How a Pro Athlete Built a Thriving Construction Business | Bryan Cohen

How a Pro Athlete Built a Thriving Construction Business | Bryan Cohen

Keywords construction, real estate, entrepreneurship, general contracting, scaling a business, team culture, leadership, networking, mentorship, value engineering, subcontractors, AI in construction, pre-construction, project management, Philadelphia real estate Summary In this episode, Bryan Cohen shares his journey from playing college basketball at Bucknell and professionally in Israel to co-founding Full Court Construction with his brother, Aron. After getting started in real estate through small rental renovations, the two gradually scaled into larger multifamily projects and built a construction company focused on execution, efficiency, and long-term relationships. The conversation explores what it takes to grow a construction business, from hiring the right people and building a strong team culture to navigating pricing changes, subcontractor relationships, and project efficiency. Bryan also talks about networking, mentorship, daily discipline, and how his team is beginning to use AI to support pre-construction and project workflows. A grounded look at the mindset, structure, and consistency behind building a business in construction. Takeaways A competitive mindset can carry over from sports into business. Starting small can create the foundation for long-term growth. Strong execution is a major differentiator in construction. Hiring the right people has a direct impact on company culture. Building the right team requires vulnerability and trust. Networking becomes more valuable when done with intention. Mentorship can help accelerate growth and decision-making. Discipline and routine can support consistency in business. Learning from mistakes is part of building a stronger company. AI can help improve efficiency in pre-construction and project workflows. Chapters 00:00 Competitive mindset in construction 01:37 Introduction to Bryan Cohen and Full Court Construction 02:27 Basketball at Bucknell and playing professionally in Israel 04:46 Getting started in real estate and early renovations 06:49 Scaling into larger multifamily projects 09:37 Navigating COVID and pricing challenges 12:55 Value engineering and project efficiency 17:28 Building a strong team culture 22:26 Networking and business development 26:07 Daily habits and time management 32:28 Lessons learned through mistakes and growth 38:45 Using AI in construction workflows 43:28 Final thoughts and advice

The Value of Vertical Integration with Roman Ovrutsky

Keywords real estate development, vertical integration, Philadelphia real estate, construction, zoning, community meetings, financing, sheriff sale properties, property management, AI in real estate, entrepreneurial growth, construction costs, project management Summary In this episode, Roman Ovrutsky shares his path from studying finance and working at BNY Mellon to building Omega Home Builders, a vertically integrated real estate business in Philadelphia. After getting his start with sheriff sale properties and smaller residential projects, he gradually scaled into larger developments by staying lean, managing costs closely, and remaining hands-on throughout the process. The conversation explores what it takes to grow in real estate over time, from learning through smaller deals and managing risk to navigating zoning, community meetings, construction costs, and financing. Roman also talks about the advantages of vertical integration, his views on the Philadelphia market, and how AI may continue to shape business operations and decision-making. A practical look at growth, discipline, and building a business by staying close to every part of the process. Takeaways Starting small can create the foundation for larger opportunities. Vertical integration can create speed, control, and cost savings. Staying lean can be a competitive advantage in a difficult market. Speed can make a major difference in real estate and business. Learning by doing can build confidence for larger projects. Community engagement can be a necessary part of getting deals done. The right partner can strengthen the parts of the business you do not own naturally. Construction costs and regulation can shape what projects move forward. AI can help speed up repetitive tasks but still requires judgment. Long-term growth often comes from consistency more than quick wins. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Roman Ovrutsky and his current projects 02:03 Day-to-day operations and vertical integration 03:35 From finance and pre-med plans into real estate 06:15 First sheriff sale property and early lessons 10:24 Market conditions, competition, and staying lean 15:07 Why vertical integration supports growth 20:09 Scaling from small projects to larger developments 23:18 Zoning, RCO meetings, and community engagement 29:06 The most rewarding parts of the development process 32:35 Renovations versus new construction 35:08 How Roman evaluates new opportunities 42:08 AI, automation, and business operations 54:32 Long-term vision and future growth 57:03 Final advice on work, passion, and persistence

Scaling a Business to Seven Figures with The Boyle Brothers

Keywords entrepreneurship, scaling businesses, AI, business culture, routines, leadership, stormwater management, digital marketing, real estate, innovation, business growth, habits Summary In this episode, Ryan and Sean Boyle share how early experiences shaped their path into entrepreneurship and led them to build businesses across multiple industries. Ryan owns VioStorm Solutions, a full-service stormwater maintenance company, along with Trilogy Property Services, which supports commercial and industrial property managers. Sean leads Momentum, a digital marketing agency, while also building a real estate asset holding company. They discuss the realities of scaling service-based businesses, including hiring, delegation, and identifying bottlenecks, along with a broader conversation around AI and how it may continue to shape business and different areas of work. The conversation also highlights the importance of human connection, company culture, and surrounding yourself with the right people, along with the habits and routines that help them stay focused while continuing to grow their businesses. Takeaways Early experiences can shape how you approach business and decision-making. Scaling a business often comes down to identifying and addressing bottlenecks. Hiring reliable people and building the right team is critical for growth. Human connection and company culture play a major role in long-term success. AI is becoming a tool across both digital and physical industries. Consistent habits and routines help support focus and performance. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Ryan and Sean Boyle 02:12 Early experiences and paths into entrepreneurship 06:39 Building a stormwater maintenance business 10:40 Scaling and hiring in service businesses 13:03 Growing a digital marketing business across markets 17:06 AI’s impact on business and operations 24:40 The future of work, trades, and education 29:32 New opportunities and future ventures 32:50 Company culture and working environments 38:14 Entrepreneurship lessons and mindset 40:29 Routines, habits, and daily structure 46:12 Final thoughts and closing remarks

