The Builder Nuggets Podcast
Listen to The Builder Nuggets Podcast where builders and remodelers share the elements of success needed to transform your business into a valuable asset that thrives using less of your time. Discover how to predictably scale your business, free yourself from day to day operations and develop your exit strategy and legacy. Duane Johns and Dave Young will show you how to build a thriving business that allows you to spend more time doing what you love. Enjoy the stories, strategies and tactics that have helped hundreds of contractors like you build better lives.
info_outline
Ep 167: A Path for Veterans
11/05/2024
Ep 167: A Path for Veterans
Every job candidate has a set of hard skills and soft skills. Hard skills can be trained, but soft skills are natural inclinations that are difficult to teach. This episode explores how the soft skills that veterans have cultivated in their service career translate well to working in the construction industry. Our guests are from a familiar company, 84 Lumber, and today Joe Jena and Jason Hinsken join us to share how 84 Lumber has thrived by recruiting veterans and retaining them through offering a true career path where they can rise through the ranks. Show highlights include: 00:30 Introduction to 84 Lumber and Guests 02:30 Personal Journeys: From Military to 84 Lumber 05:30 The Culture of 84 Lumber: A Family Atmosphere 07:25 Recruitment Strategies: Attracting the Right Talent 09:20 Identifying the Right Candidates: Traits and Skills 14:50 The Value of Hiring Veterans 17:20 Differences Between Military and Civilian Work Environments 20:30 Advice for Small Builders: Attracting Veterans 24:40 Opportunities for Veterans in Construction 29:45 Looking Ahead: Future Growth and Personal Aspirations You can learn more about Joe and Jason at . Social media: Or hit us through our Contact Page at and we’ll make a personal introduction. To get the most out of this podcast, head over to and join our active community of like-minded builders and remodelers.
/episode/index/show/buildernuggets/id/33736062
info_outline
Ep 166: Indoor Environmental Quality
10/01/2024
Ep 166: Indoor Environmental Quality
HVAC design and indoor environmental quality is an often overlooked part of home design and construction. Code continues to sluggishly push forward, but doesn’t reach a high standard for comfort and efficiency in most home builds. Today’s guest is the founder and lead engineer of TE2 Engineering and he works diligently to educate others about how to design beyond code. Ross Trethewey joins us to discuss the key elements of HVAC design, the benefit of heat pumps, and what new technologies are going to drastically change the industry in the near future. Show highlights include: 03;55 Introduction and Background 06:35 Building Science and HVAC Design 8:30 Indoor Environmental Quality and Comfort 11:00 What drives code? Efficiency vs Comfort 21:00 The Benefits and Future of Heat Pumps 30:00 Emerging Technologies in HVAC Design 32:50 Geothermal Systems and Solar Integration 34:45 What’s coming up next and how to connect You can learn more about Ross at . Social media: Or hit us through our Contact Page at and we’ll make a personal introduction. To get the most out of this podcast, head over to and join our active community of like-minded builders and remodelers.
/episode/index/show/buildernuggets/id/33237692
info_outline
Ep 165: Getting Intentional
09/03/2024
Ep 165: Getting Intentional
Today’s guest shares his journey from the family chocolate business to becoming a sought-after builder in Rhode Island. Jeff Sweenor, founder of Sweenor Builders, delves into the evolution of his business, the importance of intentional client selection, and the transformation of his company culture. This has led to attracting and retaining talented individuals and an incredible opportunity to be involved with This Old House. Through over 30 years of challenges and obstacles, Jeff has learned most lessons that any successful builder has to learn. Listen in and you can learn them too. Show highlights include: 03:10 The Journey of Sweenor Builders 08:40 Intentional Client Selection: The Key to Building Success 12:35 Determining your ideal client 15:45 Where does the budget come from? 19:15 How to choose your projects? 20:55 Ways the business has changed 23:00 The Role of a Chief Performance Officer 26:00 The Negative Impact of Being Too Nice 32:45 Elevating the Workforce for Talent Attraction 38:00 This Old House 43:30 The best advice - use social media 46:35 What’s coming up next and how to connect You can learn more about Jeff at . Social media: Or hit us through our Contact Page at and we’ll make a personal introduction. To get the most out of this podcast, head over to and join our active community of like-minded builders and remodelers.
/episode/index/show/buildernuggets/id/32812567
info_outline
Ep 164: Paradigm Changers
08/06/2024
Ep 164: Paradigm Changers
Human-centric, sustainable, green, high-performance and fully-supportive are the buzzwords of the last few years in custom home design. Today’s guest has been incorporating these elements into her home designs for decades - before there were labels to define the trend. Jenny Pippin, founder of Pippin Home Designs, shares what it means to incorporate the specific needs of clients with the natural harmony of location and space. The popularity of bringing the outdoors in and maximizing efficiency in new homes is only growing in demand. Listen in as we hash out the building science behind the trend. Show highlights include: 02:05 Introduction to Jenny Pippin and Pippin Home Designs 06:00 Early days of full supportive homes 07:10 Creating Fully Supportive Homes: A Human-Centric Design Approach 11:30 How do clients figure out their priorities in how a home supports them? 14:00 How important is the lot? 14:53 Ideal clients and finding each other 16:50 What surprises people about a Supportive Home? 18:40 The standard must be met 20:00 Building Science in homes and the trends 24:00 Examples of client experiences 29:55 Navigating Rising Construction Costs and Budgeting Challenges with great design 35:25 The Importance of Team Collaboration in Home Design 40:00 What excites you about the next year 45:35 How to connect You can learn more about Jenny at . Social media: Or hit us through our Contact Page at and we’ll make a personal introduction. To get the most out of this podcast, head over to and join our active community of like-minded builders and remodelers.
