In this episode of The Real Build, I sit down with John Stewart Hill, founder and CEO of The Good Contractors List, to talk about what it really means to do business the right way in the home service industry.
After a life-changing experience, John made it his mission to restore trust between homeowners and contractors by creating a community of qualified professionals who take pride in honesty, craftsmanship, and accountability. The Good Contractors List now backs every referral with a $25,000 guarantee, setting a new standard for integrity in construction.
We talk about why having a list of trusted, vetted contractors matters more than ever, how The Good Contractors List has become a community where contractors refer each other, what the $25,000 Good Contractor Guarantee really means for homeowners, the number one red flag people miss when hiring a contractor, and how we can all work together to restore trust in the home service industry.
If you’re a homeowner, builder, or trade professional who cares about raising the standard, this episode will remind you why doing good business is always good business.
Guest Info: John Stewart Hill
Website:https://thegoodcontractorslist.com/
Host Info:
Email: Bill@rkreiman.com
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In this episode of The Real Build, I sat down with Mark Canfield, owner of Greenpro Landscape. Mark has been doing our landscape installs for several years and has become a great addition to the R.K. Reiman Construction team.
We talked about the importance of hiring a good landscape company and what homeowners and builders should look for when it comes to plant quality, proper installation, and ongoing maintenance. Mark also shared valuable insights on choosing the right plant and grass types for Florida’s climate and how to keep them healthy long-term.
We covered:
What makes a great landscape company and how to find one
What to look for in plants during installation
Choosing the right maintenance company for long-term care
The best plant and grass types for Southwest Florida
How to properly maintain your landscape after installation
If you are building, remodeling, or maintaining a home, this episode will help you understand how the right landscaping partner can elevate the look, longevity, and value of your property.
Watch the full episode now on YouTube or listen on all podcast platforms.
Guest Info: Mark Canfield
Website: https://greenprofl.com/
Host Info:
Email: Bill@rkreiman.com
CONNECT WITH ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA:
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Today on The Real Build, I’m joined by Dan Thrasher, president of Thrasher Group, a company that started in a Nebraska farmhouse in 1975 and has since grown into one of the Midwest’s most respected names in foundation repair and structural solutions.
What began as a small family operation founded by Greg and Nancy Thrasher has become a regional powerhouse with hundreds of employees and locations across multiple states. Under Dan’s leadership, Thrasher has expanded its footprint, launched manufacturing through Foundation Supportworks, and built a reputation for integrity, innovation, and customer experience.
In this episode, we’re diving into how Dan scaled a family business into a trusted brand, navigating family business, what it takes to lead through growth, and why redefining industry standards starts with culture, not concrete.
Guest Info: Dan Thrasher
Website: https://www.gothrasher.com/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-thrasher-b9580628/
Host Info:
Email: Bill@rkreiman.com
CONNECT WITH ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA:
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In this episode of The Real Build, I sat down once again with our Warranty Administrator, Kathy Ward, to talk about the importance of choosing the right vendor.We discussed why we work with the subcontractors we do, how they understand our standards, and why it’s never just about hiring the cheapest sub. We also shared real experiences working with new subcontractors, the challenges that come with that, and how those lessons have shaped how we choose who we work with today.Kathy has been a key part of our team for years, helping make sure every client continues to get the quality and service they expect long after the build is complete.If you are a builder, tradesman, or homeowner trying to understand what goes into building a great team of subs, this episode breaks down what really matters when it comes to quality, reliability, and trust on a jobsite.Watch the full episode now on YouTube or listen on all podcast platforms.
In this episode of The Real Build, I sit down with New York Times bestselling author and leadership expert Mark Murphy, founder of Leadership IQ and one of the most respected voices in organizational culture, performance, and hiring.
Mark’s work has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Harvard Business Review, and Forbes, and his newest book, Team Players: The Five Critical Roles You Need to Build a Winning Team, breaks down what it truly takes to create a high-performing organization.
We talk about:
The five critical roles every winning team needs
How to hire the right people and build future leaders within your company
The importance of stepping up as a CEO or leader to support your team’s growth
Why pushing people out of their comfort zones leads to breakthroughs
Practical advice for entrepreneurs doing it all and burning out
This episode is packed with lessons on leadership, accountability, and culture whether you’re running a company, leading a small team, or trying to scale your business the right way.
