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Damien Edwards

Builder Tactics

A Management and Business podcast

#17 in Management · 🇮🇪
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About the show

Builder Tactics is your go-to podcast for mastering construction management. Hosted by industry veteran Damien Edwards, each episode delivers battle-tested strategies, real-world insights, and the latest industry trends to help you lead successful projects—from custom homes to complex developments. Whether you're new to the field or a seasoned builder, Builder Tactics equips you with the tactical edge to thrive in today’s construction landscape.

Newest episodes

Information to Action

27 min

Data doesn't create better decisions. Leaders do. In this episode of Builder Tactics, Damien Edwards explores how construction and production leaders can move beyond simply reporting metrics and start using data to anticipate problems, identify opportunities, and drive action. Learn the difference between leading and lagging indicators, how to build driver trees that connect business outcomes to operational performance, how to recognize meaningful trends and outliers, and why your data should function as headlights instead of just a rearview mirror. You'll also learn how to communicate the same data differently to operators, managers, and executives using a simple What, So What, Now What framework. If you want to become a more data-driven leader without becoming a data scientist, this episode provides practical tactics you can start using immediately. In this episode: • Leading vs. lagging indicators • Turning information into actionable insight • Building KPI driver trees • Identifying trends, patterns, and outliers • Using data to anticipate performance • Presenting data to operators vs. executives • Turning dashboards into management systems Builder Tactics is focused on helping construction professionals develop the leadership, business, and strategic skills required to advance their careers and build stronger organizations. HTTP://bolsterbuilt.com/builder-tactics

Stratigic Thinking and Vision

18 min

Thinking Like an Executive: Strategic Thinking and Vision What separates a great operational leader from an executive leader? Perspective. In this episode of Builder Tactics, Damien Edwards explores how construction professionals can move beyond managing today's projects and begin thinking strategically about tomorrow's organization. Learn practical techniques for systems thinking, horizon planning, scenario planning, trend scanning, and pattern recognition—and how to connect strategic decisions to long-term business value. Whether you're a construction manager preparing for your next promotion or an experienced leader looking to sharpen your strategic perspective, this episode provides actionable tactics for making the transition from managing what's happening today to anticipating what needs to happen next. http://bolsterbuilt.com/builder-tactics

Building your Executive Brand

18 min

Long before anyone offers you the next title, people have already decided what they think of you. That's executive brand, and it's built in the meetings you're not in, the conversations you don't hear, and the way people describe working with you when your name comes up. In this episode of Builder Tactics, we break down what executive brand actually is (hint: it's not your LinkedIn photo), why visibility and credibility are two completely different currencies, and how the "Horizons" framework, Horizon 1 (today), Horizon 2 (what's next), Horizon 3 (the five-year view) can instantly separate leaders who get noticed for the right reasons from leaders who just get noticed. We also cover the quiet brand mistakes that stall careers, staying too tactical, analysis paralysis, internal turf-guarding, and mistaking "busy" for "useful", and how to start showing up in Horizon 2 and 3 conversations starting with your very next meeting. In this episode: ​What executive brand really is, and why it forms before your title changes​Visibility vs. credibility — and why they're not the same thing​The Horizons framework: Horizon 1, 2, and 3 explained​Scenario planning and trend scanning as brand-building habits​The quiet mistakes that cap careers​Why your brand has to travel beyond your own departmentWhether you're a project manager, superintendent, or division leader, this episode gives you a practical way to think — and talk — like the executive you want to become. http://bolsterbuilt.com/builder-tactics

Similar podcasts

All episodes

Information to Action

27 min

Data doesn't create better decisions. Leaders do. In this episode of Builder Tactics, Damien Edwards explores how construction and production leaders can move beyond simply reporting metrics and start using data to anticipate problems, identify opportunities, and drive action. Learn the difference between leading and lagging indicators, how to build driver trees that connect business outcomes to operational performance, how to recognize meaningful trends and outliers, and why your data should function as headlights instead of just a rearview mirror. You'll also learn how to communicate the same data differently to operators, managers, and executives using a simple What, So What, Now What framework. If you want to become a more data-driven leader without becoming a data scientist, this episode provides practical tactics you can start using immediately. In this episode: • Leading vs. lagging indicators • Turning information into actionable insight • Building KPI driver trees • Identifying trends, patterns, and outliers • Using data to anticipate performance • Presenting data to operators vs. executives • Turning dashboards into management systems Builder Tactics is focused on helping construction professionals develop the leadership, business, and strategic skills required to advance their careers and build stronger organizations. HTTP://bolsterbuilt.com/builder-tactics

