The Grit Blueprint

I sit down with Dori Shoshan, head of Innovation and Business Development at Panda Windows & Doors, inside the Las Vegas showroom of one of the most respected custom luxury windows and doors manufacturers in North America. Dori is a working radiologist and the son of Panda's founders, Avi and Tiranit Shoshan, who started the family business in 1991 in Israel, where his father chose to start with the hardest product in the category, radius curve multi-slide doors, and built his own bending machine to do it.Dori walks through how a family-owned window manufacturer is rebuilding the engine room of the company. He breaks down the multi-year rollout of Paradigm’s building industry software, including how it has cut quote turnaround from several days to about one hour and turned a one-week shop drawing process into a one-click output. He explains why he chose Paradigm over European systems, how it now runs configure price quote, cut optimization, packing slips, and CNC manufacturing instructions on one seamless platform, and how it will give dealers self-serve quoting of Panda’s products for the first time.Dori and I also dig into AI in the building industry, why slim profile multi-slide and lift and slide doors are taking over the high-end market, and why Panda is considering a broader go-to-market strategy. You’ll learn the story behind the Panda name, how the team protects the founder's standards as they scale, and what he hopes the next ten years look like for the family. If you build, sell, or specify windows and doors, this conversation is a clear look at how to modernize your processes without losing the human element.This podcast was produced alongside an episode of our Behind The Build series, where we toured Panda's factory floor with Dori's sister, Noya Shoshan. Watch the full tour and see why Panda doors are showing up in casinos, hotels, and dream homes across the country:https://youtu.be/BoecyLZwhD4Thank you to Panda Window & Doors for hosting us.See more of their cutting-edge luxury products: https://www.panda-windows.com/ This Behind the Build episode was sponsored by Paradigm. Paradigm’s software solutions help organizations throughout the building industry supply chain to boost sales, reduce costs, and become more competitive. Learn more: https://myparadigm.com/ 👉 Subscribe to Built to WinReal talk, strategies, and tools from Stefanie.👉 Book a Strategy CallReady to grow your brand or business? Let’s talk.Connect with Stefanie Couch & Grit BlueprintGrit Website: GritBlueprint.comYouTube: Stefanie CouchInstagram: @StefanieCouchOfficialLinkedIn: Stefanie CouchStefanie’s Website: StefanieCouch.com👉 About Stefanie Couch & Grit BlueprintI'm Stefanie Couch, the founder of Grit Blueprint. I grew up in a third-generation building supply business. I've worked inside dealers, distributors, and manufacturers. I built Grit Blueprint to solve problems I saw in our industry.Grit Blueprint is a visibility, media, and growth partner for manufacturers, distributors, dealers, service providers, and leaders in the building industry.We help you get seen, build trust, and become unmistakable.

Most lumber yards stay invisible in their own market. They sell millions of dollars of product a year and the people next door still do not know their name. Ashley Guest is changing that at Harbin Lumber, a fourth generation, century-old building materials dealer in Lavonia, Georgia. She walked in four years ago with a marketing degree and zero industry experience. There was no playbook. There was no team. There was a blank canvas and a paintbrush.We break down exactly how she built a brand from scratch. You will hear her four C's of marketing, the framework she uses to balance community, culture, customers, and consistency when she is the entire marketing department.Ashley shares the moves that worked. The branded employee swag store that turns staff into walking ads. The breast cancer awareness reel that went viral inside a male-dominated industry. You will also hear what to do when you are told no, how to choose where to spend your marketing time, and why hats are still one of the smartest twenty-dollar marketing buys an independent dealer can make.If you run an independent lumber yard, hardware store, or building supply company, this is a real conversation about how to get seen and get chosen in your local market.What you'll take away today:- The four C's of marketing give a one-person marketing team a simple way to balance community, culture, customers, and consistency without dropping a bucket.- Marketing for building materials dealers is built on relationships and brand, not one-size-fits-all tactics, and Ashley shows how to make every campaign feel local.- An employee swag store with a twice-yearly credit turns staff into walking ads and is one of the highest-return moves an independent lumber dealer can make.- Independent lumber dealer branding starts with knowing your story, which is why Ashley read Harbin's century-old history book front to back before she posted anything.- A fourth generation lumber company can still grow on social if you stay consistent on the platforms your customers actually useWatch & Subscribe on YouTube: https://youtu.be/4HAkpCE82m4👉 Subscribe to Built to WinReal talk, strategies, and tools from Stefanie.👉 Book a Strategy CallReady to grow your brand or business? Let’s talk.Connect with Stefanie Couch & Grit BlueprintGrit Website: GritBlueprint.comYouTube: Stefanie CouchInstagram: @StefanieCouchOfficialLinkedIn: Stefanie CouchStefanie’s Website: StefanieCouch.com👉 About Stefanie Couch & Grit BlueprintI'm Stefanie Couch, the founder of Grit Blueprint. I grew up in a third-generation building supply business. I've worked inside dealers, distributors, and manufacturers. I built Grit Blueprint to solve problems I saw in our industry.Grit Blueprint is a visibility, media, and growth partner for manufacturers, distributors, dealers, service providers, and leaders in the building industry.We help you get seen, build trust, and become unmistakable.

Sharona Eiserer bought a struggling 60-year-old lumber yard at six months pregnant and grew it into six Wood Shed Lumber and Hardware locations across rural Missouri. In this episode of the Grit Blueprint Podcast, she shares how she saved a dying small-town retail business, why the Do it Best co-op model beat her franchise experience, and the exact social media and radio playbook she uses to win against bigger competitors. If you own an independent hardware store, run a rural lumberyard, or are thinking about buying a family hardware business, this conversation gives you a real plan. You will hear how to handle ownership transitions, how to get your team on TikTok without making it weird, and how to build a brand people choose. What you'll take away today:- The independent hardware store plan Sharona used to turn one struggling yard into six profitable locations across rural Missouri.- How the Do it Best co-op model gives small dealers buying power, retail design help, and training that franchises never offered her.- Why rural lumberyard owners must run radio, TikTok, and Facebook at the same time so customers hear one voice everywhere they look.- A practical plan for small town retail marketing that works without a big budget, big team, or a picture-perfect camera setup.- The mindset shift that lets women in hardware and next-generation leaders step into family hardware business ownership and grow it faster than it has ever grown before.👉 Subscribe to Built to WinReal talk, strategies, and tools from Stefanie.👉 Book a Strategy CallReady to grow your brand or business? Let’s talk.Connect with Stefanie Couch & Grit BlueprintGrit Website: GritBlueprint.comYouTube: Stefanie CouchInstagram: @StefanieCouchOfficialLinkedIn: Stefanie CouchStefanie’s Website: StefanieCouch.com👉 About Stefanie Couch & Grit BlueprintI'm Stefanie Couch, the founder of Grit Blueprint. I grew up in a third-generation building supply business. I've worked inside dealers, distributors, and manufacturers. I built Grit Blueprint to solve problems I saw in our industry.Grit Blueprint is a visibility, media, and growth partner for manufacturers, distributors, dealers, service providers, and leaders in the building industry.We help you get seen, build trust, and become unmistakable.

Jason Blair, CEO of Tal Building Centers, joins me to break down how to build a sales culture in building materials where every role drives revenue. He shares the weekly communication cadence he uses with 500 employees, how he reads company culture in the lumber industry the moment he walks a yard, and how AI fixed a three-department friction problem in 90 minutes. This episode gives LBM dealers, distributors, and building supply leaders a practical playbook on CEO team communication, AI for building materials dealers, and LBM dealer growth. You will hear how Jason doubled a 225 million dollar business, why he still picks up banding in the yard, how to use AI without losing your voice, and what to say to your team on Monday morning. If you want building supply leadership tactics you can use this week, start here.What You'll Take Away Today- Sales culture in building materials wins when every role, from forklift driver to AP clerk, knows the revenue goals and how their job ties to them.- CEO team communication needs a weekly cadence, not a yearly speech. For example, Jason records a Tuesday video called the Tal Weekly Newsletter.- Company culture in the lumber industry is a marathon. Pick a direction, stick with it.- AI for building materials dealers can replace weeks of consultant work in 90 minutes when you feed it real notes and real context.- Building supply leadership shows up in the yard. Picking up banding and nails teaches a new branch manager more than any training manual.👉 Subscribe to Built to WinReal talk, strategies, and tools from Stefanie.👉 Book a Strategy CallReady to grow your brand or business? Let’s talk.Connect with Stefanie Couch & Grit BlueprintGrit Website: GritBlueprint.comYouTube: Stefanie CouchInstagram: @StefanieCouchOfficialLinkedIn: Stefanie CouchStefanie’s Website: StefanieCouch.com👉 About Stefanie Couch & Grit BlueprintI'm Stefanie Couch, the founder of Grit Blueprint. I grew up in a third-generation building supply business. I've worked inside dealers, distributors, and manufacturers. I built Grit Blueprint to solve problems I saw in our industry.Grit Blueprint is a visibility, media, and growth partner for manufacturers, distributors, dealers, service providers, and leaders in the building industry.We help you get seen, build trust, and become unmistakable.

What does it actually take to sell a $55 million business you built from scratch? In this episode, Gina Schaefer breaks down everything: ESOPs, succession planning for independent dealers, finding the right buyer for your business, and why she chose employee ownership over private equity. If you have ever searched "how does an ESOP work," "when should I start succession planning," or "how to exit a small business," this episode answers all of it. Gina covers how to build your exit strategy lifeline list, what to look for in a business broker or attorney, and the three things every independent dealer needs to get in order before they sell: their numbers, their visuals, and their people.What you'll take away:- How ESOPs work and why employees do not need to have money to buy your business- The three buckets you need to get in order before you sell: your numbers, your visuals, and your humans- Why your business broker may never tell you about the ESOP option — and who to call instead- How to build your exit strategy lifeline list starting today, no matter how far away your exit feels- What Gina learned buying five businesses from other owners — and how that shaped how she sold her ownWatch the episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/_iSFBM85CD4👉 Subscribe to Built to WinReal talk, strategies, and tools from Stefanie.👉 Book a Strategy CallReady to grow your brand or business? Let’s talk.Connect with Stefanie Couch & Grit BlueprintGrit Website: GritBlueprint.comYouTube: Stefanie CouchInstagram: @StefanieCouchOfficialLinkedIn: Stefanie CouchStefanie’s Website: StefanieCouch.com👉 About Stefanie Couch & Grit BlueprintI'm Stefanie Couch, the founder of Grit Blueprint. I grew up in a third-generation building supply business. I've worked inside dealers, distributors, and manufacturers. I built Grit Blueprint to solve problems I saw in our industry.Grit Blueprint is a visibility, media, and growth partner for manufacturers, distributors, dealers, service providers, and leaders in the building industry.We help you get seen, build trust, and become unmistakable.

The big box giants are buying everything. But independent dealers? They can still win. In this episode, Stefanie Couch sits down with Craig Webb of Webb Analytics, the most trusted data voice in the building materials industry, to break down what the 2025 M&A numbers actually mean for independent dealers. Craig shares where the real growth is hiding, why installed sales is no longer optional, and how AI and e-commerce are separating the dealers who thrive from the ones who stall. If you run a lumberyard, a hardware store, or a building materials operation and you want to know how to stay competitive against consolidated dealers, this episode is your roadmap. Covering independent dealer growth, construction supply consolidation, installed sales strategy, and AI for building materials, this conversation is packed with the data and the direction you need right now.What you'll take away today:- The three market segments where independent dealers can out-compete Home Depot and big-box consolidators: custom builds, single-specialty, and installed sales- Why installed sales is no longer optional as products like oversized doors and windows get more technical and builders need warranty protection built in- Where the real growth is happening in 2025 and beyond, including hot geographic markets, specialty product niches, and e-commerce for dealers- How AI tools built specifically for the building industry are already saving dealers money, improving contract terms, streamlining inventory, and freeing up staff hours- The two things that separate dealers who will thrive from those who won't: genuine passion for the business and a relentless drive to operate smarterReady to turn visibility into growth? Head to gritblueprint.com to learn more and book a call to talk about your growth strategy.👉 Subscribe to Built to WinReal talk, strategies, and tools from Stefanie.👉 Book a Strategy CallReady to grow your brand or business? Let’s talk.Connect with Stefanie Couch & Grit BlueprintGrit Website: GritBlueprint.comYouTube: Stefanie CouchInstagram: @StefanieCouchOfficialLinkedIn: Stefanie CouchStefanie’s Website: StefanieCouch.com👉 About Stefanie Couch & Grit BlueprintI'm Stefanie Couch, the founder of Grit Blueprint. I grew up in a third-generation building supply business. I've worked inside dealers, distributors, and manufacturers. I built Grit Blueprint to solve problems I saw in our industry.Grit Blueprint is a visibility, media, and growth partner for manufacturers, distributors, dealers, service providers, and leaders in the building industry.We help you get seen, build trust, and become unmistakable.

