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Welcome to Builder Stories, the podcast where builders, remodelers, and contractors share their personal and business journeys. Come learn from the stories of successful entrepreneurs who share how they got started, how they found success, and the lessons learned along the way.
Your host, Eric Fortenberry, has successfully built two businesses, one in software and one in construction. He is now the Founder and CEO of JobTread Software, a construction estimating and project management platform that has helped thousands of builders and contractors sell and manage over $1 billion in construction jobs.
Your host, Eric Fortenberry, has successfully built two businesses, one in software and one in construction. He is now the Founder and CEO of JobTread Software, a construction estimating and project management platform that has helped thousands of builders and contractors sell and manage over $1 billion in construction jobs.
128 Episodes
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Mike Tappert reveals how stepping away from full remodels and focusing on exteriors transformed his growth path. He shares why niching down into roofing created stronger cash flow and a clearer direction for his business. Mike's turning point came when he hired a coach and began building the systems he needed to scale as well as the personal disciplines that shape how he leads today. From marketing decisions to business leadership strategy, this episode invites listeners to question what needs to change before the next level of growth. In this episode you will learn: The tools and frameworks coaching introduced into his business The strategy behind rebranding and launching Upper West Exteriors How he evaluates Meta versus Google marketing performance The business and life habits he incorporated after he stopped drinking The strongest advice he gives contractors ready to grow Listen to the episode to learn more. Resources: Visit the Upper West Exteriors website here.
In this captivating conversation, Zac O'Hara dives deep into the innovative ways he's deploying AI to transform daily operations at North Shore Masonry. As a hands-on operator who has immersed himself in emerging technology tools, Zac reveals what is possible when AI is strategically applied inside a construction business. Zac also addresses security concerns and speaks candidly about the real risks leaders must evaluate as AI becomes more powerful. In this episode, you will learn: How Mason AI is redefining productivity for a growing masonry company How Zac is embedding AI directly into his sales process to win overlooked opportunities Why reporting data is shaping bold hiring decisions How Zac evaluates and compares different AI models for specific use cases What executives must consider before integrating AI with core systems Listen to the episode to learn more. Resources: Learn more about North Shore Masonry here
Philip Sessions shares how a simple need for marketing help led him to build a business focused on virtual assistants for contractors. He explains why many contractors struggle with VAs and what must change for the relationship to work. Philip also shares best practices for managing virtual assistants and how contractors can grow without adding full time staff. In this episode you will learn: Why most contractors hire virtual assistants the wrong way What tasks VAs handle best inside a construction business How to manage VAs for success Red flags to watch out for when working with VAs How support systems affect long term growth Listen to the episode to learn more. Resources: Learn more about Refined VA here.
Ken Combs shares how he went from a 19 year old laborer to leading a design build firm with more than $15 million in annual revenue. He reveals how he restructured his company for higher profit and increased efficiency. Ken also shares his results driven approach to operations, marketing, and the org chart he developed to support his team. He explains what had to change before the business could operate without his daily involvement. In this episode you will learn: Ken's goal for slippage and grippage How to make the transition from in house labor to subcontracted teams The unique compensation structure Ken uses to create accountability When to bring design in-house How Ken successfully rebranded his company Listen to the episode to learn more. Resources: Visit the CQC Home website here.
Casey Fabling shares what it takes to come back after losing a company. He walks through how a fast growing business unraveled once visibility and controls disappeared. Casey reflects on the personal toll of shutting down and starting over in a new city. He explains how rebuilding with intention changed every aspect of his approach. This conversation offers a rare look at resilience from someone who has lived it. Casey focuses on what he learned rather than what he lost, and why his second company is being built with a very different definition of success. In this episode you will learn: What business failure teaches you that growth never will Why transparency matters more as your company scales How systems create trust without constant oversight What rebuilding can reveal about your real priorities Why freedom can be a better goal than revenue Listen to the episode to learn more. Resources: Learn more about Front Range Home Services here.
In this episode of Builder Stories, Dave Stephens shares practical insights drawn from his real-world journey of building and growing a business on his own terms. The conversation is packed with honest advice that resonates with builders navigating growth and challenges. Dave's story offers encouragement and clarity for anyone looking to move forward with confidence, wherever their path may lead. In this episode you will learn: How to transition from a different career into construction Learning from failures to become even more successful Why consistency matters How hiring coaches can help you fill knowledge gaps How Lida Homes implements a 5-5-5 conversation to keep employees on track Listen to the episode to learn more. Resources: Learn more about Lida Homes here.
