Dirt Talk by BuildWitt: Episode DT 292 – "Bidding Construction Better" with Tristan Wilson

Release Date: November 28, 2024

Introduction

In this riveting episode of Dirt Talk, host Aaron from BuildWitt engages in an in-depth conversation with special guest Tristan Wilson. They delve into the multifaceted world of construction bidding, leadership, the evolving role of software in construction, and the intricacies of running a family-owned business. Throughout the episode, Aaron and Tristan share personal experiences, industry insights, and practical advice aimed at uplifting the construction sector.

1. Embracing Software in Construction

Aaron initiates the discussion by highlighting the importance of adaptability in the construction industry. He shares the company's recent pivot towards becoming a software-focused enterprise, emphasizing scalability and the ability to impact a broader audience.

"Software allows us to tackle that more basic training that the industry is lacking and be really effective and save everybody from having to do it themselves."
— Aaron [01:23]

Tristan explores the reasoning behind this strategic shift, underscoring the standardization of core construction principles. He points out that despite the uniqueness of each company, many foundational challenges remain consistent across the industry, making software solutions highly effective.

2. The Critical Role of Training and Safety

A significant portion of the conversation centers on the necessity of standardized training in construction. Tristan emphasizes how the influx of newcomers to job sites, many lacking prior experience, has made comprehensive training essential.

"Training is safety. So without training, you don't have safety."
— Aaron [05:34]

Tristan elaborates on the return on investment (ROI) for training programs, linking them directly to enhanced safety measures and reduced incidents. By framing training as a safety imperative, rather than a cost, he makes a compelling case for its adoption.

3. Leadership Dynamics in Construction

The duo delves into what it takes to foster effective leadership within construction teams. Tristan recounts his experience with a standout superintendent, Jimmy Fulton, who exemplifies holistic leadership by balancing managerial duties with personal mentorship.

"You may have to be an accountant, a lawyer, and even a psychiatrist."
— Tristan Wilson [11:14]

Aaron and Tristan discuss the evolving expectations of leaders in the construction industry, highlighting the need for leaders to connect deeply with their teams and provide multifaceted support beyond just project management.

4. Leveraging Social Media for Business Growth

Aaron and Tristan explore the impact of social media presence on construction businesses. Tristan shares his journey of building a strong online presence, initially skeptical but ultimately recognizing its value in recruitment and client engagement.

"It's incredibly helped me tremendously."
— Tristan Wilson [17:56]

They discuss strategies for effective digital branding, emphasizing authenticity and the importance of sharing diverse content beyond just professional achievements to humanize the business and attract talent.

5. Navigating Family Business Challenges

Tristan provides an intimate look into the complexities of managing a family-owned construction company. He recounts the challenges faced during the transition to the fourth generation, highlighting issues of family dynamics and business disagreements.

"It's hard. And that's, I think that's why a lot of companies don't make it just that dynamic alone."
— Aaron [65:54]

The conversation underscores the importance of clear operating agreements and the difficulties inherent in balancing family relationships with business objectives. Tristan reflects on his personal decision to leave the family business after its sale to CRH, illustrating the emotional toll such transitions can take.

6. The Art and Science of Estimating and Bidding

A major focus of the episode is the challenging nature of estimating and bidding in the construction industry. Tristan shares his personal missteps and the lessons learned from early bidding failures, which inspired him to found EdgeVanta—a company dedicated to helping contractors bid more effectively.

"Estimating is actually more of an art than a science."
— Tristan Wilson [85:29]

Both Aaron and Tristan discuss the visibility of bidding outcomes, the emotional impact of winning or losing bids, and the critical need for accurate historical data to inform future bids. They highlight how EdgeVanta aims to streamline this process, enabling contractors to win more jobs at the right prices by leveraging data-driven insights.

7. Profitability and Workforce Sustainability in Construction

The conversation shifts to the broader economic challenges facing the construction industry, particularly the balance between profitability and workforce investment. Aaron and Tristan critique the current market dynamics that often prioritize low bids over sustainable business practices, leading to underinvestment in employee wages and training.

"The contractor would be like, listen, that's the market. Like, my hands are tied."
— Aaron [88:08]

They advocate for the necessity of increasing profitability to allow for better wages and investments in the workforce, positing that such changes are essential for long-term industry sustainability and the cultivation of the next generation of construction leaders.

8. Comparisons with International Infrastructure Practices

Towards the episode's conclusion, Aaron and Tristan compare the infrastructure development approaches of the United States with those of other countries like Norway and China. They express frustration with the perceived lack of prioritization and efficiency in U.S. infrastructure projects.

"It's very isolated too, which is quite interesting."
— Tristan Wilson [31:18]

The discussion highlights how other nations effectively prioritize and invest in infrastructure, resulting in more robust and efficient systems, a contrast starkly different from the challenges faced in the U.S. construction landscape.

Insights and Conclusions

Throughout this episode, Aaron and Tristan illuminate the critical intersections of technology, leadership, training, and economic practices within the construction industry. They advocate for:

• Adoption of software solutions to enhance scalability and standardize training.
• Holistic leadership that fosters deep connections and multifaceted support for teams.
• Effective use of social media to build authentic brands and attract both clients and talent.
• Sustainable family business practices with clear agreements to navigate generational transitions.
• Data-driven bidding and estimating to minimize financial losses and maximize profitability.
• Investment in workforce sustainability, including competitive wages and continuous training, to ensure long-term industry health.
• Learning from international infrastructure practices to improve efficiency and prioritization.

Their candid discussion serves as a valuable resource for construction professionals seeking to navigate industry challenges, embrace innovation, and build resilient, profitable businesses.

Notable Quotes

• Aaron on defining the company as a software firm:

  "Software company, everything else we're doing needs to reinforce that and further that if it doesn't, we can't afford to do it anymore."
  — [00:30]

• Tristan on the art of estimating:

  "Estimating is actually more of an art than a science."
  — [85:29]

• Aaron on training as safety:

  "Training is safety. So without training, you don't have safety."
  — [05:34]

• Tristan on leadership responsibilities:

  "You may have to be an accountant, a lawyer, and even a psychiatrist."
  — [11:14]

• Aaron on social media’s impact:

  "Your brand, the bigger your brand, the more valuable you are to build with."
  — [27:57]

This episode of Dirt Talk offers a comprehensive exploration of the current state and future directions of the construction industry, providing listeners with actionable insights and a deep understanding of the multifaceted challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.