Everyone’s talking about a skilled labor shortage — but what if it’s not real? In this episode of The Deconstruction Podcast, Kosta, Johny, and Charlie sit down with Matteo Nunziata, founder of UBILD, to unpack how AI is transforming hiring in construction and why the real problem isn’t a shortage — it’s a labor utilization crisis.
Matteo shares how UBILD's AI interviewer helps contractors vet and hire skilled trades faster and smarter, while uncovering the hidden potential in today’s workforce. The crew dives deep into teaching culture on job sites, foreman-apprentice dynamics, and how technology like Jobtable and UBILD are empowering small construction businesses to compete with the big players.
This one’s a must-listen for contractors who care about growth, leadership, and staying ahead of the curve as AI reshapes the trades.
👉 Learn more about Jobtable: https://www.jobtable.com
Subscribe for weekly conversations with real contractors building smarter, more profitable businesses.
👉 UBILD: AI-powered construction staffing platform connecting contractors with reliable workers. Use coupon JOBTABLE for a special discount!
⏱️ Chapters / Timestamps:
00:00 – Technical difficulties & hilarious cold open
02:00 – Introducing Matteo Nunziata & the story behind UBILD
05:30 – From temp staffing to AI-powered hiring
09:40 – How AI interviews and ranks tradespeople
13:00 – The “labor shortage” myth: what’s really happening
18:00 – Teaching apprentices vs. technical skill: the real gap on site
27:00 – Detecting honesty, attitude & personality through AI
33:00 – Why UBILD and Jobtable focus on blue-collar innovation
40:00 – Overcoming fear of technology in the trades
54:00 – Apprenticeships, incentives & passing down skills
1:06:00 – Labor trends, falling trade rates & what’s next for hiring
1:12:00 – The rise of AI robots and jobsite automation
1:13:00 – Matteo’s special offer for listeners + closing thoughts
In this episode of The Deconstruction Podcast, we sit down with Ben Bruce, owner of Highland Electric in Winnipeg. Ben shares how he built a lean, efficient electrical business by focusing on systems, contracts, and craftsmanship — not chaos.
The Jobtable founders and Ben dive deep into the realities of running a construction business today — from learning to think like a business owner, to protecting yourself with solid contracts, to navigating the future of trades in an AI-driven world.
They also tackle the big questions contractors rarely discuss: when to implement processes, how to get paid faster, and why craftsmanship still matters in a world of automation.
👉 Learn more about Jobtable: https://www.jobtable.com
Subscribe for weekly conversations with real contractors building smarter, more profitable businesses.
⏱️ Chapters / Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro + Contractor Review from Nick
01:00 – Meet Ben Bruce from Highland Electric
04:00 – Why Systems and Feedback Matter
07:00 – The Breaking Point: From Tools to Business
13:00 – Growing Beyond “a Guy in a Truck”
18:00 – The Cost of Inefficiency and Lost Quotes
25:00 – How Jobtable Changed Highland’s Workflow
29:00 – The Truth About Contracts, Change Orders, and Getting Paid
46:00 – What to Do When a Client Doesn’t Pay
52:00 – Associations, Advocacy, and Learning from Other Contractors
58:00 – The Future of Trades: AI, Modular Homes, and Craftsmanship
01:26:00 – Ben’s Billboard Message: Believe You Can
In this episode of The Deconstruction Podcast, we sit down with Alessandro Cernuto, founder of Sorso Wellness Water — a fast-growing company that scaled from an idea to 30+ technicians in just five years. We dive into how he built his operation, systemized every part of his business, and tapped into the booming health and wellness market with a truly premium water product.
Alessandro shares his journey from his family’s door-to-door cookware business to creating a process-driven, fully remote operation. We talk about lead generation, automation, sales systems, team management, and why passion and process are the real secrets to growth in construction and trades.
You’ll also learn why most tap water isn’t as “safe” as it seems, what makes true alkaline water different, and how building the right systems frees business owners from the day-to-day grind.
