Builder of Choice™ Insights

Hosted by Emma Wildermuth

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Aug 2026

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About the show

Builder of Choice™ Insights delivers practical strategies and proven business practices to help home builders increase profits, reduce costs, and strengthen operations. Hosted by industry expert Emma Wildermuth, President, Shinn Group and Builder Partnerships, each episode explores topics like purchasing efficiency, production management, leadership development, and building stronger trade relationships — all designed to help builders achieve long-term success and become the builder of choice in their markets.

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36 recent

August 13, 2026Episode 3646 min

Ep. 36 | Homeownership, Community and the American Dream: Thinking Outside the Box to Make Homeownership Possible for More Families

Emma Wildermuth sits down with David Battany, Director of Capital Markets at Guild Mortgage and former chair of the Mortgage Bankers Association's Residential Board of Governors, to unpack what's driving the housing affordability crisis. David breaks it down to a "math problem": rising home prices, climbing payments, and down payment barriers, made more urgent by a Fed study showing 39% of U.S. adults couldn't cover a $1,000 emergency expense. David shares how Guild's new equity-share mortgage lowers monthly payments by having a private investor cover a large share of a home's upfront cost in exchange for future appreciation. He also points to regulatory fees as a hidden cost driver, citing NAHB data showing they can add roughly $131,000 to a $500,000 home — mostly from local and state rules — that get passed straight through to buyers. On rates, David points to oil prices and the federal deficit as key pressures, recommends watching the 10-year Treasury as a leading indicator, and pushes back on foreclosure-wave fears, noting most homeowners today carry solid equity, unlike 2008. He and Emma close by emphasizing the power of industry advocacy and local civic engagement in tackling affordability. #ShinnGroup #BuilderofChoice #HousingAffordability #MortgageRates #GuildMortgage #HomeBuying 👉 Check Out David Battany on Social: 🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/david-battany-5506212 👉 Discover More About Guild Mortgage Company: 🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/guild-mortgage-company/ 🔗 YouTube: @guildmortgagecompany 🔗 Facebook: facebook.com/GuildMortgageHome 🔗 Instagram: instagram.com/guildmortgageco?igsh=MWVseW5ibzFhbG11dw== 🔗 Website: guildmortgage.com 👉 Check out Shinn Group and Subscribe: 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-shinn-group/ 🔗 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theshinngroup 🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theshinngroup 🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theshinngroup1 🔗 Twitter: https://x.com/builderpartners 🔗 Website: https://theshinngroup.com/

July 17, 2026Episode 3558 min

Ep. 35 | From Success to Significance: Building a Legacy Through Homes for HOPE

Emma Wildermuth, President of Shinn Group and host of the Builder of Choice™ Insights Podcast, welcomes Jeff Rutt , Founder, President & CEO of Keystone Custom Homes and Founder & Chair of Hope International, along with Matthew Baehr , Executive Director of Homes for HOPE. Together, they share how a 1997 mission trip to Ukraine inspired the creation of Hope International and its mission to empower entrepreneurs through microfinance. They also discuss the origins of Homes for HOPE, where builders and trade partners donate labor and materials to build homes that fund life-changing loans for families around the world. Hear inspiring stories of transformed lives, the impact of partnerships within the home building industry, and why building homes can also be a powerful way to build hope. This episode is a compelling look at leadership, generosity, and how builders can create lasting change, both in their communities and across the globe. 👉 Check Out Homes for HOPE on Social: 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/homesforhope/ 🔗 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HomesforHOPE 🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Homes4HOPE/ 🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homesforhope_/ 🔗 Website: https://homes-for-hope.org/ 👉 Check out Shinn Group and Subscribe: 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-shinn-group/ 🔗 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theshinngroup 🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theshinngroup 🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theshinngroup1 🔗 Twitter: https://x.com/builderpartners 🔗 Website: https://theshinngroup.com/ #ShinnGroup #BuilderofChoice #Homebuilding#WorkforceDevelopment #BuilderPodcast #Profitability #BuilderTraining#LeadershipDevelopment #BusinessGrowth #RealWorldBuilding #TradePartners#BuilderInsights

