Friends of Build Magazine

Ted speaks with Mark Johnson, a fourth-generation stonemason and the owner of Architectural Stone. Mark shares his journey from working with his father's masonry business to establishing his own company that specializes in high-end stonework. He discusses notable projects, including the restoration of the Parthenon and collaborations with famous clients like T. Boone Pickens and George W. Bush. Mark emphasizes the importance of quality, education, and innovation in the construction industry, as well as his excitement for future endeavors, including new product lines featuring petrified wood.

TOPICS DISCUSSED

• 01:10 Introduction to Mark Johnson and His Journey
• 02:10 The Evolution of Mark's Career in Stonework
• 04:15 High-Profile Projects: Rockefeller and Ralph Lauren
• 08:36 Restoration of the Parthenon: A Unique Challenge
• 16:15 Working with Notable Clients: T. Boone Pickens and George W. Bush
• 27:25 Innovations in Stonework and Engineering
• 40:50 The Importance of Quality and Education in Construction
• 51:00 Future Endeavors and New Product Lines

CONNECT WITH GUEST

Mark Johnson

• Website
• Instagram
• LinkedIn

KEY QUOTES FROM EPISODE

• "I'm a fourth-generation stonemason."
• "It was pretty much hush hush and we couldn't really tell anyone. And they didn't want anybody to think there were American people working on the Parthenon."
• "There was no such thing as a single shaft monolithic column that big in the world that we know"

Ted speaks with Matt Segerstrom owner of Modern Splendor Homes. Matt’s unique journey from a dairy farm in Wisconsin to becoming a successful entrepreneur in the construction industry is littered with challenges and obstacles that he persevered and overcame. Together, Ted and Matt explore the importance of trade skills, the challenges faced in the construction industry, and the significance of family dynamics and parenting. Matt shares insights on the Desert Dreams project, the role of technology in modern homes, and the necessity of having a strong design team. The conversation concludes with reflections on the future of the construction industry and the importance of resilience and adaptability in achieving success.

TOPICS DISCUSSED

• 1:05 Introduction and Background
• 03:15 Career Path and Early Experiences
• 09:20 Transition to Construction and Entrepreneurship
• 08:53 Family Dynamics and Parenting
• 14:00 The Importance of Trade Skills
• 20:20 Navigating Challenges in the Construction Industry
• 22:00 Desert Dreams Project Overview
• 30:30 Technology in Modern Homes
• 37:20 Building Relationships with Clients
• 39:00 Future of Modern Splendor Homes
• 41:15 The Role of Design in Construction
• 45:25 Final Thoughts and Reflections

CONNECT WITH GUEST

Matthew Segerstrom

• Website
• Instagram
• LinkedIn

KEY QUOTES FROM EPISODE

• "I think the American dream has never been better."
• "A firm believer in a little bit of adversity can go a long ways."
• "We get the opportunity to build other people's dreams."

Ted speaks with Christian Nickum, president of Rocky Mountain Hardware, discussing the journey of taking over the family business, navigating economic challenges, and the importance of brand identity. Christian shares insights on adapting to design trends, educating dealers and customers, and the significance of collaborations with designers in the longevity of his business. The conversation also touches on production techniques, staffing challenges, and the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, culminating in a vision for the future of the company.

TOPICS DISCUSSED

• 01:15 Introduction and Background
• 01:55 Taking Over the Family Business
• 04:40 Growth and Challenges in Business
• 06:25 Navigating Economic Downturns
• 11:10 Brand Identity and Market Positioning
• 14:15 Educating Dealers and Customers
• 18:40 Production Techniques and Custom Work
• 20:20 The Traveling Road Show
• 21:50 Success in High-End Markets
• 25:05 Timeless Design and Natural Materials
• 27:45 Design collaborations
• 31:40 Learning from Failure and innovation
• 36:30 Staffing Challenges in a Specialized Industry
• 38:30 Managing Sales and Production
• 40:15 Lessons from COVID-19
• 41:05 The future and wrapping up

CONNECT WITH GUEST

Christian Nickum

• Website
• Instagram
• LinkedIn

KEY QUOTES FROM EPISODE

• "I wanted to do this for years."
• "Rocky Mountain is a household name."
• "We never attempt not to make mistakes."

