June 5, 2025

Elevate Your Why: A Conversation with Pansy Romo

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Season 3

What drives someone to rise from mechanical trades to vice president multiple times? For Pansy Romo of InTech Mechanical, the answer lies not in credentials or connections, but in authentic servant leadership and an unwavering commitment to valuing people.

This conversation delves into Pansy's remarkable journey—one that began without a college degree but flourished through intentional relationship-building and genuine appreciation for others. "When you invest in people and value them truly for no other reason than they are people and matter, everything else comes as a byproduct," she shares, revealing the philosophy that's guided her ascent in an industry not always known for prioritizing human connection.

Particularly fascinating is Pansy's perspective on career transitions and setbacks. Rather than viewing career progression as linear, she embraces the zigzags, including moments when "doors closed on purpose"—situations that initially seemed like failures but eventually revealed themselves as redirections toward greater opportunities. Her transition from trade-specific work to broader general contractor responsibilities demonstrates how vulnerability, resourcefulness, and willingness to learn can transform apparent limitations into strengths.

For leaders struggling with talent retention in today's competitive market, Pansy offers a compelling alternative to simply competing on compensation. When organizations demonstrate genuine interest in employees as complete human beings rather than mere contributors to dashboards, they create magnetic cultures where discretionary effort flows naturally. As she puts it, "Titles and authority are needed for business, but that's not how I show up every day—we're all trying to advance the ball together, just with different responsibilities."

Ready to transform your leadership approach? Listen now to discover how being a "light to others" can create both personal fulfillment and organizational success.

Connect with Pansy

https://www.linkedin.com/in/pansy-romo-leed-ap-42b49818/

https://www.intech-mech.com/

Make yourself a priority and get more done: https://www.depthbuilder.com/do-the-damn-thing

Download a PDF copy of Becoming the Promise You are Intended to Be
https://www.depthbuilder.com/books

00:08 - The Foundation of Authentic Leadership

13:00 - Introduction to VP Pansy Romo

26:16 - Setting Intentions and Navigating Obstacles

46:35 - Transitioning Between Trades and GC Roles

01:08:33 - The Value Beyond Money in Construction

01:29:11 - Being a Light to Others

WEBVTT

00:00:00.080 --> 00:00:03.944
Why do you want to elevate and how are you going to elevate?

00:00:03.944 --> 00:00:06.991
In your own way, being your authentic self.

00:00:13.002 --> 00:00:16.010
What is going on L&M family?

00:00:16.010 --> 00:00:18.809
Welcome back for another conversation.

00:00:18.809 --> 00:00:22.149
I have like a super, super rock star for you today.

00:00:22.149 --> 00:00:27.780
She is the vice president of InTech Mechanical and it's not the first time.

00:00:27.780 --> 00:00:31.431
She's been in a VP role a couple of times, maybe even a few, there might be some.

00:00:31.431 --> 00:00:35.868
I didn't find stalking her on LinkedIn and Intech.

00:00:35.908 --> 00:00:49.631
In case you're wondering, intech Mechanical is a full service contractor serving the North California region, so she's out there in NorCal with all the fancy people, the beautiful weather and all the amenities that most of us wish we had every day.

00:00:49.631 --> 00:00:56.811
Her name is Ms Pansy Romo and I got to connect with her on LinkedIn.

00:00:56.811 --> 00:01:04.605
She's a powerhouse, she don't mess around and I'm excited to learn, like the details about how she got to, where she's at and all those beautiful things.

00:01:04.605 --> 00:01:22.204
But before we get to that point, if this is your first time here, this is the Learnings and Missteps podcast, where you get to see how amazing human beings just like you are sharing their gifts and talents to leave the world better than they found it.

00:01:22.204 --> 00:01:28.781
I am Jesse, your selfish servant, and let's get to know Ms Pansy.

00:01:28.781 --> 00:01:30.304
Ms Pansy, how are you?

00:01:30.986 --> 00:01:38.064
Good, I'm doing great in beautiful Northern California, the sun's shining and everything is good.

00:01:38.846 --> 00:01:42.334
It's always perfect up there, oh my goodness.

00:01:42.334 --> 00:01:48.182
So where exactly is Intay Is in taste like Sacramento, we're just outside of Sacramento.

00:01:48.201 --> 00:01:56.365
We're in Roseville, okay, 30 minutes outside of Sacramento, but still capital city, sacramento region yeah, I was in Sacramento.

00:01:57.367 --> 00:02:00.353
hell, it's probably been six or eight months now.

00:02:00.353 --> 00:02:06.980
I started in Sacramento and I went all the way down to San Diego and I tried to take the what is it?

00:02:06.980 --> 00:02:15.871
The highway one or the one, but there was part of it was blocked off so I had to take a reroute and that was boring, like the worst reroute.

00:02:17.760 --> 00:02:21.771
I went through the central Valley, bakersfield and all the eggs yeah.

00:02:22.841 --> 00:02:26.631
Oh, it was like oh, this is so hard, I should have just got a plane.

00:02:26.631 --> 00:02:28.284
Anyways, it was a good adventure.

00:02:28.284 --> 00:02:34.465
I think I stayed the night in Anaheim and then I finished, the next morning I drove down to San Diego.

00:02:34.465 --> 00:02:35.989
I think that was October.

00:02:36.650 --> 00:02:40.082
Southern California in October is still nice, though.

00:02:40.843 --> 00:02:42.145
Oh yeah, it was amazing.

00:02:42.145 --> 00:02:44.689
Okay, so I got a super simple question.

00:02:44.689 --> 00:02:47.614
Oh yeah, it was amazing.

00:02:48.716 --> 00:02:49.036
Okay.

00:02:49.036 --> 00:02:51.360
So I got a super simple question how do you water your why?

00:02:51.360 --> 00:02:56.800
Wow, that's a.

00:02:56.800 --> 00:02:57.942
That's not a simple question, but it's important, though.

00:02:57.942 --> 00:03:16.360
I think it's a combination of just being in my own thoughts and reminding myself what is my why and how my why might impact other people and help elevate their life, especially when things get difficult, just remembering that nothing that I do is about me.

00:03:16.360 --> 00:03:24.174
It's about other people, and that watering process, I think, is a combination of thoughts.

00:03:24.174 --> 00:03:47.497
That watering process, I think, is a combination of thoughts engagement with people, seeing how their lives start to flourish, learning from other people too I'm a mentor for Placer County here and engaging with those young ladies and giving them some wisdom and then having them feed some wisdom back to me, even at their age and their career stage, helps me water my why.

00:03:48.600 --> 00:03:49.403
Oh, I love it.

00:03:49.403 --> 00:03:51.550
I stole that off of one of your posts on LinkedIn.

00:03:51.550 --> 00:04:00.272
So this appreciation for people, where does that come from?

00:04:02.120 --> 00:04:05.889
Probably just because I didn't feel appreciated growing up.

00:04:05.889 --> 00:04:10.944
So I think it's just a personal life experience.

00:04:10.944 --> 00:04:24.184
Really, I didn't feel that growing up and then, kind of, as I got more engaged in business and I started to realize how much I love people, all it did was just skyrocket from there.

00:04:24.184 --> 00:04:42.692
Like I always was engaged with a lot of different groups growing up, had a lot of friends I love spending time with people but then as I got in the business world and I really saw, like you know, what I could help people, it just sparked something that aligned with the core values I already had as a person.

00:04:44.261 --> 00:04:45.343
Oh, I got it Okay.

00:04:45.343 --> 00:04:52.865
So it was like a need that you have and then the world of business kind of became the venue for you to source and fill that need.

00:04:52.865 --> 00:04:55.492
And I don't know, am I wrong?

00:04:55.492 --> 00:05:01.406
Because I'm just like a solo operator here, I don't have a real job, I don't wear pants maybe once a week.

00:05:01.406 --> 00:05:09.696
But am I wrong that investing in and valuing people is a good business decision?

00:05:10.579 --> 00:05:12.204
Absolutely, I mean.

00:05:12.204 --> 00:05:24.170
I think the most important piece, though, is when you invest in people and value them truly for no other reason other than they are people and they matter.

00:05:24.170 --> 00:05:31.305
Everything else that comes as a result of that is a byproduct of investing in valuing people.

00:05:33.269 --> 00:05:34.793
Oh, I love it.

00:05:34.793 --> 00:05:36.456
I love it.

00:05:36.456 --> 00:05:38.240
You're talking, my love language.

00:05:38.540 --> 00:05:41.988
Yeah, nothing in return should be expected.

00:05:41.988 --> 00:05:47.622
Things happen as a natural, as a general rule, but nothing in return should be expected.

00:05:47.622 --> 00:05:51.593
And then what is returned to you will be more than you ever expected.

00:05:52.699 --> 00:05:53.423
Oh, my goodness.

00:05:53.423 --> 00:06:01.886
So it's like give without expectation, serve, share, connect, appreciate, because it's the right thing to do.

00:06:02.826 --> 00:06:03.108
Yes.

00:06:03.228 --> 00:06:05.632
And then miracles happen on the backside.

00:06:05.651 --> 00:06:06.514
Absolutely.

00:06:06.754 --> 00:06:12.783
Yes, oh, my God, you know, I've been living that, and now, full disclosure.

00:06:12.783 --> 00:06:19.408
I've only been living that experience we'll say about eight, maybe nine years, and I'm not 19.

00:06:19.408 --> 00:06:33.475
So I spent a lot of my years doing it the other way Super transactional, always demanding or expecting something in return, undervaluing relationships and it was hard, like it sucked.

00:06:33.475 --> 00:06:47.540
It was not fun, it took all the joy and energy out of me, but I finally saw the way now.

00:06:47.560 --> 00:06:51.550
What's interesting, though, is back when I was operating that way, there were a lot of people in at levels in the companies I was at.

00:06:51.550 --> 00:06:55.524
They operated that way, so I'm like well, if I want to get there, this is how I need to behave.

00:06:55.524 --> 00:07:16.153
Like it was I'm not blaming them right like I was the one that decided to be a jerk, but the signals around me were saying this is how to get to where you want, and so I'm wondering in your path, did you see the same thing, or did you just have like amazing people that modeled that kind of behavior and made it easy for you to adapt to that?

00:07:16.899 --> 00:07:20.843
No, I saw the same thing that you did Over time.

00:07:20.843 --> 00:07:21.927
Things have changed.

00:07:21.927 --> 00:07:32.372
Over time, things have changed, and we've, as a society, even and especially as a business community, we've evolved, I think, on so many levels to figure out that the people are the most important.

00:07:32.372 --> 00:07:47.083
Even if you never believed that before or never found that valuable, you're looking at people in a different way, because now we have multi-generations in businesses, we all have kids, that some of us have kids that are the same age as people that work for us.

00:07:47.083 --> 00:07:54.541
For you to maintain a transactional approach today, you're intentionally doing that.

00:07:55.384 --> 00:07:59.134
Yes, in my opinion, and I think I saw leaders.

00:07:59.134 --> 00:08:24.925
I'm glad I had leaders that didn't model for me what I wanted to be modeling for people, because they taught me what not to do, and legitimately, it is painful as it was back then they taught me how I did not want to be as a leader, and I took those things and I just use them to kind of propel myself not to swing the pendulum all the way.

00:08:24.925 --> 00:08:32.102
The other way, though, because you still have to hold people accountable, but at the same time, you don't have to be a jerk about it.

00:08:32.102 --> 00:08:34.991
You could be direct, but you can be respectful.

00:08:37.123 --> 00:08:39.890
Yeah, I feel like you're getting after me for my past.

00:08:41.123 --> 00:08:42.184
No, not at all.

00:08:42.184 --> 00:08:43.649
I have jerk moments too.

00:08:43.649 --> 00:08:45.231
Don't get me wrong, I'm not perfect.

00:08:45.293 --> 00:08:50.331
But I got it Okay, so you started.

00:08:50.331 --> 00:09:22.059
I mean again, like I said, I was stalking on LinkedIn and from my just a quick glance I made at your entry into the workforce after university, you've progressed relatively quickly to VP roles, roles, and it kind of like, wherever you go, you shoot to, you shoot up the ladder yeah, I've been very fortunate that the my style of how I show up has helped me in my career and also people opening doors recognizing that there's talent there.

00:09:22.260 --> 00:09:23.442
But I didn't graduate.

00:09:23.442 --> 00:09:26.385
I dropped out of college, listed on.

00:09:26.385 --> 00:09:42.600
There is no degree, but ultimately just kind of the culturally the way I was raised, how I show up as a person.

00:09:42.600 --> 00:09:48.258
That matters because people sometimes will pay attention and see that you have potential and ethic and give you opportunities that you might not get otherwise.

00:09:48.258 --> 00:09:50.086
So I had a mix right.

00:09:50.159 --> 00:09:56.312
I had to work really hard back when I first started in construction because it was a good old boys game.

00:09:56.312 --> 00:10:11.043
Many women and the women that were there were office staff, you know, at a very low level office staff, you know, at a very low level.

00:10:11.043 --> 00:10:16.321
And so I just I set an ambition way back when and I just kept working to it and connecting with people and I networked a lot and I listened to people.

00:10:16.321 --> 00:10:20.655
That's what I tried to do for a really long time is what are they saying?

00:10:20.655 --> 00:10:25.448
Why are they saying it and how does it impact my day-to-day?

00:10:25.448 --> 00:10:27.981
How can I leverage what they're doing?

00:10:27.981 --> 00:10:34.701
If there was benefit there of like they're good leaders, they speak well, they say the right things.

00:10:34.701 --> 00:10:36.466
They don't just talk for no reason.

00:10:36.466 --> 00:10:44.264
Those are the kind of things that I tried to pay attention to, because there are people that just talk for no reason.

00:10:46.745 --> 00:10:52.791
Yes, the people that I got two favorites and I'm going to talk smack, maybe I'll get canceled.

00:10:52.791 --> 00:10:54.913
I don't care the two folks.

00:10:54.913 --> 00:11:00.476
They drive me up the damn wall and it's part of the reason why I don't have a real job, because they would drive me crazy.

00:11:00.476 --> 00:11:03.121
One is the topper right.

