Bred To Build - Construction Podcast
Tune in for the best of the best construction insights, stories, and tips for growth-minded professionals & contractors looking to level up. Our podcast is dedicated to sharing the stories & lessons from people who get sh*t done. Plus a few jokes here and there. Podcast Powered by Hammr - Construction Payroll, HR, & Ops Software Built for Subs and Self-Performing Contractors.
Ep: 48 - Taking Over The Family Business w/ Landon Morel from Southern Sun
We sit down with Landon Morel of Southern Sun Paving to explore the journey of transforming a family paving business through modern leadership and strategic growth.
Topics:
The Bred to Build Podcast is built for construction professionals looking to learn, grow, and level up — subscribe now for fresh episodes and more raw, unfiltered in...
Ep: 47 - Women in Construction, AI, Next Gen Careers w/ Gloria Marie
We talk show with Gloria Marie, a construction business owner and passionate advocate for women in trades and all folks in trades.
Topics
Industry Perspectives on Women in ConstructionLeadership & CommunicationNext Generation DevelopmentNext Generation Salary Personal DevelopmentIndustry Trends & AIThe Bred to Build Podcast is built for everyone looking to learn, grow, and level up — subscribe now for fresh episodes and more raw, unfiltered industry conversations.
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Ep: 46 - The Human Side of Construction: Generational Gaps, Team Building, Mental Health w/ Angelo Suntres
We talk show with Angelo Suntres, a passionate advocate for construction workforce transformation, to dive deep into the biggest challenges and opportunities shaping the industry today.
Topics
The Hard Truths (Expectations & Realities)Generational Divide: Old School & New School CollideMental Health & Construction Culture Leadership That Actually WorksSmashing The Class SystemThe Crossroads (Technology, Modern Leadership, Mental Health)Retention & Training Building CommunityThe Bred to Build Podcast is built for everyone looking to learn, grow, and level up — subscribe now for fresh episodes and more raw, unfiltered industry conversations.
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<...
Ep: 45 - How To Lead When Sh*t Hits The Fan w/ John Scepaniak from Wm. D. Scepaniak - A Family-Owned Aggregates Company
How to lead when things go sideways.
In this episode, we dive deep into the challenges of handling unexpected problems on the job site and when situations take a turn for the worse. Our guest, John Scepaniak, shares his extensive experience and insightful strategies for maintaining composure and leadership during chaotic times.
Handling Bad News:
John reflects on receiving some of the worst calls about equipment failures and how he managed these situations without resorting to frustration or anger.Why it's crucial for leaders to remain composed and the impact this has on the t...Ep: 44 - MattBangsWood w/ Matt Panella: Small Beginnings, Big Builds, Chips on Shoulder & The Impact of Social Media
This is the first time MattBangsWood shares his story. We learn more about his influences, how he got started, and the mentality he's developed to stay hungry in the game.
Episode Summary:
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Building Up Contacts and Networking:
Ep: 43 - One Project Changed It All w/ Victor Mezhvinsky from Forma Construction: Immigrant Roots to Luxury Builder
Have you ever felt like you had a "make you" or "break you" project?
We dive in with Victor Mezhvinsky, President and Founder of FORMA Construction, whose journey from immigrant roots to luxury builder is nothing short of inspiring -- Especially with one make or break project that defined his future.
Episode Summary:
Family Journey and High ExpectationsThe Epiphany and Entrepreneurial DriveNavigating Challenges and Building SuccessThe Project That Defined His Future Craftsmanship and Company CultureInnovation and Growth Mindset
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EPI...
Ep: 42 - Roof Slayer w/ Ryan Smith: Mastering the Art of Roof Cutting, Mentorship and the Impact of Social Media
On this episode we dive in with the legend, Ryan Smith (aka Roof Slayer), to discuss his journey of mastering framing and roof cutting, gaining knowledge, and embracing growth and mentorship.
Episode Summary:
Ryan's Journey and ExpertiseThe Market for Hand-Cut RoofsPassing Down Knowledge and ChallengesEmbracing Education and MentorshipRyan's Journey and Expertise:
Ryan shares his journey into the construction industry, starting at 18 years old with a passion for carpentry.He discusses his role as the sole roof cutter for a custom framing company in Buffalo, New York, emphasizing the meticulous process of le...Ep: 41 - Building People w/ Herb Sargent: Employee Ownership, Development, and Long-Term Vision
On this episode we dive in with Herb Sargent, President and CEO of Sargent Corporation, known for their heavy civil construction work across seven states in the Northeast.
