Shows
The Berks Homes PodcastEp 33: Guiding Principles: How We Use Them in Our Day to DayKatie and Ben revisit their guiding principles including their mission, vision, and core values. They reflect on how these foundational ideas have shaped decisions and culture within the company over the past year. They discuss how values like helpful, humble, aware, and driven are actively used to guide hiring, leadership development, team collaboration, and long-term decision-making. The episode emphasizes how leaning into these principles has helped foster a supportive and accountable workplace culture.Contact Katie or Ben if you have any questions or feedback! kdetwiler@berkshomes.combhorning@berkshomes.com2025-08-0651 minThe Berks Homes PodcastEp 32: We’re Busy, We’re Winning, and We’re BackKatie and Ben return after a break to reflect on a strong year of growth and progress across the company. They explain who the podcast is for and offering insight into Berks Homes' culture, decisions, and values. The episode wraps with optimism about upcoming community launches and a renewed commitment to field visits, consistent communication, and deeper employee engagement.Contact Katie or Ben if you have any questions or feedback! kdetwiler@berkshomes.combhorning@berkshomes.com2025-07-3022 minThe Berks Homes PodcastEp 31: 2025 Builder Show Recap: Networking, Innovation, and Market TrendsKatie and Ben recap their experience at the 2025 International Builders Show, emphasizing the importance of networking, market insights, and product trends. They highlight key takeaways about the evolving homebuilding industry, including market challenges, the impact of large builders, and the role of innovation and AI in construction. The episode also reflects on valuable educational sessions and the importance of strategic partnerships for future growth.Contact Katie or Ben if you have any questions or feedback! kdetwiler@berkshomes.combhorning@berkshomes.com2025-03-1238 minThe Berks Homes PodcastEp 30: Why Trade Partners Matter: The Foundation of Quality HomebuildingKatie & Ben highlight the essential role of trade partners in homebuilding, emphasizing strong relationships, clear communication, and consistent payments. They discuss the value of treating trade partners as true collaborators, ensuring job readiness, and maintaining high quality standards through detailed plans and reliable scheduling. Their conversation underscores the long-term benefits of investing in trade partner success, fostering mutual trust, and creating a sustainable, high performing homebuilding process.Contact Katie or Ben if you have any questions or feedback! kdetwiler@berkshomes.combhorning@berkshomes.com2025-02-2643 minThe Berks Homes PodcastEp 29: The Power of Simplification, How We Made Decision-Making Faster & SmarterKatie and Ben discuss how centralizing operations has transformed their company by improving decision-making, communication, and business efficiency. They reflect on how moving from a decentralized model, where multiple managers handled decisions independently to a streamlined structure has eliminated bottlenecks, allowed for faster execution, and empowered the right people to take ownership of key responsibilities. They highlight how these changes have reduced unnecessary negotiations, increased alignment across teams, and created a stronger company culture that ultimately benefits both employees and homeowners.Contact Katie or Ben if you have any questions or feedback! kdetwiler@berkshomes.combhorning@berkshomes.com2025-02-1930 minThe Berks Homes PodcastEp 28: Reading the Room & Why Awareness MattersKatie & Ben discuss their last core value "Aware" and its role in decision-making. They highlight how awareness is the foundation of the other values of helpful, humble, and driven—allowing individuals to read the room, ask good questions, and anticipate the impact of their actions. They emphasize that awareness is key to understanding people, planning effectively, and making informed decisions that benefit both individuals and the organization.
Contact Katie or Ben if you have any questions or feedback!
kdetwiler@berkshomes.com
bhorning@berkshomes.com2025-02-0530 minThe Berks Homes PodcastEp. 27: What It Means To Be Driven At Berks HomesKatie & Ben focus on the company's core value of being driven, discussing how motivation, accountability, and perseverance play a crucial role in their success. They reflect on how drive balances with other values like humility and helpfulness, emphasizing that true drive must come from within and be applied collaboratively.
