The Innovative Builder Podcast

In Episode 43, Rachel Johnson, President and CEO of APEX, joins us to explore how Duluth is reigniting its economic momentum. We discuss how growing the economy means more than just numbers — it’s about creating jobs, increasing income, attracting investment, fostering innovation, and ultimately improving quality of life across the region.

In Episode 42 of The Innovative Builder Podcast, we sit down with Thryv experts to explore how this innovative software has transformed business management for small trades. Discover Thryv's evolution, from its origins to its current state, and learn how it streamlines crucial tasks like scheduling, client communication, and invoicing. Join us to uncover how Thryv empowers small businesses, offering intuitive solutions for navigating the challenges of growth and operations in the trades industry.

In this episode, Nate Beaulieu joins us with a presentation to address the health concerns of construction field staff. Focusing on the prevalent struggle with sugar and caffeine, Nate explores their potential benefits and drawbacks. With insightful points, he reveals how these stimulants can be both helpful and harmful, depending on their usage. Gain valuable insights on balancing sugar and caffeine for optimal health in the construction industry. We hope you enjoy!

Why are my floors super cold in the winter? Why does my roof have ice dams? How do I figure out where all of my heat is escaping? In this episode of the Innovative Builder Podcast Ty Sundberg sits down with Ray Sundberg to talk about energy efficiency, and heat loss. This episode will shine a light on many questions you may have if you own a home especially in Northern Minnesota. Also Ray discusses solutions and best practices even if you have a limited budget.

Ty sits down with a fellow BNI member Joe Gonrowski from IST Crossfit to talk about the importance of networking to grow a start up business. 

Joe is a strength and conditioning coach at IST Crossfit (Impact Strength Conditioning). Joe earned his Masters in Exercise Physiology from St. Scholastica in 2019. Joe is from Elk River, Minnesota and went to college at Saint Scholastica where he majored in Exercise Physiology. https://www.impactsportstraining.com/home

In this Episode Ty Sundberg sits down with J&RS's Design Manager Jeannifer Ellington to discuss the value add that design brings to our customers as well as design philosophy and the fundamentals that contribute to great design.

In this episode Ty Sundberg sits down with past customer Andy Johnson. Andy shares his personal story and career as well as some entertaining stories of his travels around the world.

Most of all Andy shares his experience in working with J&RS. In 2020 Andy and his Wife ended up choosing J&RS to perform an extensive remodel project on their home in Duluth MN. Andy goes into the details of what went great on the project in addition to what didn't go well or could have gone better.

Overall, the remodel was a success, but every project has its challenges and J&RS has learned over the years that it isn't the challenges and mistakes that define a company's reputation, but it is the manner in which these challenges are dealt with. 

In this episode Ty and Austin talk about how important it is to have a good pulse on the company's financial situation, from work in progress (WIP) processes, to the necessity of finance to help guide the company's trajectory. 

The stereotypical accountant is boring, loves math, and has no life. 

This perception is false, especially when it comes to Austin. Austin is full of passion, and his enthusiasm is contagious as he discusses his role at J&RS in finance and internal process implementation.