

Building Scale
Will Foret, Justin Neagle
We interview successful Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) business leaders to learn how they use people, processes, and technology to scale their businesses.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Apr 14, 2026 • 1h 1min
Like Walking Palms: Going Farther With Multiple Brands with Brandon Woodside and Ryan Stephens, TXD Roofing
Brandon Woodside and Ryan Stephens from TXD Family of Brands join the episode to discuss their journey and leadership challenges. They highlight the importance of team collaboration and transitioning owners out of sales roles, emphasizing the care for team members and fostering a positive business culture. The conversation addresses misconceptions about business as family and defines success through personal stories like Ron's turnaround and Michael's transformation. They delve into marketing strategy, autonomy, and leadership retreats, alongside investing in technology and AI integration. The episode wraps up with advice to their younger selves and reflections on people, process, and technology's role in scaling the AEC industry.
Connect with Ryan Stephens and Brandon Woodside, TXD Roofing
Ryan Stephens, Director of Marketing: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryancaseystephens/
Brandon Woodside, COO: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonwoodside/
Website - https://www.txdroofing.com/
Connect with Justin & Will -
Will's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willforet/
Justin's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justneagle/
Learn More & Connect With Spot Migration -
Website: https://www.spotmigration.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/spot-migration
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spotmigration
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Spotmigration
Do you want to be a guest on the show? Go to https://buildingscale.net/guests
Need to discuss your IT and Cybersecurity Strategy? Go to https://buildingscale.net/help
(0:00) Leadership challenges, chameleon approach, and Building Connection series introduction
(2:04) Guest introductions: Ryan Stephens and Brandon Woodside
(3:41) Ryan and Brandon's backgrounds and journey to TXT
(6:04) Overview of TXT Family of Brands
(8:41) The importance of team collaboration
(10:16) Transitioning owners out of sales and managing sales teams
(17:30) Caring for team members and business culture
(19:44) Business as family: misconceptions and defining success
(23:34) Success stories: Ron's turnaround and "burn the ships" conversation
(32:24) Success story: Michael's transformation and the walking palms vision
(34:54) Marketing strategy and ownership trust
(38:18) Autonomy, trust, and strategic leadership retreats
(44:24) Investing in technology and AI conversations
(51:01) Integrating technology stacks and API keys
(54:46) Advice to your younger self
(59:33) Contact information and final remarks
(1:00:08) Hosts' closing thoughts and thanks
(1:00:26) Importance of people, process, and technology
(1:00:33) Mission to help the AEC industry
(1:00:58) Closing tagline

Apr 7, 2026 • 59min
With Clients That Last: Earning Respect and Giving Grace with Andrew Eshelman, Eshelman Construction
Andrew Eshelman delves into his career journey, transitioning from early roles to business ownership in the AEC industry. He shares insights on building key relationships and tackling major projects, while balancing hiring with company growth amidst market challenges. The conversation touches on leadership, running a company alongside family life, and the nuances of client relationships. Andrew discusses business communication, emphasizing a balance between directness and hospitality. He highlights the role of technology, including Procore, BuildingConnected, and Bluebeam, and explores AI and robotics in construction's future.
Connect with Andrew Eshelman -
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-eshelman-0461a583/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eshelmanconstruction
Website: http://www.eshelman-construction.com/
Connect with Justin & Will -
Will's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willforet/
Justin's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justneagle/
Learn More & Connect With Spot Migration -
Website: https://www.spotmigration.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/spot-migration
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spotmigration
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Spotmigration
Do you want to be a guest on the show? Go to https://buildingscale.net/guests
Need to discuss your IT and Cybersecurity Strategy? Go to https://buildingscale.net/help
(0:00) Introduction to Building Scale and Andrew Eshelman's early career
(1:42) Call to action for IT cybersecurity strategy
(3:11) Andrew Eshelman's entrepreneurial journey and transition to business ownership
(12:07) Building relationships and first major projects in the AEC industry
(18:00) Balancing hiring with company growth and challenges in the construction market
(25:00) Leadership and management: Running a company and family
(30:09) Client relationships: The good, the bad, and strategies for growth
(44:38) Business communication: Balancing directness and hospitality
(44:55) Investing in technology: Procore software and its impact
(51:21) Exploring BuildingConnected, Bluebeam, and other field apps
(54:09) The future of construction: AI integration and robotics potential
(56:12) Final thoughts and advice for aspiring entrepreneurs
(57:38) Contact information for Andrew Eshelman
(58:09) Closing remarks and podcast mission statement