Ted speaks with Mike Pollari of Timberpeg Homes based in New Hampshire. Timber Peg Homes has decades of experience building and designing timber frame and log homes, and Mike highlights the importance of technology in the industry and how it has changed the way homes are built. He also talks about the evolving preferences of clients, from contemporary designs to the resurgence of log homes, and emphasizes the company's focus on customer service and the attention to detail in the design and construction process. Timber frame homes can bring unique challenges to a build site, and Mike addresses meeting those challenges head on to build a custom home that can stand the test of time.

TOPICS DISCUSSED

• 02:05 Introduction 
• 03:20 The Impact of Technology on Home Building
• 05:35 WHS Homes and timber framing
• 09:15 Customization and Personalization in Home Design
• 11:20 The Appeal of Timber Frame and Log Homes
• 17:10 Next ten years, industry shifts
• 22:20 The Importance of Customer Service in the Construction Process
• 30:00 Building in Different Climate Zones
• 32:30 Collaboration in Timber Frame Construction
• 34:00 Making Connections and the Grind
• 45:00 Differentiating from Competitors
• 48:15 Simplicity and Trust in the Building Process
• 52:30 Wrap up

CONNECT WITH GUEST

Mike Pollari

• Website
• Instagram
• Facebook

KEY QUOTES FROM EPISODE

• "Timber frame homes can provide a beautiful aesthetic even in areas with heavy snow and wind loads."
• "Ultimately, I think that, you know, an architect doesn't want to create a situation where there's going to be callbacks and issues with the house, but they have this vision of the home and how, you know, how they want it to look."
• "So that really changes on each project. We do projects where we're working directly with a builder who is creating a, maybe they're doing a 7,000 square foot home in Texas for a client and we're providing just the timber frame in the great room."

Ted speaks with Hunter Dominick, an interior designer based in Whitefish, Montana, who discusses her design philosophy and the challenges of creating diverse styles for her clients. She emphasizes the importance of early involvement in the planning process to ensure functional and well-designed spaces. Hunter also highlights the significance of incorporating personal items and sentimental pieces into the design. She discusses the value of American-made furniture and appliances and the shift towards supporting local artisans. After spending 25 years in Whitefish, Montana, she discusses her design process, the growth of the design community in Whitefish, and the misconceptions about interior designers in the industry. She emphasizes the importance of collaboration between designers, contractors, and clients to create successful projects. Overall, she is proud of her team and the ability to create beautiful and functional spaces for her clients.

TOPICS DISCUSSED

• 01:05 Introduction and Background
• 04:50 Design Philosophy and Influences
• 08:30 Challenges of Creating Diverse Styles
• 10:05 The Importance of Early Involvement for an Interior Designer
• 21:15 Building a business in Whitefish Montana
• 25:12 The Value of a Showroom and Creating a Design Center 
• 27:25 The Growth of the Design Community in Whitefish
• 31:00 The Tipping Point for Whitefish's Growth
• 34:15 Pride in the Team and Longevity in the Business
• 38:15 Blending Different Design Elements
• 40:35 Keeping Up with Suppliers and Changing Trends 
• 44:15 The Challenges and Advancements in Lighting Design
• 46:35 Overcoming Misconceptions about Interior Designers
• 51:55 How to connect and wrap up

CONNECT WITH GUEST

Hunter Dominick 

• Website
• Instagram
• Facebook

KEY QUOTES FROM EPISODE

• "I think that's what makes a really interesting home, is when it's not so expected and it's kind of melding these visions that typically wouldn't be put together."
• "The fixed finishes and equipment end of the design profession is probably more important than anything on the back end."
• "I'm proud of my team. We have a great team and everybody works really hard."

