The Real Build

In this episode of The Real Build, I sat Down with Anthony and Nick Abbruzzese of Abbruzzese floors. The Abbruzzese brothers and I talked about being in a family business and how we, as the second generation, are eliminating the stigma of 2nd generation business owners not caring and failing the family business. We talked about how we were blessed with an opportunity to make it even better. Abbruz...

In this episode of The Real Build, I sat down with Ryan Austin, Owner of Birmingham Sealcoat.  Ryan and I talked about how Employees build your company. It's not just you. Your employees and your culture are what will make or break your company. You need to give up control and make people within your organization a part of your company. We also talked about the importance of customer service....

In this episode of The Real Build, I wanted to discuss the closing process and how we go about the final touches in the homes we build. This has been heavy on my mind because we currently have two houses we are closing on. It is a lot of leg work to get everything finalized. Painters, Trim Carpenters, Cabinets, appliances, tile, countertops, electricians, low voltage, and more! People are running...

In this episode of The Real Build, I talk about the state of the home building industry and where I think it will go. I talked about how we continue to face material increases, supply chain disruptions, and labor shortages. As these things may not completely disappear in 2022, there is optimism that things may ease. We continue to face a lack of labor force nationally in construction. It has been...

In this episode of The Real Build, I sat down with Josh Sanders, owner of Sanders and Sons Handyman LLC, Johnson City, Tennessee. Josh and I talked about everything you need to look for before hiring your next handyman service. Having a good handyman service is essential. We don't always have the time to take care of the small jobs around our home. This is where Josh and Sanders, and Sons can help...

In this episode of The Real Build, we talk about taxes and how you can save money when buying, building, selling, or renting a home. I had tax expert Lisa Bloomfield of Wasatch CPA Services in Spanish Fork, Utah, talk about what you need to start doing to save money in real estate and construction. Lisa has over 20 years of experience in accounting and tax. Over the past three years, she and her p...

In this episode of The Real Build, I sat down with Royal Mortier, owner of PLIRIS. Royal and I talked about the importance of engineering in the build process. We also discussed the architectural process and how Royal is changing how architecture is done and making it more efficient. He also has made it way more cost-effective for clients. Royal Mortier is a Structural Engineer, Developer, and the...

I've said this before real estate and building go hand in hand. As a broker and a builder, I've been blessed with the ability to help people more than just get the property and build them a home. Doing both real estate and construction has really helped me see what people want in these industries from dealing with both sides. We get a lot of referrals from realtors. But I wouldn’t get those referr...

In this episode of The Real Build, I sat down with Arnie Didier, the COO And Principal / Founder of Forest Business Network. With lumber costs fluctuating, I thought Arnie would be the perfect person to discuss what we should expect with the lumber market and the future of building homes. The Forest Business Network is focused on the Forest Products Industry and Mass timber construction industry....

In this episode of The Real Build, I sat down with Keith Callaway Jr., Owner of K&L Industries. Keith and I discussed some important topics within the construction industry. These topics were hiring, dealing with employees, communication, and family business.   Growing up, Keith didn't live a bad life. He had a great family that helped provide for him. He got married young but, after year...

In this episode of The Real Build, I answer a question from a show listener named Bashir. Bashir is an architect and builder from Nigeria. Bashir asked, "I have been trying to go into Luxury real estate In Nigeria for some time, but no headway. what am I not doing right?" I have been asked a similar question of how I combine both real estate and construction. This episode covers how I built my rea...

 In this episode of The Real Build, I wanted to discuss a recent custom home project that we did not get.  As entrepreneurs, we want to take on every opportunity.  It is in our competitive nature.  Especially a three million dollar project!  I recently had this opportunity slip away.   Now you may be thinking that sucks, but hear me out on this one.  Sometim...

In this episode of The Real Build, I sat down with Jay Opus of Opus Homes.  I wanted to have Jay on the show to discuss his journey as a new home builder and Multi-family developer and what he is doing to stand out from the competition.  Jay is new to construction, and he has already successfully built six homes and is working on a multi-family project.  He also works full-time as a...

