PODCAST · business
Build America Podcast
by Scott Jennings
After years of sharing real-world insights on the Pipeline Podcast, I’m excited to announce a major rebrand: The Pipeline Podcast is now The Build America Podcast!Why the change? I’ve just launched the first volume of my new Build America Construction Success Field Guide Series—compact, no-fluff guidebooks packed with tactics and lessons from my 35+ years in heavy civil construction. Bringing everything under the Build America banner makes it easier for you to find the resources you need to build better, grow smarter, and stay ahead of the competition.Let’s keep building America together.
Episodes
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S11, EP318 - Business In Hawaii Is The Same, But Totally Different
Doing business in Hawaii looks just like doing business anywhere else on the surface, but underneath, it operates under a completely different set of cultural rules. In this episode, host Scott Jennings pulls back the curtain on island business etiquette, sharing hard-earned lessons from his...
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S11, EP317 - Be Credible. Otherwise, Why Bother?
In this episode of the Build America Podcast, Scott Jennings explores the critical importance of credibility and truthfulness when providing legal testimony. Drawing from a bench trial involving a 16 million dollar microtunneling project under the Mississippi River for the City of Minneapolis,...
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S11, Episode 316 - Dear Owner, No Change Orders Thank You
In this episode of the Build America podcast, host Scott Jennings presents an open letter to project owners, breaking down why contractors genuinely despise change orders. Contrary to popular belief, contractors want clear plans, fast answers, and zero interruptions. Scott explores the hidden…
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S11, Ep315- Parkinson's Law - Hoping to Quantify Pacing
In this episode of the Build America Podcast, host Scott Jennings dives into Parkinson's Law and its complex impact on heavy construction scheduling, worker pacing, and delay claims. While the principle states that work expands to fill available time, proving intentional pacing in construction...
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S11, Ep314- Reading Rebar Drawings 101
Master rebar shop drawings with host Scott Jennings as he translates detailer terminology into clear jobsite execution. Learn how to bridge the gap between engineering contract plans and field installation to keep your projects on schedule and structurally sound. In This Episode Rebar…
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S11, Ep313- What’s the Difference Between Unit Price and Lump Sum Bids?
Here is the optimized Spotify podcast description based on your show notes. What is the difference between unit price and lump sum bids, and how do they impact your bottom line? In this episode of the Build America Podcast, host Scott Jennings breaks down the operational mechanics of the two...
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S11, Ep312- Trench Talk 07 - Brad Musick, Wastewater Operator
Ever wonder what happens after you flush the toilet or wash something down the drain? In this episode of the Build America podcast, host Scott Jennings sits down with Brad Musick from Wastewater Solutions (WSI) to uncover the fascinating, unseen world of wastewater treatment. With over 40 years…
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S11, Ep311: A Checklist – Contract Niceties and Nice Niceties
Starting a construction project on the right foot with the owner’s representative can pay massive dividends for a contractor. In this episode, host Scott Jennings breaks down the essential early stage actions that set a project up for success. Scott divides these into contract niceties (the...
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S11, EP 310 - Utility Drawings 101: The Plan and Profile
No two sets of construction drawings are exactly the same, but mastering the absolute basics of civil utility plans is your ticket to navigating any job site with confidence. In this episode of the Build America Podcast, host Scott Jennings breaks down how to read and interpret utility plan and...
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S11, EP 309 - Drop the Pronouns. Add the Units
In this episode of the Build America podcast, host Scott Jennings discusses the critical role that clear communication plays in your professional and personal life. Drawing from his extensive experience in heavy civil construction, Scott breaks down how vague communication habits lead to errors,...
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S11, EP 308 - Pipeline Trench Talk 01 - Crane Operator Clem Conceicao
In this episode of the Build America podcast, I sit down with Clem Kansisau, a veteran crane operator with over 37 years in the union. We are recording on location in Honolulu, Hawaii, where Clem and I have reunited on a project 20 years after we first worked together. Clem shares his deep…
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S11, EP 307 - Smartsheet™- A Contractor's Dream
In this episode of the Build America Podcast , host Scott Jennings provides an unfiltered look at Smartsheet. Describing it as "Excel, but not Excel" , Scott explains why this cloud based platform is a "Contractor’s Dream" for managing critical project data like submittals, RFIs, and change…
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S11, EP 306 – How to Start a Professional Construction Company
Thinking about starting your own construction company? In this episode of the Build America Podcast, Scott Jennings breaks down exactly what it takes to build a professional, sustainable construction business—from the ground up. Drawing on real-world experience, Scott walks through the critical...
