Brad Leavitt Podcast

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

One of the main themes of this discussion is the importance of confidence as a practitioner in the industry. A great interior designer is confident that their vision and skillset can create a beautiful home.One of the challenges is getting clients to trust their designer’s process. Jaimee gets up close and personal with clients from the beginning, conducting anywhere between six-to-ten design meetings depending on the scale of the project. This goal to “freak out” clients with her level of detail and organization demonstrates Jaimee’s value as their designer from the get-go.Listen in as Jaimee goes on to share how her skills as a journalist transfer over to her new career as an interior designer; her approach to hiring, training, and educating talent; how she uses social media and connects with influential designers around the country; and how she learned the ins-and-outs of business and finance in the interior design industry. Sponsored by Sub-Zero, Wolf, & Cove. CLICK HERE TO LOCATE A SHOWROOM NEAR YOU!Topics Discussed: [03:45] Scaling the business and why Jaimee conducts up to ten design meetings[07:50] How Jaimee helps clients understand the value she is delivering as a designer[12:10] Building confidence as an interior designer[15:32] Managing a design business while being available to clients at the same time[17:30] Training and educating the team at Jaimee Rose Interiors[21:31] How Jaimee stays on top of the latest trends and best practices in the industry[24:38] Jaimee’s approach to hiring[27:49] Getting clients to trust you as their designer[31:15] How Jaimee Rose Interiors uses social media and connects with influencers[36:57] The beginnings of Jaimee’s interior design career[42:14] How designers, builders, and architects can strengthen relationships with clients[45:37] Allotting time during the week to focus only on the business side of things[47:30] The most stressful things about running a company for Jaimee[52:15] Why Jaimee thinks that interior design is easier than journalism[56:30] Jaimee’s least favorite part about interior designConnect with Jaimee Rose: WebsiteInstagram @jaimeeroseinteriorsFacebook @jaimeeroseinteriorsPinterest - Jaimee Rose InteriorsConnect with Brad Leavitt:Website InstagramFacebook HouzzPinterest YouTube Key Quotes by Jaimee Rose:Building a house is hard and it stresses people out. One of the biggest skills that you can bring a client as a designer is utter and complete confidence.All businesses are about people. When you really focus on people, that makes you more interesting to them and more valuable to them because they know that you’re totally focused on their needs at all times.When you have an architect and a builder and a designer all working together as partners who trust each other and admire each other, you get the very best result.

Today Brad speaks with Tracy Morris, Owner of Tracy Morris Design. Launched in 2003, the company has “a focus on fresh, vibrant and approachable interiors”. Tracy, who hails from Washington, has had a passion for design since the age of six when she started building two-story colonials out of legos. She finds creativity and inspiration in amazing lighting, and architecture with color and texture and full of natural surroundings.One of the most fascinating parts of our conversation was around her story—how Tracy came to be a highly sought-after designer by keeping her eyes peeled for opportunities and seizing them without hesitation. This openness and ambition allowed her to expand rather quickly, and now Tracy has business in Naples and Dallas. We also dive deep into how she runs the business while managing satellite locations and why she chose these particular locations.Listen in as Tracy explains the dangers of spreading yourself too thin as a design company, how she chooses which clients to work with (keeping in mind that Tracy never takes on more than four projects at once), how to charge and set budgets for projects, how to set expectations with clients from the beginning to avoid conflict down the line, and how to turn a good team into a great team.Topics Discussed: [03:50] What separates a good design business from a great one?[05:45] How to decide which jobs to accept and working hand-in-hand with clients[13:38] Red flags to watch out for when vetting clients[22:40] Tracy’s lessons for new designers[30:27] Staying organized and on the same page with each department on a project[32:00] Where Tracy learned the ins-and-outs of running a design business[37:58] Opening an office in Naples, and Tracy’s various projects outside of DC[40:59] How Tracy charges and creates budgets for projects[50:53] Setting prospects at ease via social media and personal branding[54:28] Nurturing a synergistic relationship with your builder, architect, and designer[56:28] What separates a great builder from the rest?Connect with Guest:WebsiteInstagramFacebookLinkedInConnect with Brad Leavitt: Website Instagram Facebook Houzz Pinterest YouTube Resources & People Mentioned:Trammell Crow Company Qore Performance Key Quotes from Episode:The trick [to building a great design business] is, just don’t move too quickly. Just do not take too much on.I never want to overpromise and underdeliver to a client.Make sure you give your clients a small order that says: “You may not call me for at least two weeks when your stuff has been put in, because you need to take a minute, get used to the furniture, the paint, wallpaper—whatever it is—that’s been put in place, and just breathe a minute.”I work on retainer, because that has been much easier for me to do. I feel it’s a little bit more palatable for clients to be able to swallow the costs if they know what they have paid upfront.The word “blame” is what makes a good team a great team if that word is crossed out.

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.

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