Episodes
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Ted speaks with Melinda Shirk Dorion about her journey in interior design, the transformation of her business space, and the evolving design trends in Jackson Hole. She emphasizes the importance of collaboration, sustainability, and understanding client needs while navigating the unique challenges of designing in a mountain community. Melinda also reflects on her personal journey, the significance of mentorship, and the future direction of her company as they aim to establish a national brand known for modern rustic designs.
TOPICS DISCUSSED
01:05 Introduction to Elevated Living and the Western Design Conference02:10 The Transformation of Elevated Living's Space08:15 Design Aesthetics: Blending Modern and Rustic Elements13:05 Sustainability and the Cultural Shifts in Home Design Preferences18:50 Personal Journey and Mentorship in Design20:00 The Unique Clientele of Jackson Hole30:20 Working with Historical Homes in Jackson38:45 The future of Elevated Living and Final ThoughtsCONNECT WITH GUEST
Melinda Shirk Dorion
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"This is where I wanted to live.""We don't do two things: live in the house or offer marriage therapy.""I love working in log homes." -
Ted speaks with Mark Johnson, a fourth-generation stonemason and the owner of Architectural Stone. Mark shares his journey from working with his father's masonry business to establishing his own company that specializes in high-end stonework. He discusses notable projects, including the restoration of the Parthenon and collaborations with famous clients like T. Boone Pickens and George W. Bush. Mark emphasizes the importance of quality, education, and innovation in the construction industry, as well as his excitement for future endeavors, including new product lines featuring petrified wood.
TOPICS DISCUSSED
01:10 Introduction to Mark Johnson and His Journey02:10 The Evolution of Mark's Career in Stonework04:15 High-Profile Projects: Rockefeller and Ralph Lauren08:36 Restoration of the Parthenon: A Unique Challenge16:15 Working with Notable Clients: T. Boone Pickens and George W. Bush27:25 Innovations in Stonework and Engineering40:50 The Importance of Quality and Education in Construction51:00 Future Endeavors and New Product LinesCONNECT WITH GUEST
Mark Johnson
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"I'm a fourth-generation stonemason.""It was pretty much hush hush and we couldn't really tell anyone. And they didn't want anybody to think there were American people working on the Parthenon.""There was no such thing as a single shaft monolithic column that big in the world that we know" -
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Ted speaks with Matt Segerstrom owner of Modern Splendor Homes. Matt’s unique journey from a dairy farm in Wisconsin to becoming a successful entrepreneur in the construction industry is littered with challenges and obstacles that he persevered and overcame. Together, Ted and Matt explore the importance of trade skills, the challenges faced in the construction industry, and the significance of family dynamics and parenting. Matt shares insights on the Desert Dreams project, the role of technology in modern homes, and the necessity of having a strong design team. The conversation concludes with reflections on the future of the construction industry and the importance of resilience and adaptability in achieving success.
TOPICS DISCUSSED
1:05 Introduction and Background03:15 Career Path and Early Experiences09:20 Transition to Construction and Entrepreneurship08:53 Family Dynamics and Parenting14:00 The Importance of Trade Skills20:20 Navigating Challenges in the Construction Industry22:00 Desert Dreams Project Overview30:30 Technology in Modern Homes37:20 Building Relationships with Clients39:00 Future of Modern Splendor Homes41:15 The Role of Design in Construction45:25 Final Thoughts and ReflectionsCONNECT WITH GUEST
Matthew Segerstrom
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"I think the American dream has never been better.""A firm believer in a little bit of adversity can go a long ways.""We get the opportunity to build other people's dreams." -
Ted speaks with Christian Nickum, president of Rocky Mountain Hardware, discussing the journey of taking over the family business, navigating economic challenges, and the importance of brand identity. Christian shares insights on adapting to design trends, educating dealers and customers, and the significance of collaborations with designers in the longevity of his business. The conversation also touches on production techniques, staffing challenges, and the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, culminating in a vision for the future of the company.
