S1Ep110 Builder Construction Loans, Smarter Growth, and Real Risk Advice with James Minarsich

Builder construction loans are the fuel behind most successful projects—but only if they’re built right. James Minarsich has made it his business to deliver funding that moves at the speed of builders—not banks.

As Senior VP of Construction Lending at Sound Capital, James oversees a team that works exclusively with professional home builders, helping them scale with fast, flexible financing. He understands the real risks builders face: funding gaps, market timing, unexpected delays—and how to solve for them without killing your cash flow or drowning in red tape.

On this episode of Builder Straight Talk, James gets real about how smart builders use construction loans not just to finish projects—but to grow businesses.

“We’re not here to slow you down. We’re here to give you control.”

James breaks down the difference between traditional financing and builder-focused lending, explaining how Sound Capital structures draw schedules, underwrites deals based on real builder capacity, and prioritizes speed and relationship over paperwork.

He dives into:

• How builder construction loans differ from consumer loans
• What lenders really look for when reviewing your pipeline
• How to use funding as a growth tool—not a panic button
• Common mistakes builders make when borrowing
• How to protect margin without overleveraging

“Cash is your oxygen in this business. If you can’t breathe, you can’t build.”

One of the most valuable takeaways? James explains how builder construction loans should scale with you, not against you. He offers a strategic look at how to phase capital across multiple projects, manage draws responsibly, and reduce stress through proactive planning.

Whether you’re a spec builder, custom operator, or mid-size developer juggling multiple builds, this episode brings clarity to the numbers—and the strategy behind them.

James also touches on what makes a builder “bankable,” how to set yourself up for long-term financial partnerships, and how Sound Capital approaches deals with a builder’s mindset, not a banker’s checklist.

“We’re not in the business of saying no. We’re in the business of helping builders win.”

If you’re looking to grow without losing control, fund projects faster, or finally build a reliable capital partner—this is required listening.

Watch the full episode on YouTube or listen here or on your favorite podcast platform.

About James Minarsich
James Minarsich is Senior Vice President of Construction Lending at Sound Capital Loans, LLC. With a focus on enabling builders to scale efficiently, James leads lending strategies that prioritize speed, precision, and builder-centric financial solutions. He works directly with clients to structure flexible draw schedules, manage risk, and keep projects on track—helping builders grow with confidence and control.

To learn more about James and construction lending for builders, visit soundcapital.com.

About Michael Krisa
Michael Krisa is the host of Builder Straight Talk, where real builders share real business strategies—no fluff, no suits. With a background in real estate investing and digital strategy, Michael helps builders simplify operations, secure funding, and scale smarter through honest, practical conversations that get to the point. Learn more at BuilderStraightTalk.com.