In this inspiring episode of the PowerHouse SMART® Cool Collabs Podcast, Wendy Cohen sits down with Robert Hull, President and Principal Designer of JMAD (James McNeal Architecture and Design), an award-winning residential architecture firm known for creating immersive, wellness-centered luxury homes across the country.

With a unique background spanning both architecture and construction, Rob shares how his journey through the design-build world helped shape JMAD’s collaborative, technology-forward, and deeply human-centered approach to residential design.

Together, Wendy and Rob explore:

• How luxury living is evolving toward wellness, flexibility, and emotional experience• The powerful role of nature, natural light, and indoor-outdoor living in modern home design• How JMAD utilizes virtual reality technology to help clients emotionally experience their homes before construction begins• Why collaboration between architects, builders, interior designers, and specialty experts creates stronger projects and better outcomes• The future of health and wellness design, including circadian lighting, wellness spaces, biophilic architecture, and flexible living environments• Leadership, gratitude, community, and designing homes that genuinely enrich daily life

Rob also shares wisdom for the next generation of architects and designers, encouraging young professionals to pursue diverse experiences and discover the areas of design they are most passionate about.

This conversation is a beautiful reminder that the future of luxury living is no longer simply about how a home looks — it is about how a home makes us feel, function, heal, connect, and live.

About Robert Hull:Robert Hull is President and Principal Designer at JMAD Architecture + Design, specializing in custom residential architecture and immersive 3D visualization. With degrees in architecture from the University of Minnesota and extensive experience in both design and construction, Rob leads projects across the country that thoughtfully blend technology, nature, wellness, and timeless architectural design.

#PowerHouseSMART #CoolCollabsPodcast #LuxuryDesign #Architecture #WellnessDesign #LuxuryHomes #BiophilicDesign #JMAD #RobertHull #HumanCenteredDesign #LuxuryLiving #DesignBuild #TechnologyAndDesign

Where to Rob Hull

Title: President and Principal Designer

Company: JMAD, James McNeal Architecture and Design

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 877-796-5623 Website: https://www.jamesmcnealarchitectureanddesign.com/

About Rob Hull - Executive Team: https://www.jamesmcnealarchitectureanddesign.com/meet-the-team

LinkedIn (Rob Hull): https://www.linkedin.com/in/roberthull/

LinkedIn (JMAD): https://www.linkedin.com/company/jmadarchitecture/

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

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

Houzz: https://www.houzz.com/pro/jmadarchitecture/james-mcneal-architecture-and-design

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JMADarchitecture

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/JMADarchitecture/

Visit PowerHouse Companies Website:www.powerhouse-co.com

Podcast on the Website:https://www.powerhouse-co.com/podcast

Podcast on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ERf8rk0auNk&t=4s

Podcast on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/7LTIH1m5yc3ajMSp2n0UM2

Podcast on Apple:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-powerhouse-cool-collabs/id1792238056

PowerHouse SMART Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/powerhousesmart/

PowerHouse SMART Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/powerhousesmart/

Wendy Cohen LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/powerhouserecruiting/

In Episode 40 of the PowerHouse SMART® Cool Collabs Podcast, Wendy Cohen welcomes dear friend and respected interior designer Michelle Rohrer-Lauer, Principal of Michelle’s Interiors, for a heartfelt conversation centered around mentorship, teamwork, gratitude, sustainability, and the human side of design.

Michelle shares her inspiring journey from being encouraged by her artist aunt to pursue interior design, to launching and growing multiple successful businesses — including a specialty nursery design showroom, The Stork Room, before evolving into full-service residential and light commercial interiors.

Throughout the episode, Michelle reflects on the profound impact mentors had on her career, the importance of building strong teams, and why collaboration — not competition — creates lasting success within the luxury design and construction industry.

Wendy and Michelle also explore:• The power of mentorship and learning from others• Building a business through trusted teams and relationships• Why listening deeply to clients matters• The importance of sustainability and indoor air quality• How networking and mastermind groups helped shape Michelle’s leadership• Designing homes that truly support lifestyle and wellbeing• Gratitude, loss, and living a meaningful life centered around people and connection

Michelle’s warmth, wisdom, and collaborative spirit shine throughout this inspiring conversation, reminding us that beautiful design is ultimately about caring deeply for people and creating environments that support how they live, feel, and connect.

