The Builder Nuggets Podcast

The intersection of design, architecture, and affordability is where today's guest likes to work. Seth Hart joins us to dive into some of the industry's most challenging hurdles and shares his insight into how they might be overcome. His work with DTJ design has given him a unique perspective into community planning and the trends in one of the nation's hottest housing markets - Denver. Join us as we explore the idea of attainability and what comes after shiplap.

Show highlights include:

• 2:52 I got started in Southern California in the production housing world

• 4:42 Environmental Design is all-encompassing

• 6:38 I saw an opportunity to bring art and design into the production-building world

• 11:21 It's all about culture, culture, culture

• 15:40 Community amenities are changing

• 17:16 Communities are getting denser and denser

• 20:52 I focus on density and attainability

• 23:40 Without a great team there are no great projects

• 25:17 Getting the input of all parties in the beginning is a great way to bring a project together

• 27:09 Evoking some sense of emotion, love or hate, is very important in the design world

• 33:02 Industry trends are very different depending on location and price point however high end finishes and sophistication is something that is popular across the board

• 38:35 I am always excited about the next project - what's next?

You can learn more about Seth at

https://dtjdesign.com

Social media:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/seth-hart-5099b98/

Or hit us up through our Contact Page at https://buildernuggets.com and we'll make a personal introduction.

To get the most out of this podcast, head over to https://buildernuggets.com and join our active community of like-minded builders and remodelers.

The term building science was born in the 80s, and today high-performance homes and energy efficiency are buzzwords used throughout the custom home building industry. Building science is the understanding of air, heat, and moisture flow. It's been a journey to improve insulation and build tighter houses. Today, our guest shares his vast knowledge regarding energy efficiency and innovation. Gord Cooke joins us with a detailed breakdown of the opportunities facing the building industry and how we can overcome the hurdles in front of us when it comes to sustainability.

Show highlights include:

• 1:40 When I first got started in the industry "Building Science" wasn't even a term. The early 1980's was when it really started to get traction

• 4:27 We had to understand the science and the unintended consequences

• 5:59 Building Science is the study or air, heat, and moisture flow

• 9:44 Once we started adding insulation to homes we changed the drying capacity - that was the biggest change

• 11:52 Building Science should be viewed as another tool in the toolbag

• 17:40 You should make sure new products are properly tested and that you understand all installation guidelines and any inherent risks.

• Every builder should have a relationship with a building science expert/building envelope consultant

• 21:53 the goal should always be: Healthier, safer, more durable, more comfortable while making it energy efficient

• 23:30 It's really difficult to sell building science as an option - it should be baked in to how you build every time

• 27:37 Builders and remodelers should always be looking to make homes tighter and tighter from an air infiltration standpoint

• 33:20 It's time to recalibrate our thinking and approach to building science

• 43:53 Reducing the carbon footprint of each home will become a real necessity

You can learn more about Gord at

www.constructioninstruction.com.

Social media:

LinkedIn - ttps://www.linkedin.com/company/construction-instruction-inc./

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/constructioninstructionapp/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/constructioninstruction/?hl=en

Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/c/ConstructionInstruction

Or hit us up through our Contact Page at https://buildernuggets.com and we'll make a personal introduction.

To get the most out of this podcast, head over to https://buildernuggets.com and join our active community of like-minded builders and remodelers.

Technology can be difficult to keep up with. The rate of change is incredible, and training can sometimes fall to the bottom of the priority list. Our guest explains the rewards a business can see by investing in this training. Dr. Joe Burgett joins us today to peel back the curtain on a technology most of us have barely scratched the surface of using – drones. More than just picture taking devices, we dive into all the uses these fascinating machines can have in our business and all the ways they might shape the future.

Show highlights include:

• 5:48 I help contractors, DOT's, federal highways, consultants and other groups with drone technology and usage

• 5:56 I am known as Dr. Drone

• 15:32 Photo photogrammetry and 3D modeling is one of the best use cases for drone technology in residential construction

• 19:06 Thermography is another way drones are being used on new and existing structures

• 21:02 Like any other tool there is training needed

• 21:35 There are some risks and liability associated with drone usage as well

• 23:49 You need to be aware of privacy concerns

• 24:26 Ask permission or don't fly the mission!

