Brad Leavitt Podcast

Focused on the mission to create the next generation of renewable smart grid systems leveraging the best battery storage technologies, RoseWater works with their clients to design, build, integrate and manage power system assets specific to their needs. Alongside Joseph and Mario, Brad also welcomes Chris Matthews, Principal of Acoustic Designs Group, a Scottsdale-based architectural lighting desi...

Starting at the age of 17, working for Appalachian Forest Products, a company that manufactured molding and interior trim, Dan knew he had a passion for woodworking.   He started DeVol Woodworks at the age of 19, specializing in high-end finish carpentry and cabinetmaking, sub-contracting his services to Dayton area home builders. Dan spent the next ten years perfecting his skills. Dan formed his...

Growing up in the homebuilding business sparked Ben’s passion for building and renovating homes. After graduating and working in new construction, he began to buy, renovate and sell homes. He founded BHDB in 2012 and eventually partnered with company President Brock Garber in 2014. He is also currently in the process of taking over Berks Homes from his father, right alongside his sister. Today’s c...

Asked about the unique objectives that differentiate residential from commercial clients, Dala says that it ultimately comes down to helping businesses see how great design can contribute to the bottom line. Beyond aesthetics, great commercial design truly expresses the heart and soul of the brand. To achieve this, Dala always makes it a point to spend as much time as she can with her clients to d...

Kyle defines post frame construction as a surprisingly durable, time-tested building method that has even been utilized by the ancient Egyptians over two millennia ago. Post frame also results in savings on time and resources. A large, weather-proof structure can be built this way in a week, and interiors can then be brought in completely shielded from the elements. Kyle’s personal goal is to “evo...

Wally joined Kohler Co.’s Minneapolis Branch directly following his graduation from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, MN in 1976. In October 2020, after over four decades with Kohler Co., Wally retired as a Director – Sales, Builder Channel, a position that he had held since 2008. Today, he serves as a consultant and brand ambassador for the luxury kitchen and bath manufacturer. In 2014, W...

Pamela is also a business coach who runs Elevate! Interior Circle, through which she helps interior designs run a better business and utilize magnetic marketing techniques to attract their perfect client rather than chase them. In our conversation with Pamela, she hits on a crucial attribute embraced by the best in the industry, but unfortunately gets overlooked by most: becoming a steward of your...

Raykon has been featured in every Utah Valley Parade of Homes since 2012 and is continuing to establish themselves as one of the premier custom home builders in the valley. The Parade features specially chosen new homes and remodel projects across the state and is a priceless opportunity for all builders, architects, and designers involved. Casey shares how he has had an unbroken streak being feat...

Kaitlyn is not only an interior designer, but a licensed general contractor in her own right. Iconic thus provides full-service design and construction services while keeping both the functionality and structural integrity of the space in mind. As our conversation unfolds, it soon becomes clear that Kaitlyn is an entrepreneur at heart. She had always loved interior design but hesitated in jumping...

Jamie bought his first investment property around the time he met Morgan. She recalls being blown away by his talents and offered the idea of starting a blog. Not long after launching construction2style, the Molitors quickly started getting custom furniture and remodeling inquiries. Jamie took the plunge and dove full time into running his own general contracting interior residential remodeling co...

Along the same line, his ideal customers are those who focus on value over cost —those who are focused on the timelessness of what may just be their forever home. Asked his opinion on the future of home design, particularly in a post-COVID world, Jeff says that “we need to get more distance between ourselves and these events to truly, fully comprehend what they are really doing—and have done—to ou...

Listen in as Patrick, Sue, Megan, and McKall give their professional backgrounds leading up to their joining the AFT team and the scope of their current roles. McKall dives deep into the process of calculating for profit with your WIP and how to stay within realistic margins as your projections change every month towards the completion of a given project. Patrick, Sue, and Megan talk about the big...