Mar 31, 2026 • 31min
Human-Centric: Designing For Life Within The Space with Zac Cohen, Intersection Development
Zac Cohen discusses the ambitious Atari Hotel project, emphasizing human-centric development and the balance between nostalgia and futurism in design. He highlights the integration of modern technology and the importance of partnerships in creating a community-focused entertainment district. Zac delves into the challenges and strategies faced in large-scale development, emphasizing architectural uniqueness and long-term impact. He shares insights on managing multiple projects and market expansion, including new partnerships and concepts in Roosevelt Row. The conversation concludes with Zac's future vision for Phoenix as a tech and architectural hub, along with ways to connect.
Connect with Zac Cohen -
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zaccohen
Website: http://www.intersectiondev.com/
Connect with Justin & Will -
Will's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willforet/
Justin's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justneagle/
Learn More & Connect With Spot Migration -
Website: https://www.spotmigration.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/spot-migration
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spotmigration
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Spotmigration
Do you want to be a guest on the show? Go to https://buildingscale.net/guests
Need to discuss your IT and Cybersecurity Strategy? Go to https://buildingscale.net/help
(0:00) Episode Introduction and Guest Overview
(2:20) Atari Hotel Project & Human-Centric Development
(5:01) Design Inspirations: Nostalgia vs. Futurism
(8:25) Integrating Modern Technology and Partnerships
(13:19) Creating a Community-Focused Entertainment District
(16:10) Challenges and Strategies in Large-Scale Development
(19:36) Architectural Uniqueness and Long-Term Impact
(23:13) Managing Multiple Projects & Market Expansion
(26:00) New Partnerships and Concepts in Roosevelt Row
(28:00) Future Vision for Phoenix as Tech and Architectural Hub
(29:15) Contact Information and Closing Remarks
(29:46) Sponsor: Building Scale podcast mission

Mar 24, 2026 • 54min
Internal Investments: Bringing The Team Into The Dream with Staci and Chad Hannah, PBC Construction Group
Staci and Chad Hannah share the foundational principles and origin story of PBC Construction Group. They recount the experience of buying a construction company and stepping into leadership roles, addressing initial challenges and process improvements. Emphasis is placed on building trust and fostering employee investment, alongside implementing EOS to define company roles. The discussion covers challenging industry norms, cultivating core values, and managing quality during growth. Chad and Staci elaborate on resource management, talent retention, and leadership development, highlighting technology's role in scalability. They conclude with change management strategies and offer advice to their younger selves.
Connect with Staci and Chad Hannah -
LinkedIn, Staci: https://www.linkedin.com/in/staci-hannah-99327b2/
LinkedIn, Chad: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chad-hannah-4268452/
Website: https://www.pbccg.com/
Connect with Justin & Will -
Will's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willforet/
Justin's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justneagle/
Learn More & Connect With Spot Migration -
Website: https://www.spotmigration.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/spot-migration
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spotmigration
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Spotmigration
Do you want to be a guest on the show? Go to https://buildingscale.net/guests
Need to discuss your IT and Cybersecurity Strategy? Go to https://buildingscale.net/help
(0:00) Introduction and early principles with Staci and Chad Hannah
(2:42) Origin story and background of PBC Construction Group
(6:45) Buying a construction company and embracing leadership roles
(9:18) Initial challenges and process improvements in the business
(12:37) Building trust and fostering employee investment
(16:19) Implementing EOS and defining roles within the company
(19:44) Challenging industry norms and personal impacts on business
(23:18) Cultivating core values and addressing quality during growth
(26:07) Managing resources and defining healthy business growth
(32:23) Talent retention, attraction, and leadership development
(40:14) Embracing technology for business scalability
(48:02) Change management strategies and advice for younger selves
(51:12) Connecting with Chad and Staci Hannah