Where to Find Michelle Rohrer-Lauer:

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 847.223.2660

Michelle’s Interiors Studio Address: 518 Barron Boulevard Grayslake, IL 60030

Michelle’s Interiors Website: https://www.michellesinteriors.com/

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

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellerohrerlauer/

Michelle’s Interiors LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/michelles-interiors/

Houzz: https://www.houzz.com/pro/dreamypie/michelle-s-interiors

HGTV: https://www.hgtv.com/profiles/professionals/Michelle-Rohrer-Lauer

About the PowerHouse Cool Collabs Podcast:The PowerHouse Cool Collabs podcast, hosted by PowerHouse CEO Wendy Cohen, highlights inspiring leaders in luxury design, building, development, and real estate who exemplify gratitude and give back to humanity. Each episode features stories of success, philanthropy, and groundbreaking collaborations that are making a positive impact on communities and the industry as a whole.

Where to find the Host: PowerHouse Companies:

Visit PowerHouse Companies Website: www.powerhouse-co.com

Podcast on the Website: https://www.powerhouse-co.com/podcast

Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ERf8rk0auNk&t=4s

Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7LTIH1m5yc3ajMSp2n0UM2

Podcast on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-powerhouse-cool-collabs/id1792238056

PowerHouse SMART Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/powerhousesmart/

PowerHouse SMART Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/powerhousesmart/

Wendy Cohen LinkedIn: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/powerhouserecruiting/

What happens when operational strategy meets humanity, emotional intelligence, and purpose-driven leadership?

In Episode 39 of the PowerHouse SMART® Cool Collabs Podcast, Wendy Cohen sits down with Julie Finelli — Founder of Root Work Collaborative and Director of People & Operations at Spinning Babies® — for an inspiring conversation about systems-thinking, organizational growth, employee experience, and creating healthier workplace cultures from the inside out.

Known for her analytical mind, collaborative spirit, and deeply human approach to leadership, Julie shares how her unique ability to identify patterns, navigate complexity, and “get to the root” of organizational challenges helps businesses strengthen communication, culture, operational clarity, and long-term team success.

Ironically, the timing of this podcast could not be more perfect, as Julie also serves this month as the featured Expert Educator for the PowerHouse SMART® PowerConnect™ Groups — guiding business leaders through the intersection of people, process, accountability, systems, and culture.

During this heartfelt conversation, Wendy and Julie explore:

• Why the internal employee experience matters just as much as the client experience• The power of employee journey mapping and operational awareness• How leaders can identify hidden friction points within growing organizations• Why values often become “performative” — and how to truly embody them internally• Building cultures rooted in trust, clarity, communication, and emotional intelligence• The relationship between systems-thinking and human-centered leadership• Navigating ambiguity, growth, and change with an abundance mindset• The importance of co-creation versus top-down leadership models• How healthier organizational structures create stronger teams, retention, and business growth• The connection between mission-driven work and personal fulfillment

Julie also shares insight into her meaningful work with Spinning Babies®, a globally respected maternal health organization helping families, birth workers, and medical professionals create more empowered and supported birth experiences around the world.

This episode is especially valuable for leaders in the luxury home, design-build, construction, architecture, real estate, nonprofit, and entrepreneurial industries who are seeking to strengthen both the human and operational side of their organizations.

Whether you lead a small creative team or a growing multi-division company, this conversation offers thoughtful perspective and practical wisdom on how intentional leadership, systems awareness, and compassion can transform workplace culture and long-term business success.

What does it really take to build a meaningful and lasting career in real estate?

In this inspiring episode of the PowerHouse SMART® Cool Collabs Podcast, Wendy Cohen sits down with Kim Lindquist, Vice President of Corporate Services at Edina Realty, for a heartfelt conversation about leadership, collaboration, mentorship, and the power of human connection in business.

