In this episode of The Deconstruction Podcast, we sit down with Ben Bruce, owner of Highland Electric in Winnipeg. Ben shares how he built a lean, efficient electrical business by focusing on systems, contracts, and craftsmanship — not chaos.
The Jobtable founders and Ben dive deep into the realities of running a construction business today — from learning to think like a business owner, to protecting yourself with solid contracts, to navigating the future of trades in an AI-driven world.
They also tackle the big questions contractors rarely discuss: when to implement processes, how to get paid faster, and why craftsmanship still matters in a world of automation.
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Chapters / Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro + Contractor Review from Nick
01:00 – Meet Ben Bruce from Highland Electric
04:00 – Why Systems and Feedback Matter
07:00 – The Breaking Point: From Tools to Business
13:00 – Growing Beyond “a Guy in a Truck”
18:00 – The Cost of Inefficiency and Lost Quotes
25:00 – How Jobtable Changed Highland’s Workflow
29:00 – The Truth About Contracts, Change Orders, and Getting Paid
46:00 – What to Do When a Client Doesn’t Pay
52:00 – Associations, Advocacy, and Learning from Other Contractors
58:00 – The Future of Trades: AI, Modular Homes, and Craftsmanship
01:26:00 – Ben’s Billboard Message: Believe You Can
What is The Deconstruction Podcast?
Construction isn’t just about building—it’s about breaking things down to make them better. The Deconstruction Podcast dives deep into the untold stories, insider insights, and success strategies that shape the construction industry. Hosted by the founders of Jobtable, we tackle topics that matter most to contractors and entrepreneurs, sharing actionable advice and interviewing industry leaders who’ve paved the way to success. Whether you’re looking to grow your business, spark new ideas, or stay ahead in the game, this podcast is your ultimate tool for construction and entrepreneurship.
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