Episodes

  • The Real Cost of Saying Yes to Everything |The K Cup Episode 21
    Aug 19 2025

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    In Episode 21 Jon & Joe discuss 3 Reasons Why You Want to Quit Saying 'Yes' to Every Opportunity That Comes Your Way In Business. The episode highlights 3 common reasons that saying yes and taking on a project can actually damage your business, finances, and your reputation. Jon gives great real-world insight into why you need to rethink what is the 'right-fit' when it comes to a job.

    Link to website: www.kellyconstructiongroup.com

    Chapters
    00:00:01 Jon Delivers a POV Introduction for the Episode
    00:39:23 Episode 21 Begins
    02:10:11 Jon Gives a Brief Outline of the Episode
    05:00:19 Joe Explains the 3 Reasons to Stop Saying Yes
    05:24:01 Joe Introduces 'Reason1' and Jon Explains
    10:09:20 Joe Introduces 'Reason 2' and Jon Explains
    15:47::20 Joe Introduces 'Reason 3' and Jon Explains

    Hashtags
    #generalcontractorsbatonrouge #theKCupPodcast #constructionpodcast #howto #business #KellyConstructionGroup #Louisiana #commercialconstruction #contractor #building #buildingdesign #architecture #designbuild #AIA #commercialrealestate #commerciallending #creprofessionals #developers #CREinvestors #entrepreneur #entrepreneurship #businessstrategy #collaboration #collaborativebusinessecosystem #essentialnetworkingsystem #collaborativeconsumerengagement #prominentpersonofimpact #buildyourbrand #brand

    Keywords
    general contractors baton rouge, commercial construction, business strategy, business, start a business, start your own company, start a construction company, builder insights, contractor insights, contracting business, entrepreneur, entrepreneurship, commercial construction industry, architecture, commercial real estate, commercial lending, brand building

    Takeaways
    * Learn about several circumstances where accepting a project can actually become a source of costly problems and how to recognize the signs.
    * Learn about how by accepting a project that is not well suited for you or your team can take you away from being able to focus on projects that are better fits and will produce better outcomes.
    * Learn about how taking on projects that are not a good fit could possibly destroy or at least damage your otherwise good reputation.
    * Learn how and why you need to be more discerning about how you cash flow your business, by trying to do so with projects that are not a good fit it can actually have the opposite affect and stop or interrupt critical cash flow and threaten your business.

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    27 mins
  • Part 5: Project Completion & Beyond |The K Cup Episode 20
    Aug 11 2025

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    In Episode 20 Jon & Joe Wrap Up Their 5-Part Series on "The Business of Being A Contractor" The episode covers the process of completing a project which has several critical steps which include final inspections, punch list, warranty info, operation and maintenance manuals, lien releases and final payment. They also discuss the collection of client feedback and maintaining good relations for future projects and referrals. They end the episode with a brief recap of all 5 parts of the series.

    Chapters
    01:16:13 Project Completion and Delivery
    01:26:21 Punch List Walk and Final Inspections
    04:09:13 Closeout Docs
    06:45:09 Final Payment and Lien Waivers
    09:17:03 Post Completion Follow Up
    09:24:28 Managing Post Completion Warranty Wrap Up
    11:51:29 Client Feedback Collection
    15:24:13 Saving the Referral
    16:38:13 Recap of Entire 5 Part Series

    Hashtags
    #generalcontractorsbatonrouge #theKCupPodcast #constructionpodcast #howto #business #KellyConstructionGroup #Louisiana #commercialconstruction #contractor #building #buildingdesign #architecture #designbuild #AIA #commercialrealestate #commerciallending #creprofessionals #developers #CREinvestors #entrepreneur #entrepreneurship #businessstrategy #collaboration #collaborativebusinessecosystem #essentialnetworkingsystem #collaborativeconsumerengagement #prominentpersonofimpact #buildyourbrand #brand

    Keywords
    general contractors baton rouge, commercial construction, business strategy, business, start a business, start your own company, start a construction company, builder insights, contractor insights, contracting business, entrepreneur, entrepreneurship, commercial construction industry, architecture, commercial real estate, commercial lending, brand building

    Takeaways
    * Learn about how the punch-list and final inspections unfold.
    * Learn about closeout docs, what is included and in what form.
    * Learn about the role that lien waivers play in processing final payments.
    * Learn about how to handle the warranty period in a way that sets you up for success in getting the client referral and keeping the relationship in good standing.
    * Find out how requesting client feedback can actually lead toa referral even when everything didn't go smoothly.
    * Listen to a brief recap of the 5 part series and how you can source the information in a written form as well.