Mar 17, 2026 • 59min
Leading as you Grow: The Balancing Act of Ego and Vision with Sergei Guk, RestorationHQ
Sergei Guk delves into the founding and growth of RestorationHQ, emphasizing the pivotal role of relationships and company culture. He discusses the impact of culture coaches and the dynamics between family and team in business. Sergei addresses management challenges, the influence of ego, and the transition from residential to commercial restoration. He shares insights on implementing EOS to optimize systems and the importance of coaching throughout business phases. Sergei's experiences with the Entrepreneurs Organization provide valuable lessons, and he offers perspectives on AI's impact on future jobs. Concluding with advice to his younger self, Sergei provides ways to connect.
Connect with Sergei Guk -
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sergeiguk
Website: https://restorationhq.com/
Connect with Justin & Will -
Will's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willforet/
Justin's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justneagle/
Learn More & Connect With Spot Migration -
Website: https://www.spotmigration.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/spot-migration
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spotmigration
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Spotmigration
Do you want to be a guest on the show? Go to https://buildingscale.net/guests
Need to discuss your IT and Cybersecurity Strategy? Go to https://buildingscale.net/help
(0:00) Introduction and Sergei Guk's background
(2:46) The founding and early days of Restoration HQ
(10:46) The role of relationships and culture in business growth
(20:00) Investing in company culture and the impact of culture coaches
(24:24) Family vs. team dynamics in business
(29:03) Tackling management and employee engagement challenges
(31:51) Ego's influence on business development
(33:19) Transitioning from residential to commercial restoration
(39:21) Implementing EOS and optimizing business systems
(43:50) The value of coaching in different business phases
(44:19) Sergei Guk's experiences with Entrepreneurs Organization
(50:17) Perspectives on AI and the future of jobs
(55:20) Sergei Guk's advice to his younger self
(56:21) Connecting with Sergei Guk
(57:28) Closing remarks

Mar 10, 2026 • 54min
Impact-Minded Growth: Delegate, Listen, and Build Lasting Trust with Nate Lowrie, Bjerk Builders
Nate Lowrie joins the conversation to discuss his journey in construction and personal growth. He delves into the impact of economic cycles on the industry and his experience acquiring Bjerk Builders. Nate emphasizes the importance of building trust, integrity, and strong leadership in business. He shares strategies for combating decision fatigue and fostering continuous improvement, alongside maintaining valuable business relationships. Nate's philosophy combines active learning with practical experience, addressing common challenges and mindset shifts necessary for business growth. He offers advice to his younger self, reflecting on the blend of life and business, and concludes with ways to connect.
Connect with Nate Lowrie -
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nate-lowrie-859880a4
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/n8lowrie/
Website: https://bjerkbuilders.com/
Connect with Justin & Will -
Will's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willforet/
Justin's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justneagle/
Learn More & Connect With Spot Migration -
Website: https://www.spotmigration.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/spot-migration
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spotmigration
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Spotmigration
Do you want to be a guest on the show? Go to https://buildingscale.net/guests
Need to discuss your IT and Cybersecurity Strategy? Go to https://buildingscale.net/help
(0:00) Nate Lowrie's personal growth journey and construction background
(1:05) Podcast introduction and mission
(2:11) Introduction of today's guest, Nate Lowrie
(6:01) Impact of economic cycles on construction and acquiring Bjerk Builders
(10:14) Building trust, integrity, and leadership in business
(17:12) Strategies for decision fatigue and continuous improvement
(21:25) Building and maintaining valuable business relationships
(32:39) Philosophy, active learning, and combining education with experience
(41:08) Common challenges and mindset in business growth
(47:05) Advice to younger self and the blend of life and business
(51:41) Closing thoughts and getting in touch with Nate Lowrie
(53:14) Closing remarks and call to action
(53:39) Recap of scaling a business and improving technology use

