Dagan's interest in design and construction began at a young age when he assisted his father in designing and building their home in Solana Beach. After college Dagan worked in New York City as a set designer and builder for commercial photo shoots. He also designed and constructed several high-end storefront displays.When he returned to the West Coast, Dagan worked in Northern California doing complete home renovations and remodels. During that time he also developed an affinity for and honed his skills as a woodworker and carpenter. His path eventually led him to receiving his general contractor license and founding his own firm, DDC.With supply chains continuing to be shaky as of August 2021, Dagan talks about how he is able to keep his stock organized and “stay ahead of the curve” by maintaining a close relationship with valuable vendors and subcontractors who often update Dagan on price changes and other developments in the market..Along with having to stay on top of fluctuations and other uncertainties in the industry, Dagan shares how he calculates the lump sum for his remodels and builds, as well as how he deals with changes requested by clients when a project is already underway.Finally, Dagan speaks on his varied career path which includes his transition from the wine industry into furniture design, and finally into construction.Brought to you by Pella Windows & DoorsTopics Discussed:[00:56] How Dagan is coping with the current state of the supply chain[13:37] How Dagan calculates the lump sum for remodels[21:34] Staying protected whether you opt for lump sum or cost plus[23:20] How Dagan deals with requests from clients that impact the bottom line[31:56] From the wine industry to furniture design to construction[36:41] What Dagan wishes he knew about construction from day one[43:26] Trends that have come about due to COVID[49:34] Dagan’s work aside from general contracting[1:03:56] What’s next for Dagan?Connect with Dagan Koffler:WebsiteInstagram @dagandesignConnect with Brad Leavitt:WebsiteInstagramFacebookHouzzPinterestYouTubeKey Quotes by Dagan:With cost plus, the risk is on the owner to spend as much as they want. With lump sum, the risk is a little bit more on the contractor.Setting up systems is key in getting those change orders signed right away and making sure that everyone’s on the same page.Everyone wins when I have the confidence to say “no”.

Listen in as Walt reflects on a childhood filled with abuse at the hands of his own father, a suicide attempt at age 13 that he believes was thwarted by a higher power, and an aunt that changed his life forever when she taught him what love truly looked like.Walt discusses the three big lessons he had to learn in order to heal from his trauma: speak your truth, acknowledge how you feel, and be willing to forgive.He also speaks on how his almost 20-year career in the military and another five years in corporate America further shaped his worldview and led him down the path to becoming a mentor to men across the country who have also suffered abuse.Finally, Walt explains that he chose this journey because he believes that there are too few voices speaking on childhood trauma, even as abuse cases are reported every ten seconds.Walt says, “I refuse to be a person who doesn’t dig in, do something different, and serve people in a way that really moves them forward that lets them heal from their trauma through motivational speaking and one-on-one coaching. It lets them literally change their family’s legacies forever.”Brought to you by Pella Windows & DoorsTopics Discussed: [03:12] Walt’s own experience with abuse in his younger years[09:03] How Walt’s aunt turned his life around from one of abuse to one of love[17:01] Overcoming his angry and violent teenage years[24:40] Why Walt decided to join the Navy and how it helped him to heal further[35:32] How the military helped shape Walt’s relationships, especially his marriage[40:05] Making the transition to corporate America[49:20] Becoming a coach, author, and motivational speaker[54:24] The crucial role of mindset[56:48] How to contact Walt and access his resources[59:37] Walt’s experience building his businessConnect with Walter McKinleyInstagramFacebookLinkedInTwitterConnect with Brad Leavitt: WebsiteInstagramFacebookHouzzPinterestYouTubeKey Quotes by Walt:Abuse is abuse no matter what. People diminish our abuse by comparing it to someone else’s.I’m thankful that what happened to me happened to me because it’s made me an amazing human being and it’s unlocked these amazing gifts from my trauma that helped me help other people.The military is really a great way to set you back where you need to be and put you on the path forward so you can have the success you want.I refuse to be a person who doesn’t dig in, do something different, and serve people in a way that really moves them forward that lets them heal from their trauma through motivational speaking and one-on-one coaching. It lets them literally change their family’s legacies forever.Enjoy the journey and celebrate every single win.

