BusinessManagementTechnology

The Contender’s Edge

SMARTBUILD Construction Solutions

The Contender’s Edge is a podcast for small to mid-sized construction companies that want to compete without playing the big company game. It breaks down how real builders use smart moves and technology to win work, protect margins, and stay in control. No theory, no buzzwords, just straight talk from people who’ve been in the field and know what it takes to level the field.

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16 episodes
Avg 22 min
English

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#19
August 21 · 12 min
What 100+ Contractors Told Me About AI
Is AI useful in construction today, or are contractors being pushed to adopt tools before they know what to do with them? In this episode of The Contender’s Edge Podcast, SMARTBUILD Chief Customer Officer Vinay shares what he is hearing directly from general contractors, subcontractors, project managers, superintendents, architects, and engineers who are trying to figure out where AI fits into their work. The biggest takeaway is simple: AI is only as good as the context and data you give it. Vinay breaks down the difference between basic AI tools like ChatGPT, Copilot, Gemini, and NotebookLM, and AI that is connected directly to your construction systems and project data. He also covers practical use cases contractors can start with today, including daily reports, RFIs, spec searches, project emails, voice notes, document review, and repetitive admin work. You’ll also hear: Why two people can use the same AI tool and get completely different results Why AI hallucinations happen How contractors can reduce bad outputs What construction companies should know about privacy and sensitive project data Why structured project data matters The difference between Level 1 and Level 2 AI use How to start small without feeling behind What leaders should do to build AI adoption inside their company If you’re a construction founder, owner, general contractor, subcontractor, project manager, superintendent, engineer, architect, or operations leader trying to make sense of AI, this episode gives you a practical starting point. Follow The Contender’s Edge Podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts for more conversations on construction leadership, construction management, AI, technology, project delivery, and growing stronger construction companies. SMARTBUILD website: https://smrtbld.com/ SMARTBUILD Construction Solutions LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/smartbuild-construction-solutions Vinay Nair: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vinair007/
#18
July 27 · 27 min
The Real Reason Construction Software Fails: It's Not the Tech
Learn why so many construction technology rollouts fail, and what general contractors, subcontractors, and construction leaders can do to make AI work in the field. In this episode of The Contender's Edge Podcast, host Angelina Tadros sits down with John Lehmann, former President of Poole Anderson Construction, former Senior Vice President of Operations, and founder of the Construction Leadership Network (CLN). With decades of experience leading construction companies, John shares why AI adoption isn't only a technology challenge. It's a leadership challenge. From field crews to executive teams, he explains what separates companies that successfully adopt new technology from those that waste money on software that never gets used. You'll learn: Why construction companies struggle to adopt new technology The biggest mistakes contractors make when rolling out construction software How CEOs and founders should build an AI and technology strategy Why leadership determines whether technology succeeds or fails How to get buy-in from project managers, superintendents, and field crews The hidden cost of underusing project management software Why many contractors only use a fraction of the tools they already own How AI can reduce rework, improve communication, and keep teams working from the latest drawings Why trust matters when selecting construction technology vendors What general contractors and subcontractors should look for before investing in AI How training, culture, and accountability drive successful implementation Why the next generation of construction leaders will need digital skills alongside construction experience If you're a construction CEO, founder, owner, operations manager, project executive, superintendent, project manager, estimator, or subcontractor looking to grow your business, improve productivity, reduce risk, and prepare for the future of construction, this episode is for you. About John Lehmann John Lehmann spent more than a decade as Senior Vice President of Operations and later served as President of Poole Anderson Construction. Today, he leads the Construction Leadership Network (CLN), where he helps contractors strengthen leadership, improve operations, build stronger cultures, and adopt technology and AI with confidence. John Lehmann: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-lehmann-a423461a/ CLN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/construction-leadership-network Angelina Tadros: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelina-tadros/ SMARTBUILD: https://www.linkedin.com/company/smartbuild-construction-solutions Subscribe to The Contender's Edge Podcast for conversations with construction founders, general contractors, subcontractors, engineers, and industry leaders on construction management, leadership, AI, technology, business growth, operations, safety, and the future of the construction industry. #Construction #ConstructionLeadership #ConstructionManagement #ConstructionTechnology #AIInConstruction #GeneralContractor #Subcontractor #ConstructionBusiness #ConstructionCEO #ConstructionFounder #ProjectManagement #ConstructionInnovation #DigitalConstruction #ConTech #ContendersEdgePodcast
