Episode Summary:

In this episode of the CM Mentors podcast, hosts Matt Graves and Kyle Grandell chat with Ashlyn Smith, the VP of Member Services at TEXO Association. TEXO combines two of the largest national construction associations, AGC and ABC, under one roof, providing invaluable resources to its members. Ashlyn shares her unique career journey, the importance of association engagement, and how TEXO supports the construction industry, particularly for younger generations.

Key Topics Discussed:

* Ashlyn's career path from interior design to VP of Member Services at TEXO

* The role and benefits of TEXO Association, combining 2 National Chapters

* The importance of strategic alignment and member engagement within associations

* How TEXO supports workforce development and mentorship through programs like the Young Constructors Council

* The evolving construction industry and the integration of new generations and technology

* The importance of building and maintaining professional networks for career growth

* How TEXO caters to both small and large companies with tailored resources

* The role of technology in construction and TEXO's Technology Committee

Watch the interview on YouTube:

About Ashlyn Smith:

Ashlyn Smith, the VP of Member Services at TEXO Association, brings a wealth of experience in association management and professional development. With a background in interior design and a passion for mentorship, Ashlyn is dedicated to supporting the construction industry and its next generation of leaders. At TEXO, she works to align strategic goals with member needs, providing valuable resources and fostering a strong professional community.

Connect with Ashlyn:

* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashlyn-smith-m-ed-04101364/

* Email: Ashlyn@texoassociation.org

Hosts:

* Matt Graves

* Kyle Grandell

Sponsored by: Dell Management - Providing construction management services and owner’s representation for Fortune 500 companies in the manufacturing sector. Contact via email or LinkedIn for more information.

Stay Connected:

* Follow, like, and share the CM Mentors podcast on LinkedIn, YouTube, Spotify, and Streamyard.

* For any upcoming projects, job opportunities, or to be a guest on the show, DM us on social media

Episode Summary:

In this insightful episode of the CM Mentors Podcast, hosts Matt Graves and Kyle Grandell sit down with Drew Hanish, CEO of Pravo Construction, based out of Austin, TX. Drew shares his journey from a small town in North Texas to becoming the CEO of a thriving construction company that specializes in commercial construction and Re-Use renovation.

The conversation gives into the challenges and rewards of historical renovation projects, the importance of building strong client relationships, and how Pravo Construction has navigated industry changes since its inception in 2016. Drew also offers valuable advice for the next generation of construction professionals, emphasizing the importance of asking questions and learning from industry veterans.

Key Topics Discussed:

* Drew Hanish's background and journey into construction management.

* The founding and growth of Pravo Construction.

* Challenges and strategies in historical renovation and adaptive reuse projects.

* The importance of early contractor involvement in complex renovation projects.

* Shifting from a general approach to a niche focus on historical renovation.

* The role of project management software in improving efficiency.

* Insights on maintaining repeat clients and building lasting relationships.

* The future of construction with AI tools and advanced project management systems.

* Advice for young professionals entering the construction industry.

Watch the interview on YouTube:

About Drew Hanish:

Drew Hanish is the CEO of Pravo Construction, a company specializing in commercial construction and historical renovation projects based in Austin, TX. With a degree in Construction Management from the University of Minnesota and a background in high-tech manufacturing construction, Drew has led Pravo Construction since its founding in 2016. Under his leadership, Pravo has become known for its expertise in adaptive reuse and complex renovation projects. Drew is passionate about construction and committed to mentoring the next generation of industry professionals.

Connect with Drew:

* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drew-hanish/

* Pravo Construction Website: https://pravoconstruction.com/

Hosts:

* Matt Graves

* Kyle Grandell

Sponsored by: Dell Management - Providing construction management services and owner’s representation for Fortune 500 companies in the manufacturing sector. Contact via email or LinkedIn for more information.

Stay Connected:

* Follow, like, and share the CM Mentors podcast on LinkedIn, YouTube, Spotify, and Streamyard.

* For any upcoming projects, job opportunities, or to be a guest on the show, DM us on social media

Episode Summary:

In this episode, hosts Matt Graves and Kyle Grandell speak with Kathryn Mattox, Senior Manager of Capital Governance for Nestlé USA. Kathryn shares her extensive career journey, from her beginnings in chemical engineering to her current role at Nestlé.

She talks about her experiences with gender bias in the construction and engineering industries, her involvement in women’s mentorship programs, and the importance of fundamentals in the workplace. Kathryn also offers valuable advice for women in the industry and emphasizes the need for gender intelligence.

Key Topics Discussed:

* Introduction to Kathryn Mattox:

* Background in chemical engineering from the University of Dayton.

* Career journey through Proctor & Gamble, Kraft, and Nestlé.

* Current role in Capital Governance at Nestlé USA.

* Gender Bias in Industry:

* Kathryn's personal experiences with gender bias on job sites.

* Stories highlighting challenges faced by women in engineering and construction.

* The importance of setting boundaries and having prepared responses to inappropriate comments.

* Women in Engineering and Manufacturing:

* Creation and growth of Nestlé’s Women Engineering Leadership Team and Women in Manufacturing Organization.