👉 Learn more about Jobtable: https://www.jobtable.com
Subscribe for weekly conversations with real contractors and entrepreneurs building smarter, more profitable businesses.
⏱️ Chapters / Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro & Review from Tina (Florida Mechanical Company)
01:20 – Meet Alessandro Cernuto & the Sorso Water Story
03:40 – From Family Business to Wellness Water Innovation
06:45 – Building Systems, Processes & a 30-Person Team
10:00 – The Truth About Tap Water & Fluoride
15:30 – Reverse Osmosis, Minerals & Healthy pH Explained
20:45 – How Passion and Purpose Drive Business Growth
23:30 – Sales Channels, Google Ads & Referral Systems
27:00 – Health Awareness, Market Trends & Positioning
37:00 – Scaling Operations with CRMs, Automation & Remote Teams
42:00 – Finding & Keeping Quality Technicians
47:00 – Entrepreneur Mindset, Avoiding Comfort & Staying Hungry
56:00 – University vs Self-Taught Entrepreneurship
01:01:30 – Final Lesson: Collaboration Above All
In this episode of The Deconstruction Podcast, the boys sit down with Antonio from AquaSTOP Waterproofing & Construction — a powerhouse contractor from the GTA who’s built a loyal following (18K+ on Instagram) by keeping it real.
Antonio shares how he started in the trenches straight out of high school, turned risk into reward, and built one of Ontario’s most respected waterproofing companies. You’ll hear raw truths about leadership, loyalty, and learning to scale without losing your soul.
💬 What You’ll Learn
💡 Brought to you by Jobtable — the simplest way to grow and manage your construction company. If you’re tired of complicated software, start your free trial today and see why so many contractors are switching to Jobtable.
If you run a trades business and feel “busy” but not truly profitable, this episode is your playbook. Contractor coach John MacDonald (Integrity Corporate Solutions) joins us to unpack the systems elite contractors use to scale: burn-rate math in 15-minute blocks, objection-crushing sales language (“Other than price…”), delegating with real authority (and a budget), and why ADHD can be a strategic edge—if you build the right back office.
We also challenge sacred cows: the factory-style school model, meeting culture that burns cash (literally stack $20s on the floor), and the myth that “software is another headache.” If you want more time, more margin, and a business that runs without you on the tools, press play.
👉 Try Jobtable—simplest software for contractors
Quotes, invoices, scheduling, time tracking, QuickBooks sync, analytics. Start free: https://jobtable.com/signup
In Episode 40 of The Deconstruction Podcast, the guys sit down with Andrew Killian, founder of Homestead Hot Leads. Andrew shares how his pay-for-performance model is helping contractors win more high-ticket jobs by re-engaging with the leads already sitting in their CRM.
Instead of burning money on upfront ad spend, Andrew shows why the goldmine is often in your unclosed quotes—homeowners who once showed interest but didn’t buy yet. Learn how simple campaigns using gratitude, creative offers, urgency, and even financing options can reignite conversations and turn “lost” estimates into real revenue.
We also dive into:
Whether you’re a remodeler, roofer, electrician, or HVAC pro, this episode will change how you look at sales.
👉 If you run a trade business (plumbing, electrical, HVAC, roofing, landscaping, GC), Jobtable keeps it simple: quotes, scheduling, invoices, timesheets, and online payments in one place.
Start here → https://jobtable.com
In this episode of The Deconstruction Podcast (Ep. 39), the guys dig into two major topics shaping construction today. First, we break down Jobtable’s latest features—optional line items for upselling and a brand-new “Buy Now, Pay Later” payment option powered by Stripe that helps contractors get paid instantly while giving clients flexible financing.
From there, we tackle the bigger picture: the housing crisis, government spending headlines, and what skyrocketing costs mean for trades. Are $3.2M modular homes really the answer? Or should governments be incentivizing builders and contractors directly?
The conversation ends with practical takeaways for contractors: stop waiting on government fixes, focus on what’s in your control, perfect your craft, build relationships, and go back to old-school sales tactics that still work today.
