Building Scale

Will Foret, Justin Neagle
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Jan 27, 2026 • 40min

Building Biophilic: Merging Nature and Comfort in Design with Austin Trautman - Nopal

Justin Neagle and Austin Trautman delve into the concept of creating healthy homes, emphasizing the importance of materials and design in enhancing the living experience. Austin shares insights on how traditional building practices often overlook the well-being of inhabitants and the environmental impact of materials used. He advocates for a shift towards natural materials, like sheep's wool, which not only provide better insulation but also contribute positively to indoor air quality and overall health. The discussion highlights the need for a holistic approach to home building, considering both the immediate and long-term effects on occupants and the environment. The conversation also explores the innovative idea of building homes with just two people, challenging conventional construction methods. Connect with Austin Trautman on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-trautman-9418368a/ Website: https://nopal.build/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@nopal-build Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nopal.build/ 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 concept of Nepal (3:06) Healthy homes and material comparisons (8:23) Industry's reliance on traditional materials (12:16) Innovating home design with a "lung" (17:48) Applied research and hands-on client support (21:32) Learning through building and biophilic design (23:41) Biophilic principles and the impact of nature on stress (27:26) Stress reduction studies and Gresham Smith's research (30:19) Material sourcing and natural insulation alternatives (34:20) Streamlining the building process (38:59) Guest contact information and closing remarks (39:32) Sponsor: [Sponsor Name]
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Jan 20, 2026 • 44min

From the Field to Finance, People Matter Most with Jeff Falls - Haley Construction

Jeff Falls from Haley Construction joins the show and shares his personal journey as well as the company's evolution in the AEC industry. He shares insights into Haley's company culture, highlighting hiring challenges and the importance of building the right team. Jeff emphasizes continuous learning and the impact of technology in construction, discussing unique processes and the balance between cost and value. The discussion extends to competing in the construction market, exploring delivery methods, and outlining Haley's future goals. Mentorship and the role of AI in construction are also focal points. Jeff concludes with advice for the industry and provides his contact information. Connect with Jeff Falls - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-falls-70918336 Website: https://haleyconstructionaz.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 the evolving nature of the AEC industry (1:21) Sponsor: buildingscale.net/help (1:50) Guest introduction - Jeff Falls (3:13) Jeff Falls' background and Haley Construction journey (6:26) Company culture and hiring challenges at Haley Construction (10:25) The right team and role balancing (20:25) Continuous learning and technology's impact in construction (23:39) Haley's unique processes and balancing cost with value (29:03) Competing in the construction market and delivery methods (34:04) Haley Construction's future goals and the role of mentorship (37:56) Embracing technology and AI in construction (40:12) Final advice and contact information
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Jan 13, 2026 • 1h 11min

Co-CEO’s: Engineering Collaborative WINS with Danielle Daniels and Justin Price - Evergreen Engineering

In this episode, Danielle Daniels and Justin Price explore their experiences as Co-CEOs at Evergreen Engineering. They discuss the company's origins and their collaborative leadership structure, highlighting the importance of communication and decision-making. Danielle and Justin share insights on strategic planning, leadership traits, and understanding personality types to improve communication. They also cover innovation, employee retention through benefit overhauls, and lessons from past software implementations. Reflecting on their journeys, they offer advice to their younger selves and conclude with thoughts on communication in Co-CEO roles. Connect with Justin and Danielle - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-price-b0a1864a LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-daniels-938a7357 Website: https://evergreenengineering.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 Co-CEO Collaboration and Guest Backgrounds (3:36) Welcome and Career Backgrounds of Danielle Daniels and Justin Price (6:15) Evergreen Engineering's Origin and Co-CEO Structure (11:33) Perspectives on Co-CEO Leadership and Communication (20:32) Meeting Cadence and Decision-Making as Co-CEOs (26:40) Co-CEO Strengths, Weaknesses, and Lessons Learned (32:32) Strategic Planning and Leadership Traits (40:04) Personality Types and Communication Strategies (47:34) Communication as the Foundation for Business Growth (51:07) Tailoring Communication to Team Dynamics (56:01) Innovation and Benefit Program Overhaul for Employee Retention (59:02) Learning from Unsuccessful Software Implementations (1:03:17) Reflecting on Past Experiences and Advice to Younger Self (1:07:16) Contact Information for Guests and Wrap-Up (1:09:05) Final Thoughts on Communication in Co-CEO Roles (1:09:58) Outro and Sponsor Mention
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Jan 6, 2026 • 50min

