Friends of Build Magazine

Ted speaks with Alisha Taylor, an interior designer with Alisha Taylor Interiors,  to discuss her journey in the industry. Alisha shares her experience of building her own successful interior design business and the challenges she faced along the way. She talks about the importance of a team mentality and the value of having a strong team with different superpowers.  Alisha’s story serves as an in...

Ted speaks with Ricky Perrone of Perrone Construction and discusses the evolution of Sarasota, Florida, and the focus on luxury architecture in the city. Ricky shares the importance of systems and processes in their construction business and how they adapt to different clients and stakeholders. At Perrone Construction they emphasize the need for proactive communication and setting expectations to...

  Ted speaks with Theresa Stirling of Theresa Stirling Art Studios. In this conversation, Ted and Theresa discuss her journey as an artist and the impact of art on personal spaces. They explore themes of self-worth, authenticity, and the power of nature in inspiring art. Theresa shares her process of working with beeswax and encaustic medium, and how she incorporates different elements into her ar...

Ted speaks with David Kohler, Chairman of the Board and CEO of Kohler Industries. They discuss the company's success, the American dream, and the importance of failure. David emphasizes the need for a strong culture, hard work, and a balance between discipline and creativity, while also sharing his insights on inspiring the younger generation and testing and innovating new products. From home fixt...

Ted speaks with Charles Ochello, owner of Vitruvius Design and Build and creator of Vius. He discusses his transition from being an emergency room doctor to a custom home builder, and his vision to bridge the visualization gap in the building industry. Charles shares his experience with using virtual reality technology to allow clients to visualize their finished homes and make informed decisions....

Ted speaks with Joe Raboine, VP and Director of hardscapes for Belgard. He discusses the evolution of Belgard and the outdoor living space industry. He explains the structure of the company and its focus on providing a holistic solution for outdoor living. Joe also shares his transition from being a contractor to working in corporate America and the entrepreneurial mindset that drives the company....

Ted speaks with Ryan Fink and Ty Frackiewicz, the co-founders of Digs. Digs is a  collaboration software solution for home builders, vendors, and homeowners that provides more efficient file storage, collaboration, and homeowner handoff for home construction projects. Ryan and Ty share their journey of creating and growing their AI solution and how it’s affecting the home building industry.  TOPIC...

Ted speaks with Keith Galbut, founder of Advocate Residential Construction Advisors. They discuss the importance of proper planning and team selection in residential construction projects, highlighting the need for alignment between the client's objectives and the entire project team, including architects, builders, and subcontractors. Keith emphasizes the role of Advocate Residential Construction...

Ted speaks with Michael Short, Sr. Director of Residential & Hospitality Marketing with Crestron Electronics. They explore Crestron's background and reputation as a leading automation company and  discuss the challenges of scheduling and dealing with technology issues in smart homes.. The conversation touches on the importance of educating design build professionals and staying on the cutting edge...

Ted speaks with Micah Barker from Bioscapes Hawaii, who focuses on an environmentally friendly approach to landscaping in the luxury resort space. He emphasizes the importance of intelligent landscaping, which involves water conservation, proper plant selection, and placement. Micah explains the challenges of educating clients and the building community about the need for sustainable landscaping p...

Ted speaks with JD Miller an artist and gallery owner who owns Samuel Lynn Galleries with Phil Romano. Based in Dallas, JD now has galleries spread across the US, and talks with Ted about how he initially got his start and the direction he’s headed next. From his start in the music business, his transition into radio, to his 3rd career in art - JD Miller shares his incredible story, including his...

Ted speaks with Nik Sirna, owner of NVS Architects based in Montana. Nik recently relocated from Ohio to start his own architecture firm and has quickly built a customer base through his great work ethic and communication skills.  Today Ted dives into the challenges of starting over, the importance of listening to the customer, and the ways technology is changing industry businesses. Listen in to...

Ted speaks with Chris Bouchard at BPWood in Penticton, British Columbia.  BPwood is a family run lumber company that specializes in being Nimble Innovators.  Today Ted unravels the greenwashing of composite materials vs. new wood products. While most consumers and builders are looking for durable outdoor materials like red cedar, BPWood has been revolutionizing the global lumber supply chain by in...

