Jamie bought his first investment property around the time he met Morgan. She recalls being blown away by his talents and offered the idea of starting a blog. Not long after launching construction2style, the Molitors quickly started getting custom furniture and remodeling inquiries. Jamie took the plunge and dove full time into running his own general contracting interior residential remodeling company.Today, Morgan is the designer and brand developer behind c2s. She oversees all content creation, manages the brand partnerships, is the writing guru, and lead interior stylist. She also heads up their online education courses and in-house monthly marketing workshops.construction2style continues to exist as a home improvement resource blog. The Molitors offer contracting, design, styling, and marketing services along with home decor products. With 1.8 million monthly views as of this conversation, the c2s blog is clearly a popular and trusted source for marketing strategies tactics among those in the industry.Brought to you by Pella Windows & DoorsTopics Discussed: [02:23] What led to construction2style being conceived in 2012[06:48] How the Molitors turned their blog into a business[10:14] Setting expectations with clients[18:38] Jamie’s biggest challenges in the field[22:39] How Jamie and Morgan agreed on their roles as a husband and wife team[24:57] The first hire and the importance of company culture[32:05] Where c2s is today[34:00] Vetting clients[39:57] Getting involved in the event planning space[43:20] What goes into planning a successful event[45:54] How the business has changed since the beginning[49:00] How anyone can start building their brand[52:48] How the c2s blog is making an impact on reach[55:31] The power of Web Stories on Google[59:47] Jamie’s biggest pain point at the moment[01:01:31] The Molitors’ advice to those starting out in the industryConnect with Jamie & Morgan:Website - https://construction2style.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/construction2style/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/construction2styleLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/construction2style-llcTwitter - https://twitter.com/c2s_molitorPinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/construction2styleHouzz - https://www.houzz.com/pro/construction2style/construction2style-llcYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCw0DTGNtruFv6XgcVliM5JwTikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@construction2style?lang=enClubhouse - construction2styleConnect with Brad Leavitt:Website - https://www.aftconstructionpodcast.com/Instagram - https://instagram.com/aft_constructionFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/aftconstructionHouzz - https://www.houzz.com/pro/aft-construction/aft-constructionPinterest - https://www.pinterest.ph/AFT_CONSTRUCTION/YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzB4R_DHPVV1SPh7RUfR5jgKey Quotes by Jamie and Morgan:To us, it’s important that we find someone with the right mindset and fits within our culture. From that, we can train them. I’d much rather have that than what a piece of paper says. ~MorganThe best partnerships that we have with brands and vendors are the ones where we uplift and support each other organically—not just when it’s paid—because we’re constantly talking about them even if it’s not a collaboration or a paid partnership. ~MorganThe main thing I would tell people, if you’re a young guy or girl looking to do your own thing: Don’t overspend. Just build. [...] Lean on other professionals, even outside the trade area. Find an accountant. [...] Find a lawyer. ~JamieDo the dirty work. Take the not-ideal job to get your name out there and build your resumé. ~Jamie

Along the same line, his ideal customers are those who focus on value over cost—those who are focused on the timelessness of what may just be their forever home.Asked his opinion on the future of home design, particularly in a post-COVID world, Jeff says that “we need to get more distance between ourselves and these events to truly, fully comprehend what they are really doing—and have done—to our psyches.”People now truly look at their home as a sanctuary, and the market has changed to reflect these developing tastes, which include an explosion in demand for pools and home offices.An artist at his core, Jeff believes that “inspiration is the fuel for a creative spirit,” and points to nature as his ultimate source of that inspiration.Topics Discussed:[03:27] Defining “timeless design”[06:50] The “Golden Section” and the “Rule of Thirds” in art[13:43] Setting expectations with clients[18:26] Knowing when a client is the right fit[25:21] The future of home design[34:30] How growing up on a farm impacted Jeff creativity and work ethic[40:19] When and why Jeff decided to go into architecture and grew his passion for art[50:22] Jeff’s early career[55:34] Jeff’s advice to young architects who want to start their own company[01:02:07] Jeff’s exciting upcoming projectsConnect with Guest:Website: https://www.jeffreydungan.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JeffreyDunganArchitects/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeffreydungan/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/jeffreydungan/_created/Connect with Brad Leavitt:Website - https://www.aftconstructionpodcast.com/Instagram - https://instagram.com/aft_constructionFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/aftconstructionHouzz - https://www.houzz.com/pro/aft-construction/aft-constructionPinterest - https://www.pinterest.ph/AFT_CONSTRUCTION/YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzB4R_DHPVV1SPh7RUfR5jgKey Quotes by Jeff:Especially in America, where we’ve got a fake version of everything, if there’s anything we shouldn’t be faking, it’s stone.I’ve got more ideas than you’ve got money. [...] I want to make a place that’s going to basically change your life. To me, you can’t put a price on that. Let’s talk about something infinitate and way more meaningful than costs.I want to have a conversation not about the cost of the thing, but the value of it.There is something about nature that refurbishes our spirit.Inspiration is the fuel for a creative spirit. [...] Where do we get that inspiration from? There are many sources, but I think that nature is supreme.If you don’t say “no” to the wrong things, you can’t say “yes” to the right things.

Listen in as Patrick, Sue, Megan, and McKall give their professional backgrounds leading up to their joining the AFT team and the scope of their current roles.McKall dives deep into the process of calculating for profit with your WIP and how to stay within realistic margins as your projections change every month towards the completion of a given project.Patrick, Sue, and Megan talk about the biggest risks in the construction industry, navigating cashflow challenges throughout a project, and how to write a forward-looking contract that minimizes these risks by adequately defining scope-of-work.Finally, the team discusses billing regulations in Arizona and whether trade partners should have any variation in a contract. They also speak on the immense value of site visits and working with designers and architects.Brought to you by Pella WindowsTopics Discussed: [01:35] An introduction to Megan, McKall, Patrick, and Sue[05:12] Our team’s backgrounds and career lessons they brought into AFT[16:24] What your WIP tells you[22:12] The biggest risks in the construction industry[29:43] How a company can be effective at scope-of-work[36:10] Managing time as Project Coordinators[41:00] Fighting through the cashflow challenge in a timely manner[48:44] Continuing education and staying on top of issues and trends in the industry[51:15] Navigating price increases[56:13] Managing expectations with team members, vendors, and clients[1:00:39] The Arizona Prompt Payment Act and AIA contracts[1:00:55] The value of site visits[1:12:04] The pros of working with a designer and an architect[1:14:46] Advice to younger companiesKey Quotes by the AFT team:Being in-house makes a really big difference because then you have someone who can do an actual analysis of what’s going on and give you a real picture of what needs to change in order to get you to where you want to be, financially. ~McKallThe biggest risks in the construction industry, for me, are construction defect claims; job site-related issues such as injuries or property damage; and labor and material shortages along with price volatility. ~PatrickWe have a standard at AFT, and we want to make sure that our subs are going to uphold our brand and standard. ~PatrickWhat’s been beneficial for me is going out to site visits and seeing what is on the plan come to life. That is like a stepping stone for other projects. ~MeganThe biggest thing is to not forget how important your policies and procedures are because that can actually make you a lot of money. Have a clear path. ~McKall

He goes on to speak on lessons and skills that he was able to apply after getting into business for himself, as well as those pain points that he had to endure a lot of trial and error to get a handle on—from considerations around working capital, to investing in training.Justin then describes his scope of work and the most crucial factors in pool plumbing, as well as the technologies and trends that have evolved over the years and how these changes impact hydraulic design.Asked how he is able to maintain strong, mutually beneficial relationships with his vendors, Justin says that it’s all about going out of their way to take the tougher jobs and being consistent with the quality of their work.Finally, Justin touches on JMax Companies’ plumbing and mechanical division and how his residential projects differ from pool work.Topics Discussed: [02:21] How Justin got started in pool plumbing[05:23] Business lessons Justin learned from working for another plumbing company[07:52] What Justin knows now that he wishes he knew then[09:54] Staying financially sound and getting on the same page with builders[12:58] What separates good clients from bad ones[15:17] JMax’s scope of work and how the market has changed[20:08] Stress factors inherent in pool plumbing[25:25] Frequency of training at JMax and maintaining vendor relationships[31:45] Clients to avoid[32:47] Building an online presence[37:05] Justin’s favorite projects[42:29] How residential and mechanical plumbing differs from pool plumbing[50:39] What Justin takes most pride in today[51:48] Justin’s exciting upcoming projectsConnect with Guest:JMax Companies Website: https://www.jmaxcompanies.com/JMax Plumbing Website: https://jmaxplumbing.com/JMax Mechanical Website: https://www.jmaxmechanical.com/JMax Academy Website: https://www.jmaxacademy.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bearded_plumber/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_bearded_plumber?YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1hbfJNmjFSkowgNXWzq3NQ/videosConnect with Brad Leavitt:Website - https://www.aftconstructionpodcast.com/Instagram - https://instagram.com/aft_constructionFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/aftconstructionHouzz - https://www.houzz.com/pro/aft-construction/aft-constructionPinterest - https://www.pinterest.ph/AFT_CONSTRUCTION/YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzB4R_DHPVV1SPh7RUfR5jgKey Quotes by Justin:My favorite relationships are those where you get mutual respect. If I’m dealing with a general contractor, their expertise is this, and my expertise is plumbing. I want them to respect that I have a ton of experience and we’ve been through mistakes and let us do our thing.The most important part of plumbing is making sure that you’ve sized everything correctly, because the [consequences] of that are energy loss and systems not doing what they’re supposed to do.I think having long-standing relationships with my vendors has been the most help. [...] Fortunately, those relationships have paid off tons.This industry is small. Pool plumbing—and pools in general—is so small that you pretty much know people before you meet them. Just get in front of them; talk to them. Figure out if they have the same values that you do.

Today Brad speaks with Tim Brown, CEO of Hook Agency, an SEO & Web Design firm that’s gone from 1 person to 17 in 5 years.Tim kicks off the conversation giving his take on the biggest challenges that business owners face in today’s shaky market. Some of these challenges include finding and retaining self-motivated team members, creating a meaningful workplace for younger generations of professionals, and looking past the glamor metrics at what really counts for business success.Tim then gives his thoughts on creating a winning website and best practices for bringing in leads. Aside from optimizing your SEO, he recommends connecting with service providers in similar industries to yours and building out a network of referrals via those connections.With regard to homebuilders in particular, Tim offers tips on getting the best out of content creation and social media strategy, again without getting distracted by vanity metrics. He goes in-depth on video content and why many business owners end up wasting time and money when investing in video.Finally, Tim speaks to newer or smaller companies who are looking to maximize a lean marketing budget.Topics Discussed: [02:17] Business challenges that Tim is facing in today’s market[04:25] Finding self-motivated team members[08:27] Creating a training organization to fill gaps in skill[10:49] Other factors that companies should focus on[17:41] How to create a winning website[24:48] How homebuilders should approach social media and content creation[30:10] The power of video content[38:54] What should a company with a lean marketing budget focus on?[47:18] Tim’s biggest challenges as an entrepreneur in the early days[51:58] Niching down your clientele[55:18] The best advice Tim has ever been givenConnect with Guest:WebsiteInstagramFacebookLinkedInTwitterPinterestYouTubeTikTokPodcastConnect with Brad Leavitt:Website Instagram Facebook Houzz Pinterest YouTube Key Quotes by Tim:There’s this movement with business owners for time freedom; but, getting more employees does not only mean time freedom. Sometimes it means a painful amount of management.Video is fun. You know what’s not fun? Sitting around doing a bunch of content all day to get your thing to rank on Google.You have more credibility when you specialize in something.Trust yourself. You have more context on your situation than anyone else. [...] Do take advice—but take it with a grain of salt.

Contractors need to take note of legal issues that arise on account of construction defects and accidents. Further, they need to make sure they are rigidly compliant when it comes to lien waivers. It is important to take their state’s code into account to provide context for the crafting of their performance standards.Regarding new contractors who have just started their business, Rachel says that they should be clear on the expertise they currently have and what they intend to practice in their new venture, in addition to having their financials sorted out.Finally, Rachel does a deep dive into the critical importance of insurance and why, in such a high-risk industry as construction, contractors must never overlook the importance of protecting their assets should the slightest cause for liability take place.Get 15% off all courses and services offered by Contractor Trainer Center on their website by using the code “AFT-15” at checkoutThis episode is brought to you by Pella Windows & DoorsTopics Discussed: [02:14] Issues and trends present in the construction industry today[05:00] How contractors are dealing with legal issues today (ex. around price increases)[12:26] Considerations around liens[16:45] Consulting in different states according to their respective codes[21:48] Required contract provisions[30:05] Where contractors should focus on when starting a business[36:36] The startup manual created by Contractor Training Center for new contractors[39:07] What is a “construction bond”?[44:48] How a contractor can ensure that they are properly insured[51:45] Should owners always have builder’s risk insurance?[53:47] Rachel’s custom residential design-build construction business in Florida[56:56] How Rachel got involved with Contractor Trainer Center[58:29] Resources available on the Contractor Trainer Center website[01:01:40] The best advice Rachel has ever been given and what’s next for herConnect with Guest:Website: https://contractortrainingcenter.com/LinkedIn (Rachel Doty): https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-doty-26844420LinkedIn (Contractor Training Center) https://www.linkedin.com/company/contractortrainingFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/contractortrainingYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_5LeZU1L4FtfT-ni6UHkcQConnect with Brad Leavitt:Website - https://www.aftconstructionpodcast.com/Instagram - https://instagram.com/aft_constructionFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/aftconstructionHouzz - https://www.houzz.com/pro/aft-construction/aft-constructionPinterest - https://www.pinterest.ph/AFT_CONSTRUCTION/YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzB4R_DHPVV1SPh7RUfR5jgKey Quotes by Rachel:There are a lot of things to consider when [a contractor] is first starting out. If they haven’t already set up a business, there are a lot of things that they’re going to need to know and figure out before they jump into it: what type of work they’ve been doing and what type of work they want to do.As contractors, we have the duty to make sure that our subs and everyone underneath us are operating to our standards, and also to make sure that they have the insurance limits that will cover us.

