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Want a grounded look at what actually drives housing costs in the Flathead Valley—and what can realistically bring them down? We sit down with Mark Friedline, executive officer of the Flathead Building Association, to break down the practical levers that matter most: smart advocacy, safer jobsites, streamlined permitting, and a coordinated local workforce strategy. Mark’s unconventional path from outdoor educator and university program leader to industry advocate gives him a systems-level view of how people, policy, and process intersect in real construction timelines and real home prices.

The conversation zeroes in on solutions already in motion—aligning local setbacks with international standards to unlock usable space, reducing delays through clearer permitting, and supporting builders with monthly safety trainings, mock OSHA walkthroughs, and plain-language guidance on compliance. But the heart of the episode is workforce. With retirements far outpacing new entrants, Mark outlines how paid high-school internships, college partnerships, and the launch of ACE—an after-school architecture, construction, and engineering program—are building a homegrown talent pipeline. The goal is direct and urgent: increase capacity, reduce risk, and lower long-term housing costs by investing locally and early.

Heart of the Flathead is brought to you by:

• Glacier Investment Management
• Whitefish Financial Services

Heart of the Flathead, is produced by David Wigginton, in partnership with LeftBrainRightBrain Marketing. Listeners can find the podcast online at HeartoftheFlathead.com and LeftBrainRightBrain Marketing at lbrbm.com. The content for Heart of the Flathead podcasts and any show notes and transcripts are copyrighted by David Wigginton. All rights are reserved. Reproduction and rebroadcasting, in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited without written permission. Contact David Wigginton by clicking the Send Us a Text link at the top of the episode description.

Disclaimer

The views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or production team. Appearance on the show does not constitute an endorsement of any goods, services, or opinions discussed. This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional, legal, medical, or financial advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making decisions based on the content of this show.