With more than 33 years in the real estate industry, Kim shares her remarkable journey — from answering phones at Edina Realty to becoming a respected leader helping support agents, relocation clients, corporate partnerships, and luxury real estate initiatives across Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Southwest Florida.

Together, Wendy and Kim explore:• Why relationships — not transactions — are the true foundation of long-term success• The importance of servant leadership, mentorship, and giving back• How collaboration between real estate professionals, builders, architects, and interior designers creates new opportunities• The evolving role of AI and technology in real estate — and why personal connection will always matter most• The emotional side of relocation and helping families through major life transitions• Living and leading with gratitude, authenticity, and purpose

This conversation is a beautiful reminder that while technology, marketing, and markets continue to evolve, trust, kindness, emotional intelligence, and genuine relationships remain at the center of extraordinary leadership and business growth.

If you are passionate about luxury real estate, leadership, entrepreneurship, design-build collaboration, or simply becoming a better human being in business, this episode is for you.

Where to Find Kim Lindquist

Title: Vice President, Corporate Services

Company: Edina Realty

Email: [email protected]Phone: 952.928.5860Website: https://www.edinarealty.com/

About Edina Realty Executive Team: https://www.edinarealty.com/about-edina-realty/executive-team

About Kim Relocation: https://relocationdirectorscouncil.org/members/default.asp?id=74927664

LinkedIn (Kim): https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-lindquist-41039318/

LinkedIn (Edina Realty): https://www.linkedin.com/company/edina-realty/

Instagram (Edina Realty): https://www.instagram.com/edinarealty/

Facebook (Edina Realty): https://www.facebook.com/EdinaRealty

In this heartfelt and wisdom-filled episode of the PowerHouse Cool Collabs Podcast, Wendy Cohen sits down with longtime colleague and respected industry leader Alan D. Lev, Chairman of Belgravia Group.

What unfolds is far more than a conversation about business success.

Alan shares his remarkable journey—from accounting and law to building one of Chicago’s most respected development firms—and reveals why, after all these years, the buildings matter less than the people inside them.

Together, Wendy and Alan explore the true power of long-term relationships, mentorship, gratitude, giving back, and leading with integrity. Alan offers candid insight on expanding into Arizona, adapting to new markets, building with uncompromising standards, and why helping others may be the greatest success of all.

This episode is a masterclass in leadership with heart—and a reminder that legacy is built through people, not just projects.

Enjoy the remarkable wisdom shared:

• Why relationships outperform transactions 

• What great leaders value most over time 

• Mentorship and the responsibility to give back 

• Expanding into new markets with courage and wisdom 

• Gratitude as a lifelong business advantage 

• How legacy is truly created

Where to Find Alan Lev

Email: [email protected]Phone: 312 321 5472Address: 833 N. Orleans St., #400 Chicago, IL 60610

Website: https://belgraviagroup.com/

About Alan Lev: https://belgraviagroup.com/team/alan-lev

LinkedIn (Alan Lev): https://www.linkedin.com/in/alan-lev-a309147/

LinkedIn (Belgravia Group): https://www.linkedin.com/company/belgravia-group/posts/?feedView=all

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/belgraviagroup/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/belgraviagroup/?fref=nf

YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQA0RpguswM

In Episode 36 of the PowerHouse Cool Collabs Podcast, Wendy Cohen sits down with Tina Timm, Builder Development Manager at Water Doctors, to explore one of the most essential—yet often overlooked—elements of the home: water quality.

With over 35 years in the building industry, Tina shares her evolution from working alongside builders to becoming a passionate advocate for healthier water systems—an advocacy deeply shaped by her personal journey as a cancer survivor. What began as professional insight has become a mission rooted in awareness, prevention, and care for others.

In this meaningful and eye-opening conversation, Wendy and Tina explore:

• Why water quality is emerging as a critical pillar in high-performance, wellness-focused home design• The hidden issues in municipal and well water that can impact everything from plumbing systems to long-term health• How builders, architects, and designers can integrate water solutions early—avoiding costly post-close corrections and elevating client trust• What homeowners can do today to better understand, test, and improve the water they live with every day• The difference between point-of-use and whole-home systems—and why both matter• How simple awareness can lead to more intentional living, better outcomes, and a higher standard of care in the built environment

Beyond the technical, this episode is also deeply human.

