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This is a reading of an article we just published on the Building Optimal blog. If you prefer the written word, check it out here: https://buildingoptimal.com/8-tips-to-combat-soaring-costs/By the way, if you aren't already signed up for our Building Optimal newsletter, head over to buildingoptimal.com and sign up for free right now. Should take about 15 seconds and the extra value we will be delivering in that newsletter won't be found anywhere. So, check it out.

Michael Anschel is owner of Otogawa-Anschel, a design-build firm out of Minnesota. Michael frequently lectures on topics in the industry and also writes for several well-known publications. He has built a company that allowed him to actually take three years off! If that isn't enough incentive to listen to this episode, we also discuss ideas to implement from culture to transparency. Enjoy the episode!

This is one of my favorite episodes to date. Wally Staples, a builder from Maine, has always made a profit over his 28 years in business. He has never had to lay anyone off. And, he has a financial freedom plan for himself and his entire team.Tune in for the secrets and wisdom of Wally. As I say in the episode, it's an avalanche of good ideas. Enjoy, and happy building out there.

Dan Edelman with Rockwool joins us to share his perfect wall assembly and discuss a few new innovations and changes in the building science space. Enjoy the episode!

If employee benefits make your head spin, you aren't alone. Luckily, we have Lauren Allen and Elisa Thornton on today's episode to help you out. They are with Brookstone Insurance, my own company's health and commercial liability provider. Enjoy the episode!

Ed Earl and Paul Sanneman, both previous guests, share the reasons why they like cost-plus contracts. As a fixed-price builder myself, I wanted to get the perspective from the other side of the aisle.If you want to learn more about Paul and Ed's work, visit https://residentialcontractorservicesgroup.com.Enjoy the episode!

Most builders would get an F on our digital marketing, but it's an area that can exponentially grow your business if you develop the right strategy. I'm visiting with Spencer Powell, a digital marketing expert who specializes in builders and contractors, to share a few ideas of how to get started or get better.Spencer is the Inbound Marketing Director at Builder Funnel. Since 2010, he’s been building out a proven model and system that has helped generate thousands of leads for his clients. He specializes in helping home builders and remodelers bring their websites up to speed – not only building traffic but focusing on lead conversion and ROI.Enjoy the episode!

What are some of the top systems you can install in your project to move it closer to a passive house? Trey Farmer has a few answers for us. In this episode we are exploring Trey’s personal home he just built as a case study of what worked great and what he would do differently next time.Trey is a licensed architect with the well-reputed firm, Forge Craft Architecture. He is also a partner in Studio Ferme, an interior design firm out of Austin. He sits on the board of the Austin Passive House Alliance and is an expert on sustainable design and construction.Enjoy the episode, and happy building!

I've been using a framework I call "Value Buckets" to structure my deals. It's nothing more than a mental system I created to help me optimize my returns and also create alignment and trust with my investors. It's a short episode - 12ish minutes. If you prefer to read, here is the link to the blog article. Enjoy the episode!

Matt Risinger is, in many circles, now a household name. His YouTube channel has 700,000 at the time of publication. While many people know him for his social media presence, I wanted to go behind the scenes to learn more about Matt Risinger, the business owner.His company, Risinger Build, is one of the top luxury home builders in Austin, a market with a tremendous crop of talent at the top. In this interview we cover everything from an inside look at his business to his social media tips and business advice to all builders.Thanks to Lowes for bringing us together for this special episode. Be sure to check out their Lowes for Pros to learn how Lowe’s can help your company.Be well, be safe, and happy building my friends.

Jared walks you through the apps and other virtual tools he uses to build and manage his business. Enjoy!

Bryan Kaplan is an international consultant for builders and the construction industry. Over his 21-year career in the industry, he has been an owner, general manager, and home inspector.With his breadth of experience, Bryan brings a systems-oriented approach to his clients. In this interview, we visit with Bryan on punch list systems that help you end projects on great terms with your clients.Connect with Bryan and learn more about his company here.And last but not least, a special thanks to Treacy Duerfeldt of NWC Alliance and Doug Lynch, my insurance pros and today’s sponsors!

David Gerstel returns to share his ideas on how builders can achieve financial freedom. David is a best-selling author of several construction books, including his most recent, Nail Your Numbers: A Path to Skilled Construction Estimating and Bidding. He is also a well-known speaker. In addition to being an expert on many things “home building,” David is also a model of success, having achieved financial freedom with his own construction business by the age of 34.And last but not least, a special thanks to Treacy Duerfeldt of NWC Alliance and Doug Lynch, my insurance pros and today’s sponsors!Enjoy the episode! And be sure to sign up for email updates and new information at www.buildingoptimal.com!

Building Optimal Director of Marketing, José Luis Guerra, puts me in the hot seat to talk about my company and my experience in the industry. I need to start doing more builder profiles other than me! If you have any recs, send me an email!

