Brad Leavitt Podcast

Focused on the mission to create the next generation of renewable smart grid systems leveraging the best battery storage technologies, RoseWater works with their clients to design, build, integrate and manage power system assets specific to their needs.

Alongside Joseph and Mario, Brad also welcomes Chris Matthews, Principal of Acoustic Designs Group, a Scottsdale-based architectural lighting design and automation firm, to speak on incorporating RoseWater into a home.

Traditionally, the three broad categories in a home are the mechanical systems, the electrical systems, and the plumbing. Today, there is a fourth category: the communication infrastructure of a home. RoseWater ensures the integrity of this infrastructure.

RoseWater has a “dual feature” in that it not only monitors energy, but generates it⁠ (i.e. via solar). Its battery backup lasts for 18-to-36 hours—an incredibly useful feature to have if you live in a power outage-prone area.

“You can definitely keep your home office going with a RoseWater product,” says Chris, “because it doesn’t care what feeds it. It just keeps powering what’s connected to it.”

Sponsors:

• Visit https://buildertrend.com/aft/ to get a 60-day money-back guarantee on your Buildertrend account!
• Pella Windows & Doors - https://www.pella.com/

Events:

** Learn More/Register for Contractor Coalition Summit May 01-04** https://www.eventcreate.com/e/contractorscoalitionsummit

Topics Discussed:

• [02:32] The four broad categories in a home
• [04:28] What to do when a home’s wireless infrastructure goes down
• [07:04] Making the switch to renewable energy
• [10:51] Defining “condition energy”
• [13:58] RoseWater as a generator
• [18:23] Which parts of the house to focus RoseWater on
• [20:25] How Joe and Mario met
• [29:23] How Joseph educated architects, engineers, and the public on RoseWater
• [34:57] Challenges in developing RoseWater
• [40:37] Partnering with dealers and distributors for RoseWater
• [46:47] The biggest challenges that RoseWater is currently facing
• [50:34] Working with Chris on installing the product
• [01:01:03] What’s upcoming for RoseWater

Connect with Brad Leavitt:

• Website - https://www.aftconstructionpodcast.com/
• Instagram - https://instagram.com/aft_construction
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/aftconstruction
• Houzz - https://www.houzz.com/pro/aft-construction/aft-construction
• Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.ph/AFT_CONSTRUCTION/
• YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzB4R_DHPVV1SPh7RUfR5jg

Connect with Rosewater:

• Website - https://rosewaterenergy.com/
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/rosewaterenergygroup
• Twitter - https://twitter.com/rosewaterenergy
• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/rosewater-energy-group/
• YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/RoseWaterEnergyGroup

Key Quotes by Joseph, Mario, and Chris:

• Traditionally, the three broad categories in a home are the mechanical systems, the electrical systems, and the plumbing. [...] For a long time, that was perfect. But in today’s world, there’s a fourth category: the communication infrastructure of a home. ~Joseph
• “Consistent energy” is when energy produces consistent voltage, 120 volts, consistent frequency, 60 cycles at all times regardless of what’s feeding our device. ~Chris
• When we went about partnering with the right people, we needed to deal with companies and engineers that really understood our problem. ~Mario

Starting at the age of 17, working for Appalachian Forest Products, a company that manufactured molding and interior trim, Dan knew he had a passion for woodworking.   He started DeVol Woodworks at the age of 19, specializing in high-end finish carpentry and cabinetmaking, sub-contracting his services to Dayton area home builders. Dan spent the next ten years perfecting his skills. Dan formed his own Custom Home Building Company in 1994 and has since built in excess of one hundred homes.

Dan explains the four principles of project management: organize, manage, lead and control, and how to use them build a lasting home. He went further and explained the benefits of creating a scope of work and attending the builder's show in your business.

