The 5-Step Hire Right System: How Construction Business Owners Can Hire Better with Justin Landry

📅 July 13, 2026 ⏱️ 54:36 🎤 Todd Dawalt, Justin Landry

Chapters

Click to jump to section

0:00

The Reactive Hiring Trap

Todd introduces the common problem of emergency hiring in construction and the underlying issues that lead to it.
0:04

Avoiding Desperation Hires

Justin explains the 'reactive hiring trap' where owners hire out of desperation, focusing on skills over cultural fit, and offers a systematic approach instead.
0:10

Recruiting for Growth

The discussion shifts to a proactive recruiting mindset, drawing parallels to college sports, emphasizing continuous talent pipeline building, and growing existing employees.
0:13

Owner's Time & Scarcity Mindset

Todd and Justin discuss the true value of an owner's time and how a scarcity mindset prevents delegation and growth, leading to burnout.
0:21

Step 1: The Magnet

Justin introduces the first step of the "Hire Right" framework, focusing on attracting candidates proactively through diverse channels, not just job postings.
0:25

Step 2 & 3: Filter and Blueprint

The next steps involve using psychometric assessments (IQ, EQ, AQ) to filter candidates efficiently and applying a 'blueprint' with practical exercises and tools like Colby assessments for deeper fit.
0:31

Step 4: The Walkthrough

Justin details the fourth step: a structured, scorecard-based interview process to objectively evaluate candidates on five pillars and reduce bias.
0:38

Motivation Beyond Money

The conversation explores intrinsic and extrinsic motivators, emphasizing that not everyone is solely money-driven, and understanding diverse motivations is key to building a strong team.
0:39

Step 5: The Close

The final step focuses on creating a compelling, hope-based offer that addresses personal and professional growth, demonstrating investment in the new hire's future.
0:46

Client Success Stories

Justin shares success stories of clients like Andrew and Jeremy, who transformed their businesses and lives by implementing the "Hire Right" system and overcoming mental barriers.

Speakers

Todd Dawalt

Host

Justin Landry

Founder of JL Talent Solutions

Key Takeaways

✦

Shift from reactive hiring (when someone quits) to proactive recruiting by maintaining a warm pipeline of candidates at all times.

✦

Implement a multi-channel 'magnet' strategy to attract talent, including social media, career pages, and industry-specific portals, not just job postings.

✦

Utilize psychometric and motivational assessments (like Colby or Preview's IQ, EQ, AQ) to objectively evaluate cultural and role fit, reducing reliance on gut feelings.

✦

Incorporate 'show me' practical exercises (e.g., a two-week lookahead schedule from blueprints for a PM) during the interview process to assess actual skills and knowledge.

✦

Develop a structured, scorecard-based interview process with clear pillars (job, computer, communication skills, personality, presentation) to reduce bias and facilitate objective team discussions.

✦

Craft compelling job offers that appeal to intrinsic motivations (hope, growth, mission, community) beyond just salary, as many top candidates seek more than just money.

✦

Recognize and overcome your 'scarcity brain' or mental malware regarding hiring costs and talent availability; your business's growth and your personal freedom depend on effective delegation and team building.

Want the full experience?

Join the Inner Circle for full access to every episode, AI-powered insights, personalized coaching, and a network of industry leaders.

Join Inner Circle →

← Learning with Mike Guertin on the #moderncraftsmanpodcast

Crossing the Rubicon & the Desperate Ground Principle for Builders →