Electrical work is often the last thing noticed on a job site, but it is the first thing missed when it is not done right. Behind the wires, conduits, and deadlines is a story of resilience, faith, and a husband-and-wife team who built their company by refusing to settle.
In this episode of Construction Hot Takes, we sit down with Chris and Lean Gaskin, the leaders of Gaskin Electric. Their journey began with a layoff two weeks before Christmas, while navigating a pregnancy and their young son’s cancer diagnosis. What could have ended their story became the start of a business built on courage, hard lessons, and relentless determination.
Since then, Chris and Lean have grown Gaskin Electric to more than 20 employees, tackling complex projects across Georgia and beyond. From moving states to shutting down and restarting their company, to balancing leadership as spouses and parents, their story is about building not just a business but also a stronger marriage and family along the way.
In this episode, you will hear:
● Chris’s journey from the trades to starting Gaskin Electric after a layoff
● How their son’s health battle shaped their outlook and priorities
● Why moving to Georgia became a turning point for growth
● The lessons learned about management, estimating, and running projects
● How they balance being both spouses and business partners
● The three biggest takeaways from building their company: become a good businessman, find the right accountant and insurance partner, and never settle
If you are looking for a raw and real story about building a construction business with grit, faith, and family at the center, this episode is for you.
#Construction #ElectricalContractor #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #FamilyBusiness
Links:
Check out our whole catalog of Construction Hot Takes episodes on our website! https://ascentconsults.com/constructi...
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What if you could guarantee quality across every layer of a home’s exterior — paint, siding, gutters, roofs, decks, porches — without the chaos of endless subs and callbacks?
In this episode of Construction Hot Takes, we sit down with Charlie Dallavalle Jr., founder of Painting Plus, Siding Plus, and Gutters Plus. Charlie started as a college side hustle, painting homes in his neighborhood, and grew it into one of the Southeast’s most trusted exterior renovation companies. Over 27 years, he’s completed more than 5,000 projects, built one of the largest HardiePlank installation teams in the country, and won the prestigious James Hardie President’s Club Award year after year.
Charlie’s story isn’t just about building homes — it’s about building systems, trust, and a reputation that’s stood strong through decades of industry change.
You’ll hear:
● The origin story of Painting Plus and how Charlie went from ladders to leadership
● How his companies deliver consistency and craftsmanship across multiple trades
● The business lessons learned from scaling a “mom-and-pop” into a multi-million dollar brand
● Why repeat customers and referrals are his strongest marketing channel
● How he’s preparing the next generation to carry the torch
If you’re in construction, trades, or entrepreneurship, this episode is a blueprint for scaling with quality, resilience, and community impact.
#Construction #Contractors #ExteriorRenovation #Entrepreneurship #Leadership #Painting #Siding #Gutters
Links:
Check out our whole catalog of Construction Hot Takes episodes on our website! https://ascentconsults.com/constructi...
Interested in learning how Ascent's consulting services could potentially help improve your business's operations? 📈
Click here to schedule a free 30-minute consultation with one of our expert construction consultants: https://info.ascentconsults.com/meeti...
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Budgets don’t just vanish — they’re lost step by step, phase by phase. And here’s the uncomfortable truth: most of the time, it’s not the client’s fault.
In this episode of Construction Hot Takes, Adam and Jeff break down the real internal reasons projects spiral over budget — from business development overpromises to estimating misses, sloppy buyouts, and execution mistakes in the field. You’ll hear candid stories (including a $25M loss on a design-build project) and lessons learned the hard way about where budgets actually get blown.
What we cover:
● How business development overpromises set projects up to fail
● The estimator-to-project manager handoff that kills jobs
● Real-world case studies of design/estimating disasters
● Why labor tracking and production oversight can save (or sink) profit
● The critical difference between catching mistakes early vs. finding out too late
This isn’t about blaming the owner — it’s about owning the process. If you’re a GC, trade contractor, or construction leader, this episode is your roadmap to spotting the hidden risks and keeping projects on budget.
