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Todd Dawalt

This podcast is dedicated to helping construction business owners eliminate chaos, maximize profit, and reclaim their freedom.

Designed for leaders who are ready to step out of the daily grind and take control of their business, The Construction Leading Edge Podcast delivers actionable strategies on systematization, time management, increasing profitability, and business growth. Whether it’s stopping profit bleeds, building high-performing teams, or creating systems that allow your business to run without you, each episode will leave you with practical tools to unlock more profit, freedom, and impact.

Join Todd Dawalt every week for solo episodes packed with insights and guest interviews featuring industry experts who’ve mastered the art of building self-sustaining businesses. If you’re ready to stop wearing so many hats and start leading your business like a visionary CEO, this podcast is for you.

The Construction Leading Edge Podcast

EPISODE 367: Is chaos keeping you from scaling your construction business?
 
In this episode, I’m joined by Wes Palmisano, founder of WJ Palmisano Construction, who scaled his company to $250M and 250 employees by fostering innovation and streamlining operations.
 
Wes shares his entrepreneurial journey, starting with his family’s construction legacy to creating it into a complex, multi-faceted business.
 
From leveraging a “Renegade” mentality to rethinking pre-construction planning and building trust with trade partners, this episode is packed with actionable insights for contractors and construction business owners looking to scale without the chaos.
 
Ready to take your business to the next level?
 
Let’s jump right in!
 
 
 
Key Takeaways:
 
Introduction (00:00)
 
Wes Palmisano’s construction journey (01:16)
 
Tackling construction’s biggest problems (04:55)
 
Barriers to construction innovation (07:29)
 
What is a master builder? (12:00)
 
Internal vs. external trade partners (14:52)
 
Building trust with trade partners (21:38)
 
Why preconstruction is crucial (23:35)
 
Scaling a business with systems and processes (32:38)
 
The guardrail approach explained (38:15)
 
Scaling advice for construction business owners (41:01)
 
Rapid-fire questions with Wes (46:39)
 
Episode wrap-up (49:52)
 
 
 
Additional Resources:
 
- Download our FREE Strategic Planning Guide HERE
 
- Schedule your FREE business evaluation call with our team HERE 
 
 
 
Connect with Wes:
 
- Follow Wes on LinkedIn HERE
 
- Check out WJ Palmisano Construction HERE
 
 
 
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The Construction Leading Edge Podcast helps construction business owners maximize their revenue, eliminate chaos, systematize their work, and win back their time.
 
Follow us on your favorite podcasting platform so you never miss an episode!

Pre-Construction Secrets That Built a $250M Business with Wes Palmisano | E367

EPISODE 368: What if hiring the right people could solve most of your construction business problems?
 
This week, Isaac Barlow, founder and former CEO of Busybusy, and Derrik Shakespear, chief revenue officer of Busybusy, reveal how construction business owners can attract and retain top talent.
 
They unpack what makes an A-player thrive, why a flat culture can outperform traditional operational hierarchies, and practical methods to avoid bad hires.
 
Packed with real-world examples and insights, this episode is a must-listen for construction leaders seeking to build their dream team that drives freedom, impact, and profitability.
 
Ready to hire only the best?
 
Tune in now!

 
 
 
Key Takeaways:
 
Introduction (00:00)
 
Meet Isaac Barlow and Derrik Shakespear (01:52)
 
What is a flat culture? (08:01)
 
The importance of extreme ownership (12:49)
 
Why do owners hire people two levels below them? (17:47) 
 
What A-players look for in an organization (24:14) 
 
The value of tracking and rewarding employee performance (28:35)
 
How to prevent bad hires (36:58)
 
The six-word hiring framework (43:55)
 
Episode wrap-up (46:44)
 
 
 
Additional Resources:
 
- Download our FREE Strategic Planning Guide HERE
 
- Schedule your FREE business evaluation call with our team HERE 
 
- Check out Busybusy and get your 14-day free trial HERE
 
- Visit Tech Ridge for more information HERE
 
 
 
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The Construction Leading Edge Podcast helps construction business owners maximize their revenue, eliminate chaos, systematize their work, and win back their time.
 
