The Building Code

Hosted by Buildertrend

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200

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Oct 2026

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About the show

A podcast by Buildertrend that explores people, technology and innovation.

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60 recent

October 22, 2026Episode 2871 hr 5 min

Behind the mask: What Reclaimed Karma built before anyone was watching

On this episode of “The Building Code,” we sat down with the husband-and-wife duo behind Reclaimed Karma, where they share their honest answer to the question every growing builder asks: where’s the line between stretching yourself and overselling what you can do? It’s a special Halloween episode, complete with real job site horror stories to set the mood. Chris and Yvonne Johnson also get into the transition from residential-only work into commercial projects, and the systems it took behind the scenes to handle that kind of growth without losing control of the details. Share a job site horror story that still haunts you to this day: “My guy was upstairs taking out a vanity. He didn't shut the water off and he nicked one of the water lines. Water was coming down out of the recess lights into the main living room area that we had just remodeled, and the client came in from a job and was like, ‘Hmm, that's interesting. I know you'll fix it,’ and walked out.” What did your expansion out of residential-only work actually look like? “It was a big switch when we moved over to commercial. The projects were much bigger, much more expensive. You're dealing with such a large amount of square footage that even the smallest job is a lot of money. You could be furnishing a space with a million dollars. And then you're also dealing with a lot of different decision makers, or people that think that they're the decision makers. And it gets very hard with emails. I don't know how we would really do it without having the right system in place.” Links and more Follow Reclaimed Karma: Instagram Facebook YouTube TikTok Running commercial work alongside residential? See how Buildertrend keeps commercial projects, budgets and client communication on one system Learn what separates purpose-built construction software from general project tools Get a real-world look at how a fast-scaling builder keeps multiple business lines on the same page See how Buildertrend works for commercial contractors . Related content: Subscribe here , and never miss an episode. Got podcast topic suggestions? Reach out to us at podcast@buildertrend.com . The Better Way, a podcast by Buildertrend: Looking to add construction tech to your daily processes? On the newest season of “The Better Way, a podcast by Buildertrend,” you’ll get best practices for implementing software and getting your team on board from other industry pros and our experts. Subscribe and stream today wherever you listen to podcasts. Follow us on social: Instagram Facebook Listen to “The Building Code” on YouTube ! And be sure to head over to Facebook to join The Building Code Crew fan page for some fun discussions with fellow listeners.

September 24, 2026Episode 28641 min

The invisible job: What it actually takes to keep a luxury build calm, week after week

On this episode of "The Building Code," we sat down with Adam Copenhaver, owner of CopeGrand Homes, and one of his project managers, Sam Wilson, to talk about what actually keeps a luxury build feeling calm week after week. Most builders talk about client experience in vague terms like communication or service. This conversation gets specific: the routine documentation, the client updates and the day-to-day discipline that clients never see directly. They just feel the absence of chaos. Adam and Sam also get into how much trust it takes for an owner to step back from daily oversight and let the system do its job.

September 2, 2026Episode 28549 min

How Capital Development turned three business lines into one growth engine

Today on "The Building Code," Carly and Jordan sit down with Kevin Nguyen, founder and owner of Capital Development in Kennesaw, GA. Kevin started the company as a way to pay for college -- knocking on doors to replace mailboxes -- and in seven years has grown it into a firm running three business lines at once: custom residential, commercial retail buildouts for national brands and full design-build. Capital Development has moved more than $75 million through those three lines and built over two million square feet across metro Atlanta, all under one operating system. In this episode, you'll learn: How Kevin structures a week that has a custom home client, a retail buildout and a design-build project all moving at once Why he splits production meetings by division, then brings leadership back together mid-week How an open-book, profit-sharing structure keeps project managers accountable to the numbers The early hiring mistake that almost broke the business, and the two weeks he took away to rebuild it right Follow Kevin and Capital Development: Instagram Facebook YouTube TikTok Join "The Building Code" Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thebuildingcodecrew/ FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/buildertrend/ INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/buildertrend/ TWITTER: https://twitter.com/Buildertrend/ YOUTUBE: / @buildertrend https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCO7SI6btsZPc1jJJIemoH-A LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/buildertrend #Buildertrend #TheBuildingCodePodcast #ConstructionLeadership #CommercialConstruction #CustomHomes #DesignBuild #BuilderLife #ConstructionBusiness #CapitalDevelopment #AtlantaBuilders

