Shows
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
Builders, Budgets, and BeersProfit by Design: CFO + CPA for BuildersAllison O’Baker and Priscilla Thomasevich share how a CFO–CPA duo helps builders organize their books, budget with intent, and protect margins. We dig into chart of accounts vs. cost codes, fixed vs. variable spend, tax levers and accounting methods (cash, accrual, completed-contract), and when to lean on a bookkeeper, controller, or CFO.Connect with: Allison O'Baker: https://aodataflow.comPriscilla Thomasevich: https://sawgrasscpa.comShow Notes: 0:00 Cold open: why money talk matters0:35 Mics up & episode setup1:01 Allison’s lane: outsourced CFO2:25 Priscill...
2025-10-1551 min
Builders, Budgets, and BeersBuilding a Business With Your Spouse with Cody & Kristen DawsonCody & Kristen Dawson share how Patriot Custom Homes grew from a COVID-era handyman hustle into a legit remodel-to-custom operation—with corporate skills, clear lanes, and real systems doing the heavy lifting. They get into the spouse-run dynamics, hiring and delegation, and the call between doing a spec to show your chops or waiting on the right custom client.PatriotHomesTx.comShow Notes: 00:00 Cold open & intros01:09 Meet Cody & Kristen Dawson (Patriot Custom Homes)05:31 The fork in the road: offshore job vs first remodel08:32 First time managing subs & the income mat...
2025-10-0849 min
Builders, Budgets, and BeersPayroll Tax Savings Most Builders MissOperations pro Angie Aki joins Reece to demystify payroll tax savings, W-2 vs 1099 trade-offs, benefits that actually help retention, and the liability/insurance pieces builders overlook. We finish with a simple action plan—clean AR, right retirement setup, and a smarter way to pay yourself.https://angieaki.comShow Notes: 0:00 Welcome and who’s Angie 4:25 From “Go Ask Angie” to operations pro 5:54 Payroll taxes and benefits most builders miss 6:49 W-2 vs 1099: true costs and risks 19:02 Liability, audits, and paper trails 21:13 Culture beats chaos when you grow 23:41 Retirement opt...
2025-10-0136 min
Builders, Budgets, and BeersFrom Grunt Work to Luxury GCBrady Fenn shares how Fenn Rogers went from “tearing up floors” to a trusted luxury custom home builder in the Phoenix area by partnering with the right designers/architects and bidding to the actual spec, not the plan assumptions. He shares hard-won lessons on fixing budget misses, building a dependable subs bench, and using clear expectations and communication to keep clients confident through an imperfect, first-time build.https://www.fennrogers.comShow Notes: 00:00 Welcome + what Fenn Rogers builds02:26 Brady’s path: from tearing up floors to partner11:18 Designers & architects: moving upmarket the right w...
2025-09-2447 min
Builders, Budgets, and BeersFixed Price vs Cost-PlusVictor Rybak shares how he moved from “bags-on” to building systems that protect profit—covering fixed price vs cost-plus, change orders, retainers, and allowances that don’t burn you. He also breaks down the House Pro workflow for bids, selections, invoicing, and job-cost clarity so builders stop giving away work and start pricing like a real business.https://simplyhomebuilders.comShow Notes: 0:00 Welcome & why this show exists4:46 From bags-on to the office—why Victor changed lanes7:29 When the market shifts, profit needs a plan9:41 Stop the freebies—write the change order...
2025-09-1756 min
Builders, Budgets, and BeersCuriosity Over Ego: Specs & Real MarginsGabe Joseph shares how getting past ego made him a better builder—leaning into curiosity, standardizing specs, and scaling without bloat. We dig into procurement, margins, architect fit, permitting, and the upstream moves that erase change orders.https://www.jdbatx.comShow Notes:0:00 Cold open — curiosity as the builder's edge1:01 Gabe's background and Austin roots6:08 Specs over one-offs: standardization that scales10:36 Procurement: high-design without high cost14:27 Margins, materials, and making the numbers work31:27 Subcontractors: building a reliable roster40:10 Change orders: how to avoid them upstream44:43 Permitting & city dyna...
2025-09-1047 min
Builders, Budgets, and BeersKnow Your Numbers, Not Just Your CraftTyler Grace shares how he shifted from over-delivering to running a lean, profitable small-shop—tracking every hour, pricing for reality, and choosing lifestyle over headcount. He breaks down T&M vs cost-plus in plain English, why “good enough” (when scoped) beats burnout, and how to design a business that actually pays you back.http://trghomeconcepts.comFind more of Tyler at "The Modern Craftsman" podcast: https://www.moderncraftsman.coShow Notes: 0:00 Good enough finally clicked 5:00 How Tyler actually got into the trades 22:30 The over-delivering trap (and...