/episode/index/show/buildernuggets/id/32311322
info_outline
Ep 163: NAHB Economic Update 2024
07/02/2024
Ep 163: NAHB Economic Update 2024
We’ve invited back a special guest to give our annual economic update on the housing industry. Danushka Nanayakkara, Assistant Vice President for Forecasting and Analysis at the NAHB, joins the podcast again to share the annual outlook. Listen in to learn the trends for the next 18 months, where the industry is struggling most, and the direction the interest rates are headed next. Show highlights include: 02:45 Introduction and Background 4:40 What was surprising economically this year? 07:55 Interest Rates and Inflation Outlook 14:35 Affordability Challenges and the Need for More Affordable Housing Units 24:55 Creative housing solutions and zoning 32:00 Economic trends for the next 18 months 38:40 Getting young buyers into the market 41:15 What does the industry look like 5 years down the road? 44:00 What excites you about the next year 45:35 How to connect You can learn more about Danushka at . Social media: Or hit us through our Contact Page at and we’ll make a personal introduction. To get the most out of this podcast, head over to and join our active community of like-minded builders and remodelers.
/episode/index/show/buildernuggets/id/31869322
info_outline
Ep 162: The Importance of Home
06/04/2024
Ep 162: The Importance of Home
These two childhood friends took a leap of faith and started their own custom home building business over two decades ago and never looked back. Weathering the turbulent Great Recession in ‘08 and, now, Covid, these two home builders have joined us to share the hard lessons they’ve learned and the tools they’ve used to build success. Chris Ehrenfeld and Jason Dell cover the trends that are taking their market by storm, and how they keep their customers happy. Show highlights include: 02:30 Childhood Friends Turned Business Partners 07:35 Bold Construction the journey 09:01 Navigating the Great Recession and Pivoting 11:15 Implementing Systems and Processes with EOS 18:30 The behavior of buying habits and what clients what 22:15 The Impact of Remote Work and Commuting 25:37 The Importance of Customization and Design 30:20 Navigating the Overwhelming Choices in Home Building 34:40 Current trends in homes 39:45 What excites you about the next year 44:50 How to connect You can learn more about Jason and Chris at . Social media: Or hit us through our Contact Page at and we’ll make a personal introduction. To get the most out of this podcast, head over to and join our active community of like-minded builders and remodelers.
/episode/index/show/buildernuggets/id/31554062
info_outline
Ep 161: 2024 State of the Industry
05/07/2024
Ep 161: 2024 State of the Industry
2024’s SORCI Report is an incredibly useful source of data that our guest today helped design at The Association of Professional Builders. Russ Stephens joins us for another year to go over the annual report and share the new industry trends he’s seeing, along with the biggest challenges facing builders and remodelers this year. This is an episode you can’t afford to miss. Show highlights include: 01:15 Introduction of the Guest 02:32 Importance of Participating in the SORCI Survey 05:45 Highlights from the 2024 SORCI Report 07:30 Marketing Challenges for Builders 13:00 Content Creation and Marketing Strategy 19:55 Importance of Accurate Financial Reporting 22:25 Trends in Talent Acquisition and Employee Retention 25:55 Trends in the Residential Construction Industry 35:55 Accessing the SORCI Report 36:45 Exciting Developments in the Industry and Personal Life You can learn more about Russ at . . Social media: LinkedIn - Youtube - Instagram - Twitter - Facebook - Or hit us through our Contact Page at and we’ll make a personal introduction. To get the most out of this podcast, head over to and join our active community of like-minded builders and remodelers.
/episode/index/show/buildernuggets/id/31003113
info_outline
Ep 160: Customer Lifetime Value
04/02/2024
Ep 160: Customer Lifetime Value
Doors and windows complete every home, and today’s guest knows first hand how competitive the market is for selling these products. Alan Lockuff, Business Development Manager with Andersen Windows and Doors, shares the benefits of a good company culture, building a strong team, and investing in business development. Even large companies had to build a strong foundation in order to thrive. Show highlights include: 04:00 Alan’s Background 06:55 Andersen Windows and Doors: Changes and Focus 10:15 Identifying Ideal Customers 11:35 Providing Value Beyond Price 14:30 Delivering a World-Class Customer Experience 18:20 Building a Strong Team 25:00 The Importance of Involvement in Associations 31:00 Moving for Your Job 35:35 Outlook for 2024 and Beyond 37:35 Excitement for the Year Ahead 40:22 How to connect and what’s coming up next? You can learn more about Alan at or at . Social media: LinkedIn - Youtube - Instagram - Or hit us through our Contact Page at and we’ll make a personal introduction. To get the most out of this podcast, head over to and join our active community of like-minded builders and remodelers.
