The Owner Insite Construction Podcast

When a disaster hits your project or property, what you don't have documented can cost you millions. In this episode of The Owner Insite Construction Podcast, Steve Harper sits down with Galen M. Hair, Managing Partner at Insurance Claim HQ, a nationally recognized property insurance attorney who's helped thousands of families and companies navigate high-stakes claims. Together they unpack what really happens when legal meets construction after hurricanes, wildfires, and other large-scale loss events—and the costly mistakes owners make long before the storm clouds roll in. Galen shares: Why commercial claims feel slower and more complex than residential How carriers use delay, documentation gaps, and "cooperation" clauses against owners The critical role of as-builts, invoices, and construction records in maximizing your recovery What happens when those documents don't exist and attorneys are forced into painful "forensic reconstruction" Practical steps owners, developers, school districts, and municipalities should take now to protect themselves—from 3D scans and photo inventories to digitizing and centralizing project files If you own, manage, or oversee construction or facilities, this conversation is your wake-up call: your documentation is your leverage. Tune in to learn how to avoid avoidable disputes, work smarter with your attorney, and turn your project data into the best insurance policy you'll ever have.   Learn more about Insurance Claim HQ and Galen here: https://www.linkedin.com/company/insuranceclaimhq/ https://www.youtube.com/@insuranceclaimhq2207 https://www.instagram.com/insuranceclaimhq/?hl=en https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/level-up-claims/id1628586764

Join CEO Steve Harper as he sits down with Richard Gay, a former military officer turned procurement leader at Fort Bend ISD, for an inspiring episode of "Leadership is a Contact Sport." Richard shares his unique journey from artillery officer to innovative school district administrator, revealing how he adapted his leadership style from military directive approaches to servant leadership in public education. In this engaging conversation, Richard discusses his "FIT" leadership philosophy - being Fair, Inclusive, and Transparent - and shares powerful stories from his military service, including surviving a helicopter crash and learning resilience from commanding officers. He reveals how he's revolutionized procurement practices in school districts, generating hundreds of thousands in savings through innovative e-procurement platforms and strategic thinking. Key highlights include Richard's approach to taking responsibility for team mistakes, his strategies for building loyalty through flexibility and support, and his belief that leaders must either make money or save money to prove their value. From Ronald Reagan's Cold War strategy to practical advice on mentoring younger employees, this episode is packed with actionable leadership insights for anyone looking to make a real impact in their organization. Perfect for current and aspiring leaders who want to learn how to adapt their leadership style, build trust with their teams, and create measurable value in their roles.   Connect with Richard: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickgay05/   This series is brought to you by Owner Insite and The Ripple Effect. Learn more about Owner Insite: https://owner-insite.com/  Follow us on Social Media: Twitter:   https://x.com/ownerinsite  Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/ownerinsite/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ownerinsite  Learn more about Steve Harper and The Ripple Effect: https://ripplecentral.com/  Ripple with Steve: Instagram: http://instagram.com/rippleon  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rippleon  X: https://twitter.com/rippleon  Website: http://www.ripplecentral.com 

What does it take to thrive as a woman in construction? The Women in Construction Series aims to provide answers and motivate aspiring leaders in construction, fresh graduates exploring career options, or women considering a career shift. Here, we feature trailblazing female leaders making a difference in the construction industry. Listen as Steve Harper gives the spotlight to Jamie Cox, the Capital Projects Manager at Colorado Mesa University. Jamie shares her incredible journey from what influenced her childhood interests, studying environmental design and architecture, to leading large-scale capital projects.  Jamie shares how her background in architecture and hands-on construction experience opened doors in unexpected ways, including a pivotal moment working under Discovery Channel founder John Hendricks.  With insights into construction project management and building a professional support network, Jamie encourages women to explore the broad and exciting possibilities in the world of construction and architecture. Jamie's story is a powerful testament to what's possible for women in construction, especially for those navigating a male-dominated industry. Before hitting play, don't forget to grab a pen and paper. You will learn a lot of lessons that you can apply not just in architecture and construction but also in life! In this video: 0:15 - About Women in Construction 1:35 - Special Guest 2:58 - Jamie's Background 5:28 - Transition to Leadership Role 20:24 - Observations in the Field 21:31 - Advice for Women 36:35 - Recommendations for Leaders For those wanting to connect with Jamie Cox directly, she welcomes outreach at [email protected]. This series is co-presented by Owner Insite and Ripple Central. #ownerinsite #ripplecentral #womeninconstruction #jamiecox #constructioncareers #architecturetoconstruction #femaleprojectmanager #leadershipinconstruction #capitalprojects

