Build America Podcast

Scott Jennings

After years of sharing real-world insights on the Pipeline Podcast, I’m excited to announce a major rebrand: The Pipeline Podcast is now The Build America Podcast! Why the change? I’ve just launched the first volume of my new Build America Construction Success Field Guide Series—compact, no-fluff guidebooks packed with tactics and lessons from my 35+ years in heavy civil construction. Bringing everything under the Build America banner makes it easier for you to find the resources you need to build better, grow smarter, and stay ahead of the competition. Let’s keep building America together.

  1. S11, EP 307 - Smartsheet™- A Contractor's Dream

    3D AGO

    S11, EP 307 - Smartsheet™- A Contractor's Dream

    In this episode of the Build America Podcast , host Scott Jennings provides an unfiltered look at Smartsheet. Describing it as "Excel, but not Excel" , Scott explains why this cloud based platform is a "Contractor’s Dream" for managing critical project data like submittals, RFIs, and change orders. Drawing from his experience as a heavy civil construction company owner , Scott explores how Smartsheet turns raw data into live dashboards and offers a level of customization that industry specific software often lacks. Whether you are in the office or the field, this episode highlights how to move away from reactive "firefighting" and maintain a professional overview of your project's health. Beyond the Spreadsheet: Learn about versatile data visualizations including Gantt charts, calendars, and Kanban style Card views. Extreme Customization: How the platform stays flexible enough to fit specific internal processes in construction, manufacturing, or even pharmaceuticals. Live Dashboarding: How sheets feed directly into visual dashboards to provide managers with immediate project metrics. Mobile Functionality: Using phone based "Forms" to log site deficiencies and photos that instantly populate the main grid. Cost and Licensing: Scott shares his experience with the price point, reporting a cost of approximately $450 per license per year. Submittal and RFI Logs: Track every stage of a request and identify exactly whose "ball" is in which court. Deficiency Tracking: Log issues line by line, attach photos directly to the row, and set automated alerts for subcontractors. Document Management: Keep project letters, pictures, and change orders organized and easy to find by attaching them to specific data rows. Team Coordination: Use collaborative calendars to manage office vacations and project milestones in real time. Website: https://sjcivil.com/ LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/scott-jennings-p-e-1435103 Email: sj@sjcivil.com Blog: https://sjcivil.com/blog/ Ted Determite Children’s Book Series: Available on Amazon. If you found this episode informative, please rate and review the show to help more construction and engineering professionals discover these insights. Subscribe to the Build America Podcast on your favorite platform to stay connected. #Smartsheet #ConstructionManagement #ProjectTracking #WorkflowAutomation #CloudCollaboration #SaaS #BusinessEfficiency #Dashboarding #ConstructionTech #BuildAmerica

    9 min
  2. S11, EP 306 – How to Start a Professional Construction Company

    MAR 25

    S11, EP 306 – How to Start a Professional Construction Company

    Thinking about starting your own construction company? In this episode of the Build America Podcast, Scott Jennings breaks down exactly what it takes to build a professional, sustainable construction business—from the ground up. Drawing on real-world experience, Scott walks through the critical first steps: choosing the right niche, securing paying clients, setting up your legal and financial structure, and building the credibility needed to win work. He also dives into the realities of entrepreneurship in construction—cash flow, risk, competition, and the mindset required to succeed. Whether you're transitioning from employee to owner or looking to grow your existing operation, this episode delivers practical, no-BS insights you can apply immediately. In this episode, you’ll learn: How to choose the right construction niche Why securing clients is more important than anything else The role of attorneys, CPAs, and proper business setup How to manage cash flow, insurance, and bonding What it really takes to operate and grow a construction company Starting a construction business isn’t easy—but with the right foundation, strategy, and persistence, it’s absolutely achievable. 🎧 Tune in and start building your path to ownership. Follow & Connect:Website: https://sjcivil.com/LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/scott-jennings-p-e-1435103Email: sj@sjcivil.com ⭐ Don’t forget to rate & review the show—it helps more professionals discover these insights! #ConstructionBusiness #Entrepreneurship #StartYourBusiness #ContractorLife #SmallBusinessGrowth #ConstructionIndustry #BusinessStartup #Leadership #BuildAmerica #BusinessTips