Tina shares her heartfelt involvement with the This Time Tomorrow Foundation, where small, meaningful acts of kindness bring light to individuals and families navigating cancer—reminding us that impact extends far beyond the work we do.

As the luxury design-build community continues to embrace healthier, more holistic living environments, this episode offers a powerful and timely perspective:

Water isn’t just something we use—it’s something we live within.

“Look for the pony.”A simple yet profound reminder that even in the unseen, there is opportunity, awareness, and hope.

Where to Find Tina Timm

Email: [email protected]Phone: (414) 292-7924Address: 901 N. Grandview Blvd., Waukesha, WI 53188

Website: https://www.h2odoctors.com/

LinkedIn (Tina): https://www.linkedin.com/in/tinatimm/LinkedIn (Water Doctors): https://www.linkedin.com/company/water-doctors/posts/?feedView=all

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/h2o_doctors/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/H2ODoctors/

This Time Tomorrow Foundation: https://www.thistimetomorrow.org/

Check Your Local Water Quality (EWG): https://www.ewg.org/tapwater/

WICIW – Women in the Construction Industry Wisconsin:https://www.womeninconstructionwi.com/

Wendy Cohen welcomes Rory Rubin, Founded and CEO, S.I. Container Builds Inc., to the PowerHouse Cool Collabs podcast for a powerful conversation on purpose-driven leadership, modular construction, and the future of housing.

In Episode 35, Wendy sits down with Rory to explore modular construction, container-based building, and the opportunities this innovative model creates for developers, nonprofits, municipalities, and other mission-driven industry leaders.

Rory shares how her company repurposes one-trip shipping containers into code-compliant homes, supportive housing, wellness pods, and other structures built faster and more efficiently than traditional on-site construction. She also explains why quality, licensed trades, engineering, and architectural integration are essential to doing modular building the right way.

If you are passionate about housing innovation, economic development, resilient building, sustainability, or scalable solutions for the “missing middle,” this episode is a must-listen.

Rory is not only rethinking how we build — she is helping reshape how we serve communities through smarter, faster, and more resilient construction. After listening, be sure to explore her website, view the incredible range of projects, and connect directly with Rory to continue the conversation and discover how you can collaborate.

Where to Find Rory Rubin

Founded and CEO, S.I. Container Builds Inc

Website: https://www.sicontainerbuilds.com/

Email: [email protected]

Phone:(866) 629-8251

LinkedIn (Rory):https://www.linkedin.com/in/roryrubin

LinkedIn (Company):https://www.linkedin.com/company/sicontainerbuilds/posts/?feedView=all

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

TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@sicontainerbuilds

YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6AFbNY8t-zQ1HyT9yTg2Ug

In Episode 34 of the PowerHouse Cool Collabs Podcast, Wendy Cohen sits down with Nikki Peters, Well-Being Intelligence Expert, to explore how wellness is transforming the built environment, workplace culture, and leadership.

With a background in kinesiology, yoga, and entrepreneurship—including leadership roles with CorePower Yoga and founding Studio 9 to 5—Nikki brings a unique perspective on how human health, performance, and environment are deeply connected.

In this thoughtful conversation, Wendy and Nikki discuss:

• What Well-Being Intelligence really means for organizations and leaders• How wellness principles are shaping the future of real estate and design• Why healthy indoor environments improve focus, performance, and quality of life• Nikki’s work helping companies integrate wellness into everyday spaces• The inspiration behind her upcoming book Know Thyself As the luxury design-build community increasingly embraces health-focused living environments, this conversation offers powerful insight into how leaders can create spaces—and cultures—where people truly thrive.

