Episode Summary:

In this episode of the CM Mentors Podcast, hosts Matt Graves and Kyle Grandell sit down with Jared Agee, Senior Project Support and Analysis at Nestlé Purina USA, to explore his diverse career in the construction industry. From starting on a farm to navigating the intricacies of industrial projects, Jared shares his personal journey and the lessons he’s learned along the way. 

* In Part 1, the conversation dives into daily productivity habits and the practical tools that help construction professionals stay on track. 

* Part 2 highlights Jared’s unique career path, moving from building inspections to high-level project management, while shedding light on the challenges he faced transitioning between roles in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. 

* In Part 3, Jared discusses his international experiences, the importance of adopting cutting-edge project management strategies, and the critical role of mentorship in shaping the next generation of construction leaders. 

With a blend of practical advice, career insights, and industry knowledge, this episode offers valuable takeaways for professionals at all stages of their construction careers.

PART 1: Mastering the Daily Grind: Habits, Tools, and Time-Saving Hacks for Construction Pros

In this episode of the CM Mentors podcast, Matt and Kyle chat with Jared Agee, Senior Manager of Project Support and Analysis at Nestle Purina. Jared shares insights from his extensive experience in construction management, industrial projects, and his personal take on leadership and strategy. The episode covers a range of topics including the challenges of email management in construction, mastering new skills, and the future of modularization in the industry. With Jared’s diverse background, the discussion is both practical and visionary, offering tips and strategies for overcoming the day-to-day challenges faced by construction professionals.

Episode Highlights:

* Rapid Fire: Getting to Know Jared

* Favorite way to unwind: Enjoys family time and home construction projects.

* Construction tool he’d like named after him: A specialized Caterpillar gator used for soil improvement.

* Daily routine: Uses a "5-3-1" system to prioritize tasks for the day, focusing on key accomplishments.

* Email Management in Construction

* Jared shares his email management strategies, including reading emails in reverse order and using tools like Outlook’s threading function to stay organized.

* Matt and Kyle chime in with their own experiences, with Matt advocating for the “done” folder system for email organization.

* Mastering a Construction Skill: ModularizationJared discusses his interest in modularization as a skill that could revolutionize construction, offering time savings and safety benefits, especially in challenging environments like the northern U.S. during harsh winters.

* Favorite Trade and Its Impact Jared highlights his admiration for electrical trades and the vast differences between residential, commercial, and industrial electrical work. He points out the critical role of electricians in automation and modern building systems.

PART 2: From the Ground Up: Jared Agee's Career Path and Lessons Learned in Construction Management

In this second part of the CM Mentors podcast, Matt, Kyle, and Jared delve into Jared’s journey from growing up on a farm to becoming Senior Project Support and Analysis Manager at Nestle Purina. They explore how Jared’s diverse career path, which included roles in construction management, municipal inspections, and structural steel projects, provided him with a unique perspective on project management, industrial construction, and the importance of analytical thinking. The episode also emphasizes the value of proper planning, the dangers of complacency, and how modularization can transform the construction industry.

Episode Highlights:

* Jared’s Career JourneyJared shares his career story, starting from his farm upbringing, his shift from physics to architectural design, and his role with Albarisi working on power plants, schools, and stadiums. 

* Transitioning Between Construction Sectors

* The challenge of moving from residential to industrial projects.

* How different sectors, like industrial vs. residential, require different levels of design expertise, project execution, and contractor management.

* The importance of hiring highly skilled tradespeople to avoid costly rework in industrial settings.

* Preconstruction and ComplacencyJared emphasizes the importance of solid preconstruction work and warns against becoming complacent when working on “cookie-cutter” projects. 

* Project Analysis and Portfolio ManagementJared discusses the importance of detailed project analysis and how his current role involves analyzing project performance, standardizing processes, and improving KPI reporting. 

PART 3: Global Insights and Game-Changing Strategies: Jared Agee on Project Management and Mentorship

In this third and final part of the CM Mentors podcast, Matt, Kyle, and Jared explore Jared’s international speaking experience, project management strategies, and how to successfully implement change within organizations. They also touch on the difficulties of software adoption in the construction industry and the importance of asking the right questions, regardless of experience level. Jared provides valuable insights into leadership, mentorship, and fostering the next generation of professionals.

Episode Highlights:

* International Speaking and Project Management ToolsJared shares his experience speaking internationally about project and portfolio management, particularly in markets across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. He discusses rolling out project management tools in local governments that were behind the curve on adopting digital solutions and how to manage change effectively within organizations.

* Challenges of Software Adoption in Construction

* Resistance to change in the construction industry, often due to risk aversion and the thin margins that leave contractors hesitant to experiment with new tools.

* Jared emphasizes that software alone isn’t a magic fix and how flexibility in tools like Smartsheet can help organizations customize solutions to meet specific needs.

* Bid Evaluation and Contractor SelectionThe group dives into the complexities of the pre-bid process, emphasizing the importance of vetting contractors thoroughly and pre-qualifying bidders to avoid issues later in the project. 

* Mentorship and Reverse MentorshipJared shares his philosophy on mentorship, describing it as a partnership that benefits both parties. 

* The Importance of Asking QuestionsThe episode wraps up with a reminder to never hesitate to ask questions, especially when something isn’t clear. 

Watch the interview on YouTube:

Part 1:

Part 2:

Part 3:

Hosts:

* Matt Graves

* Kyle Grandell

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