The Punch List Podcast

Hosted by Ian, Matt, & Jen

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Latest episode

Apr 2026

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EN-US

About the show

The Punch List Podcast is where builders, remodelers, and design professionals come together to explore the business and craft of custom residential construction. Through candid interviews and real-world stories, hosts Ian, Matt, and Jen share ideas, lessons, and laughs from the office to the job site.

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46 recent

April 14, 202619 min

Why Members Join: The Real Value of NEFBA Membership

In this special mini episode of The Punch List Podcast, we take a focused look at what it really means to be part of the Northeast Florida Builders Association.Whether you are a builder, trade partner, or industry professional considering membership, this episode breaks down the three pillars that define the NEFBA experience:Advocacy - Learn how NEFBA gives members a unified voice at the local, state, and national level - helping shape policies that impact housing affordability, building regulations, and the future of our industry.Education - From apprenticeship programs to expert-led training and industry insights, NEFBA equips members with the tools and knowledge needed to stay competitive and grow their business.Networking - With over 1,300 members, 200 + events annually, and multiple councils and committees, NEFBA creates unmatched opportunities to build relationships, partnerships, and long-term business grown.As a 3-in-1 membership connecting you to local, state, and national associations, NEFBA is more than an organization - it's a platform for connection, growth, and impact across the construction industry.If you've ever wondered whether joining NEFBA is worth it, this episode offers a candid, insider perspective on how membership can elevate your business, expand your network, and strengthen the industry as a whole.

April 10, 202629 min

Leadership That Scales: Building Teams, Growing Business

Jen O'Neil returns to the The Punch List Podcast to join Matt and Ian for a conversation on what it really takes to lead and grow.From the perspective of a premier custom home builder, a mortgage originator leading a team ranked in the top 1% nationally, and a business owner who has scaled through franchising across the United States, this episode dives into building strong teams, creating accountability, and leading with intention.Whether you're growing a business or leading a team, this conversation highlights how the right leadership approach drives long-term success.

March 11, 202628 min

More Than Materials - What Turns a Supplier into a Partner

Service is what separates a supplier from a true partner. In Part 2 of our conversation, Jim Schneider of Schneider Construction (Custom Home Builder out of Cape Charles, VA) and Seth Kelley of MCG Homes (Custom Home Builder & Remodeler out of Amelia Island, FL) dive in to the role service plays in transforming supplier relationships from simple transactions in to long-term partnerships. They share real-world insights on communication, reliability, and accountability - and how the right suppliers can help builders deliver better projects, smoother job sites, and stronger business.Mixed & Edited by Next Day Podcastinfo@nextdaypodcast.com

February 21, 202628 min

How Builders Become the Contractor Every Trade Wants to Work With.

In this Episode of The Punch List Podcast Seth Kelley of MCG Homes (Custom Home Builder & Remodeler out of Amelia Island, FL) and Jim Schneider of Schneider Construction (Custom Home Builder out of Cape Charles, VA) join the conversation to discus one of the most important drivers of success in custom homebuilding and remodeling: strong trade relationships.They share practical insight on building lasting partnerships with trade partners through clear communication, mutual respect, accountability, and consistency. From jobsite culture to business practices, they break down what separates average builders from those trade partners actively seek out.If you're looking to strengthen your trade relationships .and elevate your reputation, this episode delivers actionable strategies to help you become the builder trade partners want to work with. And be sure to tune in next episode, where Seth and Jim continue the conversation by diving into another critical piece of the puzzle: building strong, strategic relationships with suppliers.Mixed & Edited by Next Day Podcastinfo@nextdaypodcast.com

November 6, 202527 min

How Successful Custom Builders Grow Their Companies (Lessons from Tidewater Homes)

In this episode of The Punch List Podcast, hosts Matt Birdwell and Ian MacDonald sit down with Scott Brannock of Tidewater Homes - a boutique custom home builder making its mark in Northeast Florida.Scott shares his journey growing a personalized, high-quality homebuilding company and how strong relationships - with clients, trades, and peers - have been central to that success. As the incoming president of the Northeast Florida Builders Association (NEFBA), he also offers insight into the vital role the association plays in supporting builders - from advocacy for our industry and engagement of custom home builders to the apprenticeship program that's shaping the next generation of skilled tradespeople.Whether you're a builder, tradesperson, or simply passionate about homebuilding and leadership, this conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to build not just homes, but a stronger industry and community.

September 25, 202530 min

Why Housing Affordability is Changing - and What Builders Should Expect

This is Part 2 of our conversation with Dr. Alex Stewart of The Market Distillery. In this conversation, Ian and Matt sit down with Dr. Alex Stewart of The Market Distillery to tackle one of the biggest challenges today: affordability. Together, they distill insights on the housing market, connect the dots between real estate agents and custom home builders, and explore how collaboration can create better outcomes for clients.

September 17, 202528 min

The Housing Market Explained for Custom Home Builders

In this first of a two-part series, Ian and Matt welcome Dr. Alex Stewart of The Market Distillery to The Punch List Podcast. Together, they unpack the housing economy and explore how broader market trends connect to custom home building and remodeling. Whether you're in the trades, building a dream home, or simply curious about where the housing market is headed, this conversation lays the foundation for insights you won't want to miss.

August 24, 202529 min

Why Price Per Square Foot Doesn't Work for Custom Homes

When clients ask for a per-square-foot cost, the answer usually starts with “it all depends.” In this episode, Ian and Matt sit down with Steve Morgan of Riverside Homes Custom to unpack the key factors that shape the cost of a custom build. You’ll learn why every build is unique, why transparency matters, and how to have a smarter “per-foot” conversation with clients.

July 13, 202529 min

Why Process Is the Secret Weapon of Successful Custom Builders

Matt Birdwell goes from host to guest on this episode to talk about how clear systems, strong culture, and a focus on the client experience lead to consistent success.

June 9, 202528 min

The Biggest Trends Builders Should Know from the NAHB International Builders Show

For the last two years, Ian has traveled to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) International Builder Show taking detailed notes and bringing that information back to his local market. In this episode, Ian & Matt talk through the highlights and top takeaways. They cover marketing for custom home builders and remodelers to utilizing professional service agreements. You don't want to miss this episode!