[Global Speakers Academy Series] - Transforming Businesses Through Conscious Marketing

Izabela Pal is the Founder and CEO of AIG Construction, a minority and woman-owned company specializing in residential and commercial construction. Izabela’s zero-to-millionaire success story began with her emigration from Poland to New York, where she gained experience in the construction industry working as a project manager before founding her own business in 2018. A savvy entrepreneur dedicated to fostering a strong workplace culture, she has grown her construction company into a multimillion-dollar business with over 120 employees, aiming for nationwide expansion.

In this episode…

Every construction company wants rapid growth in an ever-evolving industry. However, scaling a business is no easy feat. What factors should entrepreneurs in the construction field consider when expanding their company?

Entrepreneur and developer Izabela Pal faced hurdles during her construction company’s early stages, from surviving the pandemic to substantial insurance challenges. Despite these obstacles, she succeeded by following industry trends and pivoting into new markets, building her woman-owned construction company into a multimillion-dollar business within the first five years of operation. Leveraging the lessons learned in her early days in the industry, Izabela builds her company’s foundation on prioritizing safety in construction projects, persevering in the face of challenges, and taking action instead of overthinking. By creating a safe workplace that values empathy and kindness in interactions, she ensures her employees enjoy the process and maintains a close-knit family atmosphere.

Tune in to the latest installment of Get the Intel as Chad Gill hosts Izabela Pal, the Founder and CEO of AIG Construction, to discuss strategies for scaling a construction company. Izabela shares the story behind her journey into entrepreneurship as an immigrant, the challenges she faced growing her company, and how to build a strong workplace culture while prioritizing staff training and standards to ensure consistency in service delivery.

Christopher "Chris" de Pierne is the Owner of TITAN Systems LLC, a team of contractors providing best-in-class coating installation to residential and small commercial markets. TITAN, founded in 2000, utilizes its extensive experience in the coatings and concrete repair industry to assist engineers, architects, and owners in planning and designing unique and functional spaces. Chris is also a Senior Estimator at the Baton Rouge branch of STRUCTURAL, an industry-leading concrete repair company. After starting his professional career as a forensic accountant, Chris transitioned to the concrete repair and restoration industry in 2006. Before becoming an estimator, he garnered experience working as a laborer, foreman, superintendent, and CE inspector. 

In this episode…

Trade jobs are in high demand, and over 83% of respondents in a trades industry survey feel extremely satisfied with their career choices. Experts attribute this job satisfaction to the career path's stability, followed by competitive compensation and a flexible schedule. So, how can we encourage more people to consider trade careers? 

Industry expert Christopher "Chris" de Pierne highlights the importance of trade programs in high schools, reflecting on how he started early in the industry, having struggled with reading but excelled in math and had a sense of purpose when working with his hands. He leveraged his passion to take on more responsibilities, including project management, and finally advanced to a senior estimator in the construction industry. Chris shares his inspiring career journey, emphasizing the accomplishment and fulfillment the younger generation can find in trades.

Tune in to this latest episode of Get the Intel as Chad Gill chats with Christopher "Chris" de Pierne, the owner of TITAN Systems, LLC, about his journey in the concrete repair industry. Chris reflects on his career trajectory from laborer to senior estimator, shares insights on career satisfaction strategies, discusses practical estimation in the construction industry, and highlights the importance of encouraging the younger generation to pursue a trades career.

Freddy Deen is the President of Wild Construction, a full-service general contractor specializing in complete roofing systems and exterior remodeling. Wild Construction is a recognized GAF Master Elite asphalt shingle installer, offering the best warranties in the industry. With over 15 years of experience, Freddy leverages his expertise and passion for making things happen through construction. Before founding his construction company, he honed his management skills by working in sales and client development.

In this episode…

As a contractor in the thriving construction industry, do you find it challenging to keep your firm growing because you're constantly losing employees? Retaining employees is as important as acquiring new clients since your team is your business’s backbone. High turnover rates can result in increased expenses, reduced productivity, and low morale. How do you improve retention to ensure long-term success?