TOPICS DISCUSSED
01:15 Introduction and Background01:55 Taking Over the Family Business04:40 Growth and Challenges in Business06:25 Navigating Economic Downturns11:10 Brand Identity and Market Positioning14:15 Educating Dealers and Customers18:40 Production Techniques and Custom Work20:20 The Traveling Road Show21:50 Success in High-End Markets25:05 Timeless Design and Natural Materials27:45 Design collaborations31:40 Learning from Failure and innovation36:30 Staffing Challenges in a Specialized Industry38:30 Managing Sales and Production40:15 Lessons from COVID-1941:05 The future and wrapping upCONNECT WITH GUEST
Christian Nickum
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"I wanted to do this for years.""Rocky Mountain is a household name.""We never attempt not to make mistakes." -
Ted speaks with Mike Pollari of Timberpeg Homes based in New Hampshire. Timber Peg Homes has decades of experience building and designing timber frame and log homes, and Mike highlights the importance of technology in the industry and how it has changed the way homes are built. He also talks about the evolving preferences of clients, from contemporary designs to the resurgence of log homes, and emphasizes the company's focus on customer service and the attention to detail in the design and construction process. Timber frame homes can bring unique challenges to a build site, and Mike addresses meeting those challenges head on to build a custom home that can stand the test of time.
TOPICS DISCUSSED
02:05 Introduction 03:20 The Impact of Technology on Home Building05:35 WHS Homes and timber framing09:15 Customization and Personalization in Home Design11:20 The Appeal of Timber Frame and Log Homes17:10 Next ten years, industry shifts22:20 The Importance of Customer Service in the Construction Process30:00 Building in Different Climate Zones32:30 Collaboration in Timber Frame Construction34:00 Making Connections and the Grind45:00 Differentiating from Competitors48:15 Simplicity and Trust in the Building Process52:30 Wrap upCONNECT WITH GUEST
Mike Pollari
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"Timber frame homes can provide a beautiful aesthetic even in areas with heavy snow and wind loads.""Ultimately, I think that, you know, an architect doesn't want to create a situation where there's going to be callbacks and issues with the house, but they have this vision of the home and how, you know, how they want it to look.""So that really changes on each project. We do projects where we're working directly with a builder who is creating a, maybe they're doing a 7,000 square foot home in Texas for a client and we're providing just the timber frame in the great room." -
Ted speaks with Hunter Dominick, an interior designer based in Whitefish, Montana, who discusses her design philosophy and the challenges of creating diverse styles for her clients. She emphasizes the importance of early involvement in the planning process to ensure functional and well-designed spaces. Hunter also highlights the significance of incorporating personal items and sentimental pieces into the design. She discusses the value of American-made furniture and appliances and the shift towards supporting local artisans. After spending 25 years in Whitefish, Montana, she discusses her design process, the growth of the design community in Whitefish, and the misconceptions about interior designers in the industry. She emphasizes the importance of collaboration between designers, contractors, and clients to create successful projects. Overall, she is proud of her team and the ability to create beautiful and functional spaces for her clients.
TOPICS DISCUSSED
01:05 Introduction and Background04:50 Design Philosophy and Influences08:30 Challenges of Creating Diverse Styles10:05 The Importance of Early Involvement for an Interior Designer21:15 Building a business in Whitefish Montana25:12 The Value of a Showroom and Creating a Design Center 27:25 The Growth of the Design Community in Whitefish31:00 The Tipping Point for Whitefish's Growth34:15 Pride in the Team and Longevity in the Business38:15 Blending Different Design Elements40:35 Keeping Up with Suppliers and Changing Trends 44:15 The Challenges and Advancements in Lighting Design46:35 Overcoming Misconceptions about Interior Designers51:55 How to connect and wrap upCONNECT WITH GUEST
Hunter Dominick
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"I think that's what makes a really interesting home, is when it's not so expected and it's kind of melding these visions that typically wouldn't be put together.""The fixed finishes and equipment end of the design profession is probably more important than anything on the back end.""I'm proud of my team. We have a great team and everybody works really hard." -
Ted speaks with Allison Campbell, founder of Allison Campbell Design in Utah. By building trust with her clients and practicing strong communication, Allison has scaled her interior design business to new heights. She shares with Ted how she tailors a design to each client’s personality, and the simple tricks she uses to keep each project unique. Her approach is focused on creating a welcoming and functional feel in every home, regardless of the style or design preferences. She shares her passion for her work and the excitement she feels every day, even in the mundane aspects of the job. Allison believes in constantly learning and growing in her field and encourages others to embrace failure and continue educating themselves.
