The Builder Upper Show
The Builder Upper Show - a LumberCast production Are you ready to dig deep into the world of construction? Whether you're a seasoned pro, an aspiring builder, or just someone curious about the incredible industry that shapes our world, The Builder Upper Show is your essential source of inspiration, knowledge, and community.
Episodes
August 20, 2026 • 38 mins
What does it take to build a successful construction business from the ground up? For Chris Estrada, CEO of Team Extreme and Extreme Drywall Concepts, it took decades of hard work, learning, resilience, faith, and a willingness to keep pushing through the tough seasons. In this episode of The Builder Upper Show, Lou Perez sits down with Chris to talk about his unconventional path into construction, from dropping out of high school ...
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July 27, 2026 • 49 mins
In this episode of The Builder Upper Show, host Lou Perez travels to Gaylor Electric's headquarters in Indianapolis to sit down with Chuck Goodrich, CEO of Gaylor Electric, for an inspiring conversation on leadership, innovation, mentorship, and the future of construction. Chuck shares his incredible journey from intern to CEO, the people-first culture that has fueled Gaylor's growth, and why investing in apprenticeships, workforce...
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July 7, 2026 • 49 mins
Bradley King, COO of Horseshoe Construction shares about his journey from military service to leading one of the nation's top trenchless contractors. Bradley dives into Horseshoe’s evolution from pipe bursting and slip lining to water rehabilitation and design-build projects, explains key trenchless technologies, and discusses why the company exited the CIPP market. He also explores how AI is improving municipal infrastructur...
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May 7, 2026 • 62 mins
In this episode of The Builder Upper Show, host Lou Perez sits down with Scott Kimpland, Partner at FMI Corporation, to dive deep into what it really takes to achieve operational excellence in construction. Scott brings decades of experience working with some of the most high-performing contractors in the industry through FMI Corporation, a leading management consulting and investment banking firm focused on the built environment. ...
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April 10, 2026 • 44 mins
In this episode of The Builder Upper Show, Craig Fulcher, president and CEO of Nashville-based DWC Construction unpacks his unconventional journey from internet sales and house flipping to leading one of the Southeast’s most established construction firms. Craig shares how DWC evolved from the region’s first drywall contractor into a powerhouse known for high-end commercial spaces, all while staying rooted in one key pr...
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February 25, 2026 • 19 mins
In this episode of The Builder Upper Show, host Lou Perez sits down with Rob Lynch, President and CEO of Dome Construction, to talk about leadership, culture, and building a company that stands the test of time. Rob shares his journey from building tree forts as a kid to leading one of California’s premier builders specializing in highly technical, fully occupied facilities across life sciences, healthcare, and commercial sec...
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February 11, 2026 • 53 mins
In this episode of The Builder Upper Show, host Lou Perez interviews Jeret Whitescarver, Executive Vice President at Engineered Structures Inc. (ESI), to explore how one of the nation’s leading design-build construction firms has grown from a small Idaho contractor into a multi-state, full-service powerhouse. They discuss ESI’s culture of leadership, innovation, mentorship, and workforce development, the launch of the E...
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January 2, 2026 • 47 mins
In this episode of The Builder Upper Show, host Lou Perez sits down with Reggie Torbor, President of Pylon Building Group and former NFL player, to discuss his unique path into the construction industry. Reggie shares his experiences, from playing football at Auburn University and winning a Super Bowl in the NFL, to starting a successful construction company. He emphasizes the importance of mentorship, setting standards, and buildi...
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December 23, 2025 • 56 mins
The Builder Upper Show goes in person for the very first time! Host Lou Perez sits down with Joshua Mullet of BlackLine and Legacy Services Group for a raw, honest conversation about construction, leadership, faith, and what it truly means to build something that lasts. Joshua shares how his journey in the trades started at just 10 years old, the realities of entrepreneurship when the pressure is heavy, and why the power of team ca...
