Encourage Build Grow Podcast

I had the chance to be a guest on The Young Architects Podcast with Michael Riscica awhile back. We talked about what it means to be a young design professional and how to get ahead in an industry that is steeped in tradition. Check out a link to the original show notes.Enjoy!

About the Show:We sit down on this episode of the podcast with Bryon McCartney. Bryon is the Chief Idea Guy with ArchMark a Marketing and Branding expert for the Design Industry. He is also a LinkedIn expert and breaks down all of the ways that we are using LinkedIn wrong and what we need to do to take advantage of this powerful business tool both for the individual as well as the company. When it comes to leveraging the power of LinkedIn Bryon shows his clients how to do three core things:Increase visibility.Help with your influence and authority.Grow your network.There are so many nuggets of wisdom and good advice in this episode. You may want to listen to it twice and be sure to take some notes. All of this and more on this episode of Encourage Build Grow Important Links and Mentions on the Show:Bryon McCartney on LinkedInArchMark WebsiteBryon’s LinkedIn article on How to write the perfect profile.Bryon’s Free LinkedIn Profile Optimization ChecklistJoin the EntreArchitect Community*Note: some of the resources mentioned may be affiliate links. This means we get paid a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you use that link to make a purchase.This episode is sponsored by:Email randy@encouragebuildgrow.com to learn more about sponsorship opportunities.Connect more with Encourage Build Grow:Join our Email List!Email Us Randy@EncourageBuildGrow.comConnect With Our Facebook Page Connect With Our Twitter @RandyWilburnConnect With Our Instagram @RandyWilburnConnect with our Fearless Host Randy Wilburn on LinkedIn Thank you for listening to this episode of the Encourage Build Grow podcast. Helping Design Professionals become Better Leaders, Better Communicators, and ultimately Better People.Please consider making a one-time donation to our production team through PayPal to help with the expenses of keeping this podcast running smoothly https://www.paypal.me/encouragebuildgrow Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched! Start for FREEDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

In this episode of the podcast, we sit down with Marketer Lindsay Young. Lindsay has a considerable amount of Marketing and Business Development experience working with Design and Construction firms throughout the Midwest and the South.  

We sit down on this episode of the podcast with James Hillegas from OCP Contractors, Inc. I met James a couple of years ago when he was working for a Design Firm in Ohio as a Structural Engineer. I found him to be energetic and articulate and someone that has considerable drive at such a young age.  James is 25 years old and sits firmly on the dividing line between Generation Z and Millennials. His perspective is refreshing and insightful. If you run a design firm and are trying to figure out the young people on your team this is the episode for you!   All of this and more on this episode of Encourage Build Grow For complete show notes and transcript visit: https://www.encouragebuildgrow.com/20 

About the Show: We sit down on this episode of the podcast to reflect on 2019 and what we hope to see happen in this New Year. I have a feeling that 2020 is going to be a big year for Design Professionals.  We actually figured out a way to marry the topic of Death in with the importance of building relationships. We know it sounds a little crazy but it worked. Listen for yourself. All of this and more on this episode of Encourage Build Grow   Important Links and Mentions on the Show: Jordan Harbinger 6-Minute Networking Free Course Things No One Else Can  Teach Us by Humble the Poet* The Making of A Billion-Dollar Athlete, LEBRON, Inc.,by Brian Windhorst*     *Note: some of the resources mentioned may be affiliate links. This means we get paid a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you use that link to make a purchase. This episode is sponsored by: AECJobBoard.com Email randy@encouragebuildgrow.com to learn more about sponsorship opportunities. Connect more with Encourage Build Grow: Join our Email List! Email Us Randy@EncourageBuildGrow.com Connect With Our Facebook Page  Connect With Our Twitter @RandyWilburn Connect With Our Instagram @RandyWilburn Connect with our Fearless Host Randy Wilburn on LinkedIn  Thank you for listening to this episode of the Encourage Build Grow podcast. Helping Design Professionals become Better Leaders, Better Communicators, and ultimately Better People. Please consider making a one-time donation to our production team through PayPal to help with the expenses of keeping this podcast running smoothly https://www.paypal.me/encouragebuil