Episode Summary:
Exploring Sargent CorporationTransition to Employee OwnershipInvesting in People and DevelopmentUtilizing Podcasting for Company GrowthFuture Outlook and Personal Reflections--
Exploring Sargent Corporation:
Insights into Sargent Corporation's extensive operations and its evolution into a prominent player in heavy civil construction.Herb's brief college experience and the pivotal decision to return to the family business.
Transition to Employee Ownership:
Ep: 40 - From Kidney Beans to Shark Tanks w/ JMAX Plumbing aka Bearded Plumber (Justin Bowie)
College wasn't for Justin. His father was a builder and he found himself in Arizona building everything from kidney bean pools, shark tanks, and monster pools to keep the desert residents cool.
On this episode we discuss more about:
What motivated him to specialize in pools Lessons from another plumber in 2008 What qualities separate good builders from bad buildersHow to motivate your team and keep your team's morale highTraining and retraining your team
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Ep: 39 - 7 Ways to Sell On Value Over Price w/ TJ Snowdon (Owner of Snowdon Construction)
7 Ways Sell On Value Not Price. We break down 7 topics in the episode and how it's worked for TJ Snowdon in his business.
Communicate well. Communicate often. Be responsive. Take initiative. Get organized. Build systems. Show up. Be confident in your work. But don't be cocky.Look the part. Be professional.Make sure you're qualifying your client. Not just them qualifying you.Getting your systems in place isn't your strong suit?
Hammr has got your back.
Time tracking, payroll, benefits and compliance — in one place.
The all-in-one platform built for Construction.
-> Visit H...
Ep: 38 - Story Behind American Pavement & Raised On Blacktop w/ Matt Stanley
American Pavement started with humble beginnings. It is a family-run business that prides itself on hard work, branding, and elevating the paving industry. In this episode, we chat with Matt Stanley, one of the four sons, about the family's history and the vision behind starting and growing the well-respected movement, Raised On Blacktop.
In this episode we dig into:
Story behind American PavementGrowing up in a construction family Family dynamics (roles & responsibilities)Founding story of Raised On BlacktopGrowing the paving communityPodcast Powered by Hammr
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Listener Testimonial - How our podcast has helped Lucas Comstock
We did something new. We brought on a listener to share how the podcast has positively impacted them. Here are some things Lucas said during this episode:
"Yes, recommend 10/10. Listen to the podcast. Take in as much content as you can. It has been phenomenal.""Taking those points from the podcast and like morphing it into... what can this do for me? And it's just been compounding.""They should listen to it because the content is there. Look beyond the conversation, and picture in your mind, like, how can I put that into play? And, what can I...Ep: 36 - That Tile Chick - The Brand Story
Tune in to hear from Schannon Yodice & Chris Ortega on how they build the That Tile Chick brand. In this episode you'll hear:
Changing careers Starting a new life and business in a brand new city Using social media to grow their tile installation business & That Tile ChickOvercoming the struggles of being a woman in a male-dominated industry And their aspirations on where they want to take their brand nextPodcast Powered by Hammr
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Ep: 35 - Rock Bottom to Business Ownership: A Transformative Journey w/ Keith Callaway Jr (K&L Industries)
In this episode, we dig into some powerful topics including:
Recovery and becoming the best version of yourself (a true transformation story)The importance of second chances and being a second chance employerLeadership advice for building culture and empowering employeesAnd Keith's experience of completing a 100 mile ultra marathon1) Keith shares his wild and inspiring story of recovery and turning his life around. He discussing his struggles with addiction and the process of rebuilding his life.
2) Keith digs deeper into the topic of second chances, sharing about his experience as a second chance employer and his o...
Ep: 34 - Solve Your People Problems w/ Eric Anderton (Construction Genius)
In construction, your people make or break you. This is a no-BS episode...
Tune in to learn more about how to:
Solve your people problemsGet the field and office/HR to work togetherStop losing money on jobsRun a kickass meeting
Eric Anderton (aka Construction Genius) joins us on the podcast. He's a trusted leadership advisor, executive mentor and expert meeting facilitator for construction companies that range in revenue from $10 million - $1 billion...he knows his stuff.