Get to know Emily Stout, a licensed architect working for New Mexico State Parks and an inspiring leader, as she chats with Steve Harper about her bold, non-traditional leap into the world of architecture and construction. From breaking barriers as a woman in construction to navigating the rise of AI and automation, Emily brings fresh insights into what it really takes to thrive in this evolving industry. They dig into everything from the importance of mentorship and owner engagement to the power of confidence in shaping your own career path. Emily also pointed out the shifts in the construction space, giving a trajectory of the future of the construction industry. Owner Insite's Women in Construction series aims to shed some light on career opportunities in male-dominated fields and give confidence to women interested in entering the construction industry. If you're into STEM careers, passionate about women in architecture, or curious about how technology transforms construction, don't miss the chance to learn. In this video: 1:25 - Meet Emily Stout 11:16 - Variety and Career Opportunities 14:04 - Importance of Mentorship 22:33 - Advice For Women in Construction 27:43 - The Future of the Industry 30:34 - Starting in Construction 35:55 - Advice for Effective Leadership 44:43 - Suggestions for Women #ownerinsite #womeninconstruction #architecturecareer #STEMcareers #AIinconstruction #emilystout #steveharper #mentorshipmatters #womeninSTEM #projectmanagement #constructionleadership

Welcome to Episode 1 of The Role of the Owner in Construction, a podcast series that redefines what it really means to lead a successful construction project. Hosted by Steve Harper, CEO and Founder of Owner Insite, this episode dives into a much-needed conversation: the owner's role isn't just about signing checks—it's about steering vision, managing risk, and holding teams accountable. In "Beyond Writing Checks," Steve challenges the outdated perception of passive ownership and outlines what it takes to be a proactive, effective leader in construction. From real-world anecdotes to strategic insights, this episode is your crash course in becoming the linchpin of your project. Whether you're a school district leader, a municipal administrator, or a private sector project owner, this episode will help you understand why stepping up is essential—not optional.

Another incredible guest joins us for an insight-packed Leadership Is A Contact Sport episode. Tune in as Owner Insite's CEO, Steve Harper, interviews Joseph Rockett, the Construction Project Manager at Irving ISD. With a wide range of experiences encompassing Architecture and Education, Joseph Rockett offers the best of both worlds. Why keep watching? Steve and Joseph discussed pressing matters such as having a clear vision for school districts and finding your "tribe" to create a harmonious working process for overall success. Don't miss out on gaining valuable information from another brilliant mind! If you found this series helpful, please hit the like and subscribe button. Also, feel free to share this with leaders or people who might benefit from watching this. Let's keep the knowledge-sharing cycle rolling!     This series is brought to you by Owner Insite and The Ripple Effect.   Learn more about Owner Insite: https://owner-insite.com/ Follow us on Social Media: Twitter:   https://x.com/ownerinsite Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/ownerinsite/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ownerinsite     Learn more about Steve Harper and The Ripple Effect: https://ripplecentral.com/ Ripple with Steve: Instagram: http://instagram.com/rippleon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rippleon X: https://twitter.com/rippleon Website: http://www.ripplecentral.com

In this episode, host Steve Harper welcomes Crystal Drake, School Board President of Glades County School District, to discuss the challenges and leadership dynamics within education today. A former teacher, Crystal shares her personal journey from banking to the classroom and ultimately to the school board, highlighting how her experiences shape her leadership approach. Throughout the conversation, she emphasizes the importance of active listening, staying connected to the classroom, and fostering trust between school board members and superintendents. Crystal also offers practical advice for new superintendents navigating board relationships and shares the unexpected lessons she learned transitioning from teaching to governance. This episode is filled with valuable insights on leadership, communication, and school culture—a must-listen for education leaders, administrators, and aspiring board members looking to create positive change in their districts. Tune in for an engaging and insightful conversation on what it takes to lead effectively in education today.

Glenn Jarrett, Director of Construction and Facilities at Alief ISD, joins Steve Harper in this episode of "Leadership is a Contact Sport." With years of experience navigating the complexities of educational construction projects, Glenn opens up about his leadership philosophy, the power of adaptability, and the importance of trust in team dynamics. From handling challenges in a post-COVID world to fostering innovation and collaboration, Glenn offers actionable insights for leaders in any field.

