Building Sustainably

Join host Tim O’Brien to discuss Green Building Practices, Innovative Designs, & Renewable Technologies. Plus learn more about sustainability in the building industry and communities through the eyes of a homebuilder. We look at Sustainability from four different perspectives and will provide insights you can take back to your life and business: The Homebuilding Industry, Our Community, Our Homes, Our Employees.

Building Science Advocates: The Energy & Environmental Building Alliance (EEBA)

In this episode, we're joined by Gene Myers who is the owner and CEO of Thrive Home Builders in Denver, Colorado and current president of The Energy & Environmental Building Alliance (EEBA) board of directors to discuss EEBA and its commitment to provide the most trusted resources for building science information and education in the construction industry. About Gene Myers Gene is owner and CEO of Thrive Home Builders (formerly New Town Builders), Denver's leader in building green, ener...

09-24
30:46

Building The Future of Trades Through Hands-On Education Programs

In this episode, we're joined by Steve Olson who is the teacher of the Oconomowoc High School Building Trades class to discuss the partnership between Tim O'Brien Homes and local high schools in order to develop the future of the trade industry by giving students real, hands-on experience in homebuilding. About Steve Olson Steve has been a certified staff member at OHS since the fall of 1995. After graduating from UW-Stout in 1995 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Technology Educat...

10-09
49:05

Home Design for a Climate-Changing World with Sam Rashkin

In this episode, Tim O'Brien is joined by Chief Architect of the Building Technologies Office in the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Sam Rashkin, to discuss new home design as our environment continues to change around us. Sam highlights the importance of resilient, future-ready homes as well as how and why homebuilders should implement sustainable building practices going forward. About Sam Rashkin Sam is the author of the book titled “Retooling the U.S. Housing Ind...

10-23
56:50

Creating a Sustainable Workplace Culture with Chad Sanschagrin

In this episode, Tim O'Brien is joined by international speaker, leadership and sales coaching expert, and founder of Cannonball Moments, Chad Sanschagrin, to discuss the importance of creating a sustainable workplace culture. Chad offers his unique experience and insight on developing a growth mindset and long-term success within an organization. About Chad Sanschagrin Chad began Cannonball to use the skills he gained as a top-rated sales professional for a national homebuilder to empower,...

11-06
01:08:29

The Power of the Sun: Where We Are and Where We Are Going with Solar

In this episode, Tim O'Brien is joined by Vice President of Project Development at SunVest Solar, John Daugherty, to discuss the benefits of solar energy production in new home construction for both builders and consumers alike. John also highlights factors such as reduced cost, surging consumer demand, and increased government subsidies as key drivers for the rapid growth in the solar industry. SunVest Solar https://www.sunvest.com/ State Programs for Solar https://www.sunvest.com/state-pr...

11-20
44:27

A Breath of Fresh Air: The EPA's Commitment to Indoor Air Quality

In this episode, Tim O'Brien is joined by Environmental Protection Specialist at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Aaron Johnson, to discuss the EPA's Indoor airPLUS program, and the increasing importance of Indoor Air Quality in our homes as it relates to our health. EPA Indoor airPLUS www.epa.gov/indoorairplus Indoor Air Quality www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq

12-04
35:00

Broan-Nutone - A Leader in Healtheir Home Systems

In this episode, Tim O'Brien is joined by Edwin Bender and Patrick Nielsen from Broan-Nutone, the global leader in residential indoor air quality, to discuss areas of growth in the industry as well as opportunities for residential construction to continue to innovate and develop technologies to further improve fresh air ventilation systems. About Edwin Bender Edwin Bender has over 25 years of experience in the sale and marketing of commercial and DIY products. His teams have increased...

12-18
37:49

Wisconsin's Focus on Energy Empowers Builders and Consumers

In this episode, Tim O'Brien is joined by Focus on Energy's New Home Residential Program Manager, Andy Kuc, to discuss ways in which Focus on Energy empowers the people and businesses of Wisconsin to make smart energy decisions with enduring economic benefits. Focus on Energy focusonenergy.com/ Tim O'Brien Homes www.timobrienhomes.com/

01-08
47:42

The Tim O'Brien Homes Construction Process

In this episode, Tim O'Brien discusses each phase of the Tim O'Brien Homes construction process from foundation and framing to finishes and final clean. Tim details what homeowners should expect during each of the main stages of the build and explains the relationship/communication between the homeowner and Construction Manager throughout the process. www.timobrienhomes.com/building-process

01-22
29:32

The US D.O.E. Zero Energy Ready Home Program with Sam Bowles

In this episode, Tim O'Brien is joined by Marketing and Research Analyst at Newport Partners, Sam Bowles, to discuss the U.S. D.O.E. Zero Energy Ready Home (ZERH) Program. This program recognizes home the top 1% percent of home builders in the country meeting the extraordinary levels of excellence in energy and performance specified in the national program requirements. Sam highlights the history and goals of the program, as well as the ways in which every certified Zero Energy Ready ...

