The Construction Influencer with Nicole Sanchez

I sat down with Bill Rupert, President of RCS-CM LLC the leader for construction management and he shared the evolution of his company from inception in 2015 to present day.  Bill has recently joined forces with Dave Hellman to form his company today. They both had different areas of passion in growing their businesses, that  complimented each other, so it made sense to merge. He also share what that meant for his family.  He shared his passion to be an example for his children as well as his staff. Bill wants to better others and serve them! Bill shared insight about their means, methods, and way of communication that results in successful projects and impressed clients. We discussed challenges and decision-making within the company. Bill is a military guy and it is engrained in him to adapt and overcome, a mindset he uses in business. And you have to tune in to hear what the big Q3 announcement was!! Connect with Bill Rupert on LinkedIn: @BillRupert

Hmm? The importance of marketing to attract talent rather than to attract clients? Yes! I talked to Ryan Kovach, fractional CMO, about how important marketing is to attract the right talent. With so many years of experience, Ryan only felt it appropriate to write a book to help others. This is no ordinary book, it's meant to be a guide. You can skip around to the parts that pertain to the struggle you are currently having. We all joke that we'd like a manual to life. While Ryan can't offer that he can offer a guide to marketing your business to the talent you want to attract. When you have the right talent in place, they will effectively take care of the client, close the sales, and naturally attract more clientele through referral. And when you do not need to stress about where the next client is coming from, you have the choice of which clients you want to work with too! Check out our conversation about the war over talent in the construction industry.Connect with Ryan Kovach on LinkedIn @CRKovach Look For Ryan Kovach's Book Soon: How to Win the Current War for Talent In Construction

It's so easy to let your identity to get lost your career. And also dangerous. Brandon Clements, Principal at FQF Advisors, joined me today and discussed how he moved forward from a lay off.  And that afternoon in his car while he was hiding from his family so they didn't see him at his lowest, this is when he got a call from someone in his network offering help, coaching, and a solution.Brandon explained how he shifted his thinking to this actually being an opportunity. Brandon has always been a great connector of people because he connects for the sake of being able to bring value to them in the future. He does not network in a transactional way as what's in it for him. And this community of people was Brandon's saving grace in this period of his life. Don't underestimate the power of your network!Connect with Brandon Clements on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-clements-140aa0/

It made sense for these two to partner, John Lenker and Assaf Arrie, but that doesn't mean it was easy. There were so many changes that Assaf knew needed to take place, that now they joke that Assaf "came in like a wrecking ball."John knew that he needed Assaf's skill set to grow his business and he shared that this year, in fact, the business has grown 10X! John humbled himself and made Assaf the CEO so he could be the Chief Visionary Officer. Now they are both succeeding in their zones of genius and business is booming because of the compromises that were made.  Listen as they shared how they worked through their struggles, how to select complimentary partners, and the difference between being a light bulb or a lazer.  John mentioned 4 key roles that must be fulfilled on a successful team, do you have all 4?To Connect with John Lenker or Assaf Arrie: Lenker.com

Dive deep into the world of design and leadership with the visionary Erik Chrestensen, President of Chrestensen Design, on our latest podcast episode. Erik opens up about the magical influence of Disney on his foundational business philosophies and how it has sculpted his approach to creativity and innovation. But that's not all - Erik goes beyond the surface to share invaluable insights on permeating your leadership philosophy throughout every layer of your company, ensuring it doesn't just stay at the top. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur, a seasoned leader, or a creative soul searching for inspiration, this episode is packed with wisdom, experiences, and strategies you won't want to miss. Tune in to discover how to blend imagination with leadership to transform your business vision into reality. Listen now and let Erik Chrestensen guide you on infusing your company with a culture of innovation and leadership that resonates from the ground up. Your journey to transforming your business ethos starts here! #Leadership #DesignInnovation #BusinessPhilosophy #PodcastEpisode

With authenticity as his goal, Erik Chrestensen, President of Chrestensen Designs, pushes boundaries to create a space that tells the story of the business. Erik collaborates with Architects as well as designers. He gave examples of working with each. In each example, he answered the question why work with an outside design firm in addition to the builder/architect or marketing design team.His designs come from genuine conversations with the businesses, observation, and accurate historical details for the stories he tells through his designs. Listen to hear how his designs come to life.LinkedIn: @Erik-Chrestensen