Since the outset of the pandemic in early 2020, the sales cycle has doubled as a result of delays and shortages in the supply chain, particularly when it came to Tim’s custom work.With higher-end clients, there is typically a great deal of flexibility built into contracts, and so Tim’s challenge throughout the past couple of years has been to find creative ways to satisfy clients amid an unpredictable market.Asked how he was able to find success with an eCommerce direct-to-consumer model for an industry known for its complexity, Tim says that it’s all about creating “a very fluid, very frictionless customer experience that mimics the likes of a traditional storefront experience. It actually has less friction and more convenience because you’re allowing the consumer to do it in their own time in their own home.”Further, what sets Kabinet apart from all the rest is that Tim and his team refuse to be simple “order takers”. Every person on the other side of the line from a client is a bonafide designer, determined and passionate about turning the client’s vision into reality.Brought to you by Pella Windows & DoorsTopics Discussed: [02:54] Tim’s experience with the supply chain in 2021[08:27] How Tim was able to build an impressive network at a relatively young age[14:14] All about Kabinet[15:58] Why Tim went the eCommerce route instead of the traditional brick-and-mortar[18:33] Making direct-to-consumer work with all the complexities of cabinetry[25:49] How Tim has created a win-win situation between Kabinet and installers[30:32] How Tim learned the ins-and-outs of business[32:12] What keeps Tim up at night[38:43] Working with investors vs getting a loan[48:05] Kabinet’s advantage over its competitors[52:07] How kitchen cabinetry is evolving[54:22] Kabinet’s specialty[59:57] The best advice business Tim has ever been given[1:03:14] What’s next for Tim and Kabinet?Connect with Guest:Website - https://kabinetus.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kabinetus/Houzz - https://www.houzz.com/professionals/kitchen-and-bath-fixtures/kabinet-pfvwus-pf~2050766070Connect with Brad Leavitt:Website - https://www.aftconstructionpodcast.com/Instagram - https://instagram.com/aft_constructionFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/aftconstructionHouzz - https://www.houzz.com/pro/aft-construction/aft-constructionPinterest - https://www.pinterest.ph/AFT_CONSTRUCTION/YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzB4R_DHPVV1SPh7RUfR5jgKey Quotes by Timothy Roman:If you have a good network, you’re bailed out every single time… almost.Cabinetry is very good margin if you can get a great system, a great funnel, a great client experience, and you’re aligned with a great factory that backs that process. It can be a really, really scalable business, and it’s only the upside in front of you.I have a rule that, everyday, if I don’t learn something, it’s a failed day.The money is actually not the hard part. Getting the money—especially these days in the United States where capital is so cheap—is not the hard part. The hard part is getting people that understand your goal and you obviously should be doing a good job at explaining it at the same time.We know two things and we do them really well: kitchen cabinetry and customer service.The name of the game, especially early on, is test, test, test, and the market is the market is the market.

As an advocate of trade careers and education, Kayleen’s goal is to shed light on the rising demand for trade professionals that’s outpacing vocational training—and to help restore America’s respect for the trades in the process.Listen in as Kayleen explains that education, particularly if you desire to be in the trades, is not only found in the classroom, and how she is working to inspire America’s youth to embrace the trades.She shares how she was inspired to become “Mister Rogers with a sledgehammer” and educate the masses on the importance of the trades after realizing that television has negatively influenced the public’s opinion on the construction industry.Brought to you by Pella Windows & DoorsTopics Discussed: [02:38] Why construction is generally under-promoted as a career path[05:41] Kayleen’s thoughts on the student debt crisis[09:27] The limitations of a college degree[14:21] Kayleen’s experience on Rescue Renovation[22:59] How much planning goes into each project before filming starts[34:37] Dealing with challenging clients on the show[36:08] How TV impacted Kayleen’s passion for construction[38:11] Kayleen’s work at the McCabe Foundation[41:40] How Kayleen hopes to influence women in the trades[49:14] The value of hard work[51:13] Kayleen’s experience starting her own company before her breakthrough on TV[55:46] Why the youth are at an advantage today if they want to get in the trades[01:00:35] What Kayleen does for fun and what she has planned for the futureConnect with Guest:Website - https://www.kayleenmccabe.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kayleenmccabe/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/kayleenmccabeTwitter - https://twitter.com/KayleenMcCabeYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/KayleenMcCabeConnect with Brad Leavitt:Website - https://www.aftconstructionpodcast.com/Instagram - https://instagram.com/aft_constructionFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/aftconstructionHouzz - https://www.houzz.com/pro/aft-construction/aft-constructionPinterest - https://www.pinterest.ph/AFT_CONSTRUCTION/YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzB4R_DHPVV1SPh7RUfR5jgKey Quotes by Kayleen:College is important. We need architects and engineers, and that does take a college degree; however, the best architects are the ones who went to a job site and learned how gravity works in real life.You don’t get anywhere in life without working really hard. The harder you work, you are rewarded. Now I’m at the point where I can choose the projects that I work on. I don’t work 18-hour days anymore; but, [it took] 15 years. It wasn’t overnight.

In 2018, Landon signed on with HGTV for the home improvement series, Cutting Edge Reno. For the pilot, he chose to renovate a neglected midcentury ranch house situated on a large lot in a desirable neighborhood. Landon had just 60 days to completely transform the home.Landon’s experience with HGTV rewarded him with clout that caused his already thriving design and build firm to soar to new heights. He goes on to speak on the unique challenges of working with ultra-high-net-worth individuals in Scottsdale, and why he always looks beyond the money and instead ultimately trusts his gut when it comes to deciding which clients to take on.He also explains why, if he were given another chance to build his business from scratch, Landon would focus right away on hiring talent that would complement his own strengths, and establish a system that leverages his time.Brought to you by Pella Windows & DoorsTopics Discussed: [02:52] Where Landon would focus on if he were to start his construction business again[06:36] Building strong relationships in the industry[12:52] Why it’s worth paying a premium for quality[15:00] Why you shouldn’t be afraid to walk away from a potential client[22:48] Landon’s opportunity to appear on HGTV’s series, Cutting Edge Reno[42:06] Securing job sites[49:10] Dealing with supply chain issues on time-sensitive projects[55:44] Meeting the incredibly high expectations of ultra-wealthy clients[58:37] Landon’s approach to multifamily homes[1:05:03] The best advice Landon has ever been givenConnect with Guest:WebsiteInstagramHouzzConnect with Brad Leavitt:Website Instagram Facebook HouzzPinterest YouTube Key Quotes by Landon:When you’re building someone a home, you’re going to have to be friends for a year. Out of the gates, if you’re feeling a little wishy-washy, don’t be afraid to walk. The money is not that important. Quality of life is what it boils down to.Living in the Scottsdale area or Paradise Valley, these aren’t $500,000 homes. These are multi, multi, multi-million-dollar homes that we’ve been working on. With that dollar figure comes a special client. “No” is not an acceptable word. The way I’ve got around is to basically be as upfront as I can. The moment I know, they know in five minutes.

With all the complexities of building your brand’s know, like, and trust factor in today’s ever-evolving digital economy, Jesse explains why it literally pays to have a dedicated expert by your side to handle content marketing for your business.He shares best practices for doing effective ad campaigns, building and staying top-of-mind with a loyal audience, becoming an authority figure without “pitching”, choosing a social media platform, and creating photo and video content that converts.Topics Discussed: [02:09] How social media has changed[04:29] Tailoring your ad campaign to the right demographic[12:12] Making sure you, as a business owner, don’t waste your time on social media[15:53] The importance of being social on your chosen platform/s[19:22] Being (and staying) top-of-mind with your target audience[23:54] Becoming an authority figure and getting clients without “pitching”[32:08] Deciding which social media platform to focus on as a general contractor[36:43] How Jesse built his own brand with photo and video[41:07] The effort required to produce a great photo versus a great video[48:03] Why it’s important to niche down as much as you can[48:59] Should all businesses be on YouTube?[56:23] Why Jesse lived in a school bus in the early 2000s[1:04:00] What’s upcoming and exciting for JesseConnect with Jesse Fitton:WebsiteInstagramTikTokLinkedInConnect with Brad Leavitt:Website Instagram Facebook Houzz Pinterest YouTube Key Quotes by Jesse:[When you create an ad campaign,] it’s not about how many people see it—it’s about the right people seeing it. And when you’re working with different brands, you have to figure out what the most important thing is for them.Operating inside the world that we live in today, you can be hyper-niche. The most important thing is to identify your target market and really home in on it, because if you don’t put out the content you want, then you’re not going to get the people that you want.

He relates his current work in residential to his previous time doing commercial. The residential world, particularly custom residential construction, has been a significantly more fulfilling experience for Tyler because of its personal, family-centered process.Speaking on his staff, Tyler becomes emotional talking about those team members that have caught the vision of the company, which goes way beyond working for a paycheck. He also encourages employees to make their voices heard and to challenge the leadership if they feel compelled to, so as to do their part in setting Killowen apart from the rest.Finally, Tyler describes the cornerstone of his company—and of running a construction business in general—which is communication. With so many parties to keep up-to-speed throughout a long and complicated process, Tyler stresses openness and brutal honesty, but also empathy and care.Topics Discussed: [02:35] Challenges that Tyler is dealing with right now[07:41] How Tyler keeps his pipeline full[12:48] Competing with other cabinetry subcontractors[15:12] How Tyler conducts his exit interviews[20:51] How often Tyler checks in with clients after the home is built[30:13] Creating a good company culture[36:28] Working with Syd and Shea McGee[43:56] How Netflix came into the picture[50:55] Working when cameras are always trained on you[55:17] Lessons learned from the Netflix experience about running Killowen[57:45] The best career advice Tyler has ever been given[1:03:11] What Tyler is most excited aboutConnect with Guest:Website Instagram Facebook Connect with Brad Leavitt:Website Instagram Facebook Houzz Pinterest YouTubeKey Quotes by Tyler:With these homes, it gets super personal because it’s the most expensive thing they’ll ever buy. It’s where they’ll raise their family, their kids, their grandkids. It gets pretty personal and that’s why I like it better than commercial. I was in commercial for a while; but, homes—there’s something about it.I want my people to challenge our system. I might disagree and I might push back; but, I do want our team to think of ways we can do better. I’m not averse to change.There are people in our company that are here for the paycheck, and that is fine. We’re not doing it for practice. We’re doing it to make a living. It’s all good. There are other people that I see who have caught the vision of where we can be and they want to be a part of it.Where construction really goes sideways—the relationships at least—is communication. If someone feels heard, even if there’s a problem, if you acknowledge that it’s there and you keep giving them constant updates—communication is huge.Every hire I’ve made has taught me how to run my company better

Listen in as Brad shares why creating an org chart from the get-go is one of the best things you can do, even if it’s meant to be a reference for just you and your partner. He also says that it’s always best to consume the same educational resources together in order to be on the same page when considering the future of you and your partner’s business.Asked about leading the 250+ person team at Radiant Plumbing, Brad explains that cultivating a “work hard, play hard” company culture with a system that recognizes the achievement of each and every member of the team is vital to the company’s success.Finally, Brad gives his advice to those who are currently at the start of their business journey, and in particular why finding a coach has been of tremendous help to both him and Sarah at the beginning of their partnership.Brought to you Pella Windows & DoorsTopics Discussed: The challenges of doing business with your spouseWhen Brad and Sarah began working togetherManaging a company with 250+ employeesWriting the bookHow Brad and Sarah decided on their roles in the companyWhy Radiant Plumbing conducts wellness retreatsFrom call to permit to completionHow Radiant Plumbing provides feedback to each of their 250+ employeesSarah’s contribution to the businessLearning to separate business from personal lifeSetting boundaries with your business partner/spouseHow to deal with business failures personally and with your partnerBuilding a company culture of “work hard, play hard”The business owner’s mindset: from craftsman to entrepreneur to legacy-seekerBrad’s advice to those who are at the beginning of their business journeyWhat Brad is most excited aboutConnect with Guest: Website Facebook LinkedIn BookConnect with Brad Leavitt:Website InstagramFacebook Houzz Pinterest YouTube Key Quotes by Brad:Creating some real structure and real roles and real responsibilities cleans up a lot of those grey areas where you would have a lot of conflict, because you’re in each other’s lane, you’re second-guessing each other’s decisions, and it’s really inefficient.Two of the biggest mistakes I see people make are: a) don’t get coaching; and b) they get coaching by themselves and try to sell their partner on it later. Do it together. If you’re going to a conference, do it together. If you’re going to see a speaker, read a book, do it together and compare notes.It doesn’t matter where your business is at. There’s always more you can do.I can’t express to you how important it is for my employees to feel like they’ve got a relationship with their manager.I challenge you to let [the wrong people] go. You’re going to lose the good ones because you’re keeping the bad ones.Get coaching, together. Somebody has solved it in your industry. [...] They might even charge you some money, and you should fork it over because it might be the cheapest thing you’ve ever invested in. [...] Often, the more we spend, the better it is.I needed to learn not to be the limitation to my company’s growth.

