Building Scale

By Will Foret, Justin Neagle

We interview successful Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) business leaders to learn how they use people, processes, and technology to scale their businesses.... more

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FAQs about Building Scale:

How many episodes does Building Scale have?

The podcast currently has 170 episodes available.

Building Scale episodes:

March 03, 2026 Building Purpose: Connecting AEC with Nonprofits - Steve Kuhn, ShareBuilt
Steve Kuhn shares his journey and the founding of ShareBuilt, highlighting the differences between nonprofit and for-profit sectors in the AEC industry. He discusses the unique compliance and regulatory challenges faced by nonprofits and the importance of involving AEC partners early in projects. The conversation delves into the impact of purpose-driven work and addresses misconceptions about nonprofit construction. Steve emphasizes proactive strategies and how to measure success and ROI in nonprofit endeavors. Client stories illustrate ShareBuilt's impact, and Steve offers key advice and best practices for nonprofits.
Connect with Steve Kuhn
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenkuhn
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShareBuilt/
ShareBuilt: https://www.sharebuilt.org/
Sevan: https://sevan.com/
Connect with Justin & Will -
Will's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willforet/
Justin's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justneagle/
Learn More & Connect With Spot Migration -
Website: https://www.spotmigration.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/spot-migration
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spotmigration
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Spotmigration
Do you want to be a guest on the show? Go to https://buildingscale.net/guests
Need to discuss your IT and Cybersecurity Strategy? Go to https://buildingscale.net/help
(0:00) Opening anecdotes with architects and nonprofits
(1:09) Steve Kuhn's journey and the role of ShareBuilt
(4:22) Nonprofit vs. for-profit business in AEC
(7:14) Compliance and regulatory challenges for nonprofits
(10:18) Early involvement of AEC partners in nonprofit projects
(14:20) Impact of purpose-driven work in AEC
(16:17) Misconceptions and proactive strategies in nonprofit construction
(20:23) Measuring success and ROI in nonprofit projects
(23:41) Client stories and showcasing ShareBuilt's impact
(32:23) Key advice and best practices for nonprofits
(37:09) ShareBuilt’s expansion and contact information
(40:10) Sponsor: Closing remarks
...more
41min
February 24, 2026 Embracing Change: Strategic Evolution in Project Delivery with Matt Johnson, Triangle Construction Services
Join Matt Johnson as he explores the intricacies of construction invoicing and strategic procurement at Triangle Construction Services. Discover insights into their expanding construction tech group, business model evolution, and the impact on lienholders and contractors. Matt discusses managing rework, change orders, and the role of LiDAR drone technology. Hear about fostering a positive company culture and embracing servant leadership.
Connect with Matt Johnson
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-johnson-a0b28241
Website: https://www.emjcorp.com/
Connect with Justin & Will -
Will's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willforet/
Justin's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justneagle/
Learn More & Connect With Spot Migration -
Website: https://www.spotmigration.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/spot-migration
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spotmigration
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Spotmigration
Do you want to be a guest on the show? Go to https://buildingscale.net/guests
Need to discuss your IT and Cybersecurity Strategy? Go to https://buildingscale.net/help
(0:00) Introduction and simplifying construction invoicing
(1:48) Guest introduction: Matt Johnson and career journey
(5:17) Triangle Construction Services overview and strategic procurement
(9:44) Construction tech group expansion and business evolution
(11:50) Challenges and benefits of construction consumables
(18:39) In-depth discussion on procurement processes
(29:06) Impact on lienholders, general contractors, and company sizes
(36:34) Managing rework, change orders, and introduction to construction technology
(43:26) LiDAR drone technology in construction
(51:08) Expansion plans for drywall services and company culture
(59:36) Servant leadership, teamwork, and advice to younger self
(1:03:48) Closing remarks and contact information
...more
1h 6min
February 10, 2026 Building a Legacy: Family & Community in Construction with Jeff Berglund - Berglund Construction
Jeff Berglund discusses leveraging LinkedIn for business connections and shares insights from working with multigenerational dynamics alongside his father. He explores planning and strategy for business transitions, focusing on team dynamics, leadership, and implementation. Jeff covers sales strategies, the seven eleven four rule, and client engagement techniques. He highlights the importance of mentorship, coaching, and leadership development in building team trust and communication. Reflecting on leadership, vulnerability, and sports culture's influence in business, Jeff also shares yearly themes and advice to his younger self, concluding with his contact info.
Connect with Jeff Berglund
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffrey-berglund-aab51362/
Website: https://www.berglundco.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/berglundconstructionco/
Connect with Justin & Will -
Will's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willforet/
Justin's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justneagle/

