As an advocate of trade careers and education, Kayleen’s goal is to shed light on the rising demand for trade professionals that’s outpacing vocational training—and to help restore America’s respect for the trades in the process.Listen in as Kayleen explains that education, particularly if you desire to be in the trades, is not only found in the classroom, and how she is working to inspire America’s youth to embrace the trades.She shares how she was inspired to become “Mister Rogers with a sledgehammer” and educate the masses on the importance of the trades after realizing that television has negatively influenced the public’s opinion on the construction industry.Brought to you by Pella Windows & DoorsTopics Discussed: [02:38] Why construction is generally under-promoted as a career path[05:41] Kayleen’s thoughts on the student debt crisis[09:27] The limitations of a college degree[14:21] Kayleen’s experience on Rescue Renovation[22:59] How much planning goes into each project before filming starts[34:37] Dealing with challenging clients on the show[36:08] How TV impacted Kayleen’s passion for construction[38:11] Kayleen’s work at the McCabe Foundation[41:40] How Kayleen hopes to influence women in the trades[49:14] The value of hard work[51:13] Kayleen’s experience starting her own company before her breakthrough on TV[55:46] Why the youth are at an advantage today if they want to get in the trades[01:00:35] What Kayleen does for fun and what she has planned for the futureConnect with Guest:Website - https://www.kayleenmccabe.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kayleenmccabe/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/kayleenmccabeTwitter - https://twitter.com/KayleenMcCabeYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/KayleenMcCabeConnect 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 Kayleen:College is important. We need architects and engineers, and that does take a college degree; however, the best architects are the ones who went to a job site and learned how gravity works in real life.You don’t get anywhere in life without working really hard. The harder you work, you are rewarded. Now I’m at the point where I can choose the projects that I work on. I don’t work 18-hour days anymore; but, [it took] 15 years. It wasn’t overnight.

In 2018, Landon signed on with HGTV for the home improvement series, Cutting Edge Reno. For the pilot, he chose to renovate a neglected midcentury ranch house situated on a large lot in a desirable neighborhood. Landon had just 60 days to completely transform the home.Landon’s experience with HGTV rewarded him with clout that caused his already thriving design and build firm to soar to new heights. He goes on to speak on the unique challenges of working with ultra-high-net-worth individuals in Scottsdale, and why he always looks beyond the money and instead ultimately trusts his gut when it comes to deciding which clients to take on.He also explains why, if he were given another chance to build his business from scratch, Landon would focus right away on hiring talent that would complement his own strengths, and establish a system that leverages his time.Brought to you by Pella Windows & DoorsTopics Discussed: [02:52] Where Landon would focus on if he were to start his construction business again[06:36] Building strong relationships in the industry[12:52] Why it’s worth paying a premium for quality[15:00] Why you shouldn’t be afraid to walk away from a potential client[22:48] Landon’s opportunity to appear on HGTV’s series, Cutting Edge Reno[42:06] Securing job sites[49:10] Dealing with supply chain issues on time-sensitive projects[55:44] Meeting the incredibly high expectations of ultra-wealthy clients[58:37] Landon’s approach to multifamily homes[1:05:03] The best advice Landon has ever been givenConnect with Guest:WebsiteInstagramHouzzConnect with Brad Leavitt:Website Instagram Facebook HouzzPinterest YouTube Key Quotes by Landon:When you’re building someone a home, you’re going to have to be friends for a year. Out of the gates, if you’re feeling a little wishy-washy, don’t be afraid to walk. The money is not that important. Quality of life is what it boils down to.Living in the Scottsdale area or Paradise Valley, these aren’t $500,000 homes. These are multi, multi, multi-million-dollar homes that we’ve been working on. With that dollar figure comes a special client. “No” is not an acceptable word. The way I’ve got around is to basically be as upfront as I can. The moment I know, they know in five minutes.