#Construction #GeneralContractor #Budgeting #Forecasting #ProjectManagement #ConstructionBusiness
Links:
Check out our whole catalog of Construction Hot Takes episodes on our website! https://ascentconsults.com/constructi...
Interested in learning how Ascent's consulting services could potentially help improve your business's operations? 📈
Click here to schedule a free 30-minute consultation with one of our expert construction consultants: https://info.ascentconsults.com/meeti...
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Imagine standing outside your home just hours after a fire. The structure is damaged, smoke still lingers, and you don’t know what to do next. Who shows up to help you in that moment?
That’s where 1-800-BOARDUP comes in. And Leading the charge is Beth Toenies, Chief Operating Officer of the company that’s turned chaos into clarity for homeowners across North America.
With 134 franchise locations serving more than 182 million people, Beth has built a reputation as both a decorated executive and a culture-driven leader. From securing burned-out homes to scaling operations across the U.S. and Canada, she has transformed the restoration industry with urgency, systems, and empathy.
In this episode, Beth shares:
● How she stumbled into restoration and why the mission keeps her here
● What it takes to scale a franchise network in a crisis-driven industry
● Why leadership culture matters as much as operations (and how managers impact mental health as much as a spouse)
● How AI is already reshaping the restoration industry — and why companies should embrace, not fear, it
● Her vision for expanding 1-800-BOARDUP and its sister brands under the Belfor Franchise Group
If you want to learn how to lead teams, scale franchises, and deliver hope at the worst moments of people’s lives — this episode will change how you view restoration, leadership, and resilience.
#Leadership #Franchising #Restoration #EmergencyResponse #Construction #Culture
Check out our whole catalog of Construction Hot Takes episodes on our website! https://ascentconsults.com/construction-hot-takes-podcast/
Interested in learning how Ascent's consulting services could potentially help improve your business's operations? 📈
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Margins don’t just disappear — they get chipped away by bad estimates, buyout mistakes, schedule delays, and one of the biggest myths in construction: thinking “remaining budget” is the same as a forecast.
In this episode of Construction Hot Takes, we dig into the real reasons general contractors go from a healthy profit to barely breaking even. You’ll hear straight talk on:
If you’re a GC, sub, or anyone in construction, this is a no-BS guide to keeping your budget on track — and your profits where they belong.
#Construction #GeneralContractor #Budgeting #Forecasting #ProjectManagement #ConstructionBusiness
Most construction companies talk a big game about safety. PPE, compliance forms, toolbox talks—but why do crews still cut corners?
In this episode, Adam and Jeff tackle the uncomfortable truth: safety programs don’t create safety culture—leadership does. They share raw stories from the field, call out lazy thinking, and unpack why most “compliance-first” approaches are doomed to fail.
If you’re a GC, superintendent, or project manager trying to keep your people safe without being a babysitter—this one’s for you.
What You’ll Learn:
Do General Contractors still deserve their fee—or are they just expensive middlemen?
In this provocative episode, Adam and Jeff tackle a controversial listener question: "Do we even need General Contractors anymore?" With the rise of tech-driven management and self-performing owners, the traditional role of GCs is under scrutiny.
Join the debate as they explore:
Are General Contractors outdated—or more essential than ever? Listen and decide.
Key Insights:
Managing your construction budget is tough—but who's got it tougher? Subs or GCs?
Adam (former trade contractor) and Jeff (former GC) face off in this episode to settle a classic industry debate: whose project budget is actually harder to manage?
You'll hear:
Think you know which side has it worse? You might be surprised.
Ready to end the argument? Hit play and decide for yourself.
“That Could Never Happen Here…Right?” – A Cautionary Tale of Financial Fraud
What if one trusted employee could quietly put your entire company at risk?
This week on Construction Hot Takes, Adam Cooper and Jeff Robertson dig into a real-life story that could happen in any construction business.
With Greg out on the road, Adam shares a case of financial fraud at a billion-dollar firm, where a regional manager manipulated millions in the books – and nearly brought the whole operation down. Names have been changed, but the lessons are very real.
