Today Brad speaks with Aymee Kuhlman and Molly Kidd, Co-Owners of Light & Dwell, a full-service interior design studio created in 2015, and today serves clients nationwide. Aside from its full-service offering—whose timeline stretches from eight months to two years—Light & Dwell also offers virtual design, where the initial design is delivered within three to four weeks.Aymee and Molly make it a point to only source sustainable and ethically-made products, particularly when it comes to furniture. Acknowledging the recent trend of eco-friendliness in the clothing industry, they decided to become more aware of and responsible for the materials they use when turning their designs into reality.When vetting clients, Molly and Aymee like to put out the numbers right at the initial call, reviewing such items as build budget and minimum allowances in big bucket areas (ex. cabinetry, light fixtures, etc.). To make sure the contract is upheld, Molly and Aymee prefer to phrase it as an agreement when speaking to their clients. By getting clarity and understanding from all parties right off the bat, there become fewer obstacles down the road if any changes have to be made to the client’s house—as well as their budget.Listen in as Aymee and Molly explain their working dynamic as Co-Owners of the company, how they use social media to find new clients and how they communicate throughout the timeline of a project, and the financials involved in running Light & Dwell.Topics Discussed: Light & Dwell’s approach to virtual designFinding and vetting clientsNetworking with other designersVetting clientsHow involved Light & Dwell are on the architecture sideMarketing virtual design on social mediaChoosing furniture alongside clientsScheduling workflowsJustifying new hiresConnect with Guest:Website Instagram Facebook YouTube Pinterest Connect with Brad Leavitt: Website Instagram Facebook Houzz Pinterest YouTube Key Quotes from Episode:A lot of designers have full-service or they have virtual design; but to have a way where you can have both has been really beneficial to us, especially in 2020 with COVID.As a company, we’re trying to be more sustainable and ethically-sourced with our products.My job as a designer is to give the client, upfront, a very clear, personal vision of their house and how their house is going to be totally unique to them.

Today Brad speaks with Melissa Hryszko, an interior designer at Veranda Estate Homes, a construction company with over 45 years of experience in building custom luxury homes in Calgary, Alberta and beyond. Veranda is a proud multiple SAM Award-winner, a member of the Alberta New Home Warranty Program as well as the Calgary New Home Builders Association.Melissa speaks on Veranda’s stringent process for screening potential clients. It all starts with a ten-page questionnaire. A proposal is then drawn up based on the information given by the client through that questionnaire, as well as inspiration sent by them through a Pinterest board or photos on Instagram. Veranda then hones in on the client’s budget, the style they are looking for, and the features and elements that they would like in their home. The time it takes to get from that initial meeting to finally being on the ground typically ranges anywhere from three months to over a year.Even when it comes to budget considerations, Veranda has a strong preference for lump sum pricing over cost plus and maintains strict standards around that budget, staying within 1% or 2% of the purchase agreement price on the move-in date. Their goal is to always keep the client in mind by being conscious of and respectful of their budget.Listen in as Melissa further breaks down Veranda’s unique approach to pricing a project and how they communicate costs, options, and changes with their clients throughout the process, from vetting, consulting, and, finally, construction.Topics Discussed:[02:38] Flexibility in selections up front?[04:41] Detailed budgets?[05:56] Budgeting for materials increased cost[09:41] Pushback on cost plus or lump sum[13:56] Allowance for the furnishing before or after breaking ground[16:36] Months creating design book[19:32] Dispute and proximity for community or neighborhood[22:01] The hardest part of Melissa’s job as a designer[23:54] How involved do the clients get?[25:50] Counseling clients on where to put their focus[27:29] Preventive maintenance for children and dogs[30:13] Walking through existing home to investigate lifestyle[31:30] Favorite part of the home design?[33:35] Balancing different styles of design[36:40] Mixture of Specs and Build-to-Suite[39:32] Social media management[43:45] Generating leads from Instagram[47:09] Crafting cabinetry from raw materials onsite[49:24] Staining cabinetry timeframe[51:53] Protecting high end finishes during construction[55:07] Vetting clients?Connect with Guest:Veranda Estate Homes WebsiteVeranda Estate Homes InstagramVeranda Estate Homes PinterestVeranda Estate Homes FacebookConnect with Brad Leavitt:Website Instagram Facebook Houzz Pinterest YouTube Resources & People Mentioned:Rob Hryszko, President & Co-Owner Veranda Estate Homes Springbank Custom Build by VerandaThe Heather CompanySub-Zero RefrigeratorsAndrew Patterson of Patterson Custom HomesCustom Yeti CupsKey Quotes from Episode:It is our job to stay as close to budget as possible, because everybody has a budget and we want to be conscious of that and respect it.Maybe one out of every 50 clients end up doing cost plus. Fixed price makes us accountable for construction time and all the work that goes into the home.The one thing that drives me to start a new project is to do something unique and different.As Rob says, we wear two hats. We wear a developer hat and we wear a builder hat.

Today Brad speaks with Nick Schiffer, owner of NS Builders, where he leads a team to renovate homes for private clients in and around Boston. Nick is also the Co-Host of The Modern Craftsman podcast alongside John Hourihan and Tyler Grace where they interview a variety of professionals involved with the trades.NS Builders started out as a one-man carpentry company with relatively small ambitions. That was, until Nick began to hire and discovered the power of leveraging his time while scaling the business. He also started to become active on social media through which he built his brand. He continued to express his affinity for entrepreneurship as he grew his audience, accepted a wider variety of jobs, and looked to influencers outside of the construction industry (such as Gary Vaynerchuk) for tips and strategies to keep expanding his ventures.Today, NS Builders is made up of 20 people and counting. Nick has fully embraced his role as entrepreneur. He spends his days looking to expand on the company’s existing systems and processes to be able to free himself up even more and focus on his vision going forward.Listen in as Nick shares how he vets clients, the right time to hire and how to support the payroll, when to be more aggressive with your markup and when to taper back, why he actually enjoys self-performing carpentry jobs whenever possible, and how paying attention to his competitors allows Nick to further define his branding and sales process.Episode Sponsor:Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove - Schedule an appointment at your nearest showroomTopics Discussed: 02:49 - What made you become an entrepreneur and home builder06:50 - Nick would like more flexibility on job site with team10:32 - High level budgets for clients18:41 - A vision and dream to build homes21:01 - Sticking to a specific aesthetic and style24:44 - What makes a “modern” home?27:13 - Hiring and bookkeeping best practices33:51 - Justifying your annual budget56:57 - Self performing01:09:13 - Investing in the company: Beyond the balance sheet01:22:33 - Progressive Marketing01:26:38 - How much Nick, as the face of his company, involves himself in projectsConnect with Guest:NS Builders WebsiteNS Builders InstagramNS Builders LinkedinThe Modern Craftsman PodcastConnect with Brad Leavitt:WebsiteInstagramFacebookHouzzPinterestYouTubeResources & People Mentioned:Gary Vaynerchuk Snapchat Steve BaczekShawn Van DykeQuickbooks Buildertrend Monday SoftwareAsana Software Slack Software Bill.Com Hub Dock Receipt Bank Revealed on YouTube Tyler with TRG Home ConceptsJohn Hourihan of Vintage Builders The Modern Craftsman PodcastKey Quotes from Episode:As builders, it seems like we’re expected to know more about a project’s potential problems than doctors are expected to know about a patient’s problems.What’s the number that scares you? Let’s figure that number out first, because if we can figure out the number that scares you, then we know what your real budget is.People oftentimes try to portray something as modern, when it’s just not. It’s more than style or features. There have to be moments in the home. It has to be an experience.When you understand what it takes to run your business and equate that to what you need to do in sales, you’ll be able to better decide on which jobs to take and which to turn down.When you’re operating at such a high level, it’s so much easier to spot mistakes.Choose to be the loudest person. If I’m not going to share how we do something, someone else is. And if that someone else happens to be the guy down the street, guess who gets the call.