Topics Discussed:

• [02:39] The transition of DeVol Builder over the years
• [05:26] Setting standards for clients during extreme climates
• [07:42] Walking the customers through the construction cost
• [14:24] How Dan is managing the schedule despite the construction evolution
• [16:28] How DeVol Construction is involved in pre-construction to make sure that everything is in place
• [19:12] Pushbacks from clients
• [22:20] The benefits of creating a scope of work
• [25:22] How to create a scope of work
• [29:14] Communication with clients
• [33:45] About the builder's show
• [34:44] The benefits of the builders show in your business
• [37:00] How Dan got into the builder 20 program
• [44:21] Financial management in the builder 20 program
• [45:19] How to recruit new builders into the 20 club program
• [52:36] Setting price expectations
• [56:33] What Dan enjoy the most in being a builder

Connect With Dan DeVol:

• Website- http://www.devolbuilders.com/
• Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/devolbuilders/
• LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/devolbuilders/

Connect With Brad Leavitt:

• Website- https://www.aftconstructionpodcast.com/
• Instagram- https://instagram.com/aft_construction
• Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/aftconstruction
• Houzz- https://www.houzz.com/pro/aft-construction/aft-construction
• Pinterest- https://www.pinterest.ph/AFT_CONSTRUCTION/
• Youtube- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzB4R_DHPVV1SPh7RUfR5jg

Key Quotes by Dan DeVol

• There are four key principles of project management, organize, manage, lead, and control. You organize the project in the front end, manage the team of people going into it, lead them in and control.
• A scope of work that is detailed really does help in misunderstandings and confusion, especially with the vendor.
• As builders, we get some of our best education by talking to other builders. Podcasting enables you to hear other builders talk about their experience which might change how you do your business.
• To be successful as a salesperson, you need to set realistic expectations.

Growing up in the homebuilding business sparked Ben’s passion for building and renovating homes. After graduating and working in new construction, he began to buy, renovate and sell homes.

He founded BHDB in 2012 and eventually partnered with company President Brock Garber in 2014. He is also currently in the process of taking over Berks Homes from his father, right alongside his sister.

Today’s conversation centers around Ben’s approach to building and maintaining relationships with clients, subcontractors, trade partners, and employees, especially now as the country slowly begins to ease into a post-pandemic world.

He talks about what it is like to take over the family business and how he ensures that he runs a tight ship that is efficient, organized, and has a culture characterized by helpfulness, humility, awareness, and being driven.

Topics Discussed:

• [05:07] Challenges that Ben is dealing with today
• [07:51] Adjusting to frequent price shifts for supplies
• [13:12] Dealing with rising prices across the board while maintaining client relationships
• [16:49] Setting expectations with subcontractors, suppliers, and trade partners
• [25:35] Ensuring job cleanliness and why onboarding is a big deal
• [29:32] Taking ownership of your business
• [30:48] Cultivating great company culture
• [41:27] Motivating employees beyond the dollar
• [46:47] Working in a family business
• [52:16] Taking over the business from his father
• [55:36] Land acquisition between different regions
• [01:01:46] Ben’s career before becoming GM at Berks Homes
• [1:06:44] What Ben does for fun

Connect with Guest:

• Website - https://www.berkshomes.com/
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/berkshomes/
• Instagram Ben - https://www.instagram.com/bhdb_ben/
• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/benhorning/

Connect with Brad Leavitt:

• Website - https://www.aftconstructionpodcast.com/
• Instagram - https://instagram.com/aft_construction
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/aftconstruction
• Houzz - https://www.houzz.com/pro/aft-construction/aft-construction
• Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.ph/AFT_CONSTRUCTION/
• YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzB4R_DHPVV1SPh7RUfR5jg

Key Quotes by Ben:

• At the end of the day, our trades are built for the volume, and they know that the way that we purchase things has a little bit of “you win some, you lose some”, but you’re always going to have a certain amount of work. You’re not going to be starving for work for more than a week. There’s always consistent work.
• The accountability really starts upfront when we onboard [subcontractors, suppliers, and trade partners]. There are two sides of the fence in this relationship: your side of the fence as trade partner, and my side of the fence as builder.
• Clean equals quality.
• We want people who not only want to be world-class or the best in their business, but they also care about the goals of the company and achieving them and working together to get there.

Asked about the unique objectives that differentiate residential from commercial clients, Dala says that it ultimately comes down to helping businesses see how great design can contribute to the bottom line.

