Episodes

  • 121 The Project Management Carousel: Navigating Construction's Challenges
    Nov 21 2024

    Episode 121 of The DYOJO Podcast focuses on the challenges of project management in construction, emphasizing the need for profitability and customer satisfaction.


    Key metrics for success include completing projects on scope, on budget, and on time. Various scenarios of lackluster outcomes were examined, such as projects that are on budget and on schedule but off scope (potentially leading to fraud), or projects that are on schedule and on scope but off budget due to unmanaged scope creep.


    This conversation highlights the importance of clear communication, proper planning, and timely capture of change orders to avoid financial and reputational issues.


    Thursdays are for The DYOJO Podcast - helping contractors shorten their DANG learning curve. Join host Jon Isaacson as we explore contractor stories, experiences, and best practices to help listeners thrive in the skilled trades.


    THANK YOU SPONSORS:

    Actionable Insights has built the Actionable Xactimate Profile which provides live estimating guidance while you work in Xactimate to help your estimating team avoid costly mistakes. Create accurate, more complete estimates with the Actionable Profile. It's a no-brainer for anyone looking to upgrade their Xactimate estimating workflow - no more estimating mistakes, no more missed line items.


    EPIC Estimates - Any estimate, anywhere, anytime. Let the award-winning EPIC Estimates help your team write the next Xactimate or Symbility estimate. Freeing your team up to do what they're good at, while helping your business maximize productivity and profitability.


    Restoration Industry Association (RIA) - Connect and collaborate with your industry peers through the largest non-profit professional trade association dedicated to the unique plight of restoration contractors. Join us April 28-30, 2025 in West Palm Beach, Florida for the Restoration Industry Association Convention and Industry Expo. Discounts are available for early registration.


    P2T: Preparing 2 Thrive in the Modern Workplace⁠ is the latest book from Jon Isaacson. P2T was written to help young professionals develop the mindsets and habits to thrive in the modern workplace. Employers are handing P2T out to new hires by the DOZENS.


    MUSIC

    Theme - It's Only Worth It If You Work For It by NEFFEX


    KEYWORDS

    • Construction project management
    • Managing scope creep in construction
    • On-time, on-budget project delivery
    • Construction profitability tips
    • Avoiding project management pitfalls
    • Effective communication in construction projects
    • Change order management strategies
    • Customer satisfaction in construction
    • Construction planning best practices
    • Reputation management for contractors

    Show more Show less
    26 mins
  • Three Ways to Ruin a Construction Project (and How to Prevent Them)
    Nov 21 2024

    This clip from an upcoming episode of The DYOJO Podcast (#121) centers on common pitfalls in construction project management, emphasizing the importance of completing projects on scope, on budget, and on time. Host Jon Isaacson highlights that failure in any one of these areas can lead to negative outcomes, affecting both financial performance and reputation - The Carousel of Project Management Lackluster Outcomes. We discuss the challenges of quality control, scope creep, and communication breakdowns, which can worsen over time if not addressed. The conversation also touches on the need for effective recruitment, training, and development of project managers. Resources like the book "Want to Be a Project Manager" are recommended for those looking to improve their project management skills and practices. Thursdays are for The DYOJO Podcast - helping contractors shorten their DANG learning curve. Join host Jon Isaacson as we explore contractor stories, experiences, and best practices to help listeners thrive in the skilled trades. Keywords:

    1. Construction project management
    2. Project management tips
    3. Construction project pitfalls
    4. Project manager mistakes
    5. Successful construction projects

    Show more Show less
    6 mins
  • 120 Let the Structure Speak During the Insurance Claims Process
    Oct 24 2024

    Episode 120 of The DYOJO Podcast focuses on the importance of contractors, homeowners, and insurance representatives letting the structure speak during the insurance claims process.


    The discussion emphasizes the restoration triangle involving policyholders, contractors, and insurance companies. Stressing the need for thorough data capture (TDC) to create defensible estimates, advocating for restoring properties to pre-loss conditions with like-kind materials (LKQ).


    This episode critiques the us-versus-them mentality between contractors and insurers, urging clear communication and adherence to the standard of restoring properties. Listeners will hear about resources for improving estimating and project management skills in the restoration industry.


    IN EPISODE 120 of The DYOJO Podcast:

    1:59 Who is the customer during an insurance claim with David Princeton

    3:56 Let the Structure Speak during an insurance claim

    6:24 The Restoration Triangle with Pete Consigli

    10:37 The Standard all should follow for insurance claims

    17:34 Rant Alert * What does it mean to RESTORE property?