#17
July 21 · 16 min
Why Construction Companies Are Falling Behind on AI and Technology
Construction is still running on paper, spreadsheets, phone calls, and information buried across job sites. In this episode of The Contender’s Edge Podcast, host Zulq sits down with Nick from Iron Shake Inc. to discuss the future of construction, skilled trades, AI, field technology, workforce training, and what construction company owners need to prepare for now. Nick shares his path through the trades, why construction remains one of the strongest career choices for young workers, and how field experience builds skills that cannot be learned from a computer screen. The conversation also covers: • Why skilled trades can offer strong earning power without years of student debt • What high school students should know before choosing college or construction • Why hands-on training still matters in the age of AI • How sleep and personal pressures affect fitness for duty • Why older construction teams accept technology at home but resist it at work • How AI could help crews find drawings, specifications, and site information • Why contractors are hiring app developers and AI specialists • How wearable technology could change service work and field reporting • What CEOs, founders, general contractors, and subcontractors should prepare for • Why the next generation of construction workers will need trade skills and digital knowledge This episode is for construction CEOs, founders, general contractors, subcontractors, skilled tradespeople, project managers, superintendents, safety leaders, and young workers considering a career in construction. Follow The Contender’s Edge Podcast for practical conversations on construction leadership, construction business growth, skilled trades, jobsite technology, AI in construction, field operations, safety, and workforce development. Connect with Nick and Iron Shake Inc. on Instagram: @IronShakeInc Website: https://ironshakeinc.com/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickcapasso/ Company page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/iron-shake-inc Want to see the full episode? Go to YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SMRTBLD Make sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode. #Construction #ConstructionTechnology #AIInConstruction #SkilledTrades #GeneralContractor #Subcontractor #ConstructionLeadership #ConstructionBusiness #ConstructionManagement #ConstructionCareers #JobsiteTechnology #WorkforceDevelopment
#16
July 13 · 32 min
How to Build a Construction Company That Doesn’t Need You
What separates construction companies that keep growing from the ones that hit a ceiling? It usually isn't better equipment, bigger projects, or more experience. It's leadership. In this episode of The Contender's Edge, host Zulq sits down with Zoe Dryden, a leadership coach and culture specialist from New Zealand, to discuss one of the biggest challenges facing construction business owners: growing beyond founder-led leadership. They explore why many construction founders unintentionally become the bottleneck in their own company, how to build leaders who can confidently run projects and departments, and what it takes to create a culture that people want to be part of. If you're a general contractor, subcontractor, construction business owner, project manager, superintendent, operations manager, or construction executive, this conversation is packed with practical leadership lessons you can apply immediately. In this episode: Why founder-led construction companies often hit a growth ceiling Leadership mistakes that slow down construction businesses How to build leaders who don't rely on the owner for every decision Transitioning from founder-led leadership to a scalable business Emotional intelligence on construction projects Holding people accountable without micromanaging Building trust with field crews and project managers Developing future leaders inside your construction company Creating a construction culture that attracts and retains great people Preparing your business for long-term growth and succession Growing a construction company isn't about doing more yourself. It's about building people who can lead alongside you. Watch now for practical insights that will help you build stronger leaders, stronger teams, and a stronger construction business. Subscribe for more episodes covering construction leadership, construction management, project management, general contractors, subcontractors, company culture, construction business growth, AI in construction, estimating, contracts, and real-world