Construction Genius

In Part 2 of our WIP Mastery Series, CPA Kathe Barrington returns to show contractors how to use the WIP as a strategic decision-making tool. We dig into the three numbers every owner must check first, how underbilling reveals deeper project or client issues, and how the WIP exposes PM discipline long before problems hit the P&L. Kathe also walks through backlog planning, bid strategy, indirect cost allocation, and how to spot margin fade before it becomes expensive. If you want the financial clarity to run your company proactively—not reactively—this episode is essential. Learn more about Kathe: Website: https://www.kbcpa.biz LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathe-barrington-a6346337/  

Construction BD expert Ken Harms joins me to break down the rise of the Doer–Seller model — a relationship-driven approach where project managers and superintendents help win work by serving clients, asking better questions, and building long-term trust. We unpack how owners' expectations have shifted, why the rainmaker era is over, how to train introverted technical pros to engage confidently, and why firms that ignore this model will be trapped in low-bid work. If you want more negotiated work, more repeat clients, and teams who know how to build trust on and off the job, this episode delivers the roadmap. Ken's links:Website: www.kenharms.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kenneth-harms-12b56629/

Most contractors think they understand their WIP reports—but few actually use them to stop hidden job losses. CPA Kathe Barrington joins Eric Anderton to explain how to simplify your WIP, prevent fake profits, and keep your cash and bonding capacity intact. You'll discover: • Why bad budgets destroy profits • How percent-complete accounting really works • How PMs and accountants can finally get on the same page Connect with Kathe Barrington

Hero culture caps growth. Eric and process-improvement pro George Pesansky show you how to trade capes for systems using a no-BS What–Why–How framework. Define the what (outcome), clarify the why (priority), then let your people own the how. We unpack faster bad-news communication, direct vs. root vs. latent causes, the Golden Hour for standardizing wins, and the Four M's (Man, Machine, Material, Method). If you want a business that runs when you step away—and gets the most out of your people—this episode is your blueprint. Grab George's book Superperformance or visit myblendedlearning.com.     90-Day High-Performance Dashboard You can't afford to let your people drift. To drive real performance, you must coach with clarity and purpose.   Use the 90-Day High-Performance Dashboard to: Get clear on what matters most. Drive focused action and accountability. Strengthen trust and deepen relationships.   Success doesn't happen by accident. It happens when leaders coach with precision and consistency. Downl

Most construction companies treat their website like a digital brochure. Big mistake. Rob Murray from Intrigue Media joins Eric to explain why even $50M buyers do Google contractors—and how a smart, strategic website builds trust and drives real opportunities. You'll learn how to position your company vertically or horizontally, speak to multiple buyer types, and use short, authentic testimonials that convert. Rob also shares a simple spreadsheet exercise that exposes your most profitable niche—and how to use client interviews to rewrite your homepage in their words. Turn your website into a growth engine today. Visit intriguemedia.com Learn more at constructiongenius.comToronto tip from Rob: grab dinner at the CN Tower—the view's unbeatable.   90-Day High-Performance Dashboard You can't afford to let your people drift. To drive real performance, you must coach with clarity and purpose.   Use the 90-Day High-Performance Dashboard to: Get clear on what matters most. Drive focused action and accountability.

In this episode, Eric Anderton breaks down findings from FMI's Q4 2025 Construction Outlook and the CIRT Q3 2025 Sentiment Index, revealing how 130 construction CEOs are preparing for a selective, profit-focused market. Learn why the flight to quality is reshaping bidding strategy, how firms are earning more by doing less, and what it takes to ride the 2026 infrastructure and tax-credit wave.    

Construction contractors seeking to break free from commodity pricing discover transformative strategies for building strategic owner partnerships in this revealing interview. PMWeb CEO Huw Roberts shares insider perspectives from managing billion-dollar projects, including the $5 billion JP Morgan Chase tower in New York. Learn how successful contractors differentiate themselves through strategic positioning, technology integration, and communication excellence. This episode covers design-build-operate advantages, AI implementation without excessive risk, and the three critical objectives every owner prioritizes. Roberts reveals common communication mistakes that damage relationships and provides actionable strategies for contractors working with sophisticated owners managing 30,000+ active projects simultaneously. Key Topics Covered: • Strategic contractor positioning versus commodity vendor relationships in large projects • Design-build-operate contracting methods for long-term partnership success • Constr

Think federal contracting is too complex or risky? Think again. In this episode, Doug and Sean Reitmeyer of GCExperts reveal how to break into the federal market with nothing more than a SAM registration—and why it’s one of the fairest, most cash-flow-friendly opportunities in construction. You’ll learn how to avoid rookie mistakes, get paid in 14–30 days under the Federal Prompt Payment Act, and build credibility fast. With over a billion dollars in federal work under their belts, Doug and Sean know the game inside and out. Learn more at GCExperts.com Visiting Austin? Check out The Oasis and Steiner Ranch Steakhouse  Grab my book Construction Genius . 90-Day High-Performance Dashboard You can't afford to let your people drift. To drive real performance, you must coach with clarity and purpose.   Use the 90-Day High-Performance Dashboard to: Get clear on what matters most. Drive focused action and accountability. Strengthen trust and deepen relationships.   Success doesn't happen by accident.