• 27:32 There are services available for hire is you only do occasional drone work

• 31:15 A drone is a data capturing device

You can learn more about Dr. Burgett at www.clemsondrone.com.

Social media:

LinkedIn - https://www.facebook.com/clemsondrone

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/clemson.drone.course/

Or hit us up through our Contact Page at https://buildernuggets.com and we'll make a personal introduction.

To get the most out of this podcast, head over to https://buildernuggets.com and join our active community of like-minded builders and remodelers.

A home builder is often worried about efficiency and timeline, not design. That's why it's so important to involve an architect in your home-building process. Our guest today is an architectural designer that approaches the process with the eye of an artist. Tony Frazier of Frazier Home Design was inspired by modern architects to build the type of homes that make you stop and stare. To reach that level of success he's had to tackle many industry issues such as incorporating a builder early, finding the right clients, and creating the processes that can grow and evolve with his business. Tony has never been satisfied with doing things the way they've always been done, and today he shares with us how he navigated pushing the envelope in an industry resistant to change.

Show highlights include:

• 5:06 I was very interested in art and the idea of home design

• 7:35 architects like Bobby McAlpine and their designs had a big influence on me

• 10:02 I want to response to my designs

• 15:02 I drew plans for my own house and it was a bit of a tipping point project for me

• 16:25 Instagram and other social platforms allowed be to broadcast my designs out to the world

• 19:40 I had some struggles at first trying to get some existing builders in my market to embrace new design ideas

• 23:10 As an architectural designer, what are the best questions you want to be asked as from a builder or client?

• 25:19 Getting a builder involved early is one of the most important steps

• 29:06 A more assembled team equates to a more successful project

• 27:36 By building my internal team it has allowed me to step away from some of the day to day functions and spend more time working on the big picture parts of the business

• 42:40 It's not a process until you write it down

• 49:31 It's really scary to think someone else can do what you do

• 53:02 I think that AI is going to start to have a huge impact on construction drawing and design

You can learn more about Tony at https://www.frazierhomedesign.com.

Social media:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-frazier-39578711

Tiktok- https://www.tiktok.com/@frazierhomedesign

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/frazierhomedesign/?hl=en

Or hit us up through our Contact Page at https://buildernuggets.com and we'll make a personal introduction.

To get the most out of this podcast, head over to https://buildernuggets.com and join our active community of like-minded builders and remodelers.

The school of hard knocks is a training program many in this industry are familiar with. Our guest today is no different. Will King, owner of High Cotton Homes, shares his journey from fireman turned contractor turned business owner and how he transitioned into a lifestyle that fit his family's needs. The need for more flexibility in his schedule gave him the push he needed to change everything - but not without some bumps along the road. Join us as we delve into personal and professional growth in an industry that's constantly evolving.

Show highlights include:

• 2:10 I never thought I would become a volunteer fireman

• 3:55 The ability to help people drew me to firefighting

• 6:03 My experience from working on a farm gave me an understanding of how to put things together

• 9:18 I had stability as a fireman but something was missing

• 11:25 When I started my construction business there was a lot of "What NOT to do!" experiences

• 12:53 In the beginning I was a builder and a firefighter and I quickly got to a point where I was killing myself from working too much - something had to give. I chose building

• 16:52 Firefighters do a lot of side work and can be a great resource for possible talent recruiting on the trade side

• 20:42 the ability to be flexible with my time was the biggest motivator for me to have my own business

• 23:02 I think a lot of builders are scared to hire

• 24:42 In the beginningIi had no idea I would become a design/build firm

• 28:55 At the end of the day control is the main benefit of design/build

• 31:33 When I find out I don't know something it kills me. I have to dig in and learn about it

• 40:48 My building science wingnut buddies are the mastermind for my construction knowledge but my Southern Living builder group is my mastermind on the business side

• 47:06 The craziest thing about this business is you never know what's next

You can learn more about Will at https://www.highcotton-homes.com/ or @Willkinghomes on Instagram.

