Episode 100: Building A Brand & Scaling A Business with Brad Leavitt of AFT Construction (Scottsdale, AZ)

Ted speaks with Brad Leavitt, founder of AFT Construction in Scottsdale, AZ. Brad shares his failures and his successes and how he grew his company to where it is today.

From his beginnings as an electrician, to running a successful and award-winning custom home building business, Brad shares his insights on leadership, hiring the best people, and building a brand. Through the many challenges and mistakes, Brad has persevered and learned how to overcome the obstacles in his path. Now a successful entrepreneur, he shares with Ted how he encourages the younger generation, how he retains a stellar staff, and where his company is headed next.

TOPICS DISCUSSED

  • [02:20] Brad’s Rise in the Construction Industry
  • [04:40] Putting together a good team
  • [07:50] The Role of Interior Designers in Construction
  • [11:55] Building a Brand, Financial Management, and Systems and Processes
  • [18:20] Allowing Yourself to Fail and Learning from Mistakes
  • [20:55] Dealing with Shiny Object Syndrome
  • [21:55] The Importance of Optimism in Leadership
  • [26:25] Exciting New Relationships and Rising Stars
  • [28:15] The Impact of AI on the Building Community
  • [30:55] The Potential of Robots in Construction
  • [32:35] The Toyota Five Principles of Problem-Solving
  • [38:20] Managing client expectations and change orders
  • [41:15] The Importance of Trade Skills for the Younger Generation
  • [46:35] Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
  • [47:45] Building a Strong Online Presence through Social Media

CONNECT WITH GUEST

KEY QUOTES FROM EPISODE 

  • “Leadership is about showing empathy and caring for your team.”
  • “Building a brand is crucial for business growth and success.”
  • “AI is going to change… how manufacturers are operating.”

About

Brad Leavitt | AFT Construction

A Finer Touch Construction is always a “touch” above the competition.

A Finer Touch Construction-AFT Construction-has assembled a talented team of project managers, construction staff, and support personnel who share a common goal: to build quality projects that exceed our clients’ expectations. With over 110 years of combined industry experience, we’ve learned the value of quality craftsmanship, personalized service, and long-term relationships.

AFT Construction is a leader in providing the highest quality construction services at fair and competitive prices. We pledge to add value for our customers and clients through integrity, foresight, and innovation. We seek to establish long-lasting relationships with our customers by exceeding expectations and gaining trust through delivering high levels of professionalism, timeliness, attention to detail, and service-minded customer satisfaction. Our commitment to this mission enables AFT Construction to be one of the premier construction firms in the Arizona region. Whether it’s technology, the use of unique materials, or architectural design, AFT is a leader in using modern techniques to deliver a high-quality project. AFT also is a specialist in energy-efficient homes, including net-zero construction.