Explore every episode of the podcast Builder Tactics

This is chapter #1 from the recently rewritten book Builder Tactics: A Practical Guide to Construction Management. It includes an introduction to the size and complexity of the construction industry and an explanation of the current state of our profession, Construction Management.

For the full audiobook, go to Audible.com; for the paperback or digital version, go to https://a.co/d/iyIwzLc.

Damien and Jason discuss how to evaluate your skill set and organize your professional development efforts.

Damien and Jason discuss transitioning to new roles and how to add personal development tools to your professional life.

This is part two of our latest roundtable. Damien and Jason discuss how to deal with new building technology, sort of. This was conducted at a brewery, so the content tends to reflect that. Some good content is buried in a sea of dudes making fun of each other. Enjoy.

This is part one of a two part round table. Damien and Jason sat down with some of their buddies that have been in construction for years and asked them "What do you wish you had known when you got started in construction?". The conversation gets a little crude but there is a ton of great information, enjoy.

Damien talks safety with Michael Zalle, the founder of Yellow Bird. Yellow Bird is an on demand consulting company sorta like Uber for safety and environmental compliance.

Damien and Jason invited some buddies to discuss the material shortages over a few beers. The conversation is riddled with advice for how to deal with the delays.  The Problem:  We are constantly being notified about delays and shortages of materials from our vendors and suppliers. Production never stopped but manufacturing has slowed or in some cases stopped. And without manufactures producing building supplies we can’t build anything. To make matters worse, new construction sales have taken off and now we are trying to build our current back log with less manpower and materials and we have a huge increase in production coming right around the corner.  Damien, Jason and their buddies provide some great advice on how to solve or at least manage through the delays.  Enjoy

Damien and Jason discuss how to brand your self and prepare your resume to take advantage of the current situation. Companies are hiring again and now is the time to jump into construction or a new position.

Today Damien and Jason interview Patti Wynkoop. Patti is the Purchasing VP for a national home builder and has over 25 years experience in the business.  Her insight into the world of purchasing materials and setting up trade partner contracts is awesome. This is a must listen to for any construction professional.  We discuss topics including how to select trade partners, what to look for when comparing bids as well as how to award and reject bid proposals.

Damien and Jason discuss leadership styles and transitioning from a dictatorial style of leadership in the military to civilian leadership styles of today. I also included chapter 7 from the soon to be released Builder Tactics audio book. Enjoy.

Damien and Jason vent about the current state of things and how much they hate wearing masks. They also discuss dynamic scheduling and the need to stay flexible while scheduling production tasks. Stay healthy and safe, we are always thinking about you guys.

On this episode Damien interviews Yaron Dycian from Wint Water Intelligence. They discuss the impact of water damage to construction projects and what Wink is doing to help builders prevent catastrophic water damage as well as help preserve the worlds supply of water. Enjoy.

Damien and Jason discuss the challenges of managing trade partners and how to build relationships with them. They also provide a framework for what to do when they are underperforming.

Just a quick message from the Construction Management Podcast, If you have down time due the Corona virus let's make the most of it. Take this opportunity to be a builder in your our own life. Build a better relationship with your kids, spouse and extended family. Be a creator, write a book, make a podcast, learn something new. Once all that is done, bite the bullet and finish up all those home improvement projects you started then abandoned.  What ever you do, take this opportunity to be a better version of you when it's over.

Damien and Jason interview Kristyn Burr, Kristyn is the Executive Director and CEO of HomeAid Northern VA. HomeAid connects regional builders and housing industry professionals with non-profits focused on ending homelessness. The theme for this year is to highlight the generosity of builders, developers and trade partners, there is no better example of their charity than HomeAid. Please listen to the podcast and reach out to your states local chapter of HomeAid to see how you can help end homelessness locally.     homeaidnova.org https://www.sevaprisonyoga.org/

Damien and Jason go on for what seems like an eternity about checking the weather, knowing your site conditions and just getting things done. They also get into the metrics that construction managers are judge on and the importance of building to them, they are metrics for a reason after all.

Damien and Jason cover a huge range of subjects from safety to trash. The overwhelming message is to be a Construction Manager that owns their job and maintains high standards for the conduct and quality of the trade partners working for them. This one has a little cursing, listener beware. Enjoy.

This is part 2 of our interview with Danny Kerr from The Breakthrough academy. Damien and Danny continue their conversation and touch on topics including employee training, on site marketing and Danny provides some wisdom for entrepreneurs on how to be successful in business and in life.

This is part 1 in a 2 part interview with Danny Kerr from the Breakthrough Academy. Damien and Danny discuss some of the tools that BTA uses to maximize the success of their clients including financial management, goal setting and recruitment.

Damien and Jason discuss how to plan for new projects to guarantee success, or at least make some money while delivering a quality product.

