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You can build the company, make the money, and hit every goal... but will you still be healthy enough to enjoy it? Dr. Sam Robinson, founder of Altaura Health, joins Heather and Jerry to talk about the part of entrepreneurship that never shows up on the P&L: what years of stress, long hours, poor sleep, bad nutrition, and constantly putting the business first can actually do to your body and mind. They get into why stress is more than just a feeling, why construction has normalized some seriously unhealthy habits, and why working harder isn’t always the answer. Sam talks about sleep, exercise, nutrition, recovery, preventative medicine, and learning how to actually shut the business off. The conversation also gets into the booming world of health optimization—GLP-1s, TRT, peptides, hormones, bloodwork, and how to separate legitimate medicine from confident-sounding health advice online. Sam shares why he left traditional insurance-based medicine to start Altaura Health, his approach to improving healthspan, and why the goal isn’t simply living longer. It’s staying strong, capable, sharp, and healthy enough to enjoy the life you worked so hard to build. If you’re a contractor or business owner who keeps telling yourself you’ll focus on your health “when things slow down,” this one is worth your time. Where to find Dr. Sam Robinson & Altaura Health: Altaura Health: altaurahealth.com Dr. Sam Robinson: drsamrobinson.com Instagram: @dr.samrobinson The Build Line is brought to you by: Buildertrend — buildertrend.com Build Bar — build-bar.com Republic Elite Integration — republiceliteintegration.com Katlyn Slocum Design — katlynslocumdesign.com This episode is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice.

What actually makes a construction company “luxury”? Is it the size of the project, expensive finishes, or the market you work in? Heather and Jerry challenge the idea that luxury is simply about price. In a market like Sacramento, where contractors are constantly compared on cost, building a premium brand means delivering something clients can actually feel: trust, communication, planning, attention to detail, and confidence that the job will be done right. They talk about why some contractors struggle when they move from larger markets, why your reputation doesn’t automatically travel with you, and why the subcontractors you surround yourself with become an extension of your brand. Heather and Jerry also break down the difference between price and value, how to uncover what a client actually values, and why contractors in smaller or more price-sensitive markets have to become better at identifying and winning the right projects. You don’t necessarily need a better market. You might just need to become a better fisherman. In this episode: • What “luxury” actually means in construction • Why luxury is an experience—not a finish package • Price vs. value and understanding what clients actually care about • Why your subcontractors are part of your brand • The details that separate premium builders from everyone else • Why reputation doesn't automatically transfer to a new market • Building a premium company in a price-driven market • Why you don't need more fish—you need to become a better fisherman Thank you to our sponsors: Buildertrend https://buildertrend.com Republic Elite Integration https://www.republiceliteintegration.com Build-Bar https://build-bar.com Katlyn Slocum Design https://www.katlynslocumdesign.com The Build Line is a construction business podcast hosted by Heather Tankersley and Jerry Brewer, featuring real conversations about building better companies, better teams, and better projects.

Your business is finally making money. Now what? Heather and Jerry sit down with Clayton Janson of One Digital to talk about the financial decisions contractors face once they move beyond simply surviving and start making real profit. They break down the difference between running a successful company and actually building personal wealth, why some contractors doing millions in revenue still have very little to show for it, and what should happen with your money as the business grows. Clayton shares the mistakes he sees business owners make behind the scenes, along with stories of contractors who got it right. They also get into investing outside your business, building the right financial team, tax planning, retirement, succession, and the danger of assuming your business will someday be your retirement plan. Because making money is one thing. Turning it into long-term freedom is something completely different. CONNECT WITH CLAYTON One Digital https://www.onedigital.com/ Clayton Janson on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/claytonjanson THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS Buildertrend https://buildertrend.com/ Katlyn Slocum Design https://katlynslocumdesign.com/ Republic Elite Integration https://republiceliteintegration.com/ BuildBar https://buildbar.us/