00:11:03.121 --> 00:11:12.092
No matter what you do, what vacation you've taken, what diet you're trying, they're doing it and they've done it and they're doing a better one.

00:11:12.461 --> 00:11:18.591
You come across people like that and then so those are.

00:11:18.591 --> 00:11:24.749
I see those out in the wild, not just in the workplace, but the other ones are the bobbleheads.

00:11:24.749 --> 00:11:33.011
And these they lurk in meetings, especially when there's people with a lot of influence and authority.

00:11:33.011 --> 00:11:45.854
And when I say bobbleheads, what I mean is when the person with the most authority in the room says something, they go out of their way to repeat it using different words and say I agree, and oh, that's such a great point.

00:11:45.854 --> 00:11:48.227
And they're just bobbing their head.

00:11:48.227 --> 00:11:50.928
Yeah, it's probably like all you got to do is nod, your head Shut up.

00:11:50.928 --> 00:11:58.725
We're here to make progress on a thing, not hear how much you agree with the most popular person in the room.

00:11:58.725 --> 00:12:00.785
Do they have those in California too?

00:12:03.235 --> 00:12:03.496
Yes.

00:12:03.496 --> 00:12:12.505
It's everywhere, right In society, everybody's always trying to get to that next level, and we don't all know healthy ways to do it.

00:12:12.505 --> 00:12:14.870
In my opinion, I agree.

00:12:14.889 --> 00:12:17.500
Yeah, we've been modeled.

00:12:17.902 --> 00:12:28.304
the way that you get advancement is to be a bobblehead, and that's not really valuable is to be a bobblehead and that's not really valuable.

00:12:28.304 --> 00:12:28.765
You can advance.

00:12:28.765 --> 00:12:29.086
I've seen it.

00:12:29.086 --> 00:12:33.518
There's plenty of people pass me by over the years because they were that and it was frustrating.

00:12:33.518 --> 00:12:39.643
Right, when you're coming up you know you're putting in the effort but at the end of the day it's set all that aside.

00:12:39.643 --> 00:12:44.994
Why do you want to elevate and how are you want to elevate and how are you going to elevate?

00:12:44.994 --> 00:12:48.041
In your own way, being your authentic self.

00:12:51.826 --> 00:12:57.515
We got to do the L&M family member shout out, and this one goes to Ms Claudia Garcia.

00:12:57.515 --> 00:13:01.186
Claudia took the time to send me this awesome message.

00:13:01.186 --> 00:13:05.273
She says I was so happy to be able to attend this session.

00:13:05.273 --> 00:13:18.091
The way it was organized and conducted, the lessons learned and also the realization of how much more I still need to learn and improve and, best of all, the humanity behind it all was incredible.

00:13:18.091 --> 00:13:19.273
Thank you all again.

00:13:19.273 --> 00:13:31.639
And so Claudia was one of the early victims of the Do the Damn Thing Time Mastery Workshop and clearly I didn't disappoint her or run her off, because she took the time to send me that nice note.

00:13:31.720 --> 00:13:45.374
So, folks out there, if you take the time, or when you take the time to send me a comment, a share, a star, whatever, please do so, because it helps me know that somebody's listening and I get the opportunity to shout you out in the future.

00:13:45.374 --> 00:13:55.754
Ok, so two things like what you just said why and how are you going to do it?

00:13:55.754 --> 00:14:02.879
Staying true to you, playing your game, running your plays, super, super powerful.

00:14:02.879 --> 00:14:07.500
You also said earlier that you set an intention for yourself way back when.

00:14:07.500 --> 00:14:17.714
So for the youngling that's listening right now, what does that look like.

00:14:17.714 --> 00:14:27.695
What is the, let's say, the ingredients to setting an intention for whatever future they want to build for themselves?

00:14:28.240 --> 00:14:31.620
I think it comes down to what are you passionate about that?

00:14:31.620 --> 00:14:38.885
You don't have all the gifts and skills that you're going to need when you set that intention and there's going to be a long it's.

00:14:38.885 --> 00:14:43.629
You're running a marathon, and so those checkpoints are going to change over time.

00:14:43.629 --> 00:14:44.711
They're going to be difficult.

00:14:44.711 --> 00:14:45.961
You're going to need stamina.

00:14:45.961 --> 00:14:56.712
You're going to need someone in your corner, whether that's your sister, brother, best friend, spouse, whoever, or a mentor, because you need someone to keep you going.

00:14:56.712 --> 00:14:59.797
You're going to get in the quit zone more times than you can count.

00:15:07.440 --> 00:15:08.263
And also, it's not a straight line, right?

00:15:08.263 --> 00:15:13.721
We were just talking to these young ladies last night at this mentoring forum and it's like your career will never go on a straight line, and sometimes it's not.

00:15:13.721 --> 00:15:15.524
It's or all the time.

00:15:15.524 --> 00:15:16.767
Maybe it's not meant to.

00:15:16.767 --> 00:15:23.909
All of those different points in time that feel like failures or obstacles or frustrating.

00:15:23.909 --> 00:15:31.166
They all feed into the journey and you just have to roll with them and then make good decisions.

00:15:31.166 --> 00:15:40.139
When you see there's a roadblock that clearly is not meant for you, the door's closed on purpose, then you really have to sit back and go.

00:15:40.139 --> 00:15:42.100
Okay, my intention isn't changing.

00:15:42.100 --> 00:15:44.402
Maybe the place that I'm at needs to change.

00:15:44.402 --> 00:15:45.121
So, okay, my intention isn't changing.

00:15:45.121 --> 00:15:47.023
Maybe the place that I'm at needs to change.

00:15:47.783 --> 00:15:48.823
Or maybe my attitude needs to change.

00:15:48.823 --> 00:15:52.846
Okay, I want to dig into the doors closed on purpose.

00:15:52.846 --> 00:15:53.905
What does that mean?

00:15:55.206 --> 00:16:19.418
So I was at another mechanical years ago and we were going down the path of succession planning and I was one of the people that was in the succession plan and ultimately that didn't work out and today I know that was because the door was closed on purpose, not by me Got it.

00:16:24.559 --> 00:16:33.806
Closed on purpose, because I had a different purpose to fulfill and it wasn't there, even though it seemed like it was and I had put in all the work and I was vice president and I was running major parts of the organization.

00:16:33.806 --> 00:16:37.594
It was just not meant for me long term.

00:16:37.594 --> 00:16:45.506
Yeah, and you don't know that at the time, right, you don't know that until you get down the path and your journey goes in zigs and zags.

00:16:45.506 --> 00:16:50.039
And then you look back and you're like, well, clearly that's why things happen.

00:16:50.080 --> 00:16:52.745
Yeah, oh yeah, yes.

00:16:52.745 --> 00:16:53.707
So here's.

00:16:53.707 --> 00:16:55.993
Here's how I'm trying to make sense of it, cause I'm slow.

00:16:55.993 --> 00:16:58.965
I think it happened Like in my head.

00:16:58.965 --> 00:17:02.052
I'm seeing two versions of the door closing on purpose.

00:17:02.052 --> 00:17:15.232
There's a metaphorical kind of perspective there, and then there's like for real, that people just decide you're not going to have this, and it doesn't matter what you do or how qualified, you are not going to have this.

00:17:15.232 --> 00:17:20.846
And that happens, so like it's a reality.

00:17:20.846 --> 00:17:26.414
And so what I think I heard you say is you're helping people understand, be prepared for that.

00:17:26.414 --> 00:17:34.913
And if it closes at one firm, that doesn't mean it's closed at every firm in the country.

00:17:34.913 --> 00:17:43.859
Find another one, a better place for you, that nurtures your gifts and talents and can help, or who appreciate talent.

00:17:43.859 --> 00:17:47.942
That was always my problem, pansy, like why can't they all just see my talent?

00:17:47.942 --> 00:17:49.766
They just couldn't, they couldn't see it.

00:17:49.766 --> 00:17:59.797
So now, metaphorically, when I hear the door closes on purpose, is it's not the biggest thing that's available for you?

00:17:59.797 --> 00:18:04.728
You need to get off the highway for a little bit because there's something bigger.

00:18:05.189 --> 00:18:20.857
I 100% agree, that's a great way to state it, because it ties back to even just how your job opportunities, I think, pop up.

00:18:20.857 --> 00:18:37.709
Sometimes you could be all the way at the top of an organization, let's say, and another opportunity comes up and maybe it's a step back in title, maybe even financially, but this opportunity that came to you is within a bigger organization and maybe there's more impact.

00:18:37.709 --> 00:18:51.434
And the going off the highway, like you said, is only for a short period of time, because there's something bigger like you said, is only for a short period of time, because there's something bigger.

00:18:51.454 --> 00:18:53.779
Yes, yes, and so you've experienced that Like I saw you like oh yeah, that's it.

00:18:53.779 --> 00:18:57.880
I did.

00:18:57.880 --> 00:19:07.934
Yeah, I took a step back and I'm glad because looking back those points in my journey helped me get to where I am today, and they were so valuable because it allowed me to step outside of what I already had thought my intention was.

00:19:07.934 --> 00:19:26.528
I didn't derail what my ultimate goal was, but it helped me see it from a different perspective and I feel like today that's one of the biggest gifts is I let my humility come to the surface for a bigger purpose, because to me like titles are needed for business.

00:19:27.160 --> 00:19:31.832
Titles and authority are needed for business, but that is not the way that I show up every day.

00:19:31.832 --> 00:19:36.969
I don't show up trying to have this big title and authority.

00:19:36.969 --> 00:19:42.108
It's no, we are all trying to advance the ball in the same way.

00:19:42.108 --> 00:19:43.433
We just have different responsibilities.

00:19:43.433 --> 00:19:44.217
Yes, some of them keep you up way late.

00:19:44.217 --> 00:19:45.019
We just have different responsibilities.

00:19:45.039 --> 00:19:49.935
Yes, some of them keep you up way late, whether you like it or not?

00:19:50.401 --> 00:20:05.403
I know I'm simplifying it a little bit for what I have on my plate, but at the end of the day, from a back to people, we're all people and everybody matters and everybody's valuable and we all have our different roles to play or different plays to make.

00:20:05.403 --> 00:20:14.326
But if you just keep that frame of reference, for me personally I think that's where I love to live oh, my goodness, okay.

00:20:14.446 --> 00:20:21.201
So you speak so clearly about these things and with like straight up confidence.

00:20:21.201 --> 00:20:28.212
Did you have a secret cheat sheet when you were at the middle school dances and said this is what I'm going to do.

00:20:28.212 --> 00:20:28.933
I've got this.

00:20:28.933 --> 00:20:29.694
I'm going to do this.

00:20:30.780 --> 00:20:32.126
Still in cars in middle school.

00:20:32.126 --> 00:20:34.327
I was not thinking about people.

00:20:34.327 --> 00:20:43.749
We'll go into all of that, but no, I know it's just.

00:20:43.749 --> 00:20:52.109
I mean I have had some really good people in my life that have helped me cultivate who I wanted to be.

00:20:52.109 --> 00:20:54.034
My character is what it is right.

00:20:54.034 --> 00:20:55.826
That's a God-given thing, I think.

00:20:55.826 --> 00:21:12.181
And cultivating that and being true to yourself and really putting yourself to the side not fake humility, but really putting yourself to the side, I think, takes other people to show you how to do that, different perspectives, and I've been pretty fortunate.

00:21:12.181 --> 00:21:19.173
I've had some really good people mentor me and coach me and help me develop over the years.

00:21:19.173 --> 00:21:20.921
Yeah, Okay.

00:21:21.082 --> 00:21:22.942
So mentors come up multiple times.

00:21:22.942 --> 00:21:28.247
You are actively committed to a mentoring group situation.

00:21:28.247 --> 00:21:30.709
I'll just say it.

00:21:30.709 --> 00:21:33.932
I've worked with amazing companies.

00:21:33.932 --> 00:21:48.465
So, similarly, I got lucky in that I worked with some really outstanding companies companies but we all know it don't matter how outstanding the company is, if your boss is a jerk, you're screwed.

00:21:48.465 --> 00:21:53.762
I got lucky with some outstanding bosses while I was working for those outstanding companies.

00:21:53.762 --> 00:21:58.653
Now, within those outstanding companies, they both had mentorship programs.

00:21:58.653 --> 00:22:01.924
It was formal and it was assigned.

00:22:01.924 --> 00:22:06.054
I'm going to mentor somebody and somebody is going to mentor me.

00:22:06.054 --> 00:22:14.424
And I'll just say straight up, it was a miserable experience because we had a meeting and they said okay, tell me what you need mentoring.

00:22:14.424 --> 00:22:15.769
I'm like I don't know.

00:22:15.769 --> 00:22:16.530
I don't even know you.

00:22:16.530 --> 00:22:17.842
Bro, Can we talk a little bit?

00:22:17.842 --> 00:22:24.382
My point in that is you understand, you've experienced the value of having a mentor.

00:22:24.382 --> 00:22:30.394
You've committed, on top of all your responsibilities and everything you have going on, to mentor others.

00:22:30.394 --> 00:22:40.530
So the question is how do you build the mentoring skill and what are you looking to contribute as a mentor?

00:22:40.960 --> 00:22:47.761
I think the first order of business is getting an understanding of who they are and where they want to go.

00:22:47.761 --> 00:22:50.288
And it doesn't have to be just business.

00:22:50.288 --> 00:23:00.807
It could be in life, right, because I didn't have a mentor in life and I wish I would have, because I wouldn't have made so many crazy, silly decisions, I wouldn't have been running the streets as much.

00:23:00.807 --> 00:23:21.569
But I think it's just understanding who they are and where they want to go, because asking those inquisitive questions first and foremost, rather than just dumping what you think is wisdom on somebody or your lived experience, is probably the best way to go, get to know them and really get to understand, like what drives them.

00:23:22.511 --> 00:23:22.752
Yeah.

00:23:23.161 --> 00:23:27.071
And then frame your mentoring engagement that way.

00:23:27.980 --> 00:23:28.962
Oh, I love it.

