The Builder Nuggets Podcast

Every job candidate has a set of hard skills and soft skills. Hard skills can be trained, but soft skills are natural inclinations that are difficult to teach. This episode explores how the soft skills that veterans have cultivated in their service career translate well to working in the construction industry. Our guests are from a familiar company, 84 Lumber, and today Joe Jena and Jason Hinsken join us to share how 84 Lumber has thrived by recruiting veterans and retaining them through offering a true career path where they can rise through the ranks. Show highlights include:   00:30 Introduction to 84 Lumber and Guests 02:30 Personal Journeys: From Military to 84 Lumber 05:30 The Culture of 84 Lumber: A Family Atmosphere 07:25 Recruitment Strategies: Attracting the Right Talent 09:20 Identifying the Right Candidates: Traits and Skills 14:50 The Value of Hiring Veterans 17:20 Differences Between Military and Civilian Work Environments 20:30 Advice for Small Builders: Attracting Veterans 24:40 Opportunities for Veterans in Construction 29:45 Looking Ahead: Future Growth and Personal Aspirations You can learn more about Joe and Jason at https://www.84lumber.com/. Social media: Instagram Joe's LinkedIn Jason's LinkedIn Or hit us through our Contact Page at https://buildernuggets.com and we'll make a personal introduction.   To get the most out of this podcast, head over to https://buildernuggets.com and join our active community of like-minded builders and remodelers.  

HVAC design and indoor environmental quality is an often overlooked part of home design and construction. Code continues to sluggishly push forward, but doesn't reach a high standard for comfort and efficiency in most home builds. Today's guest is the founder and lead engineer of TE2 Engineering and he works diligently to educate others about how to design beyond code. Ross Trethewey joins us to discuss the key elements of HVAC design, the benefit of heat pumps, and what new technologies are going to drastically change the industry in the near future. Show highlights include:   03;55 Introduction and Background 06:35 Building Science and HVAC Design 8:30 Indoor Environmental Quality and Comfort 11:00 What drives code? Efficiency vs Comfort 21:00 The Benefits and Future of Heat Pumps 30:00 Emerging Technologies in HVAC Design 32:50 Geothermal Systems and Solar Integration 34:45 What's coming up next and how to connect You can learn more about Ross at https://te2engineering.com/. Social media: Instagram Twitter LinkedIn Or hit us through our Contact Page at https://buildernuggets.com and we'll make a personal introduction.   To get the most out of this podcast, head over to https://buildernuggets.com and join our active community of like-minded builders and remodelers.

Today's guest shares his journey from the family chocolate business to becoming a sought-after builder in Rhode Island. Jeff Sweenor, founder of Sweenor Builders, delves into the evolution of his business, the importance of intentional client selection, and the transformation of his company culture. This has led to attracting and retaining talented individuals and an incredible opportunity to be involved with This Old House. Through over 30 years of challenges and obstacles, Jeff has learned most lessons that any successful builder has to learn. Listen in and you can learn them too.   Show highlights include:   03:10 The Journey of Sweenor Builders 08:40 Intentional Client Selection: The Key to Building Success 12:35 Determining your ideal client 15:45 Where does the budget come from? 19:15 How to choose your projects? 20:55 Ways the business has changed 23:00 The Role of a Chief Performance Officer 26:00 The Negative Impact of Being Too Nice 32:45 Elevating the Workforce for Talent Attraction 38:00 This Old House 43:30 The best advice - use social media  46:35 What's coming up next and how to connect You can learn more about Jeff at https://sweenorbuilders.com. Social media: Instagram Or hit us through our Contact Page at https://buildernuggets.com and we'll make a personal introduction.   To get the most out of this podcast, head over to https://buildernuggets.com and join our active community of like-minded builders and remodelers.  

Human-centric, sustainable, green, high-performance and fully-supportive are the buzzwords of the last few years in custom home design. Today's guest has been incorporating these elements into her home designs for decades - before there were labels to define the trend. Jenny Pippin, founder of Pippin Home Designs, shares what it means to incorporate the specific needs of clients with the natural harmony of location and space. The popularity of bringing the outdoors in and maximizing efficiency in new homes is only growing in demand. Listen in as we hash out the building science behind the trend. Show highlights include:   02:05 Introduction to Jenny Pippin and Pippin Home Designs 06:00 Early days of full supportive homes 07:10 Creating Fully Supportive Homes: A Human-Centric Design Approach 11:30 How do clients figure out their priorities in how a home supports them? 14:00 How important is the lot? 14:53 Ideal clients and finding each other 16:50 What surprises people about a Supportive Home? 18:40 The standard must be met 20:00 Building Science in homes and the trends 24:00 Examples of client experiences 29:55 Navigating Rising Construction Costs and Budgeting Challenges with great design 35:25 The Importance of Team Collaboration in Home Design 40:00 What excites you about the next year 45:35 How to connect You can learn more about Jenny at https://www.pippinhomedesigns.com/. Social media: LinkedIn  Facebook Instagram Or hit us through our Contact Page at https://buildernuggets.com and we'll make a personal introduction.   To get the most out of this podcast, head over to https://buildernuggets.com and join our active community of like-minded builders and remodelers.  

  We've invited back a special guest to give our annual economic update on the housing industry. Danushka Nanayakkara, Assistant Vice President for Forecasting and Analysis at the NAHB, joins the podcast again to share the annual outlook. Listen in to learn the trends for the next 18 months, where the industry is struggling most, and the direction the interest rates are headed next.   Show highlights include:   02:45 Introduction and Background 4:40 What was surprising economically this year? 07:55 Interest Rates and Inflation Outlook 14:35  Affordability Challenges and the Need for More Affordable Housing Units 24:55 Creative housing solutions and zoning 32:00 Economic trends for the next 18 months 38:40 Getting young buyers into the market 41:15 What does the industry look like 5 years down the road? 44:00 What excites you about the next year 45:35 How to connect You can learn more about Danushka at https://eyeonhousing.org/. Social media: LinkedIn  Or hit us through our Contact Page at https://buildernuggets.com and we'll make a personal introduction.   To get the most out of this podcast, head over to https://buildernuggets.com and join our active community of like-minded builders and remodelers.  

These two childhood friends took a leap of faith and started their own custom home building business over two decades ago and never looked back. Weathering the turbulent Great Recession in ‘08 and, now, Covid, these two home builders have joined us to share the hard lessons they've learned and the tools they've used to build success. Chris Ehrenfeld and Jason Dell cover the trends that are taking their market by storm, and how they keep their customers happy.   Show highlights include:   02:30 Childhood Friends Turned Business Partners 07:35 Bold Construction the journey 09:01 Navigating the Great Recession and Pivoting 11:15 Implementing Systems and Processes with EOS 18:30 The behavior of buying habits and what clients what 22:15 The Impact of Remote Work and Commuting 25:37 The Importance of Customization and Design 30:20 Navigating the Overwhelming Choices in Home Building 34:40 Current trends in homes 39:45 What excites you about the next year 44:50 How to connect You can learn more about Jason and Chris at https://buildboldnc.com/. Social media: LinkedIn  Facebook Instagram Or hit us through our Contact Page at https://buildernuggets.com and we'll make a personal introduction.   To get the most out of this podcast, head over to https://buildernuggets.com and join our active community of like-minded builders and remodelers.

2024's SORCI Report is an incredibly useful source of data that our guest today helped design at The Association of Professional Builders. Russ Stephens joins us for another year to go over the annual report and share the new industry trends he's seeing, along with the biggest challenges facing builders and remodelers this year. This is an episode you can't afford to miss.    Show highlights include:   01:15 Introduction of the Guest 02:32 Importance of Participating in the SORCI Survey 05:45 Highlights from the 2024 SORCI Report 07:30 Marketing Challenges for Builders 13:00 Content Creation and Marketing Strategy 19:55 Importance of Accurate Financial Reporting 22:25 Trends in Talent Acquisition and Employee Retention 25:55 Trends in the Residential Construction Industry 35:55 Accessing the SORCI Report 36:45 Exciting Developments in the Industry and Personal Life You can learn more about Russ at https://associationofprofessionalbuilders.com/.   You can download this year's SORCI report here. Social media: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-association-of-professional-builders/ Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx3f5Njk_SkTIh7zEbg7qcA Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/apbbuilders/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/apbbuilders Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/associationofprofessionalbuilders/ Or hit us through our Contact Page at https://buildernuggets.com and we'll make a personal introduction.   To get the most out of this podcast, head over to https://buildernuggets.com and join our active community of like-minded builders and remodelers.