TOPICS DISCUSSED
01:10 Introduction and Anticipation04:10 The Value and the Role of the Interior Designer as an Advocate08:45 Communication and Decision-Making12:00 Budgeting and Prioritizing in Design15:55 The Importance of a Design Book18:20 Creating a Feel in Every Home21:50 Building Trust and Collaboration26:20 The Designer's Problem-Solving Role28:25 Creating Unique and Personalized Homes30:20 Overcoming Intimidation and Building Trust34:40 Passion and Excitement in the Field42:50 Involve an interior designer immediately44:15 Exciting projects46:00 Continual Learning and Embracing Failure48:25 The Importance of Education49:25 The project that you’ve reflected on most52:25 Getting in touchCONNECT WITH GUEST
Allison Campbell
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"Communication, whether it's positive or negative, is key throughout.""Everybody has versions of the same personality.""I remind myself, wait, I can do this. Like, they're coming to me because I know what I'm doing." -
Ted speaks with Dan Weber and Tony Schonhardt of Anacapa Architecture. They discuss their experiences in the architecture industry and their work on various projects. They talk about their backgrounds and how they ended up in Santa Barbara, the challenges they faced during the 2008 recession, and the growth of their firm. The conversation focuses on one specific project, an off-the-grid guest house, and the difficulties they encountered during the entitlement and construction process. They also touch on the concept of building green and sustainable design. The conversation explores the power of architecture to inspire and connect people to nature. The architects discuss the importance of creating tranquil and low-tech spaces that promote a sense of calmness and quiet. They also touch on the influence of Frank Lloyd Wright and the value of travel in shaping their design approach. The architects emphasize the significance of building strong relationships with clients and the impact it has on creating a better living experience. They express excitement about upcoming projects, including a world-class house and hotels in various locations.
TOPICS DISCUSSED
01:05 Introduction and Background04:35 Experiences in Santa Barbara08:17 Challenges of the 2008 Recession15:05 Biggest challenges on exciting projects17:17 Building Off-the-Grid21:20 Approach to Green Building24:55 Inspiring and Connecting People to Nature27:05 Creating Tranquil and Low-Tech Spaces31:35 The Influence of Frank Lloyd Wright40:00 The Value of Travel in Shaping Design Approach42:10 Building Strong Relationships with Clients50:45 Exciting Upcoming ProjectsCONNECT WITH GUEST
Tony Schonhardt and Dan Weber
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"The real opportunity for a project like that is not so much that we're making any demonstrable dent in improving the community or the place from a sustainability standpoint, but what we're doing is inspiring a lot of people.""When I look at your projects, there seems to be less chaos, more tranquility.""We're big fans of technology, but our buildings are low-tech. The more pure the state of the material is, the better." -
Ted speaks with Kate O'Hara, CEO and creative director for O'Hara Interiors. She shares insights from her mother, Martha, who founded the company, and what it’s been like to take over a family business. Ted and Kate cover the importance of delegation, processes and procedures, and the significance of personal interactions in their line of work. Kate also shares her insight into creating custom furniture and the rewards of building strong relationships with clients.
TOPICS DISCUSSED
01:00 Introduction and Technical Difficulties02:25 The Influence of Kate's Grandfather and Her mother’s journey 05:25 Lessons from Martha on Running a Business09:10 Expanding into Austin and Business Development11:55 The Significance of Photo Shoots in Showcasing Design Work13:40 Balancing Big Picture Thinking and Attention to Detail15:00 Transitioning from Entrepreneurship to Structured Growth21:35 Expanding into New Markets and Assessing Opportunities26:10 The Difference Between Remote Work and On-Site Interaction32:30 Building Strong Client Relationships40:55 Transitioning into a Family Business44:55 Custom furniture lines49:00 The Intersection of Art and Interior Design51:50 ConclusionCONNECT WITH GUEST
Kate O’Hara
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"You always want to punch up, not down.""Being on site makes it easier to understand the terrain, colors, and environment.""The level of client involvement varies based on the type of home being designed." -
Ted speaks with Brad Leavitt, founder of AFT Construction in Scottsdale, AZ. From his beginnings as an electrician to running a successful and award-winning custom home building business, Brad shares his insights on leadership, hiring the best people, and building a brand. Through the many challenges and mistakes, Brad has persevered and learned how to overcome the obstacles in his path. Now a successful entrepreneur, he shares with Ted how he encourages the younger generation, how he retains a stellar staff, and where his company is headed next.
