Episode #30
S1E30 | How a 74-Year-Old Construction Company Keeps Growing Without Losing Its People
A construction company does not last 74 years by doing everything the same way. Markets change. Work changes. People change. And the next generation of leaders has to be developed before the current one steps away. In this episode of Builders, Makers, Doers, Andy Bassett talks with Doug McCune, President/Owner of Puetz Design+Build, about how the company has grown from a traditional general contractor into a diversified construction business while staying focused on the people doing the work. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL LEARN: Why Puetz diversified into complementary services to protect the business from market swings How getting in front of students early helps build the next generation of trades professionals Why Puetz develops leaders who have physically done the work What happened when the company suddenly had $40–50 million in project volume to replace—and how the team responded Why Doug believes mistakes are part of growth—as long as you learn from them If you own or lead a construction or trades business, this episode offers a practical look at building a company that can grow, adapt, develop leaders, and stay strong for the long haul. GUEST INFORMATION Doug McCune President/Owner, Puetz Design+Build LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doug-mccune-88959b13/ Website: http://www.puetzdesignbuild.com/ ABOUT BUILDERS, MAKERS, DOERS Builders, Makers, Doers is the podcast for owners and leaders in the skilled trades, construction, manufacturing, and industrial businesses. Hosted by Andy Bassett, each episode focuses on practical leadership, operations, risk management, financial strategy, and business systems that help companies build stronger organizations. CONNECT WITH THE HOST Andy Bassett CEO, Ellerbrock-Norris https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-bassett-cpcu-cic-7711853/ https://www.ellerbrock-norris.com/ STAY CONNECTED AND FOLLOW THE MOVEMENT • Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts • Follow Builders, Makers, Doers on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/ellerbrock-norris/ • Grab a copy of Andy Bassett’s book https://www.ellerbrock-norris.com/book ▶ If you found this conversation valuable, subscribe to Builders, Makers, Doers and share this episode with another contractor or business owner who should hear it. CHAPTERS 00:00 — Meet Doug McCune and Puetz Design+Build 04:00 — How the construction business evolved 09:03 — Why diversification makes the business stronger 14:55 — Recruiting the next generation of tradespeople 18:25 — Why leadership starts in the field 22:05 — When $40–50 million in work disappeared 26:00 — Developing experienced people into leaders 29:00 — Preparing the company for future growth 33:29 — Why good leaders learn from mistakes We often talk about the 10 impact areas of risk within a business. Now, you can join us for a FREE Resiliency Audit. In 30 minutes, we'll comb through your business, find where you may be at risk, and deliver a detailed plan on how to address the issues. Time to stop being reactive – and commit to being proactive. Schedule your audit today. You clearly like learning how other businesses are building resiliency. From the people the hire to their safety practices, risk management strategies, exit planning and more. Now, you can do a deep dive on YOUR business – for free. We'll dive into your business and deliver a detailed report that shows you actionable next steps and potential cost long-term savings. Sign up today at www.ellerbrock-norris.com/resiliency .
