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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 365: Scaling your construction business isn’t about working harder; it’s about working smarter.
 
In this episode of The Construction Leading Edge podcast, I sit down with Leyah Hostetter, Director of Customer Success, and Monish Khadye, Systematize Your Construction Business (SYCB) coach, to unpack the transformative strategies from the best-selling book 10x Is Easier Than 2x.
 
Today, you’ll learn why setting massive goals simplifies execution and how focusing on 20% of your high-value activities can revolutionize your construction business.
 
Here you’ll discover:
 
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How to implement paid estimates
 • 
 • 

Let go of low-value tasks
 • 
 • 

Embrace an abundance mindset
 • 
 
If you’re ready to 10x your business without working longer hours, this episode is for you.
 
Let’s dive in!
 
 
 
Key Takeaways:
 
Introduction (00:00)
 
A brief background on the book (01:51)
 
Why is 10x easier than 2x (03:18)
 
Understanding the 10x vs. 2x framework (11:27)
 
Eliminating the 80% to focus on the 20% (17:05)
 
A real-world example of focusing on value (25:09)
 
The mindset behind “how to 10x” (35:32)
 
Owning your unique ability to create abundance (36:22)
 
Adapting the gap vs. gain mentality (40:11)
 
The power of practicing gratitude (44:14)
 
How the victim mentality creates scarcity (48:25)
 
You get to choose the story you tell yourself (55:49)
 
How to implement what you’ve just learned (59:00)
 
Episode wrap-up (1:06:58)
 
 
 
Additional Resources:
 
- Join our FREE Training on How to Get Paid For Estimates HERE
 
- Join our FREE Get Out of Your Construction Business Masterclass HERE 
 
- Hear our client success stories HERE
 
- Schedule your FREE business evaluation call with our team HERE 
 
 
 
Books Mentioned:
 
- 10x Is Easier Than 2x by Dan Sullivan with Dr. Benjamin Hardy
 
- The Obstacle Is The New Way by Ryan Holiday
 
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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!

10x Is Easier Than 2x | E365

EPISODE 366: Want to scale your construction business without the chaos?
 
Torrey Hawkins, President of Angler Construction, LLC, shares how he managed to scale his construction business to $200 million in annual revenue.
 
In this week's episode of The Construction Leading Edge podcast, I sit down with Torrey to talk about...
 
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the biggest challenges in growing a business to $200 million per year
 • 
 • 

the systems and processes that propelled his business to success
 • 
 • 

how to lead a construction team through uncertain times
 • 
 • 

what his day looks like as a 9-figure business owner
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And a whole lot more!
 
Whether you’re looking to systematize your construction business or tackle the next phase of growth, this episode is packed with actionable insights.
 
Don’t miss Torrey’s tips on team building, forecasting, and staying resilient through challenges.
 
Let's jump right in!
 
 
 
Key Takeaways:
 
Introduction (00:00)
 
Meet Torrey Hawkins of Angler Construction (01:55)
 
How Torrey started his construction business (03:03)
 
What does the business look like now? (04:28)
 
Biggest challenges during the growth (10:33)
 
Transitioning from in-business to on-business leadership (15:28)
 
Tips for recruiting and hiring top-quality talent (18:43)
 
Importance of systems and processes for scalability (22:23)
 
What does being a visionary leader mean? (29:27)
 
How Torrey spends his time as a 9-figure business owner (35:48)
 
Keeping your team moving forward during a crisis (37:12)
 
Practical ways to share and implement a company vision (42:14)
 
The burning-the-ship mentality (49:23)
 
Managing the double-edged sword of being a visionary (52:22)
 
Episode wrap-up (57:59)
 
 
 
Additional Resources:
 
- Download our FREE Strategic Planning Guide HERE
 
- Schedule a FREE business evaluation call with our team HERE 
 
- Connect with Torrey HERE
 
- Check out Angler 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!

From $0 to $200M: The Ultimate Construction Business Guide with Torrey Hawkins | E366

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

Welcome to Episode 25 of the Construction Leading Edge podcast. My name is Todd Dawalt and my goal is to provide the tools and resources to grow your leadership skills, grow your business and grow your income.

Free online training for contractors: How to get out of cash crunch mode and upgrade your profit margins. 5 simple strategies I used to get out of the vise-like grip of poor cash flow, while doubling a construction business in a few years.

In this episode I share practical strategies for contractors that are part of the Construction Business Accelerator Program.

This episode focuses on how to eliminate “ticket starvation,” and make sure to get paid for 100% of the work you do.

Is your company doing work for free? Listen to this podcast to learn how to make sure you avoid “ticket starvation.”

#25 Eliminate Ticket Starvation

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