The Construction Leading Edge Podcast

Todd Dawalt
  • 4.8 (261)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
The Construction Leading Edge Podcast

This podcast is dedicated to helping construction business owners eliminate chaos, maximize profit, and reclaim their freedom. Designed for leaders who are ready to step out of the daily grind and take control of their business, The Construction Leading Edge Podcast delivers actionable strategies on systematization, time management, increasing profitability, and business growth. Whether it’s stopping profit bleeds, building high-performing teams, or creating systems that allow your business to run without you, each episode will leave you with practical tools to unlock more profit, freedom, and impact. Join Todd Dawalt every week for solo episodes packed with insights and guest interviews featuring industry experts who’ve mastered the art of building self-sustaining businesses. If you’re ready to stop wearing so many hats and start leading your business like a visionary CEO, this podcast is for you.

  1. From Burnout to Balance: How the Franklin Brothers Beat Construction Chaos For Good | E386

    3D AGO

    From Burnout to Balance: How the Franklin Brothers Beat Construction Chaos For Good | E386

    ☎️Schedule your free business evaluation call with our team HERE  – EPISODE 386: Do you feel like your construction business is running you instead of the other way around? Do you constantly bring your work home? For many construction business owners, weekends also mean emails and phone calls. Often, family dinners turn into business meetings. But not anymore! In this week’s episode of The Construction Leading Edge podcast, I sit down with two of my favorite Canadians—and students of our Systematized Your Construction Business (SYCB) program—Laughlin and Ross Franklin. Originally overwhelmed by the volume of work, the brothers struggled with a lack of structure and constant reactive management. After joining our program, they implemented powerful tools that transformed their construction company (and also their lives). Today, the Franklin brothers share: ➡What chaos actually looks like in construction ➡The exact blueprint that reduced chaos in their business ➡How systematizing their business improved their quality of life ➡Tips for getting your team on board with change …and more! Ready to escape the construction chaos and get your life back? Let’s dive in!   Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00) The Franklin brothers’ construction business (02:04) What chaos looks like in construction (06:03)  From organized chaos to systematized operations (12:04)  Core systems and processes behind their business growth (20:28) How systems transformed their construction business (21:55) Does construction have to be chaotic? (27:24) Life after systematizing operations (30:17) How to implement systems that stick (33:34)  Getting your team aligned with change (36:13) The CEO Alliance (42:38) Final thoughts and advice (45:44)   Additional Resources: - 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
  2. Avoid These Critical Mistakes When Building Your Construction Business with Alex Gregg | E385

    6D AGO

    Avoid These Critical Mistakes When Building Your Construction Business with Alex Gregg | E385

    ☎️Schedule your free business evaluation call with our team HERE  👉Join our free masterclass on how to get paid for estimates HERE – EPISODE 385: Do you feel guilty charging for estimates when others offer them for free? Today’s guest believes you shouldn’t. In this week’s episode of The Construction Leading Edge podcast, I sit down with Alex Gregg, owner of Gregg Homebuilding—a Tennessee-based company specializing in both custom and spec homes. Today, Alex breaks down how he grew his business through strategic decisions, a clear vision, and robust internal systems. You’ll learn: Why starting a business in 2008 turned out to be a great decision How giving away free estimates is like cheating your clients The mindset shift every leader must make Why delegating outcomes beats assigning tasks How strategic relationships with realtors and architects fuel growth …and more! Want to improve your construction operations and run a business that thrives no matter what the market is?  Tune in now!   Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00) From teaching to homebuilding (00:20)  Alex Gregg’s strategic shift to custom homebuilding (05:00) How to help clients beat decision fatigue (08:38) Keys to running a successful custom homebuilding business (13:07) The Kent Hooper story and lessons learned (19:35) Why leadership growth is non-negotiable (26:19) Delegating tasks vs. outcomes (31:19) Before & after: The SYCB program impact (35:13) Inside Alex Gregg’s CEO schedule and routine (56:51) Why build strong relationships with architects and realtors (1:03:31) What changed after implementing SYCB strategies (1:06:41) The CEO Alliance explained (1:10:29) The hard truth about running a business (1:13:52)  Rapid-fire questions (1:18:09)   Additional Resources: - Schedule your free business evaluation call with our team HERE  - Join our free masterclass on how to get paid for estimates HERE   Connect with Alex: - Follow Gregg Homebuilding on Instagram HERE - Visit their website for more information HERE   Books Mentioned: - Traction: Get A Grip On Your Business by Gino Wickman - Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win by Jocko Willink & Leif Babin - The Ultimate Sales Machine by Chet Holmes, Jay Conrad Levinson, Michael Gerber, and Amanda Holmes -- 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 21m
  3. Secrets of Buying and Selling a Construction Business & Why Most Are Unsellable with Mark Powers | E384

