The SiteVisit

James Faulkner
  • 5.0 (2)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
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Leadership in construction with perspective from the job site. A podcast dedicated to the Construction industry. Construction professionals, General Contractors, Sub trade Contractors, and Specialty Contractors audiences will be engaged by the discussions between the hosts and their guests on topics and stories. Hosted James Faulkner ( CEO/Founder - SiteMax Systems ).

  1. When Cranes Pause, Economies Blink with Dave Bowman

    19H AGO

    When Cranes Pause, Economies Blink with Dave Bowman

    Send a text The view is flawless. The math isn’t. From the BuildX Vancouver floor, we dig into how a supplier can hit a record year while the broader market stumbles—and what that says about the next chapters for construction in British Columbia. Our guest from Midland Appliances pulls back the curtain on the orders behind the headlines: why luxury renovations still move, how long lead times lock decisions years ahead, and where multifamily projects are quietly flipping from condos to rental. If you’ve wondered how spec packages evolve when demand shifts mid-build, this conversation lays it out with zero fluff. We explore the “wrong product at the wrong time” problem—micro condos slipping while buyers trade up into better layouts—and the way downtown’s fading street life complicates absorption even as the skyline stays postcard-perfect. The operational realities are blunt: two parallel spec paths per project, a tangle of change orders, and a procurement team living in contingency mode. Yet relationships and focus matter more than ever; teams that specialize, serve core clients, and align with premium brands are protecting volume and trust. We also face the policy and cost stack that squeezes proformas: materials and labor up, financing tight, and rising fees that can add tens of thousands per unit. That’s how cranes disappear by 2027–2028—not from lack of vision, but from projects that no longer pencil. Still, there’s practical optimism. Well-capitalized, vertically integrated developers are advancing, rental demand is real, and suppliers who plan for dual outcomes can deliver in both markets. If leadership reduces friction, fast-tracks approvals, and right-sizes fees, Vancouver’s building engine can find traction again. Listen for grounded insights on condo-to-rental pivots, downtown demand, procurement strategy, and what it takes to keep sites active when the cycle turns. If this resonated, follow the show, share it with your team, and leave a review so more builders and suppliers can join the conversation. midlandappliance.com PODCAST INFO: the Site Visit Website: https://www.sitemaxsystems.com/podcast the Site Visit on Buzzsprout: https://thesitevisit.buzzsprout.com/269424 the Site Visit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-site-visit/id1456494446 the Site Visit on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5cp4qJE5ExZmO3EwldN1HH FOLLOW ALONG: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thesitevisit Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesitevisit

    29 min
  2. The Gap Between Field Expertise and Business Execution with Chris Clausing

    19H AGO

    The Gap Between Field Expertise and Business Execution with Chris Clausing

    Send a text We explore how construction can close the gap between field expertise and business execution as AI accelerates change. Chris shares a candid path from project manager to GC to educator, laying out practical steps to protect margins, grow teams, and build resilient firms. • AI as a copilot for estimating, not a replacement • why labor shortages persist in hot markets • field-to-executive pathways that actually work • lightweight PM habits that lift margin • standardizing takeoffs and tracking earned value • subcontractor entrepreneurship and scalable growth • branding challenges and the case for the trades • using plan reading and specifications to prevent rework • how admin automates while trades endure • selecting high-potential leaders and separating roles Contractor Training Center is our website so contractortrainingcenter.com … please connect with Chris Clausing on LinkedIn … give Chris a call or instant message on LinkedIn PODCAST INFO: the Site Visit Website: https://www.sitemaxsystems.com/podcast the Site Visit on Buzzsprout: https://thesitevisit.buzzsprout.com/269424 the Site Visit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-site-visit/id1456494446 the Site Visit on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5cp4qJE5ExZmO3EwldN1HH FOLLOW ALONG: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thesitevisit Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesitevisit

    1h 5m
  3. Office Space, Talent, And The Hunt with Dan Smith

    JAN 21

    Office Space, Talent, And The Hunt with Dan Smith

    Send us a text The skyline looks the same, but the rules have changed. We sit down with Dan from Reliance Properties to unpack what really moves leases in Vancouver right now—from AAA towers with destination-worthy amenities to character spaces that trade polish for soul and identity. Dan has lived the market from both sides, brokering deals and now operating a deep downtown portfolio, so the takeaways are pragmatic: tenants buy outcomes, not square footage. We dig into the friction between short terms and real tenant improvements, and why portfolio breadth can de-risk growth by enabling credible mid-lease relocations. Modular buildouts and raised access floors aren’t just buzz; they’re how landlords recover TI dollars across multiple cycles while giving teams faster paths to occupancy. We tackle the co-working conundrum too. Yes, the per-desk cost stings, but flexibility, community, and turnkey execution are invaluable when your headcount horizon is foggy. For many, the smartest footprint blends a long-term core with elastic project space. Culture and training keep surfacing as the differentiators that laptops can’t replace. Mentorship travels poorly over scheduled calls, and young talent learns by osmosis as much as instruction. Technology helps—Matterport tours and digital stacks streamline search—but deals still click on site, shoulder-to-shoulder, with the space doing half the selling. We also look ahead: AI could supercharge productivity, spawn new space types, or push conversions like data centers. At the same time, construction costs, carrying costs, and permitting delays still strain feasibility, while retail vacancies hint at broader civic drag that leadership and policy must confront. If you care about how offices earn their keep—attracting talent, signalling brand, and making hard work feel easier—this conversation is a field guide. Hit play, share it with a teammate who’s rethinking their footprint, and if it resonates, subscribe, leave a review, and tell us: what would genuinely get you back in the building? PODCAST INFO: the Site Visit Website: https://www.sitemaxsystems.com/podcast the Site Visit on Buzzsprout: https://thesitevisit.buzzsprout.com/269424 the Site Visit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-site-visit/id1456494446 the Site Visit on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5cp4qJE5ExZmO3EwldN1HH FOLLOW ALONG: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thesitevisit Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesitevisit

    1h 16m
  4. ADHD On The Jobsite with Skye Waterson

    12/01/2025

    ADHD On The Jobsite with Skye Waterson

    Send us a text We explore how ADHD shows up on jobsites and in leadership, why admin feels harder than building, and how to design simple systems that create focus without brute force. We share tactics for working memory, notification overload, and consistent growth that fit ADHD brains. • what ADHD looks like across life, not just school • inattentive, hyperactive, and combined types clarified • why phones hijack attention when tasks feel boring or confusing • the working memory gap on forms, photos, and compliance • construction admin friction versus hands-on work • urgency filters and needle movers to reclaim focus • using a gatekeeper for Slack and email noise • visual workflows and weekly meetings for accountability • sleep and exercise as force multipliers for symptoms • shifting from self-criticism to system design Listen to our podcast, the ADHD Skills Lab, or message us at unconventional organization on Instagram with the word “James” for the focus chatbot PODCAST INFO: the Site Visit Website: https://www.sitemaxsystems.com/podcast the Site Visit on Buzzsprout: https://thesitevisit.buzzsprout.com/269424 the Site Visit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-site-visit/id1456494446 the Site Visit on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5cp4qJE5ExZmO3EwldN1HH FOLLOW ALONG: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thesitevisit Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesitevisit

    46 min
  5. Matching Communication Styles to Beat Price Wars with Jeff Borovitz

    10/28/2025

    Matching Communication Styles to Beat Price Wars with Jeff Borovitz

    Send us a text Price isn’t the villain—unclear communication is. We sit down with Jeff Borovitz of Sandler to explore how a psychology-led sales process helps construction companies stop chasing bad-fit bids, avoid unpaid change orders, and build trust that holds up once shovels hit dirt. Jeff breaks down the biggest trap he sees on both residential and commercial teams—premature presentation—and shows how to slow down, uncover three to five real pains, and turn conversations from “How cheap?” to “How do we make the outcome certain?” We get tactical. You’ll hear how to spot and adapt to different communication styles so clients feel heard, not handled. We dig into handling discount pressure with questions that reframe value—like asking change order and final-versus-quoted price percentages—so you lead as the expert instead of defending your bid. Jeff also explains why revenue and profit are lagging indicators, and how strong leaders prioritize leading signals: pipeline quality, ICP fit, access to dialogue-based RFPs, and stage conversion rates that predictably move work forward. The team also talks VUCA—volatility, uncertainty, complexity, ambiguity—and the strain it puts on crews, clients, and owners. Jeff’s take: remove fear, doubt, and worry by modeling courage, setting clear expectations, and simplifying operating rhythms. And yes, AI plays a healthy role here. Use it to automate dull admin, improve precon clarity, and even rehearse tough client calls with an AI sales coach so reps show up practiced and calm when it counts. If you want to protect margin without cutting corners, build a pipeline you actually want to win, and give your field teams cleaner handoffs, this conversation delivers a practical blueprint. Subscribe, share with your team, and leave a review with the one question you want us to roleplay next. PODCAST INFO: the Site Visit Website: https://www.sitemaxsystems.com/podcast the Site Visit on Buzzsprout: https://thesitevisit.buzzsprout.com/269424 the Site Visit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-site-visit/id1456494446 the Site Visit on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5cp4qJE5ExZmO3EwldN1HH FOLLOW ALONG: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thesitevisit Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesitevisit

    1h 17m
  6. Building Wealth Through Construction with Paul Atherton

    08/27/2025

    Building Wealth Through Construction with Paul Atherton

    Send us a text Construction companies possess an extraordinary yet frequently overlooked opportunity to build substantial wealth—one that extends far beyond simply increasing revenue or improving profit margins.  Paul Atherton, founder of Highspire, reveals the powerful secret that separates thriving construction business owners from those merely keeping pace: leveraging construction expertise into strategic real estate development. As Paul explains, wealth creation happens through three primary channels—operating an efficient business, buying assets at advantageous prices, and adding value to those assets. While most industries might excel at one of these, construction companies are uniquely positioned to capitalize on all three simultaneously. Highspire's approach centers on their "Four Cs" framework: Community that connects business owners with peers who've already achieved what they're aiming for; Content providing streamlined systems benchmarked from high-performing companies; Coaching that offers personalized guidance; and perhaps most critically, Capital—helping construction companies optimize their funding strategies and potentially raise capital from limited partners. What makes this approach particularly compelling is how it transforms construction knowledge into a wealth-building superpower. Construction companies understand building science, estimate costs realistically, move quickly on deals, and possess extensive networks that can be leveraged for real estate opportunities. During recent market challenges, companies implementing this dual-focus strategy have consistently outperformed competitors by maintaining robust marketing and sales pipelines while optimizing their operations. The conversation takes a fascinating turn when addressing mental health across all levels of construction organizations. Paul advocates for a staff-first approach that helps team members create clear development paths—not just professionally but in all life domains from financial goals to family priorities. As he powerfully states, "Mental health is a commitment to reality at all costs." Ready to transform your construction company into a wealth-building engine? Discover how your expertise could be the foundation for generational financial success by exploring Highspire's proven methodology. https://www.highspire.com PODCAST INFO: the Site Visit Website: https://www.sitemaxsystems.com/podcast the Site Visit on Buzzsprout: https://thesitevisit.buzzsprout.com/269424 the Site Visit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-site-visit/id1456494446 the Site Visit on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5cp4qJE5ExZmO3EwldN1HH FOLLOW ALONG: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thesitevisit Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesitevisit

    1h 5m
  7. The Modular Revolution. With Russell Cook

    07/08/2025

    The Modular Revolution. With Russell Cook

    Send a text In this episode of The Site Visit Podcast, host James Faulkner welcomes Russell Cook of Modular Interiors by Cook’s for a future-forward conversation on how modular construction is reshaping the commercial real estate and construction industries. From raised access floors and demountable wall systems to integrating smart technology and sustainable design, Russell shares deep insights and real-world examples—including projects like TELUS Ocean and partnerships with industry leaders. Discover how modular design reduces waste, improves tenant flexibility, and aligns with evolving work environments. Plus, get a behind-the-scenes look at their manufacturing process, innovations in electric and data infrastructure, and how tools like SiteMax keep everything on track. Whether you're a developer, contractor, architect, or simply curious about the future of workspace design, this episode offers actionable insights and real talk on how construction is adapting to meet the demands of flexibility, sustainability, and technology. With sharp commentary, behind-the-scenes stories, and a few laughs along the way, this is a must-listen for anyone shaping the spaces of tomorrow. modularinteriorsbycooks.com PODCAST INFO: the Site Visit Website: https://www.sitemaxsystems.com/podcast the Site Visit on Buzzsprout: https://thesitevisit.buzzsprout.com/269424 the Site Visit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-site-visit/id1456494446 the Site Visit on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5cp4qJE5ExZmO3EwldN1HH FOLLOW ALONG: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thesitevisit Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesitevisit

    1h 14m
  8. From Dirty Jobs to Dignified Careers: Reimagining Construction Work with Ryan Englin, CEO at Core Matters

    05/13/2025

    From Dirty Jobs to Dignified Careers: Reimagining Construction Work with Ryan Englin, CEO at Core Matters

    Send us a text The mental health crisis sweeping through construction has reached alarming proportions, with suicide rates among workers soaring to five times the national average. But what's driving this crisis, and why aren't more industry leaders talking about it? Ryan Englin, a 15-year veteran consultant and author of "Hire Better People Faster," brings powerful insights into the hidden struggle of construction workers and the leadership failures that perpetuate it. After growing up with a blue-collar father but choosing a different path himself, Ryan offers a unique insider-outsider perspective on what's really happening on job sites across America. "People don't leave jobs; people leave people," Ryan explains, challenging the common industry complaint that "nobody wants to work anymore." He highlights how construction companies frequently overlook fundamental human needs – from basic respect to social connection – that could transform their workforce challenges.  Beyond addressing mental health, the discussion dives into provocative territory about how the construction industry has failed to adapt to the changing workforce landscape. While knowledge-economy jobs evolved to offer remote work, flexibility, and clear advancement paths, many construction companies still operate on outdated models that fail to demonstrate they value their people. Ryan offers actionable strategies for construction leaders to create workplaces where people not only want to work but want to stay. Whether you're a construction business owner struggling with retention, a field leader trying to build a stronger team, or simply interested in the future of the industry that builds our world, this conversation will challenge your assumptions and offer fresh perspectives on making construction careers both successful and sustainable. Listen now to discover how caring about your people might be the most profitable business strategy you're not yet implementing. PODCAST INFO: the Site Visit Website: https://www.sitemaxsystems.com/podcast the Site Visit on Buzzsprout: https://thesitevisit.buzzsprout.com/269424 the Site Visit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-site-visit/id1456494446 the Site Visit on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5cp4qJE5ExZmO3EwldN1HH FOLLOW ALONG: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thesitevisit Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesitevisit

    1h 1m
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5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Leadership in construction with perspective from the job site. A podcast dedicated to the Construction industry. Construction professionals, General Contractors, Sub trade Contractors, and Specialty Contractors audiences will be engaged by the discussions between the hosts and their guests on topics and stories. Hosted James Faulkner ( CEO/Founder - SiteMax Systems ).

Information

  • Creator
    James Faulkner
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    191
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The SiteVisit
  • Show Website
    The SiteVisit