Project Management Tips for Your First Big job!

When I had the chance to sit down with Tommy Cole from McFarland Stanford, I knew this was going to be an episode packed with valuable lessons. Tommy's background is incredibly impressive - from cutting his teeth in landscape design and civil construction to eventually leading multi-million dollar projects and coaching businesses across the industry. The breadth of his experience was evident as he walked us through some of the key principles that have allowed him and the companies he's worked with to succeed, even in the face of major challenges. A few of the biggest takeaways for me:

1. The power of over-communicating through weekly recaps. As Tommy explained, it's critical to provide clients with consistent updates on progress, upcoming plans, and any outstanding issues. This not only keeps them in the loop, but also creates a paper trail that holds you accountable.

2. The importance of setting clear expectations with subcontractors upfront. By conducting pre-construction meetings to align on timelines, responsibilities, and potential roadblocks, you can avoid a lot of headaches down the line. And don't be afraid to lean on your best subs - they're an extension of your brand.

3. Applying the "only handle it once" mentality. Whether it's moving materials on a job site or processing emails in the office, reducing unnecessary touches is key to improving efficiency and profitability. Tommy's background in mass excavation really drove this point home.

But perhaps the most impactful part of the conversation was Tommy's candid discussion of his own leadership development journey. He openly shared how he struggled early on with micromanaging and not empowering his team - lessons that I know I can relate to as I continue growing my own business. Hearing how he evolved his approach to be more collaborative and focused on his people's strengths was incredibly valuable. As I reflect on this episode, I'm reminded that no matter how successful a company becomes, there's always room for improvement when it comes to project management. Having the humility to seek out guidance from experienced veterans like Tommy can make all the difference. I know I'll be implementing several of his strategies in my own operations, and I encourage any landscape or construction business owner to give this episode a listen.