The Build Show Podcast

In this episode of The Build Show Podcast, Matt Risinger breaks down the top five risks custom builders face and how to mitigate them before they turn into costly mistakes. From construction defect liability and cash flow challenges to contract issues, labor risk, and personal burnout, this episode offers real-world insight every builder should hear.

Huge thanks to our episode sponsor,  North Atlantic Corp.  

Learn more at: https://www.northatlanticcorp.com/

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In this episode of The Build Show Podcast, Matt Risinger and Steve Baczek record live from the Milwaukee Tool booth at World of Concrete. They break down the most innovative concrete products, new construction tools, and cutting-edge building materials they discovered at the industry’s largest trade show. From advanced concrete technology to smarter jobsite solutions, this episode covers the trends shaping residential and commercial construction in 2026. If you’re a builder, contractor, architect, or serious DIYer looking for the latest in building science and construction innovation, this one’s for you.

Huge thanks to our episode sponsor, Sugatsune.  Learn more at: https://www.sugatsune.com/

Watch full episodes of Matt on Facebook, Instagram and Build Show Network.

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On this episode of the Build Show Podcast, host Matt Risinger sits down with longtime friend Branson Fustes, founder of Pilgrim Building Company and Enabler LLC in Austin, Texas. Branson traces his path from Colorado carpentry and cabinet work to running three companies — a custom high-end general contracting firm, an in-house labor/carpentry company that spun off partly for insurance reasons, and a newer service company. The conversation covers building reputation through architect relationships, the economics of self-performing labor, raising the bar on craftsman wages and benefits, and the ongoing challenge of attracting the next generation to the trades. A special thank you to today's sponsors, Pella Windows and Doors and Huber Engineered Woods.

Huge thanks to our episode sponsors, Huber Engineered Woods and Pella. Learn more at: 

https://www.huberwood.com/

https://www.pella.com/

Watch full episodes of Matt on Facebook, Instagram and Build Show Network.

https://www.facebook.com/buildshownetwork

https://www.instagram.com/risingerbuild/

https://buildshownetwork.com/go/mattrisinger

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Discover the inspiring origin story of Shoberg Homes, a premier luxury custom home builder in Austin, Texas, featured on the Build Show Podcast. In this episode, Matthew Shoberg, founder of Shoberg Homes, shares how passion, craftsmanship, and integrity shaped one of the most respected high-end residential construction companies in the region. From building bespoke architectural homes with top Austin architects to expanding into expert millwork and finished carpentry, Shoberg Homes delivers unmatched quality and attention to detail. Learn valuable insights on building a successful construction business, hiring with character, and creating exceptional client experiences. Perfect for homeowners, architects, and builders seeking inspiration in custom home design, luxury building, and professional construction excellence. 

Huge thanks to our episode sponsors, Huber Engineered Woods and Pella. Learn more at: 

https://www.huberwood.com/

https://www.pella.com/

Watch full episodes of Matt on Facebook, Instagram and Build Show Network.

https://www.facebook.com/buildshownetwork

https://www.instagram.com/risingerbuild/

https://buildshownetwork.com/go/mattrisinger

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In this episode of The Build Show Podcast, Matt Risinger marks a major milestone by reflecting on 200 episodes and nearly 30 years in the building industry. Looking back on early mistakes, hard lessons, and recent jobsite observations, Matt explains why basic construction details—especially water management and proper window installation—continue to be some of the most common and costly failures in residential building. He discusses the responsibility builders have to continually educate themselves and their teams, revisit fundamentals, and invest in long-term skill development. As part of this reflection, Matt recommends a book that has deeply influenced his approach to building and leadership: The Elements of Building: A Business Handbook for Residential Builders and Tradesmen by Mark Q. Kerson, a practical, experience-driven guide to both construction and business. This candid, one-on-one episode looks back at how far the show has come while challenging builders to keep learning, improve their processes, and raise the standard of the industry.

Huge thanks to our episode sponsors, Diamond Kote and Pella. Learn more at: 

https://diamondkotesiding.com/  

https://www.instagram.com/diamond_kote/

https://www.pella.com/

Visit Matt’s Amazon reading list for further learning resources: Build Show Amazon List 

Watch full episodes of Matt on Facebook, Instagram and Build Show Network.

https://www.facebook.com/buildshownetwork

https://www.instagram.com/risingerbuild/

https://buildshownetwork.com/go/mattrisinger

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In this today’s episode of the Build Show Podcast, Matt dives into another installment of the Origin Series, exploring the real-world journey behind one of Austin’s most successful builders. From early days sweeping job sites to navigating the tech world at IBM and Intel, the conversation unpacks how purposeful choices, business discipline, and the right mentors shape a builder’s career. Matt and his guest break down the power of pre-construction, the importance of client and partner selection, and why focusing deeply on process creates consistent, high-quality outcomes. Whether you're a young builder searching for direction or an experienced pro refining your model, this episode delivers hard-earned wisdom, candid lessons, and industry insight you won’t want to miss.