Ted speaks with  Erik Peterson, President of PHX Architecture in Scottsdale, Arizona. Erik’s career working on bespoke properties has given him an incredible amount of stories to tell and knowledge to impart.  Today, Ted explores the history of these properties and the indelible mark left by Erik and his firm as they renovate and recreate their purpose in the modern world. Listen in to hear the re...

  Ted speaks with realtor Win Peniston about Build Magazine’s last year. 2023 was a year of growth, expansion, and learning.  Today, Ted tackles his own background, his thoughts on the building industry and the economy, and the life lessons he’s learned while building a successful company. Join us for the first Year in Review as we look towards 2024.  TOPICS DISCUSSED [1:30] What was meant to be s...

Episode Notes  Ted speaks with Allison Paladino and Zita Rudd with Paladino | Rudd Interior Designs in Palm Beach, Florida. Through the 2008 recession to the present, these two have stuck together and today Paladino | Rudd is featured in luxury magazines across the country and designs collections for leading manufacturers all over. Today, Ted dives into how this business started, how the partnersh...

Episode Notes  Ted speaks with Nida Risto, founder of Nida Risto Interiors, a Wyoming-based interior design firm on her collaborative design process and her path from Albania to America. Nida shares her process in sourcing materials for clients and how her personal approach can lead to shipping an antique chandelier across oceans. In a wide-ranging conversation, Ted & Nida discuss how failure is a...

Today Ted speaks with Vincent Ambrose, Chief Commercial Officer of FranklinWH, a research-driven company focused on next-generation residential energy management and storage solutions. Vincent shares what energy independence can look like, what it should cost, and how it works. As a leading innovator in the renewable energy sector, FranklinWH is uniquely positioned to provide solutions across Nort...

Episode Notes  Today Ted speaks with Lauren Wheaton of Big Sky Elevator Services in Montana. After leaving behind California and their businesses there, Lauren and her husband started a new venture in Missoula by taking over an existing luxury elevator business.  Transitioning to a 4 day work week, taking advantage of the amazing outdoor amenities, and enjoying the Montana way of life has been an...

Today Ted speaks with Eric Payne, founder of NuWest Builders and Co-Founder of Paynecole, an architecture firm specializing in 3D-rendered designs in Whitefish, MT. Growing up on a farm and surviving having a dot com business during the bubble taught Eric work ethic, follow through, and an unmatched drive to succeed.  After transitioning to building, and scaling a successful luxury custom home bus...

Today Ted speaks with Paul Shepherd, founder of Forged Elegance in Bend, OR. After an entire career in the HVAC industry, Paul transitioned to a new business - forging steel and combining it with antique wood to create elegant, one-of-a-kind furniture. Through his shop and showroom, Paul builds custom crafts with wood that has a story and has lived a life.  Paul shares these stories, and Ted draws...

Today Ted speaks with Ric DeMarco from DeMarco Design & Building in Bend, Oregon. 47 years ago, Ric DeMarco moved to Bend and started designing one custom home at a time for the residents of the region.  His portfolio covers a large range of styles and designs, and he’s watched Bend change into the city it is today. In addition to designing and building beautifully unique custom homes, Ric talks a...

Today Ted speaks with Brian Scott of Lone Pine Builders and Patrick Rettig of Haven Architecture, two childhood friends, about their collaboration in Big Sky, Montana.  Growing up in Massachusetts, these two were incredibly close. After college, they parted ways. Now they’ve come together again to create an incredible opportunity for a lucky buyer in the Moonlight Basin neighborhood of Big Sky.  T...

Today Ted speaks with Shannon Johnstone of Strong Roots Flooring in Kelowna BC. Shannon and her husband run their business with the model to save old flooring by refinishing it to look modern. In their store, they focus on educating customers on sustainable flooring options for every budget. While their business always focused on refinishing, the shift towards sustainability is new and the smalles...

Today Ted speaks with Tyler Frank of Malmquist Construction in Whitefish, Montana. Tyler, a project manager and owner, shares his experience building relationships, nurturing trades, and the recent projects he’s taken on. In luxury home building, there’s always a new idea or a new product, and that requires teamwork. Creativity abounds in the mountains, and Tyler discusses how he approaches each p...