With all the complexities of building your brand’s know, like, and trust factor in today’s ever-evolving digital economy, Jesse explains why it literally pays to have a dedicated expert by your side to handle content marketing for your business.He shares best practices for doing effective ad campaigns, building and staying top-of-mind with a loyal audience, becoming an authority figure without “pitching”, choosing a social media platform, and creating photo and video content that converts.Topics Discussed: [02:09] How social media has changed[04:29] Tailoring your ad campaign to the right demographic[12:12] Making sure you, as a business owner, don’t waste your time on social media[15:53] The importance of being social on your chosen platform/s[19:22] Being (and staying) top-of-mind with your target audience[23:54] Becoming an authority figure and getting clients without “pitching”[32:08] Deciding which social media platform to focus on as a general contractor[36:43] How Jesse built his own brand with photo and video[41:07] The effort required to produce a great photo versus a great video[48:03] Why it’s important to niche down as much as you can[48:59] Should all businesses be on YouTube?[56:23] Why Jesse lived in a school bus in the early 2000s[1:04:00] What’s upcoming and exciting for JesseConnect with Jesse Fitton:WebsiteInstagramTikTokLinkedInConnect with Brad Leavitt:Website Instagram Facebook Houzz Pinterest YouTube Key Quotes by Jesse:[When you create an ad campaign,] it’s not about how many people see it—it’s about the right people seeing it. And when you’re working with different brands, you have to figure out what the most important thing is for them.Operating inside the world that we live in today, you can be hyper-niche. The most important thing is to identify your target market and really home in on it, because if you don’t put out the content you want, then you’re not going to get the people that you want.

He relates his current work in residential to his previous time doing commercial. The residential world, particularly custom residential construction, has been a significantly more fulfilling experience for Tyler because of its personal, family-centered process.Speaking on his staff, Tyler becomes emotional talking about those team members that have caught the vision of the company, which goes way beyond working for a paycheck. He also encourages employees to make their voices heard and to challenge the leadership if they feel compelled to, so as to do their part in setting Killowen apart from the rest.Finally, Tyler describes the cornerstone of his company—and of running a construction business in general—which is communication. With so many parties to keep up-to-speed throughout a long and complicated process, Tyler stresses openness and brutal honesty, but also empathy and care.Topics Discussed: [02:35] Challenges that Tyler is dealing with right now[07:41] How Tyler keeps his pipeline full[12:48] Competing with other cabinetry subcontractors[15:12] How Tyler conducts his exit interviews[20:51] How often Tyler checks in with clients after the home is built[30:13] Creating a good company culture[36:28] Working with Syd and Shea McGee[43:56] How Netflix came into the picture[50:55] Working when cameras are always trained on you[55:17] Lessons learned from the Netflix experience about running Killowen[57:45] The best career advice Tyler has ever been given[1:03:11] What Tyler is most excited aboutConnect with Guest:Website Instagram Facebook Connect with Brad Leavitt:Website Instagram Facebook Houzz Pinterest YouTubeKey Quotes by Tyler:With these homes, it gets super personal because it’s the most expensive thing they’ll ever buy. It’s where they’ll raise their family, their kids, their grandkids. It gets pretty personal and that’s why I like it better than commercial. I was in commercial for a while; but, homes—there’s something about it.I want my people to challenge our system. I might disagree and I might push back; but, I do want our team to think of ways we can do better. I’m not averse to change.There are people in our company that are here for the paycheck, and that is fine. We’re not doing it for practice. We’re doing it to make a living. It’s all good. There are other people that I see who have caught the vision of where we can be and they want to be a part of it.Where construction really goes sideways—the relationships at least—is communication. If someone feels heard, even if there’s a problem, if you acknowledge that it’s there and you keep giving them constant updates—communication is huge.Every hire I’ve made has taught me how to run my company better

