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Brad Leavitt Podcast

Latest episodes

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Jan 15, 2023 • 1h 2min

You gotta have GRIT with Taylor Housley

Sponsors:◦ Visit https://buildertrend.com/aft/ to get a 60-day money-back guarantee on your Buildertrend account!◦ Pella Windows & Doors - https://www.pella.com/Connect with Taylor Housley:https://www.thehousleygroup.com/https://www.instagram.com/housleygroup/https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylorhousleyConnect with Brad Leavitt:◦ Website - https://www.aftconstructionpodcast.com/◦ Instagram - https://instagram.com/aft_construction◦ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/aftconstruction◦ Houzz - https://www.houzz.com/pro/aft-construction/aft-construction◦ Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.ph/AFT_CONSTRUCTION/◦ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzB4R_DHPVV1SPh7RUfR5jg   
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Jan 8, 2023 • 1h 3min

Communication is Key with Jordyn DiOrio

Sponsors:Visit https://buildertrend.com/aft/ to get a 60-day money-back guarantee on your Buildertrend account!Pella Windows & Doors - https://www.pella.com/Sub-Zero, Wolf and Cove: Schedule an appointment at subzero-wolf.com/Scottsdale or 480.921.0900Connect with Jordyn DiOrio:Website - https://bio.site/jdpconsultInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/jordyndiorio/Connect with Brad Leavitt:Website - https://www.aftconstructionpodcast.com/Instagram - https://instagram.com/aft_constructionFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/aftconstructionHouzz - https://www.houzz.com/pro/aft-construction/aft-constructionPinterest - https://www.pinterest.ph/AFT_CONSTRUCTION/YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzB4R_DHPVV1SPh7RUfR5jg
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Jan 1, 2023 • 1h 5min

Trust your gut with Tom Gallagher

Listen in as Tom discusses the importance of trusting your gut, using simple systems, and documenting your progress.  Tom,  began his construction career 32 years ago, in the field placing concrete and working as a carpenter. Since then he has worked on many types of projects including; hotels, office buildings, high rise residential, single family residential, parking structures, industrial and high-tech facilities. Tom graduated from Washington State University in 1990 and has a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management with a minor in business.Topics Discussed:2:50 Starting a business during the 2008 building crisis6:36 Quality, Craft, Integrity10:50 Comercial projects15:01 Hiring new talent and trusting your gut20:40 Selling point for new clients is our systems25:05 Going from commercial to residential (Documenting)34:50 Building report with Neighbors39:20 Excel & Word46:48 Work / Life Balance52:09 Projections on the economySponsors:Visit https://buildertrend.com/aft/ to get a 60-day money-back guarantee on your Buildertrend account!Pella Windows & Doors - https://www.pella.com/Sub-Zero, Wolf and Cove: Schedule an appointment at subzero-wolf.com/Scottsdale or 480.921.0900Connect with Tom Gallagher:Website - https://gallagherco.net/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/gallaghercollc/Connect with Brad Leavitt:Website - https://www.aftconstructionpodcast.com/Instagram - https://instagram.com/aft_constructionFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/aftconstructionHouzz - https://www.houzz.com/pro/aft-construction/aft-constructionPinterest - https://www.pinterest.ph/AFT_CONSTRUCTION/YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzB4R_DHPVV1SPh7RUfR5jg
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Dec 25, 2022 • 58min

How to Build an Epic Brand with Sara Schultz of heysaraschultz & Free Afternoon Creative Agency