Nobody starts a remodel hoping to distrust their contractor. But missed calls, blown schedules, surprise costs, poor communication, and unfinished work have given the construction industry a reputation—and Heather and Jerry think contractors need to own their part in creating it. In this episode of The Build Line, Heather and Jerry dig into why homeowners are skeptical of contractors before a project even starts, and what happens when that trust begins to disappear. Heather shares the story of a family who had already been out of their home for a year when they finally called another contractor for help. Jerry explains what subcontractors see on jobsites when a GC has lost control—and why the warning signs are usually obvious long before the project completely falls apart. But contractors aren't the only ones contributing to the problem. Heather and Jerry talk about the lies homeowners sometimes tell themselves when choosing the cheapest bid, overlooking red flags, or accepting behavior they wouldn't tolerate from any other professional. They also get into how HGTV, Pinterest, Instagram, and the internet have changed expectations around what construction should cost, how quickly it should happen, and what it actually takes to manage a successful project. Whether you're a homeowner preparing for a remodel or a contractor trying to build a better business, this episode is a reminder that trust isn't created by promising that nothing will go wrong. It's created through communication, professionalism, transparency, and what you do when something inevitably does. In this episode: Why contractors have earned some of their bad reputationHow poor communication destroys trust on a projectWhat happens when a contractor loses control of the jobsiteWhy professionalism still matters in the tradesThe lies homeowners tell themselves when choosing the cheapest bidHow homeowners unknowingly enable bad contractor behaviorWhy HGTV and social media have distorted construction expectationsWhat subcontractors see when the GC-client relationship starts falling apartWhy homeowners are buying more than labor and materials—they're buying certainty and peace of mind Trust isn't built when everything goes right. It's built when something goes wrong and people tell the truth. Special thanks to our partners for supporting The Build Line Podcast: Buildertrend – Construction project management software built for better communication, organization, and more profitable projects. https://www.buildertrend.com Panoramic Doors – Innovative door systems designed to create seamless indoor-outdoor living. https://www.panoramicdoors.com Republic Elite Integration – Premium home technology, lighting, audio, networking, and smart home integration. https://www.republiceliteintegration.com Katlyn Slocum Design – Strategic website design and digital marketing for construction professionals. https://www.katlynslocumdesign.com BuildBar – A community built for contractors who want to grow better businesses through proven systems, leadership, and accountability. https://www.buildbar.us

Every contractor thinks they're a good client. But ask a room full of subcontractors, and you'll quickly find out which builders they love working with... and which ones they avoid at all costs. In this episode of The Build Line, Heather and Jerry pull back the curtain on the GC-subcontractor relationship and have the conversation most people in construction won't. Why do the best trades always seem to work for the same builders? What makes a subcontractor stop answering your calls? Is the labor shortage real, or are great crews simply choosing better clients? Drawing from decades of experience on both sides of the relationship, they dive into the habits that earn trust, the mistakes that quietly destroy reputations, and why communication, organization, and leadership matter far more than simply paying the lowest price. Whether you're a general contractor trying to build a stronger team or a subcontractor looking to become the builder everyone wants to work with, this episode is packed with practical lessons that can improve every project you build. In this episode: Why great subcontractors choose their clients tooThe biggest mistakes GCs make that drive away top tradesWhy schedule chaos destroys relationshipsThe hidden cost of hiring the cheapest subcontractorWhat separates professional builders from builders who are just "busy"The conversations trades have after they leave your jobsiteHow your reputation determines the quality of crews willing to work for you Your reputation enters the room before you do. This episode explains how to build one that attracts the best people in the industry. Special thanks to our partners for supporting The Build Line Podcast: Buildertrend – Construction project management software built for better communication, organization, and more profitable projects. https://www.buildertrend.com Panoramic Doors – Innovative door systems designed to create seamless indoor-outdoor living. https://www.panoramicdoors.com Republic Elite Integration – Premium home technology, lighting, audio, networking, and smart home integration. https://www.republiceliteintegration.com Katlyn Slocum Design – Strategic website design and digital marketing for construction professionals. https://www.katlynslocumdesign.com BuildBar – A community built for contractors who want to grow better businesses through proven systems, leadership, and accountability. https://www.buildbar.us

