Episode Summary:

In this episode, Matt and Kyle chat with Shea Fuller, an insurance expert with Holmes Murphy & Associates, specializing in construction policies, to break down the often complex world of insurance in construction.

Shea discusses the critical need for customized insurance coverage in construction and emphasizes the importance of early broker involvement, especially when signing contracts with varied requirements.

Through real-life examples, Shea highlights how selecting the right policies, avoiding common coverage pitfalls, and fostering proactive safety practices can greatly impact a company’s resilience in today’s evolving risk landscape.

Key Topics Covered

* The Value of Early Involvement: Engaging an insurance broker before contract signing allows companies to tailor coverage to project-specific requirements, prevent costly delays, and ensure all liability needs are met.

* Cybersecurity’s Growing Impact: With construction being highly targeted for cybersecurity threats, Shea advises robust cyber insurance to guard against phishing, social engineering, and data breaches, which are increasingly costly and disruptive for contractors.

* Workers’ Compensation Essentials: Timely reporting of workplace injuries is critical to controlling claim costs. Shea stresses the importance of safety programs and a proactive injury reporting culture to help manage workers’ compensation premiums.

* Exclusions and Policy Gaps: Many firms mistakenly choose the cheapest insurance options, which often have exclusions that don’t cover key project risks. Regularly reviewing policy exclusions with a broker ensures coverage aligns with a company’s specific operational needs.

* Social Media Awareness for Safety Compliance: Insurance carriers often check a company’s online presence to assess safety culture. Shea advises companies to avoid posting images that reflect unsafe practices, as these can affect eligibility and rates for coverage.

Watch the interview on YouTube:

How to Connect with Shea Fuller:

* Email: sfuller@holmesmurphy.com

* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shea-fuller-924279201/

Hosts:

* Matt Graves

* Kyle Grandell

Connect with CM Mentors Podcast:

* Follow, like, and share the CM Mentors podcast on LinkedIn, YouTube, Spotify, and Streamyard.

* For any upcoming projects, job opportunities, or to be a guest on the show, DM us on social media

Episode Summary:

In this episode, hosts Matt Graves and Kyle Grandell take a break from guest interviews to catch up with each other and dive deep into some of the key trends impacting the construction management industry today.

From discussing the challenges of balancing remote project management with on-site supervision to evaluating the potential future of AI and technology in construction, this conversation covers a wide range of topics relevant to anyone in the field. They also reflect on the growing importance of work-life balance in the industry, the impact of evolving workforce dynamics, and what resiliency means for the construction industry as it faces both economic shifts and labor shortages.

Key Topics Covered

* Remote Construction Management: Can construction projects be managed fully remotely? Matt and Kyle explore the pros, cons, and the role of technology in bridging the gap between on-site and remote work.

* Technology Trends in Construction: A discussion on the latest advancements in AR, VR, drones, and AI in the industry, and whether the tech is mature enough to replace traditional on-site supervision.

* Workforce Shortages & Changing Generational Values: How shifting work preferences, like the desire for work-life balance, are reshaping the industry and the way companies approach hiring and retention.

* The Future of Construction Management: Speculations on what changes, such as potential tax reforms on overtime pay, could mean for the roles and responsibilities of construction professionals.

* Building Resiliency in Uncertain Times: Matt and Kyle share their thoughts on how to remain resilient as an industry in the face of economic uncertainty, with insights for both business owners and younger professionals.

Get in Touch:

Matt and Kyle encourage listeners to share their feedback on the show format. Do you enjoy the candid chats between the hosts, or prefer episodes featuring guest interviews? Let them know on social media or leave a comment! Additionally, if you're interested in seeing live episodes via LinkedIn, we'd love to hear your thoughts.

Watch the interview on YouTube:

Hosts:

* Matt Graves

* Kyle Grandell

Tune in for this insightful, unscripted conversation, and be sure to subscribe for more content from the CM Mentors Podcast!

Episode Summary:

In this insightful episode of the CM Mentors Podcast, hosts Matt Graves and Kyle Grandell sit down with Ted Keyport, a seasoned headhunter, and Principal at Keyport Search, who specializes in finding top talent in the engineering and manufacturing sectors.

Ted provides behind-the-scenes insights into the recruitment process, covering key challenges, trends, and strategies for success in construction management and skilled trades hiring. You will learn what differentiates successful candidates and how companies can attract the best talent in a competitive market.

Key Topics Covered

* Ted Keyport's career journey: From teaching English abroad to launching a successful recruiting firm.

* How COVID-19 shaped Ted's decision to start his own headhunting business.

* Recruitment challenges and opportunities in the construction and manufacturing sectors.

* The importance of progressive career growth and showcasing it effectively during interviews.

* Differences between old-school and new-school recruiting approaches.

* What makes for a successful hire: communication skills, preparation, and the importance of asking the right questions in an interview.