Damien and Jason interview Mitch Elmore, Vice President of HDS Drywall. The guys discuss the demands placed on drywall and paint contractors and how HDS is able to manage their production schedules as well as the customer service requests from construction managers.

Damien and Jason talk about the health implications of stress and give some advice for how to manage it.

Damien and Jason discuss the importance of trusting our trade partners but also verifying the work they do meets our quality standards is and is completed per your instructions. We also discuss the importance of making sure our instructions are clear and that you are understood when managing trade partners.

This is a classic from the archives, Jason and Damien talk with a listener about their experience with a difficult boss and give their perspective on how to move forward.

Damien and Jason discuss the importance of setting clear expectations for employees.  They discuss daily corrections as well as how to manage annual evaluations and everything in between. This is a must listen to for any manager that wants to elevate the people around them.

Damien and Jason discuss the importance of conducting frame checks immediately after the home is "dried in" and again after your mechanical trades are complete. They also discuss Damien's new blood lust to go hunting.

Damien and Jason discuss ethics on the job. We talk about the role of the construction manager as the leader on the job and how they influence others around them. This is a must listen too for anyone in the building industry.

Damien and Jason discuss Building Science with Matthew Cooper of PEGENV.com. We discuss the thermal envelope, building systems and how the separate components work together to produce high performance homes.

Damien and Jason discuss inspections for critical stages of a construction project and give tips for what to look for and why.

Damien and Jason talk tech through the years in construction, sort of.  Their focus is on construction management software programs and what to look for when selecting a program.

Damien and Jason discuss sediment and erosion control AKA Dirt.  In this episode the guys break down sediment and erosion control to it's simplest form and explain the importance of keeping dirt and trash in their place.

Damien and Jason continue their discussion on job site management. This week they are discussing safety on the job with their guest Jake Edwards.  The guys share their experiences about accidents on the job site and discuss what to do in case you have an accident or a visit from OSHA.

Damien and Jason discuss how to gain respect as the new guy in the job site and establish yourself as part of the team.

Note: This was a previously released episode inadvertently removed from the line up during integration.

Damien and Jason discuss the state of the industry, the effect of interest rates, and how to prove your worth in a very competitive market.

Damien and Jason discuss not getting ripped off. In classic style they are all over the map but spewing words of wisdom for any aspiring construction manager. I haven't tested the sound , so good luck.

Today on the show Damien and Jason host Lyv Guimond from Lyvwell. Lyv shares some awesome advice and strategies for staying centered and focused. She also explains how to minimize dailey stress and maximize your feeling of empowerment.

Damien and Jason discuss the importance of establishing a daily routine. Daily routines allow you to be consistent and efficient with your time while managing your build cycle. Your most important tasks should be included in your routine, this includes walking the units under construction and schedule maintenance. Quality inspections and communication should also be given priority when developing your daily task routine.  The sound quality for this podcast isn't great, Jason and Damien were both in parking lots during the recording of this podcast, our diehard fans should be used to it by now. Thanks for listing.

The construction industry needs you NOW!!! This is a public service announcement to remind you to take action now. The construction industry is booming and needs Construction Managers to manage projects all over the country. It doesn't matter if you are new to the field or a salty old soul, if you want to break in to Construction Management or accelerate your career send your resumes to info@buildertactics.com. Builders are looking for you now and beating down my door to get resumes from my audience. Now is your time.    info@buildertactics.com

This is chapter 2 from the recently rewritten book Builder Tactics: A Practical Guide to Construction Management. It includes a detailed description of the technical and soft skills required for success in construction management.

For the full audiobook, go to https://a.co/d/0AFfWbR for the paperback or digital version, go to https://a.co/d/8Ri1Mh6

This is chapter 3 from the recently rewritten book Builder Tactics: A Practical Guide to Construction Management. It includes a detailed description of Pre-Construction planning and the steps to take to ensure your project's success from the start. Pre-construction planning includes reviewing the drawings and submittals, assessing the physical site, reviewing the budget, and holding pre-construction meetings. Each step is critical to the success of your project and essential for every construction manager.

For the entire audiobook, go to https://a.co/d/0AFfWbR for the paperback or digital version, go to https://a.co/d/8Ri1Mh6

This is episode #2 from 2018. When we switched platforms, we lost a bunch of shows. Fortunately, I was able to dive deep into the archives and recover some of them.

Today's podcast is about time management and how you can effectively manage your time and the time of your trade partners.

This is another relaunch of a lost episode. In this episode, Jason and I discuss job site management, specifically trash. Trash is a plague on job sites and must be eradicated or at least cleaned up.

Enjoy.

Chapter 4 from the recently rewritten book Builder Tactics: A Practical Guide to Construction Management. It includes a detailed description of how to manage your job site. And what it takes to portray yourself as competent and in charge of managing construction projects. Job site management includes the appearance of your job site, traffic and delivery control, safety, stormwater and pollution control, and a whole lot more. Maintaining positive control of your construction site is critical to the success of your project and essential for every construction manager.

