Hard Hat to CEO with Chris Gilman

Why do so many contractors stay busy all day and still feel stuck? In this episode, Chris G talks with Brad Huebner, a former Marine, business coach, and host of the Hammer and Grind podcast. Brad shares how he spent years working hard but still did not get the results he wanted. What changed? He learned he was not charging enough, not hiring the right people, and not using a real sales process. This talk breaks down how better pricing, better team members, and clear systems can help a business grow. Brad also explains why customers pay more when they trust you and see the value. It is an honest, helpful talk for contractors and business owners who want to stop doing everything themselves and start running a stronger business. Brad Huebner is a contractor coach, podcast host, author, and former Marine from Southern Indiana. He served four years in the Marine Corps as an infantryman, then went on to build a construction business focused on high-end handyman work and residential remodeling. According to his published bios, he completed more than 2,500 jobs for over 900 customers before shifting his focus to coaching contractors. He is the founder of Hammer & Grind, where he teaches business owners about pricing, sales, leadership, systems, and profit. He also hosts the Hammer & Grind: Built For Contractors podcast and wrote The Contractor Profit Blueprint, a book centered on helping contractors grow profit and gain more freedom in their businesses. Connect with Brad: Website: https://www.hammerandgrind.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradhuebner/ Tune in to the podcast: https://tinyurl.com/32vbr5uu Episode highlights (0:00) Intro (0:58) Brad’s background and how he got into construction (2:16) Why he struggled in business for years (7:00) Building a team and learning how to lead people (8:45) Why hiring better people matters (14:11) Margin vs markup in simple terms (19:46) Why being efficient is not enough by itself (23:05) How to sell value instead of just giving a price (29:19) Setting customer expectations early (37:53) Brad’s podcast and free book offer (40:26) Outro Connect with Hard Hat to CEO on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BrHqc3wdF/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hardhattoceo/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dcgilman/

What do successful business owners all have in common? According to Chris Gilman, their habits look surprisingly similar. In this episode of Hard Hat to CEO, Chris shares the simple but powerful principles that separate struggling businesses from thriving ones. From taking full responsibility to building strong systems, he explains the real mindset that drives long-term success. Chris also opens up about mistakes he made, like hiring cheap help and trying to do everything alone, and what finally changed his business. You will also hear why protecting your time, hiring the right team, and staying consistent matter more than luck. If you want practical lessons from someone who has lived it, this episode gives clear guidance you can use right away. Episode highlights: (0:27) Taking full ownership in business (2:29) Making decisions for the long term (3:40) Building systems and documenting everything (5:32) Hiring the right people early (7:46) Protecting your time like an asset (10:02) Staying consistent and building culture (12:48) Simplifying your business as you grow (14:10) Why success is built, not luck Connect with Hard Hat to CEO on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BrHqc3wdF/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hardhattoceo/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dcgilman/

What if the real key to growing a construction business is not building faster, but building trust first? In this episode of Hard Hat to CEO, Chris G talks with Gil Vaisman about how he went from TV editor to ADU builder in California and created a business focused on strong client experience. Gil explains what ADUs are, why they can turn home equity into real income, and how his low-cost entry offer helps win more of the right clients. He also shares how he spots red flags early, handles change orders clearly, keeps quality high, and thinks carefully about growth. This is a practical talk for contractors and owners who want better systems, better clients, and fewer painful surprises. Gil Vaisman grew up going to construction sites from a young age. A firm believer that a great ADU can improve your life dramatically, he started building ADUs in 2017. Since then, he has devoted himself exclusively to building ADUs. He loves witnessing clients’ garages transformed into functional design, whether due to extra living space or meaningful rental income. In his spare time, Gil enjoys spending time with his wife and two children, as well as training for marathons (he’s completed four). Connect with Gil Go ADU - https://www.goadu.com/ Vaisman Construction - https://www.vaismanconstruction.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gilvaisman/ IG - https://www.instagram.com/gil.vaisman/ Episode highlights: (1:20) Gil’s path from film to construction and why he chose ADUs (3:53) What an ADU is and why demand is growing (6:15) Client-first policies, payment structure, and trust-building (12:57) Red flags, pricing confidence, and choosing the right clients (18:38) Handling mistakes, change orders, and tough conversations (24:45) Smart construction, team coordination, and using AI (30:50) Growing without losing quality or speed Connect with Hard Hat to CEO on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BrHqc3wdF/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hardhattoceo/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dcgilman/

