Jul 25 2024 51 mins 1
Ted speaks with Brad Leavitt, founder of AFT Construction in Scottsdale, AZ. From his beginnings as an electrician to running a successful and award-winning custom home building business, Brad shares his insights on leadership, hiring the best people, and building a brand. Through the many challenges and mistakes, Brad has persevered and learned how to overcome the obstacles in his path. Now a successful entrepreneur, he shares with Ted how he encourages the younger generation, how he retains a stellar staff, and where his company is headed next.
TOPICS DISCUSSED
- 02:20 Brad's Rise in the Construction Industry
- 04:40 Putting together a good team
- 07:50 The Role of Interior Designers in Construction
- 11:55 Building a Brand, Financial Management, and Systems and Processes
- 18:20 Allowing Yourself to Fail and Learning from Mistakes
- 20:55 Dealing with Shiny Object Syndrome
- 21:55 The Importance of Optimism in Leadership
- 26:25 Exciting New Relationships and Rising Stars
- 28:15 The Impact of AI on the Building Community
- 30:55 The Potential of Robots in Construction
- 32:35 The Toyota Five Principles of Problem-Solving
- 38:20 Managing client expectations and change orders
- 41:15 The Importance of Trade Skills for the Younger Generation
- 46:35 Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
- 47:45 Building a Strong Online Presence through Social Media
CONNECT WITH GUEST
Brad Leavitt
KEY QUOTES FROM EPISODE
- "Leadership is about showing empathy and caring for your team."
- "Building a brand is crucial for business growth and success."
- "AI is going to change... how manufacturers are operating."
