In episode 467, we flash back to December of 2021 to revisit the life and leadership philosophy of American war hero and former Vice Presidential candidate Admiral James Stockdale. The episode focuses on his experiences as a prisoner of war in Vietnam and his stoic approach to surviving extreme adversity. Hartmann delves into Stockdale's key influe…

In episode 466 of the Construction Leadership Podcast, host Bradley Hartmann delves into John W. Miller’s new book, 'The Last Manager: How Earl Weaver Tricked, Tormented, and Reinvented Baseball.' Hartmann explains why this is the best leadership book he’s read in the past two years, highlighting Weaver's innovative use of analytics and his unique …

In episode 465 of the Construction Leadership Podcast, host Bradley Hartman meets up with Chad Raymond, Division Director of the Henry Company. They discuss fostering innovation, team growth, and effective leadership. Listeners will learn actionable strategies to enhance their teams' innovativeness, including the importance of keeping an open mind,…

In episode 464, host Bradley Hartmann shares a personal story about his attempts to sell an executive of a multi-billion-dollar company on a new idea. It’s a story about persuasion, business development, and entrepreneurial resilience. Hartmann shares his journey of launching a startup after the great recession, including details about his struggle…

Episode 463 features the expert builder panel from the 6th Annual Sales Fundamentals Workshop held in April 2025 in Fort Worth. The panel features industry leaders Brent Hull of Hull Millwork, Matthew Schmidt of PulteGroup, Bobby Krueger of The Krueger Group and MAVREK Development, Nathan Marsh of V&M Development, Jose Berlanga of Tricon Homes, and…

In episode 462, Dr. Matthew Reyes takes over as host to explore the University of Oklahoma's specialized MBA program tailored for construction professionals. Dr. Reyes and guest Bradley Hartmann discuss the origins of the program, challenges faced, and curriculum designed to build stronger leaders in the construction industry. Reyes and Hartmann de…

Episode 461 features a candid conversation between Bradley Hartmann and Adam Kouri from DPR Construction, exploring leadership, personal growth, and team dynamics. Listeners will gain insights into effective leadership strategies, including managing emotions under pressure, understanding "shadow behaviors," and building team health. The discussion …

In episode 460 Hartmann and TJ Shaheen (Executive Vice President at Builders’ General) record before and after segments while together in New York City as they saw Glengarry GlenRoss Live on Broadway starring Kieran Culkin, Bill Burr, and Bob Odenkirk (aka Saul from Better Call Saul). The conversation explores sales dynamics, leadership, and profes…

Episode 459 features Jose Berlanga, a serial entrepreneur and co-founder of Tricon Homes in Houston, sharing insights about business, real estate development, and entrepreneurship. Berlanga discusses his journey from starting in various industries to becoming a successful home builder, emphasizing key lessons like developing contractor loyalty, bei…

In episode 458 of the Construction Leadership Podcast sponsored by LBM Journal and facilitated by Rick Schumacher, Bradley Hartmann deconstructs the elements of sales leadership detailed in his new book “The Air Raid Sales Offense.” Joining Hartmann are three industry leaders: Bob Eakin of Curtis Lumber (NY, VT), Tina Breen of Manufacturers Reserve…

Episode 457 focuses on Brad Jacobs' recent acquisition of Beacon Roofing Supply, featuring insights from industry experts Craig Webb and Jon Vaughan. The discussion explores the strategic rationale behind the “hostile-adjacent” takeover, with Jacobs aiming to double Beacon's profits in three years using his proven playbook. Listeners will gain valu…

In episode 456 host Bradley Hartmann explores the dangers of overcommitment through the lens of two contrasting figures: Jim Valvano, the national champion basketball coach at N.C. State and Cal Newport, the Georgetown University professor and author. Bradley reflects on Valvano's life, highlighting how his boundless energy and desire to seize ever…