/episode/index/show/buildernuggets/id/30595378
info_outline
Ep 159: It’s a Big Small Industry
03/05/2024
Ep 159: It’s a Big Small Industry
Distribution partners are integral to the custom home building and remodeling industry, and today’s guest is no exception. Scott Thomas, Director of Sales at Parksite, originally started in the industry as a Tyvek specialist before working his way up. Today he joins us to share his thoughts on the value of distribution partners, the newest industry products, and the importance of building strong relationships. Show highlights include: 00:00 Introduction and Background 02:34 Scott's Journey in the Building Industry 03:24 Transition to Consulting and Salesforce 05:00 Starting and Selling a Consulting Company 06:00 Entrepreneurial Roots and Education 09:20 Return to Parkside and Reasons for Coming Back 11:02 Overview of Parkside and Scott's Role 12:45 Value Provided by Distributors 21:20 Trends and New Products in the Industry 23:43 Focus on Sustainability and Green Products 26:40 Impact of the Pandemic on Distribution 29:52 Importance of Face-to-Face Relationships 32:40 Building Loyalty and Allegiance 34:48 Creating a Strong Team and Delivering a Great Experience 36:18 Future Plans and Excitement 39:50 How to connect and what’s coming up next? You can learn more about Scott at . Social media: LinkedIn - Or hit us through our Contact Page at and we’ll make a personal introduction. To get the most out of this podcast, head over to and join our active community of like-minded builders and remodelers.
/episode/index/show/buildernuggets/id/30087288
info_outline
Ep 158: Your Brand is Your Foundation
02/06/2024
Ep 158: Your Brand is Your Foundation
Standing out in a crowded industry, especially one that struggles with a poor reputation is an age old problem for business owners in the construction field. Building a brand is the foundation for growing your business into something that employees are proud to work for, and clients are proud to work with. Today, Natalie Harper joins the show to share her best tips for success when it comes to not only standing out - but standing up for something bigger. Show highlights include: 2:50 Natalie’s start in PR and all about hockey 5:50 Getting started in marketing 8:50 Fundamentals of building a brand 11:25 How to build a foundation 14:11 Investing in knowing who you are early on 17:22 Like attracts like 21:14 Five C’s 26:20 Identifying which communities are important 30:05 What have the best brands done well to be successful? 32:14 Is it what you build or how you build it? 34:30 Your personal brand vs. the company brand 42:20 What have you learned from working in the custom construction industry? 51:20 Appreciate each other and your partners 54:35 How to connect and what’s coming up next? You can learn more about Natalie at . Get inspired at alairmagazine.com. Social media: LinkedIn - Instagram - Facebook - Or hit us through our Contact Page at and we’ll make a personal introduction. To get the most out of this podcast, head over to and join our active community of like-minded builders and remodelers.
/episode/index/show/buildernuggets/id/29702608
info_outline
Ep 157: The Customer Experience
01/02/2024
Ep 157: The Customer Experience
Today’s episode features a familiar voice. To kick off Season 4 we’ve brought back the annual favorite - Steve Barkhouse, owner of Amsted Design|Build. This year we’re treating you to his company’s step by step process for delivering the ultimate customer experience during a custom home building or renovation project. If you’ve been struggling as the industry has shifted from the ease of the pandemic building boom to what it is today - this is an in-depth look at what’s working and why it works. Show highlights include: 2:00 What’s happened in the last year? 3:00 Homebuilders and remodelers are no longer order takers 4:05 Shifts in the permit market 6:10 Defining the client experience plan 11:00 How did you design the experience? 12:55 The first real touch 16:33 The In Home Consultation 22:45 A modest investment of time and professionalism 25:22 Diving into development 27:00 Presenting to the client and design agreement 29:37 Helping clients understand budget in the current economic climate 35:15 Having fun and signing the contract 36:48 Handoff process 39:30 Discovery After Demolition 41:30 Trusted advisors and solid teamwork 44:10 Electrical walk throughs are important 44:50 Critical 10 - the last ten percent 47:10 Completion date, payment, and celebration meeting 53:50 How to connect and what’s coming up next? You can learn more about Steve at . Social media: LinkedIn - Or hit us through our Contact Page at and we’ll make a personal introduction. To get the most out of this podcast, head over to and join our active community of like-minded builders and remodelers.
