Friends of Build Magazine

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146

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Jun 2026

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About the show

First launched in 2016 for Bend, Oregon, BUILD Magazine is now a must-have resource for anyone looking to build or renovate their custom dream home. BUILD has grown into curated collection of a region’s most talented and inspired craftsmen in the building industry; the publication aims to showcase skilled and innovative experts to an audience motivated to build or renovate their high-end home. By bringing together the most experienced tradesmen in one detailed collection, BUILD gives insight to those wanting to realize their development dreams. Published throughout the USA and Canada in 16 markets.

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June 11, 202646 min

Managing Risk and Building Trust in Luxury Construction with Grant Bowen of Peak Projects

Ted speaks with Grant Bowen, founder of Peak Projects. Grant shares his journey from small-town Michigan to leading a luxury construction company focused on high-end residential projects across top markets like Deer Valley and Whitefish. He discusses the importance of collaboration, company culture, and applying lessons from innovative companies like Google to improve communication, leadership, and project execution. The conversation also explores risk management, remote project oversight, and identifying emerging real estate opportunities in competitive luxury markets. Grant shares his perspective on AI, resilience, and the importance of mentoring the next generation, offering insight into the mindset and leadership required to succeed in luxury construction and development. TOPICS DISCUSSED 01:10 Introduction to Luxury Construction Insights 04:05 Grant Bowen's Journey in Construction 05:35 Cultural Differences: East Coast vs. West Coast 06:45 Identifying Hot Markets in Real Estate 10:00 Building a Collaborative Team Culture 12:15 Learning from Google: Best Practices in Business 15:00 Managing Risk in Construction Projects 16:45 Turning Around Troubled Projects 19:30 The Importance of Experience in Construction 25:00 Exploring Emerging Markets and Opportunities 27:00 Exploring Market Opportunities in Deer Valley 29:30 The Rise of Whitefish as a Destination 32:00 Client Relationships and Repeat Business 33:45 Navigating the Challenges of AI 37:15 The Importance of Resilience and Grit 40:45 Teaching Life Skills to the Next Generation 43:00 Empathy and Listening in Business and Parenting CONNECT WITH GUEST Grant Bowen Website LinkedIn Instagram KEY QUOTES FROM EPISODE "Evaluating and managing project risks" "Deer Valley is an amazing market" "Whitefish is the next big market"

May 28, 202636 min

From Golf to Real Estate: The Strategy to Palm Beach Success with Greg Forest of Serhant

Ted speaks with Greg Forest, Director of Luxury Sales at Serhant, about his journey from professional golf to building a successful real estate career in Palm Beach. He shares how the discipline, preparation, and competitive mindset developed in sports have shaped his approach to business, emphasizing consistency, teamwork, and a genuine love for the process as key drivers of long-term success. The conversation also explores what it takes to win in competitive markets, including creative deal-making, strategic negotiation, and staying focused while avoiding complacency. Greg offers insight into the Palm Beach luxury real estate boom and shares his perspective on where the market is headed, highlighting how agents can position themselves to succeed in a fast-moving, high-stakes environment. TOPICS DISCUSSED 01:10 The Journey from Golf to Real Estate 05:30 The Importance of Preparation and Teamwork 10:00 Creative Strategies in Competitive Markets 12:15 Lessons from Successful People 16:45 Avoiding Complacency and Staying Focused 20:00 Finding Motivation and Accountability 22:35 The Palm Beach Real Estate Boom 26:15 The Luxury Market Dynamics 31:30 Future of Real Estate in Palm Beach CONNECT WITH GUEST Greg Forest Website LinkedIn Instagram KEY QUOTES FROM EPISODE "Small wins every day build big success." "Serve your clients first, then earn." "Creativity can help you win tough deals."