Contact Katie or Ben if you have any questions or feedback!
kdetwiler@berkshomes.com
bhorning@berkshomes.com2025-01-2933 minThe Berks Homes PodcastEp. 26: How Berks Homes Is Innovating And Adapting For GrowthKatie and Ben discuss their excitement for 2025, focusing on the evolving real estate market and how their team is adapting to new challenges with a streamlined approach. They also highlight the importance of continuous innovation, refining processes, and staying true to their core values to drive growth and efficiency in the business.
Contact Katie or Ben if you have any questions or feedback!
kdetwiler@berkshomes.com
bhorning@berkshomes.com2025-01-2218 minThe Berks Homes PodcastEp 25: Reflections & Roadmaps: How Berks Homes Is Shaping Its FutureThe Berks Homes Podcast is back! Katie and Ben reflect on 2024, highlighting a shift from rapid growth to a sustainable, value-driven approach that included organizational restructuring and employee empowerment. They celebrate their team’s resilience, emphasize preserving the culture of their family business, and share optimism about new leadership and streamlined operations. Looking ahead to 2025, they aim to balance quality homebuilding, financial discipline, and innovation while fostering engagement with employees and customers.
Contact Katie or Ben if you have any questions or feedback!
kdetwiler@berkshomes.com
bhorning@berkshomes.com2025-01-1542 minThe Berks Homes PodcastEp. 24: Budget SeasonIn this episode, Katie and Ben discuss the budgeting process involved in home building. They cover why they enjoy the budgeting process, its complexities, and how it impacts long-term business planning. They explore topics like setting a budget for settlements, forecasting sales, land acquisition, and balancing conservative estimates with market unpredictability. They emphasize the importance of preparing for the future, especially in a fluid market, and the art-science mix of predicting business outcomes.
Contact Katie or Ben if you have any questions or feedback!
kdetwiler@berkshomes.com
bhorning@berkshomes.com2024-09-2547 minThe Berks Homes PodcastEp. 23: Lessons In BusinessIn this episode, Katie and Ben emphasize the importance of people management over technical skills, sharing their experiences and mistakes. Effective leadership involves self-awareness, hiring complementary team members, and maintaining a focus on human resources. Additionally, they discuss the significance of planning, prioritizing tasks, and asking the right questions to ensure the completion of successful projects.
Contact Katie or Ben if you have any questions or feedback!
kdetwiler@berkshomes.com
bhorning@berkshomes.com2024-08-0746 minThe Berks Homes PodcastEp. 22: It's All In The FamilyIn this episode, Katie and Ben discuss the entrepreneurial spirit that runs deep in their family. Highlighting the history of their great-grandfather's farmstead and the various businesses that emerged from it. They contrast their father's detail-oriented approach with their grandfather's creative, quick-start mentality, emphasizing the importance of balancing motivation and intentionality while providing stability for their employees and community.
Contact Katie or Ben if you have any questions or feedback!
kdetwiler@berkshomes.com
bhorning@berkshomes.com2024-07-1827 minThe Berks Homes PodcastEp. 21: Why We Love Building HomesIn this episode Katie and Ben discuss the excitement of land acquisition, the satisfaction of seeing a community thrive, and the challenges of adapting to market demands. They highlight the importance of leadership, customer satisfaction, and staying updated with industry trends. Both Katie and Ben express a love for the dynamic nature of home building, from the initial land prospect to the final product, emphasizing the balance between practical business decisions and the joy of creating homes that meet people's needs.
Contact Katie or Ben if you have any questions or feedback!
kdetwiler@berkshomes...2024-07-1147 minThe Berks Homes PodcastEp. 20: Adapt For SuccessKatie and Ben discuss the critical role of adaptability in the home-building industry. They explore how adaptability enables businesses to effectively navigate market fluctuations, which are particularly impactful in the home-building industry known for its significant economic swings. They emphasize adaptability as a cornerstone for survival and success, allowing companies to pivot swiftly and adjust to changing conditions. Additionally, the conversation underscores the importance of metrics and data in forecasting trends and making informed decisions to stay competitive in a constantly evolving market.
