Hard Hat to CEO with Chris Gilman

What do you do when your business starts growing, but you're not sure how to keep up? In this unscripted episode, Chris G talks honestly about what he’s learned over the last few months. He shares how he went from doing estimates by hand to using new software that gets quotes out in hours. He also opens up about hiring the right people, learning to listen more, and why talking about what you do really matters. If you’re feeling stretched or stuck, this is a reminder that growth doesn't mean doing everything yourself, sometimes it means knowing when to ask for help. Episode highlights: (0:00) Intro (0:38) Growing with the business (4:22) Hiring more crews and why listening matters (6:10) Opening up and being more visible helps business (7:52) Books that change mindsets (9:56) Spotting bottlenecks and solving them (11:13) Are you growing this year? Reflecting before year-end (12:05) 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 your crew actually cared about working faster, doing better work, and showing up ready without you having to ride them? In this episode of Hard Hat to CEO, Chris G sits down with Michael Fortinberry, a contractor-turned-software-founder who figured out how to get his team to work like owners. He shares how he grew his NYC construction business from a small painting crew to 130 people in the field by giving them a real stake in every job. They break down why profit sharing at the end of the year doesn’t cut it, what actually gets crews fired up, and how a simple pay model can fix quality, speed, and morale. If labor costs, missed deadlines, or unmotivated workers are keeping you up at night, this one’s for you. Michael Fortinberry is a construction entrepreneur and the co-founder of Protiv, a software company that helps construction and field service businesses implement performance-based pay systems for their hourly teams. He originally built and ran a construction company in New York City, growing it from a small painting operation into a large-scale renovation business with over 130 employees in the field. Along the way, he developed a compensation model that ties job performance directly to bonuses—helping crews work faster, smarter, and with higher quality. After seeing how well this model worked, he spun it out into Protiv, a platform that helps other contractors and trades-based businesses do the same. Now, Michael works with hundreds of companies across industries like landscaping, cleaning, and renovation to improve productivity, culture, and wages through his system. Connect with Michael: Website: https://www.protiv.com Email: michael@protiv.com Episode highlights: (0:00) Intro (1:08) From just painting, to growing to 130 field workers (3:45) Managing labor costs in high-wage environments like NYC (4:51) How performance-based pay attracts the right people (10:04) Profit sharing and why annual bonuses don’t motivate hourly workers (16:29) Why just hitting your labor budget can be a game-changer (18:55) How performance pay brings peer pressure in a good wa (23:17) How Protiv software was born and what it actually does (27:39) Why your company culture has to be real, not just talk (29:08) How performance pay made new hires seek them out (35:47) When mistakes cost bonuses, and why that’s fair (37:22) Where to find Michael and how to get started with Protiv (39:44) 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 would happen if your business had to keep going without you starting tomorrow? In this episode, Chris G shares a raw, personal story about almost losing his life and the mess it left behind for his family. That terrifying experience became the push he needed to rebuild his business so it could stand on its own. From lying in a hospital bed with no systems, no plan, and no backup, to creating a company that runs smoothly without him, he’s learned some hard but valuable lessons. He breaks down the five rules he follows now that took him from coma to CEO This one’s a real reminder that your business should give you a life, not take it away. Episode highlights: (0:00) Intro (0:39) Life-threatening illness and an unprepared business (4:42) Lesson #1: Plan your life and business (6:03) Lesson #2: Treat people right (7:37) Lesson #3: Build healthy routines (09:54) Lesson #4: Define your success (11:12) Lesson #5: Create an exit plan (13:21) 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/