Listen in as Brad shares why creating an org chart from the get-go is one of the best things you can do, even if it’s meant to be a reference for just you and your partner. He also says that it’s always best to consume the same educational resources together in order to be on the same page when considering the future of you and your partner’s business.Asked about leading the 250+ person team at Radiant Plumbing, Brad explains that cultivating a “work hard, play hard” company culture with a system that recognizes the achievement of each and every member of the team is vital to the company’s success.Finally, Brad gives his advice to those who are currently at the start of their business journey, and in particular why finding a coach has been of tremendous help to both him and Sarah at the beginning of their partnership.Brought to you Pella Windows & DoorsTopics Discussed: The challenges of doing business with your spouseWhen Brad and Sarah began working togetherManaging a company with 250+ employeesWriting the bookHow Brad and Sarah decided on their roles in the companyWhy Radiant Plumbing conducts wellness retreatsFrom call to permit to completionHow Radiant Plumbing provides feedback to each of their 250+ employeesSarah’s contribution to the businessLearning to separate business from personal lifeSetting boundaries with your business partner/spouseHow to deal with business failures personally and with your partnerBuilding a company culture of “work hard, play hard”The business owner’s mindset: from craftsman to entrepreneur to legacy-seekerBrad’s advice to those who are at the beginning of their business journeyWhat Brad is most excited aboutConnect with Guest: Website Facebook LinkedIn BookConnect with Brad Leavitt:Website InstagramFacebook Houzz Pinterest YouTube Key Quotes by Brad:Creating some real structure and real roles and real responsibilities cleans up a lot of those grey areas where you would have a lot of conflict, because you’re in each other’s lane, you’re second-guessing each other’s decisions, and it’s really inefficient.Two of the biggest mistakes I see people make are: a) don’t get coaching; and b) they get coaching by themselves and try to sell their partner on it later. Do it together. If you’re going to a conference, do it together. If you’re going to see a speaker, read a book, do it together and compare notes.It doesn’t matter where your business is at. There’s always more you can do.I can’t express to you how important it is for my employees to feel like they’ve got a relationship with their manager.I challenge you to let [the wrong people] go. You’re going to lose the good ones because you’re keeping the bad ones.Get coaching, together. Somebody has solved it in your industry. [...] They might even charge you some money, and you should fork it over because it might be the cheapest thing you’ve ever invested in. [...] Often, the more we spend, the better it is.I needed to learn not to be the limitation to my company’s growth.

Today Brad speaks with Dan and Emily Clark of Clark & Co. Homes. The Clarks established their firm in 2011 with the mission of bringing creative design solutions to the Treasure Valley through their highly functional home plans and character-filled interiors.Dan’s background in real estate, residential home construction management, and land development consulting gives him a unique, holistic approach to the building process. Emily's New England upbringing exposed her from an early age to historic proportions and timeless design, uniquely informing her distinctive style viewpoint.With supply chain issues and all manner of challenges around communicating with clients and vendors developing by the day throughout the last 18 months, Dan and Emily explain that they practically had to “throw out” many of the processes that they had only settled into since starting their business.“It just allows us to be creative,” says Emily, “and really capitalize on that ability.” And part of that ability to stay creative includes having to establish a system that is more streamlined as well as being more discerning about which clients to accept.To the Clarks, thriving in the design and construction industry in the new normal has largely been a matter of strengthening relationships with clients and vendors and making sure that everyone has utmost confidence in their ability to deliver by setting clear expectations with each party.Brought to you by Pella Windows & DoorsTopics Discussed: [02:19] Navigating the design and construction industry in 2020 and 2021[06:35] Dealing with unforeseen issues and keeping clients happy[12:59] Planning for contingencies[15:47] Why Clark & Co. Homes have been more focused on “hybrid spec”[20:55] Introducing “universality” of design in the Boise market[25:48] Dan and Emily’s respective roles and how they built the company[36:04] Conducting virtual tours of finished concept homes[39:03] Drawing inspiration from Emily’s upbringing in Maine and travels[42:02] Building and strengthening relationships in the industry[47:34] How social media has helped Clark & Co. Homes grow[50:16] Setting expectations with clients[54:46] Managing emergencies[59:15] Dan and Emily’s secrets to success[1:05:31] What’s next for Clark & Co. Homes?Connect with Guest:WebsiteInstagram FacebookLinkedInConnect with Brad Leavitt: WebsiteInstagramFacebookHouzzPinterestYouTubeKey Quotes by Dan and Emily:We’re definitely curious about how people live, how our clients live, and wanting to answer their pain points. ~EmilyI’ve been in this [industry] for over 15 years now. When someone gives me a menu from The Cheesecake Factory, it’s just overwhelming. It’s anxiety-producing. I think there’s an element of truth to that same concept in homebuilding and design. ~DanWe have a great team, and we make it a point, right from the start, to make sure that the clients are aware that we chose the people that are working with us for a specific reason, and that they have super powers that no one else at the office have. ~EmilyIf there’s anything I learned in the last year-and-a-half, it’s that very few things are actual emergencies. ~EmilyIt makes our job easier when we can put our trust into a team that’s competent and passionate. ~DanIt’s been a fortunate turn of events that we’ve been able to curate a great team and it comes down to the passion and the assimilation with our ideals of the branding and what we’re putting together. Creating a home for somebody is such an intimate experience. ~Dan

