Building Optimal Radio

The success of every project is built upon meeting, or better, exceeding expectations. So it stands to reason that one of your many jobs as a builder is to proactively address with clients topics that could later become issues. In this episode I share 12 topics I always cover with new clients as soon as we enter into our pre-construction agreement. Have any topics you want me to discuss, guests to interview, or feedback about the show? DM me on Instagram @buildingoptimal or send me an email at jared@gossettco.com. Learn more about Lowe's for Pros HERE Sign up for the best newsletter on the planet HERE (sign-up top of home page) BTW, refer our newsletter to 3 other builders and get a copy of my client pre-construction guide. Refer 10 and get a 20-minute Q&A with me. Details of how in the newsletters, my friends.

Most builders I know are overworked and underpaid. Today's short episode covers a framework I like to use called The Eisenhower Matrix. It is a simple tool that can help you prioritize the things that will really propel you forward and leave behind the things that are sucking your time. Have any topics you want me to discuss, guests to interview, or feedback about the show? DM me on Instagram @buildingoptimal or send me an email at jared@gossettco.com. Learn more about Lowe's for Pros HERE Check out Spyder Blades HERE Sign up for the best newsletter on the planet HERE (sign-up top of home page) BTW, refer our newsletter to 3 other builders and get a copy of my client pre-construction guide. Refer 10 and get a 20-minute Q&A with me. Details of how in the newsletters, my friends.

Working with a difficult or exhausting client can make life miserable and put your company in danger. After working with hundreds of clients I've identified four red flags. If I start working with a client who demonstrates any of these behaviors in our early interactions, I will graciously walk away before signing a construction contract. Just as important (if not more) than securing good clients who can help elevate your business is steering clear of those who will damage it. Have any red flags you've learned along the way? DM me on Instagram @buildingoptimal or send me an email at jared@gossettco.com. Learn more about Lowe's for Pros HERE Check out Spyder Blades HERE Sign up for our YUGE newsletter HERE (sign-up top of home page) BTW, refer our newsletter to 3 other builders and get a copy of my client pre-construction guide. Refer 10 and get a 20-minute Q&A with me. Details of how in the newsletters, my friends. Have any builders who are making waves in the industry and would be good guests? Email me at jared@gossettco.com.

Working with a difficult or exhausting client can make life miserable and put your company in danger. After working with hundreds of clients I've identified four red flags. If I start working with a client who demonstrates any of these behaviors in our early interactions, I will graciously walk away before signing a construction contract. Just as important (if not more) than securing good clients who can help elevate your business is steering clear of those who will damage it. Have any red flags you've learned along the way? DM me on Instagram @buildingoptimal or send me an email at jared@gossettco.com. Learn more about Lowe's for Pros HERE Check out Spyder Blades HERE Sign up for our YUGE newsletter HERE (sign-up top of home page) BTW, refer our newsletter to 3 other builders and get a copy of my client pre-construction guide. Refer 10 and get a 20-minute Q&A with me. Details of how in the newsletters, my friends. Have any builders who are making waves in the industry and would be good guests? Email me at jared@gossettco.com.

Kyle Diamond is partner of New Dimension Construction, in Millbrook, New York. The family-owned business has operated for more than 30 years with a stellar reputation. Check out some of the tips that Kyle graciously shares with us. Y'all enjoy the episode.

Treacy, of NWC Alliance, returns to answer some FAQ from our community about insurance and third party warranties. Sit back, enjoy a nice cocktail, and sharpen up your insurance skills my friends.

You've probably seen Jason Pietruszka on Instagram or YouTube. He shares some great content on social media, but his day job is owner of JJP Construction, a luxury builder in L.A. Jason has had a rocket ship growth trajectory from an unlikely background, and now he's not only building but sharing his lessons with others. Y'all enjoy the episode!

If you're getting *hammered* on lumber prices, well so is the rest of America. What's happening and when will it get better? Lumber economist, Dustin Jalbert, has a few answers. Dustin leads the lumber analysis on Fastmarkets RISI's Wood Products team. He is responsible for the monthly Lumber Commentary, the North American Lumber 5- and 15-Year Forecasts, and both consulting engagements related to the North American lumber markets. Find Dustin on Twitter (@2x4caster) and on LinkedIn. Build on, and enjoy the episode!

