Welcome to "Construction Trailblazers: Paving The Way to Excellence," where we chat with the sharpest minds in construction. Hosted by industry insiders, this podcast is your go-to for a behind-the-scenes look at how top construction leaders are innovating and streamlining their operations. From operational tips to leadership insights, our engaging and conversational episodes are packed with stories and strategies that matter. Join us as we uncover real-life challenges and triumphs in the co ...
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Samantha C Prestige Podcasts
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Becoming the 'Procore' for Subcontractors: How Jengai Is Rebuilding Preconstruction Tech with Shayne Paterson
36:01
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36:01Welcome to Construction Trailblazers! In this episode, host Samantha C Prestidge sits down with Shayne Patterson, the co-founder of Jengai, to explore the transformative power of technology in the construction industry. Shayne shares his fascinating journey from investment banking to creating innovative solutions for subcontractors. Discover how Je…
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Building With Conviction: Faith-Driven Leadership in Construction with Adam Swain
30:43
30:43
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30:43In this episode of Construction Trailblazers, host Samantha C Prestige discusses faith-driven leadership with Adam Swain, founder of 6 33 Group, a civil construction company in Colorado. Adam shares his journey from discovering his faith in college to creating a people-first business rooted in care, integrity, and faith. They explore the challenges…
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Punch List Episode: Teaching Field Leaders To Give Feedback | Andy Bergmann
6:13
6:13
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6:13In this punch list episode of the Construction Trailblazers Podcast, we revisit impactful moments from a conversation with Andy Bergman, a communication coach specializing in blue-collar teams. Andy shares a pivotal experience in conflict resolution and highlights the importance of giving tough feedback. He also discusses how ego and pride interfer…
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How They Taught Field Leaders to Give Feedback Without Losing the Crew with Andy Bergmann
34:11
34:11
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34:11Welcome to Construction Trailblazers! In this episode, Samantha C Prestige dives deep into effective leadership and communication within the construction industry with guest Andy Bergman. Andy, a leadership trainer and communication coach, shares his journey from HR and operations to helping construction teams handle tough conversations and improve…
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Punch List: Why Contractors Need Peer Groups | Benjamin Holmgren
8:35
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8:35Punch List with Benjamin Holmgren: Building a Community for Contractors Welcome to the Construction Trailblazers Podcast's punch list episode featuring Benjamin Holmgren, founder of Ground Crew. This episode highlights the journey of forming peer groups for dirt contractors, starting from a simple LinkedIn post to impactful peer groups across North…
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Why Contractors Need Peer Groups To Scale Smarter (w/ Benjamin Holmgren)
37:56
37:56
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37:56Welcome to Construction Trailblazers, the podcast dedicated to leading people, managing projects, and simplifying the chaos of growth. Join host Samantha C Prestige as she chats with Benjamin Holmgren, the mastermind behind some of the most valuable peer groups and workshops in the construction industry. Discover how Ben's innovative approach is tr…
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41. Construction Finance Doesn’t Have to Suck: Bryant Solomon on ControlQore
34:10
34:10
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34:10In this episode, Samantha C. Prestige sits down with Bryant Soloman, a seasoned expert in construction leadership and operations, to discuss how construction businesses can streamline their processes for greater efficiency and profitability. Bryant shares valuable insights on building trust within teams, simplifying operations, and mastering financ…
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40. Stop Throwing Money at Workforce Development & Start Leading Better
37:43
37:43
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37:43In this episode, Samantha C. Prestige sits down with Kristina McMillan to talk about what it really takes to lead a construction team out of survival mode and into sustainable success. They unpack the importance of clear communication, proactive leadership, and creating structure that actually supports your team — not just your to-do list. If you’r…
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39. Why Construction Tech Keeps Failing (And How to Fix It)
35:00
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35:00In this episode, Samantha C. Prestige sits down with Tyler Campbell to talk about the real challenges of leading construction teams—especially when it comes to communication, delegation, and building trust. Tyler shares what he’s learned from the field and how leaders can create more efficient, accountable teams without micromanaging. It’s a conver…
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38. Cranky Cowboys, Crucial Conversations & the Cost of Holding On Too Long
34:35
34:35
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34:35In this episode, Samantha C. Prestige sits down with JD Whitaker to uncover the leadership strategies that drive success in the construction industry. They dive into the challenges of team management, communication, and building a culture of efficiency on the job site. JD shares hard-earned insights on leading with clarity, fostering accountability…
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37. Boundaries, Meetings & Mentorship: Leading Without the Burnout
29:52
29:52
