I'm The Gaffer – Details, episodes & analysis

Are you leaving money on the table in your construction business? In this episode, lean management expert Erika Giuggio explains how construction companies can save thousands by outsourcing non-core tasks and identifying hidden costs in areas like merchant services and telecom. 

Erika shares her unique journey from urban planning to developing a franchise model that helps business owners streamline operations. With examples of real savings, Erica highlights the importance of regular expense reviews and negotiating better deals with suppliers. 

Discover how small changes in procurement and cost management can transform your business and put more money in your pocket.

00:00 – Introduction

03:46 – How lean management saves construction businesses

05:19 – Hidden costs in merchant fees and telecom

12:24 – Negotiating better procurement deals

23:12 – Outsourcing non-core tasks

28:16 – How Erika’s franchise operates

42:02 – Special offer: Free procurement analysis

• Book a free procurement analysis with Erika - https://www.schooleymitchell.com/office/aegiuggio/about/
• Connect with Erika - https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikagiuggio/

For more information about anything in this episode head to https://www.gavin-coyle.com/

I'm The Gaffer, hosted by industry expert Gavin Coyle, is the essential podcast for construction people, offering insider insights, expert interviews, and actionable strategies to blueprint unprecedented success in the dynamic world of construction. Whether you are still ‘on the tools’, just getting started, a seasoned site manager focused on large-scale project management, or a fast-growth building industry entrepreneur/developer this podcast is for you.

Gavin's guests, ranging from influential thought leaders to boots-on-the-ground practitioners, share their stories, successes and failures, and offer invaluable lessons and tips, allowing you to have a 360-degree view of the construction landscape. This podcast is a must have shared learning space for any person looking to achieve success in the building industry.

As a construction person, this podcast is your go-to source for navigating the complexities of the construction industry where success is not just built; it's crafted with precision, passion, and the right knowledge.

I’m The Gaffer, available on:

Apple https://bit.ly/ImTheGaffer

Spotify https://bit.ly/ImTheGafferSpotify

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@gavincoylesafety

#ImTheGaffer #constructionpodcast  #construction #constructionbusiness #safetytips #business #podcast #podcastclips

Are you struggling to meet deadlines on your construction projects? The insights from Ernest Szydelski, CEO of Hustro, may hold the solution. 

Szydelski discusses the challenges of strategic planning versus tactical planning on construction sites, highlighting the need for user-friendly software that can quickly capture and organise on-site information. Hustro's approach focuses on speed and simplicity, aiming to solve problems within 30 seconds or less. 

By estimating the financial impact of issues, the software helps managers react quickly and minimise delays. Szydelski also shares a case study where Hustro's tools saved over 400 hours of work during a technical acceptance process. If you're tired of wasting time on inefficient documentation and want to boost your team's productivity, Hustro may be worth exploring. Szydelski's insights provide valuable perspectives on the construction industry's challenges and how innovative software can address them.

0:00 Challenges in Construction Planning and Tactical Planning

4:27 Ernest’s Background and Entry into Construction

7:12 Transition to Software Development and Hustro’s Founding

10:39 Construction Industry Standards and Digitization in Poland

22:25 Implementation Challenges and the Role of Software Solutions

36:03 Hustro’s Approach to Construction Management Software

42:32 Cost Management and Financial Impact of Issues

49:07 Improving Efficiency and Reducing Waste

50:58 Contact Information and Future Plans

For more information about anything in this episode head to 

https://www.hustro.com/

https://www.gavin-coyle.com/

I'm The Gaffer, hosted by industry expert Gavin Coyle, is the essential podcast for construction people, offering insider insights, expert interviews, and actionable strategies to blueprint unprecedented success in the dynamic world of construction. Whether you are still ‘on the tools’, just getting started, a seasoned site manager focused on large-scale project management, or a fast-growth building industry entrepreneur/developer this podcast is for you.

Gavin's guests, ranging from influential thought leaders to boots-on-the-ground practitioners, share their stories, successes and failures, and offer invaluable lessons and tips, allowing you to have a 360-degree view of the construction landscape. This podcast is a must have shared learning space for any person looking to achieve success in the building industry.

As a construction person, this podcast is your go-to source for navigating the complexities of the construction industry where success is not just built; it's crafted with precision, passion, and the right knowledge.

