The Build Line

Everybody knows the name. Not everybody understands the business behind it.In this episode of The Build Line, we sit down with Anh Phoong, one of the most recognizable personal brands in Sacramento, to break down what it actually took to build it.From starting out with nothing but grit and showing up face to face in the community, to becoming a household name through bold marketing and consistency, Anh shares what most people never see. The early work, the risk of putting your name on the business, and the pressure that comes with it.We also get into what happens after the growth. Building systems to support scale, expanding into new markets like Houston, and why more opportunity doesn’t fix broken operations, it exposes them.This conversation goes beyond marketing. It’s about responsibility, leadership, and not forgetting where you came from. Anh opens up about her family’s experience immigrating to the United States and how the Sacramento community shaped her commitment to giving back.If you’re a business owner trying to grow, build a real brand, or scale without losing what made you successful in the first place, this one hits.In this episode, we cover:• Building a personal brand with intention • The reality of running a business with your name on it • Marketing that actually drives growth, not just attention • Scaling systems and expanding into new markets • Community, philanthropy, and long term impactThe Build Line is about real conversations with real operators. What’s working, what’s not, and what we all wish we knew sooner.Official Website:https://phoonglaw.comInstagram (Personal):https://www.instagram.com/anhphoong/Instagram (Phoong Law):https://www.instagram.com/phoonglaw/LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/phoong-law

What does it really take to break into ultra luxury construction markets like Pebble Beach and Carmel?In this episode of The Build Line, we sit down with David Kasavan, founder of Kasavan Construction, to talk about the real path from early hustle to building a company in some of the most competitive and relationship driven markets in the country.This is not about overnight success. It is about risk, visibility, leadership, and the moments that either push you forward or almost take you out.David shares what the early days actually looked like before the brand, the momentum, and the high end projects and the decisions that helped him earn trust in markets where reputation is everything.We get into:What it actually takes to break into ultra luxury and legacy marketsThe risks and decisions that almost broke the business and the ones that changed everythingHow trust is built with high net worth clients where expectations are higher and margins for error are smallerThe role of visibility and social media in creating opportunity and authorityLeadership lessons from scaling a company under pressureIf you are trying to move into bigger projects, better clients, and higher level work, this episode gives you a real look at what it takes to get there and what it costs along the way.No shortcuts. No theory. Just how it actually works.https://www.instagram.com/kasavan_construction_inc/https://www.kasavanconstruction.com/

In Episode 13 of The Build Line, Heather Tankersley and Jerry Brewer sit down with John Moore, founder of JM Environmental, one of California’s leading demolition and environmental abatement companies.John shares the story behind building a high risk business in one of the most demanding sectors of construction. From the early days of grinding through uncertainty to scaling a company with real systems, leadership, and accountability, he breaks down what it actually takes to grow in a high consequence industry.The conversation explores the mindset behind taking big risks in business, the moments where those bets paid off, and the times they did not. John talks candidly about leadership mistakes, growth challenges, and the lessons learned while building a company from the ground up.Outside of business, John lives life at full speed. As a racer with deep roots in motocross and NASCAR, he shares how the discipline, adrenaline, and focus required on the track mirrors the mindset needed to lead and scale a company.This episode is about betting on yourself, building something real, and learning how to operate when the stakes are high.If you are a contractor, entrepreneur, or leader trying to grow a business while managing risk and pressure, this conversation will resonate.In this episode:• The origin story of JM Environmental• When a hustle turns into a real company• The biggest risks John Moore has taken in business• Leadership lessons from growth and failure• How racing influences decision making and discipline• Defining success, legacy, and living life at full speedLearn more about John Moore and JM Environmental:Website: https://jmenvironmental.net/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jm27.thelegend/Follow The Build Line:Instagram: @thebuildlinepodcastYouTube: The Build Line PodcastNew episodes featuring builders, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders shaping the future of construction.

