Glorified Carpenter

Matthew Logue of Matte Building Pty | Newcastle, Australia We dive into what’s the same—and what’s completely different—about construction and renovations on the other side of the world. Matt’s cut from the same cloth. Came up through the trades on a similar path, with a real love for building and creating. But where things split? He’s scaled—taking his company from just him and his sister (part-time) to a tight team of 10. No shortcuts. Builders who take pride in every swing of the hammer. We get into how he built that team, earned his reputation, and what it actually felt like hiring that first employee… versus what keeps him up at night now. Great dude. Building something special down in Australia. Hope you enjoy the chat with Matt. Learn more about Ep. 38 Guest: @mattebuilding www.mattebuilding.com.au Project size: $500k-$1.5mil Project per year: 4-8 projects per year Yearly Revenue: $2.2mil Employees: 10 (including Matt) Listen • Subscribe • Watch• REVIEW @apple @spotify @youtube Sponsors: www.durationmillwork.com  @durationmouldingandmillwork  www.heavydutypocketdoorframes.com @hdpocketdoors www.shubee.com @shubeeshoecovers Show Merch: upstatemerch.com @upstatemerch Partnerships: projektnetwork.com @projektnetwork Local Sponsor: www.hiresmooth.com for all your spray foam needs! @HireSmooth

Jason Pietruszka of JJP Construction, out of Los Angeles, joins us this week on the pod. Jason takes us back to 2008 — when his dad gave him that first nudge into the industry. From there, he’s gone on to build 250+ homes… starting in production, where there’s little to no connection to the end product, to where he is today — designing and building homes in the Palisades, rebuilding in areas impacted by the wildfires. Through his architecture and design firm, Shelter, and his semi-custom construction company, JJP Construction, Jason’s now controlling the full process — from concept to completion. We get into building a team, AI agents, TikTok, branding, lump sum contracts — the pros, the pitfalls — and everything in between. Hope you enjoy this one. Learn more about Ep. 38 Guest: @jjpconstruction @shelterhomesla @goldlandscapers www.jjpconstructioninc.com Project size: $1-4Million Project per year: 10-15 projects per year Employees: 6-8 Listen • Subscribe • Watch• REVIEW @apple @spotify @youtube Sponsors: www.durationmillwork.com  @durationmouldingandmillwork  www.heavydutypocketdoorframes.com @hdpocketdoors www.shubee.com @shubeeshoecovers Show Merch: upstatemerch.com @upstatemerch Partnerships: projektnetwork.com @projektnetwork Local Sponsor: www.hiresmooth.com for all your spray foam needs! @HireSmooth

Chad Coll of C.S. Spoon & Co. is doing what a lot of us in construction have done — turning a hobby into a business. And the path? It’s almost too familiar. This wasn’t some calculated move chasing market share — “let me go grab 5% or 10% of the spoon market.” Nope. Life unfolded… and Chad stumbled into a niche that gave him purpose, allowed him to support his family, and actually be present — not stuck on-call, running a maintenance grind. There’s something real about that. Chad’s story hit home for me. It’s a reminder that not everything has to be forced or over-engineered… sometimes you’ve got to roll with it and see where it leads. Maybe something better is waiting on the other side of that. Hope you enjoy this one as much as I did. Learn more about Ep. 37 Guest: @cs_spoonco www.csspoonco.com Listen • Subscribe • Watch• REVIEW @apple @spotify @youtube Sponsors: www.durationmillwork.com  @durationmouldingandmillwork  www.heavydutypocketdoorframes.com @hdpocketdoors www.shubee.com @shubeeshoecovers Show Merch: upstatemerch.com @upstatemerch Partnerships: projektnetwork.com @projektnetwork Local Sponsor: www.hiresmooth.com for all your spray foam needs! @HireSmooth

Paige Heron — a female framer out of Canada.
I’ll let that sink in for a second. After chasing a career in firefighting, Paige landed in a cabinet shop for a summer job… and never really looked back. Over the next 6+ years, she went on to frame homes with some of the best crews in the Toronto area. We get into what it’s like navigating this industry as a female. And speaking for myself — it was intimidating enough as a young guy trying to break in and prove myself. Paige gives us a real window into her experience… and honestly, it left me with some takeaways on how I need to be better on my own sites. I’ve got a feeling you’ll walk away with the same. Really hope you enjoy Paige’s story as much as I did. Learn more about Ep. 36 Guest: @carpenterpaigey 🎥 YouTube Series: #RoadTrip
Video Series —walking sites and talking shop— April
Find my YouTube channel: @heresjohnnyh *link is in bio Listen • Subscribe • Watch• REVIEW @apple @spotify @youtube Sponsors: www.durationmillwork.com  @durationmouldingandmillwork  www.heavydutypocketdoorframes.com @hdpocketdoors www.shubee.com @shubeeshoecovers Show Merch: upstatemerch.com @upstatemerch Partnerships: projektnetwork.com @projektnetwork Local Sponsor: www.hiresmooth.com for all your spray foam needs! @HireSmooth