TOPICS DISCUSSED
02:20 Brad's Rise in the Construction Industry04:40 Putting together a good team07:50 The Role of Interior Designers in Construction11:55 Building a Brand, Financial Management, and Systems and Processes18:20 Allowing Yourself to Fail and Learning from Mistakes20:55 Dealing with Shiny Object Syndrome21:55 The Importance of Optimism in Leadership26:25 Exciting New Relationships and Rising Stars28:15 The Impact of AI on the Building Community30:55 The Potential of Robots in Construction32:35 The Toyota Five Principles of Problem-Solving38:20 Managing client expectations and change orders41:15 The Importance of Trade Skills for the Younger Generation46:35 Where do you see yourself in 5 years?47:45 Building a Strong Online Presence through Social MediaCONNECT WITH GUEST
Brad Leavitt
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"Leadership is about showing empathy and caring for your team.""Building a brand is crucial for business growth and success.""AI is going to change... how manufacturers are operating." -
Episode Notes
Ted speaks with Kaitlyn Wolfe, founder of Iconic, a design build firm located in Scottsdale, AZ. A newer builder in the market, she highlights the importance of work-life balance in the industry and the need for continuous growth and adaptation in business. Kaitlyn discusses her approach to managing her time and projects, as well as her journey in the design industry. She emphasizes the importance of staying organized and also shares her experience working on various types of projects, from small remodels to large-scale renovations, and the turning point in her career when she realized she had something special. She discusses her passion for both residential and commercial design and her plans to focus on projects that align with her aesthetic vision. Kaitlyn also highlights the importance of being open to change and having a positive mindset in a fast-paced industry. Join Ted as he hears a new perspective in an aging industry.
TOPICS DISCUSSED
01:05 Introduction and Background03:00 Starting a Business Based on Passion04:35 Embracing Change and Building a Strong Team08:08 The Importance of Face-to-Face Communication11:50 Finding Inspiration and Recharging Through Travel16:25 Setting Goals and Celebrating Success19:30 Mastering Time and Project Management23:45 Finding Success in Residential Design28:35 Owning a business is hard32:11 How do you see the business growing?39:22 Exciting Projects Coming Up43:10 Building a Strong Team and Cultivating GrowthCONNECT WITH GUEST
Kaitlyn Wolfe
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"I think I just went into it like, this is my passion, this is what I love to do.""It's important to constantly look at your processes because you're going to change over time.""Face-to-face is always going to trump every other type of communication." -
Ted speaks with Alisha Taylor, an interior designer with Alisha Taylor Interiors, to discuss her journey in the industry. Alisha shares her experience of building her own successful interior design business and the challenges she faced along the way. She talks about the importance of a team mentality and the value of having a strong team with different superpowers. Alisha’s story serves as an inspiration for young people who are navigating their own career paths and she enjoys mentoring younger designers in her interior design business. Join Ted to hear how Alisha has tackled building trust with clients, scaling her business over the years, and where she’s headed next.
TOPICS DISCUSSED
02:20 Alisha Taylor's Journey in Interior Design05:45 Building a Successful Interior Design Business11:40 The Value of a Team Mentality in Design22:50 Flexibility and Open-Mindedness in Design Careers27:50 Encouraging children to be successful30:30 Embracing the Journey31:50 Mentoring the Next Generation34:05 The Power of Failure36:45 Guiding Clients through Decision-Making39:30 The Psychology of Design43:20 Spoiling Good Employees and working with great teams53:40 Building Trust through MarketingCONNECT WITH GUEST
Alisha Taylor
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"Flexibility and open-mindedness are key in pursuing a career in design.""Having a team mentality and leveraging the strengths of each team member is essential for a successful interior design business.""Don't look at the goal as the end goal. The end goal is when we die. Right? We've got to enjoy every part of the journey." -
Ted speaks with Ricky Perrone of Perrone Construction and discusses the evolution of Sarasota, Florida, and the focus on luxury architecture in the city. Ricky shares the importance of systems and processes in their construction business and how they adapt to different clients and stakeholders. At Perrone Construction they emphasize the need for proactive communication and setting expectations to avoid delays and cost overruns. He also highlights the significance of involving the builder, architect, and interior designer from the beginning to ensure a seamless construction process. The conversation covers topics such as addressing client concerns, value engineering, the importance of good architecture, and the role of AI in construction.