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    23 mins
  • Part 4: Construction Execution |The K Cup Episode 19
    Aug 4 2025

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    In this episode/Part 4 we finally make it to the construction phase of the project. Jon & Joe discuss key elements to mobilizing and executing the project in the field. Don't miss the key insights into what it means to be a general contractor and what is required when taking a project to this critical phase of the actual construction process.

    Chapters
    00:00:04 Jon Is Cutting Up!
    00:00:42 Jon Has His Own Idea for the Intro
    00:00:50 Joe Tells Jon Not to Quit His Day Job
    00:01:51 Jon Talks About Mobilization - Scheduling & Coordination
    00:04:52 Jon Explains the Importance of Discussing the Schedule With the Project Owner
    00:07:01 Jon Explains handling Weather Contingencies
    00:10:44 The Construction Commencement Phase
    00:11:07 Jon Discusses the Importance and Value of the Pre-Construction Meeting
    00:12:48 Safety Protocol On the Job
    00:15:51 Quality Control Explained
    00:17:42 The Importance of Managing Client Expectations During Construction
    00:21:41 Project Management During the Construction Process
    00:24:22 The change Order Process Once Work Commences
    00:27:19 Punch List Management
    00:29:39 Handling Unexpected Issues & Delays
    00:36:25 Jon Tells Joe It Took Him a While to "Put the Icing" On This Episode

    Hashtags
    #generalcontractorsbatonrouge #theKCupPodcast #constructionpodcast #howto #business #KellyConstructionGroup #Louisiana #commercialconstruction #contractor #building #buildingdesign #architecture #designbuild #AIA #commercialrealestate #commerciallending #creprofessionals #developers #CREinvestors #entrepreneur #entrepreneurship #businessstrategy #collaboration #collaborativebusinessecosystem #essentialnetworkingsystem #collaborativeconsumerengagement #prominentpersonofimpact #buildyourbrand #brand

    Keywords
    general contractors baton rouge, commercial construction, business strategy, business, start a business, start your own company, start a construction company, builder insights, contractor insights, contracting business, entrepreneur, entrepreneurship, commercial construction industry, architecture, commercial real estate, commercial lending, brand building

    Takeaways
    * Figure out that Jon & Joe like to cut up at the beginning and end of each episode
    * Learn critical path elements that have to be addressed and managed when the time comes to actually begin the construction process.
    * Learn the importance of the pre-construction meeting.
    * Learn how vital it is to be managing the project owners expectations through out the entire process but especially once construction begins.
    * Learn how weather, change orders, and unexpected delays are typically part of every project and what makes the difference in how they impact your project is how well they are managed.

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    37 mins
  • Part 3: The Pre-Construction Phase |The K Cup Episode 18
    Aug 4 2025

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    In Part 3 of Our 5-Part Series: "The Business of Being a Contractor" Jon & Joe discuss the critical logistics that have to be addressed prior to mobilization and beginning the actual building process. They discuss the "Permitting Process", "Site Prep and Soil Testing", and "Subcontractor Procurement". This is a pivotal step in finally turning the all lights green and commencing construction. Follow along and learn key insights into each of these critical steps.

    Chapters
    00:00:00 Introduction
    00:38:14 The Permitting Process
    08:36:09 Site Prep & Soil Testing
    14:32:29 Subcontractor Procurement

    Hashtags
    #generalcontractorsbatonrouge #theKCupPodcast #constructionpodcast #howto #business #KellyConstructionGroup #Louisiana #commercialconstruction #contractor #building #buildingdesign #architecture #designbuild #AIA #commercialrealestate #commerciallending #creprofessionals #developers #CREinvestors #entrepreneur #entrepreneurship #businessstrategy #collaboration #collaborativebusinessecosystem #essentialnetworkingsystem #collaborativeconsumerengagement #prominentpersonofimpact #buildyourbrand #brand

    Keywords
    general contractors baton rouge, commercial construction, business strategy, business, start a business, start your own company, start a construction company, builder insights, contractor insights, contracting business, entrepreneur, entrepreneurship, commercial construction industry, architecture, commercial real estate, commercial lending, brand building

    Takeaways
    * Learn crucial insights into the permitting process, learn not only who typically handles the permitting process in commercial construction but why they handle it.
    * Learn when soil testing goes form a maybe should to a requirement. Learn why soil testing is so important to the success of the entire project and finally, l4arn how soil conditions can affect the project's feasibility and how to have a contingency plan for when unexpected conditions pop-up.
    * Learn the important aspects of when and how to procure the right subcontractors for the job.