If networking events feel awkward, this episode will show you how to network with confidence, start better conversations, and build real business relationships that last. Stefanie and Ben Couch break down practical networking tips for remembering names, making a strong first impression, reading body language, following up on LinkedIn, and knowing when to turn a conversation into an opportunity. You’ll learn how to stand out without sounding salesy, avoid common networking mistakes, and use personal brand, business cards, and simple follow-up systems to grow your network faster. This is tactical advice for business owners, sales leaders, and building industry professionals who want more visibility, stronger relationships, and more opportunities from every room they walk into.What you'll take away today:How to start conversations without feeling awkwardHow to ask better questions and make people feel seenHow to read body language and leave conversations the right wayHow to follow up fast so good meetings turn into real relationshipsHow to stand out through confidence, style, and personal brandChapter Markers:00:00 How to follow up after networking02:41 Why networking matters for business growth04:44 How to be more approachable at events05:36 How to ask better networking questions07:26 How to remember names at networking events09:31 How to build trust with warmth and competence10:11 When to pitch and when not to13:52 How to overcome networking anxiety16:40 How to make people feel included at events20:57 How to avoid awkward long conversations22:04 How to read body language in networking25:39 How to make a strong first impression29:00 Why your phone hurts networking31:06 Why physical business cards still matter34:57 How to keep networking conversations balanced36:47 What to wear to networking events42:12 How to build a memorable personal brand👉 Subscribe to Built to WinReal talk, strategies, and tools from Stefanie.👉 Book a Strategy CallReady to grow your brand or business? Let’s talk.Connect with Stefanie Couch & Grit BlueprintGrit Website: GritBlueprint.comYouTube: Stefanie CouchInstagram: @StefanieCouchOfficialLinkedIn: Stefanie CouchStefanie’s Website: StefanieCouch.com👉 About Stefanie Couch & Grit BlueprintI'm Stefanie Couch, the founder of Grit Blueprint. I grew up in a third-generation building supply business. I've worked inside dealers, distributors, and manufacturers. I built Grit Blueprint to solve problems I saw in our industry.Grit Blueprint is a visibility, media, and growth partner for manufacturers, distributors, dealers, service providers, and leaders in the building industry.We help you get seen, build trust, and become unmistakable.

If you sell windows, doors, or other high-ticket building products, this episode will help you become a stronger, more trusted salesperson. You’ll learn how consultative selling, job site knowledge, and better questions can help you uncover what customers really need instead of jumping too fast to a product recommendation. We also get into why emotional buying drives more decisions than most people realize, how to build credibility faster with contractors, architects, and homeowners, and why understanding installation and product performance makes you more valuable in the field. If you want to improve customer trust, sharpen your sales process, and sell high-end windows and doors with more confidence, this episode will give you practical insight you can use right away. What you'll take away today: How consultative selling helps you uncover the real problem before offering a window or door solution  Why sales training and the first 30, 60, and 90 days matter so much in high-ticket building product sales  How job site visits make you better at window sales, door sales, and technical conversations with contractors and architects  Why emotional buying drives more decisions than most salespeople realize, especially in the home  How purpose, curiosity, and positive alignment help you stay sharp, sell better, and grow long termChapter Markers:00:00 How to sell by solving your customers' real problem00:55 How to reinvent your career and start over04:11 How to embrace a big career change06:38 How to get into window and door sales09:03 How to train new sales reps better12:00 How to ask better sales questions15:11 How emotional buying shapes sales17:36 How to stop prescribing too early18:42 How job sites make you better at sales23:47 How to grow confidence in sales27:08 How purpose improves your sales mindset29:53 Sierra Pacific Windows' Story And Sustainability31:45 Why Sierra Pacific Windows stands out35:17 Sarah Campbell's Lightning Round👉 Subscribe to Built to WinReal talk, strategies, and tools from Stefanie.👉 Book a Strategy CallReady to grow your brand or business? Let’s talk.Connect with Stefanie Couch & Grit BlueprintGrit Website: GritBlueprint.comYouTube: Stefanie CouchInstagram: @StefanieCouchOfficialLinkedIn: Stefanie CouchStefanie’s Website: StefanieCouch.com👉 About Stefanie Couch & Grit BlueprintI'm Stefanie Couch, the founder of Grit Blueprint. I grew up in a third-generation building supply business. I've worked inside dealers, distributors, and manufacturers. I built Grit Blueprint to solve problems I saw in our industry.Grit Blueprint is a visibility, media, and growth partner for manufacturers, distributors, dealers, service providers, and leaders in the building industry.We help you get seen, build trust, and become unmistakable.

What can a founder learn from a former Navy SEAL who built a brand from scratch? In this episode, you’ll learn how discipline, pressure, and resilience shape better leaders, why mentorship matters more than most entrepreneurs realize, and how small wins stack into real business growth. Sam Mackey, CEO of Outsider, shares hard-earned lessons on entrepreneurship, brand building, purpose, and what it takes to keep moving when the pressure is high and the path is uncertain. If you are building a small business, leading through stress, or trying to turn grit into momentum, this episode will give you a sharper mindset and a more practical view of what real growth takes.  What you'll take away:• Why discipline matters more than motivation as a founder • How small wins stack into real momentum when you are building a business • Why founders need mentors, hard feedback, and people who will tell them the truth • How pressure can either break you or sharpen you, depending on how you respond • What it takes to build a brand with purpose instead of just chasing attention or sales 👉 Subscribe to Built to WinReal talk, strategies, and tools from Stefanie.👉 Book a Strategy CallReady to grow your brand or business? Let’s talk.Connect with Stefanie Couch & Grit BlueprintGrit Website: GritBlueprint.comYouTube: Stefanie CouchInstagram: @StefanieCouchOfficialLinkedIn: Stefanie CouchStefanie’s Website: StefanieCouch.com👉 About Stefanie Couch & Grit BlueprintI'm Stefanie Couch, the founder of Grit Blueprint. I grew up in a third-generation building supply business. I've worked inside dealers, distributors, and manufacturers. I built Grit Blueprint to solve problems I saw in our industry.Grit Blueprint is a visibility, media, and growth partner for manufacturers, distributors, dealers, service providers, and leaders in the building industry.We help you get seen, build trust, and become unmistakable.

What does it look like to lead through massive change without losing the heart of the business? In this episode, I sit down with Do it Best president Nick Talarico to talk about leadership, grit, customer experience, and the real work of helping independents win in a changing market. We get into Retail Pulse, the new data tool built to help stores see what is working, fix what is not, and make smarter decisions faster. We also talk about Nick’s unlikely path from auditor to sales leader to president, why trust still wins, and why the future belongs to leaders who are strong in mind, body, and spirit.Topics we covered:• What Retail Pulse is and how it turns POS data into simple green yellow red actions• Why independent hardware stores still win on trust and relationships• Small customer experience moves that create repeat business• Why Do It Best bought True Value during bankruptcy to protect retailers• What “sound mind body spirit” leadership looks like in practice👉 Subscribe to Built to WinReal talk, strategies, and tools from Stefanie.👉 Book a Strategy CallReady to grow your brand or business? Let’s talk.Connect with Stefanie Couch & Grit BlueprintGrit Website: GritBlueprint.comYouTube: Stefanie CouchInstagram: @StefanieCouchOfficialLinkedIn: Stefanie CouchStefanie’s Website: StefanieCouch.com👉 About Stefanie Couch & Grit BlueprintI'm Stefanie Couch, the founder of Grit Blueprint. I grew up in a third-generation building supply business. I've worked inside dealers, distributors, and manufacturers. I built Grit Blueprint to solve problems I saw in our industry.Grit Blueprint is a visibility, media, and growth partner for manufacturers, distributors, dealers, service providers, and leaders in the building industry.We help you get seen, build trust, and become unmistakable.

What does it really take to get to 100 episodes when no one cares at first? In this special episode, Ben flips the script and interviews me about how the Grit Blueprint Podcast started, what almost made it stall, and why consistency beats perfection every time. We talk about building in public, learning through bad reps, why niche content wins bigger than broad content, and how real, human media will matter even more in an AI-heavy world. If you are trying to build a brand, a platform, or a business that lasts, this episode provides proof that momentum comes from showing up. Topics we covered:• Stefanie’s background in lumberyard and building materials• How we launched our business after a major career shift• Early format mistakes and learning faster through volume• Niche audience math and why you don’t need mass reach• AI as a tool plus the rising value of real content• Favorite podcast moments including live show interviews• Our next 100 episodes and what Grit Studios becomes👉 Subscribe to Built to WinReal talk, strategies, and tools from Stefanie.👉 Book a Strategy CallReady to grow your brand or business? Let’s talk.Connect with Stefanie Couch & Grit BlueprintGrit Website: GritBlueprint.comYouTube: Stefanie CouchInstagram: @StefanieCouchOfficialLinkedIn: Stefanie CouchStefanie’s Website: StefanieCouch.com👉 About Stefanie Couch & Grit BlueprintI'm Stefanie Couch, the founder of Grit Blueprint. I grew up in a third-generation building supply business. I've worked inside dealers, distributors, and manufacturers. I built Grit Blueprint to solve problems I saw in our industry.Grit Blueprint is a visibility, media, and growth partner for manufacturers, distributors, dealers, service providers, and leaders in the building industry.We help you get seen, build trust, and become unmistakable.

What if the smartest way to grow in building products is to stop selling features and start selling transformation? In this episode, I sit down with Chip Wade to talk about why trust, process, and real-world performance matter more than polished marketing talk. We get into how homeowners actually make decisions, what brands miss when they focus only on product specs, and why the companies that win next will be the ones that make the customer journey simpler, clearer, and more inspiring. If you want to build a brand that gets chosen in a crowded market, this conversation will sharpen how you think about selling, storytelling, and growth. Topics we covered:• Chip's Engineer-to-TV arc and lessons from low-budget, fast-turn projects• Product selection based on quality, warranty, and relationships• College versus Trades as parallel routes to resilience• Networking habits that compound over decades• Trust, content overload, and preserving human connection• The case for modular, cost-effective homes with real design👉 Subscribe to Built to WinReal talk, strategies, and tools from Stefanie.👉 Book a Strategy CallReady to grow your brand or business? Let’s talk.Connect with Stefanie Couch & Grit BlueprintGrit Website: GritBlueprint.comYouTube: Stefanie CouchInstagram: @StefanieCouchOfficialLinkedIn: Stefanie CouchStefanie’s Website: StefanieCouch.com👉 About Stefanie Couch & Grit BlueprintI'm Stefanie Couch, the founder of Grit Blueprint. I grew up in a third-generation building supply business. I've worked inside dealers, distributors, and manufacturers. I built Grit Blueprint to solve problems I saw in our industry.Grit Blueprint is a visibility, media, and growth partner for manufacturers, distributors, dealers, service providers, and leaders in the building industry.We help you get seen, build trust, and become unmistakable.

What does it really take to build a business with your spouse and keep both the marriage and the mission intact? Ben and I pull back the curtain on three and a half years of grit and entrepreneurship, from working at the kitchen table to launching Grit Studios in our small mountain town. We talk about pressure, ownership, firing the wrong fits, finding the right ones, and why our culture is built on extreme ownership and high standards. If you are building something from scratch and wondering whether the weight you feel is normal, it is. This is the real story behind the growth.Topics we covered:• Designing a 2,000 sq ft studio• Training space plans and client experience on site• Entrepreneurship as freedom with responsibility• Building a team, internships, and role fit• Extreme ownership and culture of figuring it out• Incentives, sales mindset, and sustainable growth• Photography, video, podcasts, pro workflows👉 Subscribe to Built to WinReal talk, strategies, and tools from Stefanie.👉 Book a Strategy CallReady to grow your brand or business? Let’s talk.Connect with Stefanie Couch & Grit BlueprintGrit Website: GritBlueprint.comYouTube: Stefanie CouchInstagram: @StefanieCouchOfficialLinkedIn: Stefanie CouchStefanie’s Website: StefanieCouch.com👉 About Stefanie Couch & Grit BlueprintI'm Stefanie Couch, the founder of Grit Blueprint. I grew up in a third-generation building supply business. I've worked inside dealers, distributors, and manufacturers. I built Grit Blueprint to solve problems I saw in our industry.Grit Blueprint is a visibility, media, and growth partner for manufacturers, distributors, dealers, service providers, and leaders in the building industry.We help you get seen, build trust, and become unmistakable.

 Water intrusion is the number one cause of construction lawsuits, and most of it is preventable. I sit down with Mark Stewart and Jeff Martin of Fortress Building Envelope Consultants to break down why roofs, walls, and windows fail and how small mistakes turn into million-dollar problems. We talk about the subcontractor gap, skipped mock-ups, poor supervision, COVID material substitutions, and why testing before cover-up can save massive future cost. If you build, specify, distribute, or insure projects, this conversation will change how you think about risk, communication, and accountability. Topics we covered:• What is a building envelope, and how can it fail?• How to prevent damage to waterproofing membranes during access and storage• Why pre-roof meetings, protection plans, and mock-ups matter• Who hires building envelope testing services and when to schedule them• Practical steps to align manufacturers, subcontractors, and supervision👉 Subscribe to Built to WinReal talk, strategies, and tools from Stefanie.👉 Book a Strategy CallReady to grow your brand or business? Let’s talk.Connect with Stefanie Couch & Grit BlueprintGrit Website: GritBlueprint.comYouTube: Stefanie CouchInstagram: @StefanieCouchOfficialLinkedIn: Stefanie CouchStefanie’s Website: StefanieCouch.com👉 About Stefanie Couch & Grit BlueprintI'm Stefanie Couch, the founder of Grit Blueprint. I grew up in a third-generation building supply business. I've worked inside dealers, distributors, and manufacturers. I built Grit Blueprint to solve problems I saw in our industry.Grit Blueprint is a visibility, media, and growth partner for manufacturers, distributors, dealers, service providers, and leaders in the building industry.We help you get seen, build trust, and become unmistakable.