What would you do with an extra 40 hours every month? In this episode of Hard Hat to CEO, Chris Gilman shares simple ways contractors can stop losing time to repeat questions, constant interruptions, phone calls, and fixing the same problems again and again. He explains why clear systems, job standards, and better delegation help your team work without needing you for every little decision. Chris also talks about the cost of micromanaging, the value of using software for scheduling and job updates, and why freedom should be the real goal of your business. This episode is a strong reminder that when you build a business with trust, structure, and clear expectations, you get back time, lower stress, and create room for real growth. Episode highlights (0:00) Intro (2:15) Stop patching problems and fix the real issue (2:55) Set job standards so your team knows what to do (4:22) Why micromanaging wastes time and slows growth (5:32) A personal story about systems during a health crisis (7:02) Cut phone calls with better delegation and software (9:24) Stay focused on goals instead of distractions (10:09) Freedom, trust, and getting your time back Connect with Hard Hat to CEO on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BrHqc3wdF/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hardhattoceo/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dcgilman/

What do you do when you realize your health can’t wait any longer? In this episode, Stanley Bronstein shares his personal story of losing 222 pounds and creating a better life along the way. He talks about more than weight loss. He explains why living longer only matters if you also feel strong, clear-minded, and able to enjoy your life. Stanley also shares simple habits that helped him stay on track, like walking, planning meals, and trying to do a little better each day. His message is honest, kind, and easy to connect with. This episode is a reminder that real change can start small and that it is never too late to choose a healthier path. Stanley F. Bronstein is an attorney, CPA, author, and life coach based in Scottsdale, Arizona. He is the creator of The Way of Excellence, a personal development system built around lasting personal change, health, and daily discipline. Public bios note that after losing more than 220 pounds without drugs or surgery, he shifted his focus toward helping others improve their health, mindset, and quality of life. In the transcript, Stanley says he went from 367 pounds to about 145 and now spends more time coaching and helping people make meaningful life changes. Connect with Stanley Website: https://thewayofexcellence.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stanleybronstein/ Episode highlights (0:00) Intro (1:04) Stanley’s story and weight loss (2:28) Why healthspan matters (5:05) Helping families eat better (12:21) More energy and daily movement (14:14) The moment everything changed (24:33) “Beat yesterday” mindset (30:36) Walking, tracking, and staying focused (35:45) Where to find Stanley (37:25) Outro Connect with Hard Hat to CEO on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BrHqc3wdF/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hardhattoceo/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dcgilman/

What if doing less could actually help your business grow more? In this episode, Chris G. talks about why many business owners get stuck trying to do everything themselves and how that can hold the whole company back. He explains that real delegation is not just handing off small tasks. It means trusting your team with real responsibility, giving clear direction, and letting them learn. Chris also shares why leaders often struggle to let go, how fear can create bottlenecks, and what happens when a business depends too much on one person. This episode is a helpful listen for contractors and owners who want less stress, better teamwork, and a business that can keep moving even when they are not involved in every single decision. Episode highlights: (0:00) Intro (0:25) Why delegation matters (1:56) Tasks vs ownership (6:31) Why leaders struggle to let go (9:03) Clear expectations and trust (13:16) The cost of doing everything yourself (17:38) Building a business that can run without you (20:13) Outro Connect with Hard Hat to CEO on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BrHqc3wdF/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hardhattoceo/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dcgilman/

What if the biggest thing holding your business back is not your team, but the way you hand work off? In this episode, Chris G sits down with Samantha Prestidge to talk about why clear communication matters so much when you delegate. Samantha explains that most team problems start when owners are not clear about the end goal. She also shares how to hire the right people, what makes an A-player, and why some team members fit one season of business but not the next. They also talk about in-house help versus virtual assistants, and how founders can free up time without turning into micromanagers. This episode is full of real talk and useful ideas for business owners who want a stronger team and less stress. Samantha C. Prestidge is the founder of Auxo Business Services, a company that helps founders and growing businesses with delegation, hiring, and U.S.-based virtual assistant support. Public profiles also describe her as someone who mixes HR and operations know-how to help teams work better and grow with less chaos. She is also the host of Construction Trailblazers: Paving the Way to Excellence, a podcast focused on leadership, operations, and new ideas in construction. Connect with Samantha Website: https://www.auxosvs.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samanthacordero-auxosvs/ Tune in: https://constructiontrailblazers.com/ Episode highlights (0:00) Intro (1:21) Sam’s background and her business (2:08) Why clear outcomes matter in delegation (6:46) Hiring well and what makes an A-player (21:17) When a team member no longer fits the role (25:56) The three main parts of a business (30:31) In-house help vs. virtual assistants (38:05) Where to find Sam (38:50 Outro Connect with Hard Hat to CEO on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BrHqc3wdF/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hardhattoceo/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dcgilman/

