James Benham, the co-founder and CEO of JBKnowledge, a multinational tech company he bootstrapped from his college dorm to over 280 employees across three continents. James has been at the forefront of innovation, leading JBKnowledge to develop industry-leading software for the world’s largest insurance companies. He’s also the co-founder of Terra, a cutting-edge claims management software transforming the Property and Casualty insurance space. Beyond his work in tech, James is a bestselling author, host of the popular InsurTech Geek Podcast, and a sought-after speaker who’s taken the stage at over 400 conferences, including TEDx. In his spare time, James pursues many hobbies including flying airplanes, ballroom dancing, playing guitar, singing and geeking out on tech. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: • James Benham's journey from bootstrapping JBKnowledge to leading a global tech company • Evolution from general enterprise software to specialized insurance tech solutions • The impact of Terra software in managing workers' compensation for construction groups • Advantages of self-insured groups (SIGs) for cost-saving and incentivizing safety • Key technologies in accident prevention, including AI and safety training tools • Common construction claims and strategies for reducing ladder and fall-related incidents • Challenges in construction, like low tech adoption and policy lapses among subcontractors • How self-insurance options can offer contractors financial benefits and improved coverage In the latest episode of the Get the Intel podcast hosted by Chad Gill, James Benham, co-founder and CEO of JBKnowledge, shares his journey from bootstrapping a tech company in a college dorm to leading a successful enterprise with 280 employees across three continents. He discusses his evolution in the software industry, transitioning from building general enterprise solutions to creating specialized products like Terra for the insurance sector, particularly focusing on workers' compensation. James Benham explains the benefits of self-insured groups (SIGs) and the importance of safety training and technology in accident prevention, with insights on common claims in construction and the pivotal role of innovative solutions like AI in enhancing workplace safety. He highlights the challenges faced in the construction industry, such as low technology adoption and policy under coverage, suggesting that contractors investigate self-insurance groups for cost-saving opportunities.

Follow James Benham here:

Website: jamesbenham.com

James Benham on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbenham/

JBKnowledge Website: https://jbknowledge.com/

Terra Website: https://terra.insure/

InsurTech Geek Podcast: https://insurtechgeek.com/

Angel Kirk is a visionary leader and entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in the CEO and business coaching world. As the CEO of J. Lane Construction, Angel brings a wealth of knowledge in leading and running a construction company, while also coaching businesses globally through her partnership with Jesse Lane Consulting. She’s not only an expert in both the business and technical aspects of construction but also passionate about empowering individuals and organizations to reach their full potential.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

• Structuring processes to address challenges in general contracting businesses.

• Importance of working on the business, not just in it.

• The delayed yet essential nature of process implementation.

• Company culture as a key factor in hiring and retention.

• Open communication and leadership in improving team dynamics.

• Fostering team adaptability to improve operational effectiveness.

• The role of personality assessments and one-on-one meetings for enhanced communication.

• Continuous improvement and problem-solving within construction organizations.

In the latest episode of the Get the Intel podcast, hosted by Chad Gill, guest Angel Kirk, a seasoned CEO and business coach with over 20 years of experience, shares her insights on the construction industry's unique challenges. As the CEO of J. Lane Construction and a partner at Jesse Lane Consulting, Angel emphasizes the importance of structuring processes within general contracting businesses to alleviate common pain points faced by owners who excel in their trades but struggle with business management. Throughout the discussion, she highlights the delayed but necessary nature of process implementation, drawing parallels to nutrition where results take time. Angel also underscores the significance of company culture and the critical role of hiring for cultural fit. She advocates for open communication and a team-oriented approach to continuously improve and address both process and people-related challenges within organizations.

Check out Angel Kirk and J. Lane Construction here:

Website: http://jlane.com

Angel Kirk on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theangelkirk/

Tiffany Slowinski, a seasoned entrepreneur and co-owner of three successful franchises alongside her husband, Jake. As a mother of four spirited daughters, Tiffany finds inspiration in both her family life and professional career. With a background as a former Vice President of Sales for a national franchise, Tiffany possesses expertise in optimizing work culture and driving tangible results. Leveraging her Master's degree in Psychology from Columbia University, Tiffany integrates tools like the Culture Index to enhance team dynamics and productivity. She has a unique approach that focuses on cultivating a positive and productive workplace environment, with a particular emphasis on hiring, retaining, and empowering top performers.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
• The value of using the Culture Index to enhance communication and team productivity.
• Why understanding innate traits leads to better job fit and overall team satisfaction.
• The importance of data-driven hiring and the 92% validity rate of the Culture Index survey.
• How to tackle turnover issues and ensure the right people are in the right roles.
• Tiffany's services and how to get remote consultations to improve your team's dynamics.

In this episode, host Chad Gill interviews Tiffany Slowinski, an entrepreneur and co-owner of three franchises, who shares insights on utilizing the Culture Index to enhance team dynamics and productivity. Tiffany, with her background as a former VP of sales and a Master's degree in Psychology from Columbia University, explains how the Culture Index measures innate traits versus occupational behaviors, allowing companies to understand their teams better and optimize workplace culture without necessarily replacing staff.

