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.

Episodes

  1. FEB 11

    Unlocking Retail Construction Success with Pat Flood

    In this episode of Behind the Barricade, Jim Christian speaks with Pat Flood, founder and CEO of Quarter 20, about the intricacies of retail construction and design. They discuss Pat's journey into the industry, recent breakthroughs in retail execution, the importance of early involvement in projects, navigating challenges, the future of construction performance, and adapting to market changes such as tariffs. The conversation emphasizes the need for effective communication and transparency in project management to ensure successful outcomes.

    27 min

  2. JAN 28

    Against the Deadline: How Urgency and Communication Deliver Results

    In this episode, host Jim welcomes Adam Hirsch, CEO of Hirsch Construction Corp, to discuss breakthroughs in the construction industry. Adam shares his journey into the family business, emphasizing the importance of urgency and communication in project management. He highlights a recent project where his team overcame logistical challenges to meet a tight deadline, showcasing their commitment to core values. The conversation also touches on the role of technology in enhancing productivity and the significance of engaging younger generations in the trades. Adam concludes by discussing the company's charitable initiatives and internship programs aimed at fostering community involvement and industry growth.

    17 min

  3. JAN 14

    Fostering Collaboration in Project Management with Rachel Zsembery

    In this episode of "Behind the Barricades," host Jim Christian sits down with Rachel Zsembery, President and CEO of Bergmeyer, to explore the evolving landscape of the construction industry. Rachel shares insights from her 23-year journey at Bergmeyer, discussing the importance of holistic design, strategic partnerships, and early collaboration with construction teams. The conversation delves into the challenges and breakthroughs in project delivery, highlighting a significant project with Dick's Sporting Goods. Tune in to discover how Rachel's approach to design and construction fosters innovation and success.

    30 min

  4. 12/31/2025 · BONUS

    Wrapped: Lessons from 2025, Vision for 2026

    In the final episode of 2025, Jim Christian, founder and CEO, shares his insights on performance breakthroughs in the construction industry. He emphasizes the importance of controlling one's calendar, the power of deep work, and the necessity of having a clear vision for progress. Jim also discusses the impact of AI, the need for resilience in turbulent environments, and the irreplaceable value of human leadership. As we look forward to 2026, Jim encourages leaders to protect future time, bring leadership instead of blame, and use technology to enhance productivity. Tune in to "Behind the Barricade" for a thoughtful reflection on the past year and a hopeful outlook for the future.

    8 min

  5. 12/17/2025

    Value Engineering Unveiled: Insights from Tim Patrie

    In this episode of "Behind the Barricade," host Jim Christian welcomes Tim Patrie, an expert in the construction industry, to discuss the nuances of value engineering. Tim shares his journey from working on construction sites as a kid to leading global store development for major brands. The conversation delves into the importance of relationships in construction, the impact of tariffs, and strategies for improving productivity. Tune in for insights on how to navigate the evolving landscape of construction and make the most of value engineering.

    27 min

  6. 12/03/2025

    From Planning to Execution: Ensuring Project Excellence with Virginia Grant, Vice President of Store Development for Luxottica

    In this episode of "Behind the Barricade," host Jim Christian sits down with Virginia Grant, Vice President of Store Development for Luxottica. Virginia shares her inspiring journey from a teaching background to leading major construction projects for iconic brands like Ray-Ban and Oakley. Discover how Virginia navigated challenges, embraced opportunities, and leveraged AI to enhance productivity in the construction industry. Tune in to explore the importance of fundamentals, sustainability, and the evolving role of technology in retail development. Don't miss this insightful conversation on performance breakthroughs and the future of construction.

    33 min
  7. Trailer: Welcome to Behind the Barricade: Performance Breakthroughs In Construction

    10/27/2025

    Trailer: Welcome to Behind the Barricade: Performance Breakthroughs In Construction

    Construction looks clean on paper. In reality, it’s chaos. Delayed permits, blown budgets, and miscommunication that can make or break a project. In this short intro, host Jim Christian lays out why he’s pulling back the curtain on the industry. To expose the truth Behind the Barricade and start a new kind of conversation about how we build better.

    3 min
  • 7 Episodes

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
    7
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Behind the Barricade
  • Show Website
    Behind the Barricade