    APR 17

    Secrets of Buying and Selling a Construction Business & Why Most Are Unsellable with Mark Powers | E384

    ☎️Schedule your free business evaluation call with our team HERE  👉Watch our FREE masterclass: Get Out of Your Construction Business: How to Make It Run Without You HERE – EPISODE 384: Have you thought about the future of your construction business?  Most construction business owners don’t think about selling their businesses. But here’s the reality: One day, your business will either be sold, passed down, or shut down. And if you don’t plan for that right now, you risk walking away with nothing. So how do you make your business sellable?  In this week’s episode, I sit down with Mark Powers, one of our Systematize Your Construction Business (SYCB) students who’s successfully acquired several construction companies. With extensive experience as both an owner and investor, Mark shares key factors that make a business sellable and what to avoid when acquiring one. You’ll learn: ⟶ What makes a construction business attractive to buyers ⟶ Common pitfalls in buying and selling a business ⟶ How to determine your business’s actual value ⟶ Smart acquisition strategies for rapid business growth …and more! Curious how to run your business without you and make it sellable? Tune in now!   Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00) Key considerations when acquiring a construction business (02:28)  Everything you need to know about business valuation (05:47) How Mark Powers got into business acquisitions (09:48)  Common pitfalls in construction business acquisitions (14:29) Employee retention strategies post-acquisition (17:03)  Acquisition vs. organic growth (21:34) Why design your business to operate without you (23:45) Mark’s journey through our SYCB program (31:43) Advice for entrepreneurs considering business exit (41:57)   Additional Resources: - Schedule your free business evaluation call with our team HERE  - Watch our FREE masterclass: Get Out of Your Construction Business: How to Make It Run Without You 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!

    50 min
  4. The Leadership Unlock: How to Delegate Without Losing Control | E383

    APR 14

    The Leadership Unlock: How to Delegate Without Losing Control | E383

    ☎️Schedule your free business evaluation call with our team HERE  👉Download our free Strategic Planning Guide HERE – EPISODE 383: Have you ever wondered how to stop micromanaging and finally take a break from your business? What if you could step away and trust your team to handle things? In this week’s episode, I sit down with our coaches, Leyah Hostetter and Monish Khadye, to talk about how to delegate effectively without losing control. We’ll break down a simple yet powerful mindset shift: Leadership isn’t about doing everything or being the best; it’s about building systems and empowering your team. Learn how practical tools, like the Accountability Chart, Strategic Planning Guide, and Nail the Handoff, are all designed to help you delegate the right way. Plus, we’ll teach you how to articulate your vision to your team and create a team that works autonomously. Tune in now!   Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00) Leadership myths debunked (03:35) Why great leaders delegate (06:21) Franklin Covey’s four roles of leadership (09:30) Using the accountability chart and the “Big Five” (12:05) Delegating the “how” and focusing on the “why” (14:42) Articulating your vision to your team (20:56) How to create a team that works autonomously (31:06) Fostering a culture of accountability (41:41) Impact of effective delegation (46:03) Episode wrap-up (50:18)   Additional Resources: - Schedule your free business evaluation call with our team HERE  - Download our free Strategic Planning Guide HERE - Join the Get Paid For Estimates Masterclass for FREE HERE - Loved this? Dive into our other episodes 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!

    55 min
  5. 7 Sales Pitfalls Costing You Profit and Freedom - And How to Fix Them | E382

    APR 7

    7 Sales Pitfalls Costing You Profit and Freedom - And How to Fix Them | E382

    ☎️Schedule your free business evaluation call with our team HERE  👉Help us by taking a 2-minute survey about The Sales Machine program HERE – EPISODE 382: Are you struggling with closing deals? Do you think hiring a unicorn salesperson will scale your construction business fast?  Well, if you believe you need a unicorn, you’re secretly sabotaging your success. In this episode of The Construction Leading Edge podcast, we’ll dive into the seven sales pitfalls that are costing construction business owners their profit and freedom. I’ll break down the critical sales errors construction business owners make, such as relying too heavily on referrals and failing to implement a repeatable, consistent sales system. Plus, stick around for a bonus pitfall that many of us are too familiar with. Learn how to create a robust sales machine that runs smoothly even when you’re not in the room. Tune in now!   Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00) Hiring a salesperson will fix your sales numbers (01:40) You need more leads to scale (03:46) Relying too much on referrals (05:56) Clients buy just because of you (10:32) You can’t train anyone to sell as you do (12:16) Clients will call you back (13:30) Chasing a unicorn salesperson (15:17) Bonus: estimating and sales are the same (16:33) The Sales Machine Program (18:26)   Additional Resources: - Schedule your free business evaluation call with our team HERE  - Help us by taking a 2-minute survey about The Sales Machine program 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!

