Shows
The CM Mentors PodcastConstruction GeniusIn Episode 38 of The CM Mentors Podcast, Matt Graves and Kyle Grandell chat with Eric Anderton, Founder of Construction Genius. Topics Include:* Favorite Sports* Making the Shift from Leading Projects to Leading Companies* The “E.A.R.” Framework for Communication* How to Teach Someone what you know Instinctually* Construction Genius the Book* How to Run a “Kick-Ass” Meeting* How to Lead the “Older” Generation* How to Lead your Old Peers After a Promotion* Top Skills to Develop Early in your Career2023-10-2553 min
The CM Mentors PodcastTips for Commercial Construction SuccessIn Episode 37 of The CM Mentors Podcast, Matt Graves and Kyle Grandell chat with Adeel Pirzada, CEO of Pircon Group. With a special guest appearance by Kevin Padillo.Topics Include:* The different “types” of Commercial Construction* Seft-Perform vs. Subcontract* Success with Design-Build Work* Differences Between Canadian and American Construction* Are Electricians the “smartest” trade?* Next Generation not interested in Construction?* How to be Successful in Commercial Construction* Ask the Stupid Question* Hire Fast, Fire Faster, Promote FastestThis wee...2023-10-171h 03
The CM Mentors PodcastA Dive into Land DevelopmentIn Episode 36 of The CM Mentors Podcast, Matt Graves and Kyle Grandell chat with Jack Rowe, Director of Land Entitlement and Development at Taylor Morrison. Topics Include:* What is Land Development?* The hardest part of the Job* How to be Successful with Utility Companies* spoiler: We wish we had better answers* What it was like entering the Industry* Working through the Bureaucracy of Cities* How to get started in Land DevelopmentWatch the interview on YouTube:About...2023-10-1157 min
The CM Mentors PodcastPersonal Branding in ConstructionIn Episode 35 of The CM Mentors Podcast, Matt Graves and Kyle Grandell chat with Jonathan Cor, President of Customer Growth. Topics Include:* The legit opportunity to build a Personal Brand RIGHT NOW* Why do it? Tangible benefits?* Meme Marketing* Using Opus Pro for turning long-form videos into short viral clips with AI* GC bashing posts? Good or bad?* Thoughts on using ChatGPT for marketing purposes* Using your perspective to stand out* Some tactical tipsWatch the interview...2023-10-031h 02
The CM Mentors PodcastIs Construction Adapting to Gen Z?In Episode 34 of The CM Mentors Podcast, Matt Graves and Kyle Grandell chat with Evan Oates, Vice President at EOS Builders, LLC. Topics Include:* EOS Internship Program* What a Project Engineer can expect on Day 1* Teaching the Basics First* Concentrating on Soft Skills First* Kyle Bails on the Meme Game* Innovation Possibilities to Help the Workforce GapWatch the interview on YouTube:About Evan:Evan Oates is a seasoned construction manager with over 20 years of industry experience...2023-09-2755 min
The CM Mentors Podcast7 Archetypes of Influential Project ManagersIn Episode 33 of The CM Mentors Podcast, Matt Graves and Kyle Grandell chat with Kyle Nitchen, Senior Project Manager at Layton Construction. Topics Include:* Getting Interested in Construction* Our Coolest Projects* Kyle Describes the Meme Game: Literal Cloud Revision* What defines an Influential Project Manager* 7 Archetypes of an Influential Project Manager* Communicator* Enforcer* Builder* Leader* Attorney* Accountant* Business DeveloperWatch the interview on YouTube:About Kyle: 2023-09-1957 min
The CM Mentors PodcastRelentlessly Running Your Own RaceIn Episode 32 of The CM Mentors Podcast, Matt Graves and Kyle Grandell chat with Seth Gehle, Builder at David Weekley Homes. Topics Include:* The Power of LinkedIn* Helping Veterans* Hustling to Build a Network* Getting Giants on Your Resume* Tips for Being a Great Communicator* Running Your Own Race* Being the Best at EVERYTHING You Do* Blind Faith & Not Getting Caught Up in the Machine* Paying It ForwardWatch the interview on YouTube:...2023-09-121h 01
The CM Mentors PodcastThe State of Construction TechnologyIn Episode 31 of The CM Mentors Podcast, Matt Graves and Kyle Grandell chat with Erin Khan, Founder & Sr. Consultant at Erin Khan Consulting.Topics Include:* Augmented Reality* Learning & Development via Technology* Construction is the New Cool* Tech Fatigue* With 1000s of Solutions, How do you Vet them? * ContechReviews.comWatch the interview on YouTube:About Erin: Erin Khan is an established AEC technology leader, with over a decade of combined experience in building operations, data and process...2023-09-0650 min
