How Construction Mirrors the Service Industry: Mastering the Art of Communication

I’ve spent a lot of time in the service industry—waiting tables, bartending, you name it. And I can tell you this: the lessons I learned serving tables are the same lessons that help me run a successful construction business today. You might not think that slinging drinks and managing job sites have much in common, but they do. It all comes down to one thing—communication.

In the restaurant world, when things get chaotic, we say we’re "in the weeds." That feeling of being buried under a pile of tasks with no end in sight? Yeah, that happens in construction too. You’ve got projects running behind schedule, subcontractors who don’t show up, clients emailing nonstop, punch lists that never end—suddenly, you’re in the weeds.

The difference between thriving and drowning isn’t about how busy you are. It’s about how you communicate when you’re overwhelmed. Back in the day, when I’d get slammed with tables, I learned a simple trick: just tell the customer the truth. Walk up to the table and say, “Hey, I’m getting crushed right now. I want to give you great service, but I’m a little backed up. Can I get you drinks to start while I catch up?”

Guess what? People appreciated it. They weren’t mad that I was busy. They were thankful I was honest.

Now, apply that to your construction business. If you’re behind on a project, don’t avoid the client’s calls. Don’t let their emails sit unanswered for days. Just reach out: “Hey, I’m buried right now, but I want to keep you updated. We’ve hit a few delays, but here’s what we’re doing to get back on track.”

That’s it. Simple, clear, honest communication.

Here’s another thing I’ve learned: when you’re honest about being in the weeds, people are more likely to help you. In the restaurant, if I told my team, “Hey, I’m drowning,” they’d jump in—run food, refill drinks, cover a table. In construction, when you communicate with your team, they’ll step up too. Your subcontractors will understand. Your clients will be patient. But they can’t read your mind. You’ve got to speak up.

The LLC—Lesson Learned Conversation—here is simple: Communication is the bridge between chaos and control. It’s the tool that keeps your business running smoothly, even when you’re knee-deep in the weeds. Whether you’re a contractor on a job site or an entrepreneur running your own company, mastering the art of communication will set you apart.

So next time you’re in the weeds, don’t panic. Don’t ignore the problem. Just communicate. You’ll be surprised how far honesty can take you.