Builder Tactics

Building your Executive Brand Aug 9, 2026 00:18:54 Long before anyone offers you the next title, people have already decided what they think of you. That's executive brand, and it's built in the meetings you're not in, the conversations you don't hear, and the way people describe working with you when your name comes up.In this episode of Builder Tactics, we break down what executive brand actually is (hint: it's not your LinkedIn photo), why visi

Boss to Leader: The Influence Shift every Construction Leader Needs Jul 20, 2026 00:16:39 You didn't get promoted to keep doing the same job at a bigger scale — you got promoted to build the people who can do it without you. In this episode of Builder Tactics, host Damien Edwards breaks down why authority stops working the higher you climb, and what actually replaces it: influence.You'll learn the three dimensions of executive influence — Credibility, Connection, and Clarity — and five

Hard Hats to High Stakes: Transitioning from the Job Site to the Boardroom Jun 27, 2026 00:14:00 In this episode, we discuss why technical expertise and operational success alone aren’t enough for executive leadership. You’ll learn how to transition from solving daily problems to developing people, building systems, creating strategy, and leading with an enterprise-wide perspective.

You work hard—but do you know what you’re worth? Feb 2, 2026 00:20:53 In this episode of Builder Tactics, we break down how to understand your value to an employer in a way that actually matters: results, impact, and proof—not just effort and long hours. You’ll learn how to measure what you bring to the jobsite, how to communicate it with confidence, and how to make sure your work doesn’t stay invisible.Whether you’re a superintendent, construction manager, or trade

Beneath the Surface: Itzik Malka on Future-Proofing America’s Infrastructure Aug 31, 2025 00:36:31 In this episode, Damien sits down with Itzik Malka, Co-founder of 4M Analytics, to uncover one of the greatest threats to America’s infrastructure future: the buried utilities beneath our feet. These hidden lifelines power our daily lives, yet there’s no map that tells us where they are—leaving construction projects vulnerable to risk, delays, and cost overruns.Itzik explains how 4M is tackling th

Blue Collar AI with Chad Gill Jul 19, 2025 00:45:04 In this episode of Builder Tactics, host Damien Edwards sits down with Chad Gill, founder of VAs for Construction, to explore a groundbreaking topic that’s shaking up the industry: how blue-collar workers are using AI on the construction site.Together, they explore real-world applications of artificial intelligence by field teams — from streamlining punch lists and tracking job progress to automat

Rebranding and Building Zen Jul 12, 2025 00:14:48 In today’s episode, I share some exciting news about rebranding the podcast to better align with my evolving creative projects and deeper mission. This isn’t just a name change — it’s a renewed vision that reflects the journey we’re all on toward balance, leadership, and clarity in the chaos of life and construction.You'll also get an exclusive listen to Chapter 1 of my new book, Building Zen

Professional Development Part #2 Feb 17, 2025 00:34:54 Welcome to The Construction Management Podcast! As we kick off 2025, we want to take a moment to focus on what you are going to do with the new year. If you're tuning in, chances are you already have a growth mindset—a drive for professional and personal development that will shape your success this year and beyond.In this episode, we're diving deep into goal setting, motivation, and susta

Builder Tactics Chapter #8 Time Management Feb 8, 2025 00:21:37 During this episode, we dive into Chapter 8 of the recently updated book Builder Tactics: A Practical Guide to Construction Management. In this chapter, we explore the essential skills of time management for builders.I hope your year started off right, and you are achieving all of your 2025 goals.For the entire audiobook, go to https://a.co/d/0AFfWbR for the paperback or digital version, go to htt

Builder Tactics Chapter #6 Accounting Dec 21, 2024 00:12:11 During this episode, we dive into Chapter 6 of the recently updated book, *Builder Tactics: A Practical Guide to Construction Management. In this chapter, we unpack the essential elements of accounting for builders. I hope you all have a fantastic holiday season, set some New Year resolutions, and achieve your goals for 2025. For the entire audiobook, go to https://a.co/d/0AFfWbR for the paperb

