Bred To Build - Construction Podcast

Victor Sella from United Contractors joins us for a candid conversation on one of the most overlooked parts of running a construction business: payroll, certified payroll, compliance, and back office infrastructure.We dig into why so many contractors invest heavily in the field while ignoring the systems behind the scenes that directly affect profitability, employee trust, and long term growth. Victor shares what he has learned from working with more than 500 contractors, including the common payroll mistakes that quietly cost companies real money every year.We also get into: Union payroll complexityOutdated softwareAI hypeAnd why the best operators are not just better builders, but better system thinkers. Keith brings a real world operator perspective on what it takes to scale, compete above your weight class, and build a business that treats people well without losing control of the numbers.This episode is for contractors who know the back office is not just overhead...it is infrastructure. And when your back-office runs a tight ship, payroll and compliance can become your biggest competitive advantage. --The Bred to Build Podcast is built for construction professionals looking to learn, grow, and level up — subscribe now for fresh episodes and industry conversations from the best of the best.Liking The Podcast? Subscribe. Drop a review. --Podcast Powered by Hammr 🔨Hammr: Built for specialty contractors who want to simplify Construction Payroll & HR.--Connect on SocialPodcast on Instagram @bredtobuildpodcastHammr's Instagram @wearehammr LinkedIn @hammrYouTube👷‍♂️ Victor Sella (Guest)LinkedInUnited Contractors👷‍♂️ Brek (Co-Host)LinkedInHammr.com👷‍♂️ Keith Callaway Jr. (Co-Host)InstagramLinkedIn

Have you ever felt like you had a "make you" or "break you" project? We dive in with Victor Mezhvinsky, President and Founder of FORMA Construction, whose journey from immigrant roots to luxury builder is nothing short of inspiring -- Especially with one make or break project that defined his future. Episode Summary: Family Journey and High ExpectationsThe Epiphany and Entrepreneurial DriveNavigating Challenges and Building SuccessThe Project That Defined His Future Craftsmanship and Company CultureInnovation and Growth MindsetLiking the podcast? 🎧Subscribe to the podcastLeave an awesome review--EPISODE NOTES:Family Journey and High Expectations:Victor shares his family's journey from the Soviet Union to the United States, highlighting the hardworking ethos instilled by his father.He reflects on the high-pressure environment at home and the expectations placed on him to succeed in conventional professions.The Epiphany and Entrepreneurial Drive:The pivotal moment when he realized his true calling in construction, spurred by a desire to break away from societal norms.He discusses the risk-taking mindset that led him to venture into real estate and ultimately establish FORMA Construction.Navigating Challenges and Building Success:Victor's early challenges, including securing a significant loan and navigating disagreements with his business partner.Importance of prioritizing quality over quantity, which set FORMA Construction apart in the industry.Craftsmanship and Company Culture:Victor shares his obsession with craftsmanship and the company's commitment to excellence, driving a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.FORMA's mission and values, emphasizing the importance of aligning the team with a shared vision.Innovation and Growth Mindset:How Victor stays ahead of innovation and fostering a growth mindset among its employees.Insights into maintaining a balance between setting high expectations and providing validation and support to the team.Victor's favorite Vicism“What got you here won’t get you there.”“Just because I give you a recipe, it doesn’t make you a chef.”“Good judgement comes from experience, good experience comes from bad judgement.”--PODCAST POWERED BY HAMMR 🔨Hammr: Construction Payroll, HR & Operations — in one place-> Visit Hammr.com to Get Your Free Demo <---FOLLOW US ON:Podcast on Instagram @bredtobuildpodcastHammr's Instagram @wearehammr CONNECT WITH US: 👷‍♂️ Victor Mezhvinsky (Guest)InstagramLinkedInWebsite👷‍♂️ Matt (Co-Host)YouTube@mattbangswood on InstagramLinkedIn👷‍♂️ Brek (Co-Host)LinkedInHammr.com@wearehammr on Instagram

On this episode we dive in with Herb Sargent, President and CEO of Sargent Corporation, known for their heavy civil construction work across seven states in the Northeast.Episode Summary: Exploring Sargent CorporationTransition to Employee OwnershipInvesting in People and DevelopmentUtilizing Podcasting for Company GrowthFuture Outlook and Personal Reflections--Exploring Sargent Corporation:Insights into Sargent Corporation's extensive operations and its evolution into a prominent player in heavy civil construction.Herb's brief college experience and the pivotal decision to return to the family business.Transition to Employee Ownership:The journey of transitioning Sargent Corporation into an employee-owned business, emphasizing his commitment to building a legacy beyond familial succession.Dig into the significance of employee ownership and its impact on company culture and success.Investing in People and Development:Emphasis on personnel development, retirement planning, and creating opportunities for employee growth.Sargent Construction Academy, designed to recruit, train, and empower individuals in the construction industry.Utilizing Podcasting for Company Growth:Sargent's On-Track Podcast and its role in amplifying the company's mission of investing in people.Insights on the concept of "Momentum of the Flywheel" and its relevance to sustaining organizational success through continuous development and execution.Future Outlook and Herb's Personal Reflections:Get a glimpse into the future plans and developments of Sargent Corporation, emphasizing a commitment to long-term vision and adaptability.Herb's personal journey and the pivotal moments where belief from others truly shaped his confidence and leadership approach.Liking the podcast? 🎧Subscribe to the podcastLeave an awesome review-- Podcast Powered by Hammr 🔨Hammr: Construction Payroll, HR & Operations — in one placeUpgrade and consolidate your systems. -> Visit Hammr.com to Get Your Free Demo <- --Follow us on Social & Give us a Shout.Follow our Podcast on Instagram @bredtobuildpodcastFollow Hammr's Instagram @wearehammr Connect with us...👷‍♂️ Herb Sargent (Guest)InstagramLinkedInYouTubeWebsite👷‍♂️ Matt (Co-Host)YouTube@mattbangswood on InstagramLinkedIn👷‍♂️ Brek (Co-Host)LinkedInHammr.com@wearehammr on Instagram

