After years of sharing real-world insights on the Pipeline Podcast, I’m excited to announce a major rebrand: The Pipeline Podcast is now The Build America Podcast! Why the change? I’ve just launched the first volume of my new Build America Construction Success Field Guide Series—compact, no-fluff guidebooks packed with tactics and lessons from my 35+ years in heavy civil construction. Bringing everything under the Build America banner makes it easier for you to find the resources you need to ...
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Compaction Grout Podcasts
Welcome to "On Solid Ground"! We are your go-to podcast for everything geotech construction. We discuss various topics surrounding our services, such as soil stabilization, foundation repair, concrete lifting and leveling, seawall repair, sinkhole repair, and more. We hope it helps you better understand these critical processes and provides you with more knowledge on making informed decisions regarding ground-related issues affecting your home or business. Thank you for taking the time to li ...
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In this episode of the Build America Podcast, host Scott Jennings dives into the delicate balance between over-designing and under-designing in construction projects. From the high costs of failure prevention to the equally damaging costs of engineering oversights, Scott explores where the “sweet spot” of pragmatic engineering lies. Using real-worl…
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–The Pipeline Podcast – Ep 297 - What is a Venturi Eductor? – With Scott Jennings Join Scott Jennings, former construction company owner turned consultant, in this episode of the Pipeline Podcast as he breaks down the concept of a Venturi eductor and how it's used to prime a centrifugal water pump; in this case the pump was sitting above the water …
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–The Pipeline Podcast – Ep 296 - Funny and Scary: ChatGPT Gives a Chuckle – With Scott Jennings Join Scott Jennings, former construction company owner turned consultant, in this episode of the Pipeline Podcast as he dives into the fast-moving world of artificial intelligence—focusing on ChatGPT—and its growing influence in construction, engineering…
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Ep. 11 | Lift or Rebuild? Choosing the Best Path for Your Home’s Future
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32:31In Episode 11, we had Terrance Sterett on as our guest, the Owner and Chief Operations Officer of Dauntless Contracting. Jay and Terrance provided our audience with a better understanding of the FEMA 50% rule so people can be better equipped in making a decision that is right for them when it comes to rebuilding or lifting a home based on the cost,…
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Look up and Beyond 14” and Find a Double Minus 7
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10:30–The Pipeline Podcast – Ep 295 - Look up and Beyond 14” and Find a Double Minus 7 – With Scott JenningsJoin Scott Jennings, former construction company owner turned consultant, in this episode of the Pipeline Podcast as he highlights the critical role of networking in career and business success within the construction industry. He shares practical…
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The Professor of Practice in Engineering Handles the 2nd
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12:33–The Pipeline Podcast – Ep 294 - The Professor of Practice inEngineering Handles the 2nd –With Scott Jennings Join Scott Jennings, former construction company owner turned consultant, in this episode of the Pipeline Podcast as he explores the value of a four-year engineering degree, he highlights the need for more practical training to complement a…
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Will you Marry Me? Well, How About we CollaborDate?
11:05
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11:05–The Pipeline Podcast – Ep 293 - Will you Marry Me? Well, How About we CollaborDate?– With Scott Jennings Join Scott Jennings, former construction company owner turned consultant, in this episode of the Pipeline Podcast as he draws insightful parallels between successful construction projects and successful partnerships, likening project collaborat…
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–The Pipeline Podcast – Ep 292 - Jet Grout and Soil Mixing - The 101 – With Scott Jennings Join Scott Jennings, former construction company owner turned consultant, in this episode of the Pipeline Podcast as he takes a deep dive into the fascinating world of soil improvement, focusing on two critical methods: jet grouting and soil mixing. Geared to…
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–The Pipeline Podcast – Ep 291 - Just Say “No” – You May GetThanked – With Scott JenningsJoin Scott Jennings, former construction company owner turned consultant, on this episode of the Pipeline Podcast as he explores the often-overlooked power of saying "no" in construction projects. Drawing on his extensive experience as both a contractor and an …
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–The Pipeline Podcast – Ep 290 - What's a Form Ratio? – With Scott Jennings Join Scott Jennings, former construction company owner turned consultant, on this episode of the Pipeline Podcast as he delves into the concept of form ratios and how they can enhance accuracy in estimating concrete costs. Inspired by insights from Chris Sautter’s book, Tem…
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Ep. 10 | Navigating Insurance Claims for Homeowners Before and After a Hurricane
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42:19
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42:19In Episode 10, we welcomed back Grant Krapf from Krapf Legal for another insightful discussion. This time, we delved into various topics related to insurance claims for homeowners, both before and after a hurricane. We covered the most common reasons insurance companies deny hurricane claims, homeowners' rights when an insurance company delays paym…