/episode/index/show/buildernuggets/id/29273823
info_outline
Ep 156: Best of 2023
12/26/2023
Ep 156: Best of 2023
It’s the end of 2023 and today Duane and Dave recap some of the most memorable moments from Season 3. This highlight reel revisits a few of the best nuggets from this year. We hope to hear from our Builder Nuggets community what you took away, and what you’d like to hear more of in the future. Reach out on our social links below or visit our website. Show highlights include: 3:15 Ep 146 with Sam Rashkin 7:15 Ep 145 with Steve Arneson 11:05 Ep 109 with PJ Antonik 13:15 Ep 120 with Rob Cecil 16:50 Ep 122 Sabrina Starling 20:10 Ep 105 with Steve Barkhouse 22:40 Ep 126 with Gord Cooke 25:55 Ep 152 with Cheryl Hickey and Justin Thompson 30:05 Ep 140 with Mark Richardson 33:40 Ep 140 with Meghan Billings 37:50 Ep 155 with Chris Thomson 41:22 Reach out with your thoughts for Season 4 You can learn more about the show at . Social media: LinkedIn- Instagram - Facebook - Podcast - To get the most out of this podcast, head over to and join our active community of like-minded builders and remodelers.
/episode/index/show/buildernuggets/id/29206243
info_outline
Ep 155: Be Your Word
12/19/2023
Ep 155: Be Your Word
Becoming successful doesn’t happen alone. It often takes support and mentorship - two things which can be difficult to find and cultivate. Our guest today is Chris Thomson, Head Coach at Student Works, who helps young entrepreneurs become successful business owners. He joins us to share his goal of creating 1000 millionaires, and his building blocks for making it happen. Show highlights include: 3:05 Chris’s background 4:38 Studentwork’s mission 7:13 How to collaborate and build a mastermind 11:05 How do we hold people accountable? 16:30 Is there ever resistance? 19:45 Recruiting to attract top talent 25:47 Success stories and 1000 Millionaires 30:00 How do you start on this path? 34:45 What do graduates go on to do? 38:50 Where do your coaches come from? 42:20 Has the program ever negatively impacted a student’s schooling? 45:50 How to get in touch and What’s coming up next? You can learn more about Chris at or at . Social media: LinkedIn- Podcast - Or hit us up through our Contact Page at and we’ll make a personal introduction. To get the most out of this podcast, head over to and join our active community of like-minded builders and remodelers.
/episode/index/show/buildernuggets/id/29064088
info_outline
Ep 154: Gravitating Towards the Hard Stuff
12/12/2023
Ep 154: Gravitating Towards the Hard Stuff
It’s a fact that women and minorities are underrepresented in the construction industry. Our guest today has been working to change that and making waves across the country. Today, Nora El-Khouri Spencer, founder and CEO of Hope RenovationsRenovations, joins us to talk about taking on the difficult task of breaking norms, creating change, and tackling the hard stuff. Her model was the first of its kind, and has been instrumental in positively impacting her community. If you’ve been wondering how to make your own business more inclusive, it’s time to learn from NAHB’s Woman of the Year for 2023. Show highlights include: 3:24 How Nora got started in the industry 5:00 Deciding to build a business 6:00 What was the reception from Nora’s circle 7:56 Who were some of the first women hired? 10:00 What are some of the most exciting opportunities available? 11:45 Teaching women there are opportunities in the trades is rare 13:45 What does Hope Renovations do? 15:50 How do women feel about participating in the construction industry? 17:35 Will Hope Renovations grow into other disciplines outside of trades? 19:35 How big is the organization? 21:45 What ways can other leaders get involved in this? 24:11 What conversations are being had with younger kids? 25:15 Who all wants to join? 27:30 A memorable student experience 30:20 What has the older generation thought about you and what do they need? 35:20 How to get in touch and What’s coming up next? You can learn more about Nora at . Social media: LinkedIn- Instagram - Facebook - Or hit us up through our Contact Page at and we’ll make a personal introduction. To get the most out of this podcast, head over to and join our active community of like-minded builders and remodelers.
/episode/index/show/buildernuggets/id/28922498
info_outline
Ep 153: The AI Opportunity Zone
12/05/2023
Ep 153: The AI Opportunity Zone
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed with the amount of new technology available daily. AI is taking the world by storm and it’s not always clear how it can be used to help the building sector. Today Jonathan Porter-Whistman with Perception Predict AI and Whohire.com joins us to explain the way AI is built, the purposes it can serve, and how builders, remodelers, and tradespeople can use it to better their businesses. If you’re still sifting through resumes trying to find the best talent, yet seeing turnover stay consistently high - it’s time to learn the way of the future. Show highlights include: 2:30 Jonathan’s background 4:00 How do you determine how to find the right people and then scale it? 9:00 How should we perceive where AI is today? 12:45 AIs are already starting to behave more like humans 15:20 How can the building industry get more involved with AI? 17:45 How do you know what areas to focus on and who to trust? 21:00 What is the hiring problem that AI can solve? 23:00 How does Perception Predict AI work? 30:00 AI can be a filtration tool for employers and a resume writer for employees 36:00 How to give immediate satisfaction to potential employees 39:50 What are current AI solutions that builders and remodelers can use now? 41:25 How to get in touch and What’s coming up next? You can learn more about Jonathan by emailing him at [email protected] or check out . Social media: LinkedIn- Or hit us up through our Contact Page at and we’ll make a personal introduction. To get the most out of this podcast, head over to and join our active community of like-minded builders and remodelers.