Doors and windows complete every home, and today's guest knows first hand how competitive the market is for selling these products. Alan Lockuff, Business Development Manager with Andersen Windows and Doors, shares the benefits of a good company culture, building a strong team, and investing in business development. Even large companies had to build a strong foundation in order to thrive.   Show highlights include:   04:00 Alan's Background 06:55 Andersen Windows and Doors: Changes and Focus 10:15 Identifying Ideal Customers 11:35 Providing Value Beyond Price 14:30 Delivering a World-Class Customer Experience 18:20 Building a Strong Team 25:00 The Importance of Involvement in Associations 31:00 Moving for Your Job 35:35 Outlook for 2024 and Beyond 37:35 Excitement for the Year Ahead 40:22 How to connect and what's coming up next? You can learn more about Alan at alan.lockuff@andersencorp.com or at ttps://www.andersenwindows.com/. Social media: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/feed/ Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@andersenwindows Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lockcuff.alan Or hit us through our Contact Page at https://buildernuggets.com and we'll make a personal introduction.   To get the most out of this podcast, head over to https://buildernuggets.com and join our active community of like-minded builders and remodelers.  

Distribution partners are integral to the custom home building and remodeling industry, and today's guest is no exception. Scott Thomas, Director of Sales at Parksite, originally started in the industry as a Tyvek specialist before working his way up. Today he joins us to share his thoughts on the value of distribution partners, the newest industry products, and the importance of building strong relationships.   Show highlights include:   00:00 Introduction and Background 02:34 Scott's Journey in the Building Industry 03:24 Transition to Consulting and Salesforce 05:00 Starting and Selling a Consulting Company 06:00 Entrepreneurial Roots and Education 09:20 Return to Parkside and Reasons for Coming Back 11:02 Overview of Parkside and Scott's Role 12:45 Value Provided by Distributors 21:20 Trends and New Products in the Industry 23:43 Focus on Sustainability and Green Products 26:40 Impact of the Pandemic on Distribution 29:52 Importance of Face-to-Face Relationships 32:40 Building Loyalty and Allegiance 34:48 Creating a Strong Team and Delivering a Great Experience 36:18 Future Plans and Excitement 39:50 How to connect and what's coming up next? You can learn more about Scott at https://www.parksite.com/. Social media: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/today/author/scottthomas08/ Or hit us through our Contact Page at https://buildernuggets.com and we'll make a personal introduction.   To get the most out of this podcast, head over to https://buildernuggets.com and join our active community of like-minded builders and remodelers.

  Standing out in a crowded industry, especially one that struggles with a poor reputation is an age old problem for business owners in the construction field. Building a brand is the foundation for growing your business into something that employees are proud to work for, and clients are proud to work with. Today, Natalie Harper joins the show to share her best tips for success when it comes to not only standing out - but standing up for something bigger.   Show highlights include:   2:50  Natalie's start in PR and all about hockey 5:50 Getting started in marketing 8:50 Fundamentals of building a brand 11:25 How to build a foundation 14:11 Investing in knowing who you are early on 17:22 Like attracts like 21:14 Five C's 26:20 Identifying which communities are important 30:05 What have the best brands done well to be successful? 32:14 Is it what you build or how you build it? 34:30 Your personal brand vs. the company brand 42:20 What have you learned from working in the custom construction industry? 51:20 Appreciate each other and your partners 54:35 How to connect and what's coming up next? You can learn more about Natalie at https://www.harperpr.com. Get inspired at alairmagazine.com.  Social media: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalieharperpr/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/harper_pr/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HarperPR/ Or hit us through our Contact Page at https://buildernuggets.com and we'll make a personal introduction.   To get the most out of this podcast, head over to https://buildernuggets.com and join our active community of like-minded builders and remodelers.  

Today's episode features a familiar voice. To kick off Season 4 we've brought back the annual favorite - Steve Barkhouse, owner of Amsted Design|Build. This year we're treating you to his company's step by step process for delivering the ultimate customer experience during a custom home building or renovation project. If you've been struggling as the industry has shifted from the ease of the pandemic building boom to what it is today - this is an in-depth look at what's working and why it works.   Show highlights include:   2:00  What's happened in the last year? 3:00 Homebuilders and remodelers are no longer order takers 4:05 Shifts in the permit market 6:10 Defining the client experience plan 11:00 How did you design the experience? 12:55 The first real touch 16:33 The In Home Consultation 22:45 A modest investment of time and professionalism 25:22 Diving into development 27:00 Presenting to the client and design agreement 29:37 Helping clients understand budget in the current economic climate 35:15 Having fun and signing the contract 36:48 Handoff process 39:30 Discovery After Demolition 41:30 Trusted advisors and solid teamwork 44:10 Electrical walk throughs are important 44:50 Critical 10 - the last ten percent 47:10 Completion date, payment, and celebration meeting 53:50 How to connect and what's coming up next? You can learn more about Steve at https://www.amsted.ca/.   Social media: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevebarkhouse/?originalSubdomain=ca Or hit us through our Contact Page at https://buildernuggets.com and we'll make a personal introduction.   To get the most out of this podcast, head over to https://buildernuggets.com and join our active community of like-minded builders and remodelers.  

It's the end of 2023 and today Duane and Dave recap some of the most memorable moments from Season 3. This highlight reel revisits a few of the best nuggets from this year. We hope to hear from our Builder Nuggets community what you took away, and what you'd like to hear more of in the future. Reach out on our social links below or visit our website. Show highlights include:   3:15 Ep 146 with Sam Rashkin 7:15 Ep 145 with Steve Arneson 11:05 Ep 109 with PJ Antonik 13:15 Ep 120 with Rob Cecil 16:50 Ep 122 Sabrina Starling 20:10 Ep 105 with Steve Barkhouse 22:40 Ep 126 with Gord Cooke 25:55 Ep 152 with Cheryl Hickey and Justin Thompson 30:05 Ep 140 with Mark Richardson 33:40 Ep 140 with Meghan Billings 37:50 Ep 155 with Chris Thomson 41:22 Reach out with your thoughts for Season 4 You can learn more about the show at https://buildernuggets.com.  Social media: LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/duanejohns Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/buildernuggets/?hl=en Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/buildernuggets/ Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-builder-nuggets-podcast/id1532287154 To get the most out of this podcast, head over to https://buildernuggets.com and join our active community of like-minded builders and remodelers.

Becoming successful doesn't happen alone. It often takes support and mentorship - two things which can be difficult to find and cultivate. Our guest today is Chris Thomson, Head Coach at Student Works, who helps young entrepreneurs become successful business owners. He joins us to share his goal of creating 1000 millionaires, and his building blocks for making it happen. Show highlights include:   3:05 Chris's background 4:38 Studentwork's mission 7:13 How to collaborate and build a mastermind 11:05 How do we hold people accountable? 16:30 Is there ever resistance? 19:45 Recruiting to attract top talent 25:47 Success stories and 1000 Millionaires 30:00 How do you start on this path? 34:45 What do graduates go on to do? 38:50 Where do your coaches come from? 42:20 Has the program ever negatively impacted a student's schooling? 45:50 How to get in touch and What's coming up next?  You can learn more about Chris at https://www.studentworks.com or at cthomson@studentworks.com. Social media: LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-thomson-swp/ Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/leaders-of-tomorrow-podcast/id1448651718 Or hit us up through our Contact Page at https://buildernuggets.com and we'll make a personal introduction.   To get the most out of this podcast, head over to https://buildernuggets.com and join our active community of like-minded builders and remodelers.

It's a fact that women and minorities are underrepresented in the construction industry. Our guest today has been working to change that and making waves across the country. Today, Nora El-Khouri Spencer, founder and CEO of Hope RenovationsRenovations, joins us to talk about taking on the difficult task of breaking norms, creating change, and tackling the hard stuff. Her model was the first of its kind, and has been instrumental in positively impacting her community. If you've been wondering how to make your own business more inclusive, it's time to learn from NAHB's Woman of the Year for 2023.   Show highlights include:   3:24 How Nora got started in the industry 5:00 Deciding to build a business 6:00 What was the reception from Nora's circle 7:56 Who were some of the first women hired? 10:00 What are some of the most exciting opportunities available? 11:45 Teaching women there are opportunities in the trades is rare 13:45 What does Hope Renovations do? 15:50 How do women feel about participating in the construction industry? 17:35 Will Hope Renovations grow into other disciplines outside of trades?  19:35 How big is the organization? 21:45 What ways can other leaders get involved in this? 24:11 What conversations are being had with younger kids? 25:15 Who all wants to join? 27:30 A memorable student experience 30:20 What has the older generation thought about you and what do they need? 35:20 How to get in touch and What's coming up next?  You can learn more about Nora at https://www.hoperenovations.org. Social media: LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/company/hoperenovations Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/hoperenovations Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/hoperenovations Or hit us up through our Contact Page at https://buildernuggets.com and we'll make a personal introduction.   To get the most out of this podcast, head over to https://buildernuggets.com and join our active community of like-minded builders and remodelers.  

