Most builders I know are overworked and underpaid. Today's short episode covers a framework I like to use called The Eisenhower Matrix. It is a simple tool that can help you prioritize the things that will really propel you forward and leave behind the things that are sucking your time. Have any topics you want me to discuss, guests to interview, or feedback about the show? DM me on Instagram @buildingoptimal or send me an email at jared@gossettco.com. Learn more about Lowe's for Pros HERE Check...
Aug 25, 2021•11 min
Working with a difficult or exhausting client can make life miserable and put your company in danger. After working with hundreds of clients I've identified four red flags. If I start working with a client who demonstrates any of these behaviors in our early interactions, I will graciously walk away before signing a construction contract. Just as important (if not more) than securing good clients who can help elevate your business is steering clear of those who will damage it. Have any red flags...
Aug 13, 2021•23 min
Kyle Diamond is partner of New Dimension Construction , in Millbrook, New York. The family-owned business has operated for more than 30 years with a stellar reputation. Check out some of the tips that Kyle graciously shares with us. Y'all enjoy the episode.
Jun 23, 2021•55 min
Treacy, of NWC Alliance , returns to answer some FAQ from our community about insurance and third party warranties. Sit back, enjoy a nice cocktail, and sharpen up your insurance skills my friends.
Jun 15, 2021•24 min
You've probably seen Jason Pietruszka on Instagram or YouTube . He shares some great content on social media, but his day job is owner of JJP Construction , a luxury builder in L.A. Jason has had a rocket ship growth trajectory from an unlikely background, and now he's not only building but sharing his lessons with others. Y'all enjoy the episode!...
May 26, 2021•49 min
If you're getting *hammered* on lumber prices, well so is the rest of America. What's happening and when will it get better? Lumber economist, Dustin Jalbert, has a few answers. Dustin leads the lumber analysis on Fastmarkets RISI's Wood Products team. He is responsible for the monthly Lumber Commentary, the North American Lumber 5- and 15-Year Forecasts, and both consulting engagements related to the North American lumber markets. Find Dustin on Twitter (@2x4caster) and on LinkedIn. Build on, a...
May 10, 2021•32 min
This is a reading of an article we just published on the Building Optimal blog. If you prefer the written word, check it out here: https://buildingoptimal.com/8-tips-to-combat-soaring-costs/ By the way, if you aren't already signed up for our Building Optimal newsletter, head over to buildingoptimal.com and sign up for free right now. Should take about 15 seconds and the extra value we will be delivering in that newsletter won't be found anywhere. So, check it out....
Apr 17, 2021•10 min
Michael Anschel is owner of Otogawa-Anschel , a design-build firm out of Minnesota. Michael frequently lectures on topics in the industry and also writes for several well-known publications. He has built a company that allowed him to actually take three years off! If that isn't enough incentive to listen to this episode, we also discuss ideas to implement from culture to transparency. Enjoy the episode!
Mar 12, 2021•37 min
This is one of my favorite episodes to date. Wally Staples , a builder from Maine, has always made a profit over his 28 years in business. He has never had to lay anyone off. And, he has a financial freedom plan for himself and his entire team. Tune in for the secrets and wisdom of Wally. As I say in the episode, it's an avalanche of good ideas. Enjoy, and happy building out there. Edit: In the episode we incorrectly stated the number of Wally's employees, Wally has 18 employees (whom by the way...
Mar 09, 2021•55 min
Dan Edelman with Rockwool joins us to share his perfect wall assembly and discuss a few new innovations and changes in the building science space. Enjoy the episode!
Feb 19, 2021•21 min
If employee benefits make your head spin, you aren't alone. Luckily, we have Lauren Allen and Elisa Thornton on today's episode to help you out. They are with Brookstone Insurance, my own company's health and commercial liability provider. Enjoy the episode!
Jan 24, 2021•32 min
Ed Earl and Paul Sanneman , both previous guests, share the reasons why they like cost-plus contracts. As a fixed-price builder myself, I wanted to get the perspective from the other side of the aisle. If you want to learn more about Paul and Ed's work, visit https://residentialcontractorservicesgroup.com . Enjoy the episode! “The wise man knows exactly what value should be put upon everything.” — Seneca Over my 15 years to date of structuring real estate development deals, I’ve screwed up many ...
Jan 11, 2021•35 min
Most builders would get an F on our digital marketing, but it's an area that can exponentially grow your business if you develop the right strategy. I'm visiting with Spencer Powell, a digital marketing expert who specializes in builders and contractors, to share a few ideas of how to get started or get better. Spencer is the Inbound Marketing Director at Builder Funnel . Since 2010, he’s been building out a proven model and system that has helped generate thousands of leads for his clients. He ...
Nov 09, 2020•32 min
What are some of the top systems you can install in your project to move it closer to a passive house? Trey Farmer has a few answers for us. In this episode we are exploring Trey’s personal home he just built as a case study of what worked great and what he would do differently next time. Trey is a licensed architect with the well-reputed firm, Forge Craft Architecture . He is also a partner in Studio Ferme , an interior design firm out of Austin. He sits on the board of the Austin Passive House...
Oct 26, 2020•49 min
I've been using a framework I call "Value Buckets" to structure my deals. It's nothing more than a mental system I created to help me optimize my returns and also create alignment and trust with my investors. It's a short episode - 12ish minutes. If you prefer to read, here is the link to the blog article . Enjoy the episode!
Sep 30, 2020•13 min
Matt Risinger is, in many circles, now a household name. His YouTube channel has 700,000 at the time of publication. While many people know him for his social media presence, I wanted to go behind the scenes to learn more about Matt Risinger, the business owner. His company, Risinger Build , is one of the top luxury home builders in Austin, a market with a tremendous crop of talent at the top. In this interview we cover everything from an inside look at his business to his social media tips and ...
