What if the future of housing isn’t about building faster, but building smarter?

In this episode of Builder Buzz by Home Nation, host Quinton Comino sits down with Mike Rosen, architect, innovator, and sustainability pioneer, whose 40+ year career spans residential renovations in Philadelphia, carbon-neutral city planning in China, and groundbreaking modular construction systems in the U.S.

Rosen shares how his early thesis on solar energy foreshadowed a career defined by green design, why millions of people around the world already live in homes shaped by his firm, and what he learned designing an entire city for four million people in central China.

He also unpacks his patented “core wall” system, an innovation that integrates all the plumbing, mechanical, and electrical systems of a house into one prefabricated unit—streamlining construction and lowering costs. From lessons learned during the 2008 recession to today’s emerging demand for prefab, Rosen reveals why the housing industry is on the cusp of radical change.

Whether you’re in architecture, real estate, or just fascinated by the future of sustainable living, this conversation will change the way you think about the homes and cities of tomorrow.

What You’ll Learn:

• How sustainable design shaped Mike Rosen’s global career
• Why his carbon-neutral city prototype in China was ahead of its time
• The origin story and revival of the patented “core wall” system
• Why the construction industry resists innovation—and how it will eventually change
• Rosen’s predictions on steel, prefabrication, and the end of stick-built housing

Connect with Mike Rosen:

• 🏙️ Architect | 🏗️ Innovator | 🌍 Sustainability Pioneer
• 🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mikerosenaia
• 🌐 Website: MikeRosenArchitects.com 

Connect with the Show:

• Builder Buzz by Home Nation: https://homenation.com
• Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/builder-buzz-by-home-nation/id1816072711
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0VIgdx6CEGJGJlFTHb3xXO
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/d96c24c3-0ed9-41ad-96ed-8a4ef1242edf/builder-buzz-by-home-nation
• YouTube: https://youtube-Builderbuzz

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If you liked this episode, share it with someone in homebuilding, real estate, or modular housing, and don’t forget to leave us a review. New episodes drop weekly!

What if construction could be faster, stronger, and more resilient, built to withstand both hurricanes and market challenges?

In this episode of Builder Buzz by Home Nation, host Quinton Comino sits down with Anthony Pavek, Global Developer, Entrepreneur, and Founder of Jehovah Builders, the contracting company reimagining how homes and commercial buildings are designed and delivered. Licensed in multiple U.S. states and expanding into the Bahamas, Colombia, and South America, Jehovah Builders blends engineering, project management, and manufacturing into one integrated system.

Anthony shares how losing everything in a hurricane reshaped his vision for construction, fueling a focus on hurricane-resistant, elevated homes designed with cold-formed steel and prefabricated components. By containerizing entire builds from trusses to paint, Jehovah Builders has cut project timelines in half and reduced costs by up to 15%.

From overcoming Florida’s labor shortages with cross-border teams to scaling internationally in markets with fewer regulatory hurdles, Anthony reveals how Jehovah Builders is modernizing an industry plagued by inefficiency. Looking ahead, he discusses the company’s bold plan to go public—leveraging his past IPO experience to drive global expansion.

This conversation dives into innovation, resilience, and leadership in construction, showing how Jehovah Builders is building not just structures, but a smarter future for the industry.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why cold-formed steel outperforms wood in durability and speed
• How prefab containerized shipments cut project timelines by 50%
• The role of elevated buildings in hurricane-prone regions
• How international construction differs from U.S. compliance models
• Why skilled labor shortages are reshaping the industry
• Lessons Anthony learned from taking a company public before
• How project management, not self-performance, fuels global scale

Connect with Anthony Pavek & Jehovah Builders:

• LinkedIn: Anthony Pavek
• Company LinkedIn: Jehovah Builders / Yehovah International Inc.

Connect with the Show:

• Builder Buzz by Home Nation: https://homenation.com
• Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/builder-buzz-by-home-nation/id1816072711
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0VIgdx6CEGJGJlFTHb3xXO
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/d96c24c3-0ed9-41ad-96ed-8a4ef1242edf/builder-buzz-by-home-nation
• YouTube: https://youtube-Builderbuzz

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If you liked this episode, share it with someone in homebuilding, real estate, or modular housing, and don’t forget to leave us a review. New episodes drop weekly!

