Podcasts about preconstruction

Recorded live inside the Lean Construction Institute's Live Podcast Booth at LCI Congress 2025, the Old Dawgs got together for an unfiltered, field‑first discussion. This fast‑moving conversation captures what decades of hard‑won (700+ years) experience have taught these seasoned Lean builders about the superiority of modern Lean construction methods over traditional methods. Led by podcast host Adam Hoots, this is one "Hoots on the Ground" episode you DO NOT want to miss! (And if you usually go audio-only for our podcasts, this one is one to WATCH – 12 Old Dawgs crammed into a podcast studio – you can see and feel the passion!) From the origins of Lean Construction to the latest experiments in production planning, the Old Dawgs trade war stories, share missteps, and reveal the practical moves that create flow, reliability, and above all respect for environments and people. You'll hear how they've adapted The Last Planner System® practices for tough schedules, why Takt thinking clarifies handoffs, and how real trust is built when leaders keep promises and elevate the voices of craft professionals. What the Old Dawgs get into during this podcast: The shift from "tools talk" to a people‑first culture that enables tools to work. How trust, psychological safety, and clear promises drive schedule reliability. Evolving Last Planner System behaviors (constraints removal, PPC as coaching, daily huddles that add value). Using Takt planning to simplify sequencing, stabilize labor, and reduce chaos at handoffs. Preconstruction to production: designing for flow, defining capacity, and right‑sizing batch sizes. Leadership on the deck: what foremen and supers need from project leaders to protect the crew's time. Respect for People in action: craft voice in planning, mental health, and creating environments where capability grows. Rapid‑fire reflections: the one behavior each Dawg would start tomorrow to improve team performance. Key takeaways include: Reliability is a relationship. When leaders make and keep clear promises, crews reciprocate—and schedules stabilize. Small, stable cadences beat heroics. Short planning horizons, visible commitments, and simple feedback loops win. Design for flow early. Define constraints and capacity in precon so production plans are realistic, not aspirational. Psych safety isn't "soft." It's the precondition for surfacing constraints, learning from misses, and improving PPC. Respect for people is the strategy. Elevating craft expertise and well‑being accelerates learning and performance. It's a lively, candid celebration of the Old Dawg community that continues to push the industry forward—reminding us that Lean is less about perfection and more about continuous learning, with dignity for the people doing the work. ABOUT HOOTS ON THE GROUND PODCAST: The Lean Builder's absolutely, positively NO Bullshido podcast. Join host Adam Hoots and his guests as they dig deep into the topics that matter most to those in the field. With stories from the trenches, lessons learned, and plenty of laughter, this podcast is for the men and women doing the hands-on work of construction. RESOURCE LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: The Lean Builder — Blog, book, and field resources for Lean practitioners. Old Dawgs Lean Community — www.skool.com/olddawg LCI Congress — https://congress.leanconstruction.org/ GUESTS FEATURED IN THIS EPISODE: Adam Hoots | LinkedIn — Host of Hoots on the Ground and Lean Construction Shepherd with ConstructionACHEsolutions. 12 Old Dawgs - too many to name, but we will... Boone White, ICM (Innovative Construction Management) Brian Chiles JE Dunn Construction Denver Watters, Pointcore Construction Emerson Dority, Turner Construction Company James Gable, Adolfson & Peterson Construction James Glass, Turner Construction Company Jeff Reilly, Mill Creek Residential Jordan Leytem, CoBuild Construction LR Weeden, Robins & Morton  Manny Hoyo, Skanska Mike Chiles JE Dunn Construction Sam Sinclair, Henson Robinson Company Plus, Justin, Jason, and Joe snuck in at the end.

