Kevin Crawford doesn’t shout about success, he builds it quietly, deliberately, and on his own terms.

From humble beginnings in Fife to becoming one of the most respected figures in construction and housing, Kevin’s journey is a masterclass in doing things differently. He didn’t chase hype. He didn’t cut corners. He simply stuck to his values, backed his instincts, and built a business that not only grows but gives back.

In this episode of Success or Excuses, James Fleming sits down with Kevin to talk about the long game. From walking away from comfortable jobs to setting up his own company, building multi-million-pound developments, and creating partnerships that work, this one’s all about quiet leadership, real impact, and legacy over ego.

Kevin opens up about grief, risk, family, and what it really means to leave something behind that matters. It’s a story of loyalty, lessons, and the kind of mindset that gets stronger with every setback. If you’re not in this just for the quick win, this one’s for you.

Key moments include: ✔️ Growing up in Fife, leaving uni, and figuring it out through experience ✔️ Why he left a great job at the worst possible time and never looked back ✔️ Starting from scratch, funding projects, and learning the ropes ✔️ The pressure of being financially responsible for your team and your family ✔️ Grief, perspective, and the moment everything changed ✔️ Why long-term partnerships and trust are at the core of his work ✔️ Creating developments that actually make a difference in communities ✔️ The risks people don’t see and how to stay grounded when the stakes are high ✔️ What legacy means to him and why it’s more than money ✔️ Kevin’s three pieces of advice for anyone playing the long game

Subscribe to Success or Excuses for more honest conversations with leaders, entrepreneurs, and underdogs who’ve kept going when others gave up.

Follow James Fleming: LinkedIn → James Fleming Instagram → @successorexcusespodcast YouTube → Success or Excuses Website → https://thepowerwithintraining.com/

Follow Kevin Crawford: LinkedIn → Kevin Crawford

Company Website → https://crawfordarchitecture.co.uk/

Email → kevin@crawfordarchitecture.co.uk

Timestamps: [00:00] Welcome and intro, James introduces Kevin Crawford [02:00] Leaving university, joining the industry, and learning by doing [04:30] Taking the leap into business and why timing doesn’t need to be perfect [07:00] Building Crawford Architecture and securing early clients [10:00] Funding developments and the weight of financial pressure [12:30] Losing his brother and how it changed everything [16:00] Grief, growth, and why you can’t wait for the perfect time [18:00] Partnering with the right people and building trust over transactions [22:00] What legacy means to Kevin and why the work speaks louder than words [25:00] Advice for entrepreneurs who are in it for the long haul [28:00] Final thoughts, values, and keeping perspective at every level