In this episode of the Atomic Construction Podcast, Kevin Hohe sits down with Sean Du Fosse for a raw conversation about the real challenges that come with building a meaningful career in construction.

Together they dig into what it means to build resilience, why having a clear sense of purpose matters when times get tough and how asking better questions can make you a stronger leader.

From navigating tough decisions to finding the grit to keep going when projects, and life, don’t go to plan, Sean’s insights remind us that construction is about more than tools and concrete. It’s about the people who choose to show up, push through and build something better every day.

Takeaways:

• Sean’s journey through fear, uncertainty and professional growth
• How purpose keeps you steady when projects get challenging
• Why grit and resilience are non-negotiable in the construction industry
• The power of asking better questions on and off the job site
• How to find meaning in the everyday grind of the trades
• What good leadership looks like when you’re facing tough calls
• Why community and support make the difference when things get hard
• Lessons learned from failures and what they teach about moving forward
• Building a culture where honesty and courage thrive
• Sean’s advice for young tradespeople and leaders who want to build better

Stay connected:

• Kevin Hohe | LinkedIn

And let us know what you think with our feedback form.

Produced by Pineapple Audio Production.

Produced by Pineapple Audio Production

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Atomic Construction Podcast, Kevin Hohe and Kyle Nitchen sit down with Scott Kimpland for an honest conversation about what it really takes to lead well in the construction industry.

Scott shares stories from his career, the lessons he’s learned about putting people first, and why culture is the backbone of any successful project.

Kevin, Kyle and Scott dig into the everyday challenges that leaders face on site, from aligning teams to managing conflict, and why clear communication and genuine care can make all the difference. They also touch on what the industry still gets wrong about leadership and how the next generation can raise the bar by focusing on trust, accountability and respect.

Whether you’re managing your first crew or running a multi-million dollar build, this conversation is a reminder that good construction isn’t just about bricks and budgets, it’s about people.

Takeaways:

• Scott’s early days in construction and what shaped his leadership style
• Why culture beats strategy when it comes to team performance
• How to align project goals with people’s strengths
• The importance of clear, honest communication on every job
• Lessons on handling conflict without damaging trust
• How to balance productivity with people’s well-being
• What younger leaders need to know about accountability and respect
• Why investing in people pays off more than any short-term fix
• Scott’s thoughts on what the construction industry still needs to get right
• Practical advice for leaders who want to build better and lead with heart

Stay connected:

• Kevin Hohe | LinkedIn

And let us know what you think with our feedback form.

Produced by Pineapple Audio Production.

Produced by Pineapple Audio Production

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Atomic Construction Podcast, Kevin Hohe talks with Cesar Barbosa about his inspiring journey from being a Mexican-American immigrant to becoming a successful electrician and founder o of NuLife Power Services.

Cesar shares how trade education, discipline and faith shaped his path, and why he believes mentorship is the key to lifting up the next generation of tradespeople.

They discuss the practical challenges of building a business in the trades, the importance of updating aging solar systems and how Cesar’s company is bridging technical solutions with community impact. This conversation is also a call for unity, reminding listeners that in a divided world, we need bridges and walls, profit and purpose, and above all, people who give back.

Takeaways:

• Cesar’s story from immigrant roots to electrical business owner
• Trade education can open doors to strong, fulfilling careers
• Hard work and discipline matter more than shortcuts
• Entrepreneurship in the trades brings real challenges and real rewards
• Mentorship helps young people succeed in construction and electrical work
• Faith is at the heart of Cesar’s business and life philosophy
• Community support fuels growth, personally and professionally
• Nu Life Power focuses on fixing and upgrading aging solar systems
• Cesar believes unity and understanding are vital in a divided world
• Continuous learning and self-improvement keep tradespeople moving forward

Stay connected:

• Kevin Hohe | LinkedIn

And let us know what you think with our feedback form.

Produced by Pineapple Audio Production.

Produced by Pineapple Audio Production

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Atomic Construction Podcast, Kevin Hohe sits down with Austin Schmitz to unpack his journey through the construction industry. Austin shares how curiosity, grit, and a willingness to learn helped him build a meaningful career in an industry where every day brings new challenges.

They talk about the power of mentorship, what good leadership really looks like on a site, and why mistakes can be the best teachers if you stay open to growth. Austin reflects on the realities of the modern construction industry, how teamwork holds projects together, and what advice he’d give to the next generation stepping into the trades.

Takeaways:

• How Austin got his start in construction
• The importance of showing up and doing the work well
• Lessons learned on site that shaped his leadership approach
• Why mentorship matters in building a career in construction
• Balancing project demands with people management
• Learning from mistakes and turning them into strengths
• Why curiosity and adaptability keep you growing

Stay connected:

• Kevin Hohe | LinkedIn

And let us know what you think with our feedback form.

Produced by Pineapple Audio Production.

Produced by Pineapple Audio Production

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this conversation, Kevin and Kyle discuss various aspects of the construction industry, focusing on project updates, the importance of building a construction community, and the principles of lean construction.

