How Smart Planning and Trust-Based Leadership Can Make Construction Projects More Profitable
When people think about construction, they often assume that once the shovels hit the ground, the hardest part of the project is underway. But according to Clint Schmitz, founder of Schmitz Design Build, the real challenges come long before construction begins.
From navigating city regulations and entitlements to ensuring project feasibility, the groundwork for a successful project requires strategic planning, relationship-building, and strong leadership.
Listen to our interview with Clint on the Construction Trailblazers podcast.
In this blog post, we’ll dive into Clint’s insights on how small businesses can adopt big-company efficiencies, why trust-based leadership is essential in construction, and what it really takes to ensure projects are completed smoothly and profitably.
Key Takeaways:
Effective Communication Matters – Meetings should be a two-way street. If you’re talking more than 30% of the time, you’re likely missing out on valuable input from your team. Creating space for dialogue helps build trust, improves collaboration, and ensures everyone is aligned on project goals.
Accountability Starts at Hiring – Bringing the right people onto the team means setting clear expectations from the start. Hiring for accountability means selecting individuals who take ownership of their roles, follow through on commitments, and proactively address issues rather than waiting for direction.
Crisis Management Defines Leaders – When challenges arise, strong leaders don’t just react—they step up with confidence and a problem-solving mindset. Whether it’s handling a project delay or navigating client concerns, the ability to stay composed and find solutions quickly sets the best professionals apart.
Preparation Over Reaction – Success in construction isn’t just about managing the project—it’s about managing relationships. Investing time in understanding all project stakeholders, from subcontractors to local officials, before issues arise leads to smoother execution and fewer surprises.
Trust Before the Project Begins – Strong relationships with key players—contractors, suppliers, and even bankers—shouldn’t start when a problem arises. Proactively building trust before the project kicks off can prevent costly delays, miscommunications, and setbacks.
The Biggest Construction Challenge Isn’t Building—It’s Planning
For many construction projects, the hardest part isn’t the actual build—it’s getting approvals, entitlements, and city buy-in.
Clint explains that working with city planners and navigating regulations can be one of the most time-consuming and frustrating aspects of the process. Every jurisdiction has different requirements, and without proper guidance, business owners can find themselves stuck in endless back-and-forth negotiations.
His advice? Start with the end in mind.
Work with a contractor before purchasing land to ensure feasibility.
Understand city requirements early to avoid costly redesigns or delays.
Develop relationships with key stakeholders (planners, city officials, economic development councils) to smooth the approval process.
Take advantage of tax incentives and funding programs that many small businesses overlook.
By tackling these challenges upfront, projects move through approvals faster, saving time, money, and stress.
Why Small Businesses Deserve Big Business Efficiency
Many mom-and-pop businesses struggle with inefficiency in the construction process simply because they lack access to the same technology and streamlined systems used by Fortune 500 companies.
Clint and his team bridge this gap by implementing high-level project management software, automation, and data-driven decision-making—without increasing costs. How?
Shorter project cycles: While large-scale commercial projects might take 2-3 years, small business projects often wrap up in 6-8 months, allowing for efficiency without added overhead.
Leveraging modern tools: Utilizing cloud-based project management and real-time data tracking keeps things on schedule and within budget.
Minimizing costly miscommunications: By integrating tech-forward solutions, Schmitz Design Build reduces confusion between subcontractors, vendors, and clients.
The result? Small business owners get access to enterprise-level construction efficiency without enterprise-level costs.
The Power of Trust-Based Leadership in Construction
At the core of Schmitz Design Build’s success is trust-based leadership.
“People just want to be heard,” Clint says.
Instead of jumping into negotiations with city planners, vendors, or clients with demands, Clint’s team listens first, then strategizes.
Key Leadership Lessons:
Don’t react emotionally—pause and assess the situation.
Understand the ‘why’ behind requests or challenges before offering solutions.
Take a collaborative, win-win approach—whether working with clients, city officials, or vendors.
Encourage extreme ownership within teams—everyone should take full responsibility for their work and its impact.
By creating a culture of listening and accountability, Clint ensures that his team and clients work toward solutions that keep projects moving forward instead of getting stuck in conflicts.
How to Build a Stronger Construction Team
Clint’s hiring strategy focuses on more than just technical skills—he looks for people who can stay calm under pressure, think strategically, and build relationships.
Hiring Strategies That Work:
Look for problem-solvers who can de-escalate situations.
Use the 70/30 Rule in conversations—if you’re talking more than 30% of the time, you’re not listening enough.
Encourage continuous learning and leadership development. Every new hire at Schmitz Design Build receives a copy of Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink to reinforce accountability and responsibility from day one.
By focusing on these qualities, Clint has built a team that prioritizes client success, adapts to challenges, and continuously improves.
Final Thoughts: What Construction Leaders Can Do Today
If you’re a business owner planning a construction project, take these steps to ensure a smoother, more profitable experience:
Build relationships early—connect with contractors, city officials, and industry experts before you need them.
Think long-term—approach your project with a strategic mindset rather than reacting to issues as they arise.
Prioritize trust-based leadership—whether you’re working with vendors, employees, or city officials, listening and collaboration drive success.
Adopt tech-forward solutions—even small businesses can benefit from automation and project management tools.
Embrace extreme ownership—hold yourself and your team accountable to create a culture of efficiency and excellence.
For more insights on leadership, operations, and streamlining construction, subscribe to the Construction Trailblazers podcast for the latest episodes and expert interviews.