It's easy to feel overwhelmed with the amount of new technology available daily. AI is taking the world by storm and it's not always clear how it can be used to help the building sector. Today Jonathan Porter-Whistman with Perception Predict AI and Whohire.com joins us to explain the way AI is built, the purposes it can serve, and how builders, remodelers, and tradespeople can use it to better their businesses. If you're still sifting through resumes trying to find the best talent, yet seeing turnover stay consistently high - it's time to learn the way of the future.   Show highlights include:   2:30 Jonathan's background 4:00 How do you determine how to find the right people and then scale it? 9:00 How should we perceive where AI is today? 12:45 AIs are already starting to behave more like humans 15:20 How can the building industry get more involved with AI? 17:45 How do you know what areas to focus on and who to trust? 21:00 What is the hiring problem that AI can solve? 23:00 How does Perception Predict AI work? 30:00 AI can be a filtration tool for employers and a resume writer for employees 36:00 How to give immediate satisfaction to potential employees  39:50 What are current AI solutions that builders and remodelers can use now? 41:25 How to get in touch and What's coming up next?  You can learn more about Jonathan by emailing him at jon@whohire.com or check out ttps://www.perceptionpredict.ai/. Social media: LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanwhistman/ Or hit us up through our Contact Page at https://buildernuggets.com and we'll make a personal introduction.   To get the most out of this podcast, head over to https://buildernuggets.com and join our active community of like-minded builders and remodelers.

The relationship between a builder and their client is the most important part of a build or renovation project. Cultivating trust and practicing positive communication are invaluable skills in a builder's arsenal, and are the two most important factors in creating a successful builder-client relationship. Today, we interview Cheryl Hickey and Justin Thompson, a client and a builder, on their relationship and the incredible collaboration they shared. Completing a whole house renovation while supporting the Hospital for Sick Children (Sickkids), this partnership created a unique opportunity to support their local community.  For anyone who wants to use their skills or their business to give back to others - this is the episode for you.   Show highlights include:   3:00 Housing collaboration turns to community collaboration 9:35 Knowing it's time to renovate and stay in the neighborhood 11:35 The confidence to share a build publicly 16:08 What was surprising about your renovation? 18:41 Appreciating the trades 19:50 How to be a good neighbor during a reno 22:20 Sharing a true renovation journey on social media 26:00 A successful builder/client relationship 30:20 The Sickkids initiative 36:50 What kind of feedback have you been getting? 40:40 What's coming up next?  44:20  How to get in touch  You can watch Cheryl's home renovation collaboration with Alair here. Social media:   Cheryl   Tiktok- https://www.tiktok.com/@cherylhickey?lang=en Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cherylhickey/?hl=en Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/CherylHickeyETCanada/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/cherylhickeyetc?lang=en Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxDXsbH3Ib8754f8izXUckjKllQzyYg27   Justin   Linkedin: ttps://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-thompson-1671a031?originalSubdomain=ca Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alairhomes.ontario/ Or hit us up through our Contact Page at https://buildernuggets.com and we'll make a personal introduction.   To get the most out of this podcast, head over to https://buildernuggets.com and join our active community of like-minded builders and remodelers.

For many, the term luxury is a matter of status. Ted Bainbridge with Build Magazine joins us today to discuss not just the meaning of the word luxury, but what he sees trending across the board in the luxury market with both consumers and builders. Technology and sustainability might have the edge in luxury products, but what creates a true luxury experience for consumers building their custom homes? It's all about relationships. Show highlights include:   2:50 Lessons from podcasting 4:35 How Ted got to where he is today 6:00 What is luxury today? 9:10 The technology disconnect 12:00 What experiences are people planning for in their homes during the design phase? 14:00 New products and features in luxury homes 16:40 Healthier home trend 20:40 Sustainability is popular but so are fossil fuels 25:30 Differences in the luxury experience of building a home 35:30 Customer/builder relationships can be difficult but successful 40:00 Unique and unexpected luxury markets 42:00 What's coming up next?  You can learn more about Ted at www.buildmagazine.com. Social media: LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/ted-bainbridge-293b16168 Or hit us up through our Contact Page at https://buildernuggets.com and we'll make a personal introduction.   To get the most out of this podcast, head over to https://buildernuggets.com and join our active community of like-minded builders and remodelers.

It's that time of year again when we bring you an economic update from the National Association of Home Builders. Danushka Nanayakkara, Assistant Vice President for Forecasting and Analysis at the NAHB, joins us to share the details of where the housing market is headed as we close out 2023 and head into 2024. We tackle the big questions surrounding interest rates, supply and demand, regional market differences, and whether a recession is still on the horizon.   Show highlights include:   2:30 Automotive to home building 4:15 The pulse: taking a recession off the table for now 5:25 Increases in costs and interest rates 11:00 What could the new mortgage rate be in the future? 12:34 Inflation and home prices 14:35 Locked into low interest rates and unable to move 16:50 The income gap and the shrinking middle class 19:30 Will wages continue to rise? 21:50 Demand will stay strong because of millenials 26:40 Multi-generational family living and the hurdles for creating affordable housing 32:55 What should builders/remodelers do in their business to prepare now 36:35 Regional differences seen at the national level 38:50 What's coming up next?  40:05 How to get in touch  You can learn more about Danushka at https://eyeonhousing.org/author/dnanayakkara/. Social media: LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/danushka-nanayakkara-234a2223/ Or hit us up through our Contact Page at https://buildernuggets.com and we'll make a personal introduction.   To get the most out of this podcast, head over to https://buildernuggets.com and join our active community of like-minded builders and remodelers.

Planning for retirement is often a low priority among younger business owners. There are even established builders and remodelers that think retirement is a far off reality they don't have time to prepare for. The truth is that there are many steps, beyond the financial, that can help prepare a person for a fulfilling retirement that are often overlooked. Today, our guest breaks down retirement planning into 8 simple steps you can work towards that will help you feel comfortable. Kevin Walsh joins us to share the roadmap he's created, and how it felt to accomplish it himself. Show highlights include:   2:10 Meeting and providing industry resources 6:00 Financially preparing for retirement 9:45 #1 Start saving money for retirement when you first start working 17:50 Invest in your employees with 401ks 19:05  #2 Focus on your health 23:20 #3 Make time for your family 29:20  #4 Figure out your career desires 35:10  #5 Self-Development is important 40:40 # 6 Giving back to your community 44:10 #7 Social experiences are crucial 46:35 #8 Have core values in your life 50:30 What's coming up next and how to get in touch You can learn more about Kevin and discuss the topics of today's episode by emailing him at kevinmwalsh1962@gmail.com.   Or hit us up through our Contact Page at https://buildernuggets.com and we'll make a personal introduction.   To get the most out of this podcast, head over to https://buildernuggets.com and join our active community of like-minded builders and remodelers.  

The adage of robbing Peter to pay Paul has been a part of the building industry for far too long. It's eroded the trust of customers and trades who are constantly fearful of their bottom line. Builders and remodelers who manage their finances this way are floundering. Today, our guest is Jake Harris, the Founder and CEO of BuildWallet, who is challenging the industry norms by investing in the technology of the future. Listen in as he shares a new way to partition project money that reinstills trust in everyone involved. Show highlights include:   2:10 Attending the International Builder Show 3:20 How Jake got into the industry and starting his own company 9:45 Why builders shouldn't be bankers 13:45 Inception and how BuildWallet began 22:25 How does BuildWallet work? 24:20 How does access work? 28:00 The perspective of the homeowners, the builders, and the lenders 34:30 Are users finding success? 37:00 What happens when parties disagree about the money? 43:14 What's coming up next and how to get in touch You can learn more about Jake at https://www.buildwallet.com/. Social media: LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/jake-harris-985a565/ Youtube- https://www.youtube.com/@buildwallet Or hit us up through our Contact Page at https://buildernuggets.com and we'll make a personal introduction.   To get the most out of this podcast, head over to https://buildernuggets.com and join our active community of like-minded builders and remodelers.  

