A builder since his youth, Garrett recalls many summers spent on job sites alongside his uncle, and ultimately leaving college after a single semester to work in construction full-time.Our conversation largely revolves around Garrett’s inspiring road to sobriety. It was after turning his life around that he was able to build a thriving construction business amid the pandemic. He desires to be an inspiration to others going along this same path by telling the stories of men and women just like himself on his podcast, Skilled & Sober.Garrett also shares the process of trial and error he had to go through to scale his business from doing renovations exclusively to designing and building homes in Central Maine.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/Events:Learn More/Register for Contractor Coalition Summit November 06-09 https://www.eventcreate.com/e/contractorcoalitionsummitTopics Discussed:[08:53] The moment Garrett’s Instagram presence really took off[10:59] How Garrett got into construction[14:50] Garret’s journey to sobriety[24:38] About the Skilled & Sober podcast[28:17] Garrett’s advice to those struggling with issues of self-worth[35:08] How silent meditation changed Garrett’s life[39:15] How the company has evolved since Garrett chose sobriety[43:29] A cycle of hiring and firing amid COVID[50:21] From renovation to homebuilding[53:53] Learning the financial side of business[58:55] Adjusting to changing material costs[01:03:00] Vetting clients[1:10:20] What’s upcoming for G.W. WoodWorksConnect with Garrett Davis:Website - https://www.gwdaviscompany.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thelifeofbub/?hl=enConnect 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 Garrett:There are underlying factors for everyone that struggles with mental illness, depress, and drug addiction: There’s stuff that we’re burying inside. There’s stuff that we’re not letting out.Sobriety has taught me acceptance.Trial and error has made my contracts better and better over the years.

Born in L.A. to a schizophrenic mother and abandoned by his bipolar father at the age of 13, Festus found himself in the foster care system and lived at eight different foster homes until he discovered his passion for medicine.He refused to take the advice of his foster parents who encouraged him to pursue a more “realistic” career and, through sheer willpower, Festus was eventually accepted into college at UC Riverside. He was later given a full ride scholarship to attend medical school at UCLA, where he decided to become an anesthesiologist. Finally, he was accepted to the residency program in UT Southwestern in Dallas.Listen in as Festus reflects on those trials and offers his strategies for career success to those who may be feeling overwhelmed as they enter the job market.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/Events:Learn More/Register for Contractor Coalition Summit November 06-09 https://www.eventcreate.com/e/contractorcoalitionsummitTopics Discussed:[05:39] Festus’s background as a foster kid[13:15] How Festus’s tough upbringing bolstered his resilience today[17:04] Why Festus pursued pre-med[24:12] About the Guardian Scholars Program[27:54] Festus’s advice to his younger self[28:58] Why Festus chose anesthesiology[36:43] The importance of bedside manner[42:51] The typical day-in-the-life of an anesthesiologist[48:32] Festus’s future career plans[53:23] Deciding which med school to enroll in[57:30] What Festus does for fun[58:52] Festus’s sisters plans for the future[01:01:32] Festus’s advice to those experiencing career burnoutConnect with Festus Ohan:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/strivemd/?hl=enLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/fesohan/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 Festus:Try to find as many resources as you can, whether it’s for your studies or whatever your aspirations are. Try to find a mentor on the path that you’re exploring to help you find your way.

With the belief that “a rising tide raises all ships”, Brad kicks off the conversation explaining why he wholeheartedly believes in sharing so-called trade secrets via his social media and podcast, making it a point to educate clients and trade partners to uplift the industry as a whole.Zach then speaks on becoming a better leader and creating a great company culture by setting expectations with your employees and developing the right systems and processes for your business. He also reveals how he has been able to cultivate his authentic online brand.Finally, Zach explains why he decided to let all of his employees go at the end of 2021 in order to manage his two businesses by himself, and how he currently defines his scope of work for the projects he takes on today.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/Events:Learn More/Register for Contractor Coalition Summit November 06-09 https://www.eventcreate.com/e/contractorcoalitionsummitTopics Discussed:[03:32] Educating clients and trade partners[13:53] Defining career “success” and building an authentic brand[21:16] Why Zach started his social media[26:26] Being creative with your content[30:44] Working with The Build Show[36:39] How Zach schedules his content for his various social media[42:36] Developing the right systems and processes for your business[46:25] Creating a great company culture[53:25] Letting everyone go and managing a one-man company as of the start of 2022[01:04:43] How Zach delegates tasks today[1:12:55] Zach’s ideal client[1:17:11] What Zach is most excited aboutConnect with Zachary Dettmore:Website: https://www.dettmore.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dettmore101/YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/Dettmore101TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@dettmore101Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/dettmorehomeimprovementsTumblr - https://dettmorehomeimprovements.tumblr.com/Houzz - https://www.houzz.com/pro/dettmore/dettmore-home-improvements?lt=hlConnect 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 Zachary:I’m a harsh critic of myself and there’s really not much that I’m afraid to share about my personal struggle, and when people see that I’m struggling, they realize that we’re all in this together.You’re only going to see the value of my work in a decade, when compared to my competitor.

