The Builder’s Edge - Mastering the Business Side of Building

Latest Episodes:

How to Know If You’re Actually Ready to Start a Business with $0 Nov 26, 2025

Show notes

Starting a business at 40 with $0 in a crowded HVAC market sounds crazy… until you hear Tim Harrell’s story. From a near-death experience in the ICU to launching Giddy Up HVAC in Temple, Texas, Tim built everything on faith, integrity, and old-school word of mouth.If you’re a contractor, builder, or service business owner wondering if you’ve “missed your chance,” this episode of The Builder’s Edge is for you.What You’ll Learn / Episode HighlightsHow Tim built trust as “the new guy” in a skeptical HVAC market using honesty, photos, and education instead of hard sells.Why he refuses investors and private equity—even when money is on the table—and what it’s allowed him to protect.The ICU moment that completely reset his life, faith, and purpose (and how HVAC became his unexpected ministry).The simple, $0-cost moves he used to launch Giddy Up HVAC: maintenance visits, door hangers, Facebook, and the “Winner’s Circle” club.How his family (wife, in-laws, friends) became the backbone of the business—handling books, website, and support while he’s in the field.The mindset shift you need if you’re starting later in life and worried the “entrepreneurship train” has already left the station.Practical advice for any contractor or service pro who wants to build a legacy business on faith, service, and integrity—not just revenue.Chapters / Timestamps00:00 – Intro: From ICU to CEO & why this story matters01:01 – Building trust as the new HVAC guy in a crowded market03:30 – Honesty, photos & education: how Tim sells without “selling”05:12 – Giddy Up as a family operation & the realities of money and numbers07:30 – Faith, support systems, and keeping God at the center08:35 – Why Tim refuses investors & private equity offers10:30 – The toxic relationship, the cross, and the night that almost killed him13:20 – Finding HVAC, discovering his calling, and “ministry in the home”15:10 – Getting licensed, starting Giddy Up HVAC, and growing from $017:10 – $0-cost strategies: maintenance, Winner’s Circle, door hangers & Facebook18:45 – Starting at 40: Have you really missed your chance?20:04 – How to reach Tim Harrell & final words for late-start entrepreneurs

Learn more about Deanna Lucas through the following links:

AI Visibility Scorecard

Builders Visibility Blueprint

DND Website

DND Youtube

Email Template for 5 Star Reviews

Facebook

Facebook Group

LinkedIn

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

How to Build a Roofing Business That Actually Lasts Nov 20, 2025

Show notes

He moved to a city where he knew no one, bought a roofing company that was already dead… and resurrected it. Twice.In this episode, you’ll learn how to build a profitable roofing business without being “the cheapest guy” on the bid sheet.Perfect for roofing contractors, home service business owners, and anyone tired of racing to the bottom on price.What You’ll Learn / HighlightsHow Chuck “accidentally” got into the roofing business after years as a truck driverThe crazy story of buying a shut-down roofing company and bringing it back to life (two times)Why chasing cheap clients almost guarantees burnout and failureHow he landed his first San Antonio roofing jobs using nothing but FacebookThe mindset shift that helped him say no to insurance fraud and underpriced workHow to choose (and keep) premium roofing clients who value quality over discountsDaily habits (3am wakeups, gym, 200+ miles walked) that keep his energy and focus highThe painful lesson of trying to “do it all” vs. partnering around your strengthsA simple exercise to figure out what you should stop doing in your businessChapters (Timestamps)00:00 – Intro & why his roofing story is so wild01:15 – How he “accidentally” got into the roofing business in 199804:38 – Moving states, opening branches, and the San Antonio opportunity08:22 – Buying a dead roofing company and starting over in a city with zero contacts11:50 – Living in the office, using Facebook, and landing the first few jobs16:40 – Why he refuses to be the cheapest roofer (and still wins the job)21:05 – Firing bad fit clients & shifting to a premium clientele25:33 – Saying no to insurance fraud and standing on ethics29:10 – How social media still drives most of his roofing leads32:45 – Keeping high energy: mindset, loss, and choosing positivity37:02 – 3am mornings, gym routine, and walking 200+ miles in a month41:30 – Shutting the company down, buying it back, and starting again45:18 – The #1 lesson: double down on your strengths, delegate your weaknesses49:05 – Practical advice for stuck business owners ready to scale52:10 – Where to find Chuck online & closing thoughts for builders and roofers