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S11, EP 305 - Excavation Systems Bible
In this episode, Scott Jennings, PE, reviews Excavation Systems Planning, Design, and Safety—often called the Excavation Systems Bible—by Joe M. Turner, PE. This contractor-focused resource takes a practical, OSHA-driven approach to excavation and trench shoring, prioritizing worker safety over...
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S11, EP 304 - What AI Does for Your Humble Construction Podcaster
In this episode of the Build America Podcast, Scott Jennings takes a practical, no-nonsense look at how artificial intelligence is already changing the way construction professionals work. From summarizing complex legal cases and analyzing hundreds of geotechnical boring logs to checking advanced...
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S10, EP 303 – Trench Talk, Pat Mullen
In this episode, we dive into one of the most misunderstood—but most powerful—tools in construction: the project schedule. Often treated as paperwork or a box to check, scheduling quietly drives daily decisions, risk allocation, and even multi-million-dollar delay claims. We break down what...
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S10, EP 302 – Drive the Bus and Do All Three Jobs!
In this episode of Build America, host Scott Jennings breaks down a powerful truth every contractor needs to hear: if you want to finish on time, reduce overhead, and protect your profit—you must drive the bus. That means taking charge of your work, guiding the owner, and nudging the engineer so...
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S10,EP 301: Dissertation Derailed! Old Guy PhD Entry No. 2 with Scott Jennings
Step inside year two of Scott Jennings’ PhD journey—a raw, honest, and unexpectedly dramatic chapter of the Build America Podcast. This episode pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to pursue a doctorate while juggling a full career in construction. Scott shares long weekends spent…
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S10 E300: Leaving Business Puberty, Age Matters with Scott Jennings
In this episode, Scott Jennings breaks down what it truly means to grow beyond “business puberty” and step into real executive leadership in the construction industry. Drawing from decades of hands-on field experience, Scott reveals why leadership isn’t earned behind a desk — it’s built through...
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S10 E299: No Damage for Delay Holds in Value Engineering Job with Scott Jennings
Welcome back to the Build America Podcast, where host Scott Jennings brings you unfiltered, no-BS insights into the world of construction. In this episode, Scott breaks down a real-life legal case that combines four critical construction contract concepts every contractor should understand: Value...
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S10 E298: Sweet Spot for Cost of Failure
In this episode of the Build America Podcast, host Scott Jennings dives into the delicate balance between over-designing and under-designing in construction projects. From the high costs of failure prevention to the equally damaging costs of engineering oversights, Scott explores where the “sweet...
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What is a Venturi Eductor?
–The Pipeline Podcast – Ep 297 - What is a Venturi Eductor? – With Scott Jennings Join Scott Jennings, former construction company owner turned consultant, in this episode of the Pipeline Podcast as he breaks down the concept of a Venturi eductor and how it's used to prime a centrifugal water…
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Funny and Scary: ChatGPT Gives a Chuckle
–The Pipeline Podcast – Ep 296 - Funny and Scary: ChatGPT Gives a Chuckle – With Scott Jennings Join Scott Jennings, former construction company owner turned consultant, in this episode of the Pipeline Podcast as he dives into the fast-moving world of artificial intelligence—focusing on…
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Look up and Beyond 14” and Find a Double Minus 7
–The Pipeline Podcast – Ep 295 - Look up and Beyond 14” and Find a Double Minus 7 – With Scott JenningsJoin Scott Jennings, former construction company owner turned consultant, in this episode of the Pipeline Podcast as he highlights the critical role of networking in career and business success...
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The Professor of Practice in Engineering Handles the 2nd
–The Pipeline Podcast – Ep 294 - The Professor of Practice inEngineering Handles the 2nd –With Scott Jennings Join Scott Jennings, former construction company owner turned consultant, in this episode of the Pipeline Podcast as he explores the value of a four-year engineering degree, he highlights...
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Will you Marry Me? Well, How About we CollaborDate?
–The Pipeline Podcast – Ep 293 - Will you Marry Me? Well, How About we CollaborDate?– With Scott Jennings Join Scott Jennings, former construction company owner turned consultant, in this episode of the Pipeline Podcast as he draws insightful parallels between successful construction projects and...