In this episode of Builder Stories, Eric Anderson shares what it looks like when a technology partner truly understands the needs of builders and remodelers. He reflects on DreamMaker's experience working with JobTread and why genuine care for both people and product makes a measurable difference. Eric offers insight into how the right systems and relationships can improve operations while strengthening trust across your team. This conversation highlights why alignment and service matter just as much as features when choosing tools for your business. In this episode you'll learn: Why remodeling presents different opportunities than new construction How getting serious about the numbers changed the way DreamMaker prices jobs Why staying busy can still feel successful while quietly masking financial problems How DreamMaker uses early conversations to reduce wasted effort on both sides What DreamMaker looks for in partners Listen to the episode to learn more. Resources: Learn more about DreamMaker Bath and Kitchen here.
Construction business coach Brandon Fuchs shares lessons shaped by his early years running a remodeling company without clear guidance. He describes how following the wrong advice created confusion and delayed progress. Brandon explains why many remodeling businesses fail within the first five years and how indecision plays a major role. This conversation challenges contractors to rethink who they listen to and how they approach growth. In this episode you will learn: What contractors should focus on first when starting out How to decide when to outsource work Why many remodeling businesses fail early The most damaging advice contractors often receive What contractors should prioritize heading into 2026 Listen to the episode to learn more. Resources: Learn more about Elite Builder Society here.
After losing his airline job in the wake of 9-11, Steve Rozenberg learned that career stability can disappear overnight. That loss fueled his drive to build a highly successful property management business that scaled to 1,000 properties and was later sold to a venture backed company. In this episode, Steve explains why many contractors are stuck in a chaotic reactive mode without clearly defined systems and processes. He also shares why proactive leadership and in person connection matter when building a company that can withstand disruption. In this episode you will learn: What a sale date reveals about long term direction How the dash line connects vision to ownership Why reactive patterns quietly limit progress What proactive leadership changes inside a company Why in person meetings create deeper impact than online sessions Resources: Learn more about The Rozenberg Group here.
Meysam shares how early challenges with lead flow pushed him to study marketing, create his own content, and eventually build a results-driven in-house team that reflects his company's vision. He reveals his winning strategy for attracting attention in a landscape that's increasingly driven by AI, and provides insight on how to use social media to produce the best results. A key component of Enzo's success lies in the company's carefully curated tech stack, and Meysam also outlines the solutions he relies on and how each of them fits into his overall business strategy. In this episode you will learn: Why Meysam brought his marketing in-house to protect the company's message How he developed a video strategy that builds trust before the first conversation What his sales funnel reveals about client fit and early red flags How his tech stack supports clear communication and smooth project delivery Why ongoing learning shapes his hiring approach and guides his best advice Listen to the episode to learn more. Resources: Learn more about Enzo Design Build here.
In this far-ranging conversation, Phill and Heather revisit a painful embezzlement that left them questioning every facet of the business. Rather than retreat in the face of that disruption, they used the moment as an opportunity to rebuild their systems with a trust-but-verify mindset, putting safeguards in place that protect the business from repeating past mistakes. The discussion also covers the success habits that strengthened their leadership and brought their team into full alignment. In this episode you will learn: How to identify the right moment to make early hires Strategies for using partners and systems to keep admin work organized Key numbers to follow when planning for long term growth What it takes to shift your energy toward the tasks that move the business forward The organization that changed how they approach business Listen to the episode to learn more. Resources: Visit Closer Look General Contracting here.
In this episode, Cody Reinke reflects on the mindset that helped him stay successful while building and managing a company on his own. Eric Fortenberry offers guidance on identifying the right time to hire, structuring compensation, which tasks are best to outsource and understanding the key business metrics. Their conversation gives listeners a clear look at how thoughtful support and practical planning can strengthen daily operations. In this episode you will learn: How to identify the right moment to make early hires Ways to balance time in the field with time running the business Strategies for using partners and systems to keep admin work organized Key numbers to follow when planning for long term growth What it takes to shift your energy toward the tasks that move the business forward Listen to the episode to learn more. Resources: Learn more about Wings Construction here.
Ben and Amy Wright describe how a move to Nashville for music eventually led them into house flipping, and ultimately a thriving construction business. They share how years of working on their own homes helped them gain confidence, attract referrals, and step into larger projects. Coaching played a major role in shaping their mindset, improving their systems, and helping them grow into the high end work they now enjoy. Ben and Amy's story shows how thoughtful decisions, and the willingness to learn can completely reshape a business. In this episode you will learn: Which coaches accelerated their growth How they built a website that reflects the quality of their work Which marketing efforts created the strongest return How they use networking to gain projects The sales process that changed their approach Listen to the episode to learn more. Resources: Learn more about Center State Craftsmen here.