Learn more about Deanna Lucas through the following links:

AI Visibility Scorecard

Builders Visibility Blueprint

DND Website

DND Youtube

Email Template for 5 Star Reviews

Facebook

Facebook Group

LinkedIn

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What Nobody Tells You About Starting a Home Inspection Business Nov 13, 2025

Show notes

Entrepreneurship isn’t about more “hustle”—it’s about better systems, mindset, and marketing. In this episode, Certified Master Inspector and founder of I Am Home Inspections, Ian Mayer, shows exactly how he went from laid off to leading a team, with balance.

What You’ll Learn / Highlights

The day a layoff on Ventura Blvd became the launchpad for a home inspection business
Why marketing (not technical skill) is your first-year full-time job—and how to treat it that way
The mindset switch from doing the work to leading the vision (E-Myth & Rocket Fuel takeaways)
Practical steps to hire, train, and spot-check quality without losing your standards
How Ian protects work–life balance in a hustle-glorifying world
The “education-first” strategy that makes clients trust you (and choose you)
Using social media to drive bookings when ads aren’t the answer

Chapters (timestamps)
00:00 Intro
01:12 Laid Off → Leap to Self-Employment
05:33 The Marketing Wake-Up Call
10:25 Mindset Shifts: Operator vs. Owner
15:48 Hiring, Training & Quality Control
21:30 Beating Fear: Coaching, Books & Breakthroughs
27:02 Work–Life Balance (and Parenting as a North Star)
32:40 Redefining Success: From Mortgage Money to Vacations
38:05 Setbacks: When the Phone Doesn’t Ring
43:17 Education-First Differentiator
49:10 Social Media Visibility Done Right
55:22 The Builder’s Edge: Next Steps & Scorecard

Learn more about Deanna Lucas through the following links:

AI Visibility Scorecard

Builders Visibility Blueprint

DND Website

DND Youtube

Email Template for 5 Star Reviews

Facebook

Facebook Group

LinkedIn

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What Nobody Tells You About Ending Violence Against Women Nov 06, 2025

Show notes

If “success” is costing your soul, this is your reset. In this episode of The Builder’s Edge, we sit down with Darryl Dudley, founder of She’s My Daughter, to unpack purpose-driven leadership that protects women, strengthens communities, and kills burnout at the root. Leading with purpose starts here.What You’ll Learn / Highlights • The origin of She’s My Daughter and the mindset that actually reduces violence against women • “Honor as a leadership skill”: how men can model dignity at home, work, and in community • Practical first steps for dads and male mentors to protect, encourage, and reconnect • The programs: The Tea, Reconnect, Operation Job Readiness, and Club Free—what they do and why they work • From business to movement: Darryl’s music/entrepreneurship background and building systems that last • Gen Z activation & “reverse peer pressure”: changing what’s “cool” in male circles • Powerful transformation stories—and why small, consistent actions beat grand gesturesChapters (timestamps)00:00 Intro — Why The Builder’s Edge exists00:36 Meet Darryl Dudley & She’s My Daughter01:24 Origin story: from youth advocacy to a global mission02:10 The dignity gap in media & culture03:15 The mission in action: “Treat every woman like your own daughter”04:02 A father’s hope: sending his daughter across the country06:19 Modeling respect at home and in business07:11 How fathers shape daughters’ confidence09:54 Programs overview: The Tea, Reconnect, Operation Job Readiness, Club Free11:10 Building self-esteem to prevent exploitation12:34 Reconnect: helping fathers & incarcerated dads re-engage14:12 Trauma’s generational impact—and why it matters at work15:26 Darryl’s business & music background → movement leadership17:40 “All Be Free” clothing line: funding impact & teaching entrepreneurship19:18 Design contests: activating Gen Z for change20:07 Impact stories that still move us24:30 Confidence vs. predation: why voice matters27:38 Where men start: Chief Encouragement Officer & shared activities30:42 Vision: clubs in schools and reverse peer pressure35:24 Builder’s Edge challenge + call to action36:21 How to get involved & closing#ProtectWomen #MenAsAllies #PositiveMasculinity #Honor #Respect #Fatherhood #Mentorship #GirlsEmpowerment #WomenSafety #DomesticViolenceAwareness

