Construction Genius

The benefits of planning: Think about what you are going to do, in advance, so that when you act you may act more effectively. Tap into the collective intelligence and wisdom of your team. Minimize risk and maximize the possibility of success. Take into account, and maximize the use of your resources and capabilities. Consider past activity and bringing forward lessons learned into the present plan Strike the balance between prudence and boldness In this episode we cover three things. 5 Essential Elements of a Good Plan The Pitfalls of Planning and How to Avoid them A Planning Framework that Works Inspiration for this episode comes from Chapter Nine, "Plan", of  "Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALS Lead and Win",  by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin. 1. 5 Essential Elements of a Good Plan What? Why? How? Who? When? 2. The Pitfalls of Planning and How to Avoid them The pitfalls: Ego, Inefficiency, Rigidity How to avoid them: Simplicity, Efficiency, Flexibility 3. A Planning Framework that Works Rally Cry F

I welcome Jeff Hoopes, Chairman and CEO of Swinerton Builders, back to the show to discuss his approach to leading a multi-billion dollar ESOP company, why the structure of his executive team encourages healthy conflict, and how Jeff is striving to leave a legacy of teaching his employees how to make money, build wealth, and be part of a wonderful company. Click the link to listen to our first interview: Strategic Insights into Growing a Thriving Multi-Billion Dollar Construction Company Main takeaways: What it means to be a servant leader. How Swinerton's ESOP structure influences Jeff's leadership. The structure of, and relationship dynamic within, Swinerton's executive team The power of rejecting "yes men" Swinerton's approach to succession planning Show Notes: A little of Jeff's personal history (Bay Area real estate was expensive, even in the 1980s). How Jeff built wealth within Swinerton's ESOP structure through sweat equity Superintendents at Swinerton retire with $1m in shares. Growing Swinerton i

In this episode we cover three things. The Wisdom Silos The Danger of Silos How to Use Teamwork to Win the Battle Against Silos Inspiration for this episode comes from Chapter Five, "Cover and Move", of  "Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALS Lead and Win",  by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin. Check out Jocko's Podcast What is a silo? An isolated grouping, department or team that functions apart from others. 1. The Wisdom of Silos Breaking down into different function and different projects allows for Concentration… leading to higher productivity   Consistency… each day I know what I'm doing and what's required   Accountability… I know who to go to when issues occur etc. Which leads to higher performance (safety, quality, speed) But you have to realize that intentionally or unintentionally the silos can create challenges that hinder the overall effectiveness of the team….   2. The Danger of Silos Us vs. them Long term grudges Hoarding resources Refusing to communicate Rejoicing when something goes wron

Mark Bley has worked in the Construction Industry for over 30 years. He has been on Dome Construction's staff since 1981 and has been President & CEO since 2008. Before becoming President & CEO, Mark acted as Project Manager on Dome Construction's staff for 24 years. His work experience prior to joining Dome includes heavy construction and electrical utility construction and design. To keep young, Mark has mentored 7 boys through Urban Services YMCA Building Futures programs. He is strongly committed to giving our youth every opportunity for their future. Both he and Dome Construction are sponsoring Urban Services Empowerment to Employment (E2E), Genesys Works, and Immaculate Conception Academy and All Stars workforce development programs to assist our youth to become productive. He is on the Board for the All Stars Project. My interview with Mark covers his "prodigal son" beginnings in the construction industry. How he returned and thrived at his father's company by building unique projects for compa

3 Ways to Prepare for An Effective Problem-Solving Meeting Accurately Identify Problems Pick the Team Make the Rules   Highlights Include The source of problems Product   Process People Using metrics to surface problems Lagging indicators Leading indicators Get your facts straight prior to a meeting Get diverse voices in the room Limit the number of participants to between 6-10 Make the ground rules Focus Participate Don't be a jerk   Prior preparation is one part of running effective problem-solving meetings. If you'd like to learn more about a meeting framework that I've used with construction companies for over a decade, click download my FREE (short) report: Kick-Ass Meetings In the report, I break down, step by step, a simple and powerful method to address your toughest challenges and build an action plan to overcome the problem in less than an hour. I know you'll find it extremely useful.  

