In this conversation, Steven Paynter from Gensler discusses the innovation that landed Gensler on Fast Company’s list of most innovative companies in 2024. The innovation was an algorithm that assess the viability of converting office spaces into residential units, particularly in light of the pandemic and the growing affordability crisis.

Fast Company wrote: “Gensler’s algorithm evaluates roughly 150 aspects of a building’s layout and design, such as core-to-window depth and the number of elevators and parking spots, from public data, broker websites, and subscription services. The tool can determine a conversion viability score in hours.”

Paynter shares insights on the challenges and successes of office building conversions, the importance of understanding the history of buildings, and the role of city incentives in facilitating adaptive reuse. The discussion also touches on the findings from Gensler's workplace survey, emphasizing the need for flexible and desirable office spaces that foster collaboration and productivity. Paynter concludes with reflections on cultural differences in leadership and construction practices between the UK and North America.

This episode is brought to you by The Simple Sales Pipeline® —the most efficient way to organize and value any construction sales rep's roster of customers and prospects in under 30 minutes once every 30 days.

***

If you enjoyed this podcast, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Your feedback will help us on our mission to bring the construction community closer together.

If you have suggestions for improvements, topics you'd like the show to explore, or have recommendations for future guests, do not hesitate to contact us directly at info@bradleyhartmannandco.com.

In this conversation, Matt DiBara shares the leadership insights accumulated on his journey from nine-year-old laborer to fourth generation business owner. Matt shares what being fired multiple times in his family business taught him and the valuable lessons learned from his father—what to do and what not to do. Matt discusses the importance of customer acquisition costs and effective strategies for diversifying any construction business. Matt emphasizes the significance of effective communication, celebrating team successes, and developing future leaders. He also reflects on the challenges and opportunities presented by technology in the construction sector.

Chapters

02:52 :: Leadership Lessons from Family Business

06:10 :: Transitioning to Independence

09:03 :: Understanding Customer Acquisition Costs

12:10 :: Diversification Strategies in Business

15:13 :: Introducing Technology in Construction

18:02 :: Effective Communication and Change Management

20:49 :: Celebrating Team Successes

23:53 :: Developing Future Leaders

26:53 :: Final Thoughts and Recommendations

This episode is brought to you by The Simple Sales Pipeline® —the most efficient way to organize and value any construction sales rep's roster of customers and prospects in under 30 minutes once every 30 days.

***

If you enjoyed this podcast, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Your feedback will help us on our mission to bring the construction community closer together.

If you have suggestions for improvements, topics you'd like the show to explore, or have recommendations for future guests, do not hesitate to contact us directly at info@bradleyhartmannandco.com.

In episode 424, we hosted a Construction Leadership Game Show live in front of a raucous 250+ attendees at the annual TEXO Safety Day in Fort Worth on August 29th. The participants were three safety leaders: Gradlin Franks, Director of Safety at The Beck Group, Scott Sears, Vice President of Safety and Loss Control at Walker Engineering, and Raul Ruiz, Regional EHS Manager at Moss and Associates.

The theme was Olympic-level Leadership and the insights and entertainment lived up to the hype. Listen on any podcast platform and view the highlight reel on YouTube. Thank you to Milwaukee Tools for sponsoring the event.

This episode is brought to you by The Simple Sales Pipeline® —the most efficient way to organize and value any construction sales rep's roster of customers and prospects in under 30 minutes once every 30 days.

***

If you enjoyed this podcast, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Your feedback will help us on our mission to bring the construction community closer together.

If you have suggestions for improvements, topics you'd like the show to explore, or have recommendations for future guests, do not hesitate to contact us directly at info@bradleyhartmannandco.com.

In episode 423, host Bradley Hartmann sits down with Bret Martz (VP - North American Professional Sales) of Trex and Chris Gerhard (Executive VP) of Specialty Building Products .

Bret and Chris share insights on the collaboration efforts between a manufacturer and a distributor that enable increased value to the dealer and their contractor customers. Their discussion touches on innovation, training and education, digital selling tools, and methods for assisting their independent dealer partners.

The conversation also delves into leadership lessons, with Martz and Gerhard sharing insights on empowering employees, learning from mistakes, and building a cohesive culture across the supply chain. They highlight the importance of clear communication, transparency, and a shared vision for serving contractors and homeowners.

This episode is brought to you by The Simple Sales Pipeline® —the most efficient way to organize and value any construction sales rep's roster of customers and prospects in under 30 minutes once every 30 days.

***

If you enjoyed this podcast, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Your feedback will help us on our mission to bring the construction community closer together.

If you have suggestions for improvements, topics you'd like the show to explore, or have recommendations for future guests, do not hesitate to contact us directly at info@bradleyhartmannandco.com.

In episode 422, host Bradley Hartmann takes you on a journey from the Pacific Northwest to Kobe, Japan as he shares the incredible true story (with some fictional dialogue added for your listening pleasure!) of one of the most iconic companies of all time. The story reveals the two methods in which humans develop trust: task-based and relationship-based. While we talk about the construction industry being a “relationship business,” the truth is relationships actually come second in our Uncle Sam-style American culture.