Stratigic Thinking and Vision

18 min

Thinking Like an Executive: Strategic Thinking and Vision What separates a great operational leader from an executive leader? Perspective. In this episode of Builder Tactics, Damien Edwards explores how construction professionals can move beyond managing today's projects and begin thinking strategically about tomorrow's organization. Learn practical techniques for systems thinking, horizon planning, scenario planning, trend scanning, and pattern recognition—and how to connect strategic decisions to long-term business value. Whether you're a construction manager preparing for your next promotion or an experienced leader looking to sharpen your strategic perspective, this episode provides actionable tactics for making the transition from managing what's happening today to anticipating what needs to happen next. http://bolsterbuilt.com/builder-tactics

Building your Executive Brand

18 min

Long before anyone offers you the next title, people have already decided what they think of you. That's executive brand, and it's built in the meetings you're not in, the conversations you don't hear, and the way people describe working with you when your name comes up. In this episode of Builder Tactics, we break down what executive brand actually is (hint: it's not your LinkedIn photo), why visibility and credibility are two completely different currencies, and how the "Horizons" framework, Horizon 1 (today), Horizon 2 (what's next), Horizon 3 (the five-year view) can instantly separate leaders who get noticed for the right reasons from leaders who just get noticed. We also cover the quiet brand mistakes that stall careers, staying too tactical, analysis paralysis, internal turf-guarding, and mistaking "busy" for "useful", and how to start showing up in Horizon 2 and 3 conversations starting with your very next meeting. In this episode: ​What executive brand really is, and why it forms before your title changes​Visibility vs. credibility — and why they're not the same thing​The Horizons framework: Horizon 1, 2, and 3 explained​Scenario planning and trend scanning as brand-building habits​The quiet mistakes that cap careers​Why your brand has to travel beyond your own departmentWhether you're a project manager, superintendent, or division leader, this episode gives you a practical way to think — and talk — like the executive you want to become. http://bolsterbuilt.com/builder-tactics

Boss to Leader: The Influence Shift every Construction Leader Needs

16 min

You didn't get promoted to keep doing the same job at a bigger scale — you got promoted to build the people who can do it without you. In this episode of Builder Tactics, host Damien Edwards breaks down why authority stops working the higher you climb, and what actually replaces it: influence. You'll learn the three dimensions of executive influence — Credibility, Connection, and Clarity — and five practical tactics you can use this week to build trust, develop other leaders, and multiply your impact across teams. Plus, a simple 90-day action plan to start shifting how your team experiences your leadership, starting now. Whether you're chasing your next promotion or already leading a team of leaders, this episode gives you tactics you can put to work on your very next job site conversation. http://bolsterbuilt.com/builder-tactics

Hard Hats to High Stakes: Transitioning from the Job Site to the Boardroom

14 min

In this episode, we discuss why technical expertise and operational success alone aren’t enough for executive leadership. You’ll learn how to transition from solving daily problems to developing people, building systems, creating strategy, and leading with an enterprise-wide perspective.

You work hard—but do you know what you’re worth?

20 min

In this episode of Builder Tactics, we break down how to understand your value to an employer in a way that actually matters: results, impact, and proof—not just effort and long hours. You’ll learn how to measure what you bring to the jobsite, how to communicate it with confidence, and how to make sure your work doesn’t stay invisible. Whether you’re a superintendent, construction manager, or trade leader, this is your playbook for turning performance into recognition—and recognition into opportunity. 🎧 Listen in if you’re ready to stop guessing your value and start owning it.

Beneath the Surface: Itzik Malka on Future-Proofing America’s Infrastructure

36 min

In this episode, Damien sits down with Itzik Malka, Co-founder of 4M Analytics, to uncover one of the greatest threats to America’s infrastructure future: the buried utilities beneath our feet. These hidden lifelines power our daily lives, yet there’s no map that tells us where they are—leaving construction projects vulnerable to risk, delays, and cost overruns. Itzik explains how 4M is tackling this challenge head-on, using data and technology to bring visibility to the unseen and certainty to the unknown. From skyrocketing material costs and compressed timelines to the high stakes of transportation construction, this conversation explores why underground utilities remain the industry’s number one unacknowledged risk—and how solving it could reshape the future of infrastructure. https://www.4manalytics.com/