/episode/index/show/buildernuggets/id/28695753
info_outline
Ep 152: A Great Big Huge Partnership
11/28/2023
Ep 152: A Great Big Huge Partnership
The relationship between a builder and their client is the most important part of a build or renovation project. Cultivating trust and practicing positive communication are invaluable skills in a builder’s arsenal, and are the two most important factors in creating a successful builder-client relationship. Today, we interview Cheryl Hickey and Justin Thompson, a client and a builder, on their relationship and the incredible collaboration they shared. Completing a whole house renovation while supporting the Hospital for Sick Children (Sickkids), this partnership created a unique opportunity to support their local community. For anyone who wants to use their skills or their business to give back to others - this is the episode for you. Show highlights include: 3:00 Housing collaboration turns to community collaboration 9:35 Knowing it’s time to renovate and stay in the neighborhood 11:35 The confidence to share a build publicly 16:08 What was surprising about your renovation? 18:41 Appreciating the trades 19:50 How to be a good neighbor during a reno 22:20 Sharing a true renovation journey on social media 26:00 A successful builder/client relationship 30:20 The initiative 36:50 What kind of feedback have you been getting? 40:40 What’s coming up next? 44:20 How to get in touch You can watch Cheryl’s home renovation collaboration with Alair . Social media: Cheryl Tiktok- Instagram - Facebook - Twitter - Youtube - Justin Linkedin: Instagram: Or hit us up through our Contact Page at and we’ll make a personal introduction. To get the most out of this podcast, head over to and join our active community of like-minded builders and remodelers.
/episode/index/show/buildernuggets/id/28617323
info_outline
Ep 151: The Luxury Experience
11/21/2023
Ep 151: The Luxury Experience
For many, the term luxury is a matter of status. Ted Bainbridge with Build Magazine joins us today to discuss not just the meaning of the word luxury, but what he sees trending across the board in the luxury market with both consumers and builders. Technology and sustainability might have the edge in luxury products, but what creates a true luxury experience for consumers building their custom homes? It’s all about relationships. Show highlights include: 2:50 Lessons from podcasting 4:35 How Ted got to where he is today 6:00 What is luxury today? 9:10 The technology disconnect 12:00 What experiences are people planning for in their homes during the design phase? 14:00 New products and features in luxury homes 16:40 Healthier home trend 20:40 Sustainability is popular but so are fossil fuels 25:30 Differences in the luxury experience of building a home 35:30 Customer/builder relationships can be difficult but successful 40:00 Unique and unexpected luxury markets 42:00 What’s coming up next? You can learn more about Ted at . Social media: LinkedIn- Or hit us up through our Contact Page at and we’ll make a personal introduction. To get the most out of this podcast, head over to and join our active community of like-minded builders and remodelers.
/episode/index/show/buildernuggets/id/28533314
info_outline
Ep 150: NAHB Economic Update 2023
11/14/2023
Ep 150: NAHB Economic Update 2023
It’s that time of year again when we bring you an economic update from the National Association of Home Builders. Danushka Nanayakkara, Assistant Vice President for Forecasting and Analysis at the NAHB, joins us to share the details of where the housing market is headed as we close out 2023 and head into 2024. We tackle the big questions surrounding interest rates, supply and demand, regional market differences, and whether a recession is still on the horizon. Show highlights include: 2:30 Automotive to home building 4:15 The pulse: taking a recession off the table for now 5:25 Increases in costs and interest rates 11:00 What could the new mortgage rate be in the future? 12:34 Inflation and home prices 14:35 Locked into low interest rates and unable to move 16:50 The income gap and the shrinking middle class 19:30 Will wages continue to rise? 21:50 Demand will stay strong because of millenials 26:40 Multi-generational family living and the hurdles for creating affordable housing 32:55 What should builders/remodelers do in their business to prepare now 36:35 Regional differences seen at the national level 38:50 What’s coming up next? 40:05 How to get in touch You can learn more about Danushka at . Social media: LinkedIn- Or hit us up through our Contact Page at and we’ll make a personal introduction. To get the most out of this podcast, head over to and join our active community of like-minded builders and remodelers.
/episode/index/show/buildernuggets/id/28379498
info_outline
Ep 149: Moving in a Positive Direction
11/07/2023
Ep 149: Moving in a Positive Direction
Planning for retirement is often a low priority among younger business owners. There are even established builders and remodelers that think retirement is a far off reality they don’t have time to prepare for. The truth is that there are many steps, beyond the financial, that can help prepare a person for a fulfilling retirement that are often overlooked. Today, our guest breaks down retirement planning into 8 simple steps you can work towards that will help you feel comfortable. Kevin Walsh joins us to share the roadmap he’s created, and how it felt to accomplish it himself. Show highlights include: 2:10 Meeting and providing industry resources 6:00 Financially preparing for retirement 9:45 #1 Start saving money for retirement when you first start working 17:50 Invest in your employees with 401ks 19:05 #2 Focus on your health 23:20 #3 Make time for your family 29:20 #4 Figure out your career desires 35:10 #5 Self-Development is important 40:40 # 6 Giving back to your community 44:10 #7 Social experiences are crucial 46:35 #8 Have core values in your life 50:30 What’s coming up next and how to get in touch You can learn more about Kevin and discuss the topics of today’s episode by emailing him at [email protected]. Or hit us up through our Contact Page at and we’ll make a personal introduction. To get the most out of this podcast, head over to and join our active community of like-minded builders and remodelers.
