From Boots to Boardroom

Why Suicide Is Construction's #1 Killer & What One Safety Leader Is Doing (Part 2)

In the second part of his conversation on From Boots to Boardroom, Coach Bryan Erwin breaks down how he transformed Bobcat Power's health and safety program from a "check-the-box" operation into an award-winning, belief-driven system rooted in accountability, open communication, and genuine care for the men and women working on the road. Bryan shares the fundamentals behind his observation and good catch programs, explains the difference between leading and lagging indicators in plain language. Beyond process, Bryan gets personal — addressing the mental health crisis facing the construction industry, where suicide has become the number one killer. He talks about what it means to truly care for employees rather than police them, offers candid advice for young people entering the trades, and shares his take on how AI can both help and hurt the profession. What You'll Learn - How Bryan built Bobcat Power's safety program from the ground up using daily observations, audits, and a non-punitive good catch reporting system - The difference between leading and lagging indicators and why controlling the "release of energy" is at the heart of every safety decision - How a transparent, non-punitive culture gets employees to report unsafe conditions instead of hiding them - Why suicide is the number one killer in the construction industry and what leaders can do to start addressing it - Bryan's three core beliefs for controlling high-energy hazards: eliminate it, build capacity to absorb it, or create space to avoid it About the Guest: Bryan Erwin is the Corporate Health and Safety Officer for Bobcat Power, a subsidiary of Asplundh. Before entering the construction industry in 2014, Bryan spent 20 years as a legendary Texas high school head football coach. He led his teams to state championships in 2003 and 2006 and remains the winningest coach in Texas’ history. Today, he uses his deep experience in training, motivating, and managing athletes to oversee safety operations for major transmission and substation projects. Under his leadership, Bobcat Power has earned multiple Contractor Safety Awards from American Electric Power. About the Show: From Boots to Boardroom is a podcast that shines a light on the people who keep America running. Not every leader sits in a corner office — leadership is found on job sites, in the field, and in the boardroom. In each episode, we share the journeys of those who build, restore, and power our nation. From linemen and builders to entrepreneurs and executives, these are stories of grit, tenacity, empathy, and vision. Like this episode? Hit the thumbs up and let us know what leadership topic you'd like us to explore next! Follow Hari Vasudevan, Founder and CEO of KYRO AI here – https://www.linkedin.com/in/harivasudevan/ Follow us on our socials: Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/from-boots-to-boardroom/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/frombootstoboardroom/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/FromBootsToBoardroomPodcast/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@frombootstoboardroom For more information, visit - https://www.frombootstoboardroom.com/ Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by the guest are solely their own and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views, policies, or positions of KYRO AI, From Boots to Boardroom, or the host. Any appearance by a guest on this program does not constitute an endorsement of the guest’s views, products, services, or affiliations. KYRO AI, From Boots to Boardroom, and the host disclaims any liability relating to the content discussed and makes no representations regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information shared. #ConstructionSafety #ZeroHarm #SafetyLeadership #HealthAndSafety #ConstructionIndustry #MentalHealthInConstruction #LinemenLife #SafetyCulture #LeadingIndicators #BrothersKeeper #AEPSafetyAward #WorkplaceSafety #BobcatPower #FromBootsToBoardroom #Podcast

The Moneyball Approach to Vegetation Management That's Saving Ratepayers Millions | Greg Smith

