Hey! Happy Saturday! Matt here.
Welcome to the Construction Curiosities newsletter. Especially to all 61 New Subscribers in the last 2 weeks!!
We’ve had a huge couple of weeks of growth. Due in large part to Jesse’s awesome video interview last week and his sharing of it on his socials over the last week!
Thanks Jesse! I appreciate you, man!
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This weekly Newsletter explores my Curiosities about the Construction Industry. It’s meant to make you think, smile, and become a better, more well-informed Construction Professional.
Summary
This week we will look at:
- One Announcement: The CM Mentors Podcast
- One Article: The Toughest Construction Jobs to Fill
- One Quote: Boring
- One Reader: Luke the Fishing Recruiter
- One Meme: Do it Cheaper?
One Announcement
It’s time we Announce the Launch of The CM Mentors Podcast – An informative, entertaining, and interactive experience for construction managers by construction managers.
I will be co-hosting this weekly video & audio podcast with Kyle Grandell, CEO of Dell Management, a Construction Management firm based in Minneapolis, MN.
The plan is to have a weekly SME guest and hold a discussion around a specific Construction or Construction Management topic. There will be both Hard and Soft skills as well as Career Growth and Management.
The discussions will primarily be targeted toward the “Next Generation of Construction Professionals.” However, the conversations are meant to be conducted in a way that everyone, no matter the experience level, will find value and have some takeaways.
It was my experience (𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘐’𝘷𝘦 𝘴𝘱𝘰𝘬𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘰) that when you graduate college and start out in the real world, you still don’t know much until you get some years of work experience. It’s our goal to provide a Community and be a Resource to shorten that learning curve.
𝗧𝗼𝗽𝗶𝗰𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝗱𝗲:
- Technical Construction Building Basics
- Career Growth & Management
- Project Management
- Management of:
- Cost
- Time
- Quality
- Sustainability
- Technology
- Leadership
- Safety
- & More!
Sounds like a “normal” Construction Management podcast, huh?
Normal is boring. (See below quote)
We are going to do our damndest to make it informative as well as entertaining. If you’ve been following me for a while, I think you already know, I like to have fun with my content and this will be no different.
The REAL fun will come from the LIVE audience we will have. The rough podcast format is for the first 1/2 to be a typical podcast conversation and then the second 1/2 to be a Live Call-in Q&A from the audience. You can either turn on your camera and join us to ask the question or for you shy types, you can type it out in the chat box.
Now, the question is why isn’t the Live Audience Free for everyone?
I’m glad you asked. Here’s my thoughts:
- Studies show when you make an investment in something, you are more likely to consume it. You are not only more likely to show up to the recordings, but you will be more likely to participate. And that’s where you will get the most value.
- Hopefully, there’s a lot of interest in this format and it blows up. Due to time constraints we obviously have to limit the number of questions asked. I want to ensure those that are actually committed to their growth have a seat at the table.
- No trolls & negativity. Having a pay gate should keep the trolls at bay. 🤞
BUT just like all other podcasts, the content will be available free on Youtube and other audio podcast platforms after the recording and editing.
Cool?
EVERYONE is free to join Kyle and me for the live Episode 0 recording on Wednesday, January 25th at 4pm CST. This is your one freebee, trolls! Come join us to learn more about it. Offer your opinion on the podcast name, topics, and recording times. Or just tell us the idea sucks. Either way, we hope to see you there!
I haven’t figured out how to automate this and send you a calendar invite yet. So go do it yourself right quick. Create a calendar appointment for Wednesday, January 25th at 4pm CST and add this link:
EXPIRED LINK
That’s your Golden Ticket to join us live for Episode 0!
I’m being told from Riverside, you can watch the recording from your phone but if you want to ask a question that has to be done from a computer. Plan accordingly!
Consider becoming a Construction Yeti Crew Member.
Paid Community Members support the Newsletter and get access to attend upcoming Live Podcast Recordings.
Just for the cost of buying Kyle and me a beer each month 🍻 (a little less actually with this coupon!)
To the company leaders out there: Want to grab a seat for 2 or more of your folks?
Get 25% off a group subscription
I’ll even give you a 100% money-back guarantee on it. If you subscribe and hate me or Kyle. Just email me and I’ll refund you 100%, no questions asked.
Well, maybe 1 question. Was it me or Kyle? 😂
Join the Referral Program and Earn Community Membership
Don’t want to pay and still want to play? Here’s your opportunity.
- Click the link and join the referral program to get your unique referral code.
- Share with your friends, colleagues, and classmates and earn Monthly, Annual, or Founding Member Subscriptions for Free!
- Join us on the Live Podcast Recordings and Join the Q&A with the Featured Guest.