The CM Mentors PodcastElevators vs. The World: Why can't we get along?In Episode 30 of The CM Mentors Podcast, Matt Graves and Kyle Grandell chat with Chris Gutkes, President at Island Elevator.Topics Include:* What a Train Wreck* Kyle Describes the Meme Game: Meme Marketing* How Chris came into Running Island Elevator* The Worst Part of Running a Business* Self-Depreciation as a Leadership Skill* Elevators vs. The World: Why can’t we all get along?* AI in the Industry* People First CompanyWatch the interview on YouTube:About Chris: ...2023-08-3058 min
The CM Mentors PodcastThe Secrets of the Construction MVPsIn Episode 29 of The CM Mentors Podcast, Matt Graves and Kyle Grandell chat with Coty Fournier Professional Talent Development & Growth Strategist at Coty Fournier, Inc.Topics Include:* The Contractor who Doesn’t Bid on Work* Eliminate the Fear of Change Orders* Becoming a Company Executive* Importance of Subcontractors* Inside Commerical Construction’s MVPs* Adding Value to the Business Development Team * (Be a seller-doer Unicorn)* Kyle Describes the Meme Game: The Perfect Meme for the OccasionWatch the interview on YouT...2023-08-2359 min
The CM Mentors PodcastEquipment Salvage & FUN 🤩In Episode 28 of The CM Mentors Podcast, Matt Graves and Kyle Grandell chat with Lance Furuyama, Vice President of Operations at Factor X.This was a fun chat and halfway through Lance took over asking us the questions. We chatted about:* What is Equipment Salvage & How Does it Work* The Value of LinkedIn* Advice for our Younger Selfs* Introduced a New Meme GameWatch the interview on YouTube:About Lance:I'm from Hawaii and moved to California six years...2023-08-1549 min
The CM Mentors PodcastThe Trades Gap: What Construction Managers can do to help?In Episode 27 of The CM Mentors Podcast, Matt Graves and Kyle Grandell chat with Andrew Brown, Co-founder & CEO of Toolfetch.comWe chat about:* What is the Skilled Trades Gap* Importance of a Mentor* What Companies can do to support/ recruit the trades* What we can do as individuals to helpWatch the interview on YouTube:About Andrew:Andrew Brown is a passionate entrepreneur, co-founder, and CEO of Toolfetch.com, driving the company's success for 23 years. His vision led to the...2023-08-0848 min
The CM Mentors PodcastOpportunities for Military Veterans in ConstructionIn Episode 26 of The CM Mentors Podcast, Matt Graves and Kyle Grandell chat with Luke Hill (Senior Partner/Director of Veteran Talent Services at Joseph Chris Partners Executive Search) and Scott Friend (Superintendent at rand* Construction and The Construction Veteran Podcast host). We chat about:* How they both transitioned out of the Military and into the Construction Industry* How you can get started in the Construction Industry* How companies can support VeteransWatch the interview on YouTube:About Luke:Luke is a Marine...2023-08-021h 02
The CM Mentors PodcastClosing Out with SuccessIn Episode 25 of The CM Mentors Podcast, Matt Graves and Kyle Grandell chat with Natassia Melendrez-Knutson, President & CEO at Project Support Services, Inc.We chat about:* Successful Closeout Tips* Who is the DSA?* Constructibility Reviews* Closing Out 20-Year-Old Projects* You’re Never Going to Know It AllListen on your Favorite Podcast platform orWatch the interview on YouTube.About Natassia:Natassia Melendrez-Knutson is the Owner and CEO of Project Support Services, a multifaceted organization specializing in DS...2023-07-2655 min
The CM Mentors PodcastDay in the Life of a Construction ManagerIn Episode 24 of The CM Mentors Podcast, it’s just Matt Graves and Kyle Grandell on the mic.We chat about:* The Day in the Life of a CM* Night Work* Words of Wisdom for the CCM Exam (Certified Construction Manager)* An Innovation Solution for Email & Task Management Listen on your Favorite Podcast platform orWatch the interview on YouTube: Get full access to Construction Yeti at constructionyeti.substack.com/subscribe2023-07-1853 min
The CM Mentors PodcastAdvice from a Subcontractor for GCsIn Episode 23 of The CM Mentors Podcast, Matt Graves and Kyle Grandell chat with David Wolke, Vice President at Hill Electric. Back in Episode 20, John Farner joined us in “Advice from a GC to Empower Subcontractors.” We thought it would be great to have a Subcontractor on to flip the script and give advice to GCs from a sub’s perspective and David was a great choice to fill the role. We chat about:* Best Project Experiences* Proper Amount of Documentation* How to Help Submittal & RFI Processes* Bottle...2023-07-111h 00
The CM Mentors PodcastProject Success for the A-PlayerIn Episode 22 of The CM Mentors Podcast, Matt Graves and Kyle Grandell chat with Jerry Aliberti, Owner of Pro-Accel. Pro-Accel helps contractors create repeatable project success and profitability by improving their estimating and field operations, reducing overhead, and helping them build high-performing teams.We chat about:* Remote vs In-Person Team Building and Mentoring* Biggest Pain Points for Contractors* How to be an A-Player* Project Success Tips for the Next GenerationListen on your Favorite Podcast platform orWatch the interview on YouTube:About...2023-07-0548 min
