Building Scale

Hosted by Will Foret, Justin Neagle

Business EntrepreneurshipInterviews guests

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Episodes

189

Latest episode

Aug 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.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

August 11, 2026Episode 1631 hr 8 min

Driving Positive Accountability: From Blame to Collaboration with Rob Frost, NexGen Contracting

Rob Frost discusses his journey from the military to the construction industry, emphasizing the importance of structured processes in a growing company. He explains the benefits of a self-perform strategy. Rob shares insights on integrating culture with labor partners and the role of vision in strategic planning. He highlights positive accountability and calculating ROI beyond finances, considering risk and efficiency. The episode covers building an operating system to reduce risk, challenges of deploying QMOS, tech investments like Smart Barrel, organizing digital architecture, and offers advice on empathy and people skills.

July 28, 2026Episode 16254 min

Interest Rates & Market Moves: Trends in Commodities and Construction with Jeffrey Wagner, AZ Construction and Renovation

Jeff Wagner shares his journey from molecular biology to the construction industry, detailing the growth and evolution of Arizona Construction and Renovation. He highlights the importance of prompt payments to employees and subcontractors, while discussing challenges like client bankruptcy and the impact of COVID-19. Jeff delves into his transition from international to domestic projects and the role of private equity in single-family homes. He explains interest rate futures, diversification into insurance, and the use of futures contracts for lumber. Jeff emphasizes the significance of technology, maintaining happy employees, and offers advice to his younger self.

July 14, 2026Episode 1611 hr 8 min

Hiring For Outcomes: Build Better Teams & Boost Lead Quality with Michael Pruitt, Master's Landscape Design

Mike Pruitt joins the episode to share his journey in the AEC industry and discuss his strategic shift in business growth. He emphasizes the importance of identifying an ideal customer base and how raising the project floor has influenced lead flow. Communication is highlighted as a crucial element in project management, client trust, and satisfaction. Mike delves into the significance of core values in hiring and company culture, advocating for hiring based on outcomes rather than job descriptions. He explores the impact of technology investments, particularly AI, on efficiency and productivity. Reflecting on past experiences, Mike offers advice to his younger self and shares his insights on balancing people, processes, and technology.

July 7, 2026Episode 16058 min

Growth Without Compromise: From Bankruptcy to Building Businesses with Brent Garrett, The Skilled Trades Coach

Brent Garrett shares his journey in the trades, discussing early challenges and pivotal lessons from his father. He highlights the importance of sales, strategies for profitability, and the evolution of leadership. Brent emphasizes the risks of stagnation, personal struggles, financial oversight, and building a strong company culture. He explores the "messy middle" growth phase and his investment in technology. Brent also discusses his coaching initiatives, insights from his book, and offers advice to his younger self, stressing the importance of helping others achieve their dreams.

June 30, 2026Episode 1591 hr 4 min

Task-Based Success: Cutting Chaos Through Process Clarity with Heath Robertson, VDC Specialists

Join Heath Robertson as he shares his journey from rock band member to founder of VDC Specialists. Discover how VDC grew from a bedroom startup to a thriving enterprise. Heath discusses challenges in scaling, strategic hiring, and the importance of differentiating field hires from BIM professionals. Explore VDC's training processes, remote work adaptation, and defining good vs. bad BIM. Hear real-life BIM ROI examples and learn about their internal technologies and self-updating training systems. Heath emphasizes adaptability and the dangers of rigid planning.

June 23, 2026Episode 15852 min

From Labor to Leadership: Replacing Toxic People and Processes with Grant Christopher, Christopher Equipment

Grant Christopher, owner of Christopher Equipment, joins the episode to discuss his journey in business expansion and leadership. He shares insights on automating the sales process and the transition of ownership from father to son, highlighting the challenges and strategies involved. The episode delves into the implementation of EOS for business structure, managing key person risk, and the importance of documentation and automation. Grant emphasizes the role of technology, utilizing AI for efficiency, and investments like SmartEquip to enhance operations. He reflects on the value of mentors, offers advice to his younger self, and shares his thoughts on balancing people, processes, and technology for business growth.

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.