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–The Pipeline Podcast – Ep 289 - Don't Get Sick: Post-Topping Out Syndrome – With Scott Jennings Join Scott Jennings, former construction company owner turned consultant, on this episode of the Pipeline Podcast as he delves into the concept of "Post-Topping Out Syndrome" (PTS), a common phenomenon that occurs after reaching significant milestones i…
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My Old Guy PhD Program Begins – Entry No. 1
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12:56–The Pipeline Podcast – Ep 288 - My Old Guy PhD Program Begins – Entry No. 1 – With Scott Jennings Join Scott Jennings, former construction company owner turned consultant, on this episode of the Pipeline Podcast as shares his experiences and insights as he embarks on a PhD program in construction at the age of 53. Scott, a seasoned professional in…
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–The Pipeline Podcast – Ep 287 - What is "Delegated Design"? – With Scott Jennings Join Scott Jennings, former construction company owner turned consultant, on this episode of the Pipeline Podcast as he delves into the concept of delegated design in construction. He explains the traditional Design-Bid-Build model and how delegated design fits into …
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–The Pipeline Podcast – Ep 286 - What’s that HighTrack Dozer All About? –With Scott Jennings Join Scott Jennings, former construction company owner turned consultant, on this episode of the Pipeline Podcast as he discusses high track dozers – this being a focus on Caterpillar's innovative elevated sprocket design. Learn about the history, benefits,…
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–The Pipeline Podcast – Ep 285 - Load Path &Building from the Bottom Up – With Scott Jennings Join Scott Jennings, former construction company owner turned consultant, on this episode of the Pipeline Podcast as he delves into the critical concept of load path in construction. He highlights how load travels through structural elements and the import…
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Ep. 09 (Part 2) | What Are Milestone Inspections and Why Are They Important?
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28:47In Episode 9 Part 2, we discussed with Leo Cannyn from Beryl Engineering about the importance of milestone inspections. He provided a lot of valuable insight regarding this topic that we weren’t aware of before. This discussion included what makes milestone inspections different from regular inspections, who typically receives milestone inspections…
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–The Pipeline Podcast – Ep 284 - Increase Profit by Rule of 27 – With Scott Jennings Join Scott Jennings, former construction company owner turned consultant, on this episode of the Pipeline Podcast as he delves into the Rule of 27, a method to boost profitability in heavy construction. Scott breaks down the concept of profitability, emphasizing th…
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Ep. 09 (Part 1) | How Crucial Are Foundation Inspections for Homes?
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35:27In Episode 9 Part 1, we welcomed Leo Cannyn from Beryl Engineering onto the podcast. He provided a wealth of knowledge regarding home foundation inspections. This discussion included what a home inspection entails, if a foundation check is part of the inspection process, warning signs that an inspector should look for during a foundation inspection…
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Data Collection Without the $100,000 Fancy Toys
26:49
26:49
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26:49–The Pipeline Podcast – Ep 283 - Data Collection Without the $100,000 Fancy Toys – With Scott Jennings Join Scott Jennings, former construction company owner turned consultant, on this episode of the Pipeline Podcast as he highlights the accessibility of tools for data collection, debunking the notion that expensive equipment is necessary. He provi…
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Ep. 08 | The Significance of Sinkhole Law and How It Impacts Homeowners
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41:53
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41:53In Episode 8 of our podcast, we welcomed Grant Krapf as our guest, an attorney who specializes in property insurance claims. We discussed topics such as the laws surrounding sinkholes, what’s covered and what’s not, how coverage can differ for businesses versus residential, how homeowners should navigate the legal process, along with much more. We …
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Two Negatives of Owning Your Own Construction Business
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12:01–The Pipeline Podcast – Ep 282 - Two Negatives of Owning Your Own Construction Business – With Scott Jennings Join Scott Jennings, former construction company owner turned consultant, on this episode of the Pipeline Podcast as he candidly discusses the harsh realities of entrepreneurship in the construction industry. From cash flow woes to navigati…
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Red Flags in Bid Day v. Change Order Pricing
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17:43
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17:43–The Pipeline Podcast – Ep 281 - Red Flags in Bid Day v. Change Order Pricing – With Scott Jennings Join Scott Jennings, former construction company owner and current professional engineer, on today's episode of the Pipeline Podcast. Scott delves into the critical differences between bid day pricing and change order pricing, shedding light on the f…
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Ep. 07 | Can You Sell a Home That Had a Sinkhole? Does It Affect the Home Value?
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39:54In Episode 7, we brought on Rich Kay from Keller Williams Realty as our guest. Rich used to work at Helicon as a Senior Project Manager, specifically regarding sinkholes. He brought this knowledge to the realty field and has assisted numerous clients in this space over the years. During our discussion, we touched on various topics including the key…
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How to Make a Submittal – Check, Check, Check!
