Building Sustainably

In this episode, host Tim O'Brien is joined by founder and president of Charis Homes, Glenna Wilson, to discuss High Performance Homes and breaking barriers to entry for women in the home building and construction industries. For more information about Charis Homes, visit www.charishomes.com

In this episode, Tim O'Brien is joined by owner of Digitek Digital, Dave Mihalovic, to discuss home automation and how new homeowners can optimize their smart home technology. Dave provides insights on what to do and what to avoid as it relates to the technology in your new home.  

In this episode, Tim O'Brien talks about our process for surveying customers throughout their new home journey, including design, construction, and customer care. Through the use of third-party surveys from Avid Ratings, which is a comprehensive customer experience surveying platform, we have consistently improved on our commitment to deliver extraordinary experiences to our customers. 

In this episode, Tim O'Brien speaks with the Director of the Dane County of Energy and Climate Change, Kathy Kuntz, about their mission to design and implement collaborate initiatives that accelerate change and yield substantive results for energy use and climate change in Dane County and beyond. For more information, visit https://daneclimateaction.org/

In this episode of the Building Sustainably Podcast, Tim O'Brien meets with the National Director of AeroBarrier, Paul Springer, to discuss the innovative way in which AeroSeal's innovative home sealing product aims to benefit both new and existing homes. Tim and Paul talk through the application process and the benefits of creating an airtight home. For more information, visit aeroseal.com/aerobarrier/

 In this episode of the Building Sustainability Podcast, Tim O'Brien talks about the importance and benefits of using geothermal energy in homes. Geothermal energy is a renewable resource that is naturally produced in the earth's core. By utilizing this energy source, you can reduce your energy costs, improve the comfort of your home, and extend the useful life of your equipment.

In this episode of the Building Sustainability Podcast, Tim O'Brien is joined by Melissa Songco, Chief Executive Officer of Habitat for Humanity, to discuss their story and efforts to help the Waukesha community. Habitat for Humanity has been building affordable housing for families for many years. Being a non-profit organization, Songco talks about how they benefit from the love and support within the community.

In this episode of the Building Sustainability Podcast, Tim O'Brien is joined by Ryan Hanna, Executive Vice President of Dave Jones, Inc, to discuss the advantages of building strong relationships with your coworkers, business partners, customers, and the community. They also dive into the significance of having a strong company culture, as well as the benefits of apprenticeship programs for high schools and universities to assist students in transitioning into the trades.

 In this episode of the Building Sustainability Podcast, Tim O'Brien is joined by Rachel Flint, Vice President of Hubbell Homes in Des Moines, Iowa, to discuss the advantages of participating in the Builder 20 Group through the National Home Builders Association. This diverse group of homebuilders across the country meets to discuss every aspect of their businesses. Through these transparent peer conversations and site visits, builders can gain insights and apply new processes and ideas to their own operations.

In the final part of this three-part episode, Tim finishes his conversation with president of TrueNorth Development, Scott Sedam, as they break down principles of lean construction as it relates to total quality within the homebuilding industry.

In part two of this three-part episode, Tim O'Brien continues his conversation with president of TrueNorth Development, Scott Sedam, as they discuss how the Total Quality Management (TQM) model has had an effect on the homebuilding industry through programs such as the National Housing Quality Awards. 

In this part one of this three part episode, Tim O'Brien is joined by president of TrueNorth Development, Scott Sedam, to discuss the history of the Total Quality Management (TQM) model, and how companies were able to improve products, process, and profits through a focus on quality. 

In this episode, Tim O'Brien is joined by our very own, Danny Lowery, President of our Madison division, to discuss the McKenzie Regional Workforce Center. Danny explains how the project was conceived, how he first got involved, and the commitment by the Boys and Girls Club to develop a new, diverse generation of skilled tradespeople throughout the Madison area and beyond. For more information, click here.