7 Ways Sell On Value Not Price. We break down 7 topics in the episode and how it's worked for TJ Snowdon in his business. Communicate well. Communicate often. Be responsive. Take initiative. Get organized. Build systems. Show up. Be confident in your work. But don't be cocky.Look the part. Be professional.Make sure you're qualifying your client. Not just them qualifying you. Getting your systems in place isn't your strong suit?Hammr has got your back. Time tracking, payroll, benefits and compliance — in one place.The all-in-one platform built for Construction. -> Visit Hammr.com to Get Your Free Demo <- --Liking the podcast? Show us and our guests some support.Subscribe to the podcastAnd write us an awesome reviewFollow us on Social & Give us a Shout.Follow our Podcast on Instagram @bredtobuildpodcastFollow Hammr's Instagram @wearehammr Connect with us on...👷‍♂️ TJ Snowdon (Guest)Snowdon Construction on InstagramWebsitePrevious Episode w/ TJ Snowdon: Ep. 2 Building Camaraderie 👷‍♂️ Matt (Co-Host)YouTube@mattbangswood on InstagramLinkedIn👷‍♂️ Brek (Co-Host)LinkedInHammr.com@wearehammr on Instagram

We did something new. We brought on a listener to share how the podcast has positively impacted them. Here are some things Lucas said during this episode:"Yes, recommend 10/10. Listen to the podcast. Take in as much content as you can. It has been phenomenal.""Taking those points from the podcast and like morphing it into... what can this do for me? And it's just been compounding.""They should listen to it because the content is there. Look beyond the conversation, and picture in your mind, like, how can I put that into play? And, what can I do to morph that idea into my business and into my brand?" Lucas Comstock originally posted on Brek's LinkedIn (this post) and shared how the podcast has been a game changer for him and his business. We decided to bring him on here to share knowledge he's gained and the improvements being made in his life. Some key topics:Bred To Build was the first to come up when he searched "construction" in Apple Podcasts3 episodes have been game changers for him (Episode 27, 31, 32)The podcast content is top-notch but make sure you actually apply it so you can leanPodcast Powered by Hammr Hammr is the first all-in-one platform specifically built for contractors to track time, run payroll, job cost, and manage HR without the back-office complexity. Trusted by top contractors.-> Visit Hammr.com to Get Your Free Demo <- --Liking the podcast? Show us and our guests some support.Subscribe to the podcastWrite us an awesome reviewWe wouldn't be here without your supportFollow us on Social & Give us a Shout.Follow our Podcast on Instagram @bredtobuildpodcastFollow Hammr's Instagram @wearehammr Connect with us on...👷‍♂️ Lucas Comstock (Guest)LinkedInInstagram👷‍♂️ Matt (Co-Host)YouTubeInstagram @mattbangswood👷‍♂️ Brek (Co-Host)LinkedInHammr.comInstagram @wearehammr

In this episode, we dig into some powerful topics including: Recovery and becoming the best version of yourself (a true transformation story)The importance of second chances and being a second chance employerLeadership advice for building culture and empowering employeesAnd Keith's experience of completing a 100 mile ultra marathon1) Keith shares his wild and inspiring story of recovery and turning his life around. He discussing his struggles with addiction and the process of rebuilding his life.2) Keith digs deeper into the topic of second chances, sharing about his experience as a second chance employer and his observations about those seeking a second chance. We talk about the importance of second chances and the support systems he has in place to help employees build better futures. 3) We gain insights on building culture, addressing mental health and addiction in the workplace, and dealing with disagreements. We also touch on the importance of empowering employees to become independent thinkers.4) We hear about his experience of completing a 100 mile ultra marathon, including the mental and physical challenges faced and how he dealt with the discomfort. If you like chasing your potential, you'll appreciate hearing about the 40% rule. If you enjoy this episode or learn something new, please drop us an awesome 5-star review on Apple Podcasts.---Liking the podcast?Subscribe & write an awesome review. We wouldn't be here without your support.Follow us on Social & Give us a Shout. Our Podcast on Instagram @bredtobuildpodcastHammr's Instagram @wearehammr Podcast Powered by HammrConstruction Payroll Made Easy. Built for subcontractors. Connect with us on...👷‍♂️ Keith Callaway Jr (Guest)LinkedInInstagram @keithcallawayjrInstagram @kandlindustries 👷‍♂️ Matt (Co-Host)YouTubeInstagram @mattbangswood👷‍♂️ Brek (Co-Host)LinkedInHammr.comInstagram @wearehammr

Like war stories? You'll enjoy this episode. Taking over a business went south for this twenty-something year old builder. $400,000 in the red. Tune in to hear how this builder fought his way back to building a multi-million dollar business in 4 years.

Tune in to hear what the leading builders and experts have to say about the market and what's changing.