Welcome to The Brad Leavitt Podcast—your exclusive backstage pass into the complex world of entrepreneurship and business building. Brad is no stranger to the details that bring excellence. He's been recognized twice as one of The Phoenix Titan 100 and has steered his company, AFT Construction, to an impressive spot on the Inc 5000 list of America's fastest-growing and most successful companies. Their projects regularly grace the pages of prestigious publications like Fine Home Building and Multiple Gold List Winner of Luxe Interior Design. As a National Ambassador for leading brands in his industry, Brad brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table to help all business owners face the complicated business landscape of today.
In this podcast, Brad invites you to join him on a journey through the minds of fascinating and top entrepreneurs hailing from diverse industries. Together, you'll delve deeper into the challenges, triumphs, and pivotal moments that define entrepreneurship today.
In a world where little seems to go to plan, The Brad Leavitt Podcast is your trusted business blueprint. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur, an aspiring business leader, or simply someone who thrives on stories of perseverance and triumph, this podcast is your source for inspiration, education, and entrepreneurial empowerment.
Formerly known as the "A Finer Touch Construction Podcast," we've evolved to bring you an even broader spectrum of insights and inspiration! Join us as we cross the threshold to explore the gritty details of business, guided by a true industry luminary, Brad Leavitt.
All content for Brad Leavitt Podcast is the property of Brad Leavitt and is served directly from their servers
with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
Welcome to The Brad Leavitt Podcast—your exclusive backstage pass into the complex world of entrepreneurship and business building. Brad is no stranger to the details that bring excellence. He's been recognized twice as one of The Phoenix Titan 100 and has steered his company, AFT Construction, to an impressive spot on the Inc 5000 list of America's fastest-growing and most successful companies. Their projects regularly grace the pages of prestigious publications like Fine Home Building and Multiple Gold List Winner of Luxe Interior Design. As a National Ambassador for leading brands in his industry, Brad brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table to help all business owners face the complicated business landscape of today.
In this podcast, Brad invites you to join him on a journey through the minds of fascinating and top entrepreneurs hailing from diverse industries. Together, you'll delve deeper into the challenges, triumphs, and pivotal moments that define entrepreneurship today.
In a world where little seems to go to plan, The Brad Leavitt Podcast is your trusted business blueprint. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur, an aspiring business leader, or simply someone who thrives on stories of perseverance and triumph, this podcast is your source for inspiration, education, and entrepreneurial empowerment.
Formerly known as the "A Finer Touch Construction Podcast," we've evolved to bring you an even broader spectrum of insights and inspiration! Join us as we cross the threshold to explore the gritty details of business, guided by a true industry luminary, Brad Leavitt.
Brad sits down with Kali Sudbrook of Beachside Custom Gyms to unpack how she left academia to build a niche design build firm focused on high performance home gyms and wellness spaces. They discuss the benefits of blending building science, equipment strategy, and real world training experience rather than just throwing fitness gear into a spare room. For builders and designers, Kali shares how to collaborate early, navigate space constraints, and use mentorship, social media, and messy action to grow a business.
Brad sits down with Alyssa Abbott of Olive and Vine Socials to talk about how builders can show up online with more authenticity. They discuss what “being real” actually looks like in content, how to keep your voice when using AI, and why platforms like blogging and Pinterest still matter. Alyssa also breaks down how she helps clients build a content strategy that fits their business and turns their expertise into consistent, trust building marketing.
Brad sits down with Jen Davidson of Interiors by Jen Davidson to talk about what it really takes to run a high performing design firm. They discuss CEO mindset shifts, process and SOPs, setting expectations early, and how story driven design builds trust and joy for clients. If you want smoother projects and stronger builder designer collaboration, this one is packed with practical takeaways.
Brad sits down with Greg Villafana of J Max Plumbing to talk about why not everyone needs to own a business and how to build a great career inside the trades. They discuss intrapreneurship, respecting the weight owners carry, and the discipline it takes to run clean, organized jobs. Greg shares lessons from military logistics, pool plumbing, and content creation that builders can use to tighten systems and tell better stories about their work. If you care about culture, process, and finding your right place, this one is worth a listen.
Brad sits down with Cortny and Justin Murdock from Burdette Custom Cabinetry to unpack what it really takes to deliver high end cabinets on complex custom homes. They get into early involvement, realistic scheduling, and why the right designer and builder make or break a project. Builders and designers will hear hard earned lessons on drawings, field conditions, material limits, and client expectations that can save months of chaos. If this episode hits home, share it with a trade partner you want in your inner circle.
In this episode, Stu Gadd shares the story behind DivFit Gyms and how the company is reshaping wellness by designing bespoke, high-end home fitness spaces. He discusses the entrepreneurial journey, lessons learned, and the innovations driving today's surge in luxury wellness environments.
Stefan and Scott Carlson of Carlson Projects Inc, explore their journey of transforming a family business through trust, problem-solving, and cultural values, all while navigating significant financial challenges. The discussion highlights the importance of company culture and strong client relationships in their continuing success.