I’m The Gaffer, available on:

Apple https://bit.ly/ImTheGaffer

Spotify https://bit.ly/ImTheGafferSpotify

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@gavincoylesafety

#ImTheGaffer #constructionpodcast  #construction #constructionbusiness #safetytips #business #podcast #podcastclips

Do you want to attract and leverage talent from diverse backgrounds?  Chris Guerra shares his unique journey of transitioning from a career in education to the construction industry, highlighting the benefits that non-traditional skill sets can bring.

Chris and Gavin discuss the difficulties of changing careers into the construction industry, how to improve onboarding and education for new construction workers, and strategies for effective communication and relationship-building across different roles and experience levels. Listen in for an expert's opinion on how tapping into non-traditional talent pools could be the change that your small to medium enterprise needs.

You can connect with Chris via his LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cdguerra10/

For more information about anything in this episode head to https://www.gavin-coyle.com/

0:00 Intro

4:58 Personal background, education, and career transition to the landscape construction industry

10:22 Project management role, testing of knowledge and personality traits. 

16:00 Learning and growth in the construction industry.

22:48 Career transition from teaching to construction

30:40 How to change careers into the construction industry. 

37:23 Teaching, coaching, and storytelling in the construction industry. 

44:02 Improving onboarding and education in construction. 

49:37 Construction industry growth and learning.

I'm The Gaffer, hosted by industry expert Gavin Coyle, is the essential podcast for construction people, offering insider insights, expert interviews, and actionable strategies to blueprint unprecedented success in the dynamic world of construction. Whether you are still ‘on the tools’, just getting started, a seasoned site manager focused on large-scale project management, or a fast-growth building industry entrepreneur/developer this podcast is for you.

Gavin's guests, ranging from influential thought leaders to boots-on-the-ground practitioners, share their stories, successes and failures, and offer invaluable lessons and tips, allowing you to have a 360-degree view of the construction landscape. This podcast is a must have shared learning space for any person looking to achieve success in the building industry.

As a construction person, this podcast is your go-to source for navigating the complexities of the construction industry where success is not just built; it's crafted with precision, passion, and the right knowledge.

I’m The Gaffer, available on:

Apple https://bit.ly/ImTheGaffer

Spotify https://bit.ly/ImTheGafferSpotify

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@gavincoylesafety

#ImTheGaffer #constructionpodcast  #construction #constructionbusiness #safetytips #business #podcast #podcastclips

Do you want to effectively manage the growth and scaling of your businesses? Coralee Beatty is here to help you develop leadership skills, delegate tasks, and optimise business processes to make the most of your construction business.

Coralee and Gavin discuss overcoming the challenges of scaling a business, prioritising time, and automating inefficiencies to improve productivity and work-life balance. This episode is a treasure trove of practical advice and personal insights from an experienced construction industry leader and coach.

You can connect with Coralee on Thrive’s HQ’s website: https://www.thrivehq.ca 

Her Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coraleebeatty/

Or Her Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coraleebeatty/

For more information about anything in this episode head to https://www.gavin-coyle.com/

0:00 Intro 

5:09 The importance of seeking help early.

11:12 Prioritising time and delegating tasks for business success.

15:07 Automating inefficiencies in small businesses.

19:51 Learning processes for business continuity and efficiency.

27:48 Leadership, communication, and problem-solving strategies for a CEO.

39:23 Focusing on time and mindset when growing your business.

I'm The Gaffer, hosted by industry expert Gavin Coyle, is the essential podcast for construction people, offering insider insights, expert interviews, and actionable strategies to blueprint unprecedented success in the dynamic world of construction. Whether you are still ‘on the tools’, just getting started, a seasoned site manager focused on large-scale project management, or a fast-growth building industry entrepreneur/developer this podcast is for you.

Gavin's guests, ranging from influential thought leaders to boots-on-the-ground practitioners, share their stories, successes and failures, and offer invaluable lessons and tips, allowing you to have a 360-degree view of the construction landscape. This podcast is a must have shared learning space for any person looking to achieve success in the building industry.

As a construction person, this podcast is your go-to source for navigating the complexities of the construction industry where success is not just built; it's crafted with precision, passion, and the right knowledge.

