Friends of Build Magazine

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153

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Oct 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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October 8, 202633 min

Trust and Innovation in High-End Home Building with Bear Barinowski of Malmquist Construction

Ted speaks with Bear Barinowski about the experiences that have shaped his approach to leadership, luxury construction, and community involvement. Drawing from his travels and years in the building industry, Bear shares how trust, communication, and adaptability have become the foundation for building exceptional homes, leading successful teams, and fostering lasting client relationships. The conversation explores the evolving expectations of luxury homeowners, the importance of community engagement, and how technology is influencing the future of construction and smart homes. Bear also discusses leadership, personal growth, and the responsibility builders have to create meaningful experiences for their clients, offering practical insights for anyone looking to succeed in the custom home industry. TOPICS DISCUSSED 01:10 Introduction and Background 04:45 Life Lessons from Travel 06:30 The Construction Industry and Personal Growth 08:30 Team Dynamics and Leadership 12:00 Client Relationships and Expectations 13:30 Building for the Elite 17:00 Evolving Client Interactions 19:00 Community Engagement and Responsibility 24:15 Technological Advancements in Construction 27:35 The Future of Smart Homes 30:30 Conclusion and Reflections CONNECT WITH GUEST Bear Barinowski LinkedIn Instagram Website KEY QUOTES FROM EPISODE "Building a house is like becoming a kid again" "Montana has a good sense of grounding" "Technology adds a new layer to building"

September 24, 202635 min

From Romania to Luxury Remodeling: Building Trust and Craftsmanship with Bobby Banica of Febal Casa

Ted speaks with Bobby Banica about his journey from Romania to the United States and the experiences that shaped his career in luxury remodeling. Bobby shares the differences between construction practices in Europe and the U.S., how he grew from managing small renovation projects to leading multimillion-dollar remodels, and why quality craftsmanship and strong client relationships remain at the core of his business. The conversation explores budgeting, market expansion into Las Vegas, and the unique challenges of high-end remodeling compared to new construction. Bobby also discusses the growing influence of AI on the construction industry while emphasizing that trust, communication, and the human element will always be essential to delivering exceptional projects. The episode offers valuable insights into leadership, craftsmanship, and adapting to an evolving industry. TOPICS DISCUSSED 01:10 Introduction and Guest Background 02:00 Remodeling in Romania vs. the United States 04:30 The Concept of Glass Ceilings in Business Growth 06:20 Technical Discussions with Builders and Contractors 7:45 The Importance of Construction Quality and Durability 09:00 Adapting to High-End Luxury Projects 12:45 Opening New Showrooms and Market Expansion 15:30 Challenges and Opportunities in the Las Vegas Market 17:45 Client Priorities and Craftsmanship Standards 19:30 Why Bobby Prefers Remodels Over New Construction 26:15 The Role of AI in Construction and Design 31:30 Living and Working in America: Personal Reflections CONNECT WITH GUEST Bobby Banica Facebook Instagram Website KEY QUOTES FROM EPISODE "The scale of projects is way bigger here." "Durability depends on construction quality." "AI is just a tool, not a replacement."

September 10, 202643 min

Building Extraordinary Projects: Leadership, Craftsmanship, and Culture with Mark Armstrong of Peak Projects

Ted speaks with Mark Armstrong of Peak Projects about his journey into construction and the leadership principles that have shaped his career. Drawing from his background in athletics, Mark discusses how discipline, accountability, and embracing constructive criticism have influenced his approach to building teams, managing complex projects, and creating a strong company culture. He also shares how lessons from history continue to inspire thoughtful design and craftsmanship. The conversation explores the challenges of high-end construction, from navigating permitting and urban projects to preserving craftsmanship in a rapidly evolving industry. Mark also discusses the importance of trade skills, learning from mistakes, and maintaining a mindset of continuous improvement. The episode offers valuable insight into leadership, culture, and the enduring principles behind building extraordinary projects. TOPICS DISCUSSED 01:10 Introduction and Background 02:45 The Importance of Athletic Culture in Business 04:55 Criticism and Growth in the Younger Generation 10:00 Transitioning from Sports to Construction 13:30 Complexities of High-End Construction Projects 14:15 Innovative Solutions in Urban Construction 17:30 The Role of History in Modern Design 18:00 Craftsmanship and the Future of Construction 22:00 The Importance of Craftsmanship and Trade Skills 26:45 Building Practices: Northeast vs. Florida 28:30 Navigating the Permitting Process 31:30 The Role of Owners' Representatives 35:00 Learning from Clients and Mistakes 37:45 The Drive for Continuous Improvement 41:20 Life Lessons and Family Values CONNECT WITH GUEST Mark Armstrong LinkedIn Instagram Website KEY QUOTES FROM EPISODE "Athletes face adversity and criticism constantly" "Criticism is critical for progress" "Real-time feedback helps athletes and builders improve"