    25:38 Creating an accurate scope of work for insurance claims

    30:45 Resources for insurance estimating and project management


    LAST EPISODE 119 Falsifying Insurance Claims


    Thursdays are for The DYOJO Podcast - helping contractors shorten their DANG learning curve. Join host Jon Isaacson as we explore contractor stories, experiences, and best practices to help listeners thrive in the skilled trades.


    THANK YOU SPONSORS:


    Actionable Insights has built the Actionable Xactimate Profile which provides live estimating guidance while you work in Xactimate to help your estimating team avoid costly mistakes. Create accurate, more complete estimates with the Actionable Profile. It's a no-brainer for anyone looking to upgrade their Xactimate estimating workflow - no more estimating mistakes, no more missed line items.


    EPIC Estimates - Any estimate, anywhere, anytime. Let the award-winning EPIC Estimates help your team write the next Xactimate or Symbility estimate. Freeing your team up to do what they're good at, while helping your business maximize productivity and profitability.


    Restoration Industry Association (RIA) - Connect and collaborate with your industry peers through the largest non-profit professional trade association dedicated to the unique plight of restoration contractors. Join us April 8-10, 2024 in Dallas for the Restoration Industry Association Convention and Industry Expo. Discounts are available for early registration.


    P2T: Preparing 2 Thrive in the Modern Workplace⁠ is the latest book from Jon Isaacson. P2T was written to help young professionals develop the mindsets and habits to thrive in the modern workplace. Employers are handing P2T out to new hires by the DOZENS.


    MUSIC

    Theme - It's Only Worth It If You Work For It by NEFFEX



    Show more Show less
    34 mins
  • Protecting Your Construction Company
    Oct 17 2024

    This podcast clip from Episode 119 revolves around the risks and challenges faced by construction companies, particularly in the aftermath of storms.


    We discuss the importance of making informed decisions to avoid large financial losses and the pitfalls of not doing things correctly, both technically and politically.


    We remind the audience of our prior series of episodes (starting with TDP 92) reviewing a case in Texas where a contractor sued a school district for non-payment after providing emergency services, highlighting the complexities and potential for bankruptcy. Our discussion also touches on the importance of authority and clear agreements in contracts.


    Watch The DYOJO Podcast on YouTube

    Listen to The DYOJO Podcast on Spotify, Apple, and all platforms

    Read The DYOJO Blog - thedyojo.com/blog for additional information and sources


    Thursdays are for The DYOJO Podcast - Helping contractors shorten their DANG learning curve

    Show more Show less
    8 mins
  • Can Insurance Companies Fake the Claim Facts?
    Oct 10 2024

    The conversation in this podcast clip, from Episode 119 of The DYOJO Podcast, revolves around the issue of insurance companies potentially altering claim estimates to pay out less than the actual damage.


    We discuss how independent adjusters, who document damages and write estimates, find their work significantly reduced by insurance representatives. An example is given where an adjuster's $488,000 estimate was changed to $13,000.


    The conversation highlights the discrepancies between the initial detailed assessments and the final payouts, which often favor the insurance company. The discussion also touches on the role of public adjusters and the need for better communication between contractors and consumers to achieve fairer insurance claim outcomes.


    Show more Show less
    7 mins
  • 119 Falsifying Insurance Claims
    Oct 3 2024

    The conversation revolves around the issue of insurance claims fraud, where independent adjusters allege that insurance companies manipulate damage estimates to save costs. The discussion highlights a case where an adjuster's initial damage estimate was altered, with the adjuster's name still attached, leading to significant financial discrepancies affecting the storm-damaged homeowner. The conversation also touches on the broader implications of such practices, including the need for transparency and proper documentation in the claims process. The speakers emphasize the importance of understanding insurance policies and advocating for policyholders' rights.


    In Episode 119 of The DYOJO Podcast

    0:00 Falsifying Insurance Claims

    7:26 Stephen Bush deposing insurance adjusters

    11:12 60 Minutes investigates claims being altered

    20:04 Professional weigh in on 60 Minutes coverage

    28:52 Improving the insurance claims process


    References and guest appearances for this episode include: Sgt Ed from Restoration Crosscheck, David Princeton (Advocate Claim Service), Bill Wilson (book When Words Collide), Stephen Bush, Bebo Crain, Jim Thompson (book My Life is One Disaster After Another), prior episodes of The DYOJO Podcast.