The business of recruitment has changed dramatically in the last few years. The talent pool has shifted, and inevitably the employers must shift as well. David Fisher, Director of Talent Acquisition at 84 Lumber, joins us to share how they foster a company culture that retains and attracts talent. Today we talk about the difference between jobs and careers, and how to innovate in a field that can determine the success of a business. Show highlights include:   2:10 Starting out in sports management 4:50 Getting into 84 Lumber 6:00 Why recruiting? 8:00 Creating the job description and developing recruitment 10:00 Borrowing from sports management and growing into the role 11:20 What does recruiting mean today? 12:50 What are candidates looking for? 14:25 Communicating the mission and the vision 17:25 How to build and amplify culture? 19:04 Fostering the right environment 20:45 Getting the story of 84 Lumber out in the world 25:00 How to make trainees want to stay 27:13 What's the next innovation for attracting talent? 29:56 Changes in the workforce 31:30 What's coming up next?  32:35 How to get in touch  You can learn more about David at https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-fisher-168142223 or apply to 84 Lumber at https://www.84lumber.com/careers   Social media: LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/company/84-lumber/mycompany/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/84lumber Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/84lumber/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/84LumberNews Youtube- https://www.youtube.com/user/84lumbervideos Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@84lumbercompany Or hit us up through our Contact Page at https://buildernuggets.com and we'll make a personal introduction.   To get the most out of this podcast, head over to https://buildernuggets.com and join our active community of like-minded builders and remodelers.  

The myriad of problems facing the housing industry can sometimes feel insurmountable. The push towards high performance, the need for affordability, and the continuing rise of inflation and costs for business owners might leave you feeling like you're getting left behind. The truth is, the answers are out there, and our guest today is here to share real examples of the direction other countries have taken, and where we might be headed next. Sam Rashkin, founder and author of  Retooling the U.S. Housing Industry joins us to share revelations from his newest book, Housing 2.0. Show highlights include:   2:30 Sam's start in the industry 4:45 The upcoming housing industry disruption 8:50 How to look at the industry and solutions differently 11:20 How important is user experience in the industry? 15:30 Does the industry have to move towards off-site prefabrication? 20:30 How to translate the experience to the customer and provide value 24:45 The future of housing and examples around the world 28:45 Landscaping and architecture 31:45 Digitization in the industry's future 37:45 New players in the industry 43:55 What can builders do to get ahead of the disruptions? 49:00 Where will AI come in? 49:42 What should builders prioritize? 57:40 How does the industry prepare the builder to prepare to the new level? 1:03 What's coming up next and how to get in touch You can learn more about Sam at https://srashkin.com/ or email him at sam@truhomefacts.com. If you're interested to learn more about Housing 2.0 visit here.     Social media: LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-rashkin Or hit us up through our Contact Page at https://buildernuggets.com and we'll make a personal introduction.   To get the most out of this podcast, head over to https://buildernuggets.com and join our active community of like-minded builders and remodelers.  

**Trigger Warning** This piece briefly discusses suicide and suicidal ideation, and some people might find it disturbing. If you or someone you know is suicidal, please, contact your physician, go to your local ER, or call the suicide prevention hotline in your country. More resources are available below.   There are times in life when you convince yourself things will never get better. You or your business may get knocked down, but it's important to surround yourself with a community that can help to build you back up. Today's guest has been through his own hard times, and he's here to share his journey towards a mindset of abundance and how he built a foundation that won't crumble when life sends him challenges. Steve Arneson, CEO of Synergy Mastermind in Canada, understands better than most how important it is to live with intention. Show highlights include:   3:05 How Steve got into real estate  7:00 TRIGGER WARNING: Steve shares a heartbreak that drove him to suicidal ideation 11:45 How did depression/suicidal ideation affect work? 14:10 Did people know? 15:40 What happened and how did you move forward? 20:10 END TRIGGER WARNING: Being present and intentional 24:00 Becoming comfortable moving forward and steps to being successful 32:25 Building back up 36:15 Where do participants come from? 38:00 How to get in touch and upcoming event 39:50 What is the intention when trying to be your best self? 41:30 What's coming up next? You can learn more about Steve at https://synergymastermind.ca/.   Social media: LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevearneson/ Facebook - https://facebook.com/groups/thereinvestors Instagram - https://instagram.com/steve_arneson Twitter - https://twitter.com/arnesonsteven Youtube- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfN7ILS4mbSoYSRvQuDBGvQ Or hit us up through our Contact Page at https://buildernuggets.com and we'll make a personal introduction.   To get the most out of this podcast, head over to https://buildernuggets.com and join our active community of like-minded builders and remodelers.   If you or someone you know is dealing with suicidal ideation, please visit The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by dialing 988, or message the Crisis Text Line at 741741. Both programs provide free, confidential support 24/7. More resources can be found at Lifeline (988lifeline.org) and SAMHSA.  

Taking over for a sick general contractor who was supposed to be building her home led today's guest to become a general contractor and business owner herself. Meghan Billings talks about her unconventional journey into the industry, joining a Builder 20 Club, and the experience her company works to give their clients and their trades. Communication is key, and so are challenging assumptions about women in the industry. Show highlights include:   2:30 Growing up in Alaska, settling in Idaho 3:50 How the pandemic affected Idaho and other snow stories 6:35 The journey into the industry 9:50 Starting a business 11:30 What were you trying to do to separate yourself? 14:15 Catching excitement for designing homes 17:30 Why design build? 19:52 What does the team look like? 23:05 What challenges have you overcome? 25:35 The importance of the client and the trades experience 33:40 Your experience as a woman in the industry 37:15 What's coming up next and how to get in touch You can learn more about Meghan at https://megconstruction.com/.   Social media: LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/megconstruction Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/megconstruction/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/megconstructionandDesign Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/MEGConstruction/ Or hit us up through our Contact Page at https://buildernuggets.com and we'll make a personal introduction.   To get the most out of this podcast, head over to https://buildernuggets.com and join our active community of like-minded builders and remodelers.  

Neighborhood HOAs, high-density apartment complexes, and multi-use developments have become the new common practice in the last few decades as the answer to addressing housing concerns. Hard-fought changes in zoning restrictions and ugly battles that pit generational investments against community growth have crowded out the voices in the building industry that are clamoring for a different type of housing experience. Evan Bost joins us to share examples of success in land use reform and the steps he takes toward the topic in his family's custom home building business.  Show highlights include:   3:00 A musician and a home builder 4:25 About Bost Homes 8:45 Evan's journey into the industry 11:15 Stepping into larger roles 14:30 What was the reception from the team to bringing on family? 16:00 Getting licensed and future plans 18:50 Interest in land use reform 24:50 What is the vision for more lovable communities in the future? 28:50 The younger generations have different desires for communities 34:00 Changes in development feel out of reach 37:00 Examples and barriers of reimagined housing experiences 41:51 What's coming up next and how to get in touch You can learn more about Evan at https://bosthomes.com.  Social media: LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/company/bost-custom-homes/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/do_you_even_baste/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/BostHomes/ Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/c/BostCustomHomesCary Twitter - https://twitter.com/BostEvan Or hit us up through our Contact Page at https://buildernuggets.com and we'll make a personal introduction.   To get the most out of this podcast, head over to https://buildernuggets.com and join our active community of like-minded builders and remodelers.  

When building a company, there are so many priorities and often, not enough trained people to delegate to. Today, our guest covers the best practices surrounding building a team, retaining that team, and preparing for what's coming next. Sky Kolade, co-founder of The Association of Professional Builders, joins us as we talk culture, cowboys, and the upcoming industry reset. Show highlights include:   3:20 How did the Association of Professional Builders get started? 9:10 What issues were you hoping APB could solve in the industry? 13:45 How are you seeing builders build culture? 19:25 Are current industry complications affecting culture? 23:00 What are common themes of good company culture? 30:10 Attracting and retaining talent 39:05 Team assessments for building better communication 41:24 What are the biggest headwinds in the industry in the next few years? 46:31 What's coming up next and how to get in touch You can learn more about Sky at https://associationofprofessionalbuilders.com/. Social media: LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/skycheristephens/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/apbbuilders/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/associationofprofessionalbuilders/ Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/c/associationofprofessionalbuilders Twitter - https://twitter.com/apbbuilders Or hit us up through our Contact Page at https://buildernuggets.com and we'll make a personal introduction.   To get the most out of this podcast, head over to https://buildernuggets.com and join our active community of like-minded builders and remodelers.  

Any business owner in this industry has struggled to build a good team, to scale, or to step away from the daily grind. Today, a familiar voice joins us to share his personal struggles through his seemingly meteoric rise through the ranks as a young builder. Nick Schiffer of NS Builders breaks down where he's chosen to invest, the pushback he's received, and how he's choosing to focus his energies moving forward.  Show highlights include:   2:00 You can love and hate what you do 3:10 Having a fourth child 7:00 How does perfection fit into scaling a business? 13:45 Innovation can make slow progress 18:40 The struggle to focus on one thing at a time 24:07 Risky business transitions 27:30 Reflecting during times of struggle 31:50 Where to invest for the biggest impact 34:00 Learning from a bad hiring mistake 37:15 Investing and building an A Team takes a lot of work 42:00 How to scale when your team isn't behind you 45:45 It's hard to stay in your own lane 48:15 To focus or not to focus? 51:00 What's coming up next and how to get in touch You can learn more about Nick at https://www.nickschiffer.com/. Social media: LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickschiffer/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/nickschiffer/ Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/c/NSBuildersLLC Or hit us up through our Contact Page at https://buildernuggets.com and we'll make a personal introduction.   To get the most out of this podcast, head over to https://buildernuggets.com and join our active community of like-minded builders and remodelers.  