What if the thing holding your business back isn’t systems, leads, or capital - but your brand?In Episode 12 of The Build Line, Heather and Jerry sit down with Rob Laird, a multi-industry entrepreneur who has built businesses across real estate, lending, and consumer products by leading with trust, visibility, and reputation.Rob breaks down why brand must come before scale, how a visible leader creates confidence in uncertain markets, and why most construction and service business owners struggle to show up publicly. They dig into failure, pressure, and what happens when your reputation is tested—and how strong brands recover faster.The conversation also explores what Rob learned building Dios Azul and which consumer-brand lessons directly apply to contractors, builders, and service professionals.If you want growth that compounds, and not just attention, this episode will change how you think about branding.Contact Rob:https://www.instagram.com/lairdlife/Dios Azul Tequila:https://diosazul.com/tequilas

Most contractors are great builders and terrible salespeople and it is costing them time, margin, and confidence.In this episode of The Build Line, we sit down with Matt Saia, independent consultant and sales trainer with Sandler Sales, for a deep dive into why traditional contractor sales conversations fail and what the top performers do differently.Matt breaks down the typical contractor sales process and explains where trust is lost before it is ever built. We talk about why pitching too early kills confidence, how price becomes the only differentiator, and why strong operators often struggle the most in sales conversations.The episode also explores money beliefs, profit guilt in construction, and the responsibility builders have to run profitable companies. We discuss how mission, core values, and vision must be defined before growth, and why the ability to say no is one of the most powerful skills a leader can develop.You will learn:• Why most contractor sales processes break down immediately• How listening creates trust faster than expertise• Why profit is not a bad word in construction• How confidence is built before the proposal is ever written• Why saying no attracts better clients• What the top 1 percent of performers consistently have in commonThis episode is essential listening for builders, remodelers, and business owners who want better clients, stronger margins, and sales conversations that actually work.Key takeaway: Sales is not convincing. It is clarity, confidence, and discipline.Contact Matt at:https://go.sandler.com/salesleadership/about-us/meet-our-team/https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-saia-5983592

In this episode of The Build Line, Jerry and Heather go solo for an unfiltered conversation about finding the right room and why staying loyal to the wrong one can cost you more than you realize.They share personal stories of doubt from people closest to them, how confidence was rebuilt outside familiar circles, and why growth often creates tension in relationships that once felt safe. This episode dives into the uncomfortable truth that some people love you more when you stay small.You’ll hear a raw breakdown of:• How to recognize when you’ve outgrown a room• Why the people closest to you may doubt your vision• The difference between criticism and caution• How to change rooms without burning bridges• Why mentorship matters and how to find it• Clear signals that you’re finally in the right roomThe episode closes with real questions from the audience and a hard truth segment that challenges listeners to take ownership of their environment and future.This episode is for builders, entrepreneurs, and leaders who feel stuck, underestimated, or conflicted about outgrowing familiar spaces.Key takeaway: Staying loyal to the wrong room is disloyal to your future.

What does it actually take to rise from intern to CEO inside an established construction company?In this episode of The Build Line, we sit down with Chris Cormier, CEO and co owner of Tricorp Group, to unpack a rare leadership journey built from the inside out.Chris shares how he started at the bottom, earned trust over time, and navigated the difficult transition from employee to owner. We talk candidly about leadership mistakes, pressure moments, imposter syndrome, and what it’s like leading people who were once your peers.The conversation also dives into:• Growing inside an established company vs starting your own• The emotional weight of ownership and responsibility• How Tricorp’s culture, systems, and values have evolved• Hard bid vs negotiated commercial construction• Lessons from high pressure seasons that nearly broke him• What success actually looks like after years of growthThis episode is for builders, entrepreneurs, and professionals who are ambitious, hungry to grow, and questioning whether leadership and ownership are possible without starting from scratch.Key takeaway: You don’t have to start something to build something meaningful.