Episode 35 with three great guests and presenters from this year’s JLC Live. Always love this show and the people who make it what it is. We talk about their approach, the why behind stepping up to present, the nerves that come with it, and why paying knowledge forward matters so much in this industry. Great meeting Ryan Smith and catching up with Rick Mills and Mike Whalen. Hope you enjoy the conversation — and hope you make it to the show. Below is the details of the classes mentioned in the podcast: Ryan Smith @roofslayer2681 Advanced Efficient Roof Cutting Thursday, March 26 • 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM The Ultimate Framing Experience: Framing Basics – Smooth Layout Friday, March 27 • 9:30 AM - 10:15 AM The Ultimate Framing Experience 2: Floor Framing – Engineered Products Friday, March 27 • 11:00 AM - 11:45 AM The Ultimate Framing Experience: Wall Framing Strategies Friday, March 27 • 12:30 PM - 1:15 PM The Ultimate Framing Experience 2: Stacks on Stacks – Framing Load Paths Friday, March 27 • 1:45 PM - 2:30 PM The Ultimate Framing Experience: Basic Roof Geometry Friday, March 27 • 3:00 PM - 3:45 PM The Ultimate Framing Experience 2: Calculating and Cutting Roofs Friday, March 27 • 4:00 PM - 4:45 PM The Ultimate Framing Experience: Eyebrow Dormers Saturday, March 28 • 9:30 AM - 10:15 AM The Ultimate Framing Experience 2: Truss the Process Saturday, March 28 • 11:00 AM - 11:45 AM The Ultimate Framing Experience: Eyebrow Dormer Framing Part 1 & 2 Saturday, March 28 • 12:30 PM - 1:15 PM The Ultimate Framing Experience 2: Irregular Hip Framing Saturday, March 28 • 1:45 PM - 2:30 PM Rick Mills @rick.jacksonandrewsbuilding High Level Project Management & Execution Thursday, March 26 • 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM MIke Whalen @mwhalen1823 A Lead Carpenters Guide for Residential Remodeling Thursday, March 26 • 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM Bathroom Remodel 101 From the Field Friday, March 27 • 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM Some others I want to mention: Connor Malloy @design.build.educate & Aron Jones @bigdogconstruction.gm High Performance: Foundations That Perform Friday, March 27 • 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM High Performance: WRBs, Windows and Control Layers Friday, March 27 • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM High Performance: “If It’s Not Vertical, It Needs a Roof” Friday, March 27 • 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM High Performance: Exterior Insulation and Why It Matters Friday, March 27 • 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM High Performance: Foundations That Perform Saturday, March 28 • 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM High Performance: WRBs, Windows and Control Layers Saturday, March 28 • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM High Performance: Exterior Insulation and Why It Matters Saturday, March 28 • 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM Mike’s Owner Of DBS Brian Altmann The Pre-Construction Process…Set the Table for Success! Thursday, March 26 • 7:30 AM - 9:00 AM The 7 Pillars of a First-Class Remodeling Company Friday, March 27 • 7:30 AM - 9:00 AM Ross Trethewey Mechanicals for GCs: The Unintended Consequences of Building AirtightFriday, March 27 • 9:30 AM - 10:15 AM Mechanicals for GCs: All About ERVs Friday, March 27 • 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM Mechanicals for GCs: IAQ Solutions Friday, March 27 • 1:30 PM - 2:15 PM Mechanicals for GCs: Kitchen Ventilation Friday, March 27 • 4:00 PM - 4:45 PM Mechanicals for GCs: The Unintended Consequences of Building Airtight Saturday, March 28 • 9:30 AM - 10:15 AM Mechanicals for GCs: All About ERVs Saturday, March 28 • 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM Mechanicals for GCs: IAQ Solutions Saturday, March 28 • 2:00 PM - 2:45 PM & Eric Aune @mechicalhub Fri. Starting at 10:30 every other class after Ross Listen • Subscribe • Watch• REVIEW @apple @spotify @youtube Sponsors: BOOTH 14 www.durationmillwork.com  @durationmouldingandmillwork  www.heavydutypocketdoorframes.com @hdpocketdoors Show Merch: upstatemerch.com @upstatemerch Partnerships: projektnetwork.com @projektnetwork Local Sponsor: www.hiresmooth.com for all your spray foam needs! @HireSmooth

Brent Hull — Fort Worth, TX native and award-winning master builder. A graduate of the North Bennet Street School in historic preservation in the ’90s, Brent is also the author of six books and co-host of the podcast Passion for Craft. Brent is more than a romantic about the craft — he’s a purist. He believes in quality inside and out and has devoted his career to understanding the details and where they originate from: materials, sizes, angles, proportions — every element that makes traditional architecture feel right. He also recognizes that it’s becoming harder and harder to find the craftsmen capable of producing these components. Instead of accepting that loss, Brent brought the work in-house, building three companies around the craft: Hull Homes, Hull Millwork, and most recently Hull Designs. At a time when the means and methods of traditional building are fading, Brent is helping preserve and pass them on — through his work, his companies, and his books. It was an absolute pleasure spending the afternoon touring Brent through one of our 1908 renovation/restoration projects and talking a little shop. Hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did. Learn more about Ep. 34 Guest: @hullmillork_hullhomes @hull.works brenthull.com Project size: Construction & Renovation; Avg. $6mil Projects per year: 2-4 depending on size Employees: 50+ 🎥 YouTube Series: #RoadTrip
Video Series —walking sites and talking shop— March
Find my YouTube channel: @heresjohnnyh *link is in bio Listen • Subscribe • Watch• REVIEW @apple @spotify @youtube Sponsors: www.durationmillwork.com  @durationmouldingandmillwork  www.heavydutypocketdoorframes.com @hdpocketdoors Show Merch: upstatemerch.com @upstatemerch Partnerships: projektnetwork.com @projektnetwork Local Sponsor: www.hiresmooth.com for all your spray foam needs! @HireSmooth