    11 min

  3. JAN 27

    S11, EP 305 - Excavation Systems Bible

    In this episode, Scott Jennings, PE, reviews Excavation Systems Planning, Design, and Safety—often called the Excavation Systems Bible—by Joe M. Turner, PE. This contractor-focused resource takes a practical, OSHA-driven approach to excavation and trench shoring, prioritizing worker safety over theory-heavy design. Listeners will learn why this book is a must-have for contractors, estimators, superintendents, and engineers working in excavation and temporary works. The discussion breaks down how Joe Turner simplifies complex engineering concepts using real-world examples, simple math, and field-tested logic, making shoring design accessible without an advanced engineering background. The episode also explores key topics such as reading geotechnical reports and boring logs, understanding soil behavior, using tabulated data for shoring systems, and addressing real jobsite challenges like road plates, equipment loads, and utility support. Whether you’re new to excavation safety or a seasoned professional, this episode offers practical insight you can use immediately in the field. Work safe. #ExcavationSystems #TrenchSafety #ConstructionEngineering #OSHACompliance #ShoringDesign #ExcavationSafety #CivilEngineering #ContractorLife #ConstructionManagement #TemporaryWorks #GeotechnicalEngineering #TrenchShoring #WorkSafe

    14 min
  4. S11, EP 304 - What AI Does for Your Humble Construction Podcaster

    JAN 21

    S11, EP 304 - What AI Does for Your Humble Construction Podcaster

    In this episode of the Build America Podcast, Scott Jennings takes a practical, no-nonsense look at how artificial intelligence is already changing the way construction professionals work. From summarizing complex legal cases and analyzing hundreds of geotechnical boring logs to checking advanced engineering math and supporting doctoral-level research, Scott shares real-world examples of how tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude are being used today. He explains what AI really is in plain language, where it adds value, where it can fall short, and why verifying results is critical. Whether you’re an engineer, contractor, estimator, educator, or simply curious about technology’s role in construction, this episode breaks down why AI is less about hype and more about staying relevant in a changing industry. #ArtificialIntelligence #AIinConstruction #ConstructionTechnology #EngineeringPodcast #BuildAmericaPodcast #ConstructionInnovation #AIforEngineers #DigitalConstruction #FutureOfConstruction #ConstructionLeadership #TechInEngineering #PodcastEpisode

    17 min
  5. S10, EP 303 – Trench Talk, Pat Mullen

    12/22/2025

    S10, EP 303 – Trench Talk, Pat Mullen

    In this episode, we dive into one of the most misunderstood—but most powerful—tools in construction: the project schedule. Often treated as paperwork or a box to check, scheduling quietly drives daily decisions, risk allocation, and even multi-million-dollar delay claims. We break down what construction scheduling really is, why it goes far beyond a simple timeline, and how it becomes the shared language between owners, contractors, and project teams. From baseline schedules to monthly updates, we explore how schedules evolve over the life of a project—and why those updates tell the real story of what’s happening in the field. The conversation also demystifies industry terms like critical path, float, and time impact analysis, explaining how they affect responsibility, risk, and outcomes when delays occur. Whether you’re managing small projects or complex, multi-year builds, this episode will change how you think about scheduling—and why getting it right from day one matters. 🎧 Tune in to learn why effective scheduling isn’t just planning—it’s a contractual, financial, and legal safeguard that protects everyone involved.

    35 min
  6. S10, EP 302 – Drive the Bus and Do All Three Jobs!

    12/04/2025

    S10, EP 302 – Drive the Bus and Do All Three Jobs!

    In this episode of Build America, host Scott Jennings breaks down a powerful truth every contractor needs to hear: if you want to finish on time, reduce overhead, and protect your profit—you must drive the bus. That means taking charge of your work, guiding the owner, and nudging the engineer so the entire project keeps moving. Scott dives into why owners and engineers often respond slowly, what motivates their decisions, and the simple strategies contractors can use to stay in control. From smarter RFIs to color-coded submittals, tight change-order packages, agency coordination, field walks, and quick-hit explanation meetings, Scott gives practical tools to eliminate friction and accelerate progress. You’ll also hear real stories from the field, insights from major project management, and the mindset shift every contractor needs to finish strong—and finish smart. Why owners may seem “slow” and how their incentives shape response times How engineering billing, over-analysis, and liability concerns affect decisions The strategic advantage of providing the answer in your RFIs How color-coding submittals speeds up reviews The three essentials every change order must include Why contractors should sometimes do light design to unlock workflow How brief explanation meetings can drastically reduce delays The importance of prioritizing your requests instead of pushing everything at once Why field walks strengthen trust and teamwork How proactive communication prevents disputes, delays, and extended overhead claims “If you want the job done on your terms, you can’t sit in the passenger seat. Get in the driver’s seat, drive the bus, and pull the owner and engineer with you.” – Scott Jennings Leadership—not waiting—is what drives projects forward. When contractors take control and guide owners and engineers with clarity and professionalism, projects stay on track and conflicts stay low. Driving the bus isn’t doing extra work—it’s protecting your schedule, your budget, and your team. Scott Jennings – Build America PodcastWebsite: sjcivil.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/scott-jennings-p-e-1435103Email: sj@sjcivil.comBlog: sjcivil.com/blogPodcast: anchor.fm/sjccsitesurvey If you enjoyed this episode, hit Like, leave a Comment, and Subscribe for more insights that help construction and engineering pros build smarter. 🔑 What You’ll Learn in This Episode💬 Quote from Scott✔️ Final Thoughts🔔 Subscribe & Stay Connected #ConstructionManagement #Contractors #ProjectLeadership #DriveTheBus #ProjectControls #ConstructionInsights #JobsiteLife #OwnerEngineerContractor #RFIs #ChangeOrders #FieldManagement #ConstructionTips #BuildBetter #InfrastructureProjects #ConstructionPodcast