TOPICS DISCUSSED
01:25 Introduction and Discussion on Sarasota03:15 The journey of Perrone Construction07:22 The Importance of Systems and Processes10:13 Proactive Communication and Setting Expectations14:30 The Role of the Builder, Architect, and Interior Designer19:15 Site Selection and Due Diligence21:08 The Value Engineering Process and Keeping Customers Happy30:30 The Importance of Good Architecture in Construction32:35 The Role of AI in Design and Construction39:36 The Beauty of Details in Home ConstructionCONNECT WITH GUEST
Ricky Perrone
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"Sarasota is a dynamic city with a true focus on the arts and architecture.""If you set up a good system, you have a roadmap to success on a project.""Being proactive can save time and money on a construction project." -
Ted speaks with Theresa Stirling of Theresa Stirling Art Studios. In this conversation, Ted and Theresa discuss her journey as an artist and the impact of art on personal spaces. They explore themes of self-worth, authenticity, and the power of nature in inspiring art. Theresa shares her process of working with beeswax and encaustic medium, and how she incorporates different elements into her artwork. They also touch on the challenges and rewards of being an artist and the importance of taking risks. Theresa shares her journey as an artist and the challenges and rewards of running her own business. They discuss the impact of decisions and the excitement of embracing new opportunities. The conversation ends with a discussion of their future plans and the importance of being present in the moment.
TOPICS DISCUSSED
01:08 Introduction and Excitement for the Visit01:50 Falling in Love with Art and Making a Career Change03:05 The Role of Art in Defining a Space04:55 The Authenticity of Art and the Importance of Nature10:40 Working with Beeswax and Encaustic Medium21:42 Self-Worth and the Validation of Art27:40 The Process of Creating Animal Art34:25 Art as a Tool for Storytelling and Personal Expression36:36 Creating Personal Connections with Clients41:10 Authenticity in a World of Perfectionism43:00 Taking Risks and Embracing New Opportunities51:45 The Importance of Being PresentCONNECT WITH GUEST
Theresa Stirling
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I'm always taking risks and you know, I talked to a builder one time after I took on this I said yes to a ceiling mural panel, you know collection But I didn't quite know how to do it and how I was going to book match for gigantic panels wood panels at 84 inches each and He just I said do you ever take on projects and say yes, but you're not really sure how you're going to do them And he goes, oh we do it all the time. It is truly one of the purest expressions we can do. Whether you play piano or you paint large pieces of art or you build tables, you put it out to the public and everybody can have an opinion. And sometimes the opinion could be hard to hear, but it's the purest expression. I'm a big fan of the law of attraction and being in the vortex. Ride the horse in the direction it's going. If it feels good, do it. That applies to the art that I create. It applies to the business and how I run it, the social marketing piece. You know, I think be yourself when you show up in social. The world is already beleaguered by people trying to look too perfect. -
Ted speaks with David Kohler, Chairman of the Board and CEO of Kohler Industries. They discuss the company's success, the American dream, and the importance of failure. David emphasizes the need for a strong culture, hard work, and a balance between discipline and creativity, while also sharing his insights on inspiring the younger generation and testing and innovating new products. From home fixtures to golf destinations, David and Ted uncover the Kohler journey and where they’re headed next.
TOPICS DISCUSSED
1:05 Introduction and the Green Bay Packers05:55 The American Dream and the Kohler Legacy08:15 Culture and Leadership11:45 Inspiring the Younger Generation14:33 Balancing Risk and Discipline18:40 Testing and Innovating New Products20:15 Collaborating with Designers and creatives23:20 The American Dream and Global Mentality28:00 Removing Politics from Immigration29:30 The Importance of Political Discourse30:25 Training the younger generation33:20 Building a Golf Destination42:30 The Importance of Gratitude, Humility, and Will43:25 Courage and Inspiration from Athletes48:30 Character Determines DestinyCONNECT WITH GUEST
David Kohler
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I think our team members really buy in to the company, to the culture, to the values, to the traditions and bring their passion and energy and that's really what's built the company over the years. Because some of our strongest leaders in the company are leaders that started in a plant 25 years ago or on the front lines in sales 30 years ago and they've really grown up like I have in the industry.And I talk to, you know, US CEOs all the time. And I can tell you that creative spirit, the focus on innovation, the dynamism is still alive. -
Ted speaks with Charles Ochello, owner of Vitruvius Design and Build and creator of Vius. He discusses his transition from being an emergency room doctor to a custom home builder, and his vision to bridge the visualization gap in the building industry. Charles shares his experience with using virtual reality technology to allow clients to visualize their finished homes and make informed decisions. Ted and Charles highlight the value of human interaction and collaboration in the design and construction process, while his technology company continues to develop software that optimizes the luxury home building process.
