Shows
Builders, Budgets, and BeersHow Builders Can Raise The Standard with Andrea and Brian Seymour of Springdale Custom BuildersReece sits down with Andrea and Brian Seymour of Springdale Custom Builders to talk about the systems, pricing discipline, and process thinking it takes to build a company that is actually worth something. For builders, this matters because bad estimating, weak operations, and owner dependence can quietly kill profit long before the work dries up.They go over why the old three-bid mindset creates bad relationships, how Springdale qualifies clients and estimates more accurately, and what retained earnings and real financial visibility make possible. They also unpack the bigger play here: building repeatable systems, hiring the right...
2026-04-2946 min
Builders, Budgets, and BeersDon’t Let Weak Process Stop Your Growth with Archibald McLellanReece sits down with Archibald McLellan of CBIS to talk about why weak process can quietly hold a construction business back long before the owner realizes it. For builders trying to grow without losing control, this episode gets into why better systems, cleaner numbers, and stronger communication matter more than ever.Arch shares the hard lesson of losing leverage on a project because the paperwork, documentation, and financial visibility were not where they needed to be. Reece and Arch also break down job costing, cash flow planning, transparent communication, and why knowing your numbers early is what...
2026-04-2244 min
Builders, Budgets, and BeersBuild Wealth Before You Step Away with John SteigerReece sits down with John Steiger of Wealth Planning Resources to talk about a problem a lot of builders avoid until it gets urgent: how to build real wealth outside the business before it is time to step away. For owners thinking about succession, retirement, or simply getting their financial house in order, this conversation is a practical look at what needs to happen long before an exit is on the table.They cover grooming the next generation, why business development matters more than most owners realize, how phantom ownership can prepare future leaders, and why buying...
2026-04-1546 min
Builders, Budgets, and BeersThe AI Opportunity In Construction with Julie AdamsReece sits down with Julie Adams of Sage to talk about how AI is changing the way builders manage jobs, data, and decision-making across the business. They get into why this matters right now as builders face labor shortages, pricing pressure, and a market that still has real opportunity for firms that can see their numbers clearly. This episode covers the economic headwinds hitting construction, where firms are actually investing in AI, and how better visibility across estimating, operations, and finance can lead to smarter moves. If you want a clearer picture of how technology can help your business...
2026-04-0845 min
Builders, Budgets, and BeersFunding Big Builds Without Losing Control with Brad RobinsonReece sits down with Brad Robinson for his second time on Builders, Budgets, & Beers to talk about funding bigger projects without giving up the driver’s seat. They break down equity vs debt, what investors actually expect after you take their money, and how to choose the right partners for the deal. Brad also shares how he is connecting wellness-driven building with real estate strategy, plus the systems and SOP mindset builders need before they scale.Website: https://bradfordbuilds.comLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradfordrobinsonInstagram: https://ww...
2026-04-0141 min
Builders, Budgets, and BeersWhen Growth Outruns Cash Flow with Christian and Deanne LawsonReece sits down with Christian and Deanne Lawson of Lawson Development to talk about the real cash flow squeeze behind fixed price custom builds, and why draw schedules can quietly force builders to finance jobs. They break down deposits, milestones, profit vs. payroll, and how to spot loan officer red flags before they wreck a project. You will also hear how charging for quotes and tracking simple “life notes” helped them level up fast. If this helped, share it with a builder friend and follow for more straight talk money conversations.https://www.lawsondevelopmentllc.comSh...
2026-03-2548 min
Builders, Budgets, and BeersStrategic Partners That Reduce Risk And Help You Scale With David WerschayReece sits down with David Werschay of Werschay Homes to break down how builders can punch above their weight in land development and spec building without blowing up cash flow. They talk strategic partners, exclusive builder agreements, and a creative spec home funding play that got subs and banks aligned. You will walk away with practical ways to reduce risk, build repeatable processes, and keep momentum even when the market gets weird.https://werschayhomes.comShow Notes:00:00 Big land, shared risk00:19 Show intro00:54 Meet David01:57 Werschay Companies overview03:59...
2026-03-1849 min
Builders, Budgets, and BeersThe Tech Stack Upgrade Contractors Need With Connor WatumullReece sits down with Connor Watumull from Miter to talk about the biggest labor money leak most builders miss: getting every hour, burden, and benefit tied back to the right job. They break down what “contractor built” payroll and HR actually means, plus simple ways to level up onboarding, compensation, and performance without making it feel corporate. If labor is your biggest cost, this is the playbook for making it measurable, motivating, and profitable. https://www.miter.comShow Notes:00:00 New generation01:11 Connor’s path03:21 Why construction06:12 What i...
