Pressure Tested

Join us for a conversation with Carmen Autry, President of NTD Mechanical. Carmen leads NTD Mechanical, a trusted DFW contractor with over 20 years of experience, specializing in HVAC, piping, and plumbing for diverse projects. Her commitment to excellence drives the company to deliver high-quality mechanical construction services, including plan and spec, design-build, and maintenance, across North Texas. During Women in Construction Week 2025, she shares her story.

Attorney Holly Draper is bringing girl power to the Pressure Tested Podcast! We'll be chatting about her all-female, remote-work law firm and how the Clifton personality test helped her become an entrepreneur.

TEXO CEO Meloni Raney joins the Pressure Tested Podcast! Get ready for a candid conversation about the construction industry's labor woes, the unique challenges women face in the field, and where the future of construction is headed.

In this episode of "Pressure Tested," host Kelly Roberts sits down with the multi-talented and highly-driven entrepreneur, Alexia Tuttle. Alexia shares her extraordinary journey from a chaotic, poverty-stricken childhood in Connecticut to becoming a successful partner in a decade-old worldwide nutrition coaching business, a commercial real estate investor, and co-founder of a new hydration brand. Alexia opens up about the core philosophies that drove her success: an intense focus on logic over emotion, which she adopted because emotional safety felt unsafe , and the discovery of discipline through competitive bodybuilding, which provided the structure she craved. She details how she and her husband, a registered dietitian and pro bodybuilder , scaled their primary nutrition coaching business by 250% annually by prioritizing efficiency and a high work ethic , eventually moving to Dallas for greater personal and professional freedom. The conversation takes a deep dive into Alexia's pivot to commercial real estate. She candidly recounts a massive "Pressure Tested" failure: losing over $200,000 in collective earnest money by partnering with untrustworthy individuals on two initial multi-family deals in North Carolina and North Georgia. This painful lesson solidified her commitment to meticulous due diligence (underwriting 200+ deals before finding the right one) , local investing , and the importance of a transparent and honest gut check on partners. Finally, Alexia and Kelly discuss the importance of radical transparency in business, arguing it is the "new currency," especially with investors. Alexia shares her unique approach to leadership, working with her partners, and managing investor relations by giving full disclosure—including the bad news—to build long-term trust and reputation over a single deal's profit. The episode concludes with a humorous look at her passion for bodybuilding, the pitfalls of the "all-or-nothing" mindset in fitness , and the unexpected creation of their third venture, a hydration brand. 00:00:00 - Transparency is the New Currency for Business 

In this episode of "Pressure Tested," host Kelly Roberts goes boots-on-the-ground with Yesenia Garcia, the VP of Sales and Marketing at MTD Mechanical. With 25 years in the industry, Yesenia shares her incredible journey from answering phones as a 19-year-old temp to becoming a powerhouse executive in the construction world. Kelly and Yesenia kick things off by tackling the industry's biggest hurdle—the talent gap—and how the Garland ISD P-TECH program is changing the game by showing high school students that construction careers go way beyond just swinging a hammer. Kelly digs into the nuts and bolts of MTD’s success, exploring how they built a $30 million business by owning the "dirty air" renovation niche that other contractors are too scared to touch. But it hasn’t all been smooth sailing. The duo gets real about a massive "Pressure Tested" failure: a disastrous expansion into plumbing that cost the company $300,000 and nearly forced them to close their doors. They unpack the gritty leadership it took to survive that crisis, retain talent when competitors were offering "dollar raises," and the importance of transparent communication with the field. Finally, Kelly highlights Yesenia’s recent recognition as the Regional Hispanic Contractors Association’s Executive of the Year. They have a candid conversation about the "confidence gap" women face in the trades and why it is critical to "have a voice" in the boardroom. Yesenia also breaks down her disciplined 5 AM routine and the tactical 15-minute "Daily Huddle" that keeps her sales and engineering teams aligned and moving fast. 

