Construction Genius

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

Angie Simon, President of Western Allied Mechanical, Inc. and incoming President of Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association (SMACNA), joins us today to talk about her thirty-year journey of working for and going up the ranks in the male-dominated industry of construction. Western Allied Mechanical, Inc. is an $85 million dollar mechanical contractor in the Silicon Valley of California who employs over 220 people. SMACNA, on the other hand, is an industry association representing over 1,800 mechanical contractors in the United States and Canada. In this episode we cover: The slow increase of the number of women working in the construction industry and how Western Allied Mechanical, Inc. has done otherwise with their 40% female workforce. What attracted Angie to work in the construction industry and how her stint as a college level competitive athlete has helped in her career. How she and her husband successfully maintain work and family life balance through her transition and jour