What does it take to turn an ambitious vision into a buildable, fundable reality?
In this episode of Leadership Blueprints, host BJ Kraemer sits down with Brad Tubbs, president of Willis Construction Consulting, to discuss cost estimating, risk management, and the leadership role estimators play in complex construction projects. In their conversation, Brad explains why great estimators do far more than assign numbers to drawings, how estimators mentally build projects long before design is complete, and how they help owners and teams make better decisions earlier in the process.
Brad shares how early estimating supports smarter planning and stronger project outcomes and unpacks the importance of communication, trust, team dynamics, and leadership. Brad also shares the lessons he has learned from leading his own firm, why estimating remains deeply creative work, and why the ability to think critically, communicate clearly, and ask better questions still matters.
Tune in to hear why cost estimating is not just a technical service, but a strategic advantage for owners, project teams, and future leaders in the built environment.
Key Points From This Episode:
- What early-stage cost estimating looks like and how estimators translate vision into scope.
- Learn how estimators break large creative ideas down into a detailed scope and budget.
- Discover how estimating helps teams navigate risk, feasibility, and budget limitations.
- Explore why effective communication is an essential skill for cost estimators.
- Unpack why cost estimators are value-add rather than extra project cost.
Quotes:
“[Estimators] really have to define the big scope and then each one of our estimators in their own specialized division whittles that down into the small scope.” — Brad Tubbs
“The real value of an estimator – is the creativity and the imagination that you have to have as an estimator to understand what’s not currently shown in the documents and apply a solution to what’s not shown.” — Brad Tubbs
“The estimator is the person, in the team, who really is most intimate with the project as a whole.” — Brad Tubbs
“Learn the drawings, learn the process of design and engineering so that you can manage projects well, but also learn to communicate.” — Brad Tubbs
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Brad Tubbs Email
What is Leadership Blueprints?
Leadership Blueprints is a podcast dedicated to helping leaders align teams, navigate chaos, and accomplish the mission. Hosted by BJ Kraemer—West Point graduate, combat veteran, and President & CEO of MCFA—this show dives into the principles, stories, and strategies behind effective leadership.
With a background in military service and experience leading teams in business, infrastructure, and complex projects, BJ understands that success comes down to execution, adaptability, and leading people well. Through in-depth interviews with accomplished leaders across business, sports, the military, and beyond, Leadership Blueprints will help you bring your vision to reality on projects that shape communities and industries.
Whether you’re leading in the boardroom, on the field, in the military, or within your own organization, this podcast is designed to provide the tools and mindset needed to lead with clarity, resilience, and purpose. Subscribe now and start building your Leadership Blueprint.