How to Build a Strong, Sustainable Construction Business – Insights from Phill & Heather Oddo

Construction Champions Podcast

Mar 32 min read

Building a successful construction business isn’t just about knowing how to build—it’s about running a real company. In this episode of the Construction Champions Podcast, Phill & Heather Oddo, owners of Closer Look General Contracting, share how they rebuilt their company after setbacks and scaled it the right way.

1. Say No to the Wrong Clients

Not every job is worth the stress. One of the biggest mistakes contractors make is taking on the wrong clients just to stay busy. The wrong clients can lead to:

Unrealistic expectations and constant scope changes.
Payment delays or disputes that hurt cash flow.
High-stress projects that consume too much time and energy.

Takeaway: Saying no to the wrong clients allows you to focus on the right projects that align with your expertise and profitability goals.

2. The Importance of a Growth Mindset

A contractor’s mindset determines whether their business thrives or struggles. Phill & Heather emphasize the importance of:

Continuous learning – Stay up to date with industry trends, technology, and business strategies.
Coaching and mentorship – Surround yourself with experts who can help you grow.
Adaptability – The ability to pivot and evolve keeps businesses competitive in changing markets.

Takeaway: Investing in personal and professional growth is key to long-term success.

3. Hiring for Culture, Not Just Skills

A strong construction business isn’t just built on technical expertise—it’s built on a strong team. Hiring should focus on:

Cultural fit – Employees should align with the company’s values and work ethic.
Growth potential – Find people who are eager to learn and improve.
Long-term investment – Retaining good employees reduces turnover and improves productivity.

Takeaway: A business is only as strong as its team. Hiring the right people makes all the difference.

4. Failure is Part of the Process

Every contractor faces setbacks, mistakes, and challenges. What separates successful businesses is their ability to learn and adapt. Phill & Heather share how they:

Turned setbacks into lessons to improve their business processes.
Focused on problem-solving instead of dwelling on failures.
Rebuilt smarter by applying what they learned from past mistakes.

Takeaway: Failure isn’t the end—it’s an opportunity to pivot, improve, and build a more sustainable business.

Final Thoughts

A strong, sustainable construction business is built on strategic client selection, a growth mindset, a strong team, and resilience in the face of failure. Phill & Heather Oddo’s journey proves that success isn’t about avoiding mistakes—it’s about learning from them and building smarter.