Finding and retaining talented employees is an arduous task that most hiring managers need help with, regardless of their industry. However, having skilled and dedicated employees cannot be overstated. Roofing industry expert Freddy Deen believes that people want to belong to a place and feel like their work matters. Contractors must, therefore, be forthcoming and keep their workers involved, in addition to hiring right and delegating effectively. In addition, embracing project management software can also help streamline processes and ensure effective team communication. 

In this installment of Get the Intel, Chad Gill welcomes Freddy Deen, the President of Wild Construction. They discuss business growth and retention strategies for contractors and the importance of project management software for contractors. Freddy shares his entrepreneurial journey, his biggest challenges in the industry, and tips to ensure quality roofing.

Mike Bratten is the President of AXIS Structural, a full-service engineering consulting firm in South Central Texas. A professional structural engineer with expertise in design and materials testing, Mike's experience spans multistory buildings using concrete tilt-wall, structural steel, CMU, wood frame, and pre-engineered metal buildings. Before venturing into structural design,  Mike worked as a project manager in the construction materials testing industry, gaining valuable experience in typical methods used in building structures. At AXIS, he leads a 13-member team, including drafting technicians, graduate engineers, and other professional engineers. His responsive, proactive, and hands-on approach to projects has earned accolades, including being named a SABJ 40 Under 40.

In this episode…

In the complex world of construction project management, recognizing that each participant — architects, engineers, contractors — has a distinct perspective is crucial. While specialized knowledge in their respective fields is essential, particularly for large and complex projects, an even more critical element is understanding how all these specialized roles interweave to bring the project to life.

Structural Engineer Mike Bratten stresses the primary role of collaboration, particularly between architects and engineers, for successful building projects. He highlights the growing recognition of involving engineers early in the design process to consider factors like function, efficiency, structure, and technical limitations. Further, preferences for building types, such as retail or multistory offices, can impact material choices (concrete vs. steel) and facade complexity. So, engineers must carefully balance design preferences with safety and practicality, paying close attention to detail.

In this episode of Get the Intel, Chad Gill hosts Mike Bratten, the President of AXIS Structural, to discuss the intricacies of structural engineering and construction management. Mike highlights the importance of understanding architects' ideas and taking a hands-on approach for effective project execution. He also reflects on construction engineering in Texas and why project managers should build relationships with local manufacturers.

Beau Atkins is a divorce lawyer and the CEO of Evolve Family Law, a Canadian firm dedicated to protecting the interests of families through trusted and experienced family lawyers. Combining over a decade of experience with divorce, including his parents, Beau is passionate about helping parents separate while protecting their kids. After his frustrating journey navigating the family justice system, Beau leveraged technology and integrated it into all firm processes, law and business alike, to better serve his clients and the public.

In this episode…

Divorce or separation is hard enough, but it’s even more complex when children are involved. Research has shown that ongoing parental conflicts increase children's risk of psychological and social problems. Divorcing parents must come up with a plan to navigate divorce without harming their young ones. How can parents have an amicable separation?

Family lawyer Beau Atkins witnessed his parent’s marriage degenerate as their relationship became toxic. Recalling the traumatic event of standing up to his father at 14, Beau emphasizes the importance of conflict resolution habits. He narrated the long-term effects of the conflicts on each member of his family and how an interview with his parents revealed unexpected memory gaps. To help others avoid the pains of a messy separation, Beau integrates technology into his family law practice, advocating for a process that helps people separate without lawyers or courts. He, however, recommends seeking personal counsel during separation to make the process less painful and help determine if the relationship is truly over.

In this episode of Get the Intel, Chad Gill chats with Beau Atkins, the CEO of Evolve Law, about the impact of divorce and how to protect kids when navigating divorce and separation. Beau shares the traumatic experience of his parent's separation, the importance of seeking counsel for affected family members, and his aim of using technology to improve divorce proceedings.