2026-03-1141 min
Builders, Budgets, and BeersWhy the Design to Bid System Fails with Trapper RoderickReece sits down with Trapper Roderick of Roderick Builders to talk about why most custom homes blow up on budget before they ever break ground. They discuss the broken “architect first, builder later” pipeline, and how to pull the builder into design early so the scope, the money, and the build reality actually match. You will hear how Trapper wins work through real estate relationships, design-forward content, and tighter processes so profit supports quality instead of fighting it. If this helped, share it with a builder friend who is tired of value engineering after the bid.https://www...
2026-03-0443 min
Builders, Budgets, and BeersPrice Per Square Foot is Lying to You with Mark WillieReece sits down with Mark Willie to break down why price per square foot can wreck budgets on custom homes, and what builders should lead with instead. They get into expectation setting, where costs are really climbing (hint: the envelope), and how finishes can quietly 4x a plan in one showroom visit. You will walk away with a clearer way to talk budgets, scope, and durability without getting trapped in a single number.https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-build-small-casitas-willehttps://www.instagram.com/wille.buildShow Notes:00:00 Notice what’s ri...
2026-02-2558 min
Builders, Budgets, and BeersMission Before Margin with Hayden CroxallReece sits down with Hayden Croxall to unpack how he built a multi-entity construction group by leading with purpose, not just profit. They discuss why residential work is so emotional, how Hayden thinks about holding companies and cross-serving trades, and what his tech stack changed for job costing and AP. You will walk away with a clearer filter for growth, culture, and hiring. If this one hits, share it with a builder who needs the reminder.https://www.croxallcommercial.comShow notes:00:00 Money and purpose00:49 Meet Hayden01:51 From recession to...
2026-02-1846 min
Builders, Budgets, and BeersStop Guessing Your Margin with Jeremy SloaneReece sits down with Jeremy Sloane of Sloane Construction Company to talk about job costing, cost codes, and why clean data is the difference between protecting margin and getting blindsided. They get into hiring lessons and the simple systems that keep projects on track. You’ll walk away with practical ways to tighten up billing, align your cost code “language,” and price future work with confidence. If this helps, subscribe and share it with a builder friend who’s tired of guessing.https://www.sloaneconstruction.comShow Notes: 00:00 Intro and why job costing...
2026-02-1157 min
Builders, Budgets, and BeersThe Right People Protect Your Vision with Tim CalderalaReece sits down with Tim Calderala of Apex Homes Florida to talk about the money impact of hiring, leadership clarity, and building a bench of talent. Tim shares what four acquisitions taught him about systems, KPIs, and why “right people in right seats” beats any process on paper. You will hear how he launched a custom home company from scratch and what builders can do today to stop letting team gaps wreck margin.https://www.apexhomesfl.comShow Notes:00:00 Right people first03:43 Tim’s builder path06:30 Acquisitions lessons09:51 Clarity and vi...
2026-02-0446 min
Builders, Budgets, and BeersSuccessful Projects are Built on Clarity with PJ AntonikReece Barnes sits down with PJ Antonik of Oak Development to talk about the real difference between “having a gut feel” and actually knowing your job costs. PJ breaks down how he audits past projects, tightens his funnel, and uses budget vs actuals to catch mistakes before they wreck cash flow. If you have ever felt unsure whether you can safely spend what is in the bank, this one will help you get your confidence back. Subscribe and share this with a builder friend who is still estimating off vibes.https://oakdd.comhttps://www.instagram.com...
2026-01-2852 min
Builders, Budgets, and BeersJob Costing Mistakes That Break Trust with Joel RouteReece Barnes sits down with Joel Route of Mark D Williams Custom Homes to talk about the real cost of messy job costing and how it wrecks trust with clients. They break down how miscoded invoices can turn into double billing, end of job surprises, and $60K to $70K hits to margin. You will hear simple process rules, how to keep draws clean, and why real time cost tracking changes everything. If this helped, subscribe and share it with a builder who is still doing this in spreadsheets.https://www.mdwilliamshomes.comShow Notes:
2026-01-2146 min
Builders, Budgets, and BeersOne Bad Hire Can Break Your Culture with Paul SannemanReece sits down with Paul Sanneman of Contractor Staffing Source to talk about the real cost of hiring mistakes, and why marketing and recruiting are no longer optional if you want to protect profit. They break down how AI is changing the game, plus Paul’s step by step recruiting process you can run in house if you have to. You will leave with clearer standards for who to hire, how to onboard them, and why one “almost good enough” employee is costing you way more than you think. If this helps, share it with a builder friend and check...