Action Items from the Interview: Three ways a contractor can ensure a successful partnering project: Understand the expectation of the client Understand the project risks and how to mitigate them Establish yourself as a trusted business advisor Three action steps when passing a construction business to multiple siblings in the next generation Build healthy relationships between siblings Help each individual find their niche Do your best to keep a healthy separation between work and family   Highlights of our conversation include: The unique history of the Ghilotti family building in Northern California Distinguishing Ghilotti Brothers from other Ghilotti construction companies The key to a successful partnering project How to enhance the partnering process Managing the difference between being an entrepreneurial construction company and having institutional public agencies as customer Applying the philosophy of partnering in the private sphere The challenge of involving subcontractors in partnering M

"A real leader is somebody who can help us overcome the limitations of our own individual laziness and selfishness and weakness and fear and get us to do better things than we can get ourselves to do on our own." David Foster Wallace Accountability is holding people responsible for their actions (and outcomes) appropriate to their competency, authority and within their realm of responsibility. This Episode Covers: How to lay the foundation for successful accountability How to have an accountability conversation The benefit of accountability Highlights Include: 00:02:20 The definition of accountability 00:02:38 The winning mindset of successful construction leaders 00:03:22 Why accountability is necessary 00:04:42 The team aspect of construction 00:05:46 The foundation for successful accountability 00:06:59 The "Peter Principle" in construction 00:14:31 How to have an accountability conversation 00:18:31 The frustration one of Eric's clients had with accountability 00:20:17 The consequence of a lack of accou

Alecia Wilmeth is the V.P. and General Manager of Alston Construction Company in Northern California. Alston is an ENR top 100 contractor, corporately based in Atlanta, GA. Alecia started her thirty-year career shoveling dirt on the job site. She has been a foreman, Superintendent, Project Engineer, Project Manager, and now VP and General Manager. Highlights of our interview include: 00:01:04  Alecia's rough and tumble West Texas roots 00:02:50 Her "horrific" first day on a construction job site 00:03:53 Why she rose in just three months to running the job site 00:04:59 How Alecia survived the recession in the 1980s 00:06:28 The one skill that set Alecia apart, and enabled her to excel 00:08:41 How she succeeded by concentrating on performance, and staying away from politics. 00:09:25 How she handled her shift of role from Project Engineer to Project Manager by focusing on responsibility and accountability 00:10:48 Thriving in the "Great Recession" by combining Superintendent and Project Manager roles 00:14:

In this episode, we cover three things. Causes of problems on construction projects The Road to recovery from failure The benefit of taking complete responsibility The inspiration for this episode comes from "Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALS Lead and Win",  by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin.   Highlights: [00:02:06] Definition of Extreme Ownership [00:03:52] The Cause of Problems on Construction Projects [00:08:30] The Road to Recovery from Failure: [00:16:04] What to do if someone isn't performing: [00:20:59] The benefit of leaders taking complete responsibility   [00:20:59] The Danger of leaders admitting mistakes [00:27:48] Specific next steps   [00:29:03] A FREE resource to help you solve problems: www.ericanderton.com/kam   The Cause of Problems: Poor Planning Poor Communication Poor Execution The Road to Recovery from Failure:   Take Ownership personally, Acknowledge Failure publicly Develop a plan to win If someone isn't performing: Is it a moral issue? Train and Mentor Keep loyal to team

Peter Tateishi, CEO of Associated General Contractors of California (AGC of California) joins Eric for a fascinating exploration of the mission of his organization. Founded in 1920, the Associated General Contractors of California is the premier organization of choice for both experienced and next generation construction and contracting professionals.  Peter has been the CEO of the AGC of California since January 2018. In that time, he has been instrumental in helping the membership shape a Mission Statement that expresses the conviction that the Construction Industry is foundational to the success of California.   Join Peter and Eric as they discuss: The state of the Construction Industry in California How AGC of California members are actively creating opportunities to build and strengthen California How, by shaping policy, improving industry relationships, and developing the workforce, the AGC of California members are making a significant positive contribution to the world's 6th largest economy.   Highl

