In the world of construction, managing projects for billionaires isn’t just about blueprints and budgets—it’s about mindset, leadership, and a relentless commitment to excellence. Robert Burrage, owner of Building for Billionaires (YouTube) and RWB Construction Management, joined us on the latest episode of [Podcast Name] to share his journey, his approach to leadership, and the insights he’s gathered building multi-million dollar homes for the ultra-wealthy.

From overcoming personal setbacks to navigating high-stakes project management, Robert’s story is one of resilience and growth. Here’s a closer look at what it takes to build at the top tier of the industry.

From Humble Beginnings to High-End Construction

Robert’s path to becoming a high-end contractor began with a pivotal moment in his life: an injury that derailed his dreams of a football career and instead led him to the U.S. Marine Corps. This detour, he says, instilled in him a sense of discipline and an appreciation for hierarchy and teamwork, qualities that have been instrumental in his journey.

After leaving the military, Robert found his way into construction management, initially starting out as a green project manager. Although he lacked traditional experience, his background in IT and his dedication to learning helped him move up quickly. Robert reminds us that sometimes, resilience and adaptability are the biggest assets in any career.

Leading with Precision and Purpose

As Robert grew his career, he encountered both unique challenges and rewarding opportunities. Stepping into management roles early, he faced the difficulty of leading team members who had years more experience. "It was a humbling experience," he admits. But it was through this that he developed a knack for both respecting the knowledge of seasoned professionals and driving change when necessary.

Today, he leads RWB Construction Management with a distinct approach, starting each week with team meetings that keep everyone aligned and accountable. “Some might say it’s a lot of meetings,” he shares with a laugh, “but I can almost measure the value in dollars.” Robert’s leadership is built on the belief that face-to-face communication fosters transparency, accountability, and unity—a message that resonates strongly with any team-focused business.

Creating a People-First Culture

For Robert, building multi-million dollar homes is only part of the job. The other part is building relationships—with clients, team members, and subcontractors. He believes that success is achieved by “pouring into the individual,” helping team members grow and feel ownership of their roles.

One of his unique hiring philosophies? Recruiting people from diverse backgrounds, including bartenders and servers, who often possess skills in multitasking and customer service that are invaluable in the construction industry. “We look for people who want to grow, learn, and bring initiative,” Robert explains. With the right training and support, he believes almost anyone can learn the technical side of the job.

Delivering White-Glove Service to High-Net-Worth Clients

Working with billionaires brings unique expectations. Clients expect both high-quality results and a certain level of personal service. Robert’s team coined the term “concierge builder,” taking on responsibilities beyond construction, from registering clients’ vehicles to coordinating with local services.

The lesson? Building trust and going the extra mile strengthens relationships. Robert shares a memorable story about taking on a small barbecue area renovation for a client. Although it was a modest project for his company, this relationship eventually led to $20 million in future work from the same client—a testament to the value of always saying “yes” when the right opportunity comes along.

Continuous Improvement: Learning and Adapting

For Robert, every completed project is a lesson. He and his team conduct “after-action” reviews to assess what went well, what could improve, and how to apply those lessons moving forward. This commitment to continuous improvement is evident in the changes they’ve implemented, such as adding a logistics company to handle project supplies during the pandemic. By learning from past experiences, Robert and his team can adapt to challenges and consistently improve their processes.

Whether you’re in construction, contracting, or business leadership, Robert’s insights remind us that success doesn’t come overnight. It’s built piece by piece through determination, adaptability, and a commitment to people-first leadership.

Robert’s approach to business goes beyond construction techniques. It’s about mindset, leadership, and taking care of your team and clients. His journey offers valuable lessons for anyone who wants to build a thriving business and a lasting reputation. If you’re ready to be inspired by the work of one of the best in the field, listen to the full episode with Robert Burrage and learn how you can apply these principles in your own business.

Show Notes

‍Key Topics:

• Robert’s journey from the Marine Corps to luxury construction leadership, and how his unique background in IT and project management shaped his career.
• The leadership challenges and lessons he learned managing a team with seasoned professionals, along with his approach to accountability through consistent weekly team meetings.
• Building a strong, growth-oriented company culture and his belief in hiring team members from diverse backgrounds who possess initiative and drive.
• The concept of “concierge builder” service for high-net-worth clients and how going the extra mile, even on small projects, has resulted in millions of dollars of new business.
• The importance of “after-action” reviews for continuous improvement, enabling his team to learn from every project and refine their processes in high-stakes environments.

Quotes:

• "I’d rather see someone fail trying than not try at all."
• "The more I pour into the individual, the better the business gets."
• "Perception is everything. Representing who you want to be starts with consistency."

Tune In To Learn:

• How military discipline has shaped Robert’s approach to leadership.
• Why taking on small projects for high-net-worth clients can lead to big opportunities.
• Practical insights for building a culture of transparency, accountability, and excellence in your own business.

Links and Resources:

• Visit Robert Burrage’s website: rwbdesignbuildlive.com
• Watch more from Building for Billionaires on their YouTube Channel
• Follow Profit Tool Belt on Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn

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