00:23:28.962 --> 00:23:45.752
I think I've said this to a bunch of people and everybody rolls their eyes at me because I'm wacko, right, but I've said this multiple times especially in the conditions that our industry is in right now, everybody is offering competitive pay and benefit.

00:23:45.752 --> 00:23:48.769
So if that's your sell, who cares?

00:23:48.769 --> 00:23:51.429
Because everybody is offering the same thing.

00:23:51.429 --> 00:24:13.401
I think, rather, what I'm seeing there's not a bunch of them and something tells me you're one of them the decision makers in organizations that figure out how to show appreciation in the whole human being, not just how they contribute to the dashboards and the KPIs, but like what their interests are as an individual, as a human being.

00:24:13.401 --> 00:24:18.973
I think those people I see them winning the talent game.

00:24:18.973 --> 00:24:30.969
They're winning the attraction and retention game and they're not spending money, they're just demonstrating interest and appreciation in the entire human being.

00:24:30.969 --> 00:24:35.125
And so when I hear you talking about mentoring, that's what I hear you doing, like it's not.

00:24:35.164 --> 00:24:42.426
This programmatic, gendized approach to having one-on-one conversation is let me get to know you.

00:24:42.426 --> 00:24:50.715
What's your feel, what's your flavor, what's your interest, what are the gaps you have, so that I can adjust and serve you appropriately.

00:24:50.715 --> 00:24:52.682
Am I smelling what you're cooking?

00:24:52.721 --> 00:24:54.688
Yeah, you're picking up what I'm laying down.

00:24:54.688 --> 00:25:00.644
Because that's exactly it Legit, it can't be contrived.

00:25:00.644 --> 00:25:02.807
That's what I like in the beginning.

00:25:02.807 --> 00:25:11.119
If you put people first with the right intentions, then the byproduct of a good business decision just naturally happens.

00:25:11.119 --> 00:25:13.964
You're not forcing it, it's not contrived.

00:25:13.964 --> 00:25:17.711
You're not trying to get a return, you just will.

00:25:17.711 --> 00:25:29.911
And on top of that you have fulfilled passionate high performers that have an environment that is, it leaves them bound over any, just any old paycheck.

00:25:29.911 --> 00:25:36.587
And then you carry that on into their family because if they come to a bad environment every day, they're going to take that home.

00:25:36.587 --> 00:25:42.190
And then it's a cycle that never stops and we all know what that looks like.

00:25:42.190 --> 00:25:43.765
And that is not.

00:25:43.765 --> 00:25:45.109
I don't like it ever.

00:25:45.980 --> 00:25:50.470
Yeah Well, so let's think of, let's like, take the human part out of it.

00:25:50.470 --> 00:25:51.813
That's expensive.

00:25:51.813 --> 00:26:05.074
If you're running a business, it's extremely expensive because if, let me say it this way, when I was that miserable apprentice or journeyman and pissed off and I'd like, I want, why did I go to work?

00:26:05.074 --> 00:26:06.482
To get the hell away from the house.

00:26:06.482 --> 00:26:07.807
Cause it sucked being at the house.

00:26:07.807 --> 00:26:12.023
Well, depends on which X you ask, but anyways.

00:26:13.026 --> 00:26:25.773
So to come to work and then also be treated like a disposable, consumable thing, my performance, like you, weren't going to get any of my discretionary effort.

00:26:25.773 --> 00:26:32.442
I was going to do precisely what you wanted, precisely the way you said you wanted it and that's it.

00:26:32.442 --> 00:26:40.923
But again, I had some amazing bosses along the way that I'm like man I'm going to, you gave me so much.

00:26:40.923 --> 00:26:46.034
By just demonstrating interest in me, you get everything.

00:26:46.034 --> 00:26:56.805
Like I'm going to contribute as much as I possibly can and take on more responsibility outside of my job description so that I can grow.

00:26:56.805 --> 00:27:07.314
But also because, man you're giving, you're pouring into me, so like I got to pay it back, and I think that's one I applaud you for, like you're already there.

00:27:07.314 --> 00:27:09.766
But that's what we need people to get, or maybe we don't.

00:27:09.766 --> 00:27:11.170
That way they're great.

00:27:11.170 --> 00:27:14.249
People can go to the leaders that already know how to do that.

00:27:14.249 --> 00:27:14.832
What do you think?

00:27:15.192 --> 00:27:20.508
Yeah, I mean, yeah, I don't know that's a tough one, because I think it's a choice.

00:27:20.508 --> 00:27:22.472
I really believe that it's a choice.

00:27:28.203 --> 00:27:29.228
When you're in a leadership position.

00:27:29.248 --> 00:27:34.020
You're either making a choice to do one thing or the other, agreed, and again, if it's contrived, people will know yeah.

00:27:34.020 --> 00:27:51.644
But on the flip side of that, it's like people also have a good opportunity, like me and you said, you work hard enough, you put the effort in the right, people will get attracted to you and then they will open up opportunities for you because they have that leadership quality of hey, I want to see this person elevate.

00:27:51.644 --> 00:27:53.711
And if we could all do that.

00:27:53.711 --> 00:27:54.695
It's like that whole.

00:27:54.695 --> 00:27:58.846
What's that analogy of the pond, the rock in the pond and the ripples?

00:27:58.846 --> 00:28:01.752
It sounds corny but it's not.

00:28:02.700 --> 00:28:07.387
No, it's true, it's 100% true, and it just comes back in waves.

00:28:08.019 --> 00:28:11.048
Again, it took me a while to learn it, but I got it and I'm not stopping.

00:28:11.611 --> 00:28:17.271
Okay, you started your career, your working career with a mechanical contractor.

00:28:17.271 --> 00:28:23.326
Then you went to the dark side with the GC which I've done also and then you came back.

00:28:23.326 --> 00:28:25.749
You came back home to the mechanical contractor.

00:28:25.749 --> 00:28:31.373
So for the folks out there that don't know, let's start with what is a mechanical contractor?

00:28:32.740 --> 00:28:36.708
So in a building we do commercial HVAC, plumbing and piping.

00:28:36.708 --> 00:28:51.567
So we are the ones responsible for ventilation, indoor air quality, making sure you're comfortable, process piping, specialty gases, all of those fun things that live in every building.

00:28:52.569 --> 00:28:53.913
Oh, I love it, I love it.

00:28:54.192 --> 00:28:56.123
Did you know, that's my background.

00:28:56.202 --> 00:28:57.747
Also, I did not.

00:28:57.747 --> 00:28:59.411
So I'm a plumber.

00:28:59.411 --> 00:29:00.713
Oh you are.

00:29:00.713 --> 00:29:06.411
Oh yeah, I know it's hard to tell because I'm so handsome, but yes, I'm a plumber.

00:29:06.411 --> 00:29:11.551
Well, I shouldn't say I am, because if you look at my hands, I'm not a plumber anymore.

00:29:11.551 --> 00:29:17.009
But I came up with TD Industries mechanical contractor here in Texas.

00:29:17.009 --> 00:29:26.388
I was with them for 17 years and I was on that side of the business for about 20 years and every time I say mechanical contractor, people are like you work on cars?

00:29:26.388 --> 00:29:28.025
I'm like, no, let me tell you what it is.

00:29:28.286 --> 00:29:31.006
Yeah, I know it comes up all the time.

00:29:31.006 --> 00:29:32.525
Yeah, so you came up through the trades.

00:29:32.525 --> 00:29:33.387
I didn't know that.

00:29:33.428 --> 00:29:39.385
Oh yeah, four years of apprenticeship got my journeyman license, med gas certification, master license.

00:29:39.385 --> 00:29:48.576
But again, where I'm at today is only evidence of the amazing leaders that I came across along the way.

00:29:48.576 --> 00:30:01.372
Right To to have advanced, to have started off as an apprentice, to be doing the things I'm doing and having sitting at the tables that I sit at that's not normal and it was because I had a lot of amazing people.

00:30:01.372 --> 00:30:04.249
I say a lot more than most.

00:30:04.249 --> 00:30:06.516
I had a lot of amazing people.

00:30:06.516 --> 00:30:07.759
I say a lot more than most.

00:30:07.759 --> 00:30:11.952
I've had a bunch of folks that really poured into me and I'm psychotic and obsessive.

00:30:11.952 --> 00:30:12.839
So I'm like hell, let me do a good job here.

00:30:12.839 --> 00:30:17.491
And they said hey man, here's this thing.

00:30:17.491 --> 00:30:19.365
I think you'll be good for this.

00:30:21.042 --> 00:30:22.366
Yeah, I've had that same thing.

00:30:22.366 --> 00:30:23.990
I think you'd be great at this.

00:30:23.990 --> 00:30:25.204
Have you ever thought about it?

00:30:25.204 --> 00:30:26.942
Let's talk about it.

00:30:26.942 --> 00:30:53.701
Yeah, when I went to the GC side, I ended up going with a lot of friends DPR was a client of mine, right, so I had a bunch of friends that work there but I had that same concern of, well, I'm mechanical, what about electrical and AV and fire alarm and all these things that I didn't know, even though I was very well established and they wanted me to come there and I knew it was a great move.

00:30:54.040 --> 00:31:03.125
It was that psychological piece of well, I'm not good enough for this and that's not the case, and I loved working there.

00:31:03.125 --> 00:31:10.509
It was such a great part of my experience and it gave me such a wider view of, but those people that were pouring into me.

00:31:10.509 --> 00:31:17.633
I had to call them and say I don't know about this, because I don't think I'm capable, and they're like, yes, you are.

00:31:17.633 --> 00:31:22.125
So then I'm like well, I can't let them down, so I need to figure this out.

00:31:22.164 --> 00:31:24.607
And so what did that look like for you?

00:31:24.607 --> 00:31:26.470
That and when I say what did it look like?

00:31:26.470 --> 00:31:31.516
Like it's backstory I had the same, similar transition.

00:31:31.516 --> 00:31:43.756
I left TD and so I had worked in San Antonio my whole life and so all the responsibility, network, et cetera was San Antonio's business unit based.

00:31:43.756 --> 00:31:51.641
The job I got was with Turner, general contractor, and all of a sudden I had regional responsibility, so like I didn't even know how to.

00:31:51.761 --> 00:31:53.948
I've been on a plane maybe three times before that.

00:31:53.948 --> 00:31:55.151
Now that's part of my job.

00:31:55.151 --> 00:31:56.843
I don't know if I could do this.

00:31:56.843 --> 00:32:06.250
So anyways, there was a lot going through my head and there was a lot of things that I did when I got there to deal with it.

00:32:06.250 --> 00:32:10.429
So my question to you is when you made that transition?

00:32:10.429 --> 00:32:21.405
Because going from a trade, like if you've been in the trade exclusively for most of your career, there's a certain perspective, maybe even opinion, you have about GCs, and it's just different.

00:32:21.405 --> 00:32:23.809
It's not the same you have about GCs, and it's just different.

00:32:23.809 --> 00:32:24.450
It's not the same.

00:32:24.450 --> 00:32:39.521
And so my question is this what did you anticipate that transition to be like?

00:32:39.541 --> 00:32:40.663
And then, what did you do to close the gap quickly?

00:32:40.663 --> 00:32:49.816
I anticipated it to be overwhelming because the spectrum is so much wider versus mechanical.

00:32:49.816 --> 00:33:04.028
Right, I'm paying attention to my things, making sure my stuff is accurate, and then you go into everything all the kids in the pool so I felt like, oh, this is going to be overwhelming and it was, but not in a bad way.

00:33:04.028 --> 00:33:14.928
So to close the gap, I literally just put my head down and dug in and was like I need to learn how to read a single line drawing.

00:33:14.928 --> 00:33:30.653
I need to anticipate what the Sparkies are going to tell me and be able to call BS, because I have to make sure that my team that I'm supporting hits the schedule, because I have to make sure that my team that I'm supporting hits the schedule and then I need to be able to recognize, like, from a cost perspective, where do they live?

00:33:31.094 --> 00:33:32.096
What's the framework?

00:33:32.096 --> 00:33:37.541
I literally just I guess.

00:33:37.541 --> 00:33:43.031
To sum it up, I wanted to be able to call BS and make sure I was the SME for every single trade I was responsible for, as quickly as possible.

00:33:44.213 --> 00:33:47.080
Yeah, and so that took what three or four days.

00:33:47.843 --> 00:33:48.704
It was a lot.

00:33:48.704 --> 00:33:53.157
It was a lot, a lot of late nights and just phoning a friend.

00:33:53.157 --> 00:33:54.361
I use my network too.

00:33:54.361 --> 00:33:58.107
Legit, I had so many friends in the industry.

00:33:58.107 --> 00:34:00.252
I had built a respect and reputation.

00:34:00.252 --> 00:34:03.586
I just phoned a friend all the time and I said this is what I'm seeing.

00:34:03.586 --> 00:34:05.792
Can you confirm that I'm on the right track?

00:34:05.792 --> 00:34:09.967
And I leveraged that a lot for the first probably six months.

00:34:10.951 --> 00:34:11.972
Oh, nice, okay.

00:34:11.972 --> 00:34:22.009
So just in case for the L&M family member out there that didn't catch it big leaps are possible and you don't have to.

00:34:22.009 --> 00:34:33.143
I highly recommend and I know Pansy just said it you best be ready to put your head down and learn your butt off Like it's going to.

00:34:33.143 --> 00:34:34.204
It's not.

00:34:34.204 --> 00:34:46.760
If you want to be mediocre, like, just go and do your nine to five, but if you want to excel, you got to put in time and you got to be resourceful, right.

00:34:46.760 --> 00:34:50.731
So when you say I reached out to my network, I see that as resourcefulness.

00:34:50.731 --> 00:34:52.123
You have a network.

00:34:52.123 --> 00:34:54.990
That is a resource that you didn't have.

00:34:54.990 --> 00:35:05.099
Like, you didn't let pride or shame get in the way of you getting what you needed so that you can be successful and excel in this whole new environment.

00:35:05.099 --> 00:35:13.677
Because in scale, it's a dramatically different scale of whatever right now.

00:35:13.677 --> 00:35:16.422
How about the like, the relationship part?