In this conversation, Michael Desplaines and Brad Leavitt explore the art and science of landscape architecture, focusing on the importance of plants, sustainability, and thoughtful design tailored to diverse environments and client needs. They discuss the value of collaboration, the challenges of working in desert climates, client education, and the balance between aesthetics, practicality, and budget.
Ace Rodriguez, founder of Pickleball Kingdom, shares how innovative thinking and a relentless focus on customer needs turned a simple idea into a booming franchise. His journey highlights how strategic execution and a clear vision can transform an emerging trend into nationwide success.
Jason Payne breaks down how he scaled from scrappy door-to-door to a repeatable, systems-driven roofing business—covering hiring, SOPs, margins, and turning marketing into a true engine. If you want practical, unvarnished steps to grow a trades company without burning it down, this playbook is for you.
CBUSA founder Bill Smithers joins Brad to discuss how group purchasing, collaboration, and strong vendor relationships empower independent builders to compete and thrive in a fragmented industry. Their conversation highlights the importance of trust, efficiency, and continuous improvement for building long-term business success.
Southwest Garage Doors’ Dan Cummings joins Brad to break down what most builders overlook about garage doors—materials, airflow, desert heat, and why the garage should be treated like a real room. They get into service-to-custom workflows, hiring and training, saying no to bad fits, and how an Instagram DM turned into a trusted trade partnership.
Scott Glynn, VP of Construction at Resurrection Builders, digs into leadership, culture, and plan-first habits that cut change orders and protect the client experience. He and Brad cover careers in the trades, aligning incentives, and the on-site standards that separate good builders from great ones.
In this engaging conversation, Katlyn Slocum shares her journey as a creative director and the evolution of her business. She discusses the importance of understanding client needs, effective branding, and the role of technology in modern business practices. Katlyn emphasizes the significance of website optimization for lead generation and the necessity of clear deliverables in client relationships. The discussion also touches on personal growth, family concerns, and the impact of AI on the industry, providing valuable insights for builders and entrepreneurs alike.
Hannah Hammond (HB Capital) breaks down why “serve first” relationships are a real moat and how she launched a national CRE lending platform in a down market. We cover team building (“who not how”), diversified products (bridge/debt funds) and assets (STNL, storage, industrial/data centers), and baking an exit strategy in from day one
Kylie Ponton, Principal Designer at Ponton Interiors, talks about her journey as a principal designer, her commitment to giving back through Savvy Giving by Design, and the importance of mentorship and teamwork in building a successful design firm. They discuss project management, client relationships, and personal interests, highlighting the value of community and adaptability in the design industry.
Brad Leavitt and Jason Jarvis discuss the importance of company culture, leadership, and reputation in building successful businesses, especially in blue-collar industries. They share personal stories and insights on mentoring, hiring, and empowering others, emphasizing vision, integrity, and long-term thinking.
Brad Leavitt interviews Kendall Pouland, President of Build Better Ways, about her journey from general contractor to consultant, focusing on improving construction businesses through strategic systems and people development. Kendall shares insights on onboarding, professional growth, company culture, and the importance of investing in employees to drive organizational success.
Commercial insurance agent Tyler Woodruff discusses the complexities of insurance risk transfer in construction, introducing Midpoint as a technological solution to manage subcontractor insurance compliance. The conversation explores the critical gaps in insurance coverage, the importance of proper risk management, and how technology can streamline and protect construction businesses.
Rex Smith, managing partner and co-owner of Hybryd Systems, joins Brad to explore the challenges of entrepreneurship in low voltage automation. They delve into building strong partnerships, managing work-life balance, and the importance of technology and relationships in the construction industry.
Welcome to The Brad Leavitt Podcast—your exclusive backstage pass into the complex world of entrepreneurship and business building. Brad is no stranger to the details that bring excellence. He's been recognized twice as one of The Phoenix Titan 100 and has steered his company, AFT Construction, to an impressive spot on the Inc 5000 list of America's fastest-growing and most successful companies. Their projects regularly grace the pages of prestigious publications like Fine Home Building and Multiple Gold List Winner of Luxe Interior Design. As a National Ambassador for leading brands in his industry, Brad brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table to help all business owners face the complicated business landscape of today.
In this podcast, Brad invites you to join him on a journey through the minds of fascinating and top entrepreneurs hailing from diverse industries. Together, you'll delve deeper into the challenges, triumphs, and pivotal moments that define entrepreneurship today.
In a world where little seems to go to plan, The Brad Leavitt Podcast is your trusted business blueprint. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur, an aspiring business leader, or simply someone who thrives on stories of perseverance and triumph, this podcast is your source for inspiration, education, and entrepreneurial empowerment.
Formerly known as the "A Finer Touch Construction Podcast," we've evolved to bring you an even broader spectrum of insights and inspiration! Join us as we cross the threshold to explore the gritty details of business, guided by a true industry luminary, Brad Leavitt.