Most lumberyards think they have a sales problem. Russ Kathrein says they actually have a systems problem. In this episode, we break down the operational moves that quietly unlock millions in revenue, from billing special orders the right way to turning drivers into sales assets and cutting truck turnaround from 52 minutes to 12. Russ also shares his rule number one, your first loss is your best loss, and a simple AR strategy that moved percent current from 65 percent to over 90 percent without becoming the collections department. If you run a yard, manage cash flow, or want cleaner operations that drive real profit, this is a tactical masterclass.Topics we covered:• Billing special orders on receipt to improve cash flow• Clearing dead inventory and exposing carrying costs• Drivers as sales ambassadors• Smart timing and strategic investments• Balance sheet focus over vanity P&L• AR playbook to raise percent current and get paid first👉 Subscribe to Built to WinReal talk, strategies, and tools from Stefanie.👉 Book a Strategy CallReady to grow your brand or business? Let’s talk.Connect with Stefanie Couch & Grit BlueprintGrit Website: GritBlueprint.comYouTube: Stefanie CouchInstagram: @StefanieCouchOfficialLinkedIn: Stefanie CouchStefanie’s Website: StefanieCouch.com👉 About Stefanie Couch & Grit BlueprintI'm Stefanie Couch, the founder of Grit Blueprint. I grew up in a third-generation building supply business. I've worked inside dealers, distributors, and manufacturers. I built Grit Blueprint to solve problems I saw in our industry.Grit Blueprint is a visibility, media, and growth partner for manufacturers, distributors, dealers, service providers, and leaders in the building industry.We help you get seen, build trust, and become unmistakable.

Windows and doors are hard, and that’s exactly why they matter. In this episode, I sit down with industry veteran Michael Tull to break down why deep product knowledge, jobsite experience, and real relationships still win in a market full of shortcuts. We talk about how mastering installation details protects margin, builds trust, and turns salespeople into long-term partners instead of order takers. If you want to sell higher-value products, reduce callbacks, and stay relevant as doors get bigger and jobs get riskier, this conversation delivers the playbook.Topics we covered:• What a Manufacturer’s Rep actually does• Two-step distribution and value add• Diagnosing install vs product issues on site• Handling price objections with apples-to-apples• Moving from vendor to trusted advisor for your clients👉 Subscribe to Built to WinReal talk, strategies, and tools from Stefanie.👉 Book a Strategy CallReady to grow your brand or business? Let’s talk.Connect with Stefanie Couch & Grit BlueprintGrit Website: GritBlueprint.comYouTube: Stefanie CouchInstagram: @StefanieCouchOfficialLinkedIn: Stefanie CouchStefanie’s Website: StefanieCouch.com👉 About Stefanie Couch & Grit BlueprintI'm Stefanie Couch, the founder of Grit Blueprint. I grew up in a third-generation building supply business. I've worked inside dealers, distributors, and manufacturers. I built Grit Blueprint to solve problems I saw in our industry.Grit Blueprint is a visibility, media, and growth partner for manufacturers, distributors, dealers, service providers, and leaders in the building industry.We help you get seen, build trust, and become unmistakable.

 Sales growth is not optional. In this episode, I sit down with Eric Knox from Do it Best to break down what independent dealers must do now to stay competitive as AI, data, and big-box pressure accelerate. We get practical on how to build a sales culture that keeps score, sets real goals, and uses tools like LinkedIn and AI to win new business, not just protect old accounts. Big players are rolling out AI takeoff tools and pushing the purchase journey online. If your value was tied to doing the takeoff, you need a broader promise: on-time delivery, rapid problem solving, design guidance, and proactive communication.If you want to future-proof your sales team, sharpen decision-making, and stay relevant in a fast-changing market, this conversation is required listening. Topics we cover:• Moving beyond top-line sales to tracking actionable sales metrics• Setting goals, measuring activities, and keeping score• LinkedIn for daily visibility and warm outreach• Using AI for call prep, ideation, objections, and knowledge bases• Selling value beyond just takeoffs and reducing friction• Why showrooms drive upgrades and bigger ticket sales👉 Subscribe to Built to WinReal talk, strategies, and tools from Stefanie.👉 Book a Strategy CallReady to grow your brand or business? Let’s talk.Connect with Stefanie Couch & Grit BlueprintGrit Website: GritBlueprint.comYouTube: Stefanie CouchInstagram: @StefanieCouchOfficialLinkedIn: Stefanie CouchStefanie’s Website: StefanieCouch.com👉 About Stefanie Couch & Grit BlueprintI'm Stefanie Couch, the founder of Grit Blueprint. I grew up in a third-generation building supply business. I've worked inside dealers, distributors, and manufacturers. I built Grit Blueprint to solve problems I saw in our industry.Grit Blueprint is a visibility, media, and growth partner for manufacturers, distributors, dealers, service providers, and leaders in the building industry.We help you get seen, build trust, and become unmistakable.

Some choices change your trajectory. Jim Powell of Culpeper Wood joins us to share why their team refuses big box volume in favor of independence, relationships, and long-term brand equity, and how that stance fuels growth. We dig into the strategy behind niching down, raising grades, and curating product mixes that win in real markets, not just on paper.Jim walks us through Culpeper’s evolution from a handful of plants to a multi-location operation known for quality and breadth, from standard construction lumber to clear grades, KDAT, columns, and premium fencing. We unpack how dealers that educate customers on performance and fit gain a durable advantage. The theme is consistent: independence offers choice, agility, and expertise that big box cannot replicate, especially when a customer needs a special order or a higher-spec solution for outdoor living.We also look ahead. How do we bring the next generation into the building materials world when the technology industry recruits so aggressively? Jim shares how training, mentorship, and real relationship-building make the industry magnetic, plus why events, dinners, and face-to-face time compound trust. For dealers, the play is clear: define what you won’t do, lean into what you do better than anyone, and partner with suppliers who protect your positioning. If you’re focused on winning outdoor spaces, elevating grades, or building a reputation that travels by word of mouth, this conversation gives you a practical roadmap.Topics we covered:• Independence over big box to protect dealers• Product range from standard to KDAT and clear grades• Raising grades as a competitive signal• Niching down to own outdoor living and premium decks• Relationship selling and family-first culture• Training the next generation across sales and product• Attracting talent through brand and opportunity• Practical ways for members to connect with Culpepper👉 Subscribe to Built to WinReal talk, strategies, and tools from Stefanie.👉 Book a Strategy CallReady to grow your brand or business? Let’s talk.Connect with Stefanie Couch & Grit BlueprintGrit Website: GritBlueprint.comYouTube: Stefanie CouchInstagram: @StefanieCouchOfficialLinkedIn: Stefanie CouchStefanie’s Website: StefanieCouch.com👉 About Stefanie Couch & Grit BlueprintI'm Stefanie Couch, the founder of Grit Blueprint. I grew up in a third-generation building supply business. I've worked inside dealers, distributors, and manufacturers. I built Grit Blueprint to solve problems I saw in our industry.Grit Blueprint is a visibility, media, and growth partner for manufacturers, distributors, dealers, service providers, and leaders in the building industry.We help you get seen, build trust, and become unmistakable.

Want a real competitive edge that big-box chains can’t copy? Start with a story only your store can tell. We sat down on the floor at the Do It Best Market in Indianapolis with Marketing Director Kerry Hasselbach to unpack how independent hardware and LBM dealers turn authenticity into measurable growth without chasing perfection.Kerry’s journey from designing handbags to leading co‑op marketing reveals a powerful truth, that industry fluency plus agency-level execution is a force multiplier for small businesses. We walk through how Do It Best’s in-house team acts like a bespoke agency: creative, paid social, display, and reputation management, tailored to each member’s goals. You’ll hear why service-led marketing outperforms product-only pushes, how to translate store life into scroll-stopping posts, and the simple habits that keep your brand top of mind in your neighborhood.We dig into omnichannel strategy for today’s buyer: organic content meets targeted social, review responses, display placements, and smart email to create demand before customers are ready to swipe a card. Kerry shares practical wins from the new digital marketing solutions platform that centralizes campaigns and reviews into one app, saving time while improving results. We also spotlight Do it Best's CORE, the College of Retail Education, and Market Learning Sessions that turn knowledge into action so teams leave with a plan, not a pamphlet.If you’re an independent looking to grow foot traffic, strengthen community ties, and build a brand that lasts, this conversation lays out a clear path: be consistent, be unmistakable, and let your customers see the humans behind the counter.Topics we covered:• Storytelling as a long-term competitive advantage• How Do It Best functions as an in-house agency for members• Managed services across creative, social, display, and reviews• Why promoting services outperforms product-only posts• Building an omnichannel plan that matches consumer behavior• Using analytics to target demographics and share of wallet• Creating relatable content from everyday store moments• Progress over perfection for social video and photos• CORE education and Market sessions to enable teams• Final advice to lead with authenticity and consistency👉 Subscribe to Built to WinReal talk, strategies, and tools from Stefanie.👉 Book a Strategy CallReady to grow your brand or business? Let’s talk.Connect with Stefanie Couch & Grit BlueprintGrit Website: GritBlueprint.comYouTube: Stefanie CouchInstagram: @StefanieCouchOfficialLinkedIn: Stefanie CouchStefanie’s Website: StefanieCouch.com👉 About Stefanie Couch & Grit BlueprintI'm Stefanie Couch, the founder of Grit Blueprint. I grew up in a third-generation building supply business. I've worked inside dealers, distributors, and manufacturers. I built Grit Blueprint to solve problems I saw in our industry.Grit Blueprint is a visibility, media, and growth partner for manufacturers, distributors, dealers, service providers, and leaders in the building industry.We help you get seen, build trust, and become unmistakable.

Ever wonder why some simple, scrappy videos drive floods of real customers while polished promos fall flat? We sat down with Brent of BYOT, a builder-turned-creator with 20 years on the tools, to unpack how clear teaching, strong hooks, and consistent posting turned DIY tutorials into a growth engine. From the dirt-to-lawn video that exploded his channel, to trade show walk-throughs that quietly trigger purchase orders, this conversation maps a practical path for local retailers who want sales, not just views.We explore how to structure short-form vertical clips for attention and the specific tactics that move the needle: capture interest in the first three seconds, invest in clean audio, keep most videos 30–40 seconds, and let your profile do the selling with clear links and addresses. Brent explains why Facebook still matters for B2C, how TikTok accelerates discovery, and when longer YouTube tutorials deepen loyalty. He also shares the surprising metric that predicts conversions, shares over likes, and tells the story of a plastic caulking finger that racked up tens of millions of views and sold out inventory.If you manage a hardware store, lumberyard, or building brand, you’ll get a workable blueprint on how to use video to create sales: start now, stay consistent, lean into humor, and spotlight the product expert, not the hard sell. Measure what matters, iterate from real data, and empower your team to test fresh ideas. The result is content that feels human, earns trust, and turns attention into revenue.Topics we covered:• Start with useful, step-by-step tutorials• Lead videos with a strong hook• Prioritize audio quality over perfect visuals• Post consistently across your chosen platforms• Use humor to show personality without hard selling• Put address and links in profiles, not the videos• Track shares and saves as signals of buyer intent• Let product experts do the talking when possible👉 Subscribe to Built to WinReal talk, strategies, and tools from Stefanie.👉 Book a Strategy CallReady to grow your brand or business? Let’s talk.Connect with Stefanie Couch & Grit BlueprintGrit Website: GritBlueprint.comYouTube: Stefanie CouchInstagram: @StefanieCouchOfficialLinkedIn: Stefanie CouchStefanie’s Website: StefanieCouch.com👉 About Stefanie Couch & Grit BlueprintI'm Stefanie Couch, the founder of Grit Blueprint. I grew up in a third-generation building supply business. I've worked inside dealers, distributors, and manufacturers. I built Grit Blueprint to solve problems I saw in our industry.Grit Blueprint is a visibility, media, and growth partner for manufacturers, distributors, dealers, service providers, and leaders in the building industry.We help you get seen, build trust, and become unmistakable.

Fresh off the GlassBuild floor, we dig into the real story behind AI, sales momentum, and the future of windows, doors, and glass. Industry veteran Rick Cross, Account Executive at Paradigm, joins us to separate signal from noise, arguing that the biggest wins don’t come from shiny tools, but from teams that trust each other and processes built to carry weight. We explore how to turn traditional knowledge into systems, reduce error at the edges, and unlock self-serve quoting that speeds deals without sacrificing accuracy.Rick’s “hull speed” analogy anchors the conversation: like a boat, every business has a sustainable pace. Push faster than your structure allows and you don’t grow, you break. We talk through how to design for the speed you want, from clean data and clear roles to measured implementation and empathetic selling. You’ll hear how to read timing in complex deals, when to ease off and when to nudge, and why steady progress beats short-term sprints that burn trust.We also look ahead at talent and training. With a generation of industry pillars nearing retirement and AI changing workflows, the opportunity is wide open for students, tradespeople, and technologists to build meaningful careers. Associations like WDMA and NGA can bridge the gap with seminars, school outreach, and content that shows how fenestration fuels safer, more affordable homes. To close, Rick shares practical ways to reset a slump: step away, take a break, or help someone else, so you return focused and effective.Topics we cover:• Tech fear reframed through the tractor analogy• AI used to capture tribal knowledge and cut errors• People and process as the real leverage, not tools• Trust, clear paths, and win-win as project accelerants• Software reducing friction and enabling self-serve quotes• Patience in sales cycles and timing the push• "Hull speed" as a guide for sustainable growth• Habits for breaking slumps and sharpening skills• Recruiting next-gen talent via schools and media👉 Subscribe to Built to WinReal talk, strategies, and tools from Stefanie.👉 Book a Strategy CallReady to grow your brand or business? Let’s talk.Connect with Stefanie Couch & Grit BlueprintGrit Website: GritBlueprint.comYouTube: Stefanie CouchInstagram: @StefanieCouchOfficialLinkedIn: Stefanie CouchStefanie’s Website: StefanieCouch.com👉 About Stefanie Couch & Grit BlueprintI'm Stefanie Couch, the founder of Grit Blueprint. I grew up in a third-generation building supply business. I've worked inside dealers, distributors, and manufacturers. I built Grit Blueprint to solve problems I saw in our industry.Grit Blueprint is a visibility, media, and growth partner for manufacturers, distributors, dealers, service providers, and leaders in the building industry.We help you get seen, build trust, and become unmistakable.