* Impact of these programs on fostering community and support among women in the industry.

* Career Advice and Mentorship:

* Advice for women and new professionals facing bias and challenges.

* Importance of preparing responses to bias and setting professional boundaries.

* Value of diverse teams and gender intelligence in different work environments.

* Industry Trends and Fundamentals:

* The need for strong fundamentals in engineering and construction.

* Observations on the generational gap in skills and the importance of mentorship.

* Experiences with new technologies and balancing traditional skills with modern innovations.

* Personal Insights and Philosophy:

* Kathryn’s commitment to living an inspired life and inspiring others.

* The role of curiosity and continuous learning in career success.

* Reflections on managing job site safety and team dynamics during challenging projects.

Watch the interview on YouTube:

About Kathryn Mattox:

Kathryn Mattox is the Senior Manager of Capital Governance for Nestlé USA. With a background in chemical engineering and extensive experience in the consumer goods industry, Kathryn has played significant roles at Proctor & Gamble, Kraft, and Nestlé. She has been a strong advocate for women in engineering and manufacturing, leading initiatives to support and mentor women in these fields.

Connect with Kathryn:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-mattox-1258a92a/

For inquiries about guest opportunities, topics, or feedback, connect with us on LinkedIn or email Matt Graves at matt@constructionyeti.com

Don't forget to like, follow, share, and subscribe to stay updated on new episodes and content from CM Mentors.

Episode Summary:

In this special episode of the CM Mentors podcast, hosts Matt Graves and Kyle Grandell take a break from their usual guest interviews to catch up on the latest happenings in their lives, discuss the progress of the season so far, and share insights on current trends and topics in the construction industry. This candid and relaxed conversation gives listeners a chance to hear the hosts' perspectives on both personal and professional fronts.

Key Topics Discussed:

Current Job Sites:

* Matt's long-term, phased project with multiple parts and steady progress.

* Kyle's recent move to Rockford, Illinois, and ongoing work on a large pet food plant in Indiana

Season Highlights:

* Reflections on guests like Alex and Gloria, highlighting their career transitions into construction and entrepreneurial journeys.

* Recurring themes and new insights from various episodes, including estimating, cost management, and business ownership.

Industry Optimism:

* Positive outlook from guests despite industry challenges.

* Debate on whether the optimism reflects a broader industry trend or selective guest experiences.

Business and Technology:

* New technologies and processes at Dell Management, including AI for social media and 360-degree imagery for project documentation.

* Interest in emerging technologies like automated surveying robots from SuperDroid Robots.

Challenges and Trends:

* Economic and political factors influencing project funding and timelines.

* The impact of COVID-19 on the industry and the gradual return to normalcy.

Future Plans and Excitement:

* Anticipation for delayed projects to kick off.

* Emphasis on business development and new opportunities in the second half of the year.

Watch the interview on YouTube:

Call to Action:

Don't forget to follow the CM Mentors podcast on LinkedIn, YouTube, Spotify, Streamyard, and other platforms. If you have suggestions for topics or guests, or if you want to be a guest yourself, reach out to Matt and Kyle via LinkedIn or email. Your feedback and participation are highly valued!

Thank you for listening and stay tuned for more exciting episodes and insightful conversations in the construction industry.

Connect with Matt:

* Email: matt@constructionyeti.com

* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-graves-pmp/

Connect with Kyle:

* Email: kyle@dellmanagement.com

* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyle-grandell/

This episode is sponsored by AltCMO, the go-to fractional CMO agency specializing in the construction industry. For Senior Level, Executive Marketing Strategy and Delivery, reach out to AltCMO and benefit from their extensive experience and growing team.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of CM Mentors, Matt Graves and Kyle Grandell welcome Patrick Reiser, Principal of Reiser Cost Consultants (RCC). Patrick delves into his extensive experience in commercial real estate, emphasizing the critical role of proactive cost control measures in construction projects. He highlights the importance of fair and equitable solutions for both owners and contractors, providing insights into change management, cost validation, and the intricacies of estimating. Patrick also shares his journey from various roles in the industry to starting his own consulting firm.

Key Topics Discussed:

Patrick Reiser’s Background:

* Transition from residential building component supplier to general contractor and owner-side roles.

* Launching Reiser Cost Consultants in February 2024.

Proactive Cost Control:

* Importance of early involvement in projects for effective cost control.

* Balancing the financial interests of owners and the cash flow needs of trades.

Change Order Management:

* Detailed breakdown of tasks and costs to ensure transparency.

* Avoiding the common pitfall of simply stating "this seems high" without factual basis.

* Emphasis on agreement over scope before discussing pricing.

Estimating and Cost Validation:

* Handling indirect labor and means and methods in cost estimation.

* The impact of material price fluctuations and labor cost increases on project budgets.

Effective Communication:

* Strategies for navigating contentious discussions about change orders.

* Importance of clear, detailed, and logical explanations in cost-related conversations.

Industry Trends and Challenges:

* Variability in subcontractor approaches to indirect labor costs.