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11:23
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11:23–The Pipeline Podcast – Ep 280 - How to Make a Submittal – Check, Check, Check! – With Scott Jennings In this episode of the Pipeline Podcast, Scott Jennings, a former construction company owner turned consultant, dives into the art and science of making successful submittals in heavy construction projects. Join Scott as he shares one very good met…
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In this episode, we explore the intricate world of rebar installation and uncover the critical do's and don'ts that can make or break your construction schedule. Hosted by a seasoned inspector, the episode provides valuable insights into the top problems faced in rebar installation, ranging from clearance issues to tie wire housekeeping. Learn how …
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In this episode, we unravel the key elements of construction activity cost control – real time tracking. The discussion revolves around understanding the daily cost of operations, the significance of labor and equipment costs, and the ability to run "what-if" scenarios to protect your budget. The host provides insights into the difference between b…
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–The Pipeline Podcast – Ep277 - Construction Crossword Challenge – With Scott Jennings Join Scott Jennings, former construction company owner and professional engineer turned consultant, in this unique episode of the Pipeline Podcast. Today, Scott introduces a special feature: a construction-themed crossword puzzle! As he takes you through the puzz…
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Trench Talk - Kelly Jennings, Small Business CFO
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37:54–The Pipeline Podcast – Ep276 - Trench Talk - Kelly Jennings, Small Business CFO – With Scott Jennings In this insightful episode, Scott Jennings engages in a candid conversation with Kelly Jennings, a seasoned accountant with extensive experience in the financial world. The discussion covers the fundamentals of accounting, its importance for busin…
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Profitability the Easy Way – Via the Bottom Line
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13:18–The Pipeline Podcast – Ep275 - Profitability the Easy Way – Via the Bottom Line – With Scott Jennings Join Scott Jennings, former construction company owner turned consultant, as he explores profitability in construction. Learn practical ways to enhance your bottom line without just focusing on production speed and efficiency. Scott shares insight…
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–The Pipeline Podcast – Ep274 - What's a DRB? – With Scott Jennings In this episode of The Pipeline Podcast, Scott delves into the traditional claims process and explores the stages where disputes typically arise. Discover the DRB approach and its effectiveness, with insights from the successful model employed by the Washington Department of Transp…
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ELB v. HDD or Jack and Bore or Microtunnel
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14:16–The Pipeline Podcast – Ep 273 - ELB v. HDD or Jack and Bore or Microtunnel – With Scott Jennings In this episode of The Pipeline Podcast, Scott explores trenchless pipe installation methods, comparing traditional Excavate-Lay-Backfill (ELB) with innovative trenchless approaches. ELB involves trench excavation, pipe laying, and backfilling. Trenchl…
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Get a Master’s Degree in Engineering? Umm…
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10:28Ep 272 - Get a Master’s Degree in Engineering? Umm… –The Pipeline Podcast – Ep 272 - Get a Master’s Degree in Engineering? Umm… – With Scott Jennings In this episode of The Pipeline Podcast, Scott reflects on the personal and professional aspects of obtaining a master's degree in engineering. With insights into the expectations of the engineering w…
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Trench Talk: Paul Kennedy, Surety (Bonding) Agent
30:35
30:35
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30:35–The Pipeline Podcast – Ep 271 - Trench Talk: Paul Kennedy, Surety (Bonding) Agent – With Scott Jennings In this episode of The Pipeline Podcast, Scott Jennings and Paul Kennedy, each with over thirty years of experience in the construction industry, provide valuable insights into the core concepts of bonding. They cover essential topics, including…
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Selling Your Business – EBITDA is “Bullshit Earnings”
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12:31Ep 270 - Selling Your Business – EBITDA is “Bullshit Earnings” –The Pipeline Podcast – Ep 270 - Selling Your Business – EBITDA is “Bullshit Earnings” – With Scott Jennings In this episode of The Pipeline Podcast, Scott shares with us selling a construction business involves challenges in determining its value, with factors like EBITDA and various v…
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Know Your Audience – Legally and Practically
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10:41Ep 269 - Know Your Audience – Legally and Practically –The Pipeline Podcast – Ep 269 - Know Your Audience – Legally and Practically – With Scott Jennings In this episode of The Pipeline Podcast, Scott emphasizes the paramount importance of understanding your audience in project communication. Effective communication, whether written or verbal, is n…
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Your Construction Career Path – 90% is Your Drive
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12:31Ep 268 - Your Construction Career Path – 90% is Your Drive –The Pipeline Podcast – Ep 268 - Your Construction Career Path - 90% is Your Drive – With Scott Jennings In this episode of The Pipeline Podcast, Scott outlines a typical construction career path and emphasizes the importance of drive in succeeding in this industry. Scott discusses the choi…