Builder Tactics CHapter #5 Contracts Oct 25, 2024 00:16:00 Join me for an insightful episode as we dive into Chapter 5 of the recently updated book, *Builder Tactics: A Practical Guide to Construction Management. In this chapter, we unpack the essential elements of contracts between builders and trade companies, shedding light on how these agreements lay the groundwork for successful projects. Maintaining positive control over your construction site star

Builder Tactics Chapter #4 Job Site Management Oct 12, 2024 00:18:24 Chapter 4 from the recently rewritten book Builder Tactics: A Practical Guide to Construction Management. It includes a detailed description of how to manage your job site. And what it takes to portray yourself as competent and in charge of managing construction projects. Job site management includes the appearance of your job site, traffic and delivery control, safety, stormwater and pollution

Relaunch Episode #3 Trash Oct 5, 2024 00:29:37 This is another relaunch of a lost episode. In this episode, Jason and I discuss job site management, specifically trash. Trash is a plague on job sites and must be eradicated or at least cleaned up. Enjoy.

Episode #2 Time Managmeent (Relaunch) Sep 29, 2024 00:22:36 This is episode #2 from 2018. When we switched platforms, we lost a bunch of shows. Fortunately, I was able to dive deep into the archives and recover some of them. Today's podcast is about time management and how you can effectively manage your time and the time of your trade partners.

Builder Tactics Chapter #3 Sep 28, 2024 00:30:27 This is chapter 3 from the recently rewritten book Builder Tactics: A Practical Guide to Construction Management. It includes a detailed description of Pre-Construction planning and the steps to take to ensure your project's success from the start. Pre-construction planning includes reviewing the drawings and submittals, assessing the physical site, reviewing the budget, and holding pre-constructi

Builder Tactics Chapter #2 Sep 21, 2024 00:14:21 This is chapter 2 from the recently rewritten book Builder Tactics: A Practical Guide to Construction Management. It includes a detailed description of the technical and soft skills required for success in construction management. For the full audiobook, go to https://a.co/d/0AFfWbR for the paperback or digital version, go to https://a.co/d/8Ri1Mh6

Builder Tactics Chapter #1 Sep 14, 2024 00:13:31 This is chapter #1 from the recently rewritten book Builder Tactics: A Practical Guide to Construction Management. It includes an introduction to the size and complexity of the construction industry and an explanation of the current state of our profession, Construction Management. For the full audiobook, go to Audible.com; for the paperback or digital version, go to https://a.co/d/iyIwzLc.

Professional Development Nov 14, 2023 00:27:02 Damien and Jason discuss how to evaluate your skill set and organize your professional development efforts.

Managing Underperforming Trade Partners Nov 6, 2023 00:25:02 Damien and Jason discuss the challenges of managing trade partners and how to build relationships with them. They also provide a framework for what to do when they are underperforming.

Dealing with Difficult Bosses and Clients Nov 1, 2023 00:36:57 This is a classic from the archives, Jason and Damien talk with a listener about their experience with a difficult boss and give their perspective on how to move forward.

Reload Episode 54 How to Gain Respect as the New Guy Oct 2, 2023 00:31:00 Damien and Jason discuss how to gain respect as the new guy in the job site and establish yourself as part of the team. Note: This was a previously released episode inadvertently removed from the line up during integration.

Episode 63 State of the industry and knowing your worth Sep 18, 2023 00:15:52 Damien and Jason discuss the state of the industry, the effect of interest rates, and how to prove your worth in a very competitive market.

Episode 62 Don't get ripped off Sep 12, 2023 00:24:01 Damien and Jason discuss not getting ripped off. In classic style they are all over the map but spewing words of wisdom for any aspiring construction manager. I haven't tested the sound , so good luck.

Episode 59 Lyvwell May 7, 2021 00:44:07 Today on the show Damien and Jason host Lyv Guimond from Lyvwell. Lyv shares some awesome advice and strategies for staying centered and focused. She also explains how to minimize dailey stress and maximize your feeling of empowerment.