Our host, Gareth McGlynn, catches up with Brent Pilgrim, National Director of Preconstruction at The Beck Group, recorded live at Precon World 2025 in Irving, Texas.Brent returns to the podcast after two years to share major progress in his long-term work on integrated estimating workflow — a model-based estimating process he has been refining for over 15 years. Brent has now demonstrated—through real results with clients, architects, and contractors that integrated estimating workflow truly delivers.Key Discussion Highlights:How integrated estimating workflow has moved beyond proof of concept into proven real-world application.Collaboration with Texas A&M University and Colorado State University to bring academic rigor to research and validation.Published papers and pilot projects with Sundt Construction and Page Southerland Page.A new funded case study involving leading architecture and construction firms.Development of a value stream–based ROI formula to measure the real impact of integrated estimating workflow.The goal of wider industry adoption and stronger collaboration between design and construction teams.You can check out the research papers here:https://easychair.org/publications/paper/swJv/open https://easychair.org/publications/paper/2WQl/openHave questions for Brent? Connect with him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brentpilgrim/

The guys get into the messy reality of pricing—no templates, no magic—just expectations, scope, and the triangle of quality, budget, and time. We cover scope gaps, site protection, and how pre-con (plus a little AI) de-risks the job so your estimate actually matches how the work gets built. Show Notes: 00:00:00 Intro & our awesome sponsors 00:05:22 Sick kids and water bottles 00:08:51 Welcome & rapid-fire plan 00:09:51 Estimating process overview 00:13:45 Row house example & takeoffs workflow 00:17:21 Automation vs AI in estimating 00:21:17 Using AI as an assistant, not a black box 00:31:21 Who owns scope gaps 00:43:47 Site protection that actually protects 00:47:31 Client fit and non-negotiables 00:53:13 Attracting the right clients 00:56:53 Precon course & Summit invite 01:01:46 Modern Craftsman tee & sign-off Video Version: https://youtu.be/A1BPmpmv_vQ   Partners:  Andersen Windows Buildertrend Harnish Workwear  Use code H1025 and get 10% off their H-label gear   The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Hosts:  Nick Schiffer  Tyler Grace  Podcast Produced By: Motif Media

In this episode, Gareth McGlynn sits down with Ale Macias of Ryan Companies during Precon World 2025 to discuss the growing influence of AI and technology in preconstruction and how teams are adapting to new ways of working.Key Takeaways:AI and Preconstruction Technology: How innovation is shaping today's estimating and planning workflows.Career Journey: From ballet to construction and becoming a key part of Ryan's preconstruction group.Collaboration and Openness: Her interest in collaboration and perspective on the day-to-day challenges faced by preconstruction professionals.Precon Round Table: An initiative of like-minded companies working together to improve processes and reach solutions faster, which Ale is part of.Connect with Ale Macias on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ale-m-a040071a4/Tune in to this episode and stay tuned for more conversations and industry perspectives on The Preconstruction Podcast!

Ben Evelsizer, Senior Preconstruction Manager at Poettker Construction, joined Gareth McGlynn for a conversation recorded at Advancing Preconstruction 2025 in San Diego. Ben shares his perspective on several core aspects of preconstruction, from logistics planning to engaging trade partners.Discussion Highlights:Site Logistics in Estimating: How much attention it requires during preconstruction.Project Focus: K-12, municipality, and federal government construction.Historical Data: Why it's a major passion of Ben's and how Poettker is using it.Artificial Intelligence: Views on its role in preconstruction.Trade Partner Engagement: Why bringing them in too early can actually frustrate the process.For further questions, you can connect with Ben via his Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-evelsizer-262a6267/

Our host, Gareth McGlynn, sat down with Ben Neff, Director of Preconstruction at Motz, during Advancing Preconstruction 2025 in San Diego. Together, they discussed the complexities behind creating world-class sports turf systems.Discussion Highlights:Beginnings in Construction: From studying business at the University of Kentucky to a pivot into construction management and early hands-on fieldwork.Joining Motz: Transitioning from vertical construction to leading preconstruction at Motz.About Motz: A 100% employee-owned specialty contractor building natural grass and synthetic sports fields.Turf Systems: What it really takes to deliver a professional-quality field.Mechanics & Maintenance: The engineering and upkeep involved in maintaining top-level surfaces.Recent Project: Insights from Motz's work on the Oakland A's minor league ballpark.You can connect with Ben via his Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-neff-14043214/

In this episode of the Your Project Shepherd podcast, Curtis Lawson sits down with Chris Bolio of Alair Homes to unpack why preconstruction agreements are the hidden key to successful builds. Chris explains how investing in planning upfront saves homeowners, architects, and builders from costly mistakes, scope surprises, and broken trust down the road. From budgeting and timelines to uncovering hidden “gotchas,” Chris shares real-world lessons that reshape how professionals approach construction projects. If you're a builder, remodeler, architect, or homeowner looking to avoid budget blowouts and create smoother projects, this episode is packed with insights you can't afford to miss.

