Explore every episode of the podcast Builders, Budgets, and Beers
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| The True Cost of Fixed Fee vs Cost Plus Models | 23 Jul 2025 | 00:46:48 | |
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. Find Our Hosts: Podcast Produced By: | |||
| How He Built a Construction Empire Overnight | 16 Jul 2025 | 00:32:11 | |
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 Find Our Hosts: Podcast Produced By: | |||
| Insights From a Top Construction CPA with Dorrie Franzello-Kurtz | 26 Mar 2025 | 00:49:12 | |
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) Find Our Hosts: Podcast Produced By: | |||
| COPE-ing with Overhead and Cost Codes with Michael Anschel | 19 Mar 2025 | 00:47:27 | |
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. Introduction and Background of Michael Anschel (0:00) Find Our Hosts: Podcast Produced By: | |||
| "It Is What It Is" with Ryan Hanson | 12 Mar 2025 | 00:57:06 | |
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) Find Our Hosts: Podcast Produced By: | |||
| Bonding and Tight Financials for Construction Businesses with Shayne Glass | 05 Mar 2025 | 00:40:57 | |
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) Find Our Hosts: Podcast Produced By: | |||
| Staying on Top of Construction Financials with Tim Savre | 26 Feb 2025 | 00:39:30 | |
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. 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: Podcast Produced By: | |||
| The Role and Importance of CFOs with Mark Phillips | 19 Feb 2025 | 00:40:23 | |
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. 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: Podcast Produced By: | |||
| Streamlining Cash Flow Management with Al Hamed | 12 Feb 2025 | 00:51:32 | |
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: Podcast Produced By: | |||
| Aligning Back Office and Field for Growth with Tonya Schulte | 25 Dec 2024 | 00:39:26 | |
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. Find Our Hosts: Podcast Produced By: | |||
| Navigating the Speculative Building Process with Amanda Trevino and Scott Turner | 27 Nov 2024 | 00:34:55 | |
Experienced real estate professionals, Amanda Trevino and Scott Turner, provide a comprehensive overview of the key considerations and strategies involved in successfully executing a speculative building project, from evaluating the right market and lot to designing and staging the home for maximum appeal. Discussion on the Role of Real Estate Professionals in Speculative Building (1:37) Balancing Lot Selection and Market Risks (9:50) Understanding Price Ceilings and Market Demand (19:14) Building a Team and Collaboration (24:34) Managing Risk and Competitive Advantage (27:45) Finding the Right Real Estate Professional (30:15) Find Our Hosts: Podcast Produced By: | |||
| Leveraging Technology to Optimize Operations with Dominick Thompson | 20 Nov 2024 | 00:40:41 | |
Dominick Thompson, a general contractor from Charlotte, North Carolina, discusses his unique background, financial management strategies, and the benefits of adopting technology to streamline his construction business. The conversation covers topics such as real-time financial tracking, subcontractor relationships, and the importance of embracing change in the industry. Dominick's Unique Background and Business Philosophy (1:35) Financial Management and Adaptive Software (5:04) Challenges and Benefits of Adopting Technology (5:19) Impact of Technology on Business Efficiency (5:35) Embracing Change and Future Prospects (39:59) Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks (40:15) Find Our Hosts: Podcast Produced By: | |||
| How to scale from 15 homes to 150 homes with Thomas Joseph, Joseph Design Build | 02 Jul 2025 | 00:48:36 | |
Thomas Joseph, co-founder of Joseph Design Build, joins Reece to talk about moving from high-end custom infill homes to building at scale—with intention. He walks through how getting out of the “just wing it” mindset and leaning into systems, numbers, and rhythms changed how he runs his business—and why clarity is the difference between having a job and building an actual company. Show Notes: Introduction and Background of Thomas Joseph (0:00) Find Our Hosts: Podcast Produced By: | |||
