Tune in to Construct-ive Conversations, hosted by Brown Edwards CPAs. Gain valuable insights on various trends impacting the construction industry in addition to accounting, tax planning, and financial management to help your business thrive in today's complex landscape.
Data Integrity, AI, and Leadership in Construction with Ed Stelter (Part 2)
· 33:54
In this episode of Constructive Conversations, I continue my engaging dialogue with Ed Stelter of Faulconer Construction, diving deeper into the critical themes of data integrity, artificial intelligence, and leadership within the construction industry. Ed shares his insights on the challenges of maintaining accurate data and how it impacts decision-making processes. He emphasizes the vital role of AI in enhancing operational efficiency but warns that its effectiveness hinges on the quality of input data. We also explore the importance of leadership in fostering a culture of accountability and
From the Field to the Foundation: Ed Stelter on 30+ Years at Faulconer Construction and Telling the Industry's Stories (Part 1)
· 25:34
In this episode of Construct-ive Conversations, I sit down with Ed Stelter, Vice President of Business Development at Faulconer Construction. Ed shares his fascinating journey in the construction industry, which began over 40 years ago in his father's woodshop. From laboring on construction sites to becoming a leader in business development, Ed's insights are invaluable. We discuss the importance of relationships in building successful construction firms and how technology, particularly data strategies, is transforming the industry. Ed also highlights the significance of understanding the craf
Safety Is a Byproduct, Not a Strategy — with Alex Shaw
· 39:42
In this episode of Construct-ive Conversations, I sit down with Alex Shaw from Scott Insurance to discuss a crucial yet often misunderstood aspect of the construction industry: safety as a byproduct rather than a standalone strategy. With over a decade of experience advising contractors, Alex shares insights into how fostering a genuine culture of safety can enhance risk performance and employee well-being. We explore the importance of hands-on training, the dangers of compliance-driven mindsets, and the necessity of individual accountability in managing risk. Join us as we unpack these critic
Building Better Leaders: Developing People on Purpose in Construction
· 43:59
In this episode of Construct-ive Conversations, I'm joined by Wally Adamchik, a renowned leadership coach in the construction industry. We delve into the essential qualities that make effective leaders and discuss the importance of developing people on purpose. Wally shares his insights on the four core beliefs he advocates, emphasizing that every day can be an opportunity for improvement and that everyone has untapped potential. We explore the key challenges leaders face, including the delicate balance between managing workloads and leading teams. Wally's unique perspective, drawn from his ex
From Cold Call to Chief Dirt Nerd: Building the Future of the Dirt World with Aaron Witt
· 51:59
In this episode of Constructive Conversations, host Eddie Thompson of Brown Edwards Company sits down with Aaron Witt — founder of BuildWitt, host of the Dirt Talk podcast, and self-proclaimed Chief Dirt Nerd. Aaron shares the unlikely origin story of his career in heavy civil construction, from cold-calling a contractor after high school to building one of the industry's most recognized media and training brands. The two discuss how Aaron grew BuildWitt from a one-man social media venture into a company focused on workforce development, daily training software, and the annual Dirt World Summi
Leading with Extreme Ownership: 12 Principles for Life and Leadership with Rob Jones (Part 2)
· 49:49
Host Eddie Thompson talks with Rob Jones, a retired Marine Corps veteran, Paralympian, and leadership instructor with Echelon Front. After losing both legs in an IED explosion in Afghanistan in 2010, Rob went on to run 31 marathons in 31 days, bike across the country, and medal at the London Paralympic Games. In this episode, Rob shares how he became an instructor with Echelon Front and discusses the 12 principles of extreme ownership from the book by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin. Rob and Eddie explore how concepts like taking ownership, checking your ego, prioritizing and executing, and pract
From Devastation to Determination: Rob Jones on Resilience and Leadership (Part 1)
· 50:27
In part 1 of this inspiring episode of Constructive Conversations, host Eddie Thompson interviews Rob Jones, a Marine Corps veteran, Paralympian, and leadership instructor with Echelon Front. After losing both legs in Afghanistan, Rob transformed his adversity into extraordinary achievement—cycling across America and running 31 marathons in 31 days to raise money for veteran charities. As the author of "Put Your Legs On," Rob shares powerful insights on resilience, extreme ownership, and finding purpose through service to others.