Ted speaks with Allison Campbell, founder of Allison Campbell Design in Utah. By building trust with her clients and practicing strong communication, Allison has scaled her interior design business to new heights. She shares with Ted how she tailors a design to each client’s personality, and the simple tricks she uses to keep each project unique. Her approach is focused on creating a welcoming and functional feel in every home, regardless of the style or design preferences. She shares her passion for her work and the excitement she feels every day, even in the mundane aspects of the job. Allison believes in constantly learning and growing in her field and encourages others to embrace failure and continue educating themselves. 

TOPICS DISCUSSED

• 01:10 Introduction and Anticipation
• 04:10 The Value and the Role of the Interior Designer as an Advocate
• 08:45 Communication and Decision-Making
• 12:00 Budgeting and Prioritizing in Design
• 15:55 The Importance of a Design Book
• 18:20 Creating a Feel in Every Home
• 21:50 Building Trust and Collaboration
• 26:20 The Designer's Problem-Solving Role
• 28:25 Creating Unique and Personalized Homes
• 30:20 Overcoming Intimidation and Building Trust
• 34:40 Passion and Excitement in the Field
• 42:50 Involve an interior designer immediately
• 44:15 Exciting projects
• 46:00 Continual Learning and Embracing Failure
• 48:25 The Importance of Education
• 49:25 The project that you’ve reflected on most
• 52:25 Getting in touch  

CONNECT WITH GUEST

Allison Campbell

• Website
• Instagram
• Facebook

KEY QUOTES FROM EPISODE

• "Communication, whether it's positive or negative, is key throughout."
• "Everybody has versions of the same personality."
• "I remind myself, wait, I can do this. Like, they're coming to me because I know what I'm doing."

Ted speaks with Dan Weber and Tony Schonhardt of Anacapa Architecture. They discuss their experiences in the architecture industry and their work on various projects. They talk about their backgrounds and how they ended up in Santa Barbara, the challenges they faced during the 2008 recession, and the growth of their firm. The conversation focuses on one specific project, an off-the-grid guest house, and the difficulties they encountered during the entitlement and construction process. They also touch on the concept of building green and sustainable design. The conversation explores the power of architecture to inspire and connect people to nature. The architects discuss the importance of creating tranquil and low-tech spaces that promote a sense of calmness and quiet. They also touch on the influence of Frank Lloyd Wright and the value of travel in shaping their design approach. The architects emphasize the significance of building strong relationships with clients and the impact it has on creating a better living experience. They express excitement about upcoming projects, including a world-class house and hotels in various locations.

TOPICS DISCUSSED

• 01:05 Introduction and Background
• 04:35 Experiences in Santa Barbara
• 08:17 Challenges of the 2008 Recession
• 15:05 Biggest challenges on exciting projects
• 17:17 Building Off-the-Grid
• 21:20 Approach to Green Building
• 24:55 Inspiring and Connecting People to Nature
• 27:05 Creating Tranquil and Low-Tech Spaces
• 31:35 The Influence of Frank Lloyd Wright
• 40:00 The Value of Travel in Shaping Design Approach
• 42:10 Building Strong Relationships with Clients
• 50:45 Exciting Upcoming Projects

CONNECT WITH GUEST

Tony Schonhardt and Dan Weber

• Website
• LinkedIn
• Instagram

KEY QUOTES FROM EPISODE

• "The real opportunity for a project like that is not so much that we're making any demonstrable dent in improving the community or the place from a sustainability standpoint, but what we're doing is inspiring a lot of people."
• "When I look at your projects, there seems to be less chaos, more tranquility."
• "We're big fans of technology, but our buildings are low-tech. The more pure the state of the material is, the better."

Ted speaks with Kate O'Hara, CEO and creative director for O'Hara Interiors. She shares insights from her mother, Martha, who founded the company, and what it’s been like to take over a family business. Ted and Kate cover the importance of delegation, processes and procedures, and the significance of personal interactions in their line of work. Kate also shares her insight into creating custom furniture and the rewards of building strong relationships with clients.