It should be no surprise that this trend is elevating the home office from an amenity to a must-have. A new home is a chance to create an office that's functional and useful—a space you will look forward to stepping into each morning. In this episode, Tim O'Brien highlights some important things to consider when creating a work-from-home space within your budget.

 In this episode, Tim explores the three different home building processes, which include Production, Semi-Custom, and Custom. Tim explains that although one is not necessarily better than the other, it's important to think about the pros and cons of each to determine which process is right for you and your family. 

In this episode, Tim is joined by our Lead Home Designer, Andrew Elder, to discuss the process of creating new home plans. Andrew details how a plan goes from a prototype to a finished home plan and explains his thoughts on several elements that go into designing a new home. 

In this episode, Tim O'Brien details the challenges faced by the home building industry in 2021 such as supply chain issues, building material costs, and labor shortages and how those challenges will potentially continue through 2022. Tim also summarizes a 2022 market outlook from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) as interest rates are projected to increase, and housing affordability remains low. 

In this episode, Tim O'Brien is joined by Tom Gillespie to discuss the National Housing Quality Award and its impact on homebuilders across the country. Tim and Tom go through how the award was created, as well as delve into the rigorous application and extensive criteria in which applicants are judged on each year.

In this episode, Tim is joined by Vice President of Customer Success and Sales at Avid Ratings, Zach Buehl, to discuss the importance of third-party surveys for homebuilders. Zach explains how the data collected from Avid Surveys is used by companies to gather consumer insights on all aspects of their business, including products, processes, and people.

In this episode, Tim O'Brien explains the TQM (total quality management) approach as a management system for a customer-focused organization that involves all employees in continual improvement. It uses strategy, data, and effective communications to integrate the quality discipline into the culture and activities of the organization. Tim explores the history of this approach, and how we implement it into Tim O'Brien Homes to deliver value to our employees, Trade Partners, and customers. 

In this episode, Tim O'Brien is joined by our Director of Sales, Pete Lange, to discuss the impact of platforms like HGTV and Pinterest on homebuyer expectations. Tim and Pete explore the benefits and challenges that these present when homebuyers are choosing finishes for their new home. 

In this episode, Tim O'Brien is joined by AVP Senior Mortgage Loan Officer at Associated Bank, Jackie Portz, to discuss the construction loan process and some common misconceptions about home financing. 

In the second part of this two-part episode, Tim O'Brien continues his conversation with President and CEO of Shelton Group, Suzanne Shelton, to discuss how consumers view sustainability within the homebuilding industry and beyond. 

In this two part episode, Tim O'Brien is joined by President and CEO of Shelton Group, Suzanne Shelton, to discuss how consumers view sustainability within the homebuilding industry and beyond. Suzanne highlights data her team has collected through years of research and focus groups, which indicates a shift in consumer sentiment toward sustainability over the past few years. 

In this episode, Hallmark Building Supplies Business Development Manager, Linda Heipp, joins Tim O'Brien to discuss the benefits of Tyvek Homewrap, and what makes this particular product one of the most important things that goes into building a home. Linda also highlights some other innovative and sustainable new home products. 

In this episode, Tim talks through the importance of defining core values within an organization and how those values can contribute to a positive company culture. Tim delves into each one of 7 core values of Tim O'Brien Homes, and explains how they were developed. 

In this episode, Tim O'Brien is joined by CEO of the Energy and Environmental Building Alliance (EEBA), Aaron Smith, to discuss the  community of over 50,000 builders and their stakeholders across North America that are truly the early adopters and innovators in driving sustainable transformation of the homebuilding industry. 

In this episode, Tim O'Brien takes us back through the history of Tim O'Brien Homes and how the company was started. Tim talks about some of the challenges that he faced, how he identified a way to separate from other homebuilders in the area, and much more!

 In this episode, Tim O'Brien talks with  Steve DeCleene  of Neumann Developments about sustainable land development. Tim and Steve also discuss a variety of topics including lack of available land in desirable areas, building relationships with municipalities, and upcoming developments in Southeastern Wisconsin. 