Building Hope: Transforming Lives Through Workforce Development in West Virginia
· 27:57
In this episode of Construct-ive Conversations, I sit down with Deb Harris from Jobs and Hope West Virginia to discuss the transformative impact of workforce development in the state. Deb shares her journey from education to leading a program designed to help individuals overcome barriers to employment, particularly those in recovery or with justice involvement. We explore the evolution of Jobs and Hope since its inception in 2019, the range of training programs offered—especially in construction—and the partnerships that enhance their mission. Deb emphasizes the importance of hope in the work
David Turin: Lessons in Leadership, Failure, and Mining Reclamation (Part 2)
· 20:21
In this exciting continuation of Construct-ive Conversations, I sit down with legendary gold miner Dave Turin for part two of our discussion. We dive deep into his journey as an entrepreneur and father, exploring how he instills a spirit of business ownership in his children and grandchildren. Dave shares inspiring stories of reclamation in mining, highlighting stunning transformations of former mining sites into beautiful parks and golf courses. Along the way, he reflects on the importance of embracing failure as a stepping stone to success and offers invaluable advice on enjoying the journey
From Dozers to Gold: Dave Turin on Mining, Engineering, and the Trades (Part 1)
· 45:06
In this episode of Construct-ive Conversations, I sit down with the renowned Dave Turin, also known as "Dozer Dave." With a rich background in civil engineering and a successful career in mining, Dave's journey from managing his family's rock quarry in Oregon to becoming a household name on the Discovery Channel is nothing short of inspiring. We explore his experiences on Gold Rush and its spinoffs, the challenges he faced, and the innovative technologies transforming the mining and construction industries today. Dave also emphasizes the importance of advocating for the trades and encouraging
Building Financial Foundations: Fractional CFO Services for Construction Companies
· 30:20
Join Eddie Thompson from Brown Edwards and Company as he sits down with Josh Luebker, founder of The Construction CFO, to discuss fractional CFO services in the construction industry. Josh shares his journey from managing billions in construction projects to helping small and mid-sized contractors implement sophisticated financial systems without hiring a full-time CFO. The conversation covers the challenges contractors face with financial reporting, the importance of detailed job costing, Josh's six-step Construction CFO System, choosing the right accounting software, and the emerging role of
A CCIFP’s Guide to Avoiding the Top 10 Pitfalls in Construction Accounting: Pitfall #10: Blind Spots
· 19:58
Tune in to Construct-ive Conversation's 10-part mini-series, where we’re discussing how you can avoid the top ten pitfalls in construction accounting. In each episode, we dive into a pitfall and discuss ways a CCIFP can help implement solutions. This episode of Construct-ive Conversations examines the financial and strategic impact of overlooked areas in construction accounting, offering practical tools to transform vulnerabilities into competitive advantages. Learn how self-awareness, peer insights, and maintaining high standards can strengthen your construction business and drive long-term s
Building West Virginia's Future: Infrastructure, Workforce, and AI in Construction
· 40:11
Join host Eddie Thompson, CPA CCIFP, as he welcomes back Jason Pizatella, Chief Executive Officer of the Contractors Association of West Virginia (CAWV), for the second season premiere of Constructive Conversations. In this wide-ranging discussion, Eddie and Jason explore the current state of West Virginia's construction industry, including the impact of tariffs and commodity pricing on project planning, highlights from the recent legislative session, and major infrastructure projects transforming the state. Jason shares insights on CAWV's workforce development initiatives—including the Constr
A CCIFP’s Guide to Avoiding the Top 10 Pitfalls in Construction Accounting: Pitfall #9: Not Leveraging Advisor Expertise
· 18:05
Tune in to Construct-ive Conversation's 10-part mini-series, where we’re discussing how you can avoid the top ten pitfalls in construction accounting. In each episode, we dive into a pitfall and discuss ways a CCIFP can help implement solutions. Join us as we explore how leveraging professional advisors can transform your construction business. Discover why treating advisor fees as investments rather than expenses leads to better financial outcomes, learn strategies for coordinating expert teams, and understand how translating complex financial information into actionable insights drives susta
A CCIFP’s Guide to Avoiding the Top 10 Pitfalls in Construction Accounting: Pitfall #8: Mastering Risk Assessment for Sustainable Growth
· 20:06
Tune in to Construct-ive Conversation's 10-part mini-series, where we’re discussing how you can avoid the top ten pitfalls in construction accounting. In each episode, we dive into a pitfall and discuss ways a CCIFP can help implement solutions. In this episode of Construct-ive Conversations, we explore the critical balance between growth and profitability in the construction industry. Discover why chasing sales volume without prioritizing financial stability can lead to business failure, and learn practical strategies for developing sustainable growth models, implementing data-driven job sele
Navigating the One Big Beautiful Bill and Tariffs: Construction Industry Impact and Opportunities
· 35:37
In this episode of Constructive Conversations, host Eddie Thompson sits down with Brown Edwards tax directors and construction industry experts Carla Brown and Corbin Rice to break down the complex implications of the "One Big Beautiful Bill" and recent tariff policies on the construction sector. A Business Advisor for the Construction Industry Our team of Certified Construction Industry Financial Professionals (CCIFPs) can help you navigate the complex revenue recognition rules and job cost accounting methods of the construction industry. Learn more about Brown Edwards' Construction group.