* Advice for young professionals in the construction industry looking to stand out in a competitive job market.

* How to work with recruiters and update your LinkedIn profile for maximum visibility.

Watch the interview on YouTube:

Guest Summary: Ted Keyport is a principal headhunter at Keyport Search, specializing in recruiting for the engineering and manufacturing sectors. With a background in both recruiting and running his own firm, Ted brings a wealth of experience in finding and placing top-tier talent across a range of industries. Known for his direct, practical approach, Ted helps companies source skilled professionals while guiding candidates to navigate the job market successfully.

How to Connect with Ted Keyport:

* Email: ted@keyportsearch.com

* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tedkeyport/

Hosts:

* Matt Graves

* Kyle Grandell

Stay Connected:

* Follow, like, and share the CM Mentors podcast on LinkedIn, YouTube, Spotify, and Streamyard.

* For any upcoming projects, job opportunities, or to be a guest on the show, DM us on social media

Episode Summary:

In this episode of the CM Mentors podcast, hosts Matt Graves and Kyle Grandell chat with Ashlyn Smith, the VP of Member Services at TEXO Association. TEXO combines two of the largest national construction associations, AGC and ABC, under one roof, providing invaluable resources to its members. Ashlyn shares her unique career journey, the importance of association engagement, and how TEXO supports the construction industry, particularly for younger generations.

Key Topics Discussed:

* Ashlyn's career path from interior design to VP of Member Services at TEXO

* The role and benefits of TEXO Association, combining 2 National Chapters

* The importance of strategic alignment and member engagement within associations

* How TEXO supports workforce development and mentorship through programs like the Young Constructors Council

* The evolving construction industry and the integration of new generations and technology

* The importance of building and maintaining professional networks for career growth

* How TEXO caters to both small and large companies with tailored resources

* The role of technology in construction and TEXO's Technology Committee

Watch the interview on YouTube:

About Ashlyn Smith:

Ashlyn Smith, the VP of Member Services at TEXO Association, brings a wealth of experience in association management and professional development. With a background in interior design and a passion for mentorship, Ashlyn is dedicated to supporting the construction industry and its next generation of leaders. At TEXO, she works to align strategic goals with member needs, providing valuable resources and fostering a strong professional community.

Connect with Ashlyn:

* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashlyn-smith-m-ed-04101364/

* Email: Ashlyn@texoassociation.org

Hosts:

* Matt Graves

* Kyle Grandell

Sponsored by: Dell Management - Providing construction management services and owner’s representation for Fortune 500 companies in the manufacturing sector. Contact via email or LinkedIn for more information.

Stay Connected:

* Follow, like, and share the CM Mentors podcast on LinkedIn, YouTube, Spotify, and Streamyard.

* For any upcoming projects, job opportunities, or to be a guest on the show, DM us on social media

Episode Summary:

In this insightful episode of the CM Mentors Podcast, hosts Matt Graves and Kyle Grandell sit down with Drew Hanish, CEO of Pravo Construction, based out of Austin, TX. Drew shares his journey from a small town in North Texas to becoming the CEO of a thriving construction company that specializes in commercial construction and Re-Use renovation.

The conversation gives into the challenges and rewards of historical renovation projects, the importance of building strong client relationships, and how Pravo Construction has navigated industry changes since its inception in 2016. Drew also offers valuable advice for the next generation of construction professionals, emphasizing the importance of asking questions and learning from industry veterans.

Key Topics Discussed:

* Drew Hanish's background and journey into construction management.

* The founding and growth of Pravo Construction.

* Challenges and strategies in historical renovation and adaptive reuse projects.

* The importance of early contractor involvement in complex renovation projects.

* Shifting from a general approach to a niche focus on historical renovation.

* The role of project management software in improving efficiency.

* Insights on maintaining repeat clients and building lasting relationships.

* The future of construction with AI tools and advanced project management systems.

* Advice for young professionals entering the construction industry.

Watch the interview on YouTube:

About Drew Hanish:

Drew Hanish is the CEO of Pravo Construction, a company specializing in commercial construction and historical renovation projects based in Austin, TX. With a degree in Construction Management from the University of Minnesota and a background in high-tech manufacturing construction, Drew has led Pravo Construction since its founding in 2016. Under his leadership, Pravo has become known for its expertise in adaptive reuse and complex renovation projects. Drew is passionate about construction and committed to mentoring the next generation of industry professionals.

Connect with Drew:

* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drew-hanish/

* Pravo Construction Website: https://pravoconstruction.com/

Hosts:

* Matt Graves

* Kyle Grandell

Sponsored by: Dell Management - Providing construction management services and owner’s representation for Fortune 500 companies in the manufacturing sector. Contact via email or LinkedIn for more information.

Stay Connected:

* Follow, like, and share the CM Mentors podcast on LinkedIn, YouTube, Spotify, and Streamyard.