Blue Collar AI with Chad Gill

45 min

In this episode of Builder Tactics, host Damien Edwards sits down with Chad Gill, founder of VAs for Construction, to explore a groundbreaking topic that’s shaking up the industry: how blue-collar workers are using AI on the construction site. Together, they explore real-world applications of artificial intelligence by field teams — from streamlining punch lists and tracking job progress to automating repetitive administrative tasks and enhancing communication between the office and the field. Chad shares stories from the trenches, discusses the resistance and excitement AI is generating among tradespeople, and highlights the surprising ways virtual assistants and AI tools are already making a difference for foremen, supers, and site teams. About Chad Gill:  Chad Gill is a former contractor with 23+ years of hands-on experience in the construction industry. Now, as the founder of Laminin Coach and VAs for Construction, Chad helps leaders and their teams become AI-enhanced. By focusing on practical applications, he empowers organizations to leverage AI for better decision-making, improved workflows, and measurable results. He’s also a speaker, known for his talk “Blue Collar AI”, which explores practical ways AI is transforming the skilled trades and construction industry.    Chad is passionate about showing leaders that AI isn’t about complexity or futuristic technology—it’s about small, everyday actions that add up to huge impact.  Website: https://www.vas4construction.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chad-gill-99042a37/  Contact: chad@laminincoach.com Phone: 804-938-7915  

Rebranding and Building Zen

14 min

In today’s episode, I share some exciting news about rebranding the podcast to better align with my evolving creative projects and deeper mission. This isn’t just a name change — it’s a renewed vision that reflects the journey we’re all on toward balance, leadership, and clarity in the chaos of life and construction. You'll also get an exclusive listen to Chapter 1 of my new book, Building Zen — a personal and powerful reflection on finding peace, purpose, and presence, even in the most intense moments. I’d love to hear what resonates with you. Drop a comment, share your thoughts, and join the conversation. https://a.co/d/68s6AUJ

Professional Development Part #2

34 min

Welcome to The Construction Management Podcast! As we kick off 2025, we want to take a moment to focus on what you are going to do with the new year. If you're tuning in, chances are you already have a growth mindset—a drive for professional and personal development that will shape your success this year and beyond. In this episode, we're diving deep into goal setting, motivation, and sustaining a growth mindset in construction management and beyond. We cover what professional development means and why it’s crucial for your career. Whether you’re aiming for a promotion, improving leadership skills, or simply looking to level up in 2025, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you set clear goals and make them happen. 🎧 Tune in and start building the foundation for your best year yet!

Builder Tactics Chapter #8 Time Management

21 min

During this episode, we dive into Chapter 8 of the recently updated book Builder Tactics: A Practical Guide to Construction Management. In this chapter, we explore the essential skills of time management for builders. I hope your year started off right, and you are achieving all of your 2025 goals. For the entire audiobook, go to https://a.co/d/0AFfWbR for the paperback or digital version, go to https://a.co/d/8Ri1Mh6

Builder Tactics Chapter #6 Accounting

12 min

During this episode, we dive into Chapter 6 of the recently updated book, *Builder Tactics: A Practical Guide to Construction Management. In this chapter, we unpack the essential elements of accounting for builders. I hope you all have a fantastic holiday season, set some New Year resolutions, and achieve your goals for 2025. For the entire audiobook, go to https://a.co/d/0AFfWbR for the paperback or digital version, go to https://a.co/d/8Ri1Mh6

Builder Tactics CHapter #5 Contracts

16 min

Join me for an insightful episode as we dive into Chapter 5 of the recently updated book, *Builder Tactics: A Practical Guide to Construction Management. In this chapter, we unpack the essential elements of contracts between builders and trade companies, shedding light on how these agreements lay the groundwork for successful projects. Maintaining positive control over your construction site starts with a solid understanding of the legal requirements that govern your trades and your company. Whether you’re a seasoned construction manager or just starting out, this knowledge is critical to ensuring your project's success. Tune in as we explore the complexities of construction contracts and elevate your management skills! For the entire audiobook, go to https://a.co/d/0AFfWbR for the paperback or digital version, go to https://a.co/d/8Ri1Mh6

Builder Tactics Chapter #4 Job Site Management

18 min

Chapter 4 from the recently rewritten book Builder Tactics: A Practical Guide to Construction Management. It includes a detailed description of how to manage your job site. And what it takes to portray yourself as competent and in charge of managing construction projects. Job site management includes the appearance of your job site, traffic and delivery control, safety, stormwater and pollution control, and a whole lot more. Maintaining positive control of your construction site is critical to the success of your project and essential for every construction manager. For the entire audiobook, go to https://a.co/d/0AFfWbR for the paperback or digital version, go to https://a.co/d/8Ri1Mh6

Relaunch Episode #3 Trash

29 min

This is another relaunch of a lost episode. In this episode, Jason and I discuss job site management, specifically trash. Trash is a plague on job sites and must be eradicated or at least cleaned up. Enjoy.

