AMBASSADOR UPDATES
TJ’s advice on the challenges and market changes relevant to SME construction companies searching for talent on the West Coast.
Frequency: every month or two.
And confusing the two will cost you great hires. Most hiring leaders say they want top talent. But too often, when a promising candidate disengages or turns down the offer, the blame lands on candidate quality—as if the problem was the person, not the process. Here’s the truth:A talented candidate who doesn’t align with your […]
Recruiting isn’t insurance.But the industry keeps selling it like it is—and clients are paying the price. 🔍 The Problem: Guarantees That Backfire The recruiting industry has painted itself into a corner. In a well-intentioned effort to show goodwill, most firms now offer a **”replacement guarantee”—**a promise that if the candidate doesn’t work out, they’ll find […]
Stop guessing. Start signaling what really matters. Hiring the right superintendent is half the battle. Paying and tracking their compensation in a way that drives performance, retention, and trust? That’s the other half—and it’s where many companies get stuck. This guide breaks down the many ways to base and track superintendent compensation, with examples, decision […]
In April 2025, the construction management job market on the West Coast is defined by a mix of robust demand, unique regional challenges, and emerging opportunities for professionals with specialized skills. Drawing on publicly available data and industry reports, here’s what’s shaping the industry this month. 1. Strong Demand in Urban HubsCities like Los Angeles, […]
Most leaders understand the importance of self-awareness at an individual level. But what about at the organizational level? If your company lacks self-awareness—both emotionally and operationally—it’s like driving a truck with mud-covered mirrors. You can’t see your weaknesses, which means you keep making the same costly mistakes. This is especially dangerous when it comes to […]
Introduction: The Hidden Danger of Narcissistic Hires Some of the worst hiring mistakes start with a dazzling first impression. The candidate seems highly confident, articulate, and accomplished—someone who knows exactly how to impress in an interview. But once they’re hired, the honeymoon phase doesn’t last long. The same qualities that seemed like confidence and charisma […]
…and how to spot the ones worth trusting Recruiters can open doors, build careers, and change lives.But not all recruiter relationships are created equal. Most candidates don’t know what to watch out for—until they’ve already wasted time, energy, and emotional capital on a relationship that wasn’t built to serve them. The truth is: many recruiters […]
“I’m looking for something in the $100–120K range, depending on the opportunity.” You’ve probably said it. It sounds smart. Flexible. Safe. But in most hiring conversations, that answer does more harm than good. Here’s why: it hides your thinking.And when you’re unclear, we (and your future employer) can’t advocate for you, evaluate you fairly, or […]
(And How to Avoid Getting Stuck in Hiring Limbo) On paper, junior roles like Project Engineers should be easy hires. More available talent. Lower salary expectations. No need for decades of experience. But if you’ve tried to fill one of these roles recently, you might’ve found yourself wondering: Why is this so much harder than […]
What kind of leverage does this role create for your business? That’s the question most companies don’t ask when they balk at recruiter fees. And it’s why so many of them end up overpaying—just not in cash. They overpay in lost opportunities, underperformance, and team strain. Recruiting fees only seem expensive when you’re not thinking […]