This episode takes a deeper look into accountability, leadership blind spots, and the silent dangers of a culture where no one feels safe to speak up. Adam and Jeff unpack how poor systems, ignored red flags, and a lack of transparency can cost you everything.
Tune in as we explore:
(00:00) Reporting structure and accountability issues
(03:45) Was it intentional or just opportunistic?
(06:53) A consultant questions the reporting practices
(10:33) Why hands-on management still matters
(15:01) Cultural training and what accountability really means
(18:41) The cost of poor communication
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Fresh from a business leaders conference in Las Vegas, Adam brings back eye-opening insights on how rapidly AI is advancing… and why every construction company, big or small, can’t afford to sit on the sidelines.
Jeff and Adam unpack real-world ways AI can make a difference for contractors. From predictive scheduling and automated delay claims to AI-powered contract reviews, smarter procurement, and even proposal writing, they share clear strategies that any construction business can start using right now.
They also explore next-gen tools like helmet cameras that detect safety risks in real time, and how generative AI is quickly becoming one of the most powerful teammates on the job site.
Tune in as we explore:
(00:00) AI in project delay analysis
(03:56) The power of contract analysis automation
(08:35) Embracing new tools in construction
(10:01) How AI is transforming financial dashboards
(12:51) The importance of field feedback requests
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Episode Summary
In this mini-episode of Construction Hot Takes, our experts tackle a common challenge in the construction industry: what to do after purchasing Procore construction management software. They share practical insights on implementation, training, and maximizing the value of your Procore investment.
Key Points Discussed
- Beyond the "Orange Easy Button"- Why Procore isn't a magic solution and requires proper implementation
- Implementation Strategy - Setting up roles, permissions, and selecting initial projects
- Core Functionality Focus- Starting with drawings, specifications, daily reports, and photos
- Common Implementation Mistakes - Why many companies struggle with adoption
- Training Requirements - The importance of proper onboarding and continuous education
- ERP Integration - Considerations when connecting Procore with financial systems
- Aligning Expectations - Ensuring everyone understands why the software was purchased
Expert Tips for Procore Success
- Identify champions and administrators within your organization
- Begin with a few test projects before full-scale implementation
- Focus on the basics: drawings, specifications, daily reports, photos, and RFIs
- Invest in proper training for all team members
- Consider how Procore will integrate with existing systems
- Clarify your objectives and communicate the "why" to your team
Who Should Watch
- Construction company owners who recently purchased Procore
- Project managers struggling with Procore implementation
- Construction professionals evaluating Procore for their business
- Technology decision-makers in construction firms
- Anyone responsible for construction software adoption
About Construction Hot Takes
Construction Hot Takes delivers straight-talking, practical advice for construction professionals. Our hosts have helped hundreds of clients build better construction companies and understand what it takes to run successful, profitable businesses in the construction industry.
Check out our whole catalog of Construction Hot Takes episodes on our website! https://ascentconsults.com/construction-hot-takes-podcast/
Interested in learning how Ascent's consulting services could potentially help improve your business's operations? 📈
Click here to schedule a free 30-minute consultation with one of our expert construction consultants: https://info.ascentconsults.com/meetings/acooper/30-minute-performance-consultation
Follow Ascent Consulting on social media! 🤳
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ascent-consulting-inc-/
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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ascentconsults/
X: https://x.com/ascentconsults/
Subscribe to our YouTube channel for alerts on our new episodes!
https://www.youtube.com/@ascentconsults?sub_confirmation=1
Tags: Procore implementation, construction software, Procore training, construction management software, Procore ERP integration, construction technology, Procore best practices, construction project management, Procore setup guide, Procore consultant
There’s a huge disconnect between construction operations and finance teams—and when it comes to construction risk management, that divide can cost projects big. Who should really be responsible for reducing risk on construction projects? Is it construction accounting and finance, or does project management and field operations need to step up?
In this episode of Construction Hot Takes, Adam, Greg, and Jeff break down how construction business leaders can bridge the gap between construction finance and operations to improve risk mitigation. From contract terms to budgeting, scheduling, and field execution, both teams play a role—but too often, they’re working against each other instead of together.