Episode 24 of The Build Line Podcast takes a hard look at why discounting may be doing more damage to your construction business than you realize. Heather and Jerry unpack the fear behind lowering your price, the pressure to keep crews busy, and why the project you discount to get signed often becomes the project you regret taking. They share real stories about jobs priced too cheaply, how disappearing margins affect communication and morale, and why customers may trust you less when your pricing changes too quickly. This episode covers: • Why contractors discount out of fear instead of strategy • How "keep busy" jobs drain time, energy, and team morale • Why discounted projects often become the jobs you resent • How low pricing can damage confidence and credibility • Why one discount can make every future cost feel negotiable • How customers begin to question your numbers • Why premium clients are often looking for certainty, not the lowest price • What to offer instead of a discount • How reducing scope can protect both the budget and your standards • Why saying no to the wrong project protects the right clients Whether you're a contractor, subcontractor, business owner, or homeowner preparing for a remodel, this episode explains why competing on price rarely creates a better experience for anyone involved. The Build Line Podcast is hosted by Heather Tankersley and Jerry Brewer, bringing builders, trades, and homeowners together for honest conversations about construction, leadership, and business. Special thanks to our partners for supporting The Build Line Podcast: Buildertrend – Construction project management software built for better communication, organization, and more profitable projects. https://www.buildertrend.com Panoramic Doors – Innovative door systems designed to create seamless indoor-outdoor living. https://www.panoramicdoors.com Republic Elite Integration – Premium home technology, lighting, audio, networking, and smart home integration. https://www.republiceliteintegration.com Katlyn Slocum Design – Strategic website design and digital marketing for construction professionals. https://www.katlynslocumdesign.com BuildBar – A community built for contractors who want to grow better businesses through proven systems, leadership, and accountability. https://www.buildbar.us

Bonus Episode 23 of The Build Line Podcast puts Heather and Jerry in the hot seat as they answer real questions submitted by contractors, homeowners, and listeners. From knowing when to say no to a project to losing money on jobs, hiring the right people, and the biggest lessons they've learned from past guests, this candid conversation offers an unfiltered look at the realities of running a construction business. Heather shares the systems and mindset that have shaped Tankersley Build Co., while Jerry brings the subcontractor perspective on communication, relationships with general contractors, and what separates the companies he'll gladly work with again from the ones he'll avoid. This episode covers: • When it's finally okay to say no to a project • How to recognize red flags before signing a client • What makes subcontractors want to work with a GC again • The communication mistakes that strain contractor relationships • Lessons learned from projects that lost money • How post-project reviews improve future profitability • The Build Line guests who have had the biggest impact on Heather and Jerry • Business decisions they wish they'd made sooner • The mental side of leadership and running a construction company • Why your team is your greatest asset Whether you're a contractor, subcontractor, business owner, or entrepreneur, this Ask Us Anything episode is packed with practical lessons, honest stories, and real-world advice you can apply to your own business. Special thanks to our episode sponsors: Buildertrend https://www.buildertrend.com Republic Elite Integration https://www.republiceliteintegration.com Panoramic Doors https://www.panoramicdoors.com Katlyn Slocum Web Design https://www.katlynslocumdesign.com Build-Bar https://www.build-bar.com

Episode 22 of The Build Line Podcast tackles one of the most overlooked risks in construction: the contracts you sign before the work ever begins. Hosts Heather Tankersley and Jerry Brewer sit down with construction attorney Greg Wayland to discuss the legal mistakes contractors make every day, why so many disputes could have been prevented, and how better documentation protects both contractors and clients. Greg breaks down complex legal concepts into plain English, explaining indemnification, subcontractor agreements, change orders, payment terms, and why communication failures are at the center of so many construction disputes. Heather shares how Tankersley Build Co. structures its contracts, purchase orders, and project documentation to reduce risk, while Jerry brings the subcontractor perspective on payment schedules, general contractor relationships, and the realities of working in the field. This episode covers: • Why contractors often sign agreements they don't fully understand • How strong contracts actually prevent disputes instead of causing them • Indemnification explained in plain English • Why written change orders are critical • The importance of master subcontractor agreements • Purchase orders and documenting scope clearly • The realities of pay-when-paid clauses • Why communication failures lead to legal disputes • How documentation can protect your business when projects go sideways • Practical ways both general contractors and subcontractors can reduce risk Whether you're a general contractor, subcontractor, or construction business owner, this episode offers practical advice that could save your business from costly disputes and strengthen the way you manage every project. Special thanks to our episode sponsors: Buildertrend https://www.buildertrend.com Republic Elite Integration https://www.republiceliteintegration.com Panoramic Doors https://panoramicdoors.com Katlyn Slocum Web Design https://www.katlynslocumdesign.com Build-Bar https://www.build-bar.com