☎️Schedule your free business evaluation call with our team HERE  – EPISODE 405: Are you struggling with the chaos that comes with managing custom construction projects?  Do you feel like every project is starting from scratch, and you're constantly putting out fires? Most construction business owners believe that having systems for custom projects removes personalization and freedom. But the truth is, systems actually create freedom. In this episode of the Construction Leading Edge podcast, I'll share how you can eliminate the chaos in your custom projects and systematize your business for maximum profit and freedom without losing the personal touch. Here's what we'll be discussing… Why your custom projects need a structured process (and how it'll make them smoother) How to create a strategic operating playbook (not just an employee handbook) The power of clear documentation and handoff checklists Why systems don't restrict your creativity—they create more freedom instead …and a whole lot more! Ready to stop micromanaging your team and start leading your business? Tune in now!   Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00) Common misconceptions about custom projects (01:01) Systems and processes don't restrict creativity or freedom (03:26) The one thing every construction business needs (11:20) Key elements of a strategic operating playbook (12:44) Does an operating playbook work for luxury home clients? (17:55) How to build a strategic operating playbook (20:22)   Additional Resources: ⚡Schedule your free business evaluation call with our team HERE  – ⚡ Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn ⚡ Subscribe to our YouTube channel HERE ⚡Visit The Construction Leading Edge for more information HERE -- The Construction Leading Edge Podcast helps construction business owners maximize their revenue, eliminate chaos, systematize their work, and win back their time. Follow us on your favorite podcasting platform so you never miss an episode!  

Gareth McGlynn speaks with Matt Boeggeman, Senior Preconstruction Manager at Holder Construction, during Advancing Preconstruction 2025 in San Diego.Discussion Highlights:• Early career experience in HVAC and its value in data center projects• Holder's role as one of the largest data center builders in the U.S.• Key challenges: inflation, supply chain, electrical demands, land, power, and scheduling• Using historical data to improve project efficiency• Integrating AI into the preconstruction processIf you have questions for Matt, connect with him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-boeggeman-53277513/

Gareth McGlynn sits down with Paul Christen, Preconstruction Director at McCarthy Building Companies in Los Angeles, for a live conversation recorded at Advancing Preconstruction in San Diego.This episode centres on culture and middle management -two areas that play a key role in building strong preconstruction teams.Discussion Highlights:The importance of middle management in selling preconstruction services, building successful teams and driving technology adoption.How company culture influences team performance.Personality assessments and DISC profiling.The onboarding process and its impact on culture.For any follow-up questions, connect with Paul on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-christen-59245a1a/

EPISODE 401: Do all decisions in your construction business fall on your shoulders? If you're a construction CEO, that's often just the reality—every choice runs through you, and the questions keep coming, even long after the workday ends. But it doesn't have to be. In this episode, we'll dive into the underestimated problem plaguing construction businesses—decision bottlenecks. Together we'll unpack… The serious consequences of slow, scattered, or centralized decision-making  How to know if you have a decision-making problem The common myths and misconceptions about decision-making 5 CEO-level strategies that will help you lead without doing everything yourself …and so much more! If you feel—or know someone who feels—bogged down by decision overload, this episode is truly a must-listen. Let's dive in!   Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00) Signs you have a decision-making problem (01:06) Debunking common misconceptions on decision-making (04:23) Successful CEOs should make as few decisions as possible (12:33) Why you should document your processes (18:45) What does manufacturing urgency mean (22:24) Make decisions in parallel instead of in series (30:36) Separate the decision from implementation (33:42) Episode wrap-up (42:47)   Additional Resources: ⚡Join our Live Meetup this coming 16th of October. Register HERE ⚡Schedule your free business evaluation call with our team HERE  – ⚡ Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn ⚡ Subscribe to our YouTube channel HERE ⚡Visit The Construction Leading Edge for more information HERE -- The Construction Leading Edge Podcast helps construction business owners maximize their revenue, eliminate chaos, systematize their work, and win back their time. Follow us on your favorite podcasting platform so you never miss an episode!  

