Construction Disruption

In this episode of the Construction Disruption podcast, host Todd Miller interviews returning guest Eric Finnegan, Vice President of Building Products Research and Demographics at John Burns Research and Consulting.

Todd and Eric explore current and future trends in the construction and remodeling industries, including insights on housing market shifts, the impact of COVID-19, the skilled labor shortage, and innovations in building materials. Eric shares valuable data on population movements, the growing importance of the suburbs, and the implications for housing demand and remodeling. They also discuss the evolving needs and preferences across different generations, from baby boomers to millennials and Gen Z, and highlight innovative products that address today's challenges in the construction industry.

Timestamps

02:01 Introducing Eric Finnegan: A Repeat Guest with Insightful Industry Perspectives

03:16 Deep Dive into John Burns Research and Consulting

07:28 The Impact of COVID-19 on the Housing Market

12:36 2023 Census Insights: Population Shifts and Housing Demand

17:57 Remodeling Trends and Predictions: A Look Ahead

23:51 Advice for New Contractors: Navigating the Remodeling Market

27:40 Exploring Housing Trends Across Generations

28:30 Millennials and Homeownership: A Shift in Trends

32:01 The Future of Housing Demand: Generational Insights

33:15 Innovations in Building Materials and Construction

Connect with Eric Online

Follow Eric on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/EricFinnigan

Connect with Eric on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericfinnigan1/

Check out John Burns Research and Consulting: https://jbrec.com/

Remodeling map mentioned by Eric

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This episode was produced by Isaiah Industries, Inc.

Uncover the unexpected impact of interior design on emotions with Blima Ehrentreu. Her inspiring journey, from watching her childhood home being rebuilt to revolutionizing interior design, will leave you in awe. Discover the surprising influence of nature on her design philosophy and how she's leveraging AR (augmented reality) and VR (virtual reality) to create immersive experiences. Tune in to this episode of Construction Disruption to learn more about Blima's game-changing approach to interior design and her secrets to success.

In this episode, we discuss:

· How interior design can positively influence emotions and create uplifting spaces.

· How to design spaces with clear purpose and intention, making every element count.

· Explore the exciting trends and possibilities of using virtual reality in interior design.

· Common challenges faced in interior design projects and applying practical solutions.

· The potential of leveraging AI to enhance and streamline the creative design process.

Today, our guest is Blima Ehrentreu, the visionary founder, CEO, and principal interior designer of The Designers Group. With offices in New York, Toronto, and Miami, her firm is revolutionizing interior design standards. Blima's journey into the world of construction and interior design began with the rebuilding of her childhood home, igniting a passion that has driven her to create purposeful and innovative design solutions. Her unique approach and dedication make her an invaluable guest, offering insights and inspiration for aspiring interior designers and architects seeking to make a meaningful impact through innovative design solutions.

Visit the Designers Group website at thedesignersgroup.com to learn more about their interior design services and projects.

Connect with the Designers Group on social media:

Facebook

Instagram

LinkedIn

X (Twitter)

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This episode was produced by Isaiah Industries, Inc.

If you're feeling overwhelmed by the constant struggle to find skilled labor and keep up with construction demands, then you are not alone! The skilled labor shortage is causing major headaches and hindering the growth and success of many builders and architects. But what if I told you there's a way to navigate these challenges and even thrive in this ever-changing landscape? Let's dive into some game-changing insights and strategies to revolutionize your approach to construction.

In this episode:

• We discuss the latest trends shaping the future of construction design and innovation.
• Uncover the significant impact of the skilled labor shortage on the construction industry and how it affects future projects.
• Explore the benefits and potential revolution of 3D printing technology in the construction sector.
• Learn about the latest advancements in sustainable and energy-efficient building techniques, and how they can shape future projects.
• Understand the role of AI in driving future construction and design practices, and how it's poised to transform the industry.