Not every contractor earns a realtor's recommendation. And it's usually not about price. This week on The Build Line, Heather and Jerry sit down with luxury real estate team Candace and AJ Samrai to talk about what actually makes professionals referable. From creating an unforgettable client experience to protecting your reputation, qualifying clients, and knowing when to walk away from the wrong deal, this conversation is packed with lessons that apply far beyond real estate. Candace and AJ share how they brought a Southern California level of service to the Sacramento market, why the cheapest contractor often becomes the most expensive referral mistake, and how businesses can stand out by delivering value long after the transaction is complete. Whether you're a contractor, realtor, designer, or business owner, this episode will challenge the way you think about trust, communication, relationships, and building a business people can't stop recommending. In this episode: • Why reputation is your most valuable marketing asset • The power of creating an unforgettable client experience • Why the cheapest referral often becomes the most expensive mistake • How to qualify clients and protect your time • The difference between investing for resale and investing in your lifestyle • What contractors and realtors can learn from each other about building trust Special thanks to our episode sponsors: Buildertrend – The leading construction management software helping contractors streamline projects, improve communication, and grow their businesses. https://www.buildertrend.com Build-Bar – Helping contractors build stronger businesses through coaching, consulting, and proven operational systems. https://www.build-bar.com Panoramic Doors – Redefining indoor-outdoor living with beautifully engineered folding door systems. https://www.panoramicdoors.com If you're enjoying The Build Line, please subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone in construction or real estate. Your support helps us continue bringing real conversations with the builders, leaders, and entrepreneurs shaping our industry.

Episode 20 of The Build Line Podcast tackles one of the biggest myths in construction: bigger projects do not automatically mean bigger profits. Hosts Heather Tankersley and Jerry Brewer pull back the curtain on what really happens when contractors land their first million-dollar project and why many builders aren't as ready as they think they are. Heather shares hard-earned lessons from managing large-scale remodels, including the financial exposure, client expectations, staffing challenges, and operational demands that come with bigger jobs. Jerry brings the subcontractor perspective, discussing where communication breaks down, how mistakes become more expensive, and why many contractors underestimate what it takes to successfully manage work at this scale. This episode covers: • Why bigger jobs are often a stress test of your systems • The myth that million-dollar projects are easier money • How preconstruction can make or break a project • Why contingency planning matters more than most builders realize • The hidden cash flow challenges of large projects • Managing lender-funded construction projects • How human error becomes significantly more expensive at scale • The emotional toll of long-duration projects • Why some contractors should not take on bigger jobs yet • How to know when your business is actually ready to grow If you're chasing larger projects, this episode offers an honest look at the realities behind the numbers and the lessons every builder should learn before taking on their first million-dollar job. Special thanks to our episode sponsors: Buildertrend https://www.buildertrend.com Build Bar https://www.build-bar.com Panoramic Doors https://panoramicdoors.com

Episode 19 of The Build Line Podcast turns into a much deeper conversation than construction and business alone. Hosts Heather Tankersley of Tankersley Build Co. and Jerry Brewer sit down with Jennifer Edwards to talk about communication, structure, leadership, relationships, and the psychology behind how people operate at a high level. The conversation explores why the brain craves clear expectations, how structure actually creates more freedom, and why emotional intelligence and communication are becoming some of the most valuable skills in business today. Heather shares how parenting mirrors leadership inside a company, Jennifer explains why people perform better when expectations are clearly defined, and Jerry opens up about discomfort, growth, and learning to navigate different rooms and personalities. This episode covers: • Why structure reduces stress and improves performance • The connection between communication and leadership • Why people resist uncomfortable conversations and growth • How clear expectations create trust with clients and employees • The psychology behind routines, habits, and accountability • Why emotional intelligence matters more than ever in business • How successful people optimize their mornings, schedules, and energy • The role curiosity plays in communication and relationships • Why the best leaders know how to adapt to different personalities If you are a contractor, entrepreneur, leader, or someone trying to improve how you communicate and show up for others, this episode is a candid conversation about the human side of performance, relationships, and business growth. Special thanks to our episode sponsors: Buildertrend https://www.buildertrend.com Build Bar https://www.build-bar.com Panoramic Doors https://panoramicdoors.com Stream Episode 19 now. Where to find Jennifer: Website: https://howtobridgethegap.com/about-us/about-jennifer/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-edwards-hbg/

