Podcast: How Justin Runs 12 Exterior Remodel Jobs At Once

Summary:

Ever wondered how a construction company juggles a dozen different jobs at the same time, spread across an entire state? In this episode of the Roofing Siding and Painting Contractors Podcast, Jenni sits down with Justin, the operations manager for Karga Construction, who does exactly that. Justin pulls back the curtain on the logistical magic he uses to coordinate projects from Cincinnati all the way to Toledo. Forget just software; he reveals how his "old-school" 4x8-foot scheduling boards are a crucial part of his system. The real secret, he shares, lies in the human element: fostering deep trust with long-term crews and mastering the art of matching the right team to the right job—right down to knowing which crews "love doing" a steep 12/12 pitch roof and which ones don't.

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Key Takeaways:

1. Don't Underestimate "Old School": While Justin uses software for project management, the central hub for his entire operation is a set of massive 4x8-foot dry-erase boards. This physical, at-a-glance view keeps all crews and jobs visible for weekly planning.

2. Match the Crew to the Job: The key to managing multiple crews isn't just availability; it's specialization. Justin's critical piece of advice is to match the crew to the job, knowing which teams are best at (and happiest doing) specific tasks, like metal roofing or high-pitch jobs.

3. Invest in Long-Term Crew Relationships: Karga Construction doesn't just hire random subcontractors. They work with trusted teams who have been with the founder for 7 to 18 years. These crews are branded as Cargo, which builds trust with homeowners and ensures consistent quality.

4. Logistics Can Make or Break You: Managing materials over a wide area is one of the biggest challenges. Justin's solution is a dedicated team member whose full-time job is managing dump trailers and material runs, ensuring crews on-site can focus on installation without delays.

5. Manage Stress by Preventing the "Worst Case": Justin's strategy for managing stress is to proactively identify the worst possible thing that could happen on any job—like damaging a one-of-a-kind stained-glass window at a church—and then doing everything in his power to protect it and prevent that disaster from ever happening.