In this episode of Construction Genius, Eric sits down with Tim Murphy, CEO of the Sacramento Regional Builders Exchange. Their conversation focuses on how to solve the construction industry's talent shortage by shifting society's often-misplaced emphasis on a four-year college degree as the only barometer of success, and by emphasizing the opportunities in the trades now available to young people who may not be best served by the traditional college route.   Highlights include: [00:00:21] A story about Tim's nephew, who pursued a certificate in welding and found enormous success. [00:02:32] Parents' roles in perpetuating the college emphasis, which doesn't serve all young people. [00:04:50] The social capital college graduates achieve with diplomas from schools like Harvard and Yale, and the need to recognize construction as an integral element to our nation's success. [00:07:50] The ability to pursue a career in the trades and quickly be debt-free and financially successful. The increasingly urgent need in

What is the most important responsibility of a leader? It is to communicate. The complex, challenging and risky nature of the business requires leaders to constantly communicate up, down, across and outside of the organization, and it is critical that leaders understand and consistently emphasize three specific messages to those they lead. These three messages make up the three pillars of powerful communication:      Vision      Direction      Comfort In the next three solo episodes of Construction Genius I am going to detail each of those.   In this episode let's talk about vision. [00:02:00] The three pillars of powerful communication [00:04:33] Vision is critical for the success of a construction business. [00:05:01] Three aspects of vision. [00:05:31] The link between vision and human nature. [00:07:44] Wal-Mart's vision statement [00:08:59] The purpose statement of a construction company [00:09:44] The values of a construction company [00:10:34] A really good company vision is inspirational and aspirat

According to the United States Department of Commerce; only about 30% of family businesses survive into the second generation, 12% are still viable into the third generation, and only about 3% of all family businesses operate into the fourth generation or beyond. My interview this week is with Justin White CEO of K&D Landscaping out of Watsonville, CA. His parents started the business in 1986 Now: Siblings  Justin (CEO), Shane (COO), and Kelsie (VP Marketing) are  in the business. With the 2nd generation at the helm the business has grown from $1.5m in 2011 to over $5m today, with a 2030 goal of being $30m with 300 employees.   In this episode we cover: [01:20] The time Justin was thinking about quitting his family business [04:23] What Justin focused on during the transition to becoming the leader of the business. [07:25] How to balance control and leeway, in a family business, when transitioning between two generations {08:45] The impact of a leader's demeanor and attitude the company. [09:34] Why he c

We often find construction executives and leaders doing minor issues that lead to overwhelm and stress.  In this episode we cover practical tips and insights in using time blocks to help you become more effective leaders.  We cover 3 things about time blocks in this episode: benefits, hindrance, and types of blocks. In this episode we cover: Definition of a time block. The 4 benefits of time blocks: frees you up to concentrate, increases productivity, empowers others by causing them to become more resourceful, and shows you where others need to be trained. The hindrance to blocks: The Hero, The Perfectionist , The Nice Guy. The Types of Blocks that you can employ as a leader: Project Block, People Block, Geographic Block. Real life examples of using time blocks. Tips on applying and using time blocks in your life and business: identify your hindrances, communicating your time blocks and, implementing them. Links: Eric Anderton Podcast Eric Anderton LinkedIn Eric Anderton YouTube Kick Ass Meetings Report  

How do you grow your general construction company into a thriving multi-billion dollar business using a unique sales strategy? In this episode we are joined by Jeff Hoopes, Chairman of the Board and CEO of Swinerton Builders as we talk about his approach to selling, thinking like a service provider, business development, business diversification, simple strategic planning, business acquisitions, and lessons learned from his experiences. His is a story of hard work, commitment and a passion to serve that brought Swinerton Builders to greater heights.   In this episode we cover: Jeff's role in the instrumental growth of Swinerton Builders to $4 billion in revenue over the last 20 years. His approach on sales as a construction professional and why he gives an emphasis on the importance of selling to people in your business and as a construction professional. The number one thing to focus on when developing a new client or relationship. Managing long-term client relationships amidst challenging jobs or projects.