2025-09-031h 17
Builders, Budgets, and BeersPre-Con Without the ChaosAdam Copenhaver shares how Cope Grand scaled from small cottages to ultra-luxury builds in Charleston by systematizing pre-construction, translating “ankle-grabber” chaos into clear scopes, and making budgets readable to clients. He dives into cost code organization, lessons from the COVID lumber spike, working with owner’s reps, and how he uses Buildertrend to keep accountability visible.https://www.copegrandhomes.comShow Notes:0:00 What we’re tackling today4:15 How high-end builds work in Charleston13:26 Making budgets clients can actually read18:12 Cost-plus explained and where it wins32:06 Fixed fee vs cost plus, wh...
2025-08-271h 14
Builders, Budgets, and BeersCash Flow Isn’t Profit: Job-Cost ItTrent Waldrop shares how confusing cash flow with profit can quietly sink a small builder—and why ruthless job costing is the only way to know if you’re actually making money. He breaks down moving from 75–80% cost capture to billing every line item (even the $25 ones), hitting budgets within ~5%, and choosing the right pricing model so you can net 10–12% (or better) on $200–$400K homes.https://waldropcompany.comShow Notes:0:00 Hitting Budget Within 5% on Every Build9:17 Building Homes for the Community You Know13:36 Tracking Costs Like a Hawk on Lower-M...
2025-08-2052 min
Builders, Budgets, and BeersYou’re Flying Blind in Business (Here’s How to Fix It)Would you jump on a plane if the pilot didn’t understand their cockpit dials? Randy Stanbury of 4 Level Coach shares how builders and remodelers can stop “flying blind” by mastering financial literacy, building systems, and creating a clear vision. Learn the steps to free yourself from day-to-day operations while scaling profitably.https://4levelcoach.comShow Notes:Opening Analogy & Randy’s Background (0:00)Breaking Down the Four Level Success System (2:53)Why Builders Struggle to Trust and Let Go (6:48)Profit Before Growth, Systems Before People (9:38)Using Metrics to Drive Profitab...
2025-08-1353 min
Builders, Budgets, and BeersFrom Budget Nightmare to Profit MachineIn this episode of Builders, Budgets & Beers, Reece sits down with Owen Drury of Bricks & Bytes to tackle the pressure from big-tech clients demanding lightning-fast delivery. They dig into UK vs. US timelines, the surge in HVAC/heat-pump installs, the chaos of forecasting & retainage, and how offsite prefab + AI-powered tools are turning 24-month schedules into predictable, profitable builds.https://bricks-bytes.comShow Notes: Welcome & Quick Intros (00:00)HVAC Boom & Heat Pump Surge (04:00)From Trades to Quantity Surveying (06:28)Forecasting Pitfalls & Retainage (09:46)Design Deficits & Scope Creep (13:10)Renovation Roulette & Hidden H...
2025-08-0646 min
Builders, Budgets, and BeersUncovering Hidden ProfitsChloe Brown, founder of Wildest Dreams, discusses the importance of accurate job costing and financial tracking in construction. She highlights that many builders fail to recoup thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars per job due to inadequate financial management. Brown emphasizes the value of using tools like Adaptive for better integration and efficiency, noting that Adaptive's user interface significantly outperforms QuickBooks. She also stresses the significance of optimizing the Accounts Receivable (AR) cycle to improve cash flow and financial health. Brown offers free consultations to help builders improve their financial operations.https://www.thinkwildest.com
2025-07-3047 min
Builders, Budgets, and BeersThe True Cost of Fixed Fee vs Cost Plus ModelsJake Bruton, from Aarow Building, talks about the painful $180,000 lesson that forced him to completely rethink his construction business pricing model. Learn how moving from fixed fee to cost plus saved his company, improved client relationships, and created a more transparent, financially sound business approach. This episode is a must-listen for builders looking to protect their profits and build trust with clients.https://www.aarowbuilding.comFind Our Hosts: Reece BarnesMatt Calvano Podcast Produced By:Motif Media
2025-07-2346 min
Builders, Budgets, and BeersHow He Built a Construction Empire OvernightRudy Marroquin, founder of Atlas Homes in Austin, joins Reece to break down how he went from a $500 startup budget to building luxury homes in Montecito and Malibu. Rudy shares how vertical integration, strategic hiring, and cultural fluency helped him cut costs, maintain quality, and scale fast — including flying his Texas crews out to California to keep margins tight. Whether you're just starting or looking to systematize and scale, Rudy's no-BS insight is packed with practical lessons and unapologetic ambition.https://www.atlashomesatx.comShow Notes:Introduction to Rudy Marroquin and Atlas Homes (0:00)
2025-07-1632 min
Builders, Budgets, and BeersHow to scale from 15 homes to 150 homes with Thomas Joseph, Joseph Design BuildThomas Joseph, co-founder of Joseph Design Build, joins Reece to talk about moving from high-end custom infill homes to building at scale—with intention. He walks through how getting out of the “just wing it” mindset and leaning into systems, numbers, and rhythms changed how he runs his business—and why clarity is the difference between having a job and building an actual company.https://jdbatx.comShow Notes: Introduction and Background of Thomas Joseph (0:00)Challenges and Market Conditions (6:55)Strategic Shifts and Organizational Changes (12:09)Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks...