Dmitry Shevchenko of Shevcon Custom Homes is a different breed. Most will agree — framers are warriors. Out in the elements, winter and summer, building the bones so every other trade has something to pile into. But beyond that grit, Dmitry introduced me to something I’d never experienced before: The wood-fired banya. We start with his story — how he got into framing, what shaped his work ethic, and how he’s built Shevcon into what it is today. Then we shift gears. 230 degrees.
Venik.
Steam.
Cold plunge. And repeat. For a couple of hours, we cycled heat and cold while digging deeper into mindset, resilience, and what it really takes to endure — on the jobsite and in life. This one was more than a podcast.
It was an experience. Hope you enjoy it. Learn more about Ep. 33 Guest: @chevcon_custom_homes Shevcon.com Project size: Custom Frames; New Construction & Renovation Projects per year: 2-4 depending on size Employees: 13-15 🎥 YouTube Series: #RoadTrip
Video Series —walking sites and talking shop— EARLY 2026
Find my YouTube channel: @heresjohnnyh *link is in bio Listen • Subscribe • Watch• REVIEW @apple @spotify @youtube Sponsors: www.durationmillwork.com  @durationmouldingandmillwork  www.heavydutypocketdoorframes.com @hdpocketdoors Partnerships: projektnetwork.com @projektnetwork Local Sponsor: www.hiresmooth.com for all your spray foam needs! @HireSmooth

Troy’s Journey: From House Moving to Tiny Home Innovation I loved catching up with Troy and digging into the innovations he and the Fritz team are bringing to the tiny home space. His path is anything but linear — from growing up in a family house-moving business, to aviation mechanics, to flooring, and ultimately co-founding First Tiny Homes with Kevin and Heather Fritz. Today, they’re building premium tiny homes that challenge the standards of the industry. One of the biggest takeaways?
Building smaller — and even building indoors — doesn’t magically eliminate the challenges of construction. You’re still creating something custom and unique with human hands. The process still demands leadership, sequencing, culture, and accountability. We get into what it really takes to build a team before you build an exceptional product — because the structure is only as strong as the people behind it. Hope you enjoy Troy’s story. Learn more about Ep. 32 Guest: @fritztinyhomes Fritztinyhomes.com Project size: $155k-$250+ Project per year: 13-16 tiny homes & 4-6 sauna builds per year Employees: 12 🎥 YouTube Series: #RoadTrip
Video Series —walking sites and talking shop— EARLY 2026
Find my YouTube channel: @heresjohnnyh *link is in bio Listen • Subscribe • Watch• REVIEW @apple @spotify @youtube Sponsors: durationmillwork.com  @durationmouldingandmillwork  heavydutypocketdoorframes.com @hdpocketdoors Partnerships: projektnetwork.com @projektnetwork Local Sponsor: www.hiresmooth.com for all your spray foam needs! @HireSmooth

In this episode, I sit down with architect Breck Craparo to dig into the thinking behind the work — not just the drawings, but the decisions. We talk about what it really takes to build an architecture firm, the do’s and don’ts he’s learned along the way, and what actually matters when a design moves from idea to reality. As builders, understanding how a design is created, why it was created, and the key factors that shaped it changes everything. It leads to better collaboration, smarter execution, and ultimately a better home for the client. This one’s for anyone who cares about process, intention, and the people behind great design. Hope you enjoy Breck’s story. Learn more about Ep. 31 Guest: @breckstudio breckstudio.com https://www.youtube.com/@breckstudio Project size: $5mil - $15+mil builds Projects per year: 1-4 Employees: 3-5 🎥 YouTube Series: #RoadTrip
Video Series —walking sites and talking shop— EARLY 2026
Find my YouTube channel: @heresjohnnyh *link is in bio Listen • Subscribe • Watch• REVIEW @apple @spotify @youtube Sponsors: www.durationmillwork.com  @durationmouldingandmillwork  www.heavydutypocketdoorframes.com @hdpocketdoors

Zane Ellis is a Project Manager at F.E. Trainer out of Knoxville, TN—and more famously, a co-host of the LevelHeads Podcast. This industry… the clients, the pressure, chasing money, job security—the list goes on and on. It can be a killer. Zane opens up about how it almost killed him. Even after being told to step away from the industry, he came back. This conversation dives into how having the right support system—and everyone operating in their own lane—can completely change how enjoyable this work can be. Zane shares his start, his journey through the trades, and ultimately what forced a “pause” in his career. Hope you enjoy. Learn more about Ep. 30 Guest: @zane_fetrainer Fetconstruction.com @levelheads_pod Project Manager Project size: $1mil - $6mil builds Projects per year: Zane Manages 3-4 projects at the same time Employees: Site Supervisor is on-site running 1-2 projects 🎥 YouTube Series: #RoadTrip
Video Series —walking sites and talking shop— EARLY 2026
Find my YouTube channel: @heresjohnnyh *link is in bio Listen • Subscribe • Watch• REVIEW @apple @spotify @youtube Sponsors: www.durationmillwork.com  @durationmouldingandmillwork  www.heavydutypocketdoorframes.com @hdpocketdoors

What a YEAR!! Couldn’t think of (2) better guys and builders to recap 2025. Jason & Mike join me in discussing all topics We discuss everything AI, bringing trades in-house, markets, slow or on the rise, ADU’s, BuildShow, Golf, health and everything in-between. Hope you enjoy the conversation. Learn more about Ep. 29 Guests: @artisansignaturehomes @greenside_design_build 🎥 YouTube Series: #RoadTrip
Video Series —walking sites and talking shop— EARLY 2026
Find my YouTube channel: @heresjohnnyh *link is in bio Listen • Subscribe • Watch• REVIEW @apple @spotify @youtube Sponsors: www.shubee.com @shubeeshoecovers For all your floor surface protection & beyond. www.durationmillwork.com  @durationmouldingandmillwork  A 100 yr product w/ the most authentic profiles on the market www.heavydutypocketdoorframes.com @hdpocketdoors To solve all your pocket door hardware needs. Local Sponsor: www.hiresmooth.com Anything spray-foam! @HireSmooth