Listen in as Sara discusses the importance of building systems and processes for your organization and how creative professionals can look past that feeling of overwhelm that comes with dealing with the technicalities of business.Sara talks about the value in having a strong referral network, and how building a powerful personal brand creates almost instant trust and inspires confidence in your ideal client. She also explains how she can tell, in five minutes, whether or not to take on a client.Finally, Sara talks about what businesses can learn from the fact that more and more women are making (or at least play a huge role in) financial decisions. She offers her best advice on staying relevant yet timeless in the face of an ever-changing business landscape.Topics Discussed:Collaborating with Prada and ASPENXCreating systems and processes for your businessDelivering for ASPENXThe value of building relationships as an entrepreneurThe power of believing that it’s possibleBeing a thought leader in your industryVetting clientsShowing up truthfully for your clients to gain their full confidenceThe impact of the rise in financial decisions made by womenStaying resilient in the face of constant change in the business landscapeSponsors:Visit https://buildertrend.com/aft/ to get a 60-day money-back guarantee on your Buildertrend account!Pella Windows & Doors - https://www.pella.com/Sub-Zero, Wolf and Cove: Schedule an appointment at subzero-wolf.com/Scottsdale or 480.921.0900Connect with Sara Schultz:Website - https://heysaraschultz.com/Website - https://www.freeafternoon.co/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heysaraschultz/Connect with Brad Leavitt:Website - https://www.aftconstructionpodcast.com/Instagram - https://instagram.com/aft_constructionFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/aftconstructionHouzz - https://www.houzz.com/pro/aft-construction/aft-constructionPinterest - https://www.pinterest.ph/AFT_CONSTRUCTION/YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzB4R_DHPVV1SPh7RUfR5jgKey Quotes by Sara:Systems and processes are the least sexy things to talk about; but, they are the most critical things that allow you to run your business successfully and play that key role that you’re best at.Building a network of mostly women in business who are at a similar stage in life as me has been absolutely paramount to my success.You can build a family and a business at the same time if you want to. You don’t have to pick one or the other.
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Dec 18, 2022 • 1h 4min

Building Systems, Procedures, & Checklist with Entrepreneur, Pilot, & Business Coach, Steven Rozenberg

Listen in as Steven discusses his foray into real estate from the airline industry post 9/11 and how his lessons learned as a pilot carry over into his career as an entrepreneur and mentor to aspiring business owners.A lot of today’s discussion revolves around the importance of having your systems and processes clearly defined. Seven refers to the definition of “business” as given to him by a mentor, namely: “a commercial, profitable enterprise that runs without you and has a sale date.”He explains how he was able to scale his portfolio exponentially simply by shifting his paradigm from seeing himself as a property owner to seeing himself as a business owner. To him, a huge component to longevity is the willingness to remove yourself as the bottleneck of your own business.Sponsors:Visit https://buildertrend.com/aft/ to get a 60-day money-back guarantee on your Buildertrend account!Pella Windows & Doors - https://www.pella.com/Sub-Zero, Wolf and Cove: Schedule an appointment at subzero-wolf.com/Scottsdale or 480.921.0900Topics Discussed: How 9/11 changed Steven’s lifeDefining “business”Managing properties like a businessCreating a system around your businessSetting KPIs around “hand-off spots” in your businessDelivering consistency to the clientBeing comfortable asking for helpDetaching yourself from the businessConnect with Steven Rozenberg:Website - https://steverozenberg.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rozenbergsteve/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/mastermynd/YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCck4Ww77C6IoZQDPne9fHgQConnect with Brad Leavitt:Website - https://www.aftconstructionpodcast.com/Instagram - https://instagram.com/aft_constructionFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/aftconstructionHouzz - https://www.houzz.com/pro/aft-construction/aft-constructionPinterest - https://www.pinterest.ph/AFT_CONSTRUCTION/YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzB4R_DHPVV1SPh7RUfR5jgKey Quotes by Steven:You have to let go of ego and pride. I am a big believer in investing in people to help me get to where I want to go.The definition of a business is commercial, profitable enterprise that runs without you and has a sale date.Having a successful business is delivering consistency to the client.People go to work for a purpose, not for a paycheck.
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Dec 11, 2022 • 1h 1min

Cambria: Staying on the Cutting Edge & Transforming Quartz into Breathtaking Surfaces with Executive Vice President, Summer Kath