Beyond aesthetics, great commercial design truly expresses the heart and soul of the brand. To achieve this, Dala always makes it a point to spend as much time as she can with her clients to discover “the heartbeat behind why they are doing what they are doing”, since doing so can better inform design decisions.

One tangible way House of Form does this is through designing what they call “Immersive Spaces” brought to life by renderings that leave nothing to the imagination of the client. She brings up her recent project, the subterranean martini lounge 36 Below, as a prime example of an Immersive Space in action.

Dala goes on to further unpack House of Form’s approach to turning a brand story into an aesthetic solution, and explains why their greatest strength as a design firm is their commitment to being a part of the process from start to finish, ensuring that “execution is aligned with the vision.”

Sponsors:

• Visit https://buildertrend.com/aft/ to get a 60-day money-back guarantee on your Buildertrend account!
• Pella Windows & Doors - https://www.pella.com/

Topics Discussed:

• [02:19] Why Dala decided to diversify her services to include commercial design
• [05:14] Educating clients in the commercial and hospitality sector
• [07:32] How great design can contribute to a business’s bottom line
• [10:02] Incorporating the heart and soul of the brand into design
• [11:42] Dealing with the unique challenges that designers face with commercial clients
• [16:54] How standards differ between big brand clients and boutique clients
• [19:32] How to stand out as a commercial design firm
• [22:08] Defining “Immersive Spaces”
• [31:57] What makes a good builder
• [33:28] House of Form’s lead generation strategy
• [35:51] Coordinating schedules with trade partners on commercial projects
• [38:06] The evolution of House of Form and Dala’s road to starting the company
• [46:17] What keeps Dala up at night regarding the future of House of Form
• [46:56] About House of Form’s hospitality retreats
• [54:17] What got Dala into design and how design school benefited her
• [58:57] Dala’s favorite part of the job

Connect with Dala Al- Fuwaires:

• Website - https://houseofform.com/
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/houseofform_/
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/houseofform
• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/houseofform/
• Pinterest - https://www.instagram.com/houseofform_/

Connect with Brad Leavitt:

• Website - https://www.aftconstructionpodcast.com/
• Instagram - https://instagram.com/aft_construction
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/aftconstruction
• Houzz - https://www.houzz.com/pro/aft-construction/aft-construction
• Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.ph/AFT_CONSTRUCTION/
• YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzB4R_DHPVV1SPh7RUfR5jg

Key Quotes by Dala:

• If a client has never worked with a designer, there is likely education that needs to happen. If they have, they are very much aware of the value that comes with working with one.
• Beyond aesthetics, we really try to think of the heart and soul of the brand.
• Custom doesn’t necessarily have to be more expensive. We can work with smaller shops in the valley that can build a truly unique product, and it will probably be the same cost as something we could have purchased online.
• Figure out what the brand story is and somehow turn that into an aesthetic solution. When you’re authentic to yourself and your brand, then you’re ultimately developing an authentic space that no one has ever done before.
• The strength of our projects comes from being able to do everything from A to Z—being able to be a part of that entire process and making sure that execution is aligned with the vision.

Kyle defines post frame construction as a surprisingly durable, time-tested building method that has even been utilized by the ancient Egyptians over two millennia ago. Post frame also results in savings on time and resources. A large, weather-proof structure can be built this way in a week, and interiors can then be brought in completely shielded from the elements.

Kyle’s personal goal is to “evolve post frame into something that is more than a barn” by promoting its advantages using his platform so that more people can see the potential of this often underappreciated method of construction.

He uses Instagram to address the myths and misconceptions surrounding post frame construction, and overall educate potential customers who are curious and open to learning more.

Says Kyle: “I just want to educate what sets us apart and what we’re doing so that people, on day one, will say, ‘I don’t have any questions for you.’”

