Builders, Budgets, and Beers
The Builders, Budgets, and Beers Podcast is where the construction industry comes to talk about the financial side of building — the decisions, the mistakes, and the systems that separate profitable companies from the rest. From regional GCs and high-volume builders to construction accountants and industry tech leaders, our guests share what's actually working and what they wish they'd known sooner.Produced by the team at Adaptive, it's real talk on the financial operations behind growing, scaling, and running a complex construction business. One budget, one story, and one beer at a time.
Build A Business That Buys Back Time with Brad Stokes
Reece sits down with Brad Stokes of Highspire to talk about the shift from owner operator to strategic owner, and why top-line revenue alone does not mean a construction business is healthy.
They get into real estate development, market timing, KPIs, org charts, gross profit tracking, and the systems that give owners more time to think clearly instead of constantly reacting. This episode is about building a tighter business first, so bigger opportunities do not break what you already built.
https://www.highspire.com
Register for the webinar here: https://us06...
How Building Science Reduces Costly Callbacks with Sam Myers
Reece sits down with Sam Myers of Retrotech to talk about why comfort issues, humidity problems, and buckled floors often turn into expensive callbacks for builders. They cover how air tightness, HVAC design, ventilation, and testing all work together, and why code minimum is not always enough to protect the homeowner or the contractor.
If you build homes and want fewer surprises after move-in, this conversation is a practical reminder that measuring the house matters.
https://retrotec.com
Show Notes:
00:00 Show Intro
00:47 Meet Sam Myers
04:34 Who Retrotech Helps<...
How Contractors Can Adopt AI Agents Without Chaos with Ryan Rademann
Reece is joined by Ryan Rademann from Wipfli to talk about why contractors cannot treat technology, AI, and systems as random tools anymore. As builders grow, weak integrations, messy data, and outdated processes can quietly limit cash flow, reporting, and scale.
They get into AI agents, cloud systems, process mapping, accounting workflows, and why the right tech stack has to support the way a construction business actually runs. This conversation is about using technology with intention so contractors can make better decisions, protect their team, and grow without creating more chaos.
https://ryanrademann.com
<...
Your Tech Stack Needs To Start With Strategy with Dustin Stephens
Reece sits down with Dustin Stephens, CEO of Alliance Solutions Group, to talk about why contractors cannot treat AI like a shortcut around broken systems. As labor gets tighter and construction businesses get more complex, the companies that understand their tech stack, data, and back office will be in a better position to compete.
Dustin shares what he is seeing across construction ERP, cloud accounting, project management, preconstruction, AP workflows, and AI adoption. The big takeaway: start with the business problem, understand the process, then use technology to make the work faster, clearer, and more human.
<...
How AI Speeds Up Profitable Bids with Deepti Yenireddy
Reece sits down with Deepti Yenireddy, founder and CEO of Boon AI, to talk about the real business case for AI in estimating: tighter bid timelines, thin margins, and why speed matters when builders are chasing more work. They get into how Boone handles preconstruction from plan review to takeoff, why specialized AI beats generic tools in construction, and why the best estimators are becoming better reviewers and decision-makers, not obsolete. If you want to understand where AI actually helps builders today and how to stay competitive without buying the hype, this episode gives you a practical place to...
Why Contractors Need Better Accounting with Chris Murphy
Reece sits down with Chris Murphy of Breakaway CAAS to talk about why so many contractors struggle with bookkeeping, payroll, and job costing, and what better financial systems can unlock for a growing business. It matters because weak accounting processes do not just create messy books, they create bad decisions, wasted time, and unnecessary risk for builders.
They go over the warning signs of broken back office workflows, why day to day tracking matters more than only thinking about taxes, and how construction specific tools can reduce duplicate work and clean up reporting. Chris also shares a...
How Builders Can Raise The Standard with Andrea and Brian Seymour of Springdale Custom Builders
Reece sits down with Andrea and Brian Seymour of Springdale Custom Builders to talk about the systems, pricing discipline, and process thinking it takes to build a company that is actually worth something. For builders, this matters because bad estimating, weak operations, and owner dependence can quietly kill profit long before the work dries up.
They go over why the old three-bid mindset creates bad relationships, how Springdale qualifies clients and estimates more accurately, and what retained earnings and real financial visibility make possible. They also unpack the bigger play here: building repeatable systems, hiring the right...
Don’t Let Weak Process Stop Your Growth with Archibald McLellan
Reece sits down with Archibald McLellan of CBIS to talk about why weak process can quietly hold a construction business back long before the owner realizes it. For builders trying to grow without losing control, this episode gets into why better systems, cleaner numbers, and stronger communication matter more than ever.
