Glorified Carpenter

The great and powerful Spencer Lewis joins the pod this week! Spencer cut his teeth running insane trim packages solo—the kind of work most can’t sustain, but he’s built a career on it. He’s grown on his own terms, never sacrificing his means or methods. What I love most about Spencer is his ethos. His pursuit of execution has always been for himself and his own standards—not for followers or clients. Few truly understand what it takes to pull off the level of trim and millwork packages he delivers. Like any perfectionist, he keeps pushing regardless of who’s watching. That authenticity carries into his IG and YouTube channels. They weren’t created for likes—they’re platforms to spread knowledge. And in doing so, Spencer has become a trusted voice in the carpentry world, sharing tips, tricks, and insights into how he executes at such a high level. Whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned vet, Spencer is a resource every carpenter can learn from. It was awesome catching up and talking shop with him—I think you’ll enjoy this one. Project (Home) size: $2-4 million Projects per year: 6-12 Company Size: 3 team member including owner. Learn more about Ep. 24 Guest: @insider_carpentry insidercarpentry.com https://youtube.com/@insidercarpentry?si=fszRivpIEKHDADqT Listen • Subscribe • REVIEW @apple @spotify Sponsors: www.durationmillwork.com  @durationmouldingandmillwork  www.heavydutypocketdoorframes.com @hdpocketdoors Local Sponsor: www.hiresmooth.com for all your spray foam needs! @HireSmooth David West Photography @bornimagery www.bornimagery.com

This week we sit down with Andy Moore of ModernOak Construction out of Lynchburg, Virginia — a smaller market where the median home price runs around $270k–$300k and construction comes in between $200–$400 per square foot (per my ChatGPT research). Andy is coming up on his 12-year anniversary with ModernOak, a milestone worth celebrating. We asked ChatGPT what it had to say about Andy’s company and his market, then dug into the real stuff: what it takes to train employees, lose employees, and transition from being “on the bag” to stepping back into leadership. We cover the types of projects Andy takes on, how they’ve matured as his business has grown, what non-negotiables before he says “yes” to a client/ project and what’s next for him, his career, and ModernOak. Hope you enjoy this conversation with Andy! Project Size: $300K - $350K Project per Year: 4-5 projects Yearly revenue: $600K - $750K gross Company Size: 3-4 employees (including Andy) Learn more about Ep. 23 Guest: @modern_oak Modernoakconstruction.com Listen • Subscribe • REVIEW @apple @spotify Sponsors: www.durationmillwork.com  @durationmouldingandmillwork  www.heavydutypocketdoorframes.com @hdpocketdoors Local Sponsor: www.hiresmooth.com for all your spray foam needs! @HireSmooth David West Photography @bornimagery www.bornimagery.com

I sit down with PJ Antonik — Emmy-nominated developer, TV personality, builder, husband, and father. Each of those could stand alone as a full-time career, but PJ finds a way to take them all on. We dig into how he balances it all: time management, mental and physical health, leading a team, and the risks that come with wearing so many hats. PJ also opens up about the humbling transition from running a 20+ person company to working solo—and the lessons he’s still learning from that shift. Finally, we look ahead: what’s next for PJ and Oak Development, from customs to flips and specs, and the goals he’s setting as he continues to juggle TV, business, and family life. Project Size: 1-2mil Yearly Revenue: $5mil Company size: 1-5 employees Project Size: $250k- 3mil Projects: 3-7 Company size: 1-5 employees Learn more about Ep. 22 Guest: Oakdd.com @oak_development Heartofoaktv.com Listen • Subscribe • REVIEW @apple @spotify Sponsors: www.durationmillwork.com  @durationmouldingandmillwork  www.heavydutypocketdoorframes.com @hdpocketdoors Local Sponsor: www.hiresmooth.com for all your spray foam needs! @HireSmooth David West Photography @bornimagery www.bornimagery.com

