In this episode, Adam Cooper and Jeff Robertson talk about an all-too-common issue found amongst growing construction companies. They purchase the latest software with all the bells and whistles which seem to promise smooth sailing, but upon installing into the business, ends up being a source of MORE work, not less. Software misalignment can take something that was supposed to be a good thing, and turn it into a nightmare. What are the common pitfalls? How does a firm go about fixing the misali...
Jun 04, 2026•18 min•Ep. 46
In this episode of Construction Hot Takes, host Jeff Robertson dives into the often-overlooked but critical process of subcontractor pre-qualification. From identifying red flags like disappearing labor and aggressive billing to understanding key financial metrics, Jeff explains why every project manager must be a risk manager first. Learn how to look past professional relationships and focus on the data to prevent subcontractor default before it starts Chapters: 00:00 Subcontractor Default and ...
May 28, 2026•17 min•Ep. 45
In this episode, Jeff Robertson and Gregory Gorman deconstruct how construction firms could be thinking about automation and artificial intelligence in construction. We hope this brings lots of value to your construction organization! Check out our whole catalog of Construction Hot Takes episodes on our website! https://ascentconsults.com/construction-hot-takes-podcast/ Interested in learning how Ascent's consulting services could potentially help improve your business's operations? 📈 Click her...
May 21, 2026•28 min•Ep. 44
In this episode of Construction Hot Takes, our hosts, Adam Cooper and Jeff Robertson, break down why strategic business planning is often the first thing construction leaders ignore—and why it’s the most critical for long-term survival. From the "engineering mindset" trap to identifying actionable milestones, learn how to move past reactive decision-making and build a roadmap that survives economic shifts. Hope you enjoy this episode! Chapters: 00:00 The "Day-to-Day" Trap: Why Leaders Avoid Stra...
May 14, 2026•24 min•Ep. 43
If your CFO feels like the enemy… it’s probably not them. Most business owners unknowingly create friction with finance—and it shows up in missed profits, bad decisions, and constant tension. In this episode, we break down the 3 biggest mistakes leaders make that drive their CFO crazy—and how fixing them can unlock serious growth. Chapters: 0:00 – Introduction: The CFO-Ops Dynamic 1:39 – Forecasts as a "Contract with the Future" 6:58 – Understanding "Potential Costs" vs. Real Risks 14:21 – The F...
May 01, 2026•32 min•Ep. 42
Everyone loved Part 1, so we are doing Part 2! In this episode, Adam, Jeff, and Greg react to five HOT TAKES about the construction industry and decide whether they agree or disagree. You’re not going to want to miss this one. Comment with any takes you feel like deserve a reaction and dissection! Chapters: 0:00 – Introduction: The Reaction Segment Returns 0:48 – Topic 1: The Lowest Bidder Mindset 5:22 – Topic 2: Ego vs. Technology Problems 7:57 – Topic 3: Superintendents and Company Culture 11:...
Apr 23, 2026•20 min•Ep. 41
In this episode, Adam Cooper and Jeff Robertson bring their decades of experience to lay out 3 of the top processes necessary for a construction firm to grow. We hope you enjoy this one! Chapters: 0:00 – Scaling Preconstruction & Estimating 7:30 – Systems for Operational Performance 15:18 – The Strategic Role of the Back Office 20:33 – Comparing GC vs. Trade Contractor Scaling 31:43 – Specialization & Future Growth Check out our whole catalog of Construction Hot Takes episodes on our web...
Apr 16, 2026•32 min•Ep. 40
In this episode, Adam, Jeff, and Greg react to four HOT TAKES about the construction industry and decide whether they agree or disagree. You’re not going to want to miss this one. Comment with any takes you feel like deserve a reaction and dissection! Chapters: 0:05 – Segment Intro: The Rules of Engagement 1:06 – Statement 1: Labor vs. Leadership 9:47 – Statement 2: Subcontractors vs. GCs in Creating Chaos 15:09 – Statement 3: Did BIM Really Fail? 17:31 – Statement 4: Safety as a Culture or a Sh...
Apr 09, 2026•22 min•Ep. 39
In this episode, Jeff Robertson breaks down the three ways construction companies can leverage AI to boost productivity, eliminate data silos, and make smarter decisions on the job site. Chapters: 0:00 – Introduction: The AI Tipping Point in Construction 0:48 – Level 1: AI-Enhanced Software 2:53 – Level 2: Integration and Orchestration Layers 5:01 – Level 3: AI-Native Applications 6:45 – Conclusion: The Foundational Role of Data and Processes Check out our whole catalog of Construction Hot Takes...
