In episode 458 of the Construction Leadership Podcast sponsored by LBM Journal and facilitated by Rick Schumacher, Bradley Hartmann deconstructs the elements of sales leadership detailed in his new book “The Air Raid Sales Offense.” Joining Hartmann are three industry leaders: Bob Eakin of Curtis Lumber (NY, VT), Tina Breen of Manufacturers Reserve Supply (NJ), and Colby Chandler of Cassity Jones (TX). These leaders reveal how top-performing sales teams are reimagining their approach to customer acquisition, pipeline management, and strategic communication.

Listeners will discover:

•How to eliminate confusion in sales strategies

•Practical techniques for developing a repeatable sales process

•Insights into managing multiple sales reps and territories

•Strategies for introducing yourself to prospects that actually work

•Methods to build trust within your sales team

•Techniques to focus on high-value customers

Whether you're a sales rep, manager, or business owner in construction, or building materials, this episode offers actionable insights to help you simplify your sales approach, increase revenue, and build a more effective sales culture.

This episode is brought to you by The Simple Sales Pipeline® —the most efficient way to organize and value any construction sales rep's roster of customers and prospects in under 30 minutes once every 30 days.

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If you enjoyed this podcast, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Your feedback will help us on our mission to bring the construction community closer together.

If you have suggestions for improvements, topics you'd like the show to explore, or have recommendations for future guests, do not hesitate to contact us directly at info@bradleyhartmannandco.com.

Episode 457 focuses on Brad Jacobs' recent acquisition of Beacon Roofing Supply, featuring insights from industry experts Craig Webb and Jon Vaughan. The discussion explores the strategic rationale behind the “hostile-adjacent” takeover, with Jacobs aiming to double Beacon's profits in three years using his proven playbook.

Listeners will gain valuable perspectives on industry consolidation, potential technological innovations in building materials distribution, and the challenges of integrating a reluctant acquisition target. Key takeaways include:

•Jacobs' approach to identifying and acquiring strategic companies

•Potential strategies for increasing profitability in the building materials sector

•Insights into the current state of the roofing and construction supply industry

•Perspectives on using technology and AI to transform traditional businesses

The episode offers listeners a deep dive into corporate strategy, industry dynamics, and the potential future of building materials distribution, making it valuable for professionals in construction, distribution, and business leadership.

This episode is brought to you by The Simple Sales Pipeline® —the most efficient way to organize and value any construction sales rep's roster of customers and prospects in under 30 minutes once every 30 days.

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If you enjoyed this podcast, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Your feedback will help us on our mission to bring the construction community closer together.

If you have suggestions for improvements, topics you'd like the show to explore, or have recommendations for future guests, do not hesitate to contact us directly at info@bradleyhartmannandco.com.

In episode 456 host Bradley Hartmann explores the dangers of overcommitment through the lens of two contrasting figures: Jim Valvano, the national champion basketball coach at N.C. State and Cal Newport, the Georgetown University professor and author.

Bradley reflects on Valvano's life, highlighting how his boundless energy and desire to seize every opportunity ultimately led to burnout and potential health consequences. He draws parallels to his own struggle with saying yes to everything and introduces Cal Newport's productivity philosophies from "Deep Work" and "Slow Productivity.”

The key takeaway for listeners is a cautionary tale about the risks of constant hustle and the importance of strategic focus. Hartmann shares personal insights about the challenges faced by entrepreneurs and leaders who struggle to set boundaries. The episode offers practical advice on doing fewer things, working at a natural pace, and prioritizing quality over quantity.

Listeners will gain perspective on managing professional commitments, understanding personal limits, and the value of intentional productivity.

This episode is brought to you by The Simple Sales Pipeline® —the most efficient way to organize and value any construction sales rep's roster of customers and prospects in under 30 minutes once every 30 days.

***

If you enjoyed this podcast, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Your feedback will help us on our mission to bring the construction community closer together.

If you have suggestions for improvements, topics you'd like the show to explore, or have recommendations for future guests, do not hesitate to contact us directly at info@bradleyhartmannandco.com.

Episode 455 is Part II of Jim Sobeck’s negotiation principles drawn from Mario Puzo's "The Godfather". The discussion explores critical business insights, including how to handle negotiations effectively, the importance of patience, and why taking business personally matters.

Sobeck shares personal stories from his entrepreneurial career, highlighting strategies like never giving something for free without getting something in return, understanding your walk-away point, and surrounding yourself with people smarter than you in different areas.

Listeners will receive practical negotiation wisdom applicable across industries, especially construction and sales.

Key takeaways include: how to use humor in tense situations, the value of delivering value first, understanding surplus concessions, and maintaining composure during complex business interactions.

Sobeck's real-world experiences provide actionable advice for professionals looking to improve their negotiation skills, build stronger business relationships, and approach challenges with strategic thinking.

This episode is brought to you by The Simple Sales Pipeline® —the most efficient way to organize and value any construction sales rep's roster of customers and prospects in under 30 minutes once every 30 days.

***

If you enjoyed this podcast, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Your feedback will help us on our mission to bring the construction community closer together.

