Builders, Budgets, and Beers

Jake Bruton, from Aarow Building, talks about the painful $180,000 lesson that forced him to completely rethink his construction business pricing model. Learn how moving from fixed fee to cost plus saved his company, improved client relationships, and created a more transparent, financially sound business approach. This episode is a must-listen for builders looking to protect their profits and bui...

Rudy Marroquin, founder of Atlas Homes in Austin, joins Reece to break down how he went from a $500 startup budget to building luxury homes in Montecito and Malibu. Rudy shares how vertical integration, strategic hiring, and cultural fluency helped him cut costs, maintain quality, and scale fast — including flying his Texas crews out to California to keep margins tight. Whether you're just st...

Thomas Joseph, co-founder of Joseph Design Build, joins Reece to talk about moving from high-end custom infill homes to building at scale—with intention. He walks through how getting out of the “just wing it” mindset and leaning into systems, numbers, and rhythms changed how he runs his business—and why clarity is the difference between having a job and building an actual company. https://jdbatx.c...

Custom builder Will King of High Cotton Homes shares hard-earned lessons on how to actually make money in construction. From markup vs. margin to pre-con agreements and spotting bad clients early, this episode is packed with real talk and tactical advice for builders who want to run a profitable business. https://www.highcotton-homes.com Show Notes:  Introduction and Overview of High Cotton Homes...

Garrett “Goldsy” Goldsberry joins Reece Barnes to share how he and his wife left cushy jobs, started Salt Creek Homes from scratch, and grew it to a thriving remodel and new construction business. He walks through the overlooked pain points of early financial systems, the shift into software, and the real-life lessons that come from building while still figuring it all out. https://www.saltcreekho...

Dirk van der Velde, co-founder of Momenta, opens up about the early missteps in aligning business structure with execution—and how tightening operations led to meaningful gains. From auditing underused software to designing a high-output team culture, Dirk shares lessons on building a company that actually runs the way it was envisioned. https://momentasize.com Show Notes:  Introduction and Guest...

Julian Miller, Director of Operations at NS Builders, shares how his experience in commercial construction built the foundation for his process-driven approach in high-end residential work. From implementing operational systems to maintaining craftsmanship, Julian explains why structure, communication, and internal efficiency are critical for builders looking to scale sustainably. https://www.nsbu...

Melissa Leediker, Founder of Turquant Builder Services, LLC, discusses the most common and costly errors in construction accounting, focusing on job costing, cost coding, and duplicate payments. She emphasizes the importance of implementing consistent processes and leveraging technology to improve financial accuracy and profitability for construction businesses. https://turquantservices.com Introd...

Shayne Glass, CPA Controller for Shrock Companies, shares his insights on Shrock’s sophisticated approach to managing multiple business entities by maintaining financial independence while sharing resources across construction, prefabrication, and restoration sectors. The company leverages adaptive software and strategic cost tracking to ensure precise financial management, resource allocation, an...

Noi Calhoun, from JAG Construction, shares the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene on Asheville, North Carolina, detailing the community's struggle and resilience. The conversation explores the challenges of rebuilding, the loss of infrastructure, and the powerful community spirit that emerged in the aftermath of the catastrophic flood. https://jaggreen.com/noi-calhoun Introduction and Hur...

This week, Dorrie Franzello-Kurtz, CPA at YHB | CPAs &Consultants, discusses the critical importance of accurate job costing, real-time financial reporting, and strategic financial management for construction companies. She emphasizes the need for proactive accounting practices, highlighting how proper tracking of indirect costs, job scheduling, and communication between field and office teams...

In this episode Michael Anschel, Principal at OA Design+Build +Architecture, discusses the COPE (Cost of Project Execution) method, which helps builders gain better visibility into their overhead and project costs. The guests emphasize the importance of using cost codes, job costing, and understanding the difference between markup and margin to run a more profitable and transparent construction bu...

