Welcome to a new episode of I’m The Gaffer 👷‍♂️

If you're a construction business owner, architect, engineer, contractor, project manager, developer, or someone involved in designing and delivering projects, this conversation offers valuable insights into architecture, construction, entrepreneurship, AI, leadership, and the future of the built environment.

In this episode, Lance Cayko joins Gavin Coyle to discuss why architects need to reconnect with the construction industry, how builders and architects can work more effectively together, the impact of AI on professional services, and why understanding construction can make you a better designer and business owner.

You'll learn:

Why architects need stronger relationships with builders, subcontractors, and the people actually delivering projects

How spending time in the field can improve designs, reduce mistakes, and earn respect from trades

Why many architecture firms struggle with business, profitability, and long-term growth

How AI is changing architecture and why practical construction experience is becoming more valuable

Why Lance believes architects should reclaim the role of the master builder and take a bigger role in construction projects

🎯 Episode Highlights / Timestamps

00:00 Why builders earn more than architects

01:12 Introduction to Lance Cayko

02:27 Starting in construction at age 13

08:54 Why entrepreneurship and architecture rarely go together

12:10 The ego problem in architecture

15:08 Why architects don't talk to tradespeople

17:29 How subcontractors improved architectural drawings

21:44 AI and the future of architecture

31:00 Why architectural firms are going out of business

38:00 Why owners and clients suffer from poor collaboration

40:52 Knowing what you know now

42:07 The book that changed Lance's life

Connect with Lance Cayko

LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lance-cayko-1227031a/

Inside The Firm Podcast

https://insidethefirmpodcast.com/

F9 Productions

https://www.f9productions.com/

About Coyle Group

Coyle Group provides safety outsourcing and managed services for high-impact projects across wind, utilities, power generation, engineering, and construction.

With 25+ years of experience, 100+ safety professionals, and 1M+ safety hours completed, Coyle Group helps projects run safely and compliantly.

Learn more:

https://coyle-group.com/

About the Podcast

I’m The Gaffer, hosted by construction professional Gavin Coyle, brings together industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and experts to share real insights on leadership, growth, safety, engineering, construction, and business success.

Listen on:

Apple Podcasts

https://bit.ly/ImTheGaffer

Spotify

https://bit.ly/ImTheGafferSpotify

YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/@imthegafferpodcast

Website

https://www.imthegaffer.com

Subscribe for more insights for construction business owners, architects, engineers, contractors, project leaders, developers, and industry professionals.

#ImTheGaffer

#Architecture

#ConstructionIndustry

#Architects

#ConstructionLeadership

#BuildingDesign

#ConstructionManagement

#ConstructionBusiness

#ProjectManagement

#AIInConstruction

#ConstructionTechnology

#Entrepreneurship

#ArchitectureBusiness

#GeneralContractor

#ConstructionPodcast

Welcome to a new episode of I’m The Gaffer 👷‍♂️

If you're a construction business owner, engineer, project manager, contractor, safety professional, or someone responsible for delivering projects, this conversation offers valuable insights into engineering leadership, safety, technology, and the future of the industry.

In this episode, Craig Montz joins Gavin Coyle to discuss what makes a great engineer, why the industry needs more engineering talent, how technology is transforming project delivery, and why preventing problems is more valuable than simply solving them.

You’ll learn:

Why engineering is a rewarding career with endless opportunities

What qualities make a great engineer

Why safety should be considered during design, not after construction starts

How asking better questions leads to better project outcomes

Whether construction projects are being over-engineered

How BIM and 3D modelling are changing project planning

Why technology and AI are becoming essential engineering tools

Why experienced engineers focus on preventing problems, not just fixing them

How engineering firms can attract and retain top talent

Why leadership is often about listening instead of providing solutions

Why Craig believes he should have bet on himself earlier in his career

🎯 Episode Highlights / Timestamps

00:00 Problem solving vs problem prevention

01:30 Introduction to Craig Montz

05:15 How engineering firms attract top talent

07:52 What makes a great engineer?

09:37 Why engineering logic improves safety

10:36 Are projects being over-engineered?

15:23 The qualities of a modern engineer

16:03 How BIM and technology are transforming construction

18:44 The leadership lesson behind problem prevention

20:00 Building projects virtually before construction begins

26:14 How AI helps engineers make better decisions

27:25 Engineering salaries and specialist career opportunities

32:05 Leadership lessons from managing people

35:00 The future of engineering and technology

37:50 Knowing what you know now, what would you do differently?