Episode #2 Time Managmeent (Relaunch)

22 min

This is episode #2 from 2018. When we switched platforms, we lost a bunch of shows. Fortunately, I was able to dive deep into the archives and recover some of them. Today's podcast is about time management and how you can effectively manage your time and the time of your trade partners.

Builder Tactics Chapter #3

30 min

This is chapter 3 from the recently rewritten book Builder Tactics: A Practical Guide to Construction Management. It includes a detailed description of Pre-Construction planning and the steps to take to ensure your project's success from the start. Pre-construction planning includes reviewing the drawings and submittals, assessing the physical site, reviewing the budget, and holding pre-construction meetings. Each step is critical to the success of your project and essential for every construction manager. For the entire audiobook, go to https://a.co/d/0AFfWbR for the paperback or digital version, go to https://a.co/d/8Ri1Mh6

Builder Tactics Chapter #2

14 min

This is chapter 2 from the recently rewritten book Builder Tactics: A Practical Guide to Construction Management. It includes a detailed description of the technical and soft skills required for success in construction management. For the full audiobook, go to https://a.co/d/0AFfWbR for the paperback or digital version, go to https://a.co/d/8Ri1Mh6

Builder Tactics Chapter #1

13 min

This is chapter #1 from the recently rewritten book Builder Tactics: A Practical Guide to Construction Management. It includes an introduction to the size and complexity of the construction industry and an explanation of the current state of our profession, Construction Management. For the full audiobook, go to Audible.com; for the paperback or digital version, go to https://a.co/d/iyIwzLc.

Professional Development

27 min

Damien and Jason discuss how to evaluate your skill set and organize your professional development efforts.

Managing Underperforming Trade Partners

25 min

Damien and Jason discuss the challenges of managing trade partners and how to build relationships with them. They also provide a framework for what to do when they are underperforming.

Dealing with Difficult Bosses and Clients

36 min

This is a classic from the archives, Jason and Damien talk with a listener about their experience with a difficult boss and give their perspective on how to move forward.

Reload Episode 54 How to Gain Respect as the New Guy

31 min

Damien and Jason discuss how to gain respect as the new guy in the job site and establish yourself as part of the team. Note: This was a previously released episode inadvertently removed from the line up during integration.

Episode 62 Don't get ripped off

24 min

Damien and Jason discuss not getting ripped off. In classic style they are all over the map but spewing words of wisdom for any aspiring construction manager. I haven't tested the sound , so good luck.

Episode 59 Lyvwell

44 min

Today on the show Damien and Jason host Lyv Guimond from Lyvwell. Lyv shares some awesome advice and strategies for staying centered and focused. She also explains how to minimize dailey stress and maximize your feeling of empowerment.

Episode 58 Establishing a Routine

29 min

Damien and Jason discuss the importance of establishing a daily routine. Daily routines allow you to be consistent and efficient with your time while managing your build cycle. Your most important tasks should be included in your routine, this includes walking the units under construction and schedule maintenance. Quality inspections and communication should also be given priority when developing your daily task routine.  The sound quality for this podcast isn't great, Jason and Damien were both in parking lots during the recording of this podcast, our diehard fans should be used to it by now. Thanks for listing.

Public Service Announcement

6 min

The construction industry needs you NOW!!! This is a public service announcement to remind you to take action now. The construction industry is booming and needs Construction Managers to manage projects all over the country. It doesn't matter if you are new to the field or a salty old soul, if you want to break in to Construction Management or accelerate your career send your resumes to info@buildertactics.com. Builders are looking for you now and beating down my door to get resumes from my audience. Now is your time.    info@buildertactics.com

Episode 55 Part two Dealing with new building technology

24 min

This is part two of our latest roundtable. Damien and Jason discuss how to deal with new building technology, sort of. This was conducted at a brewery, so the content tends to reflect that. Some good content is buried in a sea of dudes making fun of each other. Enjoy.

Episode 55 Part #1What we wish we had known when we started

27 min

This is part one of a two part round table. Damien and Jason sat down with some of their buddies that have been in construction for years and asked them "What do you wish you had known when you got started in construction?". The conversation gets a little crude but there is a ton of great information, enjoy.

