Episode 331: Ownership at a Young Age with Mauricio Castro
Brad sits down with Mauricio Castro, owner of Summit Stone, to break down what it really takes to deliver flawless stonework on high stakes custom homes. They talk about earning trust young, choosing the right builders, and setting expectations on materials, seams, and finishes before problems show up. Mauricio also shares how backlit stone and social media opened doors to national and even island installs, plus the leadership mindset that keeps his team performing.
Episode 330: A Higher Level of Health with Steven Koeppel
Brad sits down with Steven Koeppel, founder of Thriver Wellness Supply, to share how he overcame a stage four mantle cell lymphoma diagnosis and went on to build the wellness business he runs today. Steven breaks down everything from the VEMI table to cold plunging, red light, saunas, and testing like hair follicle analysis. They discuss what works, why it works, and the importance of accurate information when building a wellness routine that fits your goals and needs.
Episode 329: Leadership Under Pressure with Daniel Morris
Brad Leavitt sits down with Daniel Morris of Morris Pools to break down what actually makes a luxury pool succeed long term, and why the details you cannot see matter most. They cover hydraulics, water chemistry, shotcrete curing, and why service is the hidden lever that protects the build. Daniel also shares the personal adversity that shaped his leadership style and how he stays steady through high stress projects.
Episode 328: Niching Down into Fitness with Kali Sudbrook
Brad sits down with Kali Sudbrook of Beachside Custom Gyms to unpack how she left academia to build a niche design build firm focused on high performance home gyms and wellness spaces. They discuss the benefits of blending building science, equipment strategy, and real world training experience rather than just throwing fitness gear into a spare room. For builders and designers, Kali shares how to collaborate early, navigate space constraints, and use mentorship, social media, and messy action to grow a business.
Episode 327: Build Authentic Visibility with Alyssa Abbott
Brad sits down with Alyssa Abbott of Olive and Vine Socials to talk about how builders can show up online with more authenticity. They discuss what “being real” actually looks like in content, how to keep your voice when using AI, and why platforms like blogging and Pinterest still matter. Alyssa also breaks down how she helps clients build a content strategy that fits their business and turns their expertise into consistent, trust building marketing.
Episode 326: Story Driven Design with Jen Davidson
Brad sits down with Jen Davidson of Interiors by Jen Davidson to talk about what it really takes to run a high performing design firm. They discuss CEO mindset shifts, process and SOPs, setting expectations early, and how story driven design builds trust and joy for clients. If you want smoother projects and stronger builder designer collaboration, this one is packed with practical takeaways.
Episode 325: Finding Your Place with Greg Villafana
Brad sits down with Greg Villafana of J Max Plumbing to talk about why not everyone needs to own a business and how to build a great career inside the trades. They discuss intrapreneurship, respecting the weight owners carry, and the discipline it takes to run clean, organized jobs. Greg shares lessons from military logistics, pool plumbing, and content creation that builders can use to tighten systems and tell better stories about their work. If you care about culture, process, and finding your right place, this one is worth a listen.
Episode 324: Upfront Clarity Builds Better Projects with Burdette Cabinet Co.
Brad sits down with Cortny and Justin Murdock from Burdette Custom Cabinetry to unpack what it really takes to deliver high end cabinets on complex custom homes. They get into early involvement, realistic scheduling, and why the right designer and builder make or break a project. Builders and designers will hear hard earned lessons on drawings, field conditions, material limits, and client expectations that can save months of chaos. If this episode hits home, share it with a trade partner you want in your inner circle.
Episode 323: Redefining Home Wellness with Stu Gadd
In this episode, Stu Gadd shares the story behind DivFit Gyms and how the company is reshaping wellness by designing bespoke, high-end home fitness spaces. He discusses the entrepreneurial journey, lessons learned, and the innovations driving today's surge in luxury wellness environments.
Episode 322: Foundations of Integrity with Carlson Projects Inc
Stefan and Scott Carlson of Carlson Projects Inc, explore their journey of transforming a family business through trust, problem-solving, and cultural values, all while navigating significant financial challenges. The discussion highlights the importance of company culture and strong client relationships in their continuing success.
Episode 321: Curb Appeal Meets Ecology with Michael Desplaines
In this conversation, Michael Desplaines and Brad Leavitt explore the art and science of landscape architecture, focusing on the importance of plants, sustainability, and thoughtful design tailored to diverse environments and client needs. They discuss the value of collaboration, the challenges of working in desert climates, client education, and the balance between aesthetics, practicality, and budget.
Episode 320: Innovation in Action, Building a Powerhouse Franchise with Ace Rodrigues
Ace Rodrigues, founder of Pickleball Kingdom, shares how innovative thinking and a relentless focus on customer needs turned a simple idea into a booming franchise. His journey highlights how strategic execution and a clear vision can transform an emerging trend into nationwide success.