Follow us on your favorite podcasting platform so you never miss an episode!

How to Hire and Retain A-Players for Your Construction Business w/ Isaac Barlow & Derrik Shakespear | E368

EPISODE 369: Is your construction business stuck in chaos? How do you build a thriving multi-generational construction business?
 
Join us as we uncover the secrets to creating a self-managing construction business that thrives for generations.
 
In this week’s episode, I sit down with Rocky Rhodes, co-owner of Dusty Rhodes Homes–a Kansas City-based custom home builder operating for nearly 60 years. Rocky shares his journey from chaos to clarity, breaking down the strategies that helped his family business stand the test of time.
 
Today, you’ll discover:
 
 • 

How trust and defined roles sustain family-run businesses
 • 
 • 

The game-changing power of paid estimates
 • 
 • 

Insights from the 2008 financial crisis that shaped Rocky’s CEO mindset
 • 
 • 

The role of systems and processes in building a construction company that runs without you
 • 
 
Whether you’re managing a legacy business or starting fresh, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways to help you scale sustainably.
 
Tune in now to learn more!

 
 
 
Key Takeaways:
 
Introduction (00:00)
 
Meet Rocky Rhodes of Dusty Rhodes Homes (02:03)
 
Key to building a multi-generational business (04:58)
 
Creating a high-trust environment in construction (09:17)
 
Lessons from the 2008 financial crisis (11:53)
 
Insights on the 2025 economy and housing market (15:22)
 
Transitioning to paid estimates for better clients (20:14)
 
Freeing time through better systems and a CEO mindset (28:04)
 
Financial impact of reducing inefficiencies (38:26)
 
Benefits of joining the CEO Alliance (42:36)
 
Rocky’s business and personal goals for 2025 (49:38)
 
Rapid-fire questions (53:41)
 
 
 
Additional Resources:
 
- Download our FREE Strategic Planning Guide HERE
 
- Schedule your FREE business evaluation call with The Construction Leading Edge team HERE 
 
- Learn how to make your business run without you HERE
 
- Check out Dusty Rhodes Homes for more information HERE
 
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The Construction Leading Edge Podcast helps construction business owners maximize their revenue, eliminate chaos, systematize their work, and win back their time.
 
Follow us on your favorite podcasting platform so you never miss an episode!

Secrets to Building a Multi-Generational Construction Business to $20M | E369

☎️ Schedule your free business evaluation call with our team HERE 
 
👉Download our FREE Strategic Planning Guide HERE
 
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EPISODE 370: Do you feel like your construction business is running you instead of the other way around?
 
In this latest episode of the Construction Leading Edge podcast, I sit down with Tod Ingersoll, founder and president of NuWood Creations, about how he turned his chaotic construction business into a well-oiled 7-figure business machine.
 
Tod shares his journey from the corporate world to running a successful design-build construction company. He reveals how Lean management strategies can revolutionize your business, why pre-construction planning is non-negotiable, and the surprising impact of empowering your team.
 
Don’t miss this riveting discussion on systematizing and scaling your construction business so you can finally reclaim your time!
 
Let’s dive in!
 
 
 
Key Takeaways:
 
Introduction (00:00)
 
Tod Ingersoll’s journey into construction (02:43)
 
Applying Lean management strategies in construction (07:57)
 
Manufacturing vs. construction mindset (09:02)
 
The challenges of a growing business (14:50)
 
Ripple effects of outgrowing a business system (20:34)
 
Importance of a robust pre-construction process (23:22)
 
Impact of having clear systems and processes (26:50)
 
Tips for getting your team on board with new processes (30:42)
 
How to empower your team (33:35)
 
Reclaiming time freedom (38:58)
 
Advice for those thinking of joining the SYCB program (40:33)
 
Keys to implementing systems and processes (44:48)
 
Advice to new construction business owners (48:42)
 
Episode wrap-up (49:52)
 
 
 
Additional Resources:
 
- Download our FREE Strategic Planning Guide HERE
 
- Schedule your FREE business evaluation call with our team HERE 
 
- Learn how to make your business run without you HERE
 
 
 
Connect with NuWood Creations:
 
- Follow NuWood on Facebook and Instagram
 
- Visit NuWood Creations’ website for more information HERE
 
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The Construction Leading Edge Podcast helps construction business owners maximize their revenue, eliminate chaos, systematize their work, and win back their time.
 