May 7, 202650 min

Building Trust through Storytelling with Jude Charles, Documentary Filmmaker

Ted speaks with Jude Charles, a documentary filmmaker who focuses on creating and sharing the stories of designers, builders, and architects. Jude shares how storytelling goes far beyond marketing, explaining how deeply understanding a client’s journey, challenges, and purpose allows for more meaningful and impactful narratives. He walks through his process of uncovering authentic stories and why trust is built when people are willing to share their personal experiences openly. The conversation explores how storytelling directly impacts business relationships, helping companies connect with clients on a deeper level and differentiate themselves in competitive markets. Jude discusses the importance of road mapping client goals, aligning messaging with long-term vision, and using documentary-style content to communicate values, not just services. He emphasizes that great storytelling requires patience, clarity, and a willingness to dig beneath the surface. Jude also opens up about his personal journey, including overcoming rejection, navigating loss, and finding clarity in his purpose. He shares lessons on resilience, leadership, and the role of vulnerability in both life and business. The episode highlights how perspective shapes success, and why embracing challenges and staying committed to growth ultimately leads to more impactful work and stronger connections. TOPICS DISCUSSED 01:10 Introduction to Jude Charles and His Journey 04:05 The Art of Storytelling in Documentaries 07:05 Building Trust Through Personal Stories 9:00 The Impact of Documentaries on Client Relationships 10:30 Road Mapping: Understanding Client Goals 13:00 Overcoming Rejection and Finding Purpose 16:30 The Importance of Leadership in Entrepreneurship 18:45 The Journey of Growth and Resilience 22:45 Lessons from Personal Struggles 26:00 The Role of Courage in Business 28:00 Navigating Loss and Discovering Purpose 34:00 Driving Through Challenges 36:00 Embracing Vulnerability and Perspective 39:15 The Importance of Perspective in Life 46:00 Future Aspirations and New Ventures CONNECT WITH GUEST Jude Charles Website LinkedIn Instagram KEY QUOTES FROM EPISODE "Trust is built through storytelling." "Show up for the one who needs you most." "Belief shapes your reality."

April 23, 202646 min

Revolutionizing Building Insulation: The Wool Way with Andrew Legge of Havelock Wool

Ted speaks with Andrew Legge, founder of Havelock Wool. Ted and Andrew dive into the Havelock Wool process, why wool performs better than other fibers, and the history of this natural fiber’s uses. Andrew shares his knowledge and passion for choosing wool not only to insulate your home, but also to filter your air, and dampen sound. Listen to this innovative company founder explain how he runs a company that’s not trying to take over the market, but instead wants to educate consumers on their health and choices.

April 9, 202640 min

Rethinking Residential Construction Through Custom Fabrication with Mike Pollari of WHS Homes and Doug Burdge of Burdge Architects

Ted speaks with Doug Burdge of Burdge Architects and Mike Pollari of WHS Homes about the challenges of rebuilding in fire-affected areas like Malibu, including permitting delays, insurance gaps, and rising construction costs. Doug shares firsthand insight into the long and complex process homeowners face after a disaster, and why traditional building timelines often fail to meet the urgency of rebuilding. The conversation highlights a collaborative project in Sun Valley, Idaho, where prefabricated timber frame construction and SIP panel systems were used to streamline the build process. By fabricating components off-site while site work progressed, the team reduced construction time, minimized waste, and improved coordination between architects, builders, and manufacturers. Doug and Mike also discuss why these systems are not more widely adopted, pointing to builder preferences, misconceptions around prefab, and industry inertia. Ultimately, they emphasize that while costs may be similar, the real advantage is speed—allowing homeowners to move in sooner, reduce carrying costs, and rebuild more efficiently, especially in disaster recovery scenarios. TOPICS DISCUSSED 01:10 Introduction to the Conversation 02:15 Impact of Wildfires & Rebuilding Challenges 04:15 Insurance Gaps & Rising Construction Costs 05:30 Collaboration Between Architect, Builder & Manufacturer 9:30 Building for Yourself vs. Client Projects 12:45 Lessons from Personal Projects & Design Control 15:45 Benefits of Timber Frame & Prefabrication Systems 20:00 Disaster Relief, Permitting & Construction Timelines 27:30 Efficiency in Home Building & Process Optimization 31:00 Custom Fabrication vs. Modular Construction 36:30 Rebuilding After Wildfires: Long-Term Outlook CONNECT WITH GUEST Mike Pollari Website LinkedIn Instagram Doug Burdge Facebook Website Instagram KEY QUOTES FROM EPISODE "It’s going to take 25 years to rebuild." "Speed is the key to disaster recovery." "Build smarter to prevent wildfires."

