The Builder’s Edge - Mastering the Business Side of Building

If you want effortless goal achievement without the hustle-and-burnout cycle, this episode breaks down the simple system that creates real momentum. Learn how to use clarity, flow, and leverage to grow your business—even when you’re overwhelmed, distracted, or wearing every hat.2) What You’ll Learn Why clarity doesn’t come from thinking—it comes from actionHow to shrink any goal into a 10-minute (...

Ever looked at a tool on your jobsite and thought, there’s got to be a better way? In this episode of The Builder’s Edge, painting contractor turned inventor Laurence Ash shares how he turned a simple jobsite hack into the patented Diplomat Brush — and how you can turn your jobsite idea into a real product. If you’re a builder, contractor, or trades pro with an idea for a better tool or system, th...

What does it really take to reinvent yourself, scale a contracting business, and break into high-end commercial construction? In this episode of The Builder’s Edge, we sit down with Nathan Dockery, a civil engineer turned top-tier developer, to unpack the systems, mindset, and leadership that built the Dockery Group. Commercial construction, design-build, and contractor growth strategies—this one...

Starting a business at 40 with $0 in a crowded HVAC market sounds crazy… until you hear Tim Harrell’s story. From a near-death experience in the ICU to launching Giddy Up HVAC in Temple, Texas, Tim built everything on faith, integrity, and old-school word of mouth. If you’re a contractor, builder, or service business owner wondering if you’ve “missed your chance,” this episode of The Builder’s Edg...

He moved to a city where he knew no one, bought a roofing company that was already dead… and resurrected it. Twice. In this episode, you’ll learn how to build a profitable roofing business without being “the cheapest guy” on the bid sheet. Perfect for roofing contractors, home service business owners, and anyone tired of racing to the bottom on price. What You’ll Learn / HighlightsHow Chuck “accid...

Entrepreneurship isn’t about more “hustle”—it’s about better systems, mindset, and marketing. In this episode, Certified Master Inspector and founder of I Am Home Inspections, Ian Mayer, shows exactly how he went from laid off to leading a team, with balance.  What You’ll Learn / Highlights The day a layoff on Ventura Blvd became the launchpad for a home inspection business Why marketing (not tech...

If “success” is costing your soul, this is your reset. In this episode of The Builder’s Edge, we sit down with Darryl Dudley, founder of She’s My Daughter, to unpack purpose-driven leadership that protects women, strengthens communities, and kills burnout at the root. Leading with purpose starts here. What You’ll Learn / Highlights • The origin of She’s My Daughter and the mindset that actually re...

Too many skilled contractors are hidden in plain sight, working hard, doing great work, but wondering why the phone’s not ringing. In this episode of The Builder’s Edge, we’re unpacking a hard truth: if your face isn’t visible, neither is your business. Amon Medinger , founder of Home Healer Handyman Service, returns for a powerful conversation on visibility, authenticity, and the game-changing im...

What do you do when life tells you you’re worthless? In this raw and hope-filled episode of The Builder’s Edge, we sit down with Larry Crespin, a contractor, electrician, home and pool builder, and full-time disciple of Jesus, whose story proves that God really can turn trash into treasure. Larry grew up fatherless, faith-tested, and written off by most… but he refused to be defined by his past. T...

What if the leap you’ve been dreaming about didn’t need to be perfect, just courageous? In this powerful episode of The Builder's Edge, we're catching entrepreneur Cain McWilliams right in the middle of his jump from employee to business owner. No hindsight wisdom here, just raw honesty, real strategy, and the mindset shifts happening in real time. After years in law enforcement, manufacturing, an...

How do you turn five layoffs into a thriving business that empowers others to succeed? In this episode of The Builder’s Edge, host Deanna Lucas sits down with Jeff Wisdom, founder of Wise Design & Management, to explore the power of resilience, design strategy, and kingdom-minded building. Jeff shares how his 18-year journey in the AEC (architecture, engineering, construction) world, and five unex...

Is your marketing stuck in the past? Here’s why your funnel isn’t working, and how to fix it. For years, contractors and service pros have been taught to rely on the trusty old sales funnel, awareness, interest, decision, action. But if you’ve ever had a lead ghost you after a quote or disappear after saying “I’ll think about it,” you already know something’s off. In this episode of The Builder’s...