/episode/index/show/buildernuggets/id/28067139
info_outline
Ep 148: The Tru$t Factor
10/31/2023
Ep 148: The Tru$t Factor
The adage of robbing Peter to pay Paul has been a part of the building industry for far too long. It’s eroded the trust of customers and trades who are constantly fearful of their bottom line. Builders and remodelers who manage their finances this way are floundering. Today, our guest is Jake Harris, the Founder and CEO of BuildWallet, who is challenging the industry norms by investing in the technology of the future. Listen in as he shares a new way to partition project money that reinstills trust in everyone involved. Show highlights include: 2:10 Attending the International Builder Show 3:20 How Jake got into the industry and starting his own company 9:45 Why builders shouldn’t be bankers 13:45 Inception and how BuildWallet began 22:25 How does BuildWallet work? 24:20 How does access work? 28:00 The perspective of the homeowners, the builders, and the lenders 34:30 Are users finding success? 37:00 What happens when parties disagree about the money? 43:14 What’s coming up next and how to get in touch You can learn more about Jake at . Social media: LinkedIn- Youtube- Or hit us up through our Contact Page at and we’ll make a personal introduction. To get the most out of this podcast, head over to and join our active community of like-minded builders and remodelers.
/episode/index/show/buildernuggets/id/28001874
info_outline
Ep 147: The Ladder of Opportunity
10/24/2023
Ep 147: The Ladder of Opportunity
The business of recruitment has changed dramatically in the last few years. The talent pool has shifted, and inevitably the employers must shift as well. David Fisher, Director of Talent Acquisition at 84 Lumber, joins us to share how they foster a company culture that retains and attracts talent. Today we talk about the difference between jobs and careers, and how to innovate in a field that can determine the success of a business. Show highlights include: 2:10 Starting out in sports management 4:50 Getting into 84 Lumber 6:00 Why recruiting? 8:00 Creating the job description and developing recruitment 10:00 Borrowing from sports management and growing into the role 11:20 What does recruiting mean today? 12:50 What are candidates looking for? 14:25 Communicating the mission and the vision 17:25 How to build and amplify culture? 19:04 Fostering the right environment 20:45 Getting the story of 84 Lumber out in the world 25:00 How to make trainees want to stay 27:13 What’s the next innovation for attracting talent? 29:56 Changes in the workforce 31:30 What’s coming up next? 32:35 How to get in touch You can learn more about David at or apply to 84 Lumber at Social media: LinkedIn- Facebook - Instagram - Twitter - Youtube- Tiktok - Or hit us up through our Contact Page at and we’ll make a personal introduction. To get the most out of this podcast, head over to and join our active community of like-minded builders and remodelers.
/episode/index/show/buildernuggets/id/28329182
info_outline
Ep 146: Housing 2.0
10/17/2023
Ep 146: Housing 2.0
The myriad of problems facing the housing industry can sometimes feel insurmountable. The push towards high performance, the need for affordability, and the continuing rise of inflation and costs for business owners might leave you feeling like you’re getting left behind. The truth is, the answers are out there, and our guest today is here to share real examples of the direction other countries have taken, and where we might be headed next. Sam Rashkin, founder and author of Retooling the U.S. Housing Industry joins us to share revelations from his newest book, Housing 2.0. Show highlights include: 2:30 Sam’s start in the industry 4:45 The upcoming housing industry disruption 8:50 How to look at the industry and solutions differently 11:20 How important is user experience in the industry? 15:30 Does the industry have to move towards off-site prefabrication? 20:30 How to translate the experience to the customer and provide value 24:45 The future of housing and examples around the world 28:45 Landscaping and architecture 31:45 Digitization in the industry’s future 37:45 New players in the industry 43:55 What can builders do to get ahead of the disruptions? 49:00 Where will AI come in? 49:42 What should builders prioritize? 57:40 How does the industry prepare the builder to prepare to the new level? 1:03 What’s coming up next and how to get in touch You can learn more about Sam at or email him at . If you’re interested to learn more about . Social media: LinkedIn- Or hit us up through our Contact Page at and we’ll make a personal introduction. To get the most out of this podcast, head over to and join our active community of like-minded builders and remodelers.
