Built to Scale: Timely advice for scaling your construction biz!

Is your construction business exposed to state and local tax liabilities you don’t even know about?Mason Brady sat down with Robin Klinghagen, Managing Director at Andersen, a 30-year state and local tax veteran, to break down exactly what construction business owners need to understand about tax compliance — especially if they’re operating in multiple states or thinking about expanding.Topics We Cover00:00 - Meet Robin Klinghagen and what SALT actually covers 04:15 - What’s really at risk for construction business owners who aren’t compliant05:13 - The one-week rule: how working in another state can create tax nexus08:45 - Why your contracts determine your entire tax treatment11:53 - Texas deep dive: lump sum vs. time and material, new construction vs. repair and maintenance12:06 - Why subcontractors follow their own rules and what that means for GCs15:59 - The real story: a rail yard in Louisiana that nearly cost a client millions17:24 - Why your local CPA probably isn’t equipped for SALT20:09 - How to set up your team and systems to stay compliant as you scale23:45 - The upside: tax credits and incentives most contractors never findLinks & ResourcesAndersen | State & Local Tax ServicesBrady CFO | Fractional CFO Services for Construction🤝 Connect with Robin Klinghagen🎤️ Connect with Mason BradyBuilt to Scale is the podcast for construction business owners who want to scale — not just grow. Every episode brings you real financial strategy and business advice built specifically for the construction industry. Follow, rate, review, and share. Questions or topic ideas? Reach out at [email protected]

Are AI and automation the answer to your construction team challenges?Mason Brady sat down with Kendall Pouland, founder of Build Better Ways and construction operations consultant with over 20 years in the industry, to break down exactly how to build the systems, SOPs, and talent strategies that let your construction business execute at a high level without you being in the middle of everything. Topics We Cover00:00 - Meet Kendall Pouland and what is Build Better Ways04:33 - Training gaps, consistency and tribal knowledge in construction10:36 - Why the owner is usually the bottleneck and how to fix it14:43 - SOPs that work: the SOP vs. the training guide22:07 - The top 4 processes to fix first: startup, change orders, closeout and scheduling24:40 - The playbook strategy that makes your team actually use your SOPs30:09 - AI and automation for construction: real use cases and data integrity40:09 - Talent optimization: skills matrices and quarterly reviews Links & Resources• Build Better Ways: https://www.buildbetterways.com/• Brady CFO — Fractional CFO Services for Construction Companies :https://bradycfo.com/ • 🤝 Connect with Kendall Pouland: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kendall-pouland/ • 🎤️ Connect with Mason Brady: https://www.linkedin.com/in/masonbrady/ BBuilt to Scale is the podcast for construction business owners who want to scale — not just grow. Every episode brings you real financial strategy and business advice built specifically for the construction industry. Follow, rate, review, and share. Questions or topic ideas? Reach out at [email protected] #constructionbusiness #constructionchannel #constructionmanagement #constructionsystems #aiinconstruction

You’re making money. But is your construction business actually building wealth?The truth is, most construction business owners have 70% to 80% of their wealth tied up in their business with no real plan for what happens when they can’t or don’t want to run it anymore. Mason Brady sat down with Jason Lee, vice president and wealth advisor at Exponent Prosperity Accelerator Advisors in Houston, to break down what true wealth planning actually looks like for construction business owners.This episode is for you if you’re a construction business owner who is making money but isn’t sure what to do with it, hasn’t thought seriously about exit planning, or wants to understand how to build real, lasting wealth, not just a business that pays the bills.Topics We Cover00:00  - Why most contractors don’t have a real wealth manager05:00  - Closing the wealth gap: the $7–10M number every owner needs to know10:00 -  Lifestyle business vs. legacy business15:00  - Frankenstein planning and why it backfires20:00  - The J-curve and when to start planning25:00  - The advisor board every construction owner needs30:00  - Why your tax strategy might be costing you millions35:00  - Construction as a wealth vehicle and the reality of GC marginsLinks & ResourcesExponent Prosperity Advisors: https://exponentx.net/ Brady CFO: https://bradycfo.com/ 🤝 Connect with Jason Lee: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonleeexponent/ 🎤️ Connect with Mason Brady: https://www.linkedin.com/in/masonbrady/ 

