The Build Line

In this episode of The Build Line, Jerry and Heather go solo for an unfiltered conversation about finding the right room and why staying loyal to the wrong one can cost you more than you realize.They share personal stories of doubt from people closest to them, how confidence was rebuilt outside familiar circles, and why growth often creates tension in relationships that once felt safe. This episode dives into the uncomfortable truth that some people love you more when you stay small.You’ll hear a raw breakdown of:• How to recognize when you’ve outgrown a room• Why the people closest to you may doubt your vision• The difference between criticism and caution• How to change rooms without burning bridges• Why mentorship matters and how to find it• Clear signals that you’re finally in the right roomThe episode closes with real questions from the audience and a hard truth segment that challenges listeners to take ownership of their environment and future.This episode is for builders, entrepreneurs, and leaders who feel stuck, underestimated, or conflicted about outgrowing familiar spaces.Key takeaway: Staying loyal to the wrong room is disloyal to your future.

What does it actually take to rise from intern to CEO inside an established construction company?In this episode of The Build Line, we sit down with Chris Cormier, CEO and co owner of Tricorp Group, to unpack a rare leadership journey built from the inside out.Chris shares how he started at the bottom, earned trust over time, and navigated the difficult transition from employee to owner. We talk candidly about leadership mistakes, pressure moments, imposter syndrome, and what it’s like leading people who were once your peers.The conversation also dives into:• Growing inside an established company vs starting your own• The emotional weight of ownership and responsibility• How Tricorp’s culture, systems, and values have evolved• Hard bid vs negotiated commercial construction• Lessons from high pressure seasons that nearly broke him• What success actually looks like after years of growthThis episode is for builders, entrepreneurs, and professionals who are ambitious, hungry to grow, and questioning whether leadership and ownership are possible without starting from scratch.Key takeaway: You don’t have to start something to build something meaningful.

Ryan Kelly, owner of KHB Construction, joins Heather and Jerry to talk about what it really takes to grow a construction company without losing control, culture, or profitability. Ryan shares lessons learned while scaling KHB Construction, the systems that brought clarity instead of complexity, and how strong leadership creates accountability at every level.They dive into hiring the right people, letting go of day to day control without lowering standards, and building a business that can grow beyond the owner. This episode is a must listen for builders who are serious about sustainable growth and long term success.

Most GC and Sub relationships do not fail because of bad work. They fail because of broken trust, poor communication, and unmet expectations.In this episode of The Build Line, Heather and Jerry sit down for a raw, unfiltered GC versus Sub conversation with no prep and no script. They openly share what drives each side crazy, why trust matters more than the lowest bid, and how respect on the job site directly impacts profit, efficiency, and long term survival.They dive into why communication breaks down on both sides of the job, where entitlement quietly shows up and erodes trust, how GCs and Subs can actually set each other up for success instead of working at odds, and why strong relationships are ultimately what carry businesses through the slow seasons and into long term stability.This is not about picking sides. It is about fixing what is broken so everyone wins.If you are a GC, a subcontractor, or a business owner who depends on strong partnerships, this episode is for you.

What really happens when a lifelong business leader steps into public office? In this episode of The Build Line, Heather Tankersley and Jerry Brewer sit down with California State Senator Roger Niello for a candid, insightful conversation at the intersection of business, construction, and public policy.Roger shares his journey from leading a multi generation family business to shaping legislation at the state level, including the real story behind SB517 and the fight for transparency and accountability in the construction industry. The conversation dives deep into the realities of running a business in California, the challenges of regulation, the impact of unlicensed contracting, and what true “good policy” looks like for homeowners and contractors alike.They also explore why Roger chose public service, what gives him optimism for California’s future, and how entrepreneurs can play a meaningful role in shaping the communities they live and build in. From the underground economy to the power of public private partnerships like the Rancho Cordova Community Food Hub, this episode delivers both hard truths and real hope.If you care about business, leadership, construction, and the future of California, this is an episode you do not want to miss.

Brad Leavitt of AFT Construction joins Heather and Jerry for an honest conversation about what it takes to build one of the best run companies in the construction industry.We talk about managing clients without getting pulled into drama, the emotional difference between residential and commercial work, and how to scale responsibly with solid systems.Brad also shares how AFT uses social media as a real business tool and why culture has become their biggest advantage.A packed episode full of practical insight for builders, leaders, and anyone growing a company.

Episode 4 of the Build Line is out now and we get into the real version of entrepreneurship. Not the highlight reel. The wins. The weight. The why. We talk about the myths people buy into, the pros that keep you going, and the cons that no one warns you about. Risk, responsibility, burnout, flexibility, pride, and the honest truth of building something from the ground up.Heather and Jerry share real stories from missed weekends, big swings, close calls, the pressure of feeding families, and the pride of seeing a project succeed. Heather and Jerry dig into the guru culture online and why so much of what you see on social media is not the real thing.If you have ever built something, wanted to start something, or felt the tension between freedom and responsibility, this one will hit home.Stream Episode 4 and get ready for an honest conversation.

In this episode, Heather and Jerry welcome Dave Hollars, the man behind Kitchen Mart’s decades of success. They dig into how to balance quality and volume, why integrity still matters most, and what it takes to lead a team that truly stands the test of time. A masterclass in business endurance and staying true to your brand—this one’s for every builder or business owner looking to play the long game.

In this episode of The Build Line, Heather and Jerry dig into one of the most defining parts of leadership — managing people and relationships. From the highs of hiring the right fit to the gut-check moments of letting someone go, they share personal stories about some of the toughest calls they’ve had to make. You’ll hear what they’ve learned about leading with integrity, when to fire fast, and even how to recognize when it’s time to “fire” a client. Real stories, real lessons, and a few laughs from the field and office alike.

Heather Tankersley and Jerry Brewer share how The Build Line began — and why the construction industry needs more real, unfiltered conversations. From leadership and team growth to the funny chaos that happens off script, this episode sets the tone for what’s ahead.New episodes every other Tuesday.