Learn More & Connect With Spot Migration -
Website: https://www.spotmigration.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/spot-migration
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spotmigration
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Spotmigration

Do you want to be a guest on the show? Go to https://buildingscale.net/guests
Need to discuss your IT and Cybersecurity Strategy? Go to https://buildingscale.net/help
(0:00) Introduction and leveraging LinkedIn for business connections
(1:08) Introduction to guest Jeff Berglund and his background
(3:36) Multigenerational business dynamics with Jeff's father
(5:54) Planning and strategy behind business transition
(8:54) Team dynamics, leadership, and transition implementation
(19:45) Roles, experiences, and learning in sales strategies
(25:15) Applying the seven eleven four rule in sales
(28:23) Networking and quantifying business success
(31:32) Cold calling techniques and LinkedIn for client engagement
(41:04) Mentorship, coaching, and leadership development
(45:03) Communicating vision and collaborative idea building
(49:04) Enhancing team trust and communication
(53:28) Early involvement and aligning team goals through clear communication
(57:46) Leadership, vulnerability, and sports culture in business
(58:55) Yearly themes, commitments, and communicating core values
(1:01:07) Jeff's advice to a younger self and how to connect with him
(1:02:55) Final thoughts and appreciation
(1:03:24) Outro and sponsor mention
...more
1h 5min
February 03, 2026 Needs Before Tools: Customer-Centric Management with Matt Cooper, BQE
Matt Cooper, CEO of BQE, discusses the company's leadership transition and the critical role of customer feedback in driving improvements. He addresses common challenges faced by small to mid-sized AEC firms and how BQE's solutions help manage chaos and streamline processes. The conversation highlights the importance of technology in enhancing efficiency, particularly in invoicing and project management. Matt shares insights on integrating systems, catering to firms of varying sizes, and preparing for AI advancements. He also covers strategies for change management during tech implementation and managing feature requests, with a focus on cybersecurity in cloud software. Matt concludes with advice for the industry and provides his contact information.
Connect with Matt Cooper on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-cooper-04b3aa4/
Website: https://www.bqe.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/bqesoftware
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bqesoftware/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bqesoftware/
Connect with Justin -
Justin's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justneagle/
Learn More & Connect With Spot Migration - Website: https://www.spotmigration.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/spot-migration
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spotmigration
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Spotmigration
Do you want to be a guest on the show? Go to https://buildingscale.net/guests
Need to discuss your IT and Cybersecurity Strategy? Go to https://buildingscale.net/help
(0:00) Introduction and guest Matt Cooper, CEO of BQE
(4:38) BQE's leadership transition and customer feedback importance
(9:49) Addressing AEC industry problems with BQE solutions
(13:53) Tackling chaos in small to mid-sized AEC firms
(17:16) Streamlining AEC processes with technology
(20:09) Enhancing efficiency in invoicing and project management
(23:32) BQE's approach to integrating systems and innovation
(28:33) Catering to diverse firm sizes and preparing for AI
(39:15) Strategies for change management in tech implementation
(49:44) Managing feature requests and cybersecurity in cloud software
(56:10) Matt Cooper's advice and contact information
(59:09) Outro and call to action
...more
1h
January 27, 2026 Building Biophilic: Merging Nature and Comfort in Design with Austin Trautman - Nopal
Justin Neagle and Austin Trautman delve into the concept of creating healthy homes, emphasizing the importance of materials and design in enhancing the living experience. Austin shares insights on how traditional building practices often overlook the well-being of inhabitants and the environmental impact of materials used. He advocates for a shift towards natural materials, like sheep's wool, which not only provide better insulation but also contribute positively to indoor air quality and overall health. The discussion highlights the need for a holistic approach to home building, considering both the immediate and long-term effects on occupants and the environment. The conversation also explores the innovative idea of building homes with just two people, challenging conventional construction methods.
