PODCAST · education
The Innovative Builder Podcast
by J&RS
The Innovative Builder podcast aims to foster discussion and education for construction professionals working in the home building industry. We sit down with a variety of trade professional to understand how they are innovating within their industries. The podcast is hosted by J&RS, a start to finish construction company and finish showroom located in Duluth, Minnesota. For more info visit jrsduluth.com
Episodes
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Episode 43 – Reigniting Regional Growth: How APEX is Powering Duluth’s Economic Expansion with President/CEO Rachel Johnson
In Episode 43, Rachel Johnson, President and CEO of APEX, joins us to explore how Duluth is reigniting its economic momentum. We discuss how growing the economy means more than just numbers — it’s about creating jobs, increasing income, attracting investment, fostering innovation, and ultimately...
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Episode 42 - Tools of the Trade: Exploring Software Innovations in the Industry with Thryv Experts Andrew Sterneman and Craig Robley.
In Episode 42 of The Innovative Builder Podcast, we sit down with Thryv experts to explore how this innovative software has transformed business management for small trades. Discover Thryv's evolution, from its origins to its current state, and learn how it streamlines crucial tasks like...
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Episode 41 - Wired and Tired: Unraveling the Impact of Sugar and Caffeine on Sleep and Energy Levels w/ Nate Beaulieu.
In this episode, Nate Beaulieu joins us with a presentation to address the health concerns of construction field staff. Focusing on the prevalent struggle with sugar and caffeine, Nate explores their potential benefits and drawbacks. With insightful points, he reveals how these stimulants can be...
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Episode. 40 - From Sidewalks to Showers: The Versatility of New Resurfacing Products w/ Connor Sundberg
In this episode, Ty Sundberg chats with Connor Sundberg, a concrete expert who knows the ins and outs of the construction industry. They dive into the quality of concrete used in current building projects and how it exceeds industry standards in terms of durability and longevity. Connor also...
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Episode. 39 - Growing in Design w/ Kitchen & Bath Designer Bridget Erickson
In this podcast episode, Ty Sundberg interviews Bridget Erickson to dive into her lifelong passion for design and her journey toward further developing her skills in this field. Bridget shares her experiences and insights about growing up with an eye for design, the various projects she has...
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Episode. 38 - Home Heat loss and Energy Efficiency w/Ray Sundberg
Why are my floors super cold in the winter? Why does my roof have ice dams? How do I figure out where all of my heat is escaping? In this episode of the Innovative Builder Podcast Ty Sundberg sits down with Ray Sundberg to talk about energy efficiency, and heat loss. This episode will shine a…
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Episode. 37 - Business Networking and growing a small CrossFit business in Duluth MN with Joe Gonrowski
Ty sits down with a fellow BNI member Joe Gonrowski from IST Crossfit to talk about the importance of networking to grow a start up business. Joe is a strength and conditioning coach at IST Crossfit (Impact Strength Conditioning). Joe earned his Masters in Exercise Physiology from St. Scholastica...
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Ep. 36 - Kitchen & Bath Design with J&RS's Jeannifer
In this Episode Ty Sundberg sits down with J&RS's Design Manager Jeannifer Ellington to discuss the value add that design brings to our customers as well as design philosophy and the fundamentals that contribute to great design.
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Episode. 35 - Working with J&RS w/ Past Customer Andy Johnson
In this episode Ty Sundberg sits down with past customer Andy Johnson. Andy shares his personal story and career as well as some entertaining stories of his travels around the world. Most of all Andy shares his experience in working with J&RS. In 2020 Andy and his Wife ended up choosing J&RS to...
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Episode. 34 - Not your typical accountant! With J&RS's Austin Nelson
In this episode Ty and Austin talk about how important it is to have a good pulse on the company's financial situation, from work in progress (WIP) processes, to the necessity of finance to help guide the company's trajectory. The stereotypical accountant is boring, loves math, and has no life....
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Episode. 33 - A perspective from the field w/Ilya Senty
What are the guys on the ground saying? It is always fascinating to get the perspective from the field, especially the newest hires. Their first impressions hold a lot of weight, as their view of the company and its culture are unbiased as they try to navigate uncharted waters.
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Episode. 32 - The Importance of good relationships w/Micki Wojtysiak of Reliable Insurance Agency
Micki grew up in the Duluth area and she started out her career in the medical field. After about a decade in the medical field as a transcriptionist she made the transition to her husband's family business (Reliable Insurance Agency). Micki loves spending time with her family, she enjoys…
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Episode. 31 - How Covid 19 has impacted the building materials industry w/Lampert Lumbers Ron Leslie
In this episode Lampert Lumbers Ron Leslie gives valuable insight into how the building materials industry has been affected in the last couple of years by Covid-19, from increases in demand and lack of people in the work force. Ron breaks down the many factors that contribute to longer lead…
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Episode. 30 - Behind the Scenes w/Louie Sundberg
In this episode Ty sits down with marketing assistant Louie Sundberg. Louie started out like the rest of his brothers. After high school if no plan is solidified yet, you go work for the family construction company. Louie did well with trim carpentry, but when the opportunity arose for him to…
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Episode. 29 - Leadership, Productivity, and Treehouses w/J&RS Supervisor Matt Ward
"The best way to achieve personal growth is by putting yourself in those uncomfortable situations" - Matthew Ward In this episode Ty gets to know Trim Supervisor Matt Ward on a deeper level, Matt shares insight into his personal trials, dreams, and passions.