The New How Podcast – The Power of Drive and Consistency with Chris Tereo

Keywords real estate, lending, entrepreneurship, sales strategies, team building, market challenges, personal habits, technology in business, work-life balance, growth mindset Summary In this conversation, Chris Tereo shares his journey from real estate investor to co-founder of i Fund Cities (IFC), a private lending company. He discusses the challenges of balancing personal life with professional ambitions, the importance of building a strong team, and the strategies that have led to significant growth in his business. Chris emphasizes the need for drive, consistency, and effective communication in partnerships, as well as the role of technology in enhancing business operations. He also reflects on his daily routines and the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Takeaways Success requires hard work and dedication. Waking up early is essential for productivity. Building strong partnerships is crucial for business growth. Sales skills can be innate but can also be developed. Navigating market challenges requires adaptability. Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is important. Technology can enhance business efficiency and effectiveness. Effective communication is key in partnerships. Personal habits significantly impact professional performance. Continuous learning and adaptation are vital for success. Chapters 00:00 The Journey to Success 03:02 Transitioning from Real Estate to Lending 05:48 Building a Strong Team and Partnerships 09:01 Sales Strategies and Team Development 11:53 Navigating Market Challenges 14:50 The Growth of i Fund Cities 18:00 Future Aspirations and Market Expansion 20:59 Daily Routines and Personal Habits 24:08 Balancing Work and Family Life 26:58 Leveraging Technology in Business 30:14 Final Thoughts and Advice

The New How Podcast – Real Estate, Wellness, and the Power of Adaptability with Jason Abrams

Keywords real estate, family business, COVID-19, Stretch Zone, entrepreneurship, shopping centers, health and wellness, flexibility, injury prevention, commercial real estate, corporate packages, mobile operations, expansion plans, franchise growth, staffing challenges, unique culture, work-life balance, daily routines, personal connections, delegation, empowering teams, positive energy, technology, AI, business efficiency, change management, life reflections, gratitude Summary In this conversation, Jason Abrams shares his journey in the real estate industry, reflecting on his family’s influence and how his career evolved over time. He discusses the challenges brought on by COVID-19, which led him to explore new business opportunities and ultimately expand into Stretch Zone, a health and wellness brand focused on flexibility, recovery, and injury prevention. Jason highlights the importance of building strong tenant relationships in real estate and explains how understanding people is at the core of creating long-term value. The discussion expands to leadership, delegation, and the role of personal connections in building successful teams. Jason and Brian also explore the impact of technology—particularly AI—and how it’s reshaping business operations, communication, and decision-making. Throughout the conversation, they emphasize the importance of empowering teams, fostering positive energy, and maintaining gratitude amid a constantly evolving business landscape. Takeaways Jason’s early exposure to real estate shaped his career path. COVID-19 opened new business opportunities, including Stretch Zone. Tenant mix is key to successful shopping center development. Stretch Zone offers a unique approach to flexibility, recovery, and wellness. Real estate continues to evolve toward mixed-use, experience-driven centers. Family dynamics play a major role in business growth and decision-making. Understanding people and market needs is central to long-term success. Post-COVID, health and wellness have become core lifestyle priorities. Strong community relationships drive value in real estate. In leadership and relationships, always give 51 percent and lead with generosity. Surround yourself with people who share your values and energy. AI is transforming how we work and communicate. Gratitude and positive energy are essential to fulfillment in business and life. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Jason Abrams and His Background 07:31 The Family Business and Real Estate Development 14:28 The Impact of COVID-19 on Business Ventures 20:12 Exploring Stretch Zone and Its Unique Offerings 26:09 Corporate Packages and Mobile Operations 27:43 Expansion Plans and Location Strategy 29:46 Franchise Growth and Staffing Challenges 32:27 Building a Unique Culture and Team Dynamics 34:42 Lessons Learned in Entrepreneurship 42:59 Work-Life Balance and Daily Routines 52:47 Navigating Personal Connections and Delegation 54:53 Empowering Teams and Building Connections 56:56 The Power of Giving and Positive Energy 01:00:03 Leveraging Technology for Efficiency 01:01:51 The Future of AI in Business 01:07:01 Embracing Change and the Role of AI 01:17:04 Reflections on Life and Time Management