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29:52In this episode, Samantha C. Prestige sits down with Ron Stein to unpack the realities of leadership, risk management, and navigating tough workplace dynamics in the construction industry. From setting boundaries to handling difficult team members and avoiding costly project mistakes, Ron shares hard-earned lessons that every construction professio…
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36. Bad Hires, Good Resumes, and the Cost of Assumptions with Shawna Armstrong
36:29
36:29
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36:29In this episode, Samantha C. Prestidge sits down with Shawna Armstrong to explore the misconceptions that can lead to poor hiring decisions in the construction industry. Together, they dive into why resumes and interviews don’t always tell the full story—and how relying too heavily on them can cause you to overlook top talent. Shawna shares practic…
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35. Small Fixes To Help Family Businesses Run Smoother
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15:45In this episode of Construction Trailblazers, we tackle the common challenges faced by family-run construction businesses and explore how outdated habits, poor communication, and role ambiguity can hinder growth. Tune in for practical strategies to overcome these obstacles, streamline operations, and foster a culture of collaboration. Whether you’r…
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34. Balancing People, Process & Pressure: Scott Robertson on Leading in Construction
27:05
27:05
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27:05In this episode, Samantha C. Prestidge sits down with Scott Robertson to discuss what it takes to build a culture of ownership and accountability in the construction industry. They explore the mindset shift required when moving from the field into leadership, the power of transparency in team engagement, and why strong communication is the foundati…
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33. Thrown Into the Deep End: How Irene Walsh Garcia Built a Thriving Career in Construction
28:21
28:21
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28:21In this episode, Samantha C. Prestidge sits down with Irene Walsh Garcia to discuss the power of unlearning limiting beliefs and building confidence in the construction industry. Irene shares her journey of overcoming self-doubt, the lessons she wishes she could have told her younger self, and the importance of trusting the process. With her humble…
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32. Depth Over Directives: The Leadership Shift You Need to Make with Jesse Hernandez
43:51
43:51
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43:51In this episode, Samantha C. Prestidge sits down with Jesse to explore a powerful 30-day challenge for new field leaders to build trust and stand out. They discuss the importance of building relationships by genuinely getting to know people on-site and advocating for yourself by clearly communicating your contributions. Jesse also shares a game-cha…
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31. No More Excuses: Busting Hiring Myths in Construction with Josh Nieves
33:24
33:24
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33:24In this episode, Samantha C. Prestige talks with Josh Nieves, a master electrician turned regional workforce development manager at Miller Electric Company. He shares his journey from an electrician to a farm owner and founder of Ascend Consulting. He dispels common myths about the construction industry, highlighting the importance of mentorship, l…
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30. The One Thing Missing from Your Handoff Meetings That Drives Project Success
14:36
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14:36In this episode, Samantha C. Prestidge discusses the critical yet often overlooked element that can significantly enhance the success of handoff meetings and overall project outcomes. By focusing on the voice of the customer, Samantha explains how understanding and integrating these personal details can lead to higher customer satisfaction, better …
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29. From Apprentice to Powerhouse: Karl Jefferson’s Ironclad Success Story
19:59
19:59
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19:59In this episode, Samantha C. Prestidge interviews Karl Jefferson, the founder and president of Kadilex Construction. Karl shares his journey from joining an ironworkers apprenticeship to building a successful Midwest-based ironworking company known for its commitment to quality, innovation, and diversity. The conversation covers Karl's early days, …
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28. Building Trust: Giving Feedback Without Micromanaging
17:07
17:07
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17:07In this episode, Samantha C. Prestidge discusses the crucial balance between providing effective feedback and avoiding micromanagement. She emphasizes the importance of communication skills, conflict resolution, and maintaining a broad vision while executing tasks. Samantha shares personal anecdotes and practical tips, like the SBI (Situation, Beha…
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27. Dignity, Spirit, and Legacy in Construction: Wisdom Lessons from Herb Sargent
33:19
33:19
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33:19In this episode, host Samantha C. Prestige interviews Herb Sargent, CEO of Sargent Corporation. With a rich history and nearly a century-long legacy, Herb shares his journey in the construction industry, the transition to employee ownership, and insights into building a successful and people-focused company culture. Listen as he discusses leadershi…
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26. Come to Me with Solutions, Not Problems
15:09
15:09
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15:09In this episode, Samantha C. Prestidge discusses why the common managerial phrase 'Come to me with solutions, not problems' can often lead to frustration both for managers and employees. She explores the reasons behind its ineffectiveness and offers practical strategies to cultivate problem-solving and critical-thinking skills in employees. This ep…
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25. Trailblazing Tactics: 5 Leadership Lessons from Hell’s Kitchen for Building Stronger Teams
10:55
10:55