He goes on to speak on lessons and skills that he was able to apply after getting into business for himself, as well as those pain points that he had to endure a lot of trial and error to get a handle on—from considerations around working capital, to investing in training. Justin then describes his scope of work and the most crucial factors in pool plumbing, as well as the technologies and trends...

Today Brad speaks with Tim Brown, CEO of Hook Agency, an SEO & Web Design firm that’s gone from 1 person to 17 in 5 years. Tim kicks off the conversation giving his take on the biggest challenges that business owners face in today’s shaky market. Some of these challenges include finding and retaining self-motivated team members, creating a meaningful workplace for younger generations of profession...

Contractors need to take note of legal issues that arise on account of construction defects and accidents. Further, they need to make sure they are rigidly compliant when it comes to lien waivers. It is important to take their state’s code into account to provide context for the crafting of their performance standards. Regarding new contractors who have just started their business, Rachel says tha...

Since the outset of the pandemic in early 2020, the sales cycle has doubled as a result of delays and shortages in the supply chain, particularly when it came to Tim’s custom work. With higher-end clients, there is typically a great deal of flexibility built into contracts, and so Tim’s challenge throughout the past couple of years has been to find creative ways to satisfy clients amid an unpredic...

As an advocate of trade careers and education, Kayleen’s goal is to shed light on the rising demand for trade professionals that’s outpacing vocational training—and to help restore America’s respect for the trades in the process. Listen in as Kayleen explains that education, particularly if you desire to be in the trades, is not only found in the classroom, and how she is working to inspire Americ...

In 2018, Landon signed on with HGTV for the home improvement series, Cutting Edge Reno. For the pilot, he chose to renovate a neglected midcentury ranch house situated on a large lot in a desirable neighborhood. Landon had just 60 days to completely transform the home. Landon’s experience with HGTV rewarded him with clout that caused his already thriving design and build firm to soar to new height...

With all the complexities of building your brand’s know, like, and trust factor in today’s ever-evolving digital economy, Jesse explains why it literally pays to have a dedicated expert by your side to handle content marketing for your business. He shares best practices for doing effective ad campaigns, building and staying top-of-mind with a loyal audience, becoming an authority figure without “p...

He relates his current work in residential to his previous time doing commercial. The residential world, particularly custom residential construction, has been a significantly more fulfilling experience for Tyler because of its personal, family-centered process. Speaking on his staff, Tyler becomes emotional talking about those team members that have caught the vision of the company, which goes wa...

Listen in as Brad shares why creating an org chart from the get-go is one of the best things you can do, even if it’s meant to be a reference for just you and your partner. He also says that it’s always best to consume the same educational resources together in order to be on the same page when considering the future of you and your partner’s business. Asked about leading the 250+ person team at R...

Today Brad speaks with Dan and Emily Clark of Clark & Co. Homes. The Clarks established their firm in 2011 with the mission of bringing creative design solutions to the Treasure Valley through their highly functional home plans and character-filled interiors. Dan’s background in real estate, residential home construction management, and land development consulting gives him a unique, holistic appr...

Listen in as Max and Patrick reflect on their journey in the world of real estate, from making that first flip to becoming local celebrities involved in ultra high-end luxury developments in the state. They speak on the vital importance of creating quality products to shield one’s business from falling behind should economic crises (including that which came as a result of the pandemic) emerge. Th...

With a particular focus on commercial projects, Micky explains that there is less customization involved when working with a typical commercial client versus a residential one who obviously tends to be much more discerning, detail-oriented, and at times particularly challenging when they put in change orders while their project is already underway. Asked how she and her team are able to stay on to...

Angela herself is an award-winning designer and a recognized innovator in the builder and developer community. Under her leadership, TRIO has received more than 50 Awards in the past five years, including both Detached Community of the Year and Master Planned community of the Year at NAHB’s The Nationals in 2019. In 2019 Angela launched her own lifestyle brand, which includes an innovative furnitu...