Episode 58 Establishing a Routine Apr 17, 2021 00:29:51 Damien and Jason discuss the importance of establishing a daily routine. Daily routines allow you to be consistent and efficient with your time while managing your build cycle. Your most important tasks should be included in your routine, this includes walking the units under construction and schedule maintenance. Quality inspections and communication should also be given priority when developing

Public Service Announcement Mar 28, 2021 00:06:32 The construction industry needs you NOW!!! This is a public service announcement to remind you to take action now. The construction industry is booming and needs Construction Managers to manage projects all over the country. It doesn't matter if you are new to the field or a salty old soul, if you want to break in to Construction Management or accelerate your career send your resumes to info@build

Episode 57 Personal Development Part 1 Jan 28, 2021 00:28:18 Damien and Jason discuss transitioning to new roles and how to add personal development tools to your professional life.

Episode 55 Part two Dealing with new building technology Dec 4, 2020 00:24:48 This is part two of our latest roundtable. Damien and Jason discuss how to deal with new building technology, sort of. This was conducted at a brewery, so the content tends to reflect that. Some good content is buried in a sea of dudes making fun of each other. Enjoy.

Episode 55 Part #1What we wish we had known when we started Nov 29, 2020 00:27:19 This is part one of a two part round table. Damien and Jason sat down with some of their buddies that have been in construction for years and asked them "What do you wish you had known when you got started in construction?". The conversation gets a little crude but there is a ton of great information, enjoy.

Episode 53 Interview with Michael Zalle, founder of Yellowbird Oct 2, 2020 00:29:33 Damien talks safety with Michael Zalle, the founder of Yellow Bird. Yellow Bird is an on demand consulting company sorta like Uber for safety and environmental compliance.

Episode 52 Round Table on Material Shortages Sep 3, 2020 00:35:56 Damien and Jason invited some buddies to discuss the material shortages over a few beers. The conversation is riddled with advice for how to deal with the delays. The Problem: We are constantly being notified about delays and shortages of materials from our vendors and suppliers. Production never stopped but manufacturing has slowed or in some cases stopped. And without manufactures producing bu

Episode 50 Taking advantage of the current situation and re-branding your skills Jul 30, 2020 00:33:39 Damien and Jason discuss how to brand your self and prepare your resume to take advantage of the current situation. Companies are hiring again and now is the time to jump into construction or a new position.

Episode 48 Purchasing materials and trades with Patti Wynkoop Jul 11, 2020 00:41:03 Today Damien and Jason interview Patti Wynkoop. Patti is the Purchasing VP for a national home builder and has over 25 years experience in the business. Her insight into the world of purchasing materials and setting up trade partner contracts is awesome. This is a must listen to for any construction professional. We discuss topics including how to select trade partners, what to look for when com

Episode 47 Leadership styles Jun 27, 2020 00:32:45 Damien and Jason discuss leadership styles and transitioning from a dictatorial style of leadership in the military to civilian leadership styles of today. I also included chapter 7 from the soon to be released Builder Tactics audio book. Enjoy.

CMP Episode 44 Dynamic Scheduling and staying flexible May 1, 2020 00:30:10 Damien and Jason vent about the current state of things and how much they hate wearing masks. They also discuss dynamic scheduling and the need to stay flexible while scheduling production tasks. Stay healthy and safe, we are always thinking about you guys.

Episode 42 Interview with Yaron Dycian of Wint Water Intelligence Apr 6, 2020 00:27:11 On this episode Damien interviews Yaron Dycian from Wint Water Intelligence. They discuss the impact of water damage to construction projects and what Wink is doing to help builders prevent catastrophic water damage as well as help preserve the worlds supply of water. Enjoy.

Quick message to our listeners during this stressful time Mar 23, 2020 00:05:47 Just a quick message from the Construction Management Podcast, If you have down time due the Corona virus let's make the most of it. Take this opportunity to be a builder in your our own life. Build a better relationship with your kids, spouse and extended family. Be a creator, write a book, make a podcast, learn something new. Once all that is done, bite the bullet and finish up all those home im

Episode 39 Home Aid NOVA Mar 14, 2020 00:29:45 Damien and Jason interview Kristyn Burr, Kristyn is the Executive Director and CEO of HomeAid Northern VA. HomeAid connects regional builders and housing industry professionals with non-profits focused on ending homelessness. The theme for this year is to highlight the generosity of builders, developers and trade partners, there is no better example of their charity than HomeAid. Please listen to

Episode 38 Getting things done Mar 8, 2020 00:39:50 Damien and Jason go on for what seems like an eternity about checking the weather, knowing your site conditions and just getting things done. They also get into the metrics that construction managers are judge on and the importance of building to them, they are metrics for a reason after all.