Featuring longtime friend, competitor, and respected builder Jeremy Martin.

Huge thanks to our episode sponsors, Diamond Kote and Huber Engineered Woods. Learn more at: 

https://diamondkotesiding.com/  

https://www.instagram.com/diamond_kote/

https://www.huberwood.com

Book Recommendations: 

Built to Last – Jim Collins

Good to Great – Jim Collins

Blue Ocean Strategy – W. Chan Kim & Renée Mauborgne

Visit Matt’s Amazon reading list for further learning resources: Build Show Amazon List 

Watch full episodes of Matt on Facebook, Instagram and Build Show Network.

https://www.facebook.com/buildshownetwork

https://www.instagram.com/risingerbuild/

https://buildshownetwork.com/go/mattrisinger

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In our 200th episode of the Build Show Podcast, Matt sits down with longtime friend and Austin builder/designer Emily Press of Emerald & Laurel to dive into her unexpected path into the building world and the values that shaped her thriving design-build business. From growing up in her family’s chrome-plating shop to renovating her own 1950s Austin home, Emily shares how curiosity, craftsmanship, and a commitment to family and integrity guided her evolution as a builder. She breaks down the power of defining your services, building strong trade relationships, and creating systems that keep projects running smoothly—wisdom every young builder needs to hear. Packed with origin-story honesty, job-site lessons, and relatable builder camaraderie, this milestone episode reminds us why great homes (and great builders) are built on values first.

Huge thanks to our episode sponsors, Diamond Kote and Sugatsune. Learn more at: 

https://diamondkotesiding.com/  and https://www.instagram.com/diamond_kote/

https://www.sugatsune.com/

Watch full episodes of Matt on Facebook, Instagram and Build Show Network.

https://www.facebook.com/buildshownetwork

https://www.instagram.com/risingerbuild/

https://buildshownetwork.com/go/mattrisinger

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In today's episode of the Build Show Podcast, Matt sits down with builder and colleague Daniel Glauser to dive into the wins and the “oh dangs” from their recent personal home builds. From airtightness strategies and Huber ZIP System successes to HVAC lessons, dehumidification, window packages, design constraints, and why smaller, smarter homes often lead to higher quality—Matt and Daniel get candid about what worked, what they’d change, and what every builder or homeowner should learn before beginning a project.

They also explore the realities of renovating versus starting fresh, how Passive House principles shaped Daniel’s 1977 retrofit, and why intentional square footage can make or break a budget. Whether you're a builder, a homeowner planning a project, or a building science nerd, this episode is packed with firsthand insights that will help you design and build better. 

Huge thanks to our episode sponsor, Huber. Learn more at: https://www.huberwood.com

Watch full episodes of Matt on Facebook, Instagram and Build Show Network.

https://www.facebook.com/buildshownetwork

https://www.instagram.com/risingerbuild/

https://buildshownetwork.com/go/mattrisinger

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In this episode of the Build Show Podcast, Matt visits with master plumber Eric Aune—known to many as Mechanical Hub—and welcomes special guest Ross Trethewey, the acclaimed engineer from This Old House. Together, the trio unpacks the concepts behind their new series, The Perfect Plumbing Plan, focusing on how smarter layouts and better material choices can dramatically reduce time-to-tap and improve hot-water performance in today’s homes. Drawing from Eric’s decades of hands-on experience and Ross’s deep engineering expertise, the conversation traces the evolution of plumbing systems, compares materials from galvanized to copper to PEX, and highlights practical, actionable strategies for builders, architects, and plumbers. This insightful discussion sets the stage for the full video series, offering listeners the tools and understanding needed to deliver consistently superior plumbing results.

Watch full episodes of Matt on Facebook, Instagram and Build Show Network.

https://www.facebook.com/buildshownetwork

https://www.instagram.com/risingerbuild/

https://buildshownetwork.com/go/mattrisinger

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This week on the Build Podcast, Matt sits down with with building scientist Jesse Hayre as part of The Origin Series, exploring how modern construction practices have evolved and where the industry is headed. Jesse shares his background in engineering and building science, highlighting how curiosity about materials and performance led him toward sustainable innovation. The discussion covers the shift from traditional framing to high-performance wall systems, the balance between airtightness and ventilation, and the importance of combining durability with sustainability. They also touch on how technology—especially AI, data modeling, and digital twins—is transforming design and construction workflows. Both Matt and Jesse stress the need for education that bridges craftsmanship and science, encouraging younger builders to stay curious and data-driven. The conversation closes with optimism about the future of construction, emphasizing that true innovation happens when creativity meets real-world constraints.

Thank you to episode sponsor ROCKWOOL. Learn more at rockwool.com/north-america/.

Watch full episodes of Matt on Facebook, Instagram and Build Show Network.

https://www.facebook.com/buildshownetwork

https://www.instagram.com/risingerbuild/

https://buildshownetwork.com/go/mattrisinger

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