Parker Perrien is the CEO of Diamond Solutions, a comprehensive property maintenance and management company based in Michigan, specializing in commercial asphalt maintenance, sealcoating, and line-striping for parking lots. With a bold passion for entrepreneurship, Parker began his journey into business at 18, following in his father's footsteps in asphalt patching and expanding into various property services. His adept problem-solving skills and enthusiasm for overcoming technical challenges have propelled the company's growth, enabling its expansion into more than 30 states across the US. Additionally, Parker is deeply devoted to his family, caring for his wife with a chronic illness and a young daughter with Trisomy 18, showcasing his strong personal and professional commitment and adaptability. In this episode… Managing family dynamics and navigating the complexities of business responsibilities can seem like two separate realms. Yet, upon closer inspection, there’s an unexpected symmetry, with both domains demanding a delicate balance of negotiation, communication, and strategic decision-making. What can you learn from a thriving entrepreneur who juggles family challenges with the relentless pursuit of business success?  From humble beginnings in asphalt patching to leading a multifaceted enterprise, Parker Perrien's story is one of resilience and unwavering commitment to excellence. Early in his entrepreneurship journey, Parker’s life took a profound turn with personal challenges. His dedication to his family, particularly his wife battling chronic illness and his daughter diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder, reshaped his priorities. Embracing a hybrid model, Diamond Solutions thrives on subcontracted work, focusing on clear communication and efficient project management. He now shares his journey to finding purpose amidst life's challenges and adopting growth opportunities. In this episode of Get the Intel, Chad Gill interviews Parker Perrien, the CEO of Diamond Solutions, to discuss the intersection of family bonds and entrepreneurial success. Parker shares how he navigated entrepreneurship while facing adversities such as family illness and a daughter's rare genetic disorder. He also discussed strategies for optimizing contract management, effective management of remote teams and system implementation, and the importance of delegation in the family.

Eduard Brink is the Founder and CEO of Brink Licht, which provides lighting solutions for residential and commercial projects. With over 20 years of industry experience, he has led projects across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, distinguishing himself as a leader in innovative lighting design. He is also the Co-founder of CatalystIQ, a team of industry experts fostering knowledge sharing in the rapidly evolving world of AI. Beyond his role, Eduard wears many hats in the world of entrepreneurship. He is a speaker, investor, and co-host of the Love Not Fear podcast, where he offers valuable insights on self-discovery and aligning actions with inner truths. As an accelerator coach and a trifecta expert at the Entrepreneurs' Organization, Eduard commits to connecting with like-minded individuals, sharing experiences, and fostering growth.  In this episode… In high-stake decision-making, two forces often compete for our attention: fear and love. Fear-based decisions can be paralyzing, driven by worries about the unknown, failure, or rejection. On the flip side, love-based decision-making emerges from a place of courage, authenticity, and alignment with personal values. What can you learn from an entrepreneur leveraging this mindset to thrive in life and business? Eduard Brink, a coach, speaker, and entrepreneur, shares his journey to embrace love-based decisions. As a successful entrepreneur in the lighting industry, Eduard realized the unsustainability of the traditional business model focused solely on profit and growth. This revelation led him to transform his company, aiming for B Corp certification, a testament to his commitment to sustainability and transparency. Embracing love-based decision-making, he embarked on a path of conscious business practices, prioritizing quality, repairability, and environmental impact. Additionally, Eduard’s bold move of letting another entrepreneur run his company for a week, despite fear and uncertainty, demonstrates the power of stepping out of one’s comfort zone, making intentional choices, and creating lives filled with purpose, growth, and fulfillment. In this episode of Get the Intel, Chad Gill hosts Eduard Brink, the Founder and CEO of Brink Licht, to discuss the value of love-based decision-making. Eduard shares his inspiration for transitioning to sustainability, embracing fearlessness in critical situations, his journey to self-discovery, and the value of networking with industry peers.

