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. 5D AGO

    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.

    28 min

  2. 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.

    28 min

  3. APR 8

    The Real Reason Construction Projects Go Off Track

    In this episode of Behind the Barricade, Jim Christian sits down with Meri Gregg, Senior Project Manager at Avon Design Group, to explore what really drives performance in retail construction projects. With more than 20 years of experience in the industry, Meri shares how she found her way into retail design, why she thrives in fast-paced project environments, and what Avon Design Group brings to the table across both commercial and retail architecture. The conversation dives into the behind-the-scenes realities of project performance  from the importance of upfront planning and clear communication to the systems, forms, and processes that help projects stay on budget and on schedule. Meri also shares practical insight into site surveys, as-builts, MEP coordination, and where collaboration tends to break down when projects go off track. They also explore what the industry should be paying attention to moving forward, including the pressure to move faster, the risks of sacrificing quality for speed, and why some parts of construction simply can’t be rushed without consequences. This episode is packed with practical insight for project managers, architects, contractors, and anyone involved in delivering successful retail construction projects. Key Themes Throughout the Episode Why strong processes and planning create better-performing projectsHow real estate, design, and permitting all impact project successThe role of clear communication in preventing costly mistakesWhy surveys and site documentation are game changers in modern constructionHow better MEP coordination improves field executionWhat causes projects to break down — and how to avoid itWhy the push for faster timelines often creates bigger downstream problems

    26 min

  4. MAR 25

    What Most Construction Teams Get Wrong (And How to Fix It)

    Jenny Kim joins host Jim Christian to discuss her path from architecture into luxury retail construction, and the performance breakthroughs she's experienced managing store development projects. Her Background Jenny started in NYC architecture before transitioning into real estate and then luxury retail, building her career through brands like YSL before landing at Canada Goose. She thrives in cross-functional team environments managing architects, engineers, and consultants. The Standout Project Story Jenny's most compelling insight centers on a Chicago-area (Oak Brook) Canada Goose store she opened despite a U.S. government shutdown threatening the timeline. Her solution: procure and begin fabricating the bespoke storefront before a GC was even contracted. Working from survey dimensions and taking a calculated risk, she engaged a storefront vendor as a design assist, then transferred that contract to the GC once they came on board. She estimates this saved roughly three months on the schedule. Key Themes Throughout the Episode Pre-construction diligence is the foundation of every successful project; reading every page of contract documents sets the baseline for change orders and accountabilityPartnerships with AORs, GCs, and QS firms create built-in checks and balances, though she acknowledges the risk of over-relying on a small circleCommunication and no blame culture is her biggest tool against productivity breakdownAI is already influencing her Asia Pacific design teams and she expects it to reshape the industrySustainability is a priority at Canada Goose through their Reset material tracking system, though she candidly notes the tension between luxury retail's constant refurbishment cycle and genuine green practices

    30 min

  5. MAR 11

    50 Years in Construction: What Actually Makes Projects Successful

    What does it really take to make construction projects successful? In this episode of Behind the Barricade, Jim Christian sits down with Jim McNally of The Dimension Group, a construction veteran with more than 50 years of experience across civil engineering, retail development, grocery store construction, and large-scale rollout programs. From building bridges across the Ohio River to delivering over 100 retail stores in a single year, Jim shares real-world lessons about what drives productivity and performance in construction projects. In this conversation, Jim discusses: Why strong partnerships between developers, contractors, and construction managers are criticalThe importance of pre-construction planning and due diligenceHow supply chain challenges are impacting project timelines todayWhy spending time in the field with superintendents and project teams still mattersThe growing need for skilled trades and the next generation of construction professionalsWhether you're a construction manager, developer, engineer, or industry leader, this episode offers practical insights on improving project outcomes and navigating the challenges facing construction today. 🎧 Listen now to hear lessons from five decades in the construction industry.

    29 min

  6. FEB 25

    Why Systems Are More Powerful Than Habits in Breaking Performance Barriers

    In this episode of Behind the Barricade, Jim Christian interviews Roy Barberry, a seasoned entrepreneur and market manager at 84 Lumber. Roy shares his journey from a young boy working in his family's lumber business to leading significant growth at 84 Lumber. He discusses the importance of communication systems in the construction industry, the lessons learned from failures, and the future trends that could shape the industry. Roy emphasizes the value of investing in people and the necessity of continuous improvement in business practices.

    36 min

  7. 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

  8. 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
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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
    13
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Behind the Barricade
  • Show Website
    Behind the Barricade