Guest Info: Mark Murphy
Website: https://www.leadershipiq.com/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markamurphy/
Host Info:
Email: Bill@rkreiman.com
CONNECT WITH ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA:
▶︎ YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxAdSxHN0dIXZPhA-6p1HYA
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In this episode of The Real Build, I sit down with our selections coordinator, Mackenzie Cox, to talk about one of the most important parts of building a home: communication.We break down how consistent follow-up, empathy, and adapting to different client personalities can make the difference between a stressful build and a smooth experience. Mackenzie shares her real-world insights on keeping clients informed, managing expectations, and creating trust from start to finish.If you are a builder, designer, or anyone who works directly with clients, this episode is full of takeaways you can use to strengthen relationships, improve communication, and deliver an unforgettable client experience.Watch the full episode now on YouTube or listen on all podcast platforms.
In this episode of The Real Build, I sit down with serial entrepreneur and business leader Lance Bachmann, owner of LB Capital, to talk about why price doesn’t sell — experience does.
Lance has built and sold multiple eight-figure companies and now helps business owners across the home services and trades industries scale, lead, and exit the right way. We dive deep into what separates top-performing companies from the rest and why only 17 percent of people actually shop based on price.
We covered:
Why customer experience always wins over low pricing
Part-time leader vs full-time leader
The power of leadership and accountability
Common mistakes contractors and small businesses make when trying to scale
How to build a brand people trust and are willing to pay more for
If you are a builder, contractor, or business owner trying to grow without racing to the bottom, this episode will show you exactly how to shift your mindset and build a business that sells on value, not price.
Watch the full episode now on YouTube or listen on all podcast platforms.
Guest Info: Lance Bachmann
Website: https://lbachmanncapital.com/
Host Info:
Email: Bill@rkreiman.com
CONNECT WITH ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA:
▶︎ YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxAdSxHN0dIXZPhA-6p1HYA
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In this episode of The Real Build, I sat down with Mariano Bernhardt, owner of MI Painting, to talk about craftsmanship, detail, and what it takes to stand out as a painting contractor in the luxury home market.Mariano built MI Painting from the ground up with a focus on quality, communication, and craftsmanship that shows in every project. His commitment to doing things the right way has earned him a reputation as one of the most trusted painting contractors in Southwest Florida.We covered:How Mariano got started in painting and built MI PaintingThe small details in painting that most people overlook but make all the differenceSystems and processes MI Painting uses to maintain consistent qualityHow Mariano trains and motivates his team to uphold high standardsThe importance of communication and educating clients about what great painting work really takesAdvice for builders and homeowners hiring painters for luxury homesIf you are a builder, tradesman, or homeowner who cares about quality and detail, this episode is packed with insights into what separates great painting contractors from the rest.Watch the full episode now on YouTube or listen on all podcast platforms.
Guest Info: Mariano Bernhardt
Website: https://marcohomeservice.com/home-painting/
Host Info:
Email: Bill@rkreiman.com
CONNECT WITH ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA:
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In this episode of The Real Build, I sat down with Monika Zasada, founder of DE-MAZING, where she positions herself as a Project Curator and Construction Therapist. She acts as the conductor of the entire renovation process, assembling the right architects, designers, and trades while keeping everyone aligned from concept to completion.
Monika’s story is incredible. She arrived in the United States from communist Poland with just ten dollars to her name and worked her way up to leading multi-million dollar renovations in the Hamptons. She has proven herself in a male-dominated industry and built a reputation for helping homeowners avoid renovation regrets, manage timelines and budgets realistically, and navigate projects with confidence.
We talked about:
The most common mistakes people make when building a home or remodel
Why homeowners underestimate costs and timelines
What it really means to be a Project Curator and Construction Therapist
The hidden value of managing not just design, but also personalities and decisions on a job
How owner representatives and builders can work together effectively
The lessons she has learned while building DE-MAZING and what drives her success
If you are a homeowner planning a renovation, or home build this episode is one you will not want to miss.
Watch the full episode now on YouTube
Guest Info: Monika Zasada
Website: https://www.de-mazing.com/
Host Info:
Email: Bill@rkreiman.com
CONNECT WITH ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA:
▶︎ YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxAdSxHN0dIXZPhA-6p1HYA
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▶︎ TWITTER | https://twitter.com/ImBillReiman
▶︎ WEBSITE | https://www.rkreiman.com
In this episode of The Real Build, I sat down with my sister Jenna Popoff to celebrate a huge milestone, winning four Sand Dollar Awards.The Sand Dollar Awards are one of the highest honors in the Southwest Florida building industry, recognizing excellence in craftsmanship, design, and innovation.We talked about what these wins mean to us as a family business, the legacy our dad started, and how far we’ve come as a team. We also went behind the scenes on the project that won, what made it special, and the challenges we overcame along the way.We covered:What the Sand Dollar Awards represent in the building industryThe categories R.K. Reiman Construction won this yearWhat it felt like hearing our name called multiple times that nightWhy these awards are a reflection of our entire team and trade partnersHow the recognition connects to our company culture and family legacyHow these wins fuel our vision for what’s nextThis is more than an awards recap. It’s a look inside the hard work, craftsmanship, and people behind R.K. Reiman Construction, and what it means to build something truly special.Watch the full episode now on YouTube or listen on all podcast platforms.