Chelsea Ellis-Hogan is the CEO, President, and Owner of Jim Reynolds Asphalt Contractor, an expert in residential and commercial asphalt maintenance. For over 10 years, she has employed her leadership development, project management, brand marketing, and digital marketing skills to transform Jim Reynolds Asphalt into an industry leader. Chelsea is a public speaker, business consultant, and Amazon best-seller author of Fail to Success. She received recognition from the Louisville business community as one of the '40 Under 40' achievers and serves as a board member for the Builders Exchange of Kentucky.  In this episode… In the evolving construction industry, innovation is crucial. How can leadership style impact scaling and growth in this space? Entrepreneurial ventures require leaders with a clear vision, well-defined goals, structures, and processes to solidify and extend their businesses’ presence. Business coach and entrepreneur Chelsea Ellis-Hogan offers a transformative approach to value-based leadership by prioritizing employee well-being and recognition. By adopting the “learn, implement, and teach” system, Chelsea leveraged knowledge from mentors, implementing it in business and mentoring others. This approach has helped her navigate growth as a business leader, keeping her company focused on its values. In this episode of Get the Intel, Chad Gill chats with Chelsea Ellis-Hogan, the CEO, President, and Owner of Jim Reynolds Asphalt Contractor, Inc., about value-based leadership and growth in business. Chelsea discusses her journey into entrepreneurship and how she navigated business growth. Her valuable insights challenge conventional leadership norms by advocating for a shift in mindset towards embracing impactful leadership, mentorship, and innovation in the construction industry.

Michael "Mike" Schoenberger is the CEO of Sunco Communication and Installation Ltd., a high-growth business telecommunications company running on the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS). For the past 23 years, he has leveraged his industry experience to help Sunco create top-notch products and services, simplifying business communications for the company’s clients. A 2022 Leaders and Edmonton Award recipient, Mike has supported the entrepreneurial community through mentoring since 2017. He serves on the Advisory Council of the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (Mawji Center) and as the Director for External Engagement, Canada National Committee. In addition, Mike is a public speaker on human connection and mental health and an acting board member of Nanostics Inc., a startup precision health company. In this episode… As social creatures, humans thrive on community. This idea extrapolated into the modern business context, prioritizes human connection as a crucial aspect of success. The quality of one’s social relationships can impact stress levels, decision-making abilities, and creativity. How can leaders nurture business success by fostering genuine human connections? Public speaker and veteran business leader Mike Schoenberger shares his experiences with vulnerability and connection, encouraging others to do the same. After losing his father and mentor, Mike illustrates his story of grief. He highlights how attending the Regional Leadership Academy by the Entrepreneurs’ Organization led to self-discovery. Empowered by the community and emotional release during the leadership summit, he eventually found a way to embrace his father’s legacy and share it with others through company events. Mike emphasizes meditation and journaling to improve self-awareness and decision-making. In addition, exceptional leaders must practice gratitude, lean on their intuition, and share their experiences with vulnerability.  In this episode of Get the Intel, Chad Gill welcomes Michael “Mike” Schoenberger, the CEO of Sunco Communication and Installation Ltd., to discuss real human connection in entrepreneurship. Mike shares his story of loss and growth and how he overcame emotional challenges by connecting with others through art and meditation. He also delves into the intersection of vulnerability and impactful leadership.

Dario Baldoni is the Vice President of Marketing and Technology at Concrete Countertop Solutions(CCS), a leading innovator in the concrete countertop and cantilevered pool coping markets. Established in 2009 to cater to the industry’s need to build beautiful countertops, the company has since grown into a one-stop shop for all decorative concrete needs. With the Z Counterform system at its core, CCS strives to live up to its mission statement and simplify concrete countertops for contractors and DIY enthusiasts. As the company’s technology and marketing lead, Dario’s vision, dedication, and expertise have been pivotal in its evolution into a multimillion-dollar industry leader. In this episode… For many construction contractors, identifying a gap in the market is an opportunity to specialize and become experts in their niche. How can contractors compete more efficiently in the market by leveraging their in-depth knowledge of a specific field? For Concrete Countertop Solutions, establishing industry authority involved launching innovative products in response to an industry need. Drawing from his extensive experience in construction marketing and innovation, Dario Baldoni, an executive at CCS, emphasizes the undeniable benefits of developing expertise in a particular domain. He highlights the advantages of leveraging emerging industry trends and new technologies, including optimized manufacturing processes and streamlined operations. Targeting a specific, underserved niche, enhanced by technological innovations and inventive online marketing, has given the company a distinct advantage in the competitive construction industry. In this episode of Get the Intel, Chad Gill interviews Dario Baldoni, the Vice President of Marketing and Technology at Concrete Countertop Solutions, to discuss niche marketing in construction. They discuss the inspiration behind CCS and the company’s growth, CCS’s marketing strategies for DIY and contractor markets, and the importance of social marketing and web optimization for contractors.

