The Innovative Builder Podcast

In Episode 43, Rachel Johnson, President and CEO of APEX, joins us to explore how Duluth is reigniting its economic momentum. We discuss how growing the economy means more than just numbers — it’s about creating jobs, increasing income, attracting investment, fostering innovation, and ultimately improving quality of life across the region.

In Episode 42 of The Innovative Builder Podcast, we sit down with Thryv experts to explore how this innovative software has transformed business management for small trades. Discover Thryv's evolution, from its origins to its current state, and learn how it streamlines crucial tasks like scheduling, client communication, and invoicing. Join us to uncover how Thryv empowers small businesses, of...

In this episode, Nate Beaulieu joins us with a presentation to address the health concerns of construction field staff. Focusing on the prevalent struggle with sugar and caffeine, Nate explores their potential benefits and drawbacks. With insightful points, he reveals how these stimulants can be both helpful and harmful, depending on their usage. Gain valuable insights on balancing sugar and caffe...

In this episode, Ty Sundberg chats with Connor Sundberg, a concrete expert who knows the ins and outs of the construction industry. They dive into the quality of concrete used in current building projects and how it exceeds industry standards in terms of durability and longevity. Connor also introduces some new resurfacing products that can be used for all sorts of jobs, from sprucing up old sidew...

In this podcast episode, Ty Sundberg interviews Bridget Erickson to dive into her lifelong passion for design and her journey toward further developing her skills in this field. Bridget shares her experiences and insights about growing up with an eye for design, the various projects she has undertaken, and the steps she has taken to improve her design abilities.

Why are my floors super cold in the winter? Why does my roof have ice dams? How do I figure out where all of my heat is escaping? In this episode of the Innovative Builder Podcast Ty Sundberg sits down with Ray Sundberg to talk about energy efficiency, and heat loss. This episode will shine a light on many questions you may have if you own a home especially in Northern Minnesota. Also Ray discusse...

Ty sits down with a fellow BNI member Joe Gonrowski from IST Crossfit to talk about the importance of networking to grow a start up business.  Joe is a strength and conditioning coach at IST Crossfit (Impact Strength Conditioning). Joe earned his Masters in Exercise Physiology from St. Scholastica in 2019. Joe is from Elk River, Minnesota and went to college at Saint Scholastica whe...

In this Episode Ty Sundberg sits down with J&RS's Design Manager Jeannifer Ellington to discuss the value add that design brings to our customers as well as design philosophy and the fundamentals that contribute to great design.

In this episode Ty Sundberg sits down with past customer Andy Johnson. Andy shares his personal story and career as well as some entertaining stories of his travels around the world. Most of all Andy shares his experience in working with J&RS. In 2020 Andy and his Wife ended up choosing J&RS to perform an extensive remodel project on their home in Duluth MN. Andy goes into the details of w...

In this episode Ty and Austin talk about how important it is to have a good pulse on the company's financial situation, from work in progress (WIP) processes, to the necessity of finance to help guide the company's trajectory.  The stereotypical accountant is boring, loves math, and has no life.  This perception is false, especially when it comes to Austin. Austin is full of passion, and...

What are the guys on the ground saying? It is always fascinating to get the perspective from the field, especially the newest hires. Their first impressions hold a lot of weight, as their view of the company and its culture are unbiased as they try to navigate uncharted waters.

Micki grew up in the Duluth area and she started out her career in the medical field. After about a decade in the medical field as a transcriptionist she made the transition to her husband's family business (Reliable Insurance Agency). Micki loves spending time with her family, she enjoys watching her kids sports and being in the outdoors.  In this episode Ty sits down with Micki Wojtysiak an...

In this episode Lampert Lumbers Ron Leslie gives valuable insight into how the building materials industry has been affected in the last couple of years by Covid-19, from increases in demand and lack of people in the work force. Ron breaks down the many factors that contribute to longer lead times on not only building materials but products in every industry. Although times may have been tough in...

In this episode Ty sits down with marketing assistant Louie Sundberg.  Louie started out like the rest of his brothers. After high school if no plan is solidified yet, you go work for the family construction company. Louie did well with trim carpentry, but when the opportunity arose for him to join marketing, he gladly obliged. Today Louie is a crucial member of the marketing team at J&RS...

"The best way to achieve personal growth is by putting yourself in those uncomfortable situations" - Matthew Ward In this episode Ty gets to know Trim Supervisor Matt Ward on a deeper level, Matt shares insight into his personal trials, dreams, and passions. 

Last week in episode 27 part 1. our design team went live at the International Builders Show in Orlando Florida to discuss some of the highlights of the show and what they were seeing.  In this episode Ty sits down with Sam, Max, and Nate to recap their trip and to gather the perspective of the Build team. They discuss everything from new innovative products to the latest and greatest constru...

We sat down during our trip to Orlando Florida for the International Builders Show to discuss what we’re seeing and our biggest highlights. We caught up with the design team to talk about some of their favorite parts thus far!

Jeff Aili is a sales coach by day and a multi-family real estate investor by night. He started his career in the HVAC business and from there went on to work for a basement repair company. His experience as a salesman in the trades has been monumental in the development of his sales coaching career.  In this episode the host Ty Sundberg discusses Jeffs passion for real-estate and his role at...

In this episode Max, Ty, and Ray reflect on the craziness of 2021 where J&RS opened up a new showroom and design studio in West Duluth and started a marketing and branding company (Framework). They also discuss their annual business meeting and the goals that were set for 2022.

In this episode Ty Sundberg sits down with J&RS Supervisor Mike Shaeffer. Mike is one of the seasoned veterans at J&RS, and his insight and pleasant demeanor are highly respected.  In today's fast paced world of social media, instant gratification, and philosophical & intellectual superiority we often overlook the simple value of basic human decency and leadership. Listen to this...

In this episode Max discusses his winding journey to J&RS. From creating music videos for big names in Washington DC to ending up in Duluth MN, as a Brand & Marketing Director for a residential construction company.

Ty Sundberg sits down with J&RS Foreman Tyler Jablonski and discusses Tylers recent promotion and the challenges of learning to lead a crew. To learn more about our company visit JRSDuluth.com

In this episode of The Innovative Builder we sit down and have a conversation about our decision to step out of the new home industry and put our focus into remodeling and other services in the hope of positively impacting more homes and customers around us. The podcast is sponsored by J&RS Build, a start to finish construction company and design showroom located in Duluth, Minnesota. To learn...

In this episode of The Innovative Builder we had the privilege's of hosting the author of the best selling marketing book "They Ask You Answer", Marcus Sheridan. In our conversation we pick Marcus's brain about marketing, sales, and how to be truly honest with customers. Marcus discusses his book "They Ask You Answer" and gave us some great advice on how we can apply the principles in his book to...

Our new host Rory Sundberg sits down with Jeannifer Ellington who is one of our most recent hires for J&RS Finish and she has started as a kitchen & bath designer. Jeannifer talks about her decision to move to Duluth from South Carolina to start a new chapter in her life. The Innovative Builder Podcast features conversations with professional individuals in the residential construction ind...