Building Better Podcast

In this final special Parade of Homes edition of the Building Better Podcast, host Lauren Tucker welcomes Blake Waldecker of Waldecker Homes and Mike Elya of Elya Construction Company to showcase two distinctive homes featured in this year's Parade. Blake shares the story behind the complete transformation of his own family's lakefront home, highlighting thoughtful design, indoor-outdoor living, a...

In this special Parade of Homes edition of the Building Better Podcast, host Lauren Tucker is joined by Colin Bushong of CMB Construction and Corey Flaska of Leelanau Construction, along with TJ Shimek of The Mitten Group to showcase two exciting homes featured in this year's Parade of Homes and discuss the latest trends in Northern Michigan homebuilding and development. From a thoughtfully design...

In this special Parade of Homes edition of the Building Better Podcast, host Lauren Tucker sits down with veteran builder Scott Norris of Scott Norris Construction to explore the craftsmanship, creativity, and passion behind three extraordinary homes featured in this year's Parade of Homes. Scott shares the story of his unconventional path into homebuilding, the talented team that has helped shape...

The Building Better Podcast returns with a special Parade of Homes series! In this kickoff episode, host Lauren Tucker sits down with title sponsor Bay View Flooring & Design Center's Jonathan Woolfolk to discuss the latest trends in flooring, the company's newly remodeled design-focused showroom, and their innovative apprenticeship program designed to address the skilled trades workforce shortage...

In our final Parade of Homes special, Lauren Tucker sits down with Colin Herren of Greenwald & B.C. to talk about their stunning   custom cottage on Lake Michigan in Manistee. Designed as a vacation home for out-of-state clients, the build showcases laid-back luxury, with a massive butler's pantry, warm natural finishes, and a layout made for hosting. Colin shares how communication, patience, and...

Lauren Tucker welcomes back longtime Parade of Homes participants Bay Area Contracting/BAC Design Group —Dean Adams, Trisha Adams, and Erica Murdock—for a look at how a passion project for Dean's brother became one of their most personal builds yet. The team reflects on the Parade's marketing power, their decades-long journey with the HBA, and how designing with family in mind changes everything....

In this special Parade of Homes kickoff, Lauren Tucker sits down with Colin Bushong of CMB Construction , the reigning People's Choice winner, who's doubling down this year with two featured homes—one a refined riverside retreat, the other a smartly designed, budget-friendly build with bold style. Later, Chris Ostrowski of Builders FirstSource talks sponsorship, innovation, and pricing myths, and...

We're got a great series of programs coming up to coincide with our annual "Parade of Homes!"

  In this episode of the Building Better Podcast , host Lauren Tucker welcomes Jonathan Woolfolk, co-owner of Bay View Flooring and title sponsor of this year's Parade of Homes. Lauren and John chat about the 36th annual Parade of Homes, flooring trends, and what makes this showcase of local craftsmanship such a beloved event. John shares what it's been like to take over a trusted, family-run busi...

In this episode of the Building Better Podcast , host Lauren Tucker is joined by Lauren Flynn and Heidi Flake to shine a spotlight on an important but often overlooked part of the HBA: the Northwest Michigan Skilled Trades Foundation . They dive deep into the foundation's mission to support skilled trades careers across northern Michigan through scholarships, workforce development programs, and co...

In this episode of the Building Better Podcast , host Lauren Tucker sits down with Mike Elya , owner of Elya Construction , to talk about what it really means to build something that lasts—whether it's a business, a brand, or a home for your own family. Mike shares how joining the HBA has helped accelerate his business growth through networking, education, and access to resources he didn't have wh...

In this episode of the Building Better Podcast , host Lauren Tucker sits down with Carolyn Andrews , Program Coordinator for Construction Trades at NMC and 2023 HBA Humanitarian of the Year. Carolyn shares her inspiring journey from interior design to skilled trades advocacy, and her deep commitment to reshaping how our community sees careers in construction. From bringing local counselors into th...

In this episode of the Building Better Podcast , host Lauren Tucker brings you two insightful conversations with industry leaders shaping the future of home building. First, we go live from the International Builders' Show in Las Vegas to talk with Carl Harris , outgoing NAHB Chairman , about his experiences, the importance of strong industry advocacy, and what's next for the organization. Later,...

Owning  a home on the water is a dream for many—but what's the reality? On this episode of the HBA Building Better Podcast , Lauren Tucker sits down with Dane Englert of The Ferraro Group to discuss: ✔️ The 14% increase in waterfront property values 💰 ✔️ How to prevent water damage and structural wear 🌧️ ✔️ The remodel vs. rebuild debate for historic family cottages 🔨 ✔️ A Prohibition-era surpri...

This week, Lauren sits down with Terry Peach, Director of Sales at Kingsley Lumber to talk about the latest trends in homebuilding, Kingsley Lumber's big move to a new, expanded location and Terry's unexpected passion—BMX racing at a national level! Tune in for industry insights, hilarious stories, and a behind-the-scenes look at the HBA community.

In this episode of the Building Better Podcast , we welcome the incredible Sally Erickson, Brand Ambassador for Pella by Horne Windows & Doors. Sally brings a deep passion for the residential construction industry and a long history with the Home Builders Association of Northwest Michigan. Lauren and Sally reminisce about their first meeting, Sally's family's multi-generational involvement with th...

In this week's episode, Lauren is joined by guest Julie Bravender, Loan Officer at Lake Michigan Credit Union, to preview the upcoming 2025 HBA Home Expo. They discuss the Expo's rich history and exciting new features, plus home remodeling trends . Be sure to grab your tickets for the Expo on February 15 & 16 at the Grand Traverse Resort and join in on the fun and festivities!

In our debut episode, we talk with current HBA of NW MI President Ben Maurer (also President of Paul Maurer General Contracting, Inc.) and Immediate Past-President Heidi Flake (also of CMB Construction and 45th Property and Power) about the history of our association, what we want people to know about the HBA and what somebody's name says about them. 

What's going on in the world of the building trades?   Now it's easy to find out.   Get info and expertise from host Lauren Tucker and her guests, all to keep you better informed - and entertained.