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Ep 267 - Forensic Reporting 101 –The Pipeline Podcast – Ep 267 - Forensic Reporting 101 – With Scott Jennings In this episode of The Pipeline Podcast, Scott explores forensic engineering, which is vital in construction and as a potential career change. He explains the causes of property loss, emphasizing report-writing skills. The steps of making a…
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Ep. 06 | Redefining Stability: A Deep Dive into Concrete Lifting and Leveling
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43:13
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43:13We welcomed Andy Powell from the Seawall Repair Network, a division of Alchatek, onto our sixth podcast to discuss the topic of concrete lifting and leveling. We delved deep into the causes of concrete settlement, the lifting process itself, the applications where chemical grout can be applied, preventive measures homeowners can take to prevent thi…
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Ep 266 - What’s a Deposition? –The Pipeline Podcast – Ep 266 - What’s a Deposition? – With Scott Jennings In this episode of The Pipeline Podcast, Scott talks about what a deposition is in the context of the legal process; he places a specific emphasis on its role in construction disputes. The episode begins by outlining the construction dispute re…
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Project Specifications – The Basics, in Five Minutes
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9:39Ep 265 - Project Specifications – The Basics, in Five Minutes –The Pipeline Podcast – Ep 265 - Project Specifications – The Basics, in Five Minutes – With Scott Jennings In this episode of The Pipeline Podcast, Scott discusses the fundamental elements of project specifications in construction. The episode outlines three main parts of project specif…
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Concrete Formwork Takeoff 101 – It’s All About SFCA
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15:49Ep 264 - Concrete Formwork Takeoff 101 – It’s All About SFCA –The Pipeline Podcast – Ep 264 - Concrete Formwork Takeoff 101 – It’s All About SFCA – With Scott Jennings In this episode of The Pipeline Podcast, Scott provides a comprehensive overview of the fundamentals of concrete formwork takeoff. Scott drives straight to the heart of the takeoff: …
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Ep. 05 | The Critical Role of Seawall Repair in Preserving Our Shores
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32:49On Episode 5 of ‘On Solid Ground,’ we welcomed Colt Hullander from Alchatek onto our podcast. The discussion began with the importance of a seawall, regaining soil stability, and how the domino effect plays a vital role in the stabilization process. We also touched on topics such as, elements of a seawall that stabilization can’t fix, seawall repai…
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Ep 263 - The Differing Site Condition - Careful! –The Pipeline Podcast – Ep 263 - The Differing Site Condition - Careful! – With Scott Jennings This podcast episode discusses the critical impact of the Differing Site Conditions (DSC) clause for, primarily, underground contractors. This common Contract clause addresses unexpected physical conditions…
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Ep 262 - Kobe’s Gym Rats and Angela’s Grit –The Pipeline Podcast – Ep 262 - Kobe’s Gym Rats and Angela’s Grit – With Scott Jennings This episode delves into the challenge of balancing past values with the evolving work landscape. It discusses generational differences, drawing parallels between past criticisms of youth and today's concerns about soc…
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Find a Mentor: They’ve Seen What You’re Seeing
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12:10Ep 261 - Find a Mentor: They’ve Seen What You’re Seeing –The Pipeline Podcast – Ep 261 - Find a Mentor: They’ve Seen What You’re Seeing – With Scott Jennings In this episode, the importance of finding a mentor is emphasized for both personal career growth as well as the limiting of financial mistakes in business. Having someone who can understand w…
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Constructive Acceleration: The Bully Owner
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10:07Ep 260 - Constructive Acceleration: The Bully Owner –The Pipeline Podcast – Ep 260 - Constructive Acceleration: The Bully Owner – With Scott Jennings Listen to the most recent episode of "The Pipeline Podcast” and learn more about constructive acceleration, which is a common issue in construction projects with liquidated damages. Constructive accel…
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Ep 259 - Increase Profit By Knowing Design Intent –The Pipeline Podcast – Ep 259 - Increase Profit By Knowing Design Intent – With Scott Jennings Listen to the most recent episode of "The Pipeline Podcast”. Discover the secret to boosting your bottom line while satisfying designers and maintaining quality. In this episode, learn how to leverage you…
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Internal Divisional Subcontracting: Like Swallowing Hemlock
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6:08Ep 258 - Internal Divisional Subcontracting: Like Swallowing Hemlock –The Pipeline Podcast – Ep 258 - Internal Divisional Subcontracting: Like Swallowing Hemlock – With Scott Jennings Listen to the most recent episode of "The Pipeline Podcast," wherein Scott talks about how internal subcontracting between company divisions can be disastrous – it’s …
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Ep 257 - The Field Sketch: Kiss a Pencil Today –The Pipeline Podcast – Ep 257 - The Field Sketch: Kiss a Pencil Today – With Scott Jennings Listen to the most recent episode of "The Pipeline Podcast," wherein Scott talks about the essential art of field sketching in construction documentation. In a digital age, this traditional skill remains crucia…
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