If you enjoy this episode or learn something new, please drop us an awesome 5-star r...
Ep: 33 - War Story. Overcoming $400,000 in debt - Cameron Creamer, Builder
Like war stories? You'll enjoy this episode. Taking over a business went south for this twenty-something year old builder. $400,000 in the red. Tune in to hear how this builder fought his way back to building a multi-million dollar business within 4 years.
In this episode you hear us talk about:
* Hire a lawyer and get your contracts squared away
* Hiring and firing
* Setting goals for yourself is a must
And a lot more. Tune in.
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Ep: 32 - Shawn Van Dyke - Break The Craftsman Cycle
Have you ever felt like...
You're taking on more work but you feel stuckYou're growing revenue but you're not actually making more money You're great at your craft but lack some confidence on the business sideThen you're going to want to listen to this episode.
(Read below on how to win a 1-hour coaching consultation with Shawn Van Dyke -- Value: $500)
Shawn Van Dyke, a former engineer and contractor turned construction business coach, hops on the podcast to dig into the problems most construction face, how to identify what's holding you ba...
Ep: 31 - Market Update: Recession, Supply chain, Consumer Demand w/ John Burns
In this episode, we unpack current market conditions with a leading housing and real estate expert John Burns, CEO of John Burns Real Estate Consulting.
Questions we address:
And a lot more. Tune in to hear what the leading builders and experts have to say about the market and what's changing.
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Ep: 30 - Find Your Mentors & Coaches w/ BJ Maeder
10 years ago, BJ was a completely different person. He's sober, learning from the best mentors and coaches, and is rising the ranks in his market by creating local allies with other businesses and competitors in his market.
BJ credits his success to his mentors and coaches. He wouldn't be where he is today without asking for help and applying his learnings along the way. In fact, if it wasn't for mentors and coaches, he would've had to close down the business for good.
The more hands you shake, the more money you make. BJ doesn't...
Ep: 29 - Winning in a Recession, When To Self Perform, Hiring More Labor w/ Jamie Verdura
This isn't his first rodeo. He's been through it before. Jamie Verdura (Owner/General Contractor) will give you some insights into how he's thinking about a recession and which opportunities may surface.
In the episode we talk about: when to self-perform, saying yes or no to work, hiring more labor, motivating your team, and his overall perspective on how you can take advantage of a downturn.
Want to win during a recession? Tune in.
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Subscribe & write an awesome review. We wouldn't be here without your support!
Follow u...
Ep: 28 - Jeff Sweenor - 30 Years Strong
Building a company through two downturns and crossing 30 years in business is no cake walk.
Jeff Sweenor, owner of Sweenor Builders, talks about his upbringing working in his family's chocolate business, getting his start in construction with no experience, and remaining disciplined when it comes to building the best projects and the best business.
The Sweenor team continues to push the envelop in further elevating the trades in many ways. Such as...
Educational content that shows how they build.
Sweenor University. A program that aims to educate incoming interns and further...
Ep. 27: From Craftsman to Business Operator w/ Tom Reber
When is the right time to hire, scale, and start operating like a real business? Working in the business versus working on the business is a big difference. Tune in to learn from Tom Reber (The Contractor Fight), a former contractor turned construction business coach, on when it's the right time to break away from being a craftsman and start operating like a real business.
In this episode, we discuss the term "The Craftsman Cycle®" and its effects on construction businesses and their owners. The Craftsman Cycle® was created by Shawn Van Dyke, construction business coach, CEO of...
Ep 26: Finding Success in Construction w/ Jason from JJP Construction
A career in construction is something that never crossed Jason's mind. He was obsessed with becoming a musician. An opportunity presented itself and he never looked back. Now he's found more success in construction than he ever imagined.
In this episode, Jason Pietruszka from JJP Construction shares:
His journey from being a musician, working in a pizza shop, to getting an opportunity to work for a developer that would forever shape his career.
Being a developer, a builder, and a subcontractor.
How making the connection between music and building helped him f...
Ep. 25: Kruger Construction - The Story Behind The Content
Murray Kruger (Kruger Construction) is more than just a content machine will millions of followers.