Colton Thurgood is the Operations Manager and Estimator at Sage Demolition, a company dedicated to providing demolition and land-clearing services for commercial and residential clients. Colton’s early immersion into the equipment world, dating back to his formative years, ignited a profound passion for machinery. Committed to professional growth, he continually pursued excellence in heavy machines before pivoting to the demolition industry. Passionate about streamlining operations and exceptional service delivery, Colton embraces daily challenges and distinctive opportunities in operations and estimating.  In this episode… Demolition companies are pivotal in the construction and infrastructure development sectors, impacting everything from residential buildings to commercial sites and urban development. However, their role extends beyond bulldozing. Some demolition contractors specialize in deconstruction, excavation, and ground clearing, contributing to a smoother construction process and fewer unexpected challenges. How can players in this industry navigate the challenges while exploring the opportunities for better service delivery? Operations expert Colton Thurgood navigates the obstacles in the demolition industry with an agile mindset, from finding experienced personnel to recycling materials and adapting new technologies. He highlights how demolition companies can stand out from the competition through innovations such as recycling materials from construction projects, thereby reducing costs for contractors and clients. Emphasizing the importance of focus in building a strong foundation in the industry, Colton shares Sage Demolition’s philosophy of prioritizing a well-organized and visually appealing job site, which has contributed to the company’s new contracts and referrals. His approach embodies a dedication to quality delivery, protecting the environment, and staying abreast of industry trends to streamline operations. In this episode of Get the Intel, Chad Gill hosts Colton Thurgood, the Operations Manager and Estimator at Sage Demolition, about the challenges and opportunities in the demolition industry. Colton shares insights on optimizing construction operations, the challenges Sage Demolition encounters in ensuring high-quality service, and the benefits of recycling in demolition and ground-clearing projects.

Bruno Freitas is the CEO of Empire Pavers, an outdoor construction company specializing in landscape design and outdoor living renovation. With over 15 years of industry experience, Bruno dedicates himself to transforming spaces and empowering dreams. Under his leadership, Empire Pavers has emerged as a leader in outdoor construction with a team of over 100 highly qualified professionals. In addition to building his company into an eight-figure construction business, Bruno is a business consultant who thrives on connecting with like-minded professionals and fostering innovation in design and leadership. He also co-hosts the podcast The Outdoor Builders, where he shares industry insights on hardscaping and landscaping. In this episode… Research indicates that over 1.5 million immigrants work in the US construction industry. However, an immigrant’s path to the American dream isn’t often a straightforward fairy tale. Many immigrants encounter severe challenges, from fears related to immigration laws to difficulties making ends meet and language barriers. How can a newcomer in the construction industry navigate these obstacles and thrive? Bruno Freitas, an outdoor living space expert, began his path into entrepreneurship as an illegal immigrant working as a laborer before pivoting into landscaping and outdoor construction. Having relocated to the country from Brazil at age 16 on a harrowing journey, Bruno hunted for opportunities by offering to help people with their construction jobs, leveraging his ability to speak English and translate between languages to connect with clients. After many years of struggle and starting over several times, he obtained his business licenses and US citizenship, building the company to eight figures and over 100 employees. Tune in to this latest installment of Get the Intel as Chad Gill chats with Bruno Freitas, the CEO of Empire Pavers, about finding success in the construction industry through resilience and purpose. Bruno shares his inspiring immigration story, his entrepreneurship journey, the motivations behind his accomplishments, and the strategies he’s leveraged to scale his construction company to eight figures.