In this insightful episode of the "Pressure Tested" podcast, host Kelly Roberts sits down with LaurieGrace, the founder of Rethink Results and a former "Big 4" CPA turned executive coach. Starting with the staggering reality that Americans spend an average of 90,000 hours of their lives at work , Laurie Grace dives deep into her mission of making workplaces work for everyone. The conversation moves beyond standard HR talk and gets into the hard data of human capital. Laurie Grace and Kelly explore the science behind employee engagement, discussing Gallup's Q12 survey and why measuring "people potential" is critical for business performance. They debate the nuances of popular assessment tools, specifically Predictive Index (PI) versus Culture Index , and share personal revelations from their own CliftonStrengths results—including Kelly's realization of how her "High A" drive in PI shapes her independent leadership style. A major focus of the episode centers on women in leadership. Laurie Grace shares sobering statistics from recent research, including the 50-year projection to reach gender parity and the "Executive Presence" gap that often holds women back. The duo also unpacks the game-changing concept of "Splitters vs. Blenders"—a framework for understanding how different employees prefer to integrate (or separate) their work and personal lives

Join host Kelly Robert in this insightful and energetic episode of Pressure Tested as she welcomes Carson Elvis, the dynamic Business Development lead for the Wood Frame Division at Moss & Associates. Despite being the podcast's youngest guest, Carson offers an incredible level of professional wisdom, detailing her rapid ascent in the highly competitive Dallas commercial real estate (CRE) market. Carson shares how her early experiences in service jobs, from a donut shop to fine dining, instilled crucial people skills. She discusses her transition from a Public Relations focus to business development, emphasizing that the role is less about transactions and more about genuinely connecting and building an authentic network. Her success story is marked by strategic external involvement, including her leadership roles in organizations like Ladies in CRE and the Alabama Alumni Association, which she uses to bridge generational gaps and foster professional mentorship. A core focus of this discussion is Carson's philosophy of business development: prioritizing internal relationships, maintaining high-touch follow-up (the handwritten thank-you note is a secret weapon!), and being a meticulous "steward of your word." She also delves into the unique niche of wood frame construction within CRE and how she and Moss approach this specialized market. Finally, Carson addresses the personal and professional pressure of being an openly opinionated young woman in business, offering a powerful perspective on political tolerance and the importance of logic over emotion in modern discourse. This episode is a masterclass in combining strategic ambition with authentic self-expression—a must-listen for young professionals and anyone looking to enhance their networking and leadership skills.

In this raw and revealing episode of "Pressure Tested," host Kelly Roberts sits down with Garrett Moss, the driven leader behind Moss Utilities. Garrett, a fifth-generation utility contractor, shares the deeply personal and intensely challenging journey of building Moss Utilities from the ground up, even as he navigated significant family and financial struggles. The conversation dives into the early days of Moss Utilities, from its humble beginnings in Garrett's upstairs bedroom and a $60,000 loan from his grandparents, to its rapid, yet almost disastrous, growth. Garrett and Kelly pull back the curtain on the harsh realities of entrepreneurship in the construction industry, including battling a severe cash flow crisis, navigating high-interest loans, and making tough decisions like massive layoffs and even maxing out personal credit cards to fund employee Christmas bonuses. Listeners will hear how a combination of personal transformation (including Garrett's impactful journey with 75 Hard and his decision to quit drinking), strategic leadership changes, and the crucial support of a "true entrepreneurial bank" like Texas Security, helped Moss Utilities claw its way out of a deep financial hole. The episode highlights the pivotal role of key individuals like Rich Flexner and Parker, and the power of embracing programs like Traction for organizational clarity and growth. The discussion culminates in the exciting announcement of Moss Utilities' transition to an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), a testament to Garrett's unique vision of legacy that prioritizes his people over a traditional private equity exit. He candidly shares his belief that empowering employees through ownership creates a more resilient and impactful business, ensuring its long-term success. Kelly also reflects on Moss Utilities' commendable commitment to fostering women leaders in a male-dominated industry, emphasizing their dedication to providing opportunities and mentorship. This episode is a compelling story of grit, self-awareness, and the unwavering belief in people, proving that even when faced with immense pressure, a strong foundation and clear purpose can lead to extraordinary triumph.