Mar 3, 2026 • 41min
Building Purpose: Connecting AEC with Nonprofits - Steve Kuhn, ShareBuilt
Steve Kuhn shares his journey and the founding of ShareBuilt, highlighting the differences between nonprofit and for-profit sectors in the AEC industry. He discusses the unique compliance and regulatory challenges faced by nonprofits and the importance of involving AEC partners early in projects. The conversation delves into the impact of purpose-driven work and addresses misconceptions about nonprofit construction. Steve emphasizes proactive strategies and how to measure success and ROI in nonprofit endeavors. Client stories illustrate ShareBuilt's impact, and Steve offers key advice and best practices for nonprofits.
Connect with Steve Kuhn
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenkuhn
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShareBuilt/
ShareBuilt: https://www.sharebuilt.org/
Sevan: https://sevan.com/
Connect with Justin & Will -
Will's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willforet/
Justin's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justneagle/
Learn More & Connect With Spot Migration -
Website: https://www.spotmigration.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/spot-migration
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spotmigration
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Spotmigration
Do you want to be a guest on the show? Go to https://buildingscale.net/guests
Need to discuss your IT and Cybersecurity Strategy? Go to https://buildingscale.net/help
(0:00) Opening anecdotes with architects and nonprofits
(1:09) Steve Kuhn's journey and the role of ShareBuilt
(4:22) Nonprofit vs. for-profit business in AEC
(7:14) Compliance and regulatory challenges for nonprofits
(10:18) Early involvement of AEC partners in nonprofit projects
(14:20) Impact of purpose-driven work in AEC
(16:17) Misconceptions and proactive strategies in nonprofit construction
(20:23) Measuring success and ROI in nonprofit projects
(23:41) Client stories and showcasing ShareBuilt's impact
(32:23) Key advice and best practices for nonprofits
(37:09) ShareBuilt’s expansion and contact information
(40:10) Sponsor: Closing remarks

Feb 24, 2026 • 1h 6min
Embracing Change: Strategic Evolution in Project Delivery with Matt Johnson, Triangle Construction Services
Join Matt Johnson as he explores the intricacies of construction invoicing and strategic procurement at Triangle Construction Services. Discover insights into their expanding construction tech group, business model evolution, and the impact on lienholders and contractors. Matt discusses managing rework, change orders, and the role of LiDAR drone technology. Hear about fostering a positive company culture and embracing servant leadership.
Connect with Matt Johnson
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-johnson-a0b28241
Website: https://www.emjcorp.com/
Connect with Justin & Will -
Will's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willforet/
Justin's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justneagle/
Learn More & Connect With Spot Migration -
Website: https://www.spotmigration.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/spot-migration
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spotmigration
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Spotmigration
Do you want to be a guest on the show? Go to https://buildingscale.net/guests
Need to discuss your IT and Cybersecurity Strategy? Go to https://buildingscale.net/help
(0:00) Introduction and simplifying construction invoicing
(1:48) Guest introduction: Matt Johnson and career journey
(5:17) Triangle Construction Services overview and strategic procurement
(9:44) Construction tech group expansion and business evolution
(11:50) Challenges and benefits of construction consumables
(18:39) In-depth discussion on procurement processes
(29:06) Impact on lienholders, general contractors, and company sizes
(36:34) Managing rework, change orders, and introduction to construction technology
(43:26) LiDAR drone technology in construction
(51:08) Expansion plans for drywall services and company culture
(59:36) Servant leadership, teamwork, and advice to younger self
(1:03:48) Closing remarks and contact information