Izabela Pal is the Founder and CEO of AIG Construction, a minority and woman-owned company specializing in residential and commercial construction. Izabela’s zero-to-millionaire success story began with her emigration from Poland to New York, where she gained experience in the construction industry working as a project manager before founding her own business in 2018. A savvy entrepreneur dedicated to fostering a strong workplace culture, she has grown her construction company into a multimillion-dollar business with over 120 employees, aiming for nationwide expansion. In this episode… Every construction company wants rapid growth in an ever-evolving industry. However, scaling a business is no easy feat. What factors should entrepreneurs in the construction field consider when expanding their company? Entrepreneur and developer Izabela Pal faced hurdles during her construction company’s early stages, from surviving the pandemic to substantial insurance challenges. Despite these obstacles, she succeeded by following industry trends and pivoting into new markets, building her woman-owned construction company into a multimillion-dollar business within the first five years of operation. Leveraging the lessons learned in her early days in the industry, Izabela builds her company’s foundation on prioritizing safety in construction projects, persevering in the face of challenges, and taking action instead of overthinking. By creating a safe workplace that values empathy and kindness in interactions, she ensures her employees enjoy the process and maintains a close-knit family atmosphere. Tune in to the latest installment of Get the Intel as Chad Gill hosts Izabela Pal, the Founder and CEO of AIG Construction, to discuss strategies for scaling a construction company. Izabela shares the story behind her journey into entrepreneurship as an immigrant, the challenges she faced growing her company, and how to build a strong workplace culture while prioritizing staff training and standards to ensure consistency in service delivery.

Christopher "Chris" de Pierne is the Owner of TITAN Systems LLC, a team of contractors providing best-in-class coating installation to residential and small commercial markets. TITAN, founded in 2000, utilizes its extensive experience in the coatings and concrete repair industry to assist engineers, architects, and owners in planning and designing unique and functional spaces. Chris is also a Senior Estimator at the Baton Rouge branch of STRUCTURAL, an industry-leading concrete repair company. After starting his professional career as a forensic accountant, Chris transitioned to the concrete repair and restoration industry in 2006. Before becoming an estimator, he garnered experience working as a laborer, foreman, superintendent, and CE inspector.  In this episode… Trade jobs are in high demand, and over 83% of respondents in a trades industry survey feel extremely satisfied with their career choices. Experts attribute this job satisfaction to the career path's stability, followed by competitive compensation and a flexible schedule. So, how can we encourage more people to consider trade careers?  Industry expert Christopher "Chris" de Pierne highlights the importance of trade programs in high schools, reflecting on how he started early in the industry, having struggled with reading but excelled in math and had a sense of purpose when working with his hands. He leveraged his passion to take on more responsibilities, including project management, and finally advanced to a senior estimator in the construction industry. Chris shares his inspiring career journey, emphasizing the accomplishment and fulfillment the younger generation can find in trades. Tune in to this latest episode of Get the Intel as Chad Gill chats with Christopher "Chris" de Pierne, the owner of TITAN Systems, LLC, about his journey in the concrete repair industry. Chris reflects on his career trajectory from laborer to senior estimator, shares insights on career satisfaction strategies, discusses practical estimation in the construction industry, and highlights the importance of encouraging the younger generation to pursue a trades career.

Freddy Deen is the President of Wild Construction, a full-service general contractor specializing in complete roofing systems and exterior remodeling. Wild Construction is a recognized GAF Master Elite asphalt shingle installer, offering the best warranties in the industry. With over 15 years of experience, Freddy leverages his expertise and passion for making things happen through construction. Before founding his construction company, he honed his management skills by working in sales and client development. In this episode… As a contractor in the thriving construction industry, do you find it challenging to keep your firm growing because you're constantly losing employees? Retaining employees is as important as acquiring new clients since your team is your business’s backbone. High turnover rates can result in increased expenses, reduced productivity, and low morale. How do you improve retention to ensure long-term success? Finding and retaining talented employees is an arduous task that most hiring managers need help with, regardless of their industry. However, having skilled and dedicated employees cannot be overstated. Roofing industry expert Freddy Deen believes that people want to belong to a place and feel like their work matters. Contractors must, therefore, be forthcoming and keep their workers involved, in addition to hiring right and delegating effectively. In addition, embracing project management software can also help streamline processes and ensure effective team communication.  In this installment of Get the Intel, Chad Gill welcomes Freddy Deen, the President of Wild Construction. They discuss business growth and retention strategies for contractors and the importance of project management software for contractors. Freddy shares his entrepreneurial journey, his biggest challenges in the industry, and tips to ensure quality roofing.