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    21 mins
  • Part 2: Project Planning & Preparation |The K Cup Episode 17
    Jul 22 2025

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    In Part 2 - Episode 17 Jon & Joe discuss the next step in cultivating a lead into a client that is going to execute building their project. Among other things the highlights include: Developing the Working Budget, Contract Signing and Legal Protections, and Design Team Assembly. The points covered in this episode are going to level-up your game as a contractor in how you prepare a convincing proposal that will help you close the deal and cultivate the client to feel prepared and want to move to the next step in the process. Also, don't forget you can find the corresponding article to this podcast episode on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7351607975213453312

    You can also register your interest in attending our Mastermind this fall in Baton Rouge for anyone interested in investing in commercial real estate development, either on a small scale or a macro-scale it doesn't matter this 4 hour workshop featuring speakers from the commercial real estate space, the commercial lending space, the architect space, and the general contracting space, followed by a panel discussion and live Q & A. Follow this link to register, it doesn't cost a dime! https://forms.gle/3J8ePFeLtM12983H6

    Chapters
    00:00:04 Out Take of Jon & Joe Cutting Up
    00:00:49 Introduction to Episode 17
    00:01:50 Developing a Working Budget
    00:03:54 Jon Talks About When to Walk Away from a Project
    00:05:37 Jon Discusses the Practice of Value Engineering
    00:08:20 The Guys Discuss Contracts & Legal Protections
    00:13:36 Jon's POV Where He Discusses the Planned Workshop for CRE Construction - Investing
    00:14:54 Bringing Together the Design Team
    00:22:35 Jon Talks About the Benefits of Being Able to Sync the Budget with the Design

    Hashtags
    #theKCupPodcast #constructionpodcast #howto #business #KellyConstructionGroup #Louisiana #commercialconstruction #contractor #building #buildingdesign #architecture #designbuild #AIA #commercialrealestate #commerciallending #creprofessionals #developers #CREinvestors #entrepreneur #entrepreneurship #businessstrategy #collaboration #collaborativebusinessecosystem #essentialnetworkingsystem #collaborativeconsumerengagement #prominentpersonofimpact #buildyourbrand #brand

    Keywords
    commercial construction, business strategy, business, start a business, start your own company, start a construction company, builder insights, contractor insights, contracting business, entrepreneur, entrepreneurship, commercial construction industry, architecture, commercial real estate, commercial lending, brand building

    Takeaways
    * Learn some key aspects of building a working budget and why it is so important to do as opposed to a one and done approach.
    * Learn why Jon says it's okay to walk away from a project at this stage and sometimes why it is the smartest thing you can do.
    * Learn the basic principles about the practice of value engineering.
    * Learn the basics about the importance of signing contracts and having legal protections in place.
    * Learn about bringing together the design team.
    * Get insight into why being able to sync the budget with the design is best practices.

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    27 mins
  • Lead Gen & Client Acquisition - The Business of Being a Contractor Part 1 | The K Cup Episode 16
    Jul 22 2025

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    In Episode 16 Jon & Joe take a closer look at Lead Gen & Client Acquisition for contractors. This episode is key for anyone considering becoming a contractor because lead gen can be challenging for contractors due to the nature of the type of a service related business, contracting for the construction trades is. Jon & Joe cover lead gen and client acquisition, preliminary client consultation, proposal development. This is a must watch for every aspiring contractor or construction management student.

    Jon also announces in his ad roll that Kelly Construction Group is putting together a commercial real estate development Mastermind tentatively planned for the fall of '25, you are invited to register your interest so we can plan the event and make sure the information you may be interested in is provided. Just follow the link here: https://forms.gle/HvYdZYmJVNge6Lch7


    Chapters
    00:10:15 Introduction to Part 1 of the 5 Part Series - The Business of Being A Contractor
    00:54:29 Lead Generation Section 1: Referrals
    03:46:13 Lead Gen Section 2: Digital Marketing
    11:12:06 Lead Gen Section 3: Professional Networking
    14:43:07 Jon Announces Commercial Real Estate Developing Mastermind
    16:02:05 Prospective Client Consultation
    22:30:18 Client Acquisition and Proposal Development
    26:17:13 Joe Recaps Part 1

    Hashtags
    #theKCupPodcast #constructionpodcast #howto #business #KellyConstructionGroup #Louisiana #commercialconstruction #contractor #building #buildingdesign #architecture #designbuild #AIA #commercialrealestate #commerciallending #creprofessionals #developers #CREinvestors #entrepreneur #entrepreneurship #businessstrategy #collaboration #collaborativebusinessecosystem #essentialnetworkingsystem #collaborativeconsumerengagement #prominentpersonofimpact #buildyourbrand #brand

    Keywords
    commercial construction, business strategy, business, start a business, start your own company, start a construction company, builder insights, contractor insights, contracting business, entrepreneur, entrepreneurship, commercial construction industry, architecture, commercial real estate, commercial lending, brand building

    Takeaways
    * Learn how to develop leads and acquire clients in a challenging industry.
    * Register your interest for learning how to get involved in commercial real estate development.
    * Learn how to coach or consult a potential client.
    * Learn how to develop a proposal that will lead to client acquisition.

