Construction Hot Takes

Choosing the Right Hammer: Approach YOUR Construction Problem the Right Way

In this gameshow edition of the Construction Hot Takes podcast, we play a game that illustrates the reality of many construction firms looking to grow. In the construction consulting world, those that are "in A.I." feel like they can solve everything with A.I. but it's often much more nuanced and A.I. can't solve every issue. So which "hammer" (A.I., Procore, Ops) will match which "nail" (business scenarios)? Hope you enjoy! Check out our whole catalog of Construction Hot Takes episodes on our website! https://ascentconsults.com/construction-hot-takes-podcast/ [https://ascentconsults.com/construction-hot-takes-podcast/] Interested in learning how Ascent's consulting services could potentially help improve your business's operations? 📈 Click here to schedule a free 30-minute consultation with one of our expert construction consultants: https://info.ascentconsults.com/meetings/acooper/30-minute-performance-consultation [https://info.ascentconsults.com/meetings/acooper/30-minute-performance-consultation] Follow Ascent Consulting on social media! 🤳 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ascent-consulting-inc-/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/ascent-consulting-inc-/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ascentconsult/ [https://www.facebook.com/ascentconsult/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ascentconsults/ [https://www.instagram.com/ascentconsults/] X: https://x.com/ascentconsults/ [https://x.com/ascentconsults/] Subscribe to our YouTube channel for alerts on our new episodes! https://www.youtube.com/@constructionhottakes [https://www.youtube.com/@constructionhottakes]

New Software Gone WRONG: The BIGGEST Tech Issue for Construction Companies

In this episode, Adam Cooper and Jeff Robertson talk about an all-too-common issue found amongst growing construction companies. They purchase the latest software with all the bells and whistles which seem to promise smooth sailing, but upon installing into the business, ends up being a source of MORE work, not less. Software misalignment can take something that was supposed to be a good thing, and turn it into a nightmare. What are the common pitfalls? How does a firm go about fixing the misalignment that is the root of a lot of construction firm issues? This is an important one. We hope you enjoy! Check out our whole catalog of Construction Hot Takes episodes on our website! https://ascentconsults.com/construction-hot-takes-podcast/ [https://ascentconsults.com/construction-hot-takes-podcast/] Interested in learning how Ascent's consulting services could potentially help improve your business's operations? 📈 Click here to schedule a free 30-minute consultation with one of our expert construction consultants: https://info.ascentconsults.com/meetings/acooper/30-minute-performance-consultation [https://info.ascentconsults.com/meetings/acooper/30-minute-performance-consultation] Follow Ascent Consulting on social media! 🤳 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ascent-consulting-inc-/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/ascent-consulting-inc-/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ascentconsult/ [https://www.facebook.com/ascentconsult/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ascentconsults/ [https://www.instagram.com/ascentconsults/] X: https://x.com/ascentconsults/ [https://x.com/ascentconsults/] Subscribe to our YouTube channel for alerts on our new episodes! https://www.youtube.com/@constructionhottakes [https://www.youtube.com/@constructionhottakes]

