The First Shift

In this episode of Built on Blues, host Graeme Bryks sits down with Jeff Wieland, a third-generation builder and owner of Wieland Builders in Southwest Ohio. Jeff isn’t just carrying the torch of a 65-year legacy; he’s completely redesigning it. He opens up about the brutal reality of the 2008 recession, where his family went from building entire neighborhoods to taking any job they could get—sometimes working for free just to pay down debt and survive. That "survival mode" forged a new philosophy that defies modern scaling wisdom: instead of chasing volume, Jeff’s goal for 2026 is to hit $12 million in revenue by building fewer houses than ever before.

Jeff breaks down the systems required to make this low-volume, high-luxury model work, including his "Mutual Success Agreement." This isn’t just a contract; it’s a boundary-setting tool that prevents burnout by establishing rules like "no calls after 6 PM" and treating the builder-client relationship as a partnership rather than a transaction. We also dive into how he manages client indecision with a physical selection center, why he prioritizes mental health over the "hustle culture" of construction, and the shift from being a boss who dictates orders to a leader whose team tells him what needs to be done. Whether you are a multi-generational builder or a solo operator drowning in client demands, this episode offers a blueprint for building a business that serves your life, not the other way around.

00:00 Intro: Meeting of the Minds with Jeff Wieland. 00:57 The Legacy: From 1960s Apartments to 2008 Survival Mode. 04:15 The Pivot: Why we decided to build fewer houses to make more money. 05:05 The Recession Mindset: Working for free to save the company. 08:52 Systems for Luxury: Why you can't build custom homes like a machine. 10:50 Managing Indecision: How to handle the "Panic Text" at 10 PM. 12:48 The Mutual Success Agreement: Setting boundaries and firing bad habits. 17:23 Tech Stack: Why Google Sheets still beats AI for custom builders. 21:30 The Economy: Are cash buyers insulated from interest rates? 24:05 The Magic Wand: The one bad client that slipped through the cracks. 26:22 Mental Health: Finding joy outside of the hustle. 28:29 Outro: Where to find Wieland Builders.

Website: https://www.wielandbuilders.comPodcast: The WB Download

In this episode of Built on Blues, host Graeme Bryks sits down with Malcolm MacInnes of MGM General Contracting to get inside the mind of a veteran General Contractor. Malcolm didn't start with a spreadsheet; he started with a shovel in sub-zero Boston weather. He shares the hilarious and pivotal moment he corrected a superintendent on a surveying error—an interaction that launched a career spanning over 40 years, from high-rise condos in Florida to complex airport hangars.

Malcolm dives deep into the concept of "making your own luck," sharing powerful stories about missed opportunities on plane rides and how showing up prepared can change your life. We get into the tactical weeds of running a successful GC firm, including why he prefers Microsoft Project over Primavera, the critical importance of the "Two-Week Look Ahead" schedule, and why your estimate needs to be a checklist, not just a pad of paper. Malcolm also explains how he uses ChatGPT to map out business lifecycles and systems, proving that even old-school veterans can leverage new-school tools for consulting and strategy.

However, the conversation takes a sharp turn when discussing the dark side of construction technology. Malcolm argues that while iPads and digital plans are convenient, they are creating a generation of "complacent" builders who no longer memorize the job site. He explains why carrying a heavy roll of drawings forced superintendents to internalize the project in a way that scrolling on a tablet never will—leading to costly logistical errors like burying trench lines under pipe deliveries. Finally, Malcolm offers his most valuable piece of advice for young entrepreneurs: don't start your company yet. Learn the trade, understand the cash flow, and make your expensive mistakes on someone else's dime first.

Website: https://www.mgmgc.comMGM Strategic Partners: https://www.mgmgc.com (Consulting Services)Spotify Chapters

00:00 Introduction: Getting into the mind of a General Contractor. 01:03 From Shovel to Superintendent: The "You're a Jerk" story that started a career. 03:04 Making Your Own Luck: Why attitude beats aptitude on a plane ride. 05:24 Scaling Pains: Big companies can't run like small companies. 06:42 Using ChatGPT to map out business systems and lifecycles. 08:46 The Science of the Bid: Using Excel checklists to catch every penny. 11:58 The "Two-Week Look Ahead": How to keep a schedule from falling off a cliff. 14:03 The Airport Niche: Why it’s impossible to get in and impossible to get kicked out. 16:57 The "iPad Complacency": Why digital plans are making field staff lazy. 21:10 Logistics Nightmares: Why a dumpster is more important than the drywall. 22:48 The Future of AI: Google Glasses and 3D overlays on site. 25:34 The Best Advice: Make your mistakes on someone else's dime before starting your firm.

