The Build With ICF Podcast

Hosted by BuildWithICF.com

Business Education Leisure

Website RSS feed

Episodes

Latest episode

Aug 2026

Language

About the show

Welcome to the Build With ICF podcast with your hosts Trevor Brown and Heather Hering-Brown. With over 20 years of ICF installation, technical, and sales experience Trevor is considered an industry expert…on the other side of the table is Heather, aka the Girl Boss, and she has earned that title as the award winning owner of an ICF building company as well as a ICF drafting & design company…SLEEVES UP, BOOTS ON, this is the Build With ICF Podcast.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

August 19, 2026Episode 7749 min

Build With ICF Podcast Episode 75 - Expect the Unexpected

In Episode 75 Trevor and Heather honor late guest Tim Hall, then dive into realistic expectations for ICF and general construction projects. They cover communication best practices, common causes of delays (supply, weather, code changes, subs), advice for homeowners and DIYers, and when to hire pros. The episode also highlights WICFA updates, upcoming events, and practical tips to keep projects on track and reduce stress. We want to THANK our Partners and "Concrete Sponsors" ICFMA - ICF-MA.org NRMCA - NRMCA.org NAHB - NAHB.org as well as our "Gold Sponsors" - G2 Building Products / Plumwall / MST Fiberglass Rebar G2 Building Products.com And as always if you want to get hold of Heather or Trevor you can email Info@BuildWithICF.com Or @BuildWithICF on all socials. And don't forget to sign up for the World Insulated Concrete Form Association at www.WICFA.org

August 10, 2026Episode 761 hr 0 min

Build With ICF Podcast Episode 74 - Wolven Homes - Air Force Officer to ICF Evangelist: Building Efficient ADUs in San Diego

Two experts in ICF. Decades of experience. One podcast, two hosts with a lot to say. In episode 74 of the Build With ICF podcast, hosts Trevor Brown and Heather Hering Brown sit down with Lance Wolfsmith of Wolven Homes to discuss his transition from the Air Force into ICF construction, the booming ADU market in San Diego, and the efficiencies ICF brings to modern building. Lance shares lessons learned from his first ICF build—delivery and site constraints, coordination with engineers and architects, and the realities of concrete pumping—and explains why ICF is a powerful solution for energy efficiency, soundproofing, and resilient construction. He also outlines Wolven’s mission to streamline the process for homeowners and contractors and invites listeners to connect for ADU projects in Southern California. WolvenHomes.com @Wolven_Homes on Socials Or give him a call 408-710-7302 And as always if you want to get hold of Heather or Trevor you can email Info@BuildWithICF.com Or @BuildWithICF on all socials. And don't forget to sign up for the World Insulated Concrete Form Association at www.WICFA.org

July 24, 2026Episode 751 hr 9 min

Build With ICF Podcast Episode 73 - Why ICF in NoCal with Michael Smith from Castle House Distributors

Trevor Brown and Heather Hering‑Brown host Michael Smith of Castle House Distributors to discuss how insulated concrete forms (ICF) solve insurance, energy, and resilience challenges after California wildfires. They share personal stories, real insurance savings, and the case for building entire developments in ICF. The episode covers upcoming workshops and trainings, industry unity through WICFA, design and permitting tips, and why ICF is a practical, affordable solution for homeowners, builders, and communities facing modern climate risks. You can contact Michael via email michael@castlehouse.us Or check out their website https://castlehouse.us/ Or on Socials @Castle.House.Distributors And as always if you want to get hold of Heather or Trevor you can email Info@BuildWithICF.com Or @BuildWithICF on all socials. And don't forget to sign up for the World Insulated Concrete Form Association at www.WICFA.org

July 7, 2026Episode 7437 min

Build With ICF Podcast Episode 72 — WICFA Takes D.C.: Advocacy, Insurance & ICF Momentum

Episode 72 of the Build With ICF podcast recaps the hosts’ trip to Washington, D.C., the launch and growth of WICFA (World Insulated Concrete Form Association), key industry partnerships with NRMCA, ICFMA and NAHB. They describe the outreach efforts to policymakers and insurers. Trevor and Heather discuss advocacy wins, upcoming events, membership updates, practical benefits of ICF for resilience and affordability, new sponsors and swag, and an upcoming WICFA members meeting with guest speaker Tim Lansford. https://www.timlansford.com/ Check out our Concrete Partners https://www.nrmca.org/ https://www.icfma.org/ https://www.nahb.org/ As always reach out to us at @BuildWithICF on socials or via email Info@BuildWithICF.com