March 26, 202646 min

Reimagining the Home Experience: Bringing Seamless Audio Into Residential Construction with Frank DeFilippis of Sonos

Ted speaks with Frank DeFilippis, Builder Channel at Sonos about the history, innovation, and future of wireless audio. Frank explains how Sonos was founded in the early 2000s by engineers who envisioned using home networks to distribute audio throughout a house without traditional wiring. At a time when Wi-Fi was still emerging and streaming services barely existed, Sonos introduced a groundbreaking system that allowed users to control and synchronize music across multiple rooms. The discussion highlights the technological challenges behind creating perfectly synchronized audio across devices, which became the core intellectual property and defining advantage of Sonos. Frank also reflects on the early days of digital music, when consumers were ripping CDs to hard drives and experimenting with services like Napster long before streaming platforms became mainstream. Ted and Frank explore how music shapes everyday life and why audio experiences are so powerful in homes, hospitality environments, and public spaces. They also discuss the opportunity for builders and developers to incorporate integrated audio systems as a standard feature rather than a luxury upgrade. The episode offers insight into innovation in consumer technology, the intersection of design and experience, and the role companies like Sonos play in shaping how people interact with music and sound in their daily lives. TOPICS DISCUSSED 01:10 Introduction & Frank D. Philippis of Sonos 02:20 The Origins of Sonos and the Vision for Wireless Audio 04:30 Early Challenges Launching a Networked Audio Platform 06:45 The First Sonos Products and Multi-Room Audio Control 08:00 How Streaming Changed the Way We Listen to Music 13:45 Innovation vs. Building a Traditional Business 16:00 The Evolution of Wireless Technology in the Home 21:00 Why Audio Matters So Much in Everyday Life 23:15 Bringing Whole-Home Audio to the Mass Market 28:00 Working with Builders, Designers, and the Trade 30:00 How Sonos stays lean and competitive 33:00 Technology Adoption and Keeping it Fun 35:30 Challenges and Patents Ending 38:30 Industry Trends and Opportunities for Builders 40:30 Final Thoughts on Innovation and Audio Experiences CONNECT WITH GUEST Frank DeFilippis Website LinkedIn KEY QUOTES FROM EPISODE "Met Steve Jobs at a math world in the 90s" "Innovate constantly to stay ahead" "Headwinds in the industry drive innovation"

March 12, 202638 min

Demystifying ESOPs: Preserving Legacy Through Employee Ownership with Rich Gioia of Lazear Capital

Ted speaks with Rich Gioia, co-founder of Gioia Capital and Managing Director of Lazear Capital, an investment banking firm specializing in ESOP transactions. Rich shares his path from leaving a legal career to acquiring and growing businesses in the lower middle market, eventually discovering the advantages of Employee Stock Ownership Plans while selling one of his companies. The conversation breaks down how ESOPs work as a business succession strategy, including how owners can sell their company while maintaining control, receiving liquidity, and potentially eliminating capital gains taxes through unique provisions in the tax code. Rich explains the structure of ESOP transactions, including bank financing, seller notes, and equity warrants, while demystifying common misconceptions that employee ownership is purely altruistic or requires employees to contribute capital. Ted and Rich also explore why ESOPs are particularly relevant for contractors, builders, and other owner-operated businesses where private equity interest may be limited. They discuss the importance of succession planning, preserving legacy, and aligning incentives between ownership and employees. The episode highlights how ESOPs can create a win-win structure—providing business owners with liquidity and tax advantages while giving employees a meaningful ownership stake and incentive to drive long-term success. TOPICS DISCUSSED 01:10 Introduction & Meeting Rich Gioia at Sundance 02:45 Rich’s Background: Lawyer to Entrepreneur 04:45 Building Companies in the Lower Middle Market 06:40 Selling a Business & Discovering ESOPs 09:00 Common Misconceptions About ESOPs 11:20 Why ESOP Exits Can Outperform Traditional Sales 13:30 How ESOP Financing Works 16:00 Breaking Down a Real ESOP Transaction Example 19:00 Tax Advantages & Section 1042 Explained 22:30 Employee Ownership Without Financial Risk 24:40 Why More Businesses Don’t Consider ESOPs 27:30 Legacy, Ownership & Selling to Employees 30:00 Incentives, Productivity & Employee Alignment 32:20 Exit Planning for Contractors & Builders 35:00 Private Equity vs. ESOP Outcomes 37:40 Preserving Company Culture & Legacy 40:10 ESOPs as a Succession Strategy 42:30 Final Thoughts & How to Learn More About ESOPs CONNECT WITH GUEST Rich Gioia Website LinkedIn KEY QUOTES FROM EPISODE “You as a business owner could sell your company effectively tax-free, tax-deferred and ultimately eliminated.” “Your employees don’t contribute any cash in an ESOP.” “There are no personal guarantees with that and the employees aren’t raising or contributing any capital.”