Your software vendor promises a smooth implementation. So why do so many construction companies end up with a $70K mistake and a team ready to quit?In this episode of Built to Scale, Mason is joined by Bryan Burkholder, founder of Cadence and a specialist in ERP implementation and change management for construction and lower middle market businesses. Bryan breaks down why so many technology implementations go off the rails and what companies between $10M and $100M in revenue can do to make sure their next systems upgrade actually delivers the ROI they were promised. From the real cost of skipping change management, to the chicken-and-egg question of fixing your books before or after going live, to why AI is about to force every construction business to rethink their entire tech stack.  Topics We Cover00:00 - Why SaaS implementation teams aren’t enough and what’s missing from every software rollout05:34 - A real $70K Sage implementation nightmare and what Brady CFO walked into11:07 - The ROI of systems upgrades: scalability, visibility, and revenue per FTE17:29 - Chicken or egg: fix broken accounting first, or implement the ERP?•      22:26 - Why technology upgrades are a continuous evolution, not a one-time event•      24:56 - The role of a fractional CIO and why your “techie guy” isn’t the answer•      32:40 - AI, agentic tools, and why garbage in still means garbage out  Links & Resources•      Cadence — ERP Implementation & Change Management: https://cadenceconsultants.com/ •      Brady CFO — Fractional CFO Services for Construction: https://bradycfo.com/ •      🤝 Connect with Bryan Burkholder: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryanburkholder1/ •      🎤️ Connect with Mason Brady: https://www.linkedin.com/in/masonbrady/  Built to Scale is the podcast for construction business owners who want to scale — not just grow. Every episode brings you real financial strategy and business advice built specifically for the construction industry. Follow, rate, review, and share. Questions or topic ideas? Reach out at [email protected]

Should your construction company pursue government contracts or avoid them altogether?In this episode of Built to Scale, Mason Brady sits down with Karla Talisee, government contracting specialist and founder of So She Builds, to break down how construction companies can successfully enter public works without damaging cash flow, compliance, or profitability.Topics We Cover(0:00) – Why construction companies consider government contracts(6:07) – Should public work be diversified or your main focus?(9:03) – Federal vs state vs local contracts explained(13:42) – Mentor-protégé programs and how they actually help(17:36) – Certified payroll and prevailing wage realities(21:30) – Biggest government opportunities in 2026(24:26) – What it takes to become GovCon ready(30:15) – The three steps to start bidding on public projectsLinks & ResourcesSo She Builds: https://soshebuilds.com  Brady CFO: https://bradycfo.com/ – Fractional CFO services for construction companies🤝 Connect with Karla: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karlatalisse/  🎙️ Connect with Mason: https://www.linkedin.com/in/masonbrady/If you’re a construction business owner looking to diversify revenue, strengthen compliance, and pursue public contracts the right way, be sure to follow, rate, review, and share Built to Scale so more contractors can scale smarter and grow sustainably.And if you have questions or topics you’d like us to cover, reach out to [email protected] 

What has to change before a construction business can scale without breaking?In this episode of Built to Scale, Mason Brady sits down with Jerry Aliberti, executive coach and operations consultant at Pro-Accel, to break down what actually fails when construction businesses try to grow. They explore why scaling exposes leadership gaps, weak planning, misaligned roles, and breakdowns between estimating and execution, and how owners often become the biggest constraint without realizing it.Topics We Cover(0:00) – Why growth exposes bottlenecks in construction companies(4:30) – The estimating-to-execution gap that erodes profit(8:30) – How owners unintentionally become the biggest constraint(12:25) – What construction companies must have in place before scaling(18:53) – Hiring for the next phase instead of today’s problems(29:30) – Why systems and SOPs fail without the right people(40:20) – The planning mistakes that break margins as companies growLinks & ResourcesPro-Accel: https://www.pro-sl.comBrady CFO: https://bradycfo.com/ Fractional CFO services for construction companies  🤝 Connect with Jerry: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerry-aliberti/  🎙️ Connect with Mason: https://www.linkedin.com/in/masonbrady/If you’re a construction owner and want clearer numbers and guidance on how to scale your business, be sure to follow, rate, review, and share Built to Scale so more contractors can learn to grow smarter and scale with confidence.And if you’ve got questions, ideas for future episodes, or topics you want us to dive into, reach out to us at [email protected]