Connect with Austin Trautman on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-trautman-9418368a/
Website: https://nopal.build/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@nopal-build
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nopal.build/
Connect with Justin -
Justin's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justneagle/
Learn More & Connect With Spot Migration - Website: https://www.spotmigration.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/spot-migration
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spotmigration
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Spotmigration
Do you want to be a guest on the show? Go to https://buildingscale.net/guests
Need to discuss your IT and Cybersecurity Strategy? Go to https://buildingscale.net/help
(0:00) Introduction and concept of Nepal
(3:06) Healthy homes and material comparisons
(8:23) Industry's reliance on traditional materials
(12:16) Innovating home design with a "lung"
(17:48) Applied research and hands-on client support
(21:32) Learning through building and biophilic design
(23:41) Biophilic principles and the impact of nature on stress
(27:26) Stress reduction studies and Gresham Smith's research
(30:19) Material sourcing and natural insulation alternatives
(34:20) Streamlining the building process
(38:59) Guest contact information and closing remarks
(39:32) Sponsor: [Sponsor Name]
...more
41min
January 20, 2026 From the Field to Finance, People Matter Most with Jeff Falls - Haley Construction
Jeff Falls from Haley Construction joins the show and shares his personal journey as well as the company's evolution in the AEC industry. He shares insights into Haley's company culture, highlighting hiring challenges and the importance of building the right team. Jeff emphasizes continuous learning and the impact of technology in construction, discussing unique processes and the balance between cost and value. The discussion extends to competing in the construction market, exploring delivery methods, and outlining Haley's future goals. Mentorship and the role of AI in construction are also focal points. Jeff concludes with advice for the industry and provides his contact information.
Connect with Jeff Falls - LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-falls-70918336
Website: https://haleyconstructionaz.com/
Connect with Justin & Will - Will's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willforet/
Justin's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justneagle/
Learn More & Connect With Spot Migration - Website: https://www.spotmigration.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/spot-migration
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spotmigration
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Spotmigration
Do you want to be a guest on the show? Go to https://buildingscale.net/guests
Need to discuss your IT and Cybersecurity Strategy? Go to https://buildingscale.net/help
(0:00) Introduction and the evolving nature of the AEC industry
(1:21) Sponsor: buildingscale.net/help
(1:50) Guest introduction - Jeff Falls
(3:13) Jeff Falls' background and Haley Construction journey
(6:26) Company culture and hiring challenges at Haley Construction
(10:25) The right team and role balancing
(20:25) Continuous learning and technology's impact in construction
(23:39) Haley's unique processes and balancing cost with value
(29:03) Competing in the construction market and delivery methods
(34:04) Haley Construction's future goals and the role of mentorship
(37:56) Embracing technology and AI in construction
(40:12) Final advice and contact information
...more
44min
January 13, 2026 Co-CEO’s: Engineering Collaborative WINS with Danielle Daniels and Justin Price - Evergreen Engineering
In this episode, Danielle Daniels and Justin Price explore their experiences as Co-CEOs at Evergreen Engineering. They discuss the company's origins and their collaborative leadership structure, highlighting the importance of communication and decision-making. Danielle and Justin share insights on strategic planning, leadership traits, and understanding personality types to improve communication. They also cover innovation, employee retention through benefit overhauls, and lessons from past software implementations. Reflecting on their journeys, they offer advice to their younger selves and conclude with thoughts on communication in Co-CEO roles.
