America Builds Better

🇺🇸 America Builds Better #1 — Future Of Post Frame Starts Here🎙️ EPISODE SUMMARYIn the first official episode of America Builds Better, Jared Ledford sits down with Dan VanOrden, CEO and Co-Founder of IdeaRoom, to talk about the future of the post-frame industry.They break down how 3D design tools are transforming the way builders generate leads, sell projects, and scale their businesses. From lessons learned at NFBA to real-world application of IdeaRoom and SmartBuild, this episode sets the foundation for what’s next in construction.If you’re a builder, contractor, or business owner looking to grow, this episode delivers practical insight you can use right now.🎯 KEY TAKEAWAYSWhy post-frame is positioned for major growth in the coming yearsHow 3D configurators increase customer engagement and conversionThe power of integrating IdeaRoom with SmartBuildWhy most builders are behind on websites and lead generationHow mobile-first design is changing the sales process👤 ABOUT THE GUESTDan VanOrden is the CEO and Co-Founder of IdeaRoom, a leading 3D design and configurator platform serving the shed, steel building, and post-frame industries. He has played a key role in helping modernize how builders connect with customers online by turning design into an interactive sales experience.🔗 CONNECT WITH THE GUESTWebsite: https://idearoom.com🎧 LISTEN / FOLLOW AMERICA BUILDS BETTERYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@americabuildsbetter Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6rlzLCXGxvNvozwha26aAq Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/america-builds-better/id1849738908🤝 PARTNERSIdeaRoom – Title Sponsor https://idearoom.comDEFYNED SEO https://defynedseo.comShield Wall Media https://shieldwallmedia.com📢 CALL TO ACTIONSubscribe to America Builds Better for weekly conversations with the builders, innovators, and leaders shaping the construction industry.👉 Learn more: https://americabuildsbetter.com 📩 Contact: [email protected]

"It’s a huge upgrade from a customer-facing perspective." Jared Ledford and Dan VanOrden discuss the importance of manually activating the new Boost features within your sales.u.id room to maximize efficiency and control for your team.

Ready to sell buildings people actually feel safe choosing? On this episode of the Steel Kings Podcast, we sit down with industry veteran Randy Chaffee to break down how post-frame construction can unlock bigger, cleaner wins for dealers who currently sell sheds or tubular steel.The through-line is trust. Customers buy from people they know, like, trust, and feel safe with—and the fastest way to earn that confidence is by pairing real expertise with credible partners and a clear path through codes, engineering, and permitting.We unpack a hybrid sales playbook that blends road relationships with digital leverage. Trade shows still matter, but video calls, configurators, and podcast content accelerate follow-through and keep projects moving when decisions stall. That force multiplier lets you serve more customers without sacrificing the personal touch that built your reputation in the first place.We also get practical about the differences between steel and post-frame—where each system shines, where approvals slow things down, and why standards, education, and advocacy supported by the National Frame Building Association give post-frame a smoother runway for mid- and high-ticket projects.If you’ve ever lost a bid at the last minute because a customer “thought it would be wood,” this conversation is your pivot plan. We map a smart on-ramp from small outbuildings to complex shops and barndominiums, explain when to say no to protect your brand, and show how to borrow credibility from established manufacturers as you level up. We also spotlight NFBA certification, peer networking, and the Women in Post-Frame community helping shape the industry’s future.Join us in Oklahoma City, February 25–27, for the NFBA Conference & Expo to meet the people, tools, and ideas that can raise margins and reduce friction in your sales process.If this episode sparked ideas, subscribe to the Steel Kings Podcast, share it with a builder who’s ready to grow, and leave a quick review. Then tell us the one obstacle keeping you from adding post-frame this quarter.This episode’s sponsor:Studio Sponsor — J Money LLC🔗 Subscribe for More:👉 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thesteelkings🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6rlzLCXGxvNvozwha26aAq🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-steel-kings-podcast/id1849738908Watch This Episode on YouTube > https://youtu.be/ktOqkH8CAQE