Meet Russ Barstow. Remember the name—because you’ll definitely remember the story. I don’t use the term “self-made” loosely. Very few people earn that label in my book, and Russ is one of them. Russ spent years searching for purpose. He found it in the mountains, through hiking. Construction, at first, was simply a way to make a living—to subsidize that purpose. But like most of us, it only takes a couple of meaningful projects and a few incredible clients to pull you all the way in. Changing people’s lives through the homes we build is a drug in itself. What I love most about this story is that Barstow is a true husband-and-wife team. Russ and Sue set boundaries between work and life. They set goals together—years out. They check in with each other. Their personal finish line aligns with their clients’ finish line. No shortcuts. No favorites. Because without their personal happiness and success, there is no Barstow. And without that, there is no construction. I love Russ and Sue’s priorities and their approach to life and business.
I hope you enjoy their story as much as I did. Learn more about Ep. 28 Guest: @barstowconstruction www.barstowconstruction.com Project size: * Customs: $2.5-5,000,000 * Renovations range: $100,000 to $500,000 * Additions approaching 1,000,000 depending on the home. Projects per year. 3 to 6 including new construction some commercial end renovations/ additions. Yearly revenue - $600-850,000 best estimate. Depends on the year for sure. Employees - Just Sue and Russ and a long term site cleanup guy who is awesome. 🎥 YouTube Series: #RoadTrip
Video Series —walking sites and talking shop— EARLY 2026
 Find my YouTube channel: @heresjohnnyh *link is in bio Listen • Subscribe • Watch• REVIEW @apple @spotify @youtube Sponsors: www.durationmillwork.com  @durationmouldingandmillwork  www.heavydutypocketdoorframes.com @hdpocketdoors Local Sponsor: www.hiresmooth.com for all your spray foam needs! @HireSmooth

Black Boots Builders is a hidden gem in Pittsburgh, PA. I’m grateful I had the chance to spend three days with David—meeting him, his crew, and walking his job sites. He didn’t disappoint. His story, his execution, his team, and even Pittsburgh itself—I loved all of it. Dave has an incredible story, and we dig into how it all started, focusing on the small moments that had the biggest impact on his growth, timelines, and execution. He’s built some amazing projects, but the most impressive thing he’s built is his team—and he’d agree. Black Boots is a near 50/50 mix of management and hands-on carpentry, and it’s the perfect recipe for the highly technical projects they’re bringing to life. This is Dave’s story. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. 🎥 YouTube Series: #RoadTrip
Video from the weekend—walking sites and talking shop—drops for the holidays.
Find my YouTube channel: @heresjohnnyh Project size: $500K - $20Million + Project per year: 4-6 projects per year Yearly Revenue: $8million to $10million Employees: 12 Learn more about Ep. 26 Guest: @blackbootsbuilders Blackbootbuilds.com Listen • Subscribe • Watch• REVIEW @apple @spotify @youtube Sponsors: www.durationmillwork.com  @durationmouldingandmillwork  www.heavydutypocketdoorframes.com @hdpocketdoors Local Sponsor: www.hiresmooth.com for all your spray foam needs! @HireSmooth

Stan Romanek is the kind of contractor you’d want running your own home renovation or addition — someone who values the craft, enjoys being in the mix every day with his bags on, and leads by example with his two-man crew. Stan’s true to his word and consistently overdelivers. We get into how he stays so dialed in on his numbers for fixed-price work and schedule durations — especially since most of his projects involve homeowners living in the house during construction. He’s also been smart about keeping his scopes tight and his crew size manageable. And here’s the kicker — Stan paid off his house last year. That kind of discipline, drive, and focus is rare in this business. Hope you enjoy this conversation with Stan Romanek! Project size: varies between $3k- $400,000. Projects per year: 20-30 Revenue between 750-950 Employees: 2 Learn more about Ep. 26 Guest: @levelhomeimprovement Levelhomeimprovements.com Listen • Subscribe • Watch• REVIEW @apple @spotify @youtube Sponsors: www.durationmillwork.com  @durationmouldingandmillwork  www.heavydutypocketdoorframes.com @hdpocketdoors Local Sponsor: www.hiresmooth.com for all your spray foam needs! @HireSmooth

Episode 25 — Rick Mills | Jackson Andrews Building + Design
Rick Mills out of Virginia is the perfect blend of building science and on-site execution. We share a similar path into the industry, and in this episode we dive into his early exposure to the trades—how money, experience, and growth shaped the journey. Rick’s held down the Superintendent / Project Manager role for more than 16 years and recently stepped into a Senior PM position. We get into the Do’s and Don’ts of running projects as a Super, what it takes to level up after 23 years in the industry (and 12 with the same company), and how to stay sharp while taking on new responsibilities. An incredible guy backed by an incredible company—Jackson Andrews Building + Design—turning out some seriously cool projects. 🎧 Hope you enjoy this conversation. Project Size: Jobs ranging from 300k up to 15mil+ Projects per Year: 5-7 (but some are multi-year) Company Size: 15 employees Learn more about Ep. 25 Guest: @rick.jacksonandrewsbuilding Jacksonandrewsbuilding.com Listen • Subscribe • Watch• REVIEW @apple @spotify @youtube Sponsors: www.durationmillwork.com  @durationmouldingandmillwork  www.heavydutypocketdoorframes.com @hdpocketdoors Local Sponsor: www.hiresmooth.com for all your spray foam needs! @HireSmooth

