I've hesitated to put this episode out, because I generally try to take an optimistic, encouraging tone. But we can't get better until we accept the reality of our situation. So, here's to each of us, and the building industry as a whole, staring reality in the eyes - and getting better. Wishing everyone nothing but success!

At the most fundamental level, there are really only two strategies in business, and only one that works for small businesses. Most home builders get this wrong, and end up stuck in the middle, never generating the profits they should.

In this episode Jared discusses the risks of getting your strategy wrong, and the opportunities once you find the one that truly sets your business apart.

Joey Fentress is the founder and owner of Proform Builds, a Seattle-based luxury home builder. Joey recently expanded his operation into Austin, where I was introduced to him and his team. The level of professionalism with which Joey runs his business is evident in just a short conversation, and it's reflected in the quality of their builds.

A quick 7-minute episode to help you make more progress and find some big wins in your business. Credit to Tim Ferriss for his recent blog post on the topic, the inspiration for this episode.

We've been obsessed for over a year now with different AI apps that can help home builders. This is an extremely short episode on the best we've found. Enjoy!

This is one of the most inspiring episodes I've recorded. I have mentored Joe Hodge over the last few years as he set out on his dream to start his own home building company. Starting alone is difficult enough, but the market forces over the last few years added major complications as Joe came out of the gate.

Gossett & Co recently closed two construction loans with Arixa Capital, and sat down with executive Greg Hebner and his team during their visit to Austin. The group discusses the Austin market, California immigration, the latest market and financing trends, qualities of a good lender, and more. Thanks for listening.

This is the final installment of our series on Charlie Munger, an episode devoted to the memory of the late investor who recently passed away. In this episode we cover the reason to read, the need to get into a great business, and the only way to run a good company.

In the third installment of our mini-series on Charlie Munger, we delve deeper into the wisdom of one of the greatest investors and thinkers of our time. This episode continues up our series with a focus on Munger's most impactful strategies and philosophies that have influenced generations of investors and entrepreneurs.

Part 2 of our mini-series on Charlie Munger, one of the greatest investors of all time. He’s also one of the most profound thinkers of our era. This continues a multi-part series of short episodes dissecting some of Jared’s favorite lessons from the investing giant.

Charlie Munger is one of the greatest investors of all time. He’s also one of the most profound thinkers of our era. This begins a multi-part series of short episodes dissecting some of Jared’s favorite lessons from the investing giant.

This is a departure from our regular programming - Jared shares a very short story from World War II, and how you can apply it as a problem-solving model in your own business.

Trey Farmer is an architect with Forge Craft Architecturehere in Austin. We interviewed him previously on#63: Lessons From a Passive House Build. T

It's hard to spend a few minutes chatting with Jacob Deva Racusin without leaving inspired. He is the Director of Building Science and Sustainability for New Frameworks, an innovative, socially inclusive design/build firm in Vermont. He also serves as an Embodied Carbon Analyst and BEAM Trainer with Builders for Climate Action.

In this conversation we sit down with Dan Kolbert, co-author of Pretty Good House, and owner of Kolbert Building in Portland, Maine, to discuss high performance homes, the next evolution in building, and Dan's advice in today's economy.

We have a new, slightly different (and hopefully upgraded) direction for Building Optimal, and are excited to share it with you in this episode.

David Gerstel has written some of the top books available for construction professionals who want to build a better business. His latest book, Building Freedom: A Construction Pro's Path to Financial Independence, is the topic of today's conversation.

We are visiting with Amy Kerr of Sub-Zero Wolf Cove to discuss supply chain updates and new innovations in their appliance lines. This episode is a short one, but full of great updates. Enjoy!

Wally Staples is back. This time, we talk specifics of his employee compensation practices as well as some of his principles for being an "anti-fragile" builder. And don't miss my first interview with Wally, #68: Ensuring Profitability and Employees First with Wally Staples.

Vik Szemerei is the Vice President of Sales for luxury plumbing company, House of Rohl. They own brands such as Riobel, Victoria and Albert, and Rohl.

We discuss cool new plumbing trends like aromatherapy shower heads, hand-crafted fireclay sinks, touchless faucets, and more.