The Build Up Podcast

There's a lot more to policy making than meets the eye, especially during election season. In this episode, Ryan Benson and John Riddle welcome Former Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Secretary and House Majority Leader Dane Eagle, who shares his extensive experience navigating the intersections of politics and policy.  

As we dive deeper into the conversation around AI, it's fascinating to see how rapidly it’s transforming the home renovation industry. In the final episode of our AI Series, we have insights from  Marine Sargsyan, Head of Economic Research at Houzz, who brings a unique perspective on the intersection of technology and home improvement.

In Episode 2 of The Build Up’s three-part series exploring AI in the home building industry, we take a closer look at how artificial intelligence is transforming the construction process, from initial design to the documents that bring a home to life.

Ryan and John are joined by architect, Joyce Owens, FAIA RIBA, principal and founder of Architecture Joyce Owens and  Michael Bergin, Cofounder and Chief R&D Officer of Higharc. 

As Michael shares how his company’s platform can generate 3D home models and construction documents simultaneously, helping builders streamline workflows, reduce waste and keep everyone involved in the process aligned, Joyce joins the conversation to share her perspective on striking the right balance between innovation, efficiency and the human element of design.

This episode continues our three-part look at what AI means for the future of home building—and how builders and industry professionals can prepare for what’s next.

AI is already changing homebuilding, but most builders are still stuck at the edit-email-and-ChatGPT stage. Paul Lopez, COO of NAHB breaks down what that means for an industry that cannot afford to guess wrong, from back-office wins to the next wave of permitting, design, and jobsite automation.

John Riddle and Ryan Benson dig into the uncomfortable truth many builders are feeling right now: everyone knows AI matters, but very few know how to use it without risking reputation, wasting money, or buying the wrong platform. Paul brings the national association perspective on what builders are actually using today, where the real opportunity is, and why the smartest move is not full speed ahead - it is thoughtful, industry-specific adoption. This is the first of a three part series on AI. 

In this episode of The Build Up, hosts Ryan Benson and John Riddle sit down in Naples with Senate President Kathleen Passidomo to explore the moments that shaped her path into public service.

Passidomo reflects on her time as president of the Collier County Bar Association during the foreclosure crisis—an experience that exposed the scale of housing challenges facing Florida families and sparked her decision to step into policy and advocacy.

This conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at how real-world challenges can drive meaningful leadership—and why housing remains at the center of Florida’s future.

Tune in now to hear her story and insights.

In this episode, Florida State Representative Tiffany Esposito shares her journey from local business to politics, her experiences in Tallahassee, and insights on policy issues like housing, infrastructure, and data centers. Discover how her background shapes her legislative priorities and the importance of advocacy for industry stakeholders.

Discover the behind-the-scenes process of Florida’s legislative body, straight from FHBA Lobbyist and Advocacy Communications Manager, Brendan Burke. 

Ryan and John talk to Brendan about how laws are made, the role of lobbyists, committee dynamics, and how industry members can influence legislation.

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In this episode of The Build Up, host Ryan Benson and co-host John Riddle welcome Representative Yvette Benarroch, who shares her unique journey from military service to politics. She discusses her motivations for running for office, the challenges she faced during her campaign, and her insights from her first term in the Florida House. The conversation highlights the importance of community engagement, the pressing issue of affordability, and the collaborative spirit among legislators in Florida.

In this engaging episode of The Build Up, hosts Ryan Benson and John Riddle sit down with House Minority Leader, Representative Fentrice Driskell. As a passionate advocate for her community, Rep. Driskell shares her compelling journey from aspiring engineer to influential lawmaker, emphasizing the importance of accessibility and consensus in politics.

In this episode of the Buildup podcast, we chat with Blaise Ingoglia, the CFO of Florida, about his journey from home builder to political activist. They discuss the challenges of housing affordability, the impact of government policies on property taxes, and the importance of fiscal oversight. CFO Ingoglia shares insights from his experience in the construction industry and his commitment to advocating for taxpayers.