Hard Hat to CEO with Chris Gilman

Chris Gilman
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"Hardhat to CEO” is the podcast where we dive into the real stories behind the rise of construction business owners who are on a mission to grow, scale, and conquer the challenges that come their way. Join us as we explore the journeys, obstacles, and breakthroughs that define what it means to be an outstanding owner in the construction industry. Whether you're navigating the complexities of growing your business or pushing through tough times, these candid conversations will inspire you to overcome any challenge and reach new heights. Tune in, connect with fellow construction owners, and discover the strategies and insights to build a leading company.

  1. How Landscaping Impacts Your Property Value and Profits with Matthieu Mehuys

    2 NGÀY TRƯỚC

    How Landscaping Impacts Your Property Value and Profits with Matthieu Mehuys

    In this episode of Hard Hat CEO, Chris G. talks with landscape architect Matthieu Mehuys about how nature can give you a serious edge, whether you’re building homes, developing land, or just want to cut costs. Matthieu shares how his journey from growing up on a farm to working on projects around the world taught him that smarter landscaping can mean less maintenance, lower costs, and way more value. He also explains how good planning up front saves a ton of headaches later. If you're a contractor, investor, or homeowner looking to stand out, this episode gives you practical ideas that actually work. Matthieu Mehuys is an award-winning author and passionate landscape architect whose journey from a family farm in Belgium to regenerative farming practices has led him to believe that landscape architects can indeed change the world. His fascination with plants since childhood drove him to become a landscape architect, a role he sees as instrumental in crafting environments that marry aesthetics with positive environmental impact. Through his work, he aims to empower individuals to transform their gardens into spaces that foster biodiversity, restore ecosystems, and reverse climate change. Connect with Matthieu: Website: https://www.paulownia-la.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthieu-mehuys-64b0b5111/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/matthieumehuys/ YT: https://www.youtube.com/@matthieumehuys Grab a copy: https://www.12lawsofnature.com/ Tune in to his podcast: https://tinyurl.com/2pcpm2zb Episode highlights: (0:00) Intro (1:22) Matthew’s journey from farm life to landscape architecture (4:02) Leaving engineering to follow his purpose (6:56) How understanding nature helps grow your business (8:38) Plants, soil health, and the law of frequency (11:52) What Matthew looks at first when assessing land (14:21) Reducing construction costs with better planning (16:42) Law of mentalism (18:27) What contractors can do to add value (22:38) Managing water with smart design (28:24) Landscaping’s impact on sales and home value (30:07) The science behind why we love nature (33:55) Final tips on working with experts and reducing chemicals (36:13) Outro Connect with Hard Hat to CEO on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BrHqc3wdF/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hardhattoceo/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dcgilman/

    37 phút
  2. The One Simple Way to Finally Get Your Crew to Listen and Save Hours Each Week

    4 NGÀY TRƯỚC

    The One Simple Way to Finally Get Your Crew to Listen and Save Hours Each Week

    Ever get a phone call that just ruins your whole day? Chris G. knows the feeling, and in this episode, he talks about one of those moments that made him stop and think. If you're a busy contractor getting calls about stuff that should’ve already been clear, this one’s for you. Chris shares how better communication can save you time, stress, and money. He talks about his Amish crews and how they have to get everything straight the first time because once they leave, there’s no phone or email. That’s the mindset we all need. If you're always the one putting out fires, this episode might help you change that. Episode highlights: (0:00) Intro (0:47) Why unreliable subcontractors cost you more than money (2:07) What Amish-style communication means and why it works (2:52) The importance of clear plans and specifications (4:01) Test their understanding (4:40) Trusting your team to do the job right (5:38) Here's how to connect with Chris (6:16) Outro Connect with Hard Hat to CEO on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BrHqc3wdF/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hardhattoceo/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dcgilman/

    7 phút
  3. Tired of Chasing Clients? Here’s How Branding Can Do the Work for You with Jerry Gennaria

    4 THG 9

    Tired of Chasing Clients? Here’s How Branding Can Do the Work for You with Jerry Gennaria