00:35:16.422 --> 00:35:27.773
I think it might be obvious because you're so people focused, but in terms of building credibility with your new tenured colleagues, what did that look like?

00:35:28.159 --> 00:35:35.547
I feel like I had a little bit of an advantage because in the business unit that I was in I already had long term relationships.

00:35:35.547 --> 00:35:45.376
So I already had a certain established relationship and respect level both ways me to them and them to me.

00:35:45.376 --> 00:35:52.824
But they're I mean there's they're national right, so there are, they're international, so there's all a bunch of people I met in different business units.

00:35:52.824 --> 00:35:55.170
I think that was more just.

00:35:55.170 --> 00:36:05.068
I tried to connect with them one-on-one and just share with them kind of the foundation that I had and make sure they knew that I was listening and that I understood what.

00:36:05.068 --> 00:36:09.893
My sure they knew that I was listening and that I understood what my responsibilities were and how I was going to help them.

00:36:09.893 --> 00:36:18.902
Really, I guess I wanted to just make sure they knew that I was solid and that I could be a trusted advisor for the things that they needed from me.

00:36:19.742 --> 00:36:28.114
Yeah, oh, and that takes contact time, not bobbleheading, like actually delivering value and contact time.

00:36:28.114 --> 00:36:29.621
Oh my goodness.

00:36:29.621 --> 00:36:33.713
All right, now I know that you've got a path right.

00:36:33.713 --> 00:36:35.724
You had you sent an intention a long time ago.

00:36:35.724 --> 00:36:39.072
You were on the swing in third grade and said it's what I'm going to do.

00:36:39.072 --> 00:36:41.304
I'm going to be BPA at Intec in 2025.

00:36:42.387 --> 00:36:43.791
After I put someone in the face.

00:36:44.000 --> 00:36:48.027
Yes, After you put somebody in the face and popped a lock with the screwdriver.

00:36:48.027 --> 00:37:16.487
Like I remember the Monte Carlos that didn't have the window frames and the Camaros, so going to DPR in my head, I'm guessing that there was an intention, there was something you wanted to learn and develop, Otherwise you wouldn't have made the move.

00:37:16.487 --> 00:37:17.985
So what was that?

00:37:17.985 --> 00:37:20.686
Like you weren't doing it to get a job and work for a GC?

00:37:20.686 --> 00:37:21.588
I don't think.

00:37:21.588 --> 00:37:23.853
No, I wasn't Okay.

00:37:24.561 --> 00:37:27.489
And I had no reason to leave At the time.

00:37:27.489 --> 00:37:28.943
I had no reason to leave in tech.

00:37:28.943 --> 00:37:31.327
It was the culture that I liked.

00:37:31.327 --> 00:37:33.052
I respected the leaders here.

00:37:33.052 --> 00:37:41.188
But the piece of that setting the intention for me was how do I be the best?

00:37:41.188 --> 00:38:00.050
I want to be the best If I show up at a project, if I'm on a pursuit team, I want to be aware of everything else and have the right care and custody of how I need to be a collaborative team partner, and this opportunity opened that up for me.

00:38:00.811 --> 00:38:04.646
I didn't know that I would come back to the trade side.

00:38:04.646 --> 00:38:06.170
I really didn't think I would.

00:38:06.170 --> 00:38:10.110
I thought I was going to stay there because I loved it.

00:38:10.110 --> 00:38:11.907
It gave me a much wider range.

00:38:11.907 --> 00:38:19.228
I just enjoyed it a lot and I had a lot of really good people that I worked with and I got to be involved in a lot of different things.

00:38:19.228 --> 00:38:21.780
But it was really just that opportunity.

00:38:21.780 --> 00:38:28.474
When it opened up, it was like, man, I think I have so much more to add to our industry.

00:38:28.474 --> 00:38:34.773
I could do it here with people that I really love, with a culture that I really like.

00:38:34.773 --> 00:38:39.110
It kind of checked all the boxes for me and so much more.

00:38:39.110 --> 00:38:45.262
Legit was one of the best experiences that I think I will I got to have.

00:38:46.186 --> 00:38:48.692
Yeah, yeah, amazing.

00:38:48.692 --> 00:39:01.826
So were there any superpowers or skills that grew exponentially while you were in that environment that maybe you weren't totally aware of until you got there?

00:39:01.826 --> 00:39:02.606
Oh, I got this thing.

00:39:02.606 --> 00:39:03.447
Where did that come from?

00:39:05.231 --> 00:39:08.054
I think picking up electrical was a shocker to me.

00:39:10.784 --> 00:39:11.143
Okay.

00:39:11.224 --> 00:39:18.264
It took a minute, yeah, understanding like the basics of electrical and I just didn't think I would catch it as quickly.

00:39:18.264 --> 00:39:19.327
But I really like it.

00:39:19.327 --> 00:39:24.976
Actually it's one of the things I miss about coming back on the mechanical side is that electrical piece.

00:39:24.976 --> 00:39:40.541
I really enjoyed it, maybe just kind of the background that I had and being able to transition into so much more than just M&P and being valuable and adding value to the teams was a little bit of a shocker for me.

00:39:40.541 --> 00:39:50.829
I just wasn't sure how that was going to go down and I picked up quite a bit of things that I didn't know before really quickly and just ran with them.

00:39:51.891 --> 00:39:52.693
Oh, I love it.

00:39:52.693 --> 00:39:59.521
Yeah, so I like to pull out and jessify it for the L&M family member out there.

00:39:59.521 --> 00:40:08.286
That's as slow as I am, and so, summary of there are some opportunities that are so big they're a little scary.

00:40:08.286 --> 00:40:16.411
Going from a trade to a GC is one of those Unless you're just super, super, ultra confident and a little delusional.

00:40:16.411 --> 00:40:33.422
But it's what my experience and I think what I heard you say is like going into that space it's a bigger pool that facilitates and wait, let me say this first Not every GC, because there's a lot of dirtbag GCs out there.

00:40:33.422 --> 00:40:36.213
I said it straight up, I've lived it.

00:40:36.213 --> 00:40:57.693
There's some great ones out there with great people, and so going into a bigger organization, a bigger opportunity, helps you expand your own awareness about what it is you can contribute and it creates kind of new like oh, wait, a minute, if I had that much more, what else is there?

00:40:57.693 --> 00:40:59.090
What more do I have?

00:40:59.090 --> 00:41:01.278
Did you have the same kind of experience?

00:41:01.278 --> 00:41:02.224
Absolutely.

00:41:02.606 --> 00:41:11.157
It forces you to look inside again and say well, I need to stretch myself even more.

00:41:11.157 --> 00:41:13.981
And then you just go.

00:41:16.668 --> 00:41:17.228
Go, oh damn.

00:41:17.309 --> 00:41:20.914
I did that I could do that Shoot.

00:41:20.914 --> 00:41:22.297
What else can I do?

00:41:22.297 --> 00:41:25.288
Yep, exactly Same happened for me, okay.

00:41:25.288 --> 00:41:26.469
So then you went.

00:41:26.469 --> 00:41:28.795
Now we're getting closer to the present.

00:41:28.795 --> 00:41:30.498
You went back to in-tech.

00:41:30.498 --> 00:41:35.233
Now, when I hear you speak, it's obvious that you care about people and you're real.

00:41:35.233 --> 00:41:48.369
I also hear some like serious business acumen, and I know a lot of people in the industry that they're great at managing a project.

00:41:48.369 --> 00:41:49.652
You probably know this.

00:41:49.652 --> 00:41:50.596
You were able to see it.

00:41:50.596 --> 00:41:58.110
Managing a project is like running a business, depending on what level of experience you have in the organization.

00:41:58.110 --> 00:42:04.996
But something tells me you could see that, and so what was it about running a business?

00:42:04.996 --> 00:42:08.813
How early did you see?

00:42:08.813 --> 00:42:10.068
That's what I want to do.

00:42:10.068 --> 00:42:11.875
That's what I want to learn how to do.

00:42:11.875 --> 00:42:13.126
That's what I want to do.

00:42:13.126 --> 00:42:14.570
Was that again?

00:42:14.570 --> 00:42:19.547
Was that like an early awareness, or did that kind of develop along the way?

00:42:20.690 --> 00:42:21.871
It was early awareness.

00:42:22.614 --> 00:42:22.893
Okay.

00:42:23.255 --> 00:42:40.159
What was happening when I first started was I was in a support role no surprise and I was watching these no disrespect, but all these men just run circles around me, career wise, even though I had equally good skill set.

00:42:40.159 --> 00:42:46.987
So the first intention was just that, well, I could manage these projects, not support behind the scenes.

00:42:46.987 --> 00:42:48.351
I can manage that project.

00:42:48.351 --> 00:42:51.429
So that was my first step of I need to get there.

00:42:51.429 --> 00:43:05.690
And then, as I started doing that and engaging with more people, then it was like I'm watching the leaders at that point now and I'm like picking up things that I think are good and valuable and seeing things that I'm not a fan of.

00:43:05.690 --> 00:43:12.360
And then I thought, well, number one, I enjoy all aspects of business.

00:43:12.360 --> 00:43:13.708
I love people.

00:43:13.708 --> 00:43:17.755
I'm good in terms of managing projects.

00:43:17.755 --> 00:43:22.311
If I take that to the next level, what kind of impact could I make on people?

00:43:22.311 --> 00:43:28.833
Because the financial part of it is important but it's not straight up just being real.

00:43:28.833 --> 00:43:30.844
Anybody who knows me will tell you this.

00:43:30.844 --> 00:43:33.170
That is not my main goal.

00:43:33.670 --> 00:43:45.599
I could pay my bills anywhere and really my whole thing was running a business gives me an opportunity to create an environment for people that they need.

00:43:45.599 --> 00:43:48.490
I didn't have or I want to see better.

00:43:49.072 --> 00:43:52.365
Amazing, and the cost was learning how to run a business.

00:43:52.365 --> 00:43:59.559
But for a greater purpose than making whatever, it is your 10%, 14% growth margin.

00:43:59.559 --> 00:44:06.710
It's funny when I talk to GCs and they talk about their margins, they're like we got like 3%, Well, you don't work.

00:44:06.710 --> 00:44:08.534
Why is trade's growth margin so high?

00:44:08.534 --> 00:44:09.516
Because we work.

00:44:09.516 --> 00:44:10.719
I don't know.

00:44:11.425 --> 00:44:17.798
Yeah, but our risk is a lot higher At the end of the day we don't control all the variables.

00:44:17.798 --> 00:44:20.010
And so yeah, I mean legitimately too.

00:44:20.010 --> 00:44:31.179
Man, if that's your main focus in construction, especially as a trade partner, you are out to lunch because the risk reward can be a wild ride.

00:44:32.005 --> 00:44:33.047
Oh my, you know.

00:44:33.047 --> 00:44:37.597
So I get to hang out with a bunch of different construction companies.

00:44:37.597 --> 00:44:47.197
They bring me in to I don't know, be the class clown and entertain them, but I like to ask, always with the leaders it's like why are you in construction, and especially at the executive level?

00:44:47.197 --> 00:44:50.500
What I hear is to make money.

00:44:50.500 --> 00:44:52.146
We're here to make money.

00:44:52.146 --> 00:45:07.990
I'm here to make money and I'm like, really, if you wanted to make money, why the hell would you pick construction, like it has the most risk, super volatile, pain in the butt, difficult because of all the stakeholders.

00:45:07.990 --> 00:45:14.699
It is so damn hard to make the money and it takes so damn long to get the money.

00:45:15.605 --> 00:45:19.657
If you really wanted to make money, you could sell pictures of your feet on the internet.

00:45:19.657 --> 00:45:23.496
If that's what you're about, come on, let's be for real.

00:45:23.496 --> 00:45:26.050
I'm being goofy, but it's true.

00:45:26.050 --> 00:45:32.769
I say it all the time and my point is this it sounds good and it feels good make money.

00:45:32.769 --> 00:45:38.525
But when I hit them with that, a lot of them are like I never thought of it.

00:45:38.525 --> 00:45:40.588
Like exactly, and that's the point.

00:45:40.588 --> 00:45:49.829
You have to love something meaningful, otherwise it's no fun and clearly you're using it as it's a conduit.

00:45:49.829 --> 00:45:52.431
You see how you like how I threw the electrical thing in there.

00:45:52.431 --> 00:46:16.695
It's a conduit for you to serve people and create an environment for people to thrive, and all of that is tolerable because it affords or it creates a space for you to do amazing things for amazing people.

00:46:16.755 --> 00:46:17.358
Am I getting that right?

00:46:17.358 --> 00:46:24.070
It allows me to be a servant leader in a way that's meaningful to me and, of course, others.

00:46:24.070 --> 00:46:25.994
But, yeah, 100%.

00:46:25.994 --> 00:46:33.090
Again, everybody has to make money and that's why we do business, but never is it the number one thing.

00:46:33.090 --> 00:46:36.096
That's on my mind and to your point.

00:46:36.096 --> 00:46:40.811
It is hard to make it and collect it and it's a lot of brain damage.

00:46:40.811 --> 00:46:55.998
So I bet you, if you asked everybody and made them think of it differently, they would say the same that no, maybe they love it because people, because no day is the same, because it's a challenge, because all those different things.

00:46:56.684 --> 00:46:58.070
Yes, oh yeah.

00:46:58.070 --> 00:47:00.402
We just need to think about it and examine yourselves.

00:47:00.402 --> 00:47:07.485
And that's my point how can I help somebody examine their thinking so that they can improve or enhance their quality of life?

00:47:07.485 --> 00:47:12.757
Now, just in case, because I know some people are saying like man, where's Intech?

00:47:12.757 --> 00:47:14.331
I need to go fill out an application.

00:47:14.331 --> 00:47:31.298
Should I tell everybody, like no, you have all the workforce you need, y'all are full up, you don't need anybody you never turn down a conversation, right, I mean, we have a fantastic team and we're so grateful that we do.

00:47:31.318 --> 00:47:32.746
We're intentional about it.

00:47:32.746 --> 00:47:44.775
But yeah, I mean anybody who's got character wants to be a part of a good culture, loves to be a high performer and work hard and loves people.