Learn more about Deanna Lucas through the following links:

AI Visibility Scorecard

Builders Visibility Blueprint

DND Website

DND Youtube

Email Template for 5 Star Reviews

Facebook

Facebook Group

LinkedIn

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Show Your Face, Build Your Business: Why Visibility Is Your Secret Weapon Oct 30, 2025

Show notes

Too many skilled contractors are hidden in plain sight, working hard, doing great work, but wondering why the phone’s not ringing. In this episode of The Builder’s Edge, we’re unpacking a hard truth: if your face isn’t visible, neither is your business.

Amon Medinger , founder of Home Healer Handyman Service, returns for a powerful conversation on visibility, authenticity, and the game-changing impact of showing up as yourself. From his first nervous Facebook Live to building a client base that feels like family, Amon shares how simple smartphone videos and genuine presence have skyrocketed his business, and why this isn't just a social media trend; it's the future of trust-building in the trades.

We also dive into the "FACE Principle", a memorable framework for becoming the most trusted name in your neighborhood, without needing fancy gear or flawless content. Plus, Eamon shares how our new CRM, The Client Edge, is helping him scale without losing that personal touch.

5 Takeaways You Don’t Want to Miss:

Visibility creates credibility, clients want to see who they’re hiring.

Short videos outperform static posts every time.

Going live may be scary, but it breaks the “bot barrier” in today’s AI-driven world.

Authentic content (even bloopers!) makes you more human, and more hireable.

Managing content and client follow-up is easier than ever with the right tools.

"I'm not the Home Healer. I'm just His handyman." - Amon Medinger

Challenge for Today: Start with one 10-second video. Introduce yourself. Post it. Then tag a friend in the trades and challenge them to do the same.

Subscribe to The Builder’s Edge, share this episode with someone who needs to be seen, and start journaling about how you’ll put the FACE Principle into action this week.

Learn more about Deanna Lucas through the following links:

DND Website

Facebook Group

Facebook

Builders Visibility Blueprint

Learn more about Deanna Lucas through the following links:

AI Visibility Scorecard

Builders Visibility Blueprint

DND Website

DND Youtube

Email Template for 5 Star Reviews

Facebook

Facebook Group

LinkedIn

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

“Trash Can, Not Trash Can’t”: How One Contractor Found Purpose in the Pain Oct 24, 2025

Show notes

What do you do when life tells you you’re worthless? In this raw and hope-filled episode of The Builder’s Edge, we sit down with Larry Crespin, a contractor, electrician, home and pool builder, and full-time disciple of Jesus, whose story proves that God really can turn trash into treasure. Larry grew up fatherless, faith-tested, and written off by most… but he refused to be defined by his past. Today, he leads with purpose, mentors young men, builds homes and businesses, and lives by a calling: “Do everything on purpose, with purpose, for a purpose.”

This isn’t just a story of surviving hard times, it’s a blueprint for thriving in your purpose when everything seems stacked against you. Larry opens up about growing up an outsider, facing addiction in his crews, losing businesses, surviving a hit-and-run accident, and still waking up every day to a calling, not an alarm clock. His message? You can’t fake purpose, but if you ask God for it, He’ll give it.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

Why purpose isn’t just for pastors, it's for tradesmen, too

How faith can reframe failure, and how grit keeps you going

The importance of working unto the Lord, even when others don’t notice

How to recognize when a job or client isn’t aligned with your values

What it really means to build people, not just structures

“Inspiration will come, but it has to find you working.” -Larry Crespin

This week, ask yourself: Am I doing this on purpose, with purpose, for a purpose? Journal it, share this episode with a fellow builder, and subscribe for more real conversations that fuel your mission.