A soft market can fool you into thinking nothing’s moving. Under the surface, single-family starts are edging up, mortgage pressure is easing, and homeowners are about to unlock record equity, shifting windows and doors from isolated upgrades into bigger, General Contractor led projects. I sit down with Todd Tomalak to decode what’s next and how brands can earn the only verdict that matters: the contractor’s yes at the kitchen table.We break down why fenestration often loses to visible bundles like kitchens, and what it takes to win anyway: reduce friction, ship on time, and make installation boring, in the best way. Todd connects today’s volatility to a 1974 “lumber recession” playbook, where tail events shattered loyalties and market share moved fast. Expect more pro veto moments, where installers override plans based on what actually works on site. That’s where margins live, and where the few who master complexity will lead when demand rebounds.Search has changed too. Pros and homeowners now ask long, specific questions to YouTube, Instagram, and AI assistants. If your content doesn’t speak to climate, codes, install constraints, and aesthetics, you won’t even enter the conversation. We share practical ways to audit how GPT frames your brand, craft niche content that ranks for real prompts, and position yourself as the credible alternative when the first choice falls short. The strategy is simple and hard: pick one target, go deep, and become unmistakable to the buyers who matter most.Topics we covered:• Macro softness and rising single-family starts outlook• Windows and doors losing to visible upgrade bundles• Contractor labor tightness and the power of pro veto• Brand loyalty shaken by tail events and reliability gaps• Parallels to 1974 and the coming market share swaps• Home equity extraction fueling larger, GC-led remodels• Search shifting to YouTube, Instagram and AI assistants• How GPT frames brands and why that matters for recommendations• Niche strategy for remodel complexity and margin• Practical steps to be named first at the kitchen table👉 Subscribe to Built to WinReal talk, strategies, and tools from Stefanie.👉 Book a Strategy CallReady to grow your brand or business? Let’s talk.Connect with Stefanie Couch & Grit BlueprintGrit Website: GritBlueprint.comYouTube: Stefanie CouchInstagram: @StefanieCouchOfficialLinkedIn: Stefanie CouchStefanie’s Website: StefanieCouch.com👉 About Stefanie Couch & Grit BlueprintI'm Stefanie Couch, the founder of Grit Blueprint. I grew up in a third-generation building supply business. I've worked inside dealers, distributors, and manufacturers. I built Grit Blueprint to solve problems I saw in our industry.Grit Blueprint is a visibility, media, and growth partner for manufacturers, distributors, dealers, service providers, and leaders in the building industry.We help you get seen, build trust, and become unmistakable.

Want a practical playbook for how independent dealers can outmaneuver bigger competitors? I sat down with Gabe Arnold at the Do it Best Market to dig into the moves that matter: consultative selling, smarter buying, and turning human visibility into a real advantage on the yard and online.Gabe’s story spans from Millwork Account Executive to Northeast Regional Sales Leader, and his perspective is grounded in over twenty years of helping members win. We break down why partial truck buys often cost more than they save, how reload and full-truck strategies unlock scale, and where vendor partnerships can remove friction all the way to the jobsite. You’ll hear how strong communication turned pandemic shortages into closer member relationships and why soft pricing today demands proactive planning rather than reactive buys.We also talk about the new leverage hiding in plain sight: LinkedIn. No fluff, no “go viral” fantasy, just consistent, helpful posts that show your yard, your people, and your capability. In B2B, one well-placed post can land a $20,000 door package or a $200,000 custom home order. Let your team be the face, and let your feed prove what you do every day. Looking ahead, Gabe outlines a bold five-year vision for LBM growth in the Northeast, including creative reload capacity and species mix that allow independents to compete directly with distributors in dense metro markets.Topics we covered:• Career path from millwork to regional sales leadership• Leading a young Northeast team and building capability• Consultative selling that removes friction for members• Using partnerships and reload strategy to beat distributor pricing• Humanizing brands through LinkedIn and consistent posting• B2B wins without chasing virality• Lessons from shortages, soft pricing, and constant communication• Five-year outlook for LBM growth in the Northeast• Creative moves to add reload capacity and take share👉 Subscribe to Built to WinReal talk, strategies, and tools from Stefanie.👉 Book a Strategy CallReady to grow your brand or business? Let’s talk.Connect with Stefanie Couch & Grit BlueprintGrit Website: GritBlueprint.comYouTube: Stefanie CouchInstagram: @StefanieCouchOfficialLinkedIn: Stefanie CouchStefanie’s Website: StefanieCouch.com👉 About Stefanie Couch & Grit BlueprintI'm Stefanie Couch, the founder of Grit Blueprint. I grew up in a third-generation building supply business. I've worked inside dealers, distributors, and manufacturers. I built Grit Blueprint to solve problems I saw in our industry.Grit Blueprint is a visibility, media, and growth partner for manufacturers, distributors, dealers, service providers, and leaders in the building industry.We help you get seen, build trust, and become unmistakable.

The fastest way to lose great work is to forget the people doing it. We dive into a candid, high-energy conversation with Chip Gentry, Chief Legal Officer at Quaker Windows, on why relationships still beat automation and how trust turns into measurable growth in the built world.We start with the foundations: face-to-face time, accountability, and agreements that act like partnerships rather than traps. Chip explains how supply chain risk gets easier to manage when your contracts are human, your partners are friends, and your values are visible. From there, we unpack why 2025 demands personalized, legendary experiences for customers and vendors alike, and how open-book management, profit sharing, and real benefits keep talent for decades.Chip’s path from trial lawyer to fenestration insider is a masterclass in curiosity and niche expertise. He moved beyond compliance by learning the product, hiring experts, and becoming indispensable to clients. Now at Quaker, he’s helping scale a culture where relationships are the backbone, risk is calculated, and innovation is a mandate. We talk commercial expansion, integrated IG capabilities, community investment, and a testing lab that pushes beyond standards to prove performance customers can feel: safety, clarity, comfort, longevity.This episode is for leaders who want brands chosen on purpose. You’ll hear how to translate technical specs into human outcomes, build vulnerable and diverse teams, and set an innovation rhythm that refreshes 25% of product offerings every five years. It’s a story about staying family-owned, mission-led, and relentlessly modern, about keeping the windshield bigger than the rearview and remembering that showmanship only works when it’s backed by substance.• Relationships, accountability, and trust as a competitive edge• Supply chain agreements focused on shared risk and purpose• Personalization in 2025 customer and vendor experiences• Open-book management, profit sharing, and retention• Family legacy shaping mission and governance• Expansion of Quaker's commercial division and IG integration• Reinvestment in communities and 100% healthcare• Chip's journey from trial lawyer to fenestration expert• Failure as tuition, journaling, and mindset• Building vulnerable, diverse, high-ownership teams• Beyond compliance strategy and market vision• Storytelling that translates specs to human value• Innovation cadence and testing beyond standards👉 Subscribe to Built to WinReal talk, strategies, and tools from Stefanie.👉 Book a Strategy CallReady to grow your brand or business? Let’s talk.Connect with Stefanie Couch & Grit BlueprintGrit Website: GritBlueprint.comYouTube: Stefanie CouchInstagram: @StefanieCouchOfficialLinkedIn: Stefanie CouchStefanie’s Website: StefanieCouch.com👉 About Stefanie Couch & Grit BlueprintI'm Stefanie Couch, the founder of Grit Blueprint. I grew up in a third-generation building supply business. I've worked inside dealers, distributors, and manufacturers. I built Grit Blueprint to solve problems I saw in our industry.Grit Blueprint is a visibility, media, and growth partner for manufacturers, distributors, dealers, service providers, and leaders in the building industry.We help you get seen, build trust, and become unmistakable.

What does it really take to build a career and a business that lasts in the building materials industry? Kristy Labrecque’s story offers a rare, ground-level answer. Starting as a teenage cashier in a contractor-focused lumberyard, Kristy spent 37 years learning every aisle, role, and pressure point of the business. That long view became her greatest asset as she helped guide her store through COVID, a complex acquisition, and a major operational change, without losing the trust of her team or customers. In this episode of the Grit Blueprint Podcast, recorded live at the Nation’s Best Women’s Retreat at Rough Creek Ranch, Kristy reflects on how independent dealers continue to outplay big box competitors: relentless customer service, deep relationships, and a willingness to adapt without abandoning what works. She shares how strong sales support and on-the-job learning shaped her confidence early on, and why creating a culture where people feel supported to ask questions still matters today, especially for younger team members entering the industry. Topics we covered:• Starting as a teen in a contractor-first yard• Learning on the job with strong sales support• Building a rental center and service department• Adding value with a full kitchen and bath showroom• Navigating COVID paperwork and acquisition due diligence• Leading through uncertainty and protecting morale• Traveling ERP conversions and forging cross-store ties• Women advancing in lumber, windows, and doors• Customer service as the moat against big box• Practical advice for loving a long career👉 Subscribe to Built to WinReal talk, strategies, and tools from Stefanie.👉 Book a Strategy CallReady to grow your brand or business? Let’s talk.Connect with Stefanie Couch & Grit BlueprintGrit Website: GritBlueprint.comYouTube: Stefanie CouchInstagram: @StefanieCouchOfficialLinkedIn: Stefanie CouchStefanie’s Website: StefanieCouch.com👉 About Stefanie Couch & Grit BlueprintI'm Stefanie Couch, the founder of Grit Blueprint. I grew up in a third-generation building supply business. I've worked inside dealers, distributors, and manufacturers. I built Grit Blueprint to solve problems I saw in our industry.Grit Blueprint is a visibility, media, and growth partner for manufacturers, distributors, dealers, service providers, and leaders in the building industry.We help you get seen, build trust, and become unmistakable.

What if doubling your speed didn’t require a new machine, just fewer steps? We sat down on site at the Do it Best Fall Market with Scott Morrison to unpack how simple, evidence‑based changes turn door shops, warehouses, and lumberyards into faster, safer, and more profitable operations.Scott walks us through his on‑site approach: capture the current state with brutal honesty, map the “dance steps” between machines, and target non‑value‑added motion that steals hours. From a door shop operator walking 20 to 30 steps for inserts to forklifts hunting for staging space, distance is the hidden tax. When you cut travel time in half, it's as if you've doubled your speed. Scott shares a zone picking case where a member saved 90 minutes per day, eliminated overtime, and rolled first‑out loads by 6:30 to 7:00 a.m., a competitive edge contractors feel on the jobsite.If you want earlier trucks, fewer headaches, and a culture that hunts waste daily, start by mapping what is true right now. Then remove distance, balance work with real sales data, and design your aisles for where you’ll be in five years.Topics we covered:• Mapping current state to expose waste• Cutting non‑value‑added motion between machines• Zone picking design and balancing by sales history• Saving 90 minutes per day and reducing overtime• Preloading trucks for first‑out morning deliveries• Building cross‑functional teams with a single quarterback• Iterating future states and breaking old paradigms• Planning layouts for 50% growth without new buildings• Centralizing staging to halve travel• When to pair layout changes with WMSLBM Member Operations Form: Sign up for your complimentary 60 minute meeting to discuss your yard's current state and future wants.https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeQkx5Mvxs9KRL1aT5Bj4cNmn0G8TNlqFiZyFx8_RMD6gQ7Ng/viewform👉 Subscribe to Built to WinReal talk, strategies, and tools from Stefanie.👉 Book a Strategy CallReady to grow your brand or business? Let’s talk.Connect with Stefanie Couch & Grit BlueprintGrit Website: GritBlueprint.comYouTube: Stefanie CouchInstagram: @StefanieCouchOfficialLinkedIn: Stefanie CouchStefanie’s Website: StefanieCouch.com👉 About Stefanie Couch & Grit BlueprintI'm Stefanie Couch, the founder of Grit Blueprint. I grew up in a third-generation building supply business. I've worked inside dealers, distributors, and manufacturers. I built Grit Blueprint to solve problems I saw in our industry.Grit Blueprint is a visibility, media, and growth partner for manufacturers, distributors, dealers, service providers, and leaders in the building industry.We help you get seen, build trust, and become unmistakable.