| Embracing Technology for Construction Recruiting with Paul Sanneman | 13 Nov 2024 | 00:36:25 | |
Paul Sanneman, President of Contractor Staffing Source, discusses how AI and technology are disrupting the construction industry, emphasizing the importance of embracing these advancements to stay competitive in areas like recruiting, marketing, and accounting. Find Our Hosts: Podcast Produced By: | |||
| The Competitive Advantage of Effective Back Office Management with Levi Joseph | 30 Oct 2024 | 00:44:42 | |
This conversation with Levi Joseph, Director of Operations at Ladisic Fine Homes, explores how a well-executed back office can provide a significant competitive advantage for construction companies, particularly in areas like accounts receivable, accounts payable, and cost code management. Find Our Hosts: Podcast Produced By: | |||
| Knowing Your Numbers for the Business Side of Construction with Chris Atwood | 22 Oct 2024 | 00:55:49 | |
Chris Atwood, co-owner of Otter Creek Homes, shares his insights on the challenges builders face in running the business side of their construction companies. He emphasizes the importance of having a clear vision, understanding unit economics, and leveraging the expertise of others to overcome these challenges. Find Our Hosts: Podcast Produced By: | |||
| Insights from an Experienced Infill Spec Builder with Scott Turner | 15 Oct 2024 | 00:47:59 | |
Experienced infill home builder, Scott Turner, owner of Riverside Homes, shares his insights on the benefits, challenges, and strategies for successfully transitioning from custom building to speculative building in the competitive Austin, Texas real estate market. Find Our Hosts: Podcast Produced By: | |||
| Mastering the Finances of Custom Home Building with Nathan Marsala | 08 Oct 2024 | 00:56:02 | |
Nathan Marsala, founder of The Bison Group, joins Matt and Reece to discuss the critical importance of document control, subcontractor management, and effective communication in successfully managing project financials. He shares valuable insights and strategies that builders can implement to ensure the financial success and smooth execution of their construction projects. Find Our Hosts: Podcast Produced By: | |||
| Leveraging Purchase Orders to Streamline Custom Home Building with Tyler Brabec | 01 Oct 2024 | 00:57:09 | |
Tyler Brabec shares the importance of purchase orders in the custom home building industry, highlighting how they can help builders manage costs, mitigate risks, and improve project outcomes. The discussion also covers various aspects of purchase orders, including their role in managing subcontractor relationships, tracking project budgets, and leveraging technology to streamline the process. Tyler's Background and Career Journey (2:20) Challenges and Success in the Custom Home Market (12:03) The Importance of Purchase Orders in Custom Home Building (12:18) Managing Subcontractors and Project Costs (28:17) The Role of Technology in Managing Purchase Orders (39:46) Conclusion and Final Thoughts (56:39) Find Our Hosts: Podcast Produced By: | |||
| Four Stages of Financial Maturity in Construction with Luke Holcomb | 25 Sep 2024 | 00:51:19 | |
Luke Holcomb shares the four stages of financial maturity in construction businesses, from the groundwork stage focused on project-level finances to the strategic mastery stage where companies prioritize long-term value and balance sheet optimization. https://www.linkedin.com/in/luke-holcomb-49327853/ Introduction and Background of Luke Holcomb (0:00) Defining Financial Maturity in Construction Businesses (4:07) Groundwork Stage (5:50) Framework Stage (9:36) Expansion Stage (34:28) Strategic Mastery Stage (34:56) Examples and Practical Applications (45:00) Conclusion and Offer (48:08) Find Our Hosts: Podcast Produced By: | |||
| Establishing an efficient cost coding system with Penny Lane | 04 Sep 2024 | 00:45:53 | |