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    29 mins
  • The 'Business' of Being a Contractor | The K Cup Episode 15
    Jul 7 2025

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    In Episode 15 Jon and Joe discuss the business framework of being a contractor from lead generation and client acquisition to project delivery and client relationship management. This is the 'big picture' view of what will be a five - part series where they will do a deep dive into all five pieces of the process. Don't miss this thumbnail sketch of what it means to be a contractor.

    Also, Jon delivers his first ad roll/POV and announces the plan to put together and host a masterclass-workshop on commercial real estate investment and development, follow the link here to get on the list and register your interest so you don't miss out: https://forms.gle/NdGkdUFakkpBhncj7

    Chapters
    00:00 Introduction
    01:40 Jon Describes Part 1 - Business development and Client Acquisition
    05:22 Jon Explains Part 2 - Project Planning and Preparation
    08:34 Jon Talks About Part 3 - the Pre-Construction Phase
    13:35 Jon and Joe Talk About Part 4 - Construction Execution
    14:47 Jon's POV About the Planned Workshop/Masterclass On CRE Investment and Development
    19:05 Now Jon and Joe Talk About Part 5 - Project Completion and Beyond
    28:42 Joe's Closing Statement

    Hashtags
    #theKCupPodcast #constructionpodcast #howto #business #KellyConstructionGroup #Louisiana #commercialconstruction #contractor #building #buildingdesign #architecture #designbuild #AIA #commercialrealestate #commerciallending #creprofessionals #developers #CREinvestors #entrepreneur #entrepreneurship #businessstrategy #collaboration #collaborativebusinessecosystem #essentialnetworkingsystem #collaborativeconsumerengagement #prominentpersonofimpact #buildyourbrand #brand

    Keywords
    commercial construction, business strategy, business, start a business, start your own company, start a construction company, builder insights, contractor insights, contracting business, entrepreneur, entrepreneurship, commercial construction industry, architecture, commercial real estate, commercial lending, brand building

    Takeaways
    * Learn what the 'Big Picture' framework is when it comes to becoming a successful contractor.
    * Learn about the 5 - part series the team is going to explain beginning with part 1 business development and client acquisition.
    * Learn about part 2 what is involved in project planning and preparation.
    * Learn about part 3 the logistics and due diligence involved in pre-construction planning.
    * Learn about part 4 and what it takes to finally be ready to go to the construction phase.
    * And finally in part 5 learn about how to close-out a project and manage your client's expectations around warranty coverage.

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    31 mins
  • Qualify Your Subcontractors or Pay the Price! | The K Cup Episode 14
    Jun 30 2025

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    In episode 14 Jon & Joe talk about how important it is to 'Qualify' your subcontractors prior to working together on a project. They discuss two external forces that are applying downward pressure on margins in the construction industry that are making it even more important to make sure your subcontractors are up for the job. They then discuss the 'why' and the 'how' to qualifying your subs and making sure you have the best chance for being successful.

    Chapters
    00:00 Intro
    01:04 Joe Discusses 2 Major External Forces in the Market
    06:11 Jon Talks About the 'Why'
    15:24 Jon Talks About the 'How'
    25:34 Jon Gives Some Insight that Was Hard Won
    27:08 Joe Responds to Jon's Insight

    Hashtags
    #theKCupPodcast #constructionpodcast #howto #business #KellyConstructionGroup #Louisiana #commercialconstruction #contractor #building #buildingdesign #architecture #designbuild #AIA #commercialrealestate #commerciallending #creprofessionals #developers #CREinvestors #entrepreneur #entrepreneurship #businessstrategy #collaboration #collaborativebusinessecosystem #essentialnetworkingsystem #collaborativeconsumerengagement #prominentpersonofimpact #buildyourbrand #brand

    Keywords
    commercial construction, business strategy, business, start a business, start your own company, start a construction company, builder insights, contractor insights, contracting business, entrepreneur, entrepreneurship, commercial construction industry, architecture, commercial real estate, commercial lending, brand building

    Takeaways
    * You'll learn what external forces exist in the commercial construction market that are making it even more important to qualify your subcontractors and protect your margin.
    * You will learn 'Why' qualifying your subs is important, things like protecting your reputation, keeping on good terms with your bonding agent, and staying profitable among other key points.
    * You will also learn 'How' to qualify your subs, the steps you need to take to be thorough and ensure your chances for success.

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    31 mins