Follow us on your favorite podcasting platform so you never miss an episode!

Reduce Stress While Growing Your Construction Business with Tod Ingersoll | E370

☎️ Schedule your free business evaluation call with our team HERE 
 
👉Join The Construction Financial Masterclass: HERE
 
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EPISODE 371: Is your construction business truly profitable? Many construction business owners believe that a steady stream of projects means their financials are good in shape.
 
But more often than not, they find themselves overworked and barely breaking even. You might be making one of these common profit-killing mistakes.
 
In this week’s episode, we’ll explore the four most common profit-killing mistakes small to mid-sized construction businesses make. We’ll uncover why these mistakes persist and how to eliminate them.
 
Discover how backward financial practices, poor bookkeeping, job mispricing, and missed schedules affect your bottom line—and gain actionable strategies to transform your construction business into a well-oiled, profitable machine.
 
Ready to stop the profit leaks in your business?
 
Let’s jump right in!
 
 
 
Key Takeaways:
 
Introduction (00:00)
 
The problem with backward-focused financial practices (02:11)
 
Importance of precision bookkeeping (04:00)
 
Misunderstanding markup vs. margin in job pricing (07:58)
 
The impact of missing project schedules (12:54)
 
How to fix your profit-killing mistakes (16:44)
 
Bonus tip: unlock hidden profit in your business (22:48)
 
Episode recap (26:06)
 
 
 
Additional Resources:
 
- Download our FREE Strategic Planning Guide HERE
 
- Join The Construction Financial Masterclass HERE
 
- Learn how to make your business run without you HERE
 
- Schedule your FREE business evaluation call with our team HERE 
 
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The Construction Leading Edge Podcast helps construction business owners maximize their revenue, eliminate chaos, systematize their work, and win back their time.
 
Follow us on your favorite podcasting platform so you never miss an episode!

4 Profit-Killing Mistakes Construction Business Owners Make and How to Fix Them | E371

☎️ Schedule your free business evaluation call with our team HERE 
 
👉 Learn how to make your business run without you HERE
 
–
 
EPISODE 372: Do you believe that chaos is inevitable in construction? Or do you feel like your business is too small for systems?
 
Here’s the truth: chaos isn’t constant—it’s a choice.
 
In this week’s episode of The Construction Leading Edge podcast, we’ll dive into the six biggest lies that keep construction businesses stuck in firefighting mode. From believing you’re too small for systems to thinking chaos is just part of the industry, these myths are holding you back.
 
You’ll also learn a five-step process to systematize your construction business, scale up without the chaos, and increase profitability.
 
Ready to scale past $10 million in annual revenue? This episode is a must-listen so you can regain control of your time and build a business that runs without you.
 
Let’s jump right in!
 
 
 
Key Takeaways:
 
Introduction (00:00)
 
The homebuilder who has checked all the boxes (01:34) 
 
Six big lies that are sabotaging your business (03:16)
 
Chaos isn’t constant; it’s a choice (20:05)
 
Systematize your construction business in 4 steps (24:24)
 
Get paid for pre-construction and estimating (28:11) 
 
Episode quick recap (29:42)
 
 
 
Additional Resources:
 
- Download our FREE Strategic Planning Guide HERE
 
- Learn how to make your business run without you HERE
 
- Schedule your FREE business evaluation call with our team HERE 
 
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The Construction Leading Edge Podcast helps construction business owners maximize their revenue, eliminate chaos, systematize their work, and win back their time.
 
Follow us on your favorite podcasting platform so you never miss an episode!

Exposing 6 Lies that Keep Construction Businesses Stuck in Chaos | E372

☎️ Schedule your free business evaluation call with our team HERE 
 
👉 Learn How to Get Paid for Estimates (Free Masterclass) HERE
 
–
 
EPISODE 373: Have you ever stayed up late worrying about scope gaps, delays, or the next uncomfortable client call? 
 