Listen in as Lisa and Heather touch on their signature “turnkey” room designs, or spaces that they describe as “functional, comfortable, accessorized, and styled right down to the last beautiful detail.”They discuss how they vet and set expectations with clients while working through value engineering, as well as why they make it a point to do frequent site visits no matter where the home is being built. Topics Discussed:[02:24] Why HW Interiors refers to every finished room as “turnkey”[05:39] How early and how often a designer should communicate with clients[08:01] Vetting clients[15:54] Managing the budget as a designer[18:50] Setting expectations with the client and creating a design book[24:46] What makes a builder successful[28:45] The importance of site visits by the designer[36:03] Explaining furniture-related costs[39:54] Lisa and Heather’s favorite trade shows[43:54] Managing schedules, keeping clients updated, and using social media[50:38] How Lisa and Heather met and started their business[59:01] What’s next for HW Interiors?Connect with HW Interiors:Website Instagram Facebook Pinterest Houzz Vimeo Connect with Brad Leavitt:Website Instagram Facebook Houzz Pinterest YouTube Key Quotes from Episode:Design is a luxury business. I always tell clients: “We’re not in the business of saving you money. We’re in the business of making this as amazing as possible.”We’re in the business of building luxury homes, and I don’t think you can call yourself a luxury home builder if you’re not willing to do things outside the box.

Dave is involved in a number of ventures outside of construction, including serving as CEO of Main Street Ingredients (MSI), a manufacturer of ingredients for use in ice cream, frozen desserts, cheese, bakery items, nutritional beverages, and confections.He has also worked for Kraft Foods and is partnered with sports nutrition brands Soul & Science and Kill Cliff.Listen in as Dave and Brad go down memory lane to speak on the various personal and professional obstacles that they have had to overcome through the years, from economic setbacks during the Great Recession to Dave’s battle with cancer.Dave also touches on his love for people and how this passion influences his style and decision-making framework as a serial entrepreneur.Brought to you by Pella.Topics Discussed:[02:42] When Dave began his professional career in Arizona[10:51] How to maintain positivity as an entrepreneur and leader[14:37] How Kraft’s R&D develops ideas for products[18:00] Partnering with other big food brands such as Ben & Jerry’s and Unilever[26:47] What inspired Dave to establish MSI[32:34] Moving to Arizona in the 2000s and meeting Brad[42:49] Brad’s personal challenges in 2011 and finding success in business[54:38] Dave’s work with Kill Cliff[01:00:57] Soul & Science’s products[1:08:11] Looking forward despite battling with cancer[1:18:37] What Dave does for funConnect with Dave Clark:Website -Instagram -Facebook -Pinterest -Connect with Brad Leavitt: WebsiteInstagramFacebook HouzzPinterestYouTubeKey Quotes by Dave:You don’t [build companies] by yourself; you do it with people. It’s not only about finding opportunities but finding and putting the right staff in place to get the job done.You always look at what your company value is but you also look at what lies ahead of you. If you have a path to really get into bigger things, you first have to find a way to get to that next step.You have to be your own advocate, but you also have to listen and learn. You can’t be a know-it-all.