Our guest today, Kyle Bobbitt, is a seasoned professional in the construction industry and brings over two decades of experience as an unlimited licensed general contractor. Hailing from Wake Forest, North Carolina, Kyle's expertise lies in building custom homes and other structures in North Carolina, Florida, and Tennessee, with project sizes ranging from 1 million to $50 million. His company, Kyle Bobbitt, LLC, is renowned for its contemporary design with a European flair, reflecting a unique and creative approach to construction. With a family history deeply rooted in construction, Kyle's passion and insights promise an engaging discussion on the trends and challenges shaping the future of the industry.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:00:00 - Introducing Kyle Bobbitt and his company

00:03:32 - Booming new construction market in North Carolina

00:09:05 - Challenges with skilled labor shortage

00:12:27 - Sustainable design and evolving construction industry

00:13:39 - Unusual client requests

00:14:20 - Importance of Custom Home Building

00:15:36 - The Future of Construction

00:17:30 - AI's Impact on Construction

00:19:10 - Innovations in Building Materials

00:26:12 - Advice for Aspiring Builders

00:28:25 - Opportunities for Women in Construction

00:29:11 - Rapid Fire Questions

00:35:48 - Contact Information

00:36:44 - Fun Moments and Parting Thoughts

Connect with Kyle Bobbitt:

Website

Facebook

Houzz

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This episode was produced by Isaiah Industries, Inc.

“I don’t care how much money he’s got in the bank. That’s not wealth. Wealth is having a business that works for you so that you can go do the things that you want to do with your life. Your life should not be your business. The business is only a vehicle to fund your life.”

Brian Kaskavalciyan, Marketing Strategist

After a career of successes and failures, Brian Kaskavalciyan now shares his experiences of becoming a wealthy contractor. We all have different definitions of wealth and success, and Brian helps his clients achieve their goals and revolutionize their businesses.

Brian challenges the established mindset of business owners and entrepreneurs through his book, The 7 Secrets to Becoming a Wealthy Contractor, podcast, live events, and website. He changes the lives of business owners by defining their goals and creating systems to reach them.

Topics discussed in this interview:

- Brian’s start as an entrepreneur

- The difference between a business owner and an entrepreneur

- Is owning a franchised business right for everyone?

- Founding gFour marketing

- Going beyond lead generation

- The law of reciprocity

- Thanking customers and keeping a good reputation

- Brian’s book, The 7 Secrets to Becoming a Wealthy Contractor

- His experience running a podcast

- Transitioning your business to a higher profit

- Defining your goals and your reasons for wanting them

- The customer experience

- Rapid fire questions

Break out of the mold and start working towards your business goals today. Visit Brian’s website, where you can get a free copy of his book: https://www.thewealthycontractor.com/

For more Construction Disruption, listen on Apple Podcasts or YouTube

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This episode was produced by Isaiah Industries, Inc.

“This is an opportunity kind of like when the Internet came about. I mean, we're in a time right now that either one of two things is going to happen. Either you're going to get on board [with AI], or you're going to be left way behind.”

- Corey Berrier, Co-Founder at AI Automations Group, Author, and Host of Successful Life Podcast

In this episode, Corey shares his opinions and ideas on the relevance of Artificial Intelligence to home services providers. We also hear about his experiences and efforts as a business coach and advice on getting past common roadblocks.

Tune in for more information on AI, whether or not you should get on board, and how it could affect your business in the future. Also, hear about Corey’s podcast and the biggest lesson he’s learned from it.

Topics discussed in this interview:

- Corey’s current spot and some challenges he’s faced along the way

- Learning from failure

- What does Corey enjoy most about his job?

- Key advice for business owners

- Dealing with AI’s rate of change

- A novel use for AI in roofing

- NLP and everyday communication

- The power of active listening

- Realizing the power of his podcast

- Advice for younger folks entering the industry

- Rapid fire questions

Check out Corey’s website, read his book 9 Simple Steps to Sell More $h!t, tune in to his podcast, or email him at [email protected]

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This episode was produced by Isaiah Industries, Inc.