In this episode of The Real Build, I sat down with Sheryl and Derick Moreno, the team behind LaCasaTour.com, to talk about one of the most overlooked but most powerful parts of real estate: media.In today’s market, buyers decide within seconds whether or not to visit a home based on photos and video they see online. The difference between good media and great media can determine if a property sells quickly, sells for more, or sits on the market.We covered:Why professional photos and videos are no longer optional in real estateHow powerful visuals tell the story of a home instead of just showing roomsThe psychology of buyers and how media impacts first impressionsCommon mistakes agents and sellers make when cutting corners on photosWhat’s next in real estate media, from cinematic video to immersive toursIf you are a realtor, builder, or homeowner trying to stand out in a crowded market, this conversation shows why photos and videos are the most important marketing investment you can make.
Guest Info: Sheryl and Derick Moreno Of Lacasa Tour
Website: https://lacasatour.com/
Host Info:
Email: Bill@rkreiman.com
CONNECT WITH ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA:
▶︎ YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxAdSxHN0dIXZPhA-6p1HYA
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▶︎ TWITTER | https://twitter.com/ImBillReiman
▶︎ WEBSITE | https://www.rkreiman.com
In this episode of The Real Build, I sat down with Elias Aguero and Edjohn Morales of American Craftmen in Naples, Florida to talk about how they are redefining the cabinetry industry.American Craftmen has taken a different approach by keeping everything in-house. From raw lumber to a finished cabinet in someone’s home, their process focuses on precision, quality, and speed without sacrificing craftsmanship.We talked about:Their journey into the cabinetry and woodworking businessHow American Craftmen ensures consistent quality control on every projectWhy materials, thickness, and hardware make all the differenceThe balance between speed, beauty, and long-term durabilityThe pride of offering 100 percent American-made cabinetryHow in-house manufacturing changes timelines and quality controlWhat builders, designers, and homeowners should know when choosing a cabinet makerThe questions homeowners should be asking before starting a cabinetry projectThis is a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to deliver luxury cabinetry at the highest level, and why companies like American Craftsmen are raising the bar in the industry.
Guest Info: Elias Aguero and Edjohn Morales
Website: https://americancraftsmenfactory.com/
Host Info:
Email: Bill@rkreiman.com
CONNECT WITH ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA:
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In this episode of The Real Build, I sat down with Joe Macdonald, the owner of Neptune Glass in Naples, Florida.Neptune Glass has built a reputation for turning concepts into creations. They specialize in custom shower enclosures, mirrors, windows, and doors, backed by licensed and insured craftsmanship, on-time delivery, and consistent communication.We talked about:- What unmatched workmanship and customer service look like in practice- How Neptune Glass manages schedules and communication so clients stay confident in the process- What builders, designers, and homeowners should know when choosing a glass company- Why hiring a specialist matters for installation, integration, and quality- How Neptune Glass stays ahead of the curve in a competitive marketWhy Naples was the right place to grow the company and how the business has evolvedIf you’re a builder, designer, or homeowner looking to understand what makes a true glass specialist stand out, this episode is packed with insight.
Guest Info: Joe Macdonald
Website: https://neptuneglassfl.com/
Host Info:
Email: Bill@rkreiman.com
CONNECT WITH ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA:
▶︎ YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxAdSxHN0dIXZPhA-6p1HYA
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In this episode of The Real Build, I sat down with my wife, Elizabeth Reiman, who is also our selections and design coordinator at R.K. Reiman Construction.Elizabeth plays an important role in helping clients through the selections and design process, making sure their vision comes to life while keeping projects on track. At the same time, we talked about what teamwork looks like in our marriage and how the lessons we’ve learned at home carry over into the way we build homes and run projects.We covered:What teamwork means to us as a coupleHow we divide responsibilities at home to keep life balancedLessons from marriage that show up on the jobsiteSupporting each other during stressful timesHow marriage teamwork prepares us for challenges in businessWhat it’s really like working together inside R.K. Reiman ConstructionThis episode gives a real look at how we make it work both at home and in the company, and why teamwork matters in every part of life.Watch the full episode now on YouTube or listen on all podcast platforms.
