The Real Build

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...

In this episode of The Real Build, I sat down with Patrick Bolanos, owner of Trailer King Builders in Houston, Texas.  Patrick is the proud co-owner of a thriving food truck building company and the supporter of not only his own four children but also kids in his native country of Nicaragua, where he founded a baseball academy. Patrick's goal in life was to make an impact, especially in the l...

In this episode of The Real Build, I sat down with Kyle Vander Linden of W&N Development.  Kyle was the first concrete contractor Ive had on the podcast.  I was excited to have him on and talk about his process and how important it is within every construction project. W&N Development was initially established as a secondary company to Midway Homes.  Kyles's parents Wayne an...

This episode of The Real Build features entrepreneur, consultant, author, podcaster, and influencer Brian Hess.  I was excited to have Brian on the show because he is doing some big things in the construction industry. Brian is currently serving as President/CEO of The Pavement Group, where they offer full-service pavement installation, maintenance, and repair solutions to residential and com...

In this episode of The Real Build, I wanted to update you on the state of the building industry.  These statistics were taken from the National Association of Home Builders and what I have heard from other builders around the country. A report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) finds the housing market needs to build at least 5.5 million new single-family and multi-family homes j...

In this episode of The Real Build, I had the opportunity to sit down with Leadership, mindset, and business coach Adam Hiltner.  Adam and I discussed topics like customer service, why listening more to clients is so important, and leadership strategies in the Construction business. Adam is a Marine Corps Veteran with proven leadership skills and a passion for small businesses that focus on th...

In this episode of The Real Build, I got the opportunity to talk with Kyle Larmey of Moore Lending Group.  I wanted to have Kyle on the show because he is an up-and-coming mortgage lender that has done big things with his business in just a short two-year period.  Kyle stood out to me on social media with his consistent content educating people about homeownership.  We also talked a...

In this episode of The Real Build, I continue my series on What to do when building a custom home.  In this episode, I cover what to look out for after the build.  Here are the topics I cover: Final walk-through – Important info is given for contacts. Follow up with final punch list items. The owner will move in, and things start happening.  A quick response is necessary. A direct b...

In this episode of The Real Build, I continue my series on What to do when building a custom home.  In this episode, I cover what to look out for during the build.  Here are the topics I cover. When the contractor gets the Notice of Commencement – this is the start of the clock or build time frame. The builder must set the expectation of when things will happen and how long the build wil...

In this episode of The Real Build, I had the privilege of sitting down with commercial contractor Sunny Pinhero, the owner of Pinhero Construction. Sunny is a friend of mine and a fellow member of the Arete Syndicate who has completed over 400 commercial, retail, restaurant, and office scope projects. He owns and operates all aspects of Pinhero Construction, Inc., tapping into decades of experienc...