May 20, 2026Episode 3454 min

Ep. 34 | The Magic Behind Builder–Trade Partner Relationships

On today’s episode of Builder of Choice™ InsightsPodcast, with host Emma Wildermuth, President, Shinn Group, she is joined by Ben Minks, CEO, Capstone Homes and Kenny Siggs, 3rd Generation Owner/Operator, Siggs A/C. Together, they take a practical look at the relationship between builders and trade partners, one of the most critical, and often most challenging, dynamics in residential construction. The conversation explores how these partnerships are built, what drives strong collaboration, and where breakdowns in communication and coordination can impact performance. Drawing on real-world experience, they discuss the role of clear expectations, accountability, and trust in creating more aligned and productive working relationships. The episode also highlights how shared incentives and consistent communication influence not only day-to-day execution, but long-term partnership success. Whether you’re looking to strengthen trade relationships or improve operational consistency, this discussion offers grounded insights into what it takes to build better partnerships, and better outcomes. 👉 Check Out Kenny Siggs on Social: 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenny-siggs/ 🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kenneth.siggs 👉 Discover More About Kenny Siggs Company: 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/siggs-air-conditioning/ 🔗 Website: https://www.siggsac.com/ 🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Siggs-Air-Conditioning-61563221042519/ 👉 Check Out Ben Minks on Social: 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-minks-78305bba/ 👉 Discover More About Ben Minks' Company: 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/capstone-homes-inc-/ 🔗 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPGS_AwBUwwHP2OLlNBLpJA 🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapstoneHomesMinnesota/ 🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/capstonehomesmn/ 👉 Check out Shinn Group and Subscribe: 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-shinn-group/ 🔗 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theshinngroup 🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theshinngroup 🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theshinngroup1 🔗 Twitter: https://x.com/builderpartners #ShinnGroup #BuilderofChoice #ConstructionLeadership #Homebuilding #TradePartners #OperationalExcellence

May 6, 2026Episode 3340 min

Ep. 33 | AI: Applying Data Analytics in Construction Operations

In this episode of the Builder of Choice™ Insights podcast, Emma Wildermuth, President, Shinn Group is joined by Thomas Berrington, Director of Information Systems and Business Technology, Shinn Group. Thomas discusses how technology, data analytics, and artificial intelligence are shaping decision-making in the homebuilding industry. Drawing on his experience leading technology initiatives in a homebuilding environment, Thomas explains how data can provide clearer visibility into company performance, improve operational efficiency, and help organizations make more informed business decisions. The conversation explores the importance of building systems that support long-term scalability while aligning technical initiatives with broader business goals. The episode also examines the practical realities of artificial intelligence, including how builders can distinguish between hype and useful applications. Thomas shares perspective on the challenges of technology adoption, organizational alignment, and using digital tools in ways that support better outcomes across the business. 👉 Check Out Thomas Berrington on Social: 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-berrington-innovates 🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thomas.berrington.3 👉 Check out Shinn Group and Subscribe: 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-shinn-group/ 🔗 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theshinngroup 🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theshinngroup 🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theshinngroup1 #ShinnGroup #BuilderofChoice #HomebuildingTechnology #ConstructionTech #ArtificialIntelligence #DataAnalytics #BusinessSystems #OperationalEfficiency

March 25, 2026Episode 3250 min

Ep. 32 | Leading With Technology

In this episode of the Builder of Choice™ Insights podcast, Michael Bergen, co-founder and VP of Special Projects/AI at Higharc, discusses with Emma Wildermuth, President of Shinn Group, how technology and AI are reshaping the way homes are designed and built. Drawing on his background in architecture and AI, Michael explains how architectural information can be transformed into structured, data-driven systems that help builders make more informed decisions during the design process. The conversation explores how technology can improve coordination, identify inefficiencies, and support better outcomes across the homebuilding pipeline. The episode also examines the challenges builders face in delivering affordable housing and how digital tools can help streamline the design-to-build process while preserving the craftsmanship that defines the industry. 👉 Check Out Michael Bergin on Social: 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelbergin/ 👉Discover More About Michael Bergin's Company Higharc: 🔗 Website: https://www.higharc.com/ 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/higharc/ 🔗 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@higharchomes 🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/higharchomes/ 👉 Check out Shinn Group and Subscribe: 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-shinn-group/ 🔗 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theshinngroup 🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theshinngroup 🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theshinngroup1/ 👉 Don’t Miss Our Upcoming Seminar 🔗 Managing for Profit, April 21-23, 2026 https://cvent.me/DmeYwO #ShinnGroup #BuilderofChoice #ConstructionTechnology #AIinConstruction #PropTech #DigitalTransformation #HomebuildingInnovation #DesignBuild Socials:

February 18, 2026Episode 3135 min

Ep. 31 | Courage, Grit and Mentorship: What it Takes to Build a Winning Home Building Company

In this episode of the Builder of Choice™ Insights Podcast, Emma Wildermuth, President, Shinn Group interviews Cooper Conger, President, NewPad Building Company, on what it truly means to become a “Builder of Choice™ ” in today’s competitive labor and market environment. They discuss how employerbranding, company culture, and leadership behavior influence workforce perception and retention. Cooper shares practical strategies builders are using to attract skilled labor, build strong teams, and create long-term organizational sustainability. 👉 Check Out Cooper Conger on Social: 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cooper-conger-263631192 🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cooper.conger.7 👉 Discover More About Cooper’s Company, NewPad Building Company: 🔗 Website: newpadbuildingco.com 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/newpad-building-co?trk=public_profile_topcard-current-company 🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551240387892 👉 Check out Shinn Groupand Subscribe: 🔗 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theshinngroup 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-shinn-group/ 🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theshinngroup 👉 Don’t Miss Our Special Events Coming Up: 🔗 Builder Partnerships & Shinn Group’s IBS Reception | February 16, 2026 : https://share.hsforms.com/13FbnuumWQbi43C4-ZL0_0gehnne 🔗 IBS 2026 Free Expo Pass: https://ibs26.nvytes.co/ibs26landing/46464.html 🔗 Executive Summit | March 11-13, 2026 : https://cvent.me/A4Y30b #ShinnGroup #BuilderofChoice #ConstructionLeadership #Homebuilding #WorkforceDevelopment #BuilderPodcast

February 4, 2026Episode 3051 min

Ep. 30 | Selling the Dream: How Strategic Alignment Drives Home Sales

In this episode of the Builder of Choice™ Insights Podcast, host Emma Wildermuth speaks with Michael Welty, Consultant at Shinn Group, about his background and experience within the home building industry. Michael outlines his professional path and the work that led him into his current role, providing context on how his experience shapes his perspective. The conversation explores real-world challenges buildersare navigating today, drawing on firsthand examples and observations from ongoing projects and leadership responsibilities. Throughout the discussion, Michael shares how practical decision-making and on-the-ground experienceinform the way he approaches building and problem-solving. 👉 Check out Michael Welty on social: 🔗 LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-mathieu-welty-2a1393a/ 👉 Check out Shinn Group and subscribe: 🔗 YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/@theshinngroup 🔗 LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-shinn-group/ 🔗 Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/theshinngroup 👉 Don’t Miss Our Special Events Coming Up: 🔗 BuilderPartnerships & Shinn Group’s IBS Reception | February 16, 2026 : https://share.hsforms.com/13FbnuumWQbi43C4-ZL0_0gehnne 🔗 IBS 2026 Free Expo Pass: https://ibs26.nvytes.co/ibs26landing/46464.html 🔗 Executive Summit | March 11-13, 2026 : https://cvent.me/A4Y30b #BuilderOfChoice #Homebuilding #ConstructionLeadership #BuilderPodcast #OperationalExcellence #Profitability #BuilderTraining #LeadershipDevelopment #BusinessGrowth #ShinnGroup #RealWorldBuilding #HomeBuilderLife #ConstructionIndustry #TradePartners #BuilderInsights