Mar 26, 2026•7 min•Ep. 38
In this episode, Jeff Robertson dives into AI in construction, breaking down adoption tiers, practical use cases, and how contractors of all sizes can leverage AI to protect margins, streamline processes, and grow their business. Chapters: 0:00 – Introduction: The Solo Podcast 4:27 – Understanding the AI Marketplace 6:52 – The Three Tiers of AI Application 12:12 – Market Adoption: Large, Mid, and Small Contractors 22:11 – Practical Use Cases & Conclusion Check out our whole catalog of Constr...
Mar 19, 2026•33 min•Ep. 37
A.I. is affecting every single facet of the construction industry. We are committing to doing a quarterly update, and this is the Q1 2026 State of A.I. update from the Construction Hot Takes podcast. Here, we talk through 5 key updates in the world of construction A.I. Chapters: 00:00 – Intro to AI Trends 04:02 – Embedded AI "Co-pilots" 07:11 – Document & Contract Intelligence 12:22 – AI-Assisted Estimating 15:51 – AI for Production Scheduling 17:06 – Financial & Invoice Automation Check...
Mar 12, 2026•25 min•Ep. 36
In this episode, Gregory Gorman draws on his industry leading expertise in construction accounting especially as it has been dramatically affected by A.I., specifically how A.I. is enabling the continuous close. Chapters: 0:00 – Intro to Market Trends 1:52 – Understanding Risk Management 3:29 – Scaling Your Operations 6:09 – Tech Integration in Construction 10:55 – Future Outlook & Closing Check out our whole catalog of Construction Hot Takes episodes on our website! https://ascentconsults.c...
Mar 05, 2026•16 min•Ep. 35
In this episode, Katherine Cooper talks about the new wave of search in 2026 that is powered by A.I. While many have already familiarized themselves with Search Engine Optimization, Answer Engine Optimization and Generative Engine Optimization remain untapped by most even prominent firms. Be sure to check this episode out and walk away with some of the key next steps that your construction firm can implement into your marketing strategies in 2026. Chapters: 00:00 – Search vs. Generative Optimiza...
Feb 26, 2026•20 min•Ep. 34
In this episode, Gregory Gorman and Adam Cooper do a quick episode on the basics of private equity for construction businesses. Having plenty of experience working with construction firms with interest in working with private equity, this can provide you with some context. If you have any specific questions Adam or Gregory will be able to speak in depth with you about your concerns so please reach out. Chapters 0:00 Intro to Private Equity 1:04 PE Management Roles 3:20 Portfolio Diversification ...
Feb 19, 2026•10 min•Ep. 33
In this episode we are joined by Joshua Gregory, VP at Alston Construction, and friend of Adam Cooper since high school. They draw from their respective experiences in the world of construction to talk about the divide between pre-construction estimation and post-launch operations, and the reasons one may want to appreciate both sides no matter which side one works on. Hope you enjoy this episode. Check out our whole catalog of Construction Hot Takes episodes on our website! https://ascentconsul...
Feb 12, 2026•32 min•Ep. 32
In this episode, Jeff Robertson, Gregory Gorman, and Adam Cooper talk about the reality of ERP implementation. Especially if you are considering this for your construction organization, this episode will be highly valuable for you as the conversation goes through the many facets of consideration that must occur in order for a successful, smooth changeover to occur. Check out our whole catalog of Construction Hot Takes episodes on our website! https://ascentconsults.com/construction-hot-takes-pod...
Feb 05, 2026•42 min•Ep. 31
In this episode, Katherine Cooper and Adam Cooper talk about the functions of sales, marketing, and business development within the context of residential construction firms. Check out our whole catalog of Construction Hot Takes episodes on our website! https://ascentconsults.com/construction-hot-takes-podcast/ Interested in learning how Ascent's consulting services could potentially help improve your business's operations? 📈 Click here to schedule a free 30-minute consultation with one of our ...
Jan 29, 2026•20 min•Ep. 30
In this episode, our resident finance expert Gregory Gorman and operations expert Jeff Robertson talk about how artificial intelligence is transforming the world of construction accounting. We get really specific in this episode, so we hope you find value in this conversation. Check out our whole catalog of Construction Hot Takes episodes on our website! https://ascentconsults.com/construction-hot-takes-podcast/ Interested in learning how Ascent's consulting services could potentially help impro...
Jan 22, 2026•25 min•Ep. 29
In this episode, Katherine Cooper and Adam Cooper discuss the differences between sales, marketing, and business development within the context of a commercial construction firm. Check out our whole catalog of Construction Hot Takes episodes on our website! https://ascentconsults.com/construction-hot-takes-podcast/ Interested in learning how Ascent's consulting services could potentially help improve your business's operations? 📈 Click here to schedule a free 30-minute consultation with one of ...
Jan 15, 2026•20 min•Ep. 28
Jeff Robertson and Greg Gorman settle the long-standing feud between Operations and Finance. They explore the root causes of friction between the two departments and show how building trust and implementing the right processes can bring both sides together. There is a great deal of time, money, and workplace productivity to be gained when Operations and Finance see eye-to-eye. Check out our whole catalog of Construction Hot Takes episodes on our website! https://ascentconsults.com/construction-h...