Ryan Hanson, Partner at Sustainable 9 Design + Build, discusses the benefits of a cost plus pricing model, highlighting the transparency it provides to clients and the ability to better manage risks associated with material price fluctuations and project changes. The conversation covers Sustainable 9's unique neighborhood development project, the challenges of fixed price contracts, the impac...

Shayne Glass, CPA Controller for Shrock Companies, discusses the critical role of bonding and maintaining tight financial processes for construction companies, particularly those looking to take on larger projects and grow their business. The discussion covers the bonding process, the importance of consistent cost tracking and financial reporting, and strategies for managing financials across mult...

Tim Savre, Controller for NS Builders, discusses the importance of construction businesses tracking their finances consistently throughout the year, rather than just focusing on tax preparation at the end of the year. The conversation covers the benefits of regular financial reporting, the challenges builders face in staying on top of their finances, and strategies for improving financial manageme...

In this episode, Mark Phillips, CFO of V Fine Homes, shares his perspective on the distinct roles and responsibilities of bookkeepers, controllers, and CFOs in construction companies, highlighting the importance of having the right financial management team to ensure operational efficiency and profitability. https://vfinehomes.com Introduction and Guest Introduction (0:00)  Mark Phillips' Bac...

The conversation with Hamed Homes explores the challenges and solutions they have faced in tracking cash flow, managing bills, receipts, budgets, and vendor compliance. The team discusses their transition from a manual process to utilizing Adaptive, which has significantly improved their efficiency, visibility, and collaboration. https://www.hamed-homes.com Introduction and Guest Introductions (0:...

Tonya Schulte, Founder of The Profit Constructors, discusses the importance of synergy between the back office and field operations in construction companies. She outlines her 90-Day Remodel service, which aims to provide construction companies with actionable data and insights to improve their financial management and drive growth. https://www.theprofitconstructors.com  Introduction and Backgroun...

Experienced real estate professionals, Amanda Trevino and Scott Turner, provide a comprehensive overview of the key considerations and strategies involved in successfully executing a speculative building project, from evaluating the right market and lot to designing and staging the home for maximum appeal. https://amandatrevino.com https://www.riversidehomesaustin.com Introduction to the Podcast a...

Dominick Thompson, a general contractor from Charlotte, North Carolina, discusses his unique background, financial management strategies, and the benefits of adopting technology to streamline his construction business. The conversation covers topics such as real-time financial tracking, subcontractor relationships, and the importance of embracing change in the industry. https://watershedbuilders.c...

Paul Sanneman, President of Contractor Staffing Source, discusses how AI and technology are disrupting the construction industry, emphasizing the importance of embracing these advancements to stay competitive in areas like recruiting, marketing, and accounting. https://contractorstaffingsource.com Paul's Introduction and Background (0:00) The Impact of Al on Construction (5:33) Challenges and...

This conversation with Levi Joseph, Director of Operations at Ladisic Fine Homes, explores how a well-executed back office can provide a significant competitive advantage for construction companies, particularly in areas like accounts receivable, accounts payable, and cost code management. https://ladisicfinehomes.com Introduction and Guest Introduction (0:00) Levi's Role and Responsibilities...

Chris Atwood, co-owner of Otter Creek Homes, shares his insights on the challenges builders face in running the business side of their construction companies. He emphasizes the importance of having a clear vision, understanding unit economics, and leveraging the expertise of others to overcome these challenges. https://www.ottercreekhomes.co Introduction and Initial Greetings (0:10) Discussion on...

Experienced infill home builder, Scott Turner, owner of Riverside Homes, shares his insights on the benefits, challenges, and strategies for successfully transitioning from custom building to speculative building in the competitive Austin, Texas real estate market. https://www.riversidehomesaustin.com   Scott Turner's Background and Introduction (0:00) Understanding Speculative Building (2:09...

Nathan Marsala, founder of The Bison Group, joins Matt and Reece to discuss the critical importance of document control, subcontractor management, and effective communication in successfully managing project financials. He shares valuable insights and strategies that builders can implement to ensure the financial success and smooth execution of their construction projects.  https://www.bisongroupi...