Aug 27, 2020•49 min
Jared walks you through the apps and other virtual tools he uses to build and manage his business. Enjoy!
Jul 30, 2020•17 min
Bryan Kaplan is an international consultant for builders and the construction industry. Over his 21-year career in the industry, he has been an owner, general manager, and home inspector. With his breadth of experience, Bryan brings a systems-oriented approach to his clients. In this interview, we visit with Bryan on punch list systems that help you end projects on great terms with your clients. Connect with Bryan and learn more about his company here . And last but not least, a special thanks t...
May 21, 2020•30 min
David Gerstel returns to share his ideas on how builders can achieve financial freedom. David is a best-selling author of several construction books, including his most recent, Nail Your Numbers: A Path to Skilled Construction Estimating and Bidding . He is also a well-known speaker. In addition to being an expert on many things “home building,” David is also a model of success, having achieved financial freedom with his own construction business by the age of 34. And last but not least, a speci...
Apr 22, 2020•1 hr 4 min
Building Optimal Director of Marketing, José Luis Guerra, puts me in the hot seat to talk about my company and my experience in the industry. I need to start doing more builder profiles other than me! If you have any recs, send me an email!
Apr 16, 2020•1 hr 1 min
If you are hearing a lot of conflicting and confusing info about how the stimulus package affects builders, well, I am too. That’s why I called Sheri Allshouse, our go-to expert on all home building finance matters. In this brief episode, Sheri covers the two primary loans that are available as well as the new tax credits. Please note the information surrounding these loans is very dynamic and changing frequently. Please consult your accountant for the latest information. I also highly recommend...
Apr 04, 2020•36 min
Tracy Duerfeldt is back for a second episode with us to talk Coronavirus and a few strategies to cope with it not just from a business and risk management standpoint, but from a mental health standpoint. Treacy is an insurance expert who runs The NationWide Contractors’ Alliance and also WISE Insure. He and Doug Lynch also happen to be my company’s insurance providers and recurring sponsors for our show. So a special thank you to them for their support! And finally, if you aren’t following us ye...
Mar 23, 2020•22 min
If you aren’t separating your wages from your profits, you’re losing money and fooling yourself along the way. This was a conversation I began with Bryan Uhler, second generation builder at Pioneer Builders, Inc , a company his father started 42 years ago. We decided to record the conversation and share it as an episode. Many of you already know this, but it never hurts as a refresher. And for some of you it will be a much-needed splash of cold water. We are in these building trenches together, ...
Mar 16, 2020•22 min
We are talking with fellow custom home builder, Byron Brooks, of Brookwright Developments on today’s episode. Byron does an excellent job creating a unique brand for his company, and he graciously shares that with us, along with his strategy for developing architect relationships. Byron and his company operate in Calgary, Canada where they build beautiful custom homes. In their own words: We are design conscious carpenters who are energized by the idea of helping homeowners and architects realiz...
Mar 06, 2020•30 min
While we love this business, it has its ugly sides. There’s no “disputing" the legal dangers of home building (dad joke). Large sums of money are in play, the largest investments of people’s lives are unfolding, you get the idea… So, if this were school, this subject would be pretty damned important to ace. That’s why today we are talking to Don Shelton about the major risks he regularly sees and how to improve the grades on your legal report card. Don, in addition to being one of the top home b...
Feb 18, 2020•59 min
We are covering our listener accounting and tax questions in today’s AMA (Ask Me Anything) episode with Sheri Allshouse. Sheri, a repeat guest, is a CPA with an expertise in home building and construction. Her firm is The Allshouse Group in Houston, Texas. In this discussion, we cover a wide variety of accounting and tax topics, from accounting software and tracking change orders to new tax updates. To stay up to date on our latest interviews, be sure to sign up for our emails at www.buildingopt...
Feb 02, 2020•33 min
Is it better to work with Realtors or internal sales staff? How much should you pay? How can you build a high performing sales team? We have your answer. Today’s guest is Sean McDonald , a seasoned building executive with more than 30 years experience. He has built countless sales teams and most recently ran the San Antonio division of Gehan Homes. Sean is currently working on several startup ventures in the home building space, including Land on Earth . Enjoy the episode! Show Notes: [2:43] - T...
Jan 27, 2020•30 min
Ever wonder what you can do to build your brand and better stand out as a builder? Our guest, Carol Morgan , has the answer. Or to be precise, five answers. We interview Carol, President of Denim Marketing , on her top five ways to stand out in this competitive market! Carol runs her own successful marketing firm, has an award-winning radio show , has written four books, and if that’s not enough, she’s served as chair of the National Home Builders Association’s Professional Women in Building Cou...
Jan 19, 2020•36 min
ROCKWOOL insulation is picking up steam as a go-to insulation in many parts of the country. With it’s thermal performance, durability, and effect on indoor air quality, it’s easy to see why. Dan Edelman, Head of Business Development for ROCKWOOL , joins us on the show for an overview of their product. Show Notes: [4:04] - The history and growth of ROCKWOOL. [5:18] - What makes ROCKWOOL different. [8:10] - ROCKWOOL indoor air quality relative to other options. [12:08] - How does ROCKWOOL stack up...
Jan 09, 2020•24 min
David Lupberger of remodelforce.com is back ONE MORE TIME to show us how to win more clients and build a remarkable brand by selling our “why.” In a commodity-like business such as building, finding your metaphorical moat to differentiate you from your competitors is a must. David is a speaker, author, and consultant on the national stage. He has some wonderful programs, so be sure to check him out online. This episode is brought to you by our own personal insurance agent and broker, Treacy Duer...
Dec 26, 2019•30 min