About the Show: In this episode of the podcast, we sit down with Registered Landscape Architect Greg Bland of Landform Designs in Fayetteville, AR.  Greg is a friend of mine and a well established and recognized RLA in Northwest Arkansas.  We had a far-ranging discussion where we talked about the things he wishes he knew before graduating from school and entering into the Design Industry, the fact that Landscape Architects do more than digging holes and planting bushes, and how he uses a virtual workforce to serve the needs of his clients.   All of this and more on this episode of Encourage Build Grow   Important Links and Mentions on the Show: Greg Bland on LinkedIn Landform Designs Website Bill Bryson Book - A Walk in the Woods * *Note: some of the resources mentioned may be affiliate links. This means we get paid a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you use that link to make a purchase. This episode is sponsored by: AECJobBoard.com Email randy@encouragebuildgrow.com to learn more about sponsorship opportunities. Connect more with Encourage Build Grow: Join our Email List! Email Us Randy@EncourageBuildGrow.com Connect With Our Facebook Page  Connect With Our Twitter @RandyWilburn Connect With Our Instagram @RandyWilburn Connect with our Fearless Host Randy Wilburn on LinkedIn  Thank you for listening to this episode of the Encourage Build Grow podcast. Helping Design Professionals become Better Leaders, Better Communicators, and ultimately Better People. Please consider making a one-time donation to our production team through PayPal to help with the expenses of keeping this podcast running smoothly https://www.paypal.me/encouragebuildgrow

About the Show: In this episode of the podcast, we sit down with Dawson Fercho from Corporate Tax Advisors to discuss the tax implications and options for Design Firms to take advantage of the Research and Development Tax Credit. This is usually a tough topic for firm leaders to wrap their heads around but Dawson and his team of experts know what to look for and can help you and your firm take advantage of every tax credit available to your firm.  Don’t leave any money on the table.  Listen to this episode and take notes. You may be surprised by your findings after listening to this podcast and when all else fails just reach out to Dawson and Corporate Tax Advisors for an initial evaluation to see what options your firm has.  We will also post a transcript of this episode which you may find helpful as well. Remember, if you contact Dawson and Corporate Tax Advisors be sure to let them know you heard about them first here on the Encourage Build Grow podcast. All of this and more on this episode of Encourage Build Grow   Important Links and Mentions on the Show: Dawson Fercho on LinkedIn Corporate Tax Advisors on LinkedIn Corporate Tax Advisors Website *Note: some of the resources mentioned may be affiliate links. This means we get paid a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you use that link to make a purchase. This episode is sponsored by: AECJobBoard.com Email randy@encouragebuildgrow.com to learn more about sponsorship opportunities. Connect more with Encourage Build Grow: Join our Email List! Email Us Randy@EncourageBuildGrow.com Connect With Our Facebook Page  Connect With Our Twitter @RandyWilburn Connect With Our Instagram @RandyWilburn

About the Show: In this episode of the podcast, we sit down to reflect on the first fourteen episodes of the show.  There is so much to be thankful for every day but Thanksgiving week is as good a time as any to tell people how much you care and appreciate them.  I go down the list of all 14 episodes and share some highlights from each of them and the people behind them. I hope you like this episode.  Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours! All of this and more on this episode of Encourage Build Grow   Important Links and Mentions on the Show: Encourage Build Grow Podcast List of Shows *Note: some of the resources mentioned may be affiliate links. This means we get paid a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you use that link to make a purchase. This episode is sponsored by: AECJobBoard.com Email randy@encouragebuildgrow.com to learn more about sponsorship opportunities. Connect more with Encourage Build Grow: Join our Email List! Email Us Randy@EncourageBuildGrow.com Connect With Our Facebook Page  Connect With Our Twitter @RandyWilburn Connect With Our Instagram @RandyWilburn Connect with our Fearless Host Randy Wilburn on LinkedIn  Thank you for listening to this episode of the Encourage Build Grow podcast. Helping Design Professionals become Better Leaders, Better Communicators, and ultimately Better People. Please consider making a one-time donation to our production team through PayPal to help with the expenses of keeping this podcast running smoothly https://www.paypal.me/encouragebuildgrow 