    What if people wanted to work with you before you even made a pitch? In this episode of Hard Hat to CEO, Chris G. talks with Jerry Gennaria, CEO of Toky, about how contractors, builders, and engineers can build a brand that makes sales easier. Jerry breaks down how to figure out what really makes your business different, even if it feels like you’re saying the same thing as everyone else. You’ll learn how branding isn’t just about logos, it’s about building trust and showing people why they should choose you. If you're ready to step out of the jobsite mindset and into the CEO role, this one’s for you. Jerry Gennaria is the President and CEO of TOKY, a branding and strategic consulting firm based in St. Louis. With over 27 years in business and a decade-plus of experience in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) space, TOKY specializes in helping firms uncover what truly sets them apart. Jerry started as a designer and transitioned into brand and marketing strategy, working with top agencies since 1998. Under his leadership, TOKY has partnered with hundreds of AEC firms to clarify their message, improve their brand presence, and make sales easier by building trust before the first conversation. Connect with Jerry: Website: https://toky.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gennaria/ Email: jerry@toky.com Episode highlights: (0:00) Intro (1:09) Meet Jerry Janeria of Toki (2:21) What “AEC” stands for and why it’s key (2:40) What a brand really is (not just a logo) (5:05) Branding values and behavior (8:00) How to stand out in a crowded market (11:22) Creating a brand truth with a unique POV (16:13) Don’t worry, you already have something worth branding (19:13) Does branding have to be expensive? (24:39) The 5 Whys method to find your real difference (26:28) Why visuals still matter (29:45) How branding supports your shift from worker to CEO (31:32) How to find Jerry and his resources (32:33) Outro Connect with Hard Hat to CEO on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BrHqc3wdF/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hardhattoceo/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dcgilman/

    33 phút
  4. How to Handle Frustrations, Customers & Mistakes Without Losing Your Cool

    2 THG 9

    How to Handle Frustrations, Customers & Mistakes Without Losing Your Cool

    What do you do when things don’t go as planned, your order’s wrong, a delivery’s late, or a client’s not happy? In this episode of Hard Hat to CEO, Chris G tells some personal stories that show how the way you handle those moments really matters. Whether it's an Amazon mix-up, a fender bender, or a missing part from Lowe’s, Chris talks about staying calm, being kind, and not jumping to blame. Customer service isn’t just for customers; it’s also how you treat your team and your vendors. When you treat people right, they usually return the favor, and sometimes, you even get a little bonus out of it. Episode highlights: (0:00) Intro (0:41) Customer service goes both ways (1:18) Internal clients in trades (1:52) Roundabout mishap and life lessons (3:35) Owning your part (4:59) Being kind pays off (6:06) Pivoting when plans fall apart (7:25) Flip your expectations (8:08) The golden rule in business (8:56) Adjusting timelines with vendors (9:11) Silver linings and staying calm (10:00) Outro Connect with Hard Hat to CEO on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BrHqc3wdF/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hardhattoceo/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dcgilman/

    10 phút
  5. How the Wealthy Pay Less Taxes (Legally) And How You Can Do It Too with Sally Gimon

    28 THG 8

    How the Wealthy Pay Less Taxes (Legally) And How You Can Do It Too with Sally Gimon

    What if you could legally keep up to 90% of the money you're currently handing over in taxes? In this episode of Hard Hat to CEO, Chris G welcomes real estate investor and trust expert Sally Gimon, who shares how she turned a $94,000 tax crisis into a tax-saving mission that now helps entrepreneurs, contractors, and investors slash their tax bills. Sally breaks down how an IRS-compliant structure called the spendthrift trust can help 1099 earners, business owners, and investors hold on to more of their money, reinvest it, and build generational wealth. With real examples, from rental properties to car purchases and HVAC business sales, this episode gives you the knowledge that the rich have been using for decades, and now, so can you. Sally Gimon is a real estate investor and financial educator who helps 1099 earners, business owners, and investors legally reduce their tax bills using Spendthrift Trusts under IRS code 643B. After a personal tax crisis in 2020, she discovered how the wealthy use these trusts to save money and build generational wealth. Today, Sally works with entrepreneurs nationwide, showing them how to protect assets, cut taxes by up to 90%, and keep more of their hard-earned income—without working harder or longer. Connect with Sally: Website: https://thetrustisyou.com/ Episode highlights: (0:00) Intro (1:31) Sally's backstory: Real estate, debt freedom, and a tax wake-up call (3:01) Discovering the Rockefellers’ trust strategy (5:52) Reinvesting trust money and living off it (10:41) Contractor success story (15:51) Breaking down the 5 parts of the spendthrift trust (19:33) $400k business owner saves $44k per year (25:26) Legal protection story: $500k lawsuit avoided (29:29) Why this beats the 1031 exchange strategy (32:15) Book your 30-minute tax breakthrough session (34:52) Outro Connect with Hard Hat to CEO on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BrHqc3wdF/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hardhattoceo/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dcgilman/