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Jet Grout and Soil Mixing - The 101
–The Pipeline Podcast – Ep 292 - Jet Grout and Soil Mixing - The 101 – With Scott Jennings Join Scott Jennings, former construction company owner turned consultant, in this episode of the Pipeline Podcast as he takes a deep dive into the fascinating world of soil improvement, focusing on two...
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Just Say “No” – You May Get Thanked
–The Pipeline Podcast – Ep 291 - Just Say “No” – You May Get Thanked – With Scott Jennings Join Scott Jennings, former construction company owner turned consultant, on this episode of the Pipeline Podcast as he explores the often-overlooked power of saying "no" in construction projects. Drawing…
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What's a Form Ratio?
–The Pipeline Podcast – Ep 290 - What's a Form Ratio? – With Scott Jennings Join Scott Jennings, former construction company owner turned consultant, on this episode of the Pipeline Podcast as he delves into the concept of form ratios and how they can enhance accuracy in estimating concrete…
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Don't Get Sick: Post-Topping Out Syndrome
–The Pipeline Podcast – Ep 289 - Don't Get Sick: Post-Topping Out Syndrome – With Scott Jennings Join Scott Jennings, former construction company owner turned consultant, on this episode of the Pipeline Podcast as he delves into the concept of "Post-Topping Out Syndrome" (PTS), a common…
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My Old Guy PhD Program Begins – Entry No. 1
–The Pipeline Podcast – Ep 288 - My Old Guy PhD Program Begins – Entry No. 1 – With Scott Jennings Join Scott Jennings, former construction company owner turned consultant, on this episode of the Pipeline Podcast as shares his experiences and insights as he embarks on a PhD program in…
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What is "Delegated Design"?
–The Pipeline Podcast – Ep 287 - What is "Delegated Design"? – With Scott Jennings Join Scott Jennings, former construction company owner turned consultant, on this episode of the Pipeline Podcast as he delves into the concept of delegated design in construction. He explains the traditional...
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What’s that High Track Dozer All About?
–The Pipeline Podcast – Ep 286 - What’s that High Track Dozer All About? – With Scott Jennings Join Scott Jennings, former construction company owner turned consultant, on this episode of the Pipeline Podcast as he discusses high track dozers – this being a focus on Caterpillar's innovative...
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Load Path & Building from the Bottom Up
–The Pipeline Podcast – Ep 285 - Load Path & Building from the Bottom Up – With Scott Jennings Join Scott Jennings, former construction company owner turned consultant, on this episode of the Pipeline Podcast as he delves into the critical concept of load path in construction. He highlights how...
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Increase Profit by Rule of 27
–The Pipeline Podcast – Ep 284 - Increase Profit by Rule of 27 – With Scott Jennings Join Scott Jennings, former construction company owner turned consultant, on this episode of the Pipeline Podcast as he delves into the Rule of 27, a method to boost profitability in heavy construction. Scott...
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Data Collection Without the $100,000 Fancy Toys
–The Pipeline Podcast – Ep 283 - Data Collection Without the $100,000 Fancy Toys – With Scott Jennings Join Scott Jennings, former construction company owner turned consultant, on this episode of the Pipeline Podcast as he highlights the accessibility of tools for data collection, debunking the...
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Two Negatives of Owning Your Own Construction Business
–The Pipeline Podcast – Ep 282 - Two Negatives of Owning Your Own Construction Business – With Scott Jennings Join Scott Jennings, former construction company owner turned consultant, on this episode of the Pipeline Podcast as he candidly discusses the harsh realities of entrepreneurship in the...
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Red Flags in Bid Day v. Change Order Pricing
–The Pipeline Podcast – Ep 281 - Red Flags in Bid Day v. Change Order Pricing – With Scott Jennings Join Scott Jennings, former construction company owner and current professional engineer, on today's episode of the Pipeline Podcast. Scott delves into the critical differences between bid day...
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How to Make a Submittal – Check, Check, Check!
–The Pipeline Podcast – Ep 280 - How to Make a Submittal – Check, Check, Check! – With Scott Jennings In this episode of the Pipeline Podcast, Scott Jennings, a former construction company owner turned consultant, dives into the art and science of making successful submittals in heavy…
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Common Rebar Inspection Fails
In this episode, we explore the intricate world of rebar installation and uncover the critical do's and don'ts that can make or break your construction schedule. Hosted by a seasoned inspector, the episode provides valuable insights into the top problems faced in rebar installation, ranging from...
