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

In this episode of The Builder’s Edge, host Deanna Lucas dives into a critical mistake that could be draining your business budget and stunting growth: running ads before your digital presence is ready. Deanna breaks down why more traffic doesn’t always mean more clients, using the story of a business owner whose ad spend led to clicks but no conversions. From outdated websites to missing reviews...

In this episode of The Builder’s Edge, Deanna Lucas honors Military Appreciation Month by spotlighting Matt Anderson, a veteran with six years of active duty in the Army and one year in the National Guard, now thriving as the owner of a SunMed Health and Wellness in Quincy, Illinois. Matt shares his remarkable transition from military service to entrepreneurship, driven by a personal mission to ed...

In this episode of The Builder’s Edge, host Deanna Lucas dives into the art of writing Google reviews that make a real impact for both customers and businesses. Far from being just a star rating, a well-crafted review is a digital testimony that builds trust, drives business, and multiplies impact within your community. Deanna shares a powerful parable of two farmers at a well; one who simply take...

In this episode of The Builder’s Edge, host Deanna shares a powerful re-frame for business owners who feel invisible online despite having a quality offer. She flips the typical marketing script, reminding listeners that Google doesn’t reward noise; it rewards answers. If your content isn’t solving real problems, you're just adding to the clutter. Instead of chasing likes, clicks, and shallow visi...

In this episode, host Deanna Lucas shares how a simple shift in mindset can become the game-changer your building business needs. With over 30 years in the industry, she dives into the hidden mindset mistakes that quietly sabotage your growth—and how to fix them. Whether you're stuck in stagnant strategies, overwhelmed with lead management, or simply blending in with your competitors, this episode...

In this inspiring episode of The Builder's Edge Podcast, we honor our military heroes and welcome Raylan Heck, a former Army Ranger and founder of Warriors Peace, and Noel Famy, a 22-year Marine Corps veteran and transformational coach. Both men share powerful stories of resilience, faith, and leadership—from deployments in Afghanistan and Iraq to overcoming personal tragedy and trauma. Raylan ope...

In this episode, host Deanna Lucas breaks down the real reason your posts aren't turning into clients—and it has nothing to do with how often you're posting. She explains why most contractors are wasting time with random content and how a personal brand changes the game. You’ll learn the four major mistakes contractors make, why content without strategy is just noise, and how to fix it by building...

In this episode of The Builder’s Edge Podcast, host Deanna Lucas teams up with marketing expert Cory Long to dive into the Builder’s Visibility Blueprint; a powerful guide to help contractors and builders go from overlooked to in-demand. Drawing from over 30 years in the trades and a decade of marketing experience for construction pros, Deanna and Cory expose the harsh truth: you can be the best b...

In this episode of the Builder’s Edge Podcast, host Deanna Lucas sits down with Raymond Mertens, founder of Wildwood Flooring, to uncover how niching down to exclusively offer pre-finished wood flooring completely transformed his business. With over 25 years in the trades, Ray shares how a return to his roots—literally the scent of sawdust from childhood—led to simplifying his services, cutting cl...

In this episode of The Builder’s Edge Podcast, host Deanna Lucas sits down with Amon Medinger, founder of Home Healer Handyman Service, to explore how one man’s flooded basement, a painful injury, and a whole lot of faith turned into a thriving, trusted business. Amon shares how he transitioned from an 11-year tech support job to becoming the go-to handyman in his small-town community. You’ll hear...

In this episode, host Deanna Lucas pulls back the curtain on one of the most overlooked issues hurting small businesses: having a website with no SEO. She explains why just having a website isn’t enough—if your business doesn’t show up on Google, you are invisible. Period. Deanna shares eye-opening stats and real-world examples to show how lack of SEO is costing small business owners leads, revenu...

In this episode of The Builder’s Edge, host Deanna Lucas welcomes Jeremy Holbrook, founder of Holbrook Outdoor Solutions—a land grading and site preparation company rooted in strong faith, family values, and a clear mission. Jeremy isn’t just shaping the land; he’s shaping a legacy built on his L.I.F.E. framework: Learning, Integrity, Fulfillment, and Evolution. From mowing lawns in middle school...

In this heartfelt episode of The Builder’s Edge: Mastering the Business Side of Building, host Deanna Lucas sits down with someone who has shaped not only her career but an entire family legacy—her father, Bernard. Together, they reflect on five generations of craftsmanship, resilience, and innovation in the construction industry. From humble beginnings as a coal miner navigating union strikes to...

In this episode of The Builder’s Edge, host Deanna Lucas welcomes Tim Holloway, to share his powerful journey from a troubled past to building a thriving career in construction, leadership, and entrepreneurship. Tim opens up about how mentorship changed his life, helping him transition from homelessness and addiction to a successful career in marketing. He discusses the power of resilience, discip...

In this episode of The Builder’s Edge, host Deanna Lucas shares her journey from hands-on builder to business strategist, revealing why mastering the business side of construction is essential for long-term success. Too often, builders inherit their craft through family or experience but struggle with pricing, client management, and scaling—leaving them stuck in a cycle of hard work with little re...

Are you a small business owner, contractor, or entrepreneur in the construction industry struggling to manage and grow your business? The Builder’s Edge is here to help you create the business you want, one that doesn’t consume your life but works for you. Hosted by an industry veteran with over 30 years of experience, this podcast dives into the real challenges business owners face, too few leads...