How do you approach construction sales in a more strategic way? In this solo episode, I will walk you through steps on how to grow your business and build long-term business relationships with your potential customers by having them know, trust and like you. This is a first in a series of episodes that I'll do over the next few months on a strategic approach to construction sales. Start running highly effective meetings, today. Download your free copy of the Kick-Ass Meeting report that goes step-by-step through the process here: https://www.ericanderton.com/kickassmeetings.   In this episode we cover: People purchase from people that they: know, trust and like. KNOW - 3 ways to get to know a potential project partner: get your face in the place, drop the ego, and persist. TRUST - 3 practical ways construction executives can build trust: start small, be responsive, add value. LIKE - 3 keys to being someone other people like: be an equal, be helpful, be yourself. Key takeaways of the podcast: Act: Make a lis

How do you hone the skills of millennials in a fast-paced and high-stress environment such as construction? In this episode we are joined Peter Worhunsky VP of Disney Construction as we discuss an interesting, unique and self-directed process for talent development used in their company which other construction leaders can learn from. This episode is brought to you by The Construction Leaders Dashboard, an excellent self-development tool. Click the link to download your free copy of the Dashboard.  During the show Peter mentions "The Obstacle is the Way" by Ryan Holiday. I highly recommed this book. Click on the link to get yourself a copy.   In this episode we cover: Smashing fallacies about millennials in construction An example of a female project engineer millennial being promoted to project manager and excelling on a technical project given to her despite a challenging owner. How the new project manager earned respect and confidence from the people she worked with. Peter's role as a leader in helping t

How can you achieve high-performance in your construction company? High-performance comes from concentrating on the few tasks that if done with excellence will really make a difference in the results of your job and in the performance of your company. In this episode, we dive into a simple three-step framework that you can use to identify your most important outcome, the most important task that leads to that outcome and how you are going to improve your performance of that task. In this episode we cover: High performing athletes vs. high performance in construction companies. How to perform in situations when things don't go your way. Reality of construction projects. Outcomes and tasks that a Project Manager is responsible for in bringing a project on time and on budget. Breaking down the High-Performance Framework. Client example using the High-Performance Framework. Choices that high-performers make from The Mental Game of Baseball   Links: High-Performance Framework Download The Construction Leader's D

Charles Antis, Founder and CEO of Antis Roofing and Waterproofing and also "cheerleader for good," joins us today as we talk about the importance of purpose and values in running a successful business. We dive into the unique beginnings of his company in 1989; how his passion for helping others drives his business, and how clarifying the Antis Roofing's purpose and values have helped him create a company that is at the forefront of the conscious capitalism movement. Charles serves on the board of directors of the National Roofing Contractors Association; is a member of The Roofing Industry Alliance for Progress; and serves on the board of directors and advisory councils for several non-profit organizations including Habitat for Humanity Orange County and Ronald McDonald House Orange County.   In this episode we cover: The massive impact of clarifying values and purpose in his organization in both retaining employees and having an impact for good in the community. The positive effect of generosity in his pers

In this solo episode, Eric talks about building relationships by having difficult conversations. This podcast was inspired by a book he read years ago entitled Fierce Conversations by Susan Scott. He discusses 7 principles that we can use when having difficult conversations and resolving conflict to allow us to focus on building quality and profitable projects. We are reminded that in the midst of conflict, no one is obliged to change but, instead, each one is invited to engage in conversation to get through the challenges. In this episode we cover: How conflicts arise in construction projects. Reasons why and consequences that may arise when people avoid difficult conversations. Maximising profit and performance by having difficult conversations. The 7 conversational principles: Interrogate reality. Come out from behind your mask. Give your full attention. Tackle your toughest challenge today. Ask just one more que Be responsible for your emotional wake. Let the silence do the heavy lifting.   Links Eric