Mark Whitson started at DPR with tools in hand, fresh out of college. Today, he's president of one of America's most respected construction companies. His journey reveals why DPR keeps top talent for decades while other companies struggle with turnover. Key insights: Career paths aren't ladders—they're rock walls requiring lateral moves and creative problem-solving. Culture survives when everyone owns it, not just leadership. The best stretch opportunities come with clear success criteria and strong internal coaching. Whitson's leadership philosophy: helping others turn the perceived impossible into possible. His advice for retention? Empower people to walk away from projects that don't align with company values. Connect with Mark and DPR: Visit DPR Construction to learn more about their innovative approach to building. And if you're ever near Pinehurst, North Carolina, check out Mark's golf course recommendation: Tobacco Road Golf Club – challenging, beautiful, and worth the trip.   90-Day High-Performance D

Most GCs never get acquired. Cross Management Corporation did. Anne Caruso, CEO of CMC, explains how culture, client loyalty, and succession planning made her construction company attractive to Shimizu, a $14B Japanese contractor that acquired a majority stake. From her own journey into the CEO role to lessons on treating subs as partners and planning leadership continuity, Anne shares a roadmap for every GC that wants to be attractive to outside buyers.

Shifting from a transactional mindset to a relationship-based mindset is the heart of growth in the contracting world. Instead of purely relying on projects, businesses are eager to find new opportunities in building long-term relationships and creating steady revenue streams through service. This episode focuses on the mindset, process, and leadership needed to be at the top of this transformation. Sean Samson is the CEO and founder of Sean Samson Training and EMAPlus. Sean is an industry thought leader and a mentor within the electrical, mechanical, service, and construction areas. Having trained and consulted over 300 contracting organizations across 16 countries, he is a highly sought-after industry leader whose training focuses on strengthening contractor service and maintenance operations. He joined Eric today to talk about how contractors can transform their businesses by building service divisions.   HIGHLIGHTS [01:49] The Light Bulb Moment: Building a Service Division.  [05:58] The mindset shift. [09

Public speaking isn’t just about talking; it’s about influencing, connecting, and leaving a mark that lasts long after the last word is spoken. Most people find public speaking daunting, but does it have to be that way?  Public speaking is one of the biggest challenges for people no matter the industry. Some people are natural-born speakers. The others, not so much. In this episode of the Construction Genius podcast, Eric is joined by John Zalepka, a seasoned public speaking coach, to explore practical strategies to overcome fear, move beyond overconfidence, and connect with the audience. From crafting story-driven presentations to handling technical failures with grace, they explain how preparation, practice, and authenticity can turn speeches into powerful moments.  John Zalepka is an author and seasoned speaking coach who helps corporate leaders to effectively communicate brand messages with a confident voice. He serves as Director of Training & Industry Engagements at Specified Technologies Inc. (STI)

True success comes from playing the long-term game, prioritizing relationships, skills, and trust that build over time. However, professionals often struggle with short-term thinkers, unnecessary interruptions, and guilt over leadership roles. In this episode, Eric sits down with Luca Dellana, an independent consultant and bestselling author who helps companies develop their people and solve complex organizational challenges. Together, they analyze the importance of defining your own game, building business relationships, balancing saying ‘yes’ and ‘no’ early in your career, and more. HIGHLIGHTS [01:43] Playing the long-term game in business.  [03:04] Hunter vs. Farmer mentality. [06:23] Building trust by ensuring benefits for both parties. [07:50] Protecting and playing your own game. [10:40] Balancing ‘Yes’ and ‘No’ in your career. [15:47] Eliminating unnecessary interruptions. [20:21] Building strong business relationships. [23:28] Skill development and understanding organizational dynamics. [29:55] Overco

In this week’s episode, our guest is 21-year-old Gabe Sotello, who is a steel framer and drywall hanger. Gabe shares his journey from trade school to the job site while offering us an honest picture of the challenges, culture, and opportunities in construction. He also explains his decision to choose trade school over college, adapting with humility, and the need to be an open-minded novice who will learn, absorb, and adjust quickly. With practical advice on work ethic, communication, and finding the right trade early, Gabe is here to give a real-world roadmap to young people in finding success in the construction industry.  Throughout the conversation, you will hear about Gabe’s background and journey to construction, the challenges he had to face and how he adapted to the industry as a novice, the importance of choosing your path with clarity and the importance of accepting the fact that traditional education is not everyone’s forte, the importance of effective leadership and communication in construction,

