Introducing Well Built:

How the Top 2% of Construction Contractors Create Superior Value, Profits, and Excellence

The construction industry faces major headwinds―from fluctuating markets and attracting enough talent to unreasonably tight margins, and so much more. Yet some elite contractors consistently achieve double or triple the profits through these challenges.

What's the key to their success?

After advising hundreds of contractors for fifteen years, author Chad Prinkey knows it comes down to having the right systems and culture in place across your business. In his book Well Built, Prinkey lays out the roadmap for contractors to make meaningful upgrades in how they operate, strategize, manage teams, win new business, and deliver for customers. You'll learn the step-by-step process contractors can use to join the top 2% and gain durable competitive advantages that increase profits for the long haul.

Real transformation doesn't happen overnight―but with Prinkey's straightforward methodology, construction executives finally have a clear path to reach the top tier of industry performers.

For orders of 10 or more books, we recommend ordering in bulk here.

Meet the Author

After advising hundreds of contractors for fifteen years, author Chad Prinkey knows it comes down to having the right systems and culture in place across your business. In Well Built, Prinkey lays out the roadmap for contractors to make meaningful upgrades in how they operate, strategize, manage teams, win new business, and deliver for customers. Real transformation doesn't happen overnight—but with Prinkey's straightforward methodology, construction executives finally have a clear path to reach the top tier of industry performers. 

Chad is also the Founder of Well Built Construction Consulting, where he guides construction executives to unlock higher performance and success. He has successfully developed nearly two hundred meaningful client relationships in the building industry across North America by delivering real results and maintaining trust since 2008.

In addition to his background and passion for construction, Chad is a performer by nature and by training. He relishes opportunities to speak to groups and move people and is a co-host of The Morning Huddle Construction Show podcast. He lives in Baltimore County, Maryland, with his wife Lindsey, their three sons, and two black labs. 

Note from the author: "Well Bult: How the top 2% of contractors create superior value, profits, and excellence" is my first book. I'm thrilled to share it with you, and can't wait to keep writing!

Chad Prinkey

Author/CEO of Well Built Consulting

"Well Built is a clear, in-depth step-by-step guide to creating and maintaining a successful construction business."

Foreword

Critical Acclaim

"A masterful introduction to succeeding in a difficult industry."

Kirkus Indie

"Prinkey’s passion for helping companies reach excellence shines throughout [...]."

Amazon Best Seller Achievements

  • #1 New Release in Construction Industry (Books) - Paperback format 

  • #1 New Release in Business Operations Research (Books) - Paperback format 

  • #1 New Release in Business Systems & Planning (Kindle)  

  • #1 New Release in Strategy & Competition (Books) - Kindle 

  • #1 in Organizational Change (Kindle)  

  • #1 in Strategic Management (Kindle)  

  • #1 in Strategy & Competition (Books) - Kindle 

BookLife by Publishers Weekly Editor's Pick

What People are Saying.

  • "Prinkey gives us the model and tools to consistently be the best as a construction contractor. Those that adopt these principles will no longer need to ask how they can be considered best in class but will be well on their way to achieving that goal."

    Dan Novack

    President, Balfour Beatty

  • "I've had the good pleasure of working with Chad and his team for over 14 years. During that time, our business has grown tenfold and Chad played a leading role on the team that made this possible. The concepts and principles he taught us when we had 300 employees apply today with our team of 2,500. His sincere interest in others, his passion for teaching and his ability to relate and articulate the basic principles of training and sales makes this book worth the read. I highly recommend it."

    Craig Ruppert

    Founder Ruppert Landscape / Ruppert Companies

  • "Leading a construction company through turbulent, complicated times like ours is challenging. Well Built is an actionable playbook on how to do it well. This is a must-read for any current or aspiring construction executive."

    Kevin Rogge

    President, Harvey-Cleary Builders

  • "Well Built is a game-changer for construction business owners and executives seeking lasting prosperity. This book is a blueprint for excellence, providing a strategic approach that will help you build an action plan to ensure your construction business thrives. We have considered Chad a partner to our business for a long time, and I would urge you not to miss out on the wisdom that has in-part fueled our success."

    Frank Settleman

    President, Chesapeake Contracting Group

  • "Having had the privilege of collaborating with Chad Prinkey during his tenure with our company as a consultant, I can attest firsthand to his profound insights into effective leadership. In his new book, Well Built, Chad Prinkey distills years of hands-on experience and strategic wisdom into a comprehensive guide for aspiring and established leaders alike."

