Passing the Hard Hat: Succession Planning Lessons for Family Construction Businesses | The Family Biz Show Episode 120

2025-10-06

Jerry Aliberti, construction industry veteran and founder of Pro-Accel, joins Michael Palumbos to reveal what it really takes to design a smooth succession plan in family-owned construction businesses—and why most founders wait too long to start. With two decades of experience leading complex projects and advising second- and third-generation owners, Jerry brings grounded, practical wisdom to one of the hardest transitions in business: handing over the hard hat. He unpacks how family construction leaders can shift from

Jerry Aliberti, construction industry veteran and founder of Pro-Accel, joins Michael Palumbos to reveal what it really takes to design a smooth succession plan in family-owned construction businesses—and why most founders wait too long to start.

With two decades of experience leading complex projects and advising second- and third-generation owners, Jerry brings grounded, practical wisdom to one of the hardest transitions in business: handing over the hard hat. He unpacks how family construction leaders can shift from doing the work to building people, delegate without losing control, and create a professionalized structure that lasts long after the founder steps back.

Jerry and Michael dive into:
◽️ The emotional side of letting go — and learning to trust the next generation
◽️ Why clear expectations and accountability define great culture
◽️ How to track cash flow, labor, and profitability for long-term stability
◽️ Bridging generational gaps between “grinders” and “system builders”
◽️ Why leadership is about service, not control
◽️ The biggest mistakes construction founders make during succession
◽️ How to professionalize your business without losing family values

Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro
01:42 – Why construction succession is different from other industries
04:15 – How to build a tech and financial stack that supports clarity
07:33 – Cash flow vs. profit vs. revenue: what really matters
10:18 – Setting expectations and accountability in the field
13:27 – Building trust and culture through hard conversations
16:48 – The emotional roller coaster of succession and letting go
19:36 – Bridging generational gaps: from doers to builders
22:51 – Professionalizing leadership and empowering decision-makers
26:09 – The “11th Commandment”: Thou shall not fool thyself
29:20 – Why succession is a multi-year process (not a moment)
32:44 – The power of outside, unbiased advisors in family business
35:26 – Leadership as service: how real leaders empower their teams
38:17 – Key takeaways for construction founders planning their exit
41:03 – Closing thoughts and next steps