Across the industry the consumer mindset has shifted immensely around remodeling and our guest today has lived through it all. Mark Richardson, author of How Fit Is Your Business, joins us to share his journey of helping set the standard for professional remodeling and his views on where the industry is headed. Today we tackle why bigger isn't always better, avoiding potholes, and changing the common misconceptions that plague remodelers trying to grow their business. Show highlights include:   2:25 An interesting last few years 5:20 A different consumer mindset 7:20 Mark's journey through the industry 12:16 What makes a remodeler a professional? 16:00 Are there more professional remodelers now than in the past? 18:28 Shortage of skilled labor 21:52 How can a remodeler become more professional? 25:00 What does a healthy construction business look like? 29:20 Common business mistakes 34:00 Use the resources you have available - including AI 35:50 Who were your mentors along the way? 37:10 Mastermind groups 39:30 Where is the industry headed? 42:42 The difficulty of finding talent 46:30 What's coming up next and how to get in touch You can learn more about Mark by emailing him at mrichardson@mgrichardson.com. Social media: LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-richardson-54970255/ Or hit us up through our Contact Page at https://buildernuggets.com and we'll make a personal introduction.   To get the most out of this podcast, head over to https://buildernuggets.com and join our active community of like-minded builders and remodelers.  

Building a business and building a business that's attractive to future buyers are two different things - but they don't have to be. Today's guest, Mark Herrmann, walks us through the process of finding and retaining a quality business broker who can help you prepare for the transition out of business ownership. He tackles the mistakes and misconceptions that many entrepreneurs make when trying to sell their businesses. We all wish selling a business was a quick and easy process, but with the right preparation and the best professional assistance, success could be just around the corner. Show highlights include:   3:00 The journey into business ownership 6:00 Building and selling the first business 10:25 The transition into a new business  12:30 What does a business broker do? 13:55 The process of valuing a business 18:10 What has the most effect on the value of a business? 19:30 The timeline of a sale 20:45 The value of a broker vs. selling on your own 24:55 How does a broker get paid? 28:35 How to make your business more valuable in advance 31:00 What is the process for selling a business? 33:34 Finding a good fit to buy your business 37:00 Can the seller and buyer meet? 42:40 Preparing for the transition after selling 49:25 What's coming up next and how to get in touch You can learn more about Alaina at http://www.carolinaadvisory.com. Social media: LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/markherrmann92/ Or hit us up through our Contact Page at https://buildernuggets.com and we'll make a personal introduction.   To get the most out of this podcast, head over to https://buildernuggets.com and join our active community of like-minded builders and remodelers.

Rewarding is the word often used to describe a career in the residential construction industry. Today's guest once struggled to love her job until she transitioned to a career as a home builder. Now a founder and CEO of Garman Homes, Alaina Money-Garman joins us to share how she worked her way through the ranks and helped build a company she can be proud of. Her company's values and their community outreach tell the story of how every home builder and remodeler can choose a path that brings fulfillment to not only the team, but to those less fortunate. Show highlights include:   2:35 Life outside of work 3:20 Getting started in the industry - switching careers 6:10 How Garman Homes began 8:20 The 4 Garman Differences and why they matter 15:08 How did you grow a large team? 21:21 How do you guarantee a closing date? 25:35 How has Garman changed through the years? 27:45 Getting the business on track with changing leadership 32:45 Support groups, mentors, collaborators, inspirations 35:15 How a homebuilder can give back to the community 43:25 What's coming up next and how to get in touch You can learn more about Alaina at https://www.garmanhomes.com/. Social media: LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/alaina-money-garman-51388426/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/alainamoneygarman Or hit us up through our Contact Page at https://buildernuggets.com and we'll make a personal introduction.   To get the most out of this podcast, head over to https://buildernuggets.com and join our active community of like-minded builders and remodelers.

Maybe you haven't yet invested in a business coach, but it's been on your mind. Today we invite back a familiar voice, James Pagano, to coach our listeners through some tough times. If you've been struggling to keep up with competitors, feel like there aren't enough hours in the day to get it all done, and have been wondering why you wanted to be a business owner in the first place - you're not alone. Today we analyze the common mistakes stressed entrepreneurs are making, and get some great advice for how we can all thrive in this fast-paced industry.   Show highlights include:   2:40 What impact did covid have on your coaching business? 6:50 How did you get into coaching? 9:15 What does your business look like? 12:50 Finding talent is straining business owners 16:30 What should business owners do first to alleviate this stress? 22:10 What should business owners stop doing? 25:20 Is it valuable to advertise your flexible benefits? 29:20 Generational metrics have changed and workers want new things 36:45 If you're not healthy, you're dying 39:25 Outsourcing is an option 42:20 Economic outlook 44:20 What's coming up next and how to get in touch You can learn more about James at www.jamespagano.com. Social media: LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamespagano/ Or hit us up through our Contact Page at https://buildernuggets.com and we'll make a personal introduction.   To get the most out of this podcast, head over to https://buildernuggets.com and join our active community of like-minded builders and remodelers.

Accessory dwelling units have been taking certain markets by storm, and as more zoning is rewritten, they could very well be the wave of the future. Today's guests are familiar voices. Gregg Cantor and Rachel Walker from Murray Lampert join us to share how they were first introduced to building custom ADUs, and how they've quickly grown to be over 40% of their business. In this episode, we tackle the prominence these small dwellings have gained in the areas where cities are reinventing what a housing footprint can look like.    Show highlights include:   3:30 Team members who have had an impact on your business? 5:30 When did you first get involved building ADUs? 8:22 What makes it an ADU and why do people build them? 10:40 What makes an ADU different than an addition to the home? 14:24 What ways do people use their ADUs? 15:20 Innovation in tight spaces 17:17 Are there challenges from the community? 18:04 Are people asking for ADUs? Or are you suggesting them? 20:50 Architecture and Deisgn 24:00 Multi-generational family living 26: 22 Is there pushback? 29:10 Interesting features and requirements 32:40 Navigating ADU specific codes with design build. 34:00 Navigating pitfalls 39:48 What's coming up next and how to get in touch You can learn more about Gregg and Rachel at http://www.murraylampert.com. Social media: LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/greggcantor Twitter - https://twitter.com/murraylampert Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/MurrayLampertDBR/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/murraylampert/ Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/c/MurrayLampertDesignBuildRemodelSanDiego Or hit us up through our Contact Page at https://buildernuggets.com and we'll make a personal introduction.   To get the most out of this podcast, head over to https://buildernuggets.com and join our active community of like-minded builders and remodelers.

Businesses are meant to be profitable as a measure of success. Today we shine a light on the less celebrated achievement of builders and remodelers using their businesses to help their communities - and the feeling of empowerment their team members can feel by being involved. Our guest is Justin Thompson, a regional partner with Alair Homes, who shares all the ways he builds his team up and uses his resources to impact the people around him.    Show highlights include:   2:30 Becoming a helicopter ski guide 4:20 How did you get involved with Alair? 6:15 What have you learned from being a small business owner? 8:30 People, community, and impact 12:00 The positive impact a builder can make 14:30 How to make an impact on people through the building industry 21:00  Examples of how the building industry can give back to the community 26:40 Impacting your team by helping them help the community 35:30 What are you excited about in the next year? 37:30 How to get in touch  You can learn more about Justin at https://www.alairhomes.ca/. Social media: LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-thompson-1671a031/ Or hit us up through our Contact Page at https://buildernuggets.com and we'll make a personal introduction.   To get the most out of this podcast, head over to https://buildernuggets.com and join our active community of like-minded builders and remodelers.

An experienced builder might feel equipped to recognize if a wall is load-bearing, but the true expert who can provide you with a detailed analysis of what it will take to remove that wall to provide an open-concept design would be a structural engineer. Our guest today is Marcel Papineau, owner of IDE Structural Engineers, who has joined us to share the process of becoming a licensed engineer, scaling his business, and all the services a structural engineer can provide a custom home builder. Listen in to learn the depth of what these professionals can contribute to the home-building process.    Show highlights include:   2:20 What is it about Canadians and hockey? 3:30 Getting involved with NARI 4:55 How did you become a structural engineer? 7:35 How did you start your own business? 10:30 What did scaling your business look like? 14:00 What does your training process look like? 18:50 What were some of your growing pains? 20:50 Coaching and networking 23:30 The services a structural engineer can provide 26:08 Relationships are important 27:50 Why changes from clients are so difficult for engineers 31:15 What should builders/remodelers consider that structural engineers can provide? 34:40 What are you excited about in the next year? 37:00 How to get in touch  You can learn more about Marcel at https://idestructuralengineers.com/. Social media: Youtube- https://www.youtube.com/user/IDEcharlotte Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/IDECharlotteNC/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/idecharlottenc/ Or hit us up through our Contact Page at https://buildernuggets.com and we'll make a personal introduction.   To get the most out of this podcast, head over to https://buildernuggets.com and join our active community of like-minded builders and remodelers.

