Best Contractor Coalition Summit Podcasts (2025)

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Building Connections for Success with Alex Wolfe 4:43

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9h ago4:43

4:43

In this episode, host Mark D. Williams asks guest Alex Wolfe about the challenges and strategies for running a successful construction business while exploring the importance of networking, adapting new technologies, and enhancing team development. Alex Wolfe's Journey and Business Challenges (0:00) Seeking Connections and Best Practices (1:21) Bra…

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Q & A | From Imposter Syndrome to Profit: Alumni Share Real Lessons from the Contractor Coalition Summit 34:01

26d ago34:01

34:01

On this Q&A episode of The Curious Builder Podcast, Mark Williams sits down with alumni from the Contractor Coalition Summit—Brad Robinson, Danielle and Michael Gutelli, and Jared Miller—to talk about how the summit totally changed the game for their businesses and personal lives. They swap stories about learning from top builders, building real fr…

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Q & A | How a $2.4 Billion Lawsuit Led to a Builder's Comeback: Chicago Summit Stories You Need to Hear 27:57

1d ago27:57

27:57

In this Q&A episode, Mark gives us a fun and honest recap of his time at the Contractor Coalition Summit in Chicago, from emotional breakthroughs to behind-the-scenes laughs and epic house tours. He talks about the power of opening up, the need for boundaries to create freedom, and how hanging out with other builders can totally change your busines…

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#139 | Live from Mysa Hus | The Calm You Crave, The Craft That Created It: Mysa Hus | with Marc Cabrera and Mark Brandenhoff of Pella Windows, Alex Sernick of Huber Engineered Woods, and Chris Jessen of ... 1:08:39

5d ago1:08:39

1:08:39

In this live episode of The Curious Builder podcast, Mark brings together his crew from Pella Windows, Huber & Zip, and Rockwool for a fun and lively chat at Mysa Hus. They dig into what makes this build stand out—think cozy vibes, wellness-driven design, and the power of working with partners you actually like. It's all about pushing home building…

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The importance of panning for success has changed Rex Smith's Business 5:53

1d ago5:53

5:53

In this episode, host Mark D. Willams asks guest Rex Smith about the importance of communication, planning, and collaboration among contractors and trade partners. They discuss how coordinated pre-construction processes and the pull plan improve project outcomes and inspire better business practices. Understanding the Pre-Construction Process (0:00…

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Q & A | Inside 45 White Oak: Staircases, Skylights, & Serious Craftsmanship 30:35

6d ago30:35

30:35

In this Q&A episode of The Curious Builder Podcast, Mark takes you inside one of the most talked-about custom homes in the country: Nick Schiffer's 45 White Oak. From hand-troweled plaster to 800-lb sliding doors and a $250K sculptural staircase, this tour is packed with "moments of delight" and mind-blowing craftsmanship. Hear how a retired plaste…

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#138 | Alex Little | Little Financial | From Broke to Booked: Builder Finance Hacks 1:03:17

4d ago1:03:17

1:03:17

What does a recovering accountant, a fractional CFO, and a former would-be pararescue jumper have in common? It's all Alex Little of Little Financial. In this episode of The Curious Builder Podcast, Mark and Alex dive into the silent profit killers hiding in your business, what the heck a 2% leak is, and why cash in the bank doesn't always mean pro…

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Q & A | Behind the Scenes at Sauna Camp 2.0: How Builders Build Community (and Sweat Together) 22:25

16d ago22:25

22:25

In this Q&A episode, Mark gives us the scoop on Sauna Camp 2.0, the buzz around the epic 45 White Oak build, and what's happening with his own Mysa Hus project. He opens up about leadership hiccups, the ups and downs of running a construction team, and why wellness and good vibes matter when building standout homes. If you're into behind-the-scenes…

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Pre construction changed the game for Ben Garvin and his Business 5:33

9d ago5:33

5:33

In this episode, host Mark D. Williams asks guest Ben Garvin about the transformational effect of implementing pre-construction processes and charging for estimates in his custom home business. Together, they discuss business model changes, client management, profitability, risk assessment, adoption of AI tools, and the significance of the contract…

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#137 | Ami Harari | LA Build Corp | Recession, Failure, & $12,000 Mistakes: Inside the Grit of L.A. Build Corp 1:01:25