Schannon started growing her brand in May of 2020 and, by November of the same year, That Tile Chick grew from having zero followers on Instagram to over 20,000.Listen in as Schannon and Chris discuss how they entered the tile industry and how the pair came to form the That Tile Chick brand. They also share the keys to their success on social media and how they have been able to thrive in business as a couple.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/Events:Learn More/Register for Contractor Coalition Summit November 06-09 https://www.eventcreate.com/e/contractorcoalitionsummitTopics Discussed:[03:30] The backstory of “That Tile Chick”[07:07] Schannon and Chris’s background and why they got into tile[16:59] Common issues in the tile industry[22:51] Houston’s cutthroat market[24:26] Shannon and Chris’s decision to start a tile company[28:11] Pre-qualifying your clients[39:20] Delegating tasks as the business scales[41:51] Establishing the That Tile Chick brand[46:37] The value of being a “real person” on social media if you want to build a following[51:37] How social media marketing changed Schannon and Chris’s business[58:34] Managing a business as a couple[1:04:28] What Schannon and Chris are most excited aboutConnect with That Tile Chick:Website - https://www.thattilechick.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ThatTileChick/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TheTileChickYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/ThatTileChickTikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@thattilechick?lang=enConnect with Brad LeavittWebsite - 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 Schannon and Chris:I think Houston is very cutthroat. Even in the highest-end neighborhoods, to be a contractor here, you really need to know how to market. You need to be able to sell your value, communicate with the client on why, and be able to educate them in certain ways so they have a base understanding of what you’re talking about. ~SchannonBefore wasting your time going out to a job site, you need to start pre-qualifying your clients. ~Chris

Listen in as Neil discusses the often-overlooked considerations around sustainable building and his take on technological developments around this space since the beginning of his career over a decade ago.Neil talks about how a construction team can use the IECC climate zone map to inform the foundation prep and mechanical design of a home. He also explains that every aspect of room and building design has a direct or indirect impact on one another, from the choice of building materials to environmental factors such as climate, nearby water sources, and even sound.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/LP Louisiana-Pacific Corporation - https://lpcorp.com/Topics Discussed:[02:53] Defining “thermal bridging”[07:39] Climate-specific factors that have an effect on the cooling and comfort of a home[14:27] Implementing better building practices[17:47] Defining “WRB” (Weather-Resistant Barrier) and ERV (Energy Recovery Ventilator)[31:41] HRV (Heat Recovery Ventilator)[34:16] The importance of mechanical design[38:44] Considerations around foundation prep[45:01] Developing a foolproof duct system[47:43] Cutting edge building science technologies[55:06] Why Neil got into building science[58:02] What frustrates Neil about the industry currently, and what he is excited aboutConnect with Neil Freidberg & LP:Website - https://lpcorp.com/Neil Freidberg LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/neil-freidberg-92bba051/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/LPBuildingSolutionsProfessional?_ga=2.165797882.559309470.1518450412-313342217.1513109586Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lp_pros/?_ga=2.165797882.559309470.1518450412-313342217.1513109586LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/louisiana-pacific-corporation/?_ga=2.165797882.559309470.1518450412-313342217.1513109586YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCf_mPuYsZ--GwSgooYeUzVwConnect with Brad LeavittWebsite - 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 Neil:Heat transfers in three methods: conduction, radiation, and convection. When we’re talking about thermal bridging specifically, it is basically a connection through an assembly, where it is a majority conducted.We’re looking to build the new 100-year homes. We’re looking to build the new historical districts.The majority of litigation ends up being water intrusion in homes.How you use your house dictates how your HVAC unit is affected.