I'm not sure who needs to hear this but it's ok if you are an individual that needs to work on being vulnerable to empower your self-awareness and emotional intelligence.  These qualities may come naturally to others the way you drive business naturally based on analytics and your goals!My guest, Hakim  Lakhdar, coaches business professionals to unlock their abilities to better connect emotionally with others.  He offered some tips on how to better access those rarely utilized "skills. " At the end of the day too, we agreed these qualities are easier accessed when you are where you are supposed to be doing the work you thoroughly enjoy!Connect with Hakim  Lakhdar on LinkedIn or hakim@lakhdarcoaching.com

What if I told you there's a transformative solution when your business faces familiar challenges alongside others in the same industry? Enter Kyle Majchrowski, the visionary behind Ripple Intent, who not only recognized this common struggle but also dared to ask himself a crucial question: What can be done about it?Driven by a burning desire to foster genuine connections and meaningful conversations with fellow business leaders, Kyle embarked on a mission that would change the game forever. Little did he know that his initiative would evolve into something far beyond his expectations.The response was overwhelming. The group was so enthralled by the experience that they eagerly inquired about the next gathering, hungry for more. The connections forged were profound, leading to collaborative problem-solving sessions that transcended industries and sectors. And thus, a remarkable phenomenon was born—a breakfast club like no other.Here's the exciting part: You don't need to be confined to the construction community to partake in this groundbreaking event. The purpose of this gathering is to empower you to delve deeper, establishing authentic relationships and fostering growth in your business. It's an opportunity to immerse yourself in an environment that nurtures connections and fuels development.Imagine hearing Kyle's captivating journey of growth, witnessing the evolution of Ripple Intent, and gaining invaluable insights into his plans for the future. It's a chance to unlock your potential, gain wisdom from the best, and propel your business to new heights.Kyle Majchrowski: RippleIntent.org

Join me on a journey as I dive deep into the world of leadership with none other than Kristin Larson, the CEO of SouthWest Electric. In this episode, Kristin reveals her awe-inspiring journey to the top, sharing invaluable insights and advice for those striving to climb the corporate ladder.Discover the secrets behind Kristin's phenomenal rise as she candidly opens up about her experiences and the lessons she learned along the way. Brace yourself for a wealth of wisdom and practical tips that will empower you to conquer your professional goals with confidence.One of the pivotal takeaways from my conversation with Kristin is the importance of truly understanding your position. She emphasizes the significance of not only knowing your role inside out but also having the astuteness to identify gaps and shortcomings within your organization. Kristin goes a step further by providing strategic guidance on effectively communicating these "holes" to the decision-makers, illustrating the vital role of being a proactive problem-solver.Throughout our enthralling discussion, she generously imparts a plethora of invaluable advice, leaving no stone unturned. From cultivating a collaborative mindset to seizing opportunities for innovation, she illuminates the path to success with her wealth of knowledge and experience.Get ready to be inspired, motivated, and armed with actionable insights as Kristin Larson unleashes a torrent of guidance that will propel you towards your own professional triumphs. Tune in now and unlock the secrets to ascending the corporate ladder while making a meaningful impact in your organization.LikedIn: Kristin LarsonIG: @SouthwestIndustrialElectricSouthwestIndustrialElectric.com

In this episode of The Construction Influencer Podcast, the host Nicole Sanchez welcomes Wendy Cohen, President of Kitchell, to discuss leadership, perseverance, and personal growth. With over 25 years of experience in the construction industry, Wendy shares her insights on pushing through obstacles and building grit - learned through extreme feats that she believes can be translated into her professional journey. Wendy emphasizes the importance of leaders creating a safe environment where team members can feel comfortable making mistakes and exploring ideas without fear of negative consequences. The two discuss vulnerability in leadership and the personal and professional benefits of being authentic. Wendy also shares her company's inspiring 10-year vision of shaping the future of the industry, driving innovation, and improving productivity and outcomes. Don't miss this empowering conversation between two industry trailblazers who inspire greatness in leadership.

Discover the secrets to building and sustaining passionate teams in the latest episode of The Construction Influencer Podcast! Join host Nicole Sanchez as she engages in a riveting conversation with Lori O'Keefe, CEO of MAAS Companies, a program management firm specializing in the education sector in California. Learn how to identify passion in potential hires, understand the difference between burnout and lack of passion, and explore ways to foster an environment that encourages authenticity and open communication.This episode is perfect for leaders, HR professionals, and team managers who strive to create strong, passionate teams that drive their organization's success. Don't miss out on these valuable insights! Tune in to The Construction Influencer Podcast today and elevate your team-building skills to new heights. Listen now!

