Production

Episode 189: The 5 Statements You Should Not Make

April 18, 2022 00:38:58

What we say is a reflection of what we think, and as clinical counselors will tell you, what we think will dictate how we act. So, how we act will of course dictate success.

Following this logic, words are very powerful factors in our success. But do we pay attention to those words? We tend to be concerned about what we say as it affects others, but what about the effect on ourselves?

What we say is often said without thinking of their potential consequences. They can be seen as excuses or statements of desperation, or they can be simply things we say when nothing else seems to fit. But all of them can have a negative impact on us and our work, so Tim and Steve share specific examples and how to avoid them.

Tim and Steve talk more about:

Encouraging new thought processes
Rephrasing the things we say
And more…

Ep.188: Skills Training Meets Technology with Jordan Smith

April 11, 2022 00:35:07

In this episode we’ll cover learning in a digital age, and how training impacts the way we hire and train workers. Guest Jordan Smith shares the best ways to implement or build onto an existing training program to foster employee progress, career growth and the overall success of one’s organization.

Jordan is the President and Founder of Smith House Company, a design + build firm based in Austin, Texas. He learned to build and weld while working on the farm with his grandad, and after earning a degree in Welding and Materials Engineering, he spent the next 10 years working in heavy construction building everything from robots to ships to offshore oil rigs before transitioning to residential construction.

Tim, Steve and Jordan talk more about:

Accounting for regional differences in business
MT Copeland
And more…

Ep.185: A Different Calling with Aaron Goeke

March 14, 2022 00:32:18

We have done a number of episodes that are centered on the idea that we can look outside of our industry to bring in managers. We have also seen where some companies have found great success in hiring Project Managers from outside of the industry and training them in construction.

So, we continue that thought in this episode. Our guest Aaron Goeke comes to us from church ministry, what many people may refer to as a “calling” as opposed to a job. Host Tim Faller started his working life as a youth minister and switched into construction, and shares his experiences during his transition in this episode.

Aaron is the Production Manager at CROSS, a luxury remodeling firm in San Antonio Texas. Aaron has been with the company for just over a year now, and has a background in custom cabinet building and commercial construction sales. He now manages a team of four project managers, one project coordinator, two construction supervisors and 10 field personnel.

Tim, Steve and Aaron talk more about:

Transferable skills
What to look for in a PM candidate
The process of switching industries
And more…

Ep.184: Scheduling From Sales Through Completion with Eric Bain

March 8, 2022 00:32:30

Scheduling has been a challenge for everyone over the last few years. Scheduling individual jobs is a challenge by itself but adding the sales design process, the job set up, and then the job itself makes the challenge grow exponentially.

Getting the sales design process scheduled is a growing trend in an effort to more accurately predict the start dates for clients. This process involves gaining the buy-in from designers, sales, and production which can be a daunting task. Our guest today is navigating these waters with success and is here to share his experiences with our listeners.

Eric Bain is the project manager of Innovative Construction and oversees projects as well as handles client relations. He previously worked for the City of Vail where he sharpened his site inspection, landscaping and heavy equipment skills.

Tim, Steve and Eric talk more about:

Working alongside sales and design teams
Utilizing a master schedule
Dealing with issues regarding supplies
And more…

Ep.183: The Importance of Gender Inclusion with Emma Kraft

February 28, 2022 00:33:18

Happy Women in Construction week!

We welcome guest Emma Kraft to the show to learn about the struggles of bridging the gap in a male dominated field as both a woman, and a daughter.

Emma Kraft is the Business Operations Manager at Kraft Custom Construction, Inc., located in Salem, Oregon. The company was started by Emma’s father, Robert Kraft, in 1982. In 2001, he made a conscious decision to down-size the company and focus on completing fewer, higher revenue producing projects. Kraft is a design/build company and does remodeling, additions, and historic restoration work. Kraft employs 5 full-time employees, and completes around $2.5 million in revenue annually.

Tim, Steve and Emma talk more about:

Biases against women in construction
Some of the challenges exclusive to women
How others can help bridge this gap
And more…

Ep.182: Hiring an Estimator with Bryan McLain (Part 2)

February 21, 2022 00:35:55

Like our series on Bonuses and Incentives, we are welcoming several guests to talk about the process of hiring an estimator in the remodeling industry. Guest Bryan McLain of Sardone Construction is here to share the importance of hiring a dedicated estimator and the positive impacts it can have on a company and their customers.

Bryan began as the lead carpenter and is now in charge of production and estimating as a new partner and owner of the company.

Tim, Steve and Bryan talk more about:

Skills and traits of an estimator
The training process
Working without a dedicated estimator
And more…

Ep.181: Hiring an Estimator with Chris Fox (Part 1)

February 7, 2022 00:37:31

Like our series on Bonuses and Incentives, we are welcoming several guests to talk about the process of hiring an estimator in the remodeling industry. We are starting off this new series with guest Chris Fox, the sales and design manager at Fox Home Innovations in Manhattan, Kansas.

As the company’s Director of Design and Sales, Chris is heavily involved with the management of all design projects from inception to completion. Additionally, he actively cultivates and manages leads, working tirelessly to find new projects and business for the team.

Tim, Steve and Chris talk more about:

What can prompt the need for an estimator
Creating clear expectations
The benefits of prioritizing estimating
And more…

Ep.180: Setting Up an In-house Training Center with David Myers

January 31, 2022 00:37:44

It is always both exciting and refreshing to see companies tackle skills training head on by providing necessary programs for new talent. Guest Dave Myers joins us to talk about the training process he and his team use to set employees up for success.

Dave is the Vice President and general manager of J. Francis Company, a design build and remodel firm in Pittsburgh, PA. He previously worked in college administration and facility management, and finds that elements from his previous positions have been beneficial to the success in his current role.

Tim, Steve and Dave talk more about:

The investment into a training program
Logistics and timelines of training
Significant outcomes of the program
And more…

Ep.179: The Secret to Successful Bonuses and Incentives with Doug Panozzo

January 24, 2022 00:38:50

Join guest Doug Panozzo as he helps us wrap up our 4-part series on Bonuses and Incentives. Doug shares the many facets of incentives and ways he has been successful in motivating his team.

Doug is the production manager at Hogan Design and Construction and joined their team in 2017 after several years managing projects for a technology company. He brings leadership, communication, organization, and attention to detail to his job and we hear all about it in this episode.

Tim, Steve and Doug talk more about:

Creating a bonus structure
What it means to have a winning team
Setting realistic schedules for success
The Project Manager Bonus Structure Document (PDF)
And more…

4-Part Series on Bonuses and Incentives:

Ep.178: The Secret to Successful Bonuses and Incentives with Chris Peterson

January 17, 2022 00:37:27

This is PART 3 of a 4-part series focused on Bonuses and Incentives.

We welcome back guest Chris Peterson to hear his thoughts on bonuses and incentives as part of this 4-part series. Chris shares his perspective on bonus and incentive programs and aspects other than money that can serve as motivation for team members.

Chris is the VP of Production at Schloegel Design Remodel in Kansas City, MO., and has spent over 20 years in every role in the production side of the business.