    Buddy Henley

    LEED AP, BD+C--; President, Henley Construction Co., Inc.

  • "Chad Prinkey's Well Built: How the Top 2% of Construction Contractors Create Superior Value, Profits, and Excellence is a game-changer for the industry. His insights have helped me build the competitive edge needed for success. Prinkey's guidance equips contractors with the strategies and mindset necessary to transform their construction business. This book is a blueprint for excellence, empowering leaders to thrive and stand out in an ever-competitive landscape. It is a must-read for those committed to achieving remarkable results."

    Aaron Shapiro

    Business Development Manager, Shapiro & Duncan, Inc.

  • "I discovered Chad through his efforts to create content to help improve GC-subcontractor relations. His advocacy for creating a healthier environment for everyone by working on the root causes of industry dysfunction was refreshing and caught my attention immediately. We work closely with Chad and his team to help Contexture deliver customer delight without sacrificing our business objectives. The construction industry needs more voices like his."

    Brianna Goodwin​

    President & CEO, Contexture

  • "Strong leaders show the path forward and inspire people to become the best version of themselves. They also have the courage and conviction to challenge the status quo and stand for positive change. Chad has risen to his position as a sought-after consultant and thought leader in the construction industry by doing both of these things consistently. His book, Well Built, provides clear, inspirational, and actionable advice for General Contractors and Trade Contractors. The message is right on target for the needs of today's construction industry."

    Jason E. Keller

    Managing Partner, Block Companies

  • "As a multigenerational mechanical contractor with multiple locations, we were seeking a systematic way to run our business into the future. We read [other books on the subject] and loved the framework but wanted someone who deeply understood contractors to help facilitate the essential business decisions we needed to make. We've found the systematic approach Chad has taken with our team to mesh nicely with concepts with EOS to drive real results for us. In Well Built, Chad brings answers to questions facing contractors who want to create a more sustainable business."

    Dominic D. Magnolia

    Vice President, Magnolia Companies

  • "Chad inspires construction leaders wherever he goes, which I’ve experienced firsthand in his work with our team. When he speaks at trade association events, they are consistently the best-attended and reviewed events of the year. We’ve considered him a trusted partner to our business for years, and through that partnership, we’ve become a larger, more effective, and more profitable business. Chad’s in-depth experience with so many contractors has given him an extremely well-rounded and valuable perspective on common challenges and best practices from around the industry. Well Built is clearly a culmination of the principles we’ve found so influential over the years, and every commercial construction leader should keep a copy on hand."

    Evan Winston

    President, Hercules Fence

  • "We first met Chad as a speaker at an industry conference and found his insights to be right on target with the realities facing trade contractors. His team has been delivering excellent results for our company ever since! We especially appreciate his perspective from working with General Contractors and Developers to help us understand what our clients need from us. Well Built organizes Chad’s insights into a system we can follow to create consistent success in our business."

    Mark Huntley

    Principal, Anchor Mechanical

  • "Chad Prinkey’s Well Built provides construction companies with an actionable blueprint for success. Chad’s years of experience as a consultant to construction firms have lent him the expertise and perspective to identify what smart companies need to do to build winning teams, run profitable projects, and skillfully manage risk. From my personal experience in working closely with Chad, leaders seeking to grow their firms won’t want to miss this thoughtful guide."

    Steve Houff

    President, Plano-Coudon Construction

  • “AS CEO of a non-profit affordable housing development company, not a construction contractor, we have hired Chad Prinkey as a consultant, working on our business planning and culture. In that role, he has added valuable insight to our company. I read Chad’s book more out of curiosity, thinking it would not have application to our business. I was wrong. While some of the book deals more directly with running a construction company, The underlying themes and advice apply to most companies. I recommend the book to any company seeking to be in the top 2% of their industry.”

    Richard Burns, CEO

    The NHP Foundation

  • "Designing and building homes involves engineers and architects who study lots of theory on materials and structures. Those theories and understanding are required to design a home. However, for the craftsman building the home they don't need to know all the theory - they need blueprints. Practical straightforward plans to build efficiently without any random extra detail. This book is a clear simplified blueprint on running your business. The author effectively and efficiently boils down all the theories down to one simple and easily executable blueprint As someone who has read hundreds of business books full of theory I found this book to be extremely refreshing and useful."