Today Brad speaks with Dan and Emily Clark of Clark & Co. Homes. The Clarks established their firm in 2011 with the mission of bringing creative design solutions to the Treasure Valley through their highly functional home plans and character-filled interiors.Dan’s background in real estate, residential home construction management, and land development consulting gives him a unique, holistic approach to the building process. Emily's New England upbringing exposed her from an early age to historic proportions and timeless design, uniquely informing her distinctive style viewpoint.With supply chain issues and all manner of challenges around communicating with clients and vendors developing by the day throughout the last 18 months, Dan and Emily explain that they practically had to “throw out” many of the processes that they had only settled into since starting their business.“It just allows us to be creative,” says Emily, “and really capitalize on that ability.” And part of that ability to stay creative includes having to establish a system that is more streamlined as well as being more discerning about which clients to accept.To the Clarks, thriving in the design and construction industry in the new normal has largely been a matter of strengthening relationships with clients and vendors and making sure that everyone has utmost confidence in their ability to deliver by setting clear expectations with each party.Brought to you by Pella Windows & DoorsTopics Discussed: [02:19] Navigating the design and construction industry in 2020 and 2021[06:35] Dealing with unforeseen issues and keeping clients happy[12:59] Planning for contingencies[15:47] Why Clark & Co. Homes have been more focused on “hybrid spec”[20:55] Introducing “universality” of design in the Boise market[25:48] Dan and Emily’s respective roles and how they built the company[36:04] Conducting virtual tours of finished concept homes[39:03] Drawing inspiration from Emily’s upbringing in Maine and travels[42:02] Building and strengthening relationships in the industry[47:34] How social media has helped Clark & Co. Homes grow[50:16] Setting expectations with clients[54:46] Managing emergencies[59:15] Dan and Emily’s secrets to success[1:05:31] What’s next for Clark & Co. Homes?Connect with Guest:WebsiteInstagram FacebookLinkedInConnect with Brad Leavitt: WebsiteInstagramFacebookHouzzPinterestYouTubeKey Quotes by Dan and Emily:We’re definitely curious about how people live, how our clients live, and wanting to answer their pain points. ~EmilyI’ve been in this [industry] for over 15 years now. When someone gives me a menu from The Cheesecake Factory, it’s just overwhelming. It’s anxiety-producing. I think there’s an element of truth to that same concept in homebuilding and design. ~DanWe have a great team, and we make it a point, right from the start, to make sure that the clients are aware that we chose the people that are working with us for a specific reason, and that they have super powers that no one else at the office have. ~EmilyIf there’s anything I learned in the last year-and-a-half, it’s that very few things are actual emergencies. ~EmilyIt makes our job easier when we can put our trust into a team that’s competent and passionate. ~DanIt’s been a fortunate turn of events that we’ve been able to curate a great team and it comes down to the passion and the assimilation with our ideals of the branding and what we’re putting together. Creating a home for somebody is such an intimate experience. ~Dan

Listen in as Max and Patrick reflect on their journey in the world of real estate, from making that first flip to becoming local celebrities involved in ultra high-end luxury developments in the state.They speak on the vital importance of creating quality products to shield one’s business from falling behind should economic crises (including that which came as a result of the pandemic) emerge. This is simply because “everybody’s going to go to the best product first” and cut corners on everything else.Max and Patrick go on to share how they have built and managed relationships with their pool of investors and wealthy clients, as well as how they are navigating operational and logistical challenges around the pandemic.Brought to you by Pella Windows & DoorsTopics Discussed:[01:52] Max and Patrick’s path to founding American One and finding massive success[07:53] Staying on top of the market during the pandemic[12:15] How involved Max and Patrick become with the design, architecture, and layout of any new project[13:32] Doing market research to understand one’s ultra-high net-worth clients[16:03] Working with banks and investors[21:04] Building a resource pool of investors[30:47] Managing client expectations[34:40] Permit-related challenges in 2021[40:52] The most stressful part of Max and Patrick’s business today[47:04] How Max and Patrick turn discouragement into fuel[53:47] How Phoenix compares to other luxury markets[55:54] What Max and Patrick do for fun[59:02] Exciting upcoming projects for Max and PatrickConnect with Guest:Website Max & Patrick American One Luxury Real Estate Instagram Facebook YouTube LinkedIn Connect with Brad Leavitt: Website Instagram Facebook Houzz PinterestYouTube Key Quotes by Max and Patrick:Sometimes, the best deals are the ones you shouldn’t do. ~MaxYou’ve got to have a good-quality product, because if the market does change or slow down, the first thing to go are the components where people can cut corners. When the market changes, everybody’s going to go to the best product first. ~PatrickOur spec is somebody else’s custom. ~PatrickThe market right now is still strong [and] has been going strong—much better than anyone would have expected when the pandemic started. ~Max

With a particular focus on commercial projects, Micky explains that there is less customization involved when working with a typical commercial client versus a residential one who obviously tends to be much more discerning, detail-oriented, and at times particularly challenging when they put in change orders while their project is already underway.Asked how she and her team are able to stay on top with the latest regulations and standards in any given state when working on projects, Micky says that communication is key, both between her team members as well as with the contractors that the firm partners with. The same is true when it comes to choosing top-quality materials from a health standpoint.From keeping up with code to handling logistics to meeting client expectations, commercial design carries with it a myriad of unique challenges. Micky addresses some of these and describes the process that has brought her and her team of five amazing success in the industry.Topics Discussed: [02:08] The differences between Micky’s commercial and residential clients[08:55] Why Micky decided to go into the commercial and hospitality world[12:14] How Micky stays on top with ever-evolving regulations and standards for commercial projects[16:29] How involved Micky is with FF&E (furniture, fixtures, and equipment)[18:31] Making sure that the design fits the client’s budget and creating the design book[24:01] How Micky delegates responsibilities to her five team members[38:40] What inspired Micky to go into interior design and how she built her career[41:50] What Micky wishes she knew at the beginning of her career[43:15] Why Micky decided to launch her own textile line[45:36] How Micky does social media and why she focuses on LinkedIn and blogging[49:39] How Micky stays on top of design trends and best practices in the industry[50:37] What Micky likes to do for fun[52:05] Exciting upcoming projects and other events for MickyConnect with Micky Klein:Website - https://mickyklein.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/micky_klein_interiors/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Mickykleininteriors/LinkedIn - http://linkedin.com/in/micky-klein-84681a76YouTube - https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCfLrGMXzc-habHNqV0tpMKAConnect with Brad Leavitt:Website - https://aftconstruction.comInstagram - https://instagram.com/aft_constructionFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/aftconstructionHouzz - https://www.houzz.com/pro/aft-construction/aft-constructionPinterest - https://www.pinterest.ph/AFT_CONSTRUCTION/YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzB4R_DHPVV1SPh7RUfR5jgKey Quotes from Episode:I’m very, very into criticism. I find it refreshing, because the more black and white my client can be and tell me exactly what their vision is and tell me what they do like and what they don’t like, I’m able to give them the product that they envision from the get-go.I really appreciate how I came to where I am today knowing that a lot of it was me and the help of others giving me advice. But, at the end of the day, I know that I woke up and decided to keep going instead of giving up when the frustration or lack of knowledge kicked in.

Angela herself is an award-winning designer and a recognized innovator in the builder and developer community. Under her leadership, TRIO has received more than 50 Awards in the past five years, including both Detached Community of the Year and Master Planned community of the Year at NAHB’s The Nationals in 2019.In 2019 Angela launched her own lifestyle brand, which includes an innovative furniture line with Phillips Collection and a successful tile line with TileBar, which can now be found at Home Depot and Wayfair.Listen in as Angela looks back on her 20-year career and how she was able to marry her passion for creativity and entrepreneurship to become what is now TRIO Design.She describes why wellness is such a huge component of TRIO’s company culture, as well as how her team of 95 has become so effective at managing complex projects, from two office locations to boot.Brought to you by Pella Windows & DoorsTopics Discussed: [01:42] All about TRIO’s Wellness Week and how it has impacted the company culture[08:36] Managing Wellness Week while working in a very demanding industry[12:32] How leadership works at TRIO with its team of 95[17:51] How TRIO handles logistics when working on a project[21:40] Navigating the challenges that come with an acquisition[28:43] Coming up with the values that set TRIO apart[31:45] Where Angela got her intense drive to succeed[34:42] Maintaining the company’s vision while continuing to innovate and optimize[40:06] Where Angela developed her passion for design and confidence as a designer[44:56] The elements of great design and the best way to work with clients[47:19] Other ways TRIO promotes wellness and all about the DO GOOD initiative[53:21] How Angela manages the dynamic of two officesConnect with Guest:WebsiteInstagramFacebookLinkedInConnect with Brad Leavitt: WebsiteInstagramFacebookHouzzPinterestYouTubeKey Quotes from Episode:A failure for one is a failure for all and a success for one is a success for all. Especially now, with all the challenges that we’re seeing in our industry, [...] my philosophy or strategy as CEO of TRIO is, “Hey, we’re going to take care of our people first so that our people take care of our clients and industry partners.”I love to say, “We are a creative firm.” And that doesn’t mean just from a design perspective: Our business people are just as creative as our creative staff and it takes everybody to have that open mind to constantly problem-solve and just be creative in every aspect of the organization.I’ve never been fond of the slogan, “It takes a village.” It takes so much more than just a village. It takes a group of stakeholders coming around the table that share the same vision and have the same values, coming together time and time again to solve for the challenges and to celebrate the wins.We didn’t just want to be a creative partner. We wanted to be a business partner.I think what makes great design is being able to understand our consumer, where the consumer is going, and the demands of the consumer—and then marrying that with unlimited creativity and being able to tell that story.We do so much more than design: We create communities.

Founded in 1977 by Sharon and Robert Woods, the firm pioneered the design-build concept with architectural design and construction being performed by the same team. In 2008 Sharon’s sons, Rob and Shane, joined the company and now serve as second-generation owners, while Sharon has remained with the company to oversee design.Listen in as Rob and Shane share the ins-and-outs of taking over and running a family business and how the two brothers have successfully been able to maintain a great working relationship over the years as they continue to scale the firm.“We only seek what’s best for the company,” they say. “That’s always first and foremost on our mind. That will lead us to success.”This translates into their focus on empowering both trade partners and clients and giving a voice to each party in the development of their respective builds.Brought to you by Pella Windows & DoorsTopics Discussed: Rob and Shane’s roles at Woods DesignNegotiating and settling fee structures throughout the processWhy Woods Design only does lump sumWoods Design’s requirements before breaking groundHow Rob and Shane deal with disagreements at workEmpowering partners and clientsHow costs are tracked as projects progressHow Rob and Shane went about taking over the companyNegotiating the buyoutKeeping business, business; keeping family, familyHow Rob and Shane are preparing for their exit strategyHow Rob and Shane found out about Builder 20What Rob and Shane do for funConnect with Guest:WebsiteInstagramFacebookConnect with Brad Leavitt:WebsiteInstagramFacebookHouzzPinterestYouTubeKey Quotes from Episode:[Shane and I] each have our domains—our world. We don’t mess with the other one’s world. I don’t go to Shane and tell him which super to put here or which subcontractor to put there. And Shane’s not going to come to me and tell me how the contract should be. ~RobIt’s a process of respecting the supers, the project managers, or whoever is running the job. I respect that they know more than me. And I’m not going to tell them to do something [against their better judgement]. ~ShaneWe believe in empowering our employees and making sure that they have a stake in what we’re doing. We want them to make these decisions. Shane and I are not micromanagers. We’re not going to be out there over somebody’s shoulder. We believe in results. ~RobThe key is forecasting. You can have a ton of budgets and track them; but, you’ve got to look for patterns and forecast. That’s what helps you in the long run. ~RobOne of the trickiest parts is coming up with that buyout number. Construction is a really hard industry to put a number to a company. We don’t have many assets; we sub everything out. We have our goodwill; we have our reputation. And the person selling it to you is selling that reputation. ~Rob

Dagan's interest in design and construction began at a young age when he assisted his father in designing and building their home in Solana Beach. After college Dagan worked in New York City as a set designer and builder for commercial photo shoots. He also designed and constructed several high-end storefront displays.When he returned to the West Coast, Dagan worked in Northern California doing complete home renovations and remodels. During that time he also developed an affinity for and honed his skills as a woodworker and carpenter. His path eventually led him to receiving his general contractor license and founding his own firm, DDC.With supply chains continuing to be shaky as of August 2021, Dagan talks about how he is able to keep his stock organized and “stay ahead of the curve” by maintaining a close relationship with valuable vendors and subcontractors who often update Dagan on price changes and other developments in the market..Along with having to stay on top of fluctuations and other uncertainties in the industry, Dagan shares how he calculates the lump sum for his remodels and builds, as well as how he deals with changes requested by clients when a project is already underway.Finally, Dagan speaks on his varied career path which includes his transition from the wine industry into furniture design, and finally into construction.Brought to you by Pella Windows & DoorsTopics Discussed:[00:56] How Dagan is coping with the current state of the supply chain[13:37] How Dagan calculates the lump sum for remodels[21:34] Staying protected whether you opt for lump sum or cost plus[23:20] How Dagan deals with requests from clients that impact the bottom line[31:56] From the wine industry to furniture design to construction[36:41] What Dagan wishes he knew about construction from day one[43:26] Trends that have come about due to COVID[49:34] Dagan’s work aside from general contracting[1:03:56] What’s next for Dagan?Connect with Dagan Koffler:WebsiteInstagram @dagandesignConnect with Brad Leavitt:WebsiteInstagramFacebookHouzzPinterestYouTubeKey Quotes by Dagan:With cost plus, the risk is on the owner to spend as much as they want. With lump sum, the risk is a little bit more on the contractor.Setting up systems is key in getting those change orders signed right away and making sure that everyone’s on the same page.Everyone wins when I have the confidence to say “no”.

