The Builder Upper Show

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Aug 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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38 recent

August 20, 2026Episode 3738 min

The Builder Upper Show Ep. 37 feat. Chris Estrada from Team Extreme

What does it take to build a successful construction business from the ground up? For Chris Estrada, CEO of Team Extreme and Extreme Drywall Concepts, it took decades of hard work, learning, resilience, faith, and a willingness to keep pushing through the tough seasons. In this episode of The Builder Upper Show, Lou Perez sits down with Chris to talk about his unconventional path into construction, from dropping out of high school and attending Phoenix Job Corps to becoming a commercial drywall and painting contractor operating with more than 100 employees and averaging eight-figure revenue.

July 27, 2026Episode 3649 min

The Builder Upper Show Ep. 36 feat. Chuck Goodrich from Gaylor Electric

In this episode of The Builder Upper Show, host Lou Perez travels to Gaylor Electric's headquarters in Indianapolis to sit down with Chuck Goodrich, CEO of Gaylor Electric, for an inspiring conversation on leadership, innovation, mentorship, and the future of construction. Chuck shares his incredible journey from intern to CEO, the people-first culture that has fueled Gaylor's growth, and why investing in apprenticeships, workforce development, and continuous learning is essential to building the next generation of skilled trades professionals.

July 7, 2026Episode 3549 min

The Builder Upper Show Ep. 35 feat. Bradley King from Horseshoe Construction

Bradley King, COO of Horseshoe Construction shares about his journey from military service to leading one of the nation's top trenchless contractors. Bradley dives into Horseshoe’s evolution from pipe bursting and slip lining to water rehabilitation and design-build projects, explains key trenchless technologies, and discusses why the company exited the CIPP market. He also explores how AI is improving municipal infrastructure planning and risk assessment, the importance of responsible stewardship of taxpayer funds, Horseshoe’s commitment to industry leadership and culture, and offers advice for the next generation of construction professionals.

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.