Learn more about Deanna Lucas through the following links:

DND Website

Facebook Group

Facebook

Builders Visibility Blueprint

Learn more about Deanna Lucas through the following links:

AI Visibility Scorecard

Builders Visibility Blueprint

DND Website

DND Youtube

Email Template for 5 Star Reviews

Facebook

Facebook Group

LinkedIn

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

From Side Hustle to Startup: Building a Business While Life Keeps Moving Oct 16, 2025

Show notes

What if the leap you’ve been dreaming about didn’t need to be perfect, just courageous?

In this powerful episode of The Builder's Edge, we're catching entrepreneur Cain McWilliams right in the middle of his jump from employee to business owner. No hindsight wisdom here, just raw honesty, real strategy, and the mindset shifts happening in real time. After years in law enforcement, manufacturing, and managing major steel fabrication projects, Cain is stepping out to launch his commercial and residential painting company: Action Plan Painting.

Why painting? Why now? What’s it really like to walk away from security to bet on yourself? Cain shares the personal and professional journey behind this bold move, how years of “painting on the side” laid the groundwork, what it took to finally say yes, and how he’s navigating everything from startup fears to finding the right crews.

Whether you're in the early planning stages of your own business or teetering on the edge of your first big leap, this episode will both inspire and equip you.

Here’s what you’ll take away:

Why “too much planning” can kill a dream, and how action is the antidote

How Cain is self-funding his launch (and why he skipped the loan route)

The power of a name: what “Action Plan” really means

Smart moves for building trust in a saturated industry

Why certifications and systems matter more than you think—especially early on

“You can talk all day long, but action is what proves things.” - Cain McWilliams

Call to Action: If you’re planning your own move, take 15 minutes today to evaluate one part of your business. Ask: “Is this set up to support growth, or will I have to fix it later?” Then make one small change to build it right. And don’t forget to subscribe and share this episode with a friend who’s on the edge of launching something new!

Learn more about Deanna Lucas through the following links:

DND Website

Facebook Group

Facebook

Builders Visibility Blueprint

Learn more about Deanna Lucas through the following links:

AI Visibility Scorecard

Builders Visibility Blueprint

DND Website

DND Youtube

Email Template for 5 Star Reviews

Facebook

Facebook Group

LinkedIn

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

From Layoffs to Legacy: Building Spaces That Multiply Impact Oct 09, 2025

Show notes

How do you turn five layoffs into a thriving business that empowers others to succeed? In this episode of The Builder’s Edge, host Deanna Lucas sits down with Jeff Wisdom, founder of Wise Design & Management, to explore the power of resilience, design strategy, and kingdom-minded building.

Jeff shares how his 18-year journey in the AEC (architecture, engineering, construction) world, and five unexpected layoffs, led him to a faith-filled leap into entrepreneurship. Now, he's helping new business owners, franchisees, and nonprofits turn empty spaces into income-generating, mission-driven environments. From tenant improvements to church builds, Jeff’s full-service firm simplifies the complex maze of permitting, design, and construction management so clients can focus on growth.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

The biggest hurdles in tenant improvement projects, and how to clear them fast

How to scale a small business or franchise with smart design standards

Why churches and nonprofits need future-focused designs that grow with them

The surprising impact of a single restroom code, how it cost one project $20K!

What you can do this week to move your renovation or build forward wisely

“I truly believe it was God kicking me in the butt, saying you’re not supposed to work for someone, you’re supposed to be out there helping people make things happen in their lives.” -Jeff Wisdom

If you're dreaming of scaling smarter, this conversation is your blueprint. Hit subscribe, share with a fellow builder, and take one action step this week, because at The Builder’s Edge, the edge is your action.

