The Punch List Podcast

What separates a collection of houses from a place people fight to be part of? For John Hillman, the answer starts before the first stake goes in the ground. In this episode of The Punch List Podcast, Matt Birdwell, Jennifer O’Neal, and Ian MacDonald sit down with John Hillman — the vision behind two of Northeast Florida’s most intentionally designed communities: Crane Island, a private gated encl...

In this special mini episode of The Punch List Podcast, we take a focused look at what it really means to be part of the Northeast Florida Builders Association. Whether you are a builder, trade partner, or industry professional considering membership, this episode breaks down the three pillars that define the NEFBA experience: Advocacy - Learn how NEFBA gives members a unified voice at the local,...

Jen O'Neil returns to the The Punch List Podcast to join Matt and Ian for a conversation on what it really takes to lead and grow. From the perspective of a premier custom home builder, a mortgage originator leading a team ranked in the top 1% nationally, and a business owner who has scaled through franchising across the United States, this episode dives into building strong teams, creating a...

Service is what separates a supplier from a true partner. In Part 2 of our conversation, Jim Schneider of Schneider Construction (Custom Home Builder out of Cape Charles, VA) and Seth Kelley of MCG Homes (Custom Home Builder & Remodeler out of Amelia Island, FL) dive in to the role service plays in transforming supplier relationships from simple transactions in to long-term partnerships. They...

In this Episode of The Punch List Podcast Seth Kelley of MCG Homes (Custom Home Builder & Remodeler out of Amelia Island, FL) and Jim Schneider of Schneider Construction (Custom Home Builder out of Cape Charles, VA) join the conversation to discus one of the most important drivers of success in custom homebuilding and remodeling: strong trade relationships. They share practical insight on buil...

In this episode of The Punch List Podcast, hosts Matt Birdwell and Ian MacDonald sit down with Scott Brannock of Tidewater Homes - a boutique custom home builder making its mark in Northeast Florida. Scott shares his journey growing a personalized, high-quality homebuilding company and how strong relationships - with clients, trades, and peers - have been central to that success. As the incoming p...

This is Part 2 of our conversation with Dr. Alex Stewart of The Market Distillery. In this conversation, Ian and Matt sit down with Dr. Alex Stewart of The Market Distillery to tackle one of the biggest challenges today: affordability.  Together, they distill insights on the housing market, connect the dots between real estate agents and custom home builders, and explore how collaboration can crea...

In this first of a two-part series, Ian and Matt welcome Dr. Alex Stewart of The Market Distillery to The Punch List Podcast. Together, they unpack the housing economy and explore how broader market trends connect to custom home building and remodeling. Whether you're in the trades, building a dream home, or simply curious about where the housing market is headed, this conversation lays the f...

When clients ask for a per-square-foot cost, the answer usually starts with “it all depends.” In this episode, Ian and Matt sit down with Steve Morgan of Riverside Homes Custom to unpack the key factors that shape the cost of a custom build. You’ll learn why every build is unique, why transparency matters, and how to have a smarter “per-foot” conversation with clients.

Matt Birdwell goes from host to guest on this episode to talk about how clear systems, strong culture, and a focus on the client experience lead to consistent success.

For the last two years, Ian has traveled to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) International Builder Show taking detailed notes and bringing that information back to his local market. In this episode, Ian & Matt talk through the highlights and top takeaways. They cover marketing for custom home builders and remodelers to utilizing professional service agreements. You don't w...

Architect Mike Stauffer joins The Punch List Podcast to discuss Custom Home Architecture and his process. Mike is one of the most sought out Architects in our local market, and beyond. Check out this episode to learn about his process, gain some knowledge on Architecture, and see how important it is for the builder and architect to be on the same page not just during the build, but from the start...

Nile has taken lessons learned from his time at Florida State University, where he was a National Champion and All ACC player, to his time in the NFL to help build a successful business in Northeast Florida. There is a lot packed in to this 30 minute episode. You don't want to miss it! Mixed & Edited by Next Day Podcast info@nextdaypodcast.com

James Gonzalez from Cobb Gonzalez joins The Punch List Podcast to talk construction law. While one podcast is never enough to learn everything about construction law, James breaks down a wide range of topics ranging from lien law, contracts, warranty, licensing, and insurance. Check it out! Mixed & Edited by Next Day Podcast info@nextdaypodcast.com

Chris Wood and Matt Roberts have grown Riverside Homes in to not only a premier home builder in Northeast Florida but also a premier company. Listen to their story about how they have used core values to build a great team and diversification in the market. Matt and Chris have built Riverside Homes from the ground up to in include a neighborhood/production division, a custom home division, and a c...

Ian recently attended The International Builders Show and put what he learned in the different sessions in to some "copious notes" (according to Jen). Matt, Jen, and Ian break down these notes and nuggets in the latest episode of The Punch List Podcast. Topics range from design build to sales process to forecasting 2024 to name a few. If you are in the Custom Home Building and Remodeling...

On Episode 31 of The Punch List Podcast, Matt Carlton of Carlton Construction talks about growing a construction company focused on creating buildings and spaces that enrich lives. Matt is a homegrown Clay County success story. He grew up in the area where he now runs a successful construction company that not only is a market leader, but focuses on staying engaged with the local community through...

University of North Florida Construction Management students join The Punch List Podcast to ask questions about residential construction, business, and finance. Professor Michele Lamarsh allowed us to join her Construction Finance class at UNF for this unique opportunity. Check it out and see what is on today's construction management students minds! You never know what you may learn.

Michael Stern from Total Business Systems joins Ian, Matt, and Jen to discuss what the latest technology and cybersecurity threats are to your business and the ways to protect yourself. Michael is an expert in IT solutions and the latest in cybersecurity. You don't want to miss this episode! Mixed & Edited by Next Day Podcast .

John and Anthony from Five Smooth Stones Smart Home Solutions join Matt and Ian to discuss the latest in home technology. We sat down with these technology experts at their new showroom to learn how using home technology in your Custom Home or Remodel will make your home safe, smart, and fun. These guys have formed deep relationships with many of the top custom home builders and remodelers in the...

Certified Emotional Intelligence Analyst and Certified Master Coach Karen Nutter joins The Punch List Podcast to discuss Emotional Intelligence and DISC styles. Ian, Matt, and Jen go over their personal DISC results with Karen and discuss the importance of understanding each others strengths and characteristics. You don't want to miss this episode where we explore why does Emotional Intellige...

Lisa Gielincki of Lisa Gielincki Interior Designs, Inc. joins The Punch List Podcast to discuss interior design and so much more! We discuss with Lisa the importance of integrating interior design early on in the remodeling and custom home building process. Lisa also shares some insightful nuggets about running a business and being an industry leader in the marketplace. You don't want to miss...

Where are the next generation of tradespeople coming from? Listen in to Matt, Jen, and Ian as they are joined by Tim Conlan, NEFBA Training Vice President as he shares information on the NEFBA Apprenticeship Program. If you have ever wondered where the next generation in trades will come from, this is where you find out. Check it out!

Kim Martin Fisher and Jennifer Martin Faulkner join us to discuss the luxury real estate world. The luxury real estate market they serve is filled with Custom Homes. Take a listen to learn more about how integrated the Custom Home and Remodeling space is in to luxury real estate.

Kristin Keen of Rethreaded joins Matt, Jen, and Ian to share her amazing story and that of Rethreaded. Rethreaded's mission is to harness the power of business to create choice for survivors of human trafficking. Learn more about this amazing organization and how your business can align with purpose driven organizations to help improve your community. You don't want to miss this episode!