Builders, Budgets, and Beers

Dirk van der Velde, co-founder of Momenta, opens up about the early missteps in aligning business structure with execution—and how tightening operations led to meaningful gains. From auditing underused software to designing a high-output team culture, Dirk shares lessons on building a company that actually runs the way it was envisioned.

https://momentasize.com

Show Notes: 
Introduction and Guest Background (0:00)
Dirk's Background and Momenta Size (2:47)
Challenges and Solutions in Construction (6:49)
Adoption of Adaptive Software (19:58)
Impact of Adaptive Software on Business Operations (23:39)
Emotional and Tactical Advice for Business Owners (32:01)
Final Thoughts and Recommendations (38:22)

Find Our Hosts:
Reece Barnes
Matt Calvano

Podcast  Produced By:
Motif Media

Julian Miller, Director of Operations at NS Builders, shares how his experience in commercial construction built the foundation for his process-driven approach in high-end residential work. From implementing operational systems to maintaining craftsmanship, Julian explains why structure, communication, and internal efficiency are critical for builders looking to scale sustainably.

https://www.nsbuilders.com/

Introduction and Guest Background (0:00)
Impact of Commercial Experience on Operations (2:43)
Relationship Between Operations and Financials (4:59)
Operational Enhancements and Financial Impact (9:51)
Adoption of Technology and Efficiency Gains (13:53)
Profit Erosion and Internal Efficiencies (23:59)
Final Thoughts and Recommendations (29:30)

Find Our Hosts:
Reece Barnes
Matt Calvano

Podcast  Produced By:
Motif Media

Melissa Leediker, Founder of Turquant Builder Services, LLC, discusses the most common and costly errors in construction accounting, focusing on job costing, cost coding, and duplicate payments. She emphasizes the importance of implementing consistent processes and leveraging technology to improve financial accuracy and profitability for construction businesses.

https://turquantservices.com

Introduction to Melissa Leediker and
Construction Accounting (00:00)
Three Most Common Accounting Errors in
Construction (02:03)
Challenges of Costing to the Right Job (08:18)
Importance of Accurate Cost Coding (14:31)
Preventing Duplicate Payments (24:15)
Scaling Challenges in Construction Accounting (28:43)
Technology and Process Improvement Strategies (31:42)
Final Insights and Recommendations (33:28)

Find Our Hosts:
Reece Barnes
Matt Calvano

Podcast  Produced By:
Motif Media

Shayne Glass, CPA Controller for Shrock Companies, shares his insights on Shrock’s sophisticated approach to managing multiple business entities by maintaining financial independence while sharing resources across construction, prefabrication, and restoration sectors. The company leverages adaptive software and strategic cost tracking to ensure precise financial management, resource allocation, and operational efficiency across its diverse business portfolio.

https://www.shrockcompanies.com

Intro and Origins (00:00)
Building Diverse Entities (01:49)
Scaling Up (05:42)
Financial Separation for Multi-Entity Success (08:42)
Resource Sharing and Cost Allocation (13:50)
Streamlining Intercompany Transactions (22:07)
Job Costing and Margin Management (25:57)
Cost Tracking with Operational Efficiency (27:07)

Find Our Hosts:
Reece Barnes
Matt Calvano

Podcast  Produced By:
Motif Media

Noi Calhoun, from JAG Construction, shares the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene on Asheville, North Carolina, detailing the community's struggle and resilience. The conversation explores the challenges of rebuilding, the loss of infrastructure, and the powerful community spirit that emerged in the aftermath of the catastrophic flood.

https://jaggreen.com/noi-calhoun

Introduction and Hurricane Helene Context (00:00)

Massive Flooding Destroys Local Infrastructure (01:31)

River Levels Exceed Historic Records (05:31)

Community Responds to Communication Breakdown (08:30)

Construction Industry Survives Extreme Challenge (17:33)

Tourism Economy Suffers Significant Damage (23:17)

Businesses Struggle with Financial Recovery (28:51)

Community Demonstrates Remarkable Rebuilding Resilience (31:18)

Hope Emerges from Disaster's Aftermath (32:08)

Conclusion and Celebrating Asheville's Strength (33:33)

Find Our Hosts:
Reece Barnes
Matt Calvano

Podcast  Produced By:
Motif Media

This week, Dorrie Franzello-Kurtz, CPA at YHB | CPAs &Consultants, discusses the critical importance of accurate job costing, real-time financial reporting, and strategic financial management for construction companies. She emphasizes the need for proactive accounting practices, highlighting how proper tracking of indirect costs, job scheduling, and communication between field and office teams can significantly impact a construction business's profitability and long-term success.