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10:55In this episode, Samantha C. Prestidge shares insights from the show Hell's Kitchen that can be applied to building and managing successful teams. Lessons include the importance of pausing to reassess when things go south, demanding accountability, fostering team decision-making, avoiding ego-driven mistakes, and observing the traits of successful …
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24. From Family Legacy to Leadership Mastery: How Lindsey Fortunato Champions Culture and Strategy
26:24
26:24
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26:24In this episode, host Samantha C. Prestige talks with Lindsay Fortunato, CEO of Fortunato Construction Group. Lindsay shares her journey growing up in a construction environment, her leadership style, balancing work life, and how she maintains a people-first culture. Discover insights into customer-centric approaches and the importance of teamwork …
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23. Trailblazing Tactics: Simplifying Success by Cutting Through The BS
12:23
12:23
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12:23In this episode, Samantha C. Prestidge discusses the common tendency of businesses to overcomplicate processes. She emphasizes the importance of simplicity in operations, highlighting its impact on team efficiency, morale, and overall business success. Discover how to identify and eliminate unnecessary complexities by adopting lean management techn…
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22. Bridging the Gap: Building a Stronger Connection Between PMs and Accounting with Josh Luebker
31:07
31:07
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31:07In this episode, Samantha C. Prestige talks to Josh Luebker, a fractional CFO and COO, about bridging the gap between project management and accounting in the construction industry. They explore how to help subcontractors find stability and growth through consistent processes, efficient project management, and effective communication. Josh shares h…
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In this episode, host Samantha C. Prestidge shares her personal story of being passed up for a management position early in her career. She discusses three key reasons for not getting the promotion and provides advice for employees and managers on how to navigate similar situations.By Samantha C. Prestige
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20. Becoming The Easy Button: Problem Prevention And Customer Centricity with Craig Montz
27:56
27:56
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27:56In this episode, Samantha C. Prestige speaks with Craig Montz, the Industrial Special Projects Business Group Leader for the Iowa region at Myron Construction. With over 20 years of experience, Craig shares his insights on being a generalist, problem prevention, customer centricity, and balancing internal and external customer needs. He emphasizes …
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19. Trailblazing Tactics: How Vague Job Descriptions Sabotage Teams
20:00
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20:00In this episode, Samantha C. Prestidge discusses the importance of clear job descriptions in the hiring process. She delves into common pitfalls of vague job descriptions, the impact of these on team dynamics, and practical strategies to create effective job descriptions that ensure better hiring outcomes. Samantha shares insights on establishing c…
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18. Beyond the Ladder: Finding Passion Through Lateral Career Growth with Kerri Smith
31:41
31:41
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31:41In this episode, Samantha C. Prestige sits down with Kerri Smith, a driving force at Baker Construction, to discuss the importance of investing in employees and embedding cultural values within a company. They delve into Baker Construction's unique five tours program for talent development, the challenges of implementing such a system, and the rewa…
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17. Trailblazing Tactics: Finding Your Footing from Buddy To Boss
15:53
15:53
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15:53In this episode, host Samantha C. Prestidge discusses the challenges and strategies for transitioning from being a team member to a team leader. She shares personal anecdotes, practical tips, and offers resources for managers facing this difficult shift. 02:44 Working with Friends and Family 03:27 Practical Tips for Transition 05:42 Conflict Resolu…
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16. Shifting Big Egos into Big Leaders: Building Collaborative Teams with Bill Radobenko
33:17
33:17
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33:17In this episode, Samantha C. Prestige interviews Bill Radobenko, the president of ACI Northwest, to discuss building collaborative teams, turning big personalities into big leaders, and fostering a culture of humility, teamwork, and integrity. Bill shares his journey from working as a roofer at 17 to leading one of Idaho’s top construction companie…
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15. Trailblazing Tactics: Hiring Smart - When to Train and When to Bring in Experts
17:59
17:59
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17:59In this episode, Samantha C. Prestidge dives into the critical decision-making behind hiring based on soft skills versus technical skills in the construction industry. She discusses the importance of having the right processes, support systems, and culture in place to set new hires up for success, and shares personal anecdotes and practical advice …
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14. Staying Local, Staying Loyal: How one company attracts and retains top talent with Jose Amaya
33:04
33:04
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33:04In this episode, Samantha C. Prestidge speaks with Jose Amaya, Chief Business Development Officer at Pinkard Construction. They discuss the importance of work-life balance, Pinkard's commitment to the Front Range of Colorado, and the company's focus on affordable housing. Jose shares insights on maintaining a fulfilling career in the construction i…
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13. Trailblazing Tactics: Breaking Down Silos