Episode 18 of The Build Line Podcast dives into one of the biggest problems in construction: telling clients what they want to hear instead of what they need to hear. Hosts Heather Tankersley of Tankersley Build Co. and Jerry Brewer break down the real cost of unrealistic budgets, impossible timelines, and cutting corners just to win a project. They share firsthand stories about losing jobs by being honest, why some contractors overpromise early, and how those decisions almost always catch up to the client later. This episode covers: • Why clients are naturally drawn to the lowest bid and fastest promise • The long term damage caused by unrealistic expectations • Why honest conversations often lose early but win long term • The difference between pre qualifying and pre judging clients • How experienced contractors communicate realistic budgets without killing the relationship • Why trust becomes one of the most valuable assets in construction If you are a contractor, business owner, or homeowner navigating a construction project, this episode is a candid conversation about why honesty matters more than ever in today’s market. Special thanks to our episode sponsors: Buildertrend https://www.buildertrend.com Build Bar https://www.build-bar.com Panoramic Doors https://panoramicdoors.com

Tom Reber from The Contractor Fight joins The Build Line for a blunt conversation about the uncomfortable truths contractors need to face around margins, money, mindset, and growth. Heather, Jerry, and Tom get into revenue versus profit, why being busy does not mean being profitable, how contractors underprice out of fear, and why your bank account is one of the clearest scoreboards in your business. This episode covers pricing, sales, cash flow, job costing, labor burden, client boundaries, and the head trash that keeps contractors playing small. If you are growing fast but still feel broke, defending your price, avoiding your numbers, or wondering why the business feels harder than it should, this one is worth the listen. Special thanks to our episode sponsors: Buildertrend https://www.buildertrend.com Build Bar https://www.build-bar.com Panoramic Doors https://panoramicdoors.com Find Tom: https://thecontractorfight.com/

What does it actually take to build a strong management team in construction—and why do so many owners struggle to find great leaders? In this episode of The Build Line, we break down the real reason most companies can’t attract or retain high-level managers. It’s not a recruiting issue. It’s a leadership issue. The best operators evaluate your business before they ever consider joining it—and if there’s no clarity, discipline, or direction, they’re out. This conversation is about raising the standard—starting with yourself. We dig into what strong leadership actually looks like under pressure and why your habits set the ceiling for your entire organization. From there, we unpack why resumes can be misleading, how to spot true ownership and hunger in candidates, and what separates operators who drive results from those who just participate. We get into: What top-level managers are really evaluating before they join your companyWhy most hiring processes fail to identify ownership and accountabilityHow to distinguish polish from real hunger in interviewsWhat it takes to intentionally develop leaders instead of hoping they emergeHow to create accountability without killing cultureWhy many owners become the bottleneck—and how to fix itIf you’re trying to build a company that can run without you, this episode is a direct look at what’s required—and where most owners fall short. No shortcuts. No theory. Just how it actually works.

Everybody knows the name. Not everybody understands the business behind it. In this episode of The Build Line, we sit down with Anh Phoong, one of the most recognizable personal brands in Sacramento, to break down what it actually took to build it. From starting out with nothing but grit and showing up face to face in the community, to becoming a household name through bold marketing and consistency, Anh shares what most people never see. The early work, the risk of putting your name on the business, and the pressure that comes with it. We also get into what happens after the growth. Building systems to support scale, expanding into new markets like Houston, and why more opportunity doesn’t fix broken operations, it exposes them. This conversation goes beyond marketing. It’s about responsibility, leadership, and not forgetting where you came from. Anh opens up about her family’s experience immigrating to the United States and how the Sacramento community shaped her commitment to giving back. If you’re a business owner trying to grow, build a real brand, or scale without losing what made you successful in the first place, this one hits. In this episode, we cover: • Building a personal brand with intention • The reality of running a business with your name on it • Marketing that actually drives growth, not just attention • Scaling systems and expanding into new markets • Community, philanthropy, and long term impact The Build Line is about real conversations with real operators. What’s working, what’s not, and what we all wish we knew sooner. Official Website: https://phoonglaw.com Instagram (Personal): https://www.instagram.com/anhphoong/ Instagram (Phoong Law): https://www.instagram.com/phoonglaw/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/phoong-law