Arch shares the hard lesson of losing leverage on a project because the paperwork, documentation, and financial visibility were not where they needed to be. Reece and Arch also break down job costing, cash flow planning, transparent communication, and why knowing your numbers early is what...
Build Wealth Before You Step Away with John Steiger
Reece sits down with John Steiger of Wealth Planning Resources to talk about a problem a lot of builders avoid until it gets urgent: how to build real wealth outside the business before it is time to step away. For owners thinking about succession, retirement, or simply getting their financial house in order, this conversation is a practical look at what needs to happen long before an exit is on the table.
They cover grooming the next generation, why business development matters more than most owners realize, how phantom ownership can prepare future leaders, and why buying...
The AI Opportunity In Construction with Julie Adams
Reece sits down with Julie Adams of Sage to talk about how AI is changing the way builders manage jobs, data, and decision-making across the business. They get into why this matters right now as builders face labor shortages, pricing pressure, and a market that still has real opportunity for firms that can see their numbers clearly. This episode covers the economic headwinds hitting construction, where firms are actually investing in AI, and how better visibility across estimating, operations, and finance can lead to smarter moves. If you want a clearer picture of how technology can help your business...
Funding Big Builds Without Losing Control with Brad Robinson
Reece sits down with Brad Robinson for his second time on Builders, Budgets, & Beers to talk about funding bigger projects without giving up the driver’s seat. They break down equity vs debt, what investors actually expect after you take their money, and how to choose the right partners for the deal. Brad also shares how he is connecting wellness-driven building with real estate strategy, plus the systems and SOP mindset builders need before they scale.
Website: https://bradfordbuilds.com
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradfordrobinson
Instagram: https://ww...
When Growth Outruns Cash Flow with Christian and Deanne Lawson
Reece sits down with Christian and Deanne Lawson of Lawson Development to talk about the real cash flow squeeze behind fixed price custom builds, and why draw schedules can quietly force builders to finance jobs. They break down deposits, milestones, profit vs. payroll, and how to spot loan officer red flags before they wreck a project. You will also hear how charging for quotes and tracking simple “life notes” helped them level up fast. If this helped, share it with a builder friend and follow for more straight talk money conversations.
https://www.lawsondevelopmentllc.com
Sh...
Strategic Partners That Reduce Risk And Help You Scale With David Werschay
Reece sits down with David Werschay of Werschay Homes to break down how builders can punch above their weight in land development and spec building without blowing up cash flow. They talk strategic partners, exclusive builder agreements, and a creative spec home funding play that got subs and banks aligned. You will walk away with practical ways to reduce risk, build repeatable processes, and keep momentum even when the market gets weird.
https://werschayhomes.com
Show Notes:
00:00 Big land, shared risk
00:19 Show intro
00:54 Meet David
01:57 Werschay Companies overview
03:59...
The Tech Stack Upgrade Contractors Need With Connor Watumull
Reece sits down with Connor Watumull from Miter to talk about the biggest labor money leak most builders miss: getting every hour, burden, and benefit tied back to the right job. They break down what “contractor built” payroll and HR actually means, plus simple ways to level up onboarding, compensation, and performance without making it feel corporate. If labor is your biggest cost, this is the playbook for making it measurable, motivating, and profitable.
https://www.miter.com
Show Notes:
00:00 New generation
01:11 Connor’s path
03:21 Why construction
06:12 What i...
Why the Design to Bid System Fails with Trapper Roderick
Reece sits down with Trapper Roderick of Roderick Builders to talk about why most custom homes blow up on budget before they ever break ground. They discuss the broken “architect first, builder later” pipeline, and how to pull the builder into design early so the scope, the money, and the build reality actually match. You will hear how Trapper wins work through real estate relationships, design-forward content, and tighter processes so profit supports quality instead of fighting it. If this helped, share it with a builder friend who is tired of value engineering after the bid.
https://www...
Price Per Square Foot is Lying to You with Mark Willie
Reece sits down with Mark Willie to break down why price per square foot can wreck budgets on custom homes, and what builders should lead with instead. They get into expectation setting, where costs are really climbing (hint: the envelope), and how finishes can quietly 4x a plan in one showroom visit. You will walk away with a clearer way to talk budgets, scope, and durability without getting trapped in a single number.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-build-small-casitas-wille
https://www.instagram.com/wille.build
Show Notes:
00:00 Notice what’s ri...
