The Serkel: Recent Episodes
Mark Christensen
A web series and podcast highlighting business, entrepreneurship, technology innovation, and adventure within the construction industry.
Steve Thomas is the owner and president of Flex Erect, a steel erection firm based in Houston, with tentacles stretching to Georgia and Arkansas. Steve took over from the founder in 2015, bought the company in 2019, and has overseen tremendous growth since. As GC, Mark has subcontracted Flex Erect on several projects and has a growing admiration for the way in which Steve operates his company. Listen to Steve detail his commitment to safety and overhaul of their entire safety program, how Flex Erect has responded to supply chain struggles, and how he's been able to compete with much bigger players for the jobs he's won.
Mike Kuchar is a licensed CPA and Shareholder at Doeren Mayhew. In 2011, Mike moved from Detroit to Houston and shortly thereafter started the firms’ Construction Group, which he still leads today. With a relentless networking strategy, Mike has built Doeren Mayhew’s Construction Group into one of the premiere accounting groups in the Houston construction industry. Mike details how he got into his current niche and doles out several bits of great advice for new and growing construction firms.
Alex Armistead is the founder of White Oak Pools, a custom pool builder based in North Houston. Mark and Alex discuss why he decided to quit his real estate job to start a construction firm, starting a business as the Covid-19 pandemic kicked off, and the pool building process from both sides of the project. Visit https://whiteoakpoolandpatio.com/ and be sure to follow them on social media @whiteoakpoolandpatio.
Alec Udell is a 25-year-old professional racing driver and coach from The Woodlands, Texas with 22 wins and 3 championship titles to his name. Introduced to motorsports by his grandfather, Chuck, Alec was in a go-kart at the age of three and began his racing career in cars at just 16 years of age. “Racing and motorsports has been in my life as long as I can remember,” says Alec. “The passion, camaraderie, and emotions in the sport have hooked me for life. I seek to help show the amazing sport to the work, and through it create impacts that last a lifetime.” Alec sat down with Mark to discuss his early racing career, running go-kart and car shops to support it, and what his ultimate goals are, both behind the wheel and in entrepreneurship.
@UdellAlec
Jay Shackelford – Founder and President of Shackelford Construction and Hauling, a Yazoo City, Mississippi based site development, earthwork, and utility contractor. Jay started Shackelford Construction and Hauling in 2010 and has quickly become one of the premier earthwork and utility companies in the South. Listen to Jay share the history of their start-up and growth from a small local Mississippi company to a major regional construction construction company specializing in large rail served facilities. Learn about his innovative and creative approach to starting, developing, and growing a business in a very competitive and logistically challenging industry. Jay shares valuable business insight and lessons learned from years of challenging and exciting growth as a business owner and entrepreneur.
Brothers Jeff and Ken Kilgore started Kilgore Industries together over twenty years ago. Now it's one of the largest MEP contractors in Houston. Watch Jeff walk us through their welding and machine shops and check out an awesome project in Austin on Serkel #2!
Spencer Ashton – Founder and CEO of Ashton Sawing & Drilling, a Houston, Texas based concrete sawing, drilling, and placement contractor. Established in 2000, Ashton Sawing & Drilling has grown to become the largest concrete saw cutting and drilling company in Houston. Spencer discusses the challenges and risks he has faced during his 20 years in business along with tips and advice that has helped him and his team create a growing business and successful organization. From startup and growth challenges to culture development and relationship management, Spencer give us some valuable insight into his journey as an entrepreneur and business leader.