Building Momentum

Building Momentum is the podcast for construction leaders, marketers, and industry professionals who want to stay ahead of the curve. Hosted by fractional CMOs Ryan Kovach and Perryn Olson, we explore how AI, digital strategies, and modern marketing tools are transforming the way construction and trade companies win clients and attract top talent.

Building Momentum is a business podcast hosted by AltCMO, with 1 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

AltCMO hosts Building Momentum, a business show with 1 episodes published.

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  Episode #52

  Episode 52: Digital Divide Building in Construction

  Aug 3, 202640 minS1

  In this episode, Ryan Kovach and Perryn Olson explore the growing digital divide in construction and why AI is widening the gap between contractors that embrace innovation and those that continue to rely on outdated processes. They discuss Microsoft's multi-billion-dollar investment in AI for construction, what it signals for the industry, and why companies that ignore technology today risk falling permanently behind tomorrow. Ryan and Perryn explain why AI should be viewed as a business tool, not a replacement for experienced professionals. They discuss how contractors can use AI to eliminate repetitive tasks, improve decision-making, automate workflows, and create more efficient operations while allowing employees to focus on higher-value work that drives business growth. The conversation examines why many construction companies struggle to adopt new technology: fear of change, concerns about job replacement, resistance from leadership, and waiting for AI to "mature" often prevent businesses from making meaningful progress. Ryan and Perryn compare today's AI adoption to the early days of SEO, smartphones, BIM, and other technological shifts that permanently changed the construction industry. They also discuss how construction leaders should strategically approach AI implementation. Rather than replacing entire departments or attempting to automate everything overnight, companies should identify repetitive tasks, pilot new technologies, empower employees to own AI initiatives, and build a culture that embraces continuous improvement. Throughout the episode, Ryan and Perryn share real-world examples of contractors using AI, robotics, automation, and digital workflows to improve estimating, project administration, research, reporting, recruiting, and operational efficiency. They explain why innovation has become a competitive advantage that directly impacts profitability, recruiting, customer experience, and long-term business growth. The discussion covers: Understanding the digital divide in construction Why AI is widening the gap between contractors Microsoft's investment in construction AI Why ignoring AI is a long-term business risk AI as a productivity tool, not an employee replacement Balancing AI adoption with human expertise Common mistakes companies make when implementing AI Overcoming fear and resistance to new technology Lessons from SEO, BIM, and previous digital transformations Using AI to automate repetitive administrative work AI for research, reporting, and business intelligence Improving estimating and project workflows through automation Creating a culture of innovation within construction companies Attracting better talent through technology adoption Building a future-ready construction business Key Takeaways: The digital divide in construction is accelerating AI will reward companies that adapt early Technology should enhance employees—not replace them Waiting for AI to mature creates competitive disadvantages Start with repetitive tasks before larger AI initiatives Leadership drives successful technology adoption Innovation is becoming a competitive necessity AI improves efficiency, forecasting, and decision-making Culture matters more than technology alone Companies that embrace change will outperform those that resist it Strategic AI adoption creates long-term business growth The future belongs to contractors who continuously innovate Follow AltCMO for more construction marketing and technology insights. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/altcmo/ Blog: https://altcmo.net/blog/ Website: https://altcmo.net/ Connect with Ryan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/c-r-kovach/ Connect with Perryn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/perryn-olson/

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  Episode #51

  Episode 51: Google Warning: Stop Creating Commoditized Content

  Jul 27, 202624 minS1

  In this episode, Ryan Kovach and Perryn Olson explain why SEO industry leaders like Neil Patel are sharing Google’s warning to stop creating repetitive, keyword-rich content; instead, recommending business leaders create “non-commodity content”. They discuss Google's push toward rewarding authentic expertise, why subject matter experts should drive your content strategy, and how construction companies can use AI to amplify real-world knowledge rather than replace it. Ryan and Perryn break down one of the biggest mistakes construction companies make: treating content marketing as an SEO exercise instead of a trust-building strategy. They explain why simply rewriting competitor articles or publishing AI-generated blogs no longer creates a competitive advantage. Construction companies should document real projects, customer conversations, field experiences, and lessons learned directly from their project teams and industry experts. The conversation explores how AI should be used as a productivity tool—not a content creator. Ryan and Perryn demonstrate how AI can interview subject matter experts, organize ideas, streamline writing workflows, and reduce hours of work while preserving the original expertise that customers and search engines value most. They explain why authentic stories, firsthand project experiences, and practical problem-solving outperform generic marketing content every time. Ryan and Perryn also discuss why many construction companies hesitate to share their expertise online. They explain why giving away knowledge doesn't create competitors, it creates authority. Through examples from construction, business, and even Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, they show how sharing knowledge accelerates innovation, strengthens partnerships, builds customer trust, and positions companies as the obvious choice before a project even goes out to bid. The episode also covers why construction companies should think of themselves as media companies. Every project, customer challenge, jobsite lesson, and technical solution represents valuable content that can educate prospects, recruit top talent, strengthen search visibility, and establish long-term credibility in the marketplace. The discussion covers:• Why Google rewards original thought leadership over generic content• Why AI-generated content alone is no longer enough• How construction companies should use AI the right way• Turning subject matter experts into content creators• Why customer conversations become your best marketing content• Building authority through real project experience• Why sharing expertise creates trust instead of competition• Creating authentic construction content that customers actually value• Using AI to interview and organize expert knowledge• Why thought leadership builds stronger brands than traditional SEO• How content helps attract both clients and employees• Becoming the trusted expert instead of another commodity contractor• Why primary research creates a lasting competitive advantage• Using educational content to improve SEO, AI visibility, and brand authority• How consistent thought leadership generates long-term business growth If you're a construction owner, executive, business development leader, or marketing professional looking to improve your SEO, increase AI visibility, establish your company as an industry authority, and create content that generates trust instead of simply filling your website with blog posts, this episode provides a practical framework for building a modern construction marketing strategy based on expertise, originality, and real customer value. Follow AltCMO for more construction marketing insights. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/altcmo/ Blog: https://altcmo.net/blog/ Website: https://altcmo.net/ Connect with Ryan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/c-r-kovach/ Connect with Perryn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/perryn-olson/

