Welcome to Builder Stories, the podcast where builders, remodelers, and contractors share their personal and business journeys. Come learn from the stories of successful entrepreneurs who share how they got started, how they found success, and the lessons learned along the way. Your host, Eric Fortenberry, has successfully built two businesses, one in software and one in construction. He is now the Founder and CEO of JobTread Software, a construction estimating and project management platfor ...
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For construction business owners and accounting pros. In depth exploration of software and topics related to construction and accounting. A three segment podcast: 1. Tonya introduces the problem and potential solution 2. Tonya will speak with an industry expert 3. Tonya works with a real live user to help them implement the solution and answer all their questions
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Growth Through Adversity | Chris Moore with Senior Remodeling Experts
57:07
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57:07Meet Chris Moore, owner of Senior Remodeling Experts located in Salem, Virginia. Chris shares his journey from an unexpected start in construction to building a business focused on helping seniors and veterans live safely and independently in their homes. He opens up about the pivotal moments that shaped his career, including the loss of his wife, …
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Scaling Smart | Annemarie Diaz of TRS Build
1:00:08
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1:00:08Meet Annemarie Diaz, co-owner of TRS Build in Cedar Park, TX. In this episode, Diaz opens up about the strategies that have helped her build a thriving remodeling business powered by 80% referral work. From creating a culture where it’s okay to fail to scaling her team while also protecting the company, Diaz shares her approach to leadership, busin…
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Leading With Service | Katie Throckmorton of Distinct Builders
43:18
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43:18Meet Katie Throckmorton, owner of Distinct Builders in Charleston, South Carolina. Katie is a passionate leader with a heart for serving others and helping contractors embrace technology to grow their businesses. In this episode, she shares her journey from starting out in the industry to building a thriving business focused on support, education, …
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Family, Leadership, and Profitability | Jeff Whitted and Ryan Stones of Aslan Design & Build
1:01:31
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1:01:31Meet Jeff Whitted and Ryan Stones, leaders of Aslan Design & Build in Sellersville, Pennsylvania. In this episode, the dynamic father-and-son-in-law team explore the challenges and triumphs of running a family business. From navigating the complexities of working with family to maintaining profitability and preventing theft, Jeff and Ryan reveal th…
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How Niching Down and Publishing Prices Helped Build a Remodeling Business | Luke Larson of Larson Basement & Bath
59:17
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59:17Fueled by passion for his work and an entrepreneurial itch, Luke left the audio industry and opened a carpentry business in 2021. Today, he’s transformed the company into a thriving remodeling business that specializes in basement build-outs and bathrooms. Luke shares how focusing on a specific niche, being transparent with pricing, and properly ve…
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A Bigger Table | Wendy Marvin, Founder & CEO, Matrix Roof & Home
1:01:33
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1:01:33Wendy Marvin started out in roofing at a time when the industry wasn’t as collaborative. “We saw there was one seat at the table, and we were going to elbow our way to that seat,” she recalls. “And then this really beautiful thing started taking over where we realized that we can just make more seats.” Since those days, the entire table has grown e…
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Educate First, Sell Second | James Moylan with Design Builders Inc.
