In this episode of Beers with Contractors, Terry welcomes Zach Simmons, founder and owner of Stronghold Construction, for an in-depth conversation about the construction industry. They discuss the disconnect young professionals face when entering the field, the importance of hiring problem solvers rather than just construction professionals, and the challenges small to mid-sized contractors encounter while competing with larger firms. Zach details their approach to hiring, emphasizing culture fit and realistic salary expectations. They also touch upon the importance of internships, the gap between educational curriculum and real-world practices, and Zach's personal experiences. The discussion wraps up with a mention of Zach’s own upcoming podcast, 'Constructive Criticism'.
00:00 Trailer
01:08 Podcast Beginnings and Challenges
03:23 Construction Industry Issues and Podcast Goals
09:44 Hiring Challenges in Construction
23:16 The Value of Young Talent in the Industry
24:54 Work-Life Balance in Construction
25:57 Career Progression and Expectations
26:45 Real-Life Success Stories
30:28 Challenges for Small to Mid-Size Contractors
32:40 The Importance of Industry-Education Collaboration
38:36 The Reality of Construction Education
45:35 Podcast Wrap-Up and Future Plans
Contact Zach Simmons at:
LinkedIn (Zach): https://www.linkedin.com/in/zacharyjsimmons/
LinkedIn (company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/stronghold-construction/
Website: https://www.stronghold.construction/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buildstronghold/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BuildStronghold
Foundation Rescue Supply Link:
https://www.foundationrescuesupply.com/
Contractors Kick Ass!
Podcast Store Link:
https://williamwalkerblake.com/store-1
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