This is a reading of an article we just published on the Building Optimal blog. If you prefer the written word, check it out here: https://buildingoptimal.com/8-tips-to-combat-soaring-costs/\r\nBy the way, if you aren\'t already signed up for our Building Optimal newsletter, head over to buildingoptimal.com and sign up for free right now. Should take about 15 seconds and the extra value we will be delivering in that newsletter won\'t be found anywhere. So, check it out.\r\n

Michael Anschel is owner of Otogawa-Anschel, a design-build firm out of Minnesota. Michael frequently lectures on topics in the industry and also writes for several well-known publications. He has built a company that allowed him to actually take three years off! If that isn't enough incentive to listen to this episode, we also discuss ideas to implement from culture to transparency. Enjoy the episode!

This is one of my favorite episodes to date. Wally Staples, a builder from Maine, has always made a profit over his 28 years in business. He has never had to lay anyone off. And, he has a financial freedom plan for himself and his entire team. Tune in for the secrets and wisdom of Wally. As I say in the episode, it's an avalanche of good ideas. Enjoy, and happy building out there.

Dan Edelman with Rockwool joins us to share his perfect wall assembly and discuss a few new innovations and changes in the building science space. Enjoy the episode!

If employee benefits make your head spin, you aren't alone. Luckily, we have Lauren Allen and Elisa Thornton on today's episode to help you out. They are with Brookstone Insurance, my own company's health and commercial liability provider. Enjoy the episode!

Ed Earl and Paul Sanneman, both previous guests, share the reasons why they like cost-plus contracts. As a fixed-price builder myself, I wanted to get the perspective from the other side of the aisle. If you want to learn more about Paul and Ed's work, visit https://residentialcontractorservicesgroup.com. Enjoy the episode!

Most builders would get an F on our digital marketing, but it's an area that can exponentially grow your business if you develop the right strategy. I'm visiting with Spencer Powell, a digital marketing expert who specializes in builders and contractors, to share a few ideas of how to get started or get better. Spencer is the Inbound Marketing Director at Builder Funnel. Since 2010, he’s been building out a proven model and system that has helped generate thousands of leads for his clients. He specializes in helping home builders and remodelers bring their websites up to speed – not only building traffic but focusing on lead conversion and ROI. Enjoy the episode!

What are some of the top systems you can install in your project to move it closer to a passive house? Trey Farmer has a few answers for us. In this episode we are exploring Trey’s personal home he just built as a case study of what worked great and what he would do differently next time. Trey is a licensed architect with the well-reputed firm, Forge Craft Architecture. He is also a partner in Studio Ferme, an interior design firm out of Austin. He sits on the board of the Austin Passive House Alliance and is an expert on sustainable design and construction. Enjoy the episode, and happy building!

I've been using a framework I call "Value Buckets" to structure my deals. It's nothing more than a mental system I created to help me optimize my returns and also create alignment and trust with my investors. It's a short episode - 12ish minutes. If you prefer to read, here is the link to the blog article. Enjoy the episode!

Matt Risinger is, in many circles, now a household name. His YouTube channel has 700,000 at the time of publication. While many people know him for his social media presence, I wanted to go behind the scenes to learn more about Matt Risinger, the business owner. His company, Risinger Build, is one of the top luxury home builders in Austin, a market with a tremendous crop of talent at the top. In this interview we cover everything from an inside look at his business to his social media tips and business advice to all builders. Thanks to Lowes for bringing us together for this special episode. Be sure to check out their Lowes for Pros to learn how Lowe’s can help your company. Be well, be safe, and happy building my friends.

Jared walks you through the apps and other virtual tools he uses to build and manage his business. Enjoy!

Bryan Kaplan is an international consultant for builders and the construction industry. Over his 21-year career in the industry, he has been an owner, general manager, and home inspector. With his breadth of experience, Bryan brings a systems-oriented approach to his clients. In this interview, we visit with Bryan on punch list systems that help you end projects on great terms with your clients. Connect with Bryan and learn more about his company here. And last but not least, a special thanks to Treacy Duerfeldt of NWC Alliance and Doug Lynch, my insurance pros and today’s sponsors!