He's a father. Business owner. Car enthusiast. And a lot more.
He's had many defining moments that have shaped his life.
In this episode he shares...
How he manages his work ethic and when to rest when burnout is lurking.
What it's like being a father and the values he hopes to instill in his kids.
What it's like being a business owner and things that keep him up at night.
The good days.
The d...
Ep. 24: RR Buildings - From Computer Science to Construction w/ Kyle Stumpenhorst
Office job not for you? You're not alone.
Kyle Stumpenhorst (RR Buildings) started off studying Computer Science, found himself unhappy clocking in at an office job, and chose to pivot his career into post frame construction and has never looked back.
Tune in to hear about Kyle's journey, growing a massive following on social media, what he plans to do next, and who has the best calves.
Want to help pay it forward and support the next generation of trades? Snag an RR Buildings hat from Beach and Barn:
$12.00 from each of...
Ep. 23: Creating Modern Welders & Upskilling Instructors w/ Nate Bowman
Nate Bowman and Rush Kane are hopping in their rigs to tour the United States to create modern welders. It starts with teaching the next generation the fundamentals and upskilling our nation's instructors.
Tune in as we dive in with Nate Bowman to learn about this bada** welding tour.
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👷♂️ Nate Bowman (Guest)
His Hammr Handle: @weldscientist
WeldLabs Website
His LinkedIn
His Instagram
👷♂️ Matt (Co-Host)
His Hammr Handle: @mat...
Ep. 22: Credit Cards & Cashflow w/ Zaid Rahman
Cash is king in this industry. We dive in with Zaid Rahman, CEO of Flexbase, to talk about how they are creating a better system and platform for helping contractors get better access to capital, stay alive, and create a better business.
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👷♂️ Zaid Rahman (Guest)
Flexbase Website
His LinkedIn
👷♂️ Matt (Co-Host)
His Hammr Handle: @matt
His YouTube
His Instagram
👷♂️ Brek (Co-Host)
His Hammr Handle: @brek
Web: Hammr
Ep. 21: Being a bags-on contractor w/ Jon Lefebre
Tune in to hear why Jon Lefebre from Select Builders prefers being a bag-on contractor.
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👷♂️ Jon Lefebre (Guest)
Select Builders Website
His Instagram
👷♂️ Matt (Co-Host)
His Hammr Handle: @matt
His YouTube
His Instagram
👷♂️ Brek (Co-Host)
His Hammr Handle: @brek
Web: Hammr.com
Hammr on Instagram
Ep. 20: Building a generational company w/ Marcus Gores
How many times have you heard..."I don't want to train them because they're just going to leave."
There's some truth here. You don't have a workforce forever.
Marcus Gores thinks about building a construction company differently than most...
Some folks may want to stay with Gores Construction forever, great, they will be trained.
Some folks may want to learn skills to start their own business, great, they will be trained. And even better...they may become future subcontractors.
Building a generational company is a commitment to people and...
Ep. 19: She dropped out to kill the drywall game w/ Lydia Crowder
We hop on to talk to Lydia Crowder about dropping out of college and pursuing a career in drywall.
As a woman in construction, she's overcome the odds and shares some insights to running her business, training the next gen, and the art of showing up.
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👷♀️ Lydia Crowder (Guest)
Her Instagram
Her Drywall Course on MT Copeland
Her on the Build Show Network
👷♂️ Matt (Co-Host)
His Hammr Handle: @ma...
Ep. 18: Victories are made in the dark w/ Kevin Martinez
We hop on with Kevin Martinez, an apprentice (almost J-Man) electrician based out of San Diego.
He tried everything, college, working valet, Ashley's Furniture store, and Party City.
Life unfortunately brought some challenging circumstances and he came back stronger and more hungry than ever.
Kevin is an inspiration to many of us to keep pushing through the darkest of days.
Tune in to listen. You don't want to miss this one.
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Ep. 17: I got here by accident w/ Mike Knoche
Hear from a carpenter, GC, podcaster, book writer and much more. Tune in to hear how Mike has navigated his career and his learnings along the way.
