Explore every episode of the podcast Friends of Build Magazine
Dive into the complete episode list for Friends of Build Magazine. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.
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Title
Pub. Date
Duration
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."
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
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."
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."
Creating A Home Through Function First Design With Interior Designer Allison Campbell
05 Sep 2024
00:54:46
Ted speaks with Allison Campbell, founder of Allison Campbell Design in Utah. By building trust with her clients and practicing strong communication, Allison has scaled her interior design business to new heights. She shares with Ted how she tailors a design to each client’s personality, and the simple tricks she uses to keep each project unique. Her approach is focused on creating a welcoming and functional feel in every home, regardless of the style or design preferences. She shares her passion for her work and the excitement she feels every day, even in the mundane aspects of the job. Allison believes in constantly learning and growing in her field and encourages others to embrace failure and continue educating themselves.
TOPICS DISCUSSED
01:10 Introduction and Anticipation
04:10 The Value and the Role of the Interior Designer as an Advocate
"Communication, whether it's positive or negative, is key throughout."
"Everybody has versions of the same personality."
"I remind myself, wait, I can do this. Like, they're coming to me because I know what I'm doing."
Preserving A Legacy Through Sustainable Architecture with Tony Schonhardt & Dan Weber of Anacapa Architecture
22 Aug 2024
00:53:31
Ted speaks with Dan Weber and Tony Schonhardt of Anacapa Architecture. They discuss their experiences in the architecture industry and their work on various projects. They talk about their backgrounds and how they ended up in Santa Barbara, the challenges they faced during the 2008 recession, and the growth of their firm. The conversation focuses on one specific project, an off-the-grid guest house, and the difficulties they encountered during the entitlement and construction process. They also touch on the concept of building green and sustainable design. The conversation explores the power of architecture to inspire and connect people to nature. The architects discuss the importance of creating tranquil and low-tech spaces that promote a sense of calmness and quiet. They also touch on the influence of Frank Lloyd Wright and the value of travel in shaping their design approach. The architects emphasize the significance of building strong relationships with clients and the impact it has on creating a better living experience. They express excitement about upcoming projects, including a world-class house and hotels in various locations.
TOPICS DISCUSSED
01:05 Introduction and Background
04:35 Experiences in Santa Barbara
08:17 Challenges of the 2008 Recession
15:05 Biggest challenges on exciting projects
17:17 Building Off-the-Grid
21:20 Approach to Green Building
24:55 Inspiring and Connecting People to Nature
27:05 Creating Tranquil and Low-Tech Spaces
31:35 The Influence of Frank Lloyd Wright
40:00 The Value of Travel in Shaping Design Approach
"The real opportunity for a project like that is not so much that we're making any demonstrable dent in improving the community or the place from a sustainability standpoint, but what we're doing is inspiring a lot of people."
"When I look at your projects, there seems to be less chaos, more tranquility."
"We're big fans of technology, but our buildings are low-tech. The more pure the state of the material is, the better."
The Art of Delegation with Kate O’Hara of O'Hara Interiors
08 Aug 2024
00:52:36
Ted speaks with Kate O'Hara, CEO and creative director for O'Hara Interiors. She shares insights from her mother, Martha, who founded the company, and what it’s been like to take over a family business. Ted and Kate cover the importance of delegation, processes and procedures, and the significance of personal interactions in their line of work. Kate also shares her insight into creating custom furniture and the rewards of building strong relationships with clients.
TOPICS DISCUSSED
01:00 Introduction and Technical Difficulties
02:25 The Influence of Kate's Grandfather and Her mother’s journey
05:25 Lessons from Martha on Running a Business
09:10 Expanding into Austin and Business Development
11:55 The Significance of Photo Shoots in Showcasing Design Work
13:40 Balancing Big Picture Thinking and Attention to Detail
15:00 Transitioning from Entrepreneurship to Structured Growth
21:35 Expanding into New Markets and Assessing Opportunities
26:10 The Difference Between Remote Work and On-Site Interaction
"Being on site makes it easier to understand the terrain, colors, and environment."