👉 Whether you’re an electrician, plumber, roofer, or GC, this episode is packed with insights on navigating a tough economy while still growing your business.
If you run a trade business (plumbing, electrical, HVAC, roofing, landscaping, GC), Jobtable keeps it simple: quotes, scheduling, invoices, timesheets, and online payments in one place.
Start here → https://jobtable.com
In this episode of the Deconstruction Podcast, Kosta, Johny, and Charlie sit down with Manny Neves—host of The Construction Life Podcast and one of the most outspoken voices in the trades.
Manny doesn’t sugarcoat it:
👉 Canada doesn’t have a labor shortage—it has a utilization problem.
👉 Development charges and taxes are crippling the housing market.
👉 Politicians and bureaucrats don’t know sh*t about construction, yet control its future.
👉 Contractors are stuck in survival mode while government workers get raises.
This is Manny at his most unfiltered. He explains why 2026 will be worse than 2025, why 2027 might be the turning point, and why contractors must either leave Canada or fight back.
If you’re in construction and tired of hearing the same excuses from government, media, and big brands—you’ll want to hear this.
🔨 Topics covered:
📈 Contractors across North America are looking for real solutions that help them thrive, not just survive. That’s why we built Jobtable
—the simplest way to manage jobs, quotes, and invoices without the complexity (or cost) of other platforms.
👉 Start your 14-day free trial: https://jobtable.com
Cash flow is one of the biggest challenges in construction—but it doesn’t have to be. This episode dives into 7 proven strategies that help contractors get paid faster, avoid disputes, and build stronger client relationships. Learn how digital invoicing, progress billing, multiple payment options, and more can transform the way you manage your money.
What you’ll learn in this episode:
---
Tired of juggling your contracting business the hard way?
Looking for simpler, more affordable software?
Still doing everything old-school?
✅ Book a quick 1-on-1 demo: https://tidycal.com/jobtable-demos/demo
✅ Try it FREE for 14 days: https://jobtable.com/signup
In this episode of the Deconstruction Podcast, Kosta and Johny reveal 10 insanely powerful ways contractors are using ChatGPT to crush the competition. From 3D renderings and blueprint adjustments to automated quotes, contracts, and maintenance guides, they break down how artificial intelligence is transforming the construction industry.
Whether you’re a solo tradesperson or running a large contracting company, these strategies are practical, relevant, and ready to use today. It doesn’t matter what trade you’re in—plumbing, electrical, HVAC, landscaping, or general contracting—AI can help you save time, reduce costs, and win more jobs.
Here are the 10 ways contractors are using AI to crush the competition::
→ Renderings & visual mockups – Upload property photos and generate “after” visuals (paint changes, landscaping, extensions, material swaps).
→ Quote generation from description – Input project details and get a professional, itemized quote instantly.
→ 3D modeling from sketches – Turn hand-drawn plans into detailed 3D models.
→ Instant blueprint adjustments – Describe changes (e.g., “Move this wall 2 feet left”) and AI updates the plan.
→ Space optimization – Get AI suggestions for smarter use of small spaces.
→ Voice-to-text site notes – Dictate updates on-site and convert them into project logs.
→ AI-powered market pricing – Pull real-time service prices for more accurate estimates.
→ Social media content creation – Generate posts, captions, and hashtags from project photos.
→ Contract drafting – Auto-generate standard contracts with job-specific details.
→ Home maintenance guides – Provide clients with custom care instructions after project completion.
👉 If you want to work smarter, not harder, this episode is packed with actionable insights that will keep your business ahead of the competition.
---
Tired of juggling your contracting business the hard way?
Looking for simpler, more affordable software?
Still doing everything old-school?
