Builders, Budgets, and Beers – Details, episodes & analysis

Jake Bruton, from Aarow Building, talks about the painful $180,000 lesson that forced him to completely rethink his construction business pricing model. Learn how moving from fixed fee to cost plus saved his company, improved client relationships, and created a more transparent, financially sound business approach. This episode is a must-listen for builders looking to protect their profits and build trust with clients.

https://www.aarowbuilding.com

Find Our Hosts:
Reece Barnes
Matt Calvano

Podcast Produced By:
Motif Media

Rudy Marroquin, founder of Atlas Homes in Austin, joins Reece to break down how he went from a $500 startup budget to building luxury homes in Montecito and Malibu. Rudy shares how vertical integration, strategic hiring, and cultural fluency helped him cut costs, maintain quality, and scale fast — including flying his Texas crews out to California to keep margins tight. Whether you're just starting or looking to systematize and scale, Rudy's no-BS insight is packed with practical lessons and unapologetic ambition.

https://www.atlashomesatx.com

Show Notes:

Introduction to Rudy Marroquin and Atlas Homes (0:00)
Vertical Integration (2:43)
Expansion into California (3:51)
Financial Management and Team Dynamics (9:34)
Final Thoughts and Shoutout to Adaptive (30:46)

Find Our Hosts:
Reece Barnes
Matt Calvano

Podcast Produced By:
Motif Media

This week, Dorrie Franzello-Kurtz, CPA at YHB | CPAs &Consultants, discusses the critical importance of accurate job costing, real-time financial reporting, and strategic financial management for construction companies. She emphasizes the need for proactive accounting practices, highlighting how proper tracking of indirect costs, job scheduling, and communication between field and office teams can significantly impact a construction business's profitability and long-term success.

https://yhbcpa.com/staff/dorrie-franzello-kurtzcpa/

Introduction and Background of Dory Franzello Kurtz (0:00)
Client Accounting Services (CAS) and Outsourced Accounting (2:07)
Identifying Issues in Construction Companies (3:58)
Real-Time Reporting and Job Scheduling (6:08)
Impact of COVID-19 on Construction Accounting (8:25)
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and Financial Management (12:58)
Estimating and Cost Control (23:30)
Strategic and Tactical Accounting (42:14)
Final Thoughts and Advice for Construction Business Owners (45:09)

Find Our Hosts:
Reece Barnes
Matt Calvano

Podcast Produced By:
Motif Media

In this episode Michael Anschel, Principal at OA Design+Build +Architecture, discusses the COPE (Cost of Project Execution) method, which helps builders gain better visibility into their overhead and project costs. The guests emphasize the importance of using cost codes, job costing, and understanding the difference between markup and margin to run a more profitable and transparent construction business.

https://otogawa-anschel.com

Introduction and Background of Michael Anschel (0:00)
Explanation of the COPE Method (0:15)
Breakdown of the COPE Method (2:14)
Importance of Transparency and Honesty in Pricing (7:15)
Challenges and Benefits of the COPE Method (9:13)
Implementing the COPE Method in Practice (12:02)
Importance of Categorizing Costs and Job Costing (16:02)
Overcoming Resistance to Change in the Industry (20:02)
Achieving Profitability and Work-Life Balance (22:02)
Conclusion and Final Thoughts (24:42)

Find Our Hosts:
Reece Barnes
Matt Calvano

Podcast Produced By:
Motif Media

Ryan Hanson, Partner at Sustainable 9 Design + Build, discusses the benefits of a cost plus pricing model, highlighting the transparency it provides to clients and the ability to better manage risks associated with material price fluctuations and project changes. The conversation covers Sustainable 9's unique neighborhood development project, the challenges of fixed price contracts, the impact of tariffs, and the importance of technology in improving construction processes.

https://sustainable9.com

Introduction and Background of Sustainable 9 (0:00)
The Nine Steps to Sustainability (2:03)
The Peninsula Lake Project (5:18)
Cost Plus vs. Fixed Price Models (13:06)
Impact of Tariffs and Market Risks (40:54)
Client Relationships and Project Management (41:39)
Commercial Construction and Pricing Models (42:07)
Adaptive Construction and Technology (50:58)
Final Thoughts and Recommendations (56:29)