In this empowering episode of the Women in Construction Series, we sit down with Gina Koert, co-founder of Bell SPI, a thriving commercial painting company based in Denver, Colorado. Gina shares her unconventional journey into the family business, her rise as a leader in the male-dominated construction industry, and the lessons she's learned along the way. From navigating high-pressure environments to embracing flexibility and growth, Gina offers invaluable insights for women and men looking to make an impact in construction. Tune in to hear her story of resilience, strategy, and unwavering commitment to excellence.

In this episode of Leadership is a Contact Sport, host Steve Harper welcomes Dr. Joe Harrington, superintendent of Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD. Dr. Joe shares his leadership journey, offering practical insights into how he navigates challenges and drives excellence in one of Texas's most dynamic school districts. Hear about: How his coaching background shapes his leadership style. The importance of trust, continuous improvement, and community engagement. Lessons learned from managing a district through growth and financial challenges. Dr. Joe's passion for education and his belief in the American dream shines through as he discusses what it takes to lead a district in challenging times. Whether you're in education, business, or community leadership, you'll find inspiration and actionable takeaways. Rate, review, and subscribe to catch more inspiring leadership stories in upcoming episodes!

Dr. Sharma-Lewis, Superintendent of Diamond Lake District 76 in Mundelein, Illinios, and adjunct professor at Concordia University in Chicago, is a powerhouse in school district leadership, having served as superintendent across three different districts.   Dr. Sharma-Lewis' story is one of resilience, transformation, and leading with authenticity. From facing challenges early in her career, to rebuilding her personal and professional brand, Dr. Sharma-Lewis is a beacon of hope and innovation in education.   Tune in to this episode to hear about Dr. Sharma-Lewis' lessons in leadership, overcoming adversity, creating a culture of pride, and how to #sparkleon!

We are excited to share another episode in our Women in Construction Series where we highlight women who are making incredible strides in the construction industry! Today's episode is with Maggie Kuyper of Harpeth Painting.

In this inspiring episode of Leadership is a Contact Sport, host Steve Harper sits down with Wade Callaway, the humble yet impactful Superintendent of Gruver ISD, a small but mighty school district in rural Texas. With a down-to-earth charm, Wade shares his unique journey from coach to superintendent, a path filled with unexpected leadership opportunities and hard-earned wisdom. Listeners will be captivated as Wade discusses his approach to servant leadership and his emphasis on high expectations and accountability—a philosophy that has led every campus in Gruver ISD to receive the prestigious National Blue Ribbon distinction. His community-minded leadership shines through as he shares the story behind Gruver's innovative farm scholarship program, which empowers students to pursue higher education, often as the first in their families to do so. Tune in to learn from Wade's experiences on staying motivated, leading through challenges, and inspiring a ripple effect of positivity and growth within his community. For anyone in education or interested in effective leadership, this conversation is a masterclass in resilience, community service, and leading with heart.

In this episode of the Owner Insite Construction Podcast series, "Leadership is a Contact Sport," we welcome Dr. Darryl Floyd, superintendent of Blue Ridge ISD in Blue Ridge, Texas. With nearly four decades of experience in education and a journey that spans across Texas and Oklahoma, Dr. Floyd brings unique insights into the evolving challenges of educational leadership. Join us as Dr. Floyd shares his story, from being a coach and teacher to serving as a superintendent for 28 years, and discusses the importance of adapting leadership styles, building relationships, and tackling complex issues like school finance and teacher retention. This conversation delves into the practicalities of leading school districts, the critical role of communication, and the power of mentorship in shaping resilient leaders. Tune in to learn why leadership, much like contact sports, demands hands-on involvement, strategic decision-making, and a commitment to being present for the community.

Hopefully, you enjoy our latest podcast episode featuring our friends at Mercy Health. They have been an amazing customer of ours, and we are thrilled to have them on The Owner Insite Podcast. Molly Ironmonger has already been in an episode of our Women In Construction series, so make sure to check that one out too! Hope you guys enjoy!