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Daily Cost and the What-If
In this episode, we unravel the key elements of construction activity cost control – real time tracking. The discussion revolves around understanding the daily cost of operations, the significance of labor and equipment costs, and the ability to run "what-if" scenarios to protect your budget. The...
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Construction Crossword Challenge
–The Pipeline Podcast – Ep277 - Construction Crossword Challenge – With Scott Jennings Join Scott Jennings, former construction company owner and professional engineer turned consultant, in this unique episode of the Pipeline Podcast. Today, Scott introduces a special feature: a…
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Trench Talk - Kelly Jennings, Small Business CFO
–The Pipeline Podcast – Ep276 - Trench Talk - Kelly Jennings, Small Business CFO – With Scott Jennings In this insightful episode, Scott Jennings engages in a candid conversation with Kelly Jennings, a seasoned accountant with extensive experience in the financial world. The discussion covers the...
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Profitability the Easy Way – Via the Bottom Line
–The Pipeline Podcast – Ep275 - Profitability the Easy Way – Via the Bottom Line – With Scott Jennings Join Scott Jennings, former construction company owner turned consultant, as he explores profitability in construction. Learn practical ways to enhance your bottom line without just focusing on...
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What's a DRB?
–The Pipeline Podcast – Ep274 - What's a DRB? – With Scott Jennings In this episode of The Pipeline Podcast, Scott delves into the traditional claims process and explores the stages where disputes typically arise. Discover the DRB approach and its effectiveness, with insights from the successful...
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ELB v. HDD or Jack and Bore or Microtunnel
–The Pipeline Podcast – Ep 273 - ELB v. HDD or Jack and Bore or Microtunnel – With Scott Jennings In this episode of The Pipeline Podcast, Scott explores trenchless pipe installation methods, comparing traditional Excavate-Lay-Backfill (ELB) with innovative trenchless approaches. ELB involves...
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Get a Master’s Degree in Engineering? Umm…
Ep 272 - Get a Master’s Degree in Engineering? Umm… –The Pipeline Podcast – Ep 272 - Get a Master’s Degree in Engineering? Umm… – With Scott Jennings In this episode of The Pipeline Podcast, Scott reflects on the personal and professional aspects of obtaining a master's degree in engineering.…
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Trench Talk: Paul Kennedy, Surety (Bonding) Agent
–The Pipeline Podcast – Ep 271 - Trench Talk: Paul Kennedy, Surety (Bonding) Agent – With Scott Jennings In this episode of The Pipeline Podcast, Scott Jennings and Paul Kennedy, each with over thirty years of experience in the construction industry, provide valuable insights into the core…
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Selling Your Business – EBITDA is “Bullshit Earnings”
Ep 270 - Selling Your Business – EBITDA is “Bullshit Earnings” –The Pipeline Podcast – Ep 270 - Selling Your Business – EBITDA is “Bullshit Earnings” – With Scott Jennings In this episode of The Pipeline Podcast, Scott shares with us selling a construction business involves challenges in...
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Know Your Audience – Legally and Practically
Ep 269 - Know Your Audience – Legally and Practically –The Pipeline Podcast – Ep 269 - Know Your Audience – Legally and Practically – With Scott Jennings In this episode of The Pipeline Podcast, Scott emphasizes the paramount importance of understanding your audience in project communication....
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
After years of sharing real-world insights on the Pipeline Podcast, I’m excited to announce a major rebrand: The Pipeline Podcast is now The Build America Podcast!Why the change? I’ve just launched the first volume of my new Build America Construction Success Field Guide Series—compact, no-fluff guidebooks packed with tactics and lessons from my 35+ years in heavy civil construction. Bringing everything under the Build America banner makes it easier for you to find the resources you need to build better, grow smarter, and stay ahead of the competition.Let’s keep building America together.
HOSTED BY
Scott Jennings
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Build America Podcast have?
Build America Podcast currently has 291 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Build America Podcast about?
After years of sharing real-world insights on the Pipeline Podcast, I’m excited to announce a major rebrand: The Pipeline Podcast is now The Build America Podcast!Why the change? I’ve just launched the first volume of my new Build America Construction Success Field Guide Series—compact, no-fluff...
How often does Build America Podcast release new episodes?
Build America Podcast publishes regularly with 291 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Build America Podcast?
You can listen to Build America Podcast on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Build America Podcast?
Build America Podcast is created and hosted by Scott Jennings.
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