D. J. shares his path to becoming an offensive lineman in the NFL and the mentors that guided him down that path, which includes his father, former wide receiver D. J. Humphries, Sr. He then describes his thought process going into his decision to join Florida after being recruited by virtually every Division I program in the country.D. J. then talks about the “loss of structure once you leave the building” that he was faced with after being drafted into the NFL. Being his own “sole proprietor” as a professional athlete, D. J. needed to make his own judgement calls throughout his young career. This consisted of everything from the business of being a player in the NFL down to figuring out how he uniquely performed as an athlete and how far he was willing to push himself (even while injured).Finally, D. J. dives deep into the topic of leadership and team culture, not just within football, but when it comes to sports in general. He explains his mindset that always pushes to “bridge the gap” of misunderstandings and other conflicts between team members, and why open communication and having tough conversations are a must in order to understand cultural differences and maximize the synergy of a team.Episode Sponsors:Buildertrend - The World's #1 Construction Management SoftwareSub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove - Schedule an appointment at your nearest ShowroomKohler - Register for Kohler@Home event on February 2 & 3, 2021Topics Discussed:03:35 - Offensive line a kid07:18 - Excepting the position14:25 - Mentors22:20 - Playing basketball with father24:40 - D. J.’s perspective on how the NFL has drastically evolved over the past decade28:55 - How D. J. made his big decisions back in high school, including choosing Florida31:05 - Did campus culture play a part in helping D. J. decide which school to go to?42:00 - Worrying about somebody replacing me46:40 - How do you stay healthy50:10 - What makes for a great team culture?55:00 - Open minded & understanding equal rights01:05:00 - Why maturity begins when you become unafraid of “being dumb”Connect with DJ Humphries:Instagram @humpConnect with Brad Leavitt:WebsiteInstagramFacebookHouzzPinterestYouTubeResources & People Mentioned:Arizona CardinalsKyler MurrayOdell Beckham Jr.Mallard Creek High SchoolMike Palmieri The Blind Side MovieMo CollinsLeCharles BentleyOffensive Line PerformanceThe Offensive Linemen Whisperer: LeCharles Bentley by NFL FilmsAQ ShipleyCorey PetersMy Dad Means the World to me articleSECCeltics-Lakers RivalryJimmy GrahamJonathan Ogdan Haason ReddickAaron DonaldKliff KingsburyLamar JacksonAZ Cardinals all-time rushing leaders from 1920 - 2020J.R SweezyRussell WestbrookFlorida Gators College Football LSU College FootballLes MilesThe Burger Barn in Hawthorne, FLDr. Brian Harris with Smile VirtualJoey BosaTerry HoltJoshua MilesJosh JonesDJ Asking Camera Guy Why He is Following Him VideoKey Quotes by DJ Humphries:I feel like I’m a pretty smart guy, but I don’t like being forced to learn things that I don’t want to learn.Once I figured out how bad it feels to play injured, I became effective at playing injured. If I’m hurting, I’m playing. If I can play injured and still be effective, I’ll be fine.Having synergy and being accountable to each other, not just in sports but even in business, is huge.Bringing together people who come from different backgrounds and have different experiences all comes down to having an open mind. I can’t be pissed off if I can’t explain my side. This is where, as humans, we have to bridge the gap by wanting to learn from one another. 

Today Brad speaks with California-based interior designer Lindsey Borchard of Lindsey Brooke Design. With a background as an artist, Lindsey has a penchant for thinking out of the box, making sure each and every project is uniquely bespoke to her clients’ specific vision. Lindsey mixes “earthy textures with bold textiles” and curates “vintage finds with contemporary elements,” pulling all her “inspiration from the beautiful California landscapes she has called home all her life.”Lindsey also hosts Design Camp, a four-day retreat offering training, support, and opportunities to network with other professionals in the design community.Lindsey shares how she learned to build and manage an interior design business; the traits that make a builder or architect worth partnering with; best practices for establishing a budget and renegotiating around changes, limitations, and setbacks; what led her to start her four-day retreat, Design Camp, and her tips for those looking to start an interior design business today.Sponsored by: Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove: Find your nearest showroom and schedule an appointment by visiting www.subzero-wolf.com/showroomTopics Discussed:05:32 - Mentality of abundance opposed to mentality of scarcity 09:13 - Equal passion for business and interior design 10:25 - Respect for woman in the industry 13:11 - How builders can be better24:03 - Managing budgets 28:12 - Challenges on warranty and product procurement 31:21 - Logistics of products 39:21 - Design Camp 51:27 - What Lindsey would do differently if she started Lindsey Brooke Design today55:30 - Educating clients on design 01:03:21 - New and upcoming  for Lindsey BorchardConnect with Guest:WebsiteInstagramPinterestFacebookYouTubeDesign CampConnect with Brad Leavitt:WebsiteInstagramFacebookHouzzPinterestYouTubeResources & People Mentioned:The Identite CollectiveAnastasia Casey & The Identite CollectiveKristen ForgioneThe Lifestyled CoKey Quotes by Lindsey:When you are confident in your design, your company, and what your values are, you’re going to have a better business and a better experience for yourself, your clients, and everybody else involved, whether that’s the painter, the builder, or the architect.Builders and architects who have open minds and open hearts and listen to us, considering themselves as part of this one team as opposed to two separate companies—these are the builders and architects that I love working with.I have to establish a budget upfront. I do not want to start designing without knowing my budget.I always tell my contractors: “If there’s a problem, do not go to the client first. You have to come to me, because I will not go to a client with a problem unless I have a solution ready.”Open communication is a must in any relationship, whether personal or professional.