Episode 52 Round Table on Material Shortages

35 min

Damien and Jason invited some buddies to discuss the material shortages over a few beers. The conversation is riddled with advice for how to deal with the delays.  The Problem:  We are constantly being notified about delays and shortages of materials from our vendors and suppliers. Production never stopped but manufacturing has slowed or in some cases stopped. And without manufactures producing building supplies we can’t build anything. To make matters worse, new construction sales have taken off and now we are trying to build our current back log with less manpower and materials and we have a huge increase in production coming right around the corner.  Damien, Jason and their buddies provide some great advice on how to solve or at least manage through the delays.  Enjoy

Episode 48 Purchasing materials and trades with Patti Wynkoop

41 min

Today Damien and Jason interview Patti Wynkoop. Patti is the Purchasing VP for a national home builder and has over 25 years experience in the business.  Her insight into the world of purchasing materials and setting up trade partner contracts is awesome. This is a must listen to for any construction professional.  We discuss topics including how to select trade partners, what to look for when comparing bids as well as how to award and reject bid proposals.

Episode 47 Leadership styles

32 min

Damien and Jason discuss leadership styles and transitioning from a dictatorial style of leadership in the military to civilian leadership styles of today. I also included chapter 7 from the soon to be released Builder Tactics audio book. Enjoy.

CMP Episode 44 Dynamic Scheduling and staying flexible

30 min

Damien and Jason vent about the current state of things and how much they hate wearing masks. They also discuss dynamic scheduling and the need to stay flexible while scheduling production tasks. Stay healthy and safe, we are always thinking about you guys.

Episode 42 Interview with Yaron Dycian of Wint Water Intelligence

27 min

On this episode Damien interviews Yaron Dycian from Wint Water Intelligence. They discuss the impact of water damage to construction projects and what Wink is doing to help builders prevent catastrophic water damage as well as help preserve the worlds supply of water. Enjoy.

Quick message to our listeners during this stressful time

5 min

Just a quick message from the Construction Management Podcast, If you have down time due the Corona virus let's make the most of it. Take this opportunity to be a builder in your our own life. Build a better relationship with your kids, spouse and extended family. Be a creator, write a book, make a podcast, learn something new. Once all that is done, bite the bullet and finish up all those home improvement projects you started then abandoned.  What ever you do, take this opportunity to be a better version of you when it's over.

Episode 39 Home Aid NOVA

29 min

Damien and Jason interview Kristyn Burr, Kristyn is the Executive Director and CEO of HomeAid Northern VA. HomeAid connects regional builders and housing industry professionals with non-profits focused on ending homelessness. The theme for this year is to highlight the generosity of builders, developers and trade partners, there is no better example of their charity than HomeAid. Please listen to the podcast and reach out to your states local chapter of HomeAid to see how you can help end homelessness locally.     homeaidnova.org https://www.sevaprisonyoga.org/

Episode 38 Getting things done

39 min

Damien and Jason go on for what seems like an eternity about checking the weather, knowing your site conditions and just getting things done. They also get into the metrics that construction managers are judge on and the importance of building to them, they are metrics for a reason after all.

CMP Episode 32 Owning your job site and maintaining expectations

43 min

Damien and Jason cover a huge range of subjects from safety to trash. The overwhelming message is to be a Construction Manager that owns their job and maintains high standards for the conduct and quality of the trade partners working for them. This one has a little cursing, listener beware. Enjoy.

Trade Tactics #1 Paint and Drywall

36 min

Damien and Jason interview Mitch Elmore, Vice President of HDS Drywall. The guys discuss the demands placed on drywall and paint contractors and how HDS is able to manage their production schedules as well as the customer service requests from construction managers.

CMP Episode 27 STRESS

30 min

Damien and Jason talk about the health implications of stress and give some advice for how to manage it.

Episode 24 Trust but Verify

32 min

Damien and Jason discuss the importance of trusting our trade partners but also verifying the work they do meets our quality standards is and is completed per your instructions. We also discuss the importance of making sure our instructions are clear and that you are understood when managing trade partners.

CMP Episode 21 Hard conversations for managers

35 min

Damien and Jason discuss the importance of setting clear expectations for employees.  They discuss daily corrections as well as how to manage annual evaluations and everything in between. This is a must listen to for any manager that wants to elevate the people around them.

CMP Season 2 Episode 6 Frame Checks

31 min

Damien and Jason discuss the importance of conducting frame checks immediately after the home is "dried in" and again after your mechanical trades are complete. They also discuss Damien's new blood lust to go hunting.

See all 56 episodes

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