The great and powerful Spencer Lewis joins the pod this week! Spencer cut his teeth running insane trim packages solo—the kind of work most can’t sustain, but he’s built a career on it. He’s grown on his own terms, never sacrificing his means or methods. What I love most about Spencer is his ethos. His pursuit of execution has always been for himself and his own standards—not for followers or clients. Few truly understand what it takes to pull off the level of trim and millwork packages he delivers. Like any perfectionist, he keeps pushing regardless of who’s watching. That authenticity carries into his IG and YouTube channels. They weren’t created for likes—they’re platforms to spread knowledge. And in doing so, Spencer has become a trusted voice in the carpentry world, sharing tips, tricks, and insights into how he executes at such a high level. Whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned vet, Spencer is a resource every carpenter can learn from. It was awesome catching up and talking shop with him—I think you’ll enjoy this one. Project (Home) size: $2-4 million Projects per year: 6-12 Company Size: 3 team member including owner. Learn more about Ep. 24 Guest: @insider_carpentry insidercarpentry.com https://youtube.com/@insidercarpentry?si=fszRivpIEKHDADqT Listen • Subscribe • REVIEW @apple @spotify Sponsors: www.durationmillwork.com  @durationmouldingandmillwork  www.heavydutypocketdoorframes.com @hdpocketdoors Local Sponsor: www.hiresmooth.com for all your spray foam needs! @HireSmooth David West Photography @bornimagery www.bornimagery.com

This week we sit down with Andy Moore of ModernOak Construction out of Lynchburg, Virginia — a smaller market where the median home price runs around $270k–$300k and construction comes in between $200–$400 per square foot (per my ChatGPT research). Andy is coming up on his 12-year anniversary with ModernOak, a milestone worth celebrating. We asked ChatGPT what it had to say about Andy’s company and his market, then dug into the real stuff: what it takes to train employees, lose employees, and transition from being “on the bag” to stepping back into leadership. We cover the types of projects Andy takes on, how they’ve matured as his business has grown, what non-negotiables before he says “yes” to a client/ project and what’s next for him, his career, and ModernOak. Hope you enjoy this conversation with Andy! Project Size: $300K - $350K Project per Year: 4-5 projects Yearly revenue: $600K - $750K gross Company Size: 3-4 employees (including Andy) Learn more about Ep. 23 Guest: @modern_oak Modernoakconstruction.com Listen • Subscribe • REVIEW @apple @spotify Sponsors: www.durationmillwork.com  @durationmouldingandmillwork  www.heavydutypocketdoorframes.com @hdpocketdoors Local Sponsor: www.hiresmooth.com for all your spray foam needs! @HireSmooth David West Photography @bornimagery www.bornimagery.com

I sit down with PJ Antonik — Emmy-nominated developer, TV personality, builder, husband, and father. Each of those could stand alone as a full-time career, but PJ finds a way to take them all on. We dig into how he balances it all: time management, mental and physical health, leading a team, and the risks that come with wearing so many hats. PJ also opens up about the humbling transition from running a 20+ person company to working solo—and the lessons he’s still learning from that shift. Finally, we look ahead: what’s next for PJ and Oak Development, from customs to flips and specs, and the goals he’s setting as he continues to juggle TV, business, and family life. Project Size: 1-2mil Yearly Revenue: $5mil Company size: 1-5 employees Project Size: $250k- 3mil Projects: 3-7 Company size: 1-5 employees Learn more about Ep. 22 Guest: Oakdd.com @oak_development Heartofoaktv.com Listen • Subscribe • REVIEW @apple @spotify Sponsors: www.durationmillwork.com  @durationmouldingandmillwork  www.heavydutypocketdoorframes.com @hdpocketdoors Local Sponsor: www.hiresmooth.com for all your spray foam needs! @HireSmooth David West Photography @bornimagery www.bornimagery.com

Episode 21 hits different. My guest, Adam Heffner, went from ironworker to specialty metal fabricator and entrepreneur. Maker Table is his third company—and it’s taken off thanks to a mix of calculated strategy and a little luck. From plasma-cut signs and outdoor décor to massive art installations at the Hard Rock Hotel, Adam’s work blends precision with creativity. He’s a deep thinker, and I always love catching up to dig into his “why.” His drive is relentless—he doesn’t just quote Malcolm Gladwell’s “10,000 hours to become an expert,” he lives it. Adam reverse-engineered his path, figuring that by working seven 10-hour shifts and taking off every other Sunday, he could hit mastery in just over three years—without burning out. That focus and discipline fueled Maker Table and launched his latest venture, Hero Machine Co., bringing plasma and laser cutting by makers, for makers. Adam believes in the “rising tide lifts all boats” mentality, and it shows in everything he does. I think you’re going to get a ton from this one—enjoy the conversation, and if you do, please leave a review on your listening platform! Ep. 21 Guest: @maker.table Malertable.com @heromachineco Heromachineco.com Listen • Subscribe • REVIEW @apple @spotify Sponsors: www.durationmillwork.com  @durationmouldingandmillwork  www.heavydutypocketdoorframes.com  @hdpocketdoors Local Sponsor: www.hiresmooth.com for all your spray foam needs! @HireSmooth

Episode 20: Finding Balance with Taylor English of Tailored Design + Decked by Tailored In this episode, I catch up with Taylor English to explore the real-world dilemmas many small firms face. We discuss whether chasing “big” jobs is really worth it, or if multiple smaller projects can be more profitable. Taylor also shares how he separates his love for the craft from the need to run a sustainable business—without sacrificing his passion. Taylor doesn’t just think about these ideas; he’s putting them into practice. By focusing on one or two flagship renovations each year and layering in 10–15 deck projects, he’s found a balance that lets him hone his business and marketing while still enjoying the work. If you’ve ever wondered how to balance creativity, service, and profitability, you’ll enjoy this conversation with Taylor English. Project Size: 15,000-300,000 Projects: 15-20 Yearly Revenue: $800-1 mil Company size: 3 employees Ep. 20 Guest: @tailored_design_build @decked_by_tailored Tailoreddb.com Listen • Subscribe • Review @apple @spotify Sponsors: www.durationmillwork.com  @durationmouldingandmillwork  www.heavydutypocketdoorframes.com  @hdpocketdoors Local Sponsor: www.hiresmooth.com for all your spray foam needs! @HireSmooth