I’m The Gaffer, available on:

Apple https://bit.ly/ImTheGaffer

Spotify https://bit.ly/ImTheGafferSpotify

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@gavincoylesafety

#ImTheGaffer #constructionpodcast  #construction #constructionbusiness #safetytips #business #podcast #podcastclips

Should your small to medium enterprise be taking on public sector contracts? Paul Sheridan, a director for the Construction Industry Federation, talks about the challenges and opportunities that come with public sector contracts, drawing from his years of experience representing the interests of the leading construction firms in Ireland.

Paul and Gavin speak about the problems with Irish government contracts, the facts behind the negative perception of public works, and what can be done to improve the relationship between the construction sector and the government. Public works and government contracts could be more attractive than you originally thought.

You can connect with Paul through CIF’s website  https://cif.ie/

Or his Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-sheridan-702bb8240/

For more information about anything in this episode head to https://www.gavin-coyle.com/

0:00 Intro

2:22 The challenges of the Irish construction industry

7:22 Improving the construction industry's communication with the government.

13:13 The challenges faced by SMEs and how the government can support them

25:52 Managing risks and ensuring payment for construction projects.

38:45 What is the CIF doing for SMEs?

I'm The Gaffer, hosted by industry expert Gavin Coyle, is the essential podcast for construction people, offering insider insights, expert interviews, and actionable strategies to blueprint unprecedented success in the dynamic world of construction. Whether you are still ‘on the tools’, just getting started, a seasoned site manager focused on large-scale project management, or a fast-growth building industry entrepreneur/developer this podcast is for you.

Gavin's guests, ranging from influential thought leaders to boots-on-the-ground practitioners, share their stories, successes and failures, and offer invaluable lessons and tips, allowing you to have a 360-degree view of the construction landscape. This podcast is a must have shared learning space for any person looking to achieve success in the building industry.

As a construction person, this podcast is your go-to source for navigating the complexities of the construction industry where success is not just built; it's crafted with precision, passion, and the right knowledge.

I’m The Gaffer, available on:

Apple https://bit.ly/ImTheGaffer

Spotify https://bit.ly/ImTheGafferSpotify

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@gavincoylesafety

#ImTheGaffer #constructionpodcast  #construction #constructionbusiness #safetytips #business #podcast #podcastclips

Are you leaving money on the table with your construction contracts? According to industry experts, subcontractors and suppliers could be missing out on 5-15% of their potential profits by not properly negotiating and managing their contracts.

In this eye-opening discussion, construction veteran Cian Brennan shares his insider knowledge on how the big players in the industry use contractual strategies to maximise their margins. By learning to challenge contract terms, secure upfront payments, and develop long-term client relationships, you can take control of your cash flow and profitability. Don't let poor contract management hold your business back - discover the proven tactics to boost your bottom line and stay ahead of the competition.

You can connect with Cian on LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/contractreviews/, Twitter twitter.com/brennantweets, YouTube youtube.com/@constructionsecrets, or even listen to his podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/construction-secrets-w-cian-brennan/id1631306206

For more information about anything in this episode head to https://www.gavin-coyle.com/

0:00 Intro

5:24 Business growth strategies and industry disruption.

9:38 Contract negotiation strategies for construction projects.

15:22 Managing contracts and disputes in the construction industry.

23:02 Managing risk in business contracts.

27:45 Improving cash flow management in construction projects.

34:38 Construction contracts and risk management.

I'm The Gaffer, hosted by industry expert Gavin Coyle, is the essential podcast for construction people, offering insider insights, expert interviews, and actionable strategies to blueprint unprecedented success in the dynamic world of construction. Whether you are still ‘on the tools’, just getting started, a seasoned site manager focused on large-scale project management, or a fast-growth building industry entrepreneur/developer this podcast is for you.

Gavin's guests, ranging from influential thought leaders to boots-on-the-ground practitioners, share their stories, successes and failures, and offer invaluable lessons and tips, allowing you to have a 360-degree view of the construction landscape. This podcast is a must have shared learning space for any person looking to achieve success in the building industry.

As a construction person, this podcast is your go-to source for navigating the complexities of the construction industry where success is not just built; it's crafted with precision, passion, and the right knowledge.

I’m The Gaffer, available on:

Apple https://bit.ly/ImTheGaffer

Spotify https://bit.ly/ImTheGafferSpotify

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@gavincoylesafety

#ImTheGaffer #constructionpodcast  #construction #constructionbusiness #safetytips #business #podcast #podcastclips

How can construction companies foster a culture of empathy and collaboration? Jonathan Cinelli, a seasoned construction professional, emphasises the importance of prioritising people over profits. By cultivating psychological safety, open communication, and genuine connections, companies can unlock higher engagement, productivity, and sustainability.