Mike Bratten is the President of AXIS Structural, a full-service engineering consulting firm in South Central Texas. A professional structural engineer with expertise in design and materials testing, Mike's experience spans multistory buildings using concrete tilt-wall, structural steel, CMU, wood frame, and pre-engineered metal buildings. Before venturing into structural design,  Mike worked as a project manager in the construction materials testing industry, gaining valuable experience in typical methods used in building structures. At AXIS, he leads a 13-member team, including drafting technicians, graduate engineers, and other professional engineers. His responsive, proactive, and hands-on approach to projects has earned accolades, including being named a SABJ 40 Under 40. In this episode… In the complex world of construction project management, recognizing that each participant — architects, engineers, contractors — has a distinct perspective is crucial. While specialized knowledge in their respective fields is essential, particularly for large and complex projects, an even more critical element is understanding how all these specialized roles interweave to bring the project to life. Structural Engineer Mike Bratten stresses the primary role of collaboration, particularly between architects and engineers, for successful building projects. He highlights the growing recognition of involving engineers early in the design process to consider factors like function, efficiency, structure, and technical limitations. Further, preferences for building types, such as retail or multistory offices, can impact material choices (concrete vs. steel) and facade complexity. So, engineers must carefully balance design preferences with safety and practicality, paying close attention to detail. In this episode of Get the Intel, Chad Gill hosts Mike Bratten, the President of AXIS Structural, to discuss the intricacies of structural engineering and construction management. Mike highlights the importance of understanding architects' ideas and taking a hands-on approach for effective project execution. He also reflects on construction engineering in Texas and why project managers should build relationships with local manufacturers.

Beau Atkins is a divorce lawyer and the CEO of Evolve Family Law, a Canadian firm dedicated to protecting the interests of families through trusted and experienced family lawyers. Combining over a decade of experience with divorce, including his parents, Beau is passionate about helping parents separate while protecting their kids. After his frustrating journey navigating the family justice system, Beau leveraged technology and integrated it into all firm processes, law and business alike, to better serve his clients and the public. In this episode… Divorce or separation is hard enough, but it’s even more complex when children are involved. Research has shown that ongoing parental conflicts increase children's risk of psychological and social problems. Divorcing parents must come up with a plan to navigate divorce without harming their young ones. How can parents have an amicable separation? Family lawyer Beau Atkins witnessed his parent’s marriage degenerate as their relationship became toxic. Recalling the traumatic event of standing up to his father at 14, Beau emphasizes the importance of conflict resolution habits. He narrated the long-term effects of the conflicts on each member of his family and how an interview with his parents revealed unexpected memory gaps. To help others avoid the pains of a messy separation, Beau integrates technology into his family law practice, advocating for a process that helps people separate without lawyers or courts. He, however, recommends seeking personal counsel during separation to make the process less painful and help determine if the relationship is truly over. In this episode of Get the Intel, Chad Gill chats with Beau Atkins, the CEO of Evolve Law, about the impact of divorce and how to protect kids when navigating divorce and separation. Beau shares the traumatic experience of his parent's separation, the importance of seeking counsel for affected family members, and his aim of using technology to improve divorce proceedings.

Anna Madill is the CEO and Founder of Avenue, a B Corp digital marketing agency for purpose-driven companies. Founded in 2016, Avenue’s proprietary suite of marketing products and custom services helps brands share their unique stories while growing sustainably and successfully. Anna plays a pivotal role in the company's vision and strategic plan, leading all operational and financial aspects of the business and empowering transformational change for her team, clients, and community. An impact entrepreneur, speaker, mentor, and community leader, she has won multiple awards through her work at Avenue, including the Portland Business Journal's CEO of the Year 2023 and B Lab’s B Corp Best for the World (Workers) and Best for the World (Community) lists for 2022. In this episode… In an era where consumers make purchases based on a brand’s values as much as they do for quality, conscious marketing has become more crucial than ever. How can businesses effectively communicate brand messaging? Does authenticity still hold its ground in this evolving marketing space?  For award-winning digital marketer Anna Madill, conscious marketing — aligning values and identities — is the best way to transform your business from the inside out. Reflecting on the growing pains experienced by her company, Anna says today’s marketing landscape goes beyond throwing a marketing message, a slogan, or a tagline out there. It entails integrating purpose and values into your operations and projecting them through your marketing and company culture. It's not enough for your audience to understand what you do; thoughtful marketing and community impact can help connect with potential customers and build trust. In this episode of Get the Intel, Chad Gill chats with Anna Madill, CEO and Founder of Avenue, as Anna shares her speaking topic of conscious marketing and how she helps companies grow through transformation. She shares case studies of businesses embedding values into every aspect of their operations, the advantages of heartfelt marketing, and how Avenue helps clients to be more intentional and thoughtful in their marketing.

