Podcast Guests

Mike and Brian are joined by Brian Maag, President of Top Flight Industries, Inc. Brian was raised by his father, a contractor, and began his own business at the age of 30. A residential drywall contractor, Brian digs into the ups and downs of the COVID-19 crisis and how it has strangely affected life in general and the business – both for him and the construction industry. Take some time and kick back with us while we check in with Brian.

Mike and Brian are joined by Sean Leonard, President & CEO of S.L. Leonard & Associates, Inc. As an immigrant, born and raised in Hong Kong, Sean shares his journey from working in construction and design/build to eventually opening S.L. Leonard & Associates – representing nonprofits, schools, colleges, public entities, businesses and developers on all their real estate needs. With projects under his belt like the Walt Disney Concert Hall, Sean discusses the many details that come with large public projects – i.e. politicians, billionaires, and dealing with public approval. If you’re interested in the in’s and out’s of large development projects, this is the show you’ll want to listen to!

Mike and Brian spend time with O.P. Almaraz of Allied Restoration Services, Inc. In 2008, O.P. and his brother Victor started the business with an $80,000 loan from his parents. They grew the business to $2 million by 2010 – but with the tragic death of his brother in 2010, the company lost half their revenue went into a tailspin. O.P. was forced to figure out how to evolve – especially in the midst of the Great Recession. Changing their model, he was able to adapt and grow the business to a thriving $8 million dollar enterprise. O.P. has a dynamic and infectious personality – full of passion for what he does. You’re gonna want to listen to this one!

Mike and Brian are joined by Gregory Cabello, President of Greca Construction. An expert in working government construction in California, Gregory has a passion for helping those that may not know the ins and outs of working construction at the government level. If you’re trying to move into this type of construction, Gregory Cabello is your man! Give him a listen and shoot him an email at gregory@grecacinc.com.

Mike and Brian are joined by Adam Tallabas, President of Phoenix Floors. Adam talks about the trials and tribulations of starting, learning, and running an artisan contractor business in California – in addition to some hairy stories that can happen while out on the job! Give this one a listen for sure!

Mike and Brian are joined by Angie Simon, CEO of Western Allied Mechanical. Angie has been at the company for 33 years – starting as a Project Manager and eventually taking over as President in 2008. She took the company from $30 million in 2008 to $106 million just last year! With a talent for recognizing others’ strengths and skills and the humility to understand that her teammates have something to teach her, she has built a dynamic culture of trust and hard work at the company. Her motto – Learn something new every day and don’t be afraid of change. Ladies and gentlemen, we give you Angie Simon!

Mike and Brian are joined by Keven Hempel, officially the Director of Client Relations at Freestone Construction and B Taylor Painting. But honestly, his title is more akin to “whatever it takes to have better relationships with clients” – whether it’s managing a project, buying groceries for them, or helping them be better stay-at-home teachers to their kids during the COVID-19 crisis. Take a listen and see why this Ultra Marathon running, social media champion, business owner is positively influencing everyone he comes in contact with on a daily basis.

Mike and Brian are joined by Keith Flores, CEO of Smart Choice Heating and Air. At 12 years old, and realizing he could make a killing running ductwork and getting dirty, Keith was hooked. Once he started his own company, they made $5 million in their first year with 50 employees – and did we mention that was their first year?! Their culture is infectious, people are begging to come work for them, and they’ve mastered Social Media to gain market share while their competition is stuck in the dark ages. Keith Flores, the only contractor we know in an Armani suit, will change the way you think about running your business and your team.

Mike and Brian are joined by Josh Clauss, President and CEO of Clauss Construction. If you’re a fan of watching large buildings laced with explosives implode, then this is your man. Established by Josh’s uncle in 1991, a veteran of the Vietnam War with 2 purple hearts, he instilled in Josh the value of working tremendously hard – first one in, last one out, and grind harder than anyone else. Add integrity and character and you see why Steve Wynn uses them and vouches for them personally and why they’re in the Petco Park Hall of Fame in San Diego. I know we say this a lot, but seriously, grab a chair, put your ear phones on, and listen to this guy. You’ll be glad you did.

Mike and Brian are joined by Raymond Gray, CEO of A-1 Total Service Plumbing. Raymond is the fourth generation of pipe fitters and plumbers. Growing up from the school of hard knocks, he for sure knows what it takes to get the job done. In addition, he also has the right people in place to help fill the gaps – which is why we have Thomas and Mario joining the show! Grab a chair and hear some crazy stories of the real world of plumbing – beyond pin hole leaks and faucet fixes!