Listen in as Max and Patrick reflect on their journey in the world of real estate, from making that first flip to becoming local celebrities involved in ultra high-end luxury developments in the state.They speak on the vital importance of creating quality products to shield one’s business from falling behind should economic crises (including that which came as a result of the pandemic) emerge. This is simply because “everybody’s going to go to the best product first” and cut corners on everything else.Max and Patrick go on to share how they have built and managed relationships with their pool of investors and wealthy clients, as well as how they are navigating operational and logistical challenges around the pandemic.Brought to you by Pella Windows & DoorsTopics Discussed:[01:52] Max and Patrick’s path to founding American One and finding massive success[07:53] Staying on top of the market during the pandemic[12:15] How involved Max and Patrick become with the design, architecture, and layout of any new project[13:32] Doing market research to understand one’s ultra-high net-worth clients[16:03] Working with banks and investors[21:04] Building a resource pool of investors[30:47] Managing client expectations[34:40] Permit-related challenges in 2021[40:52] The most stressful part of Max and Patrick’s business today[47:04] How Max and Patrick turn discouragement into fuel[53:47] How Phoenix compares to other luxury markets[55:54] What Max and Patrick do for fun[59:02] Exciting upcoming projects for Max and PatrickConnect with Guest:Website Max & Patrick American One Luxury Real Estate Instagram Facebook YouTube LinkedIn Connect with Brad Leavitt: Website Instagram Facebook Houzz PinterestYouTube Key Quotes by Max and Patrick:Sometimes, the best deals are the ones you shouldn’t do. ~MaxYou’ve got to have a good-quality product, because if the market does change or slow down, the first thing to go are the components where people can cut corners. When the market changes, everybody’s going to go to the best product first. ~PatrickOur spec is somebody else’s custom. ~PatrickThe market right now is still strong [and] has been going strong—much better than anyone would have expected when the pandemic started. ~Max

With a particular focus on commercial projects, Micky explains that there is less customization involved when working with a typical commercial client versus a residential one who obviously tends to be much more discerning, detail-oriented, and at times particularly challenging when they put in change orders while their project is already underway.Asked how she and her team are able to stay on top with the latest regulations and standards in any given state when working on projects, Micky says that communication is key, both between her team members as well as with the contractors that the firm partners with. The same is true when it comes to choosing top-quality materials from a health standpoint.From keeping up with code to handling logistics to meeting client expectations, commercial design carries with it a myriad of unique challenges. Micky addresses some of these and describes the process that has brought her and her team of five amazing success in the industry.Topics Discussed: [02:08] The differences between Micky’s commercial and residential clients[08:55] Why Micky decided to go into the commercial and hospitality world[12:14] How Micky stays on top with ever-evolving regulations and standards for commercial projects[16:29] How involved Micky is with FF&E (furniture, fixtures, and equipment)[18:31] Making sure that the design fits the client’s budget and creating the design book[24:01] How Micky delegates responsibilities to her five team members[38:40] What inspired Micky to go into interior design and how she built her career[41:50] What Micky wishes she knew at the beginning of her career[43:15] Why Micky decided to launch her own textile line[45:36] How Micky does social media and why she focuses on LinkedIn and blogging[49:39] How Micky stays on top of design trends and best practices in the industry[50:37] What Micky likes to do for fun[52:05] Exciting upcoming projects and other events for MickyConnect with Micky Klein:Website - https://mickyklein.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/micky_klein_interiors/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Mickykleininteriors/LinkedIn - http://linkedin.com/in/micky-klein-84681a76YouTube - https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCfLrGMXzc-habHNqV0tpMKAConnect with Brad Leavitt:Website - https://aftconstruction.comInstagram - 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 from Episode:I’m very, very into criticism. I find it refreshing, because the more black and white my client can be and tell me exactly what their vision is and tell me what they do like and what they don’t like, I’m able to give them the product that they envision from the get-go.I really appreciate how I came to where I am today knowing that a lot of it was me and the help of others giving me advice. But, at the end of the day, I know that I woke up and decided to keep going instead of giving up when the frustration or lack of knowledge kicked in.