What did you picture in your head when you first thought of being a business owner? Affording a new truck? Endless vacations? It probably wasn't administrative paperwork, putting out constant fires, or the difficulty of finding good employees. Today our guest is Cody Byrd, owner of Alair Homes Hickory, who shares his personal story of learning how to build a business he could let go of. By putting the systems and processes in place and investing in his team, Cody has been able to step away from his business for months at a time. Now he focuses on creating opportunities for others - and he wants to help you do the same.   Show highlights include:   2:20 Getting involved with your local and national HBA 4:25 What is it like to be the third generation in the industry? 5:20 How did you get started in the industry? 9:00 What are some of the biggest breakthroughs you've had in your business? 11:30 EOS and Kolbe 16:45 How did you let go of the vine? 21:46 What does the team think about you being gone more often? 31:00 A cancer diagnosis helped Cody let go of the non-essential tasks 35:25 How do you invest in your team? 43:00 How to get in touch and what excites you? You can learn more about Cody at https://www.alairhomes.com/hickory/. Social media: LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/visiondbrcodybyrd/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Alairhomeshickory Twitter - https://twitter.com/alairhickory Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/alairhomeshickory/ Or hit us up through our Contact Page at https://buildernuggets.com and we'll make a personal introduction.   To get the most out of this podcast, head over to https://buildernuggets.com and join our active community of like-minded builders and remodelers.

Building a network of like-minded people can seem daunting. There are so many different ways to make connections: attending trade shows, using social media platforms, or following referrals. Today's guest joins us to discuss building a dedicated platform that makes connecting with others in the construction industry easier. Jeremy Owens is the 3rd generation in his family involved in the remodeling industry, and his habit of networking has helped him see a new way to encourage others to come together and tackle some of the industry's most pressing problems. Join us as we dive into the value of surrounding yourself with people who know more than you.   Show highlights include:   3:00  Growing up on the job site 5:40  3 Generations improvements, how does it work? 8:20  Outside investments in specialty contractors 11:00 How has the business changed over the generations? 13:34 What challenges are you facing? 16:00 How and why to build a network of like-minded people? 22:25 Mental health awareness in the construction industry 26:30 Resources for tackling mental health  31:25 How do you approach professional growth? 36:45 Bringing lessons back into the business 39:00 What is coming up next? You can learn more about Jeremy at https://usconstructionzone.com/. Social media: LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-owens-2786a32a/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/usconstructionzone Twitter - https://twitter.com/usconstzone Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@usconstructionzone/featured Or hit us up through our Contact Page at https://buildernuggets.com and we'll make a personal introduction.   To get the most out of this podcast, head over to https://buildernuggets.com and join our active community of like-minded builders and remodelers.

Building out the systems and processes in your business that facilitate a good experience for your clients is integral to a successful and sustainable company. Today's guests have not only built these but want to share exactly what they've done to better engage their customers. Rachel Walker and Gregg Cantor join us to elaborate on their customer strategy, their team culture, and the journey their fourth-generation design build business has taken.    Show highlights include:   5:00  A fourth generation family business and how it all started 9:10 Personas can be created to help identify customers and better relate to them 13:24 It's unusual for a customer to fit in one bucket, but it's important to identify them to see if they align with the company's values 16:21 The question that tells you the most about a customer 20:00 How do you identify your ideal customer? 24:20 Involve your team in learning about your customer 28:50 The company has transitioned to being younger and more diverse 34:20 Understanding who your customer is 35:45 Mistakes are avoidable with good communication 37:35 The next investment in the business 39:30 Creating a round table to compare business practices 43:50 What is it like being a fourth generation family business? 48:36 How to get in touch and what excites you? You can learn more about Gregg and Rachel at https://murraylampert.com/. Social media: LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/greggcantor Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/murraylampert/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/MurrayLampertDBR/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/murraylampert Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/c/MurrayLampertDesignBuildRemodelSanDiego Or hit us up through our Contact Page at https://buildernuggets.com and we'll make a personal introduction.   To get the most out of this podcast, head over to https://buildernuggets.com and join our active community of like-minded builders and remodelers.

The current climate in the building industry is likely to make many business owners feel risk averse. Today, hosts Duane and Dave take on the topic of risk management. How can entrepreneurs approach decisions that involve risk with confidence? How can risk be measured and planned for? If you've felt fear regarding business decisions either from lack of understanding or lack of support from peers, listen in to learn how to reverse course.   Show highlights include:   2:55  Risk Tolerance 5:50 You are the solution and the risk as a builder 8:10 In order to scale your business you have to take the risk of hiring and delegating. 10:30 Don't let fear stop you from educating yourself on a risk. Embrace a culture of learning and collaboration. 15:00 Staying in the gap, measuring your business against what you haven't accomplished 17:45 Tools that can help business owners prepare for risk - EOS 20:15 It's a risk to not qualify your client 24:30 Plan your designs in advance.  29:30 You're a builder, not a bank. Use your client's money to build their home. 34:00 Taking construction agreements for granted, not hiring legal council, and forgoing proper insurance are three huge risks you should never take. 37:30 It's impossible to completely eliminate risk in this business, but you can drastically reduce risk. You can learn more about Duane and Dave at https://buildernuggets.com. Social media: LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/company/buildernuggets Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/buildernuggets/?hl=en Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/buildernuggets/ To get the most out of this podcast, head over to https://buildernuggets.com and join our active community of like-minded builders and remodelers.

The building process incorporates many different types of designers, engineers and architects. On the cutting edge, implementing new technology into custom homes is a Technology Designer. These professionals can help shape the experience of living in that home in a myriad of ways. Our guest today has been doing this work for over a decade. Dan Ross joins us to define the challenges of incorporating smart technology into homes, breaks down how to future-proof for a return on investment, and shares his insights into this rapidly evolving field.   Show highlights include:   6:10 Builders were getting frustrated with the Internet of Things and that's when the large control companies began providing solutions for a single ecosystem 10:05 Technology  needs to be discussed early on for all new projects just as architecture, interior design, structural engineering, etc. 14:10 It's important to capture and understand all of the subsystems of the home and how they all work together 16:15 It's all about planning and futureproofing. It's very hard to install smart home features near the end of the project - after the fact 27:24 It's important to have conversations with the client, architect, builder and A/V company or integrator about all of the wants and needs and what can be done 28:58 Technology Design is sort of a new category and should be considered an important part of the design phase for any project 31:06 The local trade or technology installer will play a major role into the products used 35:17 There is a significantly perceived increase in value of a home that incorporates technology 42:05 The major manufacturers of smart technology play a pivotal role in educating builders, architects and the general public 43:20 The next frontier of smart homes is the ability to make all of the systems in the home talk to one another and work with one another  You can learn more about Dan at  https://www.responsiveliving.com. Social media: LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-ross-15a09246/ Or hit us up through our Contact Page at https://buildernuggets.com and we'll make a personal introduction.   To get the most out of this podcast, head over to https://buildernuggets.com and join our active community of like-minded builders and remodelers.

The process of recruiting and retaining employees has rapidly changed in our post-pandemic economy. Today we invite back a seasoned guest to dive deep into the steps you should take to develop a process that puts your company ahead of the rest. Scott Beebe returns to tell us how to define your company culture, when to talk about money, and why onboarding and preparation for the role are even more important than you thought. For those who have struggled with not being able to recruit the talent you want, or constantly feel that talent hasn't lived up to their potential - this episode will break down how to overcome missteps and pitfalls when building an A-List team.    Show highlights include:   4 Stages to Finding and retaining great talent Recruiting Hiring Onboarding Ongoing 4:08 We need to like we market for business 7:06 Be careful when casting a big net when recruiting 7:50 Finding a headhunter that understands what you need can be very valuable BUT do not go this route until you have your roles and 9:01 Everyone on your team should be recruiting - take advantage of your existing networks 10:58 Write roles that are unique to your business 14:45 Build a culture that is focused on your vision, mission and core values then people won't leave 19:02 The difference between Nature and Culture 24:34 Throwing new hires into the fire is a recipe for disaster 26:55 Layout a week by week plan for any new hire based on their job role 32:20 Develop a culture calendar with regular check ins with your new team members 36:31 A great way to maintain culture, goal setting and keeping everyone engaged is to hold regular well run team meetings 39:18 The best training is the training that is already built through the job roles and through the process roadmap of your business You can learn more about Scott at  http://www.mybusinessonpurpose.com.  Social media: Twitter- https://twitter.com/scottbeebe Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/mybusinessonpurpose Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbPR8lTHY0ay4c0iqncOztg Or hit us up through our Contact Page at https://buildernuggets.com and we'll make a personal introduction.   To get the most out of this podcast, head over to https://buildernuggets.com and join our active community of like-minded builders and remodelers.

