Learnings and Missteps

Emotional intelligence pioneer Brent Darnell takes us through his remarkable 25-year journey transforming the construction industry's approach to people. With disarming honesty and profound insights, he reveals how human connection stands at the core of solving our industry's most pressing challenges—from mental health crises to workforce development struggles.

"It goes beyond just being a better leader or a...

What happens when a talented estimator decides to break free from the confines of office life and build a business that serves multiple contractors while traveling the world? Jake Jones, co-founder of Archer Estimation and Consulting, shares his remarkable journey from geology student to nomadic entrepreneur in this thought-provoking conversation.

Jake's natural talent for estimation was discovered almost by accident ...

What happens when only one side builds a relationship? You end up with a lookout, not a bridge. This profound realization forms the heart of my conversation with Kimberly Sauceda, bestselling author of "Meet Me on the Bridge" and a relationship expert with over 20 years of experience working with organizations like Apple.

Kimberly shares the touching origin story behind her bridge-building philosophy - a spontane...

Mario's journey from the soccer field to the construction site reveals profound leadership insights that transform how we think about success. Originally dreaming of becoming a doctor, his unexpected path to becoming a senior project manager with over 20 years of experience in the painting industry demonstrates how our greatest plans often give way to our greatest purpose.

"The hardest person I had to deal with w...

Dr. Carrie Graham brings over 25 years of expertise in adult workplace learning to this eye-opening conversation about why most corporate training fails to deliver meaningful results. With refreshing candor and profound insights, she challenges conventional approaches that prioritize content over people.

"If you're not thinking about the people, what the hell are you doing?" This powerful question cuts to th...

When Greg Crumpton pulls up his sleeve to reveal his Kaizen tattoo, you understand immediately this isn't just another trades professional – this is someone who has infused continuous improvement into every fiber of his being. The veteran HVAC expert, author, and industry advocate shares a career journey that spans from scribbling notes in a black book while running service calls in the 1980s to building and selling a successf...

Join us for a profound exploration of faith, vulnerability, and the transformative power of investing in people. In this engaging episode, we sit down with Herb, a visionary CEO in the construction industry, who shares his journey from humble beginnings to leading a successful business with a legacy spanning nearly a century. Herb digs deep into his family's history, sharing invaluable lessons learned from the journals of his ...

Are you struggling to connect with your ideal clients and amplify your brand message? Join us as we sit down with Fabi Paolini, a seasoned brand strategist, who uncovers the nuances of effective messaging. In this engaging episode, Fabi shares her journey from Venezuela to becoming a successful branding expert in the U.S. She reveals her unique concept of the "angle of mastery," which emphasizes the importance of crafting...

Discover the transformative power of lean methodologies in the construction industry with our insightful conversation featuring Mr. Matthew Kitzmiller, a professional shooter, journeyman electrician, and lean trainer for Rosenden Electric. Gain practical insights into the crucial role of discipline and communication in developing craft professionals, as Matthew shares his extensive experience and introduces a groundbreaking handboo...

Imagine discovering that the very aspects of your personality you've been told to suppress could actually be your greatest strength. Nate Rogers, founder of Four Eyes Facilitation, joins us to unpack his journey of embracing empathy as a leadership tool. Through his candid insights, Nate challenges the societal norms that often pressure men to mask their emotions and shares how authenticity and empathy can transform team dynam...

Can accountability truly exist without corrective action, especially in the high-stakes world of leadership in the construction industry? Join me as we unpack the often-blurred lines between these two crucial concepts. You'll discover why leaders must secure commitments with clear communication while employees need to establish and understand expectations. This episode promises to shift your perspective on how accountability i...

Discover the fascinating journey of Miss Renee Glendenning, a visionary who transformed her career from the dance floor to the construction site. In this inspiring episode, we explore Renee's unconventional path, highlighting her dynamic transition from working with NASA to establishing her own construction business. Her story is all about embracing life's unexpected twists—like a spaghetti disaster—where every turn offer...

Ever tried squeezing a big ego into a safety helmet? Join us as we embark on a rollercoaster through the thrilling world of entrepreneurship with my childhood friend, Tyler Campbell, a self-proclaimed social media anarchist and brand-building wizard. We reflect on the essence of leadership as servitude and the challenges of staying humble amidst success. Our lively discussion touches on maintaining authenticity and the humorous tri...

Ever feel like your dreams are gathering dust while your calendar is jam-packed with obligations? Discover how to reclaim your time and prioritize your personal goals amid life's chaos. In this episode, we break down your schedule into three key areas: job, people, and self. By focusing on the often-overlooked 'self' bucket, we reveal the imbalance that hinders personal growth. We'll guide you to identify your a...

Join us for an eye-opening conversation with Georgia Sarjeant, a remarkable social media strategist who turned a personal challenge into a professional triumph. Initially destined for a career in journalism, Georgia’s life took a surprising turn during the pandemic, leading her to use Instagram as a platform to support those dealing with eating disorders. Her story is a powerful testament to how community and service can redefine o...

Ready to unlock the secrets of successful entrepreneurship in the tech and construction sectors? Join us as we engage with Bryant and JD, the visionary co-founders of ControlQore. Discover how their personal frustrations with software integration and misinformation in the AI era sparked a transformative business journey. JD shares his inspiring evolution from a family business employee with zero tech background to a driven, tech-sa...

Trailblazing Yale alum and Guinness World Record holder Demi Knight Clark joins us as she reveals her path from childhood challenges to becoming a leader in the push for a new generation of welders. Inspired by her grandmother, one of the first female Marines, Demi's story is one of resilience and defiance against societal norms. Her experiences underscore the power of facing fears and advocating for oneself while leaving a po...

What happens when a former Canadian Army sergeant takes his military precision and applies it to the world of safety consulting? Craig, our distinguished guest and founder of Keep Safe Consulting, joins us to share his transformative journey from high-pressure military operations to empowering workplaces with a people-first safety culture. His fascinating story of evolving from instructing mountaineers to advising industrial leader...

Dr. Colleen Saringer, an expert on workplace toxicity, joins us for an episode rich with insights and personal stories. Growing up in a blue-collar family in Cleveland, Ohio, Dr. Colleen's background shapes her unique perspective on the challenges many face in toxic work environments. A passionate runner and mental health advocate, she shares her journey from marathon starting lines to advocating for healthier work cultures, a...