Builder Stories

Gil Vaisman turned a side project into a fast growing ADU business and built a team that continues to scale. In this episode, he shares the shift that helped him attract the right clients and avoid deals that go nowhere. He breaks down how leading with pricing changes the entire sales dynamic before the first meeting even happens. Gil also reveals how his approach to competition and partnerships is opening the door for his next stage of growth. In this episode, you will learn: How to choose a business partner who strengthens your company Insights on targeting higher value clients instead of competing on price A different way to think about competitors that creates new opportunities What Gil is doing to expand into new opportunities How to structure your role so you can scale without burning out Listen to the episode to learn more. Resources: Learn more about Go ADU Construction here.

Steve Young, design-build remodeler and co-owner of HHI Builders, scaled his company to $9M with a focus on large $300K remodels. He discusses project director workflows that streamline client communication. He shares early pricing missteps, how coaching sharpened systems, and how AI and tools like JobTread speed estimating and improve close rates.

Aaron Hines, owner-operator of Darden Hines Design + Build who grew up in construction, talks leadership and running whole-home remodels and outdoor projects. He discusses breaking out of the owner-operator trap and building repeatable systems. He covers forecasting and cash flow, documenting processes, creating clearer scopes and contracts, and the value of peer community and boundaries for long-term growth.

Adam McChesney, founder of Builders of Authority and seasoned digital marketer who built 200+ websites and multiple home-service companies. He explains why consistent marketing beats seasonal booms. He contrasts personal branding with company branding and outlines content themes that actually generate leads. He shares when to hire an agency and how to vet marketing partners.

Mike Tappert reveals how stepping away from full remodels and focusing on exteriors transformed his growth path. He shares why niching down into roofing created stronger cash flow and a clearer direction for his business. Mike's turning point came when he hired a coach and began building the systems he needed to scale as well as the personal disciplines that shape how he leads today. From marketing decisions to business leadership strategy, this episode invites listeners to question what needs to change before the next level of growth. In this episode you will learn: The tools and frameworks coaching introduced into his business The strategy behind rebranding and launching Upper West Exteriors How he evaluates Meta versus Google marketing performance The business and life habits he incorporated after he stopped drinking The strongest advice he gives contractors ready to grow Listen to the episode to learn more. Resources: Visit the Upper West Exteriors website here.

Zac O'Hara, COO of North Shore Masonry who built Mason AI to automate ops and sales. He talks about turning voice memos into estimates, scraping permits for leads, automating daily reports, and routing tasks to the best AI models. He also covers model comparisons, security tradeoffs, and how AI changes hiring and marketing in trades.

Philip Sessions shares how a simple need for marketing help led him to build a business focused on virtual assistants for contractors. He explains why many contractors struggle with VAs and what must change for the relationship to work. Philip also shares best practices for managing virtual assistants and how contractors can grow without adding full time staff. In this episode you will learn: Why most contractors hire virtual assistants the wrong way What tasks VAs handle best inside a construction business How to manage VAs for success Red flags to watch out for when working with VAs How support systems affect long term growth Listen to the episode to learn more. Resources: Learn more about Refined VA here.

Ken Combs, owner of CQC Home and builder-turned-coach who scaled a Raleigh design-build firm to $15M, shares his playbook. He discusses moving from hands-on labor to subcontracted crews, building SOPs and an org chart that let him step back. He also covers bringing design in-house, a showroom’s role, and a profit-aligned compensation model for project directors.

Casey Fabling shares what it takes to come back after losing a company. He walks through how a fast growing business unraveled once visibility and controls disappeared. Casey reflects on the personal toll of shutting down and starting over in a new city. He explains how rebuilding with intention changed every aspect of his approach. This conversation offers a rare look at resilience from someone who has lived it. Casey focuses on what he learned rather than what he lost, and why his second company is being built with a very different definition of success. In this episode you will learn: What business failure teaches you that growth never will Why transparency matters more as your company scales How systems create trust without constant oversight What rebuilding can reveal about your real priorities Why freedom can be a better goal than revenue Listen to the episode to learn more. Resources: Learn more about Front Range Home Services here.

In this episode of Builder Stories, Dave Stephens shares practical insights drawn from his real-world journey of building and growing a business on his own terms. The conversation is packed with honest advice that resonates with builders navigating growth and challenges. Dave's story offers encouragement and clarity for anyone looking to move forward with confidence, wherever their path may lead. In this episode you will learn: How to transition from a different career into construction Learning from failures to become even more successful Why consistency matters How hiring coaches can help you fill knowledge gaps How Lida Homes implements a 5-5-5 conversation to keep employees on track Listen to the episode to learn more. Resources: Learn more about Lida Homes here.