What makes someone more than just a good contractor? In this episode, Chris G. talks about what it takes to grow from doing the work to running a strong business. It starts with simple things like clear communication and keeping your word. When clients feel informed and cared for, their stress goes down, and trust goes up. Chris also covers why you need to stop thinking like a worker and start thinking like a leader. That means building systems, watching your numbers, and growing a team you can rely on. In the end, it’s all about trust, honesty, and playing the long game with people. Episode highlights: (0:00) Intro (0:35) Good vs great contractors (0:52) Communication and customer trust (2:53) Why keeping your word matters (5:19) From worker to business owner mindset (6:15) Building a strong reputation (8:26) Knowing your numbers (11:54) Growing and leading a team (13:47) Thinking long-term with relationships (18:25) Outro Connect with Hard Hat to CEO on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BrHqc3wdF/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hardhattoceo/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dcgilman/

Why do some of the smartest workers struggle the most with paperwork? In this episode, Chris G. chats with Russell Van Brocklen, who shares how dyslexia, ADHD, and other learning differences affect many employees, especially in trades and hands-on jobs. These workers often have great ideas and strong problem-solving skills, but writing and paperwork can slow them down. Russell explains how leaders can talk with employees about these struggles respectfully while still complying with the law. He also shares how new AI tools can help handle simple paperwork tasks so workers can focus on what they do best. The result is less stress, fewer mistakes, and a team that works faster and better together. Russell Van Brocklen is a dyslexia researcher, educator, and founder of DyslexiaClasses.com. Often called “The Dyslexia Professor,” he focuses on helping students, parents, and professionals overcome reading and writing challenges related to dyslexia. Drawing from his own experience, he developed practical teaching methods designed to improve reading comprehension, writing, and organization. His dyslexia education research has received funding from the New York State Senate and is held by the SUNY Research Foundation. Through his programs, classes, and speaking work, Van Brocklen helps people better understand dyslexia and shows how individuals with learning differences can use their strengths in problem-solving and creative thinking to succeed in school, business, and everyday life. Connect with Russell: Website: https://dyslexiaclasses.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/russell-van-brocklen-2007ab87/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/dyslexiaclassesus/ Episode highlights (0:00) Intro (0:47) Russell’s background and personal story with dyslexia (05:40) Why many workers are neurodiverse (08:47) How to talk with employees about paperwork issues (11:03) Simple questions that help identify learning struggles (19:04) Using AI tools to help with forms and paperwork (28:15) How AI can save hours of work every day (32:22) Where to find and learn more about Russell (33:09) Outro Connect with Hard Hat to CEO on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BrHqc3wdF/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hardhattoceo/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dcgilman/

Is growing your business always a good thing? In this episode, Chris G shares a story from when his sales team was doing great, but the company was still losing money. They were selling more than the company could produce. Stress went up, hours got longer, and profits dropped. Chris explains why many business owners chase growth because it looks good. More trucks, more tools, and more jobs can make people think the company is doing great. But those things do not always mean the business is healthy. Real success is simple. It means steady profits, good systems, and a team that knows how the company is doing. Before trying to grow bigger, business owners should first focus on making their business stronger and more profitable. Episode highlights: (0:00) Intro (0:30) Growth does not always mean success (1:28) When too many sales caused problems (3:28) Why growth can create stress and lower profits (5:04) The trap of chasing what looks good (8:03) Sharing company progress with your team (9:33) What real success feels like (10:25) Focus on profit before scaling (12:30) Why size does not equal strength (13:49) Outro Connect with Hard Hat to CEO on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BrHqc3wdF/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hardhattoceo/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dcgilman/