12d ago1:01:25

1:01:25

In this episode of The Curious Builder Podcast, Mark sits down with Ami Harari from L.A. Build Corp and gets real about what it's like to build homes (and a business) in Los Angeles. Ami shares his journey from the Israeli military to moving trucks to leading a top-notch construction company—and all the wild twists along the way. They swap stories …

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Q & A | Closing Out the Year With a Bang: The Builder's Playbook for Success, Strategy, & Sanity 22:39

23d ago22:39

22:39

Mark's back with a solo Q&A episode that hits all the good stuff—business strategy, team communication, self-leadership, and building wealth like you build a house: with a plan. He shares a behind-the-scenes look at the live Mysa Hus event, how he's using Fridays for deep work, and why the "losers are winners" mindset still fuels everything. A shor…

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Nick Schiffer Wants Builders to be Successful and Respected 21:59

24d ago21:59

21:59

In this episode, host Mark D. Williams asks guest Nick Schiffer about the evolution, community, and impact of the Contractor Coalition Summit, exploring how the event has grown and fostered professional and personal development. They discuss the significance of legacy, confidence, growth, and continuous improvement within the construction industry.…

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#136 | Ali Awad | Awad Architects | Architects vs. Builders: How Ali Awad Thrived Where Most Clash 54:04

22d ago54:04

54:04

On this episode of The Curious Builder Podcast, Mark hangs out with Ali Awad from Awad Architects and they dive into Ali's journey—everything from running a design-build partnership for 25 years to the behind-the-scenes of working on tons of homes in Southwest Minneapolis. They swap stories about what makes partnerships work, why good client relati…

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Don't Put Off Professional Development You Need To Learn Now, Vincent Longo 11:20

25d ago11:20

11:20

In this episode, host Mark D. Williams asks guest Vincent Longo about his experiences at the Contractor Coalition Summit and how it impacts his business approach. They discuss the urgency of implementing new strategies, the emotional roller coaster of the industry, and practical changes like pricing and technology adoption. https://youtu.be/tqhA3yu…

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#135 | Kali Sudbrook | Beachside Custom Gyms | Home Gyms Are More Than Dumbbells: How the Wellness Boom Is Changing Homebuilding 1:03:08

1M ago1:03:08

1:03:08

In this episode of The Curious Builder Podcast, Mark hangs out with Kali Sudbrook from Beachside Custom Gyms to talk all things home wellness and fitness spaces. They share Kali's wild leap from a cushy corporate job to designing killer custom gyms, and chat about how the wellness industry is exploding in homebuilding right now. If you're into buil…

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Q & A | Unlocking Success: Lessons Learned at the Contractor Coalition Summit 23:48

1M ago23:48

23:48

In this Q&A episode of The Curious Builder Podcast, Mark flies solo to share how the Contractor Coalition Summit has seriously leveled up his business game. He chats about everything from getting paid for pre-construction work and using AI, to building a powerful brand and connecting with awesome industry folks. If you're on the fence about going, …

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Tatyana Gatson & Jeremy Grandberry are Leveling up their Construction Business 6:30

1M ago6:30

6:30

By Contractor Coalition Summit

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#134 | Alex Chou | Harnish Workwear | Wearing Your Brand (Literally): Harnish and the Power of Jobsite Style 54:23

1M ago54:23

54:23

How do you reinvent the world's most basic item—a T-shirt—and make pants that actually fight back against plumber's crack? In this episode of The Curious Builder Podcast, Mark sits down with Alex Chou, co-founder of Harnish Workwear, to talk about premium workwear, design snags, field testing with framers, and why durability shouldn't mean looking …

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Q & A | Losers are Winners Part 9: Burnout, Boundaries, & the Wake-Up Call That Changed Everything with Tyler Grace 21:15

1M ago21:15

21:15

Builder. Dad. Almost burnout casualty. Tyler Grace joins Mark for a raw conversation on why "doing what you love" can still land you in the ER. They dive into stress, ego, profitability, and how Tyler finally drew a line between life and business. Come for the honesty, stay for the dad jokes—and leave with a better plan for your own business sanity…

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Doug Duvall Believes A Builder with Confidence is a Powerful Thing 9:53

2M ago9:53

9:53

In this episode, host Mark D. Williams asks guest Douglas Duvall about his observations from the Contractor Coalition Summit and the evolution of builder confidence and event organization. They discuss the impact of networking, marketing, and technology on the summit experience and the construction industry. 📌 Topics Covered: builder confidence, ev…

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#133 | Todd Milburn | Edina Chief of Police | Break-Ins & Builder Blunders: Straight Talk with Edina's Police Chief Todd Milburn 1:12:31