02-05
46:45

The Tim O'Brien Homes Warranty Process

In this episode, Tim O'Brien discusses each phase of the Tim O'Brien Homes Warranty Process from the Pre-Move-In Orientation and beyond. Tim details some of our standard and manufacturer warranties and highlights ways in which our Customer Care team strives to educate homeowners on how to care for their home to ensure lasting value.

02-19
35:23

Frequently Asked Questions When Buying A Home

In this episode, Tim O'Brien is joined by our Director of Sales and his long-time colleague and friend, Pete Lange. Pete began his career in the homebuilding industry in 1990 and continued until 2009, serving in roles ranging from Customer Service Manager to Production Manager to Vice President of Sales. He then followed his passion for teaching and music, teaching Band and Choir from 2009 to 2017. Pete Re-entered homebuilding and joining Tim O’Brien Homes in 2016 and contin...

03-05
54:09

Designing Products for the Future of Water Conservation with Kohler Co.

In this episode, Tim O'Brien is joined by Senior Environmental Project Engineer at Kohler, Olivia Fritz, to discuss ways in which Kohler's focus on water conservation and environmental design can contribute to the homebuilding industry's push toward sustainability. For more information about Kohler's commitment to sustainability and Design For Environment program, visit www.kohlercompany.com/sustainability/

03-18
44:26

What is the HERS Index and Why Should I Care? Featuring Ryan Meres

In this episode, Tim O'Brien is joined by the Program Director of RESNET, Ryan Meres, to discuss the meaning of The Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Index, and why new home buyers should better understand how and why this Index is calculated. Ryan Meres has 15 years of experience in energy and water efficiency, energy policy and building energy codes and has worked at the Federal, state, and local level. As the Program Director for the Residential Energy Services Network (...

04-02
32:35

Choosing The Right Homebuilder

In this episode, Tim O'Brien talks through some things to think about as you start your new home search. Tim discusses the importance of asking your builder the right questions when choosing to build or buy a new construction home and highlights the benefits of choosing a High Performance homebuilder backed by a proven process and established industry certifications. For more resources on this topic and to download our guide to choosing the right homebuilder, visit info.timobrienhomes.com/li...

04-16
21:13

Post-COVID Housing Boom Creates Supply Chain Challenges for Homebuilders

In this episode, Tim O'Brien delves into the history of the housing industry supply chain and discusses the challenges it has faced as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, including labor force shortages and manufacturing halts. Tim highlights the importance of creating positive builder-supplier relationships in order to mitigate disruptions in the building process and tells homebuyers what to expect when building a new home in the current market conditions.

04-30
26:07

U.S. DOE Housing Innovation Awards Recognize Top Industry Leaders with Joe Nebbia

In this episode, Tim O'Brien is joined by Joe Nebbia who is a Technical Consultant for the U.S. Department of Energy and Operations Director for its Zero Energy Ready Home Program. Tim and Joe discuss the Housing Innovation Awards and the rigorous application process, which is designed to recognize innovative homebuilders across the country that strive for excellence in High Performance home building practices.

05-21
38:55

Changing Community Habits and Sustainability with Waukesha County Green Team

In this episode, Tim is joined by Laura Loucks, who is a board member on the Waukesha County Green Team, which is a non-profit organization with a mission to promote environmental and economic sustainability in Waukesha County communities through education, communication, and local action. Tim and Laura discuss ways in which community members can get involved including educational forums, networking events, and projects that help to conserve Waukesha County resources and to build a sustainabl...

06-04
32:43

Our 'Build On Your Lot' Program

In this episode, Tim O'Brien talks through the Tim O'Brien Homes 'Build On Your Lot' program, which affords homebuyers with the same attention to detail, construction standards, green building practices and outstanding service as those who purchase a home in one of our established neighborhoods.

06-18
21:41

Tim O'Brien's Top Home Options Most People Don't Think About

In this episode, Tim O'Brien provides insights into some home options that people often don't think about until after they move into their new home. Tim draws from his experiences building his own personal homes to talk through some things that homebuyers should think about when choosing their options and finishes. This includes things like laundry room location, future finished basement considerations, and much more.

07-02
36:24

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