Construct-ive Conversations
Tune in to Construct-ive Conversations, hosted by Brown Edwards CPAs. Gain valuable insights on various trends impacting the construction industry in addition to accounting, tax planning, and financial management to help your business thrive in today's complex landscape.
All Episodes
Making Safety Happen: Turning Safety Culture into a Competitive Advantage
In this episode of Constructive Conversations, host Eddie Thompson sits down with Brian Fielkow—author, speaker, and safety consultant with a 30-year executive career spanning recycling, waste management, and logistics/trucking—to talk about why safety should be treated as a growth strategy, not just a cost of doing business. Brian shares his unconventional path from corporate lawyer to trucking company owner, and how that journey shaped his belief that safety is leader-driven rather than a compliance checkbox. The conversation covers the hidden costs of workplace incidents beyond insurance loss runs, how a strong safety culture helps construction firms win more bids and attract better talent, and why unconditional respect for process (and a healthy aversion to shortcuts) is critical on the job site. Brian also breaks down the hierarchy of controls and explains why PPE is really the last line of defense, introduces the concept of "just culture" for responding to incidents fairly, and discusses how leaders can build an employee-owned safety culture without becoming performative or overreactive. Brian is the author of Making Safety Happen, Leading People Safely, and Driving to Perfection, and offers on-demand courses through his website, brianfielkow.com.What's Your Pink Cadillac? Finding Joy After Rock Bottom with Ryan Campbell
In this episode of Constructive Conversations, host Eddie Thompson steps outside the world of construction finance to talk about something universal: how to live better. His guest is Ryan Campbell, the Australian-born, Nashville-based keynote speaker who made history at 19 as the youngest pilot — and first teenager — to fly solo around the world. Ryan shares the full arc of his story: the two years of planning and fundraising that got a "normal Aussie kid" to the start line, the 24,000-nautical-mile journey across 15 countries, and the devastating plane crash two years later that left him the sole survivor, with a spinal cord injury and a diagnosis of complete paraplegia. From that rock bottom, Ryan rebuilt his life — learning to walk again, returning to the skies, and discovering, with the help of an impulsively purchased 1959 pink Cadillac, a philosophy that now anchors his keynotes worldwide. Eddie and Ryan dig into the "seesaw" of balance (with a nod to Bluey), why moments of joy aren't a luxury but a crucial tool for resilience and mental health, and practical steps anyone can take today — from seeking professional help to running a "joy audit." Plus: Ryan's Nashville restaurant picks and a spirited debate over Australia's greatest exports. Learn more about Ryan and his book, Born to Fly, at RyanCampbell.co.Data Integrity, AI, and Leadership in Construction with Ed Stelter (Part 2)
In this episode of Constructive Conversations, I continue my engaging dialogue with Ed Stelter of Faulconer Construction, diving deeper into the critical themes of data integrity, artificial intelligence, and leadership within the construction industry. Ed shares his insights on the challenges of maintaining accurate data and how it impacts decision-making processes. He emphasizes the vital role of AI in enhancing operational efficiency but warns that its effectiveness hinges on the quality of input data. We also explore the importance of leadership in fostering a culture of accountability and connection among team members. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to the field, this episode offers valuable perspectives on leveraging technology and leadership to drive success in construction.From the Field to the Foundation: Ed Stelter on 30+ Years at Faulconer Construction and Telling the Industry's Stories (Part 1)
In this episode of Construct-ive Conversations, I sit down with Ed Stelter, Vice President of Business Development at Faulconer Construction. Ed shares his fascinating journey in the construction industry, which began over 40 years ago in his father's woodshop. From laboring on construction sites to becoming a leader in business development, Ed's insights are invaluable. We discuss the importance of relationships in building successful construction firms and how technology, particularly data strategies, is transforming the industry. Ed also highlights the significance of understanding the craft from the ground up and the role of mentorship in shaping future leaders. Tune in for a compelling discussion that underscores the human element in construction and the wisdom gained through experience.