2M ago1:12:31

1:12:31

In this out-of-the-box episode of The Curious Builder Podcast, Mark sits down with Chief Todd Milburn of Edina to talk jobsite theft, neighborhood safety, and what builders and homeowners should really be thinking about when it comes to security. They dive into public safety tech (like license plate readers), the rise of crime-of-opportunity, and h…

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Q & A | Losers are Winners Part 8: From Massive Debt to Entrepreneurial Wisdom with Paul Krumrich 32:47

2M ago32:47

32:47

In this Q&A episode of The Curious Builder Podcast, Mark Williams sits down with Paul Krumrich for a super honest chat about the rollercoaster of being an entrepreneur. Paul opens up about his own big mistakes, like taking on risky debt and being maybe a little too honest with his team during rough times. They both talk about why willpower matters …

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Suman Cherry Loves The Culture of Contractor Coalition Summit 4:01

2M ago4:01

4:01

In this episode, host Mark D. Williams asks guest Suman Cherry about her experience partnering with the Contractor Coalition Summit and how her values align with the event’s mission. They discuss the importance of learning, client experience, recruiting in the construction industry, and the impact of understanding business operations on talent plac…

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#132 | Martin Davies O'Connor | Mill City Restoration | Punk Rock, Paint, & Pivot Tables: Meet Construction's True Renaissance Man 1:18:44

2M ago1:18:44

1:18:44

In this episode of The Curious Builder Podcast, Mark Williams sits down with Martin Davies O'Connor from Mill City Restoration for a lively chat about Martin's fascinating career path—from punk rock and Excel training to importing tequila from Mexico and ultimately running a successful commercial painting business in Minnesota. They dive into the r…

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Q & A | Losers are Winners Part 7: How Admitting Failure Built a Million-Dollar Business with Mike Weaver 30:12

2M ago30:12

30:12

In this Q&A episode, Mark sits down with his friend Mike Weaver for a really honest chat about learning from mistakes—both at work and in life. Mike opens up about a big blunder early in his career that taught him why being upfront with clients matters so much, and he also shares his incredible journey losing 170 pounds (seriously impressive!). It'…

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Angela & David Pencsak Changed Their Business with Pre-Construction 13:41

2M ago13:41

13:41

In this episode, host Mark D. Williams asks guest Angela and David Pencsak about their experiences and lessons learned from attending multiple Contractor Coalition Summits. The conversation explores the value of collaboration, building confidence, vendor relationships, and the importance of learning from mistakes in the construction industry. Video…

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#131 | Jen Veralle and Sara Whicher | AIA Homes by Architects Tour | From Rejection to Revolution: The Tour That Changed Minnesota's Home Scene Forever 1:03:33

2M ago1:03:33

1:03:33

In this episode of The Curious Builder Podcast, host Mark Williams chats with Jen Veralle and Sarah Whicher about the behind-the-scenes journey of launching the AIA Minnesota Homes by Architects tour, now celebrating its 18th year. They dive into how the tour started, what makes it unique, the challenges and successes they've experienced along the …

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Q & A | From Sweeping Floors to Six Figures: How Young People Are Crushing It in the Trades 24:31

2M ago24:31

24:31

In this Q&A episode of The Curious Builder, Mark Williams talks about why we need more young people in the trades and how social media is actually making these careers look cool again. He shares why trade jobs are a great option—think good money, clear paths to grow, and that awesome feeling of building something real. Plus, he offers some down-to-…

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Morgan Molitor Built a Culture of Sharing at the Contractor Coalition Summit 15:33

2M ago15:33

15:33

In this episode, host Mark D. Williams asks guest Morgan Molitor about the evolution of the Contractor Coalition Summit and how a culture of sharing and inclusivity has shaped both the community and her personal business. They discuss the importance of collaboration, personal growth, and future plans to elevate coalition members through new digital…

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#130 | Michelle VanVolkinburg | Baldwin General | Concrete, Culture, & Cosmetics: Michelle's Unlikely Path to Construction 1:03:46

2M ago1:03:46

1:03:46

What do Nordstrom cosmetics and concrete pours have in common? Turns out, a lot. In this heart-filled episode, Mark sits down with Michelle VanVolkinburg—Baldwin General's head of marketing and HR—to talk about company growth, the power of people-first leadership, and how Baldwin scaled from a pickup truck in Oregon to multi-family towers in Washin…

