CEO as Head Coach: Transforming Construction Businesses with Les O'Hara

Construction Champions Podcast

Dec 9, 20242 min read

In this insightful Throwback episode of Construction Champions, host Ron Nussbaum interviews Les O'Hara, a seasoned construction business coach and entrepreneur who shares transformative strategies for building successful construction companies. Drawing powerful parallels between sports coaching and business leadership, O'Hara reveals the key principles that can elevate construction businesses from merely surviving to truly thriving.

The Three Pillars of Construction Business Success

1. Know Your Numbers

Financial awareness is crucial for business success. O'Hara emphasizes that business owners must:

Understand key financial metrics
Track margins
Monitor closing percentages
Analyze return on investment for leads

2. Develop a Compelling Vision

A strong business vision goes beyond profit. It should:

Inspire employees
Attract customers
Provide a clear purpose for the company
Create a narrative that resonates with the marketplace

3. Prioritize Customer Experience

Customer-centric approach is the foundation of long-term success. Key strategies include:

Going the extra mile for customers
Focusing on repeat business
Generating positive reviews
Building lasting relationships

The Business as a Sports Team: Organizational Structure

O'Hara introduces a unique sports-inspired organizational framework:

Offensive Coordinator (Sales)

Responsible for marketing
Generating and closing leads
Moving the business forward

Defensive Coordinator (Production)

Ensures customer fulfillment
Manages job execution
Delivers exceptional customer experiences

Special Teams Coordinator (Finance and HR)

Handles financial administration
Manages invoicing
Oversees receivables
Ensures timely bill payments

The CEO as Head Coach

The business owner's role is critical. Key responsibilities include:

Maintaining the economic engine
Recruiting A-player talent
Holding team members accountable to the company vision

Recruitment: Continuous Talent Acquisition

Networking Strategies

Utilize LinkedIn for professional connections
Develop year-round recruitment systems
Always be on the lookout for top talent
Create a "depth chart" for potential hires

Practical Advice for Construction Business Owners

Let go of day-to-day operational tasks
Focus on strategic leadership
Build systems, not just workflows
Invest in team development
Continuously upgrade team capabilities

Conclusion

Les O'Hara's approach transforms construction businesses by applying sports team management principles. By focusing on numbers, vision, customer experience, and strategic leadership, business owners can create thriving, scalable enterprises.