How DPR Built the Discipline That Protects Construction Companies in Every Cycle

Construction companies don't go out of business because they lack work. They go out of business because they take on too much work and lose discipline. In this episode, Eric Anderton talks with DPR Construction leaders Camilo Garcia and Mike Humphrey about how DPR built the discipline that carried the company through multiple boom-bust cycles—from early hypergrowth to market volatility in the 2000s, the 2009 downturn, and today's AI-driven data center surge. They explain how DPR protects its culture through disciplined hiring, empowers teams with freedom within a framework, stays selective with customers and markets, and scales using operating ranges based on people—not just revenue. If you're leading a construction company in a high-demand market, this episode shows how DPR stays disciplined while growing.   Resources: DPR Construction: https://www.dpr.com/Connect with Camilo on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/camilo-garcia-pineros-79172ba/ Connect with Mike on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-humphrey-b589695/

The Inflation Reduction Act is driving massive investment into construction—but the registered apprenticeship requirements tied to those tax credits are creating confusion and risk for many contractors. In this episode, Eric Anderton talks with Andy Seth, founder of Apprentix, about a smarter approach to complying with Inflation Reduction Act apprenticeship requirements—one that reduces risk, protects margins, and supports business growth. They break down how IRA apprenticeship compliance really works, why sponsorship matters, and how contractors can get compliant quickly without disrupting operations. If Inflation Reduction Act projects are affecting your bids or backlog, this episode will give you clarity and confidence.   Connect with Andy Apprentix: https://www.apprentix.ioApprenticeship Launch System (Book): https://a.co/d/1Lxl0rXLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andyseth/ X: https://x.com/mrasethEmail: [email protected] Phone: +1 (303) 900-2215 Restaurant Mentioned: https://www.altenorestaurant.com/  

Doug Ransom began his construction career at 18 as a union carpenter apprentice. Thirty years later, he serves as General Superintendent at JP Cullen & Sons, a fifth-generation commercial construction company. Learn more: https://jpcullen.com/ In this episode, we discuss: Transitioning from foreman to superintendent Managing construction field teams Leadership development in commercial construction Field vs. office conflict Multi-generational construction company succession   Related episodes on construction succession planning: Episode 170 https://www.constructiongenius.com/podcast/how-to-run-a-successful-family-business-with-george-cullen-ep-170/ Episode 186 https://www.constructiongenius.com/podcast/secrets-of-a-successful-multi-generational-company-with-the-cullen-clan-ep-186 Connect with Doug: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doug-ransom-a58018285/ Restaurant recommendation: https://www.fairchildrestaurant.com/

What does it really take to become a high-performing construction leader? In this episode of Construction Genius, Eric Anderton talks with Katharine Hamer, Project Manager at DPR Construction (San Diego), about leadership development, accountability, and culture in the field. From her background as a Division I lacrosse athlete to managing complex projects across higher education, healthcare, data centers, parking structures, and life science / biotech, Katharine explains how DPR develops leaders through discipline, humility, and real field experience. You'll hear how accountability works without blame, why psychological safety matters on tough projects, and how young professionals can grow fast without skipping critical steps. Links: DPR Construction: https://www.dpr.com/Restaurant Recommendation (San Diego, CA): Dirty Birds Bar & Grill Restaurant Link: https://www.dirtybirdsbarandgrill.com/

Estimating isn't just math—it's how contractors decide which risks they're willing to own. In this episode of the Construction Genius Podcast, Eric Anderton talks with Chris Clausing, Director of Program and Curriculum Innovation for Construction at Colibri Group, about why estimating is still more art than science—and why contractors consistently miss the risk margin that protects profit. Drawing on 25 years as a commercial general contractor, Chris explains how regional differences, niche discipline, poor handoffs, and earned value blind spots quietly erode margins. They also discuss how AI can help identify estimating risks—if it's adopted thoughtfully. If you've ever won work that you later wished you hadn't, this episode will change how you think about estimating.  

Can you really deliver speed, quality, and cost in construction—without tradeoffs? In this episode of Construction Genius, Eric Anderton sits down with Ryan Teicher, CEO of REDCOM Design & Construction, to unpack how a fully integrated design-build model eliminates silos, accelerates delivery, and aligns teams around client outcomes. Ryan explains how bringing architecture, engineering, estimating, and construction under one roof leads to faster decisions, fewer conflicts, and better cost control. The conversation dives into early design consulting as a risk filter, sales as true client advocacy, maintaining client intent from concept through construction, and why strong leaders must be willing to walk away from the wrong projects. This is a practical, no-BS conversation about design-build done right, along with CEO-level insights on leadership, culture, and scaling a construction company.   🔑 Topics Covered Why integrated design-build can deliver speed, quality, and cost Early design consulting as risk management Turning sales meetings into working design sessions Maintaining client intent throughout construction Red flags that signal when to walk away from a project Breaking silos through culture, space, and leadership The CEO shift from operations to growth   Ryan Teicher is the CEO of REDCOM Design & Construction, a fully integrated commercial design-build firm. He brings over 25 years of leadership experience across residential, commercial, and industrial construction, including managing complex projects for Merck, Citi, Siemens, Santander, and Quest. Since joining REDCOM in 2023, Ryan has focused on driving speed to market, operational efficiency, and cross-discipline collaboration by bringing architecture, engineering, and construction under one roof. He lives in New Jersey and serves on his town's planning board, environmental commission, and as president of his synagogue.   🔗 Links & Resources REDCOM – About Us https://www.redcomllc.com/about-us/ REDCOM – Project Portfolio https://www.redcomllc.com/portfolio/ REDCOM on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/redcom-design-&-construction-llc/ Ryan Teicher on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-teicher/ Construction Genius https://www.constructiongenius.com  