In this episode, Tim O'Brien provides insights into some home options that people often don't think about until after they move into their new home. Tim draws from his experiences building his own personal homes to talk through some things that homebuyers should think about when choosing their options and finishes. This includes things like laundry room location, future finished basement considerations, and much more.

In this episode, Tim O'Brien talks through the Tim O'Brien Homes 'Build On Your Lot' program, which affords homebuyers with the same attention to detail, construction standards, green building practices and outstanding service as those who purchase a home in one of our established neighborhoods. 

In this episode, Tim is joined by Laura Loucks, who is a board member on the Waukesha County Green Team, which is a non-profit organization with a mission to promote environmental and economic sustainability in Waukesha County communities through education, communication, and local action. Tim and Laura discuss ways in which community members can get involved including educational forums, networking events, and projects that help to conserve Waukesha County resources and to build a sustainable future.

In this episode, Tim O'Brien is joined by Joe Nebbia who is a Technical Consultant for the U.S. Department of Energy and Operations Director for its Zero Energy Ready Home Program. Tim and Joe discuss the Housing Innovation Awards and the rigorous application process, which is designed to recognize innovative homebuilders across the country that strive for excellence in High Performance home building practices. 

In this episode, Tim O'Brien delves into the history of the housing industry supply chain and discusses the challenges it has faced as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, including labor force shortages and manufacturing halts. Tim highlights the importance of creating positive builder-supplier relationships in order to mitigate disruptions in the building process and tells homebuyers what to expect when building a new home in the current market conditions.

In this episode, Tim O'Brien talks through some things to think about as you start your new home search. Tim discusses the importance of asking your builder the right questions when choosing to build or buy a new construction home and highlights the benefits of choosing a High Performance homebuilder backed by a proven process and established industry certifications.For more resources on this topic and to download our guide to choosing the right homebuilder, visit info.timobrienhomes.com/live-in-better

In this episode, Tim O'Brien is joined by  the Program Director of  RESNET, Ryan Meres, to discuss the meaning of The Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Index, and why new home buyers should better understand how and why this Index is calculated.  Ryan Meres has 15 years of experience in energy and water efficiency, energy policy and building energy codes and has worked at the Federal, state, and local level. As the Program Director for the Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET), Ryan currently leads numerous programs, including implementation of RESNET’s HERSH2O whole-house water efficiency rating; as well as initiatives to get energy and water efficiency valued in the real estate transaction process. Ryan got started in the energy efficiency industry as an EarthCraft House Technical Advisor, working with builders in the Atlanta metro area to make their homes more energy efficient. Ryan holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture from the Savannah College of Art and Design and lives in upstate New York with his wife and their three children. Tim O’Brien Homes is proud to have been a part of the RESNET program and truly believe in what the program stands for. In fact, we’re a part of your EnergySmart Builder Program, which requires us to guarantee that every single home we build is a HERS rated. We’ve had every home we’ve ever built go through the HERS program since Tim O’Brien Homes was founded in 2007. For more information about RESNET:www.resnet.us/For more information about the HERS Index:www.hersindex.com/hers-index/what-is-the-hers-index/

In this episode, Tim O'Brien is joined by Senior Environmental Project Engineer at Kohler, Olivia Fritz, to discuss ways in which Kohler's focus on water conservation and environmental design can contribute to the homebuilding industry's push toward sustainability.For more information about Kohler's commitment to sustainability and Design For Environment program, visit www.kohlercompany.com/sustainability/

In this episode, Tim O'Brien is joined by our Director of Sales and his long-time colleague and friend, Pete Lange. Pete began his career in the homebuilding industry in 1990 and continued until 2009, serving in roles ranging from Customer Service Manager to Production Manager to Vice President of Sales. He then followed his passion for teaching and music, teaching Band and Choir from 2009 to 2017. Pete Re-entered homebuilding and joining Tim O’Brien Homes in 2016 and continues teaching Sales, Customer Service, and Construction.During the interview, Pete shares his insights on frequently asked questions by homebuyers looking to build or buy new construction. Tim and Pete discuss the benefits of buying new, the financing process, and much more!