Sponsors:

• Visit https://buildertrend.com/aft/ to get a 60-day money-back guarantee on your Buildertrend account!
• Pella Windows & Doors - https://www.pella.com/

Topics Discussed:

• [01:52] What is “post frame construction”?
• [05:05] How post frame homes can be more energy efficient
• [08:21] Why Kyle decided to specialize in post frame construction
• [11:40] Post frame construction from the perspective of engineering
• [13:20] Why Kyle uses social media to promote post frame construction
• [16:24] How social media has impacted Rural Renovators’ business development arm
• [18:25] Embracing your niche and core values
• [22:07] Kyle’s favorite product
• [27:17] Deciding which projects to feature on social media
• [35:48] Communication between different parties as a general contractor
• [38:18] Collaborating with high-quality vendors
• [45:09] Kyle’s advice to those starting out in the industry
• [48:47] The typical payment plan when working with Rural Renovators
• [53:52] Rural Renovators’ business today compared to year one
• [58:30] What Kyle does for fun

Connect with RR Buildings & Kyle Stumpenhorst:

• Website - https://rrbuildings.com/
• YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWXEQsK3UiHszjwgGN5HUeQ
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rrbuildings/
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ruralrenovators

Connect with Brad Leavitt:

• Website - https://www.aftconstructionpodcast.com/
• Instagram - https://instagram.com/aft_construction
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/aftconstruction
• Houzz - https://www.houzz.com/pro/aft-construction/aft-construction
• Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.ph/AFT_CONSTRUCTION/
• YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzB4R_DHPVV1SPh7RUfR5jg

Key Quotes by Kyle:

• The engineering behind a post frame is legit. A lot of people look at them and think, “That’s just a barn. It’s going to blow away in the wind.” But, not when built and engineered properly.
• In the market I’m in – Midwest, rural town – you can’t become the guy that’s overpriced. You can’t become the guy who appears to be overly successful. You have to be true to your ideals and who you are and your community.
• You can’t take that short gain for something that you’re looking to do long-term.
• Now that social media has become so prevalent, it’s given a voice to the contractor [to say] that we do care, that we love what we do.
• With regards to content, no matter what you’re doing, show what you love. Show what excites you. That’s really all that matters.

Wally joined Kohler Co.’s Minneapolis Branch directly following his graduation from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, MN in 1976.

In October 2020, after over four decades with Kohler Co., Wally retired as a Director – Sales, Builder Channel, a position that he had held since 2008. Today, he serves as a consultant and brand ambassador for the luxury kitchen and bath manufacturer.

In 2014, Wally’s contribution to Kohler Co. was acknowledged when he was chosen as the recipient of the company’s highest and most prestigious recognition, the Chairman’s Award. Wally was also recognized by CBUSA in March 2020 with its first inaugural and annual Walter G Schwartz – Award of Excellence award.

Wally considers applauding good work and innovation, as well as having an atmosphere and a spirit of collaboration, as keys to cultivating good company culture. He also encourages going above and beyond what is expected in demonstrating to your people that they are supported, such as by sending them handwritten notes.

He goes on to discuss his 12 years as the focal person for “all things builder” within Kohler Plumbing North America, how he came to collaborate with CBUSA, and the major changes he personally witnessed within the company since joining them over 40 years ago.

In particular, he speaks on the reputation that Kohler has built for “elevating kitchen and bath into the fashion industry” and its recent push for more sustainable and environmentally-friendly products.

Episode Sponsors:

• Visit https://buildertrend.com/aft/ to get a 60-day money-back guarantee on your Buildertrend account!
• Pella Windows & Doors - https://www.pella.com/

Topics Discussed:

• [03:17] What sets the tone for good company culture
• [09:26] Managing conflict and addressing poor internal communication
• [13:41] How the role of “Director – Sales, Builder Channel” got started
• [19:25] How Wally proved himself to senior leadership
• [23:51] Onboarding customers to “buy into” Kohler Co.’s products
• [25:38] The evolution of the Builder program
• [31:30] What inspired Walter to join CBUSA
• [38:00] What Wally likes best about working with Kohler Co.
• [41:25] Building a network of big players in the industry
• [47:58] The biggest changes within Kohler Co. over the last four decades
• [58:01] What differentiates Kohler Co. from its competitors
• [01:01:03] A fun fact about Kohler Co. that most people aren’t aware of

Connect with Kohler:

• Website - https://www.us.kohler.com/us/
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kohler/
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Kohler
• Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/kohlerco/_shop/
• YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/Kohler
• Twitter - https://twitter.com/Kohler
• Houzz - https://www.houzz.com/professionals/kitchen-and-bath-fixtures/kohler-pfvwus-pf~1577186000?=undefined
• Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/kohler/

Connect with Brad Leavitt:

• Website - https://www.aftconstructionpodcast.com/
• Instagram - https://instagram.com/aft_construction
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/aftconstruction
• Houzz - https://www.houzz.com/pro/aft-construction/aft-construction
• Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.ph/AFT_CONSTRUCTION/
• YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzB4R_DHPVV1SPh7RUfR5jg

Key Quotes by Walter Schwartz

• It’s important in any company to have an atmosphere and a spirit of collaboration.
• I love Kohler Co. The work was hard; but, when you have a passion for something and when you really love something, it’s a great feeling.
• The elevation of the kitchen and bath into the fashion industry – even our competitors would admit that Kohler Co. has been the leader in doing that.
• Kohler Co., for as long as I can remember, has consistently reinvested 90% or more of its earnings into the company. I think that’s really important when funding the growth of the company and expansion and so forth requires a lot of fiscal discipline.

Pamela is also a business coach who runs Elevate! Interior Circle, through which she helps interior designs run a better business and utilize magnetic marketing techniques to attract their perfect client rather than chase them.

In our conversation with Pamela, she hits on a crucial attribute embraced by the best in the industry, but unfortunately gets overlooked by most: becoming a steward of your client’s money.

Business owners need to ensure, even before meeting potential clients, that these prospects are educated on what to expect should they decide to enter into a three-year partnership with them. Marketing via great storytelling, rapport-building, and the ability to put yourself in your client’s shoes are three foundational skills to master in order to forge successful relationships.

Pamela goes on to offer her best practices for becoming magnetic to affluent clients, which involves gaining clarity on your vision-mission as a business owner, creating an avatar for your perfect future client, and using the power of the “shock-and-awe box” when meeting with promising prospects.

Episode Sponsors:

• Visit https://buildertrend.com/aft/ to get a 60-day money-back guarantee on your Buildertrend account!
• Pella Windows & Doors - https://www.pella.com/

Topics Discussed:

• [02:06] Pamela’s passion for interior design
• [05:53] Putting yourself in the client’s shoes
• [11:35] Educating clients
• [21:19] Becoming magnetic to an affluent client
• [30:13] Getting clear on your perfect future client
• [31:45] Buildertrend
• [33:06] Pella
• [38:44] Leveraging your network to qualify leads and find better opportunities
• [43:55] The power of sending a “shock-and-awe box” to potential clients
• [50:29] Maximizing the lifetime customer value of a client
• [54:05] Why Pamela got into business coaching and what she offers
• [58:54] How Pamela juggles her two businesses and sets healthy boundaries
• [1:04:22] What’s next for Pamela

Connect with Pamela Durkin:

• Website - www.pamela-durkin.com
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/pameladurkin/
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/indemanddesigner
• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamdurkin/
• Download Book “Elevate” - www.elevatethebook.com

Connect with Brad Leavitt:

• Website - https://www.aftconstructionpodcast.com/
• Instagram - https://instagram.com/aft_construction
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/aftconstruction
• Houzz - https://www.houzz.com/pro/aft-construction/aft-construction
• Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.ph/AFT_CONSTRUCTION/
• YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzB4R_DHPVV1SPh7RUfR5jg

Key Quotes by Pamela Durkin:

• As creatives, we tend to be intuitive; but, we don’t use it to further our business—and we should.
• One excellent way to educate clients before they come to you is through marketing. We need to be telling more stories. I find, whenever I follow a designer on social media, we’re reporters. I hate reporters. There is no storytelling going on.
• I have learned that when you get really clear on what kind of projects and what kind of people you want to deal with, it changes everything. First of all, you feel awesome, and you feel appreciated. And when you feel appreciated, you go above and beyond for those clients. So, you’re doing your best work.
• You can’t give your best self if your tank is empty.