"The level of client involvement varies based on the type of home being designed."
Building A Brand & Scaling A Business with Brad Leavitt of AFT Construction (Scottsdale, AZ)
25 Jul 2024
00:51:35
Ted speaks with Brad Leavitt, founder of AFT Construction in Scottsdale, AZ. From his beginnings as an electrician to running a successful and award-winning custom home building business, Brad shares his insights on leadership, hiring the best people, and building a brand. Through the many challenges and mistakes, Brad has persevered and learned how to overcome the obstacles in his path. Now a successful entrepreneur, he shares with Ted how he encourages the younger generation, how he retains a stellar staff, and where his company is headed next.
TOPICS DISCUSSED
02:20 Brad's Rise in the Construction Industry
04:40 Putting together a good team
07:50 The Role of Interior Designers in Construction
11:55 Building a Brand, Financial Management, and Systems and Processes
18:20 Allowing Yourself to Fail and Learning from Mistakes
20:55 Dealing with Shiny Object Syndrome
21:55 The Importance of Optimism in Leadership
26:25 Exciting New Relationships and Rising Stars
28:15 The Impact of AI on the Building Community
30:55 The Potential of Robots in Construction
32:35 The Toyota Five Principles of Problem-Solving
38:20 Managing client expectations and change orders
41:15 The Importance of Trade Skills for the Younger Generation
46:35 Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
47:45 Building a Strong Online Presence through Social Media
"Leadership is about showing empathy and caring for your team."
"Building a brand is crucial for business growth and success."
"AI is going to change... how manufacturers are operating."
Building A Strong Team & Cultivating Growth With Kaitlyn Wolfe (Scottsdale, AZ)
11 Jul 2024
00:48:27
Episode Notes
Ted speaks with Kaitlyn Wolfe, founder of Iconic, a design build firm located in Scottsdale, AZ. A newer builder in the market, she highlights the importance of work-life balance in the industry and the need for continuous growth and adaptation in business. Kaitlyn discusses her approach to managing her time and projects, as well as her journey in the design industry. She emphasizes the importance of staying organized and also shares her experience working on various types of projects, from small remodels to large-scale renovations, and the turning point in her career when she realized she had something special. She discusses her passion for both residential and commercial design and her plans to focus on projects that align with her aesthetic vision. Kaitlyn also highlights the importance of being open to change and having a positive mindset in a fast-paced industry. Join Ted as he hears a new perspective in an aging industry.
TOPICS DISCUSSED
01:05 Introduction and Background
03:00 Starting a Business Based on Passion
04:35 Embracing Change and Building a Strong Team
08:08 The Importance of Face-to-Face Communication
11:50 Finding Inspiration and Recharging Through Travel
16:25 Setting Goals and Celebrating Success
19:30 Mastering Time and Project Management
23:45 Finding Success in Residential Design
28:35 Owning a business is hard
32:11 How do you see the business growing?
39:22 Exciting Projects Coming Up
43:10 Building a Strong Team and Cultivating Growth
"I think I just went into it like, this is my passion, this is what I love to do."
"It's important to constantly look at your processes because you're going to change over time."
"Face-to-face is always going to trump every other type of communication."
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."
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.
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.
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.
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
I always strive for delivering a high perceived value for what the investment is in a project. That’s when you know you’ve done something successful.
It’s one thing to do it nice. It’s another to create something unique. You have to create memories with your projects.
How do you manage client expectations? You give them realistic expectations—but then you have to exceed them.
The key to my success is surrounding myself with the right people with the right heart.
Building in Different Environments & Climates with Terry Cudmore, of Cudmore Builders
03 Nov 2022
00:51:35
Terry discusses the differences in taste between wealthy homeowners around the country, and even those within Florida. He explains how he is able to set expectations with clients from the very beginning so that he is able to filter out which clients to let go and which to follow through with.
