Ep. 140: Investing in Yourself, with David White

CONEXPO – CON/AGG Podcast: Construction Business Insights For Contractors

Today marks a very special episode as Taylor welcomes none other than the President and Owner of Ken White Construction to the podcast - his father, David White. Beyond the bonds of family, Taylor and David share a remarkable partnership and friendship that has shaped their journey together. Their fascinating conversation here today constitutes an exploration of such topics as their business's humble beginnings, navigating the challenges of the construction industry, and embracing a diverse range of projects.

Together, this dynamic duo unveil the transformative moments that have left an indelible mark on both their business and personal lives, and highlight the qualities of perseverance, adaptability, as well as the power of technology along the way. Drawing upon their own experiences, they review the importance of weathering tough times and adapting to changing circumstances, the delicate art of taking calculated risks, and striking a balance between caution and ambition. As the discussion unfolds, the evolution of technology becomes a focal point, with David's initial uncertainty giving way to the realization of the vast potential offered by platforms like Instagram and YouTube. Through engaging storytelling and open conversations, this father and son combo shares unique insights into building success in both business and life, inspiring listeners to embrace challenges, nurture resilience, and chart their own path to success.

Topics:

• The challenges faced during the early days of Ken White Construction
• The transformative moment of Taylor joining the business
• Lessons learned from financial hardships
• Adaptability during tough times
• Taking calculated risks and finding a balance between caution and ambition
• The evolution of technology and its impact on the construction industry
• The growth and success of Ken White Construction and the role that family plays
• The importance of a strong company culture, employee development, and adapting to attract and retain talented individuals
• David’s evolving role as the business transitions to the next generation

Quotes:

• “Going through tough times is a good business lesson.”
• "You're going to hit some hiccups in life, and you've got to adjust on the fly. COVID taught us that."
• "Don't go too crazy and extend yourself out too much at a long distance. Set yourself up better for the 'what if' moments."
• "The key is to have a resilient mindset and embrace both caution and ambition. It's about finding the right balance."
• "The evolution of technology has opened new doors for our business. Platforms like Instagram and YouTube have been game-changers."
• “The people that were asking the questions and thinking, ‘What are you doing?” - the business guys - they are trying to catch up and they're following you and they're telling me about the stuff that you're posting.”
• "It's a great family-run business... we're setting it up for future generations, and that's the whole goal in the business for me... I think we're headed in the right direction for sure. And it's about the family and the future."
• "The success of a family business over three generations that you do today can be the success of tomorrow. And I think that that's really, really exciting to highlight."

Links:

• Taylor White on LinkedIn
• To see highlights from the 2023 show, go to: https://www.conexpoconagg.com/show-experience/show-highlights
• Komatsu Homepage
• Ken White Construction