Social media:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/willkinghighcottonhomes/

Youtube- https://www.youtube.com/@HighCottonHomes/about

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/highcottonhomes/?hl=en

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HighCottonHomesInc

Or hit us up through our Contact Page at https://buildernuggets.com and we'll make a personal introduction.

To get the most out of this podcast, head over to https://buildernuggets.com and join our active community of like-minded builders and remodelers.

Investing in your business is not as common as you'd think. If you're an avid listener of this show, you're actually in the top 10% of business owners who are looking to improve themselves, their team, and their businesses. Today we invite Dr. Sabrina Starling to join us. A phenomenal coach, author, and psychologist, she helps draw back the curtain on the problems that plague builders and remodelers as they work to grow and scale their businesses. Learn how to find what's breaking down, where you can focus for the most impact, and how to provide yourself and your team with a better quality of life. Stop trying to please everyone, and start learning how to surround yourself with an A Team.

Show highlights include:

• 4:34 There are high rates of burnout everywhere. 9 out of 10 entrepreneurs are burnt out

• 6:05 Less than 10% of construction business owners put energy and effort into working ON their business

• 11:22 The place to start is awareness

• 15:06 What got you here won't get you there

• 18:55 Most of the burnout victims are the ones that are stuck doing it themselves.

• 19:17 Don't be a do it yourself business owner

• 23:40 We need to focus on the $10,000 an hour activities - move the needle

• 26:03 Complexity is the enemy of profit

• 30:43 What's the one result you need from any person in a given role? What is that key result?

• 41:56 The "Net Promoter Score" is the best way to see if you are pleasing your clients

You can learn more about Dr. Starling at https://www.tapthepotential.com/.

Social media:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/drsabrina

Twitter - https://twitter.com/DrSabrina

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/drsabrina/?hl=en

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/tapthepotential

Or hit us up through our Contact Page at https://buildernuggets.com and we'll make a personal introduction.

To get the most out of this podcast, head over to https://buildernuggets.com and join our active community of like-minded builders and remodelers.

Reframing the concept of what it means to be a builder or a tradesperson has been difficult over the years. There are many common misconceptions, and the job of industry leaders is to challenge those misconceptions and shed light on the truth. Graeme Bell joins us today to share his take on changing perceptions through tackling culture shifts, providing educational opportunities, and constructing barriers of entry to build professionalism. What will it take to bring a new generation in and how can we help?

Show highlights include:

• 3:14 My love for the game of football and big challenges has moved into my career in construction

• 6:54 I love the intensity that comes with project management

• 7:38 Collectively, people in the construction industry weren't looking to educate themselves

• 12:18 If we want to better an industry lets transfer all of our knowledge and make everybody better

• 16:42 It's the people that understand victory and understand defeat that are going to persevere

• 21:32 We need to change the perception of: "Hey, you have failed at everything else so why not try construction?"

• 26:50 We need to raise the bar and work towards professional designations for our industry

• 35:50 Get your team in the game and always be working on self improvement and career development

You can learn more about Graeme at http://www.alairhomes.com/edmonton

Social media:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/graeme-bell-83663726/

Or hit us up through our Contact Page at https://buildernuggets.com and we'll make a personal introduction.

To get the most out of this podcast, head over to https://buildernuggets.com and join our active community of like-minded builders and remodelers.

If you are looking to attract the top talent, systematize your processes across the board, and expand your business, chances are you're here to find out. Custom home building and remodeling can be very personal, and maybe you've never considered the idea that you should be building a business that could be sold - but our guest today is here to explain why this is exactly what you should be doing. Rob Cecil, President of Alair Homes, joins us today to shed some light on why joining your business with Alair Homes through their franchise model can provide the formula for scaling a profitable business that helps you work less.

Show highlights include:

• 2:58 I was in love with the startup game

• 4:20 As business owners and entrepreneurs we complicate stuff

• 5:57 The F-word "Franchise" - Really?