Contact Katie or Ben if you have any questions or feedback!
...2024-07-0353 minThe Berks Homes PodcastEp. 19: What It Means To Be Humble At Berks HomesKatie and Ben discuss their recent public speaking experience and reflect on the importance of humility in their company culture at Berks Homes. They emphasize humility as a core value, defining it as gratitude, setting aside ego, and prioritizing team success, which guides their hiring practices and daily interactions. By fostering a culture of humility, they aim to create a positive, solution-focused environment where team achievements are celebrated and challenges are met with optimism.
Contact Katie or Ben if you have any questions or feedback!
kdetwiler@berkshomes.com
bhorning@berkshomes.com2024-06-1948 minThe Berks Homes PodcastEp. 18: Playing The Long GamePlaying the long game! Katie and Ben discuss the importance of playing the long game in home building by focusing on strategic planning, securing land positions, and adapting to market conditions. They emphasize the need for a balanced approach that allows for prudent risk-taking and maintaining stability during market fluctuations. The discussion highlights the significance of controlling what you can to ensure steady growth and success in the long term.
Contact Katie or Ben if you have any questions or feedback!
kdetwiler@berkshomes.com
bhorning@berkshomes.com2024-06-1227 minThe Berks Homes PodcastEp. 17: Keeping Business SimpleIn this episode, Katie & Ben discuss simplifying business processes to reduce mental fatigue and enhance efficiency. They emphasize the importance of clear communication, practical problem-solving, and regular audits of tools and systems to streamline operations. By focusing on these principles, businesses can maintain simplicity and improve overall performance. Keeping business simple involves reducing unnecessary complexity, communicating effectively, and regularly reviewing processes and tools to ensure they remain efficient. This approach helps maintain focus on what truly matters and leads to better problem-solving and overall business success.
Contact Katie or Ben if you have any...2024-06-0540 minThe Berks Homes PodcastEp. 16: Let Your Principles Be Your GuideAfter a brief spring break, Katie and Ben are back to share insights on the importance of adhering to principles and core values to make business decisions. They recall their father's decision to close model homes on Sundays as an example. This choice, based on the value of giving employees a day of rest, highlights the importance of aligning business practices with core values rather than solely focusing on metrics.
Contact Katie or Ben if you have any questions or feedback!
kdetwiler@berkshomes.com
bhorning@berkshomes.com2024-05-2920 minThe Berks Homes PodcastEp. 15: Embracing Mindfulness And The Power Of A Positive MindsetIn this episode, Katie and Ben discuss the importance of mindset. Katie describes her staycation routine as a time to reset and enjoy uninterrupted time at home. They emphasize the significance of having the right mindset in various situations, whether it's approaching meetings with enthusiasm or being open to different perspectives. They share personal experiences and reflections on how mindset impacts their interactions and productivity. Additionally, they discuss the value of actively listening, seeking alternative perspectives, and embracing change. The episode concludes with a challenge for listeners to actively listen and be open to changing their mindset in different...2024-05-0126 minThe Berks Homes PodcastEp. 14: Rocks - How To Set And Achieve Short Term GoalsIn this episode, Katie and Ben discuss the importance of setting "rocks" or goals for the company's next 90 days. Emphasizing the SMART criteria for effective goal-setting: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Timely. This ensures that goals are clear, achievable, and contribute to the company's overall objectives. They discuss the challenges of balancing ambitious goals with realistic timelines and the importance of detailed planning. The challenge for listeners is to set SMART rocks and communicate effectively with team members for alignment.
