Friends of Build Magazine

  Ted speaks with Ryan and Nicole Salinas about their journey from California to Park City, Utah, and the challenges and opportunities they face in the garage door industry. They discuss the impact of COVID-19 on their business, the rising costs in the industry, and the importance of building relationships with builders and clients. The couple emphasizes the significance of quality and technology...

Ted speaks with Gonzalo Tellez and Anthony Ortega, founders of Viotell Metal Concepts, about their innovative approach to the roofing industry. They discuss the evolution of roofing from a purely functional aspect to an art form that incorporates design and collaboration with contractors and architects. The importance of a strong work ethic, the advantages of being an immigrant in business, and th...

Ted speaks with Paul Kropp of Bakes & Kropp. From navigating the depths of a recession to the pinnacles of the luxury cabinetry market, Ted and Paul recount the genesis and evolution of his partnership at Bakes & Kropp. Their story is one of synergy, born from shared ambition and forged through the trials of building a brand. Inspired by European travels and architectural marvels, they strategized...

Ted speaks with Alexander Rokoff of Rokoff Studio who shares his artistic journey, influenced by his family's artistic background and his father's legacy. He discusses his transition from cartooning to fine art, the impact of European art on his perspective, and the challenges he faced pursuing art as a career. Alexander emphasizes the importance of passion in art, the role of travel in shaping hi...

Ted speaks with Jon Wood and Dave Wilkins from Glacier Stone Supply, discussing their experiences in the stone business and the unique qualities of Montana stone. They explore the allure of Montana, the journey of Glacier Stone, and the artistry involved in stone installation, emphasizing the importance of resilience and creativity in their industry. In this engaging conversation, Ted, Dave Wilkin...

Ted speaks with Dustin Mizell of Environment Design Group in Palm Beach, FL. They discuss Dustin's career in landscape architecture, including the challenges he's encountered and how his firm has evolved. Their conversation covers the Palm Beach market, balancing historical preservation with modern design, and the importance of patience and expertise in the field. They also explore the impact of c...

Ted speaks with Gil Walsh of Gil Walsh Interiors and they explore her unique upbringing in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, where she grew up alongside golf legend Arnold Palmer. They discuss her transition into the world of interior design, her experiences in Palm Beach, and her work on iconic projects like Falling Water. The conversation touches on themes of philanthropy, the importance of history, and th...

Ted speaks with Melissa Mae of Melissa Mae Design. They discuss the interconnectedness of the design community in Scottsdale, Melissa's journey from working with Tony Sutton to establishing her own firm, and the evolution of the luxury home market in the area. They explore the challenges and innovations in the design industry, emphasizing the importance of personalization and creativity in home de...

Ted speaks with Mike Cocozza, the founder of Trinity Custom Homes in Sarasota, Florida. Mike Cocozza transitioned from working in construction with his father to building a successful custom home business. He discusses company culture, faith's role in business, and navigating challenges to achieve growth. He also talks about the importance of craftsmanship, client relationships, innovative marketi...

Ted speaks with Renate Ruby of Brume, an expert in the interior design and furniture industry. They discuss the evolution of design practices, the challenges faced by designers and consumers, and the importance of understanding value in design. Renate shares insights on consumer behavior, the role of designers, and the emotional impact of well-designed spaces. She emphasizes the significance of st...

Ted speaks with Mark Boddington, founder of Silverlining Furniture, who shares his journey from a passionate craftsman to a successful business owner. He discusses the importance of legacy, training the next generation, and the challenges of navigating economic downturns. He reflects on his 40 years in the industry, highlighting the lessons learned and the importance of adaptability in the face of...

Ted speaks with Scott Ross and Natalie Benedet of the Benedet Ross Group, about the dynamics of the real estate market in Kelowna and the Okanagan region in Canada. They explore the appeal of the area, the importance of understanding client goals, and the nuances of luxury real estate in a smaller city. The discussion emphasizes the significance of building long-term relationships with clients and...

