Building Success: Michael Daneshvar on Career Evolution and Innovation (Ep. 86)
How do you pivot from structural engineering into business development—and thrive? In this episode, Michael Daneshvar (Business Development Manager at Turner Construction) shares how he leveraged technical roots, BIM and technology, and relationship-building to win work and grow his career. We cover networking that actually works, sales as both art and science, and why mentorship, persistence, and a positive attitude are difference-makers in construction.
🚀 What You’ll Learn
- How engineers can transition into business development in the AEC industry
- Why BIM and digital tools have transformed project planning & client communication
- Networking strategies (and professional orgs) that open doors in construction
- Sales fundamentals for technical professionals: listen, map pain points, solve
- Mentorship, mindset, and staying consistent—“Your network is your net worth.”
🔊 Sound Bites
- “Your network is your net worth.”
- “Keep punching.”
⏱️ Timestamps (Chapters)
⏰ 00:00 – Introduction to Michael Daneshvar ⏰ 02:43 – Michael’s Origin Story in Construction ⏰ 08:34 – Transitioning from Engineering to Business Development ⏰ 12:32 – Understanding BIM and Its Importance ⏰ 17:50 – The Role of Business Development in Construction ⏰ 23:42 – Sales Training and Developing a Personal Style ⏰ 31:05 – Networking and Professional Organizations ⏰ 34:42 – Future Aspirations and Parting Wisdom ⏰ 38:40 – Subscribe & Outro
🌐 Connect with Michael & Turner
LinkedIn (Michael): https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-daneshvar-pe-a4943b19a/ Turner Construction: https://www.turnerconstruction.com/
🎧 Listen & Subscribe
📺 YouTube ➜ https://youtube.com/@DustinCSutton
🍏 Apple Podcasts ➜ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tools-talents-and-techniques-with-dustin-sutton/id1692838507
🎧 Spotify ➜ https://open.spotify.com/show/7pQZ551Ct4jVRQ2BqB7Zr2
💬 Question for You
What’s the single most valuable networking tip you’ve used in the AEC world? Drop it in the comments!
📌 SEO Tags
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