Construction Champions Podcast

Hosted by Ron Nussbaum

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Episodes

330

Latest episode

Aug 2026

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About the show

Real conversations with construction industry leaders building the future.

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60 recent

August 20, 2026Episode 3134 min

AI Is Fixing Construction's Biggest Supply Chain Problem

Idle time on job sites is the silent killer nobody talks about and it's costing construction companies millions. In this episode, Eshan Jayamanne, CEO and founder of Krane, breaks down why procurement is quietly driving your schedule, your cost, and your design and why most GCs don't see it coming until it's too late. We cover: Why supply chain is the #1 leading indicator of how a project actually performs • How the data center construction boom is reshaping lead times for every other trade (Krane's roster is 50% data center projects right now) • Why labor waiting on materials is the most overlooked cost on any job site • How procurement went from a trade partner's problem to the GC's biggest blind spot • Why "feed crap in, get crap out" applies to AI in construction just as much as anywhere else • What it actually takes to build a real data foundation for supply chain visibility Materials are more than half the equation on any project, this conversation is about finally treating them that way. #ConstructionSupplyChain #Procurement #ConstructionBusiness #DataCenterConstruction Connect with Eshan https://www.krane.tech eshan@krane.tech Connect with Ron LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-nussbaum Construction Champions Podcast Explore episodes, guests, and resources :https://www.constructionchampionspodcast.com

August 6, 2026Episode 3017 min

Construction Estimates Why You're Losing More Jobs Than You Think

Contractors love talking about leads. Facebook ads. SEO. Marketing. But none of that matters if you can't answer the phone. In this solo episode, Ron Nussbaum shares a recent experience hiring contractors for a project at his own home and why the biggest problem wasn't price. It was everything that happened before the estimate. From unanswered phone calls to text-message "quotes" and zero follow-up, this episode breaks down the simple things that separate winning contractors from everyone else. If you're wondering why jobs keep slipping away... This episode may have the answer. Construction Champions Podcast Explore episodes, guests, and resources: https://www.constructionchampionspodcast.com Connect with Ron LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-nussbaum

July 23, 2026Episode 2945 min

How to Scale a Construction Business Without Losing Money

Every contractor wants to grow. More revenue. More crews. More jobs. But what if growth is actually making your problems worse? In this episode, Ron Nussbaum sits down with Robert Hall and Jesse Carnicom, founders of RoofAid USA, to discuss why so many construction businesses struggle when they try to scale. From leadership and systems to profitability and business structure, they explain why the best companies don't chase growth. They earn it. If you're trying to grow your construction business, this episode will help you avoid some of the most expensive mistakes owners make. Coneect with Robert and Jesse https://roofaidusa.com Connect with Ron LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-nussbaum Construction Champions Podcast Explore episodes, guests, and resources: https://www.constructionchampionspodcast.comMAIN TOPICS COVERED Why contractors scale too early The difference between technicians and CEOs Stabilize, sustain, then scale Why systems matter more than hustle Creating scalable business processes Why fragmented businesses struggle Building accountability into operations The importance of leadership development How to grow profitably instead of just growing revenue

July 10, 2026Episode 2633 min

How Social Media Is Helping Contractors Win More Work and Hire Better People

Most contractors say they can't find good people. But what if that isn't the real problem? In this episode, Ron Nussbaum sits down with Sy Kirby to discuss what's actually working in construction today. From building a recognizable brand to attracting top talent, using AI to streamline operations, and creating systems that scale, this conversation is packed with practical advice from someone running a construction company every day. If you're struggling with hiring, marketing, or growing your business, this episode is full of actionable insights you can use immediately. Connect with Sy https://www.linkedin.com/in/sy-kirby-18395b2a6 https://www.syconexc.com/ Sy and Ron https://www.bluecollarbusinesspodcast.com/why-your-crews-are-failing-at-implementation-with-ron-nussbaum/ Connect with Ron LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-nussbaum Construction Champions Podcast Explore episodes, guests, and resources: https://www.constructionchampionspodcast.com

July 2, 2026Episode 2715 min

Someone Is Telling Your Story Better Make Sure It's You

America is celebrating 250 years.Think about that. The history. The battles. The victories. The failures. Every great nation and every great company has one thing in common: A story. In this special July 4th episode, Ron Nussbaum challenges business owners to think differently about reputation, legacy, and the story they're writing every single day. Because if you don't tell your story…Someone else will. Ron also shares an important update on the future of Construction Champions and why the show is evolving to create more action and less information overload. This isn't a tactical episode.It's a reflection on who you are, what you're building, and what you want people to remember. Connect with Ron LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-nussbaum Construction Champions Podcast Explore episodes, guests, and resources: https://www.constructionchampionspodcast.com