July 23, 2026Episode 28058 min

What Top Builders Do Differently: Insights from Our New Industry Survey

Today on "The Building Code," Carly sits down with Joe Christensen, founder and owner of Cardinal Crest Homes in Kansas City and, as of this year, president of the Home Builders Association of Greater Kansas City. Buildertrend just released the Modern Builder Playbook -- a new industry survey on what separates today's top builders from the rest. Joe is a real-world proof point of those findings, and in this episode he walks through 15 years of building Cardinal Crest from a two-man startup to a multimillion-dollar custom home business. I

March 26, 2026Episode 28443 min

The Builders Who’ll Disappear in 5 Years | The Building Code

Learn how builders can future-proof their businesses with better documentation, communication and digital approvals to reduce risk and improve client trust. In this episode of “The Building Code”, host Carly Ward is joined by Eric Stenger and Preston Reed of Seed Development + Design for a candid conversation about what separates builders who will thrive in the next decade form those who won’t As the construction industry evolves, success is no longer defined by craftsmanship alone. Builders are facing rising client expectations, increasing project complexity and growing operational risk – and many are still relying on outdated habits like verbal agreements, scattered communication and incomplete documentation. Eric and Preston share how those exact gaps once cost them – and how tightening their processes, centralizing communication and documenting every decision helped transform their business into a more profitable and resilient operation. Key takeaways from the episode “In the next five years, building beautiful homes won’t be enough – you need disciplined, resilient operations behind it,” Carly said. “If not documented, you’re leaving yourself exposed – two people can walk away with completely different expectations,” Preston said. “We don’t touch a change without a signed approval. That’s what protects both us and the client,” Eric said. From handshake agreements to signed approvals, this episode explores why documentation – especially digital – is becoming a non-negotiable part of modern construction. What you’ll learn: How to eliminate costly miscommunication by documenting every decision and approval Why centralized communication is the backbone of scalable, high-performing teams How digital approvals and signatures reduce risk, disputes and revenue leakage The simple process changes that protect margins and improve client trust The operational mindset required to stay competitive as the industry evolves Why it matters The builders who succeed in the next five years won’t just build great homes – they’ll run disciplined, transparent and well-documented businesses. This episode shows how small operational gaps – unclear scopes, missed documentation and informal approvals – can compound into major financial and reputational risk, and how fixing those gaps creates stronger, more scalable companies. Related content: 5 ways construction document software simplifies contracts and client signatures Seed Development + Design: How a Georgia remodeler reversed a six-figure loss and rebuilt their business with Buildertrend 5 communication tips – and the new tool you need for boosting collaboration on your construction jobs