Listen in as Walt reflects on a childhood filled with abuse at the hands of his own father, a suicide attempt at age 13 that he believes was thwarted by a higher power, and an aunt that changed his life forever when she taught him what love truly looked like.Walt discusses the three big lessons he had to learn in order to heal from his trauma: speak your truth, acknowledge how you feel, and be willing to forgive.He also speaks on how his almost 20-year career in the military and another five years in corporate America further shaped his worldview and led him down the path to becoming a mentor to men across the country who have also suffered abuse.Finally, Walt explains that he chose this journey because he believes that there are too few voices speaking on childhood trauma, even as abuse cases are reported every ten seconds.Walt says, “I refuse to be a person who doesn’t dig in, do something different, and serve people in a way that really moves them forward that lets them heal from their trauma through motivational speaking and one-on-one coaching. It lets them literally change their family’s legacies forever.”Brought to you by Pella Windows & DoorsTopics Discussed: [03:12] Walt’s own experience with abuse in his younger years[09:03] How Walt’s aunt turned his life around from one of abuse to one of love[17:01] Overcoming his angry and violent teenage years[24:40] Why Walt decided to join the Navy and how it helped him to heal further[35:32] How the military helped shape Walt’s relationships, especially his marriage[40:05] Making the transition to corporate America[49:20] Becoming a coach, author, and motivational speaker[54:24] The crucial role of mindset[56:48] How to contact Walt and access his resources[59:37] Walt’s experience building his businessConnect with Walter McKinleyInstagramFacebookLinkedInTwitterConnect with Brad Leavitt: WebsiteInstagramFacebookHouzzPinterestYouTubeKey Quotes by Walt:Abuse is abuse no matter what. People diminish our abuse by comparing it to someone else’s.I’m thankful that what happened to me happened to me because it’s made me an amazing human being and it’s unlocked these amazing gifts from my trauma that helped me help other people.The military is really a great way to set you back where you need to be and put you on the path forward so you can have the success you want.I refuse to be a person who doesn’t dig in, do something different, and serve people in a way that really moves them forward that lets them heal from their trauma through motivational speaking and one-on-one coaching. It lets them literally change their family’s legacies forever.Enjoy the journey and celebrate every single win.

Listen in as Lisa and Heather touch on their signature “turnkey” room designs, or spaces that they describe as “functional, comfortable, accessorized, and styled right down to the last beautiful detail.”They discuss how they vet and set expectations with clients while working through value engineering, as well as why they make it a point to do frequent site visits no matter where the home is being built. Topics Discussed:[02:24] Why HW Interiors refers to every finished room as “turnkey”[05:39] How early and how often a designer should communicate with clients[08:01] Vetting clients[15:54] Managing the budget as a designer[18:50] Setting expectations with the client and creating a design book[24:46] What makes a builder successful[28:45] The importance of site visits by the designer[36:03] Explaining furniture-related costs[39:54] Lisa and Heather’s favorite trade shows[43:54] Managing schedules, keeping clients updated, and using social media[50:38] How Lisa and Heather met and started their business[59:01] What’s next for HW Interiors?Connect with HW Interiors:Website Instagram Facebook Pinterest Houzz Vimeo Connect with Brad Leavitt:Website Instagram Facebook Houzz Pinterest YouTube Key Quotes from Episode:Design is a luxury business. I always tell clients: “We’re not in the business of saving you money. We’re in the business of making this as amazing as possible.”We’re in the business of building luxury homes, and I don’t think you can call yourself a luxury home builder if you’re not willing to do things outside the box.

Dave is involved in a number of ventures outside of construction, including serving as CEO of Main Street Ingredients (MSI), a manufacturer of ingredients for use in ice cream, frozen desserts, cheese, bakery items, nutritional beverages, and confections.He has also worked for Kraft Foods and is partnered with sports nutrition brands Soul & Science and Kill Cliff.Listen in as Dave and Brad go down memory lane to speak on the various personal and professional obstacles that they have had to overcome through the years, from economic setbacks during the Great Recession to Dave’s battle with cancer.Dave also touches on his love for people and how this passion influences his style and decision-making framework as a serial entrepreneur.Brought to you by Pella.Topics Discussed:[02:42] When Dave began his professional career in Arizona[10:51] How to maintain positivity as an entrepreneur and leader[14:37] How Kraft’s R&D develops ideas for products[18:00] Partnering with other big food brands such as Ben & Jerry’s and Unilever[26:47] What inspired Dave to establish MSI[32:34] Moving to Arizona in the 2000s and meeting Brad[42:49] Brad’s personal challenges in 2011 and finding success in business[54:38] Dave’s work with Kill Cliff[01:00:57] Soul & Science’s products[1:08:11] Looking forward despite battling with cancer[1:18:37] What Dave does for funConnect with Dave Clark:Website -Instagram -Facebook -Pinterest -Connect with Brad Leavitt: WebsiteInstagramFacebook HouzzPinterestYouTubeKey Quotes by Dave:You don’t [build companies] by yourself; you do it with people. It’s not only about finding opportunities but finding and putting the right staff in place to get the job done.You always look at what your company value is but you also look at what lies ahead of you. If you have a path to really get into bigger things, you first have to find a way to get to that next step.You have to be your own advocate, but you also have to listen and learn. You can’t be a know-it-all.

With the rest of 2021 expected to remain a strong seller's market, Samantha and Jenny comment on how realtors can best represent buyers and sellers around these unique market conditions.The past year-and-a-half have introduced new challenges to real estate professionals across the country. Samantha and Jenny share how they are able to effectively communicate and set expectations with clients in a market that is uncertain and ever-evolving.More generally, they speak on evergreen keys to success in the field, including the power of listening intently to your clients, why the answer to competition is actually to build relationships with your fellow realtors, how to reconcile a bank appraisal that is lower than your offer, why you should hold off celebrating until after close of escrow, and how to learn from your mistakes and gain confidence as a realtor.Brought to you by Pella Windows & DoorsTopics Discussed: [02:24] The current state of the real estate market[06:11] Going the extra mile to get a house ready to be listed[10:38] How Samantha and Jenny find their clients[14:12] What today’s clients expect[19:57] Working with investors[24:34] Why listening is key to any realtor’s success[28:20] The market beyond Phoenix[34:55] Dealing with competition by building relationships with fellow realtors[40:47] Using social media effectively[43:50] What to do when the bank appraisal is lower than your offer[46:37] Setting expectations upfront with buyers and having great lender relationships[52:58] Learning from mistakes[54:30] What makes certain neighborhoods more attractive to buyers than others[59:30] Samantha and Jenny’s foray into construction[1:03:14] How Samantha and Jenny got into real estate and why they love itConnect with Samantha and Jenny :WebsiteInstagramFacebookYouTubeConnect with Brad Leavitt: WebsiteInstagramFacebook HouzzPinterestYouTubeKey Quotes by Samantha and Jenny:I think the biggest thing with representing buyers in this market is making sure that you’re upfront and that they understand what they’re getting into, because it’s not the typical market.Anytime you go into a real estate transaction, typically there is a home inspection that happens. And I feel that, regardless of the market, you learn something new every time at home inspections.It all comes down to a thoughtful floor plan. If you can walk into a home and it makes sense, you don’t need anything else to prove that to you.The most important part of our job is listening. Just listen to what your clients want. By listening to them, it doesn’t matter who wants what—everybody feels heard.Until it closes, you have not bought the house.With confidence comes comfortability.

Build has since grown into a curated collection of the region's most talented and inspired tradespeople in the building industry.Listen in as Ted reflects on the history of Build Magazine and his foray into the construction industry. He talks about the publication’s accompanying podcast, Friends of Build Magazine, and how it has served as a valuable tool for Ted to build and nurture relationships with the best of the best in the industry.Speaking on the power of branding in the digital age, Ted touches on some of the most overlooked crucial keys to success for any builder or architect, including the importance of having a strong website with flawless photography.Finally, Ted dives deep on one of his favorite topics: The American Dream, and why it’s achievable for anyone who dares to dream and take massive action in this amazing country.Topics Discussed: 01:56 How Ted got into the publication space04:53 Ensuring that Build only highlights the cream of the crop08:56 Deciding to go all-in on construction11:29 The power of an abundance mindset and how to bounce back from setbacks16:13 Why branding is job security18:02 Embracing sales and improving your communication skills as a business27:11 About Ted’s podcast, Friends of Build Magazine29:55 How Build Magazine has changed since 201640:18 Why it’s vital that a builder or architect nail their bio, copy, and images44:31 Why your website as a builder is more important than your social media49:20 What Ted most enjoys about running Build Magazine53:45 What Ted does for fun58:16 Doing what you love and dropping expectations01:04:06 Immigrating from Canada to the U.S.01:05:36 What’s next for Ted and Build Magazine?Connect with Ted Bainbridge & Build Magazine:Website Podcast (Friends of Build Magazine) InstagramFacebookConnect with Brad Leavitt: WebsiteInstagram FacebookHouzzPinterest YouTube Key Quotes from Episode:In a market that most people say is dwindling, bad print is dying; good print, people love it.I never look at other magazines as competition. It’s just not my DNA. I can only be the best Ted I can be. [...] Just be the best you that you can be and let the competition do whatever they want to do. I’m a firm believer in abundance. There’s always room for somebody else to do a good job, and it just makes the whole playing field better.If you follow through on what you say you’re going to do, you’re going to have long-term relationships. I always tell people: “I don’t want you for a year. I want you for a decade.”It’s harder to be given an opportunity than it is to roll up your sleeves and just carve it out yourself.Photography, for any business, is critically important. They need to spend for that because that is the sex appeal that gets people’s attention.I love money, but money is not my driver. Money is the byproduct of doing a good job.