In this episode of Built on Blues, host Graeme Bryks sits down with Ben Parco, the founder of Parco Studio. Ben’s career didn't start in residential design; he spent decades as a corporate architect designing massive campuses for tech giants like Google and Uber—projects spanning over 20 million square feet. We discuss the "burn the boats" moment that led him to walk away from the safety of corporate skyscrapers to hang his own shingle and focus on the intimate, high-stakes world of custom residential homes.

Ben pulls back the curtain on the often-chaotic process of building a home and reveals his trademarked "Parco Studio Process"—a system that brings corporate-level efficiency to the emotional rollercoaster of custom builds. He explains why he views himself as a "fiduciary artist" and "de facto therapist" for his clients, navigating the complex Venn diagram of cost, quality, and fire safety in California’s strict regulatory environment. Ben also shares a unique perspective on the "small pictures of big things" philosophy, where a postage-stamp-sized sketch becomes the DNA for an entire estate.

Finally, we tackle the topic of AI in 2026. While many are rushing to automate design, Ben explains why tools like Midjourney are "moving backward" in quality for architects and why AI still can’t replace the "handcrafted" intuition required to draw a functional floor plan. Whether you are an aspiring architect looking for a mentor or a builder trying to elevate your craft, this episode is a masterclass in professional reinvention and the discipline of design.

Website: https://www.parcostudio.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/parcostudio/Spotify Chapters

00:00 From Skyscrapers to Sanctuary: Leaving the Corporate World. 02:50 Burn the Boats: The Mindset of Starting Your Own Studio. 06:37 The Long Game: Building a Reputation in a Slow Industry. 09:15 The Architect as Therapist: Managing Client Relationships. 10:47 Systemizing Creativity: The Parco Studio Process. 11:52 Small Pictures of Big Things: The DNA of Design. 15:56 AI in Architecture: Why Technology is Struggling to Keep Up. 19:14 The California Venn Diagram: Balancing Fire, Cost, and Energy. 22:40 The Founder's Bottleneck: Hiring Good People and Getting Out of the Way. 24:51 Advice for the Next Generation: Architecture School as "Brainwashing" and finding a Mentor.

In this episode of Built on Blues, host Graeme Bryks is joined by Jess Glowacki, the visionary founder of EcoPhi. Jess isn’t just an architect; he is a regenerative designer on a mission to flip the traditional construction model upside down. From designing in the mountains of Montana to tackling housing crises in Bali and Colombia, Jess has seen firsthand how the industry prioritizes profit over people—often leading to "sick buildings" that look beautiful but are mold-ridden and dangerous to live in.

The conversation dives deep into the science of "living machines"—homes built with panelized systems using hemp, sorghum, and strand-woven bamboo that are designed to breathe and interact with their local climate. Jess breaks down his revolutionary "L3C" business model (Low-Profit Limited Liability Company), which challenges the greed of modern development by capping profits to ensure affordability and community wealth-building. He explains how EcoPhi plans to use micro-factories to empower local communities to manufacture their own building materials, rather than importing expensive commodities.

Finally, Jess and Graeme tackle the role of AI in 2026 construction. Jess offers a refreshing, grounded perspective: while AI is an incredible tool for BIM data and speeding up workflows, it is dangerous in the hands of amateurs. He warns against the rising trend of "pretty picture architecture"—AI-generated designs that look stunning but are structurally unbuildable. Whether you are a builder interested in sustainable materials or an entrepreneur looking for a more ethical way to scale, this episode is a masterclass in building for the future without forgetting the past.