A workforce crunch won’t solve itself, and the answer might be hiding in plain sight. From the floor of GlassBuild, I sit down with the National Glass Association’s new CEO, Lakisha Woods, for a fast-moving conversation about elevating women, the workforce gap in glass and construction, and building the kind of partnerships that turn trade show energy into real business.We talk about the first-time magic of GlassBuild, complete with a drumline that set the tone for a show built on momentum and connection. Then we get practical. Exhibitors want architects in the aisles; architects want hands-on exposure to new glass, fenestration, and facade solutions. When those worlds meet, projects move faster and smarter. Lakisha shares early wins from bringing architects to the show, and how timing, non-competing calendars, and aligned goals with groups like AGC and NAHB can raise the bar for the entire construction ecosystem.The heart of the conversation is leadership. Lakisha walks through the story behind her book, Never Get Their Coffee, and how subtle tasks like note-taking can sideline voices if leaders aren’t intentional. We trade lessons on finding mentors, learning from people you’ve never met, and using tools like podcasts and YouTube as modern apprenticeships. We also explore curiosity as a leadership engine, borrowing from Leonardo da Vinci’s cross-discipline mindset to keep skills fresh and teams inspired. The Women in Glass initiative gets a spotlight too: why visibility matters, how allies accelerate change, and what small, local steps build real momentum.Topics we cover:• Workforce pain points and the case for more women• First-time GlassBuild energy and the drumline moment• Partnerships to expand impact• How visibility and community change career paths• Finding mentors later and learning from afar• Leonardo Davinci-style curiosity, self-care, and sustainable leadership• The coffee and note-taking story as a leadership stance• Women in Glass momentum and practical allyship• NGA’s next moves: listen widely, act decisively👉 Subscribe to Built to WinReal talk, strategies, and tools from Stefanie.👉 Book a Strategy CallReady to grow your brand or business? Let’s talk.Connect with Stefanie Couch & Grit BlueprintGrit Website: GritBlueprint.comYouTube: Stefanie CouchInstagram: @StefanieCouchOfficialLinkedIn: Stefanie CouchStefanie’s Website: StefanieCouch.com👉 About Stefanie Couch & Grit BlueprintI'm Stefanie Couch, the founder of Grit Blueprint. I grew up in a third-generation building supply business. I've worked inside dealers, distributors, and manufacturers. I built Grit Blueprint to solve problems I saw in our industry.Grit Blueprint is a visibility, media, and growth partner for manufacturers, distributors, dealers, service providers, and leaders in the building industry.We help you get seen, build trust, and become unmistakable.

Price pressure is loud at the counter, especially when a local roll former can make a panel that looks identical to a premium option. I spoke with Gary Davidson from Metal Sales to cut through the noise and explain how dealers and contractors turn “why does it cost more here?” into a confident YES using proof, not hype. From Texas Windstorm and UL impact ratings to paint chemistry that actually resists fade and chalk, Gary lays out the specifics your team needs to sell metal roofing on performance and lifecycle value instead of a race to the bottom.Gary shares how Metal Sales supports co‑op members with territory managers, inside sales, and free estimating, so newer counter staff can quote accurately, choose the right profiles, and avoid costly reorders. We also explore where demand is growing fastest: residential roofs, modern farmhouses, and the rise of barnominiums and shouses, plus how wind and fire resilience give metal a clear edge in challenging climates.If you serve farm and ranch, residential, or light commercial work, this conversation gives you practical language, training angles, and customer education tools to close more confidently. Use lifecycle cost to reframe price, show verified testing to bolster trust, and match profiles to project goals so buyers feel guided, not pushed.Topics we covered:• Metal roofing as a value play beyond first cost• Difference between premium panels and local roll formers• Texas Windstorm, UL impact data, and verifiable ratings• Paint system choices and why PVDF outlasts basic polyesters• Training, free estimates, and sales enablement for members• Product breadth across ag, residential, commercial, and architectural• Lifecycle cost versus sticker price for homeowners• Barnominiums and shouses as growing residential trends• Wind and fire performance as key decision drivers• How to engage territory managers and inside sales support👉 Subscribe to Built to WinReal talk, strategies, and tools from Stefanie.👉 Book a Strategy CallReady to grow your brand or business? Let’s talk.Connect with Stefanie Couch & Grit BlueprintGrit Website: GritBlueprint.comYouTube: Stefanie CouchInstagram: @StefanieCouchOfficialLinkedIn: Stefanie CouchStefanie’s Website: StefanieCouch.com👉 About Stefanie Couch & Grit BlueprintI'm Stefanie Couch, the founder of Grit Blueprint. I grew up in a third-generation building supply business. I've worked inside dealers, distributors, and manufacturers. I built Grit Blueprint to solve problems I saw in our industry.Grit Blueprint is a visibility, media, and growth partner for manufacturers, distributors, dealers, service providers, and leaders in the building industry.We help you get seen, build trust, and become unmistakable.

What if one setback could rewire how you lead forever? That’s where Steve’s story begins: a blown knee, a chance conversation, and a walk to a boathouse that forged a lifelong blueprint for excellence, belief, and team-first leadership. From the stern-led cadence of the Blue Boat at Cambridge to the complex reality of general counsel at a fifth-generation manufacturer, Steve shows how grit becomes a system. Train hard, trust the process, and keep pulling when the water turns rough.We dig into the moments that define durable brands. Steve recounts Marvin’s 1961 factory fire and the decision to rebuild in its rural hometown rather than chase incentives, competitors fulfilling orders, the town showing up to help, and employees returning to a stronger company a year later. That choice to prioritize people and place built loyalty that money can’t buy. We trace how family ownership, a requirement of owners to work in the business to keep stock, and a long-term lens shaped responses to bet-the-company litigation and supply shocks. Along the way, rowing lessons echo in the boardroom: align the crew, trust the coxswain, and make excellence the daily habit that produces wins.The conversation looks ahead with clear eyes. Talent pipelines are tightening, products are more technical, and plants in rural communities require a full ecosystem, including housing, childcare, and education partnerships. Steve outlines practical steps: high school tours, robotics teams, and a mechatronics program with a state college to prepare skilled operators and technicians. We also unpack the surge of state-level rules and why advocacy must pivot from Washington-first to a nimble, multi-state strategy that pushes for harmonized standards. Add in a call for more diversity in leadership, and the path becomes sharper, stronger, and more human.Purpose anchors it all. From mentoring law students to supporting Hope Academy in Minneapolis, where parent partnership and classical education deliver standout results. Steve reminds us that people are hope-fueled. Promises made create hope; promises kept build trust.Topics we covered:• Focusing on excellence over outcomes and trusting the process• Rowing as a model for team leadership and belief under pressure• Cambridge Boat Race wins and translating adversity into resilience• Building a purpose-led legal career and founding a firm• The Marvin story: 1961 fire, community loyalty, long-term ownership• Family business values and defining succe👉 Subscribe to Built to WinReal talk, strategies, and tools from Stefanie.👉 Book a Strategy CallReady to grow your brand or business? Let’s talk.Connect with Stefanie Couch & Grit BlueprintGrit Website: GritBlueprint.comYouTube: Stefanie CouchInstagram: @StefanieCouchOfficialLinkedIn: Stefanie CouchStefanie’s Website: StefanieCouch.com👉 About Stefanie Couch & Grit BlueprintI'm Stefanie Couch, the founder of Grit Blueprint. I grew up in a third-generation building supply business. I've worked inside dealers, distributors, and manufacturers. I built Grit Blueprint to solve problems I saw in our industry.Grit Blueprint is a visibility, media, and growth partner for manufacturers, distributors, dealers, service providers, and leaders in the building industry.We help you get seen, build trust, and become unmistakable.

From a live conversation at Rough Creek Ranch with Amber Little, Chief Human Resources Officer at Nation’s Best, we get real about what it takes to support women in a male-dominated industry, attract the next generation, and turn everyday work into a story people want to join. This is a candid look at leadership you can feel: intentional retreats, strengths-based development, and the kind of fellowship that happens when you make space designed for women.We dig into Amber’s winding path, from pre-med to industrial-organizational psychology to HR leadership, and why that background makes her a force for practical change. Servant leadership shows up here as more than a buzzword: whiteboards, sleeves rolled up, shared decisions, and a team that trusts the process because they’re part of it. We also confront a looming challenge: as experienced pros head toward retirement, how do we transfer the wisdom only time in the yard can teach? Amber’s answer starts with a mentorship engine, ride-alongs, subject matter experts, and structured knowledge handoffs, so new talent grows faster without losing the craft.If you sell or hire in the building materials space, the psychology piece will hit home. Tools like CliftonStrengths and the Predictive Index help match people to roles and tailor coaching that sticks. In sales, story beats specs for most buyers. Outcomes, empathy, and clear narratives pull decisions through emotion before logic. Save the deep tech for architects; lead with a story that reduces friction and shows what life looks like after the purchase. That’s how brands become unmistakable in a crowded market.We leave you with optimism and a plan: reframe recruiting around impact, invest in strengths, and build mentorship that honors the people who built this industry.Topics we covered:• Creating intentional spaces for women in building materials• Focusing on strengths to boost confidence and performance• Amber’s career path into industrial-organizational psychology• Servant leadership as a hands-on team practice• Reframing recruiting with clear stories of impact• Building mentorship to transfer field knowledge fast• Using CliftonStrengths and Predictive Index wisely• Storytelling over specs for better sales outcomes• Simple advice to ask more questions and keep mentors close• A 52-week leadership journal for women is on the way👉 Subscribe to Built to WinReal talk, strategies, and tools from Stefanie.👉 Book a Strategy CallReady to grow your brand or business? Let’s talk.Connect with Stefanie Couch & Grit BlueprintGrit Website: GritBlueprint.comYouTube: Stefanie CouchInstagram: @StefanieCouchOfficialLinkedIn: Stefanie CouchStefanie’s Website: StefanieCouch.com👉 About Stefanie Couch & Grit BlueprintI'm Stefanie Couch, the founder of Grit Blueprint. I grew up in a third-generation building supply business. I've worked inside dealers, distributors, and manufacturers. I built Grit Blueprint to solve problems I saw in our industry.Grit Blueprint is a visibility, media, and growth partner for manufacturers, distributors, dealers, service providers, and leaders in the building industry.We help you get seen, build trust, and become unmistakable.

What if the fastest way to grow your business is to stop forcing people into boxes they don’t fit? We sit down with general manager Jody Brixie, whose family turned a 700-square-foot lumber shop into two thriving California locations, one a community hub with seasonal retail, nursery, gifts, apparel, and even live bait, the other a contractor-centric powerhouse. Jody shares how she left a high-pressure nursing career, returned home during a leadership crisis and COVID chaos, and discovered that the real differentiator isn’t inventory or pricing, it’s letting people run where they thrive and backing them with clear guardrails.Across the conversation, we explore practical leadership strategies for construction, building supply, and retail operations. Jody explains how to build a strong leadership core, communicate under pressure, and make daily improvements that compound into serious results. We dig into succession and the sale to Nations Best, why a long-term acquisition model can protect culture, and what it takes to keep morale and performance high through uncertainty. If you manage a lumberyard, contractor desk, or multi-location retail operation, you’ll hear an actionable blueprint: shorten lines, grow add-on sales, empower category owners, and measure relentlessly.Jody’s strengths-based approach, rooted in belief and individualization, offers a clear playbook for hiring, training, and team development. We talk about placing people where they can win, the magic of a small, aligned leadership team, and the courage to lead without mimicking someone else’s style. For women in construction and emerging leaders, Jody’s advice is simple and strong: protect your values, know your worth, and contribute differently. Purpose fuels endurance; culture turns stores into community anchors; systems translate hustle into repeatable growth.• Two stores with distinct customer bases and product mixes• Family legacy from a 700 sq ft shop to a community anchor• Nursing skills translated into crisis-ready leadership• COVID pressures, GM exit, and team resilience• Succession planning and acquisition by Nations Best• Strengths-based hiring and role fit over rigid boxes• Daily growth through small wins and clear guardrails• Advice to young leaders to keep their identity• Rebuilding teams after turnover and developing new talent👉 Subscribe to Built to WinReal talk, strategies, and tools from Stefanie.👉 Book a Strategy CallReady to grow your brand or business? Let’s talk.Connect with Stefanie Couch & Grit BlueprintGrit Website: GritBlueprint.comYouTube: Stefanie CouchInstagram: @StefanieCouchOfficialLinkedIn: Stefanie CouchStefanie’s Website: StefanieCouch.com👉 About Stefanie Couch & Grit BlueprintI'm Stefanie Couch, the founder of Grit Blueprint. I grew up in a third-generation building supply business. I've worked inside dealers, distributors, and manufacturers. I built Grit Blueprint to solve problems I saw in our industry.Grit Blueprint is a visibility, media, and growth partner for manufacturers, distributors, dealers, service providers, and leaders in the building industry.We help you get seen, build trust, and become unmistakable.