Ever lie in bed with your mind racing, even though you're completely wiped out? In this episode of Hard Hat CEO, Chris G chats with Irina Alexander, a former HVAC business owner who now helps people handle stress and build emotional strength. She talks about hitting burnout, how she turned things around, and what she wishes she knew back then. They get real about why sleep can be tough, how stress shows up at home and on the job, and what it takes to stay clear-headed when life gets messy. If you’ve ever felt stretched too thin but still want to show up strong for your family and your team, this episode is for you. Irina Alexander is a former HVAC business owner turned emotional resilience coach and trainer. Originally from Russia, she moved to the U.S. about 17 years ago and built a successful service-based company, but eventually faced burnout. That experience led her to study neuroscience, NLP (neuro-linguistic programming), and personal development in order to improve not just her business life, but her role as a mom, spouse, and human being. Today, Irina runs MotivAction Academy, where she trains high-stress professionals, including first responders, on emotional resilience, communication, self-awareness, and stress management. Her mission is to help people build healthier habits, lead with intention, and show up better in every part of life. Connect with Irina: https://motivaction.academy/ Episode highlights: (0:00) Intro (1:24) Irina's burnout story (3:02) What she would’ve done differently as a business leader (4:58) How to manage stress better (7:56) A simple, real-world definition of mental health (13:11) How to stop reacting and start making better choices (18:43) Breaking down stress (21:51) Setting boundaries with work, phones, and people’s expectations (26:36) Learning from mistakes vs. paying for the right help (33:07) Why knowledge isn’t enough (37:42) 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/

In this off-the-cuff episode, Chris G shares what the past few months have looked like, what’s worked, what hasn’t, and what he’s changing. From estimating jobs on his own to hiring full crews and investing in new software, he’s learning that as the business grows, he has to grow too. You’ll hear about tough calls, big wins, and small mindset shifts that made a difference. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, behind, or just trying to keep up, this episode will hit home. Episode highlights: (0:00) Intro (0:44) Growing as your business grows (2:20) Estimating struggles and software solutions (4:37) Investing big for faster quotes and more sales (5:17) A conversation that changed everything (6:32) Hiring a new crew through a referral (7:40) How visibility drives referrals and growth (8:10) Books that shaped his mindset (10:40) Finding and fixing bottlenecks in your business (11:41) Setting realistic client expectations (12:04) Looking back on your year and adjusting your strategy (12:59) 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/

Got a piece of land but no clue what to do with it, or just no time to figure it out? In this episode, Chris G sits down with Eugene Gershom, a real estate developer out of Bellevue, Washington, who’s shaking things up. Instead of buying land himself, Eugene teams up with landowners to help them actually build on what they’ve got. He shares how most people dive into development thinking it’s simple… until the bank says no. That’s where his team steps in, helping sort out the finances, line up the right people, and get the project off the ground. They don’t get paid until everyone else does. Eugene talks about using a mix of modern tools and hands-on experience to make it all work, keeping things smart, lean, and way less stressful for everyone involved. Eugene is a seasoned business executive with nearly 20 years of experience in real estate and construction. Eugene’s expertise ranges from finance to technology, and he prides himself on his ongoing search for innovation and growth. Eugene’s deep understanding of market dynamics helps oversee every project's proformas and budgets in order to satisfy every investor’s appetite. Working with our broad network of professionals, Gershman brings together unique project financing structures and partnerships. Connect with Eugene: Website: https://giscompanies.co/ Episode highlights: (0:00) Intro (1:05) What Eugene’s company does and how it's different (3:35) “Financial engineering” custom to each project (7:50) From Wall Street to family business to development (9:59) How projects “turn themselves down” (12:29) Free feasibility checklist & how they research deals (14:40) Why Eugene builds all financial models himself (17:07) How AI tools are shaping the future of development (19:57) Scaling fast, losing projects, and pivoting after COVID (23:06) Why partnerships work better than hourly consultants (27:36) Eugene’s top advice for contractors looking to get into development (29:47) 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 you do when the business you built nearly breaks you and puts your family through hell? In this honest and personal episode, Chris G shares how getting seriously sick forced him to face the problems he’d been ignoring in both his business and life. From waking up in a hospital far from home to realizing no one knew how to run things without him, he learned the hard way that something had to change. He talks about five simple but powerful things that helped him turn it all around: making a plan, treating people right, building better habits, knowing what success really means, and having a backup plan. If your