America Builds Better is a builder-focused podcast and media platform dedicated to the people, ideas, and innovations shaping how America builds. Hosted by industry veteran Jared Ledford, the show dives into real conversations with builders, manufacturers, dealers, technology partners, and community leaders across post-frame construction, steel buildings, sheds, and beyond. This isn’t surface-level talk or sales fluff — it’s practical insight, hard-earned lessons, and honest discussions about growth, operations, marketing, leadership, and the future of the building industry. America Builds Better is the next chapter in a journey that began with The Steel Kings Podcast, a long-running show that became a trusted voice within the steel building and shed industry. Built on that foundation, America Builds Better expands the conversation — bringing in broader perspectives, deeper strategy, and a stronger focus on education, innovation, and community impact. Whether you’re a builder looking to scale, a manufacturer refining your systems, a dealer navigating modern marketing, or someone passionate about how local businesses and industries grow, America Builds Better is here to inform, challenge, and elevate the conversation. Because strong communities start with strong builders — and America builds better when knowledge is shared.
What makes the Post-Frame • Rural • Plain Builder Show one of the most important events in the building industry?
In Episode 7 of America Builds Better, Jared Ledford sits down with Missy Beyer, Director of Events at Shield Wall Media, to discuss the vision, planning, and execution behind the Builder Show and why it continues to be a must-attend event for builders, manufacturers, suppliers, and industry professionals.
Missy shares in...
Featuring Dan VanOrden & Johnny Drozdek
What happens when two of the most influential technology platforms in the construction industry come together?
In this episode of America Builds Better, Jared Ledford sits down with Dan VanOrden, CEO & Co-Founder of IdeaRoom, and Johnny Drozdek, CEO of SmartBuild Systems, during the 2026 Post-Frame...
What separates companies that struggle to grow from companies that scale successfully?
In this episode of America Builds Better, Jared Ledford sits down with Trent Wagler, Marketing Director, and Cole Wolford, Outside Sales Director, of Graber Post Buildings during the 2026 Post-Frame • Rural • Plain Builder Show in York, Pennsylvania.
Together, they discuss the systems, processes, and partnerships that help builders operate more eff...
In Episode 3 of the Builder Show Series, Jared Ledford sits down with Brett Clary and Robert Christman of Dripstop® to discuss condensation control, moisture prevention, and why eliminating drips is critical for long-term building performance.
From post-frame buildings and metal roofing systems to customer education and product innovation, this episode breaks down how Dripstop® is helping contractors and manufacturers solve one of t...
In Episode 2 of the Builder Show Series, Jared Ledford sits down with Wayne Troyer, Sales Manager at Acu-Form Roll Forming Equipment, to talk about precision manufacturing, American-made quality, and the machinery helping contractors and manufacturers build better buildings.
Wayne shares the story behind Acu-Form, how their roll forming equipment is built, and why quality, service, and long-term customer relationships continue to dr...
In this episode of America Builds Better, Jared Ledford sits down with Gary Reichart, CEO of Shield Wall Media, to kick off our Builder Show Series (1 of 6) leading up to the Post-Frame Builder Show in York, Pennsylvania.
This conversation goes beyond the typical trade show talk. It’s about how real relationships are built in this industry, why that matters more than ever, and how events like the Builder Show create opportunit...
🇺🇸 America Builds Better #1 — Future Of Post Frame Starts Here
🎙️ EPISODE SUMMARY
In the first official episode of America Builds Better, Jared Ledford sits down with Dan VanOrden, CEO and Co-Founder of IdeaRoom, to talk about the future of the post-frame industry.
They break down how 3D design tools are transforming the way builders generate leads, sell projects, and scale their businesses. From lessons learned at NFBA to re...
Ready to sell buildings people actually feel safe choosing? On this episode of the Steel Kings Podcast, we sit down with industry veteran Randy Chaffee to break down how post-frame construction can unlock bigger, cleaner wins for dealers who currently sell sheds or tubular steel.
The through-line is trust. Customers buy from people they know, like, trust, and feel safe with—and the fastest way to earn that confidence i...
EP36 – Burnout-Proof Leadership: Systems, Delegation & Legacy Building with Carly Pepin
🎧 Watch now: how to reduce burnout, build stronger teams, and lead with clarity through every season.
As the busy season slows and pressure builds, are you working harder but getting less done? In this episode of The Steel Kings Podcast, we sit down with business coach and human behavior expert Carly Pepin to explore the...
Navigating the Construction Industry with Shield Wall Media
Gary Reichert, owner of Shield Wall Media, joins Jared Ledford on the Steel Kings podcast to reveal the powerful strategies behind his company's success in construction industry publishing and trade show management. What began as a job selling advertising has transformed into ownership of a media conglomerate that's reshaping how construction professionals connect and d...
Ever wondered why some building dealers thrive while others struggle to stay afloat? The answer might be simpler than you think.
When Jared sits down with Shannon The Shed Geek for this captivating conversation, they cut through industry noise to reveal what's really happening in steel structure and shed sales. Shannon brings his years of experience building the Shed Geek brand and community to share wisdom that applies acro...
Metal Meets Marketing Part 2
The building industry's best-kept secret isn't about materials or designs—it's about the relationship between manufacturers and dealers. In this revealing conversation, Jared Ledford welcomes Shannon The Shed Geek to dive deep into what truly makes a successful dealer network tick.
What happens when 10% of dealers sell 90% of the product while the other 90% struggle to make an impact? Th...
Metal Meets Marketing Part 1
What happens when the podfather of the Shed Geek Podcast Network meets the Steel Kings? Pure industry gold. Shannon The Shed Geek joins Jared to dive deep into the challenges and opportunities facing today's shed and steel building professionals.
The conversation kicks off with Shannon's remarkable journey building the Shed Geek brand and podcast network—a testament to what happens when ...
The Radio and Shed Connection: Daniel Mullins Talks Marketing
While many businesses have abandoned terrestrial radio for social media promotion, they're missing a crucial audience. Mullins, a third-generation broadcaster whose grandfather was posthumously inducted into the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame, explains how local radio creates something social platforms can't: genuine personal connections. When they're listening to the r...
Hey Jonas! The official Jonas Brothers podcast. Hosted by Kevin, Joe, and Nick Jonas. It’s the Jonas Brothers you know... musicians, actors, and well, yes, brothers. Now, they’re sharing another side of themselves in the playful, intimate, and irreverent way only they can. Spend time with the Jonas Brothers here and stay a little bit longer for deep conversations like never before.
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Ding dong! Join your culture consultants, Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang, on an unforgettable journey into the beating heart of CULTURE. Alongside sizzling special guests, they GET INTO the hottest pop-culture moments of the day and the formative cultural experiences that turned them into Culturistas. Produced by the Big Money Players Network and iHeartRadio.
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
A weekly podcast where host, Robert Smigel, and a rotating panel, his friends, assist callers seeking help in making something in their real life funnier. Anything. A best man speech, a eulogy, a breakup letter, a cover letter, an apology, a Tinder profile - Robert, with a panel of professional comedy writers and comedians, will punch it up and get results. Want help with your writing assignment? Submit it to: speakpipe.com/humorme