Hard Lessons From A Commercial Painting Contractor

This Contractor Lost Two Key Employees in One Month

In this episode, Jonathan Cor interviews Tammy Birklid, President and Owner of Merit Construction, a general contractor based in Tacoma, Washington. Tammy shares what it was like losing two key employees in the same month and how it impacted culture, leadership, and decision-making inside the company. They discuss hiring challenges, the difference between strong interviewers and strong employees, leading younger generations, and why leaders need to spend time in the field. Tammy also talks about mentoring through critical thinking, trusting experts to do their job, and why fast growth is not always the goal.

Why Growing Too Fast in Construction Can Hurt Your Company

In this episode, Jonathan Cor interviews Melissa Rossi, President and CEO of Division 9, a commercial flooring contractor based in Washington State. Melissa shares how the company navigated losing 40% of its revenue overnight, the decisions leaders face during uncertain markets, and why growth at all costs can create bigger problems later. They discuss subcontractor realities including chasing payment, negotiating contracts with general contractors, almost selling the business to private equity, and why subcontractors need to be more involved in legislation. Melissa also talks about leadership in construction, supporting women in the industry, and building a company that prioritizes service and relationships with clients.

From Apprentice to CEO of a 75-Year-Old Mechanical Company

In this episode, Jonathan Cor interviews Jeff White, President and CEO of Holmberg Mechanical, a 75-year-old mechanical contractor based in Seattle. Jeff shares his journey from apprentice to CEO and what it takes to lead a company through growth, recessions, and industry change. They discuss why the next generation should consider the trades, how strong relationships matter more than winning every project, why private work often beats public, and what disciplined growth really looks like. Jeff also explains how investing in employees, hiring from within, maintaining mechanical quality, and learning from mistakes have shaped Holmberg’s long-term success.

He Turned Down Equity to Run A Glazing Company

In this episode, Jonathan Cor interviews Joe Kaiser, President of Herzog Glass in Seattle, Washington, about leadership, growth, and operating as a subcontractor in commercial construction. Joe explains why he chose an opportunity with no equity over three offers that included ownership, what he learned transitioning from general contractor to subcontractor, and how growth is actually measured in this industry. They discuss losing a $3 million project to a low bidder, nearly cancelling a construction contract, working on a $1.9 billion project, and why every contractor should build a service division. Joe also shares his perspective on good subs versus bad ones and what he looks for when working with general contractors.

He Left Boeing and Bought a Steel Company

In this episode, Jonathan Cor interviews Jesse Cherian, President and CEO of ST Fabrication, a former Boeing materials scientist who left the corporate world to purchase a steel fabrication company and grow it from $1.4 million to $25 million. Jesse shares what he learned transitioning from engineering to ownership, including the realities of acquiring a blue-collar business, why public works and government projects often spiral in cost, and how his experience as both a subcontractor and general contractor shaped his perspective. They discuss the role tariffs play in domestic manufacturing, why the ugliest jobs are often the most profitable, and how project managers have increasingly become contract and risk managers rather than builders. This conversation also explores what it actually takes to start and acquire a construction business, the tradeoffs of growth, and what operational discipline looks like in steel fabrication today.