    16 min
  7. S10,EP 301: Dissertation Derailed! Old Guy PhD Entry No. 2 with Scott Jennings

    11/21/2025

    S10,EP 301: Dissertation Derailed! Old Guy PhD Entry No. 2 with Scott Jennings

    Step inside year two of Scott Jennings’ PhD journey—a raw, honest, and unexpectedly dramatic chapter of the Build America Podcast. This episode pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to pursue a doctorate while juggling a full career in construction. Scott shares long weekends spent buried in research, late-night study sessions, conference presentations, and the academic pressures no one warns you about. But the biggest twist? After months of work and nearly 300 research papers reviewed… he discovers his planned dissertation topic already exists. Topic rejected. Back to zero. Instead of quitting, Scott recalibrates, pivots to a new research direction, and finds fresh motivation to push forward. If you’re curious about what the PhD path looks like—especially later in life—or you’re navigating your own academic or career setbacks, this is a must-listen. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: What year two of a PhD program actually demands The difference between coursework and dissertation reality The hidden expectations behind conference papers and presentations How Scott handled discovering his dissertation idea was already published The new research direction he’s pursuing How to stay motivated when your biggest plans fall apart This episode is part inspiration, part reality check, and all about perseverance. 💬 Connect with Scott JenningsWebsite: sjcivil.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/scott-jennings-p-e-1435103Email: sj@sjcivil.com If this episode resonates with you, don’t forget to rate, follow, and review—it helps more listeners in construction and engineering find the show. BuildAmericaPodcast, PhDJourney, DissertationLife, OldGuyPhD, EngineeringEducation, ConstructionIndustry, DoctoralStudent, ResearchSetback, LifelongLearning, HeavyCivilConstruction, GroundwaterControl, ShoringMethods, AcademicResearch

    12 min
  8. S10 E300: Leaving Business Puberty, Age Matters with Scott Jennings

    11/04/2025

    S10 E300: Leaving Business Puberty, Age Matters with Scott Jennings

    In this episode, Scott Jennings breaks down what it truly means to grow beyond “business puberty” and step into real executive leadership in the construction industry. Drawing from decades of hands-on field experience, Scott reveals why leadership isn’t earned behind a desk — it’s built through time, adversity, and life-tested moments that no textbook can teach. From navigating age bias at different career stages to managing high-pressure jobsite crises and emotionally charged decisions, Scott shares the pivotal experiences that separate seasoned leaders from those still climbing. If you want to lead at the highest level, this conversation is a reminder: wisdom comes from living the hard lessons, not skipping them. 🎧 Tune in to learn:• Why leadership maturity takes time, grit, and patience• How age and experience shape executive readiness• Defining real-world moments every leader must face• The emotional resilience required to lead through crisis• Why experience — not shortcuts — creates true credibility Whether you’re a rising professional or a seasoned construction veteran, this episode offers timeless perspective on leadership growth, humility, and the value of earned experience. #BuildAmericaPodcast #ConstructionLeadership #ExecutiveMindset #BusinessGrowth #LeadershipDevelopment #HeavyCivilConstruction #EngineeringLeadership #CareerEvolution #ConstructionManagement #RealWorldExperience #LeadershipMatters #WorkforceDevelopment #CivilEngineeringLife #ConstructionIndustry #ProfessionalGrowth #HardLessonsLearned #LeadershipJourney #NoShortcuts #ConstructionCareer #InspiringLeaders #AgeAndExperience #BusinessPuberty #ScottJennings #LeadWithExperience

    11 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

After years of sharing real-world insights on the Pipeline Podcast, I’m excited to announce a major rebrand: The Pipeline Podcast is now The Build America Podcast! Why the change? I’ve just launched the first volume of my new Build America Construction Success Field Guide Series—compact, no-fluff guidebooks packed with tactics and lessons from my 35+ years in heavy civil construction. Bringing everything under the Build America banner makes it easier for you to find the resources you need to build better, grow smarter, and stay ahead of the competition. Let’s keep building America together.

Information

  • Creator
    Scott Jennings
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    293
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Scott Jennings
  • Show Website
    Build America Podcast