Keeping Up The Pace: Technology in Architecture with Larry Lind, Architechnology

Larry Lind discusses his journey in the AEC industry, starting from his early career and the founding of his firm. He explains the origin of the firm's name and the benefits of partnering with larger firms, emphasizing the value of strong relationships and successful collaborations. Larry shares insights on managing project paperwork and construction phases, along with future plans and working with family. He highlights the importance of mentorship, a hands-on design approach, and the impact of AI on architecture and construction. The conversation also covers programming in project planning, investing in technology, and the challenges of Revit. Larry concludes with advice for his younger self and how to reach out to him. Connect with Larry Lind - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larry-lind-04624319 Website: https://www.architechnologyaz.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) Why partner with smaller firms? & Introduction to the podcast (1:25) Call to action for tech support & Guest introduction: Larry Lind (2:42) Larry Lind's early career, education, and starting the firm (7:20) Origin of the firm’s name & Benefits of partnering with larger firms (9:08) Keys to successful partnerships & Value of relationships (11:38) Examples of successful collaborations & Structuring partnerships (16:20) Managing project paperwork and construction phases (19:13) Future plans, succession, and working with family in the firm (22:29) Vision and transitioning decision-making to the next generation (24:17) Importance of mentorship & Hands-on design approach (26:53) Impact of AI on architecture and construction & Ensuring quality (32:15) Importance of programming in project planning & Investing in technology (41:35) Impact of technology on collaboration & Evaluating software investments (44:47) Evolution and challenges of Revit and technology in the industry (47:03) Advice to your younger self & Technology adoption (48:06) How to get in touch with Larry Lind & Closing remarks
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Dec 16, 2025 • 40min

You Have to Draw Your Line in the Sand with Megan Lopp - Green Couch Design

Megan Lopp discusses the evolution of Green Couch Design, detailing its journey and the origin of its unique name. She shares early challenges faced and the decision to launch the business while balancing family life. The episode explores Kale's architecture career and Green Couch Design's expansion, emphasizing team building and fostering a collaborative culture with remote work. Megan highlights growth in projects, including a notable story about a Montana brewery. She outlines the company's vision, future goals, and their contractor-friendly approach. Listeners are invited to visit Oklahoma City, with contact information provided for further engagement. Connect with Megan Lopp  - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-lopp-315a5a88/ Website: https://www.greencouchdesign.net/ 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 Megan Lopp and Green Couch Design (1:00) Overview of Green Couch Design's journey and name origin (5:18) Early struggles and the decision to start Green Couch Design (10:09) Balancing family and business growth (16:13) Kale's architecture career and Green Couch Design's expansion (20:39) Building a team and a collaborative culture with remote work (25:35) Growth in projects and the Montana brewery story (28:31) Vision and future goals for Green Couch Design (32:22) Fostering a contractor-friendly approach (37:12) Contact information and invitation to visit Oklahoma City (38:58) Closing remarks, call to action, and final sign-off
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Dec 9, 2025 • 59min