In 2006, one of Caribou Creek’s handcrafted log homes was named winner of the 2006 “Log Home of the Year” from Log Home Design magazine.Listen in as David explains exactly what is meant by a “log home” or a “timber frame house’ and the unique processes that go into their construction. He speaks on the typical timeframe of a project and how he interacts and builds relationships with customers, contractors, and other partners involved in a build.Topics Discussed: [00:33] What is a timber frame house?[03:37] The process of building a log home[12:18] Insulating material in a log or timber frame home[14:14] The many benefits of living in a log home[18:16] The typical timeframe for building a log home[22:03] Knowing what species of timber to use depending on the region[25:06] Keeping pests away from the wood[26:40] How the current lumber craze and skyrocketing costs affected Caribou[29:06] Differences in cost between a log home and a timber frame house[32:20] Why Caribou sources its wood from Japan[36:12] How David develops relationships with lumber suppliers[38:14] David’s career and how he got into building log homes[41:02] How Caribou’s marketing strategy has evolved over time[43:45] David’s experience building a log home in New Zealand using local lumber[47:56] Partnering with builders working on their first log or timber frame home[51:07] Making sure the measurements are correct[57:05] Upcoming projects for Caribou CreekConnect with Caribou Creek:Website Instagram Facebook Pinterest YouTube LinkedIn Connect with Brad Leavitt: Website Instagram Facebook Houzz Pinterest YouTube Key Quotes from Episode:Timber frame houses are] very energy-efficient, very healthy, sustainable, and built with a renewable resource.It usually takes a day to set a thousand square feet of home.It’s really not that hard to keep anything out of the wood. It’s a little bit hard to get them out of there if you allow them to come in.Custom, handcrafted log homes often cost 20-30% more than a frame one with the same finishes. That cost is almost always in the roof system

Listen in as Alisha gives her thoughts on educating and setting expectations with clients. She explains why embracing the role of interior designer as facilitator is more important today than at any other time due to changes in the industry brought on by the turbulent circumstances of the last year-and-a-half. She and Brad unpack the reality that “there’s nothing more expensive than a cheap bid.”Alisha then speaks on the importance of hiring the right designer no matter how “clear” the client’s vision of their dream home is. She describes how she conducts her first presentation of the proposed space to a client and why she always starts with the kitchen first and the master bath second.She covers communication and dynamics with the client, the builder, the architect, and vendors throughout the project. She touches on her strategies to keep both her team and the client on-track from the initial meeting through to completion.Finally, Alisha talks marketing and SEO, as well as finding and forming long-term relationships with vendors.Brought to you by Pella Windows & DoorsTopics Discussed:[02:06] Alisha’s biggest challenge at the moment[07:55] Educating clients so that they go with the most effective builder rather than the cheapest[11:14] Meeting the client’s vision while staying within realistic parameters[19:16] The value of doing hand sketches[23:05] How Alisha starts “touring” clients through the space in her initial design[26:48] Guiding clients to buy into the manufacturers you recommend to them[32:14] How soon and how closely Alisha works with her architect in the early stages[34:11] Alisha’s most successful project so far[37:38] The client is part of the team[38:54] Alisha’s ideal client[45:15] Alisha’s personal aesthetic[49:11] How Alisha finds her clients online[56:39] Navigating the chaos of today’s supply chain[59:05] Building relationships with cabinet, tile companies, and other vendors[01:01:58] Alisha’s advice to young/new designersConnect with Alisha Taylor Interiors:WebsiteInstagramPinterestYouTubeHouzzConnect with Brad Leavitt: WebsiteInstagramFacebookHouzzPinterestYouTubeKey Quotes from Episode:The perfect client understands that there’s no set number sometimes when we get started, and that they’re hiring a team—not a number or a bid.A home is much more than just tile, cabinetry, and drywall. It is a feeling. It should be felt. It should be experienced. It is where our clients relax at the end of the day. It is where they’re going to create family memories.We keep talking about the ideal team, meaning “professionals”; but, I tell the client they’re on the team, too, because they are such an important piece, and they bring something to the table. It allows them to take ownership and responsibility to work great with everyone and to communicate.Systems is key. The caliber and size of the projects we do aren’t possible without great systems.

Listen in as Mark shares his journey in breaking the cycle of generational poverty in his family and the series of events that inspired him to start his pool service company.He dives deep into his secrets to success in building a brand on social media, particularly on TikTok where he very quickly grew his following through organic content alone. (He mentions how he doubled his numbers from one million followers to two million in a little under two months!)Finally, Mark speaks on how he is navigating his sudden popularity and how the power of leveraging relationships in the industry has been one of the biggest keys to his success.Brought to you by Pella Windows & DoorsTopics Discussed: [02:32] Mark's tipping point on social media[10:39] Why it’s so important to protect and retain full control over your brand[13:33] How to grow your following on social media[18:01] Getting around the trolls and haters[22:25] Mark’s content creation strategy on Instagram and TikTok[28:39] How Mark’s social media presence has impacted his business[33:32] Mark’s professional background and his very recent entry into the pool industry[39:49] The power of leveraging relationships and building your network[44:37] How Mark’s priorities in business may change within the next few years[49:39] Where the name “Blue Street” came from[51:02] What Mark likes to do outside business[53:03] Breaking the cycle of generational poverty and becoming an entrepreneurConnect with Mark Jones of Blue Street Pools: WebsiteTikTok @poolpromjInstagram - @poolpr0mj YouTube Blue Street Pools Merch.Connect with Brad Leavitt: WebsiteInstagramFacebookHouzzPinterest YouTube Key Quotes from Episode:With TikTok—if you can provide value to somebody in any area, and you can edit it up and post it on TikTok, you’ll be surprised at how many people follow you.Whatever the trend is, if it makes sense, I’m going to ride that trend. I’m not afraid of a change. I’m not afraid to switch up my content for a different platform.I talk to people all the time who have a business and are on social media. I tell them, “You have to find a way to provide value to people. You have to give them a reason to want to watch you.”Cleaning pools is not that deep. You just have to understand what you’re doing.The sky is not the limit when it comes to where we can go with social media. It’s past the sky.Resources & People Mentioned: Pool Chasers 105 with Brad Leavitt The Tipping Point by Malcom Gladwell Complex Re-post Real Houses of IG NILMark Jones on CNBCBlueRay XLLeslies Pools NBA All-Star Celebrity GameThe Secret to Success Podcast with Eric Thomas 

Since early childhood, Tyler has been immersed in the trades, having been involved in the family construction business growing up. He graduated from Drexel University with a degree in Construction Management and decided to pursue a career as a craftsman carpenter.Today, Tyler works alongside his wife, Rachel, an interior designer by trade. Their projects have been featured in the Philadelphia Inquirer, Fine Homebuilding Magazine, and on Design Sponge.Listen in as Tyler describes his unique approach to business, including how he manages TRG as its owner while actively working in the trenches, onsite, for every project he takes on.He shares that he never sells a job based on how TRG’s prices compare to other companies’, but rather on TRG’s unique design philosophy, and process, execution.Tyler then explains how he built his confidence as a professional in the industry by defining his niche and embracing his unique strengths as a business owner and tradesman.Finally, he speaks on how this confidence translates to how he negotiates and interacts with clients, by setting expectations and being comprehensive in the planning stage while at the same time always staying flexible with the timeline on every project.Topics Discussed:[00:02:44] Tyler’s responsibilities on a project[00:07:34] How Tyler is able to effectively manage his business while working onsite[00:13:12] How Tyler interacts with his designer and clients throughout the process[00:18:17] How Tyler vets his clients and the importance of listening to your gut[00:25:55] Why Tyler never sells a job based on price alone[00:30:10] Why Tyler recommends that industry professionals reprioritize pricing[00:33:21] How Tyler has built his confidence as a professional in the industry[00:42:04] How Tyler manages his schedule and sets expectations with clients[00:47:50] Why Tyler does not guarantee timelines after the client has made the deposit[00:52:48] How to deal with labor or material cost increases while in the middle of a project[00:56:14] Tyler speaks on his hiring preferences[01:02:16] Finding personal time[01:04:50] How The Modern Craftsman Podcast impacts Tyler’s brand and business[01:07:14] What’s next for Tyler?Connect with Tyler Grace of TRG Home Concepts:Website Instagram Facebook Pinterest Houzz The Modern Craftsman Podcast Connect with Brad Leavitt:AFT Construction WebsiteAFT Construction Podcast WebsiteInstagramFacebookHouzzPinterest YouTubeKey Quotes by Tyler:I’ve really tried to work only for customers who want us to do the work. I have to offer them something more than just a dollar sign. Whatever I’m bringing to the table has to be more valuable than whoever is going to come at a lower price than me.If you put a number on something upfront, it’s never going to be apples to apples no matter what. If you say, “Build me a cabinet,” and you go to three different people, that cabinet is going to be completely different. [...] It’s not fair to make a judgement or make a selection based on a price if you don’t know what goes into it.

Today Brad speaks with professional MMA fighter Ryan Bader. He is the current Bellator Heavyweight Champion, the former Bellator Light Heavyweight Champion, and the winner of The Ultimate Fighter.Listen in as Ryan dissects his success by reflecting on his path as an athlete, from football player to wrestler to the UFC and, finally, to Bellator.For Ryan, a solution-oriented mindset and the discipline to stay consistent are his two keys to his massive, ongoing success as a fighter.Having never taken more than two weeks off, Ryan shares why he believes so strongly in the power of the mind as well as the power of association in helping one level up in whatever field they are in.He also touches on the parallels between entrepreneurship and his training as a professional fighter, and his foray into business and joining the Kill Cliff team.Sponsors:Pella Windows & DoorsTopics Discussed:[01:01] Ryan’s journey as an athlete[05:12] What separates the top wrestlers from everyone else[07:34] Where the nickname “Darth Bader” came from[08:52] Ryan’s introduction to MMA[12:33] The road to the UFC[15:52] How Ryan made his own luck[18:48] Turning the fighter mentality on and off as the situation demands[20:29] How his first win at the UFC changed the trajectory of Ryan’s career[22:15] What Ryan’s UFC contracts covered in the way of living and training expenses[26:25] How Ryan balanced work and family life as a professional fighter[30:14] Which part of MMA training Ryan enjoys the most[32:32] How Ryan and his team prepare and strategize before a fight[36:18] How it feels win a fight[38:28] How Ryan stays focused in the high-emotion environment of fight day[44:15] How Ryan got involved with Kill Cliff[49:15] Ryan’s final thoughts on success and his upcoming fightsConnect with Ryan Bader:Instagram @ryanbaderRyan Bader WikipediaConnect with Brad Leavitt:AFT Construction WebsiteAFT Construction Podcast WebsiteInstagramFacebookHouzzPinterest YouTubeKey Quotes by Ryan Bader:Having the mindset together with being consistent will take you far in whatever you do.A lot of people quit or give up way before they have the chance to reap any rewards.One thing I live by is not only to have good people around me, but also the right people around me.I’ve waited for this moment for two to three months. I’m prepared. Why not go out there and win? Why not go out there and allow myself to be successful?

Today Brad speaks with Michael McCurdy, President of McCurdy Construction, LLC; Structures Cabinet & Design, LLC; and Noblessa Phoenix.An entrepreneur at heart, Michael shares why he decided to make the foray into the construction industry and why he specifically chose to start not one, but three businesses in Phoenix.Michael explains his rationale behind encouraging his team to own every win and every loss in the business, and at the same time taking full responsibility for every failure as President of the company.He talks about setting expectations with clients and the importance of keeping them informed throughout the process to maximize their freedom of choice over their home’s final outcome.Finally, Michael calls for more “sophistication” in the planning and implementation of systems and processes in more construction companies in order to raise all ships and, by extension, raise standards across the industry as a whole.Sponsors: Ledge LoungerPella Windows & DoorsTopics Discussed: [02:39] What makes a good business owner?[03:53] Managing the high risks of managing a construction company[06:06] Recovering from business mistakes[07:55] McCurdy Construction’s process from client onboarding to project completion[09:22] Motivating employees in different departments all working toward the same goal[12:00] Keeping all parties in a project on the same page with regard to pricing[20:24] The toughest part about running a business and keeping your team motivated[25:23] Why Michael almost never allows himself to talk business outside business hours[27:24] Why Michael decided to start a second business, and then a third[32:02] How Michael developed his expertise with cabinetry[40:40] Becoming a distributor in Phoenix[45:10] Helping clients choose an aesthetic for their cabinetry[47:49] How a great showroom translates into great sales[49:58] Why Michael decided to go into constructionConnect with Guest:McCurdy ConstructionStructures Cabinet & DesignNoblesaLinkedInConnect with Brad Leavitt:WebsiteInstagramFacebook HouzzPinterestYouTubeKey Quotes from Episode:If you’re giving your employees what they need to have to do their jobs, that’s what makes a good owner. A good owner owns their mistakes and encourages their employees to do better. Generally, if the company wins, everybody wins.I love construction; but I’m in love with business.

Today Brad speaks with Christopher Anderson, Founder and CEO at Ledge Lounger. The Houston-based company offers a line of in-water furniture built to withstand harsh pool chemicals, outdoor elements, and up to 16,000 hours of direct, overhead sunlight.Ledge Lounger has enjoyed four consecutive years on Inc. Magazine’s Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Companies in America and three years on Houston Business Journal's 100 Fastest Growing Companies in Greater Houston.Christopher describes how Ledge Lounger found success in the pool industry, having started out as being named for the original “Ledge Lounger” product to growing its brand to the point that, much like the word “Xerox” has become a sweeping term for photocopiers, “Ledge Lounger” has become its own category of furniture.He also discusses how Ledge Lounger was able to stay nimble in the past year and a half, having been focused on practicality over aesthetics, growing their internal resources, and solidifying their B2B cycle especially as COVID changed the nature of demand in the pool industry.Sponsors: SweetProcessLedge LoungerPella WindowsConnect with Christopher Anderson & Ledge Lounger:WebsiteInstagramFacebookPinterest LinkedInHouzzDownload Ledge Lounger 2021 CatalogConnect with Brad Leavitt:WebsiteInstagramFacebookHouzzPinterestYouTubeTopics Discussed:[03:17] An introduction to Ledge Lounger and its growth beyond a product into a brand[10:15] How Ledge Lounger nurtures its customer-centered company culture[13:11] How Christopher got into the outdoor furniture space[22:57] Staying versatile and on-trend as a business while having a specialty or niche[28:19] How Ledge Lounger found the perfect balance of style and durability[29:47] Choosing between speed, quality, and price[34:10] Where Christopher developed his appreciation for product quality[40:15] How COVID has changed Christopher’s business[48:14] Keeping the supply chain intact as the business scales[55:07] Staying innovative by focusing on the B2B cycle[58:06] Christopher’s favorite Ledge Lounger productKey Quotes by Christopher Anderson:You’ve got to stick with your core [as a business]. You’ve got to stick with what got you here. In my case, it was the pool—it got us into the backyard. But what else could I do in this space?As designers, we know that there’s practicality and function, and then there’s aesthetics. The further you go with aesthetics, the less practicality and function there is. You can’t have the extremes of both.We’re trying to touch on the emotions and engage the purchase through that, as opposed to a consumer that is just shopping through best price. Speed, quality, price: Pick two. You cannot pick three.Work on your business and not in your business. You work in your business all the time. Step away from it and work on it. Get out of it and think about it.