In a field like construction, where sales are complex, high-stakes, and often misunderstood, success depends less on competition on pricing and more on strategic engagement, early involvement, and paying attention and understanding the needs of the client.  Meet Matthew Neuberger, a prominent figure in the business world who is an expert in business development, specializing in executive sales consultation and sales productivity training. As a dynamic presenter and trainer, he helps industry leaders to articulate successful management, sales, and prospecting strategies. Focusing on businesses that are ready to rise above the low-bid mentality, his approach integrates strategic guidance, stakeholder alignment, and practical tools, allowing contractors to win more sustainable, profitable projects. He joined us today to talk about how contractors can break free from low-bid traps.   HIGHLIGHTS [01:58] From low-bid work to high-value projects.  [05:43] Time shift in sales process.  [12:16] Abundance vs. scarcity

Struggling to find—and keep—the right people in your construction business? You’re not alone. In today’s episode of Construction Genius, Eric sits down with Mike, creator of the XP3 Talent System, to unpack a proven, end-to-end process for hiring, onboarding, and retaining top talent in one of the most competitive industries on the planet. You’ll discover: Why most “business problems” are really people problems—and how to solve them at the root. The fatal flaw in relying on gut instinct to hire construction talent. How to define success in a role so you can hire with precision instead of vague job descriptions. A structured hiring process that filters out bad fits—even if they try to fake it with AI. Onboarding strategies that transform B-players into rock stars and boost 90-day retention to 95%. The three non-negotiable objectives every onboarding program must hit. How to build a culture that inspires discretionary effort—the extra 40–60% of capability most employees never give. A real-world

Leadership development can take two distinct types: horizontal and vertical. Horizontal growth targets on adding new skills, knowledge, and competencies broadening what a leader can do. Vertical development, on the other hand, alters how a leader thinks, perceives, and responds. This enables leaders to handle complexity, stress, and uncertainty by increasing maturity, emotional regulation, and perspective. While horizontal development can make a leader more capable in the short term, vertical growth boosts their ability to inspire and create lasting value. However, to achieve sustainable leadership impact, understanding both is the key.  Ryan Gottfredson is a leadership expert, author, and researcher specializing in vertical development and organizational psychology. He is the founder and owner of Ryan Gottfredson LLC. He helps organizations vertically develop their leaders primarily through focusing on mindsets. He is also a leadership professor at the College of Business and Economics at California State Un

Welcome back to another powerhouse episode of Construction Genius! Today, we welcome back industry expert and owner of MADD Project, Antonia Botero. Antonia returns to provide crucial insights on two vital topics for every construction leader: Strategic Adaptation and Project Management Excellence. In this episode, you’ll discover: How to Build a Robust Construction Strategy: Evaluating your construction firm's strategic positioning—high value vs. high volume. Making critical decisions about project scale and niching to maintain competitive advantage. Effective ways to pivot your business in response to economic downturns and shifting markets. Real-world examples of strategic flexibility and adapting your expertise to emerging opportunities. Keys to Elite Project Management: The core qualities of an A-player Project Manager: urgency, coordination mastery, and rigorous accounting discipline. Why urgency and proactive communication can dramatically improve project outcomes. Essential traini

In the fiercely competitive world of construction, a handful of people stand out as genuine rainmakers—those uniquely gifted individuals who seem able to summon success and profitability from seemingly nowhere. Roger Leasure, President and CEO of The Leasure Group, is precisely that kind of leader. In this episode of Construction Genius, which ranks among my top five all-time favorites, Roger reveals how he transformed a simple $15 investment into a staggering $12.8 million project. He dives deep into the core principles of genuine business development, sharing practical strategies that go far beyond standard sales pitches. Roger teaches us to see business through the eyes of our clients, to build meaningful relationships through thoughtful gestures, and to strategically position ourselves as essential partners rather than just another vendor. Key Takeaways: Discover the extraordinary story behind turning a $15 gift into a multi-million dollar opportunity. Learn how to shift your mindset and genuinely put

Succession planning isn’t just about naming someone to be the successor; it’s about ensuring that your business can thrive after you. In this episode, Eric appears as the guest of “The Construction Hall of Fame” podcast and shares his wisdom on succession planning, the blind spots that trip up the construction leaders, keeping your top talent from walking out of the door, and the importance of starting an early succession plan. Whether you are already thinking about your succession plan or years away from stepping down, this conversation will guide you to get started with confidence and clarity.    HIGHLIGHTS [02:06] Introduction and background to Eric Anderton.  [05:11] Succession planning pitfalls.  [12:11] The tours of duty: Developing and retaining top talent.  [15:36] Consistent growth, clarity, and proactive career planning.  [20:38] Planning for the long-term with clarity.  [24:00] Aligning career paths with individual ambitions.  [28:46] Tough promotion calls.  [34:37] The importance of process mappin