Find Our Hosts:
Reece Barnes
Matt Calvano

Podcast Produced By:
Motif Media

Shayne Glass, CPA Controller for Shrock Companies, discusses the critical role of bonding and maintaining tight financial processes for construction companies, particularly those looking to take on larger projects and grow their business. The discussion covers the bonding process, the importance of consistent cost tracking and financial reporting, and strategies for managing financials across multiple construction entities.

https://www.shrockcompanies.com

Introduction and Purpose of the Podcast (0:00)
Shane's Background and Shrock Companies (1:10)
The Importance of Bonding (3:00)
The Bonding Process and Relationship (8:58)
The Annual Financial Review (14:47)
Providing Financial Information (22:36)
Advice for Improving Financial Processes (28:35)

Find Our Hosts:
Reece Barnes
Matt Calvano

Podcast Produced By:
Motif Media

Tim Savre, Controller for NS Builders, discusses the importance of construction businesses tracking their finances consistently throughout the year, rather than just focusing on tax preparation at the end of the year. The conversation covers the benefits of regular financial reporting, the challenges builders face in staying on top of their finances, and strategies for improving financial management practices.

 https://www.nsbuilders.com

Introduction and Purpose of the Podcast (0:00)

Tim Savre's Background and Current Role (2:04)

Challenges of Tax Season and Importance of Regular Financial Tracking (3:49)

Impact of Financial Tracking on Business Decisions (10:08)

Planning and Forecasting with Financial Data (32:57)

Education and Implementation of Regular Financial Tracking (35:52)

Conclusion and Next Steps (36:38)

Find Our Hosts:
Reece Barnes
Matt Calvano

Podcast Produced By:
Motif Media

In this episode, Mark Phillips, CFO of V Fine Homes, shares his perspective on the distinct roles and responsibilities of bookkeepers, controllers, and CFOs in construction companies, highlighting the importance of having the right financial management team to ensure operational efficiency and profitability.

https://vfinehomes.com

Introduction and Guest Introduction (0:00) 

Mark Phillips' Background and Career Journey (1:34) 

Establishment of Blue Quail Homes (3:47) 

Roles of Bookkeepers, Controllers, and CFOs (6:07) 

Importance of Hiring a Controller (6:58) 

Operational Efficiency and Financial Reporting (19:17) 

Building a Strong Financial Team (26:35) 

Impact of Technology on Financial Management (26:55) 

Final Thoughts and Recommendations (35:20)

Find Our Hosts:
Reece Barnes
Matt Calvano

Podcast Produced By:
Motif Media

The conversation with Hamed Homes explores the challenges and solutions they have faced in tracking cash flow, managing bills, receipts, budgets, and vendor compliance. The team discusses their transition from a manual process to utilizing Adaptive, which has significantly improved their efficiency, visibility, and collaboration.

https://www.hamed-homes.com

Introduction and Guest Introductions (0:00)

Guest Backgrounds and Roles (4:42)

Pre-Adaptive Processes and Challenges (9:50)

Transition to Adaptive and Benefits (16:05)

Impact on Business Operations (43:10)

Final Thoughts and Everesting Journey (44:09)

Find Our Hosts:
Reece Barnes
Matt Calvano

Podcast Produced By:
Motif Media

Tonya Schulte, Founder of The Profit Constructors, discusses the importance of synergy between the back office and field operations in construction companies. She outlines her 90-Day Remodel service, which aims to provide construction companies with actionable data and insights to improve their financial management and drive growth.

https://www.theprofitconstructors.com


 Introduction and Background of Tonya Schulte (0:00)

 Introduction of 90-Day Remodel Service (3:35)

 Importance of Back Office and Field Synergy (6:36)

 Specific Metrics and Streamlining Processes (9:27)

 Implementing Efficient Processes and Tools (24:32)

 Long-Term Services and Vision for Success (25:17)

 Challenges and Opportunities in Construction Accounting (38:09)

 Final Thoughts and Contact Information (38:21)

Find Our Hosts:
Reece Barnes
Matt Calvano

Podcast Produced By:
Motif Media