The Builder Upper Show

Hosted by Lumber

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May 2026

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About the show

The Builder Upper Show - a LumberCast production Are you ready to dig deep into the world of construction? Whether you're a seasoned pro, an aspiring builder, or just someone curious about the incredible industry that shapes our world, The Builder Upper Show is your essential source of inspiration, knowledge, and community.

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35 recent

May 7, 2026Episode 341 hr 2 min

The Builder Upper Show Ep. 34 feat. Scott Kimpland from FMI Corp

In this episode of The Builder Upper Show, host Lou Perez sits down with Scott Kimpland, Partner at FMI Corporation, to dive deep into what it really takes to achieve operational excellence in construction. Scott brings decades of experience working with some of the most high-performing contractors in the industry through FMI Corporation, a leading management consulting and investment banking firm focused on the built environment. Together, they explore the real drivers behind productivity, field leadership, and long-term business success in construction.

April 10, 2026Episode 3344 min

The Builder Upper Show Ep. 33 feat. Craig Fulcher from DWC Construction

In this episode of The Builder Upper Show, Craig Fulcher, president and CEO of Nashville-based DWC Construction unpacks his unconventional journey from internet sales and house flipping to leading one of the Southeast’s most established construction firms. Craig shares how DWC evolved from the region’s first drywall contractor into a powerhouse known for high-end commercial spaces, all while staying rooted in one key principle: consistency. From building rock-solid systems and processes to creating a culture where every employee feels valued, Craig reveals why being the “easy button” for clients is worth more than being the cheapest bid.

February 25, 2026Episode 3219 min

The Builder Upper Show Ep. 32 feat. Rob Lynch from Dome Construction

In this episode of The Builder Upper Show, host Lou Perez sits down with Rob Lynch, President and CEO of Dome Construction, to talk about leadership, culture, and building a company that stands the test of time. Rob shares his journey from building tree forts as a kid to leading one of California’s premier builders specializing in highly technical, fully occupied facilities across life sciences, healthcare, and commercial sectors. He opens up about the mentors who shaped his path, the team-first culture at Dome, and why “safety isn’t a metric, it’s a mindset.”

February 11, 2026Episode 3153 min

The Builder Upper Show Ep. 31 feat. Jeret Whitescarver from ESI

In this episode of The Builder Upper Show, host Lou Perez interviews Jeret Whitescarver, Executive Vice President at Engineered Structures Inc. (ESI), to explore how one of the nation’s leading design-build construction firms has grown from a small Idaho contractor into a multi-state, full-service powerhouse. They discuss ESI’s culture of leadership, innovation, mentorship, and workforce development, the launch of the ESI Academy, and how the company is shaping the future of construction through technology like AI, BIM, robotics, and virtual design, all while keeping people and relationships at the center.

January 2, 2026Episode 3047 min

The Builder Upper Show Ep. 30 feat. Reggie Torbor from Pylon Building Group

In this episode of The Builder Upper Show, host Lou Perez sits down with Reggie Torbor, President of Pylon Building Group and former NFL player, to discuss his unique path into the construction industry. Reggie shares his experiences, from playing football at Auburn University and winning a Super Bowl in the NFL, to starting a successful construction company. He emphasizes the importance of mentorship, setting standards, and building a strong organizational culture. Reggie also provides valuable advice for those looking to enter the construction industry and highlights the critical role of faith, discipline, and teamwork in achieving success.

December 24, 2025Episode 2956 min

The Builder Upper Show Ep. 29 feat. Joshua D. Mellott from BlackLine and Legacy Services Group

The Builder Upper Show goes in person for the very first time! Host Lou Perez sits down with Joshua Mullet of BlackLine and Legacy Services Group for a raw, honest conversation about construction, leadership, faith, and what it truly means to build something that lasts. Joshua shares how his journey in the trades started at just 10 years old, the realities of entrepreneurship when the pressure is heavy, and why the power of team can change everything. The conversation dives deep into mentorship, mental health in construction, leadership through adversity, and the moments that test whether you quit or keep going.

December 10, 2025Episode 2832 min

The Builder Upper Show Ep. 28 feat. Kevin Ellertson from Limitless Property Works

Kevin Ellertson, President of Limitless Property Works, shares his incredible journey from growing up in a family of house flippers to navigating the Great Recession and a serious injury, which eventually led him to start his own construction company. Tune in to hear how Kevin transitioned from doing odd jobs and roto-tilling gardens during the COVID-19 pandemic to scaling a successful commercial general contracting firm. He discusses key insights into marketing, the importance of communication, and utilizing technology like AI to grow his business.

October 28, 2025Episode 2735 min

The Builder Upper Show Ep. 27 feat. John Wiley from Mangieri Electric

In this episode of the Builder Upper Show, host Lou Perez welcomes John Wiley, CEO of Mangieri Electric. John shares his journey from starting in construction as a teenager to becoming a strategic advisor for private equity and a national brand ambassador for Think Realty. He dives deep into the importance of having an exit strategy for businesses, leveraging technology for scaling, and the value of building strong team relationships. John also highlights his experiences with various projects, including flipping a shopping center, repurposing a hospital, and managing a $60 million fund for single-family residences. This episode is packed with insights for anyone in the construction industry looking to scale their business and plan for the future.

August 21, 2025Episode 2631 min

The Builder Upper Show Ep. 26 feat. Brian Keller from QBC LLC

Brian Keller discusses QBC's focus on multi-family projects and their dedication to improving the employee experience in the construction industry. He talks about his personal start in construction, the story behind QBC, and their unique approach to recruit and mentor young talent through local school programs and apprenticeships. Brian also highlights the importance of leadership development, the integration of new technologies like AI and time tracking apps, and offers valuable advice for budding construction business owners. Tune in to hear insights on how to innovate and transform your construction business from a seasoned expert.

May 6, 2025Episode 2525 min

The Builder Upper Show Ep. 25 feat. Jeff Makey from cLearn Training

Jeff Makey, founder of cLearn Training, shares his journey from construction work to becoming a leader in training and consultation. In this conversation, Jeff dives deep into the workforce challenges facing the trades, the importance of emotional engagement and mutual growth in training, and practical strategies for attracting and retaining talent in a shrinking labor pool. He also discusses how cLearn’s programs go beyond standard operating procedures to build company culture and vision, and explores the evolving role of technology and AI in construction training. Whether you’re a contractor, project manager, or industry leader, you’ll gain actionable insights on workforce development, upskilling, and creating effective training that sticks.

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