If you want to reduce risk on construction projects, avoid costly mistakes, and create a more aligned team, this is the episode for you. Watch now to learn how to manage construction risk before it’s too late!
Check out our whole catalog of Construction Hot Takes episodes on our website! https://ascentconsults.com/construction-hot-takes-podcast/
Interested in learning how Ascent's consulting services could potentially help improve your business's operations? 📈
Click here to schedule a free 30-minute consultation with one of our expert construction consultants: https://info.ascentconsults.com/meetings/acooper/30-minute-performance-consultation
Follow Ascent Consulting on social media! 🤳
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Subscribe to our YouTube channel for alerts on our new episodes! https://www.youtube.com/@ascentconsults?sub_confirmation=1
#ConstructionRisk #ConstructionManagement #ProjectManagement #ConstructionFinance #ConstructionAccounting #ConstructionOperations #ConstructionBusiness #RiskMitigation #ConstructionLeadership #GeneralContractor #ConstructionIndustry #ConstructionProject #ReduceConstructionRisk #ContractorSuccess #BuildingBetterProjects
In this episode of Construction Hot Takes, Adam, Greg, and Jeff reveal the 5 simple mistakes that can completely ruin and de-rail a construction project by causing delays and budget overruns and tanking profitability.
According to Ascent CEO Adam Cooper, one of the biggest mistakes too many construction companies are making today is simple not fully reading or understanding construction contracts. Too many general contractors and subcontractors skim through contracts without catching key clauses that impact payment terms, liability, and scope — leading to major problems down the line.
The guys also call out real construction business mistakes they’ve seen firsthand, like project managers making scheduling decisions without considering material lead times, or owners assuming that hitting revenue goals means they’re actually profitable. Lack of construction business training at every level leads to bad decisions that cost companies money and credibility.
Whether you’re a project manager, owner, or contractor, knowing what NOT to do is just as important as knowing the right moves to make. If you want to learn how to avoid the top 5 reasons construction projects fail, this episode is a must-watch.
Check out our whole catalog of Construction Hot Takes episodes on our website! https://ascentconsults.com/constructi...
Interested in learning how Ascent's consulting services could potentially help improve your business's operations?
Click here to schedule a free 30-minute consultation with one of our expert construction consultants: https://info.ascentconsults.com/meeti...
Follow Ascent Consulting on social media!
LinkedIn: ascent-consulting-inc-
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You can’t afford to miss this episode. The team at Ascent Consulting tackles the threat of risks hanging over your construction project.
Adam warns that most contractors are not sufficiently risk averse. They don’t see risks coming until it is too late. Jeff advises using risk as a lens to plan a project – by identifying every possible problem.
With a wide range of examples, Adam, Jeff and Gregory unpack macro and micro risks. They explain how micro risks often surface on site, such as scheduling or worker safety. Macro risks threaten the health and stability of your company overall, such as unidentified errors in your budget or poor quality work that undermines your reputation.
Gregory warns there is a chain of risk that starts from the minute a contract starts until you walk off a job. Whether a general contractor, subcontractor or speciality contractor, listeners will glean valuable insight from their discussion on how to identify and mitigate each link in that chain.
In this episode the team at Ascent Consulting digs deeper into private equity in the construction sector and how they help companies prepare for exit and growth.
CEO Adam Cooper breaks down the perspective of private equity firms pre acquisition and post acquisition. Senior Consultant Gregory Gorman unpacks for listeners how each private equity firm has its own mandate and strategy as they prepare to acquire a construction company.
Both Adam and Gregory speak from their experience working behind the scenes with private equity firms pre acquisition to augment the due diligence process.
Post acquisition, Ascent Consulting has worked alongside private equity firms to fine tune and retool newly purchased companies to better fit into the firm’s purchase strategy. Senior Consultant Jeff Robertson asks Adam and Gregory to break down the value Ascent Consulting brings to the process as a third party. They also discuss the ins and outs of work for private equity firms, the timing of those projects and their experience working with legacy and new ownership.