Angela herself is an award-winning designer and a recognized innovator in the builder and developer community. Under her leadership, TRIO has received more than 50 Awards in the past five years, including both Detached Community of the Year and Master Planned community of the Year at NAHB’s The Nationals in 2019.In 2019 Angela launched her own lifestyle brand, which includes an innovative furniture line with Phillips Collection and a successful tile line with TileBar, which can now be found at Home Depot and Wayfair.Listen in as Angela looks back on her 20-year career and how she was able to marry her passion for creativity and entrepreneurship to become what is now TRIO Design.She describes why wellness is such a huge component of TRIO’s company culture, as well as how her team of 95 has become so effective at managing complex projects, from two office locations to boot.Brought to you by Pella Windows & DoorsTopics Discussed: [01:42] All about TRIO’s Wellness Week and how it has impacted the company culture[08:36] Managing Wellness Week while working in a very demanding industry[12:32] How leadership works at TRIO with its team of 95[17:51] How TRIO handles logistics when working on a project[21:40] Navigating the challenges that come with an acquisition[28:43] Coming up with the values that set TRIO apart[31:45] Where Angela got her intense drive to succeed[34:42] Maintaining the company’s vision while continuing to innovate and optimize[40:06] Where Angela developed her passion for design and confidence as a designer[44:56] The elements of great design and the best way to work with clients[47:19] Other ways TRIO promotes wellness and all about the DO GOOD initiative[53:21] How Angela manages the dynamic of two officesConnect with Guest:WebsiteInstagramFacebookLinkedInConnect with Brad Leavitt: WebsiteInstagramFacebookHouzzPinterestYouTubeKey Quotes from Episode:A failure for one is a failure for all and a success for one is a success for all. Especially now, with all the challenges that we’re seeing in our industry, [...] my philosophy or strategy as CEO of TRIO is, “Hey, we’re going to take care of our people first so that our people take care of our clients and industry partners.”I love to say, “We are a creative firm.” And that doesn’t mean just from a design perspective: Our business people are just as creative as our creative staff and it takes everybody to have that open mind to constantly problem-solve and just be creative in every aspect of the organization.I’ve never been fond of the slogan, “It takes a village.” It takes so much more than just a village. It takes a group of stakeholders coming around the table that share the same vision and have the same values, coming together time and time again to solve for the challenges and to celebrate the wins.We didn’t just want to be a creative partner. We wanted to be a business partner.I think what makes great design is being able to understand our consumer, where the consumer is going, and the demands of the consumer—and then marrying that with unlimited creativity and being able to tell that story.We do so much more than design: We create communities.

Founded in 1977 by Sharon and Robert Woods, the firm pioneered the design-build concept with architectural design and construction being performed by the same team. In 2008 Sharon’s sons, Rob and Shane, joined the company and now serve as second-generation owners, while Sharon has remained with the company to oversee design.Listen in as Rob and Shane share the ins-and-outs of taking over and running a family business and how the two brothers have successfully been able to maintain a great working relationship over the years as they continue to scale the firm.“We only seek what’s best for the company,” they say. “That’s always first and foremost on our mind. That will lead us to success.”This translates into their focus on empowering both trade partners and clients and giving a voice to each party in the development of their respective builds.Brought to you by Pella Windows & DoorsTopics Discussed: Rob and Shane’s roles at Woods DesignNegotiating and settling fee structures throughout the processWhy Woods Design only does lump sumWoods Design’s requirements before breaking groundHow Rob and Shane deal with disagreements at workEmpowering partners and clientsHow costs are tracked as projects progressHow Rob and Shane went about taking over the companyNegotiating the buyoutKeeping business, business; keeping family, familyHow Rob and Shane are preparing for their exit strategyHow Rob and Shane found out about Builder 20What Rob and Shane do for funConnect with Guest:WebsiteInstagramFacebookConnect with Brad Leavitt:WebsiteInstagramFacebookHouzzPinterestYouTubeKey Quotes from Episode:[Shane and I] each have our domains—our world. We don’t mess with the other one’s world. I don’t go to Shane and tell him which super to put here or which subcontractor to put there. And Shane’s not going to come to me and tell me how the contract should be. ~RobIt’s a process of respecting the supers, the project managers, or whoever is running the job. I respect that they know more than me. And I’m not going to tell them to do something [against their better judgement]. ~ShaneWe believe in empowering our employees and making sure that they have a stake in what we’re doing. We want them to make these decisions. Shane and I are not micromanagers. We’re not going to be out there over somebody’s shoulder. We believe in results. ~RobThe key is forecasting. You can have a ton of budgets and track them; but, you’ve got to look for patterns and forecast. That’s what helps you in the long run. ~RobOne of the trickiest parts is coming up with that buyout number. Construction is a really hard industry to put a number to a company. We don’t have many assets; we sub everything out. We have our goodwill; we have our reputation. And the person selling it to you is selling that reputation. ~Rob