Episode 21 hits different. My guest, Adam Heffner, went from ironworker to specialty metal fabricator and entrepreneur. Maker Table is his third company—and it’s taken off thanks to a mix of calculated strategy and a little luck. From plasma-cut signs and outdoor décor to massive art installations at the Hard Rock Hotel, Adam’s work blends precision with creativity. He’s a deep thinker, and I always love catching up to dig into his “why.” His drive is relentless—he doesn’t just quote Malcolm Gladwell’s “10,000 hours to become an expert,” he lives it. Adam reverse-engineered his path, figuring that by working seven 10-hour shifts and taking off every other Sunday, he could hit mastery in just over three years—without burning out. That focus and discipline fueled Maker Table and launched his latest venture, Hero Machine Co., bringing plasma and laser cutting by makers, for makers. Adam believes in the “rising tide lifts all boats” mentality, and it shows in everything he does. I think you’re going to get a ton from this one—enjoy the conversation, and if you do, please leave a review on your listening platform! Ep. 21 Guest: @maker.table Malertable.com @heromachineco Heromachineco.com Listen • Subscribe • REVIEW @apple @spotify Sponsors: www.durationmillwork.com  @durationmouldingandmillwork  www.heavydutypocketdoorframes.com  @hdpocketdoors Local Sponsor: www.hiresmooth.com for all your spray foam needs! @HireSmooth

Episode 20: Finding Balance with Taylor English of Tailored Design + Decked by Tailored In this episode, I catch up with Taylor English to explore the real-world dilemmas many small firms face. We discuss whether chasing “big” jobs is really worth it, or if multiple smaller projects can be more profitable. Taylor also shares how he separates his love for the craft from the need to run a sustainable business—without sacrificing his passion. Taylor doesn’t just think about these ideas; he’s putting them into practice. By focusing on one or two flagship renovations each year and layering in 10–15 deck projects, he’s found a balance that lets him hone his business and marketing while still enjoying the work. If you’ve ever wondered how to balance creativity, service, and profitability, you’ll enjoy this conversation with Taylor English. Project Size: 15,000-300,000 Projects: 15-20 Yearly Revenue: $800-1 mil Company size: 3 employees Ep. 20 Guest: @tailored_design_build @decked_by_tailored Tailoreddb.com Listen • Subscribe • Review @apple @spotify Sponsors: www.durationmillwork.com  @durationmouldingandmillwork  www.heavydutypocketdoorframes.com  @hdpocketdoors Local Sponsor: www.hiresmooth.com for all your spray foam needs! @HireSmooth

Mike Michalowicz joins the show!
Author of Profit First, Pumpkin Plan, Clockwork, Fix This Next, All In—and more. Mike wrote his first book back in 2008, but he landed on my radar closer to 2018 when Profit First shifted the way I thought about business. That book—and honestly, most of his others—should be required reading whether you’re running a business or managing a single job site. Every project is a business in itself. If you don’t treat it like one—with structure, systems, and accountability—you might be delivering great-looking work while running a failing operation behind the scenes. In this episode, we hit on several of Mike’s key concepts: 1. Profit First – Create margin first so you can build systems and hire support. 2. Pumpkin Plan – Identify your best clients and prune what no longer serves you. 3. Clockwork – Build repeatable systems so the business runs even when you're not on site. 4. Fix This Next – Diagnose what’s really broken before making your next move. 5. All In – Hire the right people to fit your business and your values. It was an awesome conversation with a guy who’s helped thousands of entrepreneurs work on the business, not just in it. Enjoy the episode! Additional Resources below! Ep. 19 Guest: @mikemichalowicz Mikemichalowicz.com Profit First Resources: Profitfirstbook.com Pumpkin Plan Resources: Pumpkinplan.com Clock Work Resources: clockworkbymikemichalowicz.com Fix This Next Resources: fixthisnext.com All In Resources: allinbymike.com Listen • Subscribe • Review @apple @spotify Sponsors: www.durationmillwork.com  @durationmouldingandmillwork  www.heavydutypocketdoorframes.com  @hdpocketdoors Local Sponsor: www.hiresmooth.com for all your spray foam needs! @HireSmooth