00:47:44.775 --> 00:47:53.585
Yeah, send them our way people.

00:47:53.605 --> 00:47:54.106
yeah, send them our way.

00:47:54.106 --> 00:47:54.387
10, 4 good.

00:47:54.387 --> 00:47:59.697
And I also want to say this for my, like my trades people out there, because we've all worked with miserable organizations, with miserable people.

00:47:59.697 --> 00:48:04.228
That's life, right like I, I experienced it when I was working fast food.

00:48:04.228 --> 00:48:12.001
I experienced it, and you ain't going to love every boss you ever have, but that doesn't mean that they all suck.

00:48:12.001 --> 00:48:29.282
And what I'm especially excited about is I've been able to capture evidence, your evidence, that there are amazing leaders out there running trade subcontractor organizations that create a culture where people can thrive.

00:48:29.282 --> 00:48:33.711
There's not enough of us, there's not enough of you, right?

00:48:33.711 --> 00:48:40.472
But you are living proof that it exists, and so I applaud you.

00:48:40.472 --> 00:48:43.846
I'm grateful to you for that, because I'm sure you've heard the stories.

00:48:43.846 --> 00:48:45.048
You experienced it yourself.

00:48:45.048 --> 00:48:56.677
There are some organizations that again, hell, if I knew I could like back in the 90s, if I could sell pictures of my feet, I would have, but that wasn't a thing back then.

00:48:56.677 --> 00:49:00.650
Now it is, and now I got a better gig, so it doesn't make sense.

00:49:01.753 --> 00:49:20.351
Yeah, it really does matter, Because when this opportunity came up, if the foundation of the company was not built on the core values and the culture that we have, I wouldn't even have considered taking this leap, and all this risk and becoming an owner and all those things would not even across my mind.

00:49:20.351 --> 00:49:21.494
Because what's the point?

00:49:22.215 --> 00:49:32.440
And being an owner like you are invested like money, like serious lack of sleep, like like all the things, but it's good.

00:49:32.440 --> 00:49:51.322
Yeah, challenge anybody out there to think about your people, think about the type of environment that you create, and how would you want your kids or your siblings or someone else to show up every day and deal with?

00:49:51.322 --> 00:49:53.307
That's where we spend the most of our time.

00:49:54.451 --> 00:49:56.617
Yep, amazing, amazing.

00:49:56.617 --> 00:50:22.306
Okay, I got the closing question coming up and, given how intentional and I just the best I could say is like, real right, like you remind me of, I got a group of friends that I went to middle school with here in San Antonio, tafoya, since sixth grade and we're still friends and the vibe with them is you're that, you're my kind of people, right, like experience, maybe a little.

00:50:22.887 --> 00:50:30.655
Oh, we, yeah, we got some similarities and definitely some same life experience same friends style yeah yeah.

00:50:31.135 --> 00:50:35.074
And so, because of all of that, I'm like, oh man, this answer is gonna be juicy.

00:50:35.074 --> 00:50:36.436
So you ready for the question?

00:50:36.436 --> 00:50:42.873
Oh, what is the promise you are intended to be?

00:50:44.193 --> 00:50:45.936
yes, I'm intended to be.

00:50:45.936 --> 00:50:49.119
Oh no, that's a tough one.

00:50:49.119 --> 00:50:57.009
I think, maybe a light to people that need it.

00:50:57.009 --> 00:50:59.570
Dang, you're going to make me emotional Gangsters.

00:50:59.570 --> 00:51:02.655
Don't cry, no, I know what's up with that.

00:51:02.655 --> 00:51:05.237
Why are you going to make me get out of my box?

00:51:05.237 --> 00:51:08.661
I mean, I think it's that, I think it's, I think it's what I said.

00:51:12.445 --> 00:51:15.875
Based on, on everything that you've shared so far and the way I see you show up, of course, on the internet.

00:51:15.875 --> 00:51:16.978
So this is super special.

00:51:16.978 --> 00:51:18.688
It's the second time we got to talk.

00:51:18.688 --> 00:51:31.744
I know I'm glad, me too but it's like you're already actively being a light to others by purposefully getting into a mentoring, we'll say, relationship.

00:51:31.744 --> 00:51:34.052
That's not imposed upon you.

00:51:34.052 --> 00:51:44.097
You chose to do that by intentionally picking the organization that you work with because of the culture that's there, by living to what's true to you.

00:51:44.097 --> 00:51:51.938
You're already a light sister, and so just keep getting brighter and let me know how I can contribute to that.

00:51:51.938 --> 00:51:56.931
I won't go any further because I don't want the mascara to run and prep to protect.

00:51:56.931 --> 00:52:01.532
Did you have fun?

00:52:02.353 --> 00:52:02.775
I did.

00:52:02.775 --> 00:52:03.577
Thank you so much.

00:52:03.577 --> 00:52:08.878
This is a good conversation and you just helped me water my why again.

00:52:08.878 --> 00:52:13.335
Yeah, I love it.

00:52:13.335 --> 00:52:15.811
I have jerk moments too.

00:52:15.811 --> 00:52:17.554
Don't get me wrong, I'm not perfect.

00:52:17.615 --> 00:52:22.653
But I got it Okay, so you started.

00:52:22.653 --> 00:52:41.952
I mean again, like I said, I was stalking on LinkedIn and from my just the quick glance I made at your entry into the workforce after university, you've progressed relatively quickly to VP roles and it kind of like, wherever you go, you shoot to, you shoot up the ladder, yeah.

00:52:42.273 --> 00:52:54.389
I've been very fortunate that my style of how I show up has helped me in my career and also people opening doors recognizing that there's talent there.

00:52:54.389 --> 00:52:55.733
But I didn't graduate.

00:52:55.733 --> 00:52:58.686
I dropped out of college, listed on.

00:52:58.686 --> 00:52:59.547
There is no degree.

00:53:00.329 --> 00:53:20.590
So, but ultimately just kind of the culturally, the way I was raised, how I show up as a person, that matters because people sometimes will pay attention and see that you have potential and ethic and give you opportunities that you might not get otherwise.

00:53:20.590 --> 00:53:22.414
So I had a mix right.

00:53:22.414 --> 00:53:28.630
I had to work really hard back when I first started in construction because it was a good old boys game.

00:53:29.130 --> 00:53:48.596
Many women and the women that were there were office staff, you know, at a very low level, and so I just I set an ambition way back when and I just kept working to it and connecting with people and I networked a lot and I listened to people.

00:53:48.596 --> 00:53:57.719
That's what I tried to do for a really long time is what are they saying, why are they saying it and how does it impact my day to day?

00:53:57.719 --> 00:54:00.289
How can I leverage what they're doing?

00:54:00.289 --> 00:54:10.177
If there was, if there was benefit there of like, they're good leaders, they speak well, they say the right things, they don't just talk for no reason.

00:54:10.177 --> 00:54:17.057
Those are the kind of things right that I tried to pay attention to, because there are people that just talk for no reason.

00:54:20.826 --> 00:54:24.775
Yes, the people that I got two favorites.

00:54:24.775 --> 00:54:27.550
And I'm going to talk smack, maybe I'll get canceled, I don't care.

00:54:27.550 --> 00:54:29.385
And I'm going to talk smack, maybe I'll get canceled, I don't care.

00:54:29.385 --> 00:54:36.211
There's two folks that they drive me up the damn wall and it's part of the reason why I don't have a real job, because they would drive me crazy.

00:54:36.211 --> 00:54:48.202
One is the topper right, like no matter what you do, what vacation you've taken, what diet you're trying, they're doing it and they've done it and they're doing a better one.

00:54:50.364 --> 00:54:59.206
You know you come across people like that and then so those are.

00:54:59.206 --> 00:55:11.724
You know, I see those out in the wild, not just in the workplace, right, but the other ones are the bobbleheads, like, and these they, they lurk in meetings, especially when there's people with a lot of influence and authority.

00:55:11.724 --> 00:55:29.094
And when I say bobbleheads, what I mean is when the person with the most authority in the room says something, they go out of their way to repeat it using different words and say I agree, I agree, and oh, that's such a great point, and they're just bobbing their head yeah, yeah, yeah.

00:55:29.094 --> 00:55:40.219
It's like, bro, like all you got to do is nod, your head Shut up, like we're here to make progress on a thing not hear how much you agree with the most popular person in the room.

00:55:40.219 --> 00:55:42.130
Do they have those in California too?

00:55:44.686 --> 00:55:47.971
Yes, yeah, I mean, I think it's.

00:55:47.971 --> 00:55:52.574
It's everywhere right In society.

00:55:52.574 --> 00:55:57.840
Everybody's always trying to get to that next level and we don't all know healthy ways to do it.

00:55:57.840 --> 00:56:11.579
In my opinion, I agree, advancement is to be a bobblehead and and that's not really valuable.

00:56:11.579 --> 00:56:12.760
You can advance.

00:56:12.760 --> 00:56:13.405
I've seen it.

00:56:13.405 --> 00:56:20.766
There are plenty of people pass me by over the years because they were that and it was frustrating.

00:56:20.766 --> 00:56:27.891
Right when you're coming up you know you're putting in the effort, but at the end of the day it's like set all that aside.

00:56:27.891 --> 00:56:36.257
Why do you want to elevate and how are you going to elevate in your own way, being your authentic self?

00:56:36.885 --> 00:56:42.257
So two things like what you just said why and how are you going to do it?

00:56:42.257 --> 00:56:49.451
Staying true to you right, playing your game, running your plays, super, super powerful.

00:56:49.451 --> 00:56:52.565
You also said earlier that you set an intention for yourself way back when Playing your game, running your plays, super, super powerful.

00:56:52.565 --> 00:56:58.784
You also said earlier that you set an intention for yourself way back when.

00:56:58.784 --> 00:57:04.927
So for, like the youngling that's listening right now, what does that look like?

00:57:04.927 --> 00:57:16.130
What is the, let's say, the ingredients to setting an intention for whatever future they want to build for themselves?

00:57:16.231 --> 00:57:19.358
I think it comes down to like what are you passionate about?

00:57:19.358 --> 00:57:25.456
Understanding that you don't have all the gifts and skills that you're going to need?

00:57:25.456 --> 00:57:30.036
When you set that intention and there's going to be a long it's?

00:57:30.036 --> 00:57:34.773
You're running a marathon, and so those checkpoints are going to change over time.

00:57:34.773 --> 00:57:35.914
They're going to be difficult.

00:57:35.914 --> 00:57:37.057
You're going to need stamina.

00:57:37.057 --> 00:57:48.157
You're going to need someone in your corner, whether that's your, you know, sister, brother, best friend, spouse, whoever or a mentor, because you need someone to keep you going.

00:57:48.157 --> 00:57:56.161
You're going to get in the quit zone more times than you can count.

00:57:57.844 --> 00:57:58.831
You know, and also it's not a straight line, right?

00:57:58.831 --> 00:58:08.530
We were just talking to these young ladies last night at this mentoring forum and it's like your career will never go on a straight line and sometimes it's not it's or all the time.

00:58:08.530 --> 00:58:09.773
Maybe it's not meant to.

00:58:09.773 --> 00:58:24.414
All of those different points in time that feel like failures or obstacles or frustrating they all feed into the journey and you just have to roll with them and then make good decisions.

00:58:24.414 --> 00:58:28.878
You see, there's a roadblock that clearly is not meant for you.

00:58:28.878 --> 00:58:30.541
The doors closed on purpose.

00:58:30.541 --> 00:58:33.130
Then you really have to sit back and go.

00:58:33.130 --> 00:58:35.114
Okay, my intention isn't changing.

00:58:35.114 --> 00:58:40.028
Maybe the place that I'm at needs to change, or maybe my attitude needs to change.

00:58:42.032 --> 00:58:44.735
Okay, I want to dig into the.

00:58:44.735 --> 00:58:48.079
The doors closed on purpose.

00:58:48.079 --> 00:58:49.099
What does that mean?

00:58:59.025 --> 00:59:15.688
So I was at another mechanical years ago and we were going down the path of um succession planning, and I was one of the people that was in the succession plan, um, and ultimately that didn't work out and and today I know that that was because the door was closed on purpose, not by me.

00:59:18.873 --> 00:59:19.315
Got it.

00:59:20.096 --> 00:59:35.235
It was closed on purpose because I had a different purpose to fulfill and it wasn't there, even though it seemed like it was and I had put in all the work and I was vice president and I was running major parts of the organization.

00:59:35.235 --> 00:59:39.067
It was just not meant for me long term.

00:59:40.030 --> 00:59:40.289
Yeah.

00:59:40.590 --> 00:59:42.155
And you don't know that at the time, right?

00:59:42.155 --> 00:59:46.949
You don't know that until you get down the path and your journey goes in zigs and zags.

00:59:46.949 --> 00:59:52.478
And then you look back and you're like, well, clearly, that's why things happen, yeah.

00:59:52.798 --> 00:59:53.780
Yeah, oh, yeah, yes.

00:59:53.780 --> 00:59:58.856
So I mean here's how I'm trying to make sense of it, because you know I'm slow.

00:59:58.856 --> 01:00:04.356
I think it happened Like in my head I'm seeing two versions of the door closing on purpose.

01:00:04.356 --> 01:00:20.525
There's a metaphorical kind of perspective there, and then there's like for real, that people just decide you're not going to have this, it doesn't matter what you do or how qualified you are, you are not going to have this.

01:00:20.525 --> 01:00:26.836
And that happens so like it's a reality.

01:00:26.836 --> 01:00:34.291
And so what I think I heard you say is, like you, you're helping people understand, like be prepared for that.

01:00:34.311 --> 01:00:55.855
And and if it closes at one firm, that doesn't mean it's closed at every firm in the country in the country, find another one, a better place for you, that nurtures your gifts and talents and can help, or who who appreciate talent like that was always my problem, pansy, like why can't they all just see my talent?

01:00:55.855 --> 01:00:56.697
They just couldn't.

01:00:56.697 --> 01:00:57.666
They couldn't see it.

01:00:57.666 --> 01:01:12.918
Um, it's now metaphorically, I think, when I hear the, the door closes on purpose is maybe it's not the, it's not the biggest thing that's available for you.