✅ Book a quick 1-on-1 demo: https://tidycal.com/jobtable-demos/demo
✅ Try it FREE for 14 days: https://jobtable.com/signup
In this episode of the Deconstruction Podcast, we break down what really drives sales success in construction — from the first handshake to the final invoice. Whether you’re running a small contracting business or managing a larger operation, having a streamlined sales process can mean the difference between winning and losing a job. We dig into why simplicity in construction software matters, how to make unforgettable first impressions, and why consistent follow-ups are your secret weapon for closing more deals. Plus, we share real-world experiences on building long-term relationships with clients and general contractors, staying organized with multiple quotes, and scaling your business without drowning in complexity. If you want to turn more quotes into paid jobs and grow with confidence, this episode is a must-listen.
Takeaways:
---
Tired of juggling your contracting business the hard way?
Looking for simpler, more affordable software?
Still doing everything old-school?
✅ Book a quick 1-on-1 demo: https://tidycal.com/jobtable-demos/demo
✅ Try it FREE for 14 days: https://jobtable.com/signup
Can construction company owners really work remotely? In this episode of the Deconstruction Podcast, the hosts tackle that very question—and the answer might surprise you. They dive into how forward-thinking contractors are using construction software, strong systems, and clear communication to manage their teams from anywhere. From quoting and scheduling jobs to client communication and invoicing, the right tools can give owners more freedom without sacrificing control.
While boots on the ground still matter, especially for certain jobs, the future of construction is leaning hybrid. Learn how successful business owners are finding that sweet spot between being present and being productive—no matter where they are.
---
Tired of juggling your contracting business the hard way?
Looking for simpler, more affordable software?
Still doing everything old-school?
✅ Book a quick 1-on-1 demo: https://tidycal.com/jobtable-demos/demo
✅ Try it FREE for 14 days: https://jobtable.com/signup
In this episode, the hosts dive into how the construction industry is evolving and why picking the right construction software can make or break your business. They highlight that simple, user-friendly project management tools, paired with top-notch customer support, are far more valuable than fancy, bloated features.
Shifting gears, the conversation explores the booming respect and earning potential for blue-collar trades, challenging outdated views that white-collar jobs are superior. The hosts celebrate the benefits of pursuing a career in the trades — from immediate income and valuable hands-on skills to avoiding the crushing costs of a traditional college education.
They wrap up by encouraging contractors to keep learning, growing, and leaning on their community for support.
---
Tired of juggling your contracting business the hard way?
Looking for simpler, more affordable software?
Still doing everything old-school?
✅ Book a quick 1-on-1 demo: https://tidycal.com/jobtable-demos/demo
✅ Try it FREE for 14 days: https://jobtable.com/signup
12 BRUTAL Truths About Growing Your Construction Business (#6 is a Silent Killer) ➡️ FREE Download Here: https://jobtable.com/12-brutal-truths-about-growing-your-construction-business/
In this eye-opening episode, the hosts dive into the everyday inefficiencies slowing down contractors—outdated workflows, clunky manual processes, and the fear of switching to better tools. They share hard-earned lessons from the trenches and highlight how simple construction software can save time, money, and headaches. The conversation then takes a sharp turn into the education system, challenging traditional views on schooling and championing the mindset of entrepreneurship. If you're a contractor stuck in old habits or a parent thinking about your kid’s future, this episode delivers straight talk, bold insights, and a clear message: adapt or fall behind.
---
Tired of juggling your contracting business the hard way?
Looking for simpler, more affordable software?
Still doing everything old-school?
✅ Book a quick 1-on-1 demo: https://tidycal.com/jobtable/jobtable-demo
✅ Try it FREE for 14 days: https://jobtable.com/signup
12 BRUTAL Truths About Growing Your Construction Business (#6 is a Silent Killer) ➡️ FREE Download Here: https://jobtable.com/12-brutal-truths-about-growing-your-construction-business/
In this episode, we dig into the rise of modular homes and how they're disrupting traditional construction—faster builds, better quality, and a real solution to the housing crunch. But it’s not all rosy: private projects are being scrapped left and right as economic pressures mount, and the looming threat of recession is reshaping how contractors do business. The crew breaks down how technology is changing the game, why adaptability is key, and how the power of networking can open new doors. We wrap with a free resource that every contractor should have in their toolbox right now.