Mission Before Margin with Hayden Croxall
Reece sits down with Hayden Croxall to unpack how he built a multi-entity construction group by leading with purpose, not just profit. They discuss why residential work is so emotional, how Hayden thinks about holding companies and cross-serving trades, and what his tech stack changed for job costing and AP. You will walk away with a clearer filter for growth, culture, and hiring. If this one hits, share it with a builder who needs the reminder.
https://www.croxallcommercial.com
Show notes:
00:00 Money and purpose
00:49 Meet Hayden
01:51 From recession to...
Stop Guessing Your Margin with Jeremy Sloane
Reece sits down with Jeremy Sloane of Sloane Construction Company to talk about job costing, cost codes, and why clean data is the difference between protecting margin and getting blindsided. They get into hiring lessons and the simple systems that keep projects on track. You’ll walk away with practical ways to tighten up billing, align your cost code “language,” and price future work with confidence. If this helps, subscribe and share it with a builder friend who’s tired of guessing.
https://www.sloaneconstruction.com
Show Notes:
00:00 Intro and why job costing...
The Right People Protect Your Vision with Tim Calderala
Reece sits down with Tim Calderala of Apex Homes Florida to talk about the money impact of hiring, leadership clarity, and building a bench of talent. Tim shares what four acquisitions taught him about systems, KPIs, and why “right people in right seats” beats any process on paper. You will hear how he launched a custom home company from scratch and what builders can do today to stop letting team gaps wreck margin.
https://www.apexhomesfl.com
Show Notes:
00:00 Right people first
03:43 Tim’s builder path
06:30 Acquisitions lessons
09:51 Clarity and vi...
Successful Projects are Built on Clarity with PJ Antonik
Reece Barnes sits down with PJ Antonik of Oak Development to talk about the real difference between “having a gut feel” and actually knowing your job costs. PJ breaks down how he audits past projects, tightens his funnel, and uses budget vs actuals to catch mistakes before they wreck cash flow. If you have ever felt unsure whether you can safely spend what is in the bank, this one will help you get your confidence back. Subscribe and share this with a builder friend who is still estimating off vibes.
https://oakdd.com
https://www.instagram.com...
Job Costing Mistakes That Break Trust with Joel Route
Reece Barnes sits down with Joel Route of Mark D Williams Custom Homes to talk about the real cost of messy job costing and how it wrecks trust with clients. They break down how miscoded invoices can turn into double billing, end of job surprises, and $60K to $70K hits to margin. You will hear simple process rules, how to keep draws clean, and why real time cost tracking changes everything. If this helped, subscribe and share it with a builder who is still doing this in spreadsheets.
https://www.mdwilliamshomes.com
Show Notes:<...
One Bad Hire Can Break Your Culture with Paul Sanneman
Reece sits down with Paul Sanneman of Contractor Staffing Source to talk about the real cost of hiring mistakes, and why marketing and recruiting are no longer optional if you want to protect profit. They break down how AI is changing the game, plus Paul’s step by step recruiting process you can run in house if you have to. You will leave with clearer standards for who to hire, how to onboard them, and why one “almost good enough” employee is costing you way more than you think. If this helps, share it with a builder friend and check...
Protecting your Margins with Garrett Goldsberry
Reece sits down again with Garrett Goldsberry of Salt Creek Homes for round two, now that Garrett has been using Adaptive for a few months. They break down what changed after moving from Excel and QuickBooks into real job costing, and why it matters if you are trying to protect margin. You’ll hear how Garrett builds cost plus draw packages, improves transparency with clients, and catches missed costs before they quietly erode profit. If this helped, subscribe and share it with a builder who is still “making it work” in spreadsheets.
https://www.saltcreekhomesco.com
1...
Making Systems Stick with Matt Brill
Reece sits down with Matt Brill of Bauen Build to break down change management for builders, from new software to new build standards, without losing the team along the way. They talk about what actually drives buy in, how to keep craftspeople focused on the work they love, and why clarity is so important. You will leave with practical ways to tighten budgets, approvals, and communication while still building a great product. If this hit home, share it with a builder friend and check out the links for more.
https://bauenbuild.com
Show Notes:<...
Fixed Price vs Cost Plus with Chris Kerr
Reece sits down with Chris Kerr of White Oak Home to debate fixed price versus cost plus, and what each model really means for risk, profit, and client trust. They get into the real reason fixed price feels simpler for a small team, why missing receipts can quietly kill margin, and how job costing changes the whole conversation. You’ll also hear how to think about overhead, project management fees, and change orders when the client is still deciding mid build. If this helped, share it with a builder buddy and check out Adaptive for tighter job cost tracking.