The intersection of design, architecture, and affordability is where today's guest likes to work. Seth Hart joins us to dive into some of the industry's most challenging hurdles and shares his insight into how they might be overcome. His work with DTJ design has given him a unique perspective into community planning and the trends in one of the nation's hottest housing markets - Denver. Join us as we explore the idea of attainability and what comes after shiplap.   Show highlights include:   2:52 I got started in Southern California in the production housing world 4:42 Environmental Design is all-encompassing 6:38 I saw an opportunity to bring art and design into the production-building world 11:21 It's all about culture, culture, culture 15:40 Community amenities are changing 17:16 Communities are getting denser and denser 20:52 I focus on density and attainability 23:40 Without a great team there are no great projects 25:17 Getting the input of all parties in the beginning is a great way to bring a project together 27:09 Evoking some sense of emotion, love or hate, is very important in the design world 33:02 Industry trends are very different depending on location and price point however high end finishes and sophistication is something that is popular across the board 38:35 I am always excited about the next project - what's next? You can learn more about Seth at  https://dtjdesign.com Social media: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/seth-hart-5099b98/ Or hit us up through our Contact Page at https://buildernuggets.com and we'll make a personal introduction.   To get the most out of this podcast, head over to https://buildernuggets.com and join our active community of like-minded builders and remodelers.

The term building science was born in the 80s, and today high-performance homes and energy efficiency are buzzwords used throughout the custom home building industry. Building science is the understanding of air, heat, and moisture flow. It's been a journey to improve insulation and build tighter houses. Today, our guest shares his vast knowledge regarding energy efficiency and innovation. Gord Cooke joins us with a detailed breakdown of the opportunities facing the building industry and how we can overcome the hurdles in front of us when it comes to sustainability.   Show highlights include:   1:40 When I first got started in the industry “Building Science” wasn't even a term. The early 1980's was when it really started to get traction 4:27 We had to understand the science and the unintended consequences  5:59 Building Science is the study or air, heat, and moisture flow 9:44 Once we started adding insulation to homes we changed the drying capacity - that was the biggest change 11:52 Building Science should be viewed as another tool in the toolbag 17:40 You should make sure new products are properly tested and that you understand all installation guidelines and any inherent risks. Every builder should have a relationship with a building science expert/building envelope consultant 21:53 the goal should always be: Healthier, safer, more durable, more comfortable while making it energy efficient 23:30 It's really difficult to sell building science as an option - it should be baked in to how you build every time 27:37 Builders and remodelers should always be looking to make homes tighter and tighter from an air infiltration standpoint 33:20 It's time to recalibrate our thinking and approach to building science 43:53 Reducing the carbon footprint of each home will become a real necessity You can learn more about Gord at  www.constructioninstruction.com. Social media: LinkedIn - ttps://www.linkedin.com/company/construction-instruction-inc./ Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/constructioninstructionapp/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/constructioninstruction/?hl=en Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/c/ConstructionInstruction Or hit us up through our Contact Page at https://buildernuggets.com and we'll make a personal introduction.   To get the most out of this podcast, head over to https://buildernuggets.com and join our active community of like-minded builders and remodelers.

Technology can be difficult to keep up with. The rate of change is incredible, and training can sometimes fall to the bottom of the priority list. Our guest explains the rewards a business can see by investing in this training. Dr. Joe Burgett joins us today to peel back the curtain on a technology most of us have barely scratched the surface of using – drones. More than just picture taking devices, we dive into all the uses these fascinating machines can have in our business and all the ways they might shape the future.    Show highlights include:   5:48 I help contractors, DOT's, federal highways, consultants and other groups with drone technology and usage 5:56 I am known as Dr. Drone 15:32 Photo photogrammetry and 3D modeling is one of the best use cases for drone technology in residential construction 19:06 Thermography is another way drones are being used on new and existing structures 21:02 Like any other tool there is training needed 21:35 There are some risks and liability associated with drone usage as well 23:49 You need to be aware of privacy concerns 24:26 Ask permission or don't fly the mission! 27:32 There are services available for hire is you only do occasional drone work 31:15 A drone is a data capturing device You can learn more about Dr. Burgett at www.clemsondrone.com. Social media: LinkedIn - https://www.facebook.com/clemsondrone Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/clemson.drone.course/ Or hit us up through our Contact Page at https://buildernuggets.com and we'll make a personal introduction.   To get the most out of this podcast, head over to https://buildernuggets.com and join our active community of like-minded builders and remodelers.

A home builder is often worried about efficiency and timeline, not design. That's why it's so important to involve an architect in your home-building process. Our guest today is an architectural designer that approaches the process with the eye of an artist. Tony Frazier of Frazier Home Design was inspired by modern architects to build the type of homes that make you stop and stare. To reach that level of success he's had to tackle many industry issues such as incorporating a builder early, finding the right clients, and creating the processes that can grow and evolve with his business. Tony has never been satisfied with doing things the way they've always been done, and today he shares with us how he navigated pushing the envelope in an industry resistant to change.   Show highlights include:   5:06 I was very interested in art and the idea of home design 7:35 architects like Bobby McAlpine and their designs had a big influence on me 10:02 I want to    response to my designs 15:02 I drew plans for my own house and it was a bit of a tipping point project for me 16:25 Instagram and other social platforms allowed be to broadcast my designs out to the world 19:40 I had some struggles at first trying to get some existing builders in my market to embrace new design ideas 23:10 As an architectural designer, what are the best questions you want to be asked as from a builder or client? 25:19 Getting a builder involved early is one of the most important steps 29:06 A more assembled team equates to a more successful project 27:36 By building my internal team it has allowed me to step away from some of the day to day functions and spend more time working on the big picture parts of the business 42:40 It's not a process until you write it down 49:31 It's really scary to think someone else can do what you do 53:02 I think that AI is going to start to have a huge impact on construction drawing and design You can learn more about Tony at https://www.frazierhomedesign.com. Social media: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-frazier-39578711 Tiktok- https://www.tiktok.com/@frazierhomedesign Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/frazierhomedesign/?hl=en Or hit us up through our Contact Page at https://buildernuggets.com and we'll make a personal introduction.   To get the most out of this podcast, head over to https://buildernuggets.com and join our active community of like-minded builders and remodelers.  

The school of hard knocks is a training program many in this industry are familiar with. Our guest today is no different. Will King, owner of High Cotton Homes, shares his journey from fireman turned contractor turned business owner and how he transitioned into a lifestyle that fit his family's needs. The need for more flexibility in his schedule gave him the push he needed to change everything - but not without some bumps along the road. Join us as we delve into personal and professional growth in an industry that's constantly evolving.   Show highlights include:   2:10 I never thought I would become a volunteer fireman 3:55 The ability to help people drew me to firefighting 6:03 My experience from working on a farm gave me an understanding of how to put things together 9:18 I had stability as a fireman but something was missing 11:25 When I started my construction business there was a lot of “What NOT to do!” experiences 12:53 In the beginning I was a builder and a firefighter and I quickly got to a point where I was killing myself from working too much - something had to give. I chose building 16:52 Firefighters do a lot of side work and can be a great resource for possible talent recruiting on the trade side 20:42 the ability to be flexible with my time was the biggest motivator for me to have my own business 23:02 I think a lot of builders are scared to hire 24:42 In the beginningIi had no idea I would become a design/build firm 28:55 At the end of the day control is the main benefit of design/build 31:33 When I find out I don't know something it kills me. I have to dig in and learn about it 40:48 My building science wingnut buddies are the mastermind for my construction knowledge but my Southern Living builder group is my mastermind on the business side 47:06 The craziest thing about this business is you never know what's next You can learn more about Will at https://www.highcotton-homes.com/ or @Willkinghomes on Instagram. Social media: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/willkinghighcottonhomes/ Youtube- https://www.youtube.com/@HighCottonHomes/about Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/highcottonhomes/?hl=en Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HighCottonHomesInc Or hit us up through our Contact Page at https://buildernuggets.com and we'll make a personal introduction.   To get the most out of this podcast, head over to https://buildernuggets.com and join our active community of like-minded builders and remodelers.

