The Berks Homes Podcast

Hosted by Katie Detwiler and Ben Horning

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Latest episode

Jun 2026

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EN-US

About the show

The Business of Building Homes. Berks Homes is a dynamic new construction homebuilder rooted in a legacy dating back to 1973. Our mission is to forge enduring relationships through trust, guided by our core values—helpful, humble, aware, and driven. Meet Ben, who brings 19 years of expertise in product development and cost control, and Katie with 21 years of experience, specializing in branding and marketing. As we share insights, stories, and passion for the homebuilding business. Join us on this journey of growth, exploration, and industry networking!

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55 recent

June 12, 2026Episode 5535 min

EP 55 - Land, Strategy, and What's Next For Berks Homes

Katie and Ben are back for a brand new episode of The Berks Homes Podcast, and they have a lot to celebrate! They share an exciting business update on where Berks Homes stands heading into the second half of the year, highlighting the strength of Pennsylvania's housing market and the momentum the team has built. They dive deep into the world of land acquisition, discussing the growing opportunity in the space, the complexities of developing land across dozens of municipalities, and why Berks Homes is leaning into that challenge head on. They also celebrate a standout team member who showed true excellence and has been promoted from VP of Sales to COO, sharing what makes her the right leader to elevate the customer experience across every phase of the homebuilding process. They get honest about the leadership mindset it takes to step into unfamiliar territory, embrace a beginner's perspective, and build something better because of it. Plus, exciting news about the future of the podcast, including a new format and more voices coming soon.Contact Katie or Ben if you have any questions or feedback.kdetwiler@berkshomes.combhorning@berkshomes.com

February 6, 2026Episode 5424 min

Ep 54: Where Your Home’s Style Comes to Life

Katie sits down with Angie Hall, our Selection Gallery Manager to explore how the selection gallery experience helps homebuyers personalize their new Berks Homes home. Angie shares how her team guides buyers through design choices, balances trends with timeless styles, and creates a fun, low-pressure environment that turns what could feel overwhelming into an exciting milestone.Contact Katie or Ben if you have any questions or feedback! kdetwiler@berkshomes.combhorning@berkshomes.comLearn more at ⁠berkshomes.com

January 23, 2026Episode 5340 min

Ep 53: Building Homes with Purpose and Care

Katie and Ben explain why buyers choose Berks Homes and what truly sets the company apart in a crowded homebuilding market. They discuss Berks Homes’ clear focus on attainable housing, strong quality control, thoughtful design, and deep care for first-time and move-up buyers. The conversation highlights how empathy, clear communication, and respect for customers, trade partners, and communities create a better homebuilding experience from start to finish.Contact Katie or Ben if you have any questions or feedback! kdetwiler@berkshomes.combhorning@berkshomes.comLearn more at berkshomes.com

January 16, 2026Episode 5225 min

Ep 52: The Same Experience, No Matter When You Buy

Katie and Ben explain the two paths to purchasing a Berks Homes home. Building a to-be-built home or buying a quick move-in spec home and how both lead to the same overall customer experience. They break down why each option exists, how specs help maintain construction flow, and what changes behind the scenes for sales, operations, and communication. The conversation reinforces that no matter when a buyer enters the process, the goal is the same: clear communication, proper expectation-setting, and a well-built home.Contact Katie or Ben if you have any questions or feedback! kdetwiler@berkshomes.combhorning@berkshomes.comLearn more at ⁠berkshomes.com⁠

January 9, 2026Episode 5144 min

Ep 51: Inside The Berks Homes Model Home Staging Process

In this episode, Katie, Ben, Maddie, and Becca talk about how Berks Homes stages model homes and what really goes into making a house feel “move-in ready” for buyers. Maddie and Becca explain the behind-the-scenes process, planning with construction schedules, shopping, budgeting, shipping, assembling furniture, and doing quick installs under tight deadlines. They also share inside tips, funny stories, the challenges of staging in bad weather, and family teamwork moments.Contact Katie or Ben if you have any questions or feedback! kdetwiler@berkshomes.combhorning@berkshomes.comLearn more at ⁠⁠berkshomes.com⁠⁠

December 19, 2025Episode 5026 min

Ep 50: Building Trust from the First Hello

Katie sits down with Berks Homes sales consultant, Madison to talk about how trust is built with homebuyers throughout the building process. Madison shares how being honest, setting clear expectations, communicating consistently, and genuinely listening to customers helps turn challenging moments into positive experiences. Together, they highlight how trust, transparency, and human connection make a lasting impact on customers long after the sale.We will be taking a short break for the holidays and be back early next year!Contact Katie or Ben if you have any questions or feedback! kdetwiler@berkshomes.combhorning@berkshomes.comLearn more at ⁠⁠berkshomes.com⁠⁠

December 12, 2025Episode 4944 min

Ep 49: What the 2026 Homebuilding Market Means to Us

Katie and Ben discuss why no one can truly predict the 2026 housing market, but explain the key forces shaping it. Discussing affordability pressures, interest rates, material costs, land availability, and buyer expectations, especially within Berks Homes’ specific Pennsylvania markets. They share a “realistic but optimistic” outlook for 2026, emphasizing flexible pricing, efficient building, strong trade and land partnerships, and a focus on customer experience as the reasons they’re confident Berks Homes will perform well regardless of broader market. Contact Katie or Ben if you have any questions or feedback! kdetwiler@berkshomes.combhorning@berkshomes.comLearn more at ⁠⁠berkshomes.com⁠⁠

December 5, 2025Episode 4834 min

Ep 48: 2026 Company Goals

Katie and Ben break down Berks Homes’ 2026 company-wide goals, which shift the focus away from strict metrics and toward behaviors that strengthen teamwork, communication, partnerships, and customer care. They explain how the five core goals—play as one team, own your playbook, build with care, develop partnerships, and protect & grow profit, serve as a blueprint for every department to align their daily actions with long-term success.Contact Katie or Ben if you have any questions or feedback! kdetwiler@berkshomes.combhorning@berkshomes.comLearn more at ⁠⁠berkshomes.com⁠⁠

November 21, 2025Episode 4748 min

Ep. 47: Major League Player In Minor League Markets

Katie and Ben delve into their vision and the essence of their company. They emphasize the importance of staying true to their identity, even as they expand into new markets. They discuss their commitment to cultivating trust and relationships, avoiding the tactics of major competitors. While they acknowledge the challenges of growth, they also find excitement in the unknown and the opportunity to learn and evolve. Katie and Ben embrace the challenge of navigating new territories and unlocking new levels of personal and professional growth.Contact Katie or Ben if you have any questions or feedback! kdetwiler@berkshomes.combhorning@berkshomes.comLearn more at ⁠⁠berkshomes.com⁠⁠

November 7, 2025Episode 4642 min

Ep 46: Own the Outcome

Katie and Ben discuss what it truly means to “own the outcome”. Taking responsibility for results, even when challenges are caused by things outside your control. They explain how real ownership starts with mindset: focusing on solutions, clear communication, and the customer’s experience rather than blame. The episode highlights how every role at Berks Homes contributes to delivering on promises, and how accountability, empathy, and teamwork turn problems into opportunities to build trust.Contact Katie or Ben if you have any questions or feedback! kdetwiler@berkshomes.combhorning@berkshomes.comLearn more at ⁠⁠berkshomes.com⁠⁠