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👷♂️ Mike Knoche (Guest)
His Hammr Handle: @mikeknoche
His Instagram
👷♂️ Matt (Co-Host)
His Hammr Handle: @matt
His YouTube
His Instagram
👷♂️ Brek (Co-Host)
His Hammr Handle: @brek
Website Hammr.com
Hammr on Instagram
Ep. 16: Ironworking, Training Welders, & Ark Junkies Podcast w/ Jason Becker
From banging beams as a union ironworker, to helping the next generation melt steel, we hop on with Jason Becker from Ark Junkies Podcast to talk about his journey and building up the next generation of welders.
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👷♀️ Jason Becker (Guest)
His Ark Junkies Podcast
👷♂️ Matt (Co-Host)
His Hammr Handle: @matt
His YouTube
His Instagram
👷♂️ Brek (Co-Host)
His Hammr Handle: @brek
Website Hammr.com
Hammr on Instagram
Ep. 15: What The Tech Is Going On w/ Hugh Seaton
On this episode we chat with Hugh Seaton. A seasoned professional in the construction technology space.
Construction Technology -- Some think robots, smartphones or drones flying. Hugh Seaton joins us to set the record straight on the state of construction technology. It's misconceptions and the opportunities technology can create for people in the industry.
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👷♀️ Hugh Seaton (Guest)
On LinkedIn
His Website
His Construction Technology Handbook
👷♂️ Matt (Co-Host)
His Ham...
Ep. 14: Women in Construction w/ Kristina Mahler
On this episode we chat with Kristina Mahler, from Steel Toe Consulting & Crew Collab, about women in construction and what we can do to build a more diverse workforce.
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👷♀️ Kristina Mahler (Guest)
On LinkedIn
On Instagram
Learn more at: Crew Collab
👷♂️ Matt (Co-Host)
His Hammr Handle: @matt
His YouTube
His Instagram
👷♂️ Brek (Co-Host)
His Hammr Handle: @brek
Website Hammr.com
Hammr on Instagram
Ep. 13: Getting Paid To Learn w/ Brewer Craftsman Academy
On this episode, we chat with Leger Stecker and Steve Baum from The Brewer Companies on how they started Brewer Craftsman Academy -- A fast-track plumbing program where students are getting paid to learn.
Give this episode a listen to learn about how Arizona's top plumber is investing and training their next generation workforce.
Learn more at:
The Brewer Companies Website
The Brewer Craftsman Academy
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👷♂️ Leger Stecker (Guest...
Ep. 12: Building & Retaining A Dream Team w/ Jeff Harvey
On this episode, we chat with Jeff Harvey on how he's went about building and retaining one hell of a dream team, how he identifies eager talent, how he develops his team and the things he's doing to invest in the next gen at George Brown College.
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👷♂️ Jeff Harvey (Guest)
His Hammr Handle: @jeff
His Instagram
👷♂️ Matt (Co-Host)
His Hammr Handle: @matt
His YouTube
His Instagram
👷♂️ Bre...
Ep. 11: Next Gen Tradesman Navigating The Industry w/ Ed Mack
We dive into what it's been like for next gen tradesman, Ed Mack, to navigate the construction industry.
From skipping college, joining the military to taking over and expanding the family business and to building his own house on the weekends.
For any next gen tradesmen or tradeswomen, this is a great episode to gain an insight to how much success you can find in the industry, even at the age of 25.
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Ep. 10: How The Field & Office Can Work Better Together w/ Johnny Savage
On this episode, we're jumping in with Johnny Savage, an estimator based out of California, on what it's like to be an estimator, how the field and office can work better together and what he's doing to bring younger trades into the industry.
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👷♂️ Johnny Savage (Guest)
His Hammr Handle: @savage
👷♂️ Matt (Co-Host)
His Hammr Handle: @matt
His YouTube
His Instagram
👷♂️ Brek (Co-Host)
His Hammr Handle: @brek
Website Ha
Ep 9: Avoid the Rat Race & Build Better Morale w/ Sean Collinsgru
We sit down and talk with Sean Collinsgru about how to stick to your company's vision, avoid the contractor rat race and how building jobsite morale has enabled Sean Collinsgru to craft a more profitable business, retain great employees and have a lot of fun while building.
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👷♂️ Sean Collinsgru (Guest)
His Hammr Handle: @premieroutdoor
His Instagram
His YouTube
👷♂️ Matt (Co-Host)
His Hammr Handle: @matt
His YouTube
His Instagram...