Listen in as Jack unpacks the important yet often neglected subject of public adjusting, which he says most business owners never consider until it becomes necessary. As an incredibly complex topic that involves a great deal of stress for all involved parties, Jack brings up what is probably VPA’s biggest differentiator as a claims adjustment firm: his team’s empathy for clients.Jack goes on to share his passion for bringing up the industry as a whole and the community within it. He channels this passion into a podcast and a commitment to putting out educational content revolving around his expertise on social media.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/Topics Discussed:[02:07] What is “public adjusting”[11:11] The importance of empathy[18:19] Why those seeking claims adjustment need to potentially take into account more than a single part of the property, if not the entire property[22:09] How payouts affect future premiums[29:46] How to ensure that hurricane insurance is not excluded[37:08] VPA’s process[44:22] How VPA gets paid[48:04] Jack’s professional background[53:35] The growth of the business since its founding[57:14] Why Jack is passionate about producing content on public adjustmentConnect with Jack Hanks:Website - https://www.vpa.claims/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/vpaclaimsInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/vpaclaims/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/vpaclaims/Connect with Brad LeavittWebsite - 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 Jack:A claim is a claim is a claim—whether it’s $500 or $1000 or $1 million.It’s not about the number of the claim—it’s about the risk of the claim.As a public adjuster, we can do everything an attorney can except for filing a lawsuit.

Brady does a deep dive into his approach to drafting his professional services agreements and how to communicate with clients strategically in order to maximize productivity and minimize conflict. He also speaks on navigating those tough conversations that inevitably happen no matter how much you prepare.Finally, Brady shares the tenets of storytelling and how mastering these can help you clearly define your company brand. He also explains why it is crucial that your client sees themselves as the hero of the story that is the construction of their new home, and why your role as contractor is simply to serve as your clients’ guide.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/Topics Discussed:[02:28] Brady’s “get paid to plan” philosophy[11:00] How to price your services[15:13] Dealing with clients who push back on your professional services agreement[19:07] Defining scope in the PSA[21:43] Successfully anchor pricing upon breaking ground[28:05] The keys to strategic communication with clients[39:12] Why you should never negotiate against your agreement[43:43] Preparing for tough conversations[50:54] The tenets of storytelling and being your client’s guide to make them the hero[1:04:05] What Brady does for funConnect with Brady Fry & Fry Classic Construction:Website - https://fryclassicconstruction.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/fryclassicconstruction/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Fry-Classic-Construction-1009430242538364/Houzz - https://www.houzz.com/professionals/general-contractors/fry-classic-construction-llc-pfvwus-pf~253139940?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 Brady:The best customers expect to pay for service. You actually elevate your perception in the marketplace when you require people to pay for your time.You’re never going to get a good job with a good budget if you’re competitive bidding. If you’re just papering your town with free estimates, you’re usually competing on price, and you’re never going to get the best work if that’s the basis for your competition.I don’t agree to “estimate”. I agree to provide a “budget consultation”.Never negotiate against your agreement. You should never put yourself in a weaker position after the contract is signed.

Holly is an Arizona native who has worked as a designer for 17 years. Throughout her career, she was able to build lasting relationships with top architects, builders, and vendors in the valley.Holly has been the recipient of numerous ASID awards, and has had her work featured in such publications as Scottsdale Modern Luxury, Luxe Magazine, and Phoenix Home & Garden. 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/Topics Discussed:[02:28] The collaborative culture of the design world in Arizona[06:10] Charging what you’re worth[11:23] Building a bond with your clients[14:15] Educating clients while respecting their vision and preferences[18:23] Dealing with rising prices and supply chain issues[22:08] Considerations when ordering furniture in today’s economy[26:32] Why Holly decided to go into business for herself[34:05] Building her network of clients and trades[39:32] Commercial versus residential projects[42:53] Interviewing clients[44:34] Per square foot versus hourly[48:17] Why it’s important to ask clients if they’ve worked with a designer previously[55:41] Using social media effectively[57:48] Outsourcing social media[01:00:38] What’s next for Holly Wright DesignConnect with Holly Wright:Website - https://hollywrightdesign.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/hollywright_design_/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/holly.wrightasherConnect 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 Holly:Part of the bond I like to build with clients is, I want them to know that I’m excited about their job. I want them to be excited about their house, too.I’m not trying to decide anything for my clients. I have a direction in mind that I think will yield a good result; but, I want to educate them on why I’m going that way.I don’t want clients to feel like they’re living in a museum of things that I created. I want them to feel like it’s their home.Clients are okay with paying fees. They just want to know about it.