1:02:03
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1:02:03Meet James Moylan, owner of Design Builders Inc. located in Bethesda, Maryland. James started his journey in construction at just 12 years old, sweeping job sites, and has since built a thriving business specializing in high-end outdoor living spaces. He shares how he grew his company by investing early in marketing, leveraging strategic partnershi…
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I Don’t Care What I Do, As Long As It’s One Thing | Joe Averill with Deck Science
57:47
57:47
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57:47Meet Joe Averill, owner of Deck Science based in Elk River, Minnesota. Joe shares his unconventional journey from studying to become a physician's assistant to building a thriving deck construction business. Learn how a solo road trip and a frustrating experience in commercial construction led him to hyper-specialize in decks, creating a streamline…
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From Passion Project to Design Build Firm | Janel Swanson with Wildwood Kitchen and Baths
42:03
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42:03Meet Janel Swanson, owner of Wildwood Kitchen and Baths located in Lake Elmo, Minnesota. Janel shares her remarkable journey from a stay-at-home mom who transformed her century-old farmhouse kitchen into a passion project, to founding a thriving design-build firm serving the Twin Cities metro area. Janel shares how a hands-on renovation sparked her…
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Shifting from Tradesman to Business Owner | Jason Liers with Stone Ridge Remodeling
1:01:55
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1:01:55Meet Jason Liers, owner of Stone Ridge Remodeling, Inc. based in Cleveland, Tennessee. From growing up in a family of builders to navigating the highs and lows of running his own remodeling business, Jason shares his journey of resilience, reinvention, and the lessons learned along the way. He dives into the challenges of transitioning from tradesm…
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Hard Work, Leadership, and Balance | John Lea with Decksouth
1:08:37
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1:08:37Meet John Lea, owner of Decksouth located in Marietta, Georgia. From humble beginnings mowing lawns at age 12 to building one of the most respected deck companies in the industry, John’s journey is a testament to hard work, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to quality. John discusses the lessons he’s learned from decades in the business—ho…
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How to Scale Smart in Construction | David Hopkins with JNT Construction
59:06
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59:06Meet David Hopkins with JNT Construction based in Dallas, Texas. As Vice President of Sales, David shares how JNT transitioned from residential remodeling to specializing in multifamily and commercial construction, expanding into multiple states. He dives into the importance of building strong vendor relationships, leveraging technology like JobTre…
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Build a Team to Move Forward | Sherrie Derr with Schlick Construction
40:32
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40:32Meet Sherrie Derr from Schlick Construction, located in Omaha, Nebraska. As General Manager, Sherry has played a pivotal role in transforming the company's operations, implementing systems to streamline estimating, project management, and communication. With a lifelong passion for construction, she shares how her journey—from growing up around the …
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"Avoiding 1099 Pitfalls: A Guide to Year-End W-9 Collection"
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2:02Join Tonya Schulte from The Profit Constructors as she explores effective strategies for handling 1099 forms and collecting W-9s at the end of the year. Discover the importance of prompt communication with vendors and the consequences of backup withholding if necessary documentation isn't provided. Learn why documenting your attempts to collect W-9…
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People Before Profit | Matt Millsap with Building Company Number 7, Inc.
1:00:19
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1:00:19Meet Matt Millsap, founder and CEO of Building Company Number 7 based in Nashville, Tennessee. Starting during the 2008 recession, Matt built his design-build firm on a foundation of craftsmanship and professionalism, focusing on large-format historic renovations, additions, and custom homes. With 16 years in the industry, Matt’s journey reflects a…
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Standard 1099 Practice keeps your business safe
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2:02Tonya helps you set the standard for your business. No W9? No Check. Protect yourself with best practice and standards.By The Profit Construction
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Building for Tomorrow: Lessons Learned From the Best in the Industry | Eric Fortenberry
37:22
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37:22In this special episode of Builder Stories, we bring you one of the keynotes from last week’s JobTread Connect conference, delivered by our host and JobTread Founder & CEO, Eric Fortenberry. Drawing from conversations with some of the most inspiring contractors and builders featured on the podcast, Eric shares actionable lessons on how to scale you…
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Demystifying 1099s: Essential Tips for Year-End Preparations
1:25