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12:11In this episode, Samantha talks about the concept of silos within businesses and how they create divisions, inefficiencies, and frustrations. She elaborates on identifying silos, understanding their costs, and breaking them down to foster a culture of collaboration and communication. Samantha also provides actionable steps for leaders to improve te…
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12. From Necessary Evils to Strategic Wins: Contracts with Megan Shapiro
35:34
35:34
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35:34In this episode, Samantha C. Prestidge interviews Megan Sharpio, a legal expert specializing in construction contracts. They delve into the often-overlooked potential of contracts to enhance profitability, strengthen relationships, and mitigate risks in the construction industry. Megan provides insights and actionable steps for construction leaders…
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11. Trailblazing Tactics: Flatter Org Structures
17:26
17:26
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17:26In this episode, Samantha C. Prestidge discusses the importance of flatter organizational structures in the building industry. She compares vertical and horizontal org charts, explores the issues with excessive management layers, and provides actionable steps for companies to transition to more efficient, people-focused structures. Samantha also di…
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10. Navigating Leadership Transitions with Vincent Deorio
37:50
37:50
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37:50In this episode Samantha C. Prestige chats with Vincent Deorio, CEO of Red Team Homes. They discuss Vincent's journey stepping into his role, the complexities of team transformation, market dynamics, and innovative strategies for preserving cash and diversifying revenue streams. With a strong emphasis on patience, leadership, and people-focused cul…
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9. Advocating For The Underdog with Clint Schmitz
34:02
34:02
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34:02In this episode, host Samantha C. Prestidge interviews Clint Schmitz, the founder of Schmitz Design Build in Colorado. Clint shares his journey from playing in the dirt on a farm in Iowa to launching his own commercial design build contractor firm. They discuss the importance of building relationships, leveraging technology, and the challenges of g…
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8. Trailblazing Tactics: Wisdom From Toddlers
10:58
10:58
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10:58In this episode, Samantha explores the surprising similarities between managing employees and parenting toddlers. She shares five essential lessons learned from parenting that can be effectively applied to leading teams: active listening, giving direction, offering praise and attention, practicing what you preach, and reflection and awareness. Sama…
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7. Trailblazing Tactics: Building Bridges of Communication
13:49
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13:49In this episode, Samantha discusses the critical importance of effective communication in the construction industry. She explores common communication pitfalls that lead to project inefficiencies and financial losses and offers practical solutions for building a culture of clarity, transparency, and active listening within teams. Listeners will lea…
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6. Trailblazing Tactics: Work-Life Balance
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13:11In this episode, Samantha C. Prestidge delves into the controversial and often misunderstood topic of work-life balance. She explores common misconceptions, discusses practical examples, and offers valuable insights on achieving a balanced, fulfilling, and efficient work life. Samantha shares personal anecdotes and client stories to illustrate how …
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5. Leading by Example with Raymond Sonnier
55:01
55:01
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55:01In this episode, Samantha C. Prestidge engages in a riveting conversation with Raymond Sonnier, Director of Damage Prevention at GAC Enterprises. Bringing over 30 years of industry experience, Raymond discusses the transformative impact of leading by example, building trust within teams, and the importance of self-leadership. He shares personal sto…
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4. Trailblazing Tactics: Asking Tough Questions
12:17
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12:17In this episode of Construction Trailblazers, Samantha C. Prestige dives into the importance of asking tough questions to drive real growth and solve underlying issues in business. By sharing experiences and strategies, Samantha emphasizes the value of healthy conflict and digging deep to get to the root causes of problems, moving beyond surface-le…
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By Samantha C. Prestige
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2. Trailblazing Tactics: Leading Through Mistakes
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9:45By Samantha C. Prestige
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1. Trailblazing Tactics: Paving the Way from Hands-On to Hands-Off
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9:45The Art of Delegation: Empowering Your Construction Team for Success In this episode of Construction Trailblazers, Samantha C discusses the crucial skill of delegation in the construction industry. Discover why it's vital to empower your team by assigning the right tasks and how this can boost productivity, team morale, and overall company success.…
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"Welcome to 'Construction Trailblazers: Paving The Way to Excellence. I'm your host, Samantha C. Prestidge, bringing you insights from the forefront of construction innovation. We're here to dive deep with the people shaping the future of construction, from those who lead the charge in excellence to the pioneers of industry innovation. This podcast…
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