Episode 455 is Part II of Jim Sobeck’s negotiation principles drawn from Mario Puzo's "The Godfather". The discussion explores critical business insights, including how to handle negotiations effectively, the importance of patience, and why taking business personally matters. Sobeck shares personal stories from his entrepreneurial career, highlight…

Episode 454 features Jim Sobeck’s return to the Construction Leadership Podcast as he discusses negotiation and leadership lessons from the legendary Mario Puzo novel "The Godfather" novel. Sobeck, a construction industry veteran, shares insights on effective communication, saying no gracefully, and maintaining emotional control in business interac…

Jon Vaughn returns to the show to discuss leadership through the lens of sports, with a particular focus on basketball. Jon and Bradley dive deep into Rick Pitino's transformation of St. John's basketball program, exploring how innovative strategies and intensive coaching can drive success in both sports and business. The conversation covers key le…

This podcast episode explores leadership principles through the lens of inversion—focusing on what not to do to become a better leader. Bradley Hartmann shares insights from CNS 5632:Leadership Principles in Construction within the University of Oklahoma’s MBA program for construction professionals, which was heavily influenced by Charlie Munger's …

Episode 451 dissects a clip from The Tim Ferriss Show featuring inventor Danny Hillis as he shares an entertaining story about working his way into Marvin Minsky's AI Lab at MIT. How? By living out our leadership tagline, “You are owed nothing. Deliver value first.” He proactively solved problems and sought ways to be genuinely useful. Listeners wi…

In episode 450 of the Construction Leadership Podcast, host Bradley Hartmann interviews Dr. Sarah Buchner, a remarkable entrepreneur whose journey took her from being an impoverished 12-year-old carpenter in rural Austria to become a Stanford-educated tech founder. Buchner shares her inspiring story of overcoming societal barriers to build Trunk To…

In episode 449 of the Construction Leadership Podcast, host Bradley Hartmann reunites with Dave Reichert for an in-depth exploration of business growth, family dynamics, and leadership evolution. Eight years after his first appearance, Dave reveals how Davis-Hawn Lumber Company has transformed through strategic acquisitions, technological innovatio…

In episode 448, host Bradley Hartmann discusses the importance of having robust, reliable processes that can withstand economic cycles. Using legendary physician Richard Feynman’s "cargo cult" story as an analogy, this episode emphasizes the need to challenge assumptions and understand the true drivers of success, rather than relying on tribal wisd…

Episode 447 features Ed DeAngelis, CEO of EDA Contractors. Ed provides a masterclass in effective leadership for construction companies. DeAngelis shares how he has built a thriving, 450-employee organization by embracing "humanity as a strategy”—refusing to “keep the personal stuff at home" and embracing the fulness of each employee. DeAngelis dis…

Episode 446 is a must-listen for any business leader looking to grow their influence and impact. Storytelling expert Paul Kix shares invaluable insights on how crafting compelling narratives can transform your career and company. Learn first-hand how top organizations like Disney and ESPN leverage storytelling to drive revenue. Discover strategies …

Unlock game-changing sales tactics with this exclusive excerpt from Bradley Hartmann’s November 2024 guest appearance on The Lumber Slingers Podcast with Natalie Heacock and Chelsea Zuccato of Patrick Lumber. In this episode, you’ll discover an actionable framework for crafting voicemails that demand a callback as well as other tactical sales manag…

Exclusive excerpt from Bradley Hartmann’s new book, The Air Raid Sales Offense—a sales philosophy based on simplicity, fearlessness, optimism, and fun. It draws parallels between the innovative Air Raid football offense and a new approach to sales that makes it easier for customers to buy. Hartmann shares his personal story and passion for the topi…

Host Bradley Hartmann dives into the high-stakes drama unfolding between QXO, led by serial entrepreneur Brad Jacobs, and Beacon Roofing Supply. Jacobs is making an aggressive $11billion bid to acquire Beacon, setting the stage for a potential proxy fight. The discussion explores Jacobs' ambitious growth plans for QXO, the industry implications, th…