What if your basement wasn’t just a storage space or movie room but an immersive golf course, sports arena, or VR playground?

In this episode of Builder Buzz by Home Nation, host Quinton Comino sits down with Cliff Stephens and Kody Smith, co-founders of Forefront Simulator Solutions, the fast-growing company transforming home entertainment across the Southeast. What began as a single golf simulator installation quickly evolved into a business that blends luxury construction with cutting-edge technology, creating interactive spaces for golf, baseball, soccer, racing, and more.

Cliff, a former corporate leader with 20 years of experience at Home Depot and consulting for Coca-Cola and Delta, teamed up with Kody, founder of New Edge Innovation and a specialist in high-end basement renovations. Together, they combined corporate strategy, data analytics, and construction expertise to build Forefront Simulator Solutions into a turnkey powerhouse delivering modular, future-proof entertainment systems.

From installing over 100 projects in their first year to setting sights on thousands nationwide, Forefront is at the forefront of a new trend: replacing pool tables and theaters with high-tech, interactive simulators designed for families, athletes, and enthusiasts alike. Their modular designs allow clients to upgrade with advancing tech while ensuring each space retains long-term value and style.

This conversation dives into how Cliff and Kody went from idea to thriving company, the cultural lessons of scaling a fast-growing team, and their vision for making simulators as common in homes as movie theaters once were.

What You’ll Learn:

• How a single basement renovation sparked a scalable business idea
• The leap from corporate leadership to entrepreneurship
• Why modular, future-proof systems redefine home entertainment
• How Forefront balances construction design with emerging tech
• The role of company culture and hiring in scaling quickly
• The expanding market for simulators beyond golf, soccer, racing, VR, tactical, and more
• Forefront’s ambitious growth plan to go from 100 installs to thousands

Connect with Forefront Simulator Solutions:

• Cliff Stephens: linkedin.com/in/cliffordstephens
• Kody Smith: https://www.facebook.com/kody.r.smith
• Company LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/forefront-simulator-solutions
• Website: forefrontsims.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/forefrontgolfsims

Connect with the Show:

• Builder Buzz by Home Nation: https://homenation.com
• Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/builder-buzz-by-home-nation/id1816072711
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0VIgdx6CEGJGJlFTHb3xXO
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/d96c24c3-0ed9-41ad-96ed-8a4ef1242edf/builder-buzz-by-home-nation
• YouTube: https://youtube-Builderbuzz

Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite platform.

If you liked this episode, share it with someone in homebuilding, real estate, or modular housing, and don’t forget to leave us a review. New episodes drop weekly!

In this episode of Builder Buzz by Home Nation, host Quinton Comino sits down with Simon Wells, founder and CEO of Protect X Surface Protection, the company setting a new global standard for surface and asset protection in luxury construction, renovation, and refits. Drawing on his 25-year career as a yacht captain, Simon saw firsthand how costly damage, privacy concerns, and makeshift solutions frustrated owners and contractors alike. That insight became the foundation for Protect X Surface Protection, a patented, engineered system designed to safeguard high-value homes, mega yachts, and commercial spaces with precision and professionalism.

Simon shares the journey from his first breakthrough in 2016 to Protect X Surface Protection’s expansion into luxury residential and commercial markets. He reveals how his team goes beyond protecting surfaces—building private tunnels, safeguarding security, and delivering white-glove service trusted by general contractors, builders, and yacht owners.

From word-of-mouth growth in discreet luxury industries to scaling into large-scale projects like hospitals and airports, ProtectX is poised to disrupt construction protection worldwide. This conversation delves into how Simon bridged a long-overlooked gap, transforming it into a thriving business that saves time, money, and reputations—while redefining what protection should mean in the construction industry.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why cardboard, tape, and drop cloths fall short in luxury construction
• How ProtectX’s patented “floating system” prevents costly surface damage
• The role of privacy and security tunnels in protecting homeowners during projects
• How white-glove service and vetted teams build trust with contractors and clients
• Why word-of-mouth referrals drive growth in discreet luxury industries
• ProtectX’s vision for expanding into hospitals, airports, and government buildings
• The entrepreneurial journey from yacht captain to founder and innovator

🔗 Connect with Simon Wells & Protect X Surface Protection:

• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/simon-wells-protectx-temporarysurfaceprotection
• Website: protectx.com
• YouTube: youtube.com/@protectxsurfaceprotection946
• Blog: protectx.com/blogs/home-remodeling-temporary-surface-protection

Connect with the Show:

• Builder Buzz by Home Nation: https://homenation.com
• Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/builder-buzz-by-home-nation/id1816072711
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0VIgdx6CEGJGJlFTHb3xXO
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/d96c24c3-0ed9-41ad-96ed-8a4ef1242edf/builder-buzz-by-home-nation
• YouTube: https://youtube-Builderbuzz

Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite platform.

If you liked this episode, share it with someone in homebuilding, real estate, or modular housing and don’t forget to leave us a review. New episodes drop weekly!

What if the biggest challenge in construction isn’t labor shortages or rising costs—but the disconnect between builders and contractors?

In this episode of Builder Buzz by Home Nation, host Quinton Comino sits down with Dave Peterson, founder of Catha Construction, to discuss how his company is revolutionizing the way builders and subcontractors collaborate. With a background in high-tech manufacturing and supply chain management, Dave has introduced a unique “rep model” that gives builders access to vetted, high-capacity trades while helping contractors secure steady, high-volume projects.

Dave reveals how Catha Construction acts as a trusted matchmaker, vets trades for quality and reliability, and even guarantees territory exclusivity so builders can cut build times down to just 75–95 days. He also shares how his team supports contractors with AI-powered outreach, zero-cost marketing, price negotiations, and scheduling efficiencies, all while ensuring builders save time, reduce risk, and gain access to reliable crews.

Whether you’re a builder looking for trustworthy trades or a contractor wanting premium project opportunities, this conversation offers a fresh blueprint for the future of construction.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why the real bottleneck in construction is builder–subcontractor misalignment
• How Catha Construction vets trades for communication, inspection pass rates, and scheduling
• The benefits of territory exclusivity in reducing competition and driving collaboration
• How builders can shorten build times to as little as 75–95 days
• Why contractors get zero-cost marketing and AI-powered outreach with Catha Construction
• How Catha supports subs in price negotiations and marketing strategy
• The win–win model that saves builders time while giving contractors steady work

Connect with Dave Peterson’s Catha Construction:

• 🌐 Website: cathaconstructionservices.com
• 🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dave-peterson-39b960362

Connect with the Show:

• Builder Buzz by Home Nation: https://homenation.com
• Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/builder-buzz-by-home-nation/id1816072711
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0VIgdx6CEGJGJlFTHb3xXO
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/d96c24c3-0ed9-41ad-96ed-8a4ef1242edf/builder-buzz-by-home-nation
• YouTube: https://youtube-Builderbuzz

Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite platform.

If you liked this episode, share it with someone in homebuilding, real estate, or modular housing and don’t forget to leave us a review. New episodes drop weekly!

What if the secret to running a profitable construction business wasn’t working harder, but working smarter with the right tools?

In this episode of Builder Buzz by Home Nation, host Quinton Comino sits down with Jennifer Castenson from Buildxact, the cloud-based construction management platform built for custom home builders, remodelers, and small to mid-sized contractors. From estimating and quoting to supplier integrations and client communication, Buildxact is helping contractors ditch the pen-and-paper chaos for streamlined, transparent, and profitable workflows.

Jennifer shares how Buildxact integrates directly with suppliers, such as Home Depot, to deliver real-time, API-driven pricing, eliminating costly surprises and change orders. She also highlights how AI tools like Blue, Buildxact’s AI assistant, generate detailed estimates, catch missing items, and save builders hours of late-night admin work.

This episode goes beyond business efficiency, showcasing how contractors are improving not only their profitability but also their quality of life, regaining time for family, health, and personal growth. Jennifer also dives into Buildxact’s role in advancing sustainable housing, including its partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy to support net-zero construction.