Penny Lane, a construction accounting expert, discusses the importance of designing a simple yet effective chart of accounts and cost coding system for contractors. She emphasizes using these financial tools to track profitability, make informed pricing decisions, and ultimately run a more successful construction business. Chart of accounts for contractors, including types of accounts and how they relate to financial reports. (3:50) Job costing and accounting for direct and indirect costs. (9:50) Accounting for construction costs, including cost of goods sold and indirect costs. (14:59) Simplifying accounting systems for contractors, focusing on cost codes and chart of accounts. (21:42) Breaking down job costs into subcategories for easier tracking and analysis. (25:57) Organizing financial accounts for contractors to track profitability. (30:58) Profit margins, markups, and cost structure for contractors. (35:13) Construction accounting basics and how to use financial data to make better business decisions. (39:57) Find Our Hosts: Podcast Produced By: | |||
| The Spec Builder's Playbook with Bryan Uhler | 22 Aug 2024 | 00:41:23 | |
Bryan Uhler, of Pioneer Builders, shares his insights on managing cash flow and building a successful speculative home building business, emphasizing the importance of rational decision-making, financial management, and building homes with integrity. Bryan Uhler https://pioneerbuildersonline.com/ Running a healthy speculative building business with a guest builder. 0:00 Building and construction, from accounting background to spec homes. 2:53 Spec home building risks and strategies for success. 8:49 Managing risk and cash flow for a spec home builder. 13:59 Real estate investing and building homes with integrity. 21:38 Financial management for construction businesses, including tracking financials, costs, and accounting. 27:37 Building custom homes, financial management, and decision-making. 33:43 Find Our Hosts: Podcast Produced By: | |||
| Cost-Plus vs. Fixed-Price The Great Debate with Brad Robinson & Scott Bland | 14 Aug 2024 | 01:12:09 | |
Today on Builders Budgets and Beers we discuss the pros and cons of cost-plus vs. fixed-price building models in the construction industry. Builders Brad Robinson and Scott Bland debate the merits of each approach, considering factors like risk, profit potential, overhead, client satisfaction, and quality control. Cost plus vs. fixed price contracts in construction. 0:00 Cost-plus vs fixed-price building models. 4:45 Cost-plus contracts in construction industry. 9:51 Cost plus vs fixed price pricing models in construction, with a focus on risk and reward. 13:19 Fixed-price vs cost-plus contracts in construction, with a focus on risk management and profit potential. 17:34 Build cycle, pre-construction process, and client satisfaction. 20:46 Cost-plus vs fixed-price contracts in home building, with emphasis on managing client expectations and avoiding disputes. 26:42 Cost-plus and fixed-price contracts in construction, with emphasis on client communication and risk management. 31:03 Client expectations and quality control in construction projects. 37:56 Cost plus vs fixed price contracts for custom home building, with emphasis on quality and consistency. 41:37 Construction cost markups and margins. 45:37 Pre-construction contracts and cost estimation. 52:42 Building a legacy through quality home construction. 57:44 Builder culture, marketing, and TV shows. 1:04:36 Find Our Hosts: Podcast Produced By: | |||
| How to Actually Make Money in Construction with Will King | 25 Jun 2025 | 00:52:19 | |
Custom builder Will King of High Cotton Homes shares hard-earned lessons on how to actually make money in construction. From markup vs. margin to pre-con agreements and spotting bad clients early, this episode is packed with real talk and tactical advice for builders who want to run a profitable business. https://www.highcotton-homes.com Show Notes: Introduction and Overview of High Cotton Homes (0:00) Find Our Hosts: Podcast Produced By: | |||
| Maximizing Profits Through Detailed Planning and Real-Time Tracking with Adam Martin | 07 Aug 2024 | 00:47:42 | |
Adam Martin shares cost management strategies for profitable construction projects, emphasizing the importance of thorough pre-planning, accurate cost tracking by line item, and real-time approvals to manage budgets and drive accountability.
