The K Cup

Joe Nortrup & Jon Kelly

Jon Kelly and Joe Nortrup of the Kelly Construction Group have fun while discussing business insights, some that center around the operations at the Kelly Construction Group, but also insights that could apply to all entrepreneurs in business. They look forward to sharing guest interviews of professionals from businesses related to the construction industry like architecture, engineering, commercial lending and commercial real estate. They hope to inspire and inform all those that tune in.

  1. 6D AGO

    6 Ways General Contractors Can Improve Collaboration with Architects |The K Cup Episode 36

    Send us a text In Episode 36 Jon & Joe Discuss 6 Opportunities for General Contractors to Improve Collaboration with Architects - They discuss collaboration in private work, the public bid sector, the CMAR project delivery method, constructability of design, providing subcontractor expertise as a design resource, and participating in  post-project sit down analysis of how the project and its design unfolded. Website: www.kellyconstructiongroup.com Hashtags #generalcontractorsbatonrouge #theKCupPodcast #constructionpodcast #howto #business #KellyConstructionGroup #Louisiana #commercialconstruction #contractor #building #buildingdesign #architecture #designbuild #AIA #commercialrealestate #commerciallending #creprofessionals #developers #CREinvestors #entrepreneur #entrepreneurship #businessstrategy #collaboration #collaborativebusinessecosystem #essentialnetworkingsystem #collaborativeconsumerengagement #prominentpersonofimpact #buildyourbrand #brand #joenortrup #jonkelly Keywords general contractors baton rouge, commercial construction, business strategy, business, start a business, start your own company, start a construction company, builder insights, contractor insights, contracting business, entrepreneur, entrepreneurship, commercial construction industry, architecture, commercial real estate, commercial lending, brand building, Joe Nortrup, Jon Kelly Chapters 00:00:01 Joe Introduces Episode 36 00:01:30 Jon & Joe Cut-Up Before the Show Starts 00:01:50 KCG Logo Intro 00:01:57 Episode 36 Begins 00:02:53 Collaboration Opportunity 1 - Private Work 00:10:10 Collaboration Opportunity 2 - Public Work 00:14:49 Collaboration Opportunity 3 - CMAR 00:19:29 Collaboration Opportunity 4 - Constructability/Feasibility 00:23:20 Collaboration Opportunity 5 - Subcontractor Expertise As a Design Resource 00:29:12 Collaboration Opportunity 6 - Review Project's Highs and Lows Takeaways * Learn why collaboration with architects is necessary to produce the best possible outcome. * Learn collaboration opportunity 1 - private work. * Learn collaboration opportunity 2 - in public work sector * Learn collaboration opportunity 3 - inside of the CMAR project delivery framework * Learn collaboration opportunity 4 - analyzing constructability * Learn collaboration opportunity 5 - providing subcontractor expertise as a design resource for architects * Learn collaboration opportunity 6 - project review and critique

    33 min
  2. JAN 28

    A Female Trailblazer In a Male Dominated Profession - Meet Lindsy Stewart | The K Cup Episode 35