Today Brad speaks with the team at AFT Construction, including Senior Construction Manager Adam Cade, Project Managers Spencer Nield and Paul Lundgren, and Superintendent Andrew Clark.The team share their individual experiences so far in their careers at AFT, from their specific roles, to their approach to solving project or client-related challenges, to their biggest lessons learned, to company culture best practices.Topics Discussed:03:34 What makes a project successful?07:41 What sets apart a good architect from others?11:56 How Andrew deals with difficult clients16:07 What makes a good superintendent?19:25 What makes a valuable trade partner?21:46 How Spencer and Paul manage their schedule, especially with multiple projects24:03 How often should a superintendent communicate with their client?27:17 Adam’s typical schedule as a Senior Construction Manager29:57 The process a project goes through, from coordination to completion31:41 What Spencer and Paul learned from Adam and Brad during their time at AFT36:26 The biggest lesson Andrew learned at AFT41:25 The biggest lesson Adam learned at AFT46:46 The biggest lesson Paul learned at AFT48:19 Andrew’s role at AFT and how that role expanded52:36 How Adam’s mindset evolved over time at AFT54:35 Skillsets that Spencer brought to AFT56:36 One thing Paul didn’t know about Brad that still surprises him58:33 What Andrew pushes himself to do better at59:50 What Adam looks at when hiring someone1:01:04 Advice Spencer would give to someone who wants to work at AFT1:02:22 Paul on the culture of AFT and his advice to someone who want to be part of it1:02:54 How AFT forced Andrew to change his views on prioritizing and organization1:04:56 What got Spencer into the trades?1:07:28 Who inspires Paul on IG?1:08:08 What Andrew has tried to emulate from Brad or others at AFT1:09:17 How Adam trains others to understand and implement what he’s communicating1:10:39 How a company can better handle change orders1:12:20 What makes for great company culture?1:12:54 What helped Andrew get to where he is today at AFT?1:15:23 What systems and tools should be in place as AFT continues to scale1:16:20 How involved Paul is when communicating with a client throughout a project1:17:07 How many projects should each superintendent and manager get at a time?1:17:31 What the team is excited about going into 20211:20:55 Two features that any custom home should have1:21:38 Who’s the best golfer?Connect with Brad Leavitt: WebsiteInstagramFacebookHouzzPinterestYouTubeResources & People Mentioned: Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove ShowroomBluebeamBuildertrendECS Homes Instagram Matt Risinger of Risinger Build Instagram Builders of Insta John Merrit Key Quotes:A successful project starts with communication.Be tenacious. Things just don’t come easy by mistake.The number one thing we look at when we’re hiring is personality, and number two is work ethic.Come to AFT knowing that you’re going to learn something, and have that desire to learn.A lot of confidence emanates from knowledge.

Dr. Leila Peterson is the founder of Prescribed Health and Beauty as well as Prescribed Design. She is a business owner who only recently relocated her medical practice from San Antonio, Texas to Gilbert, Arizona in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis.Leila speaks on how she managed the many factors involved in building a company while making this crucial transition in the middle of a worldwide pandemic. These factors, which she discusses in-depth in this episode, include marketing, networking, hiring, purchasing, doing a construction buildout, tenant improvements, and more.Topics Discussed:03:38 The biggest challenge involved in moving the business to Gilbert04:31 Building a network from scratch in a new environment07:18 Dealing with the construction of a new facility during the pandemic10:29 Leila’s tenant improvement (TI) experience14:47 Why Leila and her husband decided to move to a new location17:54 Building your client base24:18 How Leila defines great customer service26:52 Making sure your clients’ needs are adequately met28:27 How often Leila trains her team30:40 The benefits of collaborating with other medical providers and educating clients34:07 Dealing with negativity online38:40 Establishing your brand and hiring best practices41:58 How much people usually spend on botox44:02 Using social media content to further educate patients on diet46:38 How often families should visit their clinic and age/gender-specific must-knows49:06 Working around limitations brought on by COVID-19 regarding meeting patients52:14 Leila’s vision for her practice in 202155:37 Which social media platform Leila finds the most success on57:23 What to expect from Prescribed Health in the coming monthsConnect with Guest:WebsiteInstagramFacebookPinterestConnect with Brad Leavitt:WebsiteInstagramFacebookHouzzPinterest YouTubeResources & People Mentioned:TI (Tenant Improvement) HIPPA Prescribed Design Key Quotes from Episode:Customer service is all about how you make someone feel and the value you provide.If I can provide excellent customer service and good bedside manner, people want to come back to see me or share things with me that they may be uncomfortable sharing with someone else.I use social media to educate and provide value to my clients.Obesity is the leading cause of so many things, including anxiety and depression. It’s a big problem facing society and we need to get a handle on it.In any business, if you can show clients your process, then they’ll realize and become more comfortable with what they’re getting into.

Shawn Van Dyke is a construction business coach, an international keynote speaker, and author of two books: Profit First for Contractors and The Paperwork Punch List.Most contractors are not profitable, which makes them feel uncertain about what they need to grow their construction businesses. Shawn believes that construction business owners should be as good at business as they are at their craft. That’s why, after 20+ years of owning and operating multiple construction businesses, Shawn became a construction business coach. He now works with construction business owners, executives, and managers all over the world and shows them how to stop losing profits and wasting time.Shawn helps contractors get their lives back. He is the founder of the Built to Build Academy, which creates confident construction business owners through on-demand training and coaching programs so you can make more money, stop worrying, and get your life back.Shawn shares a lot of insight on how to hire, build a company culture, how much time to spend on marketing, what best practices to keep in mind when spreading your message, lump sum versus cost-plus, and establishing trust with your clients.Topics Discussed:05:43 Gaining confidence as a coach and public speaker11:10 Mastering sales15:52 Balancing empathy towards customers with the needs of the business19:18 The power of “no”22:39 Guiding your clients through the decision-making process28:24 Answering the three questions of the “delight trifecta” to save thousands of dollars34:26 The number one mistake contractors make when running their business37:16 Hiring “above the line”40:33 Identifying what you hate doing in the business to know who to hire43:17 Understanding “transparency” and how to achieve it with your customers48:39 Lump sum versus cost-plus56:04 When to use cost-plus pricing, especially with supply chain issues amid COVID-191:01:11 The right way to think about profit first1:06:53 The value in having systems1:10:46 Intentional marketing using social media1:15:40 The importance of sticking to your core message in your marketing effortsConnect with Guest: Instagram @shawnvandykeInstagram @profitfirstcontractorInstagram @builttobuildacademyWebsiteYouTubeFacebookTwitterLinkedinResources & People Mentioned:Built to Build AcademyProfit First for Contractors by Shawn Van DykeTed TalksThe Science Behind TED’s 18-Minute RuleStart with No by Jim CampNever Split the Difference by Chris VossKey Quotes by Shawn:As a business owner, you’re there to make an emotional connection with people first, because if they don’t buy into what you’re doing on an emotional level, it doesn’t matter how good the information is.Your business starts with sales.“Yes” is a lie; “maybe” is worthless; “no” is a decision. Get to the “no” as quickly as possible. Invite your clients to tell you “no” from the get-go.You never, ever, ever, ever want to surprise the client; but you want to delight them constantly.The biggest mistake I see with business owners is them thinking that they have to be the one who figures everything out and waiting too long to bring in an expert.Transparency is not trust.I would rather try to sell my value upfront and then perform a great project than to justify it afterwards.You can only price what you know.You can only spend 100% of your income on your businessMoney—profit—is a measure of effectiveness. The more effective you are with your customers, employees, and community, the more money you’re going to make. The more money that you make, the more you can do great things with it.Systems provide truth: Our systems are either working, or they’re not.Word of marketing sucks if you don’t control the words people are saying.