Scott Tannen is the Founder and CEO of Boll & Branch, a company combining luxury and sustainability in the home goods industry. Founded in 2014 by Scott and his wife Missy, Boll & Branch has become the world's largest Fairtrade Certified™ organic cotton consumer, championing ethical textile production practices. Under his vision and direction, the company has grown into one of the largest e-commerce-first luxury home brands, serving millions of customers, including celebrities and US presidents.  Prior to Boll & Branch, Scott spent several years in consumer marketing at Wrigley and Kraft Food's Nabisco before starting Fun Tank, one of the world's leading developers of casual online and mobile games. He has received numerous awards for his innovation in the advertising and creative industry, most recently earning the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year for his achievements at Boll & Branch. In this episode… Inspirational leaders prioritize a supportive work environment by recognizing the potential in others and helping them to be their best. They encourage, challenge, and model open-mindedness, actively soliciting feedback. How can entrepreneurs maintain a clear and shared vision while creating an enjoyable and exciting work environment? Seasoned entrepreneur Scott Tannen reiterates the importance of risk-taking and exceptional leadership. Scott approaches his 10-year entrepreneurial journey with this mindset, preserving the value of building a culture of growth and adaptation. He emphasizes maintaining the energy and positivity of the early days as the company grows. However, there will come a point when a founder embraces a change in perspective and learns to rely on others, recognizing that people have diverse strengths and interests. Founders must break out of their comfort zones, learn from mistakes, build a collaborative culture that inspires growth, and mentor others to strive for greatness.  In this episode of Get the Intel, Chad Gil welcomes Scott Tannen, Founder and CEO of Boll & Branch, as they discuss Scott's career journey and his company's growth from an online retailer to physical retail stores and a furniture line. Scott unpacks the details behind his leadership approach, the inspiring company culture that propelled Boll & Branch to a market leader, and ethical and sustainable practices in the home goods industry.

Scott Weir is the Founder and CEO of SimplaDocs, a consulting agency specializing in optimizing workflows through automation and custom internal tools. He is also the Founder of The Coda School, an interactive course designed to take learners to expert levels in Coda automation and workflow. A school teacher turned tech entrepreneur, Scott is a Coda automation trailblazer who has built systems and led teams for companies in many sectors. He shares his expertise in streamlining business processes to improve productivity on his YouTube channel, The Coda Guy. In this episode… Over 94% of businesses perform repetitive, time-consuming tasks. To mitigate this, companies are investing in process automation. How can you leverage these workflow tools so you and your team can spend more time on value-added activities? No-code and low-code workflow automation has become a go-to for firms looking to collaborate effectively and build powerful tools quickly. This technology is not new, but it has become more prevalent in recent years due to its ability to improve team efficiency. According to workflow consultant Scott Weir, the pre-built templates, automation, and drag-and-drop interfaces offered by no-code tools speed up development and enable flexibility. In addition, custom tools can help business owners with scheduling and time management for improved efficiency. In this episode of Get the Intel, host Chad Gill interviews Scott Weir, a Coda automation expert and the Founder and CEO of SimplaDocs, on improving efficiency through custom tools and automation. Scott shares his journey from education to tech and the origin of his passion for business workflows and automation. Tune in to learn actionable tips on time management and how to supercharge your productivity as a business owner.