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  Episode #50

  Episode 50: A Look Back at the First 50 Episodes - What We’ve Learned, Discussed, & Disagreed On

  Jul 20, 202649 minS1

  In this milestone 50th episode, Ryan Kovach and Perryn Olson reflect on an incredible first year of the AltCMO Podcast and revisit the biggest lessons, industry shifts, and marketing strategies that have shaped construction marketing over the past 50 episodes. From the rapid evolution of AI and search to employer branding, recruitment marketing, topical authority, and marketing leadership, they share what has proven true, what surprised them, and where the construction industry is headed next. The conversation begins by looking back at how dramatically AI has changed over the past year. Ryan and Perryn discuss how ChatGPT, Claude, and other AI platforms have evolved, why authenticity continues to outperform AI-generated content, and how search engines are becoming better at identifying genuine expertise over mass-produced content. They explain why businesses that focus on thought leadership and real-world experience are gaining an advantage as AI search continues to mature. The episode also explores why company culture has become one of the strongest marketing assets available. Ryan and The discussion also revisits one of their most talked-about presentations: why marketing should own talent attraction. Ryan and Perryn explain why recruitment is fundamentally a marketing challenge, how applicant experiences shape employer brands, and why companies should build long-term talent pipelines rather than relying solely on job postings whenever positions become available. Looking ahead, Ryan and Perryn share what's next for AltCMO as they continue expanding their services, research, technology, and internal communication solutions designed specifically for construction companies. They discuss why employee retention, internal communications, recognition, and wellness will become major focuses over the next year as marketing continues expanding beyond lead generation into overall business growth. The discussion covers: Celebrating one year and 50 episodes of the AltCMO Podcast How AI and search have evolved over the past year Why authentic content continues to outperform AI-generated content Lessons learned about AI search, SEO, and topical authority Why Ideal Client Profiles drive better marketing results Building brands that attract the right clients and employees The importance of employer branding and company culture Why marketing should own recruitment strategy Improving candidate experience through better marketing Why topical authority is replacing keyword-first SEO Creating niche authority to outperform larger competitors Retaining employees through communication, recognition, and wellness The growing role of marketing leadership inside construction companies What's next for AltCMO and the future of construction marketing Key Takeaways: Authentic expertise consistently beats generic AI-generated content Strong brands intentionally attract ideal clients and employees Topical authority has become more valuable than keyword rankings alone Employer branding improves both recruiting and employee retention Marketing plays a critical role in talent acquisition Candidate experience directly impacts employer reputation Niche positioning helps smaller companies compete with larger brands Internal communication strengthens company culture and retention Marketing leadership continues expanding beyond lead generation Construction companies that invest in branding gain long-term competitive advantages AI should support expertise—not replace it The future of construction marketing centers on authority, culture, and leadership Follow AltCMO for more construction marketing insights. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/altcmo/ Blog: https://altcmo.net/blog/ Website: https://altcmo.net/ Connect with Ryan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/c-r-kovach/ Connect with Perryn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/perryn-olson/