Want to make more margin where others see only risk? We sat down on the Do it Best Market show floor with Terry Bailey of DW Distribution to map out how independents turn the complexity of millwork into a durable, competitive edge. From deep inventory to guided e‑commerce and premium door systems, Terry shows how dealers can simplify ordering, avoid costly mistakes, and sell with confidence at the counter or the kitchen table.We start with the big picture: a noisy market, fresh consolidation, and cautious optimism for 2026 as tariffs cool and rates potentially ease. Instead of hiding from that uncertainty, we lean into it. Commodities are easy to lose; millwork is earned. By pairing local expertise with a distributor’s scale, independents can stay light on inventory while delivering faster quotes, cleaner documentation, and on‑time deliveries that keep contractors loyal. Accuracy becomes the advantage, and the payoff is margin that sticks.Then we get practical. Terry walks through DW’s eMerge configurator, designed to prevent the classic door order errors that wreck profit. We delve into upgraded pocket door systems, including all-aluminum cavity sliders with soft-close features, and explore why these details impact homeowner satisfaction. We also outline a training path for new sellers: start with narrow, proven configurations, utilize digital guardrails to reduce errors, and add premium options as confidence grows. Once contractors experience consistent success, they stop shopping the job for pennies and start trusting you for the whole package.Topics we covered:• Bridging commodities to millwork with deep inventory and logistics• Why complexity creates margin and long-term customer stickiness• E-commerce tools that make door ordering foolproof• 2025–2026 outlook, rates, tariffs, and cautious optimism• How independents compete during the 'Clash of the Titans'• Practical steps to train teams and narrow error risk• Why contractors value accuracy over small discounts👉 Subscribe to Built to WinReal talk, strategies, and tools from Stefanie.👉 Book a Strategy CallReady to grow your brand or business? Let’s talk.Connect with Stefanie Couch & Grit BlueprintGrit Website: GritBlueprint.comYouTube: Stefanie CouchInstagram: @StefanieCouchOfficialLinkedIn: Stefanie CouchStefanie’s Website: StefanieCouch.com👉 About Stefanie Couch & Grit BlueprintI'm Stefanie Couch, the founder of Grit Blueprint. I grew up in a third-generation building supply business. I've worked inside dealers, distributors, and manufacturers. I built Grit Blueprint to solve problems I saw in our industry.Grit Blueprint is a visibility, media, and growth partner for manufacturers, distributors, dealers, service providers, and leaders in the building industry.We help you get seen, build trust, and become unmistakable.

What if the most overlooked parts of your house are the biggest levers for comfort, safety, and long-term value? I sit down with John Crosby, president and CEO of the Window & Door Manufacturers Association (WDMA), to unpack how high-performance windows, doors, and skylights can shift from commodity to everyday upgrade, and what it will take to get there.We trace the path from policy to performance, revealing why standards and model codes often decide market outcomes long before a product hits the shelf. John breaks down the real story on tariffs and pricing and how advocacy must balance public good with workable timelines. We examine the housing affordability crisis through a pragmatic lens: adding capacity and efficiency without sacrificing margins or jobs, and orchestrating a labor transition as veteran expertise retires. The takeaway is practical and urgent. Workforce development must move beyond slogans into hands-on pathways that prove modern manufacturing is safe, valuable, and future-forward.We also get tactical about the tools leaders can control. AI and robotics can lift plant productivity and employee experience when paired with smart processes and clear metrics. A digital-first association can amplify member voices and turn data into decisions. And perhaps most importantly, the industry’s story needs a refresh: consumers don’t buy U-factors, they buy how a home feels. Direct-to-consumer education, values-based messaging, and brand experiences that connect benefits to daily life can unlock adoption at scale.Topics we cover:• Mission to accelerate adoption of high-performance windows, doors, and skylights across North America• Standards and model codes as the real battleground, not just federal legislation• Tariffs, pricing signals, and avoiding panic-driven decisions• Housing affordability and scaling without crushing margins• Workforce development, aging expertise, and practical on-ramps• Robotics and AI to boost safety, quality, and throughput• Digital strategy and non-dues revenue to strengthen advocacy• Data and insights to guide leaders and align the market• DTC demand, values-based storytelling, and consumer education• Five-year vision: fenestration as a quality-of-life upgradeReady to turn visibility into growth? Head to gritblueprint.com to learn more and book a call to talk about your growth strategy.👉 Subscribe to Built to WinReal talk, strategies, and tools from Stefanie.👉 Book a Strategy CallReady to grow your brand or business? Let’s talk.Connect with Stefanie Couch & Grit BlueprintGrit Website: GritBlueprint.comYouTube: Stefanie CouchInstagram: @StefanieCouchOfficialLinkedIn: Stefanie CouchStefanie’s Website: StefanieCouch.com👉 About Stefanie Couch & Grit BlueprintI'm Stefanie Couch, the founder of Grit Blueprint. I grew up in a third-generation building supply business. I've worked inside dealers, distributors, and manufacturers. I built Grit Blueprint to solve problems I saw in our industry.Grit Blueprint is a visibility, media, and growth partner for manufacturers, distributors, dealers, service providers, and leaders in the building industry.We help you get seen, build trust, and become unmistakable.

What does it take to lead a team through real change in an industry that prides itself on tradition? We sit down with Kelly Scott, raised on a lumberyard, seasoned through multiple acquisitions, and now running a complex specialty distribution branch, to map the human side of operational excellence and the strategic moves that separate stagnant dealers from standout brands.Kelly’s story begins with family: a Canadian mill and trim retail operation where product knowledge came from hands-on work and fearless selling. Her mother became a respected presence on major Toronto job sites, proving mastery beats bias when stakes are high. That foundation informs Kelly’s leadership playbook today, hiring for character, building trust that endures hard decisions, and creating a culture where the site runs smoothly even when she’s on the road. We dig into what branch management really looks like across logistics, sales, procurement, finance, and light manufacturing, and how clarity of roles plus strong feedback loops keep service levels sharp.We widen the lens to the market’s inflection point. Building materials is an old industry, but the pace of change in technology, AI, consolidation, and shifting customer expectations is accelerating. Kelly explains why dealers who embrace change win more often: smarter assortments, reliable logistics, and data-informed decisions that protect margin and improve experience. We explore specialty building products as a strategic edge: millwork, doors, and decking that drive differentiation and higher profitability. The vision is simple and powerful: one truck, one invoice, deeper coverage, so independents can act bigger without losing their local touch. Partnerships with co-ops like Do It Best amplify this, unlocking buying power and access to categories smaller footprints can’t carry alone. Topics we cover:• Growing up in a lumber family and learning on the counter• Lessons from a trailblazing mother winning respect in sales• Selling the family business and navigating multiple acquisitions• Why people, trust and hard decisions define leadership• How a modern branch runs across sales, logistics and light manufacturing• The industry’s inflection point and pace of change• Where AI, consolidation and specialty products create leverage• One-stop service advantages for independents• Partnering with co-ops to expand reach and assortments• Practical upselling of millwork to grow marginsReady to turn visibility into gr👉 Subscribe to Built to WinReal talk, strategies, and tools from Stefanie.👉 Book a Strategy CallReady to grow your brand or business? Let’s talk.Connect with Stefanie Couch & Grit BlueprintGrit Website: GritBlueprint.comYouTube: Stefanie CouchInstagram: @StefanieCouchOfficialLinkedIn: Stefanie CouchStefanie’s Website: StefanieCouch.com👉 About Stefanie Couch & Grit BlueprintI'm Stefanie Couch, the founder of Grit Blueprint. I grew up in a third-generation building supply business. I've worked inside dealers, distributors, and manufacturers. I built Grit Blueprint to solve problems I saw in our industry.Grit Blueprint is a visibility, media, and growth partner for manufacturers, distributors, dealers, service providers, and leaders in the building industry.We help you get seen, build trust, and become unmistakable.

What if your website quietly drove five to nine times more sales through your front door than it took online? We sit down with Allison Flatjord, Vice President of Marketing and Ecommerce at Do It Best, to unpack how independent hardware and lumber dealers can use digital to fuel local dominance without losing what makes them unique.Allison brings a rare blend of engineering rigor and brand instinct from Bath & Body Works and a party supply giant to the built world. She explains why the old way of testing, asking “do you like this?", misses the point, and how watching real usage turns a site into a sales engine. We explore the 80 percent of shoppers who research online before buying in store, the local SEO and inventory signals that turn searches into store visits, and the practical steps to launch fast with a co-op team that handles the heavy lifting.You’ll hear why the best-performing members showcase their true assortments and niche strengths, think beekeeping gear, lobster pots, or a best-in-town paint bar, so the platform reflects their brand, pricing, and community. We also get personal: marathon lessons, raising twins, and how endurance and curiosity beat shortcuts during digital transformation. The through line is simple: stay obsessed with customer needs, pair tech with human connection, and stack small wins until the flywheel spins.Topics we cover:• E-commerce as an in-store sales multiplier• Data and curiosity as core skills• Member-first platform design and usability• Local assortments that keep stores unique• Research online, buy in-store behavior• Five to nine times in-store lift from web• Hands-on onboarding with marketing support• Endurance mindset for digital change• Customer obsession over long-term trends• Balancing tech with personal connection• Niche category focus to dominate locallyReady to turn visibility into growth? Head to gritblueprint.com to learn more and book a call to talk about your growth strategy.👉 Subscribe to Built to WinReal talk, strategies, and tools from Stefanie.👉 Book a Strategy CallReady to grow your brand or business? Let’s talk.Connect with Stefanie Couch & Grit BlueprintGrit Website: GritBlueprint.comYouTube: Stefanie CouchInstagram: @StefanieCouchOfficialLinkedIn: Stefanie CouchStefanie’s Website: StefanieCouch.com👉 About Stefanie Couch & Grit BlueprintI'm Stefanie Couch, the founder of Grit Blueprint. I grew up in a third-generation building supply business. I've worked inside dealers, distributors, and manufacturers. I built Grit Blueprint to solve problems I saw in our industry.Grit Blueprint is a visibility, media, and growth partner for manufacturers, distributors, dealers, service providers, and leaders in the building industry.We help you get seen, build trust, and become unmistakable.

Want proof that local retail can be both high-tech and deeply human? We sat down with Meg Taylor, a fourth-generation leader behind 21 hardware stores in Virginia, to unpack how a family business blends community events, clear messaging, and practical AI to save time, grow sales, and earn lasting loyalty. Her journey, from Capitol Hill to marketing services to advocacy, builds a toolkit any independent retailer can use without losing the warmth that keeps neighbors coming back.We dig into the shift from traditional buys to digital storytelling, where a simple annual Santa-and-trees event becomes a flywheel: content that resonates across generations, traffic that feeds relationships, and a brand memory that outlasts discounts. Meg explains how segmenting custom GPTs makes everyday work easier: writing cleaner emails, building OSHA-aligned training checklists, drafting social captions, and setting a consistent voice for internal updates. The result is fewer late nights behind the computer and more time on the floor with customers and teams.We also talk about lowering the barrier to entry with playful experiments, like turning a family photo into a coloring page or testing new image editing tools that didn’t exist two weeks ago. The mindset is simple: try it, segment it, measure it, and keep what works. If you’re building an unmistakable brand in the built world, this conversation will give you concrete ways to earn trust, create shareable moments, and streamline the busywork. Topics we covered:• Fourth-generation hardware and 21 stores across Virginia• Lessons from Capitol Hill, media, and advocacy shaping leadership• Moving from traditional to digital marketing with purpose• Community events as memory makers and traffic drivers• Practical AI via custom GPTs for HR, training, and content• Segmenting tools to speed work and keep tone consistent• Photo and imaging tools as low-risk onramps to adoption• Focus on freeing time for staff and customers• Spring buying context and coastal lifestyle touchpoints👉 Subscribe to Built to WinReal talk, strategies, and tools from Stefanie.👉 Book a Strategy CallReady to grow your brand or business? Let’s talk.Connect with Stefanie Couch & Grit BlueprintGrit Website: GritBlueprint.comYouTube: Stefanie CouchInstagram: @StefanieCouchOfficialLinkedIn: Stefanie CouchStefanie’s Website: StefanieCouch.com👉 About Stefanie Couch & Grit BlueprintI'm Stefanie Couch, the founder of Grit Blueprint. I grew up in a third-generation building supply business. I've worked inside dealers, distributors, and manufacturers. I built Grit Blueprint to solve problems I saw in our industry.Grit Blueprint is a visibility, media, and growth partner for manufacturers, distributors, dealers, service providers, and leaders in the building industry.We help you get seen, build trust, and become unmistakable.

Buyers have changed the rules, and the window and door industry is racing to catch up. We sit down with Paradigm’s VP of MDR Sales, Lisa Cooley, to unpack how AI, data, and a new generation of talent are rewriting everything from product discovery to the last mile of sales—and why grit still beats hype.On the buyer side, the shift is dramatic. Homeowners now use long-tail searches and visual matching to find exactly what they want: “black exterior, white interior door that won’t rot at a Georgia lake house.” They expect transparent pricing ranges, instant configuration, and clean visualization before they ever talk to sales. That flips the sales playbook: educate early with rich data and tools, capture preferences respectfully, then show up in the conversation prepared to close gaps—not restart discovery. Lisa shares how our team supports manufacturers and dealers by turning complex product logic into simple, trustworthy buyer experiences.Topics we cover:• Generational shift toward empowered, research-first homeowners• Labor shortages driving adoption of modern tools for recruiting• Practical ways AI accelerates visualization, estimating and content• Sales leadership that listens, asks better questions and motivates meaning• Long-tail search and visual matching changing product discovery• Connecting manufacturers, dealers and buyers with accurate data• Vision for tighter data flows and human-centered decision-makingBe sure to subscribe to your favorite podcast platforms or YouTube and follow the Grit Blueprint podcast to hear more stories and insights from the building industry.👉 Subscribe to Built to WinReal talk, strategies, and tools from Stefanie.👉 Book a Strategy CallReady to grow your brand or business? Let’s talk.Connect with Stefanie Couch & Grit BlueprintGrit Website: GritBlueprint.comYouTube: Stefanie CouchInstagram: @StefanieCouchOfficialLinkedIn: Stefanie CouchStefanie’s Website: StefanieCouch.com👉 About Stefanie Couch & Grit BlueprintI'm Stefanie Couch, the founder of Grit Blueprint. I grew up in a third-generation building supply business. I've worked inside dealers, distributors, and manufacturers. I built Grit Blueprint to solve problems I saw in our industry.Grit Blueprint is a visibility, media, and growth partner for manufacturers, distributors, dealers, service providers, and leaders in the building industry.We help you get seen, build trust, and become unmistakable.