Connect with Justin and Danielle -
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-price-b0a1864a
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-daniels-938a7357
Website: https://evergreenengineering.com/
Connect with Justin & Will -
Will's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willforet/
Justin's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justneagle/
Learn More & Connect With Spot Migration -
Website: https://www.spotmigration.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/spot-migration
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spotmigration
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Spotmigration
Do you want to be a guest on the show? Go to https://buildingscale.net/guests
Need to discuss your IT and Cybersecurity Strategy? Go to https://buildingscale.net/help
(0:00) Introduction to Co-CEO Collaboration and Guest Backgrounds
(3:36) Welcome and Career Backgrounds of Danielle Daniels and Justin Price
(6:15) Evergreen Engineering's Origin and Co-CEO Structure
(11:33) Perspectives on Co-CEO Leadership and Communication
(20:32) Meeting Cadence and Decision-Making as Co-CEOs
(26:40) Co-CEO Strengths, Weaknesses, and Lessons Learned
(32:32) Strategic Planning and Leadership Traits
(40:04) Personality Types and Communication Strategies
(47:34) Communication as the Foundation for Business Growth
(51:07) Tailoring Communication to Team Dynamics
(56:01) Innovation and Benefit Program Overhaul for Employee Retention
(59:02) Learning from Unsuccessful Software Implementations
(1:03:17) Reflecting on Past Experiences and Advice to Younger Self
(1:07:16) Contact Information for Guests and Wrap-Up
(1:09:05) Final Thoughts on Communication in Co-CEO Roles
(1:09:58) Outro and Sponsor Mention
...more
1h 11min
January 06, 2026 Keeping Up The Pace: Technology in Architecture with Larry Lind, Architechnology
Larry Lind discusses his journey in the AEC industry, starting from his early career and the founding of his firm. He explains the origin of the firm's name and the benefits of partnering with larger firms, emphasizing the value of strong relationships and successful collaborations. Larry shares insights on managing project paperwork and construction phases, along with future plans and working with family. He highlights the importance of mentorship, a hands-on design approach, and the impact of AI on architecture and construction. The conversation also covers programming in project planning, investing in technology, and the challenges of Revit. Larry concludes with advice for his younger self and how to reach out to him.
Connect with Larry Lind -
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larry-lind-04624319
Website: https://www.architechnologyaz.com/
Connect with Justin & Will -
Will's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willforet/
Justin's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justneagle/
Learn More & Connect With Spot Migration -
Website: https://www.spotmigration.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/spot-migration
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spotmigration
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Spotmigration
Do you want to be a guest on the show? Go to https://buildingscale.net/guests
Need to discuss your IT and Cybersecurity Strategy? Go to https://buildingscale.net/help
(0:00) Why partner with smaller firms? & Introduction to the podcast
(1:25) Call to action for tech support & Guest introduction: Larry Lind
(2:42) Larry Lind's early career, education, and starting the firm
(7:20) Origin of the firm’s name & Benefits of partnering with larger firms
(9:08) Keys to successful partnerships & Value of relationships
(11:38) Examples of successful collaborations & Structuring partnerships
(16:20) Managing project paperwork and construction phases
(19:13) Future plans, succession, and working with family in the firm
(22:29) Vision and transitioning decision-making to the next generation
(24:17) Importance of mentorship & Hands-on design approach
(26:53) Impact of AI on architecture and construction & Ensuring quality
(32:15) Importance of programming in project planning & Investing in technology
(41:35) Impact of technology on collaboration & Evaluating software investments
(44:47) Evolution and challenges of Revit and technology in the industry
(47:03) Advice to your younger self & Technology adoption
(48:06) How to get in touch with Larry Lind & Closing remarks
...more
50min
December 16, 2025 You Have to Draw Your Line in the Sand with Megan Lopp - Green Couch Design