business ever feels like too much, this one’s for you. Episode highlights: (0:00) Intro (0:32) Business stress and a health crisis (1:29) Waking up in the hospital and the chaos back home (3:08) The turning point and building a better team (4:32) Lesson 1: Plan your day, plan your life (5:45) Lesson 2: Treat people right (7:11) Lesson 3: Build routines (9:27) Lesson 4: Define your success (10:44) Lesson 5: Create an exit plan (11:44) Takeaways (12:46) 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 your business growing, but the numbers are getting harder to keep up with? In this episode, Chris G talks with CFO Ken LaCroix about when it might be time to bring in some help. Ken explains what a CFO really does, what numbers you should be paying attention to and how often to look at them. They also cover simple ways to track profit, how to spot red flags early, and why focusing on the right numbers can make or break your business. If you're running a growing company and feel like you're guessing too much, this episode is for you. Ken LaCroix is a seasoned CFO and founder of Insightful Partners, specializing in fractional CFO services for small to mid-sized businesses. With over 20 years of experience, he’s helped companies navigate rapid growth, restructuring, mergers, and acquisitions—all while integrating smart technology to boost productivity and value. Ken holds both a B.S. in Accounting from USC’s Leventhal School of Accounting and an MBA from USC’s Marshall School of Business. Before starting Insightful Partners, he served as CFO for private equity–backed firms and held senior roles including Market President at Signature Analytics. He’s passionate about turning financial data into strategic action—helping growing businesses focus on the right KPIs, improve cash flow, and plan for the future with confidence. Connect with Ken: Website: https://insightfulpartners.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenlacroix/ Episode highlights: (0:00) Intro (0:50) Who is Ken LaCroix and what does a CFO do? (1:58) How often should you look at your numbers? (2:43) KPIs for contractors: insider vs outsider metrics (6:04) Non-financial KPIs (7:59) Can you really compare your numbers to other businesses? (13:47) How to identify which clients make you money and which don’t (16:45) Having hard conversations with customers (20:57) Understanding contribution margin and breakeven (23:51) Making high-level strategy work on the jobsite (27:47) The hidden power of estimate accuracy (28:47) Financial blind spots (30:38) Simplifying the cash flow statement (35:35) When should you hire a CFO or fractional CFO? (40:20) 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 your next home or the ones you build could be safer, easier to build, and way cheaper to heat and cool? In this episode, Chris G chats with Ben Snuffer and Dustin Jensen from Monolith about a building method most people haven’t heard of yet: Insulated Concrete Forms. They explain how their system, made from tough polyurethane, helps save money, speeds up construction, and stands up to things like fires, storms, and pests. Whether you’re a builder or just thinking about your next home, this conversation gives you a better way to build and a way to stand out. Ben Snuffer is the Co-Founder and one of the driving forces behind Monolith’s mission to revolutionize building with advanced polyurethane ICF. A general contractor since 2006, he’s worked on everything from new homes and remodels to commercial and landscaping projects. After years of wrestling with the limitations of traditional building like weak insulation, decay, high energy costs, he discovered ICF and realized its massive potential. Ben helped design Monolith’s version of ICF that uses polyurethane instead of conventional polystyrene. Their blocks deliver 1.8× more strength, R‑33 insulation, 3+ hour fire resistance, and better moisture and pest control. He now works to bring this “7‑in‑1” system to builders and homeowners, offering training and support through Monolith’s Pioneer program. Dustin leads Monolith’s marketing team and plays a key role in building the Monolith brand and community. He joined the company to take on meaningful projects that focus on resilient, long-lasting building solutions especially for regions prone to natural disasters. At Monolith, Dustin helps architects, builders, and homeowners understand the benefits of polyurethane-based ICF. He oversees contractor education, outreach, and materials planning, ensuring people not only learn about the system but also implement it successfully. With a focus on real-world impact, Dustin combines marketing strategy with hands-on support to help Monolith expand and grow its Pioneer contractor network. Connect with Ben and Dustin: Website: https://buildmonolith.com/ Email: info@buildmonolith.com Episode highlights: (0:00) Intro (1:19) How Monolith started and why polyurethane over polystyrene? (5:47) How ICF works and why it's better than traditional framing (8:45) Common problems in