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Titre
Date
Durée
How Strategic Partnerships Fuel High-Profile Projects With Mark Johnson of Architectural Stone
14 Nov 2024
00:54:56
Ted speaks with Mark Johnson, a fourth-generation stonemason and the owner of Architectural Stone. Mark shares his journey from working with his father's masonry business to establishing his own company that specializes in high-end stonework. He discusses notable projects, including the restoration of the Parthenon and collaborations with famous clients like T. Boone Pickens and George W. Bush. Mark emphasizes the importance of quality, education, and innovation in the construction industry, as well as his excitement for future endeavors, including new product lines featuring petrified wood.
TOPICS DISCUSSED
01:10 Introduction to Mark Johnson and His Journey
02:10 The Evolution of Mark's Career in Stonework
04:15 High-Profile Projects: Rockefeller and Ralph Lauren
08:36 Restoration of the Parthenon: A Unique Challenge
16:15 Working with Notable Clients: T. Boone Pickens and George W. Bush
27:25 Innovations in Stonework and Engineering
40:50 The Importance of Quality and Education in Construction
"It was pretty much hush hush and we couldn't really tell anyone. And they didn't want anybody to think there were American people working on the Parthenon."
"There was no such thing as a single shaft monolithic column that big in the world that we know"
Cultivating Success Through Adversity with Matt Segerstrom of Modern Splendor Homes
31 Oct 2024
00:50:06
Ted speaks with Matt Segerstrom owner of Modern Splendor Homes. Matt’s unique journey from a dairy farm in Wisconsin to becoming a successful entrepreneur in the construction industry is littered with challenges and obstacles that he persevered and overcame. Together, Ted and Matt explore the importance of trade skills, the challenges faced in the construction industry, and the significance of family dynamics and parenting. Matt shares insights on the Desert Dreams project, the role of technology in modern homes, and the necessity of having a strong design team. The conversation concludes with reflections on the future of the construction industry and the importance of resilience and adaptability in achieving success.
TOPICS DISCUSSED
1:05 Introduction and Background
03:15 Career Path and Early Experiences
09:20 Transition to Construction and Entrepreneurship
08:53 Family Dynamics and Parenting
14:00 The Importance of Trade Skills
20:20 Navigating Challenges in the Construction Industry
"I think the American dream has never been better."
"A firm believer in a little bit of adversity can go a long ways."
"We get the opportunity to build other people's dreams."
Embracing The Journey with Alisha Taylor in Scottsdale, AZ | Friends of Build Magazine #98
27 Jun 2024
01:01:03
Ted speaks with Alisha Taylor, an interior designer with Alisha Taylor Interiors, to discuss her journey in the industry. Alisha shares her experience of building her own successful interior design business and the challenges she faced along the way. She talks about the importance of a team mentality and the value of having a strong team with different superpowers. Alisha’s story serves as an inspiration for young people who are navigating their own career paths and she enjoys mentoring younger designers in her interior design business. Join Ted to hear how Alisha has tackled building trust with clients, scaling her business over the years, and where she’s headed next.
TOPICS DISCUSSED
02:20 Alisha Taylor's Journey in Interior Design
05:45 Building a Successful Interior Design Business
11:40 The Value of a Team Mentality in Design
22:50 Flexibility and Open-Mindedness in Design Careers
27:50 Encouraging children to be successful
30:30 Embracing the Journey
31:50 Mentoring the Next Generation
34:05 The Power of Failure
36:45 Guiding Clients through Decision-Making
39:30 The Psychology of Design
43:20 Spoiling Good Employees and working with great teams
"Flexibility and open-mindedness are key in pursuing a career in design."
"Having a team mentality and leveraging the strengths of each team member is essential for a successful interior design business."
"Don't look at the goal as the end goal. The end goal is when we die. Right? We've got to enjoy every part of the journey."
Kenny Anderson of Highland Custom Homes in Park City Utah
26 Aug 2021
00:35:59
Kenny, along with his business partner Matt Yates, offered to collaborate with Highland and offer their expertise. In 2016, the two bought out their original partner, giving Kenny and Matt 50/50 ownership of the firm.
Listen in as Kenny does a deep dive into what drives him as a business owner in the real estate world. He speaks on his core values, decision-making framework, and how he balances an incredibly busy schedule and time with the family.
He then gives his thoughts on the future of home building and how company owners and those in the trades can adapt to changes in technology and consumer trends.
Topics Discussed:
[02:33] Kenny’s background and how he got involved with Highland Custom Homes
[05:53] Overcoming rejection
[06:57] Highland Custom Homes’s core values
[08:00] Kenny’s ventures outside of Highland Custom Homes
[09:27] Why Kenny loves real estate
[10:37] What Kenny is most excited about right now
[12:05] How Kenny makes big decisions
[13:15] Achieving work-life integration
[14:55] Kenny’s advice to young entrepreneurs
[15:12] Why Kenny loves travel
[17:24] The most special thing about being in Park City
[19:21] Building in the valley versus building in Park City
[20:32] Changes in technology for home builders
[22:03] Architects that inspire Kenny
[23:23] Kenny’s predictions about the market and supply chain for the next three years
[26:24] Qualities that Kenny looks for in trade partners
[27:19] The next stage for Kenny
[27:50] Kenny on how anyone can live the American Dream
[31:20] What Kenny learned about success from interviewing countless leaders
Each person has their strengths. I’m good at some things. I’m not good at everything. When you can surround yourself with people who are experts in what they do, it makes the whole so much better than the individual parts.
You have to know what you believe in, and when you believe in something strong enough, you can get through any kind of rejection.
I’ll always be advancing different business interests throughout my life; but, the core of all that will always be people.
A big part of my life is focusing on the positives. [...] There is so much good in the world, and I choose to focus on those things.
Success is not a matter of chance—it’s a matter of choice. [...] The world would define success by money and fame; but, real success has a lot more to do with what you can give than what you can gain.
Heather Osmond of Osmond Designs in Park City Utah
19 Aug 2021
00:39:01
Osmond Designs’s list of accolades include being a seven-time Best of State winner for Interior Design, as well as Best Interior Design in Utah Valley’s Parade of Homes 2011-2019. The firm is also a nine-time Houzz Award winner for Heather Osmond and her “dream-team” for both highest level for client satisfaction and interior design services.
Listen in as Heather shares why she believes that “home is the most important place on Earth,” and how this belief translates into her work as an interior designer. She goes down memory lane, reflecting on how she built what is today the biggest interior design and furniture company in the state.
Topics Discussed:
[02:45] Passing on the wisdom of entrepreneurship to the kids
Building a home is a team effort. It’s not just the interior designer or the electrician or the plumber. Everybody feeling passionate and doing their best is what makes a home incredible.
It’s my sacred responsibility to help [my clients] make their home somewhere they love to be.
You only fail if you don’t get back up, because all of us are going to get knocked down.
What makes Osmond Designs unique and me, specifically, is that I listen to my clients, and I genuinely care about them and their family and how they live.
If you’re willing to live like no one will, you can live like no one can.
Candelaria Design: Inspiring Living with Mark Candelaria
12 Aug 2021
00:47:16
Mark is not your typical architect. Our conversation goes deep into his passion for travel, Mediterranean cuisine, philanthropy, and the finer things in life.
He explains why he decided to include a page on his website featuring his favorite family recipes and why he believes that there are few experiences in life that leave lasting memories as the family meal.
Mark also touches on what inspired him to host wine tours and the power of travel to refill his creative tank as a designer.
He and Ted lament the lack of focus on classic styles in design school, but find hope in the fact that more and more clients today have been gravitating toward traditional architecture and backing away from the “boxy” look that dominates contemporary designs.
Finally, Mark goes in-depth on his initiatives to pay-it-forward, as well as his desire to see more of his countrymen living out the American Dream.
Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
[01:58] The origin of Mark’s recipe book on the Candelaria website
[05:06] Why Mark began hosting wine tours
[10:23] How travel refills Mark’s creative tank
[12:27] The challenges of working with different builders on projects in different locations
[17:33] Traditional vs contemporary architecture and the emerging “Mediterranean” style
[20:22] Encouraging aspiring architects to embrace traditional styles
[28:09] What Mark has learned from working with prestigious clients through the years
[30:00] Giving back
[38:30] Mark’s most memorable career moments
[39:30] Upcoming trends in the industry
[44:08] Mark on how anyone can live the American Dream
Key Quotes by Mark:
What I’ve learned from those wine tours is how much they emulate life itself: You can plan this amazing life and this amazing trip, and things will go wrong. It’s what you do when those things go wrong—you can turn them into something amazing. Just keep going. You never know what’s around the next turn.
Travel refills my creative tank.
You’re not hiring us for a set of plans but for the experience we’re going to bring to the table.
Part of our job is to make these old-school professions and crafts sexy again. We’ve got to show the kids how cool they are. When you make something unique and different, it’s very fulfilling. A lot of these kids don’t have an outlet for expression other than a computer.
Fearless & Creative with Jaque Bethke Design
05 Aug 2021
01:07:43
Believing that “design should express people better than they can express themselves,” Jaque built her brand on the strength of her character, personality, love of the trades, and out-of-the-box creativity.
Listen in as Jaque how she developed a love for design, architecture, and engineering from an early age, as well as her determination to become a role model for women in the industry or who have a desire to enter the industry.
She reflects on her long and varied career path that saw her pushed to the limits of her imagination at Wynn all the way to running a firm that was featured on the cover of Architectural Digest not once, twice, but three times.
Finally, Jaque explains how she is able to soldier on in spite of the countless risks she has taken throughout her career, why she believes that “failing is awesome”, and her belief that a successful designer has to be so sure of their capabilities that they are willing to walk away from their own company if it comes down to it.
Topics Discussed:
[02:05] Jaque on the amazing house she recently gave us a tour of
[05:26] How Jaque got connected with Stephanie Fox of Platinum Homes
[11:35] Serving as a role model for women in the trades
[17:03] Changing the story you tell yourself to overcome self-imposed barriers
[23:32] Jaque’s first big break working at Wynn Las Vegas
[33:31] The importance of being challenged to think bigger and differently at work
[38:17] Starting her own firm and being featured on the cover of Architectural Digest thrice
[41:47] How Jaque interacts with her high-profile clients throughout the process
[45:29] Asking questions relentlessly in order to be able to design for longevity
[49:24] Why contemporary architecture will not stand the test of time
[58:13] Starting a furniture line for existing clients
[1:02:45] Why Jaque is willing to risk failure in achieving big goals
[1:04:17] Jaque on how anyone can live the American Dream
So much of what we do in design is driven by human design—by the nurturing characteristics.
Failure is not something that should define you as a person. Failure should motivate you to do better. [...] Failing is awesome, because what you take away from it is a lesson. You can use that lesson to empower yourself to help somebody else.
People are afraid to challenge, but the best work comes from challenge.
