Constructing Greatness

"It's just not for everyone. It's really hard. And I think it's important to be honest; that it's a really, really tough job. But the tough jobs that you find a way to excel and win in are extraordinarily rewarding." - Coty FournierIn this episode, we have the privilege to learn all about business development and construction operations from Coty Fournier, who has over 25 years of sustained success in the space on both sides of the owner-contractor equation. Coty is a Professional Talent Development and Growth Strategist, Trainer, Workshopper, Speaker, and Author. She is also the co-founder and former CEO of Jobsite123.com, the industry's first search and qualify engine, acquired by The Blue Book Building & Construction Network.Throughout this episode, you'll hear about Coty's journey into construction and her brilliant strategy to pave her path in the space without having a family background in the construction industry. You'll also hear Coty's thoughts on staying true to one's passion when choosing a career, the value of teaching and mentoring in construction, and how to succeed as a minority in the industry.Additionally, we talk about her book, "Inside Commercial Construction's MVPs," a true gem still relevant after a decade, her eagerness to improve herself constantly, and much more.In This Episode, You Will Learn:A bit about Coty's first steps in the construction industry (4:30)If you pick architecture for the money, you'll end up in construction (10:00)Coty talks about her strategy to add to her well-roundedness (16:20)Launching a .com before it was cool, growing it, and then selling it (24:00)Coty and her superpower of cloning herself (35:40)Is going to college a good idea? Coty shares her thoughts on education's ROI (43:00)Connect with Coty Fournier:WebsiteLinkedInFacebookBook: Coty Fournier - Inside Commercial Construction's MVPs: 7 reasons why they get promoted faster, make more money, and enjoy a seemingly unfair advantage over everybody else.Let's Connect!LinkedInInstagram TwitterMPC Builders - WebsiteMPC Builders - Facebook

Have you ever thought a massive setback might be an opportunity to change your life? Sometimes, it is about being ready to adapt and understanding that life happens for us, not to us. In today's episode, I'm honored to receive the extraordinary Chris Harder to talk about unconventional paths to success, his unique perspective on life, entrepreneurship, resilience to bounce back from adversity, and relentless attitude to always look for the sunny side of life. Chris is an Investor, Entrepreneur, Philanthropist, Host of the Chris Harder Show, and Founder of Frello, an app that makes friendlier loans by pairing those with needs with those with means.Throughout this episode, Chris talks about his unconventional path to success, from being booted out of college to becoming Vice President of HSBC, oscillating between wealth and scarcity, and losing everything and gaining it back several times. We talk about his podcast, which has over 850 episodes, the circumstances that forced him to rebrand the pod, and how his adaptability helped him get something positive out of that setback. Additionally, Chris shares his thoughts on reaching happiness and fulfillment, nurturing a healthy and long-lasting marriage, friendships, networking, entrepreneurship, and much more. Some Questions I Ask:Can you talk about your college days? (5:20)How did you get to work with mortgages after your time at HSBC? (22:00)In This Episode, You Will Learn:How learning about sales and leadership helped Chris (7:20)The fantastic story of how Chris talked his way into HSBC (13:00)About one of the more critical moments in Chris's life (19:00)Chris talks about the link between generosity and success (27:50)Happiness comes from pursuing a cause, not from crossing the finish line (37:30)Connect with Chris:WebsiteInstagramText him the word "Daily" at 310-421-0416 to receive a Positive Money Mantra every morning Let's Connect!LinkedInInstagram TwitterMPC Builders - WebsiteMPC Builders - Facebook

Did you know, right after high school, what you wanted to do with your life?For most people, even those with a strong inclination when they are kids, it takes time, patience, proper support and guidance, and multiple experiences. Today, I'm joined by Jim Gardler, Director of MEP Operations at Bala Consulting Engineers, to talk about his vocational discovery journey, the moment he realized he wanted to be a mechanical engineer, and the choices and experiences that led him to develop a successful career in the construction industry. Throughout our conversation, you'll hear about Jim's passion for taking things apart to understand how they worked, how he progressed from mechanical engineer to project manager to working with commissioning, and finally, his position as a Director at Bala. Jim also talks about the several certifications he worked on to "put his money where his mouth is" and keep growing as a professional, his love for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, how it stimulates not only his physical but his mental health, and shares his thoughts on the choice every kid faces after finishing high school. Some Questions I Ask:When you were a teenager, did you know you wanted to be an engineer? (4:00)Could you talk about your consulting experience at Polaris? (19:40)In This Episode, You Will Learn:Jim talks about his first steps in engineering (8:40)About Jim's passion for working hands-on (16:50)What is commissioning? Jim talks about his first experiences in the field (23:30)A bit about Bala's culture (32:00)Jim's thoughts on "doing hard things every day for an easy life" (40:00)Jim shares terrific advice for high schoolers thinking about joining the construction industry (45:10)Connect with Jim:LinkedInLet's Connect!LinkedInInstagram TwitterMPC Builders - WebsiteMPC Builders - Facebook