In this episode, Tim O'Brien discusses each phase of the Tim O'Brien Homes Warranty Process from the Pre-Move-In Orientation and beyond. Tim details some of our standard and manufacturer warranties and highlights ways in which our Customer Care team strives to educate homeowners on how to care for their home to ensure lasting value.

In this episode, Tim O'Brien is joined by Marketing and Research Analyst at Newport Partners, Sam Bowles, to discuss the U.S. D.O.E. Zero Energy Ready Home (ZERH) Program. This program recognizes home the top 1% percent of home builders in the country meeting the extraordinary levels of excellence in energy and performance specified in the national program requirements. Sam highlights the history and goals of the program, as well as the ways in which every certified Zero Energy Ready Homes represents a whole new level of performance with rigirorigorousus requirements that ensure outstanding levels of energy savings, comfort, healthy, and durability. Zero Energy Ready Home Programhttps://www.energy.gov/eere/buildings/zero-energy-ready-homesNewPort Partners LLChttps://www.newportpartnersllc.com/Tim O'Brien Homeshttps://www.timobrienhomes.com/

In this episode, Tim O'Brien discusses each phase of the Tim O'Brien Homes construction process from foundation and framing to finishes and final clean. Tim details what homeowners should expect during each of the main stages of the build and explains the relationship/communication between the homeowner and Construction Manager throughout the process.www.timobrienhomes.com/building-process

In this episode, Tim O'Brien is joined by Focus on Energy's New Home Residential Program Manager, Andy Kuc, to discuss ways in which Focus on Energy empowers the people and businesses of Wisconsin to make smart energy decisions with enduring economic benefits. Focus on Energyfocusonenergy.com/Tim O'Brien Homeswww.timobrienhomes.com/

In this episode, Tim O'Brien is joined by Edwin Bender and Patrick Nielsen from Broan-Nutone, the global leader in residential indoor air quality, to discuss areas of growth in the industry as well as opportunities for residential construction to continue to innovate and develop technologies to further improve fresh air ventilation systems. More resources:www.broan-nutone.com/en-us/home/learn

In this episode, Tim O'Brien is joined by Environmental Protection Specialist at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Aaron Johnson, to discuss the EPA's Indoor airPLUS program, and the increasing importance of Indoor Air Quality in our homes as it relates to our health.More resources:www.epa.gov/indoorairplus www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq

In this episode, Tim O'Brien is joined by Vice President of Project Development at SunVest Solar, John Doherty, to discuss the benefits of solar energy production in new home construction for both builders and consumers alike.John also highlights factors such as reduced cost, surging consumer demand, and increased government subsidies as key drivers for the rapid growth in the solar industry.More resources:https://www.sunvest.com/state-programs/https://www.sunvest.com/projects/https://www.sunvest.com/about-us/

In this episode, Tim O'Brien is joined by international speaker, sales consultant, and founder of Cannonball Moments, Chad Sanschagrin, to discuss the importance of creating a sustainable workplace culture. Chad offers his unique experience and insight on developing a growth mindset and long-term success within an organization.

In this episode, Tim O'Brien is joined by Chief Architect of the Building Technologies Office in the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Sam Rashkin, to discuss new home design as our environment continues to change around us. Sam highlights the importance of resilient, future-ready homes as well as how and why homebuilders should implement sustainable building practices going forward.

In this episode, we're joined by Steve Olson who is the teacher of the Oconomowoc High School Building Trades class to discuss the partnership between Tim O'Brien Homes and local high schools in order to develop the future of the trade industry by giving students real, hands-on experience in homebuilding.

In this episode, we're joined by Gene Myers who is the owner and CEO of Thrive Home Builders in Denver, Colorado and current president of The Energy & Environmental Building Alliance (EEBA) board of directors to discuss EEBA and its commitment to provide the most trusted resources for building science information and education in the construction industry.