Susan grew up on job sites watching her father and grandfather build and renovate homes. When she was 23 she obtained her builder's license and built her first home at the age of 24. She met Paul 15 years ago, who quickly fell in love with Susan’s passion for homes, inspiring him to get his builder's license as well. Since then, Susan and Paul have successfully transformed hundreds of homes together and continually innovate with new designs.The Kadilaks just launched a nationwide app for their new home renovation show, Renovation Rekindle. The show focuses on helping clients “rekindle” the love for their home by bringing their dream to reality.Sponsors:The Tile Shop - https://www.tileshop.com/Visit https://buildertrend.com/aft/ to get a 60-day money-back guarantee on your Buildertrend account!Pella Windows & Doors - https://www.pella.com/Events:Learn More/Register for Contractor Coalition Summit May 01-04 https://www.eventcreate.com/e/contractorscoalitionsummitTopics Discussed:[03:42] Why Susan and Paul created their own app[09:15] Overcoming your fear of being on camera and justifying the ROI of video[14:05] The power of having a personality behind the companies you buy from[17:23] Integrating design and construction into the same process[25:52] Turning away prospects who aren’t the right fit[29:30] Growing up on job sites and removing “failure” from one’s vocabulary[35:30] Paul’s background and his foray into homebuilding[41:50] Making the first hire[45:38] How the company looks today since the first hire[49:26] How the app has made Susan and Paul’s videos more accessible[50:05] Organizing their multiple businesses[58:43] Finding work-life balance[01:00:33] Outsourcing social media[01:04:17] What’s next for KadilakConnect with Kadilac Homes:Website https://kadilakhomes.com/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/KadilakHomes/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/KadilakHomes/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/susankadilak/ Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/kadilakhomes/_created/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4M9eKEOox3Dq6N0jraCqA TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@kadilakhomes?lang=enConnect 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 Susan and Paul:When you’re putting videos out there, the people who call you have already decided that they like you. They already know what they’re going to get and what to expect. ~SusanOur videos draw in the clients who want to work with us. ~PaulDesign has always been a natural part of the construction process. ~SusanThe biggest thing you build is your reputation. ~PaulControlling the distractions around you is the key to building your business and your people. ~Paul

A. Q. talks about his journey from Penn State to the NFL to winning the Super Bowl to, finally, becoming a coach. He attributes much of his decision to his time playing center, which he refers to as the “brains of the operation”. He also explains how he managed to stay fit and healthy throughout his athletic career.Other contributors to A. Q.’s successful 12-year NFL career (and now coaching career) include his belief that well-rounded fitness, integrity, accountability, mentorship, and cultivating a strong culture are key to standing apart as a professional athlete.Sponsors:The Tile Shop - https://www.tileshop.com/Visit https://buildertrend.com/aft/ to get a 60-day money-back guarantee on your Buildertrend account!Pella Windows & Doors - https://www.pella.com/Events:Learn More/Register for Contractor Coalition Summit May 01-04 https://www.eventcreate.com/e/contractorscoalitionsummitTopics Discussed: [02:41] Why A. Q. decided to be a coach and his thoughts on playing center[06:16] How A. Q. stayed healthy throughout his career[12:50] Why accountability is everything in the NFL[17:10] From Penn State to the NFL[21:11] Becoming a well-rounded athlete over specializing in just one sport[26:02] A. Q.’s coaching style[30:16] The importance of position flexibility among the offensive line[36:39] Playing for Joe Paterno[40:04] Why A. Q. moved to Arizona[43:26] Finding a mentor[46:59] The importance of culture in team sports[55:05] Allowing culture to evolve[58:43] Winning the Super Bowl[01:03:39] What’s next for A. Q.Connect with AQ ShipleyInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/aqshipley/Twitter - https://twitter.com/aqshipleyConnect with Brad LeavittWebsite - 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 AQ Shipley:I was never the biggest. I was never the strongest. I was never the fastest. The ticket was right here, in my mind.Accountability is everything in the NFL.The odds of you specializing in one sport and actually making it is slim to none. Why not become the most well-rounded person?