One developer has improved their customer experience and increased sales after implementing digital tools to virtually sell new homes during the pandemic. Now that restrictions are being lifted, we discuss if virtual selling will last and why it should.

This week, Zach talks with Kris Maher, an architect who is also Vice President of Design at Rancho Mission Viejo, about how transitioning to selling virtually drove home sales. They also discuss how building materials manufacturers can reach more developers and builders, plus why you should consider B2C and not just B2B marketing.

For building product manufacturers, being innovative in your business is the only way to stay relevant and ahead of your competition. But “innovative” can be a little vague, right? We were excited to break that down on the podcast, so manufacturers can approach innovation in the construction industry with confidence.

In this episode, Zach and Beth talk with Peter Jacobson, a Business Designer at Panasonic, about how to stay competitive in building materials and making sure your products are both innovative and successful.

One question we hear from manufacturers all the time is, "Should I be on Houzz?” If you’re wondering about having a presence on the incredibly popular global platform (and if you’ll see results), this episode is for you.

This week, Zach and Beth chat with Liza Hausman, Vice President of Industry Marketing at Houzz, at length about how manufacturers can make the most out of being on Houzz. Whether you’re launching a new product or want to reach more homeowners and professionals, Liza has some strategies for manufacturers who want to grow their business this year

Manufacturers today have a lot of competition. They have to market themselves strategically so that architects and designers will specify them on a project. But with the right tactics, you can stand out from other building materials brands and keep your products in the spec.

In this episode, Zach and Beth talk with Brooke Collins, the Regional Manager for the Florida division of Builders Design, about housing trends and product specifications in the building process, and how manufacturers can play a bigger role in the design decisions she makes.

The construction labor shortage is one of the biggest problems we’re facing in the building materials industry today. But there’s one manufacturer who has tackled that issue head-on, and their sales have grown exponentially because of the solutions they’ve come up with.

This week, Zach and Beth talk with Jay Small, President of Precision Building Systems (PBS), a manufacturer/installer hybrid with locations in Colorado and Utah. PBS provides turn-key construction solutions for the builders and contractors they partner with, and Jay gave us some insight into how they make it all work — and how they’re so successful.

Are you wondering what all the recent shifts in the building materials industry mean for the next era of construction? Whether it’s broader adoption of technology or more vertical integration in businesses, we explore what’s going to happen to the lumber dealer and ConTech companies like Katerra.

In this episode, Zach talks with Greg Brooks, the moderator of the Executive Council on Construction Supply, about what opportunities are available to lumber dealers and how they can stay ahead of more industry changes in upcoming years.

How often do those of us in the building industry really consider how humans behave in their built environments? For architects like Dan Swift, it’s always top of mind. He gave us some awesome insights on how building materials brands will need to navigate the very near future of home construction.

Zach also talked with Dan about how people use the spaces they’re in, and how home design needs to change to accommodate those behaviors.

How effective is your multifamily builder/developer marketing and sales strategy? One size doesn’t fit all. This week, we explore what's happening in the multifamily space, as well as what building materials manufacturers can be doing to better serve and support the needs of developers.

Zach talks with Michael Padavic, the chief design officer at StoryBuilt, a firm that builds and develops in several of the largest cities in the United States. Since Michael is a developer/builder/architect, he has a unique vantage point and offers key insights and advice that building product manufacturers can leverage. 

The housing market has shifted dramatically, becoming increasingly more expensive. If you’re wondering how to effectively sell to builders and take advantage of the recent changes in new construction, including the need for entry-level housing, we’ve got a few great ideas for you.

This week, Zach connected with someone who knows the ins and outs of the home-building market. Carla Sevilla, owner of Chanticleer Properties and principal of Glenwood Homes, shares how building materials manufacturers can navigate (and sell to) builders in the entry-level housing market.

More brands have realized that their traditional ways of selling building materials to customers just isn’t working. Let’s take a look at three manufacturers whose selling strategies are working, along with some tips to help you sell better.

This week, Zach and Beth talk with Brett Thorne, operations officer at Thorne Lumber and host of the new podcast Building the Future. Brett has seen the building materials industry from the inside and offers his insights into the issues lumber dealers and their customers are facing.