Any questions? Leave a comment or email me at [email protected]
Pop Quiz Trivia Question
How many people died while building the Great Wall of China? (Many are still buried in the wall itself)
Answer is at the bottom of the Newsletter
One Article
The hardest construction jobs to fill
Last week we looked at an Article from Canada showing Welders & Construction Managers were in high demand. This week’s Construction Dive article shows Construction Managers are also in High Demand in America, according to AGC data.
Those percentage numbers are wild. If you understand basic supply and demand you will likely see that wages will continue to rise for the most high-demand careers.
The article also gives some good common sense tips to combat the problem.
One Quote
Doing this Newsletter and now building this Podcast may not be “Normal” for this Industry. But it’s definitely keeping me from getting bored.
What’s something you are doing or want to do to ditch the “normal?” Leave a comment or shoot me a private message if you are shy. ([email protected])
One Reader
Guess what’s back?
Spotlights back. Tell a friend.
This week’s Reader Spotlight is Luke Hill. I’ve especially loved Luke’s “From the Dock Friday” posts on LinkedIn where he makes a short video from the fishing dock behind his office, where he spends an hour or so before work catching a fish or 2. (lucky!)
His videos are a short musing or piece of advice he ponders while soaking bait. The only thing better than a shower thought is a deep fishing thought.
Anyways. On with the Q&A.
Q: Give us a quick introduction of yourself
A: I’m a recruiter focused on the construction industry. I’ve been at this for about five years, and in that time, I have supported hiring at many levels in commercial and residential construction firms, from entry-level apprentices at subcontracting firms to executives of leading national builders and general contractors. I am currently a Senior Partner at Joseph Chris Partners Executive Search and focus on mid-level to senior-level positions in the commercial construction industry nationwide.
Q: What are a couple of misconceptions about construction recruiters you’ve found along the way?
A: There are some stereotypes out there that paint us in the same light as shady used car salesmen. At the end of the day, our job is to match candidates with opportunities with our client companies. Most recruiters are good people who thoroughly enjoy building companies and careers. It’s in our best interest to be sure that we are honest with all parties, and that we can make the best match, and not try to force a square peg into a round hole. The ones who are less-than-honest, or force things into place don’t tend to last very long.
Q: What’s been your biggest surprise as you’ve been doing this?
A: Over the last five years, I’ve come to learn just how big, diverse, and supportive the construction business is. There is a whole lot more to it than “just swinging hammers”, there really is truly something for everyone. So many incredible careers have been possible because of this industry, and I’m proud to be involved in it.
Q: In working with many Construction Companies nationwide, what are some takeaways you have gotten for folks that are looking to move up into an Executive Level position?
A: If you are a young professional looking to make that transition to a senior-level role, or you want to be a leader, there are a few key things that I think make all the difference. First, commit yourself to learn everything you can about your job. Commit to being great at what you do, and never lose the basics. Second, don’t be afraid to seek out more responsibility, take on challenging work, and diversify your skillset. That is how you prove yourself as capable and adaptable. Third, you can’t be afraid to clearly state what your goals are and ask your leadership what they expect from you to be able to get there. If you tell your boss, “I want to be a Senior Project Manager, what do I need to do to be competitive for that role?”, odds are they will give you open and honest feedback. Finally, be patient, it does not happen overnight. A lot of people, young professionals (myself included) in particular, can be guilty of expecting things to happen quickly or to come quickly. Careers are built over decades, and we’ve all got a long way to the finish line, so it’s important to have patience and self-awareness to understand that it’s ok if that next promotion takes place a little further down the road.
Q: What are companies looking for in Construction Professionals in 2023 that may be different from years past?
A: Heading into what many expect to be a uniquely challenging year, companies are looking for people who can demonstrate the ability to operate with the highest degrees of quality, efficiency, and safety. It is now more important than ever to be efficient when it comes to schedules and budgets and to make sure that you are working hard to accomplish the goals of any project you are working on.
Thanks Luke for being such a supporter of the Newsletter for so many weeks!
Since we are in the podcast announcement mood. Luke and his colleague Erica Lockwood just this week launched their Construction Podcast, “Off the Hook.” They host industry professionals from across the construction industry for discussions on topics such as business development, relationship building, hiring strong talent, and building a successful company.
You can catch it on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Click one of those links and listen to Episode 0 now!
Want to be featured in an upcoming Reader Spotlight?? Shoot me a message at [email protected] and let’s chat. It can be anything construction related! Look forward to seeing and sharing what you all are working on!
One Meme
So, why did I do the whole newsletter in Eminem theme*?
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Trivia Answer
When Emperor Qin Shi Huang ordered the construction of the Great Wall around 221 B.C., the labor force that built the wall was made up largely of soldiers and convicts. It is said that as many as 400,000 people died during the wall’s construction; many of these workers were buried within the wall itself.