* The necessity of flexible yet grounded contract language regarding change orders.

Watch the interview on YouTube:

About Patrick Reiser:

Patrick Reiser is the Principal at Reiser Cost Consultants, leveraging his extensive experience from both the owner and contractor sides to provide equitable solutions in construction projects. Skilled in negotiation, mediation, cost validation, estimating, and constructability, Patrick holds a Bachelor of Science in Integrated Science and Technology from James Madison University. He has held various roles in the construction industry, including Director of Construction Support at Axias, Inc., Senior Cost Manager, and Construction Manager at Carr Properties. Patrick is also a speaker at industry conferences, sharing his expertise in change management and cost control.

Connect with Patrick Reiser:

* Website: https://reisercc.com/

* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrickreiser/

This episode is sponsored by AltCMO, the go-to fractional CMO agency specializing in the construction industry. For marketing support, reach out to AltCMO and benefit from their extensive experience and growing team.

Don’t forget to like, follow, and share the podcast. If you have any questions for Patrick or topics you’d like us to cover, feel free to reach out. Thank you for listening!

Episode Summary:

In this episode, we welcome Cameron Smith, Senior Project Manager and Preconstruction Manager at C1S Group. Cameron shares his journey from civil engineering at UT Austin to managing complex design-build projects at C1S. He delves into the intricacies of the food and beverage industry, the challenges of working with manufacturing clients, and the importance of effective project management and mentorship.

Key Topics Discussed:

Introduction and Background: Cameron discusses his education in civil engineering and how he transitioned into construction project management, eventually joining C1S Group.

Role at C1S Group: Cameron explains his responsibilities in preconstruction, problem-solving for clients, and delivering design-build solutions. He highlights the collaborative nature of his work and the importance of client communication.

Challenges in Manufacturing Projects:

* The complexity of coordinating projects with minimal downtime.

* The importance of meticulous planning and the “Navy SEAL” mentality during strategic shutdowns.

* Managing client expectations and navigating procurement challenges.

Mentorship and Team Development: Cameron emphasizes the value of mentoring young professionals, providing them with hands-on experience and fostering a culture of high trust and accountability.

Industry Trends and Remote Work: Discussion on the impact of remote work post-COVID, efficient time management, and maintaining effective communication in a hybrid work environment.

Watch the interview on YouTube:

About Cameron Smith:

Cameron Smith is the Senior Project Manager and Preconstruction Manager at C1S Group, where he leads a team that transforms client ideas into actionable design-build solutions. With a background in civil engineering from UT Austin, Cameron has a knack for problem-solving and client communication.

He specializes in managing complex projects in the food and beverage industry, ensuring minimal downtime and maximum efficiency. Cameron is also passionate about mentoring young professionals, helping them navigate the construction industry and develop their skills.

Connect with Cameron Smith:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameron-smith-30918154/

• Website: https://c1sinc.com/

Join us for an insightful conversation with Cameron Smith as he shares his expertise in the design-build sector and the importance of mentorship in the construction industry!

Episode Summary:

In this exciting episode of CM Mentors, we welcome Gloria Marie Fuentes, also known as Gigi, founder of GloJoy Construction. Gloria brings a wealth of experience from the Greater Tri-State area and shares her vision of a better way to approach construction projects. Tune in to hear her insights on building a client-focused, full-service construction agency, and her journey from working in Fortune 500 companies to establishing her own successful business.

Key Topics Discussed:

Guest Introduction: Gloria Marie Fuentes shares her background, highlighting her experience in the construction and real estate industries, and her passion for creating a better client experience through GloJoy Construction.

Career Journey and Industry Insights:

* Transition from working in NYC construction projects to founding GloJoy.

* Vision behind GloJoy: a boutique construction agency focused on collaborative strategies and attentive project execution.

* Combining a rich family legacy in the Caribbean business world with professional experience in Fortune 500 companies.

Challenges and Successes:

* The complexity of managing projects in the Greater Tri-State area.

* Importance of a trusted network of experts, artisans, and partners.

* Overcoming challenges in design, permitting, contractor management, and more.

Future Goals and Vision: Gloria emphasizes the importance of thinking big and turning ideas into action, ensuring that GloJoy continues to exceed client expectations and achieve excellence in all projects.

Watch the interview on YouTube:

About Gloria Marie Fuentes (Gigi):

Gloria Marie Fuentes, affectionately known as Gigi, is the visionary founder of GloJoy Construction. With a rich background as a third-generation entrepreneur and extensive experience in real estate and construction, Gloria has successfully merged her family’s 30+ years of business acumen in the Caribbean with her professional expertise from Fortune 500 companies. At GloJoy, she focuses on delivering a superior client experience through smart strategies, detailed project execution, and thoughtful service. Gloria’s passion for excellence and innovation makes her a standout leader in the industry. Connect with her to see how GloJoy can bring your construction dreams to life.

Connect with Gloria Marie Fuentes:

• Email: gloria@glojoy.co

• Website: glojoy.co

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Gloria Marie Fuentes as she shares her journey and the innovative approaches of GloJoy Construction!