Piyush Jain is the Founder and CEO of Simpalm, an award-winning digital product development company with expertise in mobile app development, web development, and backend engineering. He is also the Co-founder of Ducknowl, a SaaS product that helps recruiters resolve screening and assessment challenges. With a PhD from Johns Hopkins University, Piyush aims to help firms leverage emerging technologies to increase productivity. His expertise spans mobile tech, Internet of Things, iOS, Android, and more. As a thought leader in tech, Piyush has been featured in Forbes, Huffington Post, YEC, and several online publications. In this episode… Hiring talents for your company can often feel like a daunting maze, but what if there was a way to leverage technology to create a seamless recruiting process? This is precisely where the power of Ducknowl, a hiring platform with a 70% reduction in screening time, shines through. The primary recruitment objective of any company is to hire the most qualified candidates. Thanks to the rise of AI, the hiring process is more efficient, less biased, and cost-saving. From conducting initial screenings to providing personalized recommendations to candidates, AI-powered platforms like Ducknowl are changing the recruitment game. According to a survey, companies that embraced AI in recruitment have seen their cost per screening reduce by 75%. Hiring managers can also conduct asynchronous video interviews and psychometric tests to assess candidates' skills and personalities and make informed decisions. Join Chad Gill in this episode of Get the Intel as he chats with Piyush Jain, the CEO of Simpalm and Co-founder of Ducknowl. They explore AI trends in hiring, the benefits of asynchronous interviews, and Ducknowl’s AI-powered tools for automating candidate screening and assessment tests. You’ll gain valuable insights into making informed hiring decisions, how to leverage digital tools to fast-track recruitment, and how to build a hiring system that candidates trust.

Dr. Fred Ray Lybrand Jr. is an author, business coach, and consultant with a unique ability to simplify complex problems and communicate complicated matters. As the Founder of Advanced Writing Resources, he revolutionizes writing by tapping into writers' natural language instincts. For over 20 years, Dr. Lybrand Jr. has been helping entrepreneurs and leaders master complex problem-solving by leveraging his expertise in communication, creative problem-solving, and leadership development. He has successfully led critical crisis resolutions across various industries and authored several books, including The One Success Habit. His newest book, Enjoying Problems, empowers entrepreneurs to find, love, and solve their challenges confidently and achieve their goals. In this episode… When facing a problematic situation, most people focus on the challenge rather than setting clear goals for what they want to achieve. Have you ever felt overwhelmed trying to resolve a challenge? Embracing the mindset of 'enjoying problems' might be the solution you've been seeking. We encounter problems in all aspects of life, making problem-solving skills essential for career growth and personal development. To achieve success and reach desired outcomes,  business coach Dr. Fred Ray Lybrand Jr. recommends viewing challenges as opportunities for solutions. Having successfully developed innovative solutions for companies, he created the "simple six models" to help people define and solve problems more effectively. He empowers entrepreneurs to embrace a positive mindset towards challenges. Understanding that problems have advantages and how they work will empower you to tackle critical issues as they arise. In this episode of Get the Intel with Chad Gill, author and problem-solving expert Dr. Fred Ray Lybrand Jr. unpacks the strategy behind complex problem-solving for entrepreneurs and the inspiration behind his book Enjoying Problems. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on a goal rather than assigning blame, breaking complex problems into smaller parts, and the value of clear communication in leadership.

Mike Dooley is the General Manager at Columbia Precast Products (CPP), a precast concrete products company serving the greater Pacific Northwest. Operating from Woodland, Washington, CCP manufactures durable, reliable, and ready-to-install concrete products for the region’s rapidly changing infrastructure. In his over 18 years of experience in the precast industry, Mike has held several positions, including Technical Sales Rep for a concrete accessory vendor and leading teams as a safety director, business developer, and project manager. A graduate of Political Science from the University of Oregon, Mike served on the National Precast Concrete Association (NPCA) committees for safety and environmental subcommittees. When he’s not supervising projects, he loves spending time at car shows with Michelle, his beautiful wife, and their three children and enjoying the family’s Mustang 99. In this episode… Leadership is a game that requires exceptional skills and strategies to win, whether you’re managing a project, leading a team, or running a business. How can construction and manufacturing industry leaders inspire, motivate, and guide others toward a common goal? In his nearly 18 years in the precast industry, Mike Dooley learned the recipe for successful leadership in construction and manufacturing settings. This entails diligence, empathy, and communicating effectively with stakeholders and team members. Besides learning quickly and applying that knowledge in critical situations, outstanding leaders make sacrifices, deliver results, and build personal relationships. Another attribute that sets exceptional leaders apart is passion. For those new to the industry, Mike emphasizes the willingness to help and chip in, even if it means staying late or doing tasks outside one's job description. In addition, managers don’t have all the answers. The ability to seek input from employees fosters collaboration and open communication in the workplace. After all, a company is only as good as its team. Openness, empathy in leadership, and sharing stories of one’s struggles can motivate employees to grow and perform at their best. In this episode of Get the Intel, Chad Gill welcomes Mike Dooley, General Manager at Columbia Precast Products, to explore the intricacies of leadership, problem-solving, and personal growth in a manufacturing setting. Mike reflects on his career experiences in the precast concrete industry and shares insights on streamlining operations. He highlights the industry’s impact on America’s infrastructure, the value of servant leadership, and building a thriving team culture.