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Episode. 28 - IBS/KBIS 2022 Part 2
Last week in episode 27 part 1. our design team went live at the International Builders Show in Orlando Florida to discuss some of the highlights of the show and what they were seeing. In this episode Ty sits down with Sam, Max, and Nate to recap their trip and to gather the perspective of the...
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Ep. 27 Live from IBS/KBIS 2022 Part 1
We sat down during our trip to Orlando Florida for the International Builders Show to discuss what we’re seeing and our biggest highlights. We caught up with the design team to talk about some of their favorite parts thus far!
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Episode. 26 - Sales guru and real-estate investor Jeff Aili discusses his sales role at J&RS.
Jeff Aili is a sales coach by day and a multi-family real estate investor by night. He started his career in the HVAC business and from there went on to work for a basement repair company. His experience as a salesman in the trades has been monumental in the development of his sales coaching...
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Episode. 25 - Ty, Max, and Ray recap their annual business meeting, and talk about J&RS's goals for 2022.
In this episode Max, Ty, and Ray reflect on the craziness of 2021 where J&RS opened up a new showroom and design studio in West Duluth and started a marketing and branding company (Framework). They also discuss their annual business meeting and the goals that were set for 2022.
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Episode. 24 - Ty and Mike "shoot the breeze" and talk about everything from skijoring to mentoring young carpenters.
In this episode Ty Sundberg sits down with J&RS Supervisor Mike Shaeffer. Mike is one of the seasoned veterans at J&RS, and his insight and pleasant demeanor are highly respected. In today's fast paced world of social media, instant gratification, and philosophical & intellectual superiority we...
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Episode. 23 - The journey to J&RS w/ Max Haben
In this episode Max discusses his winding journey to J&RS. From creating music videos for big names in Washington DC to ending up in Duluth MN, as a Brand & Marketing Director for a residential construction company.
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Episode. 22 - The challenges that come along with leadership w/ Tyler Jablonsky
Ty Sundberg sits down with J&RS Foreman Tyler Jablonski and discusses Tylers recent promotion and the challenges of learning to lead a crew. To learn more about our company visit JRSDuluth.com
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Episode. 21 - Why we decided to stop building new homes w/ the J&RS Leadership team
In this episode of The Innovative Builder we sit down and have a conversation about our decision to step out of the new home industry and put our focus into remodeling and other services in the hope of positively impacting more homes and customers around us. The podcast is sponsored by J&RS…
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Episode. 20 - Being truly honest w/ customers feat. Marcus Sheridan
In this episode of The Innovative Builder we had the privilege's of hosting the author of the best selling marketing book "They Ask You Answer", Marcus Sheridan. In our conversation we pick Marcus's brain about marketing, sales, and how to be truly honest with customers. Marcus discusses his book...
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Episode. 19 - Design In Duluth w/ Jeannifer Ellington
Our new host Rory Sundberg sits down with Jeannifer Ellington who is one of our most recent hires for J&RS Finish and she has started as a kitchen & bath designer. Jeannifer talks about her decision to move to Duluth from South Carolina to start a new chapter in her life. The Innovative Builder...
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Episode. 18 - J&RS Plumbing & HVAC w/ Marlin Sundberg
In this episode Rory Sundberg (Project Manager) sits down with Marlin Sundberg (Plumbing & HVAC Supervisor) and they discuss Marlins past at J&RS and how his career has progressed in the plumbing and HVAC field. The Innovative Builder Podcast features conversations with professional individuals…
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Episode. 17 - Why Design? w/ Abigail Bartikoski
In this episode of the Innovative Builder Podcast, Max Haben sits down with our new interior design assistant Abigail Bartikoski where they talk about her interest in interior design. The Innovative Builder Podcast features conversations with professional individuals in the residential…
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Episode. 16 - Finding your passion and starting a new journey w/ Jayd Sundberg
In this episode we sit down with Jayd Sundberg the newest member of the J&RS Finish team. Jayd is leading the showroom sales team and helping customers experience a better way to remodel and renovate their homes. Jayd talks about his background in creative arts and how he's finding passion in his...
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Ep. 15 - Why We Opened A Kitchen Design Showroom w/ Ray Sundberg
Hello everyone and welcome back to the innovative builder podcast, where we foster discussions with the next generation of home building professionals. On this episode welcome back our very own Ray Sundberg on the show. Ray is the founder and owner here at J&RS and we wanted to sit down with Ray…
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Episode. 14 - Making your home a sanctuary & thrifty design w/ Aubrey DeBettignies
In this episode of The Innovative Builder Podcast we sat down with interior designer Aubrey DeBettignies, owner and designer at The Alter Abode. Aubrey has a growing social media following after she flipped her 135 year-old fixer upper into a rustic-boho-framhouse paradise. Aubrey's opinion is…
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Episode. 13 - New Home Construction and a Crazy Real Estate Market w/ Kevin Kalligher
In this episode of the Innovative Builder Podcast we sit down with local Duluth Relator Kevin Kalligher of Remax Results to discuss the insane real estate market. As a general contractor we've been very much affected by the rise in cost for housing materials. It was extremely interesting to…
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Ep. 12 - Designing spaces intentionally and creatively w/ Bridget Erickson
In this episode of the Innovative Builder Podcast we sit down to catch up with J&RS Finish designer Bridget Erickson to discuss her new role as Kitchen & Bath Designer at our showroom in Duluth, Minnesota. Bridget is somewhat new to the design industry, but has been using her creative eye and...