With the rest of 2021 expected to remain a strong seller's market, Samantha and Jenny comment on how realtors can best represent buyers and sellers around these unique market conditions.The past year-and-a-half have introduced new challenges to real estate professionals across the country. Samantha and Jenny share how they are able to effectively communicate and set expectations with clients in a market that is uncertain and ever-evolving.More generally, they speak on evergreen keys to success in the field, including the power of listening intently to your clients, why the answer to competition is actually to build relationships with your fellow realtors, how to reconcile a bank appraisal that is lower than your offer, why you should hold off celebrating until after close of escrow, and how to learn from your mistakes and gain confidence as a realtor.Brought to you by Pella Windows & DoorsTopics Discussed: [02:24] The current state of the real estate market[06:11] Going the extra mile to get a house ready to be listed[10:38] How Samantha and Jenny find their clients[14:12] What today’s clients expect[19:57] Working with investors[24:34] Why listening is key to any realtor’s success[28:20] The market beyond Phoenix[34:55] Dealing with competition by building relationships with fellow realtors[40:47] Using social media effectively[43:50] What to do when the bank appraisal is lower than your offer[46:37] Setting expectations upfront with buyers and having great lender relationships[52:58] Learning from mistakes[54:30] What makes certain neighborhoods more attractive to buyers than others[59:30] Samantha and Jenny’s foray into construction[1:03:14] How Samantha and Jenny got into real estate and why they love itConnect with Samantha and Jenny :WebsiteInstagramFacebookYouTubeConnect with Brad Leavitt: WebsiteInstagramFacebook HouzzPinterestYouTubeKey Quotes by Samantha and Jenny:I think the biggest thing with representing buyers in this market is making sure that you’re upfront and that they understand what they’re getting into, because it’s not the typical market.Anytime you go into a real estate transaction, typically there is a home inspection that happens. And I feel that, regardless of the market, you learn something new every time at home inspections.It all comes down to a thoughtful floor plan. If you can walk into a home and it makes sense, you don’t need anything else to prove that to you.The most important part of our job is listening. Just listen to what your clients want. By listening to them, it doesn’t matter who wants what—everybody feels heard.Until it closes, you have not bought the house.With confidence comes comfortability.

Build has since grown into a curated collection of the region's most talented and inspired tradespeople in the building industry.Listen in as Ted reflects on the history of Build Magazine and his foray into the construction industry. He talks about the publication’s accompanying podcast, Friends of Build Magazine, and how it has served as a valuable tool for Ted to build and nurture relationships with the best of the best in the industry.Speaking on the power of branding in the digital age, Ted touches on some of the most overlooked crucial keys to success for any builder or architect, including the importance of having a strong website with flawless photography.Finally, Ted dives deep on one of his favorite topics: The American Dream, and why it’s achievable for anyone who dares to dream and take massive action in this amazing country.Topics Discussed: 01:56 How Ted got into the publication space04:53 Ensuring that Build only highlights the cream of the crop08:56 Deciding to go all-in on construction11:29 The power of an abundance mindset and how to bounce back from setbacks16:13 Why branding is job security18:02 Embracing sales and improving your communication skills as a business27:11 About Ted’s podcast, Friends of Build Magazine29:55 How Build Magazine has changed since 201640:18 Why it’s vital that a builder or architect nail their bio, copy, and images44:31 Why your website as a builder is more important than your social media49:20 What Ted most enjoys about running Build Magazine53:45 What Ted does for fun58:16 Doing what you love and dropping expectations01:04:06 Immigrating from Canada to the U.S.01:05:36 What’s next for Ted and Build Magazine?Connect with Ted Bainbridge & Build Magazine:Website Podcast (Friends of Build Magazine) InstagramFacebookConnect with Brad Leavitt: WebsiteInstagram FacebookHouzzPinterest YouTube Key Quotes from Episode:In a market that most people say is dwindling, bad print is dying; good print, people love it.I never look at other magazines as competition. It’s just not my DNA. I can only be the best Ted I can be. [...] Just be the best you that you can be and let the competition do whatever they want to do. I’m a firm believer in abundance. There’s always room for somebody else to do a good job, and it just makes the whole playing field better.If you follow through on what you say you’re going to do, you’re going to have long-term relationships. I always tell people: “I don’t want you for a year. I want you for a decade.”It’s harder to be given an opportunity than it is to roll up your sleeves and just carve it out yourself.Photography, for any business, is critically important. They need to spend for that because that is the sex appeal that gets people’s attention.I love money, but money is not my driver. Money is the byproduct of doing a good job.