February 12, 2026Episode 28339 min

Breaking the margin squeeze: How builders protect profits

Margin pressure is squeezing builders from every direction – rising costs, longer timelines and more complex projects. But profit isn’t usually lost in one big moment. It’s lost through small breakdowns in process, procurement and pricing discipline. In this episode of "The Building Code" , Carly Ward is joined by Sarah Biben and returning guest Tyler Farrell, founder of Killowen Construction, to break down how builders protect profits through tighter workflows, smarter procurement and clearer pricing communication. They explore how forecasting, purchase orders, job costing and standardized processes help builders surface risks earlier, defend margins and maintain trust with clients throughout long build cycles. What you’ll learn: • Why margin squeeze often hides behind strong revenue • How disciplined process and procurement protect profitability • Where builders lose money without realizing it • How pricing clarity improves financial outcomes and client confidence Subscribe here , and never miss an episode. Got podcast topic suggestions? Reach out to us at podcast@buildertrend.com . Links and more Find Killowen Construction here Learn more about IBS 2026 here Follow Buildertrend on social: Instagram | Facebook Watch The Building Code on YouTube Join The Building Code Crew fan page on Facebook to connect with fellow listeners and keep the conversation going #TheBuildingCode #Buildertrend #KillowenHomes #BuilderProfitability #ConstructionFinance #MarginProtection #CustomHomeBuilder #Procurement #JobCosting #ConstructionLeadership #BuildingBetter #ResidentialConstruction

January 22, 2026Episode 2821 hr 13 min

How builders and suppliers strengthen stability in an evolving market

Volatility in pricing, lead times and material availability isn’t going away – but the way builders and suppliers partner can determine whether projects stay on schedule and client experience can evolve. In this episode of “The Building Code”, guest host Scott Hale is joined by: Thom Black (VP of Purchasing, CBUSA) Jon Showalter (COO/VP, Homes by Dickerson) Brian Humphreys (Director – Builder Channel Sales, Kohler) Together, they break down what trust between builders and suppliers looks like in practice, including using analytics to reduce uncertainty, building discipline around selections, collaborating across the supply chain to forecast demand and why face-to-face relationships still matter in a digital-first industry. What you’ll learn: How trust and transparency stabilize pricing and schedules during volatile market conditions Why solving root causes (not symptoms) leads to better long-term supply chain outcomes Where technology improves forecasting and visibility and where relationships still matter most A builder-centric blog that breaks down key procurement lessons and how CBUSA’s network and strategies help builders avoid costly mistakes. Subscribe here , and never miss an episode. Got podcast topic suggestions? Reach out to us at podcast@buildertrend.com . Links and more Find Homes by Dickerson here Learn more about Kohler and CBUSA Follow CBUSA on social: Instagram | Facebook Watch The Building Code on YouTube Join The Building Code Crew fan page on Facebook to connect with fellow listeners and keep the conversation going #TheBuildingCode #Buildertrend #CBUSA #HomeBuilding #ConstructionIndustry #SupplyChain #BuilderSupplier #Procurement #ConstructionLeadership #CustomHomeBuilder #Forecasting #Transparency #ClientExperience #Kohler

December 4, 2025Episode 28141 min

Swipe right on success: How builder networking is getting smarter (and easier)

Finding the right builder peer group used to take years. Not anymore. In this episode of “The Building Code”, host Charley Burtwistle and Kate Vazquez sit down with builder and business owner Nick Baldo to explore how Buildertrend is transforming the way builders connect, collaborate and grow with Community by Buildertrend. Learn why digital communities are outperforming old-school networking, how curated spaces remove friction and Nick’s tips for connecting with builders at your level. Whether you're stuck on a workflow, seeking peer advice, or wanting to level up your business, this conversation shows how the right network can fast-track your success. Quotes you’ll hear: “The speed at which you can get answers is so valuable.” – Nick “Entrepreneurship is lonely but you don’t have to stay siloed.” – Nick “Builders helping builders is the future of this industry.” – Kate “We’re seeing a shift from trade secrets to shared success.” – Charley What you’ll learn: Why digital communities are the new frontline for builder networking How curated groups help you find builders with similar challenges Tips for matching with peers at your business stage Why consistency (even 15 minutes a week) makes networking a superpower How Community by Buildertrend is helping builders learn faster and level up Related content Blog: A look at the future of construction networking groups with Buildertrend’s senior manager of community Webinar: From job site to inbox: Using AI to build smarter marketing in construction eBook: The State of Residential Construction Industry 2025 report Subscribe here , and never miss an episode. Got podcast topic suggestions? Reach out to us at podcast@buildertrend.com . Links and more Following Oakvale Homes & Development on Instagram Follow Buildertrend on social: Instagram I Facebook Watch The Building Code on YouTube Join The Building Code Crew fan page on Facebook to connect with fellow listeners and keep the conversation going #Buildertrend #TheBuildingCodePodcast #BuilderCommunity #ConstructionNetworking #ConstructionBusiness #DigitalCommunity #BuilderSuccess