What You’ll Learn:

• How Buildxact saves contractors hours with AI-powered estimating & takeoffs
• Why real-time supplier integrations protect against volatile pricing
• How contractors can deliver transparent, homeowner-friendly project tracking
• The impact of streamlined systems on quality of life and profitability
• How Buildxact supports net-zero and energy-efficient building practices
• Why Jennifer believes the industry could benefit from a universal building code

Connect with Jennifer Castenson, Buildxact:

• Website: buildxact.com - Demo: Available on the website
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jennifer-castenson-a650801
• Blog & Articles: forbes.com/sites/jennifercastenson/ 

Connect with the Show:

• Builder Buzz by Home Nation: https://homenation.com
• Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/builder-buzz-by-home-nation/id1816072711
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0VIgdx6CEGJGJlFTHb3xXO
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/d96c24c3-0ed9-41ad-96ed-8a4ef1242edf/builder-buzz-by-home-nation
• YouTube: https://youtube-Builderbuzz

Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite platform.

If you liked this episode, share it with someone in homebuilding, real estate, or modular housing and don’t forget to leave us a review. New episodes drop weekly!

What if the secret to long-term success in construction isn’t chasing the biggest contracts—but being versatile enough to handle any job that comes your way?

In this episode of Builder Buzz by Home Nation, host Quinton Comino sits down with Brian Moore, estimator at Southern Gulf Construction, to explore how the company has built a reputation as one of Florida’s most trusted concrete specialists since 1986. From emergency bridge repairs to solar-powered water treatment plants, Wendy’s drive-thrus to custom home slabs, Southern Gulf thrives on the tough jobs most contractors avoid.

Brian shares how his decades with the Florida Department of Transportation shaped his approach to estimating, why time is the trickiest factor on any job, and how one subcontractor’s simple math mistake nearly cost thousands. He also highlights Southern Gulf’s greatest asset—their loyal workforce, many of whom have been with the company for over 20 years—and the leadership philosophy of founder Kurt: if he can do it, his crew can do it.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why versatility, not specialization, is Southern Gulf’s competitive edge
• How estimating blends science and art, and why time is the hardest cost to predict
• The risks of subcontractor miscommunication (and how to protect your bottom line)
• Why loyal crews and strong culture can outlast market cycles
• How Southern Gulf balances residential, commercial, and civil projects
• Insights into innovative concrete mixes, from hurricane-tested erosion control to rapid-curing bridge repair solutions
• Why adaptability keeps crews busy even when demand in one sector slows

Connect with Brian Moore:

• LinkedIn → Brian Moore
• Website: http://southerngulfconstruction.com/
• Estimator | Southern Gulf Construction

Connect with the Show:

• Builder Buzz by Home Nation: https://homenation.com
• Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/builder-buzz-by-home-nation/id1816072711
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0VIgdx6CEGJGJlFTHb3xXO
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/d96c24c3-0ed9-41ad-96ed-8a4ef1242edf/builder-buzz-by-home-nation
• YouTube: https://youtube-Builderbuzz

Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite platform.

If you liked this episode, share it with someone in homebuilding, real estate, or modular housing and don’t forget to leave us a review. New episodes drop weekly!

What if solving the housing crisis didn’t mean building faster with the same old methods, but rethinking the entire process from the ground up?

In this episode of Builder Buzz by Home Nation, host Quinton Comino sits down with James Casper, founder of Baya Build Inc., a construction technology company disrupting the centuries-old stick-frame industry. After 20+ years in algorithmic trading, James brought his pattern recognition mindset to housing, developing a proprietary concrete mix that’s strong, highly insulative, eco-friendly, and perfect for large-scale projects.

James shares Baya Build’s eight-year journey through four generations of innovation, from early experiments with engineered wood and rapid framing systems to creating their breakthrough cementitious panels. The result? Homes that can be built in a fraction of the time, at 35–40% lower cost, with hurricane-proof, seismic-ready, and net-zero-ready performance.

Whether you’re a developer, policymaker, or simply passionate about housing affordability, this episode reveals how technology, process engineering, and a fresh outsider perspective can transform an industry.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why entering construction from outside the industry can be an advantage
• How Baya Builds’ proprietary concrete mix achieves R30 insulation and 9,000–12,000 PSI strength
• The role of pop-up factories in cutting transportation costs and speeding project delivery
• How MEP integration in precast panels slashes build time to days, not months
• Why scaling matters for affordable housing impact
• How Baya Build balances high-end projects with its social mission
• Future innovations in off-grid and energy-generating building systems

Connect with James Casper & Baya Build:

• Website: bayabuild.com
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/james-casper

Connect with the Show:

• Builder Buzz by Home Nation: https://homenation.com
• Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/builder-buzz-by-home-nation/id1816072711
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0VIgdx6CEGJGJlFTHb3xXO
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/d96c24c3-0ed9-41ad-96ed-8a4ef1242edf/builder-buzz-by-home-nation
• YouTube: https://youtube-Builderbuzz

Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite platform.