Website: https://www.eco-fi.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/EcoFiArchitectureEmail: [email protected]Spotify Chapters

00:00 Building Healthier, Not Just Faster. 01:08 From LEED Certification to Real Regenerative Design. 03:36 The Bamboo Problem: Making Natural Materials Code-Compliant. 07:24 The Science of the Wall: Hemp Insulation and Panelized Systems. 13:32 The L3C Model: Why We Chose "Low Profit" to Save Communities. 16:00 Managing the Chaos with BIM and Digital Twins. 21:19 The "Sick Building" Syndrome: A Cautionary Tale from Bali. 27:10 AI in Architecture: A Powerful Tool or a Trap for Amateurs? 32:04 Micro-Factories and Local Sourcing: Building Without Supply Chains. 36:23 Protecting Affordability: Preventing the "Flip" with 10-Year Contracts. 39:31 How to Join the EcoFi Mission.

In this episode of Built on Blues, host Graeme Bryks sits down with a rare breed in the industry: Jim Zack of Zack | de Vito Architecture + Construction. Jim isn't just an architect who stays behind a desk; he’s a licensed contractor who spent his formative years as a carpenter and "shop rat." This hybrid identity allows him to design with a level of precision and "spatial thinking" that most purely academic architects lack.

Jim takes us through his origin story—from racing motorcycles and flipping houses with his father to navigating the rigorous academic world of UC Berkeley. We dive deep into the "Design-Build" model that has made his firm a powerhouse in the hyper-expensive San Francisco market. Jim explains why he treats architecture and construction as separate business entities but a single, integrated experience for the client. He shares a transparent look at the struggles of aligning client expectations with the actual cost of high-end, custom-crafted work in today's economy.

The core of our conversation centers on the rapid evolution of AI in 2026. While many in the craft world are skeptical, Jim is an early adopter. He reveals how he uses AI to turn a week’s worth of marketing and proposal writing into 90 minutes of work, allowing him to focus on what actually matters: the human connection and the creative soul of the project. We also discuss the "Magic Wand" problem—Jim’s desire to use technology to solve the ultimate small business headache: business development and maintaining a consistent pipeline of high-quality projects. Whether you’re a young tradesman wanting to start designing your own builds or a veteran contractor looking to scale, this episode is a masterclass in staying relevant in a high-tech, high-craft future.

Socials and Website

Website: https://www.zackdevito.com

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/zackdevito/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zackdevito/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-zack-9b04886/

Email: [email protected]

Chapters00:00 The Hybrid Identity: Architect vs. Builder. 01:28 From Carpenter to Berkeley: How Jim’s hands-on background shaped his design philosophy. 05:25 The Risk-Taking Gene: Racing motorcycles and the entrepreneurial mindset. 09:09 The Architecture of a Partnership: Managing a business with a spouse and the "one plus one equals three" rule. 12:03 Master of the Whole Chain: Decoding the Design-Build process. 14:43 The Cost of Craft: Why high-end builds always shock the budget and how to manage expectations. 18:14 Operational Load: Keeping systems from breaking when running two firms at once. 22:35 AI in 2026: Using technology for scheduling, code checks, and "boring" administration. 25:50 The AI Marketing Revolution: How Jim uses prompts to generate proposals in minutes instead of days. 28:43 The Magic Wand: Solving the "Pipeline Problem" and the struggle of business development. 31:54 Advice for the Next Generation: How tradesmen can transition into design through collaboration. 34:26 Scalability and Liability: Why you might not need two separate companies for Design-Build. 36:38 Final Thoughts: Building with soul in a digital world.

We often talk about building houses, but we rarely discuss the nightmare of leaving them. In this episode of Built on Blues, Graeme sits down with Barry Gordon, CEO of Gordon’s Downsizing and Estate Services, to deconstruct the machine he built to handle the one thing every homeowner dreads: moving a lifetime of stuff.

Barry traces his company's evolution from a 1950s livestock auction house to a fully integrated real estate and transition service. The secret isn't just selling the property; it’s mastering the "gap services"—the messy, complex project management between deciding to move and handing over the keys. Barry reveals how his team coordinates everything from packing underwear and selling 1967 Dodge Daytonas to managing estate executors and closing the sale.

We dig deep into the logistics of managing high-touch transitions for seniors, how Gordon's uses online auctions to minimize landfill waste, and why they refuse to let their listing agents work for buyers to avoid conflicts of interest. Barry also shares his perspective on AI in a human-centric industry and why "project management" is the hidden value proposition that most businesses overlook. If you want to know how to monetize complexity and build a bulletproof system, this episode is for you.