    LAST EPISODE118 Water Damage Industry Evolution


    Thursdays are for The DYOJO Podcast - helping contractors shorten their DANG learning curve. Join host Jon Isaacson as we explore contractor stories, experiences, and best practices to help listeners thrive in the skilled trades.


    THANK YOU SPONSORS:


    Actionable Insights has built the Actionable Xactimate Profile which provides live estimating guidance while you work in Xactimate to help your estimating team avoid costly mistakes. Create accurate, more complete estimates with the Actionable Profile. It's a no-brainer for anyone looking to upgrade their Xactimate estimating workflow - no more estimating mistakes, no more missed line items.


    EPIC Estimates - Any estimate, anywhere, anytime. Let the award-winning EPIC Estimates help your team write the next Xactimate or Symbility estimate. Freeing your team up to do what they're good at, while helping your business maximize productivity and profitability.


    Restoration Industry Association (RIA) - Connect and collaborate with your industry peers through the largest non-profit professional trade association dedicated to the unique plight of restoration contractors.


    P2T: Preparing 2 Thrive in the Modern Workplace⁠ is the latest book from Jon Isaacson. P2T was written to help young professionals develop the mindsets and habits to thrive in the modern workplace. Employers are handing P2T out to new hires by the DOZENS.


    MUSICTheme - It's Only Worth It If You Work For It by NEFFEX

    Show more Show less
    32 mins
  • Tragic Incident at an Oregon Lowes
    Sep 26 2024

    The DYOJO Podcast discusses a $200 million wrongful death trial in Oregon over the fatal shooting of Freddie Nelson Jr. in a Lowe's parking lot by a security guard, Logan Gimble, who is now serving life for second-degree murder. Nelson had a verbal altercation with a Lowe's employee over pallets, despite having permission from store staff. Gimble, who was not authorized to carry a firearm, pepper-sprayed Nelson and his wife before shooting him. The trial involves the property management firm TMT and the security company Cornerstone, with arguments centering on de-escalation training and the high crime area of the parking lot. Read more from The DYOJO Blog - thedyojo.com/blog Thursdays are for The DYOJO Podcast - helping contractors shorten their DANG learning curve. Join host Jon Isaacson as we explore contractor stories, experiences, and best practices to help listeners thrive in the skilled trades.

    Show more Show less
    6 mins
  • Testing Contractor Competency
    Jun 6 2024

    How does a consumer know whether a contractor is competent enough to complete remodeling and repair work?


    Author Ron Alford provides insights into the four types of contractors in his book, designed for property owners, titled How to Win the Insurance Claim Game (available on Amazon). In this video we review those four types of contractors, Ron's tests of competence, and how the consumer can better protect themselves when hiring a construction professional. This discussion is also helpful to business owners and managers looking to elevate their team's abilities to seek, sell, and produce quality projects.

    LAST EPISODETDP 118 Water Damage Industry Evolution


    Thursdays are for The DYOJO Podcast - helping contractors shorten their DANG learning curve. Join host Jon Isaacson as we explore contractor stories, experiences, and best practices to help listeners thrive in the skilled trades.


    THANK YOU SPONSORS:


    Actionable Insights has built the Actionable Xactimate Profile which provides live estimating guidance while you work in Xactimate to help your estimating team avoid costly mistakes. Create accurate, more complete estimates with the Actionable Profile. It's a no-brainer for anyone looking to upgrade their Xactimate estimating workflow - no more estimating mistakes, no more missed line items.


    EPIC Estimates - Any estimate, anywhere, anytime. Let the award-winning EPIC Estimates help your team write the next Xactimate or Symbility estimate. Freeing your team up to do what they're good at, while helping your business maximize productivity and profitability.


    Restoration Industry Association (RIA) - Connect and collaborate with your industry peers through the largest non-profit professional trade association dedicated to the unique plight of restoration contractors. Join us April 8-10, 2024 in Dallas for the Restoration Industry Association Convention and Industry Expo. Discounts are available for early registration.


    P2T: Preparing 2 Thrive in the Modern Workplace⁠ is the latest book from Jon Isaacson. P2T was written to help young professionals develop the mindsets and habits to thrive in the modern workplace. Employers are handing P2T out to new hires by the DOZENS.


    MUSIC

    Theme - It's Only Worth It If You Work For It by NEFFEXTill I Let Go (Instrumental) by NEFEX

    Show more Show less
    20 mins