Summer was one of Cambria’s first customers when building her first home, explaining the superior product benefits to her own family. She started as employee #30, and now, Summer has been with Cambria for more than 16 years, straddling multiple roles within the company dedicated to design innovation and business development.Listen in as Summer reflects on her experience rising the ranks over the years to become the first female EVP in her family business. She shares Cambria’s approach to philanthropy and marketing collaborations, including with A-list celebrities and other influencers.Summer talks about the challenges the company continues to face in the aftermath of the lockdowns, and how they continue to stay on the cutting edge of the industry while staying centered with timeless design.Sponsors:Sub-Zero, Wolf and Cove: Schedule an appointment at subzero-wolf.com/Scottsdale or 480.921.0900 Visit https://buildertrend.com/aft/ to get a 60-day money-back guarantee on your Buildertrend account!Pella Windows & Doors - https://www.pella.com/Topics Discussed: Becoming EVP at CambriaEmpowering women at EVPManaging peopleSummer’s female role modelsCollaborating with A-list celebritiesPhilanthropic partnershipsHow the smallest decisions and habits add upCreating a great company cultureWhy Cambria decided to get involved in the net-zero homeHow COVID impacted CambriaInnovating at CambriaStaying on the cutting edgeWhat Summer does for funWhat’s next for CambriaConnect with Cambria: Website - https://www.cambriausa.com/#!/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/summerkath/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cambriasurfaces/Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/cambriasurfaces/Connect with Brad Leavitt:Website - https://www.aftconstructionpodcast.com/Instagram - https://instagram.com/aft_constructionFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/aftconstructionHouzz - https://www.houzz.com/pro/aft-construction/aft-constructionPinterest - https://www.pinterest.ph/AFT_CONSTRUCTION/YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzB4R_DHPVV1SPh7RUfR5jgKey Quotes by Summer:The more you show up, the more you’ll put yourself in front of opportunities.As a manager or a leader, everyone around you matters. You have to treat people with respect and be kind.Sweating the small stuff is important because all of it contributes to some really big things.
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Dec 4, 2022 • 1h 11min

House of Four Design Studio: Bringing Timeless & Beautiful Design to the Las Vegas Valley with Melody Gangi & Claira Brown

Melody Gangi, founder and principal of House of Four, is a designer known for creating beautiful, comfortable, and happy spaces. With the demonstration of timeless concepts and relaxed sophistication signature to her body of work, Gangi brings accessibility of beautiful design to the Las Vegas Valley. A curated, clean, and warm experience is at the center of Melody’s design approach. Through an exploration of color, use, materiality and intuitive collaborations of contemporary and classic, architectural and organic, she curates a new experience for every space.Lead Designer for House of Four, Claira Brown, has over seven years of design experience in both residential and commercial design. After receiving her academic training in architectural design and working for an AD100 design firm in San Francisco, she willfully returned to her home town of Las Vegas and works intimately alongside House of Four's Principal Designer Melody Gangi on all full service design projects.Melody and Claira kick off the conversation with their reflections on Design Camp and the value of collaborating with and learning from fellow designers and business owners in general.They discuss how they were able to turn House of Four into an irresistible brand by creating an emotional journey for potential clients through the power of social media. This is best exemplified by the company’s mantra: From our house to your home.Our guests talk about the importance of collaborating with clients, architects, and contractors with whom, without much effort, you can get on the same page with.They dive into how they were able to hone their process for filtering down to their ideal client, and how they are able to find the perfect intersection between their vision, the client’s vision, and the architectural limitations of the home.Sponsors:Sub-Zero, Wolf and Cove: Schedule an appointment at subzero-wolf.com/Scottsdale or 480.921.0900 Visit https://buildertrend.com/aft/ to get a 60-day money-back guarantee on your Buildertrend account!Pella Windows & Doors - https://www.pella.com/Topics Discussed: Collaborating with other designersTakeaways from Design CampBuilding a brand as an interior designerWhat inspires Melody and ClairaThe most enjoyable part of their careers as designersThe complexity of the businessMarrying interior design with architectureHow to collaborate well with your architect and contractorDefining your ideal clientHow Melody and Claira metHow Melody and Claira work well togetherOpening their shopWhat the showroom offersFinding clientsWhat inspired Melody and Claira to get into designConnect with House of Four:Website - https://www.houseoffourdesign.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/houseoffourdesignFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/houseoffourdesignLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/houseoffour/  Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/HouseofFourDesign/  YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@houseoffourdesignstudio1889  Connect with Brad Leavitt:Website - https://www.aftconstructionpodcast.com/Instagram - https://instagram.com/aft_constructionFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/aftconstructionHouzz - https://www.houzz.com/pro/aft-construction/aft-constructionPinterest - https://www.pinterest.ph/AFT_CONSTRUCTION/YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzB4R_DHPVV1SPh7RUfR5jgKey Quotes by Melody and Claira:You never stop learning—that’s the fun thing about business: Making it better, improving, learning new things that you can incorporate into your business to make the process even better and stronger.A strong relationship with the architect and contractor is one of the most important things for you as a designer.
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Nov 27, 2022 • 54min

LP Building Solutions: The Importance of Building Science & Sustainability in Design & Engineering with Brand Manager, Casey Smyth