June 25, 2026Episode 2634 min

Why Contractors Struggle to Get Paid And How to Fix It

You finished the work. The customer is happy. The invoice was sent. So why haven't you been paid? In this episode, Ron Nussbaum sits down with George, co-founder of Monk, to tackle one of the biggest challenges in construction: Getting paid on time. From broken payment systems and long payment cycles to administrative delays and cash flow problems, this conversation dives into why contractors are constantly chasing money they're already owed. More importantly, they discuss how technology and AI can help fix the problem. If you've ever stared at an AR report and wondered where your money is, this episode is for you. Connect with George https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgekurdin/ https://monk.com/ Connect with Ron LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-nussbaum Construction Champions Podcast Explore episodes, guests, and resources: https://www.constructionchampionspodcast.com MAIN TOPICS COVERED Why contractors struggle to get paid on time The hidden cost of delayed payments Construction cash flow challenges Why traditional software isn't solving collections The role of AI in accounts receivable Administrative delays and payment bottlenecks The dangers of normalizing slow payment cycles Why contractors need better payment systems How technology can reduce AR headaches

June 11, 2026Episode 2422 min

Before You Take a Business Partner, Ask These 4 Questions

Partnerships don't fail because of paperwork. They fail because nobody had the hard conversations first. In this episode, Ron Nussbaum shares lessons from both successful and failed partnerships and breaks down the four critical questions every business owner needs to ask before bringing on a partner. This isn't legal advice. It's the conversation that should happen before the attorney ever gets involved. If you're considering: A new business partner An operating agreement Bringing on investors Giving away equity You need to listen to this first. Connect with Ron LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-nussbaum Construction Champions Podcast Explore episodes, guests, and resources: https://www.constructionchampionspodcast.com MAIN TOPICS COVERED Why business partnerships fail Operating agreements vs real alignment Defining success before building together Roles and responsibilities in partnerships Expectations and accountability Decision-making authority Compensation and ownership structures What happens if someone stops contributing Exit strategies and buyouts Why equity doesn't create commitment

June 4, 2026Episode 2344 min

Why Construction Businesses Go Broke Even When They’re Busy

A full schedule doesn’t mean you’re profitable. And being “busy” doesn’t mean your business is healthy. In this episode, Ron Nussbaum sits down with returning guest Mick Hawes to break down one of the biggest hidden problems in construction: Most contractors don’t actually understand pricing. From “hope strategy” estimating to hidden overhead costs, this conversation dives into why so many construction companies struggle financially, even while doing millions in revenue. If you’ve ever wondered: Why cash flow feels tightWhy projects don’t seem profitable Or why some contractors go broke while busy This episode is a must-listen. Talk to Mick https://buildersbusinessblackbelt.com.au Mick@buildersbusinessblackbelt.com.au Connect with Ron LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-nussbaum Construction Champions PodcastExplore episodes, guests, and resources: https://www.constructionchampionspodcast.com MAIN TOPICS COVERED Why construction companies fail financially The dangers of “hope strategy” pricing Understanding overhead and operational costs Why gross profit and net profit confuse contractors The importance of knowing your daily business costs Why small projects are often more profitable Building dashboards and tracking financial health The psychology behind avoiding financial reality Why pricing systems matter more than guesswork

May 28, 2026Episode 2216 min

Gas Prices Aren’t the Problem, Your Pricing Is

Gas prices go up… And suddenly every contractor says they need to raise prices. But when gas prices dropped? Nobody lowered them. That’s the real problem. In this episode, Ron Nussbaum breaks down one of the biggest hidden issues in construction: Most contractors don’t actually understand their pricing. From fuel costs to labor to overhead, this episode dives into why so many construction companies operate on razor-thin margins and why small fluctuations expose much bigger operational problems. If a small increase in cost throws your business into chaos… This episode is for you. Connect with Ron LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-nussbaum Construction Champions Podcast Explore episodes, guests, and resources: https://www.constructionchampionspodcast.com MAIN TOPICS COVERED Why contractors panic over gas prices The real reason small cost increases hurt businesses Understanding construction pricing and overhead Why most contractors undercharge The dangers of pricing jobs emotionally Annual and semi-annual pricing adjustments The “8-inch floor vs 1-inch floor” analogy Why profitability requires proactive pricing The mindset shift construction businesses need

May 21, 2026Episode 2142 min

How to Win in the Hardest Construction Markets

Most contractors blame the market. These guys built success in one of the hardest construction markets in the world. In this episode, Ron Nussbaum sits down with Daniel Monteiro and Trevor Munson from Reedy Contracting Group to break down what it actually takes to succeed in high-pressure, high-speed construction environments like New York City. From culture and leadership to systems, risk management, and caring about the client, this conversation dives into why some contractors keep growing while others constantly struggle. If you think your market is tough… this episode will challenge your mindset. Reidy Contracting Group https://reidygroup.com/ Connect with Ron LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-nussbaum Construction Champions PodcastExplore episodes, guests, and resources: https://www.constructionchampionspodcast.com MAIN TOPICS COVERED What it takes to succeed in highly competitive construction markets Why caring is a competitive advantage in construction The role of operators in successful construction companies Managing risk before problems happen Why proactive communication changes everything Systems and processes for scaling construction businesses Fast-paced project execution in New York City Technology and AI in modern construction operations Why great contractors think ahead, not react late