For many construction business owners, these challenges are normal—part of their day-to-day firefighting mode. But what if there’s a way out?
 
In this week’s episode, I’ll reveal the secret profit phase and foolproof strategies that big contractors use to avoid profit bleeds and ensure smooth project handoffs.
 
You’ll learn the hidden addiction sabotaging your projects, how to involve your team in designing your process, and the importance of tools like the handoff checklist to transform your construction projects, whether big or small.
 
Are you ready to eliminate chaos and escape the firefighting mode?
 
Let’s jump right in!

 
 
 
Key Takeaways:
 
Introduction (00:00)
 
The hidden problem that keeps you in firefighting mode (02:07)
 
Construction’s secret profit phase (06:41)
 
Build a strong pre-construction process (12:09) 
 
How to involve your team in process design (17:11)
 
Bonus: chaos elimination hacks (20:06)
 
 
 
Additional Resources:
 
- Download our FREE Strategic Planning Guide HERE
 
- Learn How to Get Paid for Estimates (Free Masterclass) HERE
 
- Schedule your FREE business evaluation call with our team HERE 
 
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The Construction Leading Edge Podcast helps construction business owners maximize their revenue, eliminate chaos, systematize their work, and win back their time.
 
Follow us on your favorite podcasting platform so you never miss an episode!

4 Foolproof Steps to Stop Construction Chaos (Before It Costs You Thousands!) | E373

☎️ Schedule your free business evaluation call with our team HERE 
 
👉Watch the free masterclass: How to Escape from Day-to-Day Operations HERE
 
–
 
EPISODE 374: Is your construction business stuck in “just enough to start” mode? Are constant mistakes and delays eating away your profits?
 
This week, I sit down with Michael Thorp, owner and designer at Kitchen Design—and a Systematize Your Construction Business (SYCB) student—to break down how he escaped the “Just Enough To Start” (JETS) trap and increased his business profitability.
 
Michael shares how adopting a pre-construction process and empowering his team cut project timelines by 25% and boosted profits by 38% in just a year.
 
He also discusses tools like the Revenue Maximizer, which streamlined his business operations and eliminated financial anxiety, as well as the “Eyes Up” business mindset that drives long-term business success.
 
If you’re tired of being in constant firefighting mode and ready to increase your profitability, this episode is for you!
 
Let’s jump right in!
 
 
 
Key Takeaways:
 
Introduction (00:00)
 
Michael Thorp’s construction journey (02:10)
 
How pre-construction planning reduces project delays (04:16) 
 
Defining the Just Enough to Start (JETS) trap (08:13) 
 
Profitability gains from shorter project durations (14:20) 
 
Key steps in Michael's pre-construction process (19:49)
 
Transferring ownership to the right people (21:41)
 
How the Revenue Maximizer tool drives profitability (27:40) 
 
Applying the “Eyes Up” mindset to business strategy (36:28)
 
How the CEO Alliance supports construction business owners (41:34)
 
Advice for construction business owners (49:35)
 
Episode wrap-up (51:56)
 
 
 
Additional Resources:
 
- Schedule your FREE business evaluation call with our team HERE 
 
- Watch the free masterclass: How to Escape from Day-to-Day Operations HERE
 
- Reach out to Michael by emailing him at michael@kitchendesign.com
 
- Visit Kitchen Design for more information HERE
 
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The Construction Leading Edge Podcast helps construction business owners maximize their revenue, eliminate chaos, systematize their work, and win back their time.
 
Follow us on your favorite podcasting platform so you never miss an episode!

Cut Project Schedules by 25% and Boost Profitability by 38% - Here's How w/ Michael Thorp | E374

☎️ Schedule your free business evaluation call with our team HERE 
 
👉Watch our free training video: The 5 Root Causes of Contractor Failure HERE
 
–
 
EPISODE 375: Does your construction business feel like it can’t run without you? Are you answering questions and solving the same problems over and over?
 
In this week’s episode, I’ll share a transformative tool to help you systematize your operations and empower your teams without losing control or quality.
 