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Ep. 11 - A Conversation with The Bearded Builder feat. Eric Price
In this episode of The Innovative Builder Podcast, we sat down with founder of Bearded Builders Eric Price. Bearded Builders are an award winning remodel company based in Omaha Nebraska. Eric and his team have been taking the industry by storm with their beautiful builds and epic beards. In our...
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Ep. 10 - Finding A Career In The Trades w/ 23 year old Project Manager Rory Sundberg
In this episode of the Innovative Builder Podcast, we sit down with 23 year old Rory Sundberg who was recently promoted to Project Manager at J&RS Build. In our discussion Rory discusses the importance of leadership on a job site, and why young people should consider a career in the trades. The...
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Ep. 9 - How to Build Brand In The Construction Industry w/ Graphic Science
In this episode of the Innovative Builder Podcast, we sat down with the founders of Graphic Science, Cody Paulson and Stephen Pestalozzi to discuss brand identify and why it's important for contractors to invest in their brand if they want to grow their business. Graphic Science is a graphic…
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Ep. 8 - Opportunities in the Landscaping Industry w/ Taryl Massie
In this episode of the Innovative Builder we sit down and talk to Taryl Massie, the Business Development manager for Compass Co, a full-service landscaping company located in Duluth, MN. In our conversation, Taryl explains how he got into the company, and why he thinks there's great opportunity…
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Ep. 7 - Starting Up A Steel Fabrication Company w/ Nathan Erickson
In this episode from the Innovative Builder Podcast we talk to Business Development Manager of JRK Steel Nathan Erickson about his company and how they're aiming to foster innovation in the steel industry. The Innovative Builder Podcast is a podcast that highlights trades men and woman who are...
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Ep. 6 - CRUSHING Project Management w/ Nate Hilson
In this episode of The Innovative Builder podcast we sit down with Project Manager Nate Hilson to discuss what he's learned about successful project management. From client relationships to coordinating crews, Nate discusses some of the most important factors in making sure projects get done well...
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Ep. 5 - Good Kitchen Design and Building a Dream Home w/ Heidi Weeda
Are you wondering which type of cabinet or countertop to choose? How about what makes a good kitchen design come together? In this clip from the Innovative Builder, we sit down with our very own in-house designer Heidi to talk about her approach to kitchen design. She also shares some insight…
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Ep. 4 - The Future of the Building Industry w/ Ty Sundberg
In this episode of the Innovative Builder, we sit down to talk with Ty Sundberg, owner and operations manager of J&RS Build and J&RS Finish Showroom. In our discussion, we talk about his experience in the construction industry and why after 25 years as a general contractor, J&RS decided to open…
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Ep. 3 - Transparency in the bidding process & building trust with clients.
In this episode of The Innovator Builder, Max and Ray discuss why transparency in the bidding process is important, and how J&RS builds trust with clients. The conversation covers topics like estimations, cost-value of construction, and why J&RS uses a non-refundable deposit to create a better...
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Ep. 2 - Remodel vs. Building a new home? (Pros and Cons)
In this episode of The Innovative Builder Podcast, Max and Ray discuss the pros and cons of remodeling vs. building a new home. The answer for that question will be different for everybody depending on what's important to them. In our conversation, we cover some key areas such as affordability,...
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Ep. 1 - How much does it cost to build a new home?
The Innovative Builder podcast aims to educate and inspire people to rethink their future home. We believe a better home is within reach for everybody. In the first ever episode Max and Ray discuss the various costs of building a new home, and 5 major factors to consider when thinking about your...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
The Innovative Builder podcast aims to foster discussion and education for construction professionals working in the home building industry. We sit down with a variety of trade professional to understand how they are innovating within their industries. The podcast is hosted by J&RS, a start to finish construction company and finish showroom located in Duluth, Minnesota. For more info visit jrsduluth.com
HOSTED BY
J&RS
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Innovative Builder Podcast have?
The Innovative Builder Podcast currently has 43 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Innovative Builder Podcast about?
The Innovative Builder podcast aims to foster discussion and education for construction professionals working in the home building industry. We sit down with a variety of trade professional to understand how they are innovating within their industries. The podcast is hosted by J&RS, a start to...
How often does The Innovative Builder Podcast release new episodes?
The Innovative Builder Podcast has 43 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to The Innovative Builder Podcast?
You can listen to The Innovative Builder Podcast on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The Innovative Builder Podcast?
The Innovative Builder Podcast is created and hosted by J&RS.
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