Dash reflects back on a childhood in Hawaii filled with turmoil and uncertainty, from being abandoned by his own parents literally without a name, to growing up around fight clubs and never having a home he could call his own. He then describes the turning point in his life when he was adopted by the Wong family.Down the road, Dash was inspired to join the Navy and, later, the SEALS. He talks about the challenges he faced as a scrawny kid surrounded by formidable athletes at BUD/S and how he was able to come out on top despite all odds.He touches on his near-death experience with adenocarcinoma as a young father and his departure from the military, and how it all led to his current involvement with Kill Cliff.Sponsors:SweetProcessLedge LoungerPella Windows & DoorsTopics Discussed:[04:06] The unique story behind Dash’s name and his turbulent upbringing[11:29] Going into foster care after his mother’s arrest and becoming adopted[16:22] Growing up in an Asian family and deciding to join the military[21:32] Lessons learned in the military[30:16] Why Dash decided to join the Navy specifically[31:28] The most challenging moments of training for BUD/S[36:52] Getting diagnosed with cancer and leaving the military[47:15] Starting a new chapter in life and joining Kill Cliff[55:22] What Dash loves most about Kill CliffConnect with Dash Wong:WebsiteInstagramLinkedInConnect with Brad Leavitt:WebsiteInstagramFacebookHouzzPinterest YouTubeKey Quotes by Dash:Love the person, not the action.Trust is the big one. You can’t expound upon a relationship without trust.You can sit there and wallow and hate on the world or your circumstances and where you’re at; or you can make the decision to grind. Change is never easy because it causes forced reflection upon yourself to get better. You’re going to have to dig deep.At Kill Cliff, we do know we have the best beverage, but that’s not the foundation that we stand on. We stand on something so much bigger and so much stronger. It’s the American spirit that we stand behind.The struggle will make you stronger, but you have to want it. You just have to keep wanting to push the limits.

Stephanie speaks on her unconventional journey into the construction industry and how she came to innovate the space through The House That SHE Built project.Listen in as Stephanie shares how she made the transition from architecture, to the film industry, to construction and the skills that she carried over into each succeeding field; what it’s like to work alongside her dad in a small-scale construction firm; the evolving needs and expectations of clients; and the amazing story behind The House That SHE Built and its unveiling at the 2021 Utah Valley Parade of Homes.Sponsors: Pella Windows & DoorsLedge LoungerSweetProcessTopics Discussed:[03:22] Stephanie’s architectural background and doing marketing for Nitro Circus[08:35] Making the foray into construction with Symphony Homes[11:52] A typical day-in-the-life for Stephanie working with her dad in construction[13:41] How today’s clients have changed from yesterday’s[15:49] Finding clients, setting expectations, and staying hands-on with them throughout[20:02] Selecting clients[21:53] All about The House That SHE Built and Stephanie’s lessons learned[36:23] The search for the women who worked on The House That SHE Built[39:57] Acquiring donations, and charity efforts following the completion of the project[44:06] What to expect at the 2021 Utah Valley Parade of Homes[47:45] Staying on schedule with The House That SHE Built[50:17] Where Stephanie found the passion to serve as President of the Utah Chapter[54:20] What most people don’t know about Stephanie[56:02] What’s next for Stephanie?Connect with Stephanie Sharp:WebsiteInstagramFacebookConnect with Brad Leavitt:WebsiteInstagramFacebookHouzzPinterestYouTubePeople & Resources Mentioned:Steven Dailey ConstructionSteven Dailey Construction HouzzNitro CircusSymphony Homes in North Salt Lake CityRevitAutoCadUtah Valley Parade of HomesInternational Builder ShowBuilders FirstSourceAmsco WindowsPhoenix Children's HospitalLifestar VillageUtah Valley of Home BuildersKey Quotes by Stephanie Sharp: "Today’s clients require more attention. Customers used to make decisions fairly easily and now they demand more of your attention. That’s what you’re there for: You’re there to help them make biggest purchase of their entire life and build their dream home.""I probably sent out 500 messages to different tradeswomen I found on Instagram to end up with less than 20 that we actually flew here; but it was the best 20 I could have ever found. It would not have been the same experience with anyone else. It was amazing.""It’s really important to be part of your local home builders association. It’s important to have peers. It’s important to work side-by-side with people and create a good reputation for yourself."

Kimberly looks back on a career spanning over three decades, reflecting on how she discovered a love for travel when she entered her LAX for the first time as a child, and how she later volunteered to intern for free at a local travel agency as a college student just to be able to get her feet wet in the industry as soon as possible.Listen in as Kimberly shares the advantages of having a travel agent and gives her perspective on “budget” travel versus spending a little more for extra-special experiences. She then gives the pros and cons of timeshares, the primary effects that COVID has had on the travel industry, crucial facts about travel insurance today, and how to work around higher prices and change fees when traveling. Finally, Kimberly talks credit cards and travel and destinations that she considers to be hidden gems.Sponsors: SweetProcess: As a loyal listener of this podcast, you can try for 28 days, free of charge. You don't even have to enter a credit card to get started. SweetProcess is a simple but powerful tool that lets you create clear step-by-step instructions for every task in your company; from writing proposals to executing client work, to responding to client requests. Learn more by clicking the link. Pella Windows & DoorsTopics Discussed:[03:22] How Kimberly got started in travel[06:23] The advantages of having a travel agent in today’s travel industry[10:36] How Kimberly charges for group travels[12:49] How to find a good travel agent[13:41] What travel agents can help you with[17:11] How travel agents are able to find solutions to emergencies or last-minute issues[23:30] Deals that reputable travel agencies can get that you never could by yourself[24:54] Are there pros to buying a timeshare?[31:20] How COVID has changed travel and what to expect in the next several months[37:54] Navigating higher prices and change fees when travelling[42:10] The best days and times to travel[47:25] Which credit cards and reward systems are best for travel?[54:18] Tips for traveling in Europe[56:44] Underrated destinations[0102:39] What’s next for Kimberly?Connect with Kimberly Croft & Carefree Vacations:Website BlogFacebookTwitterYouTubeConnect with Brad Leavitt:Website Instagram Facebook Houzz Pinterest YouTubeKey Quotes by Kimberly:Generally, there are no disadvantages to using a travel agent.Most agents worth their salt are going to give you a 30-minute consultation where you just talk about what you’re thinking and decide whether the agent is  a good fit for you.A lot of clients tell me they want a good deal. Well, everyone wants a good deal. I tell them, “Do you want a good deal, or do you want the experience that you really, really planned and hoped for?”Most agencies have contracts with hotels that you don’t have, and that’s all over the world. That’s another great advantage of using a reputable travel agency. They have the ability to get you something that you may not be able to get on your own.Use the credit card that gives you back what you use the most.I suggest taking your ATM card when you travel internationally and not taking the currency of the country you’re going to because you’re going to pay a hefty fee on the front end. You just have to go to the ATM and get the bank rate.

Today Brad speaks with Jennifer Glynn, co-founder, alongside Barbara LaVigna, of Space10 Interiors, an award-winning residential and small commercial interior design firm based in San Francisco.Having previously worked in the corporate event planning and marketing world for 15 years, she recalls her fateful decision to take an interior design course—initially just to fill in her spare time—and being hooked ever since.Prior to making her foray into design, Jennifer served as the Director of Global Communications and Events at Stryker Neurovascular, before lending her expertise, part-time, for another year as the organization’s Director of Brand Strategy.Listen in as Jennifer reflects on her journey from corporate life into the world of design and the valuable skills that she has carried over into her new career. She touches on homing in your ideal client, defining your brand voice, and maximizing your online presence as a small business.Sponsors: Pella Windows & DoorsTopics Discussed:02:07 - Marketing for a $10 billion company versus a small interior design firm05:09 - How Jennifer built her brand 06:45 - Why it’s so important to get as specific as possible about your ideal client13:01 - Establishing your brand voice17:41 - Business considerations that most new designers overlook or underestimate24:10 - How often a small business should be working on PR and their online presence38:11 - What is an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)?43:04 - How Jennifer and Barbara made their partnership work and how to write an operating agreement53:33 - The advantages of having go-to partners for various types of projects57:33 - Where Jennifer finds inspiration and her upcoming projectsConnect with Jennifer Glynn:WebsiteInstagramLinkedInConnect with Brad Leavitt: WebsiteInstagramFacebookHouzzPinterest YouTubeKey Quotes by Jennifer:Very often, when you ask people who their ideal client is, they can’t tell you—they can’t articulate it. It’s incredibly important because if you can narrow down what you want to do, what you like to do, what you’re best at and what that client looks like when you’re working at your best, it really hones in your marketing strategy and it allows you to let go of some marketing strategies that aren’t going to best suit you.Just because someone doesn’t become your client doesn’t mean they can’t become an advocate or a brand ambassador for you in a small way.[Design] is a service industry. [...] Granted, it’s a luxury service, but it’s still a service.You have to figure out what kind of designer you are and what kind of projects you want to do, and you have to go out and seek architects, contractors, and other partners who also like to do those types of projects, because that is where you’re going to have the most success and the most joy in doing your job.

Today Brad speaks with Jeff Echols. Jeff is on a mission to change the way you do business by helping you transform from a service provider to a trusted advisor. He's the President and Chief Strategy Officer of echoEngagement, the Director of Brand Strategy at EntreArchitect, and the Host of the Build Your Brand podcast and the daily live-stream show, Context & Clarity LIVE. Jeff works with architecture and engineering firms on branding, communication, leadership, marketing, and business development strategies based on nearly 30 years of experience working in, starting, and managing architecture firms.echoEngagement “helps organizations answer and act out the answer to the question, ‘Why should I choose you?’ by clarifying messaging, developing brand stories, and telling brand stories to win the right work and recruit the right talent.”Aside from his involvement in the business world, Jeff is an Instructor of Architecture at Ball State University and Executive Committee Chair at the AIA Indiana Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program.Sponsors:Pella Windows & DoorsTopics Discussed:[03:23] Fundamental elements of a business’s marketing and branding strategy that most companies are missing[10:32] Why Jeff has been tripling down on client experience lately[24:40] The value of hiring someone whose singular job is speak to current, previous, and prospective clients[34:26] Making sure that clients know (and remember) your story through your logo[46:27] Discovering your ideal client[55:38] Why getting as detailed as possible on your ideal client can be valuable[1:02:58] Where Jeff discovered his passion for marketing and brandingConnect with Jeff EcholsWebsite Instagram @jeff_echolsInstagram @echoengagement FacebookLinkedInTwitterYouTubeClubhouse PodcastConnect with Brad LeavittWebsite Instagram FacebookHouzz Pinterest YouTubeKey Quotes from EpisodeI like to view anybody’s business as a triangle: On one side of the triangle, you have your marketing, your business development, and your sales process. On another side of the triangle, you have your culture—your employee experience. On another side of the triangle, you have your operations and your customer or client experience. [...] Your brand sits in the center of that triangle. It both supports and feeds off of all sides of that triangle.Your brand is what other people say about you when you’re not in the room.There are basically three things that make up your ideal client: the demographics, the geographics, and the psychographics.The hardest question for anybody to answer is, “Why should I hire you?”

Previously, John was an executive at TerraGo, a venture-backed software company specializing in SaaS and PaaS mobile applications. He also led business development at Eurasia Group, a predictive analytics startup providing global risk information products to subscribers.John was a founding member of Control Risks GS, Inc, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Control Risks and the fastest growing business unit worldwide.Listen in as John offers a glimpse into his experience training with the Navy SEALs and the carryovers he sees between the military and the business world. He then does a deep dive into Kill Cliff’s unique story as a company and how they scaled up to become one of the most exciting brands in the beverage sector today.Sponsors:Sub-Zero, Wolf, & CovePella Windows & DoorsTopics Discussed:[02:56] Similarities between being a Navy SEAL and a business owner[07:04] The hardest part about becoming part of the SEAL teams[12:12] What separates those who succeed and those who fail in becoming SEALs[15:39] The dangers that follow your initial success as an entrepreneur[17:49] An introduction to Kill Cliff[23:24] Kill Cliff’s appeal[25:51] Kill Cliff’s unique foray into the beverage sector[31:03] How John helped investors see the potential in Kill Cliff[36:44] The value of interdependence among teams[42:53] Having conversations with investors about the big picture, not just the bottom line[48:28] Using non-traditional marketing strategies to scale Kill Cliff[55:06] What’s next for John and Kill Cliff?Connect with Guest:Website Instagram Facebook YouTube Connect with Brad Leavitt: Website Instagram Facebook Houzz Pinterest YouTube Key Quotes by John:The cornerstone of teamwork is interdependency.Alignment is a key part of business. It’s part of interdependency, teamwork, and focus.