Homeowners everywhere have felt the anxiety. Can I really trust this contractor? Horror stories of unfinished projects, hidden costs, and broken promises echo through the industry. But what if building a home addition could feel different, not just structurally sound, but relationally solid? That’s the story today’s guest is living out. In this episode of The Builder’s Edge, host Deanna Lucas sits...

What if your next breakthrough in business wasn’t about doing more, but doing less, more consistently? So many builders, contractors, and entrepreneurs find themselves stuck, not from laziness, but from trying to do everything perfectly. In this powerful episode of The Builder’s Edge, host Deanna Lucas sits down with coach Jesse Holmes, a master at helping six-figure entrepreneurs overcome the #1...

What if the biggest leak in your construction business wasn’t in your pipes, but in your books? In this episode of The Builder’s Edge, we expose a hidden accounting mistake that’s draining the bank accounts of nearly 9 out of 10 builders: the miscalculated Work In Progress Adjustment (WIPAA). You’re working hard, winning jobs, and sending invoices, but if you’re not tracking this one financial met...

Is your remodeling business stuck in old-school marketing, and missing out on modern lead-gen magic? This episode of The Builder’s Edge unpacks how to create experiences that don’t just attract customers, but empower them. We sit down with Tony Hoty, a Cleveland-based innovator who transformed his door-to-door hustle into an $11 million remodeling empire. From pioneering the first-ever 24-hour sho...

What if your biggest mistake became the blueprint for your greatest success? In this inspiring and candid episode of The Builder’s Edge, we dive into the remarkable story of Carl Petite, founder of Columbia Water Gardens. From accidentally flooding his backyard as a kid to becoming a nationally recognized water feature artist and educator, Carl shares how a painful pivot from the car business led...

What if the real problem isn't too many leads, but the fear of what they'll bring? In this episode of The Builder’s Edge, host Deanna Lucas tackles one of the most common (and limiting) beliefs in the trades: “If I get more leads, I won’t be able to keep up.” Sound familiar? You’re not alone, and you’re also not stuck. Deanna dismantles the myth that an overflowing pipeline leads to overwhelm, and...

What if the secret to scaling your business isn’t working harder, but thinking differently? In this episode of The Builder’s Edge, Deanna Lucas sits down with AC Lockyer; entrepreneur, author, speaker, and yes, the undisputed Soft Wash King. From humble beginnings sweeping his father's floors to building a global network of 150+ soft wash companies, AC shares how he turned pressure washing into an...

It’s halftime, builders. The calendar says August, and that means it’s time for a gut check, not a guilt trip. In this solo episode of The Builder’s Edge, we’re not panicking, we’re taking back power. Host Deanna Lucas walks you through a practical, powerful mid-year audit to help you hit reset on what’s dragging your business down. Because if you don’t pause and pivot now, you’ll coast into Q4 on...

In this episode of The Builder’s Edge, host Deanna Lucas sits down with bookkeeping expert Deborah Gustin to expose the real cost of messy finances in your business. If you’ve ever avoided your books out of guilt, overwhelm, or straight-up confusion; this one’s for you. Deborah breaks it down so even the busiest contractor can understand why clean books are a game changer. It's not about perfectio...

In this episode of The Builder’s Edge podcast, host Deanna Lucas delivers a powerful breakdown of the five essential systems every trades business needs to scale efficiently and reduce chaos. From solo operators to those managing full crews, Deanna outlines how to transform your business with systems that ensure you get found, chosen, and paid; consistently. She dives into the critical components...

In this episode of The Builder’s Edge, host Deanna Lucas sits down with Benson Fechter, the visionary founder of Legacy Paint Holdings, who transformed a high school side hustle into a multi-company empire. Starting with a ladder and a minivan, Benson scaled his painting business into a national platform by leveraging systems, strategic acquisitions, and a passion for empowering contractors. He sh...

In this episode of The Builder's Edge podcast, host Deanna Lucas speaks to business builders, tradespeople, and entrepreneurs facing setbacks, drawing from her own experience during the 2008 housing market crash when her thriving business came to a halt. This episode is for anyone who’s been shaken, slowed, or sidelined, wondering if their dream is still alive or if failure is final. Deanna refram...

Dive into this episode of The Builder's Edge, where host Deanna Lucas speaks with returning guest Amon Medinger, a thriving handyman business owner whose journey exemplifies the power of personal growth. This episode shifts gears from tools and trades to the mindset that drives success, offering contractors and tradesmen actionable insights to build not just stronger businesses, but richer lives....