Should contractors expand into real estate development or can it put their core business at risk?In this episode of Built to Scale, Mason Brady and Rachel Glock break down when it actually makes sense for contractors looking to get their feet wet in real estate development. They explore the cash management, financing risks, and liquidity requirements that contractors often underestimate, along with the planning needed to ensure development strengthens, not jeopardizes, the core construction business.Topics We Cover0:00 – Why contractors are drawn to real estate development2:23 – The entrepreneurial mindset and leveraging construction expertise5:33 – The biggest risks contractors underestimate as developers9:08 – Why cash management is critical in real estate development13:07 – How much liquidity a construction business needs before investing18:05 – Financing risks, equity requirements, and stress testing assumptions23:39 – How contractors can prepare now for future development projectsLinks & ResourcesHUD 221(d)(4) Program – Non-recourse financing option for new multifamily development: https://hud221d4.loan/ Brady CFO – Fractional CFO services for construction companies: https://bradycfo.com/ 🤝 Connect with Rachel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-glock-23090a74/ 🎙️ Connect with Mason: https://www.linkedin.com/in/masonbrady/ If you’re a construction owner and want better clarity around your numbers and how to scale your business, be sure to follow, rate, review, and share Built to Scale so more contractors can learn how to grow smarter and scale with confidence.And if you’ve got questions, ideas for future episodes, or topics you want us to dive into, reach out to us at [email protected]

When was the last time you finished a job and actually knew if you made money?Many construction owners rely on cash in the bank or billing activity to judge performance. The problem? Cash flow does not equal profit. In this episode, Mason Brady sits down with Rachel Glock, construction finance expert and fractional CFO of Brady CFO, to explain why cash basis accounting often hides real job profitability and how accrual accounting and WIP (Work In Progress) reports give owners the financial visibility they actually need.Topics We Cover0:00 – Why Construction Owners Struggle to Know Job Profitability2:27 – Cash vs Accrual Accounting Explained for Construction4:15 – What a WIP Report Is and Why It Matters7:29 – Why Bankers and Sureties Require Accrual Financials9:28 – When Cash Basis Accounting Still Makes Sense13:45 – Key Triggers for Switching to Accrual Accounting17:51 – What’s Involved in Moving from Cash to Accrual20:00 – Accrual Reporting vs Cash-Basis Taxes24:34 – When to Bring in a Fractional CFO or Financial Advisor🤝 Connect with Rachel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-glock-23090a74/ 🎙️ Connect with Mason: https://www.linkedin.com/in/masonbrady/ If you’re a construction owner and want better clarity around your numbers and how to scale your business, make sure you’re following the podcast.And if you’ve got questions, ideas for future episodes, or topics you want us to dive into, reach out to us at [email protected]

Are your construction KPIs actually driving better decisions or just filling dashboards?In this episode of Built to Scale, Mason Brady sits down with Ted Turner, a leadership coach with 40 years of experience in construction operations from the jobsite to the C-suite.Ted shares what truly matters when it comes to KPIs and metrics in the construction industry and how to use data as a tool for leadership, not punishment.They discuss how contractors can move beyond “gut feel,” create actionable scorecards, and build company cultures that understand what their numbers actually mean. From cash flow forecasting and earned value to leadership behaviors and forecasting accuracy.Topics We Cover00:00 – Welcome & Ted’s 40-year journey in construction06:06 – Why KPIs matter (and how data can become a trap)13:00 – The key metrics that actually drive profitability19:00 – Forecasting accuracy and smarter bidding decisions36:00 – Cash flow strategies every construction company needs43:53 – Earned Value explained: why more hours ≠ more profit54:36 – The human side of KPIs: leadership, culture, and peopleIf you’re a construction business owner who’s ready to make data your advantage, not your headache, follow Built to Scale for more conversations on cash flow, leadership, and growth in the construction industry.Visit https://Bradycfo.com/ For financial strategy for blue jeans and boots businessesLinks from the show:ABC (Associated Builders and Contractors): https://www.abc.org/ AGC (Associated General Contractors): https://www.agc.org/ Intelligent Leadership Executive Coaching: https://www.ilecfranchise.com/ 🤝 Connect with Ted: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ted-turner-58612621/ 🎙️ Connect with Mason: https://www.linkedin.com/in/masonbrady/

In this episode of Built to Scale, host Mason Brady talks with Christopher Daugherty of Ryan LLC, a global corporate tax firm, about how contractors, developers, and construction businesses can save money through property tax appeals and exemptions. Chris explains how Texas’s unique tax system works, why property taxes are so high, and how business owners can ensure they’re paying only what’s fair. Topics we cover:02:30 – Why property taxes are so high in Texas compared to other states.07:00 – Real property vs. personal property — what contractors should know.10:15 – How the property tax appeal process works and key filing deadlines.16:00 – Common misconceptions about lowering property value through appeals.23:30 – Tips for contractors and developers to reduce property tax liabilities.28:00 – Hidden tax savings: green energy incentives, R&D credits, and exemptions.Links from the show:Ryan LLC – Property Tax Services: https://ryan.com/ Texas Comptroller – Property Tax Resources: https://comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/property-tax/ IRS – Research & Development (R&D) Tax Credit Overview: https://www.irs.gov/businesses/research-credit 🤝 Connect with Christopher:💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-daugherty-b892394/ 🎙️ Connect with the Mason:💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/masonbrady/