advice from industry leaders. Zoe Dryden is a Chartered Independent Director and leadership advisor who helps boards, CEOs, and business owners align strategy, governance, leadership, and culture. With decades of experience leading business transformation, she works with organizations to build stronger leaders, healthier workplace cultures, and companies that can grow beyond founder-led leadership. Zoe Dryden on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoedryden/ Email: zoe@leadershipinaction.nz https://leadershipinaction.nz/contact/ Connect with Zulq: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zulqernain-zulq-malik/ #Construction #ConstructionLeadership #ConstructionManagement #GeneralContractor #Subcontractor #ProjectManagement #ConstructionBusiness #LeadershipDevelopment #CompanyCulture #BusinessGrowth #ConstructionIndustry #Contractor #TheContendersEdge
#15
July 6 · 20 min
The Cash Flow Mistake Killing Contractors (And the 4 Buckets That Fix It)
Cash flow problems don't usually start because contractors aren't making money. They start because they don't know where the money is going. In this episode of The Contender's Edge, host Zulq sits down with Bryce, a construction accounting expert, to break down one of the biggest reasons construction companies run into financial trouble: poor job costing, weak cash flow forecasting, delayed billing, and disconnected estimating systems. If you're a general contractor, subcontractor, project manager, estimator, construction business owner, or CFO, this episode explains how to build a stronger financial foundation before cash flow becomes a crisis. In this episode: How to build a reliable construction cash flow forecast Why your estimate should drive your job budget The connection between estimating, schedule of values, and billing The biggest billing mistakes trade contractors make How Work in Progress (WIP) reports reveal your real cash position Why overbilling and underbilling affect your business The job costing habits profitable contractors follow The financial reports every construction company should understand How stronger construction accounting leads to better decisions Whether you're managing one project or dozens, understanding your numbers is just as important as managing your crews. 🎥 Subscribe for more episodes covering construction management, estimating, project controls, construction technology, leadership, cash flow, contracts, and practical advice from industry experts. Bryce Wisan LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brycewisan/ Levvigo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/levvigo/ Levvigo: https://www.levvigo.com/ #Construction #ConstructionManagement #GeneralContractor #Subcontractor #ConstructionBusiness #CashFlow #JobCosting #ConstructionAccounting #ProjectManagement #Estimator #ConstructionFinance #WIP #Contractor #ConstructionIndustry #TheContendersEdge
#14
June 26 · 19 min
The Underground Risks That Could Cost You Millions — What Contractors Don't Know
What’s buried underground can put a project in trouble before the real work begins. A missing utility record. A bad locate. An old city drawing no one has verified. One missed line can lead to shutdowns, redesigns, claims, safety risks, and months of lost time. On this episode of The Contender’s Edge, host Vinay Nair (CXO from SMARTBUILD Construction Solution) sits down with Lawrence Arcand, geotechnical engineer and founder of 4Sight Utility Engineers, to talk about the hidden risk below every jobsite. Lawrence breaks down why utility records are unreliable, how proper subsurface utility engineering protects project teams, and why contractors, engineers, and architects need to bring utility experts in earlier. He also shares how 4Sight built a niche business in a highly technical part of construction, where AI fits into their internal work, and how 3D and 4D modelling help teams see conflicts before crews break ground. You’ll hear: Why city utility records can’t be taken at face value What the ASCE 38 standard means for project risk When to bring in a utility engineer How poor communication creates delays underground and above ground What 4Sight is testing with AI Lawrence’s advice for construction firms trying to grow Connect with Lawrence Arcand: Email: lawrence.arcand@4sightue.com Website: https://4sightue.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lawrence-arcand-p-eng-pe-38a9a627/ Subscribe to The Contender’s Edge for authentic construction stories, tough lessons, and practical ideas from people doing the work onsite. P.S. Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/B_-TwCsKZfU
#13
June 17 · 22 min
The Most Expensive Mistake in Construction Happens Before Excavation Starts