May 28, 2026Episode 731 hr 3 min

Build With ICF Podcast Episode 71 - R Value of ICF? with Dave Phelps

Hosts Trevor Brown and Heather Hering-Brown welcome ICF expert Dave Phelps of ICF Homes, back to discuss the World Insulated Concrete Form Association launch and real‑world building performance. They debunk R‑value myths and explain how thermal mass, continuous insulation, and design choices impact a home’s energy use and resilience. Topics include R‑value testing limits, HERS and blower‑door metrics, ERVs, radiant slabs and basements, window placement and passive design, and how ICFs can lower operational costs and improve survivability during outages. You can get hold of Dave with any questions via email Dave@ICFHomesofVA Or on IG @ICF_Homes or on YouTube ICF Homes Virginia And as always you can reach us on Socials @BuildWithICF and email Info@BuildWithICF.com

April 28, 2026Episode 7243 min

Build With ICF Podcast Episode 70 - Carbon Custom Builders - Sam Fertik

ICF experts Trevor Brown and Heather Hering-Brown welcome a special guest explore why insulated concrete forms are changing luxury homebuilding. Sam Fertik of Carbon Custom Builders shares his journey from chef to custom builder and explains how ICF delivers better air, water, noise control and lasting durability. The episode covers design, client experience, industry innovation, and the new World Insulated Concrete Form Association (WICFA). Follow Sam and Carbon Custom Builders on there socials @CarbonCustomBuilders Or on the World Wide Interwebs CarbonCustomBuilders.com Or Email Sam@CarbonCustomBuilders.com As always, you can reach us @BuildWithICF on socials and Info@BuildWithICF.com JOIN WICFA NOW...... WWW.WICFA.ORG

April 7, 2026Episode 7138 min

Build With ICF Episode 69 How to Join WICFA

In this episode Trevor Brown and Heather Hering-Brown introduce the official launch of The World Insulated Concrete Form Association (WICFA), explain membership options (manufacturers, industry pros, DIYers), and walk listeners through signup, app access, and Founders Club perks. They also outline community features — a monitored code of conduct, a marketplace and job board, events and training, and the Stack Club referral rewards — and invite listeners to join, participate, and help grow the ICF industry. JOIN NOW https://members.wicfa.com/member-application Any Questions?? Info@BuildWithICF.com

April 3, 2026Episode 7042 min

Build With ICF Podcast Episode 68 Becoming an ICF Installer

Trevor Brown and Heather Hering-Brown discuss the launch of WICFA and practical steps to become an ICF installer—from online learning and hands‑on training to on‑site experience, certifications, and building relationships with manufacturers. They cover low startup costs, crew-sizing strategies, marketing tips, and industry opportunities, and invite listeners to join the WICFA waitlist and contact BuildWithICF for training and support. Any Questions shoot us an email at Info@BuildWithICF.com or hit us up on Socials @BuildWithICF And don't forget to get on the WICFA Waitlist www.wicfa.org

March 26, 2026Episode 691 hr 8 min

Build With ICF Podcast Episode 67 - Dave Phelps on Building High-Performance Homes

Two experts in ICF, decades of experience, one podcast: hosts Trevor Brown and Heather Hering-Brown sit down with Dave Phelps of ICF Homes of Virginia. They cover Dave’s journey from physics to custom ICF homes, how content and social media grew his business, DIY and reduced-scope options, the massive ‘castle’ project, thermal mass performance and HVAC sizing, industry advocacy, and the launch of WICFA. Practical insights for builders, DIYers, and anyone curious about insulated concrete form construction. Dave also talks about a really cool program he participates in called 1-4-1 Project that supports those in need of shelter around the world by building one home for a family in need for every one home we build here in the US. Here is the link to learn more The 1-4-1 Project And you can get hold of Dave with any questions via email Dave@ICFHomesofVA Or on IG @ICF_Homes or on YouTube ICF Homes Virginia And as alway you can reach us on Socials @BuildWithICF and email Info@BuildWithICF.com

March 23, 2026Episode 681 hr 1 min

Build With ICF Podcast Episode 66 - WICFA Pt. 2 - Why Now? And MORE Great Questions

In episode 66 Trevor Brown and Heather Hering Brown answer the top questions about the new World Insulated Concrete Form Association (WICFA), explaining why industry momentum is building now and what sets this association apart. They cover the inaugural founders board, membership tiers (manufacturers, industry professionals, and DIY), the GrowthZone member hub with community pages and a job/bid board, sponsorship options, planned meetings, disaster-response advocacy, and concrete ways listeners can help. Go get on the WAIT LIST!! WICFA.org Any questions?? Send us an email Info@BuildWithICF.com