Lisa J. Wood is the owner of an interior design firm based in Asheville, North Carolina. She helps “busy professionals plan, design and construct homes so personalized that they are the perfect respite, for now and their futures.” She is also a Certified Living In Place Professional (CLIPP) Ambassador.Lisa is on a mission to elevate the way homes are built and created. She is trained as an interior designer and has a unique 20+ year background in communications, project management, team building, corporate sales leadership, business development, and innovative design solutions.Listen in as Lisa discusses networking on social media, how we can balance budget and client expectations, and, most importantly, thinking about the value of design as an investment in your day-to-day health and happiness.Topics Discussed: 03:43 How builders can nurture a stronger working relationship with designer07:49 Pitching your vision to a production builder09:41 The little things that add up to improving a home’s livability13:14 Maximizing your realtor’s ability to find the right home for you17:52 How to respectfully disagree with a client’s suggestion22:35 Agreeing on a cost-effective design with your architect32:32 Budgeting for a balance of good design and livability42:08 What is ergonomic design?48:44 Staying current as an interior designer54:00 Pricing and marketing yourself in your marketplace56:36 Lisa’s Ripley’s Believe It Or Not experienceConnect with Guest:Website Instagram Facebook Pinterest YouTube Linkedin Connect with Brad Leavitt: Website Instagram Facebook Houzz Pinterest YouTube Resources & People Mentioned:Asheville, North Carolina WingIts Baby Boomers Kathleen Anderson Biophilic Design Floral Design Living In Place Institute Profit First by Mike Michalowicz Fix This Next by Mike Michalowicz Ripleys Believe it Or Not Key Quotes from Episode:Good design really should be inclusive and not exclusive.Nobody ever needs to live in an ugly home.When considering the design of your home, don’t just ask how you live and function in the home, but also who is coming to your home.People are only living in about 40% of their home.It is scientifically proven that people can heal, reduce anxiety, and have more joy in life when they are in a well-designed space that makes them feel good.

Johnny Hourihan is the co-owner of Vintage Builders, the co-host of The Modern Craftsman Podcast, and one of the four brand ambassadors for Fine HomeBuilding Magazine by The Taunton Press.What are those things we wish we had known when we started in business? What are things we’re doing now that we would have fast-tracked had we known their importance from the beginning? For instance, when is the right time to hire for certain roles, or how much should certain staff members be paid? We discuss questions like these and other specifics that all business owners should know and understand in order to have a thriving company.Listen in as Johnny discusses how to deal with the drastic lead times companies face today as a result of COVID-19, dealing with team members and clients as people instead of as procedures, and managing your finances as you hire and scale up your business.Topics Discussed:04:21 How Johnny built his construction company18:29 How having a strong brand allows you to have more effective loss leaders26:11 The importance of looking at all the financial considerations when hiring29:27 Justifying your price to a prospective customer32:40 Which part of the business does Johnny focus on the most now, three years in?43:12 Hiring the right people and retraining them as the business grow57:59 Treating your team and clients like your family1:09:07 Knowing when you have enough of a cushion to take a financial risk1:17:01 Building your credit and risk tolerance1:24:15 Promoting the trade to the next generationConnect with Guest:WebsiteInstagram Vintage BuildersInstagram Vintage Development INCInstagram The Modern CraftsmanInstagram John HourihanFacebookThe Modern Craftsman PodcastConnect with Brad Leavitt:WebsiteInstagramFacebookHouzzPinterestYouTubeResources & People Mentioned:Wentworth Institute of TechnologyGreat Recession 2007-2009Benny Fuller Instagram TRG Home Concepts InstagramLinkedinArchitectural DigestKuiken BrothersLeaders Eat Last by Simon SinekAluminum ShortageStairsBuilder TrendNever Split the Difference by Chris Voss & Tahl RazFerris Bueller’s Day OffKeep Craft AliveFine Home BuildingKey Quotes from Episode:Know your numbers, track your numbers, and evaluate them as you bring employees into the mix. Do those numbers still work after you’ve begun to hire?Only the top 10% of our industry gets repeat business.Finding the right hires is like finding the right clients. It’s not just about checking off the boxes. Find the little things, the idiosyncrasies, that reveal each person’s character.Adhering to the letter of the law instead of the spirit of the law with regards to your processes only gives you a false sense of security as a business owner.We’re not in the business of finding problems. We’re in the business of finding solutions.Before leaving any conversation with any client, ask them questions to make sure you’re both on the same page.

Randy Coffin is the President of Coffin & Trout Fine Jewelers. Randy has worked in the industry of jewelry design and craftsmanship for many years. He started out as a bench jeweler in 1975. He was inspired to start his jewelry career from an early exposure to fine arts, and an interest in using his God-given talents to design and create amazing works of art. Randy and his business partner David Trout met in 1979. They had an instant connection as they noticed similarities in each other’s beliefs on what jewelry could be.In our conversation today, we get into construction, customer service, and a myriad of other tips on running a jewelry business.Listen in as Randy discusses how to build a strong reputation in the jewelry industry, what he looks for in a diamond, working and nurturing trust with suppliers and customers, his passion for colored gemstones, and how he takes a client’s vision from idea to reality.Topics Discussed: 04:06 How to become an expert in grading a diamond08:14 What it means to “sell jewelry on consignment”10:28 Building a strong reputation to gain the trust of suppliers in the jewelry industry12:17 What Randy looks for in a diamond18:54 Natural versus lab-created diamonds22:34 Building a jeweler’s supply chain25:52 How Randy developed a trustworthy reputation in the business29:04 How Randy evaluates potential suppliers36:12 Creating long-term relationships with your customers37:41 Going above and beyond as a business owner40:41 Randy’s process from meeting the customer to delivering the final product50:17 How Randy keeps his staff happy53:52 Working with prestige companies like Rolex to acquire custom pieces for clients56:43 Randy on his passion for charity59:09 Randy talks about a few unique pieces he brought inConnect with Coffin & Trout Fine Jewelers:WebsiteInstagramFacebookPinterestConnect with Brad Leavitt:WebsiteInstagramFacebookHouzzPinterestYouTubeResources Mentioned: Gemological Institute of AmericaStandard Jewelry AbbreviationsJ.B.T (Jewelers Board of Trade)AGTA Spectrum AwardsSomewhere in the RainbowCrescendo Blue Sapphire and Diamond Pave Platinum RingKey Quotes by Randy:It’s not always the most expensive diamond that stands out.I don’t have any problems with lab-created diamonds; but I’d just say, “Buyer beware.”Be consistent and follow the practices that you would want others to follow. Go above and beyond.One of the value-adds for me and my business, and one of the things that I’ve enjoyed more than anything else, is that whole customer relations thing. I’ve met more people than I can tell you that I’d either gone to dinner with, in many cases traveled with, or gone to their homes in another state, or fly-fished with. I’ve made more friends in my business than outside my business by far.