Find Our Hosts: Podcast Produced By: | |||
| Managing Construction Finances with Kalpana Oommen | 31 Jul 2024 | 00:59:30 | |
Kalpana Oommen joins Builders, Budgets, and Beers to share her journey from millions of dollars in losses to $5 million in revenue. She discusses how diligently tracking finances helped her business transform client experiences, increase profits, and attract top talent through trust and transparency. Find Our Hosts: Podcast Produced By: | |||
| The Power of Work In Progress (WIP) Reports with Zack Kelly | 24 Jul 2024 | 00:53:01 | |
Builders Budgets and Beers Find Our Hosts: Podcast Produced By: | |||
| Hard-Earned Financial Lessons with Mark D. Williams | 03 Apr 2024 | 00:43:09 | |
Builders Budgets and Beers Find Our Hosts: Podcast Produced By: | |||
| From DIY to $3M: What Builders Learn the Hard Way with Garrett Goldsberry | 18 Jun 2025 | 00:50:40 | |
Garrett “Goldsy” Goldsberry joins Reece Barnes to share how he and his wife left cushy jobs, started Salt Creek Homes from scratch, and grew it to a thriving remodel and new construction business. He walks through the overlooked pain points of early financial systems, the shift into software, and the real-life lessons that come from building while still figuring it all out. https://www.saltcreekhomesco.com Show Notes: Introduction and Background of Garrett Goldsberry (0:00) Find Our Hosts: Podcast Produced By: Find Our Hosts: Podcast Produced By: | |||
| When Your Systems Don’t Match Your Strategy with Dirk van der Velde | 28 May 2025 | 00:42:17 | |
Dirk van der Velde, co-founder of Momenta, opens up about the early missteps in aligning business structure with execution—and how tightening operations led to meaningful gains. From auditing underused software to designing a high-output team culture, Dirk shares lessons on building a company that actually runs the way it was envisioned. Find Our Hosts: Podcast Produced By: | |||
| Bringing Commercial Precision to Custom Home Building with Julian Miller | 14 May 2025 | 00:32:57 | |
Julian Miller, Director of Operations at NS Builders, shares how his experience in commercial construction built the foundation for his process-driven approach in high-end residential work. From implementing operational systems to maintaining craftsmanship, Julian explains why structure, communication, and internal efficiency are critical for builders looking to scale sustainably. Find Our Hosts: Podcast Produced By: | |||
| The Most Common (and Costly) Mistakes Builders Make with Melissa Leediker | 23 Apr 2025 | 00:34:57 | |
Melissa Leediker, Founder of Turquant Builder Services, LLC, discusses the most common and costly errors in construction accounting, focusing on job costing, cost coding, and duplicate payments. She emphasizes the importance of implementing consistent processes and leveraging technology to improve financial accuracy and profitability for construction businesses. https://turquantservices.com Introduction to Melissa Leediker and Find Our Hosts: Podcast Produced By: | |||
| How Multi-Entity Builders Stay on Top of Every Dollar with Shayne Glass | 09 Apr 2025 | 00:48:54 | |
Shayne Glass, CPA Controller for Shrock Companies, shares his insights on Shrock’s sophisticated approach to managing multiple business entities by maintaining financial independence while sharing resources across construction, prefabrication, and restoration sectors. The company leverages adaptive software and strategic cost tracking to ensure precise financial management, resource allocation, and operational efficiency across its diverse business portfolio. https://www.shrockcompanies.com Find Our Hosts: Podcast Produced By: | |||
| Rebuilding After Helene with Noi Calhoun | 02 Apr 2025 | 00:34:16 | |
Noi Calhoun, from JAG Construction, shares the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene on Asheville, North Carolina, detailing the community's struggle and resilience. The conversation explores the challenges of rebuilding, the loss of infrastructure, and the powerful community spirit that emerged in the aftermath of the catastrophic flood. https://jaggreen.com/noi-calhoun Introduction and Hurricane Helene Context (00:00) Massive Flooding Destroys Local Infrastructure (01:31) River Levels Exceed Historic Records (05:31) Community Responds to Communication Breakdown (08:30) Construction Industry Survives Extreme Challenge (17:33) Tourism Economy Suffers Significant Damage (23:17) Businesses Struggle with Financial Recovery (28:51) Community Demonstrates Remarkable Rebuilding Resilience (31:18) Hope Emerges from Disaster's Aftermath (32:08) Conclusion and Celebrating Asheville's Strength (33:33) Find Our Hosts: Podcast Produced By: | |||