    Send us a text In Episode 35 of The K Cup, Hosts Jon Kelly & Joe Nortrup Interview Licensed Architect Lindsy Stewart - A Female Trailblazer In a Male Dominated Profession. Lindsy opens up about her inspiration to become an architect, how she learned to navigate a male dominated profession, and what really fuels her passion for all things architecture. Check us out on the web: www.kellyconstructiongroup.com www.kernarchitects.com Hashtags #generalcontractorsbatonrouge #theKCupPodcast #constructionpodcast #howto #business #KellyConstructionGroup #Louisiana #commercialconstruction #contractor #building #buildingdesign #architecture #designbuild #AIA #commercialrealestate #commerciallending #creprofessionals #developers #CREinvestors #entrepreneur #entrepreneurship #businessstrategy #collaboration #collaborativebusinessecosystem #essentialnetworkingsystem #collaborativeconsumerengagement #prominentpersonofimpact #buildyourbrand #brand #joenortrup #jonkelly #kernarchitects #phillipkern #lindsystewart Keywords general contractors baton rouge, commercial construction, business strategy, business, start a business, start your own company, start a construction company, builder insights, contractor insights, contracting business, entrepreneur, entrepreneurship, commercial construction industry, architecture, commercial real estate, commercial lending, brand building, Joe Nortrup, Jon Kelly, Phillip Kern, Lindsy Stewart, Kern Architects, architecture, architecture Baton Rouge, AIA Chapters 00:00:01 Joe Introduces Episode 35 and Reveals the Lindsy Stewart Interview 00:01:03  The 'Interview' Begins 00:03:25  Lindsy Shares Her Origin Story Regarding Her Journey to Becoming an Architect 00:08:39  Lindsy Talks About Who Influenced Her and Her Many Mentors That Helped Shape Her Path to Where She Is Today 00:14:50  Joe Questions Lindsy About the 'Work' itself 00:25:15  Lindsy Explains What She Did to Navigate the Male Dominated Profession of Architecture 00:32:50  Lindsy Looks Forward Into the Future of Architecture and Talks About Trends and How She Plans to Make An Impact Over the Next 5 Years 00:39:27  Joe poses a Question to Lindsy About How Architects and Contractors Can Better Collaborate Going Forward Takeaways * Learn about what might inspire a person to want to become an architect. * Learn how one young woman made her way through school and into the field of architecture. * Learn a young female's perspective on what it means to produce exceptional work as an architect and maintain a high ethical standard. * Learn how a determined young woman learned to successfully navigate the male dominated profession of architecture. * Learn what trends are on the horizon for architecture and why Lindsy Stewart is excited about them.  * Learn how Lindsy is determined to make an impact on her profession. * And finally, learn how Lindsy believes contractors and architects can better collaborate.

    49 min
  3. JAN 20

    3 Strategies for Navigating the Labor Crisis In Construction |The K Cup Episode 34

    Send us a text In Episode 34 of The K Cup Jon & Joe Discuss the Labor Crisis that is crushing the construction industry. They offer 3 strategies that contractors can use to successfully navigate a labor shortage that's not going away any time soon. The 3 strategies include embracing and expanding the use of tech, particularly in the area of Prefabrication which is an emerging strategy in the construction industry and has a lot of value in resolving many aspects of the labor crisis. Strategy number 2  talks about the value and importance of developing your team's potential and investing in them long-term to avoid the disruption of being short staffed and unable to replace members that leave. And, strategy 3 explains how and why you need to diversify your client base and the types of projects you take on. If your in the construction industry you are not going to want to miss this episode! www.kellyconstructiongroup.com Hashtags #generalcontractorsbatonrouge #theKCupPodcast #constructionpodcast #howto #business #KellyConstructionGroup #Louisiana #commercialconstruction #contractor #building #buildingdesign #architecture #designbuild #AIA #commercialrealestate #commerciallending #creprofessionals #developers #CREinvestors #entrepreneur #entrepreneurship #businessstrategy #collaboration #collaborativebusinessecosystem #essentialnetworkingsystem #collaborativeconsumerengagement #prominentpersonofimpact #buildyourbrand #brand #joenortrup #jonkelly Keywords general contractors baton rouge, commercial construction, business strategy, business, start a business, start your own company, start a construction company, builder insights, contractor insights, contracting business, entrepreneur, entrepreneurship, commercial construction industry, architecture, commercial real estate, commercial lending, brand building, Joe Nortrup, Jon Kelly Chapters 00:00:01  Jon and Joe Cut-Up 00:02:12  Official Intro to Episode 34 00:05:22  Joe Introduces 3 Strategies to Overcome the Labor Crisis 00:06:32  Jon Weighs In On the Labor Crisis Locally 00:10:36  Joe Introduces Strategy #1 - Embrace Tech. Combined With Prefabrication 00:18:34  Joe Introduces Strategy #2 - Develop & Retain the Team You Have 00:28:25  Jon Weighs In On Teams & Culture 00:38:02  Joe Introduces Strategy #3 - Diversify Client Base & Project Types 00:38:52  Jon Weighs In On Strategy #3 Takeaways * Learn that Jon & Joe can be goofballs lol! * Learn how important prefab is going to be to the construction industry going forward because it is one of the most effective and productive ways to correct for a poor labor market. * Learn how investing in your people is going to be an increasingly important tool for businesses to be competitive and be able to grow in a labor constrained environment. * Learn how important it is to analyze your projects and identify the ones that are profitable despite the labor crisis and work at developing more of those types of opportunities (ie: smaller projects with shorter terms and projects that are specifying prefabricated components in their designs).

