The Build Show Podcast

A candid look at why difficult clients create the most stress in custom home building. Stories of takeover projects and portfolio failures highlight early warning signs. Practical tactics for pre‑qualifying prospects, tough in‑person questions, and using contracts as a vetting tool are discussed. Emphasis on setting expectations, documenting processes, and treating client relationships as long‑term partnerships.

Bernie Calcote, president and CEO of Meldy Construction who rose from carpenter to owner, shares his culture-first leadership and mentorship journey. He talks about Meldy’s role as an architect’s builder in Austin. He recalls starting as a musician-turned-carpenter and learning on the job. He outlines spin-off businesses that support trades and the company’s data-driven, collaborative approach.

Brian Long, a veteran custom home builder and master carpenter who founded Brian Long Custom Homes, recounts his rise from cabinetmaker to high-end builder. He discusses pioneering spray foam in Austin. Short takes cover vetting subcontractors, staying hands-on to catch performance and waterproofing details, the value of veteran trades and mentorship, and surviving slow markets with remodels and concierge service.

Chris Christal, Aquaria regional VP and head of marketing, explains atmospheric water generation in plain terms. He covers how condensation-based units make potable water, compact residential systems and modular scaling. They discuss climate limits, filtration and taste, typical costs and maintenance, plus use cases from tiny houses to neighborhood and emergency installations.

A builder breaks down five major risks in construction and how they start: design and defect liability, especially flat roofs and exterior plumbing. Materials, installation quality, and envelope testing get attention. Financial pitfalls like cash flow and contract clarity are highlighted. Labor reliability, market diversification, and preventing personal burnout are also covered.

In this episode of The Build Show Podcast, Matt Risinger and Steve Baczek record live from the Milwaukee Tool booth at World of Concrete. They break down the most innovative concrete products, new construction tools, and cutting-edge building materials they discovered at the industry’s largest trade show. From advanced concrete technology to smarter jobsite solutions, this episode covers the trends shaping residential and commercial construction in 2026. If you’re a builder, contractor, architect, or serious DIYer looking for the latest in building science and construction innovation, this one’s for you. Huge thanks to our episode sponsor, Sugatsune.  Learn more at: https://www.sugatsune.com/ Watch full episodes of Matt on Facebook, Instagram and Build Show Network. https://www.facebook.com/buildshownetworkhttps://www.instagram.com/risingerbuild/https://buildshownetwork.com/go/mattrisinger Don't miss a single episode of Build Show content. Sign up for our newsletter.

On this episode of the Build Show Podcast, host Matt Risinger sits down with longtime friend Branson Fustes, founder of Pilgrim Building Company and Enabler LLC in Austin, Texas. Branson traces his path from Colorado carpentry and cabinet work to running three companies — a custom high-end general contracting firm, an in-house labor/carpentry company that spun off partly for insurance reasons, and a newer service company. The conversation covers building reputation through architect relationships, the economics of self-performing labor, raising the bar on craftsman wages and benefits, and the ongoing challenge of attracting the next generation to the trades. A special thank you to today's sponsors, Pella Windows and Doors and Huber Engineered Woods.Huge thanks to our episode sponsors, Huber Engineered Woods and Pella. Learn more at: https://www.huberwood.com/https://www.pella.com/  Watch full episodes of Matt on Facebook, Instagram and Build Show Network. https://www.facebook.com/buildshownetworkhttps://www.instagram.com/risingerbuild/https://buildshownetwork.com/go/mattrisinger Don't miss a single episode of Build Show content. Sign up for our newsletter.

Discover the inspiring origin story of Shoberg Homes, a premier luxury custom home builder in Austin, Texas, featured on the Build Show Podcast. In this episode, Matthew Shoberg, founder of Shoberg Homes, shares how passion, craftsmanship, and integrity shaped one of the most respected high-end residential construction companies in the region. From building bespoke architectural homes with top Austin architects to expanding into expert millwork and finished carpentry, Shoberg Homes delivers unmatched quality and attention to detail. Learn valuable insights on building a successful construction business, hiring with character, and creating exceptional client experiences. Perfect for homeowners, architects, and builders seeking inspiration in custom home design, luxury building, and professional construction excellence. Huge thanks to our episode sponsors, Huber Engineered Woods and Pella. Learn more at: https://www.huberwood.com/https://www.pella.com/ Watch full episodes of Matt on Facebook, Instagram and Build Show Network. https://www.facebook.com/buildshownetworkhttps://www.instagram.com/risingerbuild/https://buildshownetwork.com/go/mattrisinger Don't miss a single episode of Build Show content. Sign up for our newsletter.

In this episode of The Build Show Podcast, Matt Risinger marks a major milestone by reflecting on 200 episodes and nearly 30 years in the building industry. Looking back on early mistakes, hard lessons, and recent jobsite observations, Matt explains why basic construction details—especially water management and proper window installation—continue to be some of the most common and costly failures in residential building. He discusses the responsibility builders have to continually educate themselves and their teams, revisit fundamentals, and invest in long-term skill development. As part of this reflection, Matt recommends a book that has deeply influenced his approach to building and leadership: The Elements of Building: A Business Handbook for Residential Builders and Tradesmen by Mark Q. Kerson, a practical, experience-driven guide to both construction and business. This candid, one-on-one episode looks back at how far the show has come while challenging builders to keep learning, improve their processes, and raise the standard of the industry.Huge thanks to our episode sponsors, Diamond Kote and Pella. Learn more at: https://diamondkotesiding.com/  https://www.instagram.com/diamond_kote/https://www.pella.com/Visit Matt’s Amazon reading list for further learning resources: Build Show Amazon List  Watch full episodes of Matt on Facebook, Instagram and Build Show Network. https://www.facebook.com/buildshownetworkhttps://www.instagram.com/risingerbuild/https://buildshownetwork.com/go/mattrisinger Don't miss a single episode of Build Show content. Sign up for our newsletter.

Jeremy Martin, a second-generation builder from Austin and co-owner of Richard Martin, shares his journey from sweeping job sites to navigating tech giants like IBM and Intel. He discusses the importance of a fixed-price model, emphasizing thorough pre-construction to minimize costs and streamline timelines. Jeremy highlights the significance of selecting the right clients and partners, and how a dedicated pre-construction team boosts accuracy. With insights on balancing craft with business, he encourages young builders to seek peer support and continual learning.