    35 phút
  6. What Helped Me Through a Hell Week

    26 THG 8

    What Helped Me Through a Hell Week

    Ever feel like life hits you with everything all at once? Well, in this week’s episode of Hat to CEO, Chris G makes it as real and raw as it gets. He shares a week that tested every nerve. From a granddaughter’s broken arm and a daughter’s scary hospital visit to work chaos, missed meetings, and even losing a right-hand teammate. But instead of crumbling, he leans into prayer, sunshine, barefoot walks, sesame oil, and a good ol' Dale Carnegie book. With honesty, humor, and heart, he breaks down what stress really is, how it sneaks into our lives, and simple ways to push through it. Whether you're running a business or running on empty, this one's for you. Episode highlights: (0:00) Intro (0:43) A chaotic week filled with family emergencies and work stress (2:49) First signs of overwhelm and how he coped (4:06) Tips from a doctor (5:19) Stress, jaw pain, and a lesson from a tractor pull (7:06) Dale Carnegie’s approach to anxiety (7:58) Final tips (8:55) Outro Connect with Hard Hat to CEO on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BrHqc3wdF/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hardhattoceo/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dcgilman/

    9 phút
  7. From Tiny Homes to Big Builds with Lance Cayko

    21 THG 8

    From Tiny Homes to Big Builds with Lance Cayko

    What if your architect actually knew how to build? In this episode of Hard Hat to CEO, Chris G chats with Lance Cayko, an architect and builder from Colorado who’s done everything from tiny homes on HGTV to multi-million dollar custom builds. Lance talks about the real differences between commercial and residential work, how he handles change orders, and why being both designer and builder just makes sense. They also get into solar, energy codes, and how contractors and architects can actually work well together. And don’t miss Lance’s wild story about a project that almost crushed him and why it turned out to be the best thing he ever did. Lance Cayko is a trailblazing architect and entrepreneur whose career fuses over two decades of rugged, hands-on construction work, from carpentry and contracting across North Dakota, Montana, and Idaho with cutting-edge design innovation. His academic prowess shines through an A.A.S. in Building Construction Technology from North Dakota State College of Science in Wahpeton, a B.S. in Environmental Design, and a Master of Architecture from North Dakota State University in Fargo, where he claimed the esteemed McKenzie Thesis Award for his exceptional thesis. As co-founder of F9 Productions Inc. in Longmont, Colorado, since 2009, Lance has propelled the firm to industry acclaim, including consecutive Best of Mile High Awards for Best Architecture Firm in 2023 and 2024, a 2025 finalist nod, and a #1 ranking in BizWest’s 2023 Mercury 100 for 386%. His portfolio boasts groundbreaking works like the internationally awarded Atlas Tiny House (HGTV-featured and 2016 Architizer A+ winner) and the sustainable East Watch mountaintop home (Cover of Builder Magazine, Jan. 2021), all rooted in a profound grasp of buildability that sets him apart. Connect with Lance: Website: https://f9productions.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lance-cayko-1227031a/ Tune in to his podcast: https://www.insidethefirmpodcast.com/ Episode highlights: (0:00) Intro (1:14) Lance’s background and many roles (1:55) Residential vs. commercial building (4:44) Design and build: how it really works (12:13) Why change orders often start underground (17:48) Solar-ready design and energy codes (25:00) Tips for contractors working with architects (29:03) Lance’s biggest project and personal breakthrough (33:05) The challenges of showcasing high-end client work (37:00) How to connect with Lance (39:00) Outro Connect with Hard Hat to CEO on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BrHqc3wdF/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hardhattoceo/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dcgilman/

    39 phút
  8. How Personal Growth Changed My Business Game

    19 THG 8

    How Personal Growth Changed My Business Game

    What do you do when your business starts growing, but you're not sure how to keep up? In this unscripted episode, Chris G talks honestly about what he’s learned over the last few months. He shares how he went from doing estimates by hand to using new software that gets quotes out in hours. He also opens up about hiring the right people, learning to listen more, and why talking about what you do really matters. If you’re feeling stretched or stuck, this is a reminder that growth doesn't mean doing everything yourself, sometimes it means knowing when to ask for help. Episode highlights: (0:00) Intro (0:38) Growing with the business (4:22) Hiring more crews and why listening matters (6:10) Opening up and being more visible helps business (7:52) Books that change mindsets (9:56) Spotting bottlenecks and solving them (11:13) Are you growing this year? Reflecting before year-end (12:05) Outro Connect with Hard Hat to CEO on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BrHqc3wdF/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hardhattoceo/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dcgilman/

    12 phút
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Giới Thiệu

"Hardhat to CEO” is the podcast where we dive into the real stories behind the rise of construction business owners who are on a mission to grow, scale, and conquer the challenges that come their way. Join us as we explore the journeys, obstacles, and breakthroughs that define what it means to be an outstanding owner in the construction industry. Whether you're navigating the complexities of growing your business or pushing through tough times, these candid conversations will inspire you to overcome any challenge and reach new heights. Tune in, connect with fellow construction owners, and discover the strategies and insights to build a leading company.

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