In this episode, Samantha C. Prestige sits down with Bryant Soloman, a seasoned expert in construction leadership and operations, to discuss how construction businesses can streamline their processes for greater efficiency and profitability. Bryant shares valuable insights on building trust within teams, simplifying operations, and mastering financial management. He also offers actionable advice on transitioning to new technology and overcoming the fear of change, making this episode a must-list...
May 08, 2025•34 min•Ep. 41
In this episode, Samantha C. Prestige sits down with Kristina McMillan to talk about what it really takes to lead a construction team out of survival mode and into sustainable success. They unpack the importance of clear communication, proactive leadership, and creating structure that actually supports your team — not just your to-do list. If you’re tired of firefighting and ready to lead with intention, this conversation is a must-listen.
May 01, 2025•38 min•Ep. 40
In this episode, Samantha C. Prestige sits down with Tyler Campbell to talk about the real challenges of leading construction teams—especially when it comes to communication, delegation, and building trust. Tyler shares what he’s learned from the field and how leaders can create more efficient, accountable teams without micromanaging. It’s a conversation packed with practical insights and a fresh take on leadership in the trades.
Apr 24, 2025•35 min•Ep. 39
In this episode, Samantha C. Prestige sits down with JD Whitaker to uncover the leadership strategies that drive success in the construction industry. They dive into the challenges of team management, communication, and building a culture of efficiency on the job site. JD shares hard-earned insights on leading with clarity, fostering accountability, and overcoming common roadblocks that hold teams back. Whether you're a construction business owner, project manager, or industry leader, this episo...
Apr 17, 2025•35 min•Ep. 38
In this episode, Samantha C. Prestige sits down with Ron Stein to unpack the realities of leadership, risk management, and navigating tough workplace dynamics in the construction industry. From setting boundaries to handling difficult team members and avoiding costly project mistakes, Ron shares hard-earned lessons that every construction professional and business leader needs to hear. Tune in for insights on minimizing risk, making smarter decisions, and leading with confidence—even when the jo...
Apr 10, 2025•30 min•Ep. 37
In this episode, Samantha C. Prestidge sits down with Shawna Armstrong to explore the misconceptions that can lead to poor hiring decisions in the construction industry. Together, they dive into why resumes and interviews don’t always tell the full story—and how relying too heavily on them can cause you to overlook top talent. Shawna shares practical insights on how to challenge assumptions around job hopping, gaps in employment, and hiring for “fit” based on outdated expectations. With a focus ...
Mar 27, 2025•36 min•Ep. 36
In this episode of Construction Trailblazers , we tackle the common challenges faced by family-run construction businesses and explore how outdated habits, poor communication, and role ambiguity can hinder growth. Tune in for practical strategies to overcome these obstacles, streamline operations, and foster a culture of collaboration. Whether you’re looking to break free from old traditions or scale your business more efficiently, this episode is packed with actionable insights you won’t want t...
Mar 20, 2025•16 min•Ep. 35
In this episode, Samantha C. Prestidge sits down with Scott Robertson to discuss what it takes to build a culture of ownership and accountability in the construction industry. They explore the mindset shift required when moving from the field into leadership, the power of transparency in team engagement, and why strong communication is the foundation of every successful project. Tune in for insights on leadership development, problem-solving, and empowering your team to take initiative.
Mar 13, 2025•27 min•Ep. 34
In this episode, Samantha C. Prestidge sits down with Irene Walsh Garcia to discuss the power of unlearning limiting beliefs and building confidence in the construction industry. Irene shares her journey of overcoming self-doubt, the lessons she wishes she could have told her younger self, and the importance of trusting the process. With her humble and practical approach, she offers valuable insights for anyone navigating their career with uncertainty. Tune in to hear Irene’s advice on embracing...
Mar 06, 2025•28 min•Ep. 33
In this episode, Samantha C. Prestidge sits down with Jesse to explore a powerful 30-day challenge for new field leaders to build trust and stand out. They discuss the importance of building relationships by genuinely getting to know people on-site and advocating for yourself by clearly communicating your contributions. Jesse also shares a game-changing leadership skill: listening more than talking. Too many managers create dependency by always having the answers instead of fostering critical th...