/episode/index/show/buildernuggets/id/27983301
info_outline
Ep 145: Consistent Joy
10/10/2023
Ep 145: Consistent Joy
**Trigger Warning** This piece briefly discusses suicide and suicidal ideation, and some people might find it disturbing. If you or someone you know is suicidal, please, contact your physician, go to your local ER, or call the suicide prevention hotline in your country. More resources are available below. There are times in life when you convince yourself things will never get better. You or your business may get knocked down, but it’s important to surround yourself with a community that can help to build you back up. Today’s guest has been through his own hard times, and he’s here to share his journey towards a mindset of abundance and how he built a foundation that won’t crumble when life sends him challenges. Steve Arneson, CEO of Synergy Mastermind in Canada, understands better than most how important it is to live with intention. Show highlights include: 3:05 How Steve got into real estate 7:00 TRIGGER WARNING: Steve shares a heartbreak that drove him to suicidal ideation 11:45 How did depression/suicidal ideation affect work? 14:10 Did people know? 15:40 What happened and how did you move forward? 20:10 END TRIGGER WARNING: Being present and intentional 24:00 Becoming comfortable moving forward and steps to being successful 32:25 Building back up 36:15 Where do participants come from? 38:00 How to get in touch and upcoming event 39:50 What is the intention when trying to be your best self? 41:30 What’s coming up next? You can learn more about Steve at . Social media: LinkedIn- Facebook - Instagram - Twitter - Youtube- Or hit us up through our Contact Page at and we’ll make a personal introduction. To get the most out of this podcast, head over to and join our active community of like-minded builders and remodelers. If you or someone you know is dealing with suicidal ideation, please visit The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by dialing 988, or message the Crisis Text Line at 741741. Both programs provide free, confidential support 24/7. More resources can be found at and .
/episode/index/show/buildernuggets/id/28267430
info_outline
Ep 144: It’s What Makes the House
10/03/2023
Ep 144: It’s What Makes the House
Taking over for a sick general contractor who was supposed to be building her home led today’s guest to become a general contractor and business owner herself. Meghan Billings talks about her unconventional journey into the industry, joining a Builder 20 Club, and the experience her company works to give their clients and their trades. Communication is key, and so are challenging assumptions about women in the industry. Show highlights include: 2:30 Growing up in Alaska, settling in Idaho 3:50 How the pandemic affected Idaho and other snow stories 6:35 The journey into the industry 9:50 Starting a business 11:30 What were you trying to do to separate yourself? 14:15 Catching excitement for designing homes 17:30 Why design build? 19:52 What does the team look like? 23:05 What challenges have you overcome? 25:35 The importance of the client and the trades experience 33:40 Your experience as a woman in the industry 37:15 What’s coming up next and how to get in touch You can learn more about Meghan at . Social media: LinkedIn- Instagram - Facebook - Pinterest - Or hit us up through our Contact Page at and we’ll make a personal introduction. To get the most out of this podcast, head over to and join our active community of like-minded builders and remodelers.
/episode/index/show/buildernuggets/id/27946869
info_outline
Ep 143: Unraveling the Rules
09/26/2023
Ep 143: Unraveling the Rules
Neighborhood HOAs, high-density apartment complexes, and multi-use developments have become the new common practice in the last few decades as the answer to addressing housing concerns. Hard-fought changes in zoning restrictions and ugly battles that pit generational investments against community growth have crowded out the voices in the building industry that are clamoring for a different type of housing experience. Evan Bost joins us to share examples of success in land use reform and the steps he takes toward the topic in his family’s custom home building business. Show highlights include: 3:00 A musician and a home builder 4:25 About Bost Homes 8:45 Evan’s journey into the industry 11:15 Stepping into larger roles 14:30 What was the reception from the team to bringing on family? 16:00 Getting licensed and future plans 18:50 Interest in land use reform 24:50 What is the vision for more lovable communities in the future? 28:50 The younger generations have different desires for communities 34:00 Changes in development feel out of reach 37:00 Examples and barriers of reimagined housing experiences 41:51 What’s coming up next and how to get in touch You can learn more about Evan at . Social media: LinkedIn- Instagram - Facebook - Youtube - Twitter - Or hit us up through our Contact Page at and we’ll make a personal introduction. To get the most out of this podcast, head over to and join our active community of like-minded builders and remodelers.
/episode/index/show/buildernuggets/id/27946716
info_outline
Ep 142: Never Let Your Standards Drop
09/19/2023
Ep 142: Never Let Your Standards Drop
When building a company, there are so many priorities and often, not enough trained people to delegate to. Today, our guest covers the best practices surrounding building a team, retaining that team, and preparing for what’s coming next. Sky Kolade, co-founder of The Association of Professional Builders, joins us as we talk culture, cowboys, and the upcoming industry reset. Show highlights include: 3:20 How did the Association of Professional Builders get started? 9:10 What issues were you hoping APB could solve in the industry? 13:45 How are you seeing builders build culture? 19:25 Are current industry complications affecting culture? 23:00 What are common themes of good company culture? 30:10 Attracting and retaining talent 39:05 Team assessments for building better communication 41:24 What are the biggest headwinds in the industry in the next few years? 46:31 What’s coming up next and how to get in touch You can learn more about Sky at . Social media: LinkedIn- Instagram - Facebook - Youtube - Twitter - Or hit us up through our Contact Page at and we’ll make a personal introduction. To get the most out of this podcast, head over to and join our active community of like-minded builders and remodelers.
