The Build Show Podcast The Origins Series with Jeremy Martin
Dec 12, 2025
Jeremy Martin, a second-generation builder from Austin and co-owner of Richard Martin, shares his journey from sweeping job sites to navigating tech giants like IBM and Intel. He discusses the importance of a fixed-price model, emphasizing thorough pre-construction to minimize costs and streamline timelines. Jeremy highlights the significance of selecting the right clients and partners, and how a dedicated pre-construction team boosts accuracy. With insights on balancing craft with business, he encourages young builders to seek peer support and continual learning.
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Raised On Job Sites
- Jeremy grew up on job sites and started working summers sweeping, roofing, demo and hauling materials for family businesses.
- That early exposure and family trade network gave him a low-stakes entry and practical construction foundation.
From Silicon Valley To Small Business
- Jeremy worked as an electrical engineer intern at IBM and later at Intel in Silicon Valley before returning to Austin.
- Those tech years taught him systems thinking and confirmed he wanted to run his own, smaller company.
Use Heavy Pre-Construction For Fixed Price
- Offer fixed-price contracts only after heavy pre-construction to minimize change orders and hit budget targets.
- Require clients to decide early so you can deliver predictable schedules and outcomes.
