No. 28: Estimating with Design Build Central
Design Build Central
In this episode of Design Build Central, hosts Bruce Case and Bill Millholland sit down with Dave Exton, the primary estimator for the design-build side of Case. Dave walks through his background, his estimating philosophy, and the systems and processes that support accurate, scalable estimating in a growing remodeling company.
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No. 27: Guiding Your Team Through Change
Design Build Central
This episode is a candid conversation for leaders and teams who know that change isn’t optional—but managing it well is hard. Drawing on real-world experience, Bill and Bruce dig into why even strong, veteran teams can resist change, especially when it challenges long-held habits and assumptions. The focus isn’t on buzzwords or theory; it’s on what actually happens inside organizations when expectations shift, and the work feels uncomfortable. The conversations also tackle one of the toughest realities leaders face: change that doesn’t create immediate or obvious benefits...
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No. 26: Priorities: What Really Matters Next
Design Build Central
Design Build Central returns with a forward-looking conversation every remodeling professional should hear as we head into 2026. In this episode, hosts Bruce Case and Bill Milholland of Case Design take a clear-eyed look at what’s changing—and what truly matters most—going into the year ahead. From shifting consumer expectations and evolving team dynamics to the accelerating role of technology and ongoing economic uncertainty, they break down the forces shaping the industry right now. More importantly, Bruce and Bill share the priorities they believe will separate strong,...
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No. 25: Planning for 2026: Thriving Amid Uncertainty
Design Build Central
This year feels different. The economy is uncertain, consumer and employee demands are shifting, AI and technology as a whole are front and center. We can't just repeat last year's plan - we need to adapt. Join Bill and Bruce in this episode as they share their planning thoughts and process for 2026. This includes understanding the environment, strategic planning, marketing & lead generation, operational efficiency, as well as key considerations with sales and gross product. Spending time on a plan now will allow you to work the plan going...
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No. 24: Beyond Blueprints: The New Era Of Design
Design Build Central
In our last couple of episodes, we have explored the seismic shifts shaping today’s remodeling clients and businesses: trust in institutions is at historic lows, media channels are more fragmented than ever, and the rise of AI is pushing expectations for speed, customization, and communication to unprecedented heights. This episode of Design Build Central dives into how design tools, technology, and collaboration are transforming the way remodelers and homeowners bring visions to life. From shifting consumer expectations and new design processes to the challenges...
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No. 23: The New Rules of Revenue: Sales Strategies That Actually Work Now
Design Build Central
In our last episode, we explored the seismic shifts shaping today’s remodeling clients: trust in institutions is at historic lows, media channels are more fragmented than ever, and the rise of AI is pushing expectations for speed, customization, and communication to unprecedented heights. Homeowners aren’t just changing what they want from a remodel — they’re changing why they want it, and how they expect the process to unfold. These forces are rewriting the rules of engagement for remodelers everywhere. In this episode, we dive into how sales strategies need to evolve to...
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No. 22: Remodeling in a Changing World
Design Build Central
In this episode of Design Build Central, we introduce a vital new series on Remodeling in a Changing World. Today’s clients aren’t just changing what they want in their homes—they’re changing why they want it. We explore the deeper forces reshaping consumer behavior, from the erosion of institutional trust and the decentralization of media to the rise of AI, economic and political uncertainty, and a generational shift in values. These trends are changing how homeowners make decisions and what they expect from remodeling professionals. We don’t just explore the big...
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No.21 - AI's Role in Remodeling
Design Build Central
In this episode of Design Build Central we dive into the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence and its impact on the remodeling industry. We break down what AI actually is—and isn’t—cutting through the hype to highlight what’s useful today, what’s still more fantasy than fact, and how remodeling businesses can start putting it to work right now. We also explore the risks, limitations, and common pitfalls to avoid as this technology becomes more accessible. From streamlining internal processes to enhancing the client experience, AI has real...
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No. 20: Today's Consumer Mindset
Design Build Central
From changing expectations around value and trust to heightened sensitivity around timing and cost, today’s clients are weighing decisions differently. Bruce and Bill dig into the external factors influencing those choices—interest rates, consumer confidence, tariffs—and how they’re reshaping the buying journey. They also look at what makes a remodeling experience feel safe and worth it in today’s climate, and which marketing platforms are (and aren’t) breaking through. If you’re trying to reach or retain high-value clients, understanding the current mindset is essential—and...
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No.19: Mid-Year Check-In: Performance & Possibilities
Design Build Central
In this episode of Design Build Central, hosts Bruce Case and Bill Milholland dive into the critical importance of conducting a mid-year business review. They emphasize the value of stepping back to evaluate financial performance—not just overall numbers, but also how results stack up against your original budget. The conversation explores the vital role of cash flow management in sustaining operations and seizing opportunities, especially as the business environment shifts mid-year. Bruce and Bill also highlight the need to assess internal operations beyond the balance sheet. They discuss...
info_outlineJoin Bruce, Bill, and their guest Neil Martin (Case Design’s Director of Production) as they discuss the “build” side of design-build.
While there is much focus on top-line lead and sales metrics, the key to building a successful design-build remodeling business, both financially and otherwise, often lies in what happens in production.
They discuss Case Design’s production structure and production team, compensation, key metrics, processes, and other vital insights.