Ted speaks with Rafael Santa Ana about his journey from Mexico City to Canada, discussing the cultural influences that shaped his architectural perspective. Owner of RSAAW in Vancouver, Rafael delves into the challenges of adapting architectural practices to different environments, the importance of questioning traditional methods, and the evolving role of AI in the industry. Rafael shares insight...

Ted speaks with Elisa Chambers, the owner of Snake River Interiors, discussing her journey from humble beginnings to running a successful interior design business in Jackson Hole. They explore themes of family, community, and the importance of relationships in both personal and professional life. Elisa shares her insights on mediocrity versus excellence, the significance of giving back to the comm...

Ted speaks with Melinda Shirk Dorion about her journey in interior design, the transformation of her business space, and the evolving design trends in Jackson Hole. She emphasizes the importance of collaboration, sustainability, and understanding client needs while navigating the unique challenges of designing in a mountain community. Melinda also reflects on her personal journey, the significance...

Ted speaks with Mark Johnson, a fourth-generation stonemason and the owner of Architectural Stone. Mark shares his journey from working with his father's masonry business to establishing his own company that specializes in high-end stonework. He discusses notable projects, including the restoration of the Parthenon and collaborations with famous clients like T. Boone Pickens and George W. Bush. Ma...

Ted speaks with Matt Segerstrom owner of Modern Splendor Homes. Matt’s unique journey from a dairy farm in Wisconsin to becoming a successful entrepreneur in the construction industry is littered with challenges and obstacles that he persevered and overcame. Together, Ted and Matt explore the importance of trade skills, the challenges faced in the construction industry, and the significance of fam...

Ted speaks with Christian Nickum, president of Rocky Mountain Hardware, discussing the journey of taking over the family business, navigating economic challenges, and the importance of brand identity. Christian shares insights on adapting to design trends, educating dealers and customers, and the significance of collaborations with designers in the longevity of his business. The conversation also...

Ted speaks with Mike Pollari of Timberpeg Homes based in New Hampshire. Timber Peg Homes has decades of experience building and designing timber frame and log homes, and Mike highlights the importance of technology in the industry and how it has changed the way homes are built. He also talks about the evolving preferences of clients, from contemporary designs to the resurgence of log homes, and em...

Ted speaks with Hunter Dominick, an interior designer based in Whitefish, Montana, who discusses her design philosophy and the challenges of creating diverse styles for her clients. She emphasizes the importance of early involvement in the planning process to ensure functional and well-designed spaces. Hunter also highlights the significance of incorporating personal items and sentimental pieces i...

Ted speaks with Allison Campbell, founder of Allison Campbell Design in Utah. By building trust with her clients and practicing strong communication, Allison has scaled her interior design business to new heights. She shares with Ted how she tailors a design to each client’s personality, and the simple tricks she uses to keep each project unique. Her approach is focused on creating a welcoming and...

  Ted speaks with Dan Weber and Tony Schonhardt of Anacapa Architecture. They discuss their experiences in the architecture industry and their work on various projects. They talk about their backgrounds and how they ended up in Santa Barbara, the challenges they faced during the 2008 recession, and the growth of their firm. The conversation focuses on one specific project, an off-the-grid guest ho...

Ted speaks with Kate O'Hara, CEO and creative director for O'Hara Interiors. She shares insights from her mother, Martha, who founded the company, and what it’s been like to take over a family business. Ted and Kate cover the importance of delegation, processes and procedures, and the significance of personal interactions in their line of work. Kate also shares her insight into creating custom fur...

Ted speaks with Brad Leavitt, founder of AFT Construction in Scottsdale, AZ. From his beginnings as an electrician to running a successful and award-winning custom home building business, Brad shares his insights on leadership, hiring the best people, and building a brand. Through the many challenges and mistakes, Brad has persevered and learned how to overcome the obstacles in his path. Now a suc...

Episode Notes  Ted speaks with Kaitlyn Wolfe, founder of Iconic, a design build firm located in Scottsdale, AZ. A newer builder in the market, she highlights the importance of work-life balance in the industry and the need for continuous growth and adaptation in business. Kaitlyn discusses her approach to managing her time and projects, as well as her journey in the design industry. She emphasizes...