We’ll cover the leadership pitfalls that lead to chaos and the five reasons why every construction business owner needs a playbook.
 
We also talk about nailing the pre-construction handoff process, the biggest misconception about having a playbook, and the benefits of having one.
 
Whether you want to delegate more effectively, reduce stress, or improve your team’s accountability, this episode is for you!
 
Tune in now!
 
 
 
Key Takeaways:
 
Introduction (00:00)
 
The dangers of micromanaging your team (01:42) 
 
Characteristics of “the genius with a thousand helpers” (05:53) 
 
Five reasons why you need a playbook (07:25)
 
Biggest misconception on having a playbook (13:29) 
 
Five steps to creating a business playbook (14:51)
 
The critical importance of the pre-construction handoff (23:18)
 
Ripple effects of having a construction playbook (25:19)
 
Episode wrap-up (26:41)
 
 
 
Additional Resources:
 
- Schedule your free business evaluation call with our team HERE 
 
- Watch our free training video: The 5 Root Causes of Contractor Failure HERE
 
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The Construction Leading Edge Podcast helps construction business owners maximize their revenue, eliminate chaos, systematize their work, and win back their time.
 
Follow us on your favorite podcasting platform so you never miss an episode!

The Missing System That Helps Construction Leaders Build Accountable Teams: How Pro Sports Teams Do It | E375

☎️Schedule your free business evaluation call with our team HERE 
 
👉Download our FREE Strategic Planning Guide HERE
 
–
 
EPISODE 376: Are you tired of project delays caused by indecisive clients? What if the real problem isn’t your clients—but your process?
 
Sometimes, the chaos and indecision are self-created because we overwhelm clients with too many decisions to make.
 
In this week’s episode, I’ll reveal the root cause behind client indecision in construction projects and share practical strategies to help your clients decide faster.
 
We’ll dive into the chaos created by overlapping pre-construction and construction phases, the dangers of the “Burger King” philosophy in construction, and why unlimited flexibility leads to project delays and shrinking margins.
 
Listen now to take control of your time, eliminate chaos, and increase your profit margins.
 
Let’s jump right in!
 
 
 
Key Takeaways:
 
Introduction (00:00)
 
The real problem isn’t the clients—it’s your process (02:17)
 
The Just Enough to Start (JETS) trap explained (05:17)
 
The Burger King philosophy (06:45)
 
Parkinson’s Law and why decision deadlines matter (10:59)
 
Make all selections before production (14:15)
 
Set change deadlines for clients (16:47)
 
Eliminate unnecessary processes and choices (22:25)
 
Narrow choices by selecting one supplier or showroom (24:22)
 
Episode wrap-up (26:32)
 
 
 
Additional Resources:
 
- Download our FREE Strategic Planning Guide HERE
 
- Schedule your free business evaluation call with our team HERE 
 
--
 
The Construction Leading Edge Podcast helps construction business owners maximize their revenue, eliminate chaos, systematize their work, and win back their time.
 
Follow us on your favorite podcasting platform so you never miss an episode!

How to Get Clients to Make Decisions Faster | E376

There's a goldmine of opportunities to find customers, employees and subcontractors...and very few contractors know about it.
 
Grab your free 10 day trial of The CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS ACCELERATOR
 
What you’ll learn in this construction podcast episode:
 
 • Three ways construction business owners and leaders can use LinkedIn to solve their problems and grow their business.
 • The most common misconceptions about LinkedIn.
 • A strategy you can use to generate leads and even get people to contact you about doing business with them.
 • Why you might want to take advantage of this approach...before others find out about it.
 
How to contact Ryan Lawson of Master Messaging:
 
Ryan's email: rlawson@mastermessaging.com
 
www.mastermessaging.com
 
Resources mentioned in this construction podcast:
 
Get your free 10 day trial of The Construction Business Accelerator
 
Free video series: Secrets of Successful Contractors
 
Free Strategy Call – Own a construction business? Click here to schedule your free strategy session with Todd Dawalt.

#090: Grow Your Construction Business by Tapping Into LinkedIn - with Ryan Lawson

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