Mike Michalowicz joins the show!
Author of Profit First, Pumpkin Plan, Clockwork, Fix This Next, All In—and more. Mike wrote his first book back in 2008, but he landed on my radar closer to 2018 when Profit First shifted the way I thought about business. That book—and honestly, most of his others—should be required reading whether you’re running a business or managing a single job site. Every project is a business in itself. If you don’t treat it like one—with structure, systems, and accountability—you might be delivering great-looking work while running a failing operation behind the scenes. In this episode, we hit on several of Mike’s key concepts: 1. Profit First – Create margin first so you can build systems and hire support. 2. Pumpkin Plan – Identify your best clients and prune what no longer serves you. 3. Clockwork – Build repeatable systems so the business runs even when you're not on site. 4. Fix This Next – Diagnose what’s really broken before making your next move. 5. All In – Hire the right people to fit your business and your values. It was an awesome conversation with a guy who’s helped thousands of entrepreneurs work on the business, not just in it. Enjoy the episode! Additional Resources below! Ep. 19 Guest: @mikemichalowicz Mikemichalowicz.com Profit First Resources: Profitfirstbook.com Pumpkin Plan Resources: Pumpkinplan.com Clock Work Resources: clockworkbymikemichalowicz.com Fix This Next Resources: fixthisnext.com All In Resources: allinbymike.com Listen • Subscribe • Review @apple @spotify Sponsors: www.durationmillwork.com  @durationmouldingandmillwork  www.heavydutypocketdoorframes.com  @hdpocketdoors Local Sponsor: www.hiresmooth.com for all your spray foam needs! @HireSmooth

EP18: Joe Langlais — From Apprentice to Owner of Langlais Custom Builders In Episode 18, we sit down with Joe Langlais of Langlais Custom Builders — a true “mom & pop” New England contractor. Joe runs the field, while his wife Emily keeps everything moving behind the scenes. Together, they’ve built something special. Joe also has one of the best origin stories in the business. As a student at a local vocational school, he was selected for an apprenticeship on This Old House — and his first interview? None other than Tom Silva. What followed was a decade-plus of mentorship under Tommy at Silva Brothers before Joe stepped out on his own to launch Langlais. Now nine years in, we dig into the “why” behind the company, the goals, the boundaries, and the systems that bring stability to an otherwise chaotic industry. We talk backlog, team building, and how to create something sustainable — not just successful. Hope you enjoy this one! Project Size: 5-8 Projects Yearly Revenue: $1-1.3mil Company size: 1-3 employees Ep. 18 Guest: @Langlaiscustombuilders Langlaiscustombuilders.com Listen • Subscribe • Review @apple @spotify Sponsors: www.durationmillwork.com  @durationmouldingandmillwork  www.heavydutypocketdoorframes.com  @hdpocketdoors Local Sponsor: www.hiresmooth.com for all your spray foam needs! @HireSmooth

Episode 17: Paul Charett of Wood Theory Design Paul is the perfect mix of woodworker and artist—bringing true artisan energy to life through his use of reclaimed wood, salvaged doors, and materials with soul. He gives old pieces new purpose in some of the sexiest builds across New England. We dig into what it’s like to narrow your focus to such a specific niche—how that tight client funnel forces you to be intentional about who you work with, and why finding the right client to “marry” matters more than ever. We also talk about setting boundaries, honoring craft, and building a business that stays true to who you are. Great conversation with an amazing dude and a wildly talented maker I’m proud to call a friend. Hope you enjoy it! Project Size: 25-30 Projects Yearly Revenue: $500k Company size: 1-4 employees Ep. 17 Guest: @woodtheorydesign Listen • Subscribe • Review @apple @spotify Sponsors: www.durationmillwork.com  @durationmouldingandmillwork  www.heavydutypocketdoorframes.com  @hdpocketdoors Local Sponsor: www.hiresmooth.com for all your spray foam needs! @HireSmooth

Ian MacFayden—Canadian Red Seal carpenter turned COO of HummingBird Hill Homes—joins the podcast!
We dive into the evolution of the trades, from where we started to where things stand today. Ian shares insights on attracting and retaining top talent as your projects scale and your team needs grow. High performance isn’t just about house wraps—it’s about understanding the materials and systems that will outlast the families living in these homes. We get into how to integrate sustainability, Passive House, Net Zero, WELL AP, and carbon-conscious design into your everyday building practices. Then we shift to the craft itself—and what’s missing in the handoff between generations. Why is there still a gap between young talent and seasoned builders? Ian’s answer: Projekt Network—a new platform bridging that gap, like a ZipRecruiter built for residential construction. Great conversation, real insight—and a ton to take away. Hope you enjoy it! The RED List: https://living-future.org/ Project Size: 15-18 Builds Yearly Revenue: $40-50mil Company size: 60+ employees Ep. 16 Guest: @HummingbirdHillhomes @timbersolutions_hh @projektnetwork Hummingbirdhillhomes.com projektnetwork.com Listen • Subscribe • Review @apple @spotify Sponsors: www.durationmillwork.com  @durationmouldingandmillwork  www.heavydutypocketdoorframes.com  @hdpocketdoors Local Sponsor: www.hiresmooth.com for all your spray foam needs! @HireSmooth

Episode 15 we sit down with Lenny Gimmelfarb of Echelon Builders in Smithfield, RI. We dive into what a small-scale model looks like—an owner-operator with no employees, building a brand and reputation one project at a time. Lenny shares how he’s cultivated relationships with designers and architects to secure one flagship build and a couple of smaller projects each year—his ideal rhythm. Great to catch up with Lenny and see what he’s building and why. Hope you enjoy the convo! Project Size: 1 Large scale project & 2-3 smaller Renos Yearly Revenue: $2-4mil Company size: 0 employees Ep. 15 Guest: @Echelon_builders Listen • Subscribe • Review @apple @spotify Sponsors: www.durationmillwork.com  @durationmouldingandmillwork  www.heavydutypocketdoorframes.com  @hdpocketdoors Local Sponsor: www.hiresmooth.com for all your spray foam needs! @HireSmooth