They explore the challenges faced in the industry, the need for efficient project management, and the significance of establishing core values that align with lean practices. The discussion emphasizes the necessity of reducing waste and maximizing value in construction projects, while also addressing the cultural shifts required to implement these changes effectively.

Takeaways:

• The construction industry is currently facing significant challenges related to project management and efficiency
• Building a community for construction professionals can help elevate the industry as a whole
• Lean construction focuses on reducing waste and maximizing value in projects
• Establishing core values that align with lean practices is essential for success
• The importance of continuous improvement and communication in construction projects cannot be overstated
• Creating a clean and organized work environment is a fundamental step towards lean practices
• Incentive-based contracts can foster collaboration and trust among project stakeholders
• The construction industry needs to shift from a fear-based mindset to one focused on value and collaboration
• Education and resources on lean construction are crucial for industry professionals
• The vision for a construction community aims to reach millions and transform the industry

Stay connected:

• Kevin Hohe | LinkedIn

Read about the Toyota Production System here,

And let us know what you think with our feedback form.

Produced by Pineapple Audio Production.

Produced by Pineapple Audio Production

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Atomic Construction, Kevin Hohe and Kyle Nitchen dive into the official launch of Project OS; a custom-built Notion template designed specifically for the construction industry. Project OS addresses a long-standing gap in the tools available for efficient project oversight and team coordination.

Kyle shares the inspiration behind the product, how years of hands-on project management led to its development, and why Project OS could be a game-changer for construction professionals. They unpack the features, discuss the pricing model, and explore how this tool empowers project managers and operations executives to gain visibility, structure their work, and streamline their workflow, without relying on complex ERP systems.

Whether you're running a single build or juggling multiple projects, this episode offers insight into how digital tools like Project OS can help construction teams move faster, stay aligned, and build better.

Takeaways:

• Atomic Construction Group has launched Project OS, a Notion-based project resource tool.
• Project OS is designed to fill a gap in construction project management systems.
• The template is user-friendly, customizable, and ideal for small-to-mid-sized teams.
• The tool supports multi-project visibility and clear task organization.
• It’s not an ERP — it’s a lightweight, flexible solution for PMs and execs.
• Kyle developed Project OS based on his extensive personal use of Notion.
• The platform helps streamline communication, tracking, and deliverables across teams.
• Project OS is part of Atomic’s mission to improve how construction gets done.
• Kyle’s vision is to empower leaders in the field with better, smarter tools.

Stay connected:

• Kevin Hohe | LinkedIn

And let us know what you think with our feedback form.

Produced by Pineapple Audio Production.

Produced by Pineapple Audio Production

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Atomic Construction, Kevin Hohe sits down with Peggy Aschenbrenner to trace her bold journey from the world of healthcare leadership into the fast-paced construction industry.

Peggy shares how a strict upbringing and a strong work ethic shaped her early career, her experiences leading through the chaos of COVID-19, and why she ultimately made the leap into construction.

They explore what it takes to lead with values, adapt across industries, and build a workplace culture that empowers people to thrive. From ethical challenges in healthcare to scheduling challenges in construction, Peggy’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and purpose.

Key Takeaways

• Peggy’s disciplined childhood instilled responsibility and independence
• She worked multiple jobs and graduated college early
• Transitioned from sales to leadership roles in healthcare
• COVID-19 reinforced her need for change and values-driven leadership
• Her husband played a key role in supporting her demanding career
• Moving into construction gave her new energy and opportunity
• She believes people in construction are generous with knowledge

Stay connected:

• Kevin Hohe | LinkedIn

And let us know what you think with our feedback form.

Produced by Pineapple Audio Production.

Produced by Pineapple Audio Production

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Atomic Construction, Kevin Hohe and Kyle Nitchen dive into what it really means to lead, at work and in life.

They talk about the power of vision, the mental load of always being “on,” and how knowing your purpose (your ikigai) can lead to a more fulfilling career and a healthier mindset.

Kyle opens up about welcoming his second child and the lessons that came with stepping back and trusting his team. Together, they explore the balance between leadership and management, the emotional discipline required to disconnect, and why redefining wealth beyond money might be the secret to long-term success in the construction industry.

This conversation is packed with reflections on personal growth, resilience, and the importance of creating space; for your team, your goals, and your own mental health.

In this episode, we cover:

• The challenges and rewards of stepping away from projects
• Why empowering your team is key to sustainable leadership
• How to create margin in life for what really matters
• The mental health pressures in construction—and how to navigate them
• How to define success in a way that works for you
• The concept of ikigai and why purpose fuels performance
• How “time wealth” can be more valuable than financial wealth
• Using money as a tool, not the goal
• Why growth mindset matters more than perfection
• Building a meaningful life by knowing what’s “enough”

Stay connected:

• Kevin Hohe | LinkedIn

And let us know what you think with our feedback form.

Produced by Pineapple Audio Production.

Produced by Pineapple Audio Production

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.