WIP Reports That Tell The Truth About Profit with Miller Bradford
Reece sits down with construction bookkeeper and CFO Miller Bradford from Builder Bookkeep to talk about what WIP reports really do for builders and why they are the difference between real profit and fake profit. They dig into overbilling and underbilling, messy books, tax season chaos, and the nasty surprises that show up when you guess instead of track. You will hear simple ways to use WIP as a live management tool, what numbers have to be right, and how often you should be running it so you are not flying blind. If this episode hits home, share it...
Know Your Numbers Protect Your Margin with Shawn Van Dyke
Reece digs in with construction business coach and Profit First for Contractors author Shawn Van Dyke to show why clean job costs matter more than chasing big revenue. They walk through how Shawn helped a millwork company find its profit sweet spot, track every hour of labor, and stop guessing on bids. You will hear simple ways to set up cost codes, push data capture to the field, and pay yourself properly for the risk you take. If this helps, share it with a builder friend who is tired of feeling in the dark about their numbers.
...
Construction Accounting Success with Bill Mills
Bill Mills, experienced CPA specializing in construction accounting, discusses the critical role of embracing new technology, real-time financial data, and proactive tax and business management to improve profitability and decision-making for contractors. Reece and Bill's conversation highlights the need for contractors to regularly review and upgrade their back-office systems, leveraging outside expertise and modern software to remain competitive and successful.
https://www.pinionglobal.com
Show Notes:
Bill Mills' Background and Introduction (0:00)
Bill's Professional Journey and Role at Pinion (5:01)
The Role of AI in Everyday Life (9:00)
Challenges and Opportunities in...
The Key to Project Success with Alex Molkentin
Alex Molkentin shares insights from his journey in the construction industry, emphasizing the importance of pre-construction as a means to set clear expectations and effectively manage project costs. The discussion highlights the value of transparency, collaboration with clients and trade partners, and continuous learning from past experiences to ensure successful project outcomes.
https://www.builtbyfernhill.com
https://www.instagram.com/builtbyfernhill
Show Notes:
Alex Molkentin's Background and Early Career (0:00)
Lessons from Past Generations (6:10)
Pre-Construction and Marketing (10:59)
Setting Client Expectations (11:52)
Pre-Construction and Cost Management (14:36)
Trade Partner Involvement...
Systems, People, and Profit with Isabel Affinito
Isabel Affinito and Reece discuss the critical importance of having clear job descriptions, robust systems, and disciplined financial practices to drive success and minimize risks in construction businesses. They highlight the emotional challenges of change management, the judicious role of AI, and the need to implement foundational processes before scaling operations.
https://www.isabelaffinito.com
Show Notes:
Introduction and Background of Isabel Affinito (0:00)
Implementing Job Descriptions and Organizational Change (6:51)
Emotional Aspects of Business Ownership (15:12)
Opportunities of Focus for Builders (22:35)
Implementing AI and Technology in Construction (40:29)
Conclusion and...
Building Financial Clarity with Per Pettersson
Builder and tech veteran Per Pettersson discusses how project management and financial clarity are essential for success and efficiency in the construction industry. Drawing on his experience, he shares strategies for better planning, cost tracking, and communication to deliver projects on time and improve client satisfaction.
https://www.linmakconstruction.com
Show Notes:
Background and Introduction of Per Pettersson (0:00)
Transition from Tech to Construction (6:46)
Challenges and Opportunities in Construction (11:33)
Financial Management in Construction (22:01)
Lessons Learned and Industry Insights (39:13)
Final Thoughts and Advice for Builders (45:01)
Find...
Why Most Builders Stay Stuck at $2M with Paul Atherton
Paul Atherton shares why most builders stall until they make an identity shift—from “in-the-field” carpenter to business owner—and how to use return on time vs. return on capital to scale. He breaks down hiring that first PM, simple systems, the five levels to a self-managed company, branding that actually works, the Four C’s (coaching, community, content, capital), and setting anti-goals so growth doesn’t cost your life.
https://www.highspire.com
Show Notes:
Introduction and Background of Paul Atherton (0:00)
The Importance of Self-Managed Companies (1:44)
Challenges in Transitioning to Business...
WIP, Job Costing, and Cash Flow with Andrea Gallion
Andrea Gallion shares how builders can use Work-in-Progress reporting, real-time job costing, and clean month-end processes to actually see where their projects stand and protect profit. She and Reece dig into invoices and pay apps, QuickBooks realities, retainage, and percent-complete so you can spot over- and under-billing early and keep cash moving.
https://melton-melton.com
Video Notes:Â
00:00 Processing invoices and pay apps
00:54 Meet Andrea Gallion
06:13 Month end and reconciling cleanly
07:11 Job costing that actually helps decisions
10:29 QuickBooks realities for builders
18:02 Backlog and pipeline basics
33:29 WIP reporting and percent c...