01:01:12.918 --> 01:01:17.818
You need to get off the highway for a little bit because there's something bigger.

01:01:18.280 --> 01:01:20.326
I, I a hundred percent agree.

01:01:20.326 --> 01:01:29.498
That's a great way to state it, cause it, because that ties back to even just how your job opportunities, I think, pop up.

01:01:29.498 --> 01:01:59.456
Sometimes you could be all the way right, you could be all the way at the top of an organization, let's say, and another opportunity comes up, and maybe it's a step back in title, you know, maybe even financially, but this opportunity that came to you is within a bigger organization and maybe there's more impact and the the going off the highway, like you said, is only for a short period of time, because there's something bigger.

01:02:00.244 --> 01:02:03.876
Oh, and so you've experienced that Like I saw you like oh yeah, that's it.

01:02:04.226 --> 01:02:04.706
I did.

01:02:04.706 --> 01:02:25.039
Yeah, I took a step back a time before, two times actually and I'm glad because looking back those points in my journey helped me get to where I am today and they were so valuable because it allowed me to step outside of what I already had thought my intention was.

01:02:25.039 --> 01:02:51.389
I didn't derail what my ultimate goal was, but it helped me see it from a different perspective and and I and I feel like today that's one of the biggest gifts is I let my humility come to the surface for a bigger purpose, because to me, like titles are needed for for business, you know titles and authority are needed for business, but that is not the way that I show up every day.

01:02:51.389 --> 01:02:56.967
You know I don't show up trying to have this big title and authority.

01:02:56.967 --> 01:03:02.297
It's like no, we are all trying to advance the ball in the same way.

01:03:02.538 --> 01:03:11.164
We just have different responsibilities yes, yes, yes, yes, and some, like some of them, keep you up way late.

01:03:11.164 --> 01:03:13.989
Whether you're right, I know it's.

01:03:14.068 --> 01:03:29.130
I'm simplifying it a little bit for you know for what, what I have on my plate, but at the end of the day, from a back to people, we're all people and everybody matters and everybody's valuable, and we all have our different roles to play, our different plays to make.

01:03:29.130 --> 01:03:38.570
But if you just keep that frame of reference, for me personally I think that's that's where I love to live oh, my goodness, okay.

01:03:38.692 --> 01:03:45.990
So you speak so clearly about these things and with like straight up confidence.

01:03:45.990 --> 01:03:47.574
Did you like?

01:03:47.574 --> 01:03:54.268
Did you have have a secret cheat sheet when you were at the middle school dances and said this is what I'm going to do.

01:03:54.268 --> 01:03:54.971
I've got this.

01:03:54.971 --> 01:03:55.994
I'm going to do this.

01:03:57.346 --> 01:04:00.911
Filling cars in middle school, I was not thinking about people.

01:04:00.911 --> 01:04:10.666
Yeah, Okay, We'll go into all of that, but no, it's just uh.

01:04:10.666 --> 01:04:21.856
I mean I have had some really good people in my life that have helped me kind of cultivate who I wanted to be.

01:04:21.856 --> 01:04:26.940
You know, you know my character is what it is right, that's a God given thing, I think.

01:04:26.940 --> 01:04:52.367
And cultivating that and being true to yourself and really like putting yourself to the side not fake humility, but really putting yourself to the side, I think takes other people to show you how to do that from their different perspectives, and I've been pretty fortunate I've had some really good people mentor me and coach me and help me develop over the years.

01:04:52.367 --> 01:04:54.092
Yeah, Okay.

01:04:54.293 --> 01:04:56.157
So mentors come up multiple times.

01:04:56.157 --> 01:05:01.469
You are actively in a committed to a mentoring group at situation.

01:05:01.469 --> 01:05:05.998
I'll just say it, I've worked with amazing companies.

01:05:05.998 --> 01:05:12.666
So, similarly, I got lucky and that I worked with some really outstanding companies.

01:05:12.666 --> 01:05:18.467
But we all know it don't matter how outstanding the company is, if your boss is a jerk, you're screwed.

01:05:18.467 --> 01:05:25.827
I got lucky with some outstanding bosses while I was working for those outstanding companies.

01:05:26.769 --> 01:05:30.717
Now, within those outstanding companies, they both had mentorship programs.

01:05:30.717 --> 01:05:33.972
It was formal and he was assigned.

01:05:33.972 --> 01:05:38.405
I'm going to mentor somebody and somebody is going to mentor me.

01:05:38.405 --> 01:05:40.851
And I'll just say straight up, like it was the.

01:05:40.851 --> 01:05:47.347
It was a miserable experience because we had a meeting and they said, okay, tell me what you need mentoring.

01:05:47.347 --> 01:05:47.786
I'm like, uh, like.

01:05:47.786 --> 01:05:49.007
And they said OK, tell me what you need mentoring.

01:05:49.007 --> 01:05:50.929
I'm like, like, I don't know.

01:05:50.929 --> 01:05:51.949
I don't even know you, bro.

01:05:51.949 --> 01:05:53.190
Like, can we talk a little bit?

01:05:53.190 --> 01:06:01.635
My point in that is you say you know that you understand, you've experienced the value of having a mentor.

01:06:01.635 --> 01:06:07.639
You've committed, on top of all your responsibilities and everything you have going on, to mentor others.

01:06:07.639 --> 01:06:13.163
So the question is this how do you build the mentoring skill?

01:06:20.817 --> 01:06:23.065
And what are you looking to contribute as a mentor?

01:06:23.065 --> 01:06:28.016
I think the first order of business is getting an understanding of who they are and where they want to go.

01:06:28.016 --> 01:06:30.570
And it doesn't have to be just business.

01:06:30.570 --> 01:06:44.313
It could be in life, right Cause I didn't have a mentor in life and I wish I would have, because I wouldn't have made so many crazy silly decisions, you know, I wouldn't have been running the streets as much.

01:06:44.313 --> 01:06:48.755
But I think it's just understanding who they are and where they want to go.

01:06:48.755 --> 01:07:03.795
You know like, because asking those inquisitive questions first and foremost, rather than just dumping what you think is wisdom on some somebody or your life lived experience, is probably the best way to go.

01:07:08.010 --> 01:07:14.717
So get to know them Sorry, yeah, a lot of words maybe get to know them and really get to understand, like, what drives them.

01:07:15.686 --> 01:07:16.047
Yeah.

01:07:16.367 --> 01:07:20.237
And then frame your mentoring engagement that way.

01:07:21.184 --> 01:07:22.166
Oh, I love it.

01:07:22.166 --> 01:07:28.809
You know, I think I've said this to a bunch of people and everybody rolls their eyes at me because I'm wacko.

01:07:28.809 --> 01:07:41.666
Right, but I've said this multiple times especially in the conditions that our industry is in right now, everybody is offering competitive pay and benefits.

01:07:41.666 --> 01:07:45.644
So if that's your sell, who cares?

01:07:45.644 --> 01:07:48.302
Because everybody is offering the same thing.

01:07:48.302 --> 01:07:53.364
I think, rather, what I'm seeing.

01:07:53.505 --> 01:08:13.081
There's not a bunch of them, something tells me you're one of them the decision makers in organizations that figure out how to show appreciation in the whole human being, not just how they contribute to the dashboards and the KPIs, but like what their interests are as an individual, as a human being.

01:08:13.081 --> 01:08:18.676
I think those people I see them winning the talent game.

01:08:18.676 --> 01:08:30.676
They're winning the attraction and retention game and they're not spending money, they're just demonstrating interest and appreciation in the entire human being.

01:08:30.676 --> 01:08:33.786
And so when I hear you talking about mentoring, that's what I hear you doing.

01:08:33.786 --> 01:08:41.795
Like it's not this programmatic, uh agendized approach to having one-on-one conversation.

01:08:41.795 --> 01:08:51.588
It's like let me get to know you, what's your feel, what's your flavor, what's your interest, what are the gaps you have, so that I can adjust and serve you appropriately.

01:08:51.588 --> 01:08:54.323
Did I, am I smelling what you're cooking?

01:08:54.855 --> 01:09:03.127
Yeah, you're, you're picking up what I'm laying down, cause that's exactly it Legit, it can't be contrived.

01:09:03.127 --> 01:09:05.259
That's what I was saying, like in the beginning.

01:09:05.259 --> 01:09:14.421
Right Is, if you put people first with the right intentions, then the byproduct of a good business decision just naturally happens.

01:09:14.421 --> 01:09:20.899
You're not forcing it, it's not contrived, you're not trying to get a return, you just will.

01:09:20.899 --> 01:09:34.987
And on top of that you have fulfilled, passionate high performers that have an environment that is it leaps and bounds over any, just any old paycheck, you know.

01:09:34.987 --> 01:09:41.243
And then you carry that on into their family because if they come to a bad environment every day, they're going to take that home.

01:09:41.243 --> 01:09:46.845
And then it's a cycle that never stops and we all know what that looks like.

01:09:46.845 --> 01:09:47.556
And that is.

01:09:47.556 --> 01:09:50.184
I don't like it ever.

01:09:51.025 --> 01:09:51.247
Yeah.

01:09:51.247 --> 01:09:55.542
So let's think of, let's like, take the human part out of it.

01:09:55.542 --> 01:09:56.886
That's expensive.

01:09:56.886 --> 01:10:10.429
If you're running a business, it's extremely expensive because if, let me say it this way, when I was that miserable apprentice or journeyman and pissed off and I'd like, I want, why did I go to work?

01:10:10.429 --> 01:10:11.810
To get the hell away from the house.

01:10:11.810 --> 01:10:13.121
Cause it sucked being at the house.

01:10:13.121 --> 01:10:18.519
Ask, well, depends on which X you ask, but anyways, you ask, but anyways.

01:10:19.979 --> 01:10:33.271
So to come to work and then also be treated like a disposable, consumable thing, my performance, like you weren't going to get any of my discretionary effort.

01:10:33.271 --> 01:10:41.122
I was going to do precisely what you wanted, precisely the way you said you wanted it and that's it.

01:10:41.122 --> 01:10:46.960
But again, I had some amazing bosses along the way that I'm like man I'm going to.

01:10:46.960 --> 01:10:48.402
You gave me so much.

01:10:48.402 --> 01:10:53.976
By just demonstrating interest in me, you get everything.

01:10:53.976 --> 01:11:04.703
Like I'm going to contribute as much as I possibly can and take on more responsibility outside of my job description so that I can grow.

01:11:04.703 --> 01:11:15.606
But also because, man you're giving, you're pouring into me, so like I got to pay it back and I think that's one I applaud you for, like you're already there.

01:11:15.606 --> 01:11:18.018
But that's what we need people to get, or maybe we don't.

01:11:18.018 --> 01:11:19.438
That way they're great.

01:11:19.438 --> 01:11:22.528
People can go to the leaders that already know how to do that.

01:11:22.528 --> 01:11:23.109
What do you think?

01:11:23.470 --> 01:11:26.117
Yeah, I mean, yeah, I don't know, that's a tough.

01:11:26.117 --> 01:11:28.765
That's a tough one because I think it's a choice.

01:11:28.765 --> 01:11:31.005
I really believe that it's a choice.

01:11:31.005 --> 01:11:35.783
When you're in a leadership position, you're either making a choice to do one thing or the other.

01:11:37.046 --> 01:11:37.327
Agreed.

01:11:42.755 --> 01:11:43.858
You know, and again, if it's contrived, people will know.

01:11:43.858 --> 01:11:48.255
But on the flip side of that, it's like people also have a good opportunity, like me.

01:11:48.255 --> 01:11:48.976
And you said it's.

01:11:48.976 --> 01:12:01.684
You know, you work hard enough, you put the effort in the right people will get attracted to you and then they will open up opportunities for you because they have that leadership quality of hey, I want to see this person elevate.

01:12:01.684 --> 01:12:05.810
Because they have that leadership quality of hey, I want to see this person elevate.

01:12:05.810 --> 01:12:07.712
And if we could all do that, it's like that whole.

01:12:07.712 --> 01:12:11.497
What's that analogy of the pond, the rock in the pond and the ripples?

01:12:11.497 --> 01:12:13.822
It sounds corny but it's not.

01:12:14.703 --> 01:12:17.328
No, it's true, it's 100% true.

01:12:17.328 --> 01:12:23.775
And it just comes back in waves Again.

01:12:23.775 --> 01:12:29.403
It took me a while to learn it, but I got it and I'm not stopping.

01:12:29.403 --> 01:12:33.469
Okay, so you started your working career with a mechanical contractor.

01:12:33.469 --> 01:12:42.440
Then you went to the dark side with the GC, which I've done also and then you came back home to the mechanical contractor.

01:12:42.440 --> 01:12:48.047
So for the folks out there that don't know, let's start with what is a mechanical contractor.

01:12:49.676 --> 01:12:53.663
So in a building we do commercial HVAC, plumbing and piping.

01:12:53.663 --> 01:13:08.502
So we are the ones responsible for ventilation, indoor air quality, making sure you're comfortable, process piping, specialty gases, all of those fun things that live in every building.

01:13:09.524 --> 01:13:10.305
Oh, I love it.

01:13:10.305 --> 01:13:10.927
I love it.

01:13:10.927 --> 01:13:12.095
Did you know that?

01:13:12.095 --> 01:13:14.059
That's my background also?

01:13:14.059 --> 01:13:15.320
I did not.

01:13:15.320 --> 01:13:16.944
So I'm a plumber.

01:13:16.944 --> 01:13:18.247
Oh you are.

01:13:18.247 --> 01:13:24.118
Oh, yeah, yeah, I know it's hard to tell because I'm so handsome, but yes, I'm a plumber.

01:13:24.118 --> 01:13:29.242
Well, I shouldn't say I am, because if you look at my hands, I'm not a plumber anymore.

01:13:29.242 --> 01:13:35.006
But I came up with TD Industries mechanical contractor here in Texas.

01:13:35.006 --> 01:13:44.412
I was with them for 17 years and I was on that side of the business for about 20 years and every time I say mechanical contractor, people are like you work on cars.