To bridge the story with real-world application, Blake Hancock, CEO of Binswanger Glass, joins the show in the second half of the episode. Blake discusses his experiences working with teams from different cultural backgrounds and the importance of building trust and creating a comfortable work environment. He shares stories of his time living in China and the lessons he learned about effective communication and expectation-setting. Hancock emphasizes the value of open communication, continuous improvement, and the importance of getting all ideas on the table.

This episode is brought to you by The Simple Sales Pipeline® —the most efficient way to organize and value any construction sales rep's roster of customers and prospects in under 30 minutes once every 30 days.

***

If you enjoyed this podcast, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Your feedback will help us on our mission to bring the construction community closer together.

If you have suggestions for improvements, topics you'd like the show to explore, or have recommendations for future guests, do not hesitate to contact us directly at info@bradleyhartmannandco.com.

Paul Robinson, founder of ConstructReach, discusses his passion for helping young people find opportunities in the construction industry. He emphasizes the need for equitable and inclusive practices in attracting and retaining diverse talent. Paul also shares his experience of working with his wife in the business and the importance of communication and intentionality. He highlights the value of his iReach podcast in creating a platform for industry professionals to share their stories and insights.

Chapters

02:59 :: The Power of Storytelling and Human Connection in Leadership

09:01 :: Transitioning from a Production Mindset to a Multiplication Mindset

14:15 :: Creating a Talent Profile and Hiring for Culture

29:42 :: Prioritizing Talent Acquisition and Retention

This episode is brought to you by The Simple Sales Pipeline® —the most efficient way to organize and value any construction sales rep's roster of customers and prospects in under 30 minutes once every 30 days.

***

If you enjoyed this podcast, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Your feedback will help us on our mission to bring the construction community closer together.

If you have suggestions for improvements, topics you'd like the show to explore, or have recommendations for future guests, do not hesitate to contact us directly at info@bradleyhartmannandco.com.

In episode 420, host Bradley Hartmann weaves together three captivating stories with valuable leadership lessons. First, he introduces Teddy Riner, the legendary Judoka who openly struggles with self-doubt despite his unparalleled success. Riner's vulnerability inspires reflection on overcoming imposter syndrome.

Free Account / Paywall: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5677073/2024/08/02/teddy riner-olympic-judo-gold-medal-france/? utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=twhq&source=twitterhq

Next, Hartmann explores the (supposed) cautionary tale of Ron Wayne, one of Apple's co-founders who sold his 10 percent stake for $800, now worth $320 billion. This story prompts discussion on defining "enough" and the potential pitfalls of chasing wealth.

Finally, Hartmann delves into the downfall of a successful Sriracha sauce partnership, using it to illustrate the importance of proactive negotiation planning. By considering best and worst-case scenarios, partners can avoid devastating business breakdowns. Through these diverse narratives, Hartmann offers listeners valuable insights on leadership, decision-making, and the human experience of extraordinary achievement. This episode challenges listeners to embrace self-doubt, reframe success, and prioritize relationship-building in business.

Paywall: https://fortune.com/2024/01/30/sriracha-shortage-huy-fong-foods-tabasco underwood-ranches/

This episode is brought to you by The Simple Sales Pipeline® —the most efficient way to organize and value any construction sales rep's roster of customers and prospects in under 30 minutes once every 30 days.

***

If you enjoyed this podcast, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Your feedback will help us on our mission to bring the construction community closer together.

If you have suggestions for improvements, topics you'd like the show to explore, or have recommendations for future guests, do not hesitate to contact us directly at info@bradleyhartmannandco.com.

In episode 419, Jon Vaughan returns to the show to examine leadership and culture building through the lens of sport—specifically, the head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Mike Tomlin. Before the 2022 season began, Tomlin joined the The Pivot Podcast, featuring former NFL stars/hosts, Ryan Clark, Fred Taylor and Channing Crowder. It was this interview that both Jon Vaughn and Hartmann agreed was a leadership masterclass that explains how Tomlin has never had a losing season in 17years leading the Steelers, not to mention the pair of Super Bowls he’s won as well.

Vaughn highlights Tomlin's focus on helping players achieve their dreams and the importance of setting clear expectations. Jon also discusses the fundamental attribution error and the danger of seeking comfort in leadership. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the importance of effective leadership and creating a culture that allows individuals to be their authentic selves.

The episode concludes by honoring the memory of John Ruhlin, a friend and mentor who taught them the power of gifting and building enduring relationships.

Chapters

02:11 :: Pete Rose documentary and Banditry v. Stupidity

08:35 :: Introducing Mike Tomlin

10:06 :: “The Standard is the Standard”

12:30 :: Tomlin's Leadership Style

16:38 :: Leader’s job is helping others achieve their dreams

19:36 :: Pitfalls of seeking comfort in leadership

30:12 :: Building a culture of authenticity

42:54 :: Power of vulnerability and intimacy

43:21 :: Upside of catchphrases

51:05 :: Honoring the Memory of John Ruhlin

This episode is brought to you by The Simple Sales Pipeline® —the most efficient way to organize and value any construction sales rep's roster of customers and prospects in under 30 minutes once every 30 days.

***

If you enjoyed this podcast, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Your feedback will help us on our mission to bring the construction community closer together.

If you have suggestions for improvements, topics you'd like the show to explore, or have recommendations for future guests, do not hesitate to contact us directly at info@bradleyhartmannandco.com.