If you have suggestions for improvements, topics you'd like the show to explore, or have recommendations for future guests, do not hesitate to contact us directly at info@bradleyhartmannandco.com.

Episode 454 features Jim Sobeck’s return to the Construction Leadership Podcast as he discusses negotiation and leadership lessons from the legendary Mario Puzo novel "The Godfather" novel. Sobeck, a construction industry veteran, shares insights on effective communication, saying no gracefully, and maintaining emotional control in business interactions. The episode explores key themes like persistence, position power, and the importance of apologizing sincerely.

Listeners will gain practical wisdom from Sobeck's personal experiences, including managing family dynamics in business, handling difficult negotiations, and learning from mentors. The discussion draws parallels between the strategic approaches of Don Corleone and successful business leadership.

For construction professionals, entrepreneurs, and leaders, this episode offers actionable advice on:

•Negotiating without damaging relationships

•Using position power strategically

•Managing emotional responses

•Building strong professional connections

•Navigating complex business interactions

The conversational style and real-world examples make complex negotiation principles accessible and engaging.

This episode is brought to you by The Simple Sales Pipeline® —the most efficient way to organize and value any construction sales rep's roster of customers and prospects in under 30 minutes once every 30 days.

***

If you enjoyed this podcast, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Your feedback will help us on our mission to bring the construction community closer together.

If you have suggestions for improvements, topics you'd like the show to explore, or have recommendations for future guests, do not hesitate to contact us directly at info@bradleyhartmannandco.com.

Jon Vaughn returns to the show to discuss leadership through the lens of sports, with a particular focus on basketball. Jon and Bradley dive deep into Rick Pitino's transformation of St. John's basketball program, exploring how innovative strategies and intensive coaching can drive success in both sports and business. The conversation covers key leadership topics like competitive differentiation, motivating young talent, and effective negotiation principles.

Listeners will gain insights into:

•How to evaluate and develop talent

•The importance of going against conventional trends

•Strategies for building a strong team culture

•Negotiation techniques that prioritize preparation and mutual respect

•Ways to stay motivated during uncertain times

The episode offers practical leadership lessons drawn from sports analogies, making complex business concepts more accessible. Whether you're a sales professional, project manager, or executive, you'll find actionable advice on developing yourself and your team, all delivered with Jon and Bradley's engaging and humorous style.

This episode is brought to you by The Simple Sales Pipeline® —the most efficient way to organize and value any construction sales rep's roster of customers and prospects in under 30 minutes once every 30 days.

***

If you enjoyed this podcast, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Your feedback will help us on our mission to bring the construction community closer together.

If you have suggestions for improvements, topics you'd like the show to explore, or have recommendations for future guests, do not hesitate to contact us directly at info@bradleyhartmannandco.com.

This podcast episode explores leadership principles through the lens of inversion—focusing on what not to do to become a better leader. Bradley Hartmann shares insights from CNS 5632:Leadership Principles in Construction within the University of Oklahoma’s MBA program for construction professionals, which was heavily influenced by Charlie Munger's mental models.

The episode provides a comprehensive list of leadership "don'ts" developed collaboratively with students, covering critical areas like emotional control, communication, delegation, and team management. Listeners will gain practical, actionable advice on avoiding common leadership pitfalls, such as micromanaging, stealing credit, ignoring team suggestions, and trying to be the smartest person in the room.

This episode offers a refreshing, pragmatic approach to leadership development that goes beyond traditional motivational advice, as you’ll receive a tangible framework for leadership improvement that emphasizes simplicity, self-awareness, and continuous learning. By understanding what to avoid, leaders can more effectively guide their teams, build trust, and create a positive organizational culture.

This episode is brought to you by The Simple Sales Pipeline® —the most efficient way to organize and value any construction sales rep's roster of customers and prospects in under 30 minutes once every 30 days.

***

If you enjoyed this podcast, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Your feedback will help us on our mission to bring the construction community closer together.

If you have suggestions for improvements, topics you'd like the show to explore, or have recommendations for future guests, do not hesitate to contact us directly at info@bradleyhartmannandco.com.

Episode 451 dissects a clip from The Tim Ferriss Show featuring inventor Danny Hillis as he shares an entertaining story about working his way into Marvin Minsky's AI Lab at MIT. How? By living out our leadership tagline, “You are owed nothing. Deliver value first.” He proactively solved problems and sought ways to be genuinely useful.

Listeners will gain insights into:

1.Building meaningful professional relationships

2.The importance of expertise and problem-solving

3.How to approach mentorship and career development

4.The universal principle of delivering value before expecting anything in return

The story demonstrates that success isn't about self-promotion, but about genuinely helping others and consistently adding value. Construction professionals, entrepreneurs, and anyone seeking career growth will find practical wisdom in this episode's core message of selfless contribution and strategic relationship-building.

This episode is brought to you by The Simple Sales Pipeline® —the most efficient way to organize and value any construction sales rep's roster of customers and prospects in under 30 minutes once every 30 days.

***

If you enjoyed this podcast, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Your feedback will help us on our mission to bring the construction community closer together.

If you have suggestions for improvements, topics you'd like the show to explore, or have recommendations for future guests, do not hesitate to contact us directly at info@bradleyhartmannandco.com.