Investing in your business is not as common as you'd think. If you're an avid listener of this show, you're actually in the top 10% of business owners who are looking to improve themselves, their team, and their businesses. Today we invite Dr. Sabrina Starling to join us. A phenomenal coach, author, and psychologist, she helps draw back the curtain on the problems that plague builders and remodelers as they work to grow and scale their businesses. Learn how to find what's breaking down, where you can focus for the most impact, and how to provide yourself and your team with a better quality of life. Stop trying to please everyone, and start learning how to surround yourself with an A Team.   Show highlights include:   4:34 There are high rates of burnout everywhere. 9 out of 10 entrepreneurs are burnt out 6:05 Less than 10% of construction business owners put energy and effort into working ON their business 11:22 The place to start is awareness 15:06 What got you here won't get you there 18:55 Most of the burnout victims are the ones that are stuck doing it themselves. 19:17 Don't be a do it yourself business owner 23:40 We need to focus on the $10,000 an hour activities - move the needle 26:03 Complexity is the enemy of profit 30:43 What's the one result you need from any person in a given role? What is that key result? 41:56 The “Net Promoter Score” is the best way to see if you are pleasing your clients You can learn more about Dr. Starling at https://www.tapthepotential.com/. Social media: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/drsabrina Twitter - https://twitter.com/DrSabrina Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/drsabrina/?hl=en Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/tapthepotential Or hit us up through our Contact Page at https://buildernuggets.com and we'll make a personal introduction.   To get the most out of this podcast, head over to https://buildernuggets.com and join our active community of like-minded builders and remodelers.

Reframing the concept of what it means to be a builder or a tradesperson has been difficult over the years. There are many common misconceptions, and the job of industry leaders is to challenge those misconceptions and shed light on the truth. Graeme Bell joins us today to share his take on changing perceptions through tackling culture shifts, providing educational opportunities, and constructing barriers of entry to build professionalism. What will it take to bring a new generation in and how can we help?   Show highlights include:   3:14 My love for the game of football and big challenges has moved into my career in construction 6:54 I love the intensity that comes with project management 7:38 Collectively, people in the construction industry weren't looking to educate themselves 12:18 If we want to better an industry lets transfer all of our knowledge and make everybody better 16:42 It's the people that understand victory and understand defeat that are going to persevere 21:32 We need to change the perception of: “Hey, you have failed at everything else so why not try construction?” 26:50 We need to raise the bar and work towards professional designations for our industry 35:50 Get your team in the game and always be working on self improvement and career development  You can learn more about Graeme at http://www.alairhomes.com/edmonton Social media: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/graeme-bell-83663726/ Or hit us up through our Contact Page at https://buildernuggets.com and we'll make a personal introduction.   To get the most out of this podcast, head over to https://buildernuggets.com and join our active community of like-minded builders and remodelers.

If you are looking to attract the top talent, systematize your processes across the board, and expand your business, chances are you're here to find out. Custom home building and remodeling can be very personal, and maybe you've never considered the idea that you should be building a business that could be sold - but our guest today is here to explain why this is exactly what you should be doing. Rob Cecil, President of Alair Homes, joins us today to shed some light on why joining your business with Alair Homes through their franchise model can provide the formula for scaling a profitable business that helps you work less.   Show highlights include:   2:58 I was in love with the startup game 4:20 As business owners and entrepreneurs we complicate stuff 5:57 The F-word “Franchise” - Really? 8:40 Franchising allows you to own 100% of your business 12:58 Consolidation allows for acceleration of innovation 17:08 The first question I am going to ask you if I am interested in buying your business is - Tell me what happens when you're no longer here 22:28 You should strive to have an investment grade business 26:44 Just because you are in control doesn't mean you are controlling your destiny 32:52 Those that win the talent race over the next 10 years are going to be the ones that succeed 35:10 The contributions from all team members to the group is what sets Alair apart from anything else 41:04 Think about what you could do if you had access to a mastermind like this 47:40 A business should always be treated as a vehicle to achieve what you want out of life You can learn more about Rob at http://www.linkedin/in/rcecil. Social media: LinkedIn - http://www.linkedin/in/rcecil   Or hit us up through our Contact Page at https://buildernuggets.com and we'll make a personal introduction.   To get the most out of this podcast, head over to https://buildernuggets.com and join our active community of like-minded builders and remodelers.

Making smart investments is the most important action any business owner can take. Enter our guest, Cindy Cipriani, who uses her background in psychology and grief counseling to emphasize mental health and wellbeing in her remodeling company, Cipriani Remodeling Solutions. Shifting business decisions and implementing avenues for employees to grow and evolve can prove how meaningful these team members are to the business. Today we hear how investing in the wellness of your team can lead to dividends down the road.    Show highlights include:    2:58 Growing up I always wanted to be an architect  9:20 We've worked hard to get the business to where it is and now we want to be able to enjoy the rewards while continuing to support our team all while staying out of the weeds 11:35 It's important to have a Life Plan for everyone on the team 14:25 Giving people the opportunity to talk about mental health is the first step to a healthier team environment 18:37 Mental health and balancing your life is a skill all leaders and managers need to work on and be able to train others on 26:32 Remote working has allowed people to maintain a better work/life balance 29:15 We had a fire at our office and our team really rallied together. That's an indicator of a strong company culture 33:15 Unhappy employees are very likely to leave You can learn more about Cindy at https://ciprianiremodelingsolutions.com/ or https://www.cindycipriani.com/.  Social media: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cindy-cipriani-92083814 Facebook -https://www.facebook.com/ClearPathByCindy/ Instagram -https://www.instagram.com/cindycipriani/ Or hit us up through our Contact Page at https://buildernuggets.com and we'll make a personal introduction.   To get the most out of this podcast, head over to https://buildernuggets.com and join our active community of like-minded builders and remodelers.

Company culture is the key that can separate your business from the competition. A positive company culture can align teams, retain talent, and support employees beyond the hours they spend at work. Today, Curt Janzen joins us to share the methods he's used to build a company culture that stands apart. With help from mentors and learning his blind spots, he's helped create a vision for his company, Beyond Foam, that he's eager to share with others to compel an industry-wide shift that could change what we choose to value in our teams.   Show highlights include:   2:50 I have been on a journey to create something that lasts 3:36 Culture will eat strategy for breakfast 6:29 We wanted to diversify rto become recession proof  9:20 We had to sit down and really figure out who we were as a company 10:45 our staff came up with our DNA 18:05 The principals of each one of our team members let to the belief and buy in 22:30 Our ideal candidate for new team members are likely working somewhere else now but don't know there is something better out there 26:25 We are constantly trying to help our team grow personally and professionally 35:08 We created a human scavenger hunt to help with our training and onboarding process 37:36 We're like a high performance hockey team  You can learn more about Curt at https://www.beyondfoam.com/ or his personal Linkedin. Social media: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/beyond-insulation-group/?viewAsMember=true Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/BeyondFoam Instagram -https://www.instagram.com/beyondfoam/ Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1AUkUK_0-s0b2MxdSHZT5A Or hit us up through our Contact Page at https://buildernuggets.com and we'll make a personal introduction.   To get the most out of this podcast, head over to https://buildernuggets.com and join our active community of like-minded builders and remodelers.

Today we welcome back a special guest who always brings insight and passion on the topic of the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS). For our listeners that have adopted this game-changing tool in their businesses, we're excited to bring you the steps to level up and use EOS outside your work. David Hickman shares the details of author Gino Wickman's new book The EOS Life. He breaks down the simple steps you can use to create a better business and a better life.   Show highlights include:   3:32 Most business owners are exposed to EOS by hearing about it from others 5:47 EOS stands for the Entrepreneurial Operating System 6:35 Vision without Traction is Hallucination 12:04 The 5 things that make up the EOS life: Do what you love With people you love Make a huge difference Be appropriately compensated Have time for other passions 17:35 Stop washing coffee mugs in the sink 18:32 You have to let go of the vine 19:50 We do what's necessary, we do what's comfortable instead of being intentional 24:01 We all need to hold each other accountable 28:26 The 10 Disciplines: 10 year thinking Take time off Know thyself Be still Know your 100% Say No often Don't do $15 per hour work Prepare every night Put everything in one place Be humble You can learn more about David at https://www.EOSworldwide.com/David-Hickman.   His email is tractionpartners@gmail.com.   The EOS Life book is available here: EOS Life - EOS Worldwide. You can email David at his email above for this or any other EOS book. Social media: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-hickman-eos-professional/ Or hit us up through our Contact Page at https://buildernuggets.com and we'll make a personal introduction.   To get the most out of this podcast, head over to https://buildernuggets.com and join our active community of like-minded builders and remodelers.