Listen in as Casey discusses how LP Building Solutions manages to stay on the forefront of innovation when it comes to bringing products to market that not only defend against adverse climate scenarios, but everyday climate-related challenges which involve heat or moisture.In addition to keeping in mind issues regarding climate, LP also accounts for the evolving tastes and sophistication of homeowners, and takes client feedback into account whenever the company is looking to create or optimize a product. Additionally, Casey shares how being involved in the design and architectural community has helped LP stay on the cutting edge.Finally, Casey talks about LP’s recently-launched line of products incorporating its patented NovaCore™ technology and the positive early feedback that keeps the whole team excited for what’s to come.Sponsors:Sub-Zero, Wolf and Cove: Schedule an appointment at subzero-wolf.com/Scottsdale or 480.921.0900 Visit https://buildertrend.com/aft/ to get a 60-day money-back guarantee on your Buildertrend account!Pella Windows & Doors - https://www.pella.com/Topics Discussed: Developing sustainable and resilient productsHow LP Building Solutions creates products for different climate zonesEducating the public on installationHow homeowners have become more discerning and sophisticatedHow LP takes feedback into account when creating solutionsSelling premium sustainable and resilient products to homeownersBeing involved in the design and architectural communityThe NovaCore™ advantageCasey’s experience at LP and how he developed his passion for building scienceWhat drives Casey todayConnect with Guest: Website - https://lpcorp.com/LinkedIn (Casey Smyth) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/caseyjsmyth/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/lp-building-solutions/?_ga=2.165797882.559309470.1518450412-313342217.1513109586Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lp_pros/?_ga=2.165797882.559309470.1518450412-313342217.1513109586Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/LPBuildingSolutionsProfessional?_ga=2.165797882.559309470.1518450412-313342217.1513109586Connect with Brad Leavitt:Website - https://www.aftconstructionpodcast.com/Instagram - https://instagram.com/aft_constructionFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/aftconstructionHouzz - https://www.houzz.com/pro/aft-construction/aft-constructionPinterest - https://www.pinterest.ph/AFT_CONSTRUCTION/YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzB4R_DHPVV1SPh7RUfR5jgKey Quotes by Casey:Resiliency comes down to building products that can withstand increasingly adverse environments.If risk mitigation is what builders are after, I think there is a lot to be said about making the investment upfront for more premium products that are going to work harder for you over the long run, that are going to help fortify that structure better.
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Nov 20, 2022 • 1h 10min

Home Builders Network with Al Trellis

Al has 40 years experience as a custom builder, engineer, consultant, columnist, and speaker. He is known for his creativity and insights into improving profits and productivity. He has written numerous books and over 200 articles about life and various aspects of homebuilding.Listen in as Al discusses how he consults with clients from a variety of specialties in the construction industry, from design-build to portfolio build to production build. He talks about what he deems the 15 elements to optimize in business, beyond the well-known 3Ps of pricing, product, and planning.Al also does a deep dive into the principles of leadership and how your conduct as the leader of your company can make or break your business. To Al, true leadership is all about knowing when to turn your back to the crowd, when to be strong and when to be patient, and who to accept the way they are and who needs to change.He stresses the importance of getting all of your employees on the same page with regards to the organization’s core values. He explains why it is vital to be able to adapt your business to the times to always strive for continuous improvement. Finally, Al offers his best advice on encouraging teamwork and bringing out the best in your employees.Sponsors:Sub-Zero, Wolf and Cove: Schedule an appointment at subzero-wolf.com/Scottsdale or 480.921.0900 Visit https://buildertrend.com/aft/ to get a 60-day money-back guarantee on your Buildertrend account!Pella Windows & Doors - https://www.pella.com/Topics Discussed: The importance of company cultureConsulting different types of construction businessesSetting expectations with consulting clientsHow homebuilders can learn from other fields (ex. architecture, interior design, etc.)How to become a better leaderUnderstanding and taking your biases into accountModeling leadership by exampleEncouraging teamworkBringing out the best in your employeesGetting everyone on page with the company’s core valuesHow Allan provides long-term value to his consulting clientsConnect with Guest:Website - http://www.hbnnet.com/Connect with Brad Leavitt:Website - https://www.aftconstructionpodcast.com/Instagram - https://instagram.com/aft_constructionFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/aftconstructionHouzz - https://www.houzz.com/pro/aft-construction/aft-constructionPinterest - https://www.pinterest.ph/AFT_CONSTRUCTION/YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzB4R_DHPVV1SPh7RUfR5jgKey Quotes by Allan:Culture matters, and the way you get to a great culture is heavily related to leadership skills. Companies with great cultures typically have great leaders. It’s really that simple.What makes or breaks us as a company are the things we don’t do well enough to be over the threshold.The difference between “good” and “excellent” is not what makes you succeed. The difference between “good” and “not good” is what makes you succeed.The only thing that counts when we are in sales is the number of first meetings.Great leaders are always aware of their own biases and account for them.If you’re really into self-improvement, then you need to be into self-honesty.
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Nov 13, 2022 • 57min