Jonathan’s coaching approach challenges traditional top-down leadership, encouraging leaders to be vulnerable, curious, and responsive to employee needs. Through personalised programs and ongoing support, he helps construction firms break down silos and build a shared sense of purpose. By investing in their people, companies can not only improve their bottom line but also create a more fulfilling work environment that attracts and retains top talent. Cinelli’s insights offer a transformative path forward for an industry seeking to redefine its culture and unlock its full potential.

You can connect with Jonathan via his website https://www.jonathancinelli.com/ or on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-cinelli-pmp-acc-103b841ba/

For more information about anything in this episode head to https://www.gavin-coyle.com/

0:00 Intro

1:00 Leadership, communication and culture in the construction industry.

14:29 Leadership development and breakthrough moments in a construction company.

20:50 Improving workplace culture and communication.

28:14 Profit vs. people in the construction industry.

33:50 Fostering friendships and staying connected for personal and professional growth.

37:57 Importance of prioritising people in business.

43:16 Using humour and empathy to connect with people in the construction industry.

50:15 Mindset and empathy in business leadership.

I'm The Gaffer, hosted by industry expert Gavin Coyle, is the essential podcast for construction people, offering insider insights, expert interviews, and actionable strategies to blueprint unprecedented success in the dynamic world of construction. Whether you are still ‘on the tools’, just getting started, a seasoned site manager focused on large-scale project management, or a fast-growth building industry entrepreneur/developer this podcast is for you.

Gavin's guests, ranging from influential thought leaders to boots-on-the-ground practitioners, share their stories, successes and failures, and offer invaluable lessons and tips, allowing you to have a 360-degree view of the construction landscape. This podcast is a must have shared learning space for any person looking to achieve success in the building industry.

As a construction person, this podcast is your go-to source for navigating the complexities of the construction industry where success is not just built; it's crafted with precision, passion, and the right knowledge.

I’m The Gaffer, available on: Apple https://bit.ly/ImTheGaffer Spotify https://bit.ly/ImTheGafferSpotify YouTube  @gavincoylesafety#ImTheGaffer #constructionpodcast  #construction #constructionbusiness #safetytips #business #podcast #podcastclips

Are you struggling to optimise your supply chain and procurement processes? Keith Wright, a seasoned industry expert, may have the answers you need. With over 30 years of experience in the building materials sector, Keith has seen it all - from navigating economic shocks to leveraging data-driven insights to drive efficiency.

In his upcoming book, "The Power of Professional Procurement," Keith shares a wealth of practical strategies to help businesses like yours unlock hidden profit potential. Whether you're a merchant, contractor, or manufacturer, Keith's insights can empower you to streamline your operations, strengthen supplier relationships, and stay ahead of the curve. Don't let supply chain challenges hold you back - discover how Keith's expertise can transform your business.

You can connect with Keith on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@theprocurementexpert, LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/keith-wright-4aa823a8/, or via his website https://www.kwrightconsultancy.co.uk/

For more information about anything in this episode head to https://www.gavin-coyle.com/

0:00 Intro 4:20 Career progression and entrepreneurship in the construction industry. 10:38 Entrepreneurship, work-life balance, and niche market opportunities. 13:54 Industry collaboration and investment in construction. 19:25 Managing economic shocks and supply chain risks. 22:14 Construction product pricing and supply chain management. 27:42 Supply chain collaboration and communication between merchants and contractors. 31:09 Procurement challenges and opportunities for improvement. 36:51 Supply chain management, industry insights and procurement challenges for small businesses. 45:39 Credit risk assessment for small businesses. 48:28 Procurement and supply chain management. 53:51 Entrepreneurship, industry insights, and personal stories.

I'm The Gaffer, hosted by industry expert Gavin Coyle, is the essential podcast for construction people, offering insider insights, expert interviews, and actionable strategies to blueprint unprecedented success in the dynamic world of construction. Whether you are still ‘on the tools’, just getting started, a seasoned site manager focused on large-scale project management, or a fast-growth building industry entrepreneur/developer this podcast is for you.