    53 min
  4. JAN 14

    A Word of Thanks for Support In 2025 - 3 Things You Must Do for a Better 2026 | The K Cup Episode 33

    Send us a text In Episode 33 of The K Cup Joe thanks all those that listened to and supported the show in 2025. He recaps what The K Cup accomplished in just under 6 months in 2025 - Viewed in 6 countries, listened to in 85 cities, and downloaded nearly 500 times! Also, Jon and Joe discuss 3 steps you have to take in business if you want 2026 to be a better year than 2025. They discuss why it's important to analyze your client list and fire up to 20% of your clients, why you need to figure out what activity produced the most consistent revenue and focus on doing more of that, and finally why you need to schedule your growth before you schedule your work. Of course Jon and Joe share some laughs along the way! If you want to discuss a project or have questions about the content of this video you can go to website and complete a contact form and we'll reach out.  www.kellyconstructiongroup.com Hashtags  #generalcontractorsbatonrouge #theKCupPodcast #constructionpodcast #howto #business #KellyConstructionGroup #Louisiana #commercialconstruction #contractor #building #buildingdesign #architecture #designbuild #AIA #commercialrealestate #commerciallending #creprofessionals #developers #CREinvestors #entrepreneur #entrepreneurship #businessstrategy #collaboration #collaborativebusinessecosystem #essentialnetworkingsystem #collaborativeconsumerengagement #prominentpersonofimpact #buildyourbrand #brand #joenortrup #jonkelly Keywords general contractors baton rouge, commercial construction, business strategy, business, start a business, start your own company, start a construction company, builder insights, contractor insights, contracting business, entrepreneur, entrepreneurship, commercial construction industry, architecture, commercial real estate, commercial lending, brand building, Joe Nortrup, Jon Kelly Chapters 00:00:04 Joe thanks listeners for their support in 2025 00:02:33 Episode 33 begins 00:06:18 Joe highlights his list of 3 steps to make 2026 a better year 00:11:57 Jon gives feedback about being intentional and starts the conversation about step 1 00:15:09 Joe quotes Einstein and Jon Laughs Lol 00:16:40 Why it matters to review client list for step 1 00:31:52 Joe introduces step 2, Focus on 1 thing that produced good revenue in 2025 00:42:31 Joe introduces step 3, schedule growth before you schedule work 01:00:26 Joe and Jon review 3 steps to a better 2026 Takeaways *  Learn about the focus of The K Cup going into 2026 *  Learn why it's important to be intentional about making real changes to your strategy for growth *  Learn why firing 20% of your current client list may spark new and better client growth *  Learn why focusing on a niche or a singular activity that is a proven revenue producer can be a game changer *  Learn why you have to prioritize personal and professional growth if you want to have better outcomes for your business

    1h 1m
  5. 11/24/2025

    It's the Perfect Time to Give Thanks |The K Cup Episode 32

    Send us a text In Episode 32 of The K Cup Jon Kelly & Joe Nortrup Discuss  How the Thanksgiving Holiday Used to Bring to Mind the Subject of Showing Appreciation and Giving Thanks, But that Sentiment Seems to Be Fading So Jon Wanted to Speak to That and Show His Appreciation and Give Thanks for All His Success. Contact us here: www.kellyconstructiongroup.com Hashtags #generalcontractorsbatonrouge #theKCupPodcast #constructionpodcast #howto #business #KellyConstructionGroup #Louisiana #commercialconstruction #contractor #building #buildingdesign #architecture #designbuild #AIA #commercialrealestate #commerciallending #creprofessionals #developers #CREinvestors #entrepreneur #entrepreneurship #businessstrategy #collaboration #collaborativebusinessecosystem #essentialnetworkingsystem #collaborativeconsumerengagement #prominentpersonofimpact #buildyourbrand #brand #joenortrup #jonkelly  Keywords general contractors baton rouge, commercial construction, business strategy, business, start a business, start your own company, start a construction company, builder insights, contractor insights, contracting business, entrepreneur, entrepreneurship, commercial construction industry, architecture, commercial real estate, commercial lending, brand building, Joe Nortrup, Jon Kelly Chapters 00:00:01 Jon Expresses His Gratitude for All His Successes Takeaway *Be encouraged by listening to a successful contractor explaining why no matter how much success you may experience you always need be aware and appreciative of all those that make that success possible... GOD, family, your work family, and friends.