2025-07-0248 min
Builders, Budgets, and BeersHow to Actually Make Money in Construction with Will KingCustom builder Will King of High Cotton Homes shares hard-earned lessons on how to actually make money in construction. From markup vs. margin to pre-con agreements and spotting bad clients early, this episode is packed with real talk and tactical advice for builders who want to run a profitable business.https://www.highcotton-homes.comShow Notes: Introduction and Overview of High Cotton Homes (0:00)Will King's Journey from Fireman to Builder (3:18)Joining the Southern Living Custom Builder Program (5:30)Implementing Financial Management Practices (13:02)Challenges and Strategies for Increasing Profitability (17:36)
2025-06-2552 min
Builders, Budgets, and BeersFrom DIY to $3M: What Builders Learn the Hard Way with Garrett GoldsberryGarrett “Goldsy” Goldsberry joins Reece Barnes to share how he and his wife left cushy jobs, started Salt Creek Homes from scratch, and grew it to a thriving remodel and new construction business. He walks through the overlooked pain points of early financial systems, the shift into software, and the real-life lessons that come from building while still figuring it all out.https://www.saltcreekhomesco.comShow Notes: Introduction and Background of Garrett Goldsberry (0:00)Transition from Cushy Jobs to Construction (3:09)Challenges and Successes in Project Financial Management (8:33)Managing Project Financials and P...
2025-06-1850 min
Builders, Budgets, and BeersWhen Your Systems Don’t Match Your Strategy with Dirk van der VeldeDirk van der Velde, co-founder of Momenta, opens up about the early missteps in aligning business structure with execution—and how tightening operations led to meaningful gains. From auditing underused software to designing a high-output team culture, Dirk shares lessons on building a company that actually runs the way it was envisioned.https://momentasize.comShow Notes: Introduction and Guest Background (0:00)Dirk's Background and Momenta Size (2:47)Challenges and Solutions in Construction (6:49)Adoption of Adaptive Software (19:58)Impact of Adaptive Software on Business Operations (23:39)Emotional and Tactical Advice for Business Owners (32:01)
2025-05-2842 min
Builders, Budgets, and BeersBringing Commercial Precision to Custom Home Building with Julian MillerJulian Miller, Director of Operations at NS Builders, shares how his experience in commercial construction built the foundation for his process-driven approach in high-end residential work. From implementing operational systems to maintaining craftsmanship, Julian explains why structure, communication, and internal efficiency are critical for builders looking to scale sustainably.https://www.nsbuilders.com/Introduction and Guest Background (0:00)Impact of Commercial Experience on Operations (2:43)Relationship Between Operations and Financials (4:59)Operational Enhancements and Financial Impact (9:51)Adoption of Technology and Efficiency Gains (13:53)Profit Erosion and Internal Efficiencies (23:59)Final Thoughts and Recommendations (29:30)
2025-05-1432 min
Builders, Budgets, and BeersThe Most Common (and Costly) Mistakes Builders Make with Melissa LeedikerMelissa Leediker, Founder of Turquant Builder Services, LLC, discusses the most common and costly errors in construction accounting, focusing on job costing, cost coding, and duplicate payments. She emphasizes the importance of implementing consistent processes and leveraging technology to improve financial accuracy and profitability for construction businesses.https://turquantservices.comIntroduction to Melissa Leediker andConstruction Accounting (00:00)Three Most Common Accounting Errors inConstruction (02:03)Challenges of Costing to the Right Job (08:18)Importance of Accurate Cost Coding (14:31)Preventing Duplicate Payments (24:15)Scaling Challenges in Construction Accounting (28:43)Technology and Process...
2025-04-2334 min
Builders, Budgets, and BeersHow Multi-Entity Builders Stay on Top of Every Dollar with Shayne GlassShayne Glass, CPA Controller for Shrock Companies, shares his insights on Shrock’s sophisticated approach to managing multiple business entities by maintaining financial independence while sharing resources across construction, prefabrication, and restoration sectors. The company leverages adaptive software and strategic cost tracking to ensure precise financial management, resource allocation, and operational efficiency across its diverse business portfolio.https://www.shrockcompanies.comIntro and Origins (00:00)Building Diverse Entities (01:49)Scaling Up (05:42)Financial Separation for Multi-Entity Success (08:42)Resource Sharing and Cost Allocation (13:50)Streamlining Intercompany Transactions (22:07)Job Costing and Margin Management (25:57)Cost Tr...