Leaders have to grapple with the reality that they're never going to be able to control everything that happens at work. That's why it's so important to create an environment where everyone feels safe and comfortable speaking up, whether it's about a new idea or a problem they're experiencing. I've seen firsthand how companies can fail to foster this kind of culture—and it's not pretty. When people don't feel like their voices matter, they become disengaged and less productive. In this podcast, I talk with Brandy Little, CEO of Brand DNA, about what culture looks and sounds like and how every voice matters to the health and growth of the company. 

We all have a story.  A journey that has brought us to where we are today.But what about the messes? The hard times we experience along the way? I know that feeling well. I've been there, and so have many others, especially my podcast guest Jason Romero who happens to be a keynote speaker, ran 3,063 miles across the US,  author,  CEO, attorney, a Paralympian, and holds 10+ World Records just to name a few. And oh yes.  He's also blind. John shares that even the messes in your life can be your greatest teacher. They can teach you patience and perseverance, compassion, empathy, humility and something that gets overlooked, serving others.It's not easy to make it through those moments, but it is possible—and it's worth it!You're going to love this episode! 

Successful leaders empower.But one of the biggest mistakes leaders make is not empowering their teams which really impacts team morale and the overall success of their company.Be it a lack of awareness, or fear of being vulnerable, most leaders end up holding back in this area. On this podcast, the President of MAAS Companies Lori OKeefe, and Jennifer Vasquez, V.P of Business Development and Corporate Communication share their insights on how empowering their teams have helped their companies come out on top year after year.   When leaders empower their teams, there's a positive energy that's created and the company becomes stronger. For more information on C.W Driver Companies, visit https://www.cwdriver.com/For more information on MAAS Companies, visit https://www.maasco.com/

Imagine, if you could build a company culture that would bring out the best from your employees. A culture where people would come to work excited and happy every day, knowing that they will accomplish something great.This is exactly what Chad Prinkey of Well Built Construction Consulting shares on this week's #podcast.  He goes over some key strategies that he's taught many business owners and leaders in the construction industry to perform and compete at the highest level.  Growth is available to any company, but you must have a solid foundation and plan in place.  Also, find out more about Chad's company and the services he offers if you're wanting to take your construction business to the next level by checking out his #LinkedIn profile.I hope you enjoy the podcast! And if you found the podcast helpful, please like, comment and share:)  

On this podcast, Midstate Mechanical's Sasha Carter, shares some amazing insight on how different the work culture and leadership in America, compared to Australia where she was born and raised.  Plus, she goes deep into why it's important to not let fear hold you back from taking the next step which could be the move that actually changes the whole game and, she'll tell you what her #1 quality that not just some, but ALL people who are in a leadership position to have if they want to see amazing and lasting results. She's bold and fierce and truly an inspirational woman to have on.  Ladies, this one is for you!

If you were to look up the word #networking in the dictionary, the picture of one of P2S, Inc's finest and "The King of Networking & Business Development" Jesse Urquidi would pop up. Hands down.To be fair, Jesse did not give himself that title.  However, if you were to ask his colleagues and clients if that were the case, it would be a unanimous yes.You don't earn that type of reputation by going to networking events, constantly following up with clients, and winning projects...that's the job of biz dev.  You get that by earning not just the trust of your #clients, but more importantly, the trust of your #team.  And that's one of the reasons why Jesse has been extremely #successful at #P2S which, by the way, is no surprise that P2S is named one of the best places to work for.  If you're in #bizdev and #leadership and you want to know how to be successful and #grow in your #career, this is the #podcast for you.  

Whether you are in a #leadership position or not, you have the power to #influence those around you.  It's not about your follower count that makes you an #influencer, but it is literally the impact you have on your teammates, and those closest to you.  I wanted to go solo on this podcast to remind folks that you don't need permission, millions, or even hundreds of followers to start influencing. How someone Influences will be different from one person to the next. Some naturally have the gift to lead and inspire others at their place of work.  Some may not be as outspoken or extroverted but have a passion to volunteer to help feed the homeless on the weekends.   Either way, both have a tremendous impact. Everyone is going to be different but just know that it was never about your follower count (or lack thereof) to begin with.Take a leap of faith and start now, even if it's influencing just one person.  