/episode/index/show/buildernuggets/id/27875232
info_outline
Ep 141: The Flip Side
09/12/2023
Ep 141: The Flip Side
Any business owner in this industry has struggled to build a good team, to scale, or to step away from the daily grind. Today, a familiar voice joins us to share his personal struggles through his seemingly meteoric rise through the ranks as a young builder. Nick Schiffer of NS Builders breaks down where he’s chosen to invest, the pushback he’s received, and how he’s choosing to focus his energies moving forward. Show highlights include: 2:00 You can love and hate what you do 3:10 Having a fourth child 7:00 How does perfection fit into scaling a business? 13:45 Innovation can make slow progress 18:40 The struggle to focus on one thing at a time 24:07 Risky business transitions 27:30 Reflecting during times of struggle 31:50 Where to invest for the biggest impact 34:00 Learning from a bad hiring mistake 37:15 Investing and building an A Team takes a lot of work 42:00 How to scale when your team isn’t behind you 45:45 It’s hard to stay in your own lane 48:15 To focus or not to focus? 51:00 What’s coming up next and how to get in touch You can learn more about Nick at . Social media: LinkedIn- Instagram - Youtube - Or hit us up through our Contact Page at and we’ll make a personal introduction. To get the most out of this podcast, head over to and join our active community of like-minded builders and remodelers.
/episode/index/show/buildernuggets/id/27875190
info_outline
Ep 140: Better is Better
09/05/2023
Ep 140: Better is Better
Across the industry the consumer mindset has shifted immensely around remodeling and our guest today has lived through it all. Mark Richardson, author of How Fit Is Your Business, joins us to share his journey of helping set the standard for professional remodeling and his views on where the industry is headed. Today we tackle why bigger isn’t always better, avoiding potholes, and changing the common misconceptions that plague remodelers trying to grow their business. Show highlights include: 2:25 An interesting last few years 5:20 A different consumer mindset 7:20 Mark’s journey through the industry 12:16 What makes a remodeler a professional? 16:00 Are there more professional remodelers now than in the past? 18:28 Shortage of skilled labor 21:52 How can a remodeler become more professional? 25:00 What does a healthy construction business look like? 29:20 Common business mistakes 34:00 Use the resources you have available - including AI 35:50 Who were your mentors along the way? 37:10 Mastermind groups 39:30 Where is the industry headed? 42:42 The difficulty of finding talent 46:30 What’s coming up next and how to get in touch You can learn more about Mark by emailing him at [email protected]. Social media: LinkedIn- Or hit us up through our Contact Page at and we’ll make a personal introduction. To get the most out of this podcast, head over to and join our active community of like-minded builders and remodelers.
/episode/index/show/buildernuggets/id/27875124
info_outline
Ep 139: Planning For a Business Sale
08/29/2023
Ep 139: Planning For a Business Sale
Building a business and building a business that’s attractive to future buyers are two different things - but they don’t have to be. Today’s guest, Mark Herrmann, walks us through the process of finding and retaining a quality business broker who can help you prepare for the transition out of business ownership. He tackles the mistakes and misconceptions that many entrepreneurs make when trying to sell their businesses. We all wish selling a business was a quick and easy process, but with the right preparation and the best professional assistance, success could be just around the corner. Show highlights include: 3:00 The journey into business ownership 6:00 Building and selling the first business 10:25 The transition into a new business 12:30 What does a business broker do? 13:55 The process of valuing a business 18:10 What has the most effect on the value of a business? 19:30 The timeline of a sale 20:45 The value of a broker vs. selling on your own 24:55 How does a broker get paid? 28:35 How to make your business more valuable in advance 31:00 What is the process for selling a business? 33:34 Finding a good fit to buy your business 37:00 Can the seller and buyer meet? 42:40 Preparing for the transition after selling 49:25 What’s coming up next and how to get in touch You can learn more about Mark at . Social media: LinkedIn- Or hit us up through our Contact Page at and we’ll make a personal introduction. To get the most out of this podcast, head over to and join our active community of like-minded builders and remodelers.
/episode/index/show/buildernuggets/id/27681069
info_outline
Ep 138: Live Your Values
08/22/2023
Ep 138: Live Your Values
Rewarding is the word often used to describe a career in the residential construction industry. Today’s guest once struggled to love her job until she transitioned to a career as a home builder. Now a founder and CEO of Garman Homes, Alaina Money-Garman joins us to share how she worked her way through the ranks and helped build a company she can be proud of. Her company’s values and their community outreach tell the story of how every home builder and remodeler can choose a path that brings fulfillment to not only the team, but to those less fortunate. Show highlights include: 2:35 Life outside of work 3:20 Getting started in the industry - switching careers 6:10 How Garman Homes began 8:20 The 4 Garman Differences and why they matter 15:08 How did you grow a large team? 21:21 How do you guarantee a closing date? 25:35 How has Garman changed through the years? 27:45 Getting the business on track with changing leadership 32:45 Support groups, mentors, collaborators, inspirations 35:15 How a homebuilder can give back to the community 43:25 What’s coming up next and how to get in touch You can learn more about Alaina at . Social media: LinkedIn- Instagram - Or hit us up through our Contact Page at and we’ll make a personal introduction. To get the most out of this podcast, head over to and join our active community of like-minded builders and remodelers.
/episode/index/show/buildernuggets/id/27681039