Connect with Craig Montz

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigmontz/

Company Website

https://mcclurevision.com/

About Coyle Group

Coyle Group provides safety outsourcing and managed services for high-impact projects across wind, utilities, power generation, engineering, and construction.

With 25+ years of experience, 100+ safety professionals, and 1M+ safety hours completed, Coyle Group helps projects run safely and compliantly.

Learn more:

https://coyle-group.com/

About the Podcast

I’m The Gaffer, hosted by construction professional Gavin Coyle, brings together industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and experts to share real insights on leadership, growth, safety, engineering, and success in the construction industry.

Listen on:

Apple Podcasts

https://bit.ly/ImTheGaffer

Spotify

https://bit.ly/ImTheGafferSpotify

YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/@imthegafferpodcast

Website

https://www.imthegaffer.com

Subscribe for more insights for construction business owners, engineers, project leaders, and industry professionals.

Welcome to a new episode of I’m The Gaffer 👷‍♂️

If you're a construction business owner, contractor, project leader, safety professional, or someone responsible for building better teams, inclusion is not just an HR policy or a box-ticking exercise.

In this episode, Anne Okafor, Founder of Okaforia Limited, joins Gavin Coyle to discuss what an inclusive construction industry really looks like and why it matters for safety, quality, culture, recruitment, reputation, and business performance.

You’ll learn:

Why inclusion affects everyone in construction

Why diversity and inclusion cannot sit only with HR

Why company culture has to start from the top

How poor workplace culture can affect safety and quality

Why small everyday behaviours can become bigger problems

Why job adverts and recruitment processes may put people off

Why inclusion is not just about hiring more women

How inclusive teams can help produce better buildings and better products

Why ESG and client expectations are making this topic more important

Why being inclusive starts with being a decent human being

🎯 Episode Highlights / Timestamps

00:00 Why diverse teams create better products

01:53 Introduction to Anne Okafor

03:46 Anne’s journey into construction

06:12 What does an inclusive construction industry look like?

07:24 Legal requirements and industry standards

09:31 Why inclusion cannot be an afterthought

11:18 Is diversity and inclusion just HR?

19:23 Diversity and inclusion as safety near misses

22:53 Why safety is physical and emotional

27:08 Why inclusion is more than women in construction

Connect with Anne Okafor

LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/anneokafor/

Website

https://www.anneokafor.com/

About the Podcast

I’m The Gaffer, hosted by construction professional Gavin Coyle, brings together industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and experts to share real insights on leadership, growth, and success in the construction industry.

Listen on:

Apple Podcasts

https://bit.ly/ImTheGaffer

Spotify

https://bit.ly/ImTheGafferSpotify

YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/@imthegafferpodcast

Website

https://www.imthegaffer.com

Subscribe for more insights for construction business owners and leaders.

#ImTheGaffer #ConstructionBusiness #ConstructionLeadership #ConstructionIndustry #DiversityAndInclusion #InclusionInConstruction #WomenInConstruction #ConstructionCulture #HealthAndSafety #WorkplaceCulture #ESG #Leadership

Welcome to a new episode of I’m The Gaffer 👷‍♂️

If you're a contractor, tradesman, roofer, HVAC business owner, or home service business owner, more revenue is not always the answer.

In this episode, Daniel Bamper, Founder of Black Belt Ledgers, joins Gavin Coyle to discuss why construction businesses need better financial structure, clearer job costing, stronger cashflow tracking, and smarter margin control.

Daniel works as a fractional CFO for contractors, tradesmen, and home service businesses, helping owners understand their numbers before small problems become expensive ones.

You’ll learn:

Why contractors need more than tax reports and bookkeeping

Why cashflow can feel tight even when revenue looks strong

How job costing helps contractors protect profit

Why construction margins leave little room for mistakes

How to track marketing beyond views and impressions

Why calls, estimates, and booked jobs matter more than vanity metrics

Why seven-figure businesses need weekly financial visibility

How warranties can affect cashflow and tax strategy

Why AI can improve efficiency but cannot replace judgment

How one roofer made $100K less in revenue but added $400K to profit margins

Why better systems can help contractors grow without simply doing more work

🎯 Episode Highlights / Timestamps

00:00 Construction margins and profit leaks

01:12 Introduction to Daniel Bamper

03:11 Daniel’s journey into construction finance

06:31 Why growing contractors outgrow old systems

08:55 Marketing numbers every contractor should know

13:18 Why contractors need accounting systems

18:10 Why contractors need to track warranties

25:15 Can AI replace financial advisors?