EP18: Joe Langlais — From Apprentice to Owner of Langlais Custom Builders In Episode 18, we sit down with Joe Langlais of Langlais Custom Builders — a true “mom & pop” New England contractor. Joe runs the field, while his wife Emily keeps everything moving behind the scenes. Together, they’ve built something special. Joe also has one of the best origin stories in the business. As a student at a local vocational school, he was selected for an apprenticeship on This Old House — and his first interview? None other than Tom Silva. What followed was a decade-plus of mentorship under Tommy at Silva Brothers before Joe stepped out on his own to launch Langlais. Now nine years in, we dig into the “why” behind the company, the goals, the boundaries, and the systems that bring stability to an otherwise chaotic industry. We talk backlog, team building, and how to create something sustainable — not just successful. Hope you enjoy this one! Project Size: 5-8 Projects Yearly Revenue: $1-1.3mil Company size: 1-3 employees Ep. 18 Guest: @Langlaiscustombuilders Langlaiscustombuilders.com Listen • Subscribe • Review @apple @spotify Sponsors: www.durationmillwork.com  @durationmouldingandmillwork  www.heavydutypocketdoorframes.com  @hdpocketdoors Local Sponsor: www.hiresmooth.com for all your spray foam needs! @HireSmooth

Episode 17: Paul Charett of Wood Theory Design Paul is the perfect mix of woodworker and artist—bringing true artisan energy to life through his use of reclaimed wood, salvaged doors, and materials with soul. He gives old pieces new purpose in some of the sexiest builds across New England. We dig into what it’s like to narrow your focus to such a specific niche—how that tight client funnel forces you to be intentional about who you work with, and why finding the right client to “marry” matters more than ever. We also talk about setting boundaries, honoring craft, and building a business that stays true to who you are. Great conversation with an amazing dude and a wildly talented maker I’m proud to call a friend. Hope you enjoy it! Project Size: 25-30 Projects Yearly Revenue: $500k Company size: 1-4 employees Ep. 17 Guest: @woodtheorydesign Listen • Subscribe • Review @apple @spotify Sponsors: www.durationmillwork.com  @durationmouldingandmillwork  www.heavydutypocketdoorframes.com  @hdpocketdoors Local Sponsor: www.hiresmooth.com for all your spray foam needs! @HireSmooth

Ian MacFayden—Canadian Red Seal carpenter turned COO of HummingBird Hill Homes—joins the podcast!
We dive into the evolution of the trades, from where we started to where things stand today. Ian shares insights on attracting and retaining top talent as your projects scale and your team needs grow. High performance isn’t just about house wraps—it’s about understanding the materials and systems that will outlast the families living in these homes. We get into how to integrate sustainability, Passive House, Net Zero, WELL AP, and carbon-conscious design into your everyday building practices. Then we shift to the craft itself—and what’s missing in the handoff between generations. Why is there still a gap between young talent and seasoned builders? Ian’s answer: Projekt Network—a new platform bridging that gap, like a ZipRecruiter built for residential construction. Great conversation, real insight—and a ton to take away. Hope you enjoy it! The RED List: https://living-future.org/ Project Size: 15-18 Builds Yearly Revenue: $40-50mil Company size: 60+ employees Ep. 16 Guest: @HummingbirdHillhomes @timbersolutions_hh @projektnetwork Hummingbirdhillhomes.com projektnetwork.com Listen • Subscribe • Review @apple @spotify Sponsors: www.durationmillwork.com  @durationmouldingandmillwork  www.heavydutypocketdoorframes.com  @hdpocketdoors Local Sponsor: www.hiresmooth.com for all your spray foam needs! @HireSmooth

Episode 15 we sit down with Lenny Gimmelfarb of Echelon Builders in Smithfield, RI. We dive into what a small-scale model looks like—an owner-operator with no employees, building a brand and reputation one project at a time. Lenny shares how he’s cultivated relationships with designers and architects to secure one flagship build and a couple of smaller projects each year—his ideal rhythm. Great to catch up with Lenny and see what he’s building and why. Hope you enjoy the convo! Project Size: 1 Large scale project & 2-3 smaller Renos Yearly Revenue: $2-4mil Company size: 0 employees Ep. 15 Guest: @Echelon_builders Listen • Subscribe • Review @apple @spotify Sponsors: www.durationmillwork.com  @durationmouldingandmillwork  www.heavydutypocketdoorframes.com  @hdpocketdoors Local Sponsor: www.hiresmooth.com for all your spray foam needs! @HireSmooth