Could your construction or engineering firm be sitting on massive tax savings without even realizing it?In this eye-opening episode, Mason Brady is joined by Layton Johns and Jacob Wood from Capstan Tax to break down the major changes to R&D tax credits in the wake of the "Big Beautiful Bill." Learn how construction, engineering, and design-build firms can now reclaim massive deductions, avoid IRS pitfalls, and even unlock retroactive cash. If you’ve ignored R&D incentives before, 2025 may be your golden opportunity.Topics we cover: (02:23) – What qualifies as R&D for construction and design-build firms.(07:20) – Differences between tax deductions and credits for R&D.(14:24) – How the 2025 tax law eliminates amortization for domestic R&D.(22:27) – Retroactive tax relief for small businesses under $31M.(28:55) – Industry sectors contractors should target for R&D-heavy projects.Links from the Show:Capstan Tax Strategies: https://capstantax.com/ Jacob Wood on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-prentis-wood-7b206431The One Big, Beautiful Bill Act (OB3): https://capstantax.com/the-one-big-beautiful-bill-act-ob3/If you’re tired of surprise costs and shrinking margins, let’s fix it. Brady CFO helps construction business owners like you gain financial visibility and control. Learn more at ⁠https://bradycfo.com⁠Let’s connect on LinkedIn 👇 🔨 Mason Brady: https://www.linkedin.com/in/masonbrady 📊 Layton Johns: https://www.linkedin.com/in/layton-johns

Are you leaving bigger projects on the table because of bonding limits?In this Built to Scale episode, Mason Brady sits down with Chris Kolkhorst, Surety & Bonding leader at Higginbotham, to demystify bonding for construction companies. They break down the three types of bonds, how underwriters actually view your financials, and the smart moves you can make today to protect your bonding capacity and win bigger jobs.Topics we cover:05:25 – Bonding basics: performance, payment & maintenance07:50 – Why bonding works like credit, not insurance11:22 – First-time contractors: how to qualify15:28 – CPA reviews vs. audits (and real costs)19:06 – Predictability beats promises with underwriters29:34 – Contract clauses that protect your margins33:20 – Working capital rules: LOC vs. refinance37:02 – $1 cash = $20 in bonding capacity41:33 – Tax write-offs that hurt bondingResources:https://www.higginbotham.com/Connect with Chris Kolkhorst: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ckolkhorst/If you’re tired of surprise costs and shrinking margins, let’s fix it. Brady CFO helps construction business owners like you gain financial visibility and control. Learn more at ⁠https://bradycfo.com⁠Let’s connect on LinkedIn 👇 🔨 Mason Brady –https://www.linkedin.com/in/masonbrady/ 📊 Layton Johns – /layton-johns

In this Built to Scale episode, Mason Brady and Layton Johns break down how the updated 2025 tax law changes the game for Opportunity Zones. They reveal where to build, how to invest smartly, and why rural zones now offer even greater tax advantages.Topics we cover:00:00 – What are Opportunity Zones and how they’ve evolved in the 2025 tax bill01:55 – How capital gains deferral works and what’s new for investors06:12 – Why investing through a certified Opportunity Fund is critical09:40 – New incentives for rural zones and how they increase deductions11:52 – What builders need to know about development in low-income areas15:00 – Why multifamily housing is likely to lead in rural zone development20:00 – Who these tax plays are really for: high-net-worth vs. general contractors25:00 – How stacking Opportunity Zones with QPP bonus depreciation creates big wins27:14 – Final takeaways: where to market, who to connect with, and why this mattersResources:https://taxpolicycenter.org/briefing-book/what-are-opportunity-zones-and-how-do-they-work If you’re tired of surprise costs and shrinking margins, let’s fix it. Brady CFO helps construction business owners like you gain financial visibility and control. Learn more at https://bradycfo.comLet’s connect on LinkedIn 👇 🔨 Mason Brady – linkedin.com/in/masonbrady 📊 Layton Johns – linkedin.com/in/layton-johns