What if your store didn’t try to be the biggest in town and became the most unforgettable instead? We sit down with Bob Taylor, President Emeritus at Do it Best Corp, a fourth-generation retailer and former Do it Best CEO, to unpack how independents outmaneuver giants by pairing co-op scale with local soul. From a family business nearing 100 years to leading a national organization through major integrations, Bob shares the decisions, data, and culture that turn customers into raving fans.We trace his family’s path from early True Value growth to a pivotal jump to Do it Best in the 1980's for better costs, rebates, and fill rates, then explore the recent True Value combination that’s already rebuilding confidence for retailers and vendors. You’ll hear why co-ops work: pooled buying power, deep talent, and tech that help small players “play big” without losing identity. More important, we dig into what scale can’t replace: the second-mile habits that make a local brand unmistakable.Expect practical plays you can implement this week: greet and guide every shopper, cut wait friction, escort pros to exactly what they need, and follow up after major purchases. We talk about “Unreasonable Hospitality” as a competitive lens. Don’t copy what rivals do well, find what they do fine and make it unforgettable. Add community moments like a Santa event or the best Christmas tree lot in town. Use peer groups to share financials and steal proven ideas. Let technology extend your personal touch across email, checkout, and curbside so consistency becomes your signature.If you lead an independent hardware store, lumber yard, or building supply brand, this is your playbook to raise the bar, earn trust, and win long-term.Topics we covered:• Co-op advantages that keep independents competitive• Lessons from switching banners based on metrics and culture• Executing integrations that restore retailer and vendor confidence• Peer groups and benchmarking for real accountability• Second-mile service as a daily operating system• Unreasonable Hospitality and finding gaps competitors miss• Small, personal gestures that become unforgettable stories• Niche focus plus events that build community loyalty• Using technology to play big while staying local👉 Subscribe to Built to WinReal talk, strategies, and tools from Stefanie.👉 Book a Strategy CallReady to grow your brand or business? Let’s talk.Connect with Stefanie Couch & Grit BlueprintGrit Website: GritBlueprint.comYouTube: Stefanie CouchInstagram: @StefanieCouchOfficialLinkedIn: Stefanie CouchStefanie’s Website: StefanieCouch.com👉 About Stefanie Couch & Grit BlueprintI'm Stefanie Couch, the founder of Grit Blueprint. I grew up in a third-generation building supply business. I've worked inside dealers, distributors, and manufacturers. I built Grit Blueprint to solve problems I saw in our industry.Grit Blueprint is a visibility, media, and growth partner for manufacturers, distributors, dealers, service providers, and leaders in the building industry.We help you get seen, build trust, and become unmistakable.

Speed without soul never lasts. From the buzzing floor of the Do It Best market in Indianapolis, we sit down with Anthony Bogucki, CEO of Bogucki Enterprises, a Do it Best member who grew a family business from a basement startup into a national e‑commerce operation, to map out how independents can compete and win against retail giants. We unpack the co‑op advantages that matter most: small‑parcel distribution that reaches 230 million people in one day, reliable two‑day coverage for 99% of ZIP codes, and a support system that blends buying power with practical, hands‑on training.Together, we dig into the tools that turn a single storefront into a scalable brand. Think e‑commerce enablement that extends your aisles, marketing services that keep you consistent, and education across social media, operations, and AI so your team levels up without hiring a stadium full of specialists. Vendors show up because execution matches the relationship talk, and that trust compounds into better assortments, sharper terms, and faster replenishment.We also look ahead at the partnership with True Value and what this joining of forces could mean for local hardware and LBM retailers. More coverage. More capacity. More leverage. The excitement on the show floor is real, and the promise is concrete: stronger logistics, smarter marketing, and a network that helps independent stores move like national players while staying rooted in their communities. Anthony’s story brings it home with purpose, from nephews discovering the industry to the Bogucki Foundation flying immunocompromised children to lifesaving treatment, proof that growth can carry heart.Topics we cover:• Co‑op scale that reaches 230 million people in one day and 99% of ZIP codes in two• E‑commerce and small‑parcel distribution that let stores sell beyond shelves• Marketing support and training across social, operations, AI, and more• Vendor relationships built on execution and long‑term trust• Momentum from the True Value partnership and what it unlocks• Family legacy, next‑gen interest, and community roots• The Bogucki Foundation’s missions for immunocompromised children• On‑floor highlights, first‑time vendors, and market energyIf you're ready to turn visibility into growth, then head to gritblueprint.com to learn more and book a call to talk to us about your growth strategy👉 Subscribe to Built to WinReal talk, strategies, and tools from Stefanie.👉 Book a Strategy CallReady to grow your brand or business? Let’s talk.Connect with Stefanie Couch & Grit BlueprintGrit Website: GritBlueprint.comYouTube: Stefanie CouchInstagram: @StefanieCouchOfficialLinkedIn: Stefanie CouchStefanie’s Website: StefanieCouch.com👉 About Stefanie Couch & Grit BlueprintI'm Stefanie Couch, the founder of Grit Blueprint. I grew up in a third-generation building supply business. I've worked inside dealers, distributors, and manufacturers. I built Grit Blueprint to solve problems I saw in our industry.Grit Blueprint is a visibility, media, and growth partner for manufacturers, distributors, dealers, service providers, and leaders in the building industry.We help you get seen, build trust, and become unmistakable.

What if getting paid didn’t depend on business hours, paper checks, or a lucky round of phone tag? In this episode of The Grit Blueprint Podcast, I sit down with Erik Bornstein, Founder and CEO of TOOLBX, to explore how technology is transforming the lumber and building materials industry.From sweeping job sites at 16 to leading one of Toronto’s top luxury homebuilding firms, Erik’s journey from contractor to tech founder gives him a rare perspective on what the construction world really needs: speed, transparency, and smarter workflows.Topics we cover:• Digital AR portal for quotes, orders, invoices, statements, and payments• ERP-integrated pricing and workflows for clean data end to end• Faster billing cycles for cost‑plus builders and reduced DSO• 24/7 access with after‑hours payments and text‑to‑pay• Seasonal lists and curated carts to drive upsell and loyalty• Product discovery with account‑specific pricing to cut phone tag• Easy onboarding, preferred pricing for co‑op dealers, under six weeks• Competing with big‑box pro portals through speed and relevance• In‑house engineering velocity for rapid features and integrationsBe sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast platforms or YouTube and follow the Grit Blueprint podcast to catch more stories and insights from the building industry.👉 Subscribe to Built to WinReal talk, strategies, and tools from Stefanie.👉 Book a Strategy CallReady to grow your brand or business? Let’s talk.Connect with Stefanie Couch & Grit BlueprintGrit Website: GritBlueprint.comYouTube: Stefanie CouchInstagram: @StefanieCouchOfficialLinkedIn: Stefanie CouchStefanie’s Website: StefanieCouch.com👉 About Stefanie Couch & Grit BlueprintI'm Stefanie Couch, the founder of Grit Blueprint. I grew up in a third-generation building supply business. I've worked inside dealers, distributors, and manufacturers. I built Grit Blueprint to solve problems I saw in our industry.Grit Blueprint is a visibility, media, and growth partner for manufacturers, distributors, dealers, service providers, and leaders in the building industry.We help you get seen, build trust, and become unmistakable.

The market floor in Indy buzzed, but the real energy came from a simple idea: winning sales teams keep score and remove friction. Sitting with Eric Knox, Director of LBM Sales, we pull back the curtain on how a regional structure, clear metrics, and a new mindset around “no” transformed a team from scattered effort to compounding momentum. Eric’s story, from hauling bag goods to leading a hungry, data-driven crew, shows how clarity turns competition into culture, and how early stumbles can become the foundation for hockey-stick growth when you keep iterating.We dig into the nuts and bolts of selling in the built world when big-box and mega-pro dealers loom large. The advantage for independents isn’t pretending to be bigger; it’s becoming easier. That means deploying tools like TOOLBX to streamline quotes and payments, giving dealers more time with contractors, and aligning field roles to support entire businesses, not just isolated categories. It also means modern outreach: we unpack how LinkedIn stops being a resume graveyard and starts working like a warm-intro engine. Topics covered:• Eric’s path from hardware retail to LBM leadership• Drive, resilience, and the hockey-stick model of growth• Publishing metrics and keeping score to focus the team• Rolling out a regional structure for accountability and speed• Using LinkedIn to replace cold starts with warm intros• Training and tools that remove friction for contractors• Merchandising small-footprint, high-ROI products• Developing next-gen talent and gamifying performanceBe sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast platforms or YouTube and follow the Grit Blueprint podcast to catch more stories and insights from the building industry.👉 Subscribe to Built to WinReal talk, strategies, and tools from Stefanie.👉 Book a Strategy CallReady to grow your brand or business? Let’s talk.Connect with Stefanie Couch & Grit BlueprintGrit Website: GritBlueprint.comYouTube: Stefanie CouchInstagram: @StefanieCouchOfficialLinkedIn: Stefanie CouchStefanie’s Website: StefanieCouch.com👉 About Stefanie Couch & Grit BlueprintI'm Stefanie Couch, the founder of Grit Blueprint. I grew up in a third-generation building supply business. I've worked inside dealers, distributors, and manufacturers. I built Grit Blueprint to solve problems I saw in our industry.Grit Blueprint is a visibility, media, and growth partner for manufacturers, distributors, dealers, service providers, and leaders in the building industry.We help you get seen, build trust, and become unmistakable.

The market may be down in Q3 2025, but the data tells a different story about what's coming in 2026. Stefanie and Todd unpack why home‑equity access is up 38% this year, why that capital hasn’t hit jobsites yet, and how a surge in windows and doors could create a 2021-style scramble as early as next year. If you sell to or through pros, this is the map for what’s about to move. Stefanie shares her five-part BLEND playbook for independents to stay relevant, which you won't want to miss.Topics we cover:• Market softness set against rising home-equity extraction• Deferred demand building in windows and doors through 2027• Pros as channel kingmakers and the labor bottleneck• Independents’ path: brand, leverage, experience, niche, digital• E‑commerce up despite softer orders; research shifts online• Decentralization vs scale in post-acquisition execution• QXO vendor simplification, price leadership, AI investment• Lowe’s marketplace, builder focus, and footprint advantage• Measure pro digital draw rate and close the loop with AI search• Training to de-risk complex, high-margin installsBe sure to subscribe to your favorite podcast platforms or YouTube and follow the Grit Blueprint podcast to catch more stories and insights from the building industry.👉 Subscribe to Built to WinReal talk, strategies, and tools from Stefanie.👉 Book a Strategy CallReady to grow your brand or business? Let’s talk.Connect with Stefanie Couch & Grit BlueprintGrit Website: GritBlueprint.comYouTube: Stefanie CouchInstagram: @StefanieCouchOfficialLinkedIn: Stefanie CouchStefanie’s Website: StefanieCouch.com👉 About Stefanie Couch & Grit BlueprintI'm Stefanie Couch, the founder of Grit Blueprint. I grew up in a third-generation building supply business. I've worked inside dealers, distributors, and manufacturers. I built Grit Blueprint to solve problems I saw in our industry.Grit Blueprint is a visibility, media, and growth partner for manufacturers, distributors, dealers, service providers, and leaders in the building industry.We help you get seen, build trust, and become unmistakable.

I sit down with Do it Best’s Executive Vice President of Transformation and Integration, Marianne Thompson, live from a packed Market floor to unpack how vision-led change, AI, and co-op scale help independents out-execute giants. From last minute 2x4 runs to smarter planograms, service remains the moat while data becomes the drawbridge.Topics we cover:• Why transformation beats simple integration• Aligning teams on vision, why, and roles• Lessons from 38 years across store ops and supplier sales• First principles thinking in a traditional industry• AI for customer insight, personalization, and voice agents• Faster, more accurate blueprint takeoffs• Competing with big-box tech and pro focus• Co-op leverage: e-comm, Toolbox, marketing, merchandising• Flexible planograms tuned to local demand• Storytelling as a growth engine for independents• Advice to a younger leader: follow passion, embrace gritBe sure to subscribe to your favorite podcast platforms or YouTube and follow the Grit Blueprint podcast to catch more stories and insights from the building industry.👉 Subscribe to Built to WinReal talk, strategies, and tools from Stefanie.👉 Book a Strategy CallReady to grow your brand or business? Let’s talk.Connect with Stefanie Couch & Grit BlueprintGrit Website: GritBlueprint.comYouTube: Stefanie CouchInstagram: @StefanieCouchOfficialLinkedIn: Stefanie CouchStefanie’s Website: StefanieCouch.com👉 About Stefanie Couch & Grit BlueprintI'm Stefanie Couch, the founder of Grit Blueprint. I grew up in a third-generation building supply business. I've worked inside dealers, distributors, and manufacturers. I built Grit Blueprint to solve problems I saw in our industry.Grit Blueprint is a visibility, media, and growth partner for manufacturers, distributors, dealers, service providers, and leaders in the building industry.We help you get seen, build trust, and become unmistakable.