If You're Not Growing, You're Dying with Chad Nikkel - Next Level Growth

Chad Nikkel shares his journey from building a roofing business to orchestrating its exit. He discusses entrepreneurial insights, merging ventures, and strategies for growth and resilience. Chad emphasizes building strong sales teams and effective strategies. He explores scaling systems, strategic planning, and revenue generation. The episode includes lessons from selling a business, covering deal structures, seller financing, and legal documents. Chad also reflects on his leadership in EO Arizona, giving back, and offers advice to his younger self. Connect with Chad Nikkel  - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chadnikkel/ Website: https://nextlevelgrowth.com/chad-nikkel/ 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 Chad Nikkel's Roofing Business Exit (1:26) Sponsor: buildingscale.net/health (2:28) Chad Nikkel's Background and Entrepreneurial Journey (3:33) Merging Business Ventures and Roofing Industry Success (8:47) Challenges and Economic Resilience in Roofing (10:26) Discussing Business Growth and Various Exits (14:40) Building a Sales Team and Sales Strategy (18:33) Traits of a Successful Salesperson and Manager (27:07) Systems and Strategies for Scaling a Business (29:23) Strategic Planning and Revenue Generation (34:19) Sales Culture Across Different Industries (36:00) Lessons from Selling a Business and Transaction Details (39:24) Understanding Reps, Warranties, and Attorney Roles (43:03) Deal Structure, Seller Financing, and Earn Outs (47:19) The Importance of LOIs and Confidentiality in Transactions (50:49) Chad's Involvement and Leadership in EO Arizona (54:19) Giving Back and Advice to Younger Self (57:00) Contact Information and Closing Remarks
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Dec 2, 2025 • 56min

How Innovation is Changing the Future of Design with Mike Sewell - Gresham Smith

Mike Sewell joins the episode to discuss his data-driven approach to environmental design and the role of technology in the AEC sector. He shares insights into his career and motivation, emphasizing the importance of improving communities through design. The conversation highlights the Empath platform, its technical origins, applications, and pilot projects, demonstrating its business impact and cost savings. Mike addresses privacy and compliance in design, stress factors in transportation, and potential applications in healthcare and construction. The discussion also covers automation's impact on AEC, showcasing innovations to clients, and technology's role in hiring and employee retention. Mike concludes with advice for the younger generation. Connect with Mike Sewell - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-sewell-a85a19a/ Website: https://www.greshamsmith.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 Mike Sewell and heart rate comparison (0:15) Mike Sewell's background and data-driven environmental focus (1:01) Podcast mission and introduction (1:21) Technology and cybersecurity in AEC (2:33) Guest introduction: Mike Sewell (3:18) Mike Sewell's career and motivation (4:57) Improving communities through design (6:11) Empath platform overview and technical origin (10:42) Empath platform applications and pilot projects (13:06) Future applications in various sectors (14:53) Business impact and cost savings with empath (17:33) Privacy and compliance in design (18:28) Stress factors in transportation and design (21:16) Healthcare and construction potential applications (22:49) Client collaboration and design innovations (31:24) Automation and its impact on AEC (33:02) Company culture and conscious automation decisions (37:07) Case studies of successful automation (41:26) Technology's role in hiring and employee retention (42:29) Showcasing innovations to clients (44:17) Gia: Implementation of an internal AI chatbot (50:29) Employee engagement with AI technology (51:08) AI use cases and presentations (52:05) Advice for the younger generation (53:45) Closing remarks and contact information (55:03) Outro and sponsor mention
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Nov 18, 2025 • 36min

Building a Supportive Built World is Essential for Long-term Results with Josh Vitale - Project BUILT