Your Subcontractor Might Be About to Burn You

In this episode of Construction Hot Takes, host Jeff Robertson dives into the often-overlooked but critical process of subcontractor pre-qualification. From identifying red flags like disappearing labor and aggressive billing to understanding key financial metrics, Jeff explains why every project manager must be a risk manager first. Learn how to look past professional relationships and focus on the data to prevent subcontractor default before it starts Chapters: 00:00 Subcontractor Default and the Power of Pre-qualification 05:50 Defining Pre-qualification: Beyond the Paperwork 02:22 The Cost of Ignoring Pre-qualification 07:23 Subcontractor Red Flags: Early Warning Signs 09:55 Predicting Failure: The Financial Review 13:11 Common Mistakes PMs Make with Pre-qualification 15:21 Final Action Items: Be Proactive, Not Reactive . Check out our whole catalog of Construction Hot Takes episodes on our website! https://ascentconsults.com/construction-hot-takes-podcast/ [https://ascentconsults.com/construction-hot-takes-podcast/] Interested in learning how Ascent's consulting services could potentially help improve your business's operations? 📈 Click here to schedule a free 30-minute consultation with one of our expert construction consultants: https://info.ascentconsults.com/meetings/acooper/30-minute-performance-consultation [https://info.ascentconsults.com/meetings/acooper/30-minute-performance-consultation] Follow Ascent Consulting on social media! 🤳 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ascent-consulting-inc-/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/ascent-consulting-inc-/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ascentconsult/ [https://www.facebook.com/ascentconsult/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ascentconsults/ [https://www.instagram.com/ascentconsults/] X: https://x.com/ascentconsults/ [https://x.com/ascentconsults/] Subscribe to our YouTube channel for alerts on our new episodes! https://www.youtube.com/@constructionhottakes [https://www.youtube.com/@constructionhottakes]

Automation vs. A.I. in Construction: How To Navigate

In this episode, Jeff Robertson and Gregory Gorman deconstruct how construction firms could be thinking about automation and artificial intelligence in construction. We hope this brings lots of value to your construction organization! Check out our whole catalog of Construction Hot Takes episodes on our website! https://ascentconsults.com/construction-hot-takes-podcast/ Interested in learning how Ascent's consulting services could potentially help improve your business's operations? 📈 Click here to schedule a free 30-minute consultation with one of our expert construction consultants: https://info.ascentconsults.com/meetings/acooper/30-minute-performance-consultation [https://info.ascentconsults.com/meetings/acooper/30-minute-performance-consultation] Follow Ascent Consulting on social media! 🤳 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ascent-consulting-inc-/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/ascent-consulting-inc-/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ascentconsult/ [https://www.facebook.com/ascentconsult/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ascentconsults/ [https://www.instagram.com/ascentconsults/] X: https://x.com/ascentconsults/ [https://x.com/ascentconsults/] Subscribe to our YouTube channel for alerts on our new episodes! https://www.youtube.com/@constructionhottakes [https://www.youtube.com/@constructionhottakes]

How To Achieve Your Construction Company’s Growth Targets In Months, Not Years (Strategic Planning)

In this episode of Construction Hot Takes, our hosts, Adam Cooper and Jeff Robertson, break down why strategic business planning is often the first thing construction leaders ignore—and why it’s the most critical for long-term survival. From the "engineering mindset" trap to identifying actionable milestones, learn how to move past reactive decision-making and build a roadmap that survives economic shifts. Hope you enjoy this episode! Chapters: 00:00 The "Day-to-Day" Trap: Why Leaders Avoid Strategic Planning 04:09 The Role of Third-Party Facilitators in Construction 06:33 The "Book Report" Method: Prepping the Team for Strategy 17:15 Actionable vs. In-Depth: Gradient Levels of Planning 18:50 Accountability: Ensuring the Plan Doesn't Gather Dust Check out our whole catalog of Construction Hot Takes episodes on our website! https://ascentconsults.com/construction-hot-takes-podcast/ [https://ascentconsults.com/construction-hot-takes-podcast/] Interested in learning how Ascent's consulting services could potentially help improve your business's operations? 📈 Click here to schedule a free 30-minute consultation with one of our expert construction consultants: https://info.ascentconsults.com/meetings/acooper/30-minute-performance-consultation [https://info.ascentconsults.com/meetings/acooper/30-minute-performance-consultation] Follow Ascent Consulting on social media! 🤳 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ascent-consulting-inc-/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/ascent-consulting-inc-/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ascentconsult/ [https://www.facebook.com/ascentconsult/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ascentconsults/ [https://www.instagram.com/ascentconsults/] X: https://x.com/ascentconsults/ [https://x.com/ascentconsults/] Subscribe to our YouTube channel for alerts on our new episodes! https://www.youtube.com/@constructionhottakes [https://www.youtube.com/@constructionhottakes]