2025-04-0948 min
Builders, Budgets, and BeersRebuilding After Helene with Noi CalhounNoi Calhoun, from JAG Construction, shares the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene on Asheville, North Carolina, detailing the community's struggle and resilience. The conversation explores the challenges of rebuilding, the loss of infrastructure, and the powerful community spirit that emerged in the aftermath of the catastrophic flood.https://jaggreen.com/noi-calhounIntroduction and Hurricane Helene Context (00:00)Massive Flooding Destroys Local Infrastructure (01:31)River Levels Exceed Historic Records (05:31)Community Responds to Communication Breakdown (08:30)Construction Industry Survives Extreme Challenge (17:33)Tourism Economy Suffers Significant Damage (23:17)
2025-04-0234 min
Builders, Budgets, and BeersInsights From a Top Construction CPA with Dorrie Franzello-KurtzThis week, Dorrie Franzello-Kurtz, CPA at YHB | CPAs &Consultants, discusses the critical importance of accurate job costing, real-time financial reporting, and strategic financial management for construction companies. She emphasizes the need for proactive accounting practices, highlighting how proper tracking of indirect costs, job scheduling, and communication between field and office teams can significantly impact a construction business's profitability and long-term success.https://yhbcpa.com/staff/dorrie-franzello-kurtzcpa/Introduction and Background of Dory Franzello Kurtz (0:00)Client Accounting Services (CAS) and Outsourced Accounting (2:07)Identifying Issues in Construction Companies (3:58)Real-Time Reporting and Job Scheduling (6:08)Impact...
2025-03-2649 min
Builders, Budgets, and BeersCOPE-ing with Overhead and Cost Codes with Michael AnschelIn this episode Michael Anschel, Principal at OA Design+Build +Architecture, discusses the COPE (Cost of Project Execution) method, which helps builders gain better visibility into their overhead and project costs. The guests emphasize the importance of using cost codes, job costing, and understanding the difference between markup and margin to run a more profitable and transparent construction business.https://otogawa-anschel.comIntroduction and Background of Michael Anschel (0:00)Explanation of the COPE Method (0:15)Breakdown of the COPE Method (2:14)Importance of Transparency and Honesty in Pricing (7:15)Challenges and Benefits of the COPE...
2025-03-1947 min
Builders, Budgets, and Beers"It Is What It Is" with Ryan HansonRyan Hanson, Partner at Sustainable 9 Design + Build, discusses the benefits of a cost plus pricing model, highlighting the transparency it provides to clients and the ability to better manage risks associated with material price fluctuations and project changes. The conversation covers Sustainable 9's unique neighborhood development project, the challenges of fixed price contracts, the impact of tariffs, and the importance of technology in improving construction processes.https://sustainable9.comIntroduction and Background of Sustainable 9 (0:00)The Nine Steps to Sustainability (2:03)The Peninsula Lake Project (5:18)Cost Plus vs. Fixed Price Models (13:06)Impact of...
2025-03-1257 min
Builders, Budgets, and BeersBonding and Tight Financials for Construction Businesses with Shayne GlassShayne Glass, CPA Controller for Shrock Companies, discusses the critical role of bonding and maintaining tight financial processes for construction companies, particularly those looking to take on larger projects and grow their business. The discussion covers the bonding process, the importance of consistent cost tracking and financial reporting, and strategies for managing financials across multiple construction entities.https://www.shrockcompanies.comIntroduction and Purpose of the Podcast (0:00)Shane's Background and Shrock Companies (1:10)The Importance of Bonding (3:00)The Bonding Process and Relationship (8:58)The Annual Financial Review (14:47)Providing Financial Information (22:36)Advice...
2025-03-0540 min
Builders, Budgets, and BeersStaying on Top of Construction Financials with Tim SavreTim Savre, Controller for NS Builders, discusses the importance of construction businesses tracking their finances consistently throughout the year, rather than just focusing on tax preparation at the end of the year. The conversation covers the benefits of regular financial reporting, the challenges builders face in staying on top of their finances, and strategies for improving financial management practices. https://www.nsbuilders.comIntroduction and Purpose of the Podcast (0:00)Tim Savre's Background and Current Role (2:04)Challenges of Tax Season and Importance of Regular Financial Tracking (3:49)Impact o...
2025-02-2639 min