Have you ever felt like you’re working all the time but still falling behind? In this episode of Hard Hat to CEO, Chris G talks with Andrew Hartman about why so many people feel stressed and overwhelmed by work. Andrew shares his own story of burnout after saying yes to too many projects and working nonstop. The stress even started hurting his health and family life. That experience pushed him to find a better way to manage time. Andrew explains his simple TimeBoss method, which uses three basic tools: your calendar, a backlog list, and a parking lot for urgent tasks. He also talks about treating time like cash, not credit, so you only commit to what you actually have time for. If you want to get more done and still have peace of mind, this episode will help you rethink how you use your time. Andrew Hartman is a business leader, coach, and speaker who helps professionals and teams improve how they use their time. He is the founder of TimeBoss, a system designed to help people achieve strong results at work while reducing stress and burnout. Earlier in his career, Andrew worked in the software industry, where he helped grow companies and led major projects. During that time, he experienced severe work overload and burnout, which pushed him to study time management and productivity more deeply. After years of testing different methods, he created the TimeBoss framework to help leaders, teams, and organizations work at a high level without constant pressure. Today, he teaches this approach through coaching, workshops, and training for companies and professionals. Connect with Andrew: Website: https://www.timeboss.us/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewhartman Join The Time Boss Masterclass: https://www.timeboss.us/masterclass Episode highlights (0:00) Intro (0:40) Why time is the one thing you can’t get back (1:01) Andrew’s early career and feeling overwhelmed (2:51) How stress started affecting his health and family (6:22) What burnout really feels like (8:45) The mindset shift that changed his life (10:45) How your time shows what you truly value (13:28) Why you should treat time like cash (19:49) The three tools in the TimeBoss system (24:24) Handling urgent tasks without losing focus (27:07) The simple rule for better delegation (29:36) Why weekly planning makes a big difference (34:28) How TimeBoss works with tools you already use (37:15) One easy step you can take this week (38:47) Where to find Andrew (39:45) Outro Connect with Hard Hat to CEO on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BrHqc3wdF/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hardhattoceo/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dcgilman/

Do you ever get home from work, but your mind is still on the job? In this episode, Chris G talks about the five simple changes that helped him take back his evenings and finally rest. He shares how he stopped making big decisions at night and started writing a short list to clear his head. He quit scrolling on social media before bed and set clear rules about not answering calls or texts after a certain time. He also cut off caffeine in the evening, stopped watching the news at night, and chose family time, reading, or being outside instead. After going through serious health issues, Chris learned that stress is not worth it. Your evenings belong to you and the people you love. Episode highlights: (0:00) Intro (0:41) Taking Chris’ evenings back (2:44) Writing simple lists to calm the mind (3:48) Stopping social media at night (6:54) Setting boundaries with work and news (9:37) Easy evening habits for better sleep (12:40) Taking the first step when you feel tired (13:56) Why your health matters more than work (15:16) Outro Connect with Hard Hat to CEO on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BrHqc3wdF/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hardhattoceo/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dcgilman/

What if the thing you call failure is actually the moment that sets you up to win? In this episode of Hard Hat to CEO, Chris G. talks with Ari Rastegar about how losing a business became the push he needed to build a thriving real estate company investing in 38 cities across 13 states. Ari keeps it real as he shares why your health matters more than hustle, how the people around you shape your future, and why attitude comes before skill. They also talk about building strong teams, learning from mistakes, and what to do if you’re starting from zero. It’s an honest conversation about growth, ownership, and doing the inner work that leads to real success. Ari Rastegar is an American real estate investor, entrepreneur, and author. He is the founder and CEO of Rastegar Property Company, a commercial real estate investment and development firm based in Austin, Texas. Born and raised in Texas, he earned his undergraduate degree from Texas A&M University and later received his law degree from St. Mary’s University School of Law. He began investing in real estate while still in law school and went on to build a firm that has invested in and developed properties across multiple U.S. markets. Rastegar is also the author of The Gift of Failure, where he shares lessons on mindset, resilience, and personal growth drawn from his own business journey. Connect with Ari: Website: http://rastegarproperty.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arirastegar/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/rastegar/?hl=en Grab a copy: https://tinyurl.com/5y97wj4t Episode highlights: (0:00) Intro (0:59) Meet Ari and his real estate journey (5:53) Why failure teaches you how to win (9:04) Health first, business second (12:11) Attitude vs. skill (20:33) Building the right team (26:17) Starting from nothing and building up (28:13) Where to find Ari and his book (29:23) Outro Connect with Hard Hat to CEO on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BrHqc3wdF/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hardhattoceo/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dcgilman/

Have you ever noticed that the more reliable you are, the more everything lands on your plate? In this episode, Chris G. talks about the hidden cost of always being the one who answers the phone, fixes the problem, and saves the day. At first, it feels like leadership. But over time, it slows your growth, stresses you out, and keeps your team from stepping up. Chris shares real stories from sales, property management, and running multiple businesses to show why turning responsibility over to others is the key to growth. When you trust your team, you free up your mind, make better decisions, and build a stronger business. Episode highlights: (0:00) Intro (0:38) The cost of always being reliable (1:40) Letting customer service do their job (5:55) Stress and mental overload (9:09) Let your team make decisions (10:52) Stop trying to handle everything yourself (18:43) Why letting go helps your business grow (20:25) Outro Connect with Hard Hat to CEO on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BrHqc3wdF/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hardhattoceo/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dcgilman/