Connect with Barry Gordon & Gordon’s Downsizing:

Website: gogordons.com

Spotify Chapter Breakdown

(00:00) Introduction: The Nightmare of Moving a Lifetime of Stuff(00:37) From Livestock to Living Rooms: The 1950s Origin Story(03:12) The Pivot: Why Auctions Lost to the MLS & The Birth of "Gap Services"(04:52) Finding Treasure in the Garage: The $141k Dodge Daytona Story(06:45) The Integrated Model: Financing the Transition for Executors(09:53) Step-by-Step: Curating a Solution for a 3,000 sq. ft. House(12:48) The Online Auction Advantage: 98% Sell Rate & Zero Waste(13:54) Eliminating Conflict: Why Listing Agents Shouldn't Represent Buyers(16:10) Logistics & Tools: How to Ensure the Packers Don't Beat the Auction Team(18:46) AI in a Human Business: Automations vs. The Personal Touch(21:38) The "Silver Tsunami" and Future Growth(23:12) The Secret Sauce: Why Project Management is Worth More Than the Sale(25:39) Barry’s Advice for Entrepreneurs: Complexity is Opportunity

Concrete is the oldest material in the book, but the way we lay it is about to change forever. In this episode of Built on Blues, we are stepping away from the trowel and looking at the robot arm. Graeme sits down with Justin D’Angelo, founder of Printera 3D, to discuss how he went from an IT background and a garage hobby to printing architectural masterpieces in Manhattan.

We dive deep into the chemistry and mechanics of 3D concrete printing—moving beyond plastic trinkets to industrial-scale infrastructure. Justin reveals the "secret sauce" behind his tech: a modified shotcrete pump and a nozzle-injected accelerant that allows concrete to set in seconds, defying gravity and traditional formwork limits.

We also tackle the business reality of innovation. Justin shares why Printera isn't chasing the "3D printed house" hype just yet, but is instead dominating the bespoke architectural market with high-margin, complex elements like 60-foot organic benches and fireproof structures. Whether you are a GC, a mason, or a tech enthusiast, this episode challenges you to rethink what is possible on a job site.

In this episode, we cover:

The Leap: How Justin transitioned from a 9-5 IT job to testing concrete robots in his garage on nights and weekends.

Connect with Justin D'Angelo & Printera 3D:

• Website: printera3d.com

  
  

• LinkedIn: Search "Justin D'Angelo Printera"

  
  

• Social Media: @printera3d on Instagram and TikTok

  Spotify Chapters

• (00:00) Introduction: The Future of the Trade

• (00:41) From IT Guy to Garage Innovator

• (04:02) Educating the Market: It's Not Stamped Concrete

• (12:20) Filtering the AI Noise as a Founder

• (20:42) Outro & Where to Find Printera 3D

In this episode of Built on Blues, host Graeme Bryks sits down with commercial real estate "Hall of Famer" Greg Schenk, President of The Schenk Company. With over 38 years in the trenches, Greg has built a reputation as the "renter's bodyguard"—a broker who refuses to take landlord commissions so he can fight 100% for the tenant.

The conversation dives deep into the evolution of the industry, starting with Greg’s "survival and advance" mindset. From caddying for golf scholarships to closing some of the biggest deals in Ohio, Greg shares how his upbringing and early obstacles forged a work ethic that has outlasted nearly four decades of market volatility. He emphasizes the power of mentorship and surrounding yourself with "mentally stimulating" advisors rather than "yes people."

A major highlight of the episode is the exploration of AI in 2026. Greg and Graeme discuss how new AI models can scan complex leases for "notification traps" in seconds—a task that once took humans hours. However, Greg offers a crucial reality check: while AI is a phenomenal tool for research and streamlining paperwork, it lacks the "spidey-sense" required to know if a landlord is in financial trouble or if a deal feels "fishy."

Finally, Greg touches on the importance of legacy, health, and why materialistic pursuits are a hollow chase compared to making memories. Whether you are a contractor looking to renew a warehouse lease or an entrepreneur trying to find your footing in a digitalized world, this "masterclass" episode provides the roadmap for combining high-tech tools with high-touch human connection to dominate your market

• The Schenk Company Official Site: schenkcompany.com

• Schenk Training and Education: schenkcompany.com/schenktraining

• Schenk Seminars: schenkseminars.com

  
  

  YouTube: @schenkcompany or Greg Schenk

  LinkedIn (Personal): /gregschenk

  LinkedIn (Company): /theschenkcompany

  X (formerly Twitter): @tenantrep1

  Facebook: The Schenk Company

Chapters

[00:00] The Renter's Bodyguard – Introduction to Greg Schenk and the "rigged" game of commercial real estate.