Ryan Kelly, owner of KHB Construction, joins Heather and Jerry to talk about what it really takes to grow a construction company without losing control, culture, or profitability. Ryan shares lessons learned while scaling KHB Construction, the systems that brought clarity instead of complexity, and how strong leadership creates accountability at every level.They dive into hiring the right people, letting go of day to day control without lowering standards, and building a business that can grow beyond the owner. This episode is a must listen for builders who are serious about sustainable growth and long term success.

Most GC and Sub relationships do not fail because of bad work. They fail because of broken trust, poor communication, and unmet expectations.In this episode of The Build Line, Heather and Jerry sit down for a raw, unfiltered GC versus Sub conversation with no prep and no script. They openly share what drives each side crazy, why trust matters more than the lowest bid, and how respect on the job site directly impacts profit, efficiency, and long term survival.They dive into why communication breaks down on both sides of the job, where entitlement quietly shows up and erodes trust, how GCs and Subs can actually set each other up for success instead of working at odds, and why strong relationships are ultimately what carry businesses through the slow seasons and into long term stability.This is not about picking sides. It is about fixing what is broken so everyone wins.If you are a GC, a subcontractor, or a business owner who depends on strong partnerships, this episode is for you.

What really happens when a lifelong business leader steps into public office? In this episode of The Build Line, Heather Tankersley and Jerry Brewer sit down with California State Senator Roger Niello for a candid, insightful conversation at the intersection of business, construction, and public policy.Roger shares his journey from leading a multi generation family business to shaping legislation at the state level, including the real story behind SB517 and the fight for transparency and accountability in the construction industry. The conversation dives deep into the realities of running a business in California, the challenges of regulation, the impact of unlicensed contracting, and what true “good policy” looks like for homeowners and contractors alike.They also explore why Roger chose public service, what gives him optimism for California’s future, and how entrepreneurs can play a meaningful role in shaping the communities they live and build in. From the underground economy to the power of public private partnerships like the Rancho Cordova Community Food Hub, this episode delivers both hard truths and real hope.If you care about business, leadership, construction, and the future of California, this is an episode you do not want to miss.

Brad Leavitt of AFT Construction joins Heather and Jerry for an honest conversation about what it takes to build one of the best run companies in the construction industry.We talk about managing clients without getting pulled into drama, the emotional difference between residential and commercial work, and how to scale responsibly with solid systems.Brad also shares how AFT uses social media as a real business tool and why culture has become their biggest advantage.A packed episode full of practical insight for builders, leaders, and anyone growing a company.

Episode 4 of the Build Line is out now and we get into the real version of entrepreneurship. Not the highlight reel. The wins. The weight. The why. We talk about the myths people buy into, the pros that keep you going, and the cons that no one warns you about. Risk, responsibility, burnout, flexibility, pride, and the honest truth of building something from the ground up.Heather and Jerry share real stories from missed weekends, big swings, close calls, the pressure of feeding families, and the pride of seeing a project succeed. Heather and Jerry dig into the guru culture online and why so much of what you see on social media is not the real thing.If you have ever built something, wanted to start something, or felt the tension between freedom and responsibility, this one will hit home.Stream Episode 4 and get ready for an honest conversation.

In this episode, Heather and Jerry welcome Dave Hollars, the man behind Kitchen Mart’s decades of success. They dig into how to balance quality and volume, why integrity still matters most, and what it takes to lead a team that truly stands the test of time. A masterclass in business endurance and staying true to your brand—this one’s for every builder or business owner looking to play the long game.

In this episode of The Build Line, Heather and Jerry dig into one of the most defining parts of leadership — managing people and relationships. From the highs of hiring the right fit to the gut-check moments of letting someone go, they share personal stories about some of the toughest calls they’ve had to make. You’ll hear what they’ve learned about leading with integrity, when to fire fast, and even how to recognize when it’s time to “fire” a client. Real stories, real lessons, and a few laughs from the field and office alike.

Heather Tankersley and Jerry Brewer share how The Build Line began — and why the construction industry needs more real, unfiltered conversations. From leadership and team growth to the funny chaos that happens off script, this episode sets the tone for what’s ahead.New episodes every other Tuesday.