TOPICS DISCUSSED

• 01:00 Introduction and Technical Difficulties
• 02:25 The Influence of Kate's Grandfather and Her mother’s journey 
• 05:25 Lessons from Martha on Running a Business
• 09:10 Expanding into Austin and Business Development
• 11:55 The Significance of Photo Shoots in Showcasing Design Work
• 13:40 Balancing Big Picture Thinking and Attention to Detail
• 15:00 Transitioning from Entrepreneurship to Structured Growth
• 21:35 Expanding into New Markets and Assessing Opportunities
• 26:10 The Difference Between Remote Work and On-Site Interaction
• 32:30 Building Strong Client Relationships
• 40:55 Transitioning into a Family Business
• 44:55 Custom furniture lines
• 49:00 The Intersection of Art and Interior Design
• 51:50 Conclusion

CONNECT WITH GUEST

Kate O’Hara

• Website
• LinkedIn
• Instagram

KEY QUOTES FROM EPISODE

• "You always want to punch up, not down."
• "Being on site makes it easier to understand the terrain, colors, and environment."
• "The level of client involvement varies based on the type of home being designed."

Ted speaks with Brad Leavitt, founder of AFT Construction in Scottsdale, AZ. From his beginnings as an electrician to running a successful and award-winning custom home building business, Brad shares his insights on leadership, hiring the best people, and building a brand. Through the many challenges and mistakes, Brad has persevered and learned how to overcome the obstacles in his path. Now a successful entrepreneur, he shares with Ted how he encourages the younger generation, how he retains a stellar staff, and where his company is headed next.

TOPICS DISCUSSED

• 02:20 Brad's Rise in the Construction Industry
• 04:40 Putting together a good team
• 07:50 The Role of Interior Designers in Construction
• 11:55 Building a Brand, Financial Management, and Systems and Processes
• 18:20 Allowing Yourself to Fail and Learning from Mistakes
• 20:55 Dealing with Shiny Object Syndrome
• 21:55 The Importance of Optimism in Leadership
• 26:25 Exciting New Relationships and Rising Stars
• 28:15 The Impact of AI on the Building Community
• 30:55 The Potential of Robots in Construction
• 32:35 The Toyota Five Principles of Problem-Solving
• 38:20 Managing client expectations and change orders
• 41:15 The Importance of Trade Skills for the Younger Generation
• 46:35 Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
• 47:45 Building a Strong Online Presence through Social Media

CONNECT WITH GUEST

Brad Leavitt

• Website
• LinkedIn
• Instagram

KEY QUOTES FROM EPISODE

• "Leadership is about showing empathy and caring for your team."
• "Building a brand is crucial for business growth and success."
• "AI is going to change... how manufacturers are operating."

Episode Notes 

Ted speaks with Kaitlyn Wolfe, founder of Iconic, a design build firm located in Scottsdale, AZ. A newer builder in the market, she highlights the importance of work-life balance in the industry and the need for continuous growth and adaptation in business. Kaitlyn discusses her approach to managing her time and projects, as well as her journey in the design industry. She emphasizes the importance of staying organized and also shares her experience working on various types of projects, from small remodels to large-scale renovations, and the turning point in her career when she realized she had something special. She discusses her passion for both residential and commercial design and her plans to focus on projects that align with her aesthetic vision. Kaitlyn also highlights the importance of being open to change and having a positive mindset in a fast-paced industry. Join Ted as he hears a new perspective in an aging industry.

TOPICS DISCUSSED

• 01:05 Introduction and Background
• 03:00 Starting a Business Based on Passion
• 04:35 Embracing Change and Building a Strong Team
• 08:08 The Importance of Face-to-Face Communication
• 11:50 Finding Inspiration and Recharging Through Travel
• 16:25 Setting Goals and Celebrating Success
• 19:30 Mastering Time and Project Management
• 23:45 Finding Success in Residential Design
• 28:35 Owning a business is hard
• 32:11 How do you see the business growing?
• 39:22 Exciting Projects Coming Up
• 43:10 Building a Strong Team and Cultivating Growth

CONNECT WITH GUEST

Kaitlyn Wolfe

• Website
• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• Youtube

KEY QUOTES FROM EPISODE

• "I think I just went into it like, this is my passion, this is what I love to do."
• "It's important to constantly look at your processes because you're going to change over time."
• "Face-to-face is always going to trump every other type of communication."