“The biggest thing for me as a salesperson is to remember that you are responsible for the result of your communication. You are responsible for all your communication because you want to be. You need to get a point across. It doesn't serve you to say she misunderstood me. He didn't get me. That's not what I meant. They misinterpreted. None of that serves you. What serves you is getting your point across.”

-- Frank Somma, Sales Expert and Professional Speaker at the Somma Group

After COVID forced the advent of video conferencing and only heightened our reliance on digital communication, sales expert Frank Somma wants to remind us that we talk, sell, and function best in person. An experienced sales leader, Frank joins us to speak on neurolinguistic programming, relational selling, and more.

Tune in for insights on taking your sales career to the next level or empowering your sales team to reach new heights. Frank shares wisdom on AI and the future of sales, too. As we hurtle towards an increasingly digital world, don’t forget the power of speaking face-to-face.

Topics discussed in this interview:

- Frank’s start in sales and his journey to the present

- A look at The Somma Group and Frank’s offerings

- His book, B2B is Really P2P- How to Win with High Touch in a High Tech World

- Face-to-face communication vs digital

- Our overreliance on tech as a replacement

- NLP or neurolinguistic programming

- Tailoring your communication style to your audience

- Learning from the best

- How to get through to poor performers

- Challenging the stereotype of the salesperson

- Frank’s thoughts on AI

- Key advice for advancing in sales

- Rapid fire questions

To get in touch with Frank, visit his website: franksomma.com. Also, check out his book, B2B is Really P2P- How to Win with High Touch in a High Tech World.

For more Construction Disruption, listen on Apple Podcasts or YouTube

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This episode was produced by Isaiah Industries, Inc.

“The number one driver of employee safety engagement, performance improvement, quality, and productivity is not a t-shirt, a ball cap, a pizza party, nor is it a bigger 4011k plan or even working from home. The single biggest driver of employee morale, engagement, and mental health is when my boss looks me in the eye and sincerely says, ‘Bill, here’s what you did for safety. You reported that near hit. You capped the rebar, and here’s why that matters. You let one of your coworkers go home safe tonight.’”

-- Bill Sims, Jr., President at The Bill Sims Company and Keynote Speaker

After extensive experience as a leadership and educational speaker, Bill Sims, Jr. has dialed in one base principle that improves safety, morale, and employee motivation. By positively reinforcing desired behaviors, employees are safer and more productive, fostering a growing culture for company-wide change.

Join us as we interview Bill on his journey to this realization and learn from his experiences implementing his ideas at large and small companies, both in construction and outside the industry. Sometimes, truly disruptive ideas like positive reinforcement come from other areas of life and, when applied elsewhere, create massive change.

Topics discussed in this interview:

- Positive reinforcement in a construction setting

- Why apply this concept to job site safety?

- Focusing on construction as the next major area of opportunity for innovation

- What really motivates behavior change?

- Lessons learned from experiments and attempts

- What motivators are most effective?

- How do different generations respond to different methods of motivation?

- What does working with Bill Sims, Jr. look like?

- Consequences and behavior modification

- The role of company culture

- Teaching leadership at Disney

- Safety unicorns?

- Rapid fire questions

Visit Bill’s website to learn more, hire him to speak, or pick up a copy of his book, Green Beans and Ice Cream.

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This episode was produced by Isaiah Industries, Inc.

“[With mass timber,] you get a beautiful building as the end result that people want to work in. People want to be in it, and they want to tell that story. The other side of that is the speed of delivery of the product. You know, when you're essentially creating offsite materials and bringing it to the job site, your speed of delivery is very quick.”

-- Arnie Didier, COO of Forest Business Network

Mass timber is a new term for an old but still developing field. While glulam beams are nothing new, CLT or cross-laminated timber is paving the way for widespread adoption across the globe. Featured in buildings from single-story homes to 25-story high rises, mass timber is quickly becoming popular and prevalent.