"It's hard to learn who you are, but it's really easy to understand who you are not."In this episode, I'm joined by Kieran Williams to talk about entrepreneurship, priorities, motivation, and the thought process of choosing a career path. Kieran is a former competitive soccer player, a New Jersey native, a Digital Identity Specialist, and the Owner of The Garage Gym, a 24/7 access fitness facility created for folks tired of overcrowded mainstream gyms. You'll hear about Kieran's journey into entrepreneurship, his thoughts on what he learned about business from his Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, compared to what he learned from it in real life, and his passion for endurance sports. We also talk about staying motivated to care for our health and fitness, the teaching experience of running a business, and the importance of keeping our minds busy and constantly growing.Additionally, Kieran shares tips and advice for young people who are uncertain about their career path, talk about how he became a Digital Identity Specialist, and much more.Some Questions I Ask:You have a Bachelor's of Business Administration, Logistics, Materials, and Supply Chain management. What did you want to do with that degree? (6:00)When do you think you realized you wanted to be an entrepreneur? (18:40)In This Episode, You Will Learn:A lot of kids get into college without knowing what they want to do with their lives (10:10)Running a business is a teaching experience (12:40)A bit about Kieran and his passion for endurance sports (23:10)What are you really saying when you say: I don't have time for that (30:20)What is The Garage Gym, who is it for, and how it works (36:10)The importance of finding like-minded people (43:00)Kieran's advice for young people still looking for a path to follow (51:30)Connect with Kieran:The Garage Gym websiteInstagramKieran's InstagramLet's Connect!LinkedInInstagram TwitterMPC Builders - WebsiteMPC Builders - Facebook

Is it possible to start a company with zero knowledge or experience in the industry and turn it into a successful business? In today's episode, I'm joined by the wonderful Shira Charles, Interior Design Expert, Entrepreneur, ADHD Advocate, and Mom. Shira founded Charles Interior almost 8 years ago, and thanks to her passion and natural talent for interior design, she turned the company into a national design firm, broadly known in the industry and completing projects nationwide. "Only six months before I opened my business, I knew that interior design was a career and that people were behind these decisions. I just thought they were people with good taste and scents and people without it." - Shira Charles.Throughout our conversation, we explore the links between entrepreneurship and identity, Shira's experiences acknowledging her ADHD, and how she reframed her identity around it. We also talk about Shira's passion for impacting the community, her entrepreneurship lessons, hobbies, advice for the youth, and so much more. Some Questions I Ask:You were an Executive Assistant and Design Coordinator. Were you into design before that? (5:40)Please talk more about your personal mission to highlight others. (10:40)In This Episode, You Will Learn:The moment Shira realized being a problem-solver was her superpower (7:00)About Shira's identity. Dealing with ADHD (15:20)Starting a business with zero experience in the field and turning it into a successful company (18:00)A bit about Shira's passion for making a positive impact (25:50)Shira's advice for young people about entrepreneurship (30:50)Connect with Shira:WebsiteLinkedInInstagramLet's Connect!LinkedInInstagram TwitterMPC Builders - WebsiteMPC Builders - Facebook

Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a Registered Investment Advisor, Member FINRA/SIPC. The opinions voiced in this podcast are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. To determine which strategies or investments may be suitable for you, consult the appropriate qualified professional prior to making a decision.Is there anything you would like to do, yet you hold yourself back for some reason because you probably couldn't anyway? In this episode, I'm joined by the inspiring Russell Doup, Public Speaker, LPL Financial Advisor, and former kicker and National Champion with The Ohio State University NCAA football team. Although Russell started playing football halfway through his senior year in high school, he accepted replacing an injured kicker last minute in a football match. At the end of that year, he walked on the Ohio State football team in 2010 as a kicker and majored in Marketing four years later.He believes putting ourselves under stressful situations is the best way of creating resilience and the path to personal and professional growth. We had a fantastic conversation about self-confidence, how to use challenges and stressful situations to elevate ourselves, and the importance of having a curious mind. Russell also talks about his decision to become a speaker, how seeking discomfort has helped throughout his career, his future plans as a podcaster and writer, and so much more.Some Questions I Ask:Talk a little bit about why you went to Ohio State and why you took the major that you did (5:20)Could you define the Walk-on Mentality? (13:40)In This Episode, You Will Learn:About how Russell got into football (5:50)The triple win Russell discovered in financial planning (10:00)Russell talks about the doors that hard work opens (16:20)How public speaking fits into Rusell's life (20:20)The importance of seeking stressful and uncomfortable situations (22:50)Russell talks a bit about his future plans (28:50)Connect with Russell:LinkedInInstagramTwitterLet's Connect!LinkedInInstagram TwitterMPC Builders - WebsiteMPC Builders - Facebook