If you involve the children in the process of their home—where they’re going to live, how they’re going to live, what’s going into the areas that they use—they will take more ownership of it and they will help to care for it.
You are the architect of your journey in life. There are consequences that come with the choices that you make, but you can’t be afraid of them.
Rod Cullum of Cullum Homes in Scottsdale Arizona
29 Jul 2021
01:15:24
Rod kicks off the conversation by expressing his thoughts as to why he believes the construction industry is “broken”. Namely, he believes that small custom builders are lacking proper mentors that can help them scale their careers.
He says that the industry is seeing a decline in artistry, particularly among trim and finish carpenters, because certain skills are not being passed down to these younger trades.
However, regardless of what the future brings and what technologies get introduced into the industry, building a home will always be a “handcrafted experience”—even if it comes to the point where 3D printed homes become the norm.
Rod goes on to reflect on how his upbringing informs the vision-mission, values, and company culture at Cullum Homes. He touches on “The Cullum Difference”, which is to say, “How we communicate with our clients and how quick we are to bring the challenges to the surface.”
Finally, Rod speaks on the most important factor in his life: family. He shares his belief that strong family ties translate positively into every aspect of a person’s life.
He also believes that every single individual who refers to themselves as“American”—no matter how they look or what they believe in—can find success if they embrace the fact that anyone who puts their entire self into their dreams can become whatever they desire to be in the United States.
Topics Discussed:
[02:15] Why the construction industry is in dire need of mentorship
[11:40] Why the level of artistry, especially among finish carpenters, is declining
[18:32] The return of bigger houses and a wider array of home amenities
[26:02] Who is Rod Cullum and what led him to establish Cullum Homes?
[34:31] How Cullum Homes selects their customers
[40:30] The foundational importance of family
[51:59] What gets Rod out of bed in the morning?
[1:00:53] Rod on how anyone can live the American Dream
I’ve always believed that the construction industry, overall, is broken. [...] There are no real, strong mentors for small custom builders.
The design development is the dream. The construction document is how that dream gets executed.
This industry is about relationships. It’s a very small town. You can’t burn bridges. It’s about making sure you commit to your trade partners and you commit to your customers. You honor that agreement and you expect the same back from them.
It’s not that we are exceptional; it’s the ideal of America that makes us exceptional.
Dan Davenport of Mountain Land Design in Salt Lake City Utah
22 Jul 2021
00:44:49
The spark that led to the founding of MLD took place over 30 years ago when Dan, his brother Joe, and friend Steve Stockfish started delivering appliances for a small builder supplier in Salt Lake City. “The Three Mountain Landers” saw potential in their concept and continued to develop it through the years. Today MLD is made up of 140 employees and spans five locations.
Listen in as Dan talks all things company culture and building a resilient organization. He names “fun” as one of the top qualities he looks for in any new hire and says that he has brought people aboard who were willing to take significant pay cuts to become a member of his positive and dynamic team.
Today, with his continued plans for expansion and move to decentralize operations between each of MLD’s locations, Dan explains how he looks to increase the self-leadership capabilities of his team.
Dan goes on to discuss how he was forced to adapt to the limitations brought on by the Global Financial Crisis in 2008 and, now, COVID-19. He speaks on his biggest lessons learned in times of adversity and how he plans to build on his massive success in the new normal.
Topics Discussed:
[02:04] The inspiration behind Mountain Land Design
[07:32] How Dan leads his 140+ employees
[09:37] Dealing with clients who first walk into the showroom overwhelmed
[11:44] Buying out MLD and expanding to five locations
[18:21] How Dan built relationships with incredible vendors
[21:46] How Dan plans to decentralize operations between each location
[22:55] Helping your teams lead themselves
[25:21] The moment Dan and his two partners realized that they made it
[26:49] Surviving 2008 and being forced to cut the staff in half
[29:46] MLD’s challenges during the pandemic
[33:37] Projects that MLD is most excited about right now
[36:14] The biggest lesson that Dan learned after 32 years in the industry
[38:42] How Dan almost lost his wallet at a Bronco game
[41:40] Dan on how anyone can live the American Dream
When we’re hiring somebody, we look at, “Are they going to be fun? Are they going to fit with everybody?” Otherwise, they can become buzzkills for the rest of the group.
It’s not about the money. We have hired people that have taken significant pay cuts to come work for us. We’re a fun factory.
Klaus Baer of WRJ Design in Jackson Wyoming
15 Jul 2021
01:02:32
Today Ted speaks with Klaus Baer, COO of WRJ Design, an interior design firm he co-founded with Rush Jenkins in Jackson, WY.
Listen in as Klaus shares how he made the transition from Bear Stearns in New York to co-founding WRJ in Jackson and the inspiration behind one of his original home designs that evoked a “European aesthetic mixed with an American Western heritage style”.
Klaus reflects on his most memorable projects, including his exhibition work for a number of high-profile figures such as Nancy Reagan and Johnny Cash.
He touches on the idea of American excellence and how architects and designers can nurture that symbiotic relationship that leads to truly timeless works of art.
Klaus speaks on the WRJ brand and his partnerships with European craftsmen, and why he puts so much focus on soft skills or aptitudes when hiring new team members.
Finally, he talks about his and Rush’s experience publishing the book Natural Elegance: Luxurious Mountain Living.
Topics Discussed:
[04:10] Klaus’s background and career in the interior design space
[15:39] How working with Nancy Reagan impacted Klaus and his foray into exhibitions
[23:14] What gilded age architecture can teach us about the American Dream
[26:14] How Klaus chooses his more “humble” projects apart from prestigious clients
[31:31] Partnering with European craftsmen and differences between different countries
[39:36] What most don’t know about doing photography for an interior design book
[48:14] Getting Natural Elegance: Luxurious Mountain Living published
[52:41] The importance of fostering soft skills among team members
[56:05] Skills that Klaus wants to impart onto the next generation of designers
[59:06] What Klaus is most excited for
[01:00:33] Klaus on how anyone can live the American Dream
It doesn’t matter the industry—excellence is excellence.
Something that looks great today has got to be timeless. It’s got to work 10, 15, ideally 20 years from now if possible.
As interior designers, we are very focused on the nuance of the human appeal of all the textures and tactile layers that go into the interiors that we work on. Architects are more interested in the form and the shape of the house.
Being an intern is probably one of the best things a young person can do to really understand if they want to be in the industry.
Brad Leavitt of AFT Construction in Scottsdale, AZ
02 Jul 2021
00:50:52
Today Ted speaks with Brad Leavitt, Founder and President of A Finer Touch Construction—also known as AFT Construction—an award-winning custom home firm based out of Scottsdale, AZ.
Born into a family of tradesmen, Brad has been immersed in the world of construction all his life. For young Brad, there was no question that, whatever he would eventually do as an adult, it would have to involve creating things with his hands.
Listen in as Brad discusses the road to building his own construction business, the lessons he has learned from living abroad, the tangible value of building your personal brand no matter your profession, navigating difficult conversations with your clients, and adapting to changes in the architecture and design space.
Topics Discussed:
[01:38] How Brad got started in the world of construction
[03:31] What living in Argentina for a period of time taught Brad
[07:31] The importance of building your brand as a tradesperson
[15:11] Why Brad decided to move to Scottsdale from San Diego
[17:29] Who does Brad consider his greatest mentor?
[19:13] The purpose of work and how Brad’s early years of being a business owner
[26:00] Interacting with clients looking to build a home versus clients looking to remodel
[29:49] Setting expectations with clients
[34:44] Legacy builds
[36:45] AFT preferred suppliers/vendors
[37:49] AFT home in next Build Magazine issue
[39:27] AFT home in Build Magazine video
[42:02] How Brad has adapted his work to ever-evolving smart home technology
In any business, it doesn’t matter whether you’re in apparel or clothing, or products, or service, or construction—how do you create a workforce of people that believe in what you’re doing?
The more determined you are and the more you understand your business or your prospective client, the more successful you’ll be as a business owner.
A project can be successful, or fail, in the pre-construction stage. The more time I can sit down with the client and make sure we’re prepared, when it comes time to break ground, we’ve now built this collaboration and game plan. We have everything figured out, so we can build efficiently.
When you pay it forward, it will always come back tenfold.
Proactive Communication Drives Success with Ricky Perrone of Perrone Construction in Sarasota, FL | Friends of Build Magazine #97
13 Jun 2024
00:45:24
Ted speaks with Ricky Perrone of Perrone Construction and discusses the evolution of Sarasota, Florida, and the focus on luxury architecture in the city. Ricky shares the importance of systems and processes in their construction business and how they adapt to different clients and stakeholders. At Perrone Construction they emphasize the need for proactive communication and setting expectations to avoid delays and cost overruns. He also highlights the significance of involving the builder, architect, and interior designer from the beginning to ensure a seamless construction process. The conversation covers topics such as addressing client concerns, value engineering, the importance of good architecture, and the role of AI in construction.
TOPICS DISCUSSED
01:25 Introduction and Discussion on Sarasota
03:15 The journey of Perrone Construction
07:22 The Importance of Systems and Processes
10:13 Proactive Communication and Setting Expectations
14:30 The Role of the Builder, Architect, and Interior Designer
19:15 Site Selection and Due Diligence
21:08 The Value Engineering Process and Keeping Customers Happy
30:30 The Importance of Good Architecture in Construction
"Sarasota is a dynamic city with a true focus on the arts and architecture."
"If you set up a good system, you have a roadmap to success on a project."
"Being proactive can save time and money on a construction project."
Authenticity in a World of Perfectionism with Artist Theresa Stirling | Friends of Build Magazine #96
29 May 2024
00:58:01
Ted speaks with Theresa Stirling of Theresa Stirling Art Studios. In this conversation, Ted and Theresa discuss her journey as an artist and the impact of art on personal spaces. They explore themes of self-worth, authenticity, and the power of nature in inspiring art. Theresa shares her process of working with beeswax and encaustic medium, and how she incorporates different elements into her artwork. They also touch on the challenges and rewards of being an artist and the importance of taking risks. Theresa shares her journey as an artist and the challenges and rewards of running her own business. They discuss the impact of decisions and the excitement of embracing new opportunities. The conversation ends with a discussion of their future plans and the importance of being present in the moment.
TOPICS DISCUSSED
01:08 Introduction and Excitement for the Visit
01:50 Falling in Love with Art and Making a Career Change
03:05 The Role of Art in Defining a Space
04:55 The Authenticity of Art and the Importance of Nature
10:40 Working with Beeswax and Encaustic Medium
21:42 Self-Worth and the Validation of Art
27:40 The Process of Creating Animal Art
34:25 Art as a Tool for Storytelling and Personal Expression
36:36 Creating Personal Connections with Clients
41:10 Authenticity in a World of Perfectionism
43:00 Taking Risks and Embracing New Opportunities
I'm always taking risks and you know, I talked to a builder one time after I took on this I said yes to a ceiling mural panel, you know collection But I didn't quite know how to do it and how I was going to book match for gigantic panels wood panels at 84 inches each and He just I said do you ever take on projects and say yes, but you're not really sure how you're going to do them And he goes, oh we do it all the time.