TOPICS DISCUSSED
01:35 Emergency room doctor to home builder06:35 The transition to building and how skills carry over08:40 Teaching People to Listen and Stay Calm12:05 The Tipping Point to Become a Custom Home Builder21:05 Enhancing the Client Experience with Virtual Reality26:40 Differentiating from Other Tech Firms28:55 The Power of Human Interaction and Experience32:25 The Importance of the Human Element34:25 Collaboration in the Design and Construction Process37:30 Using Technology to Streamline Decision-Making40:53 Tech as a Tool for Augmenting the Experience49:55 Unleashing the Best Talent and Future Plans52:25 How to find VitruviusCONNECT WITH GUEST
Charles Ochello
WebsiteVR SoftwareLinkedInInstagramKEY QUOTES FROM EPISODE
We have this visualization data, we're working with some of the best architects, the best artists in the world, some of the best interior designers on the most incredible projects, but our clients - we haven't given them or developed the tools that they need to see their project. And so that was really the charge was to say, how can we use visual data from our architects and show our clients? Decisions that are made early in the process are really inexpensive. Decisions late at four-way are really expensive. At the end of the day, bringing clients into our office and sitting down and talking through things and seeing real emotion and then going on site and actually talking with our craftsmen and subcontractors that we work with and talking through how we're going to execute a detail or maybe it's a beam connection or all of those things. Those are irreplaceable. -
Ted speaks with Joe Raboine, VP and Director of hardscapes for Belgard. He discusses the evolution of Belgard and the outdoor living space industry. He explains the structure of the company and its focus on providing a holistic solution for outdoor living. Joe also shares his transition from being a contractor to working in corporate America and the entrepreneurial mindset that drives the company. He highlights the importance of taking risks and learning from failures. Together, Ted and Joe cover challenges in construction, inspiring the next generation, and the future of Belgard.
TOPICS DISCUSSED
01:25 Overview of Belgard and Old Castle APG06:30 Transition from Contractor to Corporate America9:40 Evolution of Belguard's Product Line13:15 Rise of Outdoor Living Spaces16:10 Opportunities in the Outdoor Living Space18:40 Product Line and Testing Market23:05 Modularity and Installation Challenges33:15 Funny Stories and Memorable Installations37:05 Inspiring the Next Generation43:05 The Future of BelgardCONNECT WITH GUEST
Joe Raboine
WebsiteLinkedInKEY QUOTES FROM EPISODE
I think the outdoor living space is still wide open and, and there's so much opportunity. When we look at the outdoor living space, we just see just unprecedented potential, right? But the challenge is there are very complex spaces to install. You need really all the skillsets you need for building a house, right? You need plumbers, electricians, carpenters, all of it, to do the big spaces.It's incredible, but I think people are reprioritizing that. And in some cases are even, I've even had some recent conversations where people are building smaller homes, but they're building much larger outdoor spaces that are even bigger than the square footage of the house, some cases, which I think is, is incredible to see. -
Ted speaks with Ryan Fink and Ty Frackiewicz, the co-founders of Digs. Digs is a collaboration software solution for home builders, vendors, and homeowners that provides more efficient file storage, collaboration, and homeowner handoff for home construction projects. Ryan and Ty share their journey of creating and growing their AI solution and how it’s affecting the home building industry.