We are excited to be continuing our Women In Construction Series, this time featuring Meloni Raney. Meloni and Steve met through a mutual friend, Gina Konganda. (who we did a podcast with) This is an amazing episode, and we hope y'all enjoy it! :) Their Website: https://www.texoassociation.org/ Check out our Website: https://owner-insite.com/ 

We are so very excited to have Esther on today's episode, continuing our Women In Construction podcast series! Esther has been a long-time friend of our CEO, Steve Harper. This is a really wonderful episode, and we hope that y'all enjoy!   Check out our Website: https://owner-insite.com/   Check out their Website: https://www.corproserv.com/   Follow us on Social Media: Twitter: https://twitter.com/ownerinsite Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ownerinsite Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ownerinsite

Just because your bond failed doesn't mean the work gets any easier. Let us help you. Hopefully, you enjoyed the latest episode of The Owner Insite Podcast!  Check out our Website: https://owner-insite.com/ Follow us on Social Media: Twitter: https://twitter.com/ownerinsite Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ownerinsite Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ownerinsite

Hopefully, you enjoyed this podcast. Make sure to subscribe for more content!  Check out our Website: https://owner-insite.com/ Follow us on Social Media: Twitter: https://twitter.com/ownerinsite Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ownerinsite Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ownerinsite

We are excited to be continuing our Women In Construction Series, this time featuring, Gina Konganda! In today's wonderful episode, Gina speaks about her company, ReStl Engineer, which is a multi-discipline engineering design firm. We are very grateful to have her on today's episode! Check out our Website: http://owner-insite.com/    Follow us on Social Media: Twitter: https://twitter.com/ownerinsite Instagram: https: //www.instagram.com/ownerinsite Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ownerinsite

In Today's episode of the Owner Insite podcast our CEO Steve Harper talks about why having construction management software is crucial in mitigating risk for the Owner. Steve has worked in the construction industry for over a decade now. He knows what he is talking about when it comes to mitigating your risk.   We hope you enjoy this episode and make sure to follow us for monthly podcasts!

Jennifer has worked in school business and operations for over 20 years. Prior to joining Lovejoy ISD last summer, she served as Chief Financial Officer for Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD, Executive Director of Operations at Wylie ISD, and Director of Operations for Arlington ISD. She holds a BBA and MBA from the University of North Texas and a Ph.D. in Human Resources Development from the Soules College of Business at the University of Texas at Tyler. In addition to her extensive experience in budget development and management and other traditional finance functions, she also has been instrumental in Arlington ISD's passage of a $663 million bond and Wylie ISD's passage of a nearly $194 million bond. She was also recently elected Vice President of the Board of Directors for TASBO, the Texas Association of School Business Officials.

About Marc Gravely: Marc is an award-winning construction lawyer and one of an elite group of U.S. infrastructure attorneys. He founded and leads a Dallas-based national law firm, Gravely Attorneys and Counselors. He primarily focuses on serious construction litigation on behalf of both private and public property owners, with multiple 9-figure cases to his credit.   Marc is also a sought-after speaker on construction and infrastructure topics, including a recent presentation to the MENSA World Gathering. He frequently provides commentary and context for legal, business, and mainstream media outlets.   Finally, he is also a prolific author. His latest book, Reframing America's Infrastructure: A Ruins to Renaissance Playbook, is already an Amazon bestseller after debuting this spring.  

In this episode of our Women In Construction Series, we talk with Julie Sands, Senior Project Manager for Lewisville ISD. Located about 25 miles from Dallas, LISD is one of the fastest-growing school districts in Texas with over 50,000 students on 60 campuses. Julie talks about challenges of managing growth, best practices for ensuring that projects meet expectations, and the importance of maintaining control of project information.

This week, we are excited to bring our Women In Construction Series to the podcast! Today's episode features Molly Ironmonger who is a Leader in Healthcare Design and Construction at Bon Secours Mercy Health! Molly is an engineer by education, a construction manager by trade, and a leader by passion. She is a proven construction and real estate manager. We are excited for this series, and even more excited to hear the amazing perspectives of women who are helping innovate and push the boundaries of the construction industry!   Follow us on social media: https://www.linkedin.com/company/owner-insite-llc https://twitter.com/ownerinsite  https://www.facebook.com/ownerinsite/   

Who You're Talking To To:  Joshua Mermis, found partner of West Mermis, PLLC About His Company:  Headquartered in Houston, West Mermis is a boutique law firm that handles Construction Litigation, business disputes, and insurance defense. Among other clients, the have represented a number of hospitals and healthcare organizations. 

  In this episode of the Owner Insite Podcast, we discuss the stunning results of November's election, in which Texas voters rejected a majority of school bond propositions on the ballot for the first time in over a decade. Is this the beginning of a national trend? For districts that failed to pass bonds, what comes next? And what are the implications — and the potential new risks — for those districts that either just passed a bond, are currently building out bond-funded projects, or are planning their next bond?