Heather is also a project manager at Amstar Construction Services, a service-disabled veteran-owned general contracting firm specializing in government and agency projects.Prior to her current role at Tankersley Construction, Heather managed complex electrical projects for some of the largest electrical contractors in the United States.Her prior project experience includes new student housing at Sacramento State University, new six story classrooms for UC Hastings, medical facility expansion at Folsom State Prison, and multiple VA and healthcare projects throughout Northern California.Sponsors:Sub-Zero, Wolf, & Cove Pella Windows & DoorsTopics Discussed: [01:48] How Heather’s commercial background informs her current residential projects[04:16] Heather and Steve’s history and why they started their own company[08:14] Building the pipeline[11:41] Tankersley’s pre-construction process[16:41] Creating project timeframes and setting client expectations[19:57] Working with trade partners[20:53] Tankersley’s Personal Service Agreements (PSA)[24:09] Creating the first budget and how it transforms over the course of the project[30:55] How often Tankersley’s clients use the owner portal[33:13] How Tankersley chooses its designers[35:55] Staying on the same page with trade partners throughout the project[37:41] Setting up the job site binders and what they entail [38:34] Tankersley’s management process and dealing with scope changes[43:28] Managing Work In Progress (WIP)[47:12] Conducting an audit with the project manager[48:23] Lump sum versus cost plus and dealing with unknowns[51:26] Tankersley’s approach to deposits[55:46] What’s next for Tankersley?Connect with Guest:Website InstagramFacebookHouzz Connect with Brad Leavitt: Website InstagramFacebookHouzz PinterestYouTube Key Quotes from Episode:We’ve really built a network in our area with local designers just by asking what’s a pain point for them and what’s a pain point for us.Hats off to you if you do cost plus. I did it back in my day and you never can capture all the time. It’s inevitable. Give me the lump sum all day.

Becki’s projects have been featured in several publications including Good Housekeeping, Luxe Magazine, Wall Street Journal and Architectural Digest. She has worked with other prestigious designers such as Amber Fillerup Clark. Recently, Becki launched a lighting collection with Hudson Valley Lighting, signature home scents with Pura and a furniture and accessories collection in Home Goods retailers nationwide.Sponsors: Sub-Zero, Wolf, & CovePella Windows & DoorsTopics Discussed:[02:09] How Becki came to pursue design[05:59] What led Becki to take the leap and start her own design company[09:21] How new designers should go about using Instagram[15:53] What Becki would do differently if she could start her business over[17:02] Learning from experience and valuing yourself[22:12] How Becki’s team is structured and how she hires through social media[24:27] Developing a product line and learning the ins-and-outs of licensing[29:00] How much of Becki’s business goes beyond Southern California[31:04] Achieving work-life balance[33:00] Working with Amber Fillerup Clark[35:01] How Becki uses social media for business[37:20] How Becki’s blog has impacted her business[41:30] Collaborating with other brands[45:15] What’s next for Becki?Connect with Becki Owens:WebsiteInstagramFacebookPinterestConnect with Brad Leavitt:WebsiteInstagramFacebookHouzzPinterest YouTube Key Quotes by Becki:Reach out and get into a space where you can communicate with designers. Start building relationships. What helped me grow is sharing other people’s work.If you feel like you have the talent or if it’s something you’re just passionate about, I just say go for it and don’t be afraid. Start with your own home. Start with your friend’s home.When you’re picking your jobs, make sure it’s something that you can shoot.

Lauren herself has been recognized internationally and has been accepted into top design groups, including Leaders Of Design Council and the International Design Society (IDS).Listen in as Lauren discusses why she prefers referred clients over all others, how she was able to scale her business relatively quickly in the mid-2000s by embracing transparency in how she presented her services, and why she charges a high fixed fee upfront rather than relying on markups.She explains how she vets clients and how her approach to tackling residential projects has evolved due to the increased emotional connection that people now have with their homes thanks to the pandemic.Finally, Lauren shares her architectural and design styles and how she collaborates with clients, builders, and architects. Visit Our Sponsors: Sub-Zero, Wolf, & CovePella Windows & DoorsTopics Discussed: [01:52] How Lauren finds her clients and how prospects find her[03:19] Has being published led to greater lead generation for Lauren?[05:28] Getting clear on your fees and pricing structure[08:23] Negotiating with a client who is deciding between you and a “cheaper” option[11:13] Why Lauren charges a premium upfront instead of relying on markups[17:11] Lauren breaks down her typical budget for a project[20:33] How Lauren vets clients[30:09] Why Lauren prizes collaboration[34:14] How Lauren helps her clients manage their expectations from the very beginning[39:23] What it was like to be formally trained by Tigerman McCurry Architects[43:46] Why Lauren was inspired to dive into architecture alongside design[46:41] How Lauren works with builders and architects to set her budget[49:50] What makes a good architect or builder in Lauren’s eyes[54:04] Lauren’s favorite styles and how she helps clients settle on a design[57:37] How Lauren has adapted as design trends have changed over the years[58:58] Lauren’s favorite room to design[1:00:04] What’s next for Lauren?Connect with  Lauren Coburn:WebsiteInstagramFacebookHouzzLinkedInConnect with Brad Leavitt: Website InstagramFacebookHouzzPinterest YouTubeKey Quotes from Episode:The best clients are always referrals because they generally come from great people that you’d want to work with.The beauty of referrals is that anybody you’ve worked with is telling somebody they know how nice the experience was.I don’t want to charge for fixing problems for my clients.I’m always very cognizant of the fact that many clients are wary of designers who give them what the designer wants and not what they, the client, wants.I’m on a mission to make people love their space.Aside from being the designer, I try to be my clients’ advocate.

Listen in as Charlie discusses how his strong faith in God led him to become a “soldier” in the media with a goal to bring light to an industry rife with conflict and controversy.He laments how mainstream media is contributing heavily to the divisiveness currently plaguing America, and why he believes authenticity and a willingness to talk to folks on both sides of the aisle is the key to true, respectable journalism.Finally, Charlie shares his personal ventures, including how he built his personal brand on social media, why he began his podcast, and his exciting upcoming adventures with his wife Amber J.Connect with Charlie Lapastora:Website InstagramFacebookLinkedIn Twitter YouTube TikTok Podcast Connect with Brad Leavitt: Website Instagram FacebookHouzz Pinterest YouTubeTopics Discussed: [02:25] Why Charlie decided to pursue a career in journalism[05:39] Charlie on the current state of the U.S. news media[12:36] How Charlie is able to report authentic stories working for big media companies[19:21] How Charlie stays neutral as a journalist when reporting on contentious stories[29:54] How Charlie builds trust and a relationship with the people he interviews[33:16] How social media has impacted Charlie’s brand and career[36:43] How Charlie became so confident as a speaker at a young age[42:28] Why Charlie started his podcast[45:39] How Charlie built relationships with sports giants throughout his career[47:17] Charlie’s upcoming missionary work with his wife around the world[49:24] How building up his personal brand over the years prepared Charlie for his futureKey Quotes by Charlie:I love the capability of telling stories for a living.I love people. People are amazing. People are crucial for our society to continue to grow and to become better, and we need to understand each other more to make that happen.Trust is everything; integrity is everything; character is everything—when it comes to relationships.Nerves are good. It means you care and you want to put out a good product. You want to make sure that you’re connecting with people and you want to do it the right way.

Today Brad speaks with Timothy Rethlake, Vice President of Trade Marketing & Sales Training at Hearth & Home Technologies, the world's leading producer and installer of hearth products. Its product line includes a full array of gas, electric, and wood burning fireplaces, inserts, stoves, mantels, and more.Listen in as Timothy discusses why high-integrity sales are essential to the lifeblood of any business and why many sales onboarding programs are actually setting salespeople up to fail. He also explains why ambiverts make the best salespeople and why he teaches his salespeople to be “lazy”.Timothy then touches on his view on organizational leadership, speaking on how to discover what motivates each individual member on your team and the crucial difference between a big ego and a strong ego and why the latter is a key trait of great leaders.Finally, Timothy shares how Hearth & Home Technologies creates lifestyle solutions by designing fireplaces that “give a robust, visually-appealing flame” while letting clients have full control over the placement of the heat.Visit Our Sponsors:Sub Zero-Wolf, & CovePella Windows & DoorsTopics Discussed: [02:35] What is “high-integrity sales”?[11:40] How anybody can become a better salesperson15:05 Educating sales team to become better listeners[23:03] What happens if the salesperson does not really believe in the product[26:15] Turn your clients into your assistant salespeople[33:03] Motivating salespeople beyond financial incentives[44:32] The Franklin Covey and Miller Heiman process[48:05] How to provide continuing education to your salespeople[52:17] Technologies that Timothy is currently excited about[1:08:59] How Hearth & Home Technologies designs their fireplacesConnect with Guest:Hearth & Home Technologies WebsiteTim Rethlake on LinkedInConnect with Brad Leavitt: WebsiteInstagram Facebook Houzz PinterestYouTube Key Quotes from Episode:Someone that has high-integrity is a whole person—the inside matches the outside.Building trust with customers is really simple: You do what you say you’re going to do every time over time. I didn’t say it was easy. It’s just simple.Often, if the expectation is not met, it’s because the expectation was not set or clearly defined.There’s a one-second difference between make the call and take the call. [...] Get ahead of it. Be proactive when things do go south.We’re all in sales to some degree. It’s just that not all of us do it professionally or have it on our business card.A lot of sales onboarding programs set salespeople up to fail. We set them up to go out talking, not to go out listening.Take the blame, give the credit, always, everyday.Often, the profession picks the person rather than the person picking the profession.

Located ​in Berkeley, California, Lane McNab Interiors infuses a sophisticated sensibility into residential and commercial interiors. The firm specializes in primary and secondary homes, boutique retail spaces, and large scale projects with a vast knowledge of historical architecture. Opened in 2012, LMI is known for its artful approach to sophisticated living. Although each project is the reflection of a deep collaboration between designer and client, all of Lane’s projects reflect an edited warmth that highlights the beauty of everyday life.Brad and Lane go on to talk about her firm’s best practices for environmental stewardship and the state of the industry as a whole with regard to its focus on ensuring sustainability throughout the supply chain.Finally, Lane shares how she built her own interior design firm and lessons learned through the years on running a business, including the importance of EQ and critical thinking.Topics Discussed: 01:58] What “sustainable” means to Lane[06:42] Creating timeless pieces[11:28] How Lane built up her knowledge of the industry over time[13:43] Dealing with pushback from customers regarding budget[15:57] Meeting environmental standards in California[18:28] How Lane sources and manufactures her pieces to ensure non-toxicity[28:21] Other companies that have a sustainability focus[30:08] Making sure material is actually as healthy and sustainably sourced as claimed[36:26] Designing with purpose to make products more beneficial to the environment[37:32] Defining microplastics[41:00] Getting on the same page with architects[43:14] How Lane started her own interior design firm and learning about business[45:58] Lane’s decision to hire her first employee[49:12] Developing your EQ as a business owner[52:48] How designers and contractors can work well together in service of the client[53:55] Lane’s Instagram marketing strategy[56:56] Being represented by Sloan Miyasato[59:03] Lane’s upcoming projectsConnect with Guest:Website ShopInstagramInstagram Connect with Brad Leavitt:WebsiteInstagram Facebook Houzz PinterestYouTube Resources & People Mentioned:SustainabilityGreenwashingCradle to Cradle by Michael BraungartLEED CertificationNet Zero Iconic HomeICF (Insulating Concrete Form) Material BankTitle 24 StandardGreenguard CertificationB CorporationsFSC CertificationOEKO - TEXGreen Business Bureau Sloan MiyasatoOutgassingWest Elm Sustaibale & FSC-CertifiedCrate & Barrel Environmental InitiativesThe CitizenryAvocado Mattress Armadillo Fireclay Tile Leather Working Group MicroplasticsVOCLMI San Francisco Design Center Sloan Miyasato ShopErik WaldorfKey Quotes from Episode:We can transform any industry by ensuring that the next life of a product is planned at its inception.I think antiques and vintage are probably the most affordable way to add sustainability to your design.We have two principles in designing the line. The first is quality and the second is environmental stewardship.Because it is a very overwhelming amount of work to do to ensure that everything you’re offering your clients has this level of environmental stewardship, just do one part of it. Just do a piece of it, because that alone makes a difference.The biggest indicator of whether or not you’ll be successful in this business has nothing to do with your talent, your experience, or your education. It’s whether or not you have a high EQ.