It is truly one of the purest expressions we can do. Whether you play piano or you paint large pieces of art or you build tables, you put it out to the public and everybody can have an opinion. And sometimes the opinion could be hard to hear, but it's the purest expression.
I'm a big fan of the law of attraction and being in the vortex. Ride the horse in the direction it's going. If it feels good, do it. That applies to the art that I create. It applies to the business and how I run it, the social marketing piece. You know, I think be yourself when you show up in social. The world is already beleaguered by people trying to look too perfect.
Building A Generational Brand with David Kohler of Kohler Co. | Friends of Build Magazine #95
16 May 2024
00:49:37
Ted speaks with David Kohler, Chairman of the Board and CEO of Kohler Industries. They discuss the company's success, the American dream, and the importance of failure. David emphasizes the need for a strong culture, hard work, and a balance between discipline and creativity, while also sharing his insights on inspiring the younger generation and testing and innovating new products. From home fixtures to golf destinations, David and Ted uncover the Kohler journey and where they’re headed next.
TOPICS DISCUSSED
1:05 Introduction and the Green Bay Packers
05:55 The American Dream and the Kohler Legacy
08:15 Culture and Leadership
11:45 Inspiring the Younger Generation
14:33 Balancing Risk and Discipline
18:40 Testing and Innovating New Products
20:15 Collaborating with Designers and creatives
23:20 The American Dream and Global Mentality
28:00 Removing Politics from Immigration
29:30 The Importance of Political Discourse
30:25 Training the younger generation
33:20 Building a Golf Destination
42:30 The Importance of Gratitude, Humility, and Will
I think our team members really buy in to the company, to the culture, to the values, to the traditions and bring their passion and energy and that's really what's built the company over the years.
Because some of our strongest leaders in the company are leaders that started in a plant 25 years ago or on the front lines in sales 30 years ago and they've really grown up like I have in the industry.
And I talk to, you know, US CEOs all the time. And I can tell you that creative spirit, the focus on innovation, the dynamism is still alive.
Stepping Inside 3D Home Design Visualization with Charles Ochello of Vitruvius Design+Build | Friends of Build Magazine #94
02 May 2024
00:53:55
Ted speaks with Charles Ochello, owner of Vitruvius Design and Build and creator of Vius. He discusses his transition from being an emergency room doctor to a custom home builder, and his vision to bridge the visualization gap in the building industry. Charles shares his experience with using virtual reality technology to allow clients to visualize their finished homes and make informed decisions. Ted and Charles highlight the value of human interaction and collaboration in the design and construction process, while his technology company continues to develop software that optimizes the luxury home building process.
TOPICS DISCUSSED
01:35 Emergency room doctor to home builder
06:35 The transition to building and how skills carry over
08:40 Teaching People to Listen and Stay Calm
12:05 The Tipping Point to Become a Custom Home Builder
21:05 Enhancing the Client Experience with Virtual Reality
26:40 Differentiating from Other Tech Firms
28:55 The Power of Human Interaction and Experience
32:25 The Importance of the Human Element
34:25 Collaboration in the Design and Construction Process
37:30 Using Technology to Streamline Decision-Making
40:53 Tech as a Tool for Augmenting the Experience
We have this visualization data, we're working with some of the best architects, the best artists in the world, some of the best interior designers on the most incredible projects, but our clients - we haven't given them or developed the tools that they need to see their project. And so that was really the charge was to say, how can we use visual data from our architects and show our clients?
Decisions that are made early in the process are really inexpensive. Decisions late at four-way are really expensive.
At the end of the day, bringing clients into our office and sitting down and talking through things and seeing real emotion and then going on site and actually talking with our craftsmen and subcontractors that we work with and talking through how we're going to execute a detail or maybe it's a beam connection or all of those things. Those are irreplaceable.
Bringing Your Outdoor-Living Vision to Life With Joe Raboine of Belgard | Friends of Build Magazine #93
18 Apr 2024
00:48:05
Ted speaks with Joe Raboine, VP and Director of hardscapes for Belgard. He discusses the evolution of Belgard and the outdoor living space industry. He explains the structure of the company and its focus on providing a holistic solution for outdoor living. Joe also shares his transition from being a contractor to working in corporate America and the entrepreneurial mindset that drives the company. He highlights the importance of taking risks and learning from failures. Together, Ted and Joe cover challenges in construction, inspiring the next generation, and the future of Belgard.
TOPICS DISCUSSED
01:25 Overview of Belgard and Old Castle APG
06:30 Transition from Contractor to Corporate America
I think the outdoor living space is still wide open and, and there's so much opportunity.
When we look at the outdoor living space, we just see just unprecedented potential, right? But the challenge is there are very complex spaces to install. You need really all the skillsets you need for building a house, right? You need plumbers, electricians, carpenters, all of it, to do the big spaces.
It's incredible, but I think people are reprioritizing that. And in some cases are even, I've even had some recent conversations where people are building smaller homes, but they're building much larger outdoor spaces that are even bigger than the square footage of the house, some cases, which I think is, is incredible to see.
How AI Software Streamlines Collaboration During the Build Process with Ryan & Ty of Digs | Friends of Build Magazine #92
04 Apr 2024
00:18:28
Ted speaks with Ryan Fink and Ty Frackiewicz, the co-founders of Digs. Digs is a collaboration software solution for home builders, vendors, and homeowners that provides more efficient file storage, collaboration, and homeowner handoff for home construction projects. Ryan and Ty share their journey of creating and growing their AI solution and how it’s affecting the home building industry.
TOPICS DISCUSSED
01:00 Introducing the founders of Digs
02:25 The ideal customer
03:15 Processes and enhancing the customer experience
06:00 What were some challenges since you’ve launched?
09:15 Partnering with Mike Rowe
10:40 Educating others about the technology Digs uses
11:45 How does Digs stand out from other technology companies?
We don’t want to blow up the existing build process. We want to enhance it.
Instead of having somebody come out and scan your space and turn that into a twin, it becomes super accessible and inexpensive, frankly. For the first time digital twins become accessible.
How to Navigate the Risk and Stress of the Home Building Process with Keith Galbut| Friends of Build Magazine #91
21 Mar 2024
00:54:19
Ted speaks with Keith Galbut, founder of Advocate Residential Construction Advisors. They discuss the importance of proper planning and team selection in residential construction projects, highlighting the need for alignment between the client's objectives and the entire project team, including architects, builders, and subcontractors. Keith emphasizes the role of Advocate Residential Construction Advisors in reducing stress, managing risk, and ensuring cost-effective decision-making throughout the construction process. He also delves into the challenges and pitfalls that can arise in residential construction and the value of having an advocate to navigate these issues. Together they emphasize the importance of communication, transparency, and a collaborative approach to achieve successful outcomes in luxury custom home projects.
TOPICS DISCUSSED
01:04 Introduction and Background
02:18 Keith's Career and the Need for Advocate Residential Construction Advisors
05:30 Expansion and Market Reach
07:43 Building Relationships with Clients
09:10 Common Pitfalls in Residential Construction
13:00 The Emotional and Financial Benefits of Working with Advocate Residential Construction Advisors
15:35 The Role of Communication and Alignment in Successful Projects
20:22 The Impact of Design Choices on Cost
24:48 Managing Change Orders and Schedule Delays
28:30 The Need for Advocate Residential Construction Advisors
38:25 Ideal Clients and Fee Structure
47:30 Team Growth and Success
49:34 Impressive Resume and Pursuit of Problem Solving
We don't pick and choose favorites. That's not our role. We advise our clients in terms of our guidance or advice, but ultimately our goal is to give the clients all the tools necessary and the information so they can make good decisions.
We work to use data and analytics to also help with our projects and to help make sure that the budgeting is appropriate and to constantly be trying to improve everyone's understanding of the project before the construction really gets going so that we can test things and make sure that the owner's really paying what the market should be charging.
And a big part of that is talking truth to owners, frankly, and making sure that they're aware of the implications of their decisions.
Powering Life Beyond (and the dark side) of Tomorrow’s Home Automation Innovations with Michael Short of Crestron| Friends of Build Magazine #90
07 Mar 2024
00:48:47
Ted speaks with Michael Short, Sr. Director of Residential & Hospitality Marketing with Crestron Electronics. They explore Crestron's background and reputation as a leading automation company and discuss the challenges of scheduling and dealing with technology issues in smart homes.. The conversation touches on the importance of educating design build professionals and staying on the cutting edge of technology. Michael shares his thoughts on Crestron's growth and expansion globally, as well as the future of smart homes - addressing the potential dark side of technology and the need for security. Listen in to hear how Crestron is thriving in a fast-paced technology industry.
And the good news is we've been doing this for 50 years. Crestron is a 50 year old company, so we have a huge amount of legacy and experience in innovating incredible control technology.
You know, the owners of the biggest companies in the world, the innovators in, in this industry and outside this industry, the most famous people they have Crestron in their homes on their super yachts. These people don't sit still. These people expect the best experience. They expect the next thing. They expect everything to get better and improve.
Of course, we have all that structure and strategic integration set up, but they don't close off and we don't close off to ideas, to conversations, to people wanting to push the boundaries and that open infrastructure, that open language, that open culture is something that he installs in us to do because us pushing the boundaries and pushing the conversations, that's how you grow and innovate in a company
Sustainable Landscaping Practices that Impact the Building Community with Micah Barker | Friends of Build Magazine #89
22 Feb 2024
00:27:12
Ted speaks with Micah Barker from Bioscapes Hawaii, who focuses on an environmentally friendly approach to landscaping in the luxury resort space. He emphasizes the importance of intelligent landscaping, which involves water conservation, proper plant selection, and placement. Micah explains the challenges of educating clients and the building community about the need for sustainable landscaping practices. He shares his vision for Bioscapes Hawaii and the importance of early adopters in promoting environmentally friendly landscaping. Micah also discusses the scalability of his concept and the potential for collaboration with similar companies. The conversation highlights the perseverance and innovation required to create sustainable solutions in the landscaping industry.
TOPICS DISCUSSED
01:29 Appreciating the Landscape of Hawaii
02:03 Micah's Background and the Start of Bioscapes Hawaii
03:00 The Unique Biomes of Hawaii
04:23 Challenges and Opportunities of Landscaping in Hawaii
05:15 Intelligent Landscaping and Water Conservation
06:23 Building on Lava Fields and Environmental Impact
9:01 The Need for Education and Awareness with clients
12:13 Starting and the Vision for Bioscapes Hawaii
13:30 Early adopters
15:15 The Comparison to Other Environmental Movements
16:00 Similar companies but his business is unique
21:00 Intelligent Design and being an innovative entrepreneur
25:41 The Importance of Patience and Surfing Analogy
That was the purpose of the company was to deliver an intelligent model of developing along the coast that was not so destructive to the coastal ecosystem.