On this episode of the Owner Insite Construction Podcast, we wanted to share a segment of a recent webinar series that we hosted alongside Brandon Boyter, Executive Director of Facilities at Allen ISD. In this clip, Steve Harper, our CEO, chats with Brandon about the importance of accountability in school construction. We hope you enjoy!

On this episode of the Owner Insite Construction Podcast, we wanted to share a segment of a recent webinar series that we hosted alongside Brandon Boyter, Executive Director of Facilities at Allen ISD. In this clip, Steve Harper, our CEO, chats with Brandon about how schools can easily access, store, and manage critical construction project data with an owner-focused platform like Owner Insite. We hope you enjoy!

On this episode of the Owner Insite Construction Podcast, our CEO, Steve Harper deep dives into the world of cost effectiveness in school construction. This was part of a recent webinar series that we hosted alongside Brandon Boyter, Executive Director of Facilities at Allen ISD.

On today's episode, our CEO, Steve Harper, sits down with the Executive Director of Facilities at Allen ISD, Brandon Boyter, to discuss the topic of school construction management. This clip was apart of our new webinar series that we are hosting, where we interview prominent school and industry leaders. In this episode, Steve and Brandon talk about cost effectiveness, accountability, and the importance of project data storage and access to that data at your fingertips. Learn more about Owner Insite: https://owner-insite.com/

We are honored to continue to support the thousands of users that are dealing with the new normal in their construction teams and on their projects. The feedback we've received on how valuable our tools have been has been incredible and we are truly blessed to serve everyone in these unique times. In this episode we discuss how we are adapting Owner Insite to help organizations and companies on the frontlines fighting COVID-19. Our tools are being repurposed for healthcare and reconfiguring manufacturing to streamline communication, data tracking, task assignment and budget efforts.  It's a unique time in this country and we are proud to play a small part in this very challenging battle ahead. Learn more about our COVID-19 Action plan: https://owner-insite.com/covid-19actionplan/

In this episode, Client Success Manager Kyle Click shares some timely insights about the topic of change and how this Covid-19 situation may be the perfect time to reevaluate some things you maybe haven't thought about before.  

There are a lot of architect firms that focus on school district planning, design and construction. Let's face it, they see it as a profitable vertical. Very few look beyond the money and so when we find one that does, we want to know more about them. Clark Nexsen's K-12 Education Team has so much in common with our team at Owner Insite that it's crazy we didn't know about one another before now. We both share a passion for helping school district leaders build innovative, sustainable, and the very best learning environments for students and staff. Learn about all the great work that Clark Nexsen and their team are doing throughout Georgia, North Carolina and Virginia at clarknexsen.com

Owner Insite continues to prove why it's the market leader in innovation and solution offering. We are blazing new trails for our school districts, municipalities, healthcare and commercial real estate clients with a new strategic alliance with Facility Insite & Facilities Planner platforms.  In this first episode of 2020, let CEO Steve Harper share some of his vision for how Owner Insite is changing the game and helping owners in more ways than just construction. 

In this episode we discuss the important expectations an owner should have towards the end of project closeout to ensure they receive the pertinent data to make the transition from construction to occupancy seamless.

In this episode, we dive into a new free tool that we've created called Construction Litigation Hold. The tool is a free resource for anyone who is concerned with the document and litigation hold requirements for their construction projects. Not sure what any of that means or why you should care, it only takes one defect, warranty claim or legal action to change that perspective. The costs associated with such situations can be high and the hassle...well, enormous.  Learn what obligations are for your state and what you should insure you and your team are doing to be in compliance on every project.

In this episode, Owner Insite's CEO Steve Harper discusses the impact missed deadlines are having on your construction projects. Without highlevel visibility and accountability, your project team can easily get off track and that can have major consequences to the project's success.

The Owner Insite Podcast is back. Hold onto your earbuds we promise we'll be more consistent producing episodes in the future.

In today's episode, we interview Roy Gatling, Co-Founder of BondPlanner, and discuss what BondPlanner is and the logistics of the strategic partnership between BondPlanner and Owner Insite.   Bond Planner Website: bondplanner.com Contact: [email protected] [email protected]

It's important for owner's to play a bigger role than just writing the checks on their construction project. An "owner-focused" owner can directly influence the project team and insure more successful project outcomes.

School districts that manage any renovation or new construction on their campuses don't think about the liability associated with their projects. Maybe it's time that they should.