February 26, 202639 min

Navigating the Challenges of Construction in Paradise with Mark Mason of Pacific Source

Episode Notes Ted speaks with Mark Mason, founder of Pacific Source. They discuss his background, the logistics of building in Hawaii, the evolution of home styles, and the dynamics of running a business in a unique cultural environment. They explore the challenges of sourcing materials, the impact of local culture on business practices, and the importance of team dynamics. Mark shares insights on product innovations, competition in the industry, and the significance of hurricane preparedness in construction. TOPICS DISCUSSED 01:10 Introduction and Background 05:20 Building in Hawaii: Logistics and Challenges 10:30 Evolution of Home Styles in Hawaii 16:00 Business Operations and Team Dynamics 19:00 Navigating the Hawaiian Culture in Business 24:30 Product Innovations and Market Trends 37:00 Hurricane Preparedness and Building Materials CONNECT WITH GUEST Mark Mason Website LinkedIn KEY QUOTES FROM EPISODE "The logistics were interesting." "It's a small world." "We have a very good team."

February 12, 202655 min

Navigating the Custom Home Landscape with Stacy Eakman of Alair Homes

Ted speaks with Stacy Eakman, Partner with Alair Homes, about the construction industry, focusing on the recent completion of the New American Home in Orlando. They discuss the challenges and successes of building this large custom home in just 14 months, the importance of planning and client trust, and the innovative shift towards steel construction. Stacy shares insights on the current market trends in Seattle, the emotional impact of rebuilding after disasters, and the benefits of being part of the Alair Homes franchise. The conversation highlights the significance of transparency in pricing and the need for strong client relationships in the construction business.TOPICS DISCUSSED01:10 Introduction to Stacy Eakman and Alair Homes02:10 Building the New American Home05:00 The Alair Process and Lessons Learned010:00 Pricing, Quality, and Client Relationships16:45 Expanding Alair to Southern California18:00 Challenges in Rebuilding After Disasters30:00 Market Trends and Client Expectations34:30 Transparency in Pricing and Building Trust with Clients41:30 The Role of Passion in Construction45:15 Transitioning to a New Business Model49:30 Standardizing Construction Processes CONNECT WITH GUESTStacy EakmanWebsiteLinkedInInstagramKEY QUOTES FROM EPISODE"We built the New American Home in 14 months.""Alair operates as a franchise with 108 offices.""Building trust with clients is crucial."

January 29, 202647 min

Building a Legacy: Navigating the Growth of a Family Business with Keith Richardson, President of Arizona Fireplaces

Ted speaks with Keith Richardson, President of Arizona Fireplaces. He shares insights into the growth and challenges of Arizona Fireplaces, a family business founded by his father. He discusses the importance of work ethic, family values, and leadership in navigating the complexities of running a large organization. Keith emphasizes the significance of maintaining company culture during expansion, the journey of life versus the finish line, and the role of competition as a motivator. He reflects on the lessons learned from failure and the importance of mentorship within his family. As he looks to the future, Keith expresses his commitment to growth and the American Dream, highlighting the fulfillment that comes from hard work and dedication.TOPICS DISCUSSED01:10 Introduction to Keith Richardson and Arizona Fireplaces03:00 Expansion and Growth Challenges06:00 The Importance of Work Ethic and Family Values10:00 The Role of Integrity and Communication12:00 Finding Happiness in the Journey16:00The Reality of Hard Work and Passion18:20 Learning from Failure and Resilience20:00 Building a Trustworthy Leadership Team23:30 Reinforcing Company Culture28:00 Expanding into New Markets29:30 Navigating Market Differences32:30 Learning from Competition40:00 The Role of Fear and Competition43:30 The American Dream and Future Goals CONNECT WITH GUESTKeith RichardsonWebsiteLinkedInInstagramKEY QUOTES FROM EPISODE"Pressure is the privilege of success.""Happiness is so much more than just the money side.""I think the family is everything to all of us."