Behind the Barricade

Jim Christian
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Careers

Most construction issues don’t start in the field.They start behind the scenes. With misaligned systems, siloed teams, and owners left in the dark.Behind the Barricade pulls back the curtain on what really derails timelines, budgets, and trust.Each episode, we talk with construction leaders, project owners, and field experts who’ve faced the chaos.... and found a better way through.We cover:-What went wrong (and why)-How they turned it around-The systems and strategies that actually workThis isn’t PR. It’s a pressure test for how construction is led.Because when owners see the truth, they lead differently.

  1. 4d ago

    Everything Costs More Later: Due Diligence with Brent Felten, Director of BD at Henderson Engineers

    In the first in-person New York City episode of Behind the Barricade, Jim Christian sits down with Brent from Henderson to explore what meaningfully improves productivity in construction and engineering. Brent shares how Henderson increased revenue without proportionally increasing headcount by standardizing workflows, improving project visibility, introducing better task-management tools, and creating specialized project coordinator and administrator roles. The goal is not simply to produce drawings faster—it is to free experienced professionals to spend more time solving complex problems and providing higher-value guidance to clients. The conversation also examines one of the most expensive mistakes owners make: committing to a space before completing adequate due diligence. Brent recounts a difficult SoHo retail project where hidden electrical, fire alarm, HVAC, and sprinkler deficiencies created costs and complications that could have been identified before the lease was signed. Jim and Brent close by discussing talent development, automation, career pathing, and the need to prepare younger professionals to work in an industry where structure and uncertainty exist at the same time. The central message is clear: lasting productivity comes from better systems, earlier decisions, stronger communication, and deliberate investment in people.

  2. Jul 13

    From Lease To Launch: How to Set Retail Projects Up to Win

    In this episode, Christina Magrans, Founder and CEO of Studio Lords, shares about what creates real productivity breakthroughs in construction and design. Christina shares her background in luxury retail, the growth of Studio Lords, and a workplace interiors project that succeeded because the team built trust early, brought the GC in during design, controlled budget and schedule expectations, and communicated consistently. The episode also covers common productivity blockers like slow approvals, compressed timelines, leases signed before proper due diligence, and the need for teams to become more adaptable, resourceful, and open to tools like AI.

  3. Jun 30

    Clarity, Courage, and the Conversations Construction Teams Avoid

    Chad Cannon and Jim Christian reflect on one of the most important themes from the podcast’s first 12 episodes: effective communication. They explain why successful project delivery requires clarity, frequency, courageous honesty, and communication tailored to each stakeholder. The conversation covers when to move beyond email, how to deliver difficult news before having every answer, the value of saying “no,” managing communication distractions, and spending meaningful time on-site or with clients. Jim closes with Cornerstone’s standard: share important information quickly, follow through on commitments, and never hide behind “I sent the email.”

  4. Jun 17

    Relationships Over Transactions: Why Trust Builds Better Projects

    In this episode, Chad and Jim reflect on one of the biggest themes from Behind the Barricade: great projects are built through relationships, not transactions. Jim shares why Cornerstone treats clients, contractors, and project partners as true partners, not vendors. And how trust is built through small moments of integrity, clear communication, and doing what you say you’ll do. This episode also discuss how strong relationships help teams navigate problems, protect the client’s vision, choose the right people early, and keep complex projects moving toward a successful finish.

  5. Jun 3

    Pre-Construction: Where Projects Are Won or Lost

    In this episode, Chad Cannon interviews Jim Christian about why pre-construction is where construction projects are won or lost. Jim explains that great project management means owning the outcome, not just attending meetings, and that early planning helps align budgets, schedules, vendors, designs, and stakeholder expectations before problems become costly change orders. The episode emphasizes that investing time upfront leads to smoother builds, fewer surprises, better cost control, and more successful openings.

  6. May 20

    Why Failing to Align Stakeholders Can Sink Your Construction Project’s Productivity

    Most construction projects struggle with productivity, delays, and budget overruns  but what if the secret to success isn’t just more resources, but smarter management?  In this eye-opening episode, I sat down with industry expert Philip Angel to reveal how precise stakeholder collaboration, innovative project management tools, and understanding municipal bureaucracy can turn a chaotic project into a well-oiled machine.  You’ll discover: How a background in creative writing led Philip into the world of zoning and permits, turning what seems like bureaucratic chaos into strategic advantageThe critical role of real-time, web-based project matrices in keeping everyone accountable and on the same pageWhy cultivating relationships with city officials can be more valuable than any permit expediting toolThe impact of recent regulatory changes and how staying ahead of compliance can keep your project on scheduleThe growing importance of AI and why over-relying on it without expert oversight can backfireWhether you’re a project manager, developer, or simply curious about what keeps construction on track in today’s complex landscape, this episode provides actionable insights that could fundamentally change your approach. If you believe successful projects are built on collaboration, transparency, and strategic foresight, then you can’t afford to miss Philip’s practical take on overcoming industry bottlenecks.

  7. May 6

    The Hidden Reason Your Project Timeline Keeps Slipping

    Tomomi Marzan, Director of Retail Design at Belmont Park Village, shares a behind-the-scenes look at delivering high-performance retail construction projects. From starting work before leases are finalized to aligning landlords, tenants, and contractors, she breaks down what actually drives successful outcomes. The conversation highlights a critical shift in the industry: speed isn’t the problem, reliability is.  With insights on labor challenges, communication breakdowns, and the power of early collaboration, this episode reveals what it really takes to deliver projects on time and make them work in the real world.

  8. Apr 22

    From Childhood Inspiration to Industry Leader: Charles Stark's Engineering Journey

    In this insightful interview, Charles Stark, CEO of Stark Engineering, shares his journey from childhood influences to leading a successful engineering firm. He discusses the importance of relationships, design challenges, and the future of construction technology, emphasizing human connection and innovative problem-solving.

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Most construction issues don’t start in the field.They start behind the scenes. With misaligned systems, siloed teams, and owners left in the dark.Behind the Barricade pulls back the curtain on what really derails timelines, budgets, and trust.Each episode, we talk with construction leaders, project owners, and field experts who’ve faced the chaos.... and found a better way through.We cover:-What went wrong (and why)-How they turned it around-The systems and strategies that actually workThis isn’t PR. It’s a pressure test for how construction is led.Because when owners see the truth, they lead differently.

Information

  • Creator
    Jim Christian
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    19
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Behind the Barricade
  • Show Website
    Behind the Barricade

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