In this episode Adam Cooper, CEO of Ascent Consulting, and senior consultants Gregory Gorman and Jeff Robertson, pull back the curtain on their construction background.
The hosts reveal the paths that led to their current roles at Ascent Consulting. When his stepdad encouraged him to pick up summer work on a construction site, Jeff fell in love with the industry as a teenager. Gregory’s story starts in New York where he worked at a hedge fund before transitioning to CFO of a construction company. And Adam shares how he and Jeff first met, an early memory that delivers a lesson in how to prepare for every possible scenario.
Adam also asks Jeff and Gregory to share their super power, leading into a conversation that unveils how each host responds under stress on the job.
This is a can’t miss episode for listeners who want to understand the ins and outs of private equity in construction.
Gregory Gorman, senior consultant at Ascent Consulting, kicks off the discussion by breaking down the difference between private equity and direct investment. The team discusses the various considerations when a construction company is looking to be bought out by a private equity firm. They clearly explain the “due diligence” phase of such a buyout, and factors like ownership staying on, or exiting as part of the buyout. CEO Adam Cooper explains how Ascent Consulting has been brought into the “due diligence” phase at times to help assess how a company is operating and the viability of its systems after a buyout.
Gregory provides additional insight into how private equity firms assess opportunities to scale a construction company and make a return on their investment. And together the hosts share several examples of private equity buyouts.
Gregory Gorman and Jeff Robertson, senior consultants at Ascent Consulting, unpack the pros and cons of integrating construction software into your business. Together Gregory and Jeff answer the question: Is construction software all it’s cracked up to be?
They caution that there is no easy button when it comes to construction software. It’s important to consider the return on investment when it comes to costs and implementation, including training your teams to use the newly adopted software. A lack of understanding about the effort required to effectively implement new technology can lead companies to bite off more than they can chew. Companies can end up paying for software without taking advantage of all its features.
Gregory and Jeff dig into how to choose the right software for your company. Procore, for example, is best for medium to large-sized general contractors. Once you nail down the most appropriate software, the added value can be tremendous. Gregory and Jeff reflect on how new technology has changed the game, making data instantly available to teams in the field and in the office simultaneously.
Adam Cooper, CEO of Ascent Consulting, together with senior consultants Gregory Gorman and Jeff Robertson, dig into how to maximize your return on investment after purchasing Procore. All three hosts agree that the construction management software is a Swiss army knife. But Procore is not in the business of helping new users get up to speed on how best to use the system.
That’s where Ascent Consulting comes in, to help companies that paid top dollar for Procore understand the ins and outs of the robust software.
Adam explains the pros and cons of Procore, such as the ability to use the software in tandem with other digital tools, and its prominence in university construction management programs. There can be a generation gap with the use of software like Procore. But Jeff points out that Ascent Consulting can help clients who may prefer a pen-and-paper approach develop a tailored workflow for their company using Procore. The hosts also recognize that Procore is ideal for commercial and industrial contractors with projects spanning weeks, months or even years. While Procore may not be the best fit for residential builders or trade contractors, the hosts offer suggestions on alternative software to explore.
In the latest episode, Adam Cooper, CEO of Ascent Consulting, and senior consultants Greg Gorman and Jeff Robertson, discuss WIP (Work in Progress) and how to use the accounting method to best manage construction projects. They emphasize the importance of being honest about the finances of an ongoing project, and trusting the data in your WIP to manage that project effectively.
Adam, Greg, and Jeff unpack how to best use your WIP to track everything from budgeting and forecasting, to change orders and estimates to completion. The team examines how project managers are secretly accountants, plus how to rely on your WIP when you take over a job from another project manager.
WIPs can quickly become unwieldy. But the hosts dig into real life scenarios to demonstrate how to keep WIPs simple and efficient. They discuss the reality of how estimates evolve over the lifespan of a project and how that impacts a WIP, as well as the importance of regularly WIP meetings with your team.