    18 min
  6. 11/17/2025

    3 Things I'd Do Differently If I Were Starting Over Today | The K Cup Episode 31

    Send us a text In Episode 31 of The K Cup Jon Kelly & Joe Nortrup Have a Straightforward Conversation About Looking Back with Hindsight and Identifying 3 Key Areas of the Business that Jon Would Do Differently If He Was Starting Over Today. If you are in the construction industry in any capacity you are not going to want to miss this episode. To book a call and get your questions answered or inquire about getting your project out of the conceptual stage and into a plan for moving it forward go to the website and send your request today at: www.kellyconstructiongroup.com Hashtags #generalcontractorsbatonrouge #theKCupPodcast #constructionpodcast #howto #business #KellyConstructionGroup #Louisiana #commercialconstruction #contractor #building #buildingdesign #architecture #designbuild #AIA #commercialrealestate #commerciallending #creprofessionals #developers #CREinvestors #entrepreneur #entrepreneurship #businessstrategy #collaboration #collaborativebusinessecosystem #essentialnetworkingsystem #collaborativeconsumerengagement #prominentpersonofimpact #buildyourbrand #brand #joenortrup #jonkelly Keywords general contractors baton rouge, commercial construction, business strategy, business, start a business, start your own company, start a construction company, builder insights, contractor insights, contracting business, entrepreneur, entrepreneurship, commercial construction industry, architecture, commercial real estate, commercial lending, brand building, Joe Nortrup, Jon Kelly Chapters 00:00:03 Jon's POV Introduction to the Episode 00:00:18 Joe Introduces the Episode and its Content 00:01:52 Joe Introduces the 1st Talking Point-Business Strategy for the Ability to Scale Sooner 00:02:44 Jon Explains Point 1's Strategy for Scaling Sooner 00:10:26 Jon's VSL for Kelly Construction Group 00:16:42 Joe Introduces the 2nd Point-Marketing "Can't" Wait 00:16:46 Jon Explains His View if Marketing Now Compared to When He Started 00:24:59 Joe Introduces the 3rd Point-Subcontractors and Their Role In Your Success 00:26:01 Jon Talks About His Early Subs and His Current Approach 003652 Jon Reviews the "3 Points" 00:37:13 Joe Wraps It Up Takeaways * Learn what the three points are that Jon would change if he was starting over today. * Learn what each of the three points are and how each can impact your business and your success. * Learn in minutes what has taken years for experienced business owners like Jon to understand and apply.