August 13, 202637 min

Reinventing Waterfront Luxury with Dean Jones of Realogics Sotheby's International Realty

Ted speaks with Dean Jones, CEO of Realogics Sotheby's International Realty (RSIR), about Terminal One Motor and Yacht Club, a new waterfront development near the Ballard Locks in Seattle. Dean explains the site's history as a former WWII-era petroleum depot, how environmental remediation turned the contaminated brownfield into a rare nine-acre in-city opportunity, and the vision for combining luxury car and yacht storage into a single ownership community. The conversation covers the mechanics of the project: fee-simple "dockuminium" ownership for both car collectors and yacht owners, including slips built to accommodate yachts up to 300 feet, the design partnership with Olsen Kundig, and property management through Columbia Hospitality. Dean also discusses Seattle's tax and policy climate, why buyers increasingly view the development as a "third home," and the pre-sales and construction timeline leading into this fall's groundbreaking. TOPICS DISCUSSED 01:10 Introduction to Terminal One and Seattle's Waterfront Vision 02:50 History of the Site and Environmental Remediation 04:25 Development Phases and Luxury Condominium Garages 07:00 Super Yacht Dockuminium Opportunities and Ownership 08:00 Community and Lifestyle Programming 09:30 The Passion of Yacht and Car Collectors 11:00 Seattle's Maritime Heritage and Lock System 13:45 Design Collaboration with Olsen Kundig 15:30 Construction Timeline and Pre-Sales Process 16:45 Market Demand and Unique Ownership Opportunities 19:30 Community and Networking Among Collectors 22:00 Global Car Culture and International Influences 31:30 Surprising Insights and Future Opportunities 34:00 Lifestyle Features and Convertible Spaces 36:15 How to Get Involved and Contact Information CONNECT WITH GUEST Dean Jones LinkedIn Instagram Website KEY QUOTES FROM EPISODE "I'm all about inspiration, education, and activation, right?" "This is a golf club like environment without the golf course." "But owning is forever."

July 30, 202654 min

AI, Innovation, and the Future of Cabinet Design with Erin Otterbeck of Corvé Fine Cabinetry and Millwork

Ted speaks with Erin Otterbeck, CEO of Corvé Fine Cabinetry and Millwork, about her unique journey from healthcare to leading an innovative cabinetry company in Naples. Erin shares how relationship building, perseverance, and a commitment to integrity helped shape her career and leadership style as she transitioned into the design and construction industry. She discusses the challenges and opportunities of stepping into a leadership role and the importance of creating meaningful experiences for both clients and industry partners. The conversation explores how emerging technologies like AI and 3D visualization are transforming the cabinetry and construction industries while reinforcing the continued importance of human connection, trust, and collaboration. Erin also shares her perspective on evolving client expectations, showroom innovation, construction challenges, and the future of design, highlighting how technology and customer-focused service can work together to create better outcomes. TOPICS DISCUSSED 01:10 Introduction to Corvé Cabinetry 03:40 Erin's Journey to the Cabinet Industry 05:45 Building Relationships and Tenacity in Business 9:45 The Importance of Reputation and Integrity 14:30 Transitioning to CEO: Challenges and Opportunities 19:00 Innovative Showroom Concepts and Community Engagement 22:00 The Role of AI in the Cabinet Industry 25:25 Human Connection in a Tech-Driven World 29:00 Navigating Client Expectations and DIY Trends 31:30 Quality Over Quantity: The Importance of Touch and Feel 33:30 Navigating Construction Challenges 34:45 The Importance of Early Collaboration 37:00 Visualizing Design with 3D Technology 42:00 Client-Centric Approach in Design 44:00 Future Outlook for the Industry 49:15 The Role of AI in Design and Construction CONNECT WITH GUEST Erin Otterbeck LinkedIn KEY QUOTES FROM EPISODE "Reinventing cabinetry in Naples" "Building trust is everything" "Quality is hard to see online"