About the Show: In this episode of the podcast, we sit down with Ellen Bensky, Partner, CEO, and CFO at Turner Fleischer Architects, Inc., based in Toronto, Canada. Ellen has more than 30 years of experience working in the Design Industry. Turner Fleischer is an Architectural firm that focuses on Commercial, Hospitality, Industrial, Institutional, Interior, Mixed-Use, Planning, and Residential.  One of the stories that we talked about on the podcast is how Bensky broke into the industry almost by accident. She started on the Admin team and eventually worked her way through the ranks and ascended to the role of CEO even though she wasn’t a licensed Architect or traditional Design Professional.  Ellen’s story is a shining example for all of those hard-working professionals in Design Firms that don’t have a “P.E. or AIA” behind their names. She has forged a path as a leader who didn’t take “No,” for an answer.   This episode is chock-full of information, anecdotal and inspirational stories, and examples of cross-generational development between the Greens and the Grays - you will have to listen to the podcast to understand the reference. You can thank us later. All of these great ideas from Ellen on this episode of the Encourage Build Grow Podcast.  Ellen’s Bio  Partner, CEO, CFO, Turner Fleischer Architects As a Partner, CEO and CFO of Turner Fleischer Architects, Ellen Bensky, B.A., Dip. Arch. Tech (Hon), CanBIM P1, contributes on a daily basis to the advancement of architectural technology and virtual design not only in her firm but industry-wide through her initiatives and dedication. Passionate for education, Ellen is especially proud of spear-heading an internal academy, which provides a comprehensive learning and teaching platform for the firm. Through her current role, Ellen is able to engage daily in the process of successfully leveraging business needs and architectural realities, driving her quest for operational excellence.  An experienced speaker, she has presented at local and international at Colleges and Universities, as well as industry events including KA Connect 2018 and 2019, the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada’s 2018 conference, BiLT Australia / New Zealand 2019 and has several engagements scheduled in Canada, the United States and Europe for the remainder of the year. Ellen is the proud recipient of the CanBIM 2017 Professional Achievement Award. Important Links and Mentions on the Show: Ellen Bensky Email Ellen Bensky on LinkedIn Turner Fleischer Architects Website Turner Fleischer on Instagram Turner Fleischer on Facebook Turner Fleischer on Twitter

About the Show: In this episode of the podcast, we sit down with Ozzie Nelson, Chairman and CEO at NELSON. With Minneapolis as his base, Ozzie has crisscrossed the country and the World over the past two-plus decades taking care of clients, creating new business models, and most importantly merging with and acquiring design firms.   Ozzie’s story is not only inspirational but he provides a great education in how to grow a Design Firm and iterate when necessary.  All of these nuggets of wisdom from Ozzie and more on this episode of the Encourage Build Grow Podcast.   Important Links and Mentions on the Show: Ozzie Nelson on LinkedIn NELSON website NELSON on Instagram NELSON on Facebook Blue Ocean Strategy* Blue Ocean Shift* *Note: some of the resources mentioned may be affiliate links. This means we get paid a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you use that link to make a purchase. This episode is sponsored by: AECJobBoard.com Email randy@encouragebuildgrow.com to learn more about sponsorship opportunities. Connect more with Encourage Build Grow: Join our Email List! Email Us Randy@EncourageBuildGrow.com Connect With Our Facebook Page  Connect With Our Twitter @RandyWilburn Connect With Our Instagram @RandyWilburn Connect with our Fearless Host Randy Wilburn on LinkedIn  Thank you for listening to this episode of the Encourage Build Grow podcast. Helping Design Professionals become Better Leaders, Better Communicators,

About the Show: In this episode of the podcast, we sit down with Jeffrey Collins, Civil Engineer and Associate with Hoyle Tanner & Associates based in New Hampshire.  Jeff has spent 18 years in the industry refining his skill set and craft as a Civil Engineer. Hear the secret to his success and why he never stops learning and pouring into the next generation of engineers at his firm.   All of these nuggets of wisdom from Jeffrey and more on this episode of the Encourage Build Grow Podcast.   Important Links and Mentions on the Show: Jeffrey Collins on LinkedIn Hoyle Tanner & Associates Website Start with Why - Simon Sinek* The Infinite Game - Simon Sinek* Leaders Eat Last - Simon Sinek* *Note: some of the resources mentioned may be affiliate links. This means we get paid a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you use that link to make a purchase. This episode is sponsored by: AECJobBoard.com Email randy@encouragebuildgrow.com to learn more about sponsorship opportunities. Connect more with Encourage Build Grow: Join our Email List! Email Us Randy@EncourageBuildGrow.com Connect With Our Facebook Page  Connect With Our Twitter @RandyWilburn Connect With Our Instagram @RandyWilburn Connect with our Fearless Host Randy Wilburn on LinkedIn  Thank you for listening to this episode of the Encourage Build Grow podcast. Helping Design Professionals become Better Leaders, Better Communicators, and ultimately Better People. Please consider making a one-time donation to our production team through PayPal

