Blueprints Podcast

In this episode of The Blueprints Podcast, Isabelle sits down with Megan Simmons, Engagement Manager at Acme Home Exteriors, for a conversation about navigating change in business and community. From the rise of AI to economic uncertainty, Isabelle and Megan talk about how small businesses can stay grounded, show up authentically, and use new tools without losing the human touch.

Megan shares her own journey from a networking leader to joining Acme, emphasizing the importance of working with the right people and investing in relationships that strengthen local communities. She offers insights into how businesses can leverage AI as a tool—not a replacement—while still making real, lasting impact through connection and service.

Whether you’re a business owner, marketer, or community leader, this is your blueprint to learn how you can embrace change while staying true to your mission and your community.

On this episode of Blueprints, Isabelle sits down with Tom Almazan, co-owner of Carpet Studio Flooring America, to talk about what it really means to go above and beyond in serving your community.

From starting out mowing lawns as a kid to building a 37-year career in flooring, Tom’s journey is a story of hard work, mentorship, and a heart for giving back. Together, Isabelle and Tom dive into how local businesses can create lasting impact through service initiatives like Habitat for Humanity, Toys for Tots, coat drives, and food distribution programs. Tom shares how he’s built partnerships with local charities, churches, and businesses to meet real needs—proving that collaboration, not competition, is what truly strengthens a community.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, leader, or someone looking to get more involved, this episode will give you the Blueprints to use your resources, connections, and passion to make a difference right where you are.

Setting yearly goals can feel overwhelming—but breaking them down into 90-day targets makes them achievable, measurable, and motivating. In this episode of Blueprints, Isabelle and Michael share how they use the EOS framework to set quarterly “rocks,” track progress with weekly scorecards, and stay accountable as a team.

From predicting revenue and profit goals to overcoming roadblocks that derail momentum, Michael and Isabelle walk through the exact process Custom Built uses every quarter to keep the business focused and moving forward. Whether you’re a new entrepreneur or a seasoned leader, you’ll learn practical strategies to simplify goal-setting, improve team alignment, and create traction in just 90 days.

If you’ve struggled with setting goals you actually achieve—or if you’re ready to bring more focus and accountability into your business—this episode is your blueprint for progress, not perfection.

In this episode of the Blueprints Podcast, Isabelle and Michael dive deep into the art of networking and building meaningful connections that fuel business growth. Michael shares his journey from starting in the homebuilding industry with no experience to creating a thriving business largely through referrals and strategic networking.

Discover practical tips for networking success, including how to get involved in trade associations, join committees, and leverage one-on-one connections. Learn the power of giving first, being genuinely curious about others, and turning everyday encounters—like coffee shop conversations—into business opportunities.

Whether you're a business owner, entrepreneur, or professional looking to expand your network, this episode offers actionable strategies for creating lasting relationships, maximizing networking events, and growing your business through authentic connections.

In this episode of Blueprints, Isabelle and her dad, Michael— founder and CEO of Custom Built — share the five core values that drive their company: Family Focused, Proactively Helpful, Passionately Committed, Grow or Die, and Fun.

You’ll hear the story of how these values were created, why they’re revisited every year, and how they guide hiring, leadership, and client relationships. Whether you’re a business owner refining your culture or a leader looking to inspire your team, this conversation offers actionable insights for defining and living out your own core values.

What does it really take to build a team that grows with your business? In this episode of The Blueprints Podcast, Michael and Isabelle dive into the real-life lessons behind hiring the right people, putting them in the right seats, and building a culture that scales. From early missteps to the clarity of using the “Get It, Want It, Capacity” model, they unpack how to simplify leadership, delegate well, and surround yourself with people who fit your mission.

If you're an entrepreneur, leader, or just trying to grow a high-performing team without losing your mind, this episode will challenge your thinking and give you tools to take into your next hire. Michael and Isabelle share what they wish they knew when they started — and what finally worked.

In this episode, Isabelle and her dad, Michael, take a trip back to the early days of Custom Built Design & Remodeling — when marketing was more grit than gloss, and logo design was a game-changing investment. From lawn signs and home show booths to building trust through authentic conversations, they share the foundational lessons that helped transform a one-man operation into a professional, trusted brand.

Michael reflects on the marketing missteps, unexpected wins, and the mindset shifts that made all the difference — like the moment he hired a designer who actually listened, and how the 2008 crash forced a reinvention. They also unpack powerful principles like the “three-foot rule,” the value of organic networking, and why great marketing isn’t about making noise — it’s about being known, liked, and trusted when the moment is right.

Whether you're starting your business or trying to reignite your brand presence, this conversation is packed with stories, strategy, and practical wisdom that prove: marketing isn't just about leads — it's about legacy.

In this episode of The Blueprints Podcast, Isabelle and Michael share the powerful framework that’s helped them simplify life and build sustainable momentum in both business and family. Recorded live at the beautiful Hidden Grove in Williamston, Michigan, they explore a personal tool they both use called L.I.F.E. Targets — a system centered around Legacy, Influence, Fitness, and Enterprise.

Michael reflects on how hiring a coach early in his journey helped him gain clarity and speed up his growth, eventually leading to the development of these L.I.F.E. targets. Together, he and Isabelle talk about the value of gut instinct, the rhythm of the 90-day world, and how personal and professional integration has shaped the way they lead, develop others, and build a company with intention.

Whether you're an entrepreneur, a leader, or simply trying to bring more direction to your everyday life, this episode will leave you with practical inspiration, honest stories, and a framework you can start using today. Tune in and start designing a life that aligns with what matters most.

In this episode of The Blueprints Podcast, Isabelle and Michael tackle one of the most overlooked — but absolutely crucial — parts of building your business: getting your legal foundations right.

Michael shares the lessons he’s learned over 25 years of starting, growing, and navigating the ups and downs of running a construction business — from the early days of flipping houses without a builder’s license to building a thriving design-build company with the right legal and financial structure in place.

If you’re ready to start your own business, this episode gives you the practical blueprint to do it right from the start.

In this episode of The Blueprints Podcast, Isabelle and Michael unpack the differences between being a solopreneur and an entrepreneur — and how to know which path might be right for you.

Michael shares candid stories from his early days juggling job sites, late nights, and part-time house flipping, to building a growing team and thriving design-build business. From winters with zero cash flow to working alongside master craftsmen, this episode offers a raw look at what it takes to build something from the ground up.

Whether you're just getting started or thinking about scaling up, this is your blueprint for defining success on your terms.