Amy Margolin is the third-generation co-owner of M&M Lighting. She joined her family business in 2013 after graduating with an English degree from Columbia University working as a manager for an international clothing retailer in Austin, Texas. She was also a food photographer for Zagat, a national restaurant review guide, and spent time as a freelance celebrity stylist at red carpet events in Los Angeles.Combining her background in writing with her innate sense of style and relentless work ethic, Amy is working hard to bring M&M Lighting—a company with 56 employees that specializes in residential and commercial lighting—into the social media age, and overturn the adage that the third generation ruins family businesses.We dive into the value of social media as far as how it helped her in building her business and how it has grown her client base as well. She talks about how you can successfully integrate your social media into your business while building a network with architects and designers at the same time.Listen in as Amy discusses how she uses social media to build her company’s brand, her Instagram content and engagement strategies, the challenges and rewards of working in a family business, and working with lighting architects and designers in an industry that is always evolving.Topics Discussed:05:21 How Amy is able to effectively use social media to establish M&M’s brand08:48 Why Amy began to do more video home tours12:41 Amy’s experience with TikTok15:12 Building a following on Instagram17:57 How much time Amy spends on social media20:39 Getting better engagement on social media23:18 Amy’s content strategy on Instagram24:41 How using social media impacted Amy’s business27:39 How having a large audience keeps Amy accountable32:26 Justifying higher prices for your products or services online35:34 How social media has benefitted M&M’s relationships with stakeholders39:33 Amy’s experience working on her own projects42:31 Amy’s favorite architectural style43:50 How Amy’s eye for design evolved over the years45:28 Becoming a stylist for celebrities43:50 How Amy’s eye for design evolved over the years48:14 Moving from California back to Texas49:20 What Amy learned about the lighting industry since joining M&M50:51 Lighting architects and other partners that Amy works with54:03 Staying current in an ever-evolving industry56:00 How COVID-19 affected M&M58:47 What Amy is looking forward to in the near futureConnect with Amy Margolin & M&M Lighting: WebsiteInstagramTik TokFacebookPinterestHouzzYouTubeConnect with Brad Leavitt:WebsiteInstagramFacebookHouzzPinterestYouTubeResources & People Mentioned:Insights on Instagram Nolan Miller with Riverwood Building Company Instagram Reels Wayfair Crate & Barrel Jason Roehner + Dan Ryan PhotographersColumbia UniversityGucci The New YorkerICFF (International Contemporary Furniture Fair) Lightfair Dallas Market Center Ashley LeavittShea McGee Key Quotes by Amy:If you want to stay on top with the content you put out and the engagement you get on social media, follow the algorithm.It’s “social media” for a reason: You have to be social.If you’re not communicating with your people and the customers at every stage of the process, you’ll run into problems you’ll later regret.

Jason Black is the owner and president of Artisan Signature Homes. He had a successful career prior to construction, but his passion for homes eventually led him to start his first company, Stonecroft Homes, in 2002 while still working full-time. This was the beginning of his journey in building custom homes. Jason has worked on a number of projects with his wife, Gretchen—a talented designer in her own right.Jason does a deep dive into building a brand and scaling your business through social media, particularly through Instagram. He dismisses common misconceptions such as supposedly needing a huge number of followers and a long-term content strategy to build an audience and stand out. We also go into much of the behind-the-scenes of managing a construction firm, with a focus on budgeting and putting together the right crew for each project.Listen in as Jason discusses how he sets expectations with his clients, why he almost always declines requests to bring in unfamiliar subcontractors, and how to build a powerful brand for your design or construction business on Instagram.Topics Discussed:04:19 - Jason on his spec and build-to-suit homes08:47 - Choosing projects to serve as loss leaders11:29 - Working with other designers13:58 - Creating a budget and knowing how to adapt it as the project progresses30:28 - Working with a business partner32:28 - The typical timeframe for a custom home project36:30 - Saying “no” to certain customers requests (i.e. unproven subcontractors)41:18 - How Jason chooses his crew members46:20 - How Jason manages his Instagram account48:26 - Jason’s content strategy on Instagram54:14 - How social media has benefitted Artisan Signature Homes59:11 - What Artisan Signature has planned for the near futureConnect with Guest: Website Instagram FacebookPinterest YouTubeLinkedin Connect with AFT Construction Podcast Host Brad LeavittWebsiteInstagramFacebookHouzzPinterest YouTubeKey Quotes from Interview:I don’t chase the dollar. I always sacrifice the dollar for good design, maybe to a flaw. But that’s what I enjoy doing, so that’s what I’m going to keep on doing.The trajectory any custom home project takes all boils down to those expectations and communications with the client.Having a business partner is like having a sounding board to keep your ideas in check.I prefer to stick to what’s tried-and-true with both the people I work with and the system we use. Anytime I fall out of my process, it never has a happy ending.It’s taken me a long time to understand that not every customer is the right customer for me. So, it’s sometimes better to say “no” than to take a customer that I know is going to be a pain in the ass to work with.When looking for subcontractors, we want a solid company that’s been in business for a long time that has a service crew that’s going to respond in a timely fashion.Post what’s true to you. Post the best content that you can produce and share that. I don’t have a stock of 50 images. I usually don’t know what my next post is. Just choose a great photo for the day, keep posting consistently, and engage with your followers. Don’t overthink it.The biggest thing with social media is to just put yourself out there. You don’t have to have 50,000 followers. There’s micro-influencers that have a couple hundred or a couple thousand followers. You’re still influencing people. You’ve just got to start. You never know where that opportunity will come from. 

Mark LaLiberte is the co-founder and president of Construction Instruction. He has dedicated over 30 years to the building industry. Through his lectures, site assistance, Building Better Homes video series and his mobile App, he provides builders, architects and manufacturers with an in-depth look at the current and future state of housing. His work has earned him a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Energy and Environmental Building Alliance (EEBA), where he developed the highly acclaimed Houses that Work lecture series. The HTW Series has been delivered for over 16 years by the Ci team in 100’s of North American cities.He works with various manufacturers to assist in developing products and services for the next phase of efficient homes. Mark is the co-creator of the Ci App and animation studio, which developed the number one mobile App in the construction industry and builds realistic state of the art contextual animations on building science concepts and technical installation practices.He is also President of Sales Instruction Inc., helping to bridge sales and marketing efforts to our industry. Working with leading industry suppliers and manufacturers, his sales training company creates a common language to drive sales and increase productivity for sales teams.His passion for educating lies in knowing how vital the building industry is.  Building healthy, safe, durable and efficient homes has an effect on the buyer, the builder, the economy and the planet.Listen in as Mark discusses why he believes builders should adopt a path of continuous improvement, waterproofing best practices, and why you shouldn’t ever need to factor in leaks when pricing your services.Topics Discussed: 06:46 The biggest mistakes builders are making right now11:12 Creating a solid training program for your tradesmen15:17 Appreciate your tradesman18:17 Set proper expectations to encourage excellence27:14 Tried-and-true methods for waterproofing homes33:29 Working with stucco contractors whose standards are different from yours36:02 How to properly flash a window41:24 Tools to secure exterior walls45:56 The importance of capillary breaks51:36 Why Mark created the Houses that Work lecture series 54:55 Why Mark started Construction Instruction and how to work with himConnect with Mark LaLiberte: Email: [email protected] WebsiteInstagram Facebook Twitter Linkedin YouTube Construction Instruction App AppleConstruction Instruction App AndroidConstruction Instruction AmazonConnect with Brad Leavitt: Website Instagram Facebook Houzz Pinterest YouTube  Resources & People Mentioned:CBUSA The Path of Continuous Improvement Matt Risinger Capillary Break EEBA Houses That Work Key Quotes from Episode:It can’t just be about price. Craftsmanship and workmanship comes from the heart. What I leave is a legacy; not just “slap it on, get it done”.The tradesmen like doing work carefully and professionally. They just need to be appreciated for it.Set your standards, your process, and your educational expectations. Drive those to be exceptional, and you’ll get better performance.Whenever you take on a new project, tell yourself: “I have one chance to do this well, and I’m going to do it right this time.” When you always set that standard for yourself, one day it becomes a habit.COVID-19 has raised our awareness about the importance of the indoor environment. Houses should be our safe haven.Continually learn and invest in your marketplace and invest in learning. Train people. Listen, learn, watch, and question. Hold people accountable for good workmanship. If we do that, we’re going to have this amazing industry, and deliver phenomenal product that will last for generations and be healthy and safe. I think that’s a fair expectation.

