Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 44:50 — 82.1MB) | Embed

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Keywords
construction, real estate, entrepreneurship, general contracting, scaling a business, team culture, leadership, networking, mentorship, value engineering, subcontractors, AI in construction, pre-construction, project management, Philadelphia real estate

Summary
In this episode, Bryan Cohen shares his journey from playing college basketball at Bucknell and professionally in Israel to co-founding Full Court Construction with his brother, Aron. After getting started in real estate through small rental renovations, the two gradually scaled into larger multifamily projects and built a construction company focused on execution, efficiency, and long-term relationships.

The conversation explores what it takes to grow a construction business, from hiring the right people and building a strong team culture to navigating pricing changes, subcontractor relationships, and project efficiency. Bryan also talks about networking, mentorship, daily discipline, and how his team is beginning to use AI to support pre-construction and project workflows. A grounded look at the mindset, structure, and consistency behind building a business in construction.

Takeaways
A competitive mindset can carry over from sports into business.
Starting small can create the foundation for long-term growth.
Strong execution is a major differentiator in construction.
Hiring the right people has a direct impact on company culture.
Building the right team requires vulnerability and trust.
Networking becomes more valuable when done with intention.
Mentorship can help accelerate growth and decision-making.
Discipline and routine can support consistency in business.
Learning from mistakes is part of building a stronger company.
AI can help improve efficiency in pre-construction and project workflows.

Chapters
00:00 Competitive mindset in construction
01:37 Introduction to Bryan Cohen and Full Court Construction
02:27 Basketball at Bucknell and playing professionally in Israel
04:46 Getting started in real estate and early renovations
06:49 Scaling into larger multifamily projects
09:37 Navigating COVID and pricing challenges
12:55 Value engineering and project efficiency
17:28 Building a strong team culture
22:26 Networking and business development
26:07 Daily habits and time management
32:28 Lessons learned through mistakes and growth
38:45 Using AI in construction workflows
43:28 Final thoughts and advice

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 43:39 — 99.9MB) | Embed

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Summary
Mike Tester, founder of Tester Construction Group, shares his journey in the construction industry and the growth of his company. He discusses his background in architecture and how he transitioned to construction management. Mike emphasizes the importance of having the right team and culture in a company, as well as the challenges of finding qualified labor in the industry. He also talks about the impact of COVID-19 on the construction industry and the value of in-person collaboration. Overall, Mike’s advice for aspiring entrepreneurs is to gain experience and knowledge in the field before starting their own business.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background
02:49 Early Career and Starting Tester Construction Group
06:09 First Projects and Growth of Tester Construction Group
09:55 Challenges and Successes in Building the Business
15:13 Adapting to Technology in the Construction Industry
24:58 Daily Habits and Work-Life Balance
30:06 Lessons in Business and Hiring Practices
35:01 The Impact of COVID-19 on the Construction Industry
39:48 Advice for Entrepreneurs Starting a Business
42:57 Closing Remarks