• 8:40 Franchising allows you to own 100% of your business

• 12:58 Consolidation allows for acceleration of innovation

• 17:08 The first question I am going to ask you if I am interested in buying your business is - Tell me what happens when you're no longer here

• 22:28 You should strive to have an investment grade business

• 26:44 Just because you are in control doesn't mean you are controlling your destiny

• 32:52 Those that win the talent race over the next 10 years are going to be the ones that succeed

• 35:10 The contributions from all team members to the group is what sets Alair apart from anything else

• 41:04 Think about what you could do if you had access to a mastermind like this

• 47:40 A business should always be treated as a vehicle to achieve what you want out of life

You can learn more about Rob at http://www.linkedin/in/rcecil.

Social media:

LinkedIn - http://www.linkedin/in/rcecil

Or hit us up through our Contact Page at https://buildernuggets.com and we'll make a personal introduction.

To get the most out of this podcast, head over to https://buildernuggets.com and join our active community of like-minded builders and remodelers.

Making smart investments is the most important action any business owner can take. Enter our guest, Cindy Cipriani, who uses her background in psychology and grief counseling to emphasize mental health and wellbeing in her remodeling company, Cipriani Remodeling Solutions. Shifting business decisions and implementing avenues for employees to grow and evolve can prove how meaningful these team members are to the business. Today we hear how investing in the wellness of your team can lead to dividends down the road.

Show highlights include:

• 2:58 Growing up I always wanted to be an architect

• 9:20 We've worked hard to get the business to where it is and now we want to be able to enjoy the rewards while continuing to support our team all while staying out of the weeds

• 11:35 It's important to have a Life Plan for everyone on the team

• 14:25 Giving people the opportunity to talk about mental health is the first step to a healthier team environment

• 18:37 Mental health and balancing your life is a skill all leaders and managers need to work on and be able to train others on

• 26:32 Remote working has allowed people to maintain a better work/life balance

• 29:15 We had a fire at our office and our team really rallied together. That's an indicator of a strong company culture

• 33:15 Unhappy employees are very likely to leave

You can learn more about Cindy at https://ciprianiremodelingsolutions.com/ or https://www.cindycipriani.com/.

Social media:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cindy-cipriani-92083814

Facebook -https://www.facebook.com/ClearPathByCindy/

Instagram -https://www.instagram.com/cindycipriani/

Or hit us up through our Contact Page at https://buildernuggets.com and we'll make a personal introduction.

To get the most out of this podcast, head over to https://buildernuggets.com and join our active community of like-minded builders and remodelers.

Company culture is the key that can separate your business from the competition. A positive company culture can align teams, retain talent, and support employees beyond the hours they spend at work. Today, Curt Janzen joins us to share the methods he's used to build a company culture that stands apart. With help from mentors and learning his blind spots, he's helped create a vision for his company, Beyond Foam, that he's eager to share with others to compel an industry-wide shift that could change what we choose to value in our teams.

Show highlights include:

• 2:50 I have been on a journey to create something that lasts

• 3:36 Culture will eat strategy for breakfast

• 6:29 We wanted to diversify rto become recession proof

• 9:20 We had to sit down and really figure out who we were as a company

• 10:45 our staff came up with our DNA

• 18:05 The principals of each one of our team members let to the belief and buy in

• 22:30 Our ideal candidate for new team members are likely working somewhere else now but don't know there is something better out there

• 26:25 We are constantly trying to help our team grow personally and professionally

• 35:08 We created a human scavenger hunt to help with our training and onboarding process

• 37:36 We're like a high performance hockey team

You can learn more about Curt at https://www.beyondfoam.com/ or his personal Linkedin.

Social media:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/beyond-insulation-group/?viewAsMember=true

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/BeyondFoam

Instagram -https://www.instagram.com/beyondfoam/ Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1AUkUK_0-s0b2MxdSHZT5A

Or hit us up through our Contact Page at https://buildernuggets.com and we'll make a personal introduction.

To get the most out of this podcast, head over to https://buildernuggets.com and join our active community of like-minded builders and remodelers.