What happens when the geotechnical report is wrong? For contractors, project managers, developers, and owners, the most expensive problems on a construction project often start underground. In this episode of Contender's Edge, Zulq Malik sits down with geotechnical and civil engineering expert Dawid Jasinski to discuss why poor site investigations lead to cost overruns, delays, claims, contaminated soil discoveries, utility conflicts, and major project risks. Drawing on experience across North America and Europe, Dawid shares real-world stories of projects that uncovered hidden contamination, unexpected ground conditions, buried infrastructure, and costly surprises that could have been avoided with better investigation and planning. You'll learn: • Why geotechnical investigations are often underfunded • How poor soil data creates construction claims and change orders • The real cost of unforeseen site conditions • Why boreholes sometimes miss major problems • New technologies changing geotechnical investigations • Ground penetrating radar and subsurface utility investigations • Risk management strategies for contractors and developers • Lessons from major construction projects in the UK and North America If you're involved in commercial construction, civil construction, infrastructure, project management, estimating, excavation, foundations, or site development, this episode offers practical insights that can save significant time and money on future projects. Subscribe to Contender's Edge for expert conversations on construction management, project delivery, technology, contracts, risk management, estimating, scheduling, and industry leadership. David Jasinski: https://www.linkedin.com/in/geocivildavid/ Zulq Malik: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zulqernain-zulq-malik/ Click the subscribe button. #Construction #GeotechnicalEngineering #CivilEngineering #ConstructionManagement #ProjectManagement #SiteDevelopment #Excavation #Infrastructure #ConstructionPodcast #GroundPenetratingRadar #ConstructionTechnology #CommercialConstruction #ContractorLife #Engineering
#12
May 28 · 21 min
The Contract Clause That Can Bankrupt Subcontractors in Construction
Most construction disputes don’t start in court. They start with one contract clause nobody paid attention to until cash flow stops, schedules slip, and lawyers get involved. In this episode of Contender’s Edge Podcast, Zulq sits down with construction attorney Megan Shapiro to break down one of the biggest hidden risks in construction contracts today: cross-default clauses. Megan explains how this clause allows general contractors to withhold payment across multiple projects when a dispute happens on just one job. For subcontractors and small to mid-sized construction companies, this can create serious financial pressure quickly. This episode also covers: • Construction contract risks contractors keep missing • Why notice clauses matter more than most PMs realize • The biggest mistakes subcontractors make before signing contracts • How project managers can reduce claims and disputes • Why unrealistic schedules create litigation problems later • AI in construction contracts, what works and what doesn’t • How contractors should handle RFIs, delays, documentation, and change directives • Why many construction disputes start long before legal action begins Megan shares lessons from 17 years in construction law representing owners, general contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and design professionals across the industry. If you’re a construction business owner, estimator, project manager, superintendent, or subcontractor trying to protect margins and avoid costly contract mistakes, this episode is worth your time. Guest: Megan Shapiro Construction Attorney | Contract Coach | Founder of Converge Construction Summit https://meganshapiro.com Listen to more episodes of Contender’s Edge for real conversations around construction leadership, operations, contracts, scheduling, risk management, and technology in construction. #Construction #ConstructionContracts #Subcontractor #GeneralContractor #ProjectManagement #ConstructionLaw #ConstructionIndustry #ConstructionPodcast #ConstructionManagement #ProjectManager #RFIs #ConstructionClaims #ConstructionBusiness #CommercialConstruction #Contractors
#11
May 6 · 35 min
Construction Claims, Delays & RFIs: What Contractors Miss Before It Costs Them Millions
Every construction project starts with a handshake and a schedule. Then the RFIs pile up, materials get delayed, schedules fall apart, and everyone starts pointing fingers. In this episode of the Contender’s Edge Podcast, Zulq sits down with construction claims and dispute expert Richard Fogarasi to break down what actually causes construction disputes, delay claims, and project breakdowns on job sites. Richard brings experience from both the field and the consulting world, from superintendent and project manager roles to becoming a construction delay and quantum expert working on high-level disputes across the industry. This episode digs into: Why most baseline schedules fail within weeks The biggest mistakes contractors make during delays How RFIs quietly destroy schedules What owners and designers get wrong before construction starts Why daily reports become legal gold later The danger of verbal instructions on site How subcontractors can protect themselves during disputes Why “we’ll figure it out later” costs companies money Contract clauses contractors ignore until it’s too late The real reason claims fail in court If you’re a general contractor, subcontractor, project manager, superintendent, estimator, consultant, or owner, this episode gives you practical advice that can save your company time, money, and legal headaches. Straight talk from people who’ve lived it in the field.
