ERP Implementation Done Right: How to Scale Your Construction Business Without the Horror Stories

Your software vendor promises a smooth implementation. So why do so many construction companies end up with a $70K mistake and a team ready to quit? In this episode of Built to Scale, Mason is joined by Bryan Burkholder, founder of Cadence and a specialist in ERP implementation and change management for construction and lower middle market businesses. Bryan breaks down why so many technology implementations go off the rails and what companies between $10M and $100M in revenue can do to make sure their next systems upgrade actually delivers the ROI they were promised. From the real cost of skipping change management, to the chicken-and-egg question of fixing your books before or after going live, to why AI is about to force every construction business to rethink their entire tech stack. Topics We Cover 00:00 - Why SaaS implementation teams aren’t enough and what’s missing from every software rollout 05:34 - A real $70K Sage implementation nightmare and what Brady CFO walked into 11:07 - The ROI of systems upgrades: scalability, visibility, and revenue per FTE 17:29 - Chicken or egg: fix broken accounting first, or implement the ERP? 22:26 - Why technology upgrades are a continuous evolution, not a one-time event 24:56 - The role of a fractional CIO and why your “techie guy” isn’t the answer 32:40 - AI, agentic tools, and why garbage in still means garbage out Links & Resources • Cadence — ERP Implementation & Change Management: https://cadenceconsultants.com/ • Brady CFO — Fractional CFO Services for Construction: https://bradycfo.com/ • 🤝 Connect with Bryan Burkholder:   / bryanburkholder1   • 🎤️ Connect with Mason Brady:   / masonbrady   Built to Scale is the podcast for construction business owners who want to scale — not just grow. Every episode brings you real financial strategy and business advice built specifically for the construction industry. Follow, rate, review, and share. Questions or topic ideas? Reach out at ⁠[email protected]⁠