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Q & A | Losers Are Winners Part 6: The Cost of Hiring the Wrong Person with Adam Copenhaver 22:16

2M ago22:16

22:16

Hiring mistakes, financial setbacks, and communication misfires—yep, Adam's got the receipts. In this candid conversation. Mark talks with Adam Copenhaver of CopeGrand Homes about hiring wins, hiring woes, and what happens when your culture isn't strong enough to catch a bad fit. From cultural index tests to writing painful checks, Adam opens up ab…

1
Brad Robinson Found Community at the Contractor Coalition Summit 16:49

2M ago16:49

16:49

In this episode, host Mark D. Willams asks guest Brad Robinson about his experiences at the Contractor Coalition Summit, exploring the value of community, collaboration, and continuous learning among builders. The conversation highlights the importance of data-driven decision-making, organizational change, and authentic peer support in the construc…

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#129 | Jonathan Blaseg | Pebl Design | From Plants to Purpose: Landscape Design with Jonathan Blaseg 1:03:25

2M ago1:03:25

1:03:25

What does it mean to design a yard that's not just pretty—but purposeful? Mark sits down with Jonathan Blaseg of PEBL Design to dig into the wild (and often overlooked) world of landscape architecture. From plant psychology and drainage drama to why "just put a tree there" won't cut it—this episode uncovers how smart outdoor design shapes how we li…

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Q & A | Culture, Failure, and Finding Your Why: The Top Quotes That Transformed My Business 21:15

3M ago21:15

21:15

In this episode, Mark gets real about the ups and downs of running a business, parenting, and life in general. He shares some of his go-to quotes, talks about why having a solid company culture matters way more than any fancy strategy, and opens up about learning from failure (and why you shouldn't stress about being perfect). It's an insightful an…

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Brandie Roberts Is Investing in Herself 3:40

3M ago3:40

3:40

In this episode, host Mark Williams asks guest Brandi Roberts about her experience at the Contractor Coalition Summit, discussing her professional background and insights gained from the event. Brandi shares her journey as a construction director, highlighting the networking opportunities, learning experiences, and potential business improvements s…

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#128 | Aaron Tudisco | Ridge Design and Build | Lessons in Joy, Resilience, & Risk 1:03:49

3M ago1:03:49

1:03:49

On this episode of The Curious Builder Podcast, Mark Williams sits down with Aaron Tudisco of Ridge Design and Build to discuss how Aaron and his family create stunning spec homes in Sonoma, California. Aaron shares insights on their unique approach to creating standout, experience-driven homes and what it's like juggling the fun—and challenges—of …

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Q & A | Quotes to Lead By: Building Better Businesses and Lives, One Insight at a Time 25:39

3M ago25:39

25:39

In this episode, Mark Williams gets real about his go-to quotes and how they've helped him run a better business (and just live better, too). He talks about tackling problems together, not letting perfection trip you up, and why jumping in and taking action really matters. With plenty of relatable stories, Mark offers friendly advice for building b…

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Jared Miller Knows The Levers To Pull 9:35

3M ago9:35

9:35

In this episode, host Mark Williams asks guest Jared Miller about his experiences in the construction industry and his journey of personal and professional growth at the Contractor Coalition Summit. Jared shares insights on building confidence, leveraging personal branding, and adapting to industry changes while maintaining his family's legacy. Vid…

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#127 | Chris Montana | Du Nord Social Spirits | Burnout, Barrooms, & Breaking Barriers: Chris Montana's Path to Disrupting an Industry 1:06:35

3M ago1:06:35

1:06:35

In this episode of The Curious Builder, Mark Williams chats with Chris Montana from Du Nord Social Spirits about his journey from being a lawyer to running Minnesota's first micro-distillery. Chris opens up about the importance of work-life balance (especially after having two strokes!), why building a business with community and purpose matters, a…

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Q & A | Losers Are Winners Part 5: How a Million Dollar Home Almost Ruined Me & What I Learned From It 19:17

3M ago19:17

19:17

In this Q&A, Mark gets candid about a major setback during the 2008 recession, sharing how a failed spec home taught him some hard life and business lessons. Thanks to some wise words from his dad, he learned not to fear failure and how bouncing back can set you up for even bigger wins down the road. It's a real and relatable listen for anyone deal…

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Brad Leavitt on Why He Loves Sharing Construction Business Knowledge 17:47