The CM Mentors Podcast"Do The Damn Thing"In Episode 21 of The CM Mentors Podcast, Matt Graves and Kyle Grandell chat with Jennifer Lacy (Lean Practice Leader at Robins & Morton) and Jesse Hernandez (Member at Depth Builder LLC). In addition to all the other amazing things they are doing for the industry, they are the duo behind No BS with Jen & Jess. Where they Livestream every other Saturday morning to “break through the surface and discover depths of vulnerability” and invite the audience to participate in the conversation. Follow them on Linkedin for updates: https://www.linkedin.com/company/no-bs-with-jen-jess/If you know anyt...2023-06-271h 05
The CM Mentors PodcastAdvice from a GC to Empower SubcontractorsIn Episode 20 of The CM Mentors Podcast, Matt Graves and Kyle Grandell chat with John Farner, Founder of Empowering Subcontractors.We chat about:* The Empowering Subcontractor Platform* Better Communication* Importance of Proper Documentation* Best Practices for Pay Applications* How GCs can Better Support Subcontractors* Advice John has for the Next Generation. Listen on your Favorite Podcast platform orWatch the interview on YouTube:About John:Construction Manager/General Contractor for over 40 years building projects with Subcontractors. Grew...2023-06-2046 min
The CM Mentors PodcastKickoff Meetings & AI (Roadtrip Edition!)In Episode 19 of The CM Mentors Podcast, Matt Graves and Kyle Grandell are on the road so no video this week, but wanted to get on the mic to talk about Construction Project Kickoff Meetings, tips to make them great, and how important they are to set the culture of the project. As is the hot topic of the year, the conversation turns to AI and the conversation got short as we just may have offended the AI overlords.Listen on your Favorite Podcast platform or“Watch” the interview on YouTube (No video this...2023-06-1348 min
The CM Mentors PodcastThe Business AthleteIn Episode 18 of The CM Mentors Podcast, Matt Graves and Kyle Grandell chat with Alexander Fichera. Alex is the Owner & Business Anthropologist of Intuito Group and now the author of “The Business Athlete” which was released on June 1, 2023. Alex is our first 2 time guest but when we found out he was dropping a book, we just had to get him back on the podcast to talk about the topics of the book and more. Including:* Energy Management* The Power of Brand Consciousness and Your Digital Footprint* Tips for the Next Generation2023-06-061h 04
The CM Mentors PodcastLinkedIn LIVE Q&AIn Episode 17 of The CM Mentors Podcast, Matt Graves and Kyle Grandell go live on LinkedIn and answer Kyle and the Audience's Questions. The topics include:* Safety Ratings* Contract Scope Gaps* Good Interview/ Applicant practices* “25 Hacks to Win as a Young Construction Professional”* Certifications for the Up and Comers* Best Practices in Communication* AI in ConstructionListen on your Favorite Podcast platform orWatch the interview here:Thanks to Everyone who showed up and participated! This...2023-05-301h 01
The CM Mentors PodcastHoots in Boots LIVEIn Episode 16 of The CM Mentors Podcast, Matt Graves and Kyle Grandell chat with Adam Hoots, Lean Construction Shepard at Construction ACHE Solutions and Clemson Professor, in our first YouTube Live Stream experiment. Thanks to Everyone who showed up and participated! This was a fun one and keep your eye out for more Live Streams to come. Listen on your Favorite Podcast platform orWatch the interview here:About Adam:Adam began his career in the construction industry as a plumber's helper and then as a red-line architect’s he...2023-05-231h 01
The CM Mentors PodcastBuilding Bridges in the IndustryIn Episode 15 of The CM Mentors Podcast, Matt Graves and Kyle Grandell chat with Jess Rosen, Project Manager at Capital Excavation, in our first chat with someone specializing in the Civil/ Roadwork sector. Jess has an interesting resume where he has spent the last decade-plus working on some of the Mega bridge projects that have changed skylines around the country. The conversation touches on:* Innovation* Constructability Reviews* Tips for the Next Generation* Opportunities in the Civil & Infrastructure SectorListen on your Favorite Podcast platform or2023-05-161h 01