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December 10, 2025 • 32 mins
Kevin Ellertson, President of Limitless Property Works, shares his incredible journey from growing up in a family of house flippers to navigating the Great Recession and a serious injury, which eventually led him to start his own construction company. Tune in to hear how Kevin transitioned from doing odd jobs and roto-tilling gardens during the COVID-19 pandemic to scaling a successful commercial general contracting firm. He discus...
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October 28, 2025 • 35 mins
In this episode of the Builder Upper Show, host Lou Perez welcomes John Wiley, CEO of Mangieri Electric. John shares his journey from starting in construction as a teenager to becoming a strategic advisor for private equity and a national brand ambassador for Think Realty. He dives deep into the importance of having an exit strategy for businesses, leveraging technology for scaling, and the value of building strong team relationshi...
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August 21, 2025 • 31 mins
Brian Keller discusses QBC's focus on multi-family projects and their dedication to improving the employee experience in the construction industry. He talks about his personal start in construction, the story behind QBC, and their unique approach to recruit and mentor young talent through local school programs and apprenticeships. Brian also highlights the importance of leadership development, the integration of new technologies li...
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May 6, 2025 • 25 mins
Jeff Makey, founder of cLearn Training, shares his journey from construction work to becoming a leader in training and consultation. In this conversation, Jeff dives deep into the workforce challenges facing the trades, the importance of emotional engagement and mutual growth in training, and practical strategies for attracting and retaining talent in a shrinking labor pool. He also discusses how cLearn’s programs go beyond s...
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April 14, 2025 • 22 mins
Salina Patel shares her journey into the construction software industry and provides expert advice on identifying the right time to invest in new ERP software. Learn about the red flags indicating outdated systems and the hidden costs they carry. Selena also discusses emerging trends like AI that are set to transform the construction industry. Don't miss her tips on what to consider when selecting new ERP software and how to ensure...
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March 31, 2025 • 41 mins
In this She Builds Nation special episode, Coty Fournier, shares her inspiring journey from construction management student to senior executive and founder of a successful company. Listen as Coty discusses the seven qualities that propelled her career, her discovery of a passion for the construction industry, and her superpower of teaching and mentorship. Gain valuable insights on overcoming challenges in the industry as a woman in...
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March 21, 2025 • 26 mins
In this She Builds Nation special episode, Irene Garcia shares her unique career path from an electrical apprentice to a project manager of a 60-story high rise, and how her experiences led to her founding a successful women in construction coaching business. Irene offers invaluable insights into overcoming challenges, building relationships, and leveraging opportunities for women in construction. Tune in to learn about emerging in...
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March 14, 2025 • 30 mins
In this She Builds Nation special episode, Michele Heyward, founder and CEO of PositiveHire, shares her journey from being a civil engineer to creating more inclusive workplaces for women of color in STEM. Michele discusses her experiences as the only black woman on job sites during her 12-year career in construction, highlighting the challenges she faced and the lack of diversity in the industry. She emphasizes the importance of m...
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March 7, 2025 • 28 mins
In this She Builds Nation Special episode, we talk to Andrea Janssen, a certified executive coach, founder and CEO of Ambition Theory, and host of the "Ambition Theory Women in Construction" podcast. Andrea shares her journey from career coach to construction industry leadership expert, despite having no prior construction background. She discusses the critical distinction between mentorship and sponsorship, common obstacles women ...
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March 5, 2025 • 30 mins
A multifaceted professional with a background in welding, construction, and advocacy for women in trades, Demi Knight Clark discusses her career path, the influence of her trailblazing grandmother (one of the first female Marines and Rosie the Riveter during World War Two), and the challenges and innovations in the construction industry. From founding 'She Built This City' to promoting workforce development and engaging young girls...
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March 3, 2025 • 31 mins
In this She Builds Nation Special episode, Stefanie Couch shares her journey as a women in construction, from growing up in her family's lumberyard to becoming a dynamic leader in the construction industry. She highlights the importance of branding and marketing in the sector, emphasizing the need for companies to tell their stories effectively. Stefanie also explores the transformative potential of AI technology in revolutionizing...
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