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1:25Join Tonya Schulte from The Profit Constructors as she dives into the common year-end questions about 1099 forms. Discover when you need to collect a W-9 from subcontractors and independent contractors, and learn the exceptions for corporations. Tonya provides practical advice on handling gray areas and ensuring compliance. Tune in to stay informed…
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Always Have a Solution Ready | Jeff and Chantal Ballantyne with Ballantyne Builds
1:00:22
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1:00:22Meet Jeff and Chantal Ballantyne owners of Ballantyne Builds, located in Toronto, Canada. They share their inspiring journey of turning their passion for building into a thriving family business. From Jeff’s hands-on beginnings in construction and Chantal’s leap from corporate life to managing finances, to overcoming early challenges and learning f…
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Mastering W-9 Collection for Construction Compliance
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2:27Welcome to The Profit Constructors! Join Tonya Schulte as she delves into the vital process of collecting and managing W-9s in the construction industry. In this episode, Tonya shares expert tips to help you stay compliant with 1099 reporting requirements, ensuring a seamless workflow through effective organization. Discover the importance of makin…
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Building a Business That Sets the Standard | Greg DiBernardo with Peachtree Decks and Porches
1:01:20
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1:01:20Meet Greg DiBernardo, owner of Peachtree Decks and Porches based in Alpharetta, Georgia. Greg recounts how he transitioned from a corporate career in video production to becoming a highly successful deck builder specializing in high-end outdoor living spaces. From his early days as a clean-cut handyman to purchasing the established Peachtree Decks …
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Social Media is Your Business Card | Kyle Bridgan with NSS Home
56:54
56:54
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56:54Meet Kyle Bridgan owner of NNS Home located in Tacoma, Washington. Kyle shares his journey from selling countertops on OfferUp to running a thriving design-build firm with branches in Tacoma and Bellevue. He opens up about the challenges of scaling a construction business, lessons learned from costly projects, and how he's leveraging partnerships w…
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Don’t Reinvent the Wheel, Streamline It | Mark Conrad with Schnarr Legacy Craftsmen
55:32
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55:32Meet Mark Conrad, owner of Schnarr Legacy Craftsmen located in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. Mark shares his journey from a career in agriculture to taking the reins of a renowned 40-year-old renovation business. Discover how he merged expertise from a painting company, embraced innovative management techniques, and navigated the challenges of running…
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The Numbers Don’t Lie | John Utter with StrongTower Build and Remodeling
55:40
55:40
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55:40Meet John Utter, owner of StrongTower Build and Remodeling located in Cadiz, Kentucky. John shares his inspiring journey from an accidental start in carpentry to building a thriving construction business. He candidly discusses the challenges of transitioning from a one-man operation to managing multiple projects and subcontractors, all while stayin…
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Adaptability Sparks Success | Al Aldrete with Black Lab Remodeling
1:02:53
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1:02:53Meet Al Aldrete, owner of Black Lab Remodeling based in Woodland, California. Al shares his incredible journey from being fired as a plant operations manager to building a thriving remodeling business. Learn how Al transitioned from running a solo handyman operation to managing kitchen and bath remodels with a trusted team of trade partners. Discov…
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Building for the Long Haul | LeAnn Luedeker with Luedeker Homes
1:08:32
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1:08:32Meet LeAnn Luedeker from Luedeker Homes, located in Belleville, Texas. LeAnn shares her inspiring journey from supporting her husband’s construction passion part-time to taking the reins alongside him in their successful custom home-building business. She talks about navigating the challenges of small-town construction, balancing quality craftsmans…
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Build Systems, Boost Success | Rich Lee with Home Pride Construction
56:38
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56:38Meet Rich Lee, owner of Home Pride Construction, located in Pacifica, California. Born into the construction industry, Rich shares his journey from working alongside his father as a young laborer to eventually taking over the family business. When the 2008 financial crisis hit, Rich pivoted the company’s focus from speculative development to custom…
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Building Healthier Homes | Paul Kocharhook with Pathway Design and Construction
54:54
54:54
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54:54Meet Paul Kocharhook with Pathway Design and Construction, located in Seattle, Washington. Paul shares his journey from working construction jobs with his grandfather to establishing his own successful remodeling business focused on building healthy homes. Explore his unique path, the lessons he learned from setbacks, and how he discovered the valu…
