In this episode of The Punch List Podcast, hosts Matt Birdwell and Ian MacDonald sit down with Scott Brannock of Tidewater Homes - a boutique custom home builder making its mark in Northeast Florida.

Scott shares his journey growing a personalized, high-quality homebuilding company and how strong relationships - with clients, trades, and peers - have been central to that success. As the incoming president of the Northeast Florida Builders Association (NEFBA), he also offers insight into the vital role the association plays in supporting builders - from advocacy for our industry and engagement of custom home builders to the apprenticeship program that's shaping the next generation of skilled tradespeople.

Whether you're a builder, tradesperson, or simply passionate about homebuilding and leadership, this conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to build not just homes, but a stronger industry and community.

This is Part 2 of our conversation with Dr. Alex Stewart of The Market Distillery. In this conversation, Ian and Matt sit down with Dr. Alex Stewart of The Market Distillery to tackle one of the biggest challenges today: affordability. 

Together, they distill insights on the housing market, connect the dots between real estate agents and custom home builders, and explore how collaboration can create better outcomes for clients.

In this first of a two-part series, Ian and Matt welcome Dr. Alex Stewart of The Market Distillery to The Punch List Podcast. Together, they unpack the housing economy and explore how broader market trends connect to custom home building and remodeling. Whether you're in the trades, building a dream home, or simply curious about where the housing market is headed, this conversation lays the foundation for insights you won't want to miss.

When clients ask for a per-square-foot cost, the answer usually starts with “it all depends.” In this episode, Ian and Matt sit down with Steve Morgan of Riverside Homes Custom to unpack the key factors that shape the cost of a custom build. You’ll learn why every build is unique, why transparency matters, and how to have a smarter “per-foot” conversation with clients.

Matt Birdwell goes from host to guest on this episode to talk about how clear systems, strong culture, and a focus on the client experience lead to consistent success.

For the last two years, Ian has traveled to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) International Builder Show taking detailed notes and bringing that information back to his local market. In this episode, Ian & Matt talk through the highlights and top takeaways. They cover marketing for custom home builders and remodelers to utilizing professional service agreements. You don't want to miss this episode!

Architect Mike Stauffer joins The Punch List Podcast to discuss Custom Home Architecture and his process. Mike is one of the most sought out Architects in our local market, and beyond. Check out this episode to learn about his process, gain some knowledge on Architecture, and see how important it is for the builder
and architect to be on the same page not just during the build, but from the start of design. This is one you don't want to miss!

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Nile has taken lessons learned from his time at Florida State University, where he was a National Champion and All ACC player, to his time in the NFL to help build a successful business in Northeast Florida. There is a lot packed in to this 30 minute episode. You don't want to miss it!


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James Gonzalez from Cobb Gonzalez joins The Punch List Podcast to talk construction law. While one podcast is never enough to learn everything about construction law, James breaks down a wide range of topics ranging from lien law, contracts, warranty, licensing, and insurance. Check it out!


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Chris Wood and Matt Roberts have grown Riverside Homes in to not only a premier home builder in Northeast Florida but also a premier company. Listen to their story about how they have used core values to build a great team and diversification in the market. Matt and Chris have built Riverside Homes from the ground up to in include a neighborhood/production division, a custom home division, and a commercial division. This is an episode you don't want to miss.

Mixed & Edited by Next Day Podcast
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