If you liked this episode, share it with someone in homebuilding, real estate, or modular housing and don’t forget to leave us a review. New episodes drop weekly!

What if the key to breaking into the competitive construction market isn’t avoiding failure but learning from it fast?

In this episode of Builder Buzz by Home Nation, host Quinton Comino sits down with John B., owner of BrunCo Build, a young but fast-rising construction company making waves in the Tampa Bay area. With years of contracting experience but less than a year as his boss, John has already navigated big wins, tough setbacks, and the steep learning curve of running a business in one of Florida’s hottest markets.

John opens up about how he turned early challenges into momentum, why building trust is his top priority, and how he’s carving out a space for BrunCo Build by blending craftsmanship, clear communication, and customer-focused service. From lessons learned on the job to insights on what clients really value, this conversation is packed with practical takeaways for anyone starting or scaling a business in construction.

What You’ll Learn:

• How to turn early business failures into stepping stones for growth
• Why reputation is a contractor’s most valuable asset
• The biggest challenges of going out on your own in construction
• How to balance quality, timelines, and client expectations
• The role of communication in winning repeat business
• Why young companies can compete with industry veterans
• John’s advice for aspiring contractors ready to make the leap

Connect with John B. of BrunCo Build:

• Tampa Bay Construction | 🛠 Renovations & Builds | 🤝 Client-First Approach
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/john-b-294b64280

Connect with the Show:

• Builder Buzz by Home Nation: https://homenation.com
• Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/builder-buzz-by-home-nation/id1816072711
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0VIgdx6CEGJGJlFTHb3xXO
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/d96c24c3-0ed9-41ad-96ed-8a4ef1242edf/builder-buzz-by-home-nation
• YouTube: https://youtube-Builderbuzz

Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite platform.

If you liked this episode, share it with someone in homebuilding, real estate, or modular housing—and don’t forget to leave us a review. New episodes drop weekly!

What if the key to stress-free remodeling isn’t just finding the right contractor—but the right plan?

In this episode of Builder Buzz by Home Nation, host Quinton Comino sits down with Ben and Connie, founders of Sun Consult, a South Florida remodeling and design firm with German roots and a reputation for accuracy, structure, and trust. Trained in architecture and interior design, this husband-and-wife team bring a European eye for detail to American homebuilding—and it’s changing the game for homeowners tired of delays, budget creep, and guesswork.

Ben and Connie share their journey from Germany to Florida, where they’ve built a reputation for delivering full-service remodeling—from concept to completion—with an unmatched focus on planning. They explain why starting with a clear 3D visualization, exact measurements, and material alignment can make the entire construction process smoother and far more affordable in the long run.

Whether you’re planning a full renovation or just dreaming about your next project, this episode breaks down what it means to build trust before you ever break ground.

• Why poor planning—not bad contractors—is the biggest cause of project failure
• How 3D design can prevent budget and timeline overruns
• The difference German training makes in remodeling precision
• What to ask your builder or designer before you sign a contract
• How to avoid scope creep with a detailed remodeling plan
• The cultural differences between European and American homebuilding
• Why Ben and Connie prioritize transparency, accuracy, and personal connection
• How couples can work together without killing each other on-site 😉

German Precision | 🇺🇸 Florida Remodeling | 🏡 Full-Service Design & Build

Website: sunconsultservice.com

Instagram: @SunConsultFL

Connect with the Show:

• Builder Buzz by Home Nation → https://homenation.com
• Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/builder-buzz-by-home-nation/id1816072711
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0VIgdx6CEGJGJlFTHb3xXO
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/d96c24c3-0ed9-41ad-96ed-8a4ef1242edf/builder-buzz-by-home-nation

Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite platform.

If you liked this episode, share it with someone in homebuilding, real estate, or modular housing—and don’t forget to leave us a review. New episodes drop weekly!