Greg Smith, a veteran utility operations leader with over 20 years across manufacturing, supply chain, and electric utility operations, joins Hari Vasudevan on From Boots to Boardroom to challenge the conventional wisdom of cycle-based vegetation management. Greg reveals how his condition-based, data-driven approach has driven vegetation management costs down from nearly $8,000 per acre to as low as $50 per acre and why his 10-year cost models show declining budgets in an era of rising inflation.  From rethinking how LiDAR data is used, to collecting real-time field intelligence with mobile platforms, to reimagining rights-of-way as biodiverse meadows rather than scorched battlegrounds, Greg lays out a practical blueprint for utilities ready to break the cost spiral. He also shares how AI is poised to turn mountains of vegetation data into predictive, actionable intelligence.  What you'll learn  * Why traditional cycle-based vegetation management actually escalates costs over time instead of controlling them  * How condition-based and/or risk-based planning can reduce vegetation management costs from nearly 8,000 per acre down to as low as $50 per acre  * What "below the grass" vegetation management means and why targeting size and density early is the key to long-term savings  * How real-time field data collection between LiDAR cycles feeds AI models that get smarter over time  * Why rights-of-way should be managed as biodiverse meadows, not monoculture battlegrounds  * The role of landowner collaboration in creating fire corridors that protect both utilities and private property  * How to implement field technology so that crews embrace it rather than resist it  * Why Greg's 10-year cost forecast shows declining vegetation management budgets — even in a high-inflation environment  About the Guest  Greg Smith is a utility operations leader with more than 20 years of experience spanning manufacturing, supply chain, and electric utility operations. Greg has also led fleet and supply chain management, transmission programs, and vegetation management under FAC 003 at his current utility. For the last five years, he has been fully focused on vegetation management, bringing a "Moneyball mindset" to a traditionally biology-driven field.  Greg's methods have produced zero vegetation-related outages across every system he has managed over a 10-year period, and his cost models project significant long-term savings for ratepayers. Greg grounds his work in two principles: make the people doing the work feel like winners, and measure what matters.   About the Show:  Not every leader sits in a corner office — leadership is found on job sites, in the field, and in the boardroom. In each episode, we share the journeys of those who build, restore, and power our nation. From linemen and builders to entrepreneurs and executives, these are stories of grit, tenacity, empathy, and vision.   Follow Hari Vasudevan, Founder and CEO of KYRO AI here  LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/harivasudevan/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/harivasudevan/]     Follow us on our socials:   Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/from-boots-to-boardroom/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/from-boots-to-boardroom/]   Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/frombootstoboardroom/ [https://www.instagram.com/frombootstoboardroom/]   Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/FromBootsToBoardroomPodcast/ [https://www.facebook.com/FromBootsToBoardroomPodcast/]  TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@frombootstoboardroom [https://www.tiktok.com/@frombootstoboardroom]  For more information, visit - https://www.frombootstoboardroom.com/ [https://www.frombootstoboardroom.com/]  Disclaimer:  The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by the guest are solely their own and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views, policies, or positions of KYRO AI, From Boots to Boardroom, or the host. Any appearance by a guest on this program does not constitute an endorsement of the guest’s views, products, services, or affiliations. KYRO AI, From Boots to Boardroom, and the host disclaims any liability relating to the content discussed and makes no representations regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information shared.

How to Navigate Insurance & Legal Risk as an Entrepreneur | Mark & Christian Frederiksen | From Boots to Boardroom

