The DREAM BuildCast

In Episode 7 of The DREAM BuildCast, Nicholas Robinson is joined by Alex Walker and Devon Ellis for a candid, real-world conversation with Yavonda, owner of Guardian Angels Adult Day Services, about what it actually takes to open and operate an adult daycare. This episode goes far beyond theory. Yavonda shares her personal journey — from walking away from a building with a failing foundation, to i...

In Episode 6 of The DREAM BuildCast, Nicholas Robinson sits down with repeat DREAM Builders client and highly respected daycare operator Sherika Lipsey-Muex, founder of Preschool Academy, along with Alex Walker and Devon Ellis, for one of the most informative episodes yet. Sherika has opened and operated multiple childcare centers from in-home programs to full commercial facilities, and brings unm...

In Part 2 of Episode 5 of The DREAM BuildCast, Nicholas Robinson continues the Change of Use discussion with Alex Walker and Devon Ellis, diving even deeper into the real-world challenges of adapting existing buildings for new uses — from business to daycare and beyond. This episode moves from theory to practice, unpacking how code categories, hazard levels, and compartmentalization directly affec...

In Part 1 of Episode 5 of The DREAM BuildCast, Nicholas Robinson, Alex Walker, and Devon Ellis break down one of the most misunderstood concepts in design and development: the Change of Use. What seems like a simple switch (like converting a retail store into a daycare) can trigger major design, code, and cost implications. This episode unpacks exactly what that means, why it happens, and how it i...

In Part 2 of Episode 4 of The DREAM BuildCast, the conversation with Baron Hentz continues, diving even deeper into what it’s really like to navigate Milwaukee’s complex permitting, inspection, and plan review systems as a small business owner and developer. Nicholas, Alex, and Devon explore how bureaucratic silos, inconsistent code interpretation, and lack of accountability can make or break a pr...

In Part 1 of Episode 4 of The DREAM BuildCast, Nicholas, Alex, and Devon sit down with Baron Hentz — master electrician, business owner, and U.S. Army veteran — to unpack a real-world story of determination, red tape, and resilience in the face of bureaucracy. Baron opens up about his experience purchasing and rehabilitating a long-vacant commercial property in Milwaukee, sharing the full picture...

In Episode 3 of The DREAM BuildCast, Nicholas, Devon, and Alex break down one of the most misunderstood topics in real estate and design — the difference between zoning codes and building codes — and why understanding both can save you time, money, and stress before you start any project. This episode dives into the real-world impact of zoning laws, how municipal approvals like the Board of Zoning...

In this episode of The DREAM BuildCast, Nicholas, Alex, and Devon dive deep into the world of one- and two-family residential design, unpacking the technical, financial, and practical considerations every homeowner should know before remodeling, expanding, or finishing a space. Building off Episode 1’s “Where Do I Start?” theme, this discussion explores how local building codes, zoning, and constr...

In the very first episode of The DREAM BuildCast, we dive into the big question every aspiring builder, business owner, or developer faces: “Where do I start?” Join Nicholas and guests Alex and Devon as they break down the early stages of development from feasibility and planning to architecture, engineering, and construction management. Using real-world examples like restaurants and daycares, the...