Contact Katie or Ben if you have any questions or feedback!
kdetwiler@berkshomes.com
2024-04-2433 minThe Berks Homes PodcastEp. 13: Things You Didn't Learn In Business School #1In this week's episode, Katie and Ben delve into aspects often overlooked in traditional business education, drawing from their own experiences and reflections on college coursework. They stress the importance of soft skills, like clear communication, in navigating the corporate environment effectively. Sharing personal anecdotes, they highlight the significance of setting expectations and boundaries while emphasizing the value of understanding communication preferences and cultivating relationships with coworkers and mentors. Ultimately, they underscore the pivotal role of mentors in providing valuable insights and shortcuts to success, emphasizing the need to learn from individuals with diverse strengths and perspectives.
...2024-04-1848 minThe Berks Homes PodcastEp. 12: What It Means To Be Helpful At Berks HomesThis week Katie and Ben discuss their core value of helpfulness. They discuss the importance of being proactive in providing service, pitching in, and leaving things better than they found them. They explore the significance of identifying needs, stepping in, and fostering a culture where everyone looks out for each other. The conversation emphasizes the need for balance in being helpful, avoiding overcompensation for others' weaknesses, and ensuring personal and professional growth opportunities aren't hindered. They highlight the importance of communication in determining when and how to be helpful, especially in process-oriented tasks where unintended consequences may arise. Examples...2024-04-1041 minThe Berks Homes PodcastEp. 11: EOS - Meeting Cadence And Our State Of The CompanyThis week Katie and Ben discuss the significance of EOS meetings in their annual company gathering. They emphasize the importance of accountability and execution, reflecting on past achievements and setting goals for the future. They also touch upon the weekly meeting cadence and how it drives departmental alignment and goal setting. Additionally, they share insights into the upcoming annual meeting, highlighting changes in venue and format based on feedback from previous events. Overall, this episode explores the evolving role of meetings in fostering communication, collaboration, and strategic planning within the organization.
Contact Katie or Ben if you...2024-04-0342 minThe Berks Homes PodcastEp. 10: Brand Consistency vs Innovation - Striking The Right BalanceKatie and Ben dive deep into the importance of branding in their homebuilding business. They discuss how branding is more than just marketing, it's about embodying the company's culture and values. Emphasizing the significance of consistent brand representation and how it reflects the organization's principles. Using examples from their own company, like their logo and exterior design choices, to illustrate how branding communicates trustworthiness and stability to customers. Katie and Ben also touch on the challenge of maintaining brand consistency as the company scales and the importance of aligning employees with the brand's values. They stress the need for...2024-03-2738 minThe Berks Homes PodcastEp. 9: Major League Player In Minor League MarketsKatie and Ben delve into their vision and the essence of their company. They emphasize the importance of staying true to their identity, even as they expand into new markets. They discuss their commitment to cultivating trust and relationships, avoiding the tactics of major competitors. While they acknowledge the challenges of growth, they also find excitement in the unknown and the opportunity to learn and evolve. Katie and Ben embrace the challenge of navigating new territories and unlocking new levels of personal and professional growth.
