284. What It Takes to Stand Out & Lead in a Crowded Industry: Brad Leavitt on Elevating Through Culture, Mentorship, & Mastery

YOUR BIG NEXT | business growth, leadership development, scaling with purpose, faith and family first entrepreneur

In this episode, I’m joined by Brad Leavitt—entrepreneur, leader, Luxury General Contractor in Arizona, and the force behind AFT Construction. Brad’s story is one of vision, grit, and long-term thinking. He started as an electrician in San Diego and went on to build one of the most respected construction companies in the country, known for high-end, Net Zero homes and unique custom builds like baseball fields and lazy rivers.

But what really sets Brad apart is how he leads—from building an intentional company culture to investing in mentorship and paving the way for the next generation of builders.

We talk about the real challenges behind scaling a business, what it takes to lead a team that stays aligned and inspired, and how Brad uses social media as a strategic tool for growth and connection. We also get personal about family, legacy, and the often overlooked emotional side of building something great.

Brad’s newest initiative, the Contractors Coalition Summit, is just another example of how he’s pouring back into his industry and helping younger builders rise.

In this episode, we cover:

• 🔧 Brad’s journey from electrician to industry leader
• 🏗 How he scaled AFT Construction and built a standout brand
• 💬 The power of company culture and what most leaders get wrong about hiring
• 🧠 Knowing your strengths, empowering your team, and delegating well
• 📅 Time management strategies for growing a business without burning out
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Balancing business and family—and redefining what success really means
• 🌟 Why mentorship matters now more than ever in construction and beyond

This one’s for anyone in the building phase—whether you’re building a company, a team, or a legacy that lasts.

Resources from this episode:

• Follow Brad on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/aft_construction/
• The Brad Leavitt Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/brad-leavitt-podcast/id1482995768
• https://www.aftconstruction.com/
• The Incubator: A Mastermind For Visionaries & Their Right Hand
• Show notes: https://luminaryleadershipco.com/episode284

Connect with me:

• Website: https://luminaryleadershipco.com/
• If there's a topic, a question or a guest you want to hear on the show or an idea you have for us, just reach out and share that at [email protected]. We'd love to chat!
• Connect with me on Instagram!

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