In this post-bill breakdown episode of Built to Scale, Mason Brady and Layton Johns dive deep into the implications of the newly signed tax law, with a sharp focus on bonus depreciation. They walk through real-world examples, explain how contractors can use the law to strategically grow, and caution against common pitfalls. Topics we cover:00:00 – Why bonus depreciation is back at 100% and what it means for contractors1:59 – How to expense vehicles, machinery, and gear in year one7:10 – When accelerated write-offs can hurt in a slow year11:14 – What qualifies and when to use Section 179 vs. bonus depreciation17:29 – What qualifies as production property under the new law26:13 – How new facilities may drive regional building demandIf you’re tired of surprise costs and shrinking margins, let’s fix it. Brady CFO helps construction business owners like you gain financial visibility and control. Learn more at https://bradycfo.com/ Let’s connect on LinkedIn 👇🔨 Mason Brady – https://www.linkedin.com/in/masonbrady/📊 Layton Johns – https://www.linkedin.com/in/layton-johns/

How will Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill reshape construction, manufacturing, and your business strategy?In this episode, Mason Brady and Layton Johns unpack “Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill”, a massive tax reform initiative with sweeping implications for the construction and manufacturing industries. With the bill poised to pass around July 4th, this episode explores how it could transform financial planning for builders, CFOs, and operators.Topics we cover:0:00 – Intro 2:15 – Overview of Trump's Big Beautiful Bill 6:45 – 100% Bonus Depreciation for Equipment & Facilities 11:05 – Vehicle Interest Deduction 14:30 – No Tax on Overtime 19:40 – Opportunity Zones & Rural Revitalization 24:10 – Defense Spending & Federal Contracting 28:05 – Rollback of EV Credits & Return to Combustion Incentives 32:30 – SALT Deduction Limit Changes 35:50 – Workforce Development & Trades Incentives If you’re tired of surprise costs and shrinking margins, let’s fix it. Brady CFO helps construction business owners like you gain financial visibility and control. Learn more at https://bradycfo.com/ Let’s connect on LinkedIn 👇🔨 Mason Brady – https://www.linkedin.com/in/masonbrady/📊 Layton Johns – https://www.linkedin.com/in/layton-johns/

Is your construction business recession-ready?In this episode, Mason Brady and Layton Johns break down what construction companies can do right now to prepare for economic downturns: from diversifying job types to securing credit lines before you need them.Learn how to protect your margins, maintain cash flow, and position your company to thrive no matter what the economy throws at you.00:00 – Intro: Facing economic uncertainty as a builder02:45 – Why now is the time to recession-proof03:14 – Low-bid vs. negotiated work: shifting your strategy07:08 – How to stand out and diversify your client base10:30 – Credit lines, bonding, and CPA-reviewed books🚧 Want help preparing your construction business for what’s next?Visit https://bradycfo.com/ or connect with Mason & Layton on LinkedIn:🔨 Mason Brady – https://www.linkedin.com/in/masonbrady/📊 Layton Johns – https://www.linkedin.com/in/layton-johns/Let’s build smarter. Let’s build to scale. 📈

In this episode, Mason Brady and Layton Johns break down how construction business owners should respond to today's volatile economic climate.From whether to pre-purchase materials to how to handle equipment costs and protect cash flow, this is the guidance you need to lead with confidence (not fear).00:00 – Should you buy now or wait?02:30 – How to lead through economic uncertainty04:51 – The real cost of storing materials07:44 – Fear-based decisions vs. wisdom-based strategy13:09 – When it makes sense to invest in equipment🔧 Want to protect your margins and make smarter financial decisions?Visit https://bradycfo.com/ or connect with Mason & Layton on LinkedIn:🔗 Mason Brady – https://www.linkedin.com/in/masonbrady/🔗 Layton Johns – https://www.linkedin.com/in/layton-johns/💬 Let’s build something profitable — and built to scale.

In this episode, Mason Brady and Layton Johns discuss how construction owners can incentivize their team, implement the right metrics, and build a culture that protects margins.From project manager accountability to smarter job tracking, this is your roadmap to long-term profitability.00:00 – You can’t stop profit fade alone01:10 – How to align your team around profitability03:31 – Metrics that reveal top vs. struggling PMs05:43 – Smarter incentives without compromising quality10:04 – Habits and systems that protect your marginsIf you’re tired of surprise costs and shrinking margins, let’s fix it.Brady CFO helps construction business owners like you gain financial visibility and control. Learn more at bradycfo.com.Let’s connect on LinkedIn 👇🔨 Mason Brady – https://www.linkedin.com/in/masonbrady/📊 Layton Johns – https://www.linkedin.com/in/layton-johns/

In this episode of Built to Scale, Mason Brady and Layton Johns tackle profit fade: when projected profits quietly disappear. They explain how poor reporting, mismanaged labor, and overlooked change orders create hidden losses. Learn how to catch the warning signs early and correct course. This is essential listening for any construction business owner serious about protecting margins.