Our plants, they grow better: less pest, less water, less problems.
Our intelligent design is about doing things that are of place that are rooted in the place where they're being done.
Strategies For Longterm Success with Christian Nickum of Rocky Mountain Hardware
17 Oct 2024
00:43:11
Ted speaks with Christian Nickum, president of Rocky Mountain Hardware, discussing the journey of taking over the family business, navigating economic challenges, and the importance of brand identity. Christian shares insights on adapting to design trends, educating dealers and customers, and the significance of collaborations with designers in the longevity of his business. The conversation also touches on production techniques, staffing challenges, and the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, culminating in a vision for the future of the company.
TOPICS DISCUSSED
01:15 Introduction and Background
01:55 Taking Over the Family Business
04:40 Growth and Challenges in Business
06:25 Navigating Economic Downturns
11:10 Brand Identity and Market Positioning
14:15 Educating Dealers and Customers
18:40 Production Techniques and Custom Work
20:20 The Traveling Road Show
21:50 Success in High-End Markets
25:05 Timeless Design and Natural Materials
27:45 Design collaborations
31:40 Learning from Failure and innovation
36:30 Staffing Challenges in a Specialized Industry
The Law of Attraction: Samuel Lynn Galleries with JD Miller | Friends of Build Magazine #88
08 Feb 2024
00:57:02
Ted speaks with JD Miller an artist and gallery owner who owns Samuel Lynn Galleries with Phil Romano. Based in Dallas, JD now has galleries spread across the US, and talks with Ted about how he initially got his start and the direction he’s headed next.
From his start in the music business, his transition into radio, to his 3rd career in art - JD Miller shares his incredible story, including his belief that if you have a positive attitude good things will come your way.
TOPICS DISCUSSED
[2:35] JD’s background
[4:07] When did you find a passion for art?
[5:25] Is art trainable or innate?
[7:30] JD’s business partner: Macaroni Grill, Fudruckers, Heart Stents, and a leap of faith
[20:00] The gallery and finding David Yarrow
[ 31:35] Life before making money with his art, and transitioning to art full time
[37:18] Why aren’t galleries succeeding anymore?.
[43:43] Clint Black and the worst weather Dallas has ever seen
[46:45] Learning from mentors
[49:00] The vision going forward and the law of attraction
I've been really fortunate to work with some true geniuses in this business. And David Yarrow is the most he's not only a brilliant photographer, a brilliant artist, but he's the most brilliant branding and marketing person I've ever dealt with.
The other thing about David is he's one of these guys that he knows everybody, the most famous people in the world, wherever he is, he's just a magnet.
You know, it's changed so much. There are very few really brick and mortar galleries that are really, really doing well. You know, a lot of it's gone online and we're an exception.
Timeless Architecture: A New Venture in Montana with Nik Sirna | Friends of Build Magazine #87
01 Feb 2024
00:58:52
Ted speaks with Nik Sirna, owner of NVS Architects based in Montana. Nik recently relocated from Ohio to start his own architecture firm and has quickly built a customer base through his great work ethic and communication skills.
Today Ted dives into the challenges of starting over, the importance of listening to the customer, and the ways technology is changing industry businesses. Listen in to hear how Nik is climbing the ladder of success and the mentality he uses to tackle problems as they arise.
TOPICS DISCUSSED
[1:15] How Nik and Ted met
[4:10] How difficult is it to relocate your business and family?
[9:05] Is it hard to acclimate to a new style or design or craftsmanship?
[11:35] Listening to the client
[13:05] Architects can work anywhere
[15:00] Designs based on location, Square footage is just a number
[19:20] How tough was it to build up a firm with no clients? Getting your start.
[25:45]What’s the difference between school and real life practicing architecture?
[28:55] 3D modeling vs. real life
[33:35] Budget realities and hard decisions
[39:38] Exciting Projects
[42:12] The power of word of mouth and building relationships
[45:50] The process of landing a big project
[48:45] Mentorship and working hard matters
[51:20] You have to learn to figure things out, and don’t take no for an answer
We've found our lane for sure. We're always evolving, but we've definitely, we definitely have our niche and we've got our aesthetic, which has been nice and it's, it's again, been welcoming
Sometimes some of the best projects are some of the smaller ones where you gotta be creative with space and you be articulate with some of the structural stuff and you can create some really dynamic stuff. So it doesn't all have to be these huge, the huge projects are great, but a lot of them, the ones that challenge us design wise, tend to be a little bit smaller and really make us think outside of the box a little bit from a plan standpoint and come up with some awesome solutions.
I've been lucky enough to fall in line. I come from a big family of Italian entrepreneurs that they very successfully sold food, but more importantly, created an amazing culture and amazing business wrapped around people. I mean, they have staff that have been part of their team for 40 years because they believe in them, right? They set a path and their customer base, they love the family, they love the people, they love the experience, they love the communication. I've been able to take a lot of those key things.
Wood is Good: Thermally Modified Wood with Chris Bouchard | Friends of Build Magazine #86
25 Jan 2024
00:48:19
Ted speaks with Chris Bouchard at BPWood in Penticton, British Columbia. BPwood is a family run lumber company that specializes in being Nimble Innovators.
Today Ted unravels the greenwashing of composite materials vs. new wood products. While most consumers and builders are looking for durable outdoor materials like red cedar, BPWood has been revolutionizing the global lumber supply chain by introducing a new product called ThermoWood. This thermally modified wood is more sustainable and cheaper than other alternatives and today you’ll hear where it comes from, how it’s made, and all the different ways it can be used to change the industry.
TOPICS DISCUSSED
[2:12] How extreme sports translates to the family business
[6:28] Why did you join the family business?
[9:00] What’s the difference between regional woods?
[10:45] Hardwood vs. softwoods and sustainability
[14:45] Thermally Modified Wood: what is it and how is it made?
[18:50] Reclaimed lumber and its durability
[21:20] What’s your biggest challenge? Education?
[24:20]What’s the application of it?
[28:10] Thermowood is great for harsh climates
[29:00] What makes BPWood stand out from the competition?
[30:45] Do woods cycle, not just in popularity but in supply?
[33:25] The stories wood can tell
[34:30] BPWood products
[37:00] What changes have been made in the company over the years?
[40:05] Where do you see BPWood 5 years from now?
[40:55] What markets do you excel in?
[42:42] What’s the price point?
[43:45] Is there pressure on the composite industry?
Thermo Wood is a, well the thermal modification of wood is a process that has been studied in Europe from the early 1900s and the whole idea is to use heat and water to take a piece of traditionally non-durable wood and make it durable. Europeans don't grow, they don't have Western Red Cedar. Western Red Cedar is naturally known as the most naturally resistant or durable wood for exterior cladding and fencing and railing and decking and things like that. So the Europeans had to come up with a solution to take the material that they can grow in their forests and make durable wood products.
I think the vision for the company is to get a little bit deeper into markets that we've historically done good business in. We built the company on being a very wide company, and that's got us a long way. We understand the world. We know how things move around the world. We have a very global understanding of softwood. And my focus for the company is to see us dig a little deeper into those individual lanes. And just increase business that way. I believe you can only be so good at a lot of things and you can become masters at a few things that will make you stickier in the marketplace.
The broader message for all of these home building groups is that wood is good. Wood has a better carbon footprint and a more sustainable story than any hardy board ever created, than any composite deck ever created. We need to reintroduce wood as being good. That's my message to the whole industry, not just the high end home guys.
Recreating the Essence Through Architecture with Erik Peterson | Friends of Build Magazine #85
18 Jan 2024
00:55:19
Ted speaks with Erik Peterson, President of PHX Architecture in Scottsdale, Arizona. Erik’s career working on bespoke properties has given him an incredible amount of stories to tell and knowledge to impart.
Today, Ted explores the history of these properties and the indelible mark left by Erik and his firm as they renovate and recreate their purpose in the modern world. Listen in to hear the remarkable story of a kid from Chicago who made it big through perseverance, determination, and grit.
TOPICS DISCUSSED
[1:30] Erik, Frank Lloyd Wright and The Arizona Biltmore
[14:05] How do you take an iconic property and update it without losing the essence?
[16:50] How do you recover from doing a restoration and move on?
[20:15] How do you feel about your iconic projects being renovated in the future?
[22:20] Persistence pays off, success doesn’t happen overnight
[24:27] How to build a special moment
[27:34] How do you guide young people?
[31:35] How does traveling affect your craft?
[34:45] Leaving an impression, but letting go of control
[37:15] Just a kid from Chicago
[39:30] Getting young people involved in the industry and transitioning to AI
[45:22] What’s different about what clients ask for now as opposed to 15 years ago?
Yeah, 1929 is when the Biltmore started. Now, it was later in the 30s that Wright decided the depression hits, he's got no work. He had been out here helping Albert Chase MacArthur, they were the developers of the Biltmore. The market crashed. He knew that Wright was in trouble. Wright didn't have work. He was kicked out of Taliesin in Wisconsin because his ex-wife got it repossessed. He was living with his new mistress in La Jolla. And Chase McArthur, who used to work with him back in Chicago, calls him up and says, hey, me and my brothers are doing this hotel. I know you need money.
When I first was started and we were working at Taliesin, we went to California and we got to visit with an original owner that hired Frank Lloyd Wright to design the house. She was still in the house and she was a dancer and she had hired Frank Lloyd Wright and she said, design me a house that I feel like dancing in every single day. So here she was in her 90s, she could barely walk and she said, but I will tell you this,I still dance in this house every single day. And it just like sent those goosebumps up my spine. And I said, that's what I want. I want to be that. I wanna do that for somebody. And that's what keeps me going.
Yeah, you know you want we as architects always want control but that's the thing that happens you're done You give it to them and you walk away and make they can do whatever they want with it.
Year in Review 2023 with Ted Bainbridge | Friends of Build Magazine #84
11 Jan 2024
00:42:39
Ted speaks with realtor Win Peniston about Build Magazine’s last year. 2023 was a year of growth, expansion, and learning.
Today, Ted tackles his own background, his thoughts on the building industry and the economy, and the life lessons he’s learned while building a successful company. Join us for the first Year in Review as we look towards 2024.
TOPICS DISCUSSED
[1:30] What was meant to be special for 2023 and did you achieve it?
[5:00] Where was your growth? Turning negatives into positives
[8:53] The challenges of building a company
[11:30] What was the most innovative things you saw this year?
[17:45] Innovation based on location
[26:50] Which markets does Build Magazine serve and what do growth plans look like?
[32:00] What’s on your mind? Economy, the next generation, etc.
[39:50] What’s your prognosis for the building industry in 2024?
The technology in home building is always important and it's also always important to think about the realities of the house over time as it relates to technology because so much is behind the walls that you almost have to really think about getting it right the first time.