Contact Katie or Ben if you have any questions...2024-03-1948 minThe Berks Homes PodcastEp. 8: Regionalization For GrowthKatie & Ben explore the topic of regionalization for growth. Reflecting on their recent attendance at the builder show, Katie and Ben discuss how networking and learning from industry peers have fueled their creativity and strategic development. The transition to a regionalized structure has been pivotal for Berks Homes' growth trajectory. While initially posing challenges, the shift to decentralized operations has proven to be a catalyst for innovation and efficiency. By empowering regional teams to make informed decisions and fostering a culture of accountability, Berks Homes has witnessed significant progress. With the introduction of the Clubhouse program, Katie and Ben...2024-03-1438 minThe Berks Homes PodcastEp. 7: Careers In HomebuildingIn this episode, Katie and Ben discuss career paths in home building. They emphasize the various paths individuals can take within the industry, highlighting examples from their own company. They discuss the importance of starting in departments like experience, sales, or technology, which offer valuable skills and opportunities for growth. They stress the significance of cultural fit and the ability to adapt and learn within the organization. The conversation also touches on the evolving nature of career paths in the industry, driven by technological advancements and expanding opportunities beyond traditional roles. Additionally, they acknowledge the critical role of support...2024-03-0144 minThe Berks Homes PodcastEp. 6: We Love Metrics And AccountabilityIn the this episode, Katie and Ben explore the essential role of metrics and accountability in the homebuilding industry. Emphasizing the significance of clarity in defining success and fostering a collaborative approach to setting and tracking goals. They highlight the dynamic nature of metrics, evolving to adapt to changes in market dynamics and customer expectations. With a focus on consistency and efficiency, they underscore the importance of predictability in operations, striving for alignment with key business priorities such as customer satisfaction, timing, profitability, and land acquisition. By integrating data-driven insights into decision-making processes, Katie and Ben provide a roadmap...2024-02-1939 minThe Berks Homes PodcastEp. 5: Our Career Paths And A Little About Family BusinessIn this episode, Katie & Ben dive deep into conversation about the family businesses. Katie reflected on her role within the business and her evolving perspective on entrepreneurship and scalability. Katie & Ben highlight pivotal moments, such as the realization that their passion lay in being a business owner rather than solely in the work itself. Additionally, they discuss the challenges and growth opportunities presented by working in a family business, emphasizing the importance of clear communication and separating personal dynamics from professional responsibilities. Overall, the significance of aligning personal aspirations with the goals of the business while navigating the complexities...2024-02-0950 minThe Berks Homes PodcastEp. 4: EOS - Overview Of The Basics And Why We Use ItThis episode of the Berks Homes podcast, Katie and Ben discuss EOS, which stands for Entrepreneurial Operating System. They explain that EOS is a system designed to help businesses operate more effectively and efficiently. The podcast hosts talk about the six key components of EOS: People, Vision, Data, Process, Traction, and Issues. They emphasize the importance of having the right people in the right roles and the need for a clear vision for the company's future. They also discuss the significance of data and scorecards for measuring progress and the need for well-documented processes. They explain that EOS encourages...2024-02-0236 minThe Berks Homes PodcastEp. 3: What Are The Berks Homes Guiding Principles?In this episode, Katie and Ben from Berks Homes discuss their company's guiding principles. They delve into the history and development of these principles, emphasizing the importance of core values like being helpful, humble, driven, and aware. They explain how these values have shaped their company culture, hiring process, and daily interactions. The episode also touches on their mission and vision, with the vision being to be a major league player in minor league markets. Additionally, they acknowledge an MVP employee, John D'Angelo, for his exemplary embodiment of their guiding principles. Finally, they issue a challenge for listeners to...2024-01-2636 min
The Berks Homes PodcastEp. 2: What's In Store For 2024 - Slot Schedule And CultureWelcome to the Berks Homes Podcast, where Katie and Ben, your hosts, dive into the exciting world of 2024. They discuss the intricacies of the slot schedule, a crucial backbone of their production, breaking down how it impacts everything from financials to sales and construction. The episode delves into their strategies for maintaining a 60-day sales backlog, emphasizing the importance of consistency and flexibility. The conversation also explores alignment within the organization, focusing on how every role plays a crucial part in the company's success. Katie and Ben share insights into their quarterly EOS meetings and their commitment to clarity...2024-01-1934 min
The Berks Homes PodcastEp. 1: The Berks Homes Podcast IntroductionThe introduction episode! Katie and Ben explain who they are, what is Berks Homes and why they are creating this podcast. They go over Berks Homes’ core values and explain their mission “Creating lasting relationships through trust, driven by our core values - Helpful, Humble, Aware, and Driven.”2024-01-1903 min
The JodcastNovember 2016 ExtraSleeping Satellites. In the show this time, Katie Detwiler talks to us about the cultural anthropology of ALMA, Dr. Joe Zuntz tells us about weak lensing and his departure from Jodrell Bank and your astronomical questions are answered by Minnie, Ben and George in Ask an Astronomer.2016-11-181h 30