Branka Minic, CEO of the Building Talent Foundation, 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. Branka talks about BFT’s role in the labor and trade industry. We talk about how BFT works with builders, trade schools, manufacturers, and other partners to attract, train and retain good labor in the construction industry.

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

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

Strong Conversations at IBS 2025: Darren Rohan of CBC Framing

Darren Rohan, General Manager of CBC Framing, 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. Darren talks about his role as a framer in the building industry. We talk about the challenges framers face while at a job site and how important it is to work with the builder and trade partners.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/darren-rohan-6903b2101/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/cbc-framing-inc/

Strong Conversations at IBS 2025: Andy Viars of Simpson Strong-Tie

Andy Viars, Market Segment Director, Equipment 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. Andy talks about Simpson Strong-Tie’s entry into equipment sales and how that fits into the company’s strategy.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-viars/

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

Strong Conversations at IBS 2025: Tommy Jones of Stanley Martin Homes

Tommy Jones, VP of Planning and Architecture of Stanley Martin Homes, 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. Tommy talks about Stanley Martin’s journey to adopt new technologies and how new solutions have played a role in their growth and efficiency.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tommy-j-21032413/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/stanley-martin-homes/

Strong Conversations at IBS 2025: Jake Shilling of Lennar

Jake Shilling, Director of National Value Engineering of Lennar, 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. Jake talks about what he has seen change in his almost 30-year career in the industry and in multiple countries. We also talk about what are some of the challenges Jake and his team face as the industry continues to evolve.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jake-shilling-b0570a21/

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

Strong Conversations at IBS 2025: Tony McKlem of Hollywood Decks

Tony McKlem of Hollywood Decks 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. Tony talks about the trends in the outdoor living space and how he built a brand around building beautiful decks.

https://www.instagram.com/hollywooddecks/

https://hollywooddecks.com/

Mike Olosky, CEO 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. Mike talks about his predictions for the building industry in 2025. He also talks about the role and future of technology and digital solutions for Simpson Strong-Tie and our partners.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-olosky-9403b420/

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

In the third episode of the "Building the Brand" season, we learn that success is in the details. In this episode, Michael Wootten of RENO HARDWARE & SUPPLY, INC. joins Simpson Strong-Tie's Sam Marcoux. Mike shares how he built Reno Hardware and Supply into one of the most respected brands in the pro-supply industry. He attributes much of his success to paying attention to the details and keeping on everything.

In this episode of the “Building the Brand” series, we talk to Sharad Patel, Principal and Co-founder of Patel Burica & Associates, about what it means to not be a good follower. Sharad always knew he wanted to be an entrepreneur, following in his parents’ footsteps. While creating and building his brand, he learned to trust his employees. Even though Sharad is not a good follower, he learned what it takes to be a good leader.

Welcome to a brand-new season of Strong Conversations—Building the Brand! This season, we’re spotlighting the entrepreneurs and leaders shaping the building industry, uncovering the grit, determination, and passion behind successful brands. Together, we’ll explore what it takes to grow a bold idea into a thriving business while fostering a culture where employees and innovation can flourish.

Episode 1: We Really Don’t Say No

We’re kicking off the Building the Brand season with “We Really Don’t Say No,” featuring Jeff Moran, co-founder and manager of RebatePros. When a friend and colleague presented him with the challenge of simplifying manufacturer rebates, Jeff embraced the opportunity and never looked back. That decision sparked the creation of RebatePros, a company driven by a clear mission: “Simplify the rebate process for homebuilders and product manufacturers while ensuring timely and accurate reporting, invoicing, and collection.” Join us as Jeff shares how his philosophy of saying “yes” transformed an idea into a thriving brand.