Willie Bloomquist is a former MLB player, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. Throughout his career in baseball, Willie played for the Seattle Mariners, Kansas City Royals, Cincinnati Reds, and Arizona Diamondbacks, and has played every position aside from catcher and pitcher. After retiring from professional sports in 2016, Willie explored his other passions through the avenues of entrepreneurship and philanthropy. His passion for nature led to his founding Elite Outdoor Adventures, a company which “allows you to spend one-on-one time with a professional athlete or celebrity participating in a pastime that you both enjoy.”Listen in as Willie discusses his journey as a professional athlete and why he decided to turn to entrepreneurship following his retirement from MLB. He also shares his love for the outdoors and the business that resulted from that passion. Finally, Willie talks charity and outreach and why philanthropy has become a huge priority in his life.Topics Discussed:04:53 Lessons learned throughout Willie’s sporting career07:27 Growing skills while playing multiple positions on the field11:15 Becoming comfortable with the uncomfortable in business13:38 Why Willie made the switch from football to baseball16:10 Knowing what to prioritize in life18:51 Navigating social media as a public figure25:52 Willie’s perspective on failure27:50 Budgeting and other financial considerations as a professional athlete31:23 Willie’s philanthropic efforts at Phoenix Children's Hospital36:01 Why acts of charity are priceless38:38 Transitioning from professional athlete to entrepreneur40:10 Willie on his venture, Elite Outdoor Adventures45:40 Training and motivating your employees50:32 How Willie balanced family life and a high-profile sports career54:10 What sets the Arizona Diamondbacks apartConnect with Willie Bloomquist:Instagram (@eliteoutdooradventures)Elite Outdoor Adventures WebsiteTwitter (@williebloom)LinkedinResources & People Mentioned:ASU College BaseballPat MurphyBret BooneLou PiniellaState Champion Football QBDerek JeterMark Candelaria on episode 03Phoenix Children's HospitalDiamondbacks President & CEO Derrick HallKey Quotes from Episode If I’m not going to be good enough, that’s fine; but I’m not going to leave it to chance just because I didn’t work hard enough to give myself every opportunity. Hard work doesn’t guarantee you success, but without it, you don’t have a chance.Failure only sharpens us to become better the next time around.The way it makes you feel when you help somebody out, unsolicited, makes you feel pretty dang good inside.Generosity proceeds prosperity.We judge other people on their actions and we judge ourselves on our intensions.Surround yourself with good people. People who are going to be honest with you and look out for your best interests. 

Ashley Stark Kenner is the Creative Director at Stark Carpet in New York, a company founded by her grandparents, Arthur and Nadia Stark, in 1938. Stark Carpet has been synonymous with the world’s finest floor coverings since its inception and has been the go-to resource for top interior decorators for decades. Ashley is also the Sr. Vice President of Design, bringing her fashion-forward vision to the company while maintaining the classic Stark aesthetic. Her unique style and eye for the eclectic are present in her vision for the company.Listen in as Ashley discusses how she balances her high-octane career at Stark Carpet with creating content for social media, reaching 1 million Instagram followers, all while being a mother to her three kids. She also talks about where she gets her inspiration for her product line and how social media has allowed her to collaborate with other designers at a greater scale since she began in her career. Finally, she shares the process of taking a product from idea to reality.Topics Discussed [04:33] Why Ashley went all-in on Instagram & reaching 1 million followers[08:50] Advice for succeeding on Instagram [10:04] Avoiding burnout on social media[12:17] The power of authenticity on social media[16:56] Teaching your kids about the dangers of social media[18:36] Exposed to the world and building collaborations through Instagram [20:40] Ashley’s role and responsibilities at Stark Carpet [22:59] The process of taking a design from idea to reality[26:56] How COVID-19 has affected Stark Carpet [30:26] Styles that Ashley gravitates toward[32:52] Requests for custom designs[39:04] Underrated design aspects around the home[40:36] Why Ashley loves traveling for work[46:16] Balancing family and work amid the pandemic[48:38] What Ashley is looking forward to in the near futureConnect with Ashley Stark & Stark CarpetWebsite Instagram Facebook Pinterest Resources MentionedSub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove ShowroomArchitectural Digest - Step Inside Ashley Stark's Transformed Upper East Side AbodeStark Carpet History Stark Carpet ShowroomsPrestige MillsMaison & ObjetRebel Traditionalist Article Domino MagazineStaircase Carpet Instagram Post

This week on the podcast we were joined by @KathleenAAnderson, principal of Material Design. Kathleen has extensive experience in both architecture and design. She has a Master’s degree in architecture from the UPC In Barcelona which has helped her knowledge and expertise in regard to interior design. She has also created an online spec book available for purchase to spec builders across the country. It is a revolutionary program and idea to assist builders that are in need of a good design for their project. We also discussed the importance and coordination of builders and designers on the front-end of a project to ensure it runs smoothly. Check the link in our profile for the full episode and here is the link to her design book: https://materialdsgn.com/design-kit-for-builders/.

We kick off our second season with Taylor Plosser Davis with @TPDArchitect. Taylor discussed the most important features to consider when building or renovating your own “forever” home. We spoke about the pros and cons of a remodel vs new-build. Taylor is also a certified “aging in place specialist” and we spoke in detail about what that is and the importance of the strategy. She received her undergraduate degree from Princeton University, and a Masters in Architecture from the University of Virginia. She is a member of the AIA, is NCARB certified and recently completed her Aging in Place Certification through the National Association of Home Builders. As an architect, Taylor is focused on thoughtful design strategies to address the unique needs of her clients, whether that involves working with a growing family or a couple downsizing for the next chapter. A mother of three, Taylor enjoys travel and her tap dancing classes. She is a Councilor of the Birmingham chapter of the American Institute of Architects, and is a member of the Advisory Committee for the Morris Fund for the Design Arts.

Today we celebrate our 1 year anniversary of the AFT Construction Podcast. Stay tuned to our stories as we release a recap of our amazing guests this past year. And for 52nd episode, we had my wife, Ashley Leavitt join the podcast @goldandoak. Many of our listeners had asked to bring her on to learn a little bit more about the life behind the scenes. And I have to give credit to @johnwmerritt that really was a catalyst to make this happen. In fact, John helped write the questions for our episode. Ashley spoke about our story, her favorite design styles, and what it is like to raise 6 kids and also have her own design business. We spoke about mentors and what inspires us behind the scenes. Ashley has had incredible experience working for 2 large design and construction firms in both Scottsdale and Washington DC.