“He that will not sail till all dangers are over must never put to sea.” - Thomas Fuller  This quote reminds me of David A. Hopkins, the #CEO of PrimeCo. in this latest podcast of #theconstructioninfluencer, "Walk the Talk."  No matter how many logical excuses and reasons he had and could have easily said, "Nope, looks too risky...and it could go horribly wrong," he and his team found an even greater reason to believe and work hard to take #PrimeCo to a whole new level of success. Also in this #podcast, David had so many great speaking points and advice that all #leaders should have in their arsenal at all times especially when it comes to following through on your commitments.  Broken #commitments by leaders lead to a broken #culture and a #broken company. 

 I am so excited to launch our first podcast of 2021 and our second season!   In this episode, I had the opportunity to sit down with the President of C.W Driver and Driver SPG Karl Kreutziger.  Knowing how to lead is such a rare talent that takes years to develop and that's exactly how Karl got to where he is today, by being patient and consistent.  One of my favorite take-aways of this show is when leaders focus too much on spreadsheets and sales reports and then wonder why the financials or even the company culture is not improving.He says that in order for a business to succeed and thrive, you have to put your employees "in the right seat on the bus" or otherwise you're not only doing your company and clients a disservice, but the employee is left to struggle because he or she is just not fit for that particular position.  Regardless of where you are in your construction career, this podcast is powerful for those looking to grow and succeed in construction. About C.W Driver:C.W. Driver Companies is a premier builder serving California since 1919. As a leader in general contracting and construction management services, C.W. Driver Companies are on the cutting edge across a broad spectrum of industries, including education, commercial/office, technology, healthcare/biomedical, mixed-use, assisted living, entertainment, retail, industrial and civic. Ranked in Engineering News Record‘s Top 150 General Contractors and Top 100 Construction Managers.  For more information, please visit www.cwdriver.com. 

When there is great leadership at the helm, employees tend to be happier, more engaged with their peers and the clients, and the "P" word....more Productive. In this new episode, the CEO and Founder of Gafcon Yehudi "Gaf" Gaffen, talks about that in order to accomplish something great, you have to be able to face your fears and just do it.  That's exactly what he did.  Under his leadership as CEO, Gafcon has grown into a globally respected program and construction management consulting firm. Gafcon has been responsible for the success of hundreds of projects, including high profile projects such as: the $5.5 billion Zizhu Purple Bay residential community, an 800-acre megaproject in Shanghai; AltaSea, a $135 million adaptive reuse at the Port of Los Angeles; the $100 million redevelopment of the Los Angeles Forum; the City of San Diego North Embarcadero Visionary Plan; the Port of Los Angeles Waterfront and Promenade; and $46.25 billion in education bond programs throughout San Diego, Orange County and Los Angeles.Plus, you'll hear his thoughts on what makes a great leader as well as a bad one. To get more info on Gafcon, visit: https://www.gafcon.com/Thanks for listening!  Please like, share, and subscribe!

In this episode,  Senior Vice President of Education & Facilities at Cordoba Corporation Mr. Michael Boomsma, explains that whether you're leading a team of 5 or 500,  in order to grow your company, leaders must hold themselves to a higher standard than the rest of team.  It's important to note that having a title doesn't necessarily make you a leader. It's the values, the vision, the passion, and the inspiration that bleeds into the fabric of the organization that causes its people to stretch outside their comfort zones and work as a team, with the team.And it's no surprise that one of the reasons Cordoba continues to thrive is because of leaders like Michael. This 26-minute podcast is packed with leadership growth tips that are for those wanting to develop into a phenomenal and strong leader.Please like, share, and subscribe! About Michael Boomsma:  Michael Boomsma is a Professional Engineer and Certified Construction Management professional with formal education in business and civil engineering, along with an incredible background in leadership and management. He has been recognized nationally by ENR for his experience primarily in the public works sector, specializing in leading teams tasked with the construction of complex educational facilities and associated infrastructure. During his time with Cordoba, he has consistently met critical construction deadlines and budget goals while providing technical and management services with continuous professionalism. As a current member of the US Air Force Reserves, Colonel Boomsma continues a long track record of solving problems with limited resources. His distinctive background, combined with his blend of leadership, experience, and decision-making capabilities, make him an invaluable member of the Cordoba team. For more information about Cordoba, go to: https://cordobacorp.com/