About the Show: In this episode of the podcast, we sit down with Will Schnier, Chief Marketing Officer with WGI. Will and I go way back and he has been a guest on several podcast episodes with me on a previous podcast - The Zweig Letter Podcast.   Will actually worked for the old Uber-successful Texas Design Firm, Carter & Burgess before they became part of Jacobs. Will has never let any grass grow under his feet. He left Jacobs and started a Design Firm with the coolest name that I’ve ever encountered in more than two decades in the industry, Big Red Dog (BRD).  In just under 10 years, Will and his amazing team grew BRD to $18M+ in top line revenue before they were acquired by WGI in 2019.   Will is still a young guy and he’s seen quite a lot of change in the design industry and he’s learned that you have to be nimble at all times and be willing to pivot when necessary.  He’s now the CMO at WGI and he’s taking a lot of what he learned in successfully growing BRD to a well established Design Firm like WGI that is establishing a new level of excellence and a national footprint of locations and business.    All of these nuggets of wisdom from Will and more on this episode of the Encourage Build Grow Podcast.   Important Links and Mentions on the Show: Email Will Schnier Will Schnier on LinkedIn WGI’s Website *Note: some of the resources mentioned may be affiliate links. This means we get paid a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you use that link to make a purchase. This episode is sponsored by: Email randy@encouragebuildgrow.com to learn more about sponsorship opportunities. Connect more with Encourage Build Grow: Join our Email List! Email Us Randy@EncourageBuildGrow.com Connect With Our Facebook Page  Connect With Our Twitter @RandyWilburn Connect With Our Instagram @RandyWilburn Connect

About the Show: In this episode of the podcast, we sit down with Dan Oblinger, Hostage Negotiator, and Trainer with Leadercraft.  As a Hostage Negotiator Dan gets paid to listen and listen he does. He has spent the past few years honing his craft, saving lives, and developing some systems that can help you to be a better listener at work and at home.  I was impacted by Dan when I sat in an SMPS training with him last year and was awakened to some of the challenges that even I had when it came to being a good listener.  Dan will share with you some of the Listening Sins that we all struggle with and some Active Listening techniques that can make our families and colleagues alike take notice.   Take time to listen to this episode a few times and see what you could be doing to be a better Active Listener. Hint, we all have room for improvement.  According to Dan, once people know they can open up to you and share because you are a good listener relationships get stronger - this applies to your clients, leaders in your firm, and your colleagues.  It’s not as hard as you think.  All of this and more on this episode of the Encourage Build Grow Podcast.   Important Links and Mentions on the Show: Email Dan Oblinger Dan Oblinger on LinkedIn LeaderCraft Website Empathy Video Life or Death Listening Book* 28 Laws of Listening Book* Never Split the Difference - Chris Voss Book*   *Note: some of the resources mentioned may be affiliate links. This means we get paid a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you use that link to make a purchase.   This episode is sponsored by: Email randy@encouragebuildgrow.com to learn more about sponsorship opportunities. Connect more with Encourage Build Grow: Join our Email List! Email Us Randy@EncourageBuildGrow.com Connect With Our Facebook Page  Connect With Our Twitter @RandyWilburn

About the Show: In this episode of the podcast, we sit down with Charlie Hager, PE, Civil Engineer. Charlie is a 28-year old Project Manager with LJA Engineering in Austin, TX.  He is extremely observant and knowledgeable about the Design Profession. Yes, he only has a few years under his belt but he inherited it honestly from his Dad who used to take him to Land Development sites as a youngster. The die was cast then and his love for all things Civil Engineering related only grew over time. We had a wide-ranging conversation with Charlie where we discussed the generational differences that exist in most design firms and what is needed to overcome them and make sure that all team members both young and old can speak the same language of achievement and success for their organization.  Charlie dropped a lot of nuggets of wisdom and advice for the seasoned Design Firm owner that is struggling to connect with his or her younger workforce.  There has never been a better time to communicate more in firms between the different generations represented. We discussed the benefits of engineers and architects learning from each other and the importance of creating an ownership mentality with all employees of a Design firm.    Listen to this episode to learn what you could be doing differently to represent your generation in a Design Firm or reach the younger generation that is under your command.  It’s not as hard as you think.  All of this and more on this episode of the Encourage Build Grow Podcast. 