Join Kelly Roberts on "Pressure Tested" as she sits down with the incredibly candid and competitive Emily Ackerman. In this no-holds-barred episode, Emily, a powerhouse in business development, spills the secrets to her unconventional success, from her surprising pivot from radio to accounting to her unique approach to building relationships. Get ready for an energetic discussion where Emily reveals why she thrives on making competitors "look bad," her refreshingly honest take on safeguarding time as a new mom, and how she's mastered the art of human connection in a professional world often dominated by cold calls. You'll hear her unfiltered thoughts on everything from pop culture analogies for sales to the surprising influence of social media, and why she believes the "golden rule" is the ultimate business strategy. Plus, don't miss her hilarious insights into parenting and what's next on her ambitious horizon. If you're looking for an inspiring and entertaining conversation about doing things differently and succeeding on your own terms, this episode is pressure-tested and approved!

On this episode of Pressure Tested, host Kelly Roberts welcomes Norma Lehman, a woman who, in her own words, was a "late bloomer," diving into college in her thirties. But as you'll hear, Norma's journey, from a keen interior designer shaping healing environments to a force in architectural leadership, reveals a consistent truth: it was always about people. It’s about that quiet, fundamental drive to lift others up. Norma's going to pull back the curtain on something fascinating: CliftonStrengths. She’ll show you why we've all been looking at it wrong, fixating on those so-called "lesser strengths." It's a common trap, one she'll admit to falling into herself, even with her own surprising revelation about "ideation." But trust me, it's not about patching up perceived weaknesses. It’s about recognizing and amplifying the raw power you already possess. We'll dig into how to truly identify what ignites your personal engine, how to navigate those crucial career crossroads, and the evolving landscape of leadership – that vital shift from merely being a "boss" to becoming a "coach." Norma also lays bare the real challenges women face in industries often dominated by men, and that constant, almost universal tug-of-war between work and home life, the "blender" versus "splitter" dynamic. And then there's Be Pro Be Proud. This isn't just some initiative; it's a mission. Imagine a mobile classroom, packed with cutting-edge AR and VR technology, rolling into schools, planting seeds of possibility in young minds. It's about showing kids that a path in skilled trades isn't just a job, it's a professional, lucrative, and deeply rewarding career. Because at the end of the day, success isn’t always about reaching the very top. Sometimes, it’s about finding that place where you can make the biggest difference, where your unique strengths can truly shine.

In this episode of Pressure Tested, host Kelly Roberts dives into the remarkable career journey of Julie Strong, CEO of a women-owned engineering and construction company. Julie shares her non-linear path, starting with a psychology and Spanish degree, navigating psychiatry research and the TV industry before joining her family's business, TD Industries. Listen as Julie recounts the challenges and triumphs of working in a male-dominated industry and eventually co-founding and leading C1S Group with her husband. She offers insights into the niche world of critical environment construction, building highly specialized clean rooms for semiconductor manufacturing, where precision and meticulous execution are paramount. Julie also discusses the evolution of her company, expanding into new construction projects like the unique "Bomb Factory" venue. She emphasizes the importance of people and core values in her business, highlighting their servant leadership philosophy and focus on attracting and retaining the right talent. Tune in for a candid conversation about the pressures of entrepreneurship, the delicate balance of working with a spouse, and the strategies C1S Group employs for growth, maintaining a strong company culture, and navigating the complexities of the construction industry in Dallas. Julie also shares her perspectives on work-from-home policies, the challenges women face in leadership, and the importance of building trust and fostering open communication within a team, drawing from her experience with the Traction framework and "The Five Dysfunctions of a Team."

