Takis Talk

Share this episode of Takis Talk In this episode, we sit down with Robert Gray, Building Official for the Town of Los Gatos, for a wide-ranging conversation about building safety leadership, code development, local government, housing challenges, professional service, and the importance of getting involved in the organizations that shape our industry. Robert is one of those people who seems to be...

Share this episode of Takis Talk California’s 2026 ADU rules make it easier than ever to add a backyard home, garage conversion, or in‑home unit, and smart SEO can help your “California ADU 2026” content get found by the right homeowners, investors, and local officials. This post walks through what changed, why ADUs matter, and how to position your site to capture growing search traffic around Cal...

Share this episode of Takis Talk Takis Talk episode 11 dives into the life, leadership, and legacy of Mike Savage, a nationally respected building official, ICC executive board member, master electrician, and former military servicemember whose career has helped shape the modern building safety profession. In this in-depth conversation, Mike shares how a family construction legacy, frontline inspe...

Share this episode of Takis Talk What does it take to rise from code enforcement officer to Chief Building Official in just over a decade? In this episode of Takis Talk , host Greg Diktakis sits down with Jose Ibarra Geniz, the newly appointed Building and Safety Manager for Buena Park, California, to unpack the mindset, discipline, and leadership philosophy that helped accelerate his career in pu...

Share this episode of Takis Talk What happens when a kid who grows up lining up nails on a jobsite decides to read the International Residential Code cover to cover — just to understand the “why”? In this episode of Takis Talk, that curiosity story comes full circle with David Spencer, Immediate Past President of the International Code Council and Director of Operations at SafeBuilt, whose career...

Share this episode of Takis Talk Government communications is at the heart of this episode, as you sit down with Kara Roberson, Strategic Communications Officer for the City of Wentzville, Missouri, to unpack how a fast‑growing community uses smart messaging, data, and creativity to truly connect with residents. From managing 29 different communication channels to doubling down on branding and soc...

Share this episode of Takis Talk A childhood spent dodging sniper fire is a brutal teacher, but it forged one of the calmest leaders we know. Chief Building Official Frank Bufarish joins us to share how growing up in Lebanon’s civil war shaped a perspective that now powers Livermore, California’s forward-looking building division—where empathy, clear thinking, and relentless coordination turn comp...

Share this episode of Takis Talk This episode of Takis Talk delivers a compelling interview with Lee Butler, Director of Planning and Community Development for the City of Santa Cruz—a pivotal figure propelling one of California’s most dramatic housing turnarounds. Immerse yourself as our host Butler in a vibrant, candid conversation about the tough realities, surprising wins, and visionary leader...

Share this episode of Takis Talk Leading with Vision: Executive Recruitment, Strategic Planning, and Team Culture in Local Government Local government leaders are tasked with guiding their communities into a more resilient and vibrant future. The journey from planner to Assistant City Manager—and now, executive recruiter and strategic planner with Tripepi Smith —gives Christine Martin a unique van...

Share this episode of Takis Talk Building Resilient Communities: A Conversation with Wayne Snell of the City of Irving, Texas Episode guest: Wayne Snell, Director of Inspections, City of Irving, Texas Host: Greg Diktakis, Takis Talk Podcast   Introduction When it comes to shaping safe, thriving cities, few voices are as insightful as Wayne Snell’s . As the Director of Inspections for the City of I...

Share this episode of Takis Talk When José Madrigal became City Manager of Durango, Colorado in the middle of a pandemic and following a financial scandal, he faced a mountain of challenges — and not just the literal ones surrounding Durango. In this episode, José shares how he rebuilt trust through transparency, empowered his team with autonomy, and created a culture rooted in authenticity and fa...

Share this episode of Takis Talk Takis Talk – Episode with Ceci Muela In this episode of Takis Talk , host Greg Diktakis sits down with Ceci Muela, Interim Deputy Director and Chief Building Official for the City of Oakland, to explore the balance between leadership, community service, and resilience. Ceci shares her journey from single mom to respected leader, drawing inspiration from The Alchemi...

Share this episode of Takis Talk Not the same old boring PowerPoint presentation. Take a listen, see what's coming. Connect at TakisTalk.com