September 25, 2025Episode 28049 min

Flowing prosperity: Master your cash before it masters you

Cash flow isn’t just numbers on a spreadsheet. It’s the lifeblood of every construction business. Get it wrong and you’re stuck chasing checks and juggling credit lines. Get it right and you unlock growth, stability and peace of mind. In this episode of The Building Code by Buildertrend, host Charley Burtwistle, VP of Core Operations at Buildertrend, and guest host, Sarah Kate Hartt, Senior Product Manager at Buildertrend, sit down with Elizabeth Splan, Director of Finance and HR at Basements Plus. Elizabeth pulls back the curtain on how her company turned cash management form a stress point to a growth engine. 💬 Quotes you’ll hear in this episode: “Cash will come if you have good processes to support it.” – Elizabeth Splan “I used to check the bank in a panic. Now I check the bank for fun.” – Elizabeth Splan “Payments isn’t just a transaction. It’s part of how you run your business.” – Sarah Kate Hartt “What’s the worst that can happen? Positive cash flow.” – Elizabeth Splan “Builders using Buildertrend Payments are getting paid three times faster… and that kind of cushion is leverage.” – Sarah Kate Hartt 🔑 What you’ll learn: How to forecast like a CFO with forward-looking “windshield” planning Receivables made simple with Buildertrend Payments Red flags that signal deeper operational issues Why trust and transparency eliminate awkward money conversations How stronger cash flow led to a record-breaking $2M sales month Elizabeth’s real-world playbook proves that strong processes create steady cash flow — and Buildertrend Payments makes it easier than ever to get paid up to 3x faster. Related Content Webinar: Simplify your payment process with Buildertrend Blog: Modernize your construction payment process Blog: The full guide to construction project forecasting Links and More Following Basements Plus on Instagram Follow Buildertrend on social: Instagram I Facebook Watch The Building Code on YouTube Join The Building Code Crew fan page on Facebook to connect with fellow listeners and keep the conversation going #Buildertrend #TheBuildingCodePodcast #CashFlow #ConstructionBusiness #ConstructionFinance #Payments

July 10, 2025Episode 2791 hr 0 min

Why proven systems outperform scrappy hustle – with Brad Leavitt & Tim Coughran

Today on “The Building Code”, Charley sits down in studio with two of the best in the business: Brad Leavitt of AFT Construction and Tim Coughran of Alderview Construction. Brad and Tim pull back the curtain on how they went from lone-wolf contractors to respected leaders of systemized, scalable construction companies. From In-N-Out-inspired SOPs to onboarding processes that rival luxury brands, they share practical strategies for building smarter – not harder. In this episode, you'll learn: Why custom homes still need standard systems How to use Buildertrend features like daily logs and QR-coded change orders to streamline jobs What real leadership looks like in growing your team and retaining talent Why your business needs to be a career path, not a stepping stone Whether you're hiring your first office manager or juggling million-dollar builds, this episode will show you the power of process-driven growth. Follow Brad and Tim on their Instagrams @aft_construction @alderviewconstruction Join “The Building Code” Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thebuildingcodecrew/ FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/buildertrend/ INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/buildertrend/ TWITTER: https://twitter.com/Buildertrend/ YOUTUBE: / @buildertrend LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/buildertrend #Buildertrend #TheBuildingCodePodcast #ConstructionLeadership #CustomHomes #BuilderLife #ConstructionBusiness #AFTConstruction #AlderviewConstruction #Homebuilders