Construction Genius – Details, episodes & analysis

Construction BD expert Ken Harms joins me to break down the rise of the Doer–Seller model — a relationship-driven approach where project managers and superintendents help win work by serving clients, asking better questions, and building long-term trust.

We unpack how owners' expectations have shifted, why the rainmaker era is over, how to train introverted technical pros to engage confidently, and why firms that ignore this model will be trapped in low-bid work.

If you want more negotiated work, more repeat clients, and teams who know how to build trust on and off the job, this episode delivers the roadmap.

Ken's links:
Website: www.kenharms.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kenneth-harms-12b56629/

Most contractors think they understand their WIP reports—but few actually use them to stop hidden job losses.
CPA Kathe Barrington joins Eric Anderton to explain how to simplify your WIP, prevent fake profits, and keep your cash and bonding capacity intact.

You'll discover:
• Why bad budgets destroy profits
• How percent-complete accounting really works
• How PMs and accountants can finally get on the same page

• 🌐 Website: https://www.kbcpa.biz

• 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathe-barrington-a6346337/

• 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Kathe-Barrington-CPA/100072271041746/
  
  

👉 More from Construction Genius

• 📘 Get the book Construction Genius: https://www.amazon.com/Construction-Genius-Effective-Hands-Leadership/dp/B0BHTRDY1T/
  
  

🧠 Learn about The Shift: Construction Leadership Course

Public speaking isn't just about talking; it's about influencing, connecting, and leaving a mark that lasts long after the last word is spoken. Most people find public speaking daunting, but does it have to be that way? 

Public speaking is one of the biggest challenges for people no matter the industry. Some people are natural-born speakers. The others, not so much. In this episode of the Construction Genius podcast, Eric is joined by John Zalepka, a seasoned public speaking coach, to explore practical strategies to overcome fear, move beyond overconfidence, and connect with the audience. From crafting story-driven presentations to handling technical failures with grace, they explain how preparation, practice, and authenticity can turn speeches into powerful moments. 

John Zalepka is an author and seasoned speaking coach who helps corporate leaders to effectively communicate brand messages with a confident voice. He serves as Director of Training & Industry Engagements at Specified Technologies Inc. (STI) and is Chair of the Communications Committee for the International Firestop Council (IFC). He is the author of 'The Presenter's Playbook: A blueprint for delivering impactful presentations for SMEs, FNGs & everyone in between.' 

HIGHLIGHTS

[01:27] The most common fears and barriers to public speaking.
[04:19] Clarity in public speaking.
[07:42] Extemporaneous speaking.
[09:16] Finding a common ground with an audience.
[12:16] The power of storytelling.
[18:16] Capturing the audience's attention.
[21:33] Handling tech failures with grace.
[30:44] Signature phrases and closing techniques.

RESOURCES

Connect with John Zalepka

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/zalepka/ 

Email - john@corporatebrandinc.com 

Website - corporatebrandinc.com 

                  stifirestop.com 

The Presenter's Playbook: A blueprint for delivering impactful presentations for SMEs, FNGs & everyone in between by John Zalepka

amazon.com/dp/B0FDCL2HSS 

90-Day High-Performance Dashboard

You can't afford to let your people drift.

To drive real performance, you must coach with clarity and purpose.

Use the 90-Day High-Performance Dashboard to:

• Get clear on what matters most.

• Drive focused action and accountability.

• Strengthen trust and deepen relationships.

Success doesn't happen by accident.

It happens when leaders coach with precision and consistency.

Download the 90-Day High-Performance Dashboard here: https://www.constructiongenius.com/high-performance-in-a-new-role

Coach your team toward real results — one conversation at a time.

📖 Construction Genius Book – No B.S., practical, hands-on leadership, strategy, sales, and marketing advice for construction companies. Click this link to buy the book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Construction-Genius-Effective-Hands-Leadership/dp/B0BHTRDY1T/

🎯 The Shift: Move from Project Builder to People Leader – Master the leadership skills you need to succeed in construction. Click this link to learn more and enroll: https://theshift.constructiongenius.com

☎️ Book a 10-Minute Call with Eric Anderton – If you want to discuss how I can help you coach your leaders, let's connect. Book a 10-minute conversation here: https://10minutes.youcanbook.me

🎧 Subscribe & Share
If this episode hit home, share it with your sales team. And don't forget to leave a review—it helps more construction leaders find Construction Genius!

Your brand identity is your unique claim of distinction. Therefore, you and your entire team must have clarity on how you want to present it to your target market for it to be truly meaningful and impactful. Eric Anderton chats with Tim Leon, President of Geile/Leon Marketing Communications, about the many things to consider when establishing and maintaining a consistent brand identity. Tim explains how to effectively communicate brand positioning and promise to both clients and employees, making it relevant and relatable. He talks about holding branding sessions to constantly improve your messaging and sales strategies. Tim also tackles the nine triggering events that signal a need for a complete rebranding to avoid getting left behind by your competitors.