This week on the podcast we were joined by Dr. Tyler Hales with Hales Parker Dentistry in Orange County, CA. Tyler offers tremendous insight into marketing, social media, branding and work experience. He had the opportunity to work for many different practices that really gave him good insight as to what field of work would suit him best. He also spent some time speaking about customer service and company culture. Dr. Hales comes from a long line of medical professionals and chose to be a dentist because he loves connecting with people while caring for their dental health. He is passionate about helping his patients increase their confidence through smile design and cosmetic dentistry, which are a focus of Hales Parker Dentistry in Ladera Ranch

Steven is the VP of Sales for Smart Exteriors and has tremendous experience in marketing, sales and brand awareness. We spoke about how to build your marketing through a recession, understanding your strengths as a company, and how to prepare your company through uncertain market conditions

This week we welcome Jason Roehner and Dan Ryan with @roehner to the Podcast. Jason and Dan have photographed all of our projects since we started our company, A Finer Touch Construction in March of 2013. They are extremely talented photographers and shared some great insight on the podcast. We spoke about the power of marketing and branding, and how photography plays a key role in those efforts. Jason and Dan spoke about their journey as an entrepreneur and how they cultured their passion for architectural photography. We also spoke about photographing licensing and how we all need to be more mindful of the time and value our photographers give. You will definitely enjoy their mindset, knowledge and energy.

We are nearing our first year of the podcast and it is hard to believe that we are now on episode 48. Casey Grey with @the_conscious_builder joined us from Ottawa, Canada. Casey has an incredible mindset and view on business. Psychology was a major topic in our discussion and one of my favorite comments he made was that our environment is more impactful than our willpower. His analogy was, “if I want to stop eating junk food, than quick buying junk food.” Our environment, network and who we surround ourselves with, make all the difference. Casey also spoke about the future of our industry, building science, and how to have a positive outlook on life and in business. We also discussed the difference between net-zero homes and passive homes. Additionally, focus on your mistakes and use those to catapult your career. Casey is the founder of the award-winning sustainable building company, The Conscious Builder, the host of The Conscious Builder Podcast and The Conscious Builder Show on YouTube and the former Co-host of The Conscious Living Podcast. He has written almost 400 blog posts on topics such as marketing, branding, entrepreneurship, personal development, sustainability and more. Casey brings almost two decades of experience to the construction industry and over a decade of experience to running, owning and growing multiple businesses while also staying committed to his wife and son. Casey is on a mission to help people build homes, businesses and lives in a more conscious manner and is co-authoring a book with Kevin Harrington, the original shark from the hit TV show Shark Tank.

Clarke Miyasaki, Chief Growth Office of Stance Socks, joined us on episode 47 of the podcast today. One of my favorite statements by Clarke is, “treat every relationship like it’s your big break”. Clarke has built tremendous relationships throughout the music and professional sport industries. From his time at Skull Candy, to now at Stance, Clarke understands the value of relationships, hard work and company culture. He has worked on deals with Snoop Dogg, Dwyane Wade, Rihanna, Will Smith, Kevin Durant and James Harden. I’ve been fortunate to meet Clarke and tour the Stance Headquarters in San Clemente, CA. He is just as humble in person as he was on the podcast. You will really enjoy hearing his story and thoughts on business.

This week on the podcast we welcome @EmmeDiane. Emme Diane is a trusted and sought-after skin care expert, esthetician and skin care formulator on a mission to solve the seemingly unsolvable skin issues, from acne to aging and everything in between. Emme provided extensive knowledge on customer service and sales, using the term “salevis”. She also spoke about marketing and how to create the customer journey. Emme emphasized that every business needs systems to not only scale, but be profitable and diversify. Emme has more than 20 years of professional experience in both medical and spa esthetics, Emme Diane is known for solving the “unsolvable” skin concerns, from acne to melasma, rosacea and aging skin. Her clients, who affectionately refer to her as the “Skin Whisperer,” describe her as nurturing and supportive with a wealth of knowledge. Specializing in skin transformations, she offers local clients advanced skin care treatments that cannot be found anywhere else, as well as virtual skin consultations that result in remarkable skin transformations for her long distance clients worldwide. Along with her obsessively researched line of clinical skin care products and proven methods of correcting even the most stubborn skin concerns, her mission is to have her clients love and feel confident in the skin they’re in. Click the link in our profile for the full episode. And a big thanks to our sponsor @subzerogroupsw. Make sure to pay them a visit, as they have the best showroom around! website: www.emmediane.com email: [email protected] consultation form: https://emmediane.com/pages/consultation

You will not want to miss episode 45 of the AFT Construction Podcast. This week we were fortunate to host Morri Chowaiki. Morri is the Head of Sales and Retail for Daymond John. Morri was one of the top selling contestants on the Shark Tank and is the only presenter to now work for one of the Sharks. He is a strategic and results-driven Senior Sales and Executive with experience combining strong technical background and keen business acumen to drive profitability and identify new markets within competitive sales arenas. In this episode we heavily discuss entrepreneurship, sales, communication and persistence. If any of you are looking to expand your career or business, this is the episode for you. Morri gives first-hand knowledge and how to close a deal. Additionally, he also shares his experience in working through the Shark Tank auditions.

On Episode 44 of the Podcast we were fortunate to host Ty Udell with Dun Today. Ty has created a revolutionary app in the building industry that we have already incorporated here at A Finer Touch Construction for our clients. Dun Today is an on-demand solution for Home Builders, Home Warranty Companies, Professional Services Companies, and Home Owners to connect in real time. With over a decade of background in the Fortune 100 High-Tech sector, Ty is a generation Y millennial who understands the importance of business transformation in the digital age. He has extensive experience working with major retailers on omnichannel and mobile engagement strategies, and brings a unique understanding of what the next generation of home buyer expects. Ty holds a business degree from the Eller College of Management at The University of Arizona and is a member of the NHBA. You don’t want to miss this episode as we dive in to Ty’s journey to create this app and of course, the time and effort behind the scenes.

This week on the podcast we were fortunate to host Jason and Mark from the land down under with @beyondbuildconstructions. Jason and Mark have built an amazing company in Sydney, Australia. Company culture is so important for any brand or enterprise and we discuss this in detail. We also spoke about how to run an effective partnership, how to bring value to your customers, the difference in construction between the US and Australia, what will impact builders and designers over the next 10 years, and how to better market and brand your firm. You won’t want to miss this one.

On Episode 42 of the AFT Construction Podcast we were fortunate to host Shea McGee with @StudioMcGee. Shea and her husband Syd have built an incredibly successful and diversified company. She shared some upcoming exciting news, as well as her background to the early beginnings of Studio McGee. Shea has always had a passion for design and shared the importance of the client relationship, as well as what creates good chemistry between the builder and architect. She spoke of how important it is to focus on your aesthetic, content creation and be consistent. If you are looking to grow your business through marketing and networking, definitely take a listen

This week on the podcast we were fortunate to host Matt Risinger @risingerbuild with @thebuildshow. Matt is a tremendous thought leader in the construction, building science and design industry. He is a public speaker, mentor, has an extremely successful YouTube channel, and “Netflix for Builders” website at www.buildshownetwork.com that he hosts with other talented professionals throughout the country. Matt discussed the importance of a well-constructed home and how that integrates with design and budget. He spoke about the importance of social media, personal branding, and marketing and how we can sell our value to the customers. Consistency, trust and risk assessment were other key components of our conversation. He also spoke about aspects of the preconstruction process that we all must consider. You don’t want to miss this one. Matt Risinger’s building career began with a Pittsburgh church ministry. After college, he worked with a national builder in Washington, D.C., where he met his wife. The two then moved to Portland, Ore., where Matt worked for a smaller semicustom builder. After moving to Austin, Texas (his wife’s hometown), he started Risinger Homes in 2005. In addition to running his company, blogging, and writing for various publications, he stays busy with his four kids.