Where to find Nikki Peters:

Email: [email protected]

Website: studio9to5wellness.com 

Blog: https://www.studio9to5wellness.com/blog

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikkipeters/

LinkedIn Company: https://www.linkedin.com/company/studio9to5/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nikki.peters.772410/

Facebook Company:

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560474264625

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

Instagram Company: 

https://www.instagram.com/studio9to5

Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/NikkiPeters

Purchase Nikki's Book: Know Thyself 100 Courageous Questions

Where to find the Host: PowerHouse Companies:

Visit PowerHouse Companies Website: www.powerhouse-co.com

Podcast on the Website: https://www.powerhouse-co.com/podcast

Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ERf8rk0auNk&t=4s

Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7LTIH1m5yc3ajMSp2n0UM2

Podcast on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-powerhouse-cool-collabs/id1792238056

PowerHouse SMART Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/powerhousesmart/

PowerHouse SMART Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/powerhousesmart/

Wendy Cohen LinkedIn: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/powerhouserecruiting/

In Episode 33 of PowerHouse Cool Collabs, host Wendy Cohen welcomes Lynn Walsh, Founder & President of Walsh Communications, one of the most trusted PR and marketing leaders in the IL/WI building industry. Together they explore why builder marketing starts long before construction begins, how to find the true “hook” that earns media placement, and why reinvention, gratitude, and authentic relationships remain the foundation of long-term success.

Together, they unpack what’s changed in today’s media landscape, how to identify the real hook that gets stories placed (without blasting 100 editors), and why marketing success begins before a spoon of dirt is moved, with community acceptance, trust, and legacy in mind. It’s also a heartfelt conversation on gratitude, generosity, and the synchronicities that guide meaningful business relationships.

Want clarity on your marketing plan? Lynn welcomes a no-cost introductory call to help you quickly discern what you need, and what will truly move the needle.

In this commutable episode, Lynn shares:

·  Why you should expect to reinvent yourself multiple times throughout your career

·  What effective PR looks like today for builders, architects, designers, and real estate leaders

·   How to identify the “hook” that earns visibility and credibility

·   How media and editorial have changed, and how to navigate it wisely

·   Why marketing often begins with community relations during zoning and public meetings

·   The biggest mistake leaders make: committing to marketing on a cold call without a strategy

Practical, inspiring, and rooted in relationship, this is one you’ll want to share with a builder colleague.

Where to find Lynn Walsh:

Email: [email protected]

Website: walshcommunications.com 

Blog: https://www.walshcommunications.com/blog-1

LinkedIn, Lynn Walsh: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynn-walsh-b3a8487/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063800791738#

Where to find the Host: PowerHouse Companies:

Visit PowerHouse Companies Website: www.powerhouse-co.com

Podcast on the Website: https://www.powerhouse-co.com/podcast

Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ERf8rk0auNk&t=4s

Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7LTIH1m5yc3ajMSp2n0UM2

Podcast on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-powerhouse-cool-collabs/id1792238056

PowerHouse SMART Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/powerhousesmart/

PowerHouse SMART Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/powerhousesmart/

Wendy Cohen LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/powerhouserecruiting/

In Episode 32 of PowerHouse Cool Collabs, Wendy sits down with longtime business friend and Carlson Dash Attorneys Founder/Principal Partner Jim Dash for a grounded, insightful conversation about protecting the business behind the passion.

With more than 40 years of experience, Jim advises owners, designers, builders, and leaders across the construction and design industry. In this episode, Wendy and Jim explore what many founders avoid until it’s too late — the business foundation beneath the craft.

Jim shares why dispute resolution is often financially and mentally destructive, and how clear agreements, aligned expectations, and early conversations can keep you out of the courtroom and focused on what you do best. From protecting your entity properly to preparing for a meaningful exit strategy, this conversation offers practical legal wisdom for building a business designed to last.

Along the way, Jim introduces a powerful Stephen Covey exercise — Begin With the End in Mind — inviting us to reflect on legacy, leadership, and what it truly means to live and work with purpose.

If this conversation resonates, you’ll find Jim’s contact links below. He has always made himself available to PowerHouse SMART® members and colleagues, generously sharing his time, education, and wisdom to help others build stronger businesses and meaningful careers.

Where to find Jim Dash:

Email: [email protected]

Phone: (866)216-6066

Website: https://carlsondash.com/

LinkedIn Company: https://www.linkedin.com/company/carlson-dash-llc/

LinkedIn – Jim Dash: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-dash-361aa733/