For the entire audiobook, go to https://a.co/d/0AFfWbR for the paperback or digital version, go to https://a.co/d/8Ri1Mh6

Join me for an insightful episode as we dive into Chapter 5 of the recently updated book, *Builder Tactics: A Practical Guide to Construction Management. In this chapter, we unpack the essential elements of contracts between builders and trade companies, shedding light on how these agreements lay the groundwork for successful projects.

Maintaining positive control over your construction site starts with a solid understanding of the legal requirements that govern your trades and your company. Whether you’re a seasoned construction manager or just starting out, this knowledge is critical to ensuring your project's success. Tune in as we explore the complexities of construction contracts and elevate your management skills!

For the entire audiobook, go to https://a.co/d/0AFfWbR for the paperback or digital version, go to https://a.co/d/8Ri1Mh6

During this episode, we dive into Chapter 6 of the recently updated book, *Builder Tactics: A Practical Guide to Construction Management. In this chapter, we unpack the essential elements of accounting for builders.

I hope you all have a fantastic holiday season, set some New Year resolutions, and achieve your goals for 2025.

For the entire audiobook, go to https://a.co/d/0AFfWbR for the paperback or digital version, go to https://a.co/d/8Ri1Mh6

During this episode, we dive into Chapter 8 of the recently updated book Builder Tactics: A Practical Guide to Construction Management. In this chapter, we explore the essential skills of time management for builders.

I hope your year started off right, and you are achieving all of your 2025 goals.

For the entire audiobook, go to https://a.co/d/0AFfWbR for the paperback or digital version, go to https://a.co/d/8Ri1Mh6

Welcome to The Construction Management Podcast! As we kick off 2025, we want to take a moment to focus on what you are going to do with the new year. If you're tuning in, chances are you already have a growth mindset—a drive for professional and personal development that will shape your success this year and beyond.

In this episode, we're diving deep into goal setting, motivation, and sustaining a growth mindset in construction management and beyond.

We cover what professional development means and why it’s crucial for your career. Whether you’re aiming for a promotion, improving leadership skills, or simply looking to level up in 2025, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you set clear goals and make them happen.

🎧 Tune in and start building the foundation for your best year yet!

In today’s episode, I share some exciting news about rebranding the podcast to better align with my evolving creative projects and deeper mission. This isn’t just a name change — it’s a renewed vision that reflects the journey we’re all on toward balance, leadership, and clarity in the chaos of life and construction.

You'll also get an exclusive listen to Chapter 1 of my new book, Building Zen — a personal and powerful reflection on finding peace, purpose, and presence, even in the most intense moments.

I’d love to hear what resonates with you. Drop a comment, share your thoughts, and join the conversation.

https://a.co/d/68s6AUJ

In this episode of Builder Tactics, host Damien Edwards sits down with Chad Gill, founder of VAs for Construction, to explore a groundbreaking topic that’s shaking up the industry: how blue-collar workers are using AI on the construction site.

Together, they explore real-world applications of artificial intelligence by field teams — from streamlining punch lists and tracking job progress to automating repetitive administrative tasks and enhancing communication between the office and the field. Chad shares stories from the trenches, discusses the resistance and excitement AI is generating among tradespeople, and highlights the surprising ways virtual assistants and AI tools are already making a difference for foremen, supers, and site teams.

About Chad Gill: 
Chad Gill is a former contractor with 23+ years of hands-on experience in the construction industry. Now, as the founder of Laminin Coach and VAs for Construction, Chad helps leaders and their teams become AI-enhanced. By focusing on practical applications, he empowers organizations to leverage AI for better decision-making, improved workflows, and measurable results. He’s also a speaker, known for his talk “Blue Collar AI”, which explores practical ways AI is transforming the skilled trades and construction industry.    Chad is passionate about showing leaders that AI isn’t about complexity or futuristic technology—it’s about small, everyday actions that add up to huge impact. 
Website: https://www.vas4construction.com/ 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chad-gill-99042a37/ 
Contact: chad@laminincoach.com Phone: 804-938-7915  

In this episode, Damien sits down with Itzik Malka, Co-founder of 4M Analytics, to uncover one of the greatest threats to America’s infrastructure future: the buried utilities beneath our feet. These hidden lifelines power our daily lives, yet there’s no map that tells us where they are—leaving construction projects vulnerable to risk, delays, and cost overruns.

Itzik explains how 4M is tackling this challenge head-on, using data and technology to bring visibility to the unseen and certainty to the unknown. From skyrocketing material costs and compressed timelines to the high stakes of transportation construction, this conversation explores why underground utilities remain the industry’s number one unacknowledged risk—and how solving it could reshape the future of infrastructure.

https://www.4manalytics.com/