Episode 14 brings in Nate Altheimer of A3 Builders, based out of Belgium, Wisconsin. With 30 years in the game and still wearing his bags, Nate splits his time between running a young framing crew—where his oldest is now swinging a hammer—and supervising larger development projects. We dig into what it means to build in a market where “high-end” doesn’t look like what you see on social media—and how chasing that illusion can lead to overbuilding in a landscape where that kind of demand doesn’t exist. In Nate’s world, the goal is clear: build smart—for efficiency, longevity, and reputation. It was great catching up with Nate, and I hope you enjoy the conversation as much as I did. Project Size: 2-3 Spec Homes, 1-2 Development projects & Supervision Yearly Revenue: $5mil Company size: 3-5 employees Ep. 14 Guest: @A3Builders Listen • Subscribe • Review @apple @spotify Sponsors: www.durationmillwork.com  @durationmouldingandmillwork  www.heavydutypocketdoorframes.com  @hdpocketdoors Local Sponsor: www.hiresmooth.com for all your spray foam needs! @HireSmooth

Andrew Prchlik, owner-operator of Whalebone Homes in Osterville, MA, is one of the best-kept secrets in high-end residential construction.
For the past 19 years, he’s quietly built a reputation for crafting exceptional homes—whether through spec builds, renovations, or ground-up custom projects—for a small, select group of clients. I met Andrew a few years back and felt an instant connection rooted in a shared love for the craft, acts of service, deep relationships, and a passion for creating. This episode marks round two of our conversations—and this time, we’re bringing it to the podcast. This isn’t a checklist of what makes Andrew great as a builder or person. You won’t find labeled chapters or step-by-step takeaways. Instead, the real value is laced throughout the conversation—layered in stories, insights, and subtle truths. That’s what I love about talks like this. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Project Size: 4-6 Custom Projects Yr Yearly Revenue: $6-10mil Company size: 2-4 employees Ep. 13 Guest: https://whalebonehomes.com @whalebonehomes Listen • Subscribe • Review @apple @spotify Sponsors: www.durationmillwork.com  @durationmouldingandmillwork  www.heavydutypocketdoorframes.com  @hdpocketdoors Local Sponsor: www.hiresmooth.com for all your spray foam needs! @HireSmooth

Otto Magdanz of Coda Managed Homes took a distinctly different path into residential construction—and it shows in everything he does. A Harvard Business School grad with roots in the trades, Otto didn’t set out to build flashy custom homes. He set out to fix what was broken. After years of listening to clients’ frustrations and pain points early in his career, his mission became clear: build a process that puts the homeowner first. That mindset naturally led to stunning homes, happy clients, and a niche approach that sets Coda apart. In this episode, we dive into the why behind Otto’s model—and what the industry can learn from it. Enjoy the conversation. Project Size: 2-3 Custom Projects Yr + Concierge Projects Yearly Revenue: $6-10mil Company size: 8-10 employees Ep. 12 Guest: https://codahome.com @codahome The Wall Street Journal Link: Listen • Subscribe • Review @apple @spotify Sponsors: www.durationmillwork.com  @durationmouldingandmillwork  www.heavydutypocketdoorframes.com  @hdpocketdoors

Jacob’s entry into the industry is wild—pure chance, but it lit a fire. With the backing of a mentor and a relentless drive to learn the craft, he fast-tracked his way through the trades, building up both skill and a trusted sub-pool. His first major project? Building his own home—something most only dream of. That experience catapulted him into the spec world, then onto the Parade of Homes, and eventually into high-end custom builds and renovations. Along the way, he brought millwork in-house to dial in execution and control—raising the bar on every project. Killer convo with a true craftsman. Project Size: 6-8 Custom Projects Yr Yearly Revenue: $5mil Company size: 10+ employees Ep. 11 Guest: https://reinboldinc.com @reinboldinc Listen • Subscribe • Review @apple @spotify Review Shoutout: Freddy @periodcraftsmen thank you!! Sponsors: www.durationmillwork.com  @durationmouldingandmillwork  www.heavydutypocketdoorframes.com  @hdpocketdoors

Brian Greenberg of Grit & Grace Custom Homes is a true “bags-on” builder, leading a tight crew of five. They self-perform everything — from framing to finish carpentry — bringing an old-school work ethic and ethos to every job. Brian runs only two projects at a time, making it feel like you hired him — not just an employee. A true craftsman with a deep love for the trade, Brian and I dive into everything: project management, how he approaches a build, paper plans vs. digital, quality control, Lump Sum vs. Cost Plus contracts, change orders, and more. Brian’s journey started in the white-collar world before he shifted to blue-collar life — and never looked back. He dipped his toe into real estate flips while commuting into Boston for his full-time gig, eventually evolving into spec homes and now custom builds and renovations. Super proud of this episode, enjoy!!! Book Brian mentioned: Shop Class as Soulcraft: “An Inquiry into the Value of Work” Author: Matthew B. Crawford Project Size: 2-3 Custom Projects Yr Yearly Revenue: $5mil Company size: 5-6 employees Guest: https://www.ggbuilds.com @gritandgracebuilds Listen • Subscribe • Review @apple @spotify Sponsors: www.durationmillwork.com  @durationmouldingandmillwork  www.heavydutypocketdoorframes.com  @hdpocketdoors

