge Podcast helps construction business owners maximize their revenue, eliminate chaos, systematize their work, and win back their time. Follow us on your favorite podcasting platform so you never miss an episode!

    56 min
  7. How Construction Business Owners Can Have an Empowered and Accountable Team by Fixing the Actual Problems | E357

    14 OCT

    How Construction Business Owners Can Have an Empowered and Accountable Team by Fixing the Actual Problems | E357

    EPISODE 357: Do you feel stuck doing everything in your construction business? Or do you delegate tasks, but somehow, things still end up on your plate? In this episode of The Construction Leading Edge podcast, I’m joined by Monish Khadye and Leyah Hostetter to discuss why so many construction business owners have difficulty empowering their teams and how to overcome these challenges. Today, we’ll discuss the importance of clear communication, setting expectations, and why trust is the most significant factor in a high-performing, empowered team. Plus, we’ll debunk common myths surrounding team empowerment, share practical tips to empower your team and explore the positive ripple effects of having an empowered construction team. Tune in now and learn how you can empower your team!   Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00) What it looks like to have an empowered construction team (03:42) Why does putting trust in your team speed things up? (11:29) Giving your team the right tools and setting boundaries (17:21) Team empowerment myths that are holding people back (19:33) #1 thing that keeps business owners from delegating (29:46) Empowering your construction team by solving key problems (31:54) Practical tips to empower your team (43:42)  Positive ripple effects of empowering teams (49:24)   Additional Resources: - Join the Construction Leading Edge community HERE - Join our FREE Get Out of Your Construction Business Masterclass HERE - Schedule your FREE business evaluation call with our team HERE or tap the “APPLY NOW” button on our website -- The Construction Leading Edge Podcast helps construction business owners maximize their revenue, eliminate chaos, systematize their work, and win back their time. Follow us on your favorite podcasting platform so you never miss an episode!

    1h 5m
  8. How a Lawsuit and Knee Injury Saved a Construction Business with Nate Mielke

    7 OCT

    How a Lawsuit and Knee Injury Saved a Construction Business with Nate Mielke

    EPISODE 356: Have you ever felt like your business was running you instead of the other way around? That’s exactly how today’s guest felt for a long time. In this week’s episode, I sit down with Nate Mielke, owner of Skäpar Design Build, to talk about how his challenges–a lawsuit and a knee injury–forced him to rethink his approach to running a construction business. With over 25 years of experience under his name, Nate shares how mentorship helped him make the transition from a hands-on worker to a business owner running a successful operation. He explains how developing systems and outsourcing pre-construction tasks enabled him to focus on what he does best–client relationships and strategic thinking.  Plus, he dives deep into the importance of making all decisions upfront before starting the project, hiring tips for building the right team, why customer experience is more important than the final product and more. Want to step back from the day-to-day grind and put on your CEO hat? Tune in now! Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00) Meet Nate Mielke of Skäpar Design Build (03:47)  How Nate started his business after being laid off (06:01) Transitioning from a one-man show to subcontracting (07:44)  Key factors to consider when outsourcing your pre-construction (15:35) How to avoid the JETS trap (18:44) Nate’s three-phase construction process (21:25) The worst part about doing free estimates (24:55) Why customer experience is more important than the final product (29:07) The Operation Dignity International (33:49)  Construction business challenges that Nate had to face (40:59) How a pre-construction process helps you to sell (43:47) Most impactful changes SYCB made to his business (48:42) What life and business have been now for Nate (51:44) The CEO Alliance (54:21)   Additional Resources: - Join the Construction Leading Edge community HERE - Join our FREE Get Out of Your Construction Business Masterclass HERE - Schedule your FREE business evaluation call with our team HERE or tap the “APPLY NOW” button on our website   Other Links Mentioned in the Episode - Follow Skäpar Design Build HERE - Visit Operation Dignity International HERE - Check out JL Freelance for more information HERE -- The Construction Leading Edge Podcast helps construction business owners maximize their revenue, eliminate chaos, systematize their work, and win back their time. Follow us on your favorite podcasting platform so you never miss an episode!

    1h 7m
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The Construction Leading Edge is a one stop shop for contracting professionals who want to be more effective entrepreneurs and leaders. Business owners, managers, project executives, project managers, and field leaders will all benefit from the interviews, resources, tools, and tips offered.

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