31:39 How one roofer added $400K to profit margins

43:28 Episode wrap-up

Connect with Daniel Bamper

Website

https://blackbeltledgers.com/

Linkedin

https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-bamper/

LinkedIn

About the Podcast

I’m The Gaffer, hosted by construction professional Gavin Coyle, brings together industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and experts to share real insights on leadership, growth, and success in the construction industry.

Listen on:

Apple Podcasts

https://bit.ly/ImTheGaffer

Spotify

https://bit.ly/ImTheGafferSpotify

YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/@imthegafferpodcast

Website

https://www.imthegaffer.com

Subscribe for more insights for construction business owners and leaders.

#ImTheGaffer #ConstructionBusiness #ContractorGrowth #ConstructionLeadership #ContractorFinance #Cashflow #ProfitMargins #JobCosting #ConstructionManagement #BusinessSystems

Welcome to a new episode of I’m The Gaffer 👷‍♂️

If you're a construction business owner who only reacts when projects go wrong, you may already be losing money, time, and control without realising it.

In this episode, Bryan Guess, Founder and Principal Consultant of Bartizan Strategic Group, joins Gavin Coyle to discuss how construction companies can identify hidden risks, improve systems, protect margins, and avoid costly mistakes before the damage is done.

You’ll learn:

Why project problems are often symptoms, not the real issue

Why construction businesses need to look at risk before it hits

How a risk register can protect your business

Why “I don’t have time” is a dangerous excuse

How documentation can prevent costly mistakes

Why warranties and O&M manuals matter more than many owners realise

How poor systems create repeat problems

Why throwing more people at a project is often just a Band-Aid

How to deal with high-performing but difficult team members

Why structure, strategy, and systems matter in construction leadership

Sponsored by Hustro.com

Hustro.com – the simplest construction management software.

Spend 75% less time on inspections and reports and streamline your construction documentation.

Start and claim 2 months free using code “GAVIN” → https://hustro.com/gavin

00:00 Sponsored by Hustro.com

01:20 Introduction to Bryan Guess

02:23 The story behind Bartizan Strategic Group

04:34 Bryan’s gap analysis approach

08:32 Why construction companies need a risk register

09:04 Working on the business vs in the business

14:13 The Washington DC roof leak case study

16:48 The importance of documentation and detective work

20:48 Why O&M manuals matter at handover

23:38 Why warranties should be checked before repairs

29:20 How Bartizan Strategic Group supports project-based businesses

31:02 Why processes must change as companies scale

34:46 Why tribal knowledge creates business risk

38:27 Managing a difficult but high-performing project manager

43:20 Bryan’s favourite books

46:04 Where to connect with Bryan Guess

48:18 Episode wrap-up

Website

https://bartizan.group/

LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-guess/

I’m The Gaffer, hosted by construction professional Gavin Coyle, brings together industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and experts to share real insights on leadership, growth, and success in the construction industry.

Listen on:

Apple Podcasts

https://bit.ly/ImTheGaffer

Spotify

https://bit.ly/ImTheGafferSpotify

YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/@imthegafferpodcast

Website

https://www.imthegaffer.com

Subscribe for more insights for construction business owners and leaders.

#ImTheGaffer #Construction #ConstructionBusiness #ContractorGrowth #ConstructionLeadership #ConstructionRisk #BusinessSystems

Welcome to a new episode of I’m The Gaffer 👷‍♂️

If you're a construction business owner who only checks your numbers once a year with your accountant — you're running your company blind and it's costing you real money.

In this episode, Roy Coughlan, entrepreneur and host of multiple top-charting podcasts, breaks down why most contractors lose money not because of lack of work — but because they don't control their numbers, systems, and pricing.

You’ll learn:

• Why guessing job prices can wipe out your profits
• The simple financial systems many contractors still ignore
• Why no one cares about your money more than you
• How contractors miss valuable tax deductions
• The 80/20 rule of AI and how it applies to business
• How AI can help with contracts, pricing, and marketing
• Why contractors who adopt AI early will gain an advantage

Hustro.com – the simplest construction management software.