About the Show: In this episode of the podcast, we sit down with June Jewell, CPA, with AEC Business Solutions, LLC. June has served the needs of the AEC Industry for more than two decades.  June has focused on helping AEC firms improve business practices and increase profits.  June wrote, Find the Lost Dollars, to help AEC firm leaders transform their organizations. June and her team will come in and assess your teams problems, educate them on the best practices to improve performance and morale and create systems that can maximize employee productivity.  June recently put on AEC Profitability Summit in Northern Virginia where she helped participants identify more than $39 Million in lost dollars.  Listen to this episode to learn how Jewell finds those lost dollars and gets your AEC Firm moving in the right direction. All of this and more on this episode of the Encourage Build Grow Podcast.   Important Links and Mentions on the Show: Email June Jewell June Jewell on LinkedIn June Jewell on Twitter AEC Business Solutions Website AEC Business Solutions on LinkedIn Book: Find the Lost Dollars - June Jewell This episode is sponsored by: Email randy@encouragebuildgrow.com to learn more about sponsorship opportunities. Connect more with Encourage Build Grow: Join our Email List! Email Us Randy@EncourageBuildGrow.com Connect With Our Facebook Page  Connect With Our Twitter @RandyWilburn Connect With Our Instagram @RandyWilburn Connect with our Fearless Host Randy

About the Show: In this episode of the podcast, we sit down with Kara Clower, who is a Business Manager and Shareholder at LACO Associates in Eureka, CA. We had the chance to talk about a range of topics from Kara’s ascension to leadership and firm ownership within the company as a non-technical professional, the challenges to recruiting design professional candidates to Northern California, and why Professional and Personal Development should be a cornerstone of any growing Design Firm.   All of this and more on this episode of the Encourage Build Grow Podcast.   Important Links and Mentions on the Show: Email Kara Clower LACO Associates Website LACO Associates on LinkedIn LACO Associates on Instagram LACO Associates on Twitter Connect with Kara on LinkedIn Book: Next is Now - Lior Arussy Movie : I am Mother This episode is sponsored by: Email randy@encouragebuildgrow.com to learn more about sponsorship opportunities. Connect more with Encourage Build Grow: Join our Email List! Email Us Randy@EncourageBuildGrow.com Connect With Our Facebook Page  Connect With Our Twitter @RandyWilburn Connect With Our Instagram @RandyWilburn Connect with our Fearless Host Randy Wilburn on LinkedIn  Thank you for listening to this epi

About the Show: In this episode of the podcast, we sit down with Shaun Smith, a Team Leader with Big Red Dog a division of WGI. We talk about Shaun’s career development in a firm that has recently been acquired. We also talk about his Podcast Hosting duties on WGI’s Unleashed Podcast.  This podcast has grown in a short period of time and is a perfect example of how Design Firms can create and manage a podcast which can be beneficial for their internal team members and create a great calling card for your business development and recruitment efforts.   It’s actually easier than you think and we go over some ways that you can help your firm get started podcasting.  All of this and more on this episode of the Encourage Build Grow Podcast.   Important Links and Mentions on the Show: Email Shaun Smith WGI Podcast Shaun on Twitter @theriotsmith Connect with Shaun on LinkedIn Shaun’s personal blog Building Bayou City This episode is sponsored by: Email randy@encouragebuildgrow.com to learn more about sponsorship opportunities. Connect more with Encourage Build Grow: Join our Email List! Email Us Randy@EncourageBuildGrow.com Connect With Our Facebook Page  Connect With Our Twitter @RandyWilburn Connect With Our Instagram @RandyWilburn Connect with our Fearless Host Randy Wilburn on LinkedIn  Thank you for listening to this episode of the Encourage Build Grow podcast. Helping Design Professionals become Better Leaders, Better Communicators, and ultimately Better People. Please consider making a one-time donation to our production team through PayPal to help with th

This is the first interview for Encourage Build Grow the Podcast. We sit down and discuss the Design Industry with Environmental Design Group President Dwayne Groll.     

We never talk about what exactly is Real Leadership and how do you become a leader? Hear Randy talk about the journey to becoming a leader and the work that goes into the process. There is no such thing as an overnight sensation. You have to put in the work!

This is the first episode, a sneak peek, of the new Encourage Build Grow Podcast by Randy Wilburn. This podcast covers Leadership Development, Communication, Personal Development and everything in between for Design Professionals - Engineers, Architects, Environmental Consultants, Construction Management, and Landscape Architects.