A CCIFP’s Guide to Avoiding the Top 10 Pitfalls in Construction Accounting: Pitfall #7: Culture and Loyalty
· 20:47
Tune in to Construct-ive Conversation's 10-part mini-series, where we’re discussing how you can avoid the top ten pitfalls in construction accounting. In each episode, we dive into a pitfall and discuss ways a CCIFP can help implement solutions. Explore how cultivating a positive company culture transforms construction businesses from the inside out. This episode of Construct-ive Conversations examines how respect, inclusivity, financial transparency, and career development create loyal teams that drive profitability and competitive advantage. Discover actionable strategies to build a workplac
Building the CFMA Community: Construction Accounting Insights with Craig Daniels
· 33:00
Join host Eddie Thompson of Brown Edwards & Company as he sits down with fellow CPA and construction specialist Craig Daniels for an engaging shop talk about the Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA) and the construction industry. Craig, a director at Brown Edwards with 13 years of public accounting experience and a Certified Construction Industry Financial Professional (CCIFP), shares his insights from the recent CFMA conference in Las Vegas and discusses his efforts to establish West Virginia's first CFMA chapter. In this episode, Eddie and Craig dive into the nuances of const
A CCIFP’s Guide to Avoiding the Top 10 Pitfalls in Construction Accounting: Pitfall #6: Integrity Issues
· 20:17
Tune in to Construct-ive Conversation's 10-part mini-series, where we’re discussing how you can avoid the top ten pitfalls in construction accounting. In each episode, we dive into a pitfall and discuss ways a CCIFP can help implement solutions. Explore the critical role of integrity in construction accounting in this insightful episode. Discover how ethical practices impact stakeholder relationships, learn strategies for maintaining transparency, and understand the long-term consequences of integrity failures. Gain practical guidance on building trust through accountability, ethical financial
A CCIFP’s Guide to Avoiding the Top 10 Pitfalls in Construction Accounting: Pitfall #5: Balancing Capability and Cost
· 25:00
Tune in to Construct-ive Conversation's 10-part mini-series, where we’re discussing how you can avoid the top ten pitfalls in construction accounting. In each episode, we dive into a pitfall and discuss ways a CCIFP can help implement solutions. This episode explores the delicate balance between capability and cost in construction equipment investments. We examine key strategies for maintaining a balanced equipment portfolio, conducting utilization analysis, evaluating lease versus buy options, and developing effective replacement strategies. Learn how Certified Construction Industry Financial
Beyond Low Bid: Exploring Better Construction Delivery Methods
· 49:36
In this episode of Construct-ive Conversations, host Eddie Thompson from Brown Edwards welcomes Tina McPhail, Executive Vice President and CFO of Pray Construction. Together, they dive into the limitations of the traditional "low bid" model for public construction projects in West Virginia and explore alternative delivery methods that could provide better value and results. Tina shares her passion for implementing legislative changes to allow design-build approaches already used in surrounding states, highlighting how these collaborative methods can lead to better outcomes, reduced change orde
A CCIFP’s Guide to Avoiding the Top 10 Pitfalls in Construction Accounting: Pitfall #4: Accountability
· 20:54
Tune in to Construct-ive Conversation's 10-part mini-series, where we’re discussing how you can avoid the top ten pitfalls in construction accounting. In each episode, we dive into a pitfall and discuss ways a CCIFP can help implement solutions. In this episode, we explore how a lack of accountability acts as a "silent profit killer and examine how accountability impacts every level of operations, from project execution to financial performance. A Business Advisor for the Construction Industry Our team of Certified Construction Industry Financial Professionals (CCIFPs) can help you navigate th
Succession Planning in Construction: A Guide to Securing Your Business Legacy
· 41:32
In this episode of Construct-ive Conversations, host Eddie Thompson sits down with Will Clark, a tax director and succession planning expert from the firm's Kingsport, Tennessee office. They discuss the critical aspects of business succession planning, including different exit strategies, tax implications, and the importance of early planning. The conversation offers practical guidance for construction business owners at any stage of their succession planning journey. A Business Advisor for the Construction Industry Our team of Certified Construction Industry Financial Professionals (CCIFPs) c
A CCIFP’s Guide to Avoiding the Top 10 Pitfalls in Construction Accounting: Pitfall #3: Financial Controls
· 19:44
Tune in to Construct-ive Conversation's 10-part mini-series, where we’re discussing how you can avoid the top ten pitfalls in construction accounting. In each episode, we dive into a pitfall and discuss ways a CCIFP can help implement solutions. In this episode, we explore the critical importance of robust reporting systems and financial controls in the construction industry. Discover how proper financial infrastructure can protect your projects and profits, with detailed insights into monthly gain/fade analysis, WIP schedules, and job costing systems. We spotlight the 'segregation of duties'
Breaking Ground: Women Leaders Shaping the Future of Construction
· 42:33
In this special episode of Construct-ive Conversations, host Eddie Thompson welcomes three accomplished women in construction to celebrate National Women in Construction Week. Guests include Blair Williamson, owner of SL Williamson Company, a third-generation asphalt pavement and road construction company; Betty Howard, owner of Bruce Howard Contracting, specializing in commercial services and excavation; and Carla Brown, Director and CCIFP at Brown Edwards with 19 years of construction industry experience. The panel discusses their unique journeys in the construction industry, from Blair's tr