In this episode of The Real Build, I sit down with Jesse Piccolo, the owner of Vetted Ventures.  Vetted Ventures is a brokerage firm that represents the world's most exclusive assets by integrating its clients to revolutionize private asset sales and acquisition management.  They broker some of the most prominent car and real estate deals in the U.S.  Jesse sources secures and manag...

In this episode of The Real Build, I wanted to reflect on what I'm thankful for.  With Thanksgiving around the corner, we all need to look at what we are truly grateful for.  I am thankful to be a contractor.  It has brought me so many fantastic opportunities, from real estate sales to a home watch business.  I have met and helped so many great people along the way. I grew up w...

In this episode of The Real Build, I got the privilege to sit down with Laura Reale, part-owner of AquaReale pond builders and Landscape Marketing Secrets.  Laura is an email marketing expert.  She knows exactly what to write to make emails stand out to potential clients.   Laura and her husband, Matt, started Reale Landscape Design in 2000 and then in 2010 changed the company name...

His question was: I am a GC like you, but I focus on remodels. I am having a hard time communicating to clients that material/labor shortage is a significant factor on not meeting deadlines. Have you run into this issue? How have you communicated to clients this in a way they understand? Ive been dealing with a lot of the same issues that Antonio has, and I wanted to record an episode about this a...

In this episode of The Real Build, I sat down with Tyler Smith, owner of Reality Wise.  It has been a while since I had a real estate professional on the show, and I wanted to have Tyler on because his social media content caught my eye.  One video in particular that stood out most Tyler did was about helping clients in all aspects of the transaction, even if it was booking a reservation...

So you are thinking about building a home but are not sure where to start. You go to a community with select floorplans ready to build. But you want more. You don’t like what they have to offer. You don’t like the floorplans and want to add to them of customize them but they say you are not allowed. Well sounds like you need to build a custom home? Tract homes / Production homes Off the shelf type...

In this episode of The Real Build, I brought back Liza Florida to give a market update and touch on where she thinks the market is heading. Liza specializes in residential real estate, specialized assets, distressed properties (Short Sale, Pre-Foreclosure, and Foreclosure), and mortgage lending.  Liza is a Real Estate Professional, Entrepreneur, Investor, and Podcast Host offering outstanding...

In this episode of The Real Build, I answer a very important question that was messaged by a listener of the show.  What should you look for when interviewing builders?  This one came from Meredith who listens to the show. Meredith and her husband are in the process of renovating a home. I wanted to share my thoughts on this topic because not a lot of people know how to go about selectin...

In this episode of The Real Build, I got the opportunity to sit down with Mark Reist, owner of Tactical Construction and Tribe of Tradesmen.  Mark and I dive deeper into what “The Real Build” means to him and his own personal journey in life. Our life is the “realest build.” Yes, construction is part of that because so many lessons and experiences come from physically building things, but who...

In this episode of The Real Build, I talked about why the relationship with customers does not stop before, during, or after a real estate transaction and build.  How this came to mind was a recent real estate transaction I closed on and one I just sold. Here are my talking points: Start the relationship with the purchase. Land to build - Tell them why to use you. Existing home - trust Constr...

In this episode of The Real Build, I sat down with Josh Meunier, owner of Free Space Studio.  I wanted to have Josh on to continue to touch on Niche industries in construction.  Josh specializes in outdoor pool and patio design.  Outdoor living is so important to so many families.  It is where they spend a lot of their time.   Josh is the owner of Free Space Studio, where...

In this episode of The Real Build, I sat down with Anthony Man Jr., owner of Anthony Group Hardscapes.  The outdoor living areas are becoming one of the most important areas of a home.  People are spending more time outside with their friends and family.  Anthony is a true craftsman when it comes to outdoor living construction.  He focuses more on the small details and over-del...