In this episode of Built on Blues, Graeme sits down with Alison Alston, owner of Lodestone Real Estate and partner at Finca Living. Alison didn’t just stumble into success; she built it on a foundation of grit, coming from a family of contractors and house flippers before taking the reins of a high-volume real estate team.

This episode is a wake-up call for any business owner still operating manually in 2026. Alison and Graeme dive deep into the absolute necessity of integrating Artificial Intelligence right now. If you are still answering calls at 9:00 PM, agonizing over listing descriptions, or drowning in unread emails, you are already falling behind. Alison reveals her personal "Tech Stack"—including Fixer AI and custom voice bots built by Jack Ryan AI—that allows her team to maintain a 24/7 presence without the burnout. She explains why the "hustle culture" of constant availability is toxic and how AI agents allow her to reclaim family time while still capturing and qualifying every lead.

For our contractor listeners, Alison pulls back the curtain on the other side of the table. She breaks down exactly why some contractors get the referrals while others get "coasted." She discusses the "Buffer Week" rule she applies to every contractor's timeline, why communication beats speed every time, and identifies a massive, unaddressed gap in the market: the need for a dedicated "Handyman Division" that brokers are desperate for.

Whether you are a GC, a sub, or a real estate pro, this episode is a masterclass in systems, delegation, and the urgent need to adopt AI infrastructure before your competitors do.

Connect with Alison Alston:

• Instagram: @lodestonerei

• Website: lodestonerealestate.com

(00:00) Intro: The industry from the other side of the table.(00:38) The Origin Story: From high-level fundraising to flipping houses with family.(05:50) Systems Over Chaos: Implementing the "90-Day Audit" to streamline operations.(07:52) The AI Tech Stack: Leveraging Fixer AI for email and ChatGPT for creative fatigue.(10:05) The 24/7 Solution: Using Jack Ryan AI voice bots to qualify leads while you sleep.(13:16) Why You Need AI Now: Moving beyond the fear of technology to free up creative thinking.(14:50) Vetting Tech Partners: Why human connection matters when building your AI infrastructure.(18:18) Contractor Real Talk: Why realtors add a "Buffer Week" to your timeline and how to win referrals.(24:24) The "Handyman" Gap: The massive service opportunity most brokerages are missing.(25:43) Founder Advice: Overcoming the fear of the first step and the power of mentorship.(27:11) The Ego Trap: Why starting your own brokerage might be a financial mistake.(30:36) Outro: Where to find Alison.

Episode Description:

How does a career firefighter build three successful companies in under five years? On this episode of Built on Blues, Graeme sits down with Brad Covington, founder of Forged Construction, to discuss how he translated the life-or-death command structures of the fire station into a scalable business blueprint.

Brad’s journey started in 2020 as a backup plan during the uncertainty of mandates, but it quickly evolved into a multi-division operation covering construction, excavation, and glass. He pulls back the curtain on how he manages "span of control" to empower his team, why he still answers every initial sales call himself, and the specific systems he uses to protect his bottom line.

What We Cover:

• The Firefighter’s Blueprint: Applying paramilitary command structures and "span of control" to construction management.

• The "Triage" Lead System: Brad’s "Red, Yellow, Green" method for instantly qualifying leads and prioritizing high-value projects.

• Tech & AI in Construction: How Forged Construction leverages ChatGPT and Grok to cut down estimating time and drive efficiency.

• The Founder’s Touch: Why maintaining the first point of contact is critical for high-end custom builds.

• Profit First: Implementing the Profit First financial model to ensure cash flow and long-term stability.

• Faith & Business: How a strong "Why" and Christian worldview dictate company culture and ethics.

Connect with Brad Covington:

• YouTube (Documentary Series): Forged Construction on YouTube

• Website: forgedconstruction.work

• Socials: Search "Forged Construction" on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook.

Tune in for a masterclass on grit, systems, and building with purpose.