Megan Lopp discusses the evolution of Green Couch Design, detailing its journey and the origin of its unique name. She shares early challenges faced and the decision to launch the business while balancing family life. The episode explores Kale's architecture career and Green Couch Design's expansion, emphasizing team building and fostering a collaborative culture with remote work. Megan highlights growth in projects, including a notable story about a Montana brewery. She outlines the company's vision, future goals, and their contractor-friendly approach. Listeners are invited to visit Oklahoma City, with contact information provided for further engagement.
Connect with Megan Lopp -
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-lopp-315a5a88/
Website: https://www.greencouchdesign.net/
Connect with Justin & Will -
Will's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willforet/
Justin's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justneagle/
Learn More & Connect With Spot Migration -
Website: https://www.spotmigration.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/spot-migration
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spotmigration
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Spotmigration
Do you want to be a guest on the show? Go to https://buildingscale.net/guests
Need to discuss your IT and Cybersecurity Strategy? Go to https://buildingscale.net/help
(0:00) Introduction to Megan Lopp and Green Couch Design
(1:00) Overview of Green Couch Design's journey and name origin
(5:18) Early struggles and the decision to start Green Couch Design
(10:09) Balancing family and business growth
(16:13) Kale's architecture career and Green Couch Design's expansion
(20:39) Building a team and a collaborative culture with remote work
(25:35) Growth in projects and the Montana brewery story
(28:31) Vision and future goals for Green Couch Design
(32:22) Fostering a contractor-friendly approach
(37:12) Contact information and invitation to visit Oklahoma City
(38:58) Closing remarks, call to action, and final sign-off
...more
40min
December 09, 2025 If You're Not Growing, You're Dying with Chad Nikkel - Next Level Growth
Chad Nikkel shares his journey from building a roofing business to orchestrating its exit. He discusses entrepreneurial insights, merging ventures, and strategies for growth and resilience. Chad emphasizes building strong sales teams and effective strategies. He explores scaling systems, strategic planning, and revenue generation. The episode includes lessons from selling a business, covering deal structures, seller financing, and legal documents. Chad also reflects on his leadership in EO Arizona, giving back, and offers advice to his younger self.
Connect with Chad Nikkel -
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chadnikkel/
Website: https://nextlevelgrowth.com/chad-nikkel/
Connect with Justin & Will -
Will's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willforet/
Justin's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justneagle/
Learn More & Connect With Spot Migration -
Website: https://www.spotmigration.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/spot-migration
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spotmigration
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Spotmigration
Do you want to be a guest on the show? Go to https://buildingscale.net/guests
Need to discuss your IT and Cybersecurity Strategy? Go to https://buildingscale.net/help
(0:00) Introduction and Chad Nikkel's Roofing Business Exit
(1:26) Sponsor: buildingscale.net/health
(2:28) Chad Nikkel's Background and Entrepreneurial Journey
(3:33) Merging Business Ventures and Roofing Industry Success
(8:47) Challenges and Economic Resilience in Roofing
(10:26) Discussing Business Growth and Various Exits
(14:40) Building a Sales Team and Sales Strategy
(18:33) Traits of a Successful Salesperson and Manager
(27:07) Systems and Strategies for Scaling a Business
(29:23) Strategic Planning and Revenue Generation
(34:19) Sales Culture Across Different Industries
(36:00) Lessons from Selling a Business and Transaction Details
(39:24) Understanding Reps, Warranties, and Attorney Roles
(43:03) Deal Structure, Seller Financing, and Earn Outs
(47:19) The Importance of LOIs and Confidentiality in Transactions
(50:49) Chad's Involvement and Leadership in EO Arizona
(54:19) Giving Back and Advice to Younger Self
(57:00) Contact Information and Closing Remarks
...more
59min

FAQs about Building Scale:

How many episodes does Building Scale have?

The podcast currently has 170 episodes available.