Podcast

Quit Getting Screwed Podcast

The Quit Getting Screw Podcast, hosted by licensed attorney Karalynn Cromeens, explores managing contractors, how to build a smarter business and avoid litigation. In this legal driven show, find the tools, detailed insight and confidence to side step common challenges and thrive in the construction industry.

Meet the host of "Quit Getting Screwed"

Published author, award-winning lawyer, devoted leader, and seasoned managing partner of The Cromeens Law Firm (TCLF), Karalynn Cromeens is sparking change in the construction industry.

Building Your Health, Brick by Bite Dr. Beata Lerman spent decades in biomedical research before deciding food could improve health. She left traditional science to start Sinless Treats Chocolate, a chocolate factory focused on nutrition. Today, Dr. Lerman shares: – what happens when you feed your body the wrong building blocks – how ultra-processed foods affect your health – and why her experiments with chocolate led to a unique approach to wellness Learn more about Sinless Treats Chocolate here: https://sinlesstreatschocolate.com/
How can the fragmented painting industry be united for greater success? Benson Fechter saw opportunity in an industry of thousands of small businesses and began acquiring high-performing painting companies under Legacy Paint Holdings. By implementing shared systems and a focus on operational excellence, he helps local contractors scale revenue and build generational wealth. His approach blends blue-collar grit with strategic growth.
Scott Payne spent 28 years in law enforcement, much of it undercover with the FBI. His decision to write Code Name: Pale Horse came after encouragement from friends and a Rolling Stone article about his career. The process brought unexpected connections with readers and forced him to reflect on personal and professional challenges, including maintaining a double life and the impact on his family. Payne discusses lessons from his upbringing in his family’s landscaping business, the importance of work ethic, and insights into law enforcement culture, including mental health struggles and the concept of warrior mentality. Payne describes the transition to speaking and teaching after retiring, sharing lessons to help others avoid past mistakes.
Navigating the world of facial plastic surgery and entrepreneurship is no small feat. Today’s guest, Dr. Angela Sturm, shares her journey from West Texas to becoming a double board certified facial plastic surgeon in Houston. Her insights on building a successful practice during a pandemic and the importance of mission-driven business leadership offer valuable lessons for any industry. Learn how she balances surgery with running a team and what she wishes she knew before encountering disputes. Dr. Sturm’s story is full of real-world advice and candid lessons every business owner can relate to.
Ryan Kelly’s journey from college football to founding KHB Construction is rooted in resilience and mental toughness, traits he developed as an ultra-marathon runner and endurance athlete. In this conversation with Karalynn, he shares how those experiences shape his leadership and business strategies. Transparency and accountability guide his approach to managing expectations in construction. By fostering a strong team culture aligned with the company’s mission, Ryan creates an environment built on trust and collaboration. He also highlights the role of technology and strategic marketing in driving growth. From leveraging SEO and Google My Business to educating clients, Ryan emphasizes the importance of staying innovative in the remodeling industry. At the heart of it all is his commitment to empowering his team through a shared vision for success.
What strategies can construction business leaders use to harness the power of collaboration? Karalynn Cromeens shares insights from her experience as a construction litigator and industry veteran. By collaborating with a team, setting clear goals, and leveraging a strategic plan, businesses can thrive. The essence lies in using collective creativity and ongoing assessment to navigate toward desired achievements effectively.
Why struggle with the complexities of data when AI-driven solutions could simplify it all? Scott Binger, CEO of Evolytix leverages his expertise to turn fragmented data into strategic insights for businesses. Their flagship product, Dashbud, allows companies to ask natural language questions and get meaningful analytics without compromising data privacy. This breakthrough means that even intricate data from various systems can now easily be analyzed to optimize business processes.
Episode 180: How can construction professionals protect themselves from unpredictable material price increases and tariffs? Karalynn Cromeens emphasizes the importance of including a material price escalation clause in contracts to safeguard against financial strain due to rising costs. These clauses ensure contractors and subcontractors can recover any additional expenses when prices surge. By being proactive in contract provisions, businesses can prevent financial setbacks in uncertain times.
This episode is a lifesaver. Meet guest Gail Gould, known as The CPR and Safety Lady in the greater #houston area. She has over 30 years’ experience in CPR training and certification. Her passion is to help teach as many people as possible about correct CPR techniques in order to save lives.
Discover how inclusion is transforming the construction industry, breaking barriers, and building a stronger, more diverse workforce for the future. Guest, Dr. Gretchen Gagel is a trailblazer, passionate about leveraging her success in the construction industry to help all women and underrepresented communities thrive. She partners with organizations to think strategically about diversity, equity, and inclusion; leads programs on leadership and networking; and coaches women to success.