Josh Vitale shares his journey into the construction industry, emphasizing the importance of wellness in this field. He discusses his transition to construction advocacy and recounts early experiences that shaped his career. The episode delves into his role in personal crisis intervention and efforts towards systemic change. Josh analyzes the return on investment for wellness programs and highlights initiatives like Project Built. He discusses educational partnerships and family retreats, touching on fundraising efforts and the Recharge Room concept. The conversation covers peak performance hubs, collaboration with academia, and outreach during Construction Suicide Prevention Week. Josh concludes with insights on wellness and self-care. Connect with Josh Vitale  - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-vitale-vitalchemy/ Website: https://getbuilt.org/ 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 wellness in construction and career journey (3:39) Transition to construction advocacy and early experiences (5:37) Personal crisis intervention and systemic change efforts (13:14) Analyzing the ROI on wellness programs and Project Built (16:34) Educational partnerships and family retreats initiative (24:46) Fundraising for family retreats and Recharge Room (28:35) Peak performance hubs and collaboration with academia (30:45) Construction Suicide Prevention Week and outreach (33:51) Final thoughts on wellness, self-care, and closing remarks
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Nov 11, 2025 • 1h 1min

Navigating Business and Life in Dark Times with Ryan Bitgood - Sunset View Windows and Doors

Ryan Bitgood of Sunset View Windows and Doors joins the episode to discuss negotiation success and creating mutual value in deals. He shares his journey from a family business to a leadership role, emphasizing how his military background has influenced business dynamics. Ryan talks about scaling operations, visionary leadership, and overcoming pandemic challenges. He also discusses the transition from military to civilian leadership, managing customer expectations with long lead times, and resilience through martial arts. The conversation touches on leadership pressure, team morale, personnel challenges, and talent development. Ryan reflects on acquisitions, M&A experiences, and real estate investments, offering advice for future growth. Connect with Ryan Bitgood - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-bitgood-a620a861/ Website: https://sunsetviewconstruction.com/ IG: @ryanbitgood 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) Ryan Bitgood's negotiation success and mutual value in deals (1:04) Introduction and Building Scale podcast mission (2:10) Introducing Ryan Bitgood and Sunset View Windows and Doors (3:01) Ryan Bitgood's journey from family business to leadership (6:10) Military background influencing business dynamics (9:18) Business scaling and operational growth strategies (15:50) Visionary leadership and overcoming pandemic challenges (22:31) Military to civilian leadership transition (26:37) Managing customer expectations with long lead times (30:08) Resilience through martial arts and adversity (38:08) Leadership pressure and team morale maintenance (41:56) Personnel challenges and talent development (44:43) Acquisitions, M&A experiences, and real estate investments (57:03) Reflecting on past lessons and advice for the future (59:45) Contacting Ryan and closing remarks (1:00:42) Sponsor: BuildingScale.net/help
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Nov 4, 2025 • 48min

Transforming Construction: A Tech-Driven Journey with Thomas Berrington - French Brothers

Thomas Berrington discusses the role of data-driven decision-making in the construction industry. He shares insights from his journey into construction and IT, focusing on technology's impact on French Brothers' operations. The episode covers challenges in securing leadership buy-in for new tech, strategies for non-technical communication, and the importance of historical data for efficiency. Thomas also explores Power BI integration for executive and customer insights, the debate between third-party solutions and custom development, and adapting tech for a younger workforce. He concludes with thoughts on data management, AI roadmaps, and offers final advice. Connect with Thomas Berrington - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-berrington-innovates/ Website: https://frenchbrothers.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 Importance of Data-Driven Decision Making (1:30) Introduction of Guest Thomas Berrington (2:34) Thomas Berrington's Entry into Construction and IT (5:00) Technology's Impact on French Brothers' Operations (9:56) Challenges and Leadership Buy-In for New Technology (14:22) Communication Strategies with Non-Technical Teams (23:39) Historical Data Utilization and Efficiency in Home Building (27:01) Power BI Integration for Executive Visibility and Customer Insights (33:09) Third-Party Solutions vs. Custom Development (34:23) Adapting Technology for a Younger Workforce and Training Trades (38:17) Data Management Lessons and Performance Reviews (43:34) Consultants, Optimization, and AI Roadmap (45:13) Final Advice from Thomas Barrington (46:47) Connecting with Thomas Berrington and Custom Applications (47:32) Closing Remarks and Episode Recap (47:55) Mission Statement and Call to Action

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