Three Bursts of Insight

Welcome everyone, I hope you are doing well and staying safe out there. In this blog, I want to share three insights that have been on my mind recently. None of them on their own may be big enough for a full post, but together they pack a punch.

Before we dive in, I want to share a quick note I received:

Dear Jason, I sincerely appreciate your valuable insights and educational content. I recently stepped into the role of MEP superintendent, but my experience in this position is somewhat limited. I’m eager to enhance my knowledge and perform at my best. If you could recommend materials or resources to help me get up to speed, I would be truly grateful.

Here’s my advice: there really isn’t a single book that will make you a great MEP superintendent. Instead, focus on leadership and relationships. Read Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink and How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie. Learn how to ask questions and partner with your MEP trades.

It’s not about being the technical expert, it’s about building the team, simplifying the mission, prioritizing work, and decentralizing command. When I was in that role, I focused on relationships with utilities, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire sprinklers, concrete, and framing contractors. Together we visualized the work, planned the sequence, and stayed aligned. I wasn’t the smartest person in the room, I was the rhythm keeper. And that’s what makes an effective MEP superintendent.

Now, on to the three insights.

1. You must earn what you want

I’ve realized that what bothers me most about certain people is when they want things they haven’t earned. Over the years I’ve seen employees ask for promotions, perks, or recognition without putting in the effort. It always rubbed me the wrong way.

Contrast that with someone who is working hard, growing, and then asks for training. In that case, I’ll send them to two trainings, not just one. The difference is effort.

The universal law is this: you can only take what you are willing to give. You can only receive what you are willing to work for. Whether it’s a house, a marriage, a business, or a role on a team, everything requires effort.

2. You don’t work hard because it makes sense, you work hard because that’s how it works

Some people hesitate to put in effort because they can’t see the immediate payoff. They’ll say, “Why should I do this? It doesn’t make sense. The pay isn’t enough. There’s no guarantee.”

That’s the wrong mindset. You don’t work hard because the return is obvious. You work hard because that’s how life works. The universe rewards consistent effort.

This doesn’t mean working blindly or being foolish, it means humbly giving your best to whatever is in front of you. I’ve always worked hard, whether it was sweeping a jobsite, planning a project, recording a podcast, or writing a book. That consistent effort has created more opportunities than I can count.

3. Getting a job is like breaking into a building

Recently, I spoke with a military veteran struggling to get hired in construction. I told him: getting a job is like breaking into a building. If the front door doesn’t open, try the back. If that doesn’t work, try calling ahead, showing up as a delivery driver, or coming in as an intern. Keep trying different ways until you get in.

The truth is, construction doesn’t have a people shortage, it has a training shortage. Companies are too picky and only want experienced hires, but few are willing to train. If you’re hungry, persistent, and willing to put in the work, you will find your way in. Once you do, you can go as far as you want.

Key Takeaway

Earn what you want, work hard even when it doesn’t make sense, and keep pushing until you get in the door. That combination will take you further than any shortcut ever could.