2026-01-1436 min
Builders, Budgets, and BeersProtecting your Margins with Garrett GoldsberryReece sits down again with Garrett Goldsberry of Salt Creek Homes for round two, now that Garrett has been using Adaptive for a few months. They break down what changed after moving from Excel and QuickBooks into real job costing, and why it matters if you are trying to protect margin. You’ll hear how Garrett builds cost plus draw packages, improves transparency with clients, and catches missed costs before they quietly erode profit. If this helped, subscribe and share it with a builder who is still “making it work” in spreadsheets.https://www.saltcreekhomesco.com1...
2026-01-0744 min
Builders, Budgets, and BeersMaking Systems Stick with Matt BrillReece sits down with Matt Brill of Bauen Build to break down change management for builders, from new software to new build standards, without losing the team along the way. They talk about what actually drives buy in, how to keep craftspeople focused on the work they love, and why clarity is so important. You will leave with practical ways to tighten budgets, approvals, and communication while still building a great product. If this hit home, share it with a builder friend and check out the links for more.https://bauenbuild.comShow Notes:
2025-12-3147 min
Builders, Budgets, and BeersFixed Price vs Cost Plus with Chris KerrReece sits down with Chris Kerr of White Oak Home to debate fixed price versus cost plus, and what each model really means for risk, profit, and client trust. They get into the real reason fixed price feels simpler for a small team, why missing receipts can quietly kill margin, and how job costing changes the whole conversation. You’ll also hear how to think about overhead, project management fees, and change orders when the client is still deciding mid build. If this helped, share it with a builder buddy and check out Adaptive for tighter job cost tracking.
2025-12-2449 min
Builders, Budgets, and BeersWIP Reports That Tell The Truth About Profit with Miller BradfordReece sits down with construction bookkeeper and CFO Miller Bradford from Builder Bookkeep to talk about what WIP reports really do for builders and why they are the difference between real profit and fake profit. They dig into overbilling and underbilling, messy books, tax season chaos, and the nasty surprises that show up when you guess instead of track. You will hear simple ways to use WIP as a live management tool, what numbers have to be right, and how often you should be running it so you are not flying blind. If this episode hits home, share it...
2025-12-171h 00
Builders, Budgets, and BeersKnow Your Numbers Protect Your Margin with Shawn Van DykeReece digs in with construction business coach and Profit First for Contractors author Shawn Van Dyke to show why clean job costs matter more than chasing big revenue. They walk through how Shawn helped a millwork company find its profit sweet spot, track every hour of labor, and stop guessing on bids. You will hear simple ways to set up cost codes, push data capture to the field, and pay yourself properly for the risk you take. If this helps, share it with a builder friend who is tired of feeling in the dark about their numbers....
2025-12-1054 min
Builders, Budgets, and BeersConstruction Accounting Success with Bill MillsBill Mills, experienced CPA specializing in construction accounting, discusses the critical role of embracing new technology, real-time financial data, and proactive tax and business management to improve profitability and decision-making for contractors. Reece and Bill's conversation highlights the need for contractors to regularly review and upgrade their back-office systems, leveraging outside expertise and modern software to remain competitive and successful.https://www.pinionglobal.comShow Notes: Bill Mills' Background and Introduction (0:00)Bill's Professional Journey and Role at Pinion (5:01)The Role of AI in Everyday Life (9:00)Challenges and Opportunities in...
2025-12-0346 min
Builders, Budgets, and BeersThe Key to Project Success with Alex MolkentinAlex Molkentin shares insights from his journey in the construction industry, emphasizing the importance of pre-construction as a means to set clear expectations and effectively manage project costs. The discussion highlights the value of transparency, collaboration with clients and trade partners, and continuous learning from past experiences to ensure successful project outcomes.https://www.builtbyfernhill.comhttps://www.instagram.com/builtbyfernhillShow Notes: Alex Molkentin's Background and Early Career (0:00)Lessons from Past Generations (6:10)Pre-Construction and Marketing (10:59)Setting Client Expectations (11:52)Pre-Construction and Cost Management (14:36)Trade Partner Involvement...
2025-11-2647 min
The Build ProjectEp. 07 - Genuine Innovation in Construction - Reece Barnes of AdaptiveIn this episode, We sit (virtually) down with Reece Barnes, Head of Construction Network at Adaptive and host of the Builders, Budgets & Beers podcast. What starts as a casual conversation quickly turns into a deep dive on project financials, AI, and what separates sustainable luxury builders from everyone else.
Reece shares how growing up around construction shaped him, why he originally hated working in the trades, and how he eventually found his lane selling software to builders. Drawing from 50+ podcast episodes with builders and construction accounting pros, he explains why financial clarity is the single biggest differentiator...