The CM Mentors PodcastTeam Building JourneyIn Episode 14 of The CM Mentors Podcast, Matt Graves and Kyle Grandell chat with Eric Schultz, Partner at Journey Alliance. If you are leading a team or aspire to, this is a must-watch episode. The conversation touches on:* Entrepreneur vs Business Owner* New Leader Mistakes* Leadership & Trust* Assessments * Meetings* & MoreListen on your Favorite Podcast platform orWatch the interview here:About Eric:Working with field service small businesses is what I know. I've had the opportunity...2023-05-091h 06
The CM Mentors PodcastThe Next Gen from a Professor's PerspectiveIn Episode 13 of The CM Mentors Podcast, Matt Graves and Kyle Grandell chat with Brian Bejcek, P.E., Assistant Professor at Ferris State University. The conversation started with talking about what MEP is but quickly morphed into what the Next Generation is learning (and interested in) in College today. Listen on your Favorite Podcast platform orWatch the interview here:About Brian:Brian Bejcek is an Assistant Professor in the Construction Technology and Management program at Ferris State University. He teaches classes in Electrical Construction Practices, Mechanical Construction Practices, Construction Economics...2023-05-0254 min
The CM Mentors PodcastCashflow is KingIn Episode 12 of The CM Mentors Podcast, Matt Graves and Kyle Grandell chat with Scott Peper, CEO of Mobilization Funding. The conversation circles around Scott’s recently published book “The Big Book of Cashflow.” Scott explains what cash flow is, its importance, and tips you can implement to improve your cash flow. Scott does a great job illustrating what cash flow is in easy-to-understand terms and explains things like the differences between Profit, Markup, and Margin. Check out Mobilization Funding’s “Project Cash Flow Tool"https://mobilizationfunding.com/cashflow/Listen on your Favor...2023-04-251h 00
The CM Mentors PodcastConstruction Coaching & "War" StoriesIn Episode 11 of The CM Mentors Podcast, Matt Graves and Kyle Grandell chat with Joshua McMahon, President of MCM Consulting LLC. The engaging conversation is primarily about effective coaching in the Construction Industry. Josh shares his experience of the Navy Seabees and the guys share some “war” stories about coming up in the industry and Federal Contracting “fun.”Listen on your Favorite Podcast platform orWatch the interview here:About Josh:I have over 20 years of experience in the construction industry and have seen firsthand the challenges people experience in their careers...2023-04-181h 01
The CM Mentors PodcastConstructing a Masterplan for Your Career & Life through Construction ManagementIn Episode 10 of The CM Mentors Podcast, Matt Graves and Kyle Grandell chat with Cory Fisk, Construction Education Curator of Construction Management Online.This episode had a connection and lag issue during the recording which made the final audio quality, not the greatest. But that doesn’t distract from all the Value that Cory was putting out there for the audience. We chat about:* How Cory is Supporting the Industry and the Vision of Construction Management Online* Creating a Masterplan for Your Career & Life* Journaling and Lessons Learned...2023-04-111h 00
The CM Mentors PodcastTrue Design-BuildIn Episode 9 of The CM Mentors Podcast, Matt Graves and Kyle Grandell chat with Matt Vetter, President of Schafer Construction and Co-Host of The Construction Corner Podcast. We chat about:* What True Design-Build is* How Delivery Methods have been butchered over the years to the detriment of the Owner* Benefits of Creating Content * Advice for the Young Bloods wanting to start posting about Construction on Social Media. (Hint: Don’t be Stupid)* Picking a Career that makes you happy.* Team Building in a Silo’d Cons...2023-04-0456 min
The CM Mentors PodcastAlternatives to Being Buried in SpreadsheetsIn Episode 8 of The CM Mentors Podcast, Matt Graves and Kyle Grandell chat with Joe Wilson, CEO & Founder of Projexion. We talk about his predictive analysis start-up company Projexion and alternatives to being buried in excel spreadsheets.We discuss things like the need for consistent true data to forecast where the project is going and if AI will take our jobs as Construction Managers.Listen on your Favorite Podcast platform orWatch the interview here:About Joe:In his 15 years of experience, Joe has made a career out of...2023-03-2854 min
The CM Mentors PodcastSupply Chain Logistics, WBE Opportunities, & Thoughts on MentorshipIn Episode 7 of The CM Mentors Podcast, Matt Graves and Kyle Grandell chat with Haydee Clark, Owner/ Freight Agent at Resilient Freight Solutions. Supply Chain and Logistics is such a hot topic in today’s “Post-Covid” world. At times it feels like you order something today and hope it shows up in time. Haydee shares some tips on things you can do to help ensure successful deliveries on your jobsite. In addition:* Power of Networking* Benefits of WBE (and how to get certified)* Thoughts on Mentorship and cohorts* Free Organi...2023-03-2150 min