Raykon has been featured in every Utah Valley Parade of Homes since 2012 and is continuing to establish themselves as one of the premier custom home builders in the valley. The Parade features specially chosen new homes and remodel projects across the state and is a priceless opportunity for all builders, architects, and designers involved.

Casey shares how he has had an unbroken streak being featured in his annual Parade of Homes, even amid the pandemic, and the valuable connections he has made through them all. He also discusses how he is able to encourage clients to publicly showcase their homes for these events.

He also speaks on a career life shaped by the fact that his grandfather and father were general contractors in their own right. Casey reflects on his journey and what finally nudged him into starting his own business, as well as what he learned during those first few hires once Raykon found early success.

Topics Discussed:

• [03:35] The top challenge when a client is going through the process for the first time
• [07:36] Setting expectations with clients early on
• [13:23] Giving clients visual references to help them stay on the same page
• [19:06] Navigating difficult conversations, especially around fluctuating resource prices
• [26:00] How being featured in Parade of Homes benefitted Raykon
• [33:25] About Parade of Homes
• [40:17] Asking clients to showcase their homes
• [52:27] Why Casey pushes his clients to go for the best in their projects together
• [55:53] Hiring those first employees
• [1:03:33] Casey’s journey and why he started Raykon
• [1:09:14] What’s next for Casey

Connect with Casey:

• Website: https://www.raykonconstruction.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raykon_construction/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RaykonConstruction
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/RaykonConst
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/RaykonConstruction
• Houzz: https://www.houzz.com/pro/raykonconstruction/raykon-construction

Connect with Brad Leavitt:

• Website - https://www.aftconstructionpodcast.com/
• Instagram - https://instagram.com/aft_construction
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/aftconstruction
• Houzz - https://www.houzz.com/pro/aft-construction/aft-construction
• Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.ph/AFT_CONSTRUCTION/
• YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzB4R_DHPVV1SPh7RUfR5jg

Key Quotes by Casey:

• What I establish from the very beginning is: “I’m on your side.” That’s the beauty of a contract with a cost-plus agreement. Our clients get a grasp and a feel that we’re on the same team. We’re giving them the most for their money; whereas, if we get into these hard bid contracts and we go over budget, we get in the area of, “Hey, I can cut this corner and we can save myself a little bit of money.” That’s not the way I build. That’s not the way I want to build.
• As you’re building a company and a brand, it’s very, very rewarding not to have to be in every aspect of the sales position.
• One of the challenges that we’re always going to have going forward is that we’re never going to have “arrived”. It’s about, “Where is the direction that we’re going?” We get to make that choice. And we love it.

Kaitlyn is not only an interior designer, but a licensed general contractor in her own right. Iconic thus provides full-service design and construction services while keeping both the functionality and structural integrity of the space in mind.

As our conversation unfolds, it soon becomes clear that Kaitlyn is an entrepreneur at heart. She had always loved interior design but hesitated in jumping into the space as a professional for fear that she would not be able to make a living out of it.

She graduated with an MBA in 2016, which she sees as being integral to her success as a business owner once she finally took the leap into starting her own company.

Listen in as Kaitlyn speaks on the ins-and-outs of Iconic; how her personality and lifestyle has influenced the direction of the company as well as her design style; and her tips for developing strong relationships with clients, builders, trade partners, and team members.

Topics Discussed: 

• [01:45] Kaitlyn’s collaboration with AFT
• [05:40] How Kaitlyn acquired her contractor license
• [09:35] Hiring and working with a team, and vetting trade partners
• [13:28] What makes a good relationship with a builder
• [16:49] Why Kaitlyn decided to get licensed
• [20:45] How Kaitlyn’s lifestyle and travels influence the direction of her company
• [24:08] Achieving work-life balance
• [27:45] What Kaitlyn looks for in new hires
• [35:25] Why Katilyn got into design
• [39:35] Working at an architecture and interior design firm
• [42:54] Keeping the pipeline full
• [44:57] Iconic’s client questionnaire
• [49:22] Setting expectations with clients
• [50:33] What’s next for Kaitlyn
• [52:14] Using Instagram for businesssimplecast

Connect with Iconic Design + Build

• Website - https://www.iconicdesignbuild.com/
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/iconicdesignbuild/
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/iconicdesignbuild/
• Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/iconicdesignbuild/_created/
• Houzz - https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/iconic-design-build-pfvwus-pf~95167025?