homebuilding and how ICF solves them (16:27) ROI advantages and energy savings (19:57) Insurance challenges and benefits (24:20) Why Missouri (and everywhere else) can benefit from ICF (28:23) From a sales POV (33:06) How insurance companies are adapting to ICF (39:50) Building a unique business with ICF (47:08) Why trades love working with it and how Monolith supports contractors (52:27) How to get in touch with Monolith (53:42) 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 all those long days on the job site could actually help you build real wealth? In this episode of Hard Hat to CEO, Chris G chats with Cody Stegeman, a former contractor from Minnesota who’s now making a living through real estate. Cody shares how he went from swinging a hammer to flipping homes and owning rentals that bring in steady income. They talk real numbers, real stories, and what it actually takes to get started. If you’re a contractor who wants to make your money work for you (instead of working harder), this episode is packed with helpful advice. Connect with Cody: IG: https://www.instagram.com/codystegeman/ Episode highlights: (0:00) Intro (1:15) Cody’s path from contractor to investor (2:35) Flipping houses with a partner and sweat equity (3:45) Transitioning from flips to rentals (5:43) Rent or sell? Making smart exit decisions (6:35) Rent-to-own pros and cons (8:13) Budgeting and managing properties like a CEO (11:36) Using refinancing to scale faster (13:34) Building a real estate team (14:47) Expense ratios and what contractors often forget (17:11) The power of tax advantages in real estate (18:57) Finding deals through wholesalers (22:55) Scaling up with the right strategy and staff (26:51) Why small multifamily can be smarter than big deals (31:30) Renting vs flipping (33:52) First steps for contractors to get started in real estate (36:52) How to connect with Cody for advice or help (37:41) 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 feel like your business owns you instead of the other way around? In this episode of Hard Hat to CEO, we get real about what it means to work nonstop and still feel behind. If you're grinding through 60+ hour weeks, it's time to change that, without slowing down your growth. You’ll hear a story about juggling farm life and office deadlines that sparked a major shift in how to run a business the right way. We break down how to build a team you can trust, set up simple systems, and get tasks off your plate, one step at a time. The goal? Spend less time doing and more time leading, so you can grow without burning out. Episode highlights: (0:00) Intro (0:35) When self-employment becomes a trap (2:26) What real freedom in business looks like (4:23) Why SOPs, checklists, and decision filters matter (7:31) Writing down your tasks and giving them away (9:08) What success looks like when you're not busy (11:15) Becoming the CEO your business needs (11:42) Free coaching and a support group that gets it (12:15) 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 a hoodie could help someone feel calm enough to enjoy lunch with friends? In this episode of Hard Hat to CEO, Chris G chats with Julia DeNey, a former special ed teacher who started a clothing brand for people with sensory needs. Her clothes are designed with features such as sound-blocking hoods, magnetic closures, and built-in fidgets to help children and adults on the autism spectrum feel more at ease. Julia shares how one of her hoodies helped a boy eat in the cafeteria for the first time. She also talks about what it’s like running a business on her own, keeping prices affordable, and learning as she goes. If you’ve ever wanted to take a real-life problem and turn it into a business, you’ll love this conversation. Julia DeNey is the founder of Sense-ational You, a clothing brand designed for autistic individuals and those with sensory processing needs. With a background in both special education and fashion design, Julia combines her skills to create adaptive clothing that helps people feel more comfortable and included in their daily lives. Her designs include features like sound-reducing hoods, magnetic closures, tagless seams, and built-in sensory tools. Julia started her company after volunteering at an autism preschool and noticing the daily clothing struggles faced by kids and families. Since launching, she has done nearly everything herself—from design to fulfillment—and now ships her products to customers in over 30 countries. Julia is passionate about making sensory-friendly fashion both functional and affordable, and she continues to grow her brand based on feedback from the community she serves. Connect with Julia: Website: https://shopsenseationalyou.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-deney-a07a87122/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/senseational_you/?hl=en Episode highlights: (0:00) Intro (2:04) Julia’s background and purpose (2:45) What sensory-friendly clothing really means (5:47) A hoodie that changed a child’s school life (6:54) The bigger vision behind the brand (10:02) Pricing, profit, and compassion (16:27) Growing the product line based on real needs (22:34) Marketing to a niche community (25:08) Fulfillment and family support (27:42) Why the internet makes this all possible (31:46) Finding ideas by noticing daily problems (35:30) Designing with fashion and function in mind (37:40) Where to buy (39:05) 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/ Breakthrough Session with Chris: https://link.prospecthq.io/widget/bookings/hh2ceobreakthrough Join our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1080234770442381