Feb 10, 2026 • 1h 4min
Building a Legacy: Family & Community in Construction with Jeff Berglund - Berglund Construction
Jeff Berglund discusses leveraging LinkedIn for business connections and shares insights from working with multigenerational dynamics alongside his father. He explores planning and strategy for business transitions, focusing on team dynamics, leadership, and implementation. Jeff covers sales strategies, the seven eleven four rule, and client engagement techniques. He highlights the importance of mentorship, coaching, and leadership development in building team trust and communication. Reflecting on leadership, vulnerability, and sports culture's influence in business, Jeff also shares yearly themes and advice to his younger self, concluding with his contact info.
Connect with Jeff Berglund
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffrey-berglund-aab51362/
Website: https://www.berglundco.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/berglundconstructionco/
Connect with Justin & Will -
Will's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willforet/
Justin's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justneagle/
Learn More & Connect With Spot Migration -
Website: https://www.spotmigration.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/spot-migration
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spotmigration
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Spotmigration
Do you want to be a guest on the show? Go to https://buildingscale.net/guests
Need to discuss your IT and Cybersecurity Strategy? Go to https://buildingscale.net/help
(0:00) Introduction and leveraging LinkedIn for business connections
(1:08) Introduction to guest Jeff Berglund and his background
(3:36) Multigenerational business dynamics with Jeff's father
(5:54) Planning and strategy behind business transition
(8:54) Team dynamics, leadership, and transition implementation
(19:45) Roles, experiences, and learning in sales strategies
(25:15) Applying the seven eleven four rule in sales
(28:23) Networking and quantifying business success
(31:32) Cold calling techniques and LinkedIn for client engagement
(41:04) Mentorship, coaching, and leadership development
(45:03) Communicating vision and collaborative idea building
(49:04) Enhancing team trust and communication
(53:28) Early involvement and aligning team goals through clear communication
(57:46) Leadership, vulnerability, and sports culture in business
(58:55) Yearly themes, commitments, and communicating core values
(1:01:07) Jeff's advice to a younger self and how to connect with him
(1:02:55) Final thoughts and appreciation
(1:03:24) Outro and sponsor mention

Feb 3, 2026 • 60min
Needs Before Tools: Customer-Centric Management with Matt Cooper, BQE
Matt Cooper, CEO of BQE, discusses the company's leadership transition and the critical role of customer feedback in driving improvements. He addresses common challenges faced by small to mid-sized AEC firms and how BQE's solutions help manage chaos and streamline processes. The conversation highlights the importance of technology in enhancing efficiency, particularly in invoicing and project management. Matt shares insights on integrating systems, catering to firms of varying sizes, and preparing for AI advancements. He also covers strategies for change management during tech implementation and managing feature requests, with a focus on cybersecurity in cloud software. Matt concludes with advice for the industry and provides his contact information.
Connect with Matt Cooper on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-cooper-04b3aa4/
Website: https://www.bqe.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/bqesoftware
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bqesoftware/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bqesoftware/
Connect with Justin -
Justin's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justneagle/
Learn More & Connect With Spot Migration - Website: https://www.spotmigration.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/spot-migration
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spotmigration
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Spotmigration
Do you want to be a guest on the show? Go to https://buildingscale.net/guests
Need to discuss your IT and Cybersecurity Strategy? Go to https://buildingscale.net/help
(0:00) Introduction and guest Matt Cooper, CEO of BQE
(4:38) BQE's leadership transition and customer feedback importance
(9:49) Addressing AEC industry problems with BQE solutions
(13:53) Tackling chaos in small to mid-sized AEC firms
(17:16) Streamlining AEC processes with technology
(20:09) Enhancing efficiency in invoicing and project management
(23:32) BQE's approach to integrating systems and innovation
(28:33) Catering to diverse firm sizes and preparing for AI
(39:15) Strategies for change management in tech implementation
(49:44) Managing feature requests and cybersecurity in cloud software
(56:10) Matt Cooper's advice and contact information
(59:09) Outro and call to action


