The Curious Builder

Episode 16.5 features highlights from the interview with Mike Schmillen of River City Tile and Stone

Mike Schmillen owns Rivercity Tile and Underlayment and explains in detail the amount of labor in building a shower and laying tile while balancing a schedule given the setting time needed. They are experts in pouring underlayment of engineered concrete for other tile companies and builders. We walk through the different tile procelain products and the pros/cons of each install.

Discussion touches on education to high schoolers, the lack of exposure to the trade jobs and how we can help push that forward for our generation. Mike then shares his story of how he used his lumber sales background to expand the tile business he bought into and now owns. College may not be a path to owning a business and we talk a bit about Mike's experience in becoming a business owner. Asking for help is a key way to grow any business, along with commitment to your partnerships. Come for the knowledge, stay for the insight!

Episode 15.5 features highlights from the interview with Matt Calvano of Adaptive.

Matt is one of 3 Stanford grads that decided to create a start-up company. One was an investment guru, one was a rocket scientist (for Space X) and one was a super coder. Together they decided to tackle the hardest problem they could find on the biggest market in the US....Home Construction. Creating a software company that will live up to its namesake, (Adaptive) Matt details out the nuances of tackling the complicated problems all business owners in construction face such as how to manage all the different invoices, formats, draws, banks, suppliers, and trade partners that seem to change not only with every job but with every state! Matt and his team set out to save everybody time and money by addressing the inefficiencies and process organization that streamlines everything.

Episode 14.5 features highlights from the interview with Mercedes Austin, Founder and CEO of Mercury Mosaics.

Mercedes Austin takes us through her intentional crafting of tile by hand in a "tile bakery" located in Northeast Minneapolis. Mercury Mosaic's tile tells a story, sharing the artistry of the hand crafted approach to a community-based industry and what sets her tile apart.

Starting off with mosaic art with tile led down a path of creating unique one-of-a-kind tile that delights those who see it. Playful, fun and interesting, the bespoke nature of hand-crafted tile shows how even simple things can elevate and increase the joy in a home.

Mercedes shares her experience of being an optimist while facing difficult situations of having to downsize and let people go that you care about to meet the financial challenges all business owners face. Prior to the pandemic, the team was 29 people and grew to 50 to meet demand and then had to downsize to become balanced again. Mercedes is a wealth of knowledge, charm and intelligence.

Episode 13.5 features highlights from the interview with Chase Hicks of Concrete Science

Interview with Chase Hicks of Concrete Science

Episode 12.5 features highlights from the interview with Eric Robertson of NRD Landscape Design + Build

In this podcast episode, Eric shares his unique story of how he met, as well as his journey from studying Oceanography to starting his own landscape design business. He revisits the design foresight of a city that prioritizes tree planting for future generations to enjoy. Eric also emphasizes the value of knocking on doors, stuffing mailboxes, and showcasing his work at Home and Garden Shows to attract prospective clients and highlight the value that NRD can bring to enhance their home enjoyment. Beyond his immense skills and great communication, Eric's real value lies in his commitment to providing a quality experience and honest care for his clients, trade partners, and employees.