If you are hearing a lot of conflicting and confusing info about how the stimulus package affects builders, well, I am too. That’s why I called Sheri Allshouse, our go-to expert on all home building finance matters.In this brief episode, Sheri covers the two primary loans that are available as well as the new tax credits. Please note the information surrounding these loans is very dynamic and changing frequently. Please consult your accountant for the latest information.I also highly recommend you navigate our to Sheri’s website, The Allshouse Group, to request from them their white paper on the topic. It’s filled with a lot of good, actionable info.Be well, amigos.

Tracy Duerfeldt is back for a second episode with us to talk Coronavirus and a few strategies to cope with it not just from a business and risk management standpoint, but from a mental health standpoint.Treacy is an insurance expert who runs The NationWide Contractors’ Alliance and also WISE Insure. He and Doug Lynch also happen to be my company’s insurance providers and recurring sponsors for our show. So a special thank you to them for their support!And finally, if you aren’t following us yet on Instagram, check us out for some good tips and updates (@buildingoptimal). And be sure you are signed up for our emails on the home page of our website, www.buildingoptimal.com.

If you aren’t separating your wages from your profits, you’re losing money and fooling yourself along the way. This was a conversation I began with Bryan Uhler, second generation builder at Pioneer Builders, Inc, a company his father started 42 years ago.We decided to record the conversation and share it as an episode. Many of you already know this, but it never hurts as a refresher. And for some of you it will be a much-needed splash of cold water.We are in these building trenches together, so listen, learn, and implement. Enjoy the episode!And last but not least, a special thanks to Treacy Duerfeldt of NWC Alliance and Doug Lynch, my insurance pros and today’s sponsors!Show Notes:Nah, this is a short episode. Next time!

We are talking with fellow custom home builder, Byron Brooks, of Brookwright Developments on today’s episode. Byron does an excellent job creating a unique brand for his company, and he graciously shares that with us, along with his strategy for developing architect relationships.Byron and his company operate in Calgary, Canada where they build beautiful custom homes. In their own words:We are design conscious carpenters who are energized by the idea of helping homeowners and architects realize their vision. We’re individuals who have been drawn together by a quest to fashion tangible things with our hands and the desire to create quality results every day.This is one of those episodes where we get to learn from a fellow builder who is in the trenches, and who has invested heavily in developing his business.And last but not least, a special thanks to Treacy Duerfeldt of NWC Alliance and Doug Lynch, my insurance pros and today’s sponsors!Enjoy the episode!Byron’s Builders and Brews GroupBrookwright on InstagramShow Notes:2:39 - An overview of Brookwright.5:37 - What is Brookwright’s “why?”9:21 - Brookwright’s unique branding and value proposition.14:06 - Brookwright’s strategy of working through architects as the client.20:16 - Taking care of the architect relationship.21:42 - What is going on up in Canada?! Dedication to the building craft seems exceptionally high.24:33 - How to connect with Byron.25:14 - Byron’s Builder’s and Brews group.

While we love this business, it has its ugly sides. There’s no “disputing" the legal dangers of home building (dad joke). Large sums of money are in play, the largest investments of people’s lives are unfolding, you get the idea…So, if this were school, this subject would be pretty damned important to ace. That’s why today we are talking to Don Shelton about the major risks he regularly sees and how to improve the grades on your legal report card. Don, in addition to being one of the top home building attorneys in Texas, is a partner at one of the top home building firms in the state…Bush Rudnicki Shelton. They have multiple offices across the state. Don is out of Dallas-Fort Worth.We interviewed James Rudnicki, one of his partners, a while back here. Their firm consults for industry giants you all know. They literally wrote the contract the Texas Association of Builders uses as its standard form.So, Don’s the professor for the day, and on a subject you don’t want to sleep through.And last but not least, a special thanks to Treacy Duerfeldt of NWC Alliance and Doug Lynch, my insurance pros and today’s sponsors!Show Notes:3:06 - What is the biggest source of lawsuits for builders?15:47 - What can builders do to protect themselves?18:30 - The best strategies to deal with contentious situations.28:56 - Is it common for plaintiffs to pierce the corporate veil?35:25- What are the best legal strategies should a builder employee?

We are covering our listener accounting and tax questions in today’s AMA (Ask Me Anything) episode with Sheri Allshouse. Sheri, a repeat guest, is a CPA with an expertise in home building and construction.Her firm is The Allshouse Group in Houston, Texas. In this discussion, we cover a wide variety of accounting and tax topics, from accounting software and tracking change orders to new tax updates.To stay up to date on our latest interviews, be sure to sign up for our emails at www.buildingoptimal.com. You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Enjoy the interview!Show Notes:03:15 - What software do you recommend?12:50 - What’s the best way to process changes orders through your accounting system?16:30 - What is the best way to track expenses that don’t have PO’s like runs to Home Depot?21:40 - Tax updates affecting us for 2019 filings.25:50 - What are the energy tax credits available to builders?30:20 - Any last advice Sheri has for us.