Leadership in the Eye of the Storm - Brandon

The construction industry demands a special kind of leadership—one that can weather uncertain timelines, juggle countless responsibilities, and maintain a steady hand when everything seems to be happening at once. Brandon, project manager at Sherman Builders, embodies this resilience as he navigates the complexities of construction management in Minnesota's challenging climate.

From uncertain beginnings where he left an established career to join Sherman without a clearly defined role, Brandon's story is one of adaptability and growth. Now managing an entire housing division, he offers rare transparency into the day-to-day realities of keeping multiple construction projects moving forward simultaneously. "It feels like a vortex," he explains, describing how a single crew call can cascade into hours of problem-solving across multiple projects. In the midst of Minnesota's precious and short building season, every working day counts.

Brandon shares his philosophy of "not renting space in his head" for unimportant matters—a mental discipline that allows him to maintain focus amid chaos. This approach extends to his leadership style, where mutual respect forms the foundation of his relationships with crews and subcontractors. "I want them to respect me, and I'll certainly respect you," he explains, prioritizing this quality above being liked or merely trusted.

What stands out most is Brandon's pursuit of the elusive "perfect build"—a project free from callbacks, mistakes, or communication issues. While acknowledging the rarity of such an achievement, this north star guides his daily decisions and pushes him toward excellence. Beyond professional aspirations, he shares a compelling personal dream to someday navigate the entire Mississippi River by boat, revealing the adventurous spirit that balances his methodical approach to work.

Whether you're managing construction projects or leading any team through complexity, Brandon's insights offer valuable perspective on maintaining balance, setting priorities, and pursuing excellence while still dreaming of new horizons. How might his approach to "not renting space" for unimportant matters transform your own leadership journey?

0:00 Finding Place at Sherman Builders

6:00 Minnesota's Short Building Season Challenges

15:45 Managing Communication and Phone Calls

23:00 Scheduling Crews and Fill-in Work

30:10 Procrastination and Leadership Blindspots

38:30 Leadership Philosophy and Avoiding Burnout

48:15 Pursuing the Perfect Build

54:30 Future Dreams and Mississippi River Adventures