01:13:44.412 --> 01:13:45.980
I'm like, no, let me tell you what it is.

01:13:46.555 --> 01:13:50.521
Yeah, I know it comes up all the time, so you came up through the trades.

01:13:50.521 --> 01:13:51.225
I didn't know that.

01:13:51.395 --> 01:14:07.655
Oh, yeah, yeah, Four years of apprenticeship got my journeyman license, medgas certification, master license and la la, la and la la la.

01:14:07.655 --> 01:14:10.505
But again, where I'm at today is only evidence of the amazing leaders that I came across along the way.

01:14:10.505 --> 01:14:23.256
Right To have advanced, to have started off as an apprentice and to be doing the things I'm doing and having sitting at the tables that I sit at, that's not normal and it was because I had a lot of amazing people.

01:14:23.256 --> 01:14:26.121
I say a lot more than most.

01:14:26.121 --> 01:14:35.608
I've had a bunch of folks that really poured into me and and I'm psychotic and obsessive, so I'm like hell, like let me do a good job here.

01:14:35.608 --> 01:14:40.323
And they said hey, man, here's this thing.

01:14:40.323 --> 01:14:42.148
I think you'll be good for this.

01:14:43.838 --> 01:14:45.123
Yeah, I've had that same thing.

01:14:45.123 --> 01:14:46.780
I think you'd be great at this.

01:14:46.780 --> 01:14:47.979
Have you ever thought about it?

01:14:47.979 --> 01:14:50.282
No, but let's talk about it.

01:14:50.282 --> 01:15:21.119
Yeah, when I went to the GC side, I ended up going with a lot of friends DPR was a client of mine, right, so I had a bunch of friends that work there but I had that same concern of like, well, I'm mechanical, what about electrical and AV and fire alarm and all these things, right, that I didn't know, even though I was very well established and they wanted me to come there and I knew it was a great move.

01:15:21.479 --> 01:15:30.881
It was that psychological piece of, well, I'm not good enough for this and that's not the case, right, and I loved working there.

01:15:30.881 --> 01:15:36.845
It was such a great part of my experience and it gave me such a wider view of construction.

01:15:36.845 --> 01:15:48.317
But those people that were pouring into me I had to call them and say I don't know about this, because I don't think I'm capable, and they're like, yes, you are.

01:15:48.317 --> 01:15:55.106
So then I'm like, well, I can't let them down, so I need to figure this out.

01:15:55.655 --> 01:15:57.261
And so what did that look like for you?

01:15:57.261 --> 01:16:04.216
That and when I say what did it look like, like it's backstories I had the same, similar transition.

01:16:04.216 --> 01:16:15.240
I left td and so I had worked in san antonio my whole life, um, and so all the responsibility, network etc.

01:16:15.240 --> 01:16:17.604
Was san antonio's business unit based.

01:16:17.604 --> 01:16:24.759
Okay, the job I got was with turner, general contractor, and all of a sudden I had regional responsibility.

01:16:25.381 --> 01:16:26.667
So, like I didn't even know how to like.

01:16:26.667 --> 01:16:29.296
I've been on a plane maybe three times before that.

01:16:29.296 --> 01:16:30.520
Now that's part of my job.

01:16:30.520 --> 01:16:32.203
Like, oh, I don't know if I could do this.

01:16:32.203 --> 01:16:38.506
So, anyways, there was a lot going through my head and there was some certain.

01:16:38.506 --> 01:16:42.746
There was a lot of things that I did when I got there to like deal with it.

01:16:42.746 --> 01:16:46.918
So my question to you is when you made that transition?

01:16:46.918 --> 01:17:08.087
Because going from a trade, like if you've been in the trade exclusively for most of your career, there's a certain perspective, maybe even opinion, you have about GCs and it's just different, it's not the same, and so it's a pretty big shift.

01:17:08.087 --> 01:17:20.064
And so my question is this what was, what did you anticipate that transition to be like?

01:17:20.064 --> 01:17:23.411
And then what did you do to close the gap quickly?

01:17:25.436 --> 01:17:34.885
I anticipated it to be overwhelming and it was to some degree.

01:17:34.885 --> 01:17:39.605
I mean, both of us had construction experience.

01:17:39.605 --> 01:17:41.943
You know we knew building in general.

01:17:41.943 --> 01:17:45.184
I knew a lot of on the design side.

01:17:45.184 --> 01:17:55.046
You know there's different elements that I was confident in no big deal, but I anticipated it was going to be overwhelming because the spectrum is so much wider.

01:17:55.046 --> 01:18:05.038
Versus mechanical Right, I'm paying attention to my things, making sure my stuff is accurate, and then you go into everything all the kids in the pool.

01:18:05.038 --> 01:18:12.118
So I felt like, oh, this is going to be overwhelming and it was, but not in a bad way.

01:18:12.118 --> 01:18:23.329
So to close the gap, I literally just put my head down and dug in and was like I need to learn how to read a single line drawing.

01:18:23.329 --> 01:18:33.060
I need to anticipate what the Sparkies are going to tell me and be able to call BS, because I have to make sure that my team that I'm supporting hits the schedule.

01:18:34.222 --> 01:18:39.019
And then I need to be able to recognize, like, from a cost perspective, where do they live?

01:18:39.019 --> 01:18:40.483
What's the framework?

01:18:40.483 --> 01:18:42.407
Framework, I literally just I guess.

01:18:42.407 --> 01:18:58.372
To sum it up, I wanted to be able to call bs and make sure I was the sme for every single trade I was responsible for, as quickly as possible yeah, and so that took what three or four days yeah right, I had a lot.

01:18:58.372 --> 01:19:06.039
It was a long, a lot of late nights and just you know, phoning a friend, I use my network too Legit.

01:19:06.560 --> 01:19:08.987
I had, you know, so many friends in the industry.

01:19:08.987 --> 01:19:11.418
I had built a respect and reputation.

01:19:11.418 --> 01:19:14.747
I just phoned a friend all the time and I said this is what I'm seeing.

01:19:14.747 --> 01:19:16.978
Can you confirm that I'm on the right track?

01:19:16.978 --> 01:19:21.145
And I leveraged that a lot for the first probably six months.

01:19:22.148 --> 01:19:23.756
Oh, nice, nice, Okay.

01:19:23.756 --> 01:19:29.967
So just in case for the L&M family member out there that didn't catch it big leaps are possible.

01:19:29.967 --> 01:19:34.385
Yes, and you don't have to.

01:19:34.385 --> 01:19:45.488
I highly recommend and I know Pansy just said it you best be ready to put your head down and learn your butt off Like it's going to.

01:19:45.488 --> 01:19:46.556
It's not.

01:19:48.140 --> 01:19:52.188
If you know, if you want to be mediocre, like, just go and do your nine to five.

01:19:52.188 --> 01:19:59.587
But if you want to excel, you got to put in time and you got to be resourceful right.

01:19:59.587 --> 01:20:03.454
So when you say I reached out to my network, I see that as resourcefulness.

01:20:03.454 --> 01:20:04.938
You have a network.

01:20:04.938 --> 01:20:07.823
That is a resource that you didn't have.

01:20:07.823 --> 01:20:17.957
Like, you didn't let pride or shame get in the way of you getting what you needed so that you can be successful and excel in this whole new environment.

01:20:17.957 --> 01:20:26.756
Because in scale, it's a dramatically different scale of whatever Right Now.

01:20:26.756 --> 01:20:29.523
How about the like, the relationship part?

01:20:29.523 --> 01:20:47.939
I think it might be obvious because, because you're so people focused, but in terms of like, building credibility with the, the tenured credibility with the, the tenured, your new tenured colleagues.

01:20:47.958 --> 01:20:48.500
What did that look like?

01:20:48.500 --> 01:20:54.899
I mean, I feel like I had a little bit of an advantage because in the business unit that I was in I already had long-term relationships.

01:20:54.899 --> 01:21:05.051
So you know, I already had a certain established relationship and respect level both ways me to them and them to me.

01:21:05.051 --> 01:21:07.377
But they're I mean there's.

01:21:07.377 --> 01:21:10.315
They're national right, so there are, they're international, so there's.

01:21:10.315 --> 01:21:13.247
There's all bunch of people I met in different business units.

01:21:13.247 --> 01:21:15.576
I think that was more just.

01:21:15.576 --> 01:21:30.274
I tried to connect with them one-on-one and just share with them kind of the foundation that I had and make sure they knew that I was listening and that I understood what my responsibilities were and how I was going to help them.

01:21:30.274 --> 01:21:39.301
Really, I guess I wanted to just make sure they knew that I was solid and that I could be a trusted advisor for the things that they needed from me.

01:21:40.203 --> 01:21:48.844
And that takes contact time right and not bobbleheading like actually delivering value and contact time.

01:21:48.844 --> 01:21:50.327
Oh my goodness.

01:21:50.327 --> 01:21:54.564
All right, now I know that you've got a path right.

01:21:54.564 --> 01:21:56.483
You had you sent an intention a long time ago.

01:21:56.483 --> 01:21:59.899
You were on the swing in third grade and said this is what I'm going to do.

01:21:59.899 --> 01:22:02.123
I'm going to be BPA at Intec in 2025.

01:22:03.216 --> 01:22:04.661
After I put someone in the face.

01:22:04.841 --> 01:22:08.805
Yes, After you punched somebody in the face and popped a lock with the screwdriver.

01:22:08.805 --> 01:22:20.547
Like I remember the Monte Carlos that didn't have the window frames and the Camaros Watch out To get me started, If you know you know out there.

01:22:20.547 --> 01:22:22.250
No, you know out there.

01:22:22.310 --> 01:22:23.091
No, you know.

01:22:27.836 --> 01:22:44.917
So going to DPR and like clear I mean my head I'm guessing that there was an intention, there was something you wanted to learn and develop, otherwise you wouldn't have made the move.

01:22:44.917 --> 01:22:45.679
So what was that?

01:22:45.679 --> 01:22:48.386
Like you weren't doing it to get a job and work for a GC?

01:22:48.386 --> 01:22:49.228
I don't think.

01:22:49.228 --> 01:22:51.618
No, I wasn't Okay.

01:22:52.261 --> 01:22:54.264
And I had no reason to leave.

01:22:54.264 --> 01:22:56.828
You know, at the time I had no reason to leave.

01:22:56.828 --> 01:23:10.841
In tech, it was the culture that I liked, I, the leaders here, and but the the piece of that setting the intention for me was how do I be the best?

01:23:10.841 --> 01:23:13.186
I want to be the best.

01:23:13.186 --> 01:23:30.262
If I show up at a project, if I'm on a pursuit team, I want to be aware of everything else and have the right care and custody of how I need to be a collaborative trip team partner, and this opportunity opened that up for me.

01:23:31.747 --> 01:23:36.319
No, I didn't know that I would come back, you know, to the trade side.

01:23:36.319 --> 01:23:37.833
I really didn't think I would.

01:23:37.833 --> 01:23:40.506
I thought I was going to stay there because I loved it.

01:23:40.506 --> 01:23:41.148
It gave me a much wider range.

01:23:41.148 --> 01:23:42.393
It I was going to stay there because I loved it.

01:23:42.393 --> 01:23:43.657
It gave me a much wider range.

01:23:43.657 --> 01:23:52.900
I just enjoyed it a lot and I had a lot of really good people that I worked with and I got to be involved in a lot of different things.

01:23:52.900 --> 01:23:56.216
But it was really just that, that opportunity.

01:23:56.216 --> 01:23:58.439
When it opened up, it was like man, I think.

01:23:58.439 --> 01:24:04.467
I think I have so much more to add to our industry.

01:24:04.467 --> 01:24:10.748
I could do it here with people that I really love, with a culture that I really like.

01:24:10.748 --> 01:24:22.813
You know, I kind of checked all the boxes for me, um, and so much more legit, like it was one of the best experiences that I think I got to have.

01:24:23.493 --> 01:24:24.114
Amazing.

01:24:24.114 --> 01:24:44.998
So were there any superpowers or skills that grew exponentially while you were in that environment that maybe you weren't totally aware of until you got there Like, oh, I got this, this thing where?

01:24:45.400 --> 01:24:46.082
did that come from?

01:24:46.082 --> 01:24:49.452
I think picking up electrical was was a shocker to me.

01:24:49.452 --> 01:25:01.579
Okay, it took a minute, yeah, understanding like the basics of electrical and I just didn't think I would catch it as quickly, but I really like.

01:25:01.579 --> 01:25:05.828
Actually, it's one of the things I miss about coming back on the mechanical side.

01:25:05.828 --> 01:25:08.362
Is that electrical piece I really enjoyed it?

01:25:08.362 --> 01:25:27.780
No, I think I mean maybe just kind of the background that I had and being able to transition into so much more than just M&P and, you know, being valuable and adding value to the teams was a little bit of a shocker for me.

01:25:27.780 --> 01:25:45.306
I just wasn't sure how that was going to go down and I picked up quite a bit of things that I didn't know before really quickly and like just ran with them and I like to pull out and justify it for the L&M family member out there.

01:25:45.368 --> 01:25:48.154
That's as slow as I am Right.

01:25:48.154 --> 01:25:54.985
And so, summary, there are some opportunities that are so big they're a little scary.

01:25:54.985 --> 01:26:04.617
Going from a trade to a GC is one of those, like you know, unless you're just super, super, ultra confident and a little delusional.

01:26:04.617 --> 01:26:10.456
But it's what my experience and I think what I heard you say is like.

01:26:10.456 --> 01:26:23.755
Going into that space it's a bigger pool that facilitates and wait, let me say this first, not every GC, because there's a lot of dirtbag GCs out there.

01:26:23.755 --> 01:26:26.581
I said it straight up, I've lived it.

01:26:26.581 --> 01:26:49.703
There's some great ones out there with great people, and so going into a big we'll just say it this way going into a bigger organization, a bigger opportunity, helps you expand your own awareness about what it is you can contribute and it creates kind of new like oh, wait, a minute, if I had that much more, what else is there?

01:26:49.703 --> 01:26:51.100
What more do I have?

01:26:51.100 --> 01:26:53.287
Did you have the same kind of experience?