Gavin's guests, ranging from influential thought leaders to boots-on-the-ground practitioners, share their stories, successes and failures, and offer invaluable lessons and tips, allowing you to have a 360-degree view of the construction landscape. This podcast is a must have shared learning space for any person looking to achieve success in the building industry.

As a construction person, this podcast is your go-to source for navigating the complexities of the construction industry where success is not just built; it's crafted with precision, passion, and the right knowledge.

How can we get more young people interested in construction careers? The construction industry faces a skills shortage as the workforce ages, yet it offers many opportunities for rewarding careers. We must promote construction as a viable option to new generations through innovative outreach on social media platforms they use daily.

By showing young people real career paths and role models similar to them, we can inspire young people to consider the industry. If we establish academies and scholarships within leading companies, we provide a clear pathway for talent to develop valuable skills. Most importantly, we should communicate our core values of trust, collaboration and innovation to show how construction careers empower people to build the structures of the future.

0:00 Attracting young people to the construction industry. 8:39 Construction industry marketing and disruption. 16:58 Construction industry challenges and solutions, particularly planning and collaboration. 24:20 AI's potential to address construction industry skills gap. 28:51 Attracting and retaining talent in the construction industry. 37:31 Improving construction industry talent development. 44:57 Future-proofing businesses through communication and innovation. 50:40 Creating engaging content for social media platforms.

To find out more about Paul’s work, connect with him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pauldavidmunnelly/

For more information about anything in this episode head to https://www.gavin-coyle.com/

I'm The Gaffer, hosted by industry expert Gavin Coyle, is the essential podcast for construction people, offering insider insights, expert interviews, and actionable strategies to blueprint unprecedented success in the dynamic world of construction. Whether you are still ‘on the tools’, just getting started, a seasoned site manager focused on large-scale project management, or a fast-growth building industry entrepreneur/developer this podcast is for you.

Gavin's guests, ranging from influential thought leaders to boots-on-the-ground practitioners, share their stories, successes and failures, and offer invaluable lessons and tips, allowing you to have a 360-degree view of the construction landscape. This podcast is a must have shared learning space for any person looking to achieve success in the building industry.

As a construction person, this podcast is your go-to source for navigating the complexities of the construction industry where success is not just built; it's crafted with precision, passion, and the right knowledge.

How can construction companies better support the career development of their employees? Construction firms should directly sponsor learning opportunities to help workers gain qualifications for management roles. Cory Fisk's Construction Management Essentials program is an example of a personalised curriculum that could be tailored for individual company needs. Sponsoring programs shows employees that upward mobility is valued. Companies could also implement internal mentorship to pass knowledge from experienced staff nearing retirement to younger workers. This helps break down barriers between site roles and management while encouraging collaboration. Promoting from within based on competency assessments in addition to academic requirements sends a fairer message that commitment and skills development will be rewarded regardless of education level. Direct support of learning, knowledge sharing across generations, and balanced promotion criteria help retain talent through improved engagement and career pathways.

0:00 Connecting workers and leadership in the construction industry. 5:05 Construction industry opportunities and challenges. 9:30 Communication and collaboration gaps between construction site workers and management. 14:32 The importance of mentorship and support in various industries. 19:13 Gender diversity in the construction industry. 30:00 Education and career development in the construction industry. 35:03 Career development in construction management. 43:26 Personal growth, accountability, and motivation. 47:25 Management, mentorship, and personal experiences.

Get in touch with Cory on https://constructionmanagementonline.com/ or email her directly at [email protected]

For more information about anything in this episode head to https://www.gavin-coyle.com/

I'm The Gaffer, hosted by industry expert Gavin Coyle, is the essential podcast for construction people, offering insider insights, expert interviews, and actionable strategies to blueprint unprecedented success in the dynamic world of construction. Whether you are still ‘on the tools’, just getting started, a seasoned site manager focused on large-scale project management, or a fast-growth building industry entrepreneur/developer this podcast is for you.

Gavin's guests, ranging from influential thought leaders to boots-on-the-ground practitioners, share their stories, successes and failures, and offer invaluable lessons and tips, allowing you to have a 360-degree view of the construction landscape. This podcast is a must have shared learning space for any person looking to achieve success in the building industry.

As a construction person, this podcast is your go-to source for navigating the complexities of the construction industry where success is not just built; it's crafted with precision, passion, and the right knowledge.