Contractor Coalition Summit, Huntington Beach with Nick Schiffer of NS Builders & Morgan Moliltor of construction2style

Listen in as Brad, Nick, and Morgan discuss how the Contractor Coalition Summit came to be. For them, this event provides a rare opportunity for general contractors nationwide to network and optimize their backend to run a more profitable business. They highlight the conference’s accessibility, compared to prestigious clubs such as the Builder 20.As our co-hosts explain, the summit is a hub of education, collaboration, where contractors at every stage and size of business are able to share their perspectives and lessons learned with one another. It’s an opportunity to “ride along” with someone a year or two ahead of you rather than an industry veteran with decades under their belt.All-in-all, the Contractor Coalition Summit offer a game-changing level of access, value, and camaraderie no general contractor should miss!Register for the next Contractor Coalition Summit nearest you at https://www.eventcreate.com/e/contractorcoalitionsummit. Sponsors:Sub-Zero, Wolf and Cove: Schedule an appointment at subzero-wolf.com/Scottsdale or 480.921.0900 Visit https://buildertrend.com/aft/ to get a 60-day money-back guarantee on your Buildertrend account!Pella Windows & Doors - https://www.pella.com/Topics Discussed: [01:34] The story behind the Contractor Coalition Summit[05:10] What is the summit all about?[13:56] The benefits of having an intimate setting to network in[18:15] How Brad, Nick, and Morgan are changing the industry as a whole[22:21] The power of collaboration[28:06] About next year’s summits and the event schedule[32:05] Different perspectives, different contracts[37:02] About NS Builder, construction2style LLC, and AFT[42:57] Learning from those who are a year or two ahead of you in business[49:10] What the summit’s guest pass coversConnect with Nick Schiffer of NS Builders:Website - https://www.nsbuilders.com/Instagram (@nsbuilders) - https://www.instagram.com/nsbuilders/?hl=enYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIo1gaS5cLsCtgaCLhi08cgLinkedIn (Nick Schiffer) - https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/all/?heroEntityKey=urn%3Ali%3Afsd_profile%3AACoAAAnByWEBjwTXVmifRwspBtm7nQGtv3BK2MA&keywords=nick%20schiffer&origin=RICH_QUERY_SUGGESTION&position=0&searchId=b36f7a22-139f-4ace-b877-7b300c8b45d3&sid=EYwLinkedIn (NS Builder) - https://www.linkedin.com/company/nsbuilders/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/nsbuilderPodcast (NS Builders Podcast) - https://www.nickschiffer.com/podcastPodcast (The Modern Craftsman Podcast) - https://www.themoderncraftsman.org/Connect with Morgan Moliltor of construction2style LLC:Website - https://construction2style.com/Instagram (@construction2style) - https://www.instagram.com/construction2style/?hl=enLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/construction2style-llc/TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@construction2style?_t=8VFPmTFcWrq&_r=1YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCw0DTGNtruFv6XgcVliM5JwPinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/c2s_molitor/Connect with Brad Leavitt:Website - https://www.aftconstructionpodcast.com/Instagram - https://instagram.com/aft_constructionFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/aftconstructionHouzz - https://www.houzz.com/pro/aft-construction/aft-constructionPinterest - https://www.pinterest.ph/AFT_CONSTRUCTION/YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzB4R_DHPVV1SPh7RUfR5jgKey Quotes by Nick and Morgan:At the summit, the information is going to be provided. It’s up to me if I want to implement it or not. But, just being around the people in that intimate setting—when you have that close group, you have the opportunity to talk to every single person one-on-one. ~NickI believe in my gut that we’re changing the industry as a whole. ~MorganThe best education is to ride along with someone right in front of you, rather than looking at someone that did it 50 years ago. There’s more value in chasing the person who’s done it a year or two ahead of you. ~Nick.

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