In 2006, one of Caribou Creek’s handcrafted log homes was named winner of the 2006 “Log Home of the Year” from Log Home Design magazine.Listen in as David explains exactly what is meant by a “log home” or a “timber frame house’ and the unique processes that go into their construction. He speaks on the typical timeframe of a project and how he interacts and builds relationships with customers, contractors, and other partners involved in a build.Topics Discussed: [00:33] What is a timber frame house?[03:37] The process of building a log home[12:18] Insulating material in a log or timber frame home[14:14] The many benefits of living in a log home[18:16] The typical timeframe for building a log home[22:03] Knowing what species of timber to use depending on the region[25:06] Keeping pests away from the wood[26:40] How the current lumber craze and skyrocketing costs affected Caribou[29:06] Differences in cost between a log home and a timber frame house[32:20] Why Caribou sources its wood from Japan[36:12] How David develops relationships with lumber suppliers[38:14] David’s career and how he got into building log homes[41:02] How Caribou’s marketing strategy has evolved over time[43:45] David’s experience building a log home in New Zealand using local lumber[47:56] Partnering with builders working on their first log or timber frame home[51:07] Making sure the measurements are correct[57:05] Upcoming projects for Caribou CreekConnect with Caribou Creek:Website Instagram Facebook Pinterest YouTube LinkedIn Connect with Brad Leavitt: Website Instagram Facebook Houzz Pinterest YouTube Key Quotes from Episode:Timber frame houses are] very energy-efficient, very healthy, sustainable, and built with a renewable resource.It usually takes a day to set a thousand square feet of home.It’s really not that hard to keep anything out of the wood. It’s a little bit hard to get them out of there if you allow them to come in.Custom, handcrafted log homes often cost 20-30% more than a frame one with the same finishes. That cost is almost always in the roof system

Listen in as Alisha gives her thoughts on educating and setting expectations with clients. She explains why embracing the role of interior designer as facilitator is more important today than at any other time due to changes in the industry brought on by the turbulent circumstances of the last year-and-a-half. She and Brad unpack the reality that “there’s nothing more expensive than a cheap bid.”Alisha then speaks on the importance of hiring the right designer no matter how “clear” the client’s vision of their dream home is. She describes how she conducts her first presentation of the proposed space to a client and why she always starts with the kitchen first and the master bath second.She covers communication and dynamics with the client, the builder, the architect, and vendors throughout the project. She touches on her strategies to keep both her team and the client on-track from the initial meeting through to completion.Finally, Alisha talks marketing and SEO, as well as finding and forming long-term relationships with vendors.Brought to you by Pella Windows & DoorsTopics Discussed:[02:06] Alisha’s biggest challenge at the moment[07:55] Educating clients so that they go with the most effective builder rather than the cheapest[11:14] Meeting the client’s vision while staying within realistic parameters[19:16] The value of doing hand sketches[23:05] How Alisha starts “touring” clients through the space in her initial design[26:48] Guiding clients to buy into the manufacturers you recommend to them[32:14] How soon and how closely Alisha works with her architect in the early stages[34:11] Alisha’s most successful project so far[37:38] The client is part of the team[38:54] Alisha’s ideal client[45:15] Alisha’s personal aesthetic[49:11] How Alisha finds her clients online[56:39] Navigating the chaos of today’s supply chain[59:05] Building relationships with cabinet, tile companies, and other vendors[01:01:58] Alisha’s advice to young/new designersConnect with Alisha Taylor Interiors:WebsiteInstagramPinterestYouTubeHouzzConnect with Brad Leavitt: WebsiteInstagramFacebookHouzzPinterestYouTubeKey Quotes from Episode:The perfect client understands that there’s no set number sometimes when we get started, and that they’re hiring a team—not a number or a bid.A home is much more than just tile, cabinetry, and drywall. It is a feeling. It should be felt. It should be experienced. It is where our clients relax at the end of the day. It is where they’re going to create family memories.We keep talking about the ideal team, meaning “professionals”; but, I tell the client they’re on the team, too, because they are such an important piece, and they bring something to the table. It allows them to take ownership and responsibility to work great with everyone and to communicate.Systems is key. The caliber and size of the projects we do aren’t possible without great systems.