Spend 75% less time on inspections and reports and streamline your construction documentation.

Start and claim 2 months free using code “GAVIN”→ https://hustro.com/gavin

00:00 Introduction

02:30 Roy Coughlan’s background and entrepreneurial journey

06:15 Why contractors miss tax deductions

08:26 Why many contractors guess job pricing

10:53 How one badly priced job can wipe out profits

12:53 How AI can create contracts and estimates in minutes

16:11 The 80/20 rule when using AI

17:08 Using AI for marketing and business growth

18:02 Why AI will improve jobs rather than replace them

19:41 From construction to podcasting

21:44 How Roy built a podcast coaching business

23:06 Why podcasting is underrated for business growth

26:05 What makes a podcast successful

26:42 Why promoting in the wrong places doesn’t work

27:23 Using YouTube and AI tools to grow an audience

28:55 Why targeting the right audience matters

30:10 Marketing lessons for contractors

31:57 Roy on property, business models and entrepreneurship

33:06 Roy’s virtual assistant business explained

34:40 Fiverr, Upwork and building long-term relationships

39:18 Roy’s advice on hiring and working with contractors

40:06 Why construction doesn’t have to be your only path

41:29 Knowing when it’s time to change direction

43:30 Roy’s advice to entrepreneurs

44:26 What Roy would do differently in life

45:00 Roy’s favourite book

45:45 Roy’s favourite destination

46:41 A surprising fact about Roy

47:13 Where to connect with Roy

48:00 Final message to listeners

48:18 Episode wrap-up

Website

https://roycoughlan.com/

LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/roycoughlan

I’m The Gaffer, hosted by construction professional Gavin Coyle, brings together industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and experts to share real insights on leadership, growth, and success in the construction industry.

Listen on

Apple Podcasts

https://bit.ly/ImTheGaffer

Spotify

https://bit.ly/ImTheGafferSpotify

YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/@imthegafferpodcast

Website

https://www.imthegaffer.com

Subscribe for more insights for construction business owners and leaders.

#ImTheGaffer #Construction #ConstructionBusiness

#ContractorGrowth #ConstructionLeadership #AIInConstruction #BusinessSystems

Welcome to a new episode of I’m The Gaffer 👷‍♂️

If you're a construction business owner stuck around £200k–£300k in revenue and constantly firefighting staff problems, cash flow pressure, and operational chaos — you're likely overstaffed, under-systemised, and bleeding money.

In this episode, Chaz Wolfe, serial entrepreneur and founder of Gathering The Kings, breaks down how construction business owners build companies that run without them — instead of businesses that consume their time, cash, and family life.

You’ll learn:

- Why a $200k construction business with 3–5 employees is massively overstaffed

- The $300k revenue threshold before hiring becomes necessary

- Why most owners remain the bottleneck even with 10–15 employees

- The four-step system to remove yourself from daily operations

- Why hiring before fixing systems is costing you serious money

- How predictable profit becomes the driver of long-term family wealth

Sponsored by Hustro.com

Hustro.com – the simplest construction management software.

Spend 75% less time on inspections and reports and streamline your construction documentation.

Start and claim 2 months free using code “GAVIN”

→ https://hustro.com/gavin

🎯 Episode Highlights (Timestamps / Chapters)

00:00 Introduction

01:38 Chaz Wolfe’s entrepreneurial background

03:30 Why many business owners become the bottleneck

11:32 Building a business that runs without you

14:17 The $200K business hiring mistake

20:25 Why owners must get out of the weeds

21:06 Building systems and SOPs to scale

27:00 Market size vs marketing problems in construction

31:30 Teaching entrepreneurship to kids

42:14 Chaz’s favourite book: Think and Grow Rich

43:30 Helping entrepreneurs build freedom through systems

Website

https://gatheringthekings.com

LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/chaz-wolfe-86767054/

I’m The Gaffer, hosted by construction professional Gavin Coyle, brings together industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and experts to share real insights on leadership, growth, and success in the construction industry.

Apple Podcasts

https://bit.ly/ImTheGaffer

Spotify

https://bit.ly/ImTheGafferSpotify

YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/@imthegafferpodcast

Website

https://www.imthegaffer.com

Subscribe for more insights for construction business owners and leaders.

—

#ImTheGaffer #Construction #ConstructionBusiness

#ContractorGrowth #ConstructionLeadership #BusinessSystems #ConstructionOperations