Steve Jacobs is a speaker, instructor, and Owner of Nature Designs Landscaping, a general contractor company serving in San Diego. For over 40 years, Nature Designs has specialized in building and maintaining water-conscious landscapes, creating award-winning residential and outdoor living spaces. Steve earned his landscape contractor's license in 1988 and has since ventured into swimming pool and spa installation. He is a certified arborist, water manager, irrigation expert, and general contractor. In addition to having a degree in horticulture from Cuyamaca College, Steve has been teaching the Landscape Contracting class at the college since 2003. He is also a former president of the state chapter of the California Landscape Contractors Association (CLCA). An industry thought leader, Steve is passionate about speaking on design, horticulture, irrigation technology, plant disease, and pest control. He often holds seminars on water-conscious planting, how to save money in gardening, and firescaping strategies. In this episode… Poor communication between contractors and clients is one of the major impediments to successful project delivery. Have you ever wondered how successful contractors effectively handle demanding clients and projects? As the leader of a leading landscaping company, veteran horticulturist Steve Jacobs maintains the value of active listening in improving customer satisfaction. This approach shows you empathize with them and want to solve their problems. Steve has discovered that effectively implementing customers’ ideas entails asking open-ended questions to clarify their needs and expectations. Patiently attending to their requests and concerns and relaying back situations allows customers to feel genuinely understood and satisfied. In this episode of Get the Intel, Chad Gill sits down with Steve Jacobs, renowned speaker and Founder of Nature Designs, to discuss the value of effective communication in building trust and understanding with clients. Steve emphasizes active listening for project managers and provides insights on streamlining landscaping operations. He also reflects on his career path in horticulture and how he navigates the challenges of San Diego's hot and dry climate as a landscape designer.

Karen Vilas is President of FORTRESS Protective Buildings, a new market offering that provides balanced protection for a full range of hazards. With over 15 years of experience in technical process safety consulting within the petrochemical industry, Karen is passionate about hazard and risk management to protect people and critical infrastructure in high-hazard environments. Her career began as a Principal Consultant at BakerRisk (FORTRESS’ parent company), and she recently served as the company’s Director of Regional Business Development for North America. Karen is in charge of bringing FORTRESS’ patented modular precast building to the market, providing next-generation technology for protective structures. In this episode… Modern industrial facilities and workplaces are subject to a range of hazards. Toxic leaks, explosions, and industrial fires are just a few of the dangers that protective structures must guard against. How can corporations operating in high-hazard environments identify hazards, manage risks, and keep personnel safe? Karen Vilas, President of FORTRESS Protective Buildings, shares insights on how to do just that using multi-hazard resistant buildings. Made with high-density precast concrete, they are more durable against acid attack, corrosion, explosions, and impact. Aiming to provide a turnkey building that provides balanced hazard protection, Karen and her team at FORTRESS created precast concrete blast-resistant buildings that identify potential threats and address site-specific risks in addition to hazard protection. Their gas detection and control panels, combined with their being extremely leak-tight, help prevent direct exposure to a toxic event. This allows personnel to buy themselves hours to safely shut down the unit and figure out the best way to evacuate. These blast-resistant buildings are excellent defensive solutions for personnel protection, peace of mind, and added security against a wide range of risks. In this episode of Get the Intel, Chad Gill sits down with Karen Vilas, President of FORTRESS Protective Buildings, to delve into the world of multi-hazard resistant buildings (MRBs). Together, they discuss the inspiration behind FORTRESS’ patented modular design and the construction process of modular precast buildings. Karen shares her thoughts on the challenges of finding a niche market for MRBs and the intricacies of managing a product-based business versus a service-based organization.