Our guest, Arnie Didier, has decades of experience in the industry and shares his take on the current state of mass timber in construction and housing and what the future holds for this trending technology. Join us as we hear from Arnie and learn from his experience in forestry, business, and management.

Topics discussed in this interview:

- Introducing Arnie Didier

- Arnie’s path to working in mass timber

- Resources for learning more about mass timber

- Why is mass timber effective?

- Where will the industry go next?

- Market adoption and growing industry familiarity

- The International Mass Timber Conference

- A diverse and growing industry for all

- Construction and building in Montana

- Mass timber’s potential role in new developments

- Rapid fire questions

Visit forestbusinessnetwork.com to get plugged into the mass timber industry, and sign up for their newsletter, too. You can send Arnie an email at [email protected].

Also mentioned: International Mass Timber Conference, OnX Maps

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This episode was produced by Isaiah Industries, Inc.

“We’re not making museums. And I believe that a building has to be usable to be preserved. There are definite historic features that we advocate for retaining that make the building what it is. But I believe that you should be able to add modern amenities and things that make it work for our modern needs.”

-- Danielle Keperling, COO of Keperling Preservation Services

Although America is a relatively young country, you can find historic buildings in communities all over. Every state has buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places and many more buildings in varying states of disrepair.

Danielle Keperling developed a love for restoring historic buildings after growing up working for her parent’s restoration business. Now the part owner with her husband, she helps Keperling Preservation Services transform projects into complete buildings.

Listen in as Danielle shares an inside look into the details of historic restoration, including several notable projects her company has completed.

Topics discussed in this interview:

- Danielle’s path to her career in historical restoration

- What does Keperling Preservation Service do?

- Danielle’s mindset on maintaining historical accuracy or allowing modern convenience

- Operating from Lancaster, PA, a historically significant city

- The difficulty of finding passionate workers for historical work

- Info on the Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster County

- The difference between historic preservation and historic restoration

- Historic restoration contractors

- Which criteria does Danielle look for when considering whether or not to save a building?

- Working for private vs publicly owned buildings

- How receptive are manufacturers to making new parts for historic work?

- When are engineers involved with restoration projects?

- What kind of grants are available to private or public projects?

- Advice for new members of the construction industry

- Rapid fire questions

Visit Keperling Preservation Services’s website, practicalpreservationservices.com, or send Danielle an email at [email protected].

Titles mentioned: The Choice

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This episode was produced by Isaiah Industries, Inc.

“Anytime a salesperson is in front of a buyer, that buyer is asking themselves why, based off all the options available to me, should I buy from you? And if we can’t answer that question in a real, meaningful, impactful way, we are driving them to a price decision that we don’t want them to get to anyway. So, you have to be able to answer that question on both sides.”

-- Brian McCauley, Founder of The Sales Guy and Columnist for Pro Sales

Wisdom often comes at the cost of experience and mistakes. Our featured guest for this episode has sales experience in spades and shares it with us through stories and insights from his career.

Brian McCauley, The Sales Guy, has been in construction sales for nearly thirty years. He is happy to deliver some pearls of wisdom he’s picked up, like dealing with a common problem many salespeople face that almost derailed his career, and four lessons from his recent travels.

Topics discussed in this interview:

- How did Brian start in sales?

- Brian’s current responsibilities

- Who does he read/watch/listen to for sales advice?

- Writing and inspiration for content

- Approaching sales teams in B2C and B2B

- The biggest challenge many salespeople face

- Introducing emotion into the sales process

- Scripted vs. prepared presentations

- What does Brian look for in a salesperson?

- Narrowing down potential candidates for a position

- What is the post-COVID sales landscape like?

- Being genuine is key to sales success

- Advice on social media

- The importance of getting out there and actively searching for leads

- Advice for newer salespeople

- Rapid fire questions

Check out Brian’s website, brianthesalesguy.com, email him at [email protected], or find him on LinkedIn or Facebook.

Titles mentioned: Never Split the Difference

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This episode was produced by Isaiah Industries, Inc.