In this episode of From Boots to Boardroom, host Hari Vasudevan sits down with Mark Frederiksen, President of Frederiksen & Frederiksen, a fourth-generation independent insurance agency based in Dallas, and his cousin Christian Frederiksen, a business and construction litigation attorney with over 30 years of experience. Together, they break down the real-world strategies that protect businesses from the costly surprises hiding in leases, contracts, and insurance policies — and why the best time to call your lawyer and your insurance agent is before anything goes wrong. Whether you're just getting off the ground or scaling fast, the advice in this conversation could save you years of headaches — and serious money. What you'll learn - Independent agents shop your coverage across multiple carriers — captive agents can't. - Lease tenant responsibility sections can make you liable for things like rooftop HVAC units. - Employment practices liability is the most underbought coverage once you hit 10+ employees. - Reading a cyber insurance application tells you exactly what security procedures you need. - Operating agreements without withdrawal procedures can land partners in court for years. - You can start as a Texas LLC and convert to Delaware as you scale and attract venture capital. - Build policies and procedures first — then use insurance to cover what's left. - HSA contributions are portable, tax-advantaged, and stay with the employee after they leave. About the Guests Mark Frederiksen is the President of Frederiksen & Frederiksen, a fourth-generation independent insurance agency headquartered in Dallas, Texas, that has been serving clients since 1949. With deep roots in both personal and commercial lines, Mark specializes in helping entrepreneurs and growing businesses build holistic risk management programs — not just buy policies. Christian Frederiksen is a business and construction litigation attorney with over 30 years of practice experience. His work focuses on helping companies navigate complex contracts, manage liability exposure, and resolve disputes — ideally before they escalate into litigation. Christian is a strong advocate for involving legal counsel early in the entrepreneurial journey, particularly at the contract negotiation stage. About the Show: From Boots to Boardroom is a podcast that shines a light on the people who keep America running. Not every leader sits in a corner office — leadership is found on job sites, in the field, and in the boardroom. In each episode, we share the journeys of those who build, restore, and power our nation. From linemen and builders to entrepreneurs and executives, these are stories of grit, tenacity, empathy, and vision. Follow Hari Vasudevan, Founder and CEO of KYRO AI here LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/harivasudevan/ Follow us on our socials: Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/from-boots-to-boardroom/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/frombootstoboardroom/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/FromBootsToBoardroomPodcast/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@frombootstoboardroom For more information, visit - https://www.frombootstoboardroom.com/ Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by the guest are solely their own and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views, policies, or positions of KYRO AI, From Boots to Boardroom, or the host. Any appearance by a guest on this program does not constitute an endorsement of the guest’s views, products, services, or affiliations. KYRO AI, From Boots to Boardroom, and the host disclaims any liability relating to the content discussed and makes no representations regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information shared. #entrepreneur #podcast #businessinsurance #riskmanagement #contractlaw #smallbusiness #startups #insuranceagent #businesslaw #independentagent #employeebenefits #healthinsurance #cyberinsurance #businessgrowth #FromBootsToBoardroom

How to Lead Like a Champion: From Texas High School Football to Utility Construction | Bryan Erwin

In this episode of Boots to Boardroom, we talk to Bryan Erwin — Corporate Health and Safety Officer for Bobcat Power, an Asplundh company. From a life-changing moment on a yellow school bus in Hubbard, Texas to riding a U-Haul through the night as an unpaid student assistant at the University of Texas, Bryan's journey is one of faith, grit, and relentless perseverance. Bryan shares how a career-ending injury led him to his calling, how God spoke to him on that bus ride home, and how he went on to become the winningest football coach in the history of Texas — winning state championships in 2003 and 2006. We explore the devastating season where both his sons tore their ACLs, the PTSD that followed, and the mental health crisis facing the construction and utility industry today. Whether you lead a team on the field, on a job site, or in the boardroom, this conversation is packed with lessons on loyalty, servant leadership, faith, and the power of relationships. What you'll learn - How a career-ending injury on a Friday night in Texas led Bryan to his life's calling - The yellow bus moment — when God told him he'd be a football coach, not a doctor - The U-Haul ride that defined his work ethic and set the tone for his entire career - Why loyalty is the "most important seven-letter word" in any professional career - "It's not about who you're willing to win with — it's who you're willing to lose with" - The heartbreak of watching both sons suffer the same injuries that ended his playing career - Why the mental health crisis in construction — with suicide rates five times higher than on-the-job fatalities — demands a new approach - His take on NIL and the transfer portal in college football About the Guest: Bryan Erwin is the Corporate Health and Safety Officer for Bobcat Power, a subsidiary of Asplundh. Before entering the construction industry in 2014, Bryan spent 20 years as a legendary Texas high school head football coach. He led his teams to state championships in 2003 and 2006 and remains the winningest coach in Texas’ history. Today, he uses his deep experience in training, motivating, and managing athletes to oversee safety operations for major transmission and substation projects. Under his leadership, Bobcat Power has earned multiple Contractor Safety Awards from American Electric Power, proving his coaching methods translate perfectly to the corporate world. About the Show: From Boots to Boardroom is a podcast that shines a light on the people who keep America running. Not every leader sits in a corner office — leadership is found on job sites, in the field, and in the boardroom. From linemen and builders to entrepreneurs and executives, these are stories of grit, tenacity, empathy, and vision. Follow Hari Vasudevan, Founder and CEO of KYRO AI here – https://www.linkedin.com/in/harivasudevan/ Follow us on our socials: Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/from-boots-to-boardroom/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/frombootstoboardroom/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/FromBootsToBoardroomPodcast/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@frombootstoboardroom For more information, visit - https://www.frombootstoboardroom.com/ Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by the guest are solely their own and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views, policies, or positions of KYRO AI, From Boots to Boardroom, or the host. Any appearance by a guest on this program does not constitute an endorsement of the guest’s views, products, services, or affiliations. KYRO AI, From Boots to Boardroom, and the host disclaims any liability relating to the content discussed and makes no representations regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information shared. #FromBootsToBoardroom #CoachBryanErwin #Leadership #TexasHigh SchoolFootball #SafetyFirst #BobcatPower #Entrepreneurship TexasFootball #FridayNightLights #StateChampions #CoachingLife #NIL #TransferPortal