In this episode, Tyler talks about the disconnect between what builders show in an estimate and what clients truly need to understand. He dives deep into why leading with transparency, breaking down the budget, and walking clients through each line item creates trust, protects your margins, and actually helps win more jobs. By shifting from defending your price to explaining your value, you transform how clients perceive your worth—and how your business operates. Show Notes:  Transparency in Pricing and Client Trust (0:00) Differences in Contractor Approaches (3:47) Value Proposition and Client Education (6:12) Justifying Costs and Building Trust (9:05) Protecting Margins and Meeting Client Needs (14:20) Client Education and Value Engineering (24:11) Community Support and Personal Reflections (29:17) Video Version: https://youtu.be/p6b262PIv6Q   Partners:  Andersen Windows Buildertrend Velux Harnish Workwear  Use code H1025 and get 10% off their H-label gear   The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Hosts:  Nick Schiffer  Tyler Grace  Podcast Produced By: Motif Media  

Send us a textImagine having precise pricing for your construction project before ever hiring an architect. That's exactly the paradigm shift that RaaP Builders wants to create in the modular construction industry.RJ Mahadev, co-founder and CEO of RaaP Builders, reveals how his company is transforming modular preconstruction through a "rooms as a product" approach that brings clarity, certainty, and efficiency to building developers. The company's innovative online platform lets developers input basic information—location, number of floors, and units—and immediately receive comprehensive designs with detailed pricing comparisons between traditional and modular construction methods. For developers building prototypical structures like affordable housing, workforce housing, or budget hotels, RaaP's system offers a potential path to greater certainty, faster timelines, and significant cost savings.Support the showListen to all episodes of MBI's Inside Modular podcast at https://www.modular.org/inside-modular-the-podcast-of-commercial-modular-construction/

Sean Boyer, VP of Preconstruction at Pomerleau, joins Gareth McGlynn for a conversation recorded live at Advancing Preconstruction 2025 in San Diego. As the only GC to present on AI at the conference, Sean brings a unique perspective on how artificial intelligence is actively reshaping the preconstruction process.He shares:What it meant to be the only GC presenting about AI at the eventHis team's preconstruction tech stack and the journey into AI adoptionHow they're focused on developing internal intelligence and actively leveraging itThe ways AI is reshaping preconstruction - making it more efficient, data-driven, and transforming roles from technical to analyticalThe development of an internal AI roadmap designed to enhance decision-making, boost estimate accuracy, and increase team capacityFor follow-ups on the topics discussed, connect with him on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-boyer-eng-pqs-8552a617/

Prama Kumar, VP of Preconstruction at Hill & Wilkinson, joins the podcast for a conversation recorded live at Advancing Preconstruction 2025 in San Diego. Co-hosted by Ciara McGlynn, this episode dives into Prama's 20-year journey in the industry and the lessons she's learned along the way.Discussion Highlights:Career Progression: From Estimator to VP - what Prama has learned over two decades at Hill & Wilkinson.AI in Preconstruction: How emerging tech is shaping processes and decision-making.Women in Construction: Prama shares her perspective on visibility, opportunity, and change in the industry.Connect with Prama via her Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pramakumar/

Lea Rummel, a Mental Health Advocate and Electrical Estimator with Rudolph and Sletten dives into her INSPIRING career journey from a temporary front desk assistant to a key player in Preconstruction. We also discuss her personal experiences and how they have fueled her passion for Mental Health Awareness. the need is urgent to create open channels for discussion, accessible resources, and support systems in order to confront the mental health stigma within our industry. Join us for this two-part series, where we aim to make our industry safer for everyone. Remember, being open about mental health can save lives! Let's work together to change the narrative.