Jan 08, 2026•44 min•Ep. 27
Jeff Robertson, Greg Gorman, and Adam Cooper discuss the selection process for a new ERP. It’s important to have a clear understanding of your business needs and what you expect from the new system. Implementing an ERP is a lengthy process, which makes choosing the right one the most critical step. You’ll also need to define the timeline and resources required to fully learn, implement, and go live on your new ERP. The guys go into great detail on everything you need to know. Check out our whole...
Dec 18, 2025•39 min•Ep. 26
Adam Cooper and Jeff Robertson are two of the co-hosts of the Construction Hot Takes Podcast, but besides being prolific podcasters, they have a combined 6+ decades of experience in the construction industry. In this episode, they reminisce on some of the best and worst construction projects they've been on in hopes to share with listeners in pains or inspire them regarding the growth that can be experienced. Check out our whole catalog of Construction Hot Takes episodes on our website! https://...
Nov 27, 2025•14 min•Ep. 25
The construction industry in 2025 finds itself at a juncture of culture clashing and generational divide. The old guard is the Gen X workforce who have come up through the ranks and are now in leadership positions, but navigate the world much differently than the Gen Z workforce entering and navigating the construction industry. These leads to big hairy questions and uncomfortable feelings from both sides. Is Gen Z lazy? Is Gen X failing to stay relevant? Can we work together? How can we work to...
Nov 13, 2025•38 min•Ep. 24
After working with construction firm after construction firm on marketing... we see the same marketing mistakes over and over again. So in this episode of the podcast, Katherine Cooper gets unfiltered on the big mistakes even large construction companies are making very frequently. Check out our whole catalog of Construction Hot Takes episodes on our website! https://ascentconsults.com/construction-hot-takes-podcast/ Interested in learning how Ascent's consulting services could potentially help ...
Nov 06, 2025•17 min•Ep. 23
The big promise of A.I. was automation, hyper-efficiency, and a solution to all of our problems. Especially in the construction industry, there were so many frontiers in which A.I. innovation was supposed to transform, automate, and improve the workflow. However many of us find ourselves in the predicament of spending seemingly more time managing the technology than reaping the benefits of the technology on a day to day basis. Is A.I. one big giant overpromise? Or are we just approaching the tec...
Nov 03, 2025•25 min•Ep. 22
Electrical work is often the last thing noticed on a job site, but it is the first thing missed when it is not done right. Behind the wires, conduits, and deadlines is a story of resilience, faith, and a husband-and-wife team who built their company by refusing to settle. In this episode of Construction Hot Takes, we sit down with Chris and Lean Gaskin, the leaders of Gaskin Electric. Their journey began with a layoff two weeks before Christmas, while navigating a pregnancy and their young son’s...
Oct 09, 2025•44 min•Ep. 21
What if you could guarantee quality across every layer of a home’s exterior — paint, siding, gutters, roofs, decks, porches — without the chaos of endless subs and callbacks? In this episode of Construction Hot Takes, we sit down with Charlie Dallavalle Jr., founder of Painting Plus, Siding Plus, and Gutters Plus. Charlie started as a college side hustle, painting homes in his neighborhood, and grew it into one of the Southeast’s most trusted exterior renovation companies. Over 27 years, he’s co...
Sep 25, 2025•53 min•Ep. 20
Budgets don’t just vanish — they’re lost step by step, phase by phase. And here’s the uncomfortable truth: most of the time, it’s not the client’s fault. In this episode of Construction Hot Takes, Adam and Jeff break down the real internal reasons projects spiral over budget — from business development overpromises to estimating misses, sloppy buyouts, and execution mistakes in the field. You’ll hear candid stories (including a $25M loss on a design-build project) and lessons learned the hard wa...
Sep 18, 2025•37 min•Ep. 19
Imagine standing outside your home just hours after a fire. The structure is damaged, smoke still lingers, and you don’t know what to do next. Who shows up to help you in that moment? That’s where 1-800-BOARDUP comes in. And Leading the charge is Beth Toenies, Chief Operating Officer of the company that’s turned chaos into clarity for homeowners across North America. With 134 franchise locations serving more than 182 million people, Beth has built a reputation as both a decorated executive and a...
Sep 11, 2025•18 min•Ep. 18
Margins don’t just disappear — they get chipped away by bad estimates, buyout mistakes, schedule delays, and one of the biggest myths in construction: thinking “remaining budget” is the same as a forecast. In this episode of Construction Hot Takes, we dig into the real reasons general contractors go from a healthy profit to barely breaking even. You’ll hear straight talk on: Why good forecasting is more than subtracting costs from the budget How poor handoffs between estimating and project manag...
Aug 14, 2025•25 min•Ep. 17