Episode 14 brings in Nate Altheimer of A3 Builders, based out of Belgium, Wisconsin. With 30 years in the game and still wearing his bags, Nate splits his time between running a young framing crew—where his oldest is now swinging a hammer—and supervising larger development projects. We dig into what it means to build in a market where “high-end” doesn’t look like what you see on social media—and how chasing that illusion can lead to overbuilding in a landscape where that kind of demand doesn’t exist. In Nate’s world, the goal is clear: build smart—for efficiency, longevity, and reputation. It was great catching up with Nate, and I hope you enjoy the conversation as much as I did. Project Size: 2-3 Spec Homes, 1-2 Development projects & Supervision Yearly Revenue: $5mil Company size: 3-5 employees Ep. 14 Guest: @A3Builders Listen • Subscribe • Review @apple @spotify Sponsors: www.durationmillwork.com  @durationmouldingandmillwork  www.heavydutypocketdoorframes.com  @hdpocketdoors Local Sponsor: www.hiresmooth.com for all your spray foam needs! @HireSmooth

Andrew Prchlik, owner-operator of Whalebone Homes in Osterville, MA, is one of the best-kept secrets in high-end residential construction.
For the past 19 years, he’s quietly built a reputation for crafting exceptional homes—whether through spec builds, renovations, or ground-up custom projects—for a small, select group of clients. I met Andrew a few years back and felt an instant connection rooted in a shared love for the craft, acts of service, deep relationships, and a passion for creating. This episode marks round two of our conversations—and this time, we’re bringing it to the podcast. This isn’t a checklist of what makes Andrew great as a builder or person. You won’t find labeled chapters or step-by-step takeaways. Instead, the real value is laced throughout the conversation—layered in stories, insights, and subtle truths. That’s what I love about talks like this. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Project Size: 4-6 Custom Projects Yr Yearly Revenue: $6-10mil Company size: 2-4 employees Ep. 13 Guest: https://whalebonehomes.com @whalebonehomes Listen • Subscribe • Review @apple @spotify Sponsors: www.durationmillwork.com  @durationmouldingandmillwork  www.heavydutypocketdoorframes.com  @hdpocketdoors Local Sponsor: www.hiresmooth.com for all your spray foam needs! @HireSmooth

Otto Magdanz of Coda Managed Homes took a distinctly different path into residential construction—and it shows in everything he does. A Harvard Business School grad with roots in the trades, Otto didn’t set out to build flashy custom homes. He set out to fix what was broken. After years of listening to clients’ frustrations and pain points early in his career, his mission became clear: build a process that puts the homeowner first. That mindset naturally led to stunning homes, happy clients, and a niche approach that sets Coda apart. In this episode, we dive into the why behind Otto’s model—and what the industry can learn from it. Enjoy the conversation. Project Size: 2-3 Custom Projects Yr + Concierge Projects Yearly Revenue: $6-10mil Company size: 8-10 employees Ep. 12 Guest: https://codahome.com @codahome The Wall Street Journal Link: Listen • Subscribe • Review @apple @spotify Sponsors: www.durationmillwork.com  @durationmouldingandmillwork  www.heavydutypocketdoorframes.com  @hdpocketdoors

Jacob’s entry into the industry is wild—pure chance, but it lit a fire. With the backing of a mentor and a relentless drive to learn the craft, he fast-tracked his way through the trades, building up both skill and a trusted sub-pool. His first major project? Building his own home—something most only dream of. That experience catapulted him into the spec world, then onto the Parade of Homes, and eventually into high-end custom builds and renovations. Along the way, he brought millwork in-house to dial in execution and control—raising the bar on every project. Killer convo with a true craftsman. Project Size: 6-8 Custom Projects Yr Yearly Revenue: $5mil Company size: 10+ employees Ep. 11 Guest: https://reinboldinc.com @reinboldinc Listen • Subscribe • Review @apple @spotify Review Shoutout: Freddy @periodcraftsmen thank you!! Sponsors: www.durationmillwork.com  @durationmouldingandmillwork  www.heavydutypocketdoorframes.com  @hdpocketdoors