Change orders can make or break a build—but they don't have to break your business. In this episode, Mark welcomes back Brad Robinson and Allyson Case Anderson to unpack the art and science of change order management, from the preconstruction stage to the final walk-through.   Support the show - https://www.curiousbuilderpodcast.com/shop   See our upcoming live events - https://www.curiousbuilderpodcast.com/events   The host of the Curious Builder Podcast is Mark D. Williams, the founder of Mark D. Williams Custom Homes Inc. They are an award-winning Twin Cities-based home builder, creating quality custom homes and remodels — one-of-a-kind dream homes of all styles and scopes. Whether you're looking to reimagine your current space or start fresh with a new construction, we build homes that reflect how you live your everyday life.   Sponsor for the Episode:   Lake Society Magazine: Website: https://www.lakesocietymagazine.com/   Where to find the Host: Website - https://www.mdwilliamshomes.com/ Podcast Website - https://www.curiousbuilderpodcast.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/markdwilliams_customhomes/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/MarkDWilliamsCustomHomesInc/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-williams-968a3420/ Houzz - https://www.houzz.com/pro/markdwilliamscustomhomes/mark-d-williams-custom-homes-inc

☎️Schedule your free business evaluation call with our team HERE  – EPISODE 387: Does it ever feel like your construction business is sinking? That moment when you wonder, “Is this even worth saving?” You're not alone. Every business owner hits that wall. But here's something most people miss: It's not your circumstances that are causing the problems—it's the story you're telling yourself. In this week's episode of The Construction Leading Edge podcast, I'm sharing nine powerful strategies that will help you break free from a business slump. We'll cover: → What most people typically do when things aren't going well → Powerful ways to handle business adversities → Key lessons from Napoleon Hill's Think and Grow Rich → The Stockdale Paradox and more! If you've ever felt like throwing in the towel or burning it all down, this episode is for you. Let's dive in!   Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00) What we do when things aren't going well (00:57) Separate observable facts (01:43) Detach from the situation (05:34)  Cultivate a habit of gratitude (06:37)  Control the controllables (07:45)  Reframe the situation (09:01) The Stockdale Paradox (12:53) Take extreme ownership (17:14) The catastrophizing exercise (19:17) Do a mental hygiene (21:06) Final advice (23:26)   Additional Resources: - Schedule your free business evaluation call with our team HERE    Books Mentioned: - Good to Great by Jim Collins - Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill - The Obstacle is the Way by Ryan Holiday -- The Construction Leading Edge Podcast helps construction business owners maximize their revenue, eliminate chaos, systematize their work, and win back their time. Follow us on your favorite podcasting platform so you never miss an episode!  

☎️Schedule your free business evaluation call with our team HERE  – EPISODE 386: Do you feel like your construction business is running you instead of the other way around? Do you constantly bring your work home? For many construction business owners, weekends also mean emails and phone calls. Often, family dinners turn into business meetings. But not anymore! In this week's episode of The Construction Leading Edge podcast, I sit down with two of my favorite Canadians—and students of our Systematized Your Construction Business (SYCB) program—Laughlin and Ross Franklin. Originally overwhelmed by the volume of work, the brothers struggled with a lack of structure and constant reactive management. After joining our program, they implemented powerful tools that transformed their construction company (and also their lives). Today, the Franklin brothers share: ➡What chaos actually looks like in construction ➡The exact blueprint that reduced chaos in their business ➡How systematizing their business improved their quality of life ➡Tips for getting your team on board with change …and more! Ready to escape the construction chaos and get your life back? Let's dive in!   Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00) The Franklin brothers' construction business (02:04) What chaos looks like in construction (06:03)  From organized chaos to systematized operations (12:04)  Core systems and processes behind their business growth (20:28) How systems transformed their construction business (21:55) Does construction have to be chaotic? (27:24) Life after systematizing operations (30:17) How to implement systems that stick (33:34)  Getting your team aligned with change (36:13) The CEO Alliance (42:38) Final thoughts and advice (45:44)   Additional Resources: - Schedule your free business evaluation call with our team HERE  -- The Construction Leading Edge Podcast helps construction business owners maximize their revenue, eliminate chaos, systematize their work, and win back their time. Follow us on your favorite podcasting platform so you never miss an episode!  

☎️Schedule your free business evaluation call with our team HERE 

☎️Schedule your free business evaluation call with our team HERE 

☎️Schedule your free business evaluation call with our team HERE 

☎️Schedule your free business evaluation call with our team HERE 

☎️Schedule your free business evaluation call with our team HERE 

☎️Schedule your free business evaluation call with our team HERE 

☎️Schedule your free business evaluation call with our team HERE