He talks about changing trends in the homebuilding industry, including revisiting homes that have gone out of fashion. Terry even mentions working on one particular “de-Tuscanization” project for a client who wished to modernize their home.
Finally, Terry explains how he has been navigating this year’s economic uncertainties and how he sees not just the future of his business, but also of the homebuilding industry as a whole.
Topics Discussed:
How Terry got into the custom homebuilding business
Lessons learned from doing business during a recession
Finding clients in South Florida
Partnering with the right architect and interior designer
The only things involved in the homebuilding industry are time, money, and quality.
Building a custom home is a team effort. It is the homeowner, builder, architect, landscape architect, and interior designer. It’s important that everybody is on the same page.
The Critical Role of an Interior Designer with Tonya Olsen, or Olsen Home Interior Design
27 Oct 2022
00:44:51
Listen in as Tonya shares the real, often overlooked value that an interior designer brings to a project. She makes the case that, if a good interior designer makes it a point to build a strong relationship with the architect and builder from the very beginning, they can dramatically elevate the look of any space they work on.
Tonya explains her collaborative approach to working with clients and how she chooses a style for a home based on the homeowner’s personality and lifestyle. She also speaks on the importance of clear communication between all parties so that a shared vision of the home is always top-of-mind.
Topics Discussed:
[01:30] Tonya’s journey in interior design
[08:16] The true value of having an interior designer when building a home
[15:08] Staying on top of the latest trends
[16:35] Knowing which style to bring to a given project
[20:31] Why the showcase is the most intense part of Tonya’s job
[22:41] The importance of communication
[25:13] What excites Tonya about the industry today
[31:28] Renovations versus custom homes
[35:01] Capturing the “feel” that clients want from the finished home
[36:40] Ensuring that Tonya’s entire team share the same vision for each project
I think people still don’t fully realize the importance and value of an interior designer. It’s more than just picking pretty things. I start with architectural consulting. I like to come in when they’re designing the house so I can work with the architect and the builder and the client and make sure all the parts and pieces work together.
The best compliment I ever get from anybody is: “Oh my gosh, I love how this feels.
Perfecting the Home Building Process with Nick Radick, of Knauf-Koenig Group
20 Oct 2022
01:03:13
A Youngstown Ohio native, Nick found himself in Naples after being offered an opportunity by WCI Communities to work in their marketing department. After a successful career with WCI, Nick went on to manage a valet parking company for eight years before being approached by Knauf-Koenig.
Listen in as Nick talks about his approach to communicating with both clients and trade partners to ensure harmony throughout the lifespan of a given project, as well as how to navigate pushback from clients.
He also gives his thoughts on the evolution of the home building industry and the growing appreciation for the trades in general since his foray into construction. He speaks highly of the power of having a team mentality on every single project. That emphasis on the team, coupled with a commitment to building trust with clients, has set Knauf-Koenig apart from its competitors.
Topics Discussed:
[06:33] Nick’s journey with Knauf-Koenig so far
[12:23] A growing appreciation for the trades
[14:16] The company’s culture, made up of men and women between 30-45
[21:19] What Nick has learned from his clients
[32:56] How trends have changed over the last several years
[39:20] Embodying the team mentality
[42:03] Aligning your vision as a homebuilder with your client’s vision
[45:35] Learning from failure
[51:58] Heading a project on which a previous home builder had just been fired from
[58:24] Instilling good values in the next generation
You can be very successful if you have a work ethic. If you work and you bust your ass, more often than not, you’re going to be successful in life. It’s not some crazy formula you need to come up with.
I don’t get paid to come in second. You either get the contract or you don’t.
Anytime you’re building a home or doing anything with multiple people involved, you have to have that team mentality: “It’s not my project. It’s our project.”
Trust and teamwork: They will get us to the finish line every time.