Why do we grab our phones the second we hear a ding? In this episode, Chris G talks about how those little notifications are messing with our focus, kind of like Pavlov’s dog. He shares how phones and apps are built to keep us hooked, and how that habit could be costing you time, money, and peace of mind. Chris offers simple ways to take back control, like turning on Do Not Disturb, setting boundaries, and leaning on your team. If you're always feeling behind or distracted, this one's for you. Want to get 10 hours back in your week? Start by putting the phone down. Episode highlights: (0:00) Intro (0:37) Pavlov’s dog & phone addiction (1:24) Notifications stealing your time (3:07) Thinking vs. scrolling: how money is really made (4:06) Finding peace in Do Not Disturb (5:17) Training clients and setting boundaries (6:43) Organizing your phone for work, not play (8:08) Setting windows for focus and scroll time (8:58) The 30-Day Turnaround: reclaiming 10+ hours/week (10:04) 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 really makes someone a leader, and how do you know if you're showing up as one? In this episode of Hard Hat to CEO, Chris G chats with Andy Neillie, founder of Neillie Leadership Group, about the difference between just managing and truly leading. Andy shares how a bad boss on a construction site inspired him to help others lead better. He talks through the Four Leadership Necessities that help turn managers into trusted leaders, ones who earn loyalty and build strong teams. If you're running a business, especially in construction or with family, and want to lead with heart, clear vision, and real impact even from a distance, this one’s for you. Andy Neillie is the founder of Neillie Leadership Group, a global leadership training and coaching firm born from his own experience on a construction crew with a “bad boss.” With over 25 years of experience, Andy has traveled internationally, helping companies turn managers into authentic leaders. Rooted in his strong Christian faith and shaped by an early belief that no one deserves a bad boss, he’s built a practice focused on practical, people-first leadership. His work emphasizes four core traits—Conviction, Competence, Character, and Covenant—to foster trust, loyalty, and growth in teams. Andy works across industries, including construction and family-owned businesses, and supports remote teams too. He’s passionate about helping leaders become someone their people want to follow, not just someone in charge. Connect with Andy: Website: https://neillieleadershipgroup.com/ Download his eBook: https://leadershipmaterials.com/ Episode highlights: (0:00) Intro (1:35) Andy’s start in leadership and how Neillie Leadership Group started (4:21) The real difference between a manager vs. a leader (5:32) The Four Leadership Necessities (12:40) The hiring and retention challenge in today’s market (15:53) How leaders can know if they’re doing a good job (20:12) Ego in leadership and the danger of blind spots (22:09) Challenges of leading family-owned businesses (25:52) The Dunbar number (28:17) How to clearly share your vision with your team (30:44) Leading virtual teams the right way (32:13) How to connect with Andy and get free leadership resources (33:46) 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/

Are you tired and unmotivated even when you're not working long hours? The real reason for burnout might surprise you: it’s not how much you work, but whether that work fits who you are. In this episode, Chris shares a personal story about chasing a goal that looked exciting but ultimately didn’t align with his vision for freedom and flexibility. Through trial, reflection, and some missed opportunities, he discovered the power of alignment: doing work that energizes you and supports your bigger life goals. He covers how to refresh your vision, the value of saying no, and why reconnecting with community keeps you grounded. If you're feeling stuck or off track, this episode is a must-listen. Episode highlights: (0:00) Intro (0:41) The truth about burnout and Chris’s personal experience (2:20) Realizing what truly matters (3:11) What energizes you vs. what drains you (4:35) Saying no to the wrong opportunities (5:56) Celebrating progress through coaching (6:26) The meaning of community (7:10) Refreshing your vision and making it real (8:47) 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/