Anna Madill is the CEO and Founder of Avenue, a B Corp digital marketing agency for purpose-driven companies. Founded in 2016, Avenue’s proprietary suite of marketing products and custom services helps brands share their unique stories while growing sustainably and successfully. Anna plays a pivotal role in the company's vision and strategic plan, leading all operational and financial aspects of the business and empowering transformational change for her team, clients, and community. An impact entrepreneur, speaker, mentor, and community leader, she has won multiple awards through her work at Avenue, including the Portland Business Journal's CEO of the Year 2023 and B Lab’s B Corp Best for the World (Workers) and Best for the World (Community) lists for 2022.

In this episode…

In an era where consumers make purchases based on a brand’s values as much as they do for quality, conscious marketing has become more crucial than ever. How can businesses effectively communicate brand messaging? Does authenticity still hold its ground in this evolving marketing space? 

For award-winning digital marketer Anna Madill, conscious marketing — aligning values and identities — is the best way to transform your business from the inside out. Reflecting on the growing pains experienced by her company, Anna says today’s marketing landscape goes beyond throwing a marketing message, a slogan, or a tagline out there. It entails integrating purpose and values into your operations and projecting them through your marketing and company culture. It's not enough for your audience to understand what you do; thoughtful marketing and community impact can help connect with potential customers and build trust.

In this episode of Get the Intel, Chad Gill chats with Anna Madill, CEO and Founder of Avenue, as Anna shares her speaking topic of conscious marketing and how she helps companies grow through transformation. She shares case studies of businesses embedding values into every aspect of their operations, the advantages of heartfelt marketing, and how Avenue helps clients to be more intentional and thoughtful in their marketing.

Scott Tannen is the Founder and CEO of Boll & Branch, a company combining luxury and sustainability in the home goods industry. Founded in 2014 by Scott and his wife Missy, Boll & Branch has become the world's largest Fairtrade Certified™ organic cotton consumer, championing ethical textile production practices. Under his vision and direction, the company has grown into one of the largest e-commerce-first luxury home brands, serving millions of customers, including celebrities and US presidents. 

Prior to Boll & Branch, Scott spent several years in consumer marketing at Wrigley and Kraft Food's Nabisco before starting Fun Tank, one of the world's leading developers of casual online and mobile games. He has received numerous awards for his innovation in the advertising and creative industry, most recently earning the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year for his achievements at Boll & Branch.

In this episode…

Inspirational leaders prioritize a supportive work environment by recognizing the potential in others and helping them to be their best. They encourage, challenge, and model open-mindedness, actively soliciting feedback. How can entrepreneurs maintain a clear and shared vision while creating an enjoyable and exciting work environment?

Seasoned entrepreneur Scott Tannen reiterates the importance of risk-taking and exceptional leadership. Scott approaches his 10-year entrepreneurial journey with this mindset, preserving the value of building a culture of growth and adaptation. He emphasizes maintaining the energy and positivity of the early days as the company grows. However, there will come a point when a founder embraces a change in perspective and learns to rely on others, recognizing that people have diverse strengths and interests. Founders must break out of their comfort zones, learn from mistakes, build a collaborative culture that inspires growth, and mentor others to strive for greatness. 

In this episode of Get the Intel, Chad Gil welcomes Scott Tannen, Founder and CEO of Boll & Branch, as they discuss Scott's career journey and his company's growth from an online retailer to physical retail stores and a furniture line. Scott unpacks the details behind his leadership approach, the inspiring company culture that propelled Boll & Branch to a market leader, and ethical and sustainable practices in the home goods industry.  

Scott Weir is the Founder and CEO of SimplaDocs, a consulting agency specializing in optimizing workflows through automation and custom internal tools. He is also the Founder of The Coda School, an interactive course designed to take learners to expert levels in Coda automation and workflow. A school teacher turned tech entrepreneur, Scott is a Coda automation trailblazer who has built systems and led teams for companies in many sectors. He shares his expertise in streamlining business processes to improve productivity on his YouTube channel, The Coda Guy.

In this episode…

Over 94% of businesses perform repetitive, time-consuming tasks. To mitigate this, companies are investing in process automation. How can you leverage these workflow tools so you and your team can spend more time on value-added activities?