https://yhbcpa.com/staff/dorrie-franzello-kurtzcpa/

Introduction and Background of Dory Franzello Kurtz (0:00)
Client Accounting Services (CAS) and Outsourced Accounting (2:07)
Identifying Issues in Construction Companies (3:58)
Real-Time Reporting and Job Scheduling (6:08)
Impact of COVID-19 on Construction Accounting (8:25)
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and Financial Management (12:58)
Estimating and Cost Control (23:30)
Strategic and Tactical Accounting (42:14)
Final Thoughts and Advice for Construction Business Owners (45:09)

Find Our Hosts:
Reece Barnes
Matt Calvano

Podcast  Produced By:
Motif Media

In this episode Michael Anschel, Principal at OA Design+Build +Architecture, discusses the COPE (Cost of Project Execution) method, which helps builders gain better visibility into their overhead and project costs. The guests emphasize the importance of using cost codes, job costing, and understanding the difference between markup and margin to run a more profitable and transparent construction business.

https://otogawa-anschel.com

Introduction and Background of Michael Anschel (0:00)
Explanation of the COPE Method (0:15)
Breakdown of the COPE Method (2:14)
Importance of Transparency and Honesty in Pricing (7:15)
Challenges and Benefits of the COPE Method (9:13)
Implementing the COPE Method in Practice (12:02)
Importance of Categorizing Costs and Job Costing (16:02)
Overcoming Resistance to Change in the Industry (20:02)
Achieving Profitability and Work-Life Balance (22:02)
Conclusion and Final Thoughts (24:42)

Find Our Hosts:
Reece Barnes
Matt Calvano

Podcast  Produced By:
Motif Media

Ryan Hanson, Partner at Sustainable 9 Design + Build, discusses the benefits of a cost plus pricing model, highlighting the transparency it provides to clients and the ability to better manage risks associated with material price fluctuations and project changes. The conversation covers Sustainable 9's unique neighborhood development project, the challenges of fixed price contracts, the impact of tariffs, and the importance of technology in improving construction processes.

https://sustainable9.com

Introduction and Background of Sustainable 9 (0:00)
The Nine Steps to Sustainability (2:03)
The Peninsula Lake Project (5:18)
Cost Plus vs. Fixed Price Models (13:06)
Impact of Tariffs and Market Risks (40:54)
Client Relationships and Project Management (41:39)
Commercial Construction and Pricing Models (42:07)
Adaptive Construction and Technology (50:58)
Final Thoughts and Recommendations (56:29)

Find Our Hosts:
Reece Barnes
Matt Calvano

Podcast  Produced By:
Motif Media

Shayne Glass, CPA Controller for Shrock Companies, discusses the critical role of bonding and maintaining tight financial processes for construction companies, particularly those looking to take on larger projects and grow their business. The discussion covers the bonding process, the importance of consistent cost tracking and financial reporting, and strategies for managing financials across multiple construction entities.

https://www.shrockcompanies.com

Introduction and Purpose of the Podcast (0:00)
Shane's Background and Shrock Companies (1:10)
The Importance of Bonding (3:00)
The Bonding Process and Relationship (8:58)
The Annual Financial Review (14:47)
Providing Financial Information (22:36)
Advice for Improving Financial Processes (28:35)

Find Our Hosts:
Reece Barnes
Matt Calvano

Podcast  Produced By:
Motif Media

Tim Savre, Controller for NS Builders, discusses the importance of construction businesses tracking their finances consistently throughout the year, rather than just focusing on tax preparation at the end of the year. The conversation covers the benefits of regular financial reporting, the challenges builders face in staying on top of their finances, and strategies for improving financial management practices.

 https://www.nsbuilders.com

Introduction and Purpose of the Podcast (0:00)

Tim Savre's Background and Current Role (2:04)

Challenges of Tax Season and Importance of Regular Financial Tracking (3:49)

Impact of Financial Tracking on Business Decisions (10:08)

Planning and Forecasting with Financial Data (32:57)

Education and Implementation of Regular Financial Tracking (35:52)

Conclusion and Next Steps (36:38)

Find Our Hosts:
Reece Barnes
Matt Calvano

Podcast  Produced By:
Motif Media