Don't Sell Your Company Until You Hear This | Scott Craig & Stephen Day

In this episode of Boots to Boardroom, we talk to Scott Craig and Stephen Day — experts in M&A law and investment banking. Scott is a Partner at Latham & Watkins, where he serves as a tech and M&A attorney helping emerging companies grow and exit. Stephen is the Co-founder and Managing Director of Navidar, an investment banking firm where he acts as a trusted advisor for M&A and capital raises. Building a business is hard, but selling one can be even harder if you aren't prepared. Hari Vasudevan sits down with his own trusted advisors to discuss the critical "growing pains" entrepreneurs face when they don't engage in professional help early on. From accounting discrepancies to misclassified contractors, these small oversight errors can lead to multi-million-dollar headaches during a deal. The conversation dives deep into the value of "responsiveness" and integrity in professional relationships. As Stephen Day puts it, "Every day when you take that elevator down to the first floor, make sure you take your integrity with you." Whether you are bootstrapping or raising capital, this episode provides a roadmap for protecting your interests and ensuring you don't leave money on the table. What you'll learn - Why engaging a law firm and banker early prevents costly issues - How poor finance and accounting processes can jeopardize company valuation by millions of dollars. - The direct correlation between strong customer contracts and a higher purchase price. - How to choose the right legal counsel for different stages of your company's growth. - Why responsiveness is the most underrated trait in a world-class advisor. About the Guests Scott Craig is a partner at Latham and Watkins, one of the world's highest-grossing law firms. He specializes in helping emerging companies navigate growth, capital raises, and tech M&A. Stephen Day is the co-founder and managing director of Navidar, an investment banking firm and trusted advisor for M&A and capital raises. Together, they bring decades of experience in shepherding entrepreneurs through life-changing transactions. They are known for their collaborative approach, prioritizing client protection over quick fees, and maintaining deep, long-term friendships with the founders they serve. About the Show: From Boots to Boardroom is a podcast that shines a light on the people who keep America running. Not every leader sits in a corner office — leadership is found on job sites, in the field, and in the boardroom. In each episode, we share the journeys of those who build, restore, and power our nation. From linemen and builders to entrepreneurs and executives, these are stories of grit, tenacity, empathy, and vision. Like this episode? Hit the thumbs up and let us know what leadership topic you'd like us to explore next! Follow Hari Vasudevan, Founder and CEO of KYRO AI here LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/harivasudevan/ Follow us on our socials: Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/from-boots-to-boardroom/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/frombootstoboardroom/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/FromBootsToBoardroomPodcast/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@frombootstoboardroom For more information, visit - https://www.frombootstoboardroom.com/ Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by the guest are solely their own and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views, policies, or positions of KYRO AI, From Boots to Boardroom, or the host. Any appearance by a guest on this program does not constitute an endorsement of the guest’s views, products, services, or affiliations. KYRO AI, From Boots to Boardroom, and the host disclaims any liability relating to the content discussed and makes no representations regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information shared. #companyexit #mergersandacquisitions #entrepreneurship #investmentbanking #KYROAI