Building Scale

Hosted by Will Foret, Justin Neagle

Business EntrepreneurshipInterviews guests

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Episodes

182

Latest episode

Jun 2026

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About the show

We interview successful Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) business leaders to learn how they use people, processes, and technology to scale their businesses.

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60 recent

June 16, 2026Episode 15758 min

Mindset Matters: Understanding Why People Follow Great Leaders with Rick Heagarty, Land IQ

Rick Heagarty shares his journey in the AEC industry, discussing early career growth and the importance of vertical integration and developing people. He emphasizes partnerships for scaling and offers insights on forming successful collaborations. The episode explores Rick's ventures in expanding a closet company, real estate projects, and diversifying interests. He talks about increasing ticket value, the emotional impact of exiting businesses, and the importance of mindset. Rick highlights teaching mindset skills to employees and leading by example, along with leadership lessons from family dynamics and marketing mistakes.

June 2, 202653 min

Remodel Your Finances: Renovating Condos and Building True Financial Security with Camilla Jeffs, Cultivate Advisors

Join Camilla Jeffs as she shares her journey from early real estate ventures to becoming a business leader. Discover her insights on buying versus building a business, buying a construction company, and building remotely. Camilla highlights the importance of partnerships, client experience, and acquiring financial skills. She also delves into balancing family life with entrepreneurship, involving children in business, and utilizing tax benefits. Learn about her experiences with flood restoration, condo renovations, and selecting trade partners. Camilla's transition to consulting with Cultivate Advisors is discussed, along with advice for young professionals.

May 26, 202659 min

Engineering Your Future: Embrace Learning, Not Just Winning with Chris Sutton, Sutton Engineering

Chris Sutton, CEO of Sutton Engineering, shares his journey in MEP engineering and founding his company. He discusses expanding to New York, the importance of mission-critical work, and transitioning from a hustle mindset to structured growth. Chris highlights leadership challenges, personal development through Vistage, Strategic Coach, and EOS, and emphasizes defining a company's 'why' and building strong relationships. The episode covers strategic hiring with tools like the Culture Index and Kolbe assessments, payment challenges in commercial projects, and using technology for growth. Chris concludes with insights on automation, process improvement, and advice for young professionals.

May 19, 2026Episode 15455 min

Resilience Beyond Injury: Knowing When To Slow Down And Double Down with Steven Whitehouse, Southeastern Tank

Steven Whitehouse, COO of Southeastern Tank, shares his journey in the construction industry, detailing his path to joining the company and its growth. He discusses Southeastern Tank's niche services and the importance of aligning hires with core values for talent retention. Steven highlights the significance of a family culture, loyalty, and leadership development. The conversation covers strategic acquisitions, expansion into chemicals and water treatment, and the lessons learned from these experiences. Steven also delves into technology and process improvements, including implementing AI like ChatGPT, and the challenges of technology adoption. The episode concludes with Steven's advice and contact information.

May 12, 202634 min

Like Couples Therapy: Innovating The GC/Sub Financial Dynamic with Claire Wilson, Siteline

Claire Wilson shares her journey from general contractor to founding Siteline, tackling challenges like cash flow and "pay when paid" contracts. She discusses retention issues, delayed payments, and the struggles subcontractors face, stressing the need to educate them on lien rights and paperwork. Claire offers insights on trust-building, community feedback, and supporting specialty trades. The episode explores scaling from residential to commercial projects and the financial toll of prolonged payment cycles. Claire explains Siteline's role as a billing command center and suggests improvements for construction payment processes, wrapping up with closing remarks and contact info.

May 5, 2026Episode 1531 hr 1 min

Honesty in Business: Truth Delayed Is Leadership Betrayed with Chris Ball, John W. McDougall Co.

Chris Ball shares insights on the construction industry, contrasting practices in South Africa and the US. He emphasizes leadership principles, balancing people and processes for business success. The discussion explores enhancing project management through data visibility and using Smartsheet for data management. Chris discusses software customization, reliability, and the challenges of standard versus custom solutions. He also covers evaluating software, stress-testing demos, and cost assessments for small companies. Chris touches on employee motivation, performance bonuses, and concludes with advice for young professionals and thoughts on trust in outsourcing within the AEC industry.

April 28, 2026Episode 15250 min

The Formula For Success: Lessons Learned in Building Modern Race Tracks with Michael Lucarelli, Nitti Builders

Michael Lucarelli joins to discuss his journey with Nitti Builders and the challenges of constructing the Formula One Miami track. He shares insights on race track construction, emphasizing quality, adaptability, and collaboration. The conversation covers training, consistency, and the shift to tilt-up construction, highlighting the importance of strong partnerships and risk mitigation. Michael compares roles of GCs, owners, and subcontractors, and the choice between subcontracting and self-performing at Nitti Builders. The episode wraps up with thoughts on new markets, technology advancements, and advice for the younger generation.

April 21, 202634 min

Discipline or Regret: How True Focus Will Change Your Future with Jason Sain, 1 Degree

Jason Sain shares his journey in the construction industry, highlighting his experiences and the founding of 1 Degree. He discusses working with clients across various states and focuses on the challenges faced by general contractors and subcontractors, including prequalification, cash flow, and communication. Jason emphasizes the importance of enhancing project delivery methods and explores the balance between discipline and regret in leadership. He addresses the resistance to change and the impact of leadership participation on field operations. The conversation touches on balancing work and personal life and concludes with Jason's insights on the four P's for making tough decisions.

April 14, 2026Episode 1511 hr 1 min

Like Walking Palms: Going Farther With Multiple Brands with Brandon Woodside and Ryan Stephens, TXD Roofing

Brandon Woodside and Ryan Stephens from TXD Family of Brands join the episode to discuss their journey and leadership challenges. They highlight the importance of team collaboration and transitioning owners out of sales roles, emphasizing the care for team members and fostering a positive business culture. The conversation addresses misconceptions about business as family and defines success through personal stories like Ron's turnaround and Michael's transformation. They delve into marketing strategy, autonomy, and leadership retreats, alongside investing in technology and AI integration. The episode wraps up with advice to their younger selves and reflections on people, process, and technology's role in scaling the AEC industry.

April 7, 2026Episode 15059 min

With Clients That Last: Earning Respect and Giving Grace with Andrew Eshelman, Eshelman Construction

Andrew Eshelman delves into his career journey, transitioning from early roles to business ownership in the AEC industry. He shares insights on building key relationships and tackling major projects, while balancing hiring with company growth amidst market challenges. The conversation touches on leadership, running a company alongside family life, and the nuances of client relationships. Andrew discusses business communication, emphasizing a balance between directness and hospitality. He highlights the role of technology, including Procore, BuildingConnected, and Bluebeam, and explores AI and robotics in construction's future.