Stop Bleeding Talent
Suman Cherry shares a no-BS playbook for hiring in construction. We get into the real cost of losing A-players, the first hires that buy back your time, and how SOPs, EOS-style accountability, and regulated leadership create capacity - not chaos.Â
https://cherrytalentgroup.com
Show Notes:Â
00:00 Intro and who Suman is
 02:02 Headhunter fees versus hourly recruiting
 04:45 Values and EQ over resumes
 07:52 SOPs and onboarding to reduce chaos
 12:29 Why A players quit
 16:49 From many hats to clear roles
 20:46 First three hires: Office Manager, Estimator, Supers or PMs
 24...
Profit by Design: CFO + CPA for Builders
Allison O’Baker and Priscilla Thomasevich share how a CFO–CPA duo helps builders organize their books, budget with intent, and protect margins. We dig into chart of accounts vs. cost codes, fixed vs. variable spend, tax levers and accounting methods (cash, accrual, completed-contract), and when to lean on a bookkeeper, controller, or CFO.
Connect with:Â
Allison O'Baker: https://aodataflow.com
Priscilla Thomasevich: https://sawgrasscpa.com
Show Notes:Â
0:00 Cold open: why money talk matters
0:35 Mics up & episode setup
1:01 Allison’s lane: outsourced CFO
2:25 Priscill...
Building a Business With Your Spouse with Cody & Kristen Dawson
Cody & Kristen Dawson share how Patriot Custom Homes grew from a COVID-era handyman hustle into a legit remodel-to-custom operation—with corporate skills, clear lanes, and real systems doing the heavy lifting. They get into the spouse-run dynamics, hiring and delegation, and the call between doing a spec to show your chops or waiting on the right custom client.
PatriotHomesTx.com
Show Notes:Â
00:00 Cold open & intros
01:09 Meet Cody & Kristen Dawson (Patriot Custom Homes)
05:31 The fork in the road: offshore job vs first remodel
08:32 First time managing subs & the income mat...
Payroll Tax Savings Most Builders Miss
Operations pro Angie Aki joins Reece to demystify payroll tax savings, W-2 vs 1099 trade-offs, benefits that actually help retention, and the liability/insurance pieces builders overlook. We finish with a simple action plan—clean AR, right retirement setup, and a smarter way to pay yourself.
https://angieaki.com
Show Notes:
0:00 Welcome and who’s Angie
 4:25 From “Go Ask Angie” to operations pro
 5:54 Payroll taxes and benefits most builders miss
 6:49 W-2 vs 1099: true costs and risks
 19:02 Liability, audits, and paper trails
 21:13 Culture beats chaos when you grow
 23:41 Retirement opt...
From Grunt Work to Luxury GC
Brady Fenn shares how Fenn Rogers went from “tearing up floors” to a trusted luxury custom home builder in the Phoenix area by partnering with the right designers/architects and bidding to the actual spec, not the plan assumptions. He shares hard-won lessons on fixing budget misses, building a dependable subs bench, and using clear expectations and communication to keep clients confident through an imperfect, first-time build.
https://www.fennrogers.com
Show Notes:Â
00:00 Welcome + what Fenn Rogers builds
02:26 Brady’s path: from tearing up floors to partner
11:18 Designers & architects: moving upmarket the right w...
Fixed Price vs Cost-Plus
Victor Rybak shares how he moved from “bags-on” to building systems that protect profit—covering fixed price vs cost-plus, change orders, retainers, and allowances that don’t burn you. He also breaks down the House Pro workflow for bids, selections, invoicing, and job-cost clarity so builders stop giving away work and start pricing like a real business.
https://simplyhomebuilders.com
Show Notes:
0:00 Welcome & why this show exists
4:46 From bags-on to the office—why Victor changed lanes
7:29 When the market shifts, profit needs a plan
9:41 Stop the freebies—write the change order...
Curiosity Over Ego: Specs & Real Margins
Gabe Joseph shares how getting past ego made him a better builder—leaning into curiosity, standardizing specs, and scaling without bloat. We dig into procurement, margins, architect fit, permitting, and the upstream moves that erase change orders.
https://www.jdbatx.com
Show Notes:
0:00 Cold open — curiosity as the builder's edge
1:01 Gabe's background and Austin roots
6:08 Specs over one-offs: standardization that scales
10:36 Procurement: high-design without high cost
14:27 Margins, materials, and making the numbers work
31:27 Subcontractors: building a reliable roster
40:10 Change orders: how to avoid them upstream
44:43 Permitting & city dyna...
