Episode 86: Own the Mistake, Fix the Process: A $40K Lesson in Leadership

When a third-party inspection uncovers the wrong exterior paint on a major project, John owns the mistake—then turns it into a leadership and systems lesson. In this episode, he walks through how a costly error (≈$40,000) became a catalyst for stronger processes, clearer checkpoints, and a culture where everyone asks “why.” You’ll hear how he chose accountability over insurance, worked nights with the crew to make it right, and doubled down on daily logistics huddles, peer-to-peer mentorship, and team standards that win jobs repeatedly.

Highlights

• Turning failure into process improvements

• Building accountability and spec-check checkpoints

• Teaching teams to ask “why” and bring solutions

• Replicating what top crews do right

• Burnout, self-care, and trusting your team

If you lead people—in construction or anywhere—this is a blueprint for owning problems and coming back stronger.