Are you so scared of failing that you end up doing nothing?   In this episode with Nicole Miller, The Construction Influencer, she sits down with her CEO of Koury Engineering Michele Shams on transitioning from CFO to CEO, owning two successful geotechnical engineering companies, and why you can't be afraid to fail. Don't let the smile and fancy nails fool you.  She knows what she wants and will move mountains to achieve her goals.ABOUT KOURY ENGINEERINGKoury Engineering provides geotechnical engineering, material testing, and inspection services for residential and commercial construction projects throughout Southern California. We serve as the Independent Testing Laboratory and the EOR for projects of all sizes from 60 story high-rises in Downtown LA to DSA shade structures at your neighborhood school. From freeway lane additions to OSHPD infrastructure upgrades, we can be your trusted compliance partner.ABOUT HILLTOP GEOTECHNICAL Hilltop Geotechnical Inc. is a leading engineering firm that provides geotechnical engineering, environmental site assessment, and materials testing and inspection services.  Founded in San Bernardino, California in 1990, Hilltop's professional engineers and associates have extensive knowledge of the soil properties and environmental challenges specific to residential and commercial construction projects in Southern California and throughout the West Coast Region.Follow Instagram @koury_engineering LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolesocal/LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-shams-10462789/Instagram @constructioninfluencerTiktok @constructioninfluencer

Most people will never achieve a high level of success because they're constantly looking for shortcuts in an attempt to make their first million.  Most people quit and jump from job to job, venture to venture, when success dials their number and says "If you want me so bad, then why are you afraid to put in the work and always full of excuses?"Founder and CEO of Chief Transportation Jose Garcia has one hell of a story to tell.  Jose not only knows what it takes to become successful but he has all the battle scars to prove that his journey to owning one of the largest import / export transportation companies in Southern California comes with a price.  That price?  You'll just have to find out listen!  And trust me, I promise you that his story will inspire you to ditch the excuses, roll up your sleeves, and work like you never worked before. Chief Transportation Houses The Newest & Largest Fleet Of Company Owned Super 10's In Southern California ★ 100% AB-5 Compliant - 100% CARB Compliant ★ 

Author Seth Godin said “Leaders create a CULTURE around their goal and involve others in that culture.” In this episode, Senior Vice President of Client Development Marty Glaske of Gafcon Inc., takes "culture building" with their employees and clients to a whole new level, which explains why they are one of the most successful construction management firms in California with projects worldwide. Many companies lack not only a strong culture that binds the team together as one, but also strong leadership. Marty gives us some insight on Gafcon's "Tribal Code" mentality and what he does to engage his clients and employees that every leader needs to hear if they want to grow their company. About Marty: Marty Glaske has been with Gafcon for 15 years and currently serves as the Senior Vice President, Client Development. Marty holds a Bachelor of Science in Business, and a Master of Business Administration with an emphasis in Organizational Management, as well as multiple executive certificates. Throughout his professional career, Marty has worked for consulting firms, general contractors, and construction managers focusing on labor compliance, apprenticeship compliance, project labor agreements, labor law, and local hire and outreach initiatives.Marty leverages more than 25 years of experience in the A/E/C industry with both public and private clients to define strategic, forward-thinking goals for the firm. Additionally, he is a member of the Coalition for Adequate School Housing (CASH), The Community College Facilities Coalition (CCFC), and the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA). Marty was also honored as the 2017 Public Works Advocate of the year by the San Diego/Imperial County Chapter of the American Public Works Association.Marty's hobbies include fly fishing and golfing with his wife.About Gafcon Inc.Gafcon, Inc. provides owner representative services to private and public clients. Incorporated in 1987, our core expertise is in managing complex design and construction activities. Our technology and management tools maximize the value in every owner's investment. Our people, our technology and our processes are unique within the industry. Gafcon provides the following services: Program Management; Project Management; Construction Management; Pre-construction; Cost Management; Scheduling; Estimating; Planning/Programming; Constructability Reviews; Technology Solutions; and Labor Relations.  For more information, go to https://www.gafcon.com/

 Nicole Miller sits down with COO Joe Martino of Uprite Construction, one of California's elite full-service construction companies.  Joe actually started with Uprite back in Jan. of 2020 and with a new team, plus hardcore execution, they were able to hit a 700% revenue growth in a matter of 8 months!  Joe is a 30+ year construction veteran and has held many positions over his long career beginning as a  Superintendent and now COO of Uprite Construction.  Joe was a partner of Howard S. Wright and COO of HW&A Structures.  He was responsible for overseeing the Southern California offices.  The company was sold to Balfour Beatty in 2011. Joe left BBC to become COO of Shangrila Construction in 2016.  His objective was to grow the company from a tenant improvement “TI” firm to a full-service ground-up construction group in which he was successful in a short period of time. Specializing in alternative delivery of private-sector construction projects, Joe has managed projects from half a million to over $500 million.  For more info about Uprite Construction visit https://upriteco.com/A Fortrez Group Production