#10
March 29 · 14 min
Care About Your Crew or Lose Them: Leadership in Construction with Shaun Dawson
If you run a construction company and think leadership is about output, this episode will challenge you. Shaun Dawson, President of GEN-PRO, breaks down what it takes to build a company that people stay at. Not perks. Not talk. Genuine care for your crew. From growing up in the business to taking over ownership, Shaun shares how leadership, health and safety, and mental health support directly impact retention, culture, and long-term growth. Inside this episode: → Why employees leave leaders who don’t care → How real leadership shows up on and off the job site → The role of mental health in construction teams → What small and mid-size contractors get wrong about culture → How to build a team that stays for decades This is for construction owners, general contractors, subcontractors, founders, and leaders who want stronger teams, better retention, and a company people are proud to work for. Experience from the field, from a leader who cares about his people. #ConstructionLeadership #GeneralContractor #ConstructionManagement #ContractorLife #ConstructionBusiness #SkilledTrades #Leadership #ConstructionCulture
#9
March 7 · 32 min
Construction Hiring Is Changing: What Contractors Need to Know Before Their Next Hire
Hiring in construction has become a new challenge for contractors. The talent pool has shifted, expectations around office culture and hybrid work are changing, and many companies are struggling to attract and retain the right people. In this episode of The Contender’s Edge Podcast, Zulq Malik, founder and CEO of SMARTBUILD sits down with construction recruiters Jim DiVizio and Tania Sarracini to talk about what construction companies should understand about hiring today. They cover: • How the construction job market changed after COVID • Why some contractors struggle to attract strong candidates • What employees are looking for in construction companies today • The impact of hybrid work and salary shifts • Hiring mistakes that slow down recruitment • What contractors should improve in their hiring process If you run a construction company, general contractor, or development firm, this conversation gives you a clear look at what’s happening in the talent market and how to approach hiring in today’s construction industry. Tania Sarracini (Owner and Recruiting Partner) - LinkedIn email: tania@bestrecruiting.ca Best Recruiting Jim DiVizio (Owner and Recruiting Partner) - LinkedIn email: Jim@bestrecruiting.ca #GeneralContractor #ConstructionIndustry #ConstructionCareers #SkilledTrades #HiringStrategy
#8
February 20 · 22 min
Stop Letting Bad Schedules and Risk Destroy Your Construction Profits
Bad schedules. Poor documentation. Risk nobody priced right. That’s how small and mid-size construction companies lose money. In this episode of The Contender’s Edge Podcast, we sit down with Greg Holness (FTI Consulting), a Professional Engineer and attorney with 30+ years of experience helping clients manage change, mitigate risk, and resolve construction disputes involving delay, disruption, acceleration, and lost productivity. He has developed, analyzed, and resolved claims on public and private projects of all sizes, and has drafted and negotiated hundreds of construction and design contracts, giving him deep insight into the terms that often drive disputes. We break down unrealistic deadlines, schedule mistakes, estimating risk, and what general contractors and subcontractors must do to protect their margins. If you run a construction company and want fewer disputes and stronger project control, this episode is for you.
#7
February 5 · 20 min
Why Construction Teams Reject Software and How to Fix It
In this episode of the Contenders Edge Podcast, we sit down with Robert Sheesley, known as the Blue-Collar CIO, to break down why construction software fails and how adoption actually works in the field. We talk about technology adoption in construction, why crews resist new tools, and what leaders must do to get buy-in from blue-collar teams. This episode covers change management, construction software rollout, field worker adoption, CIO strategy, and how GCs and construction companies can introduce technology without slowing down jobsites. If you’re a general contractor, subcontractor, construction executive, or operations leader trying to improve tech adoption, productivity, and jobsite reporting, this episode delivers practical insight from someone who’s done it across multiple blue-collar industries.
#6
January 21 · 20 min
Overbilling in Construction, The Cash Flow Trap Most GCs Miss
Cash flow is where most construction companies get hurt, even when jobs look profitable. In this episode of Contenders Edge, we sit down with Bryce Wisan, a CPA who has spent 15+ years inside construction accounting, to break down overbilling, revenue vs cash, and why money in the bank is not always yours. If you’re a GC or subcontractor who wants fewer surprises, better job costing, and tighter control over cash, this episode will change how you think about the numbers. Byce is a founder of Levvigo.com #1 remote ACCOUNTING solutions for contractors company
#5
January 9 · 17 min
While Others Stayed Invisible, This Contractor Built a Brand on Instagram
In this episode of Contenders Edge, we sit down with Nick from Iron Shake Inc, who started working construction at 13 because he didn’t want to do chores. He shares how real jobsite experience, not shortcuts, shaped his career and how he built his construction company by showing the work on Instagram. We talk trades vs school, learning fundamentals early, and why a digital presence now decides who gets the call. If you run a GC or subcontracting business and want to grow without waiting years for referrals, this episode is worth your time.
S1 · E1
Dec 19, 2025 · 27 min
Field Experience vs Tech Thinking: Who Should Lead AI Adoption in Construction
Tech keeps trying to “fix” construction without knowing the jobsite. Episode 1 is a real back-and-forth between a 30-year General Contractor and an AI nerd, voice notes vs forms, structure vs “say it and go,” and what actually holds up on site. We get into the stuff you deal with every day, half-finished reports, photo dumps with no labels, getting pulled away mid-task, and trying to remember details hours later. If you build for a living, or run the people who do, press play. smrtbld.com

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