Learn more about Deanna Lucas through the following links:

DND Website

Facebook Group

Facebook

Builders Visibility Blueprint

Learn more about Deanna Lucas through the following links:

AI Visibility Scorecard

Builders Visibility Blueprint

DND Website

DND Youtube

Email Template for 5 Star Reviews

Facebook

Facebook Group

LinkedIn

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Why the Sales Funnel Is Broken, and What to Do Instead Oct 02, 2025

Show notes

Is your marketing stuck in the past? Here’s why your funnel isn’t working, and how to fix it.

For years, contractors and service pros have been taught to rely on the trusty old sales funnel, awareness, interest, decision, action. But if you’ve ever had a lead ghost you after a quote or disappear after saying “I’ll think about it,” you already know something’s off. In this episode of The Builder’s Edge, Deanna Lucas challenges one of the most sacred cows in marketing: the linear sales funnel. Spoiler alert, it’s not how real people buy anymore.

Deanna introduces a game-changing idea straight from Google’s latest research: “The Messy Middle.” Instead of a straight path, buyers now loop through exploration and evaluation, often for weeks or months. Think figure-eight, not funnel. This episode breaks down what that means for your marketing strategy and gives you actionable tools to stay relevant, trusted, and chosen, even when the buyer seems to disappear.

You’ll also learn:

Why customers ghost quotes and how to keep them engaged

How to stay top-of-mind during the “explore and evaluate” loop

What kinds of free resources build trust (and which don’t)

A better way to structure lead magnets using scorecards, quizzes, and more

How to assess your own visibility with Deanna’s free AI-powered scorecard

“Your job isn’t to push people down a funnel. It’s to stay visible, stay credible, and give them reasons to keep coming back until they’re ready to say, ‘I pick you.’” -Deanna Lucas

Call to Action: Take Deanna’s free AI Visibility Scorecard today and find out exactly where your business is standing strong, and where you're getting lost in the messy middle. Then share this episode with a fellow builder who’s tired of hearing crickets after sending a quote.

Learn more about Deanna Lucas through the following links:

DND Website

Facebook Group

Facebook

Builders Visibility Blueprint

Learn more about Deanna Lucas through the following links:

AI Visibility Scorecard

Builders Visibility Blueprint

DND Website

DND Youtube

Email Template for 5 Star Reviews

Facebook

Facebook Group

LinkedIn

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Building Trust, Building Legacy: How Trauma-Informed Leadership Transforms Construction with James Miller Sep 25, 2025

Show notes

Homeowners everywhere have felt the anxiety. Can I really trust this contractor? Horror stories of unfinished projects, hidden costs, and broken promises echo through the industry. But what if building a home addition could feel different, not just structurally sound, but relationally solid? That’s the story today’s guest is living out.

In this episode of The Builder’s Edge, host Deanna Lucas sits down with James Miller, founder of Valiant Home Additions in Northwest Arkansas. James isn’t just building homes, he’s reshaping what it means to build trust in an industry where trust doesn’t come easy. From his painful childhood watching his father abandon jobs and clients, to building a family-run company rooted in transparency, James shares how honesty, communication, and customization are the real foundations of his work.

But James’s vision extends beyond construction. As he transitions leadership of Valiant to his son, he’s also stepping into a new calling: speaking on trauma-informed leadership. He reveals how his own healing journey has shaped the way he leads, connects with clients, and sees the power of hope in any situation.

5 Key Takeaways:

Why ignoring distrust in the construction industry only makes it worse, and how James tackles it head-on.

How asking “What problem are we really solving?” transforms client relationships and project outcomes.

The difference between building a home and building a lifestyle.

What it really takes to pass a family business on as a gift, not a burden.

How being trauma-informed helps leaders spot self-sabotage and unlock hope for themselves and others.

“The bigger the problem you solve, the more impact you make. For us, that means building spaces where families can lay down the weight of the world and finally feel at peace.” - James Miller

Don’t forget to subscribe, share this episode with a fellow builder, and journal one way you’ll build with purpose this week.

Learn more about Deanna Lucas through the following links:

DND Website

Facebook Group

Facebook

Builders Visibility Blueprint

Learn more about Deanna Lucas through the following links:

AI Visibility Scorecard

Builders Visibility Blueprint

DND Website

DND Youtube

Email Template for 5 Star Reviews