Building Scale
We interview successful Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) business leaders to learn how they use people, processes, and technology to scale their businesses.
Episodes
July 15, 2025 • 54 mins
Ian Parr joins the conversation to share insights from his extensive background in construction and the founding of CCS International. He delves into growth strategies, emphasizing the distinction between cost management and estimating, and the integral role of the owner in successful construction projects. Ian discusses early project planning, cost savings, and risk management, illustrated through a senior facility project case st...
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Join James Trahan as he discusses his journey in architecture and founding 180 Degrees Inc. He shares insights on risk-taking, design-build challenges, and revenue goals. The conversation touches on community involvement, philanthropy, and lessons from recessions. James highlights managing risks in unique projects, aligning client expectations, and using innovative technologies for challenges. Dive into project selection, competiti...
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Walt Brown Jr. shares insights from his career journey, beginning with the impact of his first deal and the founding of Diversified Partners. He emphasizes the role of communication in business growth and the importance of building a strong team. The episode explores leveraging technology in commercial real estate, goal setting, and managing challenges in the AEC industry. Walt discusses the effects of the pandemic, the significanc...
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In this conversation, Justin Neagle and Will Foret speak with Kami Farahmandpour and Chris Kottra from Building Technology Consultants, Inc. (BTC) about their experiences in the engineering industry, the founding of BTC, and the importance of company culture, leadership transitions, and quality in their work.
They discuss the challenges of hiring in a niche market, the significance of training for autonomy, and the role of litigat...
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Join Jacob Hansen and Colton Browning as they delve into their backgrounds in the AEC industry, emphasizing the importance of relationships and strategies for scaling firms. They explore the evolution of services with Building Information Modeling (BIM), discussing its purpose, application, and the need for buy-in and communication. A case study on BIM at TSMC highlights its practical use. The episode addresses challenges in schedu...
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June 10, 2025 • 59 mins
Mark Davenport discusses his career journey in architecture, from intern to managing partner at SPS+ Architects. He covers the firm's leadership structure, managing transitions, and role fit challenges. The conversation delves into business operations, including EOS integration for efficiency and the firm's evolving focus and expansion. Mark outlines future growth through studio specializations and examines how contract types are i...
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Dr. Adam Krob explores AI's transformative potential in construction estimates. He discusses challenges and opportunities in construction technology, focusing on data governance, legacy systems, and risk management. Key topics include overcoming data storage issues, leadership buy-in for tech adoption, and AI's role in safety-sensitive industries. Dr. Krob also addresses AI's impact on labor shortages, value engineering, and lean s...
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May 27, 2025 • 38 mins
Jenny Williams discusses her journey in the family construction business and the significance of assembling the right team. She explores the CMGC delivery method, emphasizing its benefits in balancing work-life and technology adoption in construction. Jenny shares strategies for attracting and training new employees, highlighting the role of community engagement through events like construction rodeos. The conversation shifts to th...
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May 20, 2025 • 51 mins
Darlene Cadman joins Justin Neagle to discuss Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) in the AEC industry. They explore IPD contracts, focusing on collaboration, risk, and reward sharing, and emphasize target value design and team selection in lean construction. Darlene shares insights on lean practices, including respect for people and understanding flow, as well as pull planning, visual planning, and collaboration. The episode highligh...
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May 13, 2025 • 67 mins
JP Jaramillo discusses his extensive experience in talent acquisition and recruitment, beginning with an introduction to Building Scale and his role at Nox Group. The conversation covers leadership's influence on recruitment, evolving technology, and the sales aspect of recruiting. JP delves into compensation strategies, growth opportunities, and balancing internal equity. He highlights the costs of turnover, recruitment metrics, a...
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April 22, 2025 • 61 mins
Dr. Gretchen Gagel shares her journey in the construction industry, focusing on her role in industry committees and promoting diversity. She discusses technology's impact on scaling AEC businesses, overcoming gender biases, and the importance of diversity and organizational agility. Dr. Gagel reflects on leadership differences in various-sized companies and her chair role at Brinkman Construction. The episode explores strategies fo...
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April 8, 2025 • 45 mins
Jennifer Bookspan joins the discussion to explore the candidate experience in corporate America, emphasizing hiring the right person and role alignment. The conversation delves into the book "Who Not How" and the challenges of rapid company growth, identifying candidate stages, and being honest about growth trajectories. Jennifer highlights the importance of core values and true company culture representation, along with recruiting...
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Nicole Rodriguez shares her marketing journey, emphasizing understanding client needs and the evolution of content creation. She discusses advanced analytics, strategic thinking, and the importance of aligning sales with marketing. The episode covers building client relationships, identifying target markets, and crafting effective marketing plans. Nicole also explores SEO, PPC strategies, and the influence of company culture on mar...
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March 4, 2025 • 54 mins
Otis Odell joins the conversation to discuss his career and transition to HED, highlighting the merging of roles in business and architecture. He emphasizes the importance of core values and team performance, strategic planning, and organizational restructuring in AEC businesses. Otis explores adapting to virtual work, fostering a remote work culture, and maintaining connectivity. He provides market insights, including the launch o...
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February 18, 2025 • 61 mins
Zach Simmons from Stronghold Construction shares his journey from his origin story to founding the company. He emphasizes the importance of building trust and selecting the right partners in the construction industry. The discussion covers managing relationships with subcontractors, fostering leadership, and the role of data-driven decision-making. Zach reflects on legacy and work-life balance while navigating industry challenges a...
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February 4, 2025 • 48 mins
Jessie Terry shares insights on transitioning from employee to business owner and the challenges of post-holiday work. He discusses business planning, execution, and the impact of construction innovations and disruptions. Jessie provides an overview of Optimly and strategies for enhancing client experience. The episode delves into construction forecasting challenges, addressing labor shortages, and the importance of time management...
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January 28, 2025 • 54 mins
Jeff Meyers discusses the evolution of DS Architecture and its new partnerships, emphasizing the importance of embracing diverse ownership and transitioning business roles. He explores leadership dynamics and the firm's office culture, highlighting the evolution of decision-making processes. The conversation delves into embracing change for growth, teamwork, and navigating business cycles, along with strategies for conflict resolut...
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The Things No One Teaches You About Becoming a Partner with Chris Hamer and Megan Walsh - Aria Group
January 21, 2025 • 52 mins
Chris Hamer and Megan Walsh from Aria Group share their career origin stories and the team culture at Aria Group. They discuss the path to becoming a partner or shareholder and address common misconceptions about bringing in new shareholders. The episode delves into strategic planning, partner responsibilities, and the role of structure and consultants in business growth. Chris and Megan explore growth strategies, company culture, ...
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January 14, 2025 • 51 mins
Tyler Sease discusses his background in structural engineering and the niche of Southern Steel Engineers, exploring the impact of large corporations on its culture and operations. He shares insights on balancing roles in different business cultures, hiring practices, team building, and ensuring safety and accuracy in engineering amidst growth. The episode covers strategic hiring, process evaluation, growth planning, and role redund...
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Kendra Dinkins shares her journey and the history of Taylor Electric, highlighting the role of family and the challenges of market diversification. She discusses partnering with larger contractors and navigating MBE/WBE obstacles while emphasizing the importance of building trust in business partnerships. Kendra talks about proving worth as a minority-owned business, evaluating customer fit, and the significance of learning to say ...
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