The Well Built Podcast

2% Decoded with Noah Lyden

In this episode of 2% Decoded, Matt Verderamo sits down with Noah Lyden, CEO of Liewood Electric, for a real conversation about leadership, trust, hard work, and what it takes to build a contractor that can handle the complicated work others say cannot be done. Noah shares the story of growing up in the electrical trade, stepping into leadership at a young age, building a mission-driven company, and creating a team culture where people are trusted to own their work. From heavy industrial and commercial design-build work to automation, service line growth, and the lessons learned from decades in the field, this conversation is packed with practical insight for construction leaders, owners, and anyone trying to build something that lasts. If you lead a construction company, manage teams, or want a behind-the-scenes look at how top contractors think, this episode is for you. Subscribe to the Well Built Newsletter: https://www.wellbuiltconsulting.com/well-built-newsletter-registration [https://www.wellbuiltconsulting.com/well-built-newsletter-registration] Buy our book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CZ58WSC5?ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_PB77VS383GVNWVHSBH6N&bestFormat=true [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CZ58WSC5?ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_PB77VS383GVNWVHSBH6N&bestFormat=true] Contact Well Built Consulting for an intro conversation: https://www.wellbuiltconsulting.com/contact [https://www.wellbuiltconsulting.com/contact] CHAPTERS 00:00 Welcome to 2% Decoded 01:05 The story of Liewood Electric 03:38 What design-build really means in industrial electrical work 06:22 Growing up in the electrical trade 10:07 Earning respect as a young leader 13:13 The leadership lesson Noah learned from his father 15:17 Choosing to build the family business 19:08 Being mission-driven instead of money-driven 21:42 Why micromanagement kills ownership 26:46 Leading through hard times 30:30 Building trust across the team 33:37 Making bold business decisions 36:32 Why leaders need to go see people in person 39:02 Taking care of the people who take care of the company 40:47 What is next for Liewood 44:19 Final advice: take care of people and work hard ABOUT WELL BUILT CONSULTING Well Built Consulting helps construction companies build stronger businesses, stronger teams, and stronger futures. Through strategy, leadership development, business development, and operational support, we work with contractors who want to grow with purpose and build companies that last. #ConstructionLeadership #ConstructionBusiness #ElectricalContractor #DesignBuild #ContractorGrowth #Leadership #WellBuiltPodcast

Why Most Construction Companies Fail at Succession — And How to Do It Right

How is your company doing? Take the free assessment here: https://www.wellbuiltconsulting.com/assessment [https://www.wellbuiltconsulting.com/assessment] If you like our content, subscribe to our free newsletter: https://www.wellbuiltconsulting.com/well-built-newsletter-registration [https://www.wellbuiltconsulting.com/well-built-newsletter-registration] Succession planning is one of those things construction leaders know they should be thinking about, but it is easy to push off. The work is busy. The jobs are moving. The team is stretched. And if the right people are still in the right seats today, it can feel like there are more urgent things to deal with. Until someone leaves. Or gets promoted before they are ready. Or a senior leader starts stepping back and everyone realizes too much of the company still lives in one person’s head. In this episode, Chad Prinkey and Matt Verderamo talk about succession planning for construction companies, and why it matters long before there is a crisis. They dig into the real-world leadership gaps that show up inside growing contractors, including veteran project managers leaving unexpectedly, high-potential employees getting moved up too soon, and companies relying too heavily on outside hires because they have not developed enough internal talent. This is not just about replacing people. It is about building a company that can keep growing without being knocked off course every time someone changes roles. In this episode, Chad and Matt cover: Why succession planning should start before someone announces they are leaving How to use a future org chart to spot leadership gaps early Why timelines matter when transitioning people into new roles How to test high-potential managers before giving them the full seat Why internal development is often the difference between steady growth and expensive disruption How owners can protect the future of the business by building leadership depth now If you own, lead, or help manage a construction company, this conversation will help you think more clearly about the people your company will need next, not just the people it needs today. The best time to build your next generation of leaders is before you urgently need them. Subscribe for more conversations on construction leadership, business growth, ownership, operations, and building a company that can carry the load.