---
Tired of juggling your contracting business the hard way?
Looking for simpler, more affordable software?
Still doing everything old-school?
✅ Book a quick 1-on-1 demo: https://tidycal.com/jobtable/jobtable-demo
✅ Try it FREE for 14 days: https://jobtable.com/signup
12 BRUTAL Truths About Growing Your Construction Business (#6 is a Silent Killer) ➡️ FREE Download Here: https://jobtable.com/12-brutal-truths-about-growing-your-construction-business/
In this episode, the hosts discuss various aspects of running a successful construction business, including the importance of scheduling, managing workforce skills, navigating economic challenges, and strategies for thriving in tough times. They emphasize the significance of effective communication, understanding market dynamics, and the value of service contracts in maintaining steady income. The conversation also touches on the impact of union strikes on the industry and the necessity for contractors to adapt to changing conditions.
Takeaways
---
Tired of juggling your contracting business the hard way?
Looking for simpler, more affordable software?
Still doing everything old-school?
✅ Book a quick 1-on-1 demo: https://tidycal.com/jobtable/jobtable-demo
✅ Try it FREE for 14 days: https://jobtable.com/signup
In this episode of the Deconstruction Podcast, the hosts discuss the challenges faced by contractors in the current economic climate, including rising costs and the importance of pricing strategies. They emphasize the need for contractors to focus on quality over price to maintain their reputation and client trust. The conversation also covers hiring trends, the importance of building trust with new employees, and how leveraging technology can improve efficiency in construction businesses. The hosts share practical examples of how software can streamline operations and save time, ultimately leading to increased profitability.
Takeaways
---
Tired of juggling your contracting business the hard way?
Looking for simpler, more affordable software?
Still doing everything old-school?
✅ Book a quick 1-on-1 demo: https://tidycal.com/jobtable/jobtable-demo
✅ Try it FREE for 14 days: https://jobtable.com/signup
In this episode, the hosts discuss the importance of community in the construction industry, reflecting on a recent event celebrating the 750th episode event of The Construction Life Podcast. They explore the evolving dynamics of the workforce, the impact of social media, and the challenges facing the industry, including economic sentiment and hiring trends. The conversation emphasizes the need for collaboration, transparency, and adaptability in navigating the future of construction.
Takeaways
---
Tired of juggling your contracting business the hard way?
Looking for simpler, more affordable software?
Still doing everything old-school?
✅ Book a quick 1-on-1 demo: https://tidycal.com/jobtable/jobtable-demo
✅ Try it FREE for 14 days: https://jobtable.com/signup
In this episode, the hosts discuss the critical role of sales in overcoming business challenges, particularly in the construction industry. They emphasize the importance of managing client expectations and the impact of government involvement in construction. The conversation highlights the need for transparency, accountability, and the significance of maintaining a healthy relationship between subcontractors and general contractors.
Takeaways
---
Tired of juggling your contracting business the hard way?
Looking for simpler, more affordable software?
Still doing everything old-school?
✅ Book a quick 1-on-1 demo: https://tidycal.com/jobtable/jobtable-demo
✅ Try it FREE for 14 days: https://jobtable.com/signup
In this episode of the Deconstruction Podcast, the hosts discuss the current slowdown in residential construction, the impact on various trades, and the importance of versatility in adapting to market changes. They share insights on the challenges faced by contractors, the necessity of planning for economic downturns, and the potential shifts between residential and commercial construction sectors. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the complexities of transitioning between different sectors of the construction industry, the challenges posed by market saturation and competitive pricing, and the importance of maintaining safety without compromising efficiency. They also touch on the rising material costs and the economic pressures faced by contractors, emphasizing the need for common sense in safety regulations and the significance of reputation in commercial construction.
Takeaways
---
Tired of juggling your contracting business the hard way?
Looking for simpler, more affordable software?
Still doing everything old-school?
✅ Book a quick 1-on-1 demo: https://tidycal.com/jobtable/jobtable-demo
✅ Try it FREE for 14 days: https://jobtable.com/signup