    24 min
  6. 7 Reasons to Fire Yourself from Sales | E381

    MAR 31

    7 Reasons to Fire Yourself from Sales | E381

    ☎️Schedule your free business evaluation call with our team HERE  👉Complete a 2-minute survey about The Sales Machine program HERE – EPISODE 381: Are you stuck in the cycle of chasing leads, negotiating, estimating, and following up—while your team takes a back seat? It’s time to fire yourself from sales. In this week’s episode, I share seven compelling reasons why construction business owners should let go of sales to drive business growth. If you’re constantly handling all the sales in your business, you’re holding yourself back—whether you realize it or not. I’ll break down how staying in sales makes your business fragile and limits its growth potential. Plus, you’ll discover how to build a real “Sales Machine” that keeps your business running even without you. If you’re ready to step into your CEO role and get out of the sales prison, this one’s for you. Let’s dive in!   Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00) Sales distracts you from being the CEO (02:35) Your business is fragile if you’re the only one selling (04:32)  The more you sell, the slower your business grows (05:56) You’re leaving money on the table (08:37) Clients need a process, not you (10:16)  Sales isn’t magic; it’s a process (12:10) Getting out of sales gives you more control (15:16) Episode wrap-up (17:17)   Additional Resources: - Schedule your free business evaluation call with our team HERE  - Complete a 2-minute survey about The Sales Machine program 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!

    21 min
  7. Boost Profit with the First Hour Principle: The Key to a Productive Construction Jobsite | E380

    MAR 24

    Boost Profit with the First Hour Principle: The Key to a Productive Construction Jobsite | E380

    ☎️Schedule your free business evaluation call with our team HERE  👉Download our free Strategic Planning Guide HERE – EPISODE 380: Studies show that 60% of a construction worker’s time is spent on non-value adding activities. Even more alarming? Productivity today is lower than it was 20–30 years ago. In this week’s episode, I’ll break down the concept of the first hour problem, and the common jobsite activities that kill productivity and profitability. You’ll also learn two practical strategies to cut delays and boost profits, whether you’re a trade contractor or a general contractor. Listen to learn more how you can start eliminating inefficiencies in your construction business and get things done faster! Let’s jump right in!   Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00) The first hour problem (01:37) The reality of construction productivity (03:05) Costly activities that kill productivity and profitability (08:55) Ripple effects of inefficient first hours (13:31) Why GCs should fix the first hour problem (17:43) How to eliminate the first hour problem (22:07) Final thoughts (26:49)    Additional Resources: - Schedule your free business evaluation call with our team HERE  - Download our free Strategic Planning Guide 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!

    31 min
  8. Why Are You Stuck in Firefighting Mode? The Linchpin Syndrome | E379

    MAR 17

    Why Are You Stuck in Firefighting Mode? The Linchpin Syndrome | E379

    ☎️Schedule your free business evaluation call with our team HERE  👉Enroll in the Get Paid for Estimates Masterclass HERE – EPISODE 379: Do you feel like your business would fall apart if you took a real day off? Or just once, you’d love to eat dinner without late-night calls? Many construction business owners live in constant firefighting mode. In this episode, I’m breaking down the linchpin syndrome—the trap that keeps your business reliant on you. If your business grinds to a halt without you, you’re not just overworked—you’re stuck in a broken system. I’ll show you how to break free from the stress, chaos, and endless problem-solving. You’ll learn how to cut dependency loops, set boundaries, build systems, and prevent issues before they even happen. If you want a construction business that runs without you, this episode is for you. Let’s jump in!   Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00) The 70-80 hour work week (01:00) You’re the linchpin of your business (03:19) Cutting dependency loops (05:32) The power of a “to-don’t” list (08:36) Building a delegation authority (11:03) Replacing yourself with systems (13:14) Think like Smokey the Bear (16:17) Preventing chaos before it even happens (21:49) Final thoughts (24:04)   Additional Resources: - Schedule your free business evaluation call with our team HERE  - Enroll in the Get Paid for Estimates Masterclass HERE - Listen to episode 337 with Max Christiansen HERE  - Listen to episode 343 with Mikhail Gannage 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!

    28 min
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4.8
out of 5
261 Ratings

About

This podcast is dedicated to helping construction business owners eliminate chaos, maximize profit, and reclaim their freedom. Designed for leaders who are ready to step out of the daily grind and take control of their business, The Construction Leading Edge Podcast delivers actionable strategies on systematization, time management, increasing profitability, and business growth. Whether it’s stopping profit bleeds, building high-performing teams, or creating systems that allow your business to run without you, each episode will leave you with practical tools to unlock more profit, freedom, and impact. Join Todd Dawalt every week for solo episodes packed with insights and guest interviews featuring industry experts who’ve mastered the art of building self-sustaining businesses. If you’re ready to stop wearing so many hats and start leading your business like a visionary CEO, this podcast is for you.

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