CMP Episode 32 Owning your job site and maintaining expectations Jan 18, 2020 00:43:19 Damien and Jason cover a huge range of subjects from safety to trash. The overwhelming message is to be a Construction Manager that owns their job and maintains high standards for the conduct and quality of the trade partners working for them. This one has a little cursing, listener beware. Enjoy.

Trade Tactics #3 Interview with Danny Kerr from The Breakthrough Academy Part 2 Jan 10, 2020 00:33:34 This is part 2 of our interview with Danny Kerr from The Breakthrough academy. Damien and Danny continue their conversation and touch on topics including employee training, on site marketing and Danny provides some wisdom for entrepreneurs on how to be successful in business and in life.

Trade Tactics Episode 2 Interview with Danny Kerr from The Breakthrough Academy Jan 5, 2020 00:40:46 This is part 1 in a 2 part interview with Danny Kerr from the Breakthrough Academy. Damien and Danny discuss some of the tools that BTA uses to maximize the success of their clients including financial management, goal setting and recruitment.

CMP Episode 30 Pre-Construction Planning Dec 22, 2019 00:27:33 Damien and Jason discuss how to plan for new projects to guarantee success, or at least make some money while delivering a quality product.

Trade Tactics #1 Paint and Drywall Dec 11, 2019 00:36:03 Damien and Jason interview Mitch Elmore, Vice President of HDS Drywall. The guys discuss the demands placed on drywall and paint contractors and how HDS is able to manage their production schedules as well as the customer service requests from construction managers.

CMP Episode 27 STRESS Nov 22, 2019 00:30:31 Damien and Jason talk about the health implications of stress and give some advice for how to manage it.

Episode 24 Trust but Verify Oct 17, 2019 00:32:09 Damien and Jason discuss the importance of trusting our trade partners but also verifying the work they do meets our quality standards is and is completed per your instructions. We also discuss the importance of making sure our instructions are clear and that you are understood when managing trade partners.

CMP Episode 21 Hard conversations for managers Sep 12, 2019 00:35:58 Damien and Jason discuss the importance of setting clear expectations for employees. They discuss daily corrections as well as how to manage annual evaluations and everything in between. This is a must listen to for any manager that wants to elevate the people around them.

CMP Season 2 Episode 6 Frame Checks Aug 2, 2019 00:31:37 Damien and Jason discuss the importance of conducting frame checks immediately after the home is "dried in" and again after your mechanical trades are complete. They also discuss Damien's new blood lust to go hunting.

CMP Season 2 Episode 4 Ethics Jul 14, 2019 00:26:15 Damien and Jason discuss ethics on the job. We talk about the role of the construction manager as the leader on the job and how they influence others around them. This is a must listen too for anyone in the building industry.

Season 2 Episode 3 Building Science Jun 26, 2019 00:28:07 Damien and Jason discuss Building Science with Matthew Cooper of PEGENV.com. We discuss the thermal envelope, building systems and how the separate components work together to produce high performance homes.

S2 Episode 2 Critical Path Inspections Jun 11, 2019 00:35:09 Damien and Jason discuss inspections for critical stages of a construction project and give tips for what to look for and why.

Season 2 Episode 1 Technology Jun 1, 2019 00:31:06 Damien and Jason talk tech through the years in construction, sort of. Their focus is on construction management software programs and what to look for when selecting a program.

CMP Episode 6 Dirt Mar 2, 2019 00:25:35 Damien and Jason discuss sediment and erosion control AKA Dirt. In this episode the guys break down sediment and erosion control to it's simplest form and explain the importance of keeping dirt and trash in their place.

CMP Episode 4 Job Site Safety Jan 21, 2019 00:33:52 Damien and Jason continue their discussion on job site management. This week they are discussing safety on the job with their guest Jake Edwards. The guys share their experiences about accidents on the job site and discuss what to do in case you have an accident or a visit from OSHA.

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