January 21, 2026Episode 291 hr 6 min

Ep. 29 | The Leadership Edge: Culture + Profit for the Winning Advantage

Control What Counts and Lead without Compromise. This episode features a conversation with host Emma Wildermuth and Chris Laping, founder of People Before Things and a former four-time Fortune 500 CIO. Chris shares his leadership journey and outlines his philosophy that leadership is a deliberate, daily choice, not an optional or abstract concept. Drawing on decades of executive experience and organizational turnarounds, he explains how clarity, alignment, and shared understanding empower teams to focus on theright problems and achieve sustainable, profitable results. The discussion previews the leadership themes Chris will explore at the upcoming Shinn Group Executive Summit Event on March 11-13, 2026, in Breckenridge, Colorado. About Chris Laping Chris Laping coaches executives and experts on high-trust influence and modern leadership. A former 4-time CIO and tech CEO, Chris has spent three decades inside complexorganizations helping leaders move ideas forward, build credibility, and create followership without relying on title, volume, or politics. Throughout his career, Chris has led large-scale transformation at companies including Red Robin, GMAC, and Coffee & Bagel Brands, where he helped drive successful turnarounds during periods of rapid change. That real-world leadership experience shapes his work today. Chris is the bestselling author of People Before Things and the forthcoming Unignorable. His ideas on leadership, organizational health, and influence have been featured by The Economist, Harvard Business Review, The Wall Street Journal, Fast Company, and Forbes. Each week, his work reaches more than 1.5 million people through social media and his two newsletters. On stage, Chris has delivered keynotes and workshops to more than 300,000 leaders and professionals, earning a reputation for talks that are practical, human, and immediately actionable. 👉 Check out Chris Laping on social 🔗 LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/claping 👉 Discover more about our guest: 🔗 People Before Things : https://peoplebeforethings.co/ 🔗 LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/company/people-before-things/ 👉 Check us out and subscribe! 🔗 YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/@theshinngroup 🔗 LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-shinn-group/ 🔗 Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/theshinngroup 👉 Shinn Group Special Events: 🔗 Executive Summit : https://cvent.me/A4Y30b

January 7, 2026Episode 2849 min

Ep. 28 | Competing, Adapting, and Standing Out Under Pressure

In this episode, Emma Wildermuth sits down with Dave Barnhart, President of First America Homes, for a focused conversation on differentiation in challenging times. Together, they explore how economic uncertainty, heightened competition, and operational constraints are making it increasingly difficult for organizations and professionals to stand out. The discussion examines why differentiation matters more than ever and how it can be pursued with intention rather than reaction. Dave shares practical ways to think about visibility, value creation, and competitive positioning, with an emphasis on resilience and clarity under pressure. The episode frames a clear, thoughtful approach to navigating complex market conditions while remaining distinct and relevant. 👉 Check out our guest, Dave Barnhart on social: 🔗 LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/davebarnhart1 💻 Email: dbarnhart@firstamericahomes.com 👉 Discover more about our guest: 🔗 Website Link : https://www.firstamericahomes.com 🔗 Special Offer Houston Homes : https://www.firstamericahomes.com/new-homes/tx/houston/special-offers/ 🔗 YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4F2XiC_dgpqYL0D4biNMhQ 🔗 LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/company/first-america-homes/ 🔗 Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/firstamerica 🔗 Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/firstamericahomes/ 👉 Check us out and subscribe: 🔗 YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/@theshinngroup 🔗 LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-shinn-group/ 🔗 Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/theshinngroup

December 12, 2025Episode 271 hr 0 min

Ep. 27 | 2026 Housing Outlook: What Builders Must Know with Chuck Shinn

In this episode, Emma Shinn sits down with her dad, Chuck Shinn — co-founder of the Shinn Group and one of the industry’s most respected financial and operational voices — to break down what’s really happening in the 2025 housing market. Chuck shares decades of perspective as he analyzes: Interest rate volatility and its impact on buyer demand Cost pressures, margins, and why many builders are feeling the squeeze Supply trends and how today compares to historic cycles The operational disciplines that matter most in uncertain markets What builders should stop , start , and double down on in 2025 This conversation offers practical, grounded guidance for leaders looking to navigate today’s challenges with clarity and confidence. Whether you’re a builder, trade partner, or industry professional, you’ll walk away with actionable insights to strengthen your business in the year ahead. 👉 Don’t forget to check us out and subscribe on: 🔗 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theshinngroup 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-shinn-group/ 🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theshinngroup