    38 min
  7. 11/03/2025

    3 Ways General Contractors Can Help CRE Pros Close More Deals | The K Cup Episode 30

    Send us a text In Episode 30 of The K Cup Jon Kelly and Joe Nortrup Discuss 3 Important Ways that General Contractors Can Help CRE Professionals Close More Deals. This podcast episode drives home the point that the earlier a Commercial Real Estate professional consults with a General Contractor the more likely they are to close the deal while at the same time leveling up their client services. If your in the commercial real estate game you're not going to want to miss this episode. Book a call here: www.kellyconstructiongroup.com Chapters 00:00:03 Joe Introduces Episode 30 00:00:50 Joe Explains the 1st Way GCs Can Help CRE Pros Close Deals 00:04:56 Jon Talks About How We Can Make Step 1 Happen 00:09:46 Joe Introduces the 2nd Way GCs Can Help CRE Pros Close Deals 00:12:57 VSL for Kelly Construction Group w/Jon 00:13:29 Jon Discusses the 2nd Way In Real Terms 00:17:51 Joe Introduces the 3rd Way GCs Can Help CRE Pros 00:20:22 Jon Explains the #rd Way GCs Help Close Deals 00:24:11 Jon's Closing Thoughts Hashtags #generalcontractorsbatonrouge #theKCupPodcast #constructionpodcast #howto #business #KellyConstructionGroup #Louisiana #commercialconstruction #contractor #building #buildingdesign #architecture #designbuild #AIA #commercialrealestate #commerciallending #creprofessionals #developers #CREinvestors #entrepreneur #entrepreneurship #businessstrategy #collaboration #collaborativebusinessecosystem #essentialnetworkingsystem #collaborativeconsumerengagement #prominentpersonofimpact #buildyourbrand #brand #joenortrup #jonkelly  Keywords general contractors baton rouge, commercial construction, business strategy, business, start a business, start your own company, start a construction company, builder insights, contractor insights, contracting business, entrepreneur, entrepreneurship, commercial construction industry, architecture, commercial real estate, commercial lending, brand building, Joe Nortrup, Jon Kelly Takeaways * Learn how GCs and CRE Pros can develop collaborations that result in closing more deals for both the GC and the CRE Pros. * Learn the benefits of having a GC do a feasibility assessment. * Learn how a GC can help with negotiating for tenant improvements. * Learn how partnering with a GC can help accelerate the timeline to a closing.

    27 min
  8. 10/20/2025

    When Desperation Drives the Bid - Hard Lessons Learned from Estimating Errors |The K Cup Episode 29

    Send us a text In Episode 29 of The K Cup Jon Kelly & Joe Nortrup Discuss 3 Important Factors Related to Poor Estimating Habits. Jon and Joe talk about the reality of the "we'll figure it out..." fallacy, the flawed strategy of " the change order mirage...", and the hidden cost of the substandard work that results from chronically bad estimating. Chapters 00:00:01 Jon's POV Introduction to Episode 29 00:00:20 Musical - Logo Intro 00:00:28 Joe Introduces Episode 29 and Explains the Episode's Content 00:02:01 Jon Gives a Teaser About What Will Be Covered 00:04:22 Joe Introduces Point 1 the "We'll Figure It Out..." Fallacy 00:11:56 VSL for Kelly Construction Group 00:12:29 Episode Resumes With Point 2 - the "Change Order Mirage..." 00:15:45 Joe Introduces Point 3 - "The Hidden Cost of Bad Work..." 00:24:59 CTA - PLEASE SUBSCRIBE! Hashtags #generalcontractorsbatonrouge #theKCupPodcast #constructionpodcast #howto #business #KellyConstructionGroup #Louisiana #commercialconstruction #contractor #building #buildingdesign #architecture #designbuild #AIA #commercialrealestate #commerciallending #creprofessionals #developers #CREinvestors #entrepreneur #entrepreneurship #businessstrategy #collaboration #collaborativebusinessecosystem #essentialnetworkingsystem #collaborativeconsumerengagement #prominentpersonofimpact #buildyourbrand #brand #joenortrup #jonkelly Keywords general contractors baton rouge, commercial construction, business strategy, business, start a business, start your own company, start a construction company, builder insights, contractor insights, contracting business, entrepreneur, entrepreneurship, commercial construction industry, architecture, commercial real estate, commercial lending, brand building, Joe Nortrup, Jon Kelly Takeaways *Learn how estimating is the centerpiece for your contracting business and directly affects the trajectory and the longevity of your business. * Learn about the dangerous mindset of thinking "...we'll figure it out when we win the project..." * Learn how why the strategy of thinking you will take the project as low as needed to win it and then try and use change orders to achieve profitability is a dangerous, unethical, and flawed strategy. * Learn about the long-term negative affect of not trying to accurately estimate projects will have on your business and your reputation.

    26 min

About

Jon Kelly and Joe Nortrup of the Kelly Construction Group have fun while discussing business insights, some that center around the operations at the Kelly Construction Group, but also insights that could apply to all entrepreneurs in business. They look forward to sharing guest interviews of professionals from businesses related to the construction industry like architecture, engineering, commercial lending and commercial real estate. They hope to inspire and inform all those that tune in.