Feb 27, 2025•44 min•Ep. 32
In this episode, Samantha C. Prestige talks with Josh Nieves, a master electrician turned regional workforce development manager at Miller Electric Company. He shares his journey from an electrician to a farm owner and founder of Ascend Consulting. He dispels common myths about the construction industry, highlighting the importance of mentorship, leadership coaching, and positive company culture. Through their discussion, they address the misconceptions surrounding the industry, the need for con...
Feb 20, 2025•33 min•Ep. 31
In this episode, Samantha C. Prestidge discusses the critical yet often overlooked element that can significantly enhance the success of handoff meetings and overall project outcomes. By focusing on the voice of the customer, Samantha explains how understanding and integrating these personal details can lead to higher customer satisfaction, better project performance, and stronger client relationships. Tune in to learn how to capture and utilize customer insights to transform your handoff meetin...
Feb 13, 2025•15 min•Ep. 30
In this episode, Samantha C. Prestidge interviews Karl Jefferson, the founder and president of Kadilex Construction. Karl shares his journey from joining an ironworkers apprenticeship to building a successful Midwest-based ironworking company known for its commitment to quality, innovation, and diversity. The conversation covers Karl's early days, mentorship from his father, the challenges and lessons learned in growing his business, hiring the right team members, and his vision for the future e...
Feb 06, 2025•20 min•Ep. 29
In this episode, Samantha C. Prestidge discusses the crucial balance between providing effective feedback and avoiding micromanagement. She emphasizes the importance of communication skills, conflict resolution, and maintaining a broad vision while executing tasks. Samantha shares personal anecdotes and practical tips, like the SBI (Situation, Behavior, Impact) model, to help leaders give actionable and respectful feedback that fosters trust and improves team performance. Links: Manager Superher...
Jan 30, 2025•17 min•Ep. 28
In this episode, host Samantha C. Prestige interviews Herb Sargent, CEO of Sargent Corporation. With a rich history and nearly a century-long legacy, Herb shares his journey in the construction industry, the transition to employee ownership, and insights into building a successful and people-focused company culture. Listen as he discusses leadership, mentorship, and the importance of investing in employees for long-term success.
Jan 23, 2025•33 min•Ep. 27
In this episode, Samantha C. Prestidge discusses why the common managerial phrase 'Come to me with solutions, not problems' can often lead to frustration both for managers and employees. She explores the reasons behind its ineffectiveness and offers practical strategies to cultivate problem-solving and critical-thinking skills in employees. This episode provides insights into fostering a solutions-oriented team and encouraging a collaborative, open communication culture within and across departm...
Jan 15, 2025•15 min•Ep. 26
In this episode, Samantha C. Prestidge shares insights from the show Hell's Kitchen that can be applied to building and managing successful teams. Lessons include the importance of pausing to reassess when things go south, demanding accountability, fostering team decision-making, avoiding ego-driven mistakes, and observing the traits of successful individuals. 02:26 Lesson 1: Pause and Reassess 03:32 Lesson 2: Demand Accountability 04:55 Lesson 3: Foster Team Decision-Making 06:13 Lesson 4: Avoi...
Dec 18, 2024•11 min•Ep. 25
In this episode, host Samantha C. Prestige talks with Lindsay Fortunato, CEO of Fortunato Construction Group. Lindsay shares her journey growing up in a construction environment, her leadership style, balancing work life, and how she maintains a people-first culture. Discover insights into customer-centric approaches and the importance of teamwork and employee retention. 01:24 Lindsay Fortunato's Early Influences 01:43 Architectural Inspirations 03:39 Business Lessons from the Family 05:02 Life ...
Dec 11, 2024•26 min•Ep. 24
In this episode, Samantha C. Prestidge discusses the common tendency of businesses to overcomplicate processes. She emphasizes the importance of simplicity in operations, highlighting its impact on team efficiency, morale, and overall business success. Discover how to identify and eliminate unnecessary complexities by adopting lean management techniques, asking critical 'why' questions, and focusing on effective and efficient solutions that drive quality results.
Dec 04, 2024•12 min•Ep. 25
In this episode, Samantha C. Prestige talks to Josh Luebker, a fractional CFO and COO, about bridging the gap between project management and accounting in the construction industry. They explore how to help subcontractors find stability and growth through consistent processes, efficient project management, and effective communication. Josh shares his journey in the industry and offers practical advice for achieving a better work-life balance and long-term business success.