01:26:54.113 --> 01:26:54.414
Absolutely.

01:26:54.414 --> 01:27:03.728
It forces you to look inside again and say well, I could, I need to stretch myself even more.

01:27:03.728 --> 01:27:07.277
And then you just, you know, go.

01:27:08.298 --> 01:27:09.020
Go.

01:27:09.020 --> 01:27:13.967
It's like, oh damn, I did that, I could do that.

01:27:13.967 --> 01:27:15.976
Like, shoot I gotta, what else can I do?

01:27:15.976 --> 01:27:17.961
Yup, exactly Same.

01:27:17.961 --> 01:27:20.666
Same happened for me, okay.

01:27:20.666 --> 01:27:21.828
So then you went.

01:27:21.828 --> 01:27:24.417
Same same happened for me, um, okay.

01:27:24.417 --> 01:27:24.778
So then you went.

01:27:24.778 --> 01:27:26.001
Now we're like we're getting closer to the present.

01:27:26.001 --> 01:27:26.722
You went back to in tech.

01:27:26.722 --> 01:27:50.985
Now, when I hear you speak, it's obvious that you care about people and and you're real um, I also hear some like serious business acumen and I know a lot of people in the industry that they're great at managing a project, and you probably know this.

01:27:50.985 --> 01:27:51.927
You were able to see it.

01:27:51.927 --> 01:27:54.020
Managing a project is running.

01:27:54.020 --> 01:27:59.456
It's like running a business, depending on what level of experience you have in the organization.

01:27:59.456 --> 01:28:01.578
But something tells me you could see that.

01:28:01.578 --> 01:28:06.345
And so what was it about running a business?

01:28:06.345 --> 01:28:18.176
How early did you see, like that's what I want to do, that's what I want to learn how to do, that's what I want to do.

01:28:18.176 --> 01:28:21.180
Was that again, was that like an early awareness, or did that kind of develop along the way?

01:28:22.143 --> 01:28:23.505
It was early awareness.

01:28:23.505 --> 01:28:26.989
Okay, yeah, I mean it was kind of in my mind.

01:28:26.989 --> 01:28:48.341
What was happening when I first started was I was in a support role, no surprise, and I was watching you know these no disrespect but all these men, you know, just just run circles around me career-wise, even though I had an equally good skill set.

01:28:48.341 --> 01:28:49.324
Yep.

01:28:49.324 --> 01:28:57.506
So the first intention was just that, like well, I could manage these projects, not support behind the scenes, I could manage that project.

01:28:57.506 --> 01:29:00.856
So that was my first step of like I need to get there.

01:29:00.856 --> 01:29:16.728
And then, as I started doing that and engaging with more people, then it was like I'm watching the leaders at that point now and I'm like picking up things that I think are good and valuable and seeing one, I enjoy all aspects of business.

01:29:23.796 --> 01:29:29.835
I love people, I'm good in terms of, like, managing projects.

01:29:29.835 --> 01:29:34.466
If I take that to the next level, what kind of impact could I make on people?

01:29:34.466 --> 01:29:41.268
Because the financial part of it is important but it's not straight up just being real.

01:29:41.268 --> 01:29:43.301
Anybody who knows me will tell you this.

01:29:43.301 --> 01:29:45.679
That is not my main goal.

01:29:45.679 --> 01:29:50.208
I could pay my bills anywhere.

01:29:50.548 --> 01:30:06.604
I really my whole thing was running a business gives me an opportunity to create an environment for people that they need for people that they need.

01:30:06.966 --> 01:30:13.537
I didn't have or I want to see better period Amazing.

01:30:13.537 --> 01:30:16.943
And the cost was learning how to run a business, but for a greater purpose than making whatever.

01:30:16.943 --> 01:30:18.466
It is your 10%, 14% growth margin.

01:30:18.466 --> 01:30:23.497
It's funny when I talk to GCs and they talk about their margins, they're like we got like 3%.

01:30:23.516 --> 01:30:52.502
Well, you are out to lunch, because the risk reward can be a wild ride.

01:30:53.283 --> 01:31:00.560
Oh my, you know, I, I, so I get to to to hang out with a bunch of different construction companies.

01:31:00.560 --> 01:31:03.384
They bring me into like to hang out with a bunch of different construction companies.

01:31:03.384 --> 01:31:05.226
They bring me into, like I don't know, be the class clown and entertain them.

01:31:05.226 --> 01:31:14.519
But I like to ask, always with the leaders it's like, why are you in construction, and especially at the executive level?

01:31:14.519 --> 01:31:15.541
What I hear is to make money.

01:31:15.541 --> 01:31:16.483
We're here to make money.

01:31:16.483 --> 01:31:18.386
I'm here to make money, money, money.

01:31:18.447 --> 01:31:24.177
And I'm like, really, it's like if you wanted to make money, why the hell would you pick construction?

01:31:24.177 --> 01:31:33.182
Like it has the most risk, super volatile, pain in the butt, difficult because of all the stakeholders.

01:31:33.182 --> 01:31:40.327
Like there's just it is so damn hard to make the money and it takes so damn long to get the money.

01:31:40.327 --> 01:31:47.331
Like if you really wanted to make money, you could sell pictures of your feet on the money and it takes so damn long to get the money.

01:31:47.331 --> 01:31:49.771
Like if you really wanted to make money, you could sell pictures of your feet on the internet.

01:31:49.771 --> 01:31:52.634
Like if that's what you're about, like come on.

01:31:52.634 --> 01:31:53.253
Like let's be for real.

01:31:55.117 --> 01:31:58.814
And I'm kind of I'm being goofy, but it's true, I say it all the time.

01:31:58.814 --> 01:32:08.359
And my point is this like it sounds good and it feels good money but when I hit them with that, a lot of them are like I never thought of it.

01:32:08.359 --> 01:32:11.546
Like exactly, and that's the point right.

01:32:11.546 --> 01:32:20.104
Like you have to love something meaningful, otherwise it's no fun and clearly you're using it as it's a.

01:32:20.104 --> 01:32:23.470
It's a conduit, you see how you like, how I threw the electrical thing in.

01:32:23.470 --> 01:32:45.655
It's a conduit for you to serve people and create an environment for people to thrive, and so all that other stuff, like you said, the up and down, earnings and collections, and all of that Is tolerable because it affords or it creates a space for you to do amazing things for amazing people.

01:32:45.655 --> 01:32:46.717
Am I getting that right?

01:32:47.578 --> 01:32:56.579
It allows me to be a servant leader in a way that's meaningful to me and, of course, others.

01:32:56.579 --> 01:32:59.925
But like, yeah, 100% Again.

01:32:59.925 --> 01:33:06.740
Everybody has to make money and that's why we do business, but never is it the number one thing.

01:33:06.740 --> 01:33:09.765
That's on my mind and to your point.

01:33:10.006 --> 01:33:29.689
it is hard to make it and collect it and it's a lot of brain damage, so I bet you if you asked everybody and made them think of it differently, they would say the same that no, maybe they love it because people, because no day is the same, because it's a challenge, because all those different things.

01:33:30.350 --> 01:33:31.451
Yes, oh yeah.

01:33:31.451 --> 01:33:34.070
We just need to think about it and examine yourselves.

01:33:34.070 --> 01:33:41.503
And that's my point how can I help somebody examine their thinking so that they can improve or enhance their quality of life?

01:33:41.503 --> 01:33:43.405
So that they can improve or enhance their quality of life.

01:33:43.405 --> 01:33:46.770
Now, just in case, because I know some people are saying, like man, where's Intech?

01:33:46.770 --> 01:33:51.119
I need to go fill out an application.

01:33:51.119 --> 01:33:55.487
Should I tell everybody like no, you have all the workforce you need.

01:33:55.487 --> 01:33:56.890
Y'all are full up.

01:33:59.201 --> 01:34:00.125
You don't need anybody.

01:34:00.125 --> 01:34:03.409
Well, you never turn down a conversation, right?

01:34:03.409 --> 01:34:09.485
I mean, we have a, we have a fantastic team and we're I'm so grateful that we do, we're intentional about it.

01:34:09.485 --> 01:34:27.581
But yeah, I mean anybody who's, you know, got character, you know, wants to be a part of a good culture, loves to be a high performer and work hard and loves people, um yeah, send them our way 10, 4 good.

01:34:27.701 --> 01:34:38.488
And I also want to say this for my, like my trades people out there, because we've all worked with miserable organizations, with miserable people.

01:34:38.488 --> 01:34:44.006
That's life, right, like I, I experienced it when I was working fast food.

01:34:44.006 --> 01:34:53.305
I experienced it and, like you, ain't going to love every boss you ever have, but that doesn't mean that they all suck.

01:34:53.305 --> 01:35:11.967
And what I'm especially excited about is I've been able to capture evidence, your evidence, that there are amazing leaders out there running trade subcontractor organizations that create a culture where people can thrive.

01:35:11.967 --> 01:35:29.876
There's not enough of us, there's not enough of you, right, but you are living proof that it exists and so I applaud you.

01:35:29.876 --> 01:35:38.289
I'm grateful to you for that, because you know I'm sure you've heard the stories, you experienced it yourself there are some organizations that like again, hell, if I knew I could like back in the 90s, if I could sell pictures of my feet, I would have.

01:35:38.289 --> 01:35:41.560
But that wasn't a thing back then.

01:35:41.560 --> 01:35:45.542
Now it is, and now I got a better gig, so it doesn't make sense.

01:35:46.645 --> 01:36:08.230
Yeah, it really does matter, Because when this opportunity came up, you know, if the foundation of the company was not built on the core values and the culture that we have, I wouldn't even have considered taking this leap right, and all this risk and becoming an owner and all those things would not even across my mind.

01:36:08.251 --> 01:36:08.814
Because what's the point?

01:36:09.956 --> 01:36:22.114
And being an owner like you are invested like money, like serious lack of sleep, like all the things, but it's it's, it's good yeah.

01:36:22.114 --> 01:36:28.347
And I would challenge anybody out there to like think about your people.

01:36:28.347 --> 01:36:41.569
Think about the type of environment that you create, and how would you want your kids or your siblings or someone else to show up every day and deal with?

01:36:41.569 --> 01:36:43.578
That's where we spend the most of our time.

01:36:44.900 --> 01:36:48.087
Yeah, yep, amazing, amazing.

01:36:48.087 --> 01:37:16.963
Okay, I got the closing question coming up and, given how intentional and I just the best I could say is like, real right, like you remind me of, I got a group of friends that I went to middle school with here in San Antonio, tafoya, since sixth grade, and we're still friends and the vibe with them is like you're that, you're my kind of people, like experience, maybe a little.

01:37:18.315 --> 01:37:25.523
Yeah, we, we got some, we got some similarities and definitely some same life experience same friends style yeah.

01:37:26.756 --> 01:37:27.056
Yeah.

01:37:27.056 --> 01:37:31.760
And so, because of all of that, I'm like, oh man, this answer is going to be juicy.

01:37:31.760 --> 01:37:33.104
So you're ready for the question?

01:37:33.104 --> 01:37:39.488
Oh, what is the promise you are intended to be?

01:37:43.217 --> 01:37:44.502
I'm intended to be.

01:37:44.502 --> 01:37:59.087
I don't know, that's a tough one, I think, maybe a light to people that need it.

01:37:59.087 --> 01:38:04.037
Dang, you're going to make me emotional Gangsters.

01:38:04.037 --> 01:38:07.420
Don't cry, no, come on, chai Girl.

01:38:07.420 --> 01:38:09.600
I know, what's up with that?

01:38:09.600 --> 01:38:12.163
Why are you going to make me get out of my box?

01:38:12.163 --> 01:38:15.381
I mean, I think it's that.

01:38:15.381 --> 01:38:17.600
I think it's what I said.

01:38:18.764 --> 01:38:19.164
Yeah, be a light.

01:38:19.164 --> 01:38:29.550
I think you already are Like, based on everything that you've shared so far and the way I see you show up, of course, on the internet.

01:38:29.550 --> 01:38:30.614
So this is super special.

01:38:30.614 --> 01:38:32.661
It's the second time we got to talk.

01:38:32.661 --> 01:38:46.930
I know I'm glad, Me too, but it's like you're already actively being a light to others by purposefully getting into a mentoring, we'll say relationship.

01:38:46.930 --> 01:39:00.228
It's not imposed upon you, you chose to do that by intentionally picking the organization that you work with because of the culture that's there, by living to what's true to you.

01:39:00.228 --> 01:39:08.787
You're already a light sister, and so just keep getting brighter and let me know how I can contribute to that.

01:39:08.787 --> 01:39:12.224
I won't go any further because I don't want the mascara to run.

01:39:12.224 --> 01:39:15.021
You've got a rep to protect.

01:39:15.021 --> 01:39:17.886
I've got a rep to protect.

01:39:17.985 --> 01:39:20.863
Yes, did you have fun I did.

01:39:20.863 --> 01:39:21.685
Thank you so much.

01:39:21.685 --> 01:39:30.228
This was a good conversation and it you just helped me water my why again thank you for sticking it out all the way to the end.

01:39:30.328 --> 01:39:42.849
I know you got a whole lot of stuff going on and, in appreciation for the gift of time that you have given this episode, I want to offer you a free p of my book Becoming the Promise You're Intended to Be.

01:39:42.849 --> 01:39:45.582
The link for that bad boy is down in the show notes.

01:39:45.582 --> 01:39:45.983
Hit it.

01:39:45.983 --> 01:39:48.398
You don't even have to give me your email address.

01:39:48.398 --> 01:39:49.319
There's a link in there.

01:39:49.319 --> 01:39:51.886
You just click that and you can download the PDF.

01:39:51.886 --> 01:40:03.502
And if you share it with somebody that you know who might feel stuck or be caught up in self-destructive behaviors, that would be the ultimate you sharing.

01:40:03.502 --> 01:40:08.564
That increases the likelihood that it's going to help one more person.

01:40:08.564 --> 01:40:21.877
And if it does help one more person, then you're contributing to me becoming the promise I am intended to be Be kind to yourself, be cool, and we'll talk at you next time.