* For any upcoming projects, job opportunities, or to be a guest on the show, DM us on social media

Episode Summary:

In this episode, hosts Matt Graves and Kyle Grandell speak with Kathryn Mattox, Senior Manager of Capital Governance for Nestlé USA. Kathryn shares her extensive career journey, from her beginnings in chemical engineering to her current role at Nestlé.

She talks about her experiences with gender bias in the construction and engineering industries, her involvement in women’s mentorship programs, and the importance of fundamentals in the workplace. Kathryn also offers valuable advice for women in the industry and emphasizes the need for gender intelligence.

Key Topics Discussed:

* Introduction to Kathryn Mattox:

* Background in chemical engineering from the University of Dayton.

* Career journey through Proctor & Gamble, Kraft, and Nestlé.

* Current role in Capital Governance at Nestlé USA.

* Gender Bias in Industry:

* Kathryn's personal experiences with gender bias on job sites.

* Stories highlighting challenges faced by women in engineering and construction.

* The importance of setting boundaries and having prepared responses to inappropriate comments.

* Women in Engineering and Manufacturing:

* Creation and growth of Nestlé’s Women Engineering Leadership Team and Women in Manufacturing Organization.

* Impact of these programs on fostering community and support among women in the industry.

* Career Advice and Mentorship:

* Advice for women and new professionals facing bias and challenges.

* Importance of preparing responses to bias and setting professional boundaries.

* Value of diverse teams and gender intelligence in different work environments.

* Industry Trends and Fundamentals:

* The need for strong fundamentals in engineering and construction.

* Observations on the generational gap in skills and the importance of mentorship.

* Experiences with new technologies and balancing traditional skills with modern innovations.

* Personal Insights and Philosophy:

* Kathryn’s commitment to living an inspired life and inspiring others.

* The role of curiosity and continuous learning in career success.

* Reflections on managing job site safety and team dynamics during challenging projects.

Watch the interview on YouTube:

About Kathryn Mattox:

Kathryn Mattox is the Senior Manager of Capital Governance for Nestlé USA. With a background in chemical engineering and extensive experience in the consumer goods industry, Kathryn has played significant roles at Proctor & Gamble, Kraft, and Nestlé. She has been a strong advocate for women in engineering and manufacturing, leading initiatives to support and mentor women in these fields.

Connect with Kathryn:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-mattox-1258a92a/

For inquiries about guest opportunities, topics, or feedback, connect with us on LinkedIn or email Matt Graves at matt@constructionyeti.com

Don't forget to like, follow, share, and subscribe to stay updated on new episodes and content from CM Mentors.

Episode Summary:

In this special episode of the CM Mentors podcast, hosts Matt Graves and Kyle Grandell take a break from their usual guest interviews to catch up on the latest happenings in their lives, discuss the progress of the season so far, and share insights on current trends and topics in the construction industry. This candid and relaxed conversation gives listeners a chance to hear the hosts' perspectives on both personal and professional fronts.

Key Topics Discussed:

Current Job Sites:

* Matt's long-term, phased project with multiple parts and steady progress.

* Kyle's recent move to Rockford, Illinois, and ongoing work on a large pet food plant in Indiana

Season Highlights:

* Reflections on guests like Alex and Gloria, highlighting their career transitions into construction and entrepreneurial journeys.

* Recurring themes and new insights from various episodes, including estimating, cost management, and business ownership.

Industry Optimism:

* Positive outlook from guests despite industry challenges.

* Debate on whether the optimism reflects a broader industry trend or selective guest experiences.

Business and Technology:

* New technologies and processes at Dell Management, including AI for social media and 360-degree imagery for project documentation.

* Interest in emerging technologies like automated surveying robots from SuperDroid Robots.

Challenges and Trends:

* Economic and political factors influencing project funding and timelines.

* The impact of COVID-19 on the industry and the gradual return to normalcy.

Future Plans and Excitement:

* Anticipation for delayed projects to kick off.

* Emphasis on business development and new opportunities in the second half of the year.

Watch the interview on YouTube:

Call to Action:

Don't forget to follow the CM Mentors podcast on LinkedIn, YouTube, Spotify, Streamyard, and other platforms. If you have suggestions for topics or guests, or if you want to be a guest yourself, reach out to Matt and Kyle via LinkedIn or email. Your feedback and participation are highly valued!

Thank you for listening and stay tuned for more exciting episodes and insightful conversations in the construction industry.

Connect with Matt:

* Email: matt@constructionyeti.com

* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-graves-pmp/

Connect with Kyle:

* Email: kyle@dellmanagement.com

* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyle-grandell/

This episode is sponsored by AltCMO, the go-to fractional CMO agency specializing in the construction industry. For Senior Level, Executive Marketing Strategy and Delivery, reach out to AltCMO and benefit from their extensive experience and growing team.