In this episode of the Strong Conversations Podcast – Building the Brand Series, host Sam Marcoux sits down with Rob and Travis Kerrick, the father-son team at the heart of United Production Framing. With nearly 70 years of combined experience, the Kerricks have helped shape thousands of homes across Southern California—and their story is as much about family as it is about construction.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

- How Rob and Travis’s personal bond translated into professional success

- Rob’s journey from loading lumber at 15 to being one of the first to install Simpson’s original Strong-Wall

- How Travis went from pursuing kinesiology to discovering his passion in construction management

- Why their family-like approach to business has helped create lasting industry relationships

- Their perspective on what’s next for framing and the growing role of innovation and technology

Whether they’re racing trophy trucks in Baja or managing multi-family builds, the Kerricks bring energy, trust, and respect to everything they do. This episode is a conversation about legacy—what it means to build homes, careers, and community together.

In this episode of the Strong Conversations Podcast – Building the Brand Series, host Sam Marcoux sits down with John Kelly, founder of the Kelly Design Group, to discuss his journey from a hands-on builder to one of the most well-known structural engineers in Las Vegas. John’s story is one of resilience, ambition, and overcoming incredible odds—including surviving a near-fatal accident that reshaped his outlook on life and business.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

- How John’s early hands-on experience in construction gives him a unique perspective as an engineer

- His journey from framing jobs in college to leading a top design firm

- The accident that left him with 28 broken bones—and how he fought his way back

- How that experience influenced his decision to start his own company with just $30,000 and one client

- The importance of real communication and relationships in business

- Why panelization and off-site construction are shaping the future of the industry

John’s story is about more than just structural engineering—it’s about determination, adaptability, and never backing down from a challenge. Whether you’re in the construction industry or looking for inspiration to take your own risks, this episode is full of valuable insights.

In this episode of the Strong Conversations Podcast – Building the Brand Series, host Sam Marcoux sits down with Brian Larrabure, a trailblazer in the construction industry who took an unconventional path to success. Unlike many who are born into the trade or stumble into it, Brian was drawn to construction from a young age, shaping his own path with determination and a drive to build something lasting.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

- How Brian went from critiquing curb appeal as a kid to leading a major framing and panelization company

- The unconventional career journey that led him from digging ditches to managing multi-million-dollar projects

- Why he bet on panelization before the industry was ready—and how it helped his company survive the 2008 recession

- The value of hands-on leadership and how an early mentor reshaped his approach to business

- Lessons in differentiation, customer service, and long-term thinking in a highly competitive industry

Brian’s story is about more than just construction—it’s about recognizing opportunity, betting on innovation, and leading with integrity. Whether you’re in the building industry or looking for lessons in entrepreneurship, this episode offers valuable insights from someone who built success from the ground up.

In this episode of the Strong Conversations Podcast – Building the Brands Series, host Sam Marcoux speaks with Roberto Ortiz & Winnie Sullivan, the leadership team at DCSE Associates. Their career paths were anything but typical—Roberto started his career as an intern, Winnie as a part-time receptionist—yet today, they lead the company as CEO and CFO.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

- Roberto’s journey from immigrating to the U.S. at 15, learning English, and building a career in structural engineering

- Winnie’s rise from the front desk to financial leadership, driven by ambition and a desire for impact

- How Roberto balanced studying for his SE exam while caring for his premature newborn in the NICU

- The importance of company culture and why transparency builds trust

Winnie’s decision to donate a kidney to a colleague and what it says about leadership and community

Ortiz and Sullivan didn’t just take over a company—they transformed it, preserving its culture while building something new. Their insights into leadership, perseverance, and teamwork offer valuable lessons for anyone navigating career growth or business ownership.

Strong Conversations at IBS 2025: Mollie Elkman of She Built Foundation/Group Two

Mollie Elkmam, founder of She Built Foundation and Group Two Advertising, joins us on the Strong Conversations podcast where we talk to industry leaders and partners on what is taking place at the 2025 International Builders’ Show. We dive into conversations with the most influential members of the builder industry to get their insights into the top trends within the industry, new products and technology, market predictions and so much more. Mollie talks about the importance and role of marketing and advertising in the building industry. We also talk to Mollie about what inspired her to start the She Built Foundation and writing the She Built books.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mollieelkman/

https://grouptwo.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/shebuiltbooks/

Tim Uhler of Awesome Framers joins us on the Strong Conversations podcast where we talk to industry leaders and partners on what is taking place at the 2025 International Builders’ Show. We dive into conversations with the most influential members of the builder industry to get their insights into the top trends within the industry, new products and technology, market predictions and so much more. In this conversation, we talk to Tim about what it takes to be a social media influencer and how that impacts the building industry. We also dive into why education is so important to the trades.

https://www.instagram.com/awesomeframers/#

Every single one of us is in sales. Many people think sales is just taking customers out for expensive dinners or rounds of golf. Sales is about relationships and connections. It is about understanding not only your customers and their businesses but also understanding who they are as people. Wendi Zubillaga, Chief Sales Officer of Citadel Roofing and Solar gives us an inside look at what it takes to build your sales brand in the building industry.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendi-zubillaga-4631618/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/citadel-roofing-and-solar/

https://www.biabayarea.org/

https://citadelrs.com/

Melissa McGhee, VP of National Purchasing and Strategic Sourcing of KB Home, joins us on the Strong Conversations podcast where we talk to industry leaders and partners on what is taking place at the 2025 International Builders’ Show. We dive into conversations with the most influential members of the builder industry to get their insights into the top trends within the industry, new products and technology, market predictions and so much more. Melissa returns to the Strong Conversations podcast to share what she is looking forward to in 2025. She shares her insightful perspective about the IBS show and the benefits she has gotten from attending this year’s show.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-mcghee-0964247/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/kb-home/

Tom Winters, VP of Builders of Sherwin Williams, joins us on the Strong Conversations podcast where we talk to industry leaders and partners on what is taking place at the 2025 International Builders’ Show. We dive into conversations with the most influential members of the builder industry to get their insights into the top trends within the industry, new products and technology, market predictions and so much more. Tom Winters is a legend in the building industry, having been a part of many industry associations. We also talk about how Sherwin Williams became a household name but why companies need to continue to innovate.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-winters-2907509/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/sherwin-williams/

Scott Lang, VP of Residential Digital Solutions of Simpson Strong-Tie, joins us on the Strong Conversations podcast where we talk to industry leaders and partners on what is taking place at the 2025 International Builders’ Show. We dive into conversations with the most influential members of the builder industry to get their insights into the top trends within the industry, new products and technology, market predictions and so much more. We sit down with our own Scott Lang to talk about Simpson Strong-Tie’s approach to digital solutions for the building industry. We talk about how companies are adopting new technologies and how that has evolved.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-lang-018b13a/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/simpson-strong-tie/