# From Toronto to Miami: How Phil Russo Scaled a Construction Business

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-deconstruction-podcast-7098054/from-toronto-to-miami-how-phil-russo-scaled-a-construction-business
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-deconstruction-podcast-7098054/from-toronto-to-miami-how-phil-russo-scaled-a-construction-business.md
Podcast: [The Deconstruction Podcast](https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-deconstruction-podcast-7098054)
Published: 2026-03-12T03:21:10+00:00
Episode link: https://share.transistor.fm/s/9850b92c
Audio file: https://media.transistor.fm/9850b92c/aaaa7e6f.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/the-deconstruction-podcast-7098054/episodes/from-toronto-to-miami-how-phil-russo-scaled-a-construction-business
Duration seconds: 3664

## Resource

What does it really take to grow a construction business in a tough market and expand into the U.S.? In this episode of The Deconstruction Podcast , Kosta, Johny, and Charlie sit down with Phil Russo , CEO of Heavy Duty Homes , to talk about grit, risk, scaling, and what separates real contractors from the ones just playing the part. Phil shares how he went from working in the trades to building a full-scope construction company, launching in Miami during the pandemic, and learning hard lessons about overhead, in-house crews, margins, payment terms, and reputation. This conversation is packed with practical insight for contractors , construction business owners , and anyone trying to build a stronger, more profitable company. They also get into the differences between doing business in Canada vs. Florida, why many contractors get stuck chasing volume, how real growth often means simplifying, and why authenticity matters more than polished marketing. If you care about construction business growth , systems , efficiency , profitability , and building something that lasts, this episode delivers. 👉 Learn more about Jobtable: https://www.jobtable.com Subscribe for weekly conversations with real contractors building smarter, more profitable businesses. Chapters / Timestamps 00:00 – Intro and guest welcome 01:34 – Phil Russo’s path from trades to business owner 07:48 – Canada vs. Florida: clients, money, and opportunity 14:22 – How Phil broke into Miami and built through referrals 17:01 – Building teams, controlling quality, and consulting models 23:41 – Margins, taxes, and why Canada is getting harder for contractors 38:06 – Why scaling can hurt if your business model is wrong 44:26 – Social media, authenticity, and what actually gets work 54:31 – The process that sets top c…

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## Transcript

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