Listen in as Mark shares his journey in breaking the cycle of generational poverty in his family and the series of events that inspired him to start his pool service company.He dives deep into his secrets to success in building a brand on social media, particularly on TikTok where he very quickly grew his following through organic content alone. (He mentions how he doubled his numbers from one million followers to two million in a little under two months!)Finally, Mark speaks on how he is navigating his sudden popularity and how the power of leveraging relationships in the industry has been one of the biggest keys to his success.Brought to you by Pella Windows & DoorsTopics Discussed: [02:32] Mark's tipping point on social media[10:39] Why it’s so important to protect and retain full control over your brand[13:33] How to grow your following on social media[18:01] Getting around the trolls and haters[22:25] Mark’s content creation strategy on Instagram and TikTok[28:39] How Mark’s social media presence has impacted his business[33:32] Mark’s professional background and his very recent entry into the pool industry[39:49] The power of leveraging relationships and building your network[44:37] How Mark’s priorities in business may change within the next few years[49:39] Where the name “Blue Street” came from[51:02] What Mark likes to do outside business[53:03] Breaking the cycle of generational poverty and becoming an entrepreneurConnect with Mark Jones of Blue Street Pools: WebsiteTikTok @poolpromjInstagram - @poolpr0mj YouTube Blue Street Pools Merch.Connect with Brad Leavitt: WebsiteInstagramFacebookHouzzPinterest YouTube Key Quotes from Episode:With TikTok—if you can provide value to somebody in any area, and you can edit it up and post it on TikTok, you’ll be surprised at how many people follow you.Whatever the trend is, if it makes sense, I’m going to ride that trend. I’m not afraid of a change. I’m not afraid to switch up my content for a different platform.I talk to people all the time who have a business and are on social media. I tell them, “You have to find a way to provide value to people. You have to give them a reason to want to watch you.”Cleaning pools is not that deep. You just have to understand what you’re doing.The sky is not the limit when it comes to where we can go with social media. It’s past the sky.Resources & People Mentioned: Pool Chasers 105 with Brad Leavitt The Tipping Point by Malcom Gladwell Complex Re-post Real Houses of IG NILMark Jones on CNBCBlueRay XLLeslies Pools NBA All-Star Celebrity GameThe Secret to Success Podcast with Eric Thomas 

Since early childhood, Tyler has been immersed in the trades, having been involved in the family construction business growing up. He graduated from Drexel University with a degree in Construction Management and decided to pursue a career as a craftsman carpenter.Today, Tyler works alongside his wife, Rachel, an interior designer by trade. Their projects have been featured in the Philadelphia Inquirer, Fine Homebuilding Magazine, and on Design Sponge.Listen in as Tyler describes his unique approach to business, including how he manages TRG as its owner while actively working in the trenches, onsite, for every project he takes on.He shares that he never sells a job based on how TRG’s prices compare to other companies’, but rather on TRG’s unique design philosophy, and process, execution.Tyler then explains how he built his confidence as a professional in the industry by defining his niche and embracing his unique strengths as a business owner and tradesman.Finally, he speaks on how this confidence translates to how he negotiates and interacts with clients, by setting expectations and being comprehensive in the planning stage while at the same time always staying flexible with the timeline on every project.Topics Discussed:[00:02:44] Tyler’s responsibilities on a project[00:07:34] How Tyler is able to effectively manage his business while working onsite[00:13:12] How Tyler interacts with his designer and clients throughout the process[00:18:17] How Tyler vets his clients and the importance of listening to your gut[00:25:55] Why Tyler never sells a job based on price alone[00:30:10] Why Tyler recommends that industry professionals reprioritize pricing[00:33:21] How Tyler has built his confidence as a professional in the industry[00:42:04] How Tyler manages his schedule and sets expectations with clients[00:47:50] Why Tyler does not guarantee timelines after the client has made the deposit[00:52:48] How to deal with labor or material cost increases while in the middle of a project[00:56:14] Tyler speaks on his hiring preferences[01:02:16] Finding personal time[01:04:50] How The Modern Craftsman Podcast impacts Tyler’s brand and business[01:07:14] What’s next for Tyler?Connect with Tyler Grace of TRG Home Concepts:Website Instagram Facebook Pinterest Houzz The Modern Craftsman Podcast Connect with Brad Leavitt:AFT Construction WebsiteAFT Construction Podcast WebsiteInstagramFacebookHouzzPinterest YouTubeKey Quotes by Tyler:I’ve really tried to work only for customers who want us to do the work. I have to offer them something more than just a dollar sign. Whatever I’m bringing to the table has to be more valuable than whoever is going to come at a lower price than me.If you put a number on something upfront, it’s never going to be apples to apples no matter what. If you say, “Build me a cabinet,” and you go to three different people, that cabinet is going to be completely different. [...] It’s not fair to make a judgement or make a selection based on a price if you don’t know what goes into it.