Forklifts buzzing and mics rolling, that’s the spirit of this conversation with our friend Russ Cathrine, Vice President of Lumber & Building Materials at Do it Best. We dig into a simple idea with outsized returns: reduce friction from the moment a project is imagined to the moment the last unit is delivered, and you’ll win more often at better margins.Russ brings a rare vantage point: family yard operator, corporate exec, real estate builder, and now co‑op leader, to show how independents can outmaneuver giants by reducing friction, focusing on niches like custom windows and doors, and building vendor partnerships that compound growth. Russ shares the “70% solution,” lessons from turnarounds and co‑ops, and why bold moves will define the next five years.Topics we cover:• Reducing friction from idea to delivery• Mean more to fewer vendors• Why independents win on custom and service• Co‑op scale plus services that level up dealers• Learning fast: 70% solution over perfection• Knowledge sharing across non‑competing markets• Four values: ease, risk, competitiveness, profit• Bold outlook: stop hiding, make money nowBe sure to subscribe to your favorite podcast platforms or YouTube and follow the Grit Blueprint podcast to catch more stories and insights from the building industry.👉 Subscribe to Built to WinReal talk, strategies, and tools from Stefanie.👉 Book a Strategy CallReady to grow your brand or business? Let’s talk.Connect with Stefanie Couch & Grit BlueprintGrit Website: GritBlueprint.comYouTube: Stefanie CouchInstagram: @StefanieCouchOfficialLinkedIn: Stefanie CouchStefanie’s Website: StefanieCouch.com👉 About Stefanie Couch & Grit BlueprintI'm Stefanie Couch, the founder of Grit Blueprint. I grew up in a third-generation building supply business. I've worked inside dealers, distributors, and manufacturers. I built Grit Blueprint to solve problems I saw in our industry.Grit Blueprint is a visibility, media, and growth partner for manufacturers, distributors, dealers, service providers, and leaders in the building industry.We help you get seen, build trust, and become unmistakable.

Faour Glass is revolutionizing the hurricane glass industry with its SLIMPACT system that provides maximum views with minimal metal framing while meeting Florida's stringent building codes. Three generations of glaziers share how they've created innovative products through design assistance, partnerships, and a philosophy that views failure as just another opportunity to learn.• SLIMPACT was invented in 2012 to solve the problem of large glass panels with less visible metal for hurricane-prone areas• The system requires only top and bottom channels with just 3/8-inch silicone joints between panels• Design assist is emphasized to help architects maintain their design intent while meeting code requirements• Third-generation glazier Adam Valdez brings marketing skills to complement technical expertise• 3D modeling and printing are used to test designs before production• Family legacy is central to the company, with multiple generations working together• Relationship-building with suppliers and customers drives innovation• The team focuses on being solution providers rather than just product suppliers• Hurricane-resistant pivot doors complement the SLIMPACT wall systems• The goal is to make the glass "invisible" so it showcases the view rather than the productVisit us at GritBlueprint.com to learn more about turning visibility into growth and book a call to talk about your growth strategy.👉 Subscribe to Built to WinReal talk, strategies, and tools from Stefanie.👉 Book a Strategy CallReady to grow your brand or business? Let’s talk.Connect with Stefanie Couch & Grit BlueprintGrit Website: GritBlueprint.comYouTube: Stefanie CouchInstagram: @StefanieCouchOfficialLinkedIn: Stefanie CouchStefanie’s Website: StefanieCouch.com👉 About Stefanie Couch & Grit BlueprintI'm Stefanie Couch, the founder of Grit Blueprint. I grew up in a third-generation building supply business. I've worked inside dealers, distributors, and manufacturers. I built Grit Blueprint to solve problems I saw in our industry.Grit Blueprint is a visibility, media, and growth partner for manufacturers, distributors, dealers, service providers, and leaders in the building industry.We help you get seen, build trust, and become unmistakable.

Rick Schumacher of LBM Journal shares how independent lumber dealers can thrive amid industry giants by focusing on customer service, community connection, and embracing new technologies like AI. The conversation explores the power of storytelling in the building materials industry and how print media remains relevant in a digital world.• Started LBM Journal in 2003 from home after previous magazine went bankrupt• Built LBM Journal to become the #1 industry publication by focusing on "audience first" rather than "digital first"• Creates community through telling stories of independent dealers like Baker Lumber (owned by daughters despite "and Sons" name)• Shares how exceptional service at independent dealers creates competitive advantage against big box stores• Highlights LBM Strategies Conference which intentionally limits sponsors to focus on dealer experience• Established Century Club honoring lumber dealers over 100 years old, with combined 38,000 years of business experience• Created 40 Under 40 program to recognize young industry leaders and foster next generation of talent• AI presents an 18-24 month "arbitrage moment" before fundamentally changing the industry• Emphasizes opportunity for young people in an industry with stability, community, and growth potential👉 Subscribe to Built to WinReal talk, strategies, and tools from Stefanie.👉 Book a Strategy CallReady to grow your brand or business? Let’s talk.Connect with Stefanie Couch & Grit BlueprintGrit Website: GritBlueprint.comYouTube: Stefanie CouchInstagram: @StefanieCouchOfficialLinkedIn: Stefanie CouchStefanie’s Website: StefanieCouch.com👉 About Stefanie Couch & Grit BlueprintI'm Stefanie Couch, the founder of Grit Blueprint. I grew up in a third-generation building supply business. I've worked inside dealers, distributors, and manufacturers. I built Grit Blueprint to solve problems I saw in our industry.Grit Blueprint is a visibility, media, and growth partner for manufacturers, distributors, dealers, service providers, and leaders in the building industry.We help you get seen, build trust, and become unmistakable.

Inefficiency is the biggest challenge facing the window and door industry today, but AI solutions can help companies automate repetitive tasks and respond to customers faster.  The Industry Insiders Podcast, powered by Paradigm, is where leaders across the industry share how they’re navigating change, building stronger businesses, and setting the pace for what’s next.Hosted by John Wheeler, a 25-year veteran of building materials and software and sales technician at Paradigm, with season 1 guest co-host Stefanie Couch, founder of Grit Blueprint, a lifelong industry insider and growth strategist, the show takes you inside the strategies, tools, and ideas reshaping how windows and doors get sold, delivered, and experienced.You’ll hear from manufacturers, dealers, and innovators across the supply chain, offering real-world lessons you can apply to your own business.In this eye-opening conversation and the premiere episode of the Industry Insiders Podcast, we dive into the most pressing challenges facing our industry today.• Automating repetitive tasks allows valuable veteran employees to focus on what they do best• Capturing the knowledge of retiring industry veterans is essential for training the next generation• Companies are 21 times more likely to convert leads when responding within 5 minutes• Digital transformation works best when tackling one challenge at a time rather than everything at once• Costly mistakes highlight why automation matters• The window and door industry has unique complexities that make knowledge transfer challenging• AI adoption creates a competitive advantage that will be difficult for late adopters to overcome• Looking forward, the industry must embrace efficiency through technology while preserving human expertise👉 Subscribe to Built to WinReal talk, strategies, and tools from Stefanie.👉 Book a Strategy CallReady to grow your brand or business? Let’s talk.Connect with Stefanie Couch & Grit BlueprintGrit Website: GritBlueprint.comYouTube: Stefanie CouchInstagram: @StefanieCouchOfficialLinkedIn: Stefanie CouchStefanie’s Website: StefanieCouch.com👉 About Stefanie Couch & Grit BlueprintI'm Stefanie Couch, the founder of Grit Blueprint. I grew up in a third-generation building supply business. I've worked inside dealers, distributors, and manufacturers. I built Grit Blueprint to solve problems I saw in our industry.Grit Blueprint is a visibility, media, and growth partner for manufacturers, distributors, dealers, service providers, and leaders in the building industry.We help you get seen, build trust, and become unmistakable.

Staying obsessed with the customer and what they care about is how you win long-term in business, as demonstrated by the 92-year-old Zamzows chain of stores in the Boise, Idaho area.• Finding just 1,000 people who are absolutely obsessed with your company can create viral growth• Jos Zamzow shares how his great-grandparents started with a small feed store during the Depression• Passion for your product is more valuable than expensive marketing campaigns• Regular employee training focuses on providing exceptional customer service beyond expectations• The 33-year tradition of Frisbee Fest connects the stores with the community while supporting animal shelters• Product effectiveness matters more than fancy packaging – customers return when products work• AI phone assistant successfully handles customer inquiries during peak seasons• AI implementation provides instant answers to complex questions that even experienced staff might struggle withReady to turn visibility into growth? Head to gritblueprint.com to learn more and book a call to talk about your growth strategy.👉 Subscribe to Built to WinReal talk, strategies, and tools from Stefanie.👉 Book a Strategy CallReady to grow your brand or business? Let’s talk.Connect with Stefanie Couch & Grit BlueprintGrit Website: GritBlueprint.comYouTube: Stefanie CouchInstagram: @StefanieCouchOfficialLinkedIn: Stefanie CouchStefanie’s Website: StefanieCouch.com👉 About Stefanie Couch & Grit BlueprintI'm Stefanie Couch, the founder of Grit Blueprint. I grew up in a third-generation building supply business. I've worked inside dealers, distributors, and manufacturers. I built Grit Blueprint to solve problems I saw in our industry.Grit Blueprint is a visibility, media, and growth partner for manufacturers, distributors, dealers, service providers, and leaders in the building industry.We help you get seen, build trust, and become unmistakable.

Hardware store manager Bryan Scott shares how embracing AI and e-commerce analytics has transformed his small retail business into a competitive, future-ready operation. Using technical skills from his web development background, he's implementing innovative approaches to customer data analysis, store merchandising, and business operations that keep his independent store relevant in a challenging market.• Bryan manages Southern Tool Supply after transitioning from a web development background• Analyzes e-commerce data to track customer search patterns, viewing habits, and browsing behavior• Uses search trend data to inform strategic merchandising decisions in the physical store• Leverages Do it Best's resources and training programs for independent retailers• Implements ChatGPT daily for tasks like email writing, data analysis, and sales forecasting• Overcame initial resistance by framing AI as "just another tool" like the physical tools they sell• Emphasizes that keeping up with technology is easier than catching up later• Warns against becoming the "Blockbuster or Kodak" of hardware retail by refusing to evolveIf you're ready to turn visibility into growth, head to gritblueprint.com to learn more and book a call to talk to us about your growth strategy.👉 Subscribe to Built to WinReal talk, strategies, and tools from Stefanie.👉 Book a Strategy CallReady to grow your brand or business? Let’s talk.Connect with Stefanie Couch & Grit BlueprintGrit Website: GritBlueprint.comYouTube: Stefanie CouchInstagram: @StefanieCouchOfficialLinkedIn: Stefanie CouchStefanie’s Website: StefanieCouch.com👉 About Stefanie Couch & Grit BlueprintI'm Stefanie Couch, the founder of Grit Blueprint. I grew up in a third-generation building supply business. I've worked inside dealers, distributors, and manufacturers. I built Grit Blueprint to solve problems I saw in our industry.Grit Blueprint is a visibility, media, and growth partner for manufacturers, distributors, dealers, service providers, and leaders in the building industry.We help you get seen, build trust, and become unmistakable.

Jack Redden, Director of Architectural Sales for ES Windows, shares how vertical integration and hurricane-resistant engineering have positioned the company as a leader in the glass industry. With 30 years of experience and a passion for the business, Jack explains how ES fabricates their own glass and extrudes their aluminum to deliver consistent quality products that withstand Florida's extreme weather conditions.• ES Windows stands out through vertical integration, controlling their supply chain from glass fabrication to aluminum extrusion• Hurricane impact testing involves shooting 2x4s from air cannons and cycling products through 4,500 positive and negative pressure swings• Market diversification has been key to growth, expanding from high-rise condos to residential, education, and healthcare projects• Conducting over 200 architectural lunch and learns has helped build brand awareness in new markets• Product innovation continues to push boundaries with glass panels now reaching 18-20 feet tall• GlassBuild 2025 in Orlando will showcase ES Windows' latest products including their new Structural Glass System• The company recently announced a record-setting backlog of $1.2 billion in projectsJoin us at GlassBuild 2025, November 4-6 in Orlando, Florida, where the glass industry will gather to showcase products, provide training, and offer networking opportunities.👉 Subscribe to Built to WinReal talk, strategies, and tools from Stefanie.👉 Book a Strategy CallReady to grow your brand or business? Let’s talk.Connect with Stefanie Couch & Grit BlueprintGrit Website: GritBlueprint.comYouTube: Stefanie CouchInstagram: @StefanieCouchOfficialLinkedIn: Stefanie CouchStefanie’s Website: StefanieCouch.com👉 About Stefanie Couch & Grit BlueprintI'm Stefanie Couch, the founder of Grit Blueprint. I grew up in a third-generation building supply business. I've worked inside dealers, distributors, and manufacturers. I built Grit Blueprint to solve problems I saw in our industry.Grit Blueprint is a visibility, media, and growth partner for manufacturers, distributors, dealers, service providers, and leaders in the building industry.We help you get seen, build trust, and become unmistakable.