No-code and low-code workflow automation has become a go-to for firms looking to collaborate effectively and build powerful tools quickly. This technology is not new, but it has become more prevalent in recent years due to its ability to improve team efficiency. According to workflow consultant Scott Weir, the pre-built templates, automation, and drag-and-drop interfaces offered by no-code tools speed up development and enable flexibility. In addition, custom tools can help business owners with scheduling and time management for improved efficiency.

In this episode of Get the Intel, host Chad Gill interviews Scott Weir, a Coda automation expert and the Founder and CEO of SimplaDocs, on improving efficiency through custom tools and automation. Scott shares his journey from education to tech and the origin of his passion for business workflows and automation. Tune in to learn actionable tips on time management and how to supercharge your productivity as a business owner.

Piyush Jain is the Founder and CEO of Simpalm, an award-winning digital product development company with expertise in mobile app development, web development, and backend engineering. He is also the Co-founder of Ducknowl, a SaaS product that helps recruiters resolve screening and assessment challenges.

With a PhD from Johns Hopkins University, Piyush aims to help firms leverage emerging technologies to increase productivity. His expertise spans mobile tech, Internet of Things, iOS, Android, and more. As a thought leader in tech, Piyush has been featured in Forbes, Huffington Post, YEC, and several online publications.

In this episode…

Hiring talents for your company can often feel like a daunting maze, but what if there was a way to leverage technology to create a seamless recruiting process? This is precisely where the power of Ducknowl, a hiring platform with a 70% reduction in screening time, shines through.

The primary recruitment objective of any company is to hire the most qualified candidates. Thanks to the rise of AI, the hiring process is more efficient, less biased, and cost-saving. From conducting initial screenings to providing personalized recommendations to candidates, AI-powered platforms like Ducknowl are changing the recruitment game. According to a survey, companies that embraced AI in recruitment have seen their cost per screening reduce by 75%. Hiring managers can also conduct asynchronous video interviews and psychometric tests to assess candidates' skills and personalities and make informed decisions.

Join Chad Gill in this episode of Get the Intel as he chats with Piyush Jain, the CEO of Simpalm and Co-founder of Ducknowl. They explore AI trends in hiring, the benefits of asynchronous interviews, and Ducknowl’s AI-powered tools for automating candidate screening and assessment tests. You’ll gain valuable insights into making informed hiring decisions, how to leverage digital tools to fast-track recruitment, and how to build a hiring system that candidates trust.

Dr. Fred Ray Lybrand Jr. is an author, business coach, and consultant with a unique ability to simplify complex problems and communicate complicated matters. As the Founder of Advanced Writing Resources, he revolutionizes writing by tapping into writers' natural language instincts. For over 20 years, Dr. Lybrand Jr. has been helping entrepreneurs and leaders master complex problem-solving by leveraging his expertise in communication, creative problem-solving, and leadership development. He has successfully led critical crisis resolutions across various industries and authored several books, including The One Success Habit. His newest book, Enjoying Problems, empowers entrepreneurs to find, love, and solve their challenges confidently and achieve their goals.

In this episode…

When facing a problematic situation, most people focus on the challenge rather than setting clear goals for what they want to achieve. Have you ever felt overwhelmed trying to resolve a challenge? Embracing the mindset of 'enjoying problems' might be the solution you've been seeking.

We encounter problems in all aspects of life, making problem-solving skills essential for career growth and personal development. To achieve success and reach desired outcomes,  business coach Dr. Fred Ray Lybrand Jr. recommends viewing challenges as opportunities for solutions. Having successfully developed innovative solutions for companies, he created the "simple six models" to help people define and solve problems more effectively. He empowers entrepreneurs to embrace a positive mindset towards challenges. Understanding that problems have advantages and how they work will empower you to tackle critical issues as they arise.

In this episode of Get the Intel with Chad Gill, author and problem-solving expert Dr. Fred Ray Lybrand Jr. unpacks the strategy behind complex problem-solving for entrepreneurs and the inspiration behind his book Enjoying Problems. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on a goal rather than assigning blame, breaking complex problems into smaller parts, and the value of clear communication in leadership.