TOPICS DISCUSSED
01:00 Introducing the founders of Digs02:25 The ideal customer03:15 Processes and enhancing the customer experience06:00 What were some challenges since you’ve launched?09:15 Partnering with Mike Rowe10:40 Educating others about the technology Digs uses11:45 How does Digs stand out from other technology companies?12:45 Why are customers excited about Digs?15:05 Future plans16:35 Expanding teamsCONNECT WITH GUEST
Digs
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We don’t want to blow up the existing build process. We want to enhance it.Instead of having somebody come out and scan your space and turn that into a twin, it becomes super accessible and inexpensive, frankly. For the first time digital twins become accessible. -
Ted speaks with Keith Galbut, founder of Advocate Residential Construction Advisors. They discuss the importance of proper planning and team selection in residential construction projects, highlighting the need for alignment between the client's objectives and the entire project team, including architects, builders, and subcontractors. Keith emphasizes the role of Advocate Residential Construction Advisors in reducing stress, managing risk, and ensuring cost-effective decision-making throughout the construction process. He also delves into the challenges and pitfalls that can arise in residential construction and the value of having an advocate to navigate these issues. Together they emphasize the importance of communication, transparency, and a collaborative approach to achieve successful outcomes in luxury custom home projects.
TOPICS DISCUSSED
01:04 Introduction and Background02:18 Keith's Career and the Need for Advocate Residential Construction Advisors05:30 Expansion and Market Reach07:43 Building Relationships with Clients09:10 Common Pitfalls in Residential Construction13:00 The Emotional and Financial Benefits of Working with Advocate Residential Construction Advisors15:35 The Role of Communication and Alignment in Successful Projects20:22 The Impact of Design Choices on Cost24:48 Managing Change Orders and Schedule Delays28:30 The Need for Advocate Residential Construction Advisors38:25 Ideal Clients and Fee Structure47:30 Team Growth and Success49:34 Impressive Resume and Pursuit of Problem Solving51:38 Pride in Family and Community Involvement53:14 Conclusion and Future ConnectionCONNECT WITH GUEST
Keith Galbut
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We don't pick and choose favorites. That's not our role. We advise our clients in terms of our guidance or advice, but ultimately our goal is to give the clients all the tools necessary and the information so they can make good decisions. We work to use data and analytics to also help with our projects and to help make sure that the budgeting is appropriate and to constantly be trying to improve everyone's understanding of the project before the construction really gets going so that we can test things and make sure that the owner's really paying what the market should be charging.And a big part of that is talking truth to owners, frankly, and making sure that they're aware of the implications of their decisions. -
Ted speaks with Michael Short, Sr. Director of Residential & Hospitality Marketing with Crestron Electronics. They explore Crestron's background and reputation as a leading automation company and discuss the challenges of scheduling and dealing with technology issues in smart homes.. The conversation touches on the importance of educating design build professionals and staying on the cutting edge of technology. Michael shares his thoughts on Crestron's growth and expansion globally, as well as the future of smart homes - addressing the potential dark side of technology and the need for security. Listen in to hear how Crestron is thriving in a fast-paced technology industry.
LINKS
Crestron at 50:
https://www.crestron.com/News/Blog/September-2022/Crestron-at-50
Crestron Article
https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidewalt/2011/11/16/crestron-electronics-george-feldstein-manufacturing/
Behind the Scenes Video:
https://youtu.be/b7lTq0sbtTQ?si=9C2CdJ-S2FHFAG3I
TOPICS DISCUSSED
01:04 Introduction and technology in homes05:22 Crestron's Background and Reputation09:18 Educating Design Build Professionals13:23 Staying on the Cutting Edge of Technology16:30 Crestron's History and Growth22:30 The Future of Crestron and Smart Homes26:04 Addressing the Dark Side of Technology40:05 Crestron's Growth and Innovation Mindset30:20 Expanding Globally and Future Challenges34:22 Thriving in a Fast-Paced Technology Industry37:25 Meeting the Expectations of Influential Clients39:30 The Fear of Failure42:32 Differences Between American and British Customers45:27 Staying Focused on the Vision and MissionCONNECT WITH GUEST
Michael Short
WebsiteLinkedInKEY QUOTES FROM EPISODE
And the good news is we've been doing this for 50 years. Crestron is a 50 year old company, so we have a huge amount of legacy and experience in innovating incredible control technology.You know, the owners of the biggest companies in the world, the innovators in, in this industry and outside this industry, the most famous people they have Crestron in their homes on their super yachts. These people don't sit still. These people expect the best experience. They expect the next thing. They expect everything to get better and improve.Of course, we have all that structure and strategic integration set up, but they don't close off and we don't close off to ideas, to conversations, to people wanting to push the boundaries and that open infrastructure, that open language, that open culture is something that he installs in us to do because us pushing the boundaries and pushing the conversations, that's how you grow and innovate in a company - Show more