2% Decoded with Chad Prinkey & Guest Evan Winston

This episode unlocks the secret blueprint behind one of the most successful and diversified construction firms in the country—Hercules Fence. Evan Winston, CEO of Hercules, reveals how a deep commitment to patriotism, innovative marketing, and relentless operational excellence propelled his company from a small local fence provider to a $100 million powerhouse with over 300 employees and six locations. Discover how strategic diversification across geographic regions, product lines, and sectors—ranging from federal security to data centers—creates resilience in even the toughest economic cycles. Evan shares the behind-the-scenes story of how 9/11 transformed his business focus towards high-security and counter-terrorism fencing projects, positioning Hercules as a key player in protecting critical national infrastructure. You'll learn the leadership moves that set top 2% companies apart, like earning equity through hard work, building unbreakable relationships with GCs, and cultivating a strong brand presence through guerrilla marketing and iconic signage. Evan emphasizes the importance of a culture rooted in accountability, responsiveness, and humility—highlighting how admitting mistakes and squashing problems early is foundational to their success. This episode also dives into practical lessons on scaling operations, leveraging partnerships, and embracing innovation—like adopting automation and AI—to reduce stress and boost efficiency. Whether you're a contractor, an aspiring entrepreneur, or someone passionate about building a legacy, this conversation inspires actionable insights on how strategic vision, hardworking culture, and relentless brand building turn a small family business into a national leader. Perfect for those who want to fast-track their growth, master operational excellence, and create a brand that leaves a lasting impact—this is your insider look at what it really takes to be in the top 2%. Why listen? Because Evan's journey proves that extraordinary success isn’t just about doing big projects—it's about doing the right things consistently, embracing diversification, and leading with purpose. Hit play now and start building your own legacy from the inside out. Links: Register for our Newsletter: https://www.wellbuiltconsulting.com/well-built-newsletter-registration Get the Well Built book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/0fIoDTab In-Person Training Opportunities: https://www.wellbuiltconsulting.com/leadership-readiness-program

2% Decoded with Guest Eric Ritchie

Newsletter: https://www.wellbuiltconsulting.com/well-built-newsletter-registration [https://www.wellbuiltconsulting.com/well-built-newsletter-registration ] Well Built Book: https://a.co/d/08Zs1Wvc [https://a.co/d/08Zs1Wvc ] Most companies struggle to maintain their culture and growth momentum simultaneously — but not Sargent Corporation. Eric Ritchie, president and CEO, reveals how their intentional approach to culture, leadership, and strategic planning has kept them resilient through a century of business. In this candid conversation, Eric shares the foundational lessons learned from a blue-collar childhood in rural Maine, the importance of trust, transparency, and investing in people. Discover how Sargent’s core purpose and values are not just words but living principles that guide every decision — from expanding offices across three states to navigating turbulent economic times. You’ll uncover: The surprising power of codifying your company’s culture and why it’s a game-changer for sustainable growth Practical strategies for leadership succession that keep culture intact amid rapid expansion How to build trust that accelerates teamwork and accountability at every organizational level Why investing in workforce development isn’t a cost but the smartest long-term business move The importance of “adjusting” as part of a growth mindset, and how to recognize when a reset is needed If you’re a leader grappling with scaling your business without losing sight of your core values, this episode is essential. Eric’s stories of resilience, trust, and culture are a masterclass in building a company that lasts — from a company that’s just celebrated 100 years, to a future that could thrive for 200. Perfect for operations managers, entrepreneurs, or anyone committed to forging a legacy of integrity while achieving extraordinary growth. Learn how to leave a lasting impact, one deliberate decision at a time.

The Psychology of Trust: How Transparency Creates Loyalty in Construction Projects

Most contractors aim for lower bids, but Chase Manning reveals how a strategic open-book approach builds trust, increases project quality, and wins more business—every time. Imagine securing jobs not just on price, but through transparency that owners actually value. Chase breaks down how early involvement in design, honest bid sharing, and fostering genuine relationships turn clients into loyal partners—plus the secret to managing the perfect balance of project scope, team culture, and client satisfaction, even in uncertain markets like Nashville. You'll discover: • How specialized expertise in hospitality creates a compelling consulting advantage • The proven framework for pre-construction agreements that minimizes bidding wars • Why open-book bidding attracts loyal clients and reduces dead-end negotiations • Innovative talent retention strategies focused on career growth, variety, and work-life harmony • How industry professionals across the country are shifting to trust-based relationships over lowest bid In a construction world obsessed with numbers, Chase’s philosophy proves that transparency, culture, and trust are the true keys to thriving in any market. This episode is perfect for general contractors, project managers, and business owners — if you want to future-proof your practices and attract the kind of clients who value integrity over the lowest dollar. Whether you’re looking to refine your bidding strategy, grow your team with motivated talent, or simply build better relationships, this conversation offers actionable insights that work everywhere. Level up your mindset and approach—because in construction, genuine trust builds the strongest foundation.