Nov 19, 2024•31 min•Ep. 23
In this episode, host Samantha C. Prestidge shares her personal story of being passed up for a management position early in her career. She discusses three key reasons for not getting the promotion and provides advice for employees and managers on how to navigate similar situations.
Nov 12, 2024•14 min•Ep. 20
In this episode, Samantha C. Prestige speaks with Craig Montz, the Industrial Special Projects Business Group Leader for the Iowa region at Myron Construction. With over 20 years of experience, Craig shares his insights on being a generalist, problem prevention, customer centricity, and balancing internal and external customer needs. He emphasizes the importance of showing up, having a good attitude, and being willing to learn.
Nov 05, 2024•28 min•Ep. 22
In this episode, Samantha C. Prestidge discusses the importance of clear job descriptions in the hiring process. She delves into common pitfalls of vague job descriptions, the impact of these on team dynamics, and practical strategies to create effective job descriptions that ensure better hiring outcomes. Samantha shares insights on establishing clear expectations, responsibilities, and qualifications to improve interviewing, onboarding, and overall team performance. Tune in to learn actionable...
Oct 30, 2024•20 min•Ep. 19
In this episode, Samantha C. Prestige sits down with Kerri Smith, a driving force at Baker Construction, to discuss the importance of investing in employees and embedding cultural values within a company. They delve into Baker Construction's unique five tours program for talent development, the challenges of implementing such a system, and the rewarding outcomes. This episode is packed with insights on creating a strong, people-first culture and practical advice for other companies looking to do...
Oct 23, 2024•32 min•Ep. 21
In this episode, host Samantha C. Prestidge discusses the challenges and strategies for transitioning from being a team member to a team leader. She shares personal anecdotes, practical tips, and offers resources for managers facing this difficult shift. 02:44 Working with Friends and Family 03:27 Practical Tips for Transition 05:42 Conflict Resolution 12:48 Maintaining Friendships at Work
Oct 16, 2024•16 min•Ep. 17
In this episode, Samantha C. Prestige interviews Bill Radobenko, the president of ACI Northwest, to discuss building collaborative teams, turning big personalities into big leaders, and fostering a culture of humility, teamwork, and integrity. Bill shares his journey from working as a roofer at 17 to leading one of Idaho’s top construction companies, emphasizing the importance of listening, trust, and continuous improvement for both team success and community impact. 01:41 Bill's Early Journey 0...
Oct 10, 2024•33 min•Ep. 16
In this episode, Samantha C. Prestidge dives into the critical decision-making behind hiring based on soft skills versus technical skills in the construction industry. She discusses the importance of having the right processes, support systems, and culture in place to set new hires up for success, and shares personal anecdotes and practical advice for hiring managers facing high turnover and labor shortages. 00:00 Introduction 00:53 The Challenge of Hiring on Soft Skills 03:20 Key Elements for H...
Oct 02, 2024•18 min•Ep. 15
In this episode, Samantha C. Prestidge speaks with Jose Amaya, Chief Business Development Officer at Pinkard Construction. They discuss the importance of work-life balance, Pinkard's commitment to the Front Range of Colorado, and the company's focus on affordable housing. Jose shares insights on maintaining a fulfilling career in the construction industry while balancing family life, the strategies Pinkard uses to retain top talent, and the thoughtful approach the company takes in client relatio...
Sep 25, 2024•33 min•Ep. 14
In this episode, Samantha talks about the concept of silos within businesses and how they create divisions, inefficiencies, and frustrations. She elaborates on identifying silos, understanding their costs, and breaking them down to foster a culture of collaboration and communication. Samantha also provides actionable steps for leaders to improve team synergy, thus paving the way for operational excellence and long-term success. Take the "What Kind of Business Superhero Are You?" here . 00:00 Int...
Sep 18, 2024•12 min•Ep. 13
In this episode, Samantha C. Prestidge interviews Megan Sharpio, a legal expert specializing in construction contracts. They delve into the often-overlooked potential of contracts to enhance profitability, strengthen relationships, and mitigate risks in the construction industry. Megan provides insights and actionable steps for construction leaders to leverage their contracts effectively. 01:25 The Overlooked Power of Contracts 02:44 Leveraging Contracts for Relationships 03:21 Strategies for Ne...
Sep 11, 2024•36 min•Ep. 12