Connect with Brad Leavitt:

• Website - https://www.aftconstructionpodcast.com/
• Instagram - https://instagram.com/aft_construction
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/aftconstruction
• Houzz - https://www.houzz.com/pro/aft-construction/aft-construction
• Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.ph/AFT_CONSTRUCTION/
• YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzB4R_DHPVV1SPh7RUfR5jg

Key Quotes by Kaitlyn:

• There is so much that goes into creating a new role in a company when you already have a system, because you’re changing the system and everybody’s role changes in some way.
• Every project is different, so you don’t want to overwhelm [your client] with too much information. I’m always trying to figure out how to explain as much of our process as I can. At the same time, you can’t explain everything because there is too much information.
• Setting expectations is definitely a huge factor in the success of the whole project.

Jamie bought his first investment property around the time he met Morgan. She recalls being blown away by his talents and offered the idea of starting a blog. Not long after launching construction2style, the Molitors quickly started getting custom furniture and remodeling inquiries. Jamie took the plunge and dove full time into running his own general contracting interior residential remodeling company.

Today, Morgan is the designer and brand developer behind c2s. She oversees all content creation, manages the brand partnerships, is the writing guru, and lead interior stylist. She also heads up their online education courses and in-house monthly marketing workshops.

construction2style continues to exist as a home improvement resource blog. The Molitors offer contracting, design, styling, and marketing services along with home decor products. With 1.8 million monthly views as of this conversation, the c2s blog is clearly a popular and trusted source for marketing strategies tactics among those in the industry.

Brought to you by Pella Windows & Doors

Topics Discussed: 

• [02:23] What led to construction2style being conceived in 2012
• [06:48] How the Molitors turned their blog into a business
• [10:14] Setting expectations with clients
• [18:38] Jamie’s biggest challenges in the field
• [22:39] How Jamie and Morgan agreed on their roles as a husband and wife team
• [24:57] The first hire and the importance of company culture
• [32:05] Where c2s is today
• [34:00] Vetting clients
• [39:57] Getting involved in the event planning space
• [43:20] What goes into planning a successful event
• [45:54] How the business has changed since the beginning
• [49:00] How anyone can start building their brand
• [52:48] How the c2s blog is making an impact on reach
• [55:31] The power of Web Stories on Google
• [59:47] Jamie’s biggest pain point at the moment
• [01:01:31] The Molitors’ advice to those starting out in the industry

Connect with Jamie & Morgan:

• Website - https://construction2style.com/
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/construction2style/
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/construction2style
• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/construction2style-llc
• Twitter - https://twitter.com/c2s_molitor
• Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/construction2style
• Houzz - https://www.houzz.com/pro/construction2style/construction2style-llc
• YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCw0DTGNtruFv6XgcVliM5Jw
• TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@construction2style?lang=en
• Clubhouse - construction2style

Connect with Brad Leavitt:

• Website - https://www.aftconstructionpodcast.com/
• Instagram - https://instagram.com/aft_construction
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/aftconstruction
• Houzz - https://www.houzz.com/pro/aft-construction/aft-construction
• Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.ph/AFT_CONSTRUCTION/
• YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzB4R_DHPVV1SPh7RUfR5jg

Key Quotes by Jamie and Morgan:

• To us, it’s important that we find someone with the right mindset and fits within our culture. From that, we can train them. I’d much rather have that than what a piece of paper says. ~Morgan
• The best partnerships that we have with brands and vendors are the ones where we uplift and support each other organically—not just when it’s paid—because we’re constantly talking about them even if it’s not a collaboration or a paid partnership. ~Morgan
• The main thing I would tell people, if you’re a young guy or girl looking to do your own thing: Don’t overspend. Just build. [...] Lean on other professionals, even outside the trade area. Find an accountant. [...] Find a lawyer. ~Jamie
• Do the dirty work. Take the not-ideal job to get your name out there and build your resumé. ~Jamie