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Job Cost or Leave Money on the Table | Kira Lee with TriStar Repair & Construction, TriStar Quality Roofing, & Mako Pools
1:04:59
1:04:59
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1:04:59Meet Kira Lee, Vice President of Operations at TriStar Repair and Construction, TriStar Quality Roofing, and Mako Pools, based in Denton, Texas. In this episode, Kira shares her incredible journey of managing three distinct businesses, all while leveraging JobTread to streamline operations and drive growth. From starting out with no construction ba…
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Have More Guts Than Brains | Nicholas Sammons with TruVine Renovations
58:50
58:50
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58:50Meet Nicholas Sammons, owner of TruVine Renovations based in Arlington, Tennessee. Nicholas shares his incredible journey, from starting out in construction at 14 years old to building his own thriving renovation business during the pandemic. Nicholas talks about the valuable lessons he learned along the way, including the importance of gaining sal…
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Sales Will Solve A Lot of Problems | Andrew Nuhfer with AKN Interiors
59:34
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59:34Meet Andrew Nuhfer, owner of AKN Interiors based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, who shares his journey from working summer construction jobs in high school to building a successful design-build firm. Andrew opens up about how he turned his passion for construction into a thriving business, overcoming the challenges of starting out on his own, and lea…
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We’re Not Just Building Pools, We’re Building Dreams | Kelley and Jeff Turner with Staycation Fiberglass Pools
1:07:46
1:07:46
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1:07:46Meet Kelley and Jeff Turner, owners of Staycation Fiberglass Pools in San Antonio, Texas. In this episode, Kelley and Jeff share their inspiring journey of building a successful pool business that’s all about creating dreams. From running a female-owned power sports business to establishing one of the only fiberglass pool companies in Texas that do…
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Quit Getting in Your Own Way | Stephen Carlson with Coastal Contracting
1:00:32
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1:00:32Meet Stephen Carlson, owner of Coastal Contracting in Long Beach, Mississippi. Stephen shares his journey from starting out in large-scale renovations to building custom homes, highlighting the challenges he faced in growing his business, navigating labor shortages, and overcoming self-doubt. He discusses the value of taking an educational approach…
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People Buy from People They Trust | Nate Burket with Riverview Decks
1:00:26
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1:00:26Meet Nate Burket of Riverview Decks, a leading deck-building company based in Knoxville, Tennessee. Nate shares his journey from working in logistics to running a successful deck-focused business, highlighting the challenges of transitioning from multi-trade remodeling to niching down in deck construction. With insights on building strong partnersh…
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You Don't Know What You Don't Know | Andrew and Ashley Favorite with Lakefront Building & Design
58:04
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58:04Meet Andrew and Ashley Favorite, the dynamic husband-and-wife team behind Lakefront Building and Design in Eagle River, Wisconsin. From Andrew’s early days in construction inspired by his father’s projects to Ashley’s transition from teaching to managing the business finances, they share the unique journey of building a successful custom home busin…
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Fuel Your Passion | Tommy & Tara Holstein with Solid Ground
1:00:34
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1:00:34Meet Tommy and Tara Holstein, owners of Solid Ground, an outdoor living company based in Wentzville, Missouri. They share their incredible journey from a one-person operation to a thriving business with a team of 20. With a passion for building, Tommy recounts how his love for construction, nurtured since childhood, evolved into a full-fledged busi…
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Building with Purpose | Amzie Lehman with Lehman Construction
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56:44Meet Amzie Lehman, owner of Lehman Construction based in Shipshewana, Indiana. Amzie shares his journey from working on the job site with his father to leading a successful construction company alongside his brother and brother-in-law. He discusses the importance of client relationships, the value of an abundance mindset, and how his company has em…
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It Pays to Specialize | Doug Dwyer with DreamMaker Bath and Kitchen
1:11:22
1:11:22
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1:11:22Meet Doug Dwyer, President and CSO of DreamMaker Bath and Kitchen the largest kitchen and bath remodeling franchisor in the country. Doug shares his journey from growing up in the franchise industry to transforming DreamMaker into a national brand with 44 locations across 24 states. Doug dives deep into the challenges and triumphs of scaling a remo…
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Let’s Do It Right | Ervin Ballabani with Moderno Restoration, Inc.