The conversation highlights the significance of data-driven hiring processes, emphasizing the high validity rate of the Culture Index survey, and the importance of aligning candidate profiles with job needs. Tiffany also addresses the challenges of turnover and the costs associated with hiring misfits, advocating for the right-fit approach to staffing.

Follow Tiffany Slowinski here:
Website: https://www.teamsparkadvisors.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffanyslowinski/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/team_spark_advisors/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TeamSparkAdvisors

Resources Mentioned:
Culture Index: https://www.cultureindex.com/
Entrepreneurs’ Organization: https://hub.eonetwork.org/

JJ Levenske is the President and Co-Founder of Bleuwave, who brings over 28 years of experience in the construction and business solutions industry. Bleuwave is renowned for its comprehensive facilities-based solutions, combining capital, ecosystem, construction, and facility services to deliver innovative and sustainable projects. JJ is a passionate leader and entrepreneur, with expertise in business administration, project planning, and new business development. He also hosts the podcast MAC & Bleu, covering topics like economic development, leadership, and technology. JJ's goal is to elevate both his company and his community by sharing his valuable insights and experiences.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

• The background and rebranding of Bleuwave from its origins as School Builder.

• Bleuwave's growth strategy and their goal to reach $500 million in revenue.

• The role of technology and data management in Bleuwave's operations, including AI and VR/AR.

• Workforce development initiatives like Bleuwave University and the importance of company culture.

In this episode Chad Gill sits down with JJ Levenske, the president and co-founder of Bleuwave. JJ shares the journey of transitioning from School Builder to Bleuwave and discusses their comprehensive facilities solutions. We delve into their strategic growth plans, including the expansion into MEP services and their ambitious revenue goal of $500 million. JJ highlights the importance of technology and data management in their operations, with exciting plans to integrate AI and VR/AR technologies. Workforce development and company culture are key focuses, with initiatives like Bleuwave University and a strong emphasis on hiring for attitude.

Follow J.J. Levenske here:

Website: https://bleuwave.com/

Podcast https://macandbleu.com/

Bleuwave on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bleuwave/

J.J. on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jjlevenske/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQRNQbgnEMbXz25w6ZVn7BQ

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bleuwavegeneralcontracting/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bleuwaveconstruction/

Janna Colucci, the CEO and Co-Founder of Bundle, a construction materials procurement platform that enables project teams to run their materials purchasing process at 10x speed while providing 10-20% cost savings on every project. Prior to Bundle, Janna was a vice president at wellness real estate startup, Delos, where she project-managed healthy and sustainable building projects. She has also spent time working in modular construction and was one of the co-creators of Mindful MATERIALS. Janna received her BA from Dartmouth College and her MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

• Janna's journey from environmental studies to co-founding Bundle

• The vision and concept behind Bundle's streamlined procurement process

• How Bundle boosts workflow efficiency and provides significant cost savings

• Managing data for better pricing, forecasting, and documentation

• Facilitating access and communication with regional and national suppliers

In this episode: Chad Gill hosts Janna Colucci, CEO and co-founder of Bundle, a platform that aims to streamline the procurement process for construction materials by offering real-time pricing, lead times, and availability from vendors. Bundle provides significant cost savings on materials and supports both standardized products and custom quotes. The platform also helps builders manage their procurement data, offers direct communication between builders and suppliers, and various payment options.

Follow VAs4Construction here:
Website: https://www.vas4construction.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vas-4-construction/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vas4construction/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560725886770
X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/vasconstruction?s=21

Follow Janna Colucci and Bundle here:
Website: http://www.bundle.build
Book a demo or sign up for an account on Bundle: https://projects.bundle.build/signup/01J2GE306CYEKHZ6Q8S10X1254
Bundle on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bundlesolutionsinc/
Janna on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jwc2021/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bundle.build

In this GSA series, host Chad Gill talks with Nathan Donaldson, founder and CEO of Boost. Nathan brings a wealth of knowledge and experience from his work in change management and his involvement in the Global Speakers Academy series. The interview focused on implementing changes and KPI's, creating a safe to fail environment, the importance of managing change within organizations, and Nathan's book on change management.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
• Nathan's motivation for writing his book on change management, the three essential habits or mindsets for effective change and the power of small, incremental changes for significant impact.
• How small changes can quickly and effectively spread through organizations.
• The difference between creating a safe to fail environment and a fail-safe environment.
• Insights into Nathan's book 'Unicorns and Rainbows,' and the significance of managing change within organizations.

Albert Bou Fadel, the Founder and CEO of SmartBarrel. With over 10 years of experience in the construction and glazing industry across various global projects, he recognized a significant inefficiency in workforce tracking. This realization ignited his passion to address this issue, leading to the creation of SmartBarrel. Driven by this vision, he spent a year mastering coding and electronics, developing the first prototype, and immediately identifying its vast potential for the construction industry. After successfully raising capital, he assembled a talented team and began scaling the business. Today, SmartBarrel is transforming workforce tracking in construction.

In this episode, Chad Gill hosts Albert Bou Fadel, founder and CEO of Smart Barrel. The interview focuses on Albert's journey in developing Smart Barrel, a technology for improving workforce tracking in construction. The interview includes Albert's inspiration and challenges, the development of Smart Barrel's biometric time clock, its functionality and deployment on job sites, future prosp