EP36 – Burnout-Proof Leadership: Systems, Delegation & Legacy Building with Carly Pepin🎧 Watch now: how to reduce burnout, build stronger teams, and lead with clarity through every season.As the busy season slows and pressure builds, are you working harder but getting less done? In this episode of The Steel Kings Podcast, we sit down with business coach and human behavior expert Carly Pepin to explore the real cause of burnout—and why it’s not about doing too much, but doing the wrong things.💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: • Why burnout stems from misalignment, not effort • How a simple task audit can clarify your focus • The art of smart delegation & hiring for your gaps • How to protect culture through intentional interviewing • Building systems that make work easier, not heavier • Designing operations for slow seasons & strong cash flow • Preparing your business to thrive without owner dependencyWe dive deep into the challenges shed and steel building pros face—long cycles, off-season lulls, and the leadership load of doing it all. Carly lays out practical strategies for building a resilient, culture-driven, and scalable business—whether your goal is growth, succession, or just sanity.📈 From task clarity to legacy planning, this episode is packed with actionable insights for contractors, builders, and entrepreneurs ready to evolve from doer to builder.⸻🔗 Subscribe for More:👉 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thesteelkings🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6rlzLCXGxvNvozwha26aAq🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-steel-kings-podcast/id1849738908Watch This Episode on YouTube > https://youtu.be/muNWdffzhQM

Navigating the Construction Industry with Shield Wall MediaGary Reichert, owner of Shield Wall Media, joins Jared Ledford on the Steel Kings podcast to reveal the powerful strategies behind his company's success in construction industry publishing and trade show management. What began as a job selling advertising has transformed into ownership of a media conglomerate that's reshaping how construction professionals connect and do business.Shield Wall Media has found remarkable success by focusing on underserved market niches within construction. Their flagship publications - including Rural Builder (celebrating nearly 60 years), Frame Building News, Metal Roofing Magazine, and Roll Forming Magazine - provide specialized content unavailable elsewhere. But what truly sets them apart is their approach to trade shows, particularly the upcoming Construction Role Forming Show in Dayton (October 1-2).Unlike typical industry events that welcome anyone with an entrance fee, Shield Wall's shows strictly target qualified attendees who possess real purchasing power. We go for the people that sign in front of the check, not the back of the check, Reichert explains, ensuring exhibitors connect with potential customers capable of making substantial purchases. This laser-focused approach has yielded impressive results, with manufacturers reporting closing significant deals directly at these events.Transparency permeates everything Shield Wall does. They provide complete attendee lists to exhibitors at no additional charge, donate all entrance fees to charity (over $30,000 last year), and produce detailed industry data reports broken down by region - filling crucial information gaps for specialized construction segments typically overlooked by broader market analyses.Perhaps most fascinating is Shield Wall's newest initiative: children's books about construction trades. With Max Builds a Metal Roof nearing publication, this innovative approach addresses the critical shortage of young people entering the trades by creating positive emotional connections early in life, potentially inspiring future career interests while helping family-owned construction businesses build meaningful connections with the next generation.Watch On YouTube: https://youtu.be/ZW1yyIXwtiI?si=iJGQD96LKCODiHSW

Ever wondered why some building dealers thrive while others struggle to stay afloat? The answer might be simpler than you think.When Jared sits down with Shannon The Shed Geek for this captivating conversation, they cut through industry noise to reveal what's really happening in steel structure and shed sales. Shannon brings his years of experience building the Shed Geek brand and community to share wisdom that applies across the construction space.Their honest discussion tackles the dangerous race to the bottom mentality plaguing dealers and manufacturers alike. You want to know why you don't make money selling steel buildings? Because you're selling cheap steel buildings, Jared points out, highlighting how quality-focused businesses ultimately win the long game while fly-by-night operations eventually disappear—often leaving customers stranded with warranties that can't be honored.The duo doesn't shy away from challenging topics, including how technology and AI are reshaping the industry landscape. Rather than fearing these changes, they encourage dealers to embrace them as tools that enhance rather than replace human expertise. Shannon frames it perfectly: I find that the industry does that because we simply insult what we don't understand.Perhaps most valuable is their exploration of how personal values shape business success. Both hosts share candidly about standing firm in their beliefs while building genuinely helpful communities through the Steel Structure Sales Professionals and Shed Sales Professionals Facebook groups—spaces where competitors come together to elevate the entire industry rather than just their individual businesses.Ready to transform your approach to selling buildings? Listen now, then join these thriving communities where rising tides truly do lift all boats.Watch On YouTube: https://youtu.be/TjO5m_aW8tY?si=f14iYsDt5IKmAXy2