In this insightful episode, we delve into the multifaceted journey of Erin England, a former Big Law finance attorney who took a leap of faith into the world of entrepreneurship. Erin candidly shares her career progression, from her small-town Texas roots and navigating the demanding world of corporate law to the pivotal moment that sparked the creation of her innovative company, Diaper Concierge. Listeners will hear about the intense pressure and often unsustainable lifestyle of Big Law, including the relentless billable hour expectations that ultimately led Erin to seek a different path. She recounts the unexpected layoff that became a catalyst for self-reflection and the realization that the traditional legal career wasn't fulfilling her. The conversation then shifts to the inspiring story behind Diaper Concierge, born from a relatable moment of parental frustration – the lack of readily available diapers in public spaces. Erin passionately describes her vision to install sleek, digital vending machines offering essential baby supplies in airports, stadiums, and other high-traffic venues. Erin doesn't shy away from the challenges of entrepreneurship, detailing the often humorous and frustrating experience of pitching her undeniably necessary service to skeptical executives, predominantly middle-aged men. She shares anecdotes about overcoming resistance and the surprising insights gained along the way, including the unexpected popularity of baby wipes in men's restrooms. Beyond the business venture, Erin reflects on the societal undervaluation of mothers and the systemic issues that contribute to the lack of basic amenities for parents on the go. She also touches upon her experiences as a woman in law and business, discussing the barriers women still face in reaching leadership positions and the importance of advocating for their needs. Finally, Erin shares her ambitious future plans for Diaper Concierge, aiming for national expansion and dreaming of partnerships with major entertainment and consumer goods companies. This episode offers a compelling blend of personal career evolution, entrepreneurial grit, and a passionate drive to solve a universal problem for parents everywhere.

Join Kelly Roberts on the "Pressure Tested" podcast for an insightful conversation with Renda Matthew, Dallas Market President for Truist. Renda shares her unconventional journey from aspiring English teacher to a leading figure in the banking industry, emphasizing the importance of building strong client relationships and continuous learning. She demystifies banking titles and explains her role in community engagement, team leadership, and business development. Renda, an advocate for community involvement, discusses her passion for children, women, and education, and how she balances her demanding career with extensive board work, including Parkland Health, United to Learn, and Nexus Family Recovery Center. She stresses the significance of aligning personal values with community service and advises aspiring board members to start by volunteering. For entrepreneurs, Renda highlights the critical need for financial literacy and open communication with bankers. She candidly addresses the myth of work-life balance, advocating for a realistic approach that acknowledges the shifting priorities in different life stages. She encourages women to define their boundaries and recognize when to push harder or step back. The conversation delves into the challenges women face, including imposter syndrome and the persistent gender gap in the workplace. Renda shares her personal experiences and the importance of choosing a supportive life partner and a company that aligns with one's values. She also discusses the impact of travel on her perspective and her insights into the Dallas-Fort Worth economic landscape, including the rise of the Texas Stock Exchange and the implications of current tariffs.

Join us as we sit down with Rachel Kennedy, Chief Light Keeper of Southern Lighthouse. Rachel helps construction leaders think outside the box when it comes to recruiting and marketing. She shares her perspective on why leaders talk about their personal brand on LinkedIn, as well as her dive into entrepreneurship.

Join us as we sit down with Kelly Smith, CEO of All Tech Electric, a leading electrical subcontractor in Texas and Ohio. Kelly shares her perspective on why women should play golf, discusses how she's combating the "Field vs. Office" mentality, and the two Kellys explore how to overcome decision fatigue.

Join us as we sit down with Lorie Welch, CEO of Woodwright Hardwood Floor Company, a leading hardwood flooring subcontractor in DFW. Lorie shares her inspiring journey from homeschooling her children to becoming a successful leader in the construction industry. We dive into the challenges and triumphs she's faced, including navigating a male-dominated field, working with family, and managing a growing business.

Attorney Tonya Johannsen of Canterbury, PC joins the Pressure Tested Podcast to discuss various construction topics, including the intricacies of negotiating retainage and the labor shortage. We also learn about Tonya's family and their roots in construction and Texas.

Commercial banking whiz Kate Kennedy joins us on the Pressure Tested Podcast today. Get ready to hear about her journey as a Polish immigrant, her family's construction business, and the ever-present juggle of work and motherhood.

Buckle up, folks, because Tricia Kennedy, Director of Dispute Resolutions at the American Airlines Pilots Association, is in the hot seat on the Pressure Tested Podcast today! We're about to take flight with discussions on negotiation, the pilot shortage, and even the world of blue-collar entrepreneurship.

The amazing Jill Cumnock, CEO of the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas, graces the Pressure Tested Podcast today! We'll be uncovering the secrets to non-profit leadership and the power of strong employee communication.