Seeing Blind Spots & Avoiding Expensive Mistakes with Matt Chitwood - Pivium

Building Scale

We interview successful Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) business leaders to learn how they use people, processes, and technology to scale their businesses.

Seeing Blind Spots & Avoiding Expensive Mistakes with Matt Chitwood - Pivium

E134 • Oct 7, 2025 • 62 mins

Matt Chitwood shares his journey in the AEC industry and Pivium's challenges. He discusses their recent warehouse move, leadership changes, and balancing tradition with innovation. Matt shares insights on family dynamics, accountability in delegation, and hiring practices in family businesses. He explores leadership, managing personality traits, and the importance of an effective board, including lessons from tough advice. The episode also covers navigating technology challenges, risk assessments, and engaging with the local business community. Matt also underscores the value of networking.

Key Points

Building a board with objective, external advisors rather than close friends or internal stakeholders is crucial for receiving unbiased and constructive feedback.
Delegating responsibilities effectively and trusting team members to make decisions is essential for leadership and company growth.
Getting involved in the local business community early on can provide valuable connections and support that are critical for long-term success.

Connect with Matt Chitwood - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewchitwood/ Website: https://www.pivium.com/ Connect with Justin & Will - Will's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willforet/ Justin's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justneagle/ Learn More & Connect With Spot Migration - Website: https://www.spotmigration.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/spot-migration Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spotmigration YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Spotmigration Do you want to be a guest on the show? Go to https://buildingscale.net/guests Need to discuss your IT and Cybersecurity Strategy? Go to https://buildingscale.net/help

Speakers

Matt Chitwood

Guest • 73%

Will Foret

Host • 11%

Will Foret

Host • 2%

Justin Neagle

Host • 14%

Chapters

0:00	Introduction and guest Matt Chitwood
2:25	Matt's entry into the AEC industry and Pivium's challenges
6:23	Warehouse move and leadership changes at Pivium
11:14	The role of tradition and innovation in scaling
17:55	Handling family dynamics and avoiding stagnation
23:16	The significance of accountability in delegation
28:16	Incorporating hiring and family business practices
31:33	Leadership and managing personality traits
34:08	The creation and influence of a board
38:59	Strategies for building an effective board
44:25	Learning from tough board advice
48:09	Navigating technology challenges in business
51:36	Risk assessments for business continuity
54:30	Matt's advice to his younger self
55:49	Engaging with the local business community
57:22	The importance of networking
58:25	Contacting Matt Chitwood
59:45	Matt's final insights on community in business
1:00:48	Hosts' closing thoughts on community value
1:01:33	Recap and final call to action
1:01:51	Outro

Transcript

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