I think it's an exciting time to be in business, but it's also a very challenging time. But the challenge makes you, it keeps you engaged, it keeps you healthy, it keeps you functioning, it keeps your brain thinking
It’s getting more people to understand that trades are a great way to live a life, to have a career. It is, especially, if you're dealing at this tier of people. You'll never know what a recession is, you'll never have a bad time because those people, even in bad times, they've always got money and now they think that they can get better deals on real estate. And they've got the liquidity to be able to pull that off.
It’s a Good Time to Be Doing What We’re Doing, Where We’re Doing It: Interior Design in Palm Beach with Allison Paladino and Zita Rudd | Friends of Build Magazine #83
04 Jan 2024
00:56:06
Episode Notes
Ted speaks with Allison Paladino and Zita Rudd with Paladino | Rudd Interior Designs in Palm Beach, Florida. Through the 2008 recession to the present, these two have stuck together and today Paladino | Rudd is featured in luxury magazines across the country and designs collections for leading manufacturers all over.
Today, Ted dives into how this business started, how the partnership thrived, and where Allison and Zita are headed next. Listen in as he plots their trajectory and reveals the systems and processes that have helped them rise to the top.
TOPICS DISCUSSED
[1:45] How Paladino | Rudd came to be
[2:55] Waiting to become partner and the career of an interior designer
[4:08] The importance of To Do lists and paying it forward
[11:50] What do you learn from failure?
[15:30] The responsibility to be a role model for employees
[18:15] 3 decades in Palm Beach and the evolution of a place
[23:45] Coaching to stay calm in chaos
[26:25] How to stay relevant and foster your employees
[32:15] What do two talented interior designers have in their own homes?
[35:00] Where do you find inspiration for your designs?
[37:15] Giving creative importance to client’s desires
Some designers, it's almost like a conveyor belt. You see designs and you see things repeated. And we go over and beyond. And I think, I don't know, we just love what we do. And we want everything to be unique. And we want to create fantastic things for clients
It's so important. We're all so busy going a million miles an hour, that it's really important to make sure your staff is happy.
Every project's different. We don't ever want our projects to be recognizable - to say, oh, that's Paladina Rudd. I think you're doing your client a real disservice if someone can spot your work.
Modern Eclectic Interior Design: A Love For Beautiful Things with Nida Risto | Friends of Build Magazine #82
19 Oct 2023
01:00:33
Episode Notes
Ted speaks with Nida Risto, founder of Nida Risto Interiors, a Wyoming-based interior design firm on her collaborative design process and her path from Albania to America. Nida shares her process in sourcing materials for clients and how her personal approach can lead to shipping an antique chandelier across oceans. In a wide-ranging conversation, Ted & Nida discuss how failure is always informative, the American Dream and the rise of misinformation.
Despite her highly successful design career, Nida never forgets how far she’s come and her lived experience of the fragility of peace. Today, Ted does a deep dive into Nida’s eclectic world of interior design as she draws from both her European and American roots.
TOPICS DISCUSSED
[2:00] The American Dream & Nida’s path to the U.S.
[15:30] What is Nida’s process when beginning a project?
[17:20] Drawing from a European background & being an “eclectic”
[20:00] How does your process change when joining an “orphaned” project?
[22:50] Building trust with clients who’ve been burned by previous designers
[28:30] The consequences of buying houses site-unseen
[29:50] An idyllic life vs the life we narrowly avoided
[33:30] America’s multiculturalism & putting in the work
[35:50] What are the coolest projects you’ve worked on?
[39:50] Sourcing furniture & a very special chandelier
[42:50] How important is the story of the objects you source for your clients?
[44:40] The importance of the work of Interior Designers
[46:10] What is one of your biggest failures & how did you overcome it?
[48:50] Risk & failure in America vs Albania
[55:40] Repair in a post-communist Albania & the fragility of peace
[57:45] Do you get nervous with what’s going on here in America?
This is a country that was made of immigrants. And people always say, well, the American dream is dead. And I'm like, it's not. It might not be as what it used to be back in the 80s, but it's still there and we can still work to make it even better for everyone. But you do have to put in the work.
You're trying to get as much business as you can to build your business. You're more in starvation mode. And then you realize in the long run that even though I had revenue, was it worth it in the long run? Was it worth the headaches? And quite frankly, towards the end, it's never worth it.
For an immigrant to take risks is very different from someone that was born and raised here to take risks. If I fail, I fail and that's it. And I'm probably going to have to start over from scratch. And it puts a lot of pressure on you, but it also puts a lot of responsibility for you to take very calculated risks.
When you hire a team of professionals, let them do their job. Because they have the experience and know how things work. Don't try and micromanage. Don't try and tell your builder and architect and designer what to do. Listen to their advice because they know they have done this so many times.
The Next Step to Adoption: Residential Renewable Energy Solutions with Vincent Ambrose | Friends of Build Magazine #81
05 Oct 2023
00:52:37
Today Ted speaks with Vincent Ambrose, Chief Commercial Officer of FranklinWH, a research-driven company focused on next-generation residential energy management and storage solutions. Vincent shares what energy independence can look like, what it should cost, and how it works.
As a leading innovator in the renewable energy sector, FranklinWH is uniquely positioned to provide solutions across North America for homeowners and homebuilders looking to be more self-sufficient or off-grid. Today, Ted dives into the specifics surrounding this ever-evolving technology and helps break down what can often seem difficult to understand.
TOPICS DISCUSSED
[2:10] Born in California, headquartered in Canada
[2:50] Do geography and climate play a big role in solar adoption?
[4:40] What is the biggest challenge in the industry?
[5:50] Should we go all renewable, or is there a balance?
[8:05] Will a solar grid supply everything we need?
[8:30] What’s stopping that from happening?
[9:35] Energy intensive industries will have to transition
[11:30] Consumer education is the biggest roadblock
[12:30] How did Vincent get into the renewable industry?
[15:15] Juggling a business so affected by policy and opinion
[17:30] What a transition into renewable look like?
[20:00] What are the questions homeowners should ask about having a battery backup to your house?
[23:20] All about the technology
[25:30] Battery replacement and disposal
[29:05] The ins and outs of batteries on projects
[33:00] What is the limiting factor for homeowners?
[35:25] What’s the business model?
[38:45] Cool projects
[41:45] Energy independence from weather and climate
[45:00] How to manage the smartest people in the industry
So the actual distance to the sun really doesn't come into play. It's actually the irradiance that the area receives on an annual basis is kind of how the industry works off of. And there are specific maps. So, for instance, Phoenix, which is way higher than the equator, right, is going to get way more sun than, let's say, Panama City, right? And that's more of a function of cloud cover and moisture in the air than it is, you know, anything else.
There are some industries that are so energy intensive that solar wind and battery don't make sense as their own unit, but they can very easily create that energy that can be used.
Everybody resists change, right? That's kind of human nature. And we need to learn how to embrace change. For some reason, our industry has gotten a little bit more politicized, so that change seems to be a little bit more controversial. Nobody was screaming and yelling when we went from 2G to 3G, and 3G to 4G.
A New Business Venture: Designing Elevators in Montana with Lauren Wheaton | Friends of Build Magazine #80
14 Sep 2023
00:44:14
Episode Notes
Today Ted speaks with Lauren Wheaton of Big Sky Elevator Services in Montana. After leaving behind California and their businesses there, Lauren and her husband started a new venture in Missoula by taking over an existing luxury elevator business.
Transitioning to a 4 day work week, taking advantage of the amazing outdoor amenities, and enjoying the Montana way of life has been an incredible experience. Listen in as Lauren shares how the demand for this luxurious amenity has skyrocketed, and how they handle being the only Savaria dealer in the state through extraordinary company culture and a new apprenticeship program.
TOPICS DISCUSSED
[1:30] The journey to Montana
[3:50] Life before the elevator business
[4:20] Big Sky Elevator introduction
[5:00] What has surprised you the most? 4 day work week.
[7:40] The demand for elevators in residential construction
[9:40] The craziest realization after joining the elevator business
[11:25] Benefits of being a Savaria Dealer
[13:15] Working in Montana and unique installations
[15:50] What are builders looking for when they partner with you?
[18:38] How difficult is it to find technicians?
[19:35] Operating a business in California vs. Montana
[22:00] Construction/engineering as a transition to elevators
[23:00] How to pre-empt service calls?
[24:40] Reasons to buy elevators in the past vs. the present
[26:50] What are the main questions people have for elevators?
[28:00] What is the cost?
[29:30] How did you end up buying an elevator company?
[32:00] How have you grown the business?
[33:10] Where do you see the company 5 years from now?
[36:20] Are you glad you bought the business?
[39:25] What was a challenge or obstacle you overcame and how does it define you today?
There's a tremendous demand now. I don't know if it existed in the past, but the residential demand for elevators is just incredible. It's gone through the roof, and obviously the entire state is growing, so you also have a commercial growth as well.
We have to schedule around everybody's hunting schedule in October and November, but other than that, we don't get sick days at all.
We are unique, I think, in the fact that we are headquartered in Missoula. So we are hands down on the ground in Montana. We go and we do multiple site checks. So when they're putting in these elevators, we don't just send them a drawing and hope they construct to it.
A Far Superior Process: Innovation in 3D Renderings with Eric Payne | Friends of Build Magazine #79
07 Sep 2023
00:57:39
Today Ted speaks with Eric Payne, founder of NuWest Builders and Co-Founder of Paynecole, an architecture firm specializing in 3D-rendered designs in Whitefish, MT. Growing up on a farm and surviving having a dot com business during the bubble taught Eric work ethic, follow through, and an unmatched drive to succeed.
After transitioning to building, and scaling a successful luxury custom home business, Eric realized the greatest frustration he and his team had was solvable. Traditional building plans left so many unanswered questions, but after meeting Nic Cole, Eric learned that 3D renderings that stayed ahead of builders and were designed by professional animators could wildly improve the customer experience and building process for his team.
Today, Ted digs into how Payncole came to be, how technology is changing the building industry, and the mindset that Eric operates from to build successful businesses.
TOPICS DISCUSSED
[1:50] Growing up surrounded by technology
[6:05] Early adoption of technology changes how you think
[9:20] How do you decide which technologies are useful?
[12:50] Unique renderings of building projects and the process
[15:10] Building plans are the number one source of frustration
[19:50] Scaling 3D rendered plans
[21:30] Mentors throughout life
[28:20] What you accomplish with what you’re given
[30:50] How Zoom shifted scaling a business
[32:00] Working on iconic structures in Whitefish
[35:55] The start of Payncole
[41:45] Adoption and education in this new technology
[46:20] What do people not know about you?
[50:35] What’s a failure you learned from?
[54:00] Where do you see yourself and the building industry in 10 years?