The CM Mentors PodcastElevating the Construction Industry w/ Jason SchroederIn Episode 6 of The CM Mentors Podcast, Matt Graves and Kyle Grandell chat with Jason Schroeder. Now I could go on and on about this interview but simply put this episode is about making the Construction Industry a better place. And maybe even calling out a few people who need it. Jason almost didn’t even need us there for this episode. All you have to do is wind him up and his passion for improving the Construction Industry takes over and off he goes. At one point I was left speechless. This was one of the be...2023-03-1448 min
The CM Mentors PodcastExponential Output Grows with Construction ScrumIn Episode 5 of The CM Mentors Podcast, Matt Graves and Kyle Grandell chat with Felipe Engineer-Manriquez. (See Felipe’s bio below for all the awesome things he’s doing.) We chat about utilizing Scrum Management techniques in the Construction Industry. We talk about tips and lessons learned on implementing Scrum for the first time on your Project site and in your personal workflow management. In the interview, I asked Felipe if there was any proof to point to for the Exponential Productivity Increase claims. Felipe pointed us to this blog post with...2023-03-071h 03
The CM Mentors PodcastTaking Control of your Career Growth and Creating Your Own OpportunitiesIn Episode 4 of The CM Mentors Podcast, Matt Graves and Kyle Grandell chat with Marty Schmitt, President of AG|CM Inc. The general topic is “Taking Control of your Career Growth and Creating Your Own Opportunities.” But the episode was recorded the Monday after the Super Bowl and so with Marty being from Philadelphia, there was a fair bit of football talk as well.This was an interesting episode to record and more interesting to edit. A thunderstorm was rolling through and kept knocking out Marty’s wifi and power. I was afraid the First Live Episode we did...2023-02-241h 01
The CM Mentors PodcastTips for Reducing Construction Burnout - Personal Energy ManagementIn Episode 3 of The CM mentors Podcast, Matt Graves and Kyle Grandell chat with Alex Fichera, Owner & Business Anthropologist of Intuito Group. The general topic is Personal energy management and tips for reducing burnout for yourself and your team, but the conversation takes many interesting turns, as it does anytime you chat with Alex. Other topics include:* Business Athletes* How to find people that are hungry* Staying away from the Trouble Makers* Using sports analogies for construction* Showing Middle Management some love* What happens when...2023-02-1857 min
The CM Mentors PodcastPersonal Branding for Construction ProfessionalsIn Episode 2 of The CM Mentors Podcast, Matt and Kyle chat with Shelly Peterson of Promoting Me, LLC. It's a fun and engaging chat about how and WHY you should work on building your personal brand in the construction industry. The CM Mentors Podcast's vision is to be an informative, entertaining, and interactive experience for construction managers by construction managers. To subscribe to see future Podcasts, find out how to be in the Live Audience and the Construction Curiosities Newsletter head to: https://constructionyeti.substack.com/ About Shelly: Shelly...2023-02-111h 03
The CM Mentors PodcastThe Human Side of ConstructionThis week Kyle and Matt chat with Angelo Suntres about his new book, “The Human Side of Construction, and other unique insights Angelo has about the industry.About Angelo:Angelo is a passionate leader in the construction industry with 17 years of experience in designing and building in the ICI sector. He has represented both contractors and owners and understands the struggles from both sides of the fence. Angelo believes that focusing on the human principles of connection including effective communication and fostering healthy relationships is a critical part to ensuring a successful future fo...2023-02-041h 00
The CM Mentors PodcastWho, What, When, Where, & WhyWho are we? What are we doing? And WHY are we doing this? Matt Graves & Kyle Grandell announce the launch of The CM Mentors Podcast - An informative, entertaining, and interactive experience for construction managers by construction managers. We talk about the inspiration behind the podcast by diving into the Who, What, When, Where, & especially the Why. Each week we will have an Industry Expert Guest and have a conversation about a specific topic. It will be a split between a normal Podcast discussion with the guest, Kyle, & me and an open Q...2023-02-0224 min