Brandon Sinkler traded firefighting for construction and built a successful remodeling company in Charleston, South Carolina. What began as a leap of faith into house flipping became a career grounded in consistency and service. Brandon shares how he grew from working solo to adding key hires who helped him bring structure and balance to his work. His story highlights how he developed clear systems and standard operating procedures that now guide every project. In this episode you will learn: How Brandon transitioned from public service to construction The lessons he learned pricing and managing his first flips Why building relationships has been key to his success How he created SOPs that keep his team aligned His future vision for building new homes in Florida Listen to the episode to learn more. Resources: Visit the Coastal Builders and Consultants website here.
Brady Bankston built Popularis Construction by leading with deliberate action. He shares how early mistakes shaped the way he hires, manages, and motivates his team today. His approach to clients is equally thoughtful and relies on a unique set of requirements that every prospect must meet before becoming a customer, including visiting his office to review a sample project inside JobTread. Through consistent systems and clear communication, Brady has learned how to grow his company while keeping every project and person aligned. In this episode you will learn: How Brady uses a unique client process to build trust before every project The steps that helped him win larger and more complex projects The biggest hiring mistakes that nearly derailed his early growth The strategy he uses today to identify and develop the right people How his performance reviews strengthen accountability and communication Listen to the episode to learn more. Resources: Learn more about Popularis Construction here.
Brothers Jeff and Brian Shelburn turned their shared values and work ethic into a thriving remodeling business in Denver. What began with small backsplash projects has grown into full home remodels and a company built entirely on word-of-mouth referrals. In this conversation, they reveal the philosophies behind their growth and actionable tips for success. In this episode, you will learn How Remodelex thrives without a marketing budget The unconventional payroll model that keeps everyone invested What makes their company structure unlike most contractors How the company implemented a four-ten workweek The ways they use technology to operate like a much larger company Listen to the episode to learn more. Resources: Learn more about Remodelex here.
When Logan Judiscak left the car business for roofing, he did not expect to be running a multimillion dollar company just six years later. After learning hard lessons from previous employers, including how poor documentation can hurt cash flow, he started Gorilla Exterior in 2023 with only $4,000, a clear vision, and an even stronger work ethic. In this conversation, Logan shares how he built a profitable roofing company from the ground up, what he learned about leadership, and why he believes in growing people before profits. He explains how his team culture is built on trust, flexibility, and ownership, and why his ultimate goal is not just revenue but impact. In this episode, you will learn How Logan turned $4,000 into a multimillion dollar roofing business in under two years The biggest mistakes roofing companies make when scaling Why documenting jobs properly protects both profits and people How Logan develops his team by finding the right people and the right roles His long term vision for steady, sustainable growth Listen to the episode to learn more. Resources: Visit the Gorilla Exterior website here.
Fifteen years ago, Fares Elsabbagh launched Canadian General Contractors with only $50,000 and a background in digital marketing. Today, he leads a group of construction companies generating over $30 million in annual revenue. In this conversation, Fares shares how he turned early chaos into a scalable, system-driven business. He discusses what he learned after dealing with theft during rapid expansion, how he created systems to improve client satisfaction, and the five key things homeowners care about most during a renovation. Fares also shares the key things looks for when acquiring other design-build companies. In this episode, you will learn: How Fares achieved operational excellence after rapid growth What decisions Fares would have made differently if he had a do-over Fares' views working on the business rather than in the business The type of construction companies he wants to acquire next Listen to the episode to learn more. Resources: Learn more about Canadian General Contractors here.
Danielle Russell has spent over a decade helping builders and remodelers grow through more strategic marketing. She's seen how new technologies, and changing homeowner behavior, are transforming what it takes to stand out online. In this conversation, Danielle covers a range of topics that, taken together, form a blueprint for building a stronger marketing foundation. Broader themes include the seismic shifts happening in search, what contractors can do to make their content rise above the noise, and how to use, rather than misuse, AI as part of a broader marketing strategy. On a more granular level, she strategies for pricing transparency on your website, how to make every click count, and the ideal marketing budget. In this episode, you will learn How to calculate a marketing budget that drives consistent growth Mistakes to avoid when using AI to generate website or blog content How to design your website to convert visitors in two or three clicks Ways to use video to build credibility and connection with prospects How to structure your pricing online to attract the right clients Listen to the episode to learn more. Resources: Learn more about Builder Funnel here.
Michael James lost everything during the recession, then rebuilt his company with a new outlook on leadership and legacy. He even biked from Canada to Mexico, a journey that reshaped how he approaches business and life. In this conversation, Michael shares how shifting from a "me" mindset to a "we" mindset transformed his company. He talks about hiring lessons, working with family, and the culture-building practices that keep his team engaged. He also reveals the one thing he does every day to keep his business moving forward and the leadership habit he considers most valuable. In this episode you'll learn: The daily practice Michael relies on to guide his business decisions How listening became his most effective leadership tool What to look for when building a strong team How to create a culture where people want to stay and grow The key to making family partnerships work in business Listen to the episode to learn more. Resources: Learn more about Michael James Remodeling here.
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