I think our industry is dominated by limited goals. Most of the, from a builder standpoint, a builder will find this is the max capacity that we have. It's six homes at any one time, or it's two homes a year, whatever that is. And that's the max, because they're used to doing things same way they've always done them, and they wanna do them right. And that is a great, great goal to have, and it's a great limited goal. But if, again, if we can prove to these people like some of the great innovators that have come before, is we can change your whole way of thinking. That, I believe, is where the ultimate success comes from.
So we started focusing on the renderings, bringing in art, the guys that were better, they're not architects that are doing these renders, they're animators and they're graphic artists.
I'm about to see the West, specifically Montana, I see exploding far more than what we already have. I think we've just seen the tip of the iceberg.
Modern Timber Frame Designs in the Custom Home Market with Mike Pollari of Timberpeg
03 Oct 2024
00:57:00
Ted speaks with Mike Pollari of Timberpeg Homes based in New Hampshire. Timber Peg Homes has decades of experience building and designing timber frame and log homes, and Mike highlights the importance of technology in the industry and how it has changed the way homes are built. He also talks about the evolving preferences of clients, from contemporary designs to the resurgence of log homes, and emphasizes the company's focus on customer service and the attention to detail in the design and construction process. Timber frame homes can bring unique challenges to a build site, and Mike addresses meeting those challenges head on to build a custom home that can stand the test of time.
TOPICS DISCUSSED
02:05 Introduction
03:20 The Impact of Technology on Home Building
05:35 WHS Homes and timber framing
09:15 Customization and Personalization in Home Design
11:20 The Appeal of Timber Frame and Log Homes
17:10 Next ten years, industry shifts
22:20 The Importance of Customer Service in the Construction Process
30:00 Building in Different Climate Zones
32:30 Collaboration in Timber Frame Construction
34:00 Making Connections and the Grind
45:00 Differentiating from Competitors
48:15 Simplicity and Trust in the Building Process
"Timber frame homes can provide a beautiful aesthetic even in areas with heavy snow and wind loads."
"Ultimately, I think that, you know, an architect doesn't want to create a situation where there's going to be callbacks and issues with the house, but they have this vision of the home and how, you know, how they want it to look."
"So that really changes on each project. We do projects where we're working directly with a builder who is creating a, maybe they're doing a 7,000 square foot home in Texas for a client and we're providing just the timber frame in the great room."
The Best Piece Is The Next Piece with Paul Shepherd | Friends of Build Magazine #78
31 Aug 2023
00:48:14
Today Ted speaks with Paul Shepherd, founder of Forged Elegance in Bend, OR. After an entire career in the HVAC industry, Paul transitioned to a new business - forging steel and combining it with antique wood to create elegant, one-of-a-kind furniture. Through his shop and showroom, Paul builds custom crafts with wood that has a story and has lived a life.
Paul shares these stories, and Ted draws out his passion for the craft, his thoughts on the next generation, and his drive to continue creating during what should be Paul’s retirement.
TOPICS DISCUSSED
[1:40] Paul’s journey into working with antique wood
[6:05] Wood with a story
[8:40] What products are made from barnwood?
[10:28] Antique woods can crossover into different designs
[13:00] Astoria pylons
[14:20] Showroom in Bend, OR
[14:50] Business outside of Bend
[16:50] A community of artists
[24:00] Retiring from the HVAC industry and trying to make his best work
[27:40] Mentors through the years
[29:24] Getting young people interested, trained, and passionate
[36:50] Seeing through a difference lens to create new work
[39:15] What inspired you to start a new business after retiring?
[42:30] What’s the vision 5 years from now?
[45:35] What piece of advice to you give the younger generation?
They have to be able to prove it to a point. I want some history to it that can be proven, otherwise I won’t just buy it. Otherwise, it’s just regular old barn wood.
Every year we strive to do bigger and better.
When they fail you’ve got to show them how to do it successfully.
All of Life and Business Is About Location with Ric DeMarco | Friends of Build Magazine #77
24 Aug 2023
00:43:04
Today Ted speaks with Ric DeMarco from DeMarco Design & Building in Bend, Oregon. 47 years ago, Ric DeMarco moved to Bend and started designing one custom home at a time for the residents of the region.
His portfolio covers a large range of styles and designs, and he’s watched Bend change into the city it is today. In addition to designing and building beautifully unique custom homes, Ric talks about his journey as an author, a mentor, an entreprenuer, and a soon to be musician. Wearing so many hats, Ric keeps his head straight on his shoulders by listening deeply to his clients and building meaningful relationships. Join us as Ted learns about the man behind the designs of some of the best homes in Bend, Oregon.
TOPICS DISCUSSED
[1:40] 47 years in Bend
[3:20] How a great attitude can shape a career
[4:30] The skilled labor shortage
[7:50] Ric’s mentorship journey through the years
[9:00] How has Bend and the housing market changed in the last 47 years
[15:00] What keeps you excited about building after all these years?
[17:33] Evolving design styles throughout the years
[19:50] Listening to the buyers and collaborating to build a dream home
[21:30] Interior design and the value of it
[23:15] Writing books and having a creative outlet
[26:00] Business ventures outside of building
[30:15] What technology are people looking for in their homes in Bend?
[35:23] How did the pandemic affect building in Bend?
You know, when people say people don't want to work, I don't know if that's a true statement. I think people do want to work. There are just literally not enough bodies out there, I don't think.
People want to... you know, everyone's concerned about urban sprawl, but you know, let's face it, we're a dynamic growing town soon to become a city, and we need to be thinking ahead 20, 30 years, and unfortunately, I think a lot of our planning is reactive instead of proactive.
But my thing about designing and building a home is the process should be as good as a product. If it's not a life-giving process to do this, and our process is two to three years on some of these homes, why would you do it if it's not fun and life-giving?
Big Opportunity in Big Sky: 20 Acres in Moonlight Basin with Brian Scott and Patrick Rettig | Friends of Build Magazine #76
05 Jul 2023
00:43:33
Today Ted speaks with Brian Scott of Lone Pine Builders and Patrick Rettig of Haven Architecture, two childhood friends, about their collaboration in Big Sky, Montana. Growing up in Massachusetts, these two were incredibly close. After college, they parted ways. Now they’ve come together again to create an incredible opportunity for a lucky buyer in the Moonlight Basin neighborhood of Big Sky.
Through impeccable design and creative architecture, Brian and Patrick have put together a truly special spec home on 20 acres for the discerning buyer. Listen in as Ted gets to the heart of the cross-country duo’s process and what makes this property stand above the rest.
Interested in learning more and working with Brian and Patrick?
I think the hardest thing to do like you said was it was the slope. It was getting the house up in the highest point that we could and get the best views.
It's funny because, you know, the more we sort of globalize and the more we connect, the less sort of regional differences we see.
I always look for that in everything I do is what is the special thing that makes this unique and how do we have to celebrate it, right?
Small Choices Make a Big Impact: Sustainable Flooring with Shannon Johnstone | Friends of Build Magazine #75
15 Jun 2023
00:49:52
Today Ted speaks with Shannon Johnstone of Strong Roots Flooring in Kelowna BC. Shannon and her husband run their business with the model to save old flooring by refinishing it to look modern. In their store, they focus on educating customers on sustainable flooring options for every budget.
While their business always focused on refinishing, the shift towards sustainability is new and the smallest choices have had the biggest impact. From using new technology and low VOC products, to a partnership to replant the worlds forests, Shannon and her husband are on a mission. For every 100 square feet of flooring they’re able to refinish, they partner with a company to plant 10 trees around the world. This initiative has allowed them to not only plant more trees, but to save more old floors from entering landfills.
This episode is a lesson on the environment, the choices we can make, and where the industry is headed if we can take the smallest steps.
TOPICS DISCUSSED
[2:00] The start of Strong Roots Flooring
[5:30] It’s tough to find good people
[8:00] Most floors can be refinished
[8:40] How to give old floors new personality
[12:00] How has technology changed refinishing?
[16:00] Where is the business now vs. when you started?
[19:40] Tree planting initiative
[30:15] Trying to educate the public on sustainable flooring
[35:30] Differences in wood sources and products
[40:20] How to be sustainable and thoughtful with hardwood
[41:30] Competition in the marketplace
[43:55] What keeps you up at night?
[46:45] Consideration for the environment is becoming popular
We won't do oil finished anymore. We have been requested, but just for the sake of our guys, we won't because it's so toxic.
We started it with just our refinishing to encourage our customers into refinishing rather than a new floor, but we now actually do it for just per a hundred square feet of flooring period. But we'll send a report so if we have a refinishing client, I send them an email at the beginning of the following month and I'll tell them how many trees they planted and then I'll tell them how many they saved from the landfill and then how many they saved from harvest. Because it's one thing to plant trees but if you're using what you have, if you're a thousand square feet of flooring, you've saved about ten trees from being harvested and you've saved another ten trees that were already harvested because they're in your floor from going into a landfill.
So I have a saying, if you don't like scratches, don't get hardwood. And if you don't like cracks, don't get concrete.
The Price of Progress with Tyler Frank | Friends of Build Magazine #74
08 Jun 2023
01:01:54
Today Ted speaks with Tyler Frank of Malmquist Construction in Whitefish, Montana. Tyler, a project manager and owner, shares his experience building relationships, nurturing trades, and the recent projects he’s taken on. In luxury home building, there’s always a new idea or a new product, and that requires teamwork.
Creativity abounds in the mountains, and Tyler discusses how he approaches each project with respect for his unique clients and the natural surroundings. If you’ve wanted to know what clients are looking for in a resort town near a national park and what it takes to build there- this is the episode for you.
TOPICS DISCUSSED
[1:35] Taking over a good company
[3:20] Labor Markets and Supply Chain
[6:13] Lack of affordable housing
[10:07] Building relationships between clients and subs
[13:50] Progress and climate in Whitefish, Montana
[21:30] Doing the right thing
[26:00] Relationships with clients are the most important
[30:00] How do you help a client enjoy the process of building
[35:00] New Project
[50:40] Has the building process become more complicated?
[53:50] Exciting new features in homes
[57:30] Price of homes increasing
[59:20] Where will the Whitefish, Montana market be in 5 years
Does labor price ever come down? Yeah, it does. I mean, it does. And it will, you know, we're seeing right now, in today's market. The houses that are, let's say, less than a million dollars, those houses are slowing down in this area, because when you've got the cost of to build being, you know, let's say 25%, more than what they were originally had it as a budget. And then interest rates are, you know, in the seven or 8% versus three, that's double the interest that they were going to be getting, you know, two years ago. So that market has slowed down.
I think the reason that I do residential homes is because of the relationship. I love the relationship, not just with the client, but with the suppliers and subcontractors, we're working together and collaborating and putting our heads together and, and creating a team and environment and, and camaraderie of being able to work together to come up with this amazing product that's never been done before.
We have a fine line between our relationship with our subcontractor base and our relationship with our homeowner, because we have to, we have to mend that. And we have to make sure that our subcontractors are being treated well by us and by the client. And our client has to be treated well by us and the subcontractor. And so as a, you know, three-tier team, we can sit here and all work together to the common goal, which is to deliver just a killer product.