Kathe Barrington is a CPA specializing in construction. Before finding her true passion in cost accounting and then the construction industry, Kathe worked in different industries, including software, hardware, real estate, retail, and non-profits. Working directly with owners, banks, bonding agents, and CPA firms, Kathe helps bringing the entire team together so that they can make the best management decisions for the organization's sustainability and future growth. Some of the services she provides include budgeting, forecasting, cost segregation, basic bookkeeping, and software implementations.  Key Takeaways - Understanding over-billings and under-billings. - Why under-billing is always a warning sign.  - The impact of billing patterns on bonding and banking relationships. - Owner responsibility and accountability. - Over-billing and customer relationships.  - Treating over-billed cash with discipline and clarity.   Connect with Kathe Barrington LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/kathe-barrington-a6346337/  Website - kbcpa.biz/  FaceBook - web.facebook.com/people/Kathe-Barrington-CPA/100072271041746/   Previous episodes with with Kathe Barrington WIP Reports Made Simple: The Key to Stopping Hidden Job Losses How to Use Your WIP to Protect Cash and Grow Profitability Physical Progress vs. Financial Reporting in Construction Projects

The hardest transition in construction isn't technical—it's moving from building projects to leading people. In this episode, Eric Anderton talks with leadership expert Joel M. Hilchey about why so many construction leaders struggle once their hands come off the tools. They explore career development conversations, micro-feedback, why high performers leave first, and the subtle leadership habits that quietly drain initiative and ownership. If you've ever felt guilty because your boots aren't muddy anymore—or caught yourself jumping back into the work "just to help"—this episode will hit home. 🎧 Practical. Honest. No fluff. 📘 Book: https://www.amazon.com/half-Habits-Highly-Defective-Bosses/dp/1069639508/ 🧠 Free Assessment: https://www.joelhilchey.com/bossessment.html

Bonding is one of the biggest bottlenecks in construction growth—and most contractors misunderstand it. In this episode, Eric Anderton talks with Gary Eastman, President of Swift Bonds and Access Surety, about what sureties really look for when deciding whether to bond a contractor. They break down the Three C's—Character, Capacity, and Capital—why character matters more than most owners realize, what happens behind the scenes during bond claims, and how smart contractors increase bonding capacity without blowing up their business. If you want to bid bigger jobs, improve margins, and reduce risk, this is a must-listen.  

Construction doesn't solely rely on blueprints and hard hats; it also relies on curiosity, hands-on learning, and people who make the buildings come to life. For those who step into job sites, success is measured by attitude, adaptability, and willingness to ask questions. From building psychological safety to leveraging technology like robotics, the modern superintendent is constantly learning how to work smarter by balancing human expertise with innovation. Erin Saiki is a superintendent at DPR Construction who started her career pursuing civil engineering at UC Berkeley and discovered a passion for construction during a 2018 summer internship with DPR. After her graduation, Erin joined DPR as a project engineer but quickly realized her strengths and enthusiasm were better suited to the field rather than an office environment. Aligning herself with DPR's field engineer program, she moved to site leadership and has since progressed to become a superintendent.   Highlights [00:20] Erin path to construction leadership.  [02:31] The importance of hands-on field experience. [08:00] Making clear, objective decisions based on what's best for the job. [11:42] Psychological safety in construction. [16:50] Collaborative leadership vs. traditional leadership.  [20:52] Management of tough conversations and self-awareness.  [22:37] Bridging technology and craft work in construction. [28:44] The importance of getting involved early in the design phase.  [33:14] The importance of addressing mental health issues in construction.  [39:56] Showing up, volunteering, and finding ways to add real value. [41:18] The superintendent of the future.   Key Takeaways Touch, observe, and follow. Spend time in the field to see how drawings translate into real installations. Go into the field expecting to learn and be comfortable admitting what you don't know. Gather input from all trades before deciding and make the call once you have enough information. Build psychological safety. Encourage workers to speak up without fear of blame. Prepare mentally before a tough conversation and focus on what you can control, not how it will be received. Explain what the technology does and doesn't do and frame technology as support, not replacement. Talk openly about mental health on site and build a supportive, respectful jobsite culture where workers feel safe. Connect with Erin SaikiLinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/erin-saiki/  Website - dpr.com