We brought Aaron on the podcast because of his specialization in marketing, branding and hiring. If you aren’t already on LinkedIn, I am confident you will make it a priority after our conversation. Aaron is an expert in content creation throughout all of his social media channels. His company has expanded to website design, used equipment sales, and job placement for the dirt industry. After graduating with an engineering degree and working for five different heavy construction companies in four states, Aaron's life plan was to start a construction business. However, all that went out the window when he started sharing his Dirt World experiences on social media. His online following quickly grew, and he realized he could build a business around educating society about how essential heavy construction and mining are to our world. He quit his day job, picked up a camera, and started traveling to different job sites across the US. Today, while he still runs around photographing dirt, he leads a marketing agency focused exclusively on heavy construction and mining companies. BuildWitt is a team of 25 marketing experts who help their partners solve their workforce issues and win new work by telling their stories via social media, web, video, and other means

To celebrate July 4th, we launched an incredible podcast episode with Jeremy Andrus, CEO of Traeger Pellet Grills, LLC. Jeremy has an amazing entrepreneurship resume from his studies at Harvard Business School, to Real Estate Development, to Investment Banking, to President at Skull Candy and now, CEO at Traeger. His episode is a must listen. He spoke about the importance of culture and how you can build a strong team within your company. He spoke about the importance of marketing, lifestyle and innovation as well as systems and infrastructure. We are tremendously grateful for the time Jeremy allowed to record this amazing episode. Jeremy Andrus is the President & CEO and Board Member of Traeger Grills. From 2005 to 2013, Jeremy served as President & CEO of Skullcandy, where he helped grow annual sales from $1 million to $300 million

This week on the podcast we were fortunate to host Claire Staszak from Chicago with @Centered_by_Design. We spoke about leveraging social media, branding, and how to utilize a blog to refine your business. We also spoke about how to leverage your social media channels for extra press and marketing. Claire had just started her blog and then won “Best Design Writing in 2017” at the Design Influencers Conference. Claire Staszak is known for her holistic design process, which combines her well-trained eye for interiors with her passion for wellness. Her work has been featured by The Chicago Tribune, Modern Luxury, HGTV, Domino, Architectural Digest online and more

This week on the Podcast we were fortunate to host Arik Tendler, Chief of Sales at Cambria. Arik has tremendous experience building companies, infrastructure, and of course, marketing. He was the founder of Caesarstone and Vdara. Tendler is now the chief of sales at Cambria, responsible for identifying target segments, resolving logistical obstacles and bottlenecks, and generating demand through innovation. He oversees Cambria worldwide sales activity and will be tasked with activating aggressive and insightful efforts to further build sales channels across the continent

This week on the podcast we invited Joe Edwards from Elite Concepts USA. Joe is a design build contractor in New Jersey and has been a great friend over the past 4 years. Joe is extremely talented and knowledgeable in regard to building a successful and profitable business. However, we invited Joe to be a guest to speak more about how we can be more aware and inclusive to the Black community. We not only discuss the topic of racism, but also give solutions how we can create a more aware and welcoming society. It is more important than ever that each of us reach outside of our network to meet people from all walks of life, backgrounds and cultures. Conversations, friendships and empathy will help us all build a better community. Joe is a native New Yorker who has lived the past 16 years in New Jersey with his wife and 5 children, 3 girls and 2 boys. Joe has extensive experience as a designer, architect, contractor, builder, carpenter and investor.

This week on the podcast we welcome Danny Wang with Danny Wang Design Build from Newport Beach, CA. Danny has really leveraged social media to build his brand. He spoke in depth about the content he produces, how to manage the “pay for play” social media platforms, and of course, the important of systems and company procedures. Danny has built an incredible brand with some amazing projects. He has been requested by clients all over the world for his unique designs. He had a lot of advice to offer in regard to social media content.

Randi has built an incredible brand throughout all of her social media channels. She has partnerships with many well-known companies such as: Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Teen, Frontgate, Bloomingdales, Wayfair, Amazon, Home Depot, Lowe's, Wal Mart, Voluspa, Arte Italica and Pom Pom at Home. We spoke about how to partnership with brands, build relationships, social media, marketing and the importance of a blog.

This week on the podcast we welcome JJ Levenske with Bleuwave Construction. We’ve had listeners reach out asking the story behind A Finer Touch Construction and JJ was gracious to come on and host the show. He asked about the importance of a mentor, company structure and the legacy of our brand. And we have some extremely incredible guests that will be joining us over the next 8 weeks, including some big announcements.

This week on the podcast we welcome Dondie McAdoo. We brought him on to speak about the pros and cons of solar power, as well as asked many questions in regard to pricing, utility savings, and durability. Dee answered many questions that our listeners have in regard to solar power. Definitely take a listen.

This week on the podcast we brought on Anthony Winston III. Anthony owns a small engineering business @winston_engineering and offered great insight on how to run and operate your own company. We also spoke about marketing, branding, sales, and how to deal with difficult clients. Anthony runs all of his own social media, as do we, and gave some great insight. Winston Engineering is a licensed electrical engineering consultant. They specialize in HVAC, electrical and plumbing designs/engineering for commercial and residential projects.

Betsy has extensive experience in design, trends and marketing. We spoke about timeless designs, color palettes and research and development. We also spoke about the need to evolve to understand consumer habits

We invited Ms. Hausman to the podcast to discuss marketing, company evolution and business strategies. We also discussed how the platform can help businesses such as ours during the COVID-19 crisis. Liza has experience spanning advertising, consulting, marketing and social strategy for Fortune 500 brands to a host of innovative startups.

We brought on Steve to share his tremendous insight in regard to building science, architecture and design. After receiving his architectural degree, Steve took a position in a large Architectural Firm in Cambridge Massachusetts with Building Science Corporation as a project architect. Upon leaving Building Science Corporation, Steve established 3D Building Solutions with two colleagues, Peter and Nathan Yost. Being a partner at Building Solutions helped to further educate him in the architect-client relationship. Direct client interaction in numerous projects allowed him to enhance the skills required to work with clients of varying backgrounds. After three years of 3D Building Solutions, Steve established Steven Baczek Architect, a sole proprietorship specializing in wholesome, appropriate, and responsible residential design

Dan is a construction business consultant. We all need to better our systems and procedures to ensure that we are working efficiently. Dan speaks about some basic procedures and systems that we can use to better our business. We also speak about what characteristics make contractors separate from the rest.

Stuart offers extensive experience in development, investment and large-scale construction. We brought him on to discuss purchasing, logistics and coordination when managing projects all across the country. We also discussed the data they collect when researching new developments and the information pertinent to their feasibility studies. Stuart began his career in commercial real estate in 1984. The Bomasada team has completed over 1.5 Billion dollars of transactional in new developments, construction and acquisitions

Jenny offers extensive experience in blogging, magazine contribution, interior design, marketing, social media, and print. She is a social media influencer and speaks about how her business has evolved over the years. She gives tremendous insight on Pinterest and other small business tips

In this episode we discuss how to build your social network and the power of positivity as an entrepreneur. We also spoke about the ups and downs of owning a business and the importance of business evolution.

Definitely tune in to this episode as John Brenkus discussed entrepreneurship, TV production and the difficulty of starting your own business. John gave some tremendous insight on how to evolve as a business owner. We may all have a game plan, but need to be prepared to adjust our company and pivot as the economy and technology changes.