Brian Greenberg of Grit & Grace Custom Homes is a true “bags-on” builder, leading a tight crew of five. They self-perform everything — from framing to finish carpentry — bringing an old-school work ethic and ethos to every job. Brian runs only two projects at a time, making it feel like you hired him — not just an employee. A true craftsman with a deep love for the trade, Brian and I dive into everything: project management, how he approaches a build, paper plans vs. digital, quality control, Lump Sum vs. Cost Plus contracts, change orders, and more. Brian’s journey started in the white-collar world before he shifted to blue-collar life — and never looked back. He dipped his toe into real estate flips while commuting into Boston for his full-time gig, eventually evolving into spec homes and now custom builds and renovations. Super proud of this episode, enjoy!!! Book Brian mentioned: Shop Class as Soulcraft: “An Inquiry into the Value of Work” Author: Matthew B. Crawford Project Size: 2-3 Custom Projects Yr Yearly Revenue: $5mil Company size: 5-6 employees Guest: https://www.ggbuilds.com @gritandgracebuilds Listen • Subscribe • Review @apple @spotify Sponsors: www.durationmillwork.com  @durationmouldingandmillwork  www.heavydutypocketdoorframes.com  @hdpocketdoors

Austin King started as a flipper and over 13yrs + has grown into a custom Design Build firm. Project sizing from $1.5 up to $10mil and even opened a finish trim company putting the finishing touches on RafterHouse Builds but also other projects in the area. Project Size: 8-10 Custom Homes Yr Yearly Revenue: $12-15mil Company size: 10-15 employees Guest: https://www.rafterhouse.com @_rafterhouse_ https://www.arcadiatrimco.com @arcadiatrimco Listen • Subscribe • Review @apple @spotify Sponsors: www.durationmillwork.com  @durationmouldingandmillwork  www.heavydutypocketdoorframes.com  @hdpocketdoors

Micheal Conneely of Greenside Design Build a true vet of the industry of 29yrs + joins the podcast on episode 8 to catch up, dig into “what is a MASTER BUILDER”, staying lean while running 8-10 builds…. Always amazing to catch up w/ this great dude! Enjoy!! Project Size: 8-10 Custom Homes Yr Yearly Revenue: $16mil Company size: 4-5 employees Guest: https://www.greensidedesignbuild.com @greensidedesignbuild Listen • Subscribe • Review @apple @spotify Sponsors: www.durationmillwork.com  @durationmouldingandmillwork  www.heavydutypocketdoorframes.com  @hdpocketdoors

JLC Live is a Rhode Island based Trade Show where I caught up w/ a couple carpentry class students. We talk about the show and what they like about the industry and the show floor. We also catch up w/ Rick Mills of @jacksonandrewsbuilding and what brings him from VA to the show. Garret Davis @lifeofbub also joins us on the shows values and what's new in the his world of decks in FLA. JLC Live www.jlclive.com @jlclive Sponsors: www.durationmillwork.com  @durationmouldingandmillwork  www.heavydutypocketdoorframes.com  @hdpocketdoors

Jason Black of Artisan Signature Homes joins us to catch-up and talk a little shop; vetting clients/ projects, finding your lane, stress, work/ life, gmp v. cost plus, struggles & success. Project Size: 2-3 Custom Homes + 2-3 High-End Spec Homes Project Value: $1.2mil- $5mil Company size: 4-5 employees Guest: www.artisansignaturehomes.com @artisansignaturehomes Sponsors: www.durationmillwork.com  @durationmouldingandmillwork  www.heavydutypocketdoorframes.com  @hdpocketdoors

Mike Whalen Lead Carpenter/ PM with 30+ yrs experience. We talk about site culture, project management, owning a company, tracking data from site, being the best PM/ Lead and how…. Project Size: 77 Renovations a yr Project Value: $15k-$500k Company size: 20-25 employees Guest: www.DBSRemodel.com @dbsremodel Sponsors: www.durationmillwork.com  @durationmouldingandmillwork  www.heavydutypocketdoorframes.com  @hdpocketdoors JLC Live classes March 27th & 28th TH07 Project Management Class 9:30-12:30 27th FR08 Schedule & Budget Class 9:30-11 28th Mike’s classes: TH12 Mastering Managing From the Field 1:30-4:30 27th FR20 Custom Service From the Field 2:30-4 28th