Austin King started as a flipper and over 13yrs + has grown into a custom Design Build firm. Project sizing from $1.5 up to $10mil and even opened a finish trim company putting the finishing touches on RafterHouse Builds but also other projects in the area. Project Size: 8-10 Custom Homes Yr Yearly Revenue: $12-15mil Company size: 10-15 employees Guest: https://www.rafterhouse.com @_rafterhouse_ https://www.arcadiatrimco.com @arcadiatrimco Listen • Subscribe • Review @apple @spotify Sponsors: www.durationmillwork.com  @durationmouldingandmillwork  www.heavydutypocketdoorframes.com  @hdpocketdoors

Micheal Conneely of Greenside Design Build a true vet of the industry of 29yrs + joins the podcast on episode 8 to catch up, dig into “what is a MASTER BUILDER”, staying lean while running 8-10 builds…. Always amazing to catch up w/ this great dude! Enjoy!! Project Size: 8-10 Custom Homes Yr Yearly Revenue: $16mil Company size: 4-5 employees Guest: https://www.greensidedesignbuild.com @greensidedesignbuild Listen • Subscribe • Review @apple @spotify Sponsors: www.durationmillwork.com  @durationmouldingandmillwork  www.heavydutypocketdoorframes.com  @hdpocketdoors

JLC Live is a Rhode Island based Trade Show where I caught up w/ a couple carpentry class students. We talk about the show and what they like about the industry and the show floor. We also catch up w/ Rick Mills of @jacksonandrewsbuilding and what brings him from VA to the show. Garret Davis @lifeofbub also joins us on the shows values and what's new in the his world of decks in FLA. JLC Live www.jlclive.com @jlclive Sponsors: www.durationmillwork.com  @durationmouldingandmillwork  www.heavydutypocketdoorframes.com  @hdpocketdoors

Jason Black of Artisan Signature Homes joins us to catch-up and talk a little shop; vetting clients/ projects, finding your lane, stress, work/ life, gmp v. cost plus, struggles & success. Project Size: 2-3 Custom Homes + 2-3 High-End Spec Homes Project Value: $1.2mil- $5mil Company size: 4-5 employees Guest: www.artisansignaturehomes.com @artisansignaturehomes Sponsors: www.durationmillwork.com  @durationmouldingandmillwork  www.heavydutypocketdoorframes.com  @hdpocketdoors

Mike Whalen Lead Carpenter/ PM with 30+ yrs experience. We talk about site culture, project management, owning a company, tracking data from site, being the best PM/ Lead and how…. Project Size: 77 Renovations a yr Project Value: $15k-$500k Company size: 20-25 employees Guest: www.DBSRemodel.com @dbsremodel Sponsors: www.durationmillwork.com  @durationmouldingandmillwork  www.heavydutypocketdoorframes.com  @hdpocketdoors JLC Live classes March 27th & 28th TH07 Project Management Class 9:30-12:30 27th FR08 Schedule & Budget Class 9:30-11 28th Mike’s classes: TH12 Mastering Managing From the Field 1:30-4:30 27th FR20 Custom Service From the Field 2:30-4 28th

R.B. is a second generation builder. We dive into company systems in DETAIL. Roles and responsibilities. How making an investment in employees & systems helps create a better product. We go through each role of his 14 person team! Dig into contracts and communication w /the help of BuilderTrend. Project Size: 8-12 full size home a yr Company size: 12-15 employees Guest: www.gallupdesignbuild.com @gallupdesignbuild Sponsors: www.durationmillwork.com  @durationmouldingandmillwork  www.heavydutypocketdoorframes.com  @hdpocketdoors JLC Live March 27th & 28th Project Management Class 9:30-12:30 27th Schedule & Budget Class 9:30-11 28th https://ge25jlcne.mapyourshow.com/8_0/sessions/speaker-details.cfm?Speakerid=11

Love this guy!! Austin Lineberry Georgia Base builder for the past 20+yrs. We talk everything from college for our teenagers, client payments, keeping a lean team but quality high. Guest: www.newriver.build @NewRiverBuildingCo Project Size: 5-7 custom homes a yr Builds - Development - Relief Company size: 3-5 employees North Carolina Relief www.patriotrelieffund.com www.newriverrevival.org Sponsors: www.durationmillwork.com @durationmouldingandmillwork www.heavydutypocketdoorframes.com @hdpocketdoors Hosted: Johnny Hourihan @heresjohnnyh Love what you’re hearing. Leave a review on ITunes 40+ reviews!! Thank You Share episodes using #glorifiedcarpenter

We catch up with Mike Telich of Telich Custom Homes of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Mike runs a lien team to create amazingly unique homes! We discuss the love of creating, team dynamics, site culture, billing, deposits, etc. Project Size: 3-5 custom homes a yr (renovations & new construction) Company size: 5-10 employees Guest: www.TelichCustomHomes.com @telichcustomhomes Sponsors: www.durationmillwork.com @durationmouldingandmillwork www.heavydutypocketdoorframes.com @hdpocketdoors

Nate Witschi 2nd generation builder from Witschi Construction out of Visalia, California joins us in episode 1. We hit some topics like avoidance, work ethic, pre-con, etc. $: 8-10 custom homes a yr Company size: 5-10 employees Guest: www.WitschiConstruction.com @witschiconstruction Sponsors: www.durationmillwork.com @durationmouldingandmillwork www.heavydutypocketdoorframes.com @hdpocketdoors

Trying to get one pod under my belt after 3+ yrs.... Wanted to tell you a little of why I thought a "new" podcast in the residential construction field was needed. Why share? The goal is simple; inspire & educate through amazing conversations w/ builders/ makers & artisans. Hope you enjoy! Find us on instagram: @theglorifiedcarpenter Want more info and knowledge: www.glorifiedcarpenter.com Episode sponsor: www.durationmillwork.com/