Chris is a registered California architect and member of the AIA with a Bachelor’s Degree from California Polytechnic University in San Luis Obispo. Since childhood, he’s been fascinated by the built environment and the creative possibilities that art and architecture have to offer. Spending his formative years in a small town in Northeast Oregon, Chris learned to value the beauty in nature at a young age. This continued to inspire him through his education and into his career. His talents have been most appreciated in the design of many beautiful custom homes and happy clients. His approach has always been to first better understand a client’s dreams and unique project constraints in order to create more informed and inspired designs. Chris has used his exceptional design talents and years of experience in Southern California to create a truly unique and progressive architectural practice.Listen in as Chris explains how he developed the company’s social media strategy and how it has influenced growth since its founding in 2009. He also shares what it was like to start a company in the aftermath of the recession.Chris also talks about his process for guiding clients through the process from beginning to end and how he nips common obstacles in the bud such as pushback around costs and setting expectations at the initial consult. Finally, he talks about using VR and renderings to raise his clients’ confidence and trust in his ability to deliver on their desires.Topics Discussed:[02:39] Chris’s social media strategy for Brandon Architects[04:48] How photorealistic rendering has impacted business for the better[08:26] The impact of social media on the company’s growth and ability to attract clients[11:37] Why Chris decided to start his company during the recession[12:42] The company’s tipping point[14:23] How Brandon Architects is able to take on a wide variety of project types[16:10] Chris’s favorite style or aesthetic as a designer[18:56] How Brandon Architects works with clients from beginning to end[22:25] Navigating the budget side of the process[28:22] Dealing with pushback or resistance from clients[30:33] Collaborating and building rapport and trust with designers and builders[35:32] Setting expectations with the client when giving virtual tours[41:33] How VR makes a huge difference from a client’s perspective early on[44:39] Developing designs and renderings in-house[47:24] Familiarizing yourself with the different codes and restrictions in different states[51:04] What keeps Chris up at night at this point in his career?[52:39] Brandon Architects’ upcoming projectsConnect with Brandon Architects: WebsiteInstagram Connect with Brad Leavitt & AFT Construction:WebsiteInstagramFacebookHouzzPinterestYouTubeKey Quotes by Christopher Brandon: At the end of the day, your best calling card is your work.We try to make our process very client-focused. I think that’s why our portfolio is very diverse: We enjoy our clients’ creativity and passion for their projects. I want them to be happy and emotionally engaged throughout the process.The core concept of keeping clients happy is managing expectations.I believe strongly that collaboration makes for better projects and I like to bring on partners and people who are just as passionate about what they do as I am about what I do.Finding good local partners is a cornerstone of success for our faraway projects.Produced by Koi Koi 

Today Brad speaks with Christian Daw of Christian Daw Design.With a passion for beautiful homes and an appreciation for practicality and comfort, Christian Daw runs a successful boutique interior and architectural design firm. In addition to rethinking classic interior design, tailored to today’s homeowner, he creates spaces that are luxurious yet unpretentious. Christian’s aesthetic is timeless, a look he achieves by blending simplicity and modern lines with historic details and rustic elements.  His approachable affect is evident on Instagram, where he shares his life, work, and inspirations. Based in Washington, DC, Christian has projects across the United States and internationally.Listen in as Christian explains why he decided to make a shift from the legal profession into architectural design and which skills he was able to transfer over into his new career path. He also shares how he was able to hire five full-time employees and create a tight-knit team in a relatively short span of time.Christian also discusses how he builds his network on social media as well the approach he takes to vetting the countless potential clients who he and his team communicate with online. Finally, he talks about his current growth strategy for the firm entering 2021.Topics Discussed:[02:21] Did having a legal background prepare Christian architecture or design?[03:19] Why Christian switched career paths[06:00] How Christian developed his business model and learned to price his services[09:48] Managing the hiring process[15:23] Getting the hang of cashflow and compensating a team of five[23:50] Why Christian wanted to bring on two architecture students[27:18] Dedicating time for daily consults[29:50] How Christian vets clients[35:44] Delegating tasks as the company grows[38:00] Where Christian puts most of his focus on as the owner of his firm[39:36] Christian’s Instagram strategy[46:52] What Christian wishes he would have known at the start looking back[48:17] Handling business development for the firm[50:25] Working with local architects and builders[51:33] What’s next for Christian Daw Design?Connect with Christian Daw Design: WebsiteInstagramConnect with Brad Leavitt:WebsiteInstagramFacebookHouzzPinterestYouTubeKey Quotes by Christian Daw: I want to be the best, and in order to be the best, I have to realize that the company is not just me. I surround myself with people who have experience that I may not personally have.Time does cost money, and right now we have more work than we have time; so, if I can pay someone to do something that is better at that task than I am, I would love to do that.Produced by Koi Koi  

Today Brad speaks with Jim Spurlino, Founder of Spurlino Materials, a supplier of construction materials. He is also the author of Business Bullseye: Take Dead Aim and Achieve Great Success, a guide to establishing, scaling, managing, and creating an exit strategy for small- to medium-size businesses.Listen in as Jim describes the “three legs of the stool” that make up a successful professional in the construction industry, as well as the unique complexities of being a concrete supplier. He also shares how he, in his first entrepreneurial venture, was able to finance three brand new concrete plants and 45 brand new concrete trucks on day one.Jim dives deep into how he builds and retains company culture, especially when setting up remote locations and hiring out. He explains what it means to work on your business as opposed to just working in it, via the idea of “knowing your bullseye”—a concept he writes about at length in his book.Sub-Zero,  Wolf, and Cove: Locate a Showroom Near YouTopics Discussed:[02:46] What inspires Jim as an entrepreneur and how he fell into his current career path[07:18] How Jim came to start his own firm[11:51] The complexities of being a supplier in the concrete industry and Jim’s edge[16:51] Motivating the team, especially when they need to work through the night[19:31] How Jim dealt with finances and logistics when he started his new venture[27:51] Setting up remote plants for mobile work[37:24] Keeping track of and evaluating leadership and team members in remote plants[41:56] What company owners should prioritize[44:06] Keeping company culture intact when hiring out[45:36] What it means to “know your bullseye”[52:14] The importance of developing a close relationship with your banks[56:55] The pros and cons of owning a private company as opposed to a union company[01:01:05] Does Jim have an exit strategy?[1:05:44] Why Jim decided to enter politics at one pointConnect with Jim Spurlino: WebsiteLinkedInBusiness Bullseye BookConnect with Brad Leavitt: WebsiteInstagramFacebookHouzzPinterestYouTubeKey Quotes by Jim Spurlino:I’m inspired by the possibilities—what could be. It’s the challenges, the potential, and particularly the chance to be the best. That’s what always drove not just me, but the company.If you and, particularly, your folks aren’t very much attuned to how important it is to stay focused on that bullseye—maximum profits, maximum capacity, maximum quality—you’re going to start to lose. I’ve seen lots of companies go broke because they lost that focus.If you’re going to be competitive—if you’re going to be a successful business in this world today, you’d better have a good relationship with your employees. You’d better be striving to be the employer of choice in your market, in your industry. If you’re not, you’ve got bigger problems than just a union coming in trying to get you to pay better wages and benefits.Produced by Koi Koi 

The company currently has around 150 active projects spread across different regions, each of which has its own Vice President of Finance. A financial reporting group accumulates data from all of these regions each month.Listen in as Kris speaks on the finance side of running a large commercial contractor that she has had the pleasure of working for over the past 15 years. She describes how contracts are negotiated and why she expects field staff to have a high level of financial acumen to run the business that is their construction project. She also explains how McCarthy’s employees are able to literally own a part of the company via their ESOP.Finally, Kris shares her experience finding success as a woman in a male-dominated industry and how she balances her immense responsibilities at work with time at home with her husband and six kids.Topics Discussed: [00:44] How often Kris evaluates the company’s performance financially[03:46] How McCarthy acquires new projects and negotiates budgets with clients[17:04] The most important metrics to track when looking at the overall balance sheet[19:42] Dealing with slow-paying clients and building those relationships[25:51] Why field staff should have an extensive understanding of the financials[27:59] How incentives for all involved parties are decided on[31:16] Deciding who to assign to different projects[34:58] Monitoring the sweep account[38:02] Managing the complex multi-region company structure from a cash perspective[43:14] The challenges of working with unions[45:03] The purpose of McCarthy’s Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)[51:34] Finding success as a woman in the male-dominated industry of construction[56:56] How Kris achieves work-life balance with a demanding career and a large familyConnect with Kristine Newman & McCarthy Building Company:Website Instagram (Kristine Newman) Instagram (McCarthy) Facebook YouTube Twitter LinkedIn Connect with Brad Leavitt of AFT Construction:Website Instagram Facebook Houzz Pinterest YouTube Key Quotes from Episode:One of the things that makes us successful is this mindset of continuous improvement and learning from past projects and past situations. They’re never identical, but there are always lessons to pull through from various scopes of work.We think of every one of our projects as a small business. We expect our superintendents and project managers to have a high level of financial acumen to run the business, not just build.Every single day, our projects are trying to kill someone. What we do is really, really humbling. We build America, and it’s risky; not just financially—it’s risky from a safety standpoint as well.Male or female, finding an edge in your career is all about relationships, personalities, and communication.Find someone to emulate, male or female. What characteristics of that leader do you want to become, and how do you go about developing yourself and finding those blind spots within yourself to meet that?

Brad, Renee, and Mark have joined forces on a project started by Mark himself called the Net-Zero Iconic Home, also known as the Desert Comfort Home. Simply put, this is a home that produces as much energy as it consumes.Mark, one of the foremost experts in the country on building science and sustainability, has decided to apply his expertise into building a sustainable house that he can call his own. He has selected Brad to be the builder of the Desert Comfort Home, while Renee and Iconic Life have been chosen to lead the project’s marketing efforts.Listen in as Renee, Brad, and Mark define their vision for a net-zero home and how a house can be comfortable and aesthetically pleasing while being sustainable and energy-efficient all at the same time.* Follow the Year-Long Sustainability Journey Topics Discussed: 02:41 What is a net-zero home?08:20 How the Desert Comfort home captures rain to water the landscaping10:50 Promoting the project13:11 Why education on the benefits of net-zero homes starts with builders15:34 The long-term savings of investing in a net-zero home25:29 The incredibly unhealthy conditions of traditional indoor environments28:35 Creating healthy water in a net-zero home29:55 Making an impact using your platform32:50 How this project has inspired Brad in his business38:00 Optimizing the interior space41:22 Where we are on the project timeline right now and where we are headed Connect with Renee Dee of Iconic  Life: Website Podcast InstagramFacebook Pinterest YouTube TwitterClubhouse @ReneedeeConnect with Mark LaLiberte of Construction Instruction: WebsiteInstagramFacebookTwitterKey Quotes:A net-zero house, or a net-zero-ready house, is a house that, for the future, allows the energy consumption to be low enough that an alternate system like a solar system can actually provide the ancillary energy needed that the building doesn’t consume in terms of thermal performance. ~MarkWe have to create houses that are stunningly efficient and really durable; but the only way to do that is to really focus on how the building enclosure is more than just an enclosure. It’s a place for family and it’s a place for comfort. ~MarkA net-zero home creates as much energy as it consumes. ~ReneeThe more we educate the public on net-zero homes, the more that they’re going to gravitate to it, and it doesn’t have to be mandated by the government. ~Brad 

The residential and commercial world obviously offer two different working experiences, both of which Erik embraces equally for different reasons. He loves residential because of the tight-knit bond he needs to create with clients in order to realize their dreams; whereas commercial brings with it the pride of being sought out for his professional opinion on major projects and being trusted, with minimal hand-holding, to find solutions.Listen in as Erik shares his best practices for running an architecture firm with two office locations, as well as leading teams between his main office in Scottsdale and the satellite office in Beverly Hills. He then does a deep dive into how Instagram has impacted the design industry as a whole and how to leverage social media to build your brand. Finally, Erik touches on networking, mentorship, and collaboration within the architectural community.Topics Discussed: [02:50] Residential versus commercial projects[08:02] Design involvement[11:45] Passion for residential & commercial projects13:26 How the clientele and team differ between residential and commercial work[17:23] Erik’s approach to budgeting[20:27] How designers, builders, and architects can strengthen relationships with clients[25:37] Changes in the business model after establishing a satellite office in Beverly Hills[33:51] The impact of Instagram on the design world[44:05] Overseeing employees and day-to-day tasks between a main and satellite office[48:03] Erik’s role in at PHX Architecture and the firm’s project flow[49:23] Keeping the team motivated[57:20] The importance of mentorship and networking within the architectural community[01:01:53] What’s next for PHX?Connect with Erik Peterson: WebsiteInstagramFacebookYouTubeTwitterLinkedInHouzz PHX Architecture Team Connect with Brad Leavitt:WebsiteInstagramFacebook HouzzPinterest YouTubeKey Quotes by Erik Peterson:It’s a lot about word-of-mouth: realtors bringing us work, interior designers bringing us work, builders bringing us work. If you suddenly present yourself as a threat to that collaborative nature, then you’re going to find yourself out there on your own.On the commercial side, these are business deals that have to meet timelines and budgets. On the residential side, it’s all about emotion.A strong architectural community has mentoring firms that give stepping stones to our profession and really flourish careers of really great architects within our community.The best thing to know is that you don’t have to go at this alone. If you think that everybody’s out there to stab you in the back, that’s the worst way to go into a business venture.Resources & People Mentioned:HyattHiltonTaliesin ArchitectsH & S International Desert HighlandsDesert Mountain Golf Club Robert Jones II AKA “Bob Jones” Biltmore HotelLandry Design GroupMcClain DesignAppleton Partners LLP ArchitectsSelling Sunset Million Dollar ListingArchitectural Digest Gensler LUX Event  Candelaria