Building a Foundation: A Blueprint to Giving Back with Brett and Paul Berman | Friends of Build Magazine #73
01 Jun 2023
00:58:34
Today Ted speaks with Brett and Paul Berman from Big Canyon Homes about their Big Canyon Foundation. After years of building homes for wealthy clients, the Berman’s wanted to do more for their community. After a special collaboration with the Make a Wish Foundation, they decided to take the leap and create a foundation of their own.
Their company, Big Canyon Homes, always gave back in small ways, but the Big Canyon Foundation wanted to make a larger impact. They’re able to donate directly to local schools, hospitals, and military programs and see the difference they can make in their community. Today we dive into how they started, how they fund it, and where they hope it goes in the future. This is a blueprint for any business owner who wants to give back but doesn't know where to start.
TOPICS DISCUSSED
[1:35] The Big Canyon Foundation background
[5:00] The first time they gave back
[8:00] Where did the concept come from?
[18:45] Future of the foundation
[25:00] How the foundation makes people want to work with Big Canyon
[26:00] How did Big Canyon Homes begin?
[28:00] How did you get involved in the Make a Wish Foundation?
[32:45] Where can work ethic get you in life?
[35:00] What is it like working in a family business?
[36:25] Net zero homes
[41:00] What is the biggest change you’ve seen in the last 20 years?
[45:00] Altitude control technology
[48:40] How do you make building less stressful for your clients?
[50:00] The importance of interior designers in the build process
I mean, it takes a lot of work to help people, but anybody can do it.
We're relationship based and we take our subs, it's very important to us to take care of them, schedule, you know, value their time. We treat them as an equal because that's what they are. I mean, you're only as good as the guys that are working for you.
Honestly, I'm most proud of the foundation. I mean, I know we're a great builder and we produce a great product and stand behind it, but there's a lot of guys who do that. Right? But what we're doing with the Foundation, it far exceeds what we're doing as far as building.
A Better Way of Building with Larry Clay | Friends of Build Magazine #72
25 May 2023
01:05:20
Episode Notes
Today Ted speaks with Larry Clay of Larry Clay Construction in British Columbia. Larry has experienced the highs and the lows of being a business owner, and now he focuses his energy on teaching others how to have equally successful businesses with a strong foundation in building science.
Larry shares his near-death experience, how he pulled through the financial crisis in 2008, and what it felt like when he finally won Builder of the Year in B.C – twice. His commitment to The Clay Way ensures his customers are always taken care of, and his desire to build above code ensures these homes are far superior to most. Join us as Larry dives into the nuts and bolts of how he builds smart in Canadian climates, and what he sees for the future of the industry.
TOPICS DISCUSSED
[2:30] Teaching through short-form video
[6:00] Who is your audience?
[13:15] A terrible accident
[21:15] Paying back debt and Home Builder of the Year
[25:45] What is The Clay Way
[31:00] Building Science
[38:20] The importance of air-tight homes
[42:45] Window technology
[45:00] Home sizes in the age of sustainability
[47:30] Transitioning from teaching to construction
[50:45] Recruiting young people and industry shifts
You know, the clay way isn't some mysterious, we're better than the other builders. It's just 20 years in business.
The problem the industry might have is if you don't understand building science, we have what's called unintended consequences. And we think we're doing a good job doing something well and right by adding more insulation, but just because you add insulation, you actually might be doing yourself a disservice and causing more issues.
So every time we have our new building code comes out, it costs more money. Affordability that is, it's important. I get six kids trying to get into housing and they're finding it really difficult. So, do I want everybody to build like me? No, you know, I'm good for a niche.
Net zero pretty simply means you have enough on-site generation of electricity to supply the house. There's things that I'm in control of as a builder and there's things I'm not. Occupant loads, how many fridges you have. I can't control that. Do you leave the lights on all the time? Do you leave the windows open? I can't control occupant loads, but I can control how the house is built. And so it requires less heating. And that's traditionally has been the majority of the cost of heating the home and cooling the home. So a net zero house has an enclosure that is built really well. What I mean by that is you have lots of insulation.
Shifting Values Through Wellness Architecture with Veronica Schreibeis Smith | Friends of Build Magazine #71
27 Apr 2023
01:08:57
Today Ted speaks with Veronica Schreibeis Smith of Vera Iconica Architecture, out of Jackson, Wyoming. Veronica spent years traveling the world and studying history and architecture before starting her business in Wyoming, where her family has been for generations.
Veronica coined the term Wellness Architecture, and she is a leading voice in the movement to push the envelope on design and design theory. By listening to her clients and asking the right questions, she transforms spaces in homes to become aligned with nature–and the future. This episode is all about the intersection of function vs. well-being in home design.
TOPICS DISCUSSED
[1:50] How Veronica got started
[3:00] Choosing travel
[9:30] What is wellness architecture
[14:30] What kind of clients do you work with?
[24:40] Function vs. Wellness
[28:50] Conventional materials are toxic
[29:00] Is it hard to use natural materials?
[31:15] Deepak Chopra
[37:25] What makes your job difficult?
[45:40] Frank Lloyd Wright
[56:40] Did you imagine you’d be doing an architect when you were younger?
Humans are a part of nature. And so if you make the right choices for humans, you end up making the right decision for the environment.
As world population increases, what human's value shifts.
But the more experiences you have, you become more and it really serves to fuel your creativity and the solutions you can come up with because you can combine all these unique experiences or see how humans, designer, of past, present, how they have resolved something in the future and you can come up with unique solutions that solve whatever requirements the project had.
The Living Cost of Quality Craftsmanship with Nathan Marsala | Friends of Build Magazine #70
20 Apr 2023
01:00:00
Today Ted speaks with Nathan Marsala of The Bison Group Inc., a custom home building business based in Salt Lake City, Utah. From growing up on jobs sites, working the trades to support himself through college, and coming full circle to take over the family business, Nathan shares what he’s learned through it all.
As the economy continues to shift, Nathan talks about the difficult conversations he faces with clients pertaining to budget, soft-costs, and the value of true craftsmanship. Listen in as Ted delves into how we can encourage more young people to join the industry and why a true design build model is becoming more popular.
TOPICS DISCUSSED
[1:30] Growing up in a builder family
[3:30] Coming back to the family business
[6:30] Striking out on his own again
[9:30] Transition from commercial to residential
[12:15] Weathering economic storms
[17:00] Encouraging the next generation
[21:00] What is the value in quality workmanship
[25:25] Do you really need an interior designer?
[35:45] Having the hard conversations with clients
[40:15] There’s no such thing as a cost per square foot
[45:00] What are clients looking for in their houses?
Somehow we conflated going to college and getting a college degree meant you were smart, successful and on the right path and working with your hands meant you couldn't hack it where everybody else could.
What's the living cost of living in a home that performs well and looks beautiful? What's that experience of a comfortable, beautiful home.
Do you ever walk into a space and it just feels right? Or you look through a magazine, something like your magazine, for example. And there's, you can sense the feeling and emotion in the room. Part of that is the quality materials. But a lot of it comes down to: you had an architect that understood the space, you have the interior designer that understood color, texture, palette, and how to create emotion with that. And then you had a talented builder that executed it, you need all three to have that X factor in a project when you're done.
Creating Value: The Story Behind Luxury Art Appraisal with Shari Brownfield | Friends of Build Magazine #69
13 Apr 2023
00:58:34
Today Ted speaks with Shari Brownfield of Shari Brownfield Fine Art. Shari got her start in Vancouver before moving stateside and landing in Jackson, Wyoming. Always business-minded, she transitioned from being an artist to procuring and selling art.
Shari specializes in helping discerning clients acquire and build a collection that brings them joy, but can also tell a story in their home. She has a particular expertise in acquiring art before the value of the artist is at its peak – allowing her clients to sell for a hefty profit.
Join us to hear how she got her start, the story behind the value of art, and how hard work pays off.
TOPICS DISCUSSED
[1:45] From Canada to the US
[4:50] Being a recovering artist
[6:40] What makes art valuable
[16:40] Why under-representation matters in art
[21:30] How it all began
[31:00] Most artists are poor
[34:00] How to mix styles of art in different styles of homes
Value is a very tricky word in the art world. Value can mean it's valuable to you emotionally. Perhaps you connect with the artwork in some way. It could be a dollar at the thrift store, right? Then there's value all the way into the multi-multimillions. And those values have been established over a long period of time.
Art is a language, right? And the art history books, the most famous art history book, Janssen's art history book is about a 700 page tome, and the first edition featured one female artist in it only. And the lens that a female artist brings to something, say a nude of a female, might be very different than the lens male artist brings, or a portrait of a family, an LGBTQ family, a black family. So the lens that the artist brings, it's not just purely about the aesthetics at the end of the day, which of course is the first thing that draws us in. But one group of artists may not have been able to create what another group of artists can create. So that's why it's really important that all the voices are heard.
I remember that first job I told you about that I got where I was a salesperson. I heard a client say something, oh, this would be for my, I was in Vancouver and they said, this would be for our home in California or something. And the concept of having two houses to me was completely foreign. I did not understand. What do you mean you have a house also there and here? Like, it made no sense to me. That type of wealth was so foreign.
Creating Diverse Style with Hunter Dominick of Hunter & Company Interior Design
19 Sep 2024
00:53:32
Ted speaks with Hunter Dominick, an interior designer based in Whitefish, Montana, who discusses her design philosophy and the challenges of creating diverse styles for her clients. She emphasizes the importance of early involvement in the planning process to ensure functional and well-designed spaces. Hunter also highlights the significance of incorporating personal items and sentimental pieces into the design. She discusses the value of American-made furniture and appliances and the shift towards supporting local artisans. After spending 25 years in Whitefish, Montana, she discusses her design process, the growth of the design community in Whitefish, and the misconceptions about interior designers in the industry. She emphasizes the importance of collaboration between designers, contractors, and clients to create successful projects. Overall, she is proud of her team and the ability to create beautiful and functional spaces for her clients.
TOPICS DISCUSSED
01:05 Introduction and Background
04:50 Design Philosophy and Influences
08:30 Challenges of Creating Diverse Styles
10:05 The Importance of Early Involvement for an Interior Designer
21:15 Building a business in Whitefish Montana
25:12 The Value of a Showroom and Creating a Design Center
27:25 The Growth of the Design Community in Whitefish
31:00 The Tipping Point for Whitefish's Growth
34:15 Pride in the Team and Longevity in the Business
38:15 Blending Different Design Elements
40:35 Keeping Up with Suppliers and Changing Trends
44:15 The Challenges and Advancements in Lighting Design
46:35 Overcoming Misconceptions about Interior Designers
"I think that's what makes a really interesting home, is when it's not so expected and it's kind of melding these visions that typically wouldn't be put together."
"The fixed finishes and equipment end of the design profession is probably more important than anything on the back end."