    Matthew Harrigan

  • "Chad Prinkey’s book is a masterclass in achieving excellence in the construction industry. With clear, actionable insights drawn from over fifteen years of experience, Prinkey offers a roadmap to elevate operations, boost profitability, and create superior value. His focus on robust systems and strong company culture is both practical and inspiring. Well Built: How the Top 2% of Construction Contractors Create Superior Value, Profits, and Excellence stands out for its direct and methodical approach. Prinkey breaks down complex concepts into manageable steps, making it easy for contractors to implement strategic improvements in team management, business acquisition, and customer satisfaction. This guide is invaluable for anyone aiming to be a top performer in the construction industry. For construction executives and contractors looking to navigate industry challenges and achieve long-term success, this book is a must-read. Prinkey’s expertise and straightforward methodology make it a vital resource for driving real transformation and competitive advantage in a cutthroat industry."

    GM Reads

  • "In "Well Built: How the Top 2% of Construction Contractors Create Superior Value, Profits, and Excellence," Chad Prinkey delivers a masterclass on how elite contractors thrive amidst the construction industry's challenges. With over fifteen years of advising experience, Prinkey distills his knowledge into a practical guide for contractors seeking to elevate their operations and profitability. Prinkey attributes the success of top contractors to robust systems and a strong company culture. His book provides a comprehensive roadmap for making strategic improvements in operations, team management, business acquisition, and customer delivery. The step-by-step process outlined is designed to help contractors achieve lasting competitive advantages and significantly boost profits. "Well Built" is not just a theoretical guide; it offers actionable insights that can drive real transformation. Prinkey’s clear and direct methodology makes this book an essential read for construction executives aiming to be among the industry's top performers. Highly recommended for anyone looking to navigate the complexities of the construction business and achieve long-term success."

    Piaras

  • "Construction was never in my closer circle of interests. But I have to say in the later years I have become more and more aware of the whole world behind it. Reading this book gave me a lot more clarity on what actually hides behind this term. Having a company and running a business in this area is definitely not for the soft ones. I actually have mad respect for people that dedicate their life to this. It’s quite challenging. But this book does a great job at giving tips on how to improve your business and how to go about the changes step by step. I can’t imagine a better guide towards success in this area. I would definitely recommend this guide to anyone in the construction business."

    Saya Jacaranda

  • "Chad Prinkey, with his experience in the construction industry, manages to propose through this book, the importance of creating differentiated value in all his clients. This book is aimed at all those contractors in the construction industry who want to take their career to another level and be part of the top competitors of contracts. I believe this piece is very interesting because Prinkey manages to emphasize in his speech that innovation and customer service are the areas that must be worked on to differentiate themselves in the market. Likewise, the author explains how to optimize resources in business and how to perform assertively. Prinkey is very detailed and organized with the thread of his book and that makes the reading not only entertaining, but also very inspiring. Looking for information and endless ideas to make an impact in the construction industry? This book is full of clear and compelling tools! I highly recommend it."

    Janier Moreno

  • "This is an excellent book. It's no nonsense, to the point, factual, and has solid steps to implement to run your business more efficiently. It's written by a consultant who helps construction companies and contractors run a cleaner, more efficient, and more profitable business. I really liked the style here; the author gets right to the point with different ways to improve your business. The chapters are well organized and easy to follow. The advice given is solid and easy to implement and make happen. Overall it's a great resource for business owners in the construction industry, well worth a read. This is a good book, I would recommend it!"

    Laura

  • "Chad's engaging writing style makes complex concepts easy to understand, he uses real world examples and provides practical advice that I can use in my own business. A must read for those in the construction industry."

    Ken H

  • "Well Built: How the Top 2% of Construction Contractors Create Superior Value, Profits, and Excellence by Chad Prinkey shows the reader how to build a successful business in the world of construction contracting. Like any other field, there is a lot of money to be made in construction but many of the businesses and contractors who go into this end up failing. It does not come down how good of a contractor the person is, but rather how they manage the business and the culture that surrounds their operation. The author does an excellent job of highlighting this throughout the book, and shows the reader the skills, tips, and tricks that will be needed in order to build successful teams, make better profit margins, and bring in the best business so that their operation becomes highly successful. Some of the ideas included in this are common sense, but others are outside the box and may take time to achieve. But, the good news is that nothing good ever comes easy so if you are willing to put in the work then the success will come. All contractors would benefit from having this book as part of their reference library."

    Phil Bolos