Metal Meets Marketing Part 2The building industry's best-kept secret isn't about materials or designs—it's about the relationship between manufacturers and dealers. In this revealing conversation, Jared Ledford welcomes Shannon The Shed Geek to dive deep into what truly makes a successful dealer network tick.What happens when 10% of dealers sell 90% of the product while the other 90% struggle to make an impact? This fascinating imbalance creates ripple effects throughout the industry, affecting everything from customer service to pricing strategy. Shannon and Jared don't just identify the problem—they explore how professionals can elevate standards across the board.The discussion pulls back the curtain on controversial practices like rock-bottom down payments that create a race to the bottom, devaluing products industry-wide. You'll hear candid insights about the challenges of building loyal teams, whether W2 employees offer advantages over 1099 contractors, and how to prevent training your future competition.Most compelling is their call for a mindset shift from pure competition to strategic collaboration. By working together rather than against each other, dealers can create more value for customers and potentially even approach manufacturers with greater collective influence. Their philosophy — No one hates it when you help them serves as a guidepost for building stronger industry relationships.Whether you're a building professional looking to improve your business model or simply curious about the inner workings of the metal building industry, this conversation offers rare insights from two veterans willing to share their hard-earned wisdom.Watch On YouTube: https://youtu.be/XPju9_D4ank

Metal Meets Marketing Part 1What happens when the podfather of the Shed Geek Podcast Network meets the Steel Kings? Pure industry gold. Shannon The Shed Geek joins Jared to dive deep into the challenges and opportunities facing today's shed and steel building professionals.The conversation kicks off with Shannon's remarkable journey building the Shed Geek brand and podcast network—a testament to what happens when you pour yourself completely into something you're passionate about. If you give a hundred percent of yourself to something, Shannon explains, it returns. This philosophy has guided him from procurement to sales management and ultimately to becoming one of the most recognized voices in the shed industry.Together, they tackle the controversial 1099 vs. W2 debate that's reshaping dealer networks across America. With brutal honesty, they examine why manufacturers continue relying on consignment models where a mere 10% of dealers generate 90% of sales. Jared shares his successful transition to a W2 model at Dayton Barns, creating consistent customer experiences and professional standards that benefit everyone involved. Meanwhile, Shannon provides eye-opening perspective on the challenges dealers face when manufacturers fail to deliver on promises.Marketing emerges as another critical pain point. With manufacturers and dealers competing against each other in the same digital spaces, everyone's cost per lead skyrockets. Is there a better way? The hosts explore how centralized lead generation and distribution might transform the industry, creating more efficient systems that benefit dealers and manufacturers alike.Don't miss Shannon's announcement of the new Steel Structures Sales Professionals Facebook group—a community where industry professionals can share knowledge, debate best practices, and elevate everyone's game. As Shannon puts it, Iron sharpens iron, and education is the key that drives us all forward.Ready to transform your approach to selling steel structures? Subscribe to the Steel Kings podcast and join the conversation that is reshaping an entire industry. Your competition is already listening.Watch On YouTube: https://youtu.be/AUUrRsb08DQ?si=MM3nOCu1rMSmyGtE

The Radio and Shed Connection: Daniel Mullins Talks MarketingWhile many businesses have abandoned terrestrial radio for social media promotion, they're missing a crucial audience. Mullins, a third-generation broadcaster whose grandfather was posthumously inducted into the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame, explains how local radio creates something social platforms can't: genuine personal connections. When they're listening to the radio, it's a one-on-one conversation, he explains, describing how live, ad-lib endorsements from trusted on-air personalities drive customer action.Host Jared from Dayton Barns and All Steel Buildings shares firsthand experience with radio marketing success. Their partnership with Real Roots Radio has connected their shed and steel building business with an ideal demographic: landowners 35+ with disposable income. Daniel shares a remarkable story about listener loyalty—how one man drove across multiple counties to patronize three different businesses he heard advertised on their station.The conversation also explores the rich Industrial Strength Bluegrass heritage of southwestern Ohio, where Appalachian migrants brought their musical traditions when seeking manufacturing jobs post-WWII. This cultural phenomenon has created fiercely loyal radio audiences who value authenticity and community connections.Ready to expand your marketing beyond the digital realm? Download the Real Roots Radio app or tune in to their network of six signals across southwestern Ohio. And mark your calendars for the Industrial Strength Bluegrass Summerfest, July 17-19 at the Greene County Expo Center, where you can meet the team from Dayton Barnes and All Steel Buildings while enjoying performances from Grammy-winners and Opry stars.Watch On Youtube: https://youtu.be/YchR9bF0fjA?si=SGjJ8Gydu5PNfQfl