3M ago17:47

17:47

In this episode, host Mark Williams asks guest Brad Leavitt about the Contractor Coalition Summit, discussing its evolution, impact on the construction industry, and the importance of collaboration and continuous learning. Brad shares insights on business strategies, pricing, networking, and the value of sharing knowledge among contractors. Video V…

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#126 | Emerson Bredin | Bredin Brothers | Inside the Wild Growth of Bredin Brothers: How 2 Brothers Changed the Canadian Cottage Game 1:07:59

3M ago1:07:59

1:07:59

In this episode of The Curious Builder, Mark Williams chats with Emerson Bredin of Bredin Brothers, based in Muskoka, Ontario. Emerson shares how he and his brother broke into the construction business without any family background, taking the company from a carpentry crew to a 20-person operation specializing in luxury cottages and boathouses. The…

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Q & A | Losers Are Winners Part 4: Boundaries, Burnout, & Big Decisions with Nathan Marsala 30:48

3M ago30:48

30:48

Ever bitten off more than you could build? Nathan Marsala has. In this candid convo, Mark and Nathan unpack the cost of chasing the wrong projects, the lessons hidden in late-night site visits, and how Nathan's dashboard (and daughter) helped him recalibrate. It's one of those real, raw chats that hits hard—especially if you're building a business …

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#125 | Sara Whicher and Marcy Townsend | Chisel Architecture | "Pattern of Life" Design, Wooly Mittens & the Heart Behind Chisel Architecture 1:13:06

3M ago1:13:06

1:13:06

When you combine Midwest warmth, architectural soul, and a passion for people—you get Chisel Architecture. In this episode, Mark sits down with Sara "Wooly Mittens" Whicher and Marcy Townsend to talk about their client-first design philosophy, their origin story, and what it means to design for a client's real life—not just their Pinterest board. P…

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Q & A | Losers Are Winners Part 3: Finding Success Through Setbacks with Caleb MacDonald 25:31

4M ago25:31

25:31

Lets turn some big loses into some big wins. In this Losers Are Winners episode, Mark and Caleb MacDonald swap stories about their early business blunders—from failed snowboard sales to endless house cleaning gigs—and how those moments shaped them into better builders. Caleb gets real about learning from those flops, staying patient, and why having…

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#124 | Kevin and Abbie Arnold | KA Builders | What Most Builders Get Wrong About Pre-Construction (And How KA Builders Nailed It) 59:50

4M ago59:50

59:50

In this episode of The Curious Builder, Kevin and Abbie Arnold of KA Builders share their journey as a husband-and-wife team building their business in Ohio. They chat with host Mark Williams about their start in the industry, how their different backgrounds and skillsets complement each other, lessons learned from industry events, and their plans …

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Q & A | Losers Are Winners Part 2: When to Walk Away & Trust Your Gut with Allyson Case 32:35

4M ago32:35

32:35

Sometimes, "just get through it" is the worst advice ever. In this Losers Are Winners episode, Mark sits down with Allyson Case of Integro Builders to unpack what happens when you ignore your gut, protect the wrong people, and stick with a project that should've ended ages ago. From bad architects to bad breakups (and the clients caught in the midd…

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#123 | Build Buzz at the Contractor Coalition Summit in Omaha | Building for the Future: How Contractors Stay Relevant and Resilient in Uncertain Times 37:32

4M ago37:32

37:32

In this episode of The Curious Builder, Mark Williams shares the Build Buzz pannel conversation at The Contractor Coalition Summit in Omaha. The panel of top-notch builders (Morgan Molitor, Brad Leavitt, Nick Shiffer, and Tyler Grace all dove into highlights, including lessons on scaling your business, smart risk-taking, and the future of contracti…

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Q & A | Losers Are Winners Part 1: Hiring, Firing & Keeping the Right People with Katie Kath 29:47

4M ago29:47

29:47

Welcome to Fail Club, where losers really are winners—eventually. Mark kicks off this new multi-part series with designer and builder Katie Kath to swap war stories about team culture fails, the cost of ignoring your gut, and the power of doing the scary stuff anyway. It's unfiltered, funny, and surprisingly motivating for any builder, remodeler, o…

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From Attendee to Host Tyler Grace shares his CCS Experience 16:27

4M ago16:27

16:27

In this episode, host Mark D. Williams asks guest Tyler Grace about his transition from being an attendee to a host at the Contractor Coalition Summit, discussing the value of networking, education, and understanding one's unique business model. Tyler shares insights on overcoming self-doubt, helping contractors recognize their potential, and the i…