July 9, 202652 min

Where Tradition Meets Innovation: The Future of Luxury Cabinetry with Evan Soltoff of eggersmann Kitchens and Home Living

Ted speaks with Evan Soltoff of eggersmann Kitchens and Home LIving about the legacy of one of the world's leading luxury cabinetry brands and the evolution of kitchen design. Evan shares the history of the family-owned company, its expansion beyond Germany into international markets, and how a commitment to craftsmanship, innovation, and customer-centric design has helped eggersmann remain at the forefront of the industry. The conversation explores how kitchens have evolved from purely functional spaces into the focal point of the modern home. Evan discusses the growing importance of customization, premium materials, and integrating technology into cabinetry and kitchen systems. He also shares insights into designing for both historic and contemporary homes, balancing timeless aesthetics with modern functionality, and creating solutions that meet the unique needs of each client. Ted and Evan also discuss emerging trends in luxury design, including sustainability, accessibility, aging-in-place solutions, and the continued role of physical showrooms in an increasingly digital world. The episode offers a thoughtful look at how tradition and innovation can work together to create exceptional design experiences and why understanding customer needs remains the foundation of lasting success. TOPICS DISCUSSED 01:30 History of Eggersmann and Family Legacy 03:45 Expanding Beyond Germany: International Growth 06:15 Customer Aesthetics and Market Preferences 07:40 Designing for Historic and Modern Homes 09:00 Materials and Customization in Cabinetry 10:45 Evolution of the Kitchen as a Focal Point 13:00 Innovative Features and Functionalities 14:00 Sustainable and Natural Materials 19:00 Technological Advancements in Kitchen Features 23:15 Developing New Systems and Customer Needs 29:45 Future Trends in Cabinetry and Design 32:30 Closets in luxury homes 41:00 Accessibility, Aging in Place Solutions, Changing Needs 42:45 The Importance of Physical Showrooms 46:15 Innovations During COVID and Beyond 49:00 Closing Remarks and Future Outlook CONNECT WITH GUEST Evan Soltoff Website LinkedIn Instagram KEY QUOTES FROM EPISODE "Understated luxury is our goal" "Flexibility is key to success" "Lighting transforms the space"

June 25, 202653 min

Bringing European Elegance to Luxury Interior Design with Sophia Passerini of Passerini Design

Ted speaks with Sophia Passerini about her journey from Italy to the United States and how her experiences living across Europe shaped her approach to luxury interior design. Sophia shares how growing up in Venice, working in Spain and Italy, and eventually building a career in Palm Beach influenced her appreciation for timeless European elegance, craftsmanship, and authenticity in design. The conversation explores the challenges of adapting to the American market, building trust with clients, and balancing European design traditions with the preferences of US homeowners. Sophia discusses the importance of textiles, materials, and sourcing skilled artisans from around the world to create interiors that feel both refined and deeply personal. She also reflects on the differences in craftsmanship between Europe and the US and why attention to detail remains central to her work. Ted and Sophia also discuss the emotional side of design, including the role of personal connection, comfort, and storytelling within a home. The episode offers insight into Sophia’s design philosophy, her perspective on the American dream, and how diverse life experiences can shape a distinctive and enduring creative vision. TOPICS DISCUSSED 01:10 Sophia’s Background and Growing Up in Venice 4:45 Real Estate and Interior Design in Spain and Italy 10:30 The Impact of the 2008 Crisis and Moving to the US 12:20 Why Palm Beach? The Decision to Immigrate 15:00 Adapting to the US Market and Building Trust 19:15 Her Style: European Elegance with a Transitional Touch 25:15 Craftsmanship Challenges in America 27:15 European Heritage and Its Influence on Her Work 29:50 Sourcing Artisans and Craftsmanship Globally 36:15 Balancing Scale, Comfort, and Personal Style 48:00 Reflections on the American Dream and Personal Success CONNECT WITH GUEST Sophia Passerini Website LinkedIn Instagram KEY QUOTES FROM EPISODE "I bring that European sense of style and craftsmanship." "Venice is a city that has a soul, a story." "Trust is the foundation of any good design relationship."

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."