2025-11-2454 min
Builders, Budgets, and BeersSystems, People, and Profit with Isabel AffinitoIsabel Affinito and Reece discuss the critical importance of having clear job descriptions, robust systems, and disciplined financial practices to drive success and minimize risks in construction businesses. They highlight the emotional challenges of change management, the judicious role of AI, and the need to implement foundational processes before scaling operations.https://www.isabelaffinito.comShow Notes: Introduction and Background of Isabel Affinito (0:00)Implementing Job Descriptions and Organizational Change (6:51)Emotional Aspects of Business Ownership (15:12)Opportunities of Focus for Builders (22:35)Implementing AI and Technology in Construction (40:29)Conclusion and...
2025-11-191h 06
Builders, Budgets, and BeersBuilding Financial Clarity with Per PetterssonBuilder and tech veteran Per Pettersson discusses how project management and financial clarity are essential for success and efficiency in the construction industry. Drawing on his experience, he shares strategies for better planning, cost tracking, and communication to deliver projects on time and improve client satisfaction.https://www.linmakconstruction.comShow Notes: Background and Introduction of Per Pettersson (0:00)Transition from Tech to Construction (6:46)Challenges and Opportunities in Construction (11:33)Financial Management in Construction (22:01)Lessons Learned and Industry Insights (39:13)Final Thoughts and Advice for Builders (45:01)Find...
2025-11-1248 min
Builders, Budgets, and BeersWhy Most Builders Stay Stuck at $2M with Paul AthertonPaul Atherton shares why most builders stall until they make an identity shift—from “in-the-field” carpenter to business owner—and how to use return on time vs. return on capital to scale. He breaks down hiring that first PM, simple systems, the five levels to a self-managed company, branding that actually works, the Four C’s (coaching, community, content, capital), and setting anti-goals so growth doesn’t cost your life.https://www.highspire.comShow Notes: Introduction and Background of Paul Atherton (0:00)The Importance of Self-Managed Companies (1:44)Challenges in Transitioning to Business...
2025-11-0544 min
LevelheadsReece BarnesThis episode of the Level Heads podcast has it all: AI, booze, construction, and a very confused orangutan! We sit down with Reece Barnes, Head of Construction Network at Adaptive, to talk about cutting-edge AI bookkeeping and how technology like Toggle is actually saving time on the job. Reece dishes on his past life cold-calling builders for Builder Trend (spoiler: it involved lots of dialing and screaming voicemails) , the ongoing debate of Cost Plus vs. Fixed Price , and what it's really like to go from Denver to Boston. But the real hard-hitting questions come at the end, where Reece...
2025-11-031h 09LevelheadsReece BarnesThis episode of the Level Heads podcast has it all: AI, booze, construction, and a very confused orangutan! We sit down with Reece Barnes, Head of Construction Network at Adaptive, to talk about cutting-edge AI bookkeeping and how technology like Toggle is actually saving time on the job. Reece dishes on his past life cold-calling builders for Builder Trend (spoiler: it involved lots of dialing and screaming voicemails) , the ongoing debate of Cost Plus vs. Fixed Price , and what it's really like to go from Denver to Boston. But the real hard-hitting questions come at the end, where Reece...
2025-11-031h 09
Builders, Budgets, and BeersWIP, Job Costing, and Cash Flow with Andrea GallionAndrea Gallion shares how builders can use Work-in-Progress reporting, real-time job costing, and clean month-end processes to actually see where their projects stand and protect profit. She and Reece dig into invoices and pay apps, QuickBooks realities, retainage, and percent-complete so you can spot over- and under-billing early and keep cash moving.https://melton-melton.comVideo Notes: 00:00 Processing invoices and pay apps00:54 Meet Andrea Gallion06:13 Month end and reconciling cleanly07:11 Job costing that actually helps decisions10:29 QuickBooks realities for builders18:02 Backlog and pipeline basics33:29 WIP reporting and percent c...
2025-10-2949 min
Builders, Budgets, and BeersStop Bleeding TalentSuman Cherry shares a no-BS playbook for hiring in construction. We get into the real cost of losing A-players, the first hires that buy back your time, and how SOPs, EOS-style accountability, and regulated leadership create capacity - not chaos. https://cherrytalentgroup.comShow Notes: 00:00 Intro and who Suman is 02:02 Headhunter fees versus hourly recruiting 04:45 Values and EQ over resumes 07:52 SOPs and onboarding to reduce chaos 12:29 Why A players quit 16:49 From many hats to clear roles 20:46 First three hires: Office Manager, Estimator, Supers or PMs 24...
2025-10-2251 min