"I'm proud of my team. We have a great team and everybody works really hard."
You Can't Rush a Masterpiece: Slow Building on the Big Island with Urs Leuenberger of Roy Lambrecht Woodworking Inc. | Friends of Build Magazine #68
06 Apr 2023
00:33:19
Today Ted speaks with Urs Leuenberger of Roy Lambrecht Woodworking Inc. in Kona, Hawaii. Urs tells the story of coming from another country to start his business and all the ways the island has changed in the time he’s been there.
Ted leads Urs in sharing his American dream, what the future of development in Hawaii might look like, and the evolution of his clients in the 40 years he’s been doing business there. Urs gives his insights on what his clients are looking for, new trends, and why you can’t rush a masterpiece.
You look down on the whole island and you see that there is so much land, so much so much land. It's incredible that really there is – very little is developed. It does not mean that everything needs to be developed, but there's still definitely, at least in my lifetime, it's gonna be.
You also never on the island in the 80s, you never saw a Ferrari or a BMW on the road, and now you see almost exclusively BMW's on the road.
And it's just more or less the understanding of what the client wants, what they're looking for. And you can achieve that by either knowing them very good or engage them in a dialogue of of creating the piece. And a lot of clients come in here and. they get very involved in designing their pieces of what they want.
Niche Market on the Big Island with Zak Jorski of Furnishings by Debi | Friends of Build Magazine #67
30 Mar 2023
00:17:34
Today Ted speaks with Zak Jorski of Furnishing by Debi, a consignment business set up on Hawaii’s Big Island. A creative endeavor, Furnishings by Debi works with well-traveled locals who are hoping to redesign their homes and need to offload their furnishings collected from all over the world.
Zak shares with us how it all began, how he keeps track of such an incredible inventory, and the finer details of imparting an object's history to its next owner. With painstaking patience entire homes are documented, history is collected, and items are carefully packed off to his storefront or warehouses.
Listen in as Zak shares his process, how his business has grown, and how he keeps his clients happy.
I just tried to bring a little bit of the mentality from the mainland, but blend it with the island, you know, because I was raised here, but I did spend a lot of time on mainland in business. So find that median where it works for both sides, which is really nice. You know, so my clients do enjoy that rapid response and you know, we take care of their needs.
That's what makes it so fun is to figure out the history and figure out the logistics and how to move that product and then find its next new life. Because we're just caretakers for these pieces. Some of these pieces are already lived centuries.
We do spend a lot of time researching the pieces just so we can know the past. So we probably spend four or five hours a day just on documentation and history and just learning ourselves, because that's the funniest part I think about it, is knowing the product line. So you can pass on that history ambiance with the piece of that documentation. And that's what makes the piece so special too, is if you lose the history on it, then you don't have that ambiance or feeling with it, you know.
Celebrating Life Through Design with Thomas Burger of Thomas Burger Design, Inc. in Las Vegas
29 Dec 2022
00:50:53
Today Ted speaks with Thomas Burger of Thomas Burger Design, Inc. in Las Vegas. A celebrated and renowned New York designer, Thomas now lives and works from Las Vegas, while continuing to work with clients across the globe. He strives to impact the human soul and human experience through his designs, and his clients include royalty, CEOs, American sports heroes, and celebrities.
Thomas started his business in 1987 in New York City. He talks to Ted about how it started, how it grew, and how it moved with him across the country. Thomas shares how the impact business has had on his identity has changed as he’s grown, and the ways in which he hopes to impact others with his business. Continuing to give keynote speeches across the world in addition to designing for his clients, Thomas shares the importance of work ethic in everything he does.
Listen in as Ted uncovers unexpected family stories, incredible past clients, and the true desires that Thomas hopes his work will accomplish.
TOPICS DISCUSSED
[2:30] East Coast vs. West Coast mentality
[3:00] Moving to Las Vegas from New York City
[6:10] Who is your clientele?
[7:20] What is the Vegas market like?
[8:40] The Summit
[11:30] Working all over the world
[13:00] What’s going on in Vegas now?
[15:30] The effects of Judo on work
[16:30] The most disappointing quality in homes today
I think that's something that Frank Lloyd Wright really had down. He created from the inside out as opposed to the outside in. And I think you have to be, you have to burn that candle at both ends at the same time. Because if you're thinking about architecture without the end goal of the design, or you're thinking about design without encompassing the architecture – you're going to run into a mismatch in the center. And I see that constantly with almost every home.
I don't teach them how to design, I teach them how to run a business. That's the thing that I like to impart on the younger generation is what it takes to actually serve your clients and serve an industry and serve a community. And I think that that's the thing that I think is the most important part to impart to to the new generation is actually how to serve.
Nothing's easy. You know, in one of my lectures in how to succeed in design, I say it takes a lot of hard work to have an easy life. It's very easy to have a difficult life. And I think that's true with in any situation it's. It takes a lot of work to discipline yourself. It takes a lot of work to be kind when someone is shouting out the exact opposite of what you believe in. And yet to still be kind, it takes discipline. We're human.
Grow Your Business Through Simplification with Brandon Nicastro of GCS Glass
22 Dec 2022
00:57:21
Today Ted speaks with Brandon Nicastro, owner and CEO of GCS Glass in Phoenix, Arizona. Founded in 2013, the company has exploded and has already expanded to 5 states with the goal of 50 markets in the next 5 years.
Brandon started with nothing and struggled for many years before deciding to open up his own business. Now with business booming, he works hard to run his company like the family-owned business they are by putting customers first. He weighs in on the pros and cons of growth, the option to franchise, and the benefits of staying lean.
Listen in as Ted talks Brandon through his best and worst business decisions, the mistakes he’s made, and the steps he’s taken to stop surviving and start thriving.
You gotta look past the money that you're spending on ads because you might think that you're not getting enough ads, but it's branding that you're putting out there.You might be getting, let's say you put in $4000 a month, might be getting $60,000 in revenue, whatever it is. But you might be getting $100,000 in revenue coming from other sources that you don't, you don't understand. You can't track that.
But the way I look at it is: I would rather have ten $1,000,000 locations than one $10 million location because then you're dealing with middle management.You're dealing with a lot of issues with the bigger company. So if you can manage these smaller companies, your profits are higher and you can run leaner and but then those companies can still continue to grow.
I'm glad I started GCS by myself. But now I'm glad I have partners because I wouldn't want to do it any other way. To have other people to lean on. When I'm not motivated, they can push me.
I definitely believe people should chase their goals no matter how big they are. And you just gotta try it. Because you never know how it’s gonna work. You can fail over and over and over, but if you’re not failing you’re not trying.
Renovating A Family Business with Don Richardson of Arizona Fireplaces
15 Dec 2022
01:03:07
Today Ted speaks with Don Richardson, founder of Arizona Fireplaces - a family business that has been operating for over 40 years.
Don shares the struggles he went through to help his business succeed through different economies, national events, and growth spurts. His success is grounded in his family values, and he’s proud to talk about his sons continuing his legacy for years to come.
Ted and Don cover how it all began and where it’s headed next. Join us as Don touches on innovation, hard work, and knowing when it’s time to transition.
TOPICS DISCUSSED
[2:08] Marriage
[5:45] The people you never forget
[11:30] Innovation and the American Spirit
[16:45] Why winning all the time can be boring
[18:30] College football
[20:56] Starting a business during a recession
[24:45] How Arizona Fireplaces began
[26:15] Struggling through dark times
[31:00] Bringing the kids into the family business
Well we can't get the green tag on the framing final until that stupid fireplace guy installs the fireplace. Zero clearance fireplace, which is the last thing that goes in on a framing file. But they had no control. So I said why don't we hook you up with the builder supply? Can we supply these? They were cheapy woodburners back then. Can we supply you the fireplace? We could pay for you. Get our framing final. That's what created Arizona fireplaces. It's the craziest silly story, but it's the truth.
And so you really get into a dark spot, financially and even.When you're in the financial dark, spot it it affects you emotionally and you wake up two in the morning, sweating, not wanting the sun to come up. I mean, anyone who's been in that position knows exactly what I'm thinking.
But those years I would have never– I would have lost forever and I wouldn't even know about it, that I lost them, because I did. They wouldn't have existed. So I looked back and I go, wow, that was a moment that I could have really messed things up. So right then, I said, ”You will never do something that would put us in a position to where I have to sacrifice my family and sacrifice my parenting.”
Mastering Moments of Astonishment with Mentalist Oz Pearlman
01 Dec 2022
00:59:56
EPISODE NOTES
Today Ted speaks with Oz Pearlman, one of the most sought-after mentalists in the world.
Oz is an Emmy Award winner for his TV special Oz Knows, and a third-place winner of America’s Got Talent. His client list reads like a who’s who of politicians, professional athletes, A-list celebrities, and Fortune 500 companies.
Hear how what started as a hobby catapulted Oz into being a full-time entrepreneur and entertainer, and how he acquired the skills necessary to become one of the top in his field.
He shares his favorite performances, clients, and challenges that he’s overcome. And he’s not stopping there – you can expect to hear Oz Pearlman’s name for years to come.
TOPICS DISCUSSED
[3:20] Do you get nervous?
[6:45] I want to hear what people say about me
[9:45] The one question I won’t answer
[11:00] How old were you when you moved from Israel?
[ 12:30] It’s not a magic show. I’m not trying to trick you.
[14:30] The skill of listening effectively
[17:35] You’re not always the best person for the job
It's not a trick. I'm not trying to trick you and show you that I can do something that you don't understand. I'm showing you that the way the mind works can be reverse-engineered.
That's really where you grow. Not when you knock it out of the park, but when you have something go wrong and learn ‘what can I do better next?’
And to this day I've always seen that as a high watermark. How could I have a relationship where I would want to be the first person my son or daughter tells about anything? It could be a moment, but I want to be that person to them. That to me is like a real bar of success.
In Loving Memory of Tony Sutton: Husband, Father, Visionary, and Interior Designer at Est Est, Inc in Scottsdale, AZ
10 Nov 2022
01:04:37
Listen in as Tony highlights the difference between a decorator and a designer and how to get the most out of a great interior designer from the very beginning of a project. To him, what separates the good from the great in the industry is a striving for uniqueness and legacy in every project.
In a similar vein, Tony believes in setting realistic expectations with clients—and then working to exceed them. Going above and beyond what’s expected comes down to thinking out of the box and surrounding oneself with extraordinary men and women that fill in the gaps with their strengths.
Tony looks back over almost three decades of experience in the industry, sharing how the Arizona market has evolved over time, his thoughts on the future of interior design, and his love for America and the endless opportunities the country still presents to those with a dream.
Topics Discussed:
[02:41] From mechanical engineering to interior design
[04:12] How to educate clients as an interior designer
[16:09] What Tony learns from his ultra-wealthy clients
[26:31] Creating a diverse portfolio and hiring the right people
[41:24] The fine line between success and failure
[46:51] Thinking out of the box when designing spaces