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  Episode #49

  AI Can't Replace Your CMO

  Jul 14, 202647 minS1

  In this episode, Ryan Kovach and Perryn Olson discuss why AI won't replace marketing leadership and why construction companies still need experienced CMOs to guide strategy, decision-making, creativity, and long-term business growth. While artificial intelligence continues to automate repetitive marketing tasks, Ryan and Perryn explain why human leadership remains essential for building brands, solving complex business challenges, and creating competitive differentiation. The conversation explores one of the biggest misconceptions surrounding AI: that it will replace marketing executives. Ryan and Perryn explain that AI is best viewed as a powerful assistant rather than a replacement for experienced leadership. While AI excels at handling repetitive tasks, research, brainstorming, and improving efficiency, it still relies on experienced marketers to make strategic decisions, evaluate recommendations, and align marketing with business objectives. Ryan and Perryn discuss how AI is transforming marketing roles rather than eliminating them. They explain how construction companies can use AI to streamline content creation, research, project management, and workflow automation while allowing marketing leaders to focus on creativity, positioning, customer experience, and business strategy. The episode also examines why creativity remains one of the greatest competitive advantages. Ryan and Perryn explain that AI learns from existing information and patterns, while human marketers create original ideas, identify new market opportunities, develop differentiated brands, and make strategic decisions that AI cannot replicate. They share real-world examples of using AI as a brainstorming partner while relying on human expertise to refine ideas and avoid costly mistakes. The discussion covers: • Why AI will not replace CMOs or marketing leadership• The difference between automation and strategic decision-making• Why creativity remains a competitive advantage in marketing• How construction companies should use AI effectively• AI as a tool for efficiency rather than replacement• The importance of human judgment in marketing strategy• Using AI for brainstorming, research, and content development• Why customer experience still requires human leadership• The risks of over-relying on AI-generated marketing• How AI is changing entry-level marketing roles• Building differentiated brands instead of commodity businesses• Why experienced marketers create better business outcomes• The future relationship between AI and marketing leadership• Lessons construction companies can apply to marketing and operations Key Takeaways: • AI enhances marketing leadership rather than replacing it• Strategic decision-making still requires experienced marketers• Creativity remains a uniquely human competitive advantage• AI is best used for repetitive and time-consuming tasks• Marketing leaders should use AI as a brainstorming partner• Human oversight improves AI-generated recommendations• Strong brands require strategic thinking beyond automation• Customer experience should guide marketing decisions• Companies that combine AI with leadership gain a competitive advantage• AI helps teams work faster without replacing business expertise• Marketing success depends on judgment, not just technology• Construction companies should embrace AI while investing in leadership• Differentiation beats commodity marketing in competitive markets• The future belongs to businesses that balance AI efficiency with human creativity Follow AltCMO for more construction marketing insights. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/altcmo/ Blog: https://altcmo.net/blog/ Website: https://altcmo.net/ Connect with Ryan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/c-r-kovach/ Connect with Perryn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/perryn-olson/

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  Episode #48

  Your SEO, PPC, Content, & Social Teams May Be Fighting Each Other

  Jul 6, 202642 minS1

  In this episode, Ryan Kovach and Perryn Olson explore why construction companies struggle with fragmented marketing and how the lack of strategic marketing leadership causes SEO, PPC, social media, AI, content marketing, and recruiting efforts to operate in silos rather than work toward common business goals. The conversation examines one of the biggest challenges facing construction companies today: multiple agencies, vendors, and internal teams working independently without a unified marketing strategy. Ryan and Perryn explain how disconnected marketing efforts create wasted budgets, inconsistent messaging, duplicated work, and missed growth opportunities, even when individual vendors perform well within their own specialties. Ryan and Perryn discuss why marketing leadership is different from marketing execution. They explain how a Fractional CMO or experienced marketing leader aligns every marketing channel with company objectives, ensuring that content, SEO, PPC, AI optimization, social media, recruiting, employer branding, and business development reinforce one another rather than compete for attention. The episode explores how construction companies can create integrated marketing systems where every piece of content supports multiple platforms. Ryan and Perryn share practical examples of repurposing blogs into social content, using thought leadership to support SEO and AI visibility, aligning paid advertising with long-term organic strategies, and building authority that compounds over time. The discussion also highlights the importance of understanding business goals before developing marketing tactics. Whether the objective is winning new projects, entering new markets, attracting skilled labor, preparing future company leaders, or improving customer education, Ryan and Perryn explain why every marketing decision should begin with strategy rather than individual channels or vendors. The discussion covers: • Why fragmented marketing limits business growth• The difference between marketing leadership and marketing execution• How SEO, PPC, AI, content, and social media should work together• Why construction companies often waste marketing budgets• The importance of aligning marketing with business goals• How Fractional CMOs coordinate marketing strategy• Why vendors should support one unified marketing vision• Repurposing content across multiple platforms• Building topical authority for search engines and AI• Why websites should remain the central source of truth• The role of thought leadership in long-term growth• How comparison content strengthens positioning• Marketing strategies for talent acquisition and recruiting• Preparing future company leaders through content marketing• Why construction companies need strategic marketing leadership instead of disconnected tactics Key Takeaways: • Marketing channels should support one unified business strategy• SEO, PPC, AI, social media, and content perform better together• Marketing leadership prevents wasted budget and duplicated effort• Content should be repurposed across multiple platforms• Every marketing initiative should begin with business objectives• Websites should serve as the central source of truth• Thought leadership builds long-term authority and trust• Marketing should support recruiting as well as lead generation• Strong coordination improves efficiency and ROI• Future company leaders can be developed through strategic content Follow AltCMO for more construction marketing insights. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/altcmo/ Blog: https://altcmo.net/blog/ Website: https://altcmo.net/ Connect with Ryan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/c-r-kovach/ Connect with Perryn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/perryn-olson/

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