No one dislikes consistent sales in their business. But what makes successful sales consistent in construction? Today, ripping off the walls behind his secrets in sales, Neil Rogers, the author of Bar Tips: Everything I Learned in Sales, I Learned Behind the Bar, explains the importance of having and defining the sales process. He also shares the simple steps to consistent sales success in construction. He also identifies some practices in bringing business development. Don't miss this opportunity to learn how to get consistent sales success today!

Neil's Book: Bar Tips: Everything I Needed to Know in Sales I Learned Behind the Bar https://www.amazon.com/Bar-Tips-Everything-Needed-Learned/dp/B0BZ1V85T1

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorneilrogers

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/authorneilrogers

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@authorneilrogershttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6C_rB34QvfPpZkB67fzkqQ

Twitter: https://twitter.com/NeilRogersTips

LinkedIn Handle: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neil-p-rogers-cas-68a4a22

Your genius is something you do better than other people. Identifying it is vital in your business because it brings so much value. In this episode, host Eric Anderton flies solo to bring light on how you, as a construction business owner, uncover, embrace, and leverage your unique genius. Only by doing that can you influence your company's success, taking it to newer heights. From mindset shifts to making the commitment to fully embrace your genius, Eric gives us a show you won't want to miss. Begin your journey to success with this episode!

Are you the President of a Commercial Construction Company? Interested in Executive Coaching? Book in a short call with Eric to chat about how he can help: https://10minuteswitheric.youcanbook.me

Buy the ONE book every construction leader must read. Construction Genius: Effective, Hands-On, Practical, Simple, No-BS Leadership, Strategy, Sales, and Marketing Advice for Construction Companies: https://www.amazon.com/Construction-Genius-Effective-Hands-Leadership/dp/B0BHTRDY1T/

Unlock the true potential of your construction business!

Maximize your construction business potential by mastering hiring and management, leading with purpose, and turning networking events into growth opportunities. In this episode, we have David Hernandez, head of U.S. operations for Elecosoft, explore three crucial topics that can revolutionize your approach to growing your construction business. First up, he tackles the art of hiring and managing business development professionals. He discusses how to identify top talent, conduct effective interviews, and create a winning team that drives your company's success. Next, we shift gears to discuss essential aspects of leadership: delegation and time management. David shares the key strategies that effective leaders implement to maximize productivity, delegate tasks efficiently, and streamline their workflow. Finally, David unveils the hidden potential of networking events. Say goodbye to awkwardly standing in the corner, nursing a beer, and hello to making genuine connections that benefit your business. He explains how being curious and intentional turns networking events into chances to build partnerships, generate leads and expand your network. So, grab your hard hat and get ready to dive deep into the world of business development and leadership. Tune in to this captivating conversation with David Hernandez!

Buy the one book every construction leader must read: www.ConstructionGeniusBook.com

If you purchase 10+ copies for you and your leaders, I'll conduct a free Q&A session via Zoom for your team. In addition, I'll teach your team a vital framework that will help them get better at building and leading a team. I normally charge $2,000 for a session like this. Purchase 10 copies, and I'll do it for you for FREE. Get your copies today!

Joe's BBQ: http://www.joesbbq.com

Today's guest spent years as a vet, but she will surely provide tremendous value in the construction industry. In this episode, Dawn Bloomer, the founder of Productive PressureTM, shares her insights on structuring your deal team in acquiring businesses and how to remove yourself from the center of your business to position it at an advantage once you leave on purpose or by accident. She also explains that doing so will help improve your quality of life and increase your company's value. But won't your business collapse if you are not in your business? Well, this is a challenging conversation for most business owners that we must dive into. Let's indulge ourselves in this conversation with Eric and Dawn to fortify our understanding of exit planning.

Dawn's Restaurant Recommendation - MB Post: https://eatmbpost.com/

Buy Eric's Book, Construction Genius: https://www.amazon.com/Construction-Genius-Effective-Hands-Leadership/dp/B0BKCQW11M

Failure isn't the end; it's your pathway to progress. Embrace it, learn from it, and let it fuel your journey towards success. In this compelling episode, host Eric Anderton welcomes empathic keynote speaker, writer, and coach Erin Thorpe. Today, Erin brings a refreshing perspective on how to navigate failure, both as a leader and as a team member. She explores how embracing failure as part of the learning process is not only essential but also an opportunity for personal and professional growth. Throughout the episode, Eric expounds several key points such as normalizing failure, embracing emotions, developing empathy, and ensuring leadership growth. If you're looking to transform failure into a stepping stone towards success, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in now and learn how to turn failure into fuel for your personal and professional growth!

The future of construction is modular, sustainable, and ready to evolve. Modular construction is transforming the way we build, addressing a housing deficit of over 7 million units with innovative solutions. In this episode, Roger Krulak, Founder and President of FullStack Modular, explores how modular construction is evolving into a mature player in the game. Throughout the episode, Roger takes us on a ride through the evolution of this approach, unpacks the necessity that fuels innovation, reveals how cultural openness and economic factors impact the acceptance of industrialized construction, and offers a peek of the future for industrialized construction. Join us in this discussion on the evolution of modular construction, debunking myths, embracing innovation, and shaping the future of buildings.