1:01:27
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1:01:27Meet Ervin Ballabani president of Moderno Restoration, Inc. based in Toronto, Canada. Ervin shares his inspiring journey from a condominium property manager to a successful entrepreneur running multiple thriving businesses in the restoration, HVAC, plumbing, and security industries. He opens up about the challenges he faced, including starting his …
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Just Keep Going & Be Grateful | Raquel and Diego Rodriguez with D&R Custom Remodeling
1:05:40
1:05:40
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1:05:40Meet Raquel and Diego Rodriguez, the owners of D&R Custom Remodeling located in Austin, Texas. In this episode, they share their journey of transitioning from a family business in decorative glass to establishing a remodeling company in a new city. Despite the challenges of starting anew without a network, their complementary skills—Diego's hands-o…
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Start Small, Dream Big | Herman Guerra with HG&Co. Home Improvement
1:01:53
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1:01:53Meet Herman Guerra, owner of HG&Co. Home Improvement based in Dallas, Texas. Herman's journey into the construction industry began at a young age, helping his father with weekend remodeling projects, which laid the foundation for his expertise. After earning a BA in government from UT Austin and working in Child Protective Services and as a juvenil…
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Building Beyond Limits | Jason Novotny with Hiland Construction
1:08:20
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1:08:20Meet Jason Novotny, owner of Hiland Construction based in Anchorage, Alaska. Jason shares his journey from a childhood around real estate, thanks to his father, to becoming a Marine Corps veteran, and eventually founding Hiland Construction in 2019. Specializing in residential and commercial renovations, Jason dives into the unique challenges of co…
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The Construction Junction: Featuring Foundation Software
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55:11Welcome to another insightful episode of The Construction Junction podcast, presented by The Profit Constructors. Join our host, Tonya Schulte, as she chats with Brian Cacian from Foundation Software. Dive deep into the history and evolution of Foundation Software, a pivotal tool designed to streamline accounting for construction companies. Brian s…
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Turning Setbacks into Success | Roberto Rodriguez with Ark Remodeling Services
1:08:33
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1:08:33Meet Roberto Rodriguez, owner of Ark Remodeling Services based in Tomball, Texas, who shares his remarkable journey from aspiring professional baseball player to successful construction business owner. Despite facing the setback of his baseball dreams not materializing, Roberto found inspiration in HGTV shows and transitioned into construction. Sta…
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It’s All About the Details | Debbie Adams with Adams Company
1:01:18
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1:01:18Meet Debbie Adams, owner of Adams Company located in Austin, Texas. In this episode, we delve into Debbie's remarkable journey from a secretary in the construction industry to the owner of an award-winning remodeling company. Debbie shares her path to success, which began with a chance job opportunity in 1987 and evolved through years of hands-on e…
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The Harder It Is, The More Exciting It Is | Michael Dudonis with Dudonis Construction
1:00:36
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1:00:36Meet Michael Dudonis co-owner of Dudonis Construction based in Springfield, New Jersey. Michael shares how his early experiences working with his father in residential construction set the foundation for his career. After spending 14 years in heavy civil construction, Michael and his brother started Dudonis Construction in 2018 to revive their fath…
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Focus on Your Niche | Jayme Carlson with Hard Decks
1:05:07
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1:05:07Meet Jayme Carlson, owner of Hard Decks, located in Belvidere, Illinois. Jayme shares his inspiring journey from jumping straight into construction out of high school to founding a successful deck-building business with his now business partner and father-in-law, Andy. Hear how he navigated the challenges of the 2008 economic downturn, honed his sk…
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Get Out of Your Own Head | Dylan Martin with Absolute Design Build
1:04:35
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1:04:35Meet Dylan Martin from Absolute Design Build, a third-generation builder in Austin, Texas. Starting his career in construction after a stint in the military and a brief foray into the corporate world, Dylan faced numerous challenges without a mentor. His turning point came after joining forces with his partner, Thomas, and later adding a third part…
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Find the Solution & Keep Going | Mark Flanders with Blue Hill Building Co.
1:09:45
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1:09:45Meet Mark Flanders, owner of Blue Hill Building Co. based in Bridgewater, Virginia. Mark shares his journey from growing up in the building business, taking drafting classes in high school, to eventually taking over his father’s company in 1998. Mark’s career saw significant evolution, including a pivotal role at CoConstruct during the Great Recess…
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Prioritize Transparency & Integrity | Anthony Abbott with Greystone Remodeling
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54:52Meet Anthony Abbott, owner of Greystone Remodeling based in North Carolina. Anthony shares his inspiring journey from his early fascination with carpentry as a child, through his military service, and onto founding his successful remodeling business. Addressing the challenges of transitioning from being an infantryman to a construction entrepreneur…
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