In this episode of The Real Build, I sat down with our selections coordinator, Kellie Felt, to walk through one of the most exciting and sometimes overwhelming parts of building a custom home: the selections process.Kellie shared her journey into design and selections, what a day in her role looks like, and how she helps clients bring their vision to life while keeping the process smooth and enjoyable.We cover:What the selections process involves for custom home clientsThe most exciting and overwhelming decisions clients get to makeHow to balance client style with professional guidanceStories where selections truly transformed a homeHow Kellie collaborates with superintendents and warranty to make sure everything is executed correctlyAdvice for clients preparing for the selections stageIf you’re thinking about building a custom home or you want an inside look at how the details come together, this episode is packed with insight into the behind-the-scenes process.
In this episode of The Real Build Team, I sat down with Jenna and Kathy to talk about why teamwork is the foundation of every successful build.When you’re building multimillion-dollar custom homes, every detail matters—and no one person can do it alone. Teamwork between selections, construction, and warranty is what ensures clients get the best possible experience from start to finish.We cover:How different roles come together to keep clients happyWhat teamwork really looks like on large-scale custom homesHow collaboration between departments delivers better resultsReal stories where teamwork solved tough client issuesWhat makes RK Reiman’s teamwork stand out from other buildersWhat “team success” means to us and to our clientsIf you’ve ever wondered how top builders deliver both quality and client satisfaction, this conversation shows why teamwork is at the center of it all.
In this episode of The Real Build, I sat down with our superintendent, Mason Blosser, to talk about advice for young people in construction.Mason is only 24 years old and has already climbed the ladder fast at R.K. Reiman Construction. He shared how he approached the industry, what helped him succeed early, and why there is more opportunity than ever for young people in the trades.We covered:The importance of listening and learning on the jobHow to spot opportunities in the construction industry todayWhat it takes to level up and move forward in your careerWhy working for the right company mattersAdvice Mason would give to someone young entering constructionIf you’re just starting out in construction, or if you’re leading younger employees, this episode is full of insight and real-world lessons from someone who is living it.Watch the full episode now on YouTube or listen on all podcast platforms.
In this episode of The Real Build, I sat down with Christian Galt, owner of Galt Insurance.Christian has built his business on service, trust, and a commitment to doing things differently in the insurance industry. He has stayed independent, keeping the Galt name, and built a team focused on putting clients first.We talked about:- Christian’s background and how he got started in insurance- What makes the Galt approach to service different- Why he chose not to sell out to the big companies- Leadership and hiring a team of winners- Common misconceptions in the insurance industry- The importance of trust in every client relationshipIf you want to understand what real leadership, service, and client trust look like in the insurance business, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.
Guest Info: Christian Galt
Website: https://www.galtinsurance.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christiangalt/
Host Info:
Email: Bill@rkreiman.com
CONNECT WITH ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA:
▶︎ YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxAdSxHN0dIXZPhA-6p1HYA
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In this episode of The Real Build, I sat down with Mackenzie Cox, our selections coordinator at R.K. Reiman Construction.Mackenzie plays a key role in helping clients bring their vision to life and guiding them through one of the most exciting but challenging parts of the building process, making selections.We talked about:Why she moved from Atlanta to join our teamThe vision she sees for her role and where it can go in the futureWhat makes R.K. Reiman different from other companies in the industryHow she helps clients through the selections process and the challenges they faceWhat excites her most about the company’s future growthThis conversation gives an inside look at the culture we are building and what it means to work for a company that values vision, growth, and doing things the right way.Watch the full episode now on YouTube or listen on all podcast platforms.
In this episode of The Real Build, I sit down with Jason Lynn, President of Decorators Unlimited, one of the largest full-service interior design firms in the country. With over 150 projects a year and partnerships with builders nationally and internationally, Decorators Unlimited has mastered the art of managing luxury, scale, and quality all at once.We cover:How operations are streamlined at a firm managing hundreds of projects each yearThe advantages of having design, CAD, construction, distribution, warehouse, and showroom all under one roofWhat the full-service experience offers compared to working with smaller design firmsThe culture and systems that keep quality and client satisfaction consistentJason’s journey from delivering furniture to leading a design empireWhere Decorators Unlimited is headed next in design and operationsIf you’re a builder, designer, or anyone interested in how large-scale design operations succeed without sacrificing quality, this episode is full of insights.
Guest Info: Jason Lynn
Website: https://decoratorsunlimited.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedecoratorsunlimited
Host Info:
Email: Bill@rkreiman.com
CONNECT WITH ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA:
▶︎ YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxAdSxHN0dIXZPhA-6p1HYA
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