The Build Show Podcast

1d ago

In this episode of The Build Show Podcast, Matt Risinger marks a major milestone by reflecting on 200 episodes and nearly 30 years in the building industry. Looking back on early mistakes, hard lessons, and recent jobsite observations, Matt explains why basic construction details—especially water management and proper window installation—continue to be some of the most common and costly failures in residential building. He discusses the responsibility builders have to continually educate themselves and their teams, revisit fundamentals, and invest in long-term skill development. As part of this reflection, Matt recommends a book that has deeply influenced his approach to building and leadership: The Elements of Building: A Business Handbook for Residential Builders and Tradesmen by Mark Q. Kerson, a practical, experience-driven guide to both construction and business. This candid, one-on-one episode looks back at how far the show has come while challenging builders to keep learning, improve their processes, and raise the standard of the industry. Huge thanks to our episode sponsors, Diamond Kote and Pella. Learn more at: https://diamondkotesiding.com/ https://www.instagram.com/diamond_kote/ https://www.pella.com/ Visit Matt’s Amazon reading list for further learning resources: Build Show Amazon List Watch full episodes of Matt on Facebook, Instagram and Build Show Network. https://www.facebook.com/buildshownetwork https://www.instagram.com/risingerbuild/ https://buildshownetwork.com/go/mattrisinger Don't miss a single episode of Build Show content. Sign up for our newsletter .

Dec 12

In this today’s episode of the Build Show Podcast, Matt dives into another installment of the Origin Series, exploring the real-world journey behind one of Austin’s most successful builders. From early days sweeping job sites to navigating the tech world at IBM and Intel, the conversation unpacks how purposeful choices, business discipline, and the right mentors shape a builder’s career. Matt and his guest break down the power of pre-construction, the importance of client and partner selection, and why focusing deeply on process creates consistent, high-quality outcomes. Whether you're a young builder searching for direction or an experienced pro refining your model, this episode delivers hard-earned wisdom, candid lessons, and industry insight you won’t want to miss. Featuring longtime friend, competitor, and respected builder Jeremy Martin. Huge thanks to our episode sponsors, Diamond Kote and Huber Engineered Woods. Learn more at: https://diamondkotesiding.com/ https://www.instagram.com/diamond_kote/ https://www.huberwood.com Book Recommendations: Built to Last – Jim Collins Good to Great – Jim Collins Blue Ocean Strategy – W. Chan Kim & Renée Mauborgne Visit Matt’s Amazon reading list for further learning resources: Build Show Amazon List Watch full episodes of Matt on Facebook, Instagram and Build Show Network. https://www.facebook.com/buildshownetwork https://www.instagram.com/risingerbuild/ https://buildshownetwork.com/go/mattrisinger Don't miss a single episode of Build Show content. Sign up for our newsletter .

Dec 5

In our 200th episode of the Build Show Podcast, Matt sits down with longtime friend and Austin builder/designer Emily Press of Emerald & Laurel to dive into her unexpected path into the building world and the values that shaped her thriving design-build business. From growing up in her family’s chrome-plating shop to renovating her own 1950s Austin home, Emily shares how curiosity, craftsmanship, and a commitment to family and integrity guided her evolution as a builder. She breaks down the power of defining your services, building strong trade relationships, and creating systems that keep projects running smoothly—wisdom every young builder needs to hear. Packed with origin-story honesty, job-site lessons, and relatable builder camaraderie, this milestone episode reminds us why great homes (and great builders) are built on values first. Huge thanks to our episode sponsors, Diamond Kote and Sugatsune. Learn more at: https://diamondkotesiding.com/ and https://www.instagram.com/diamond_kote/ https://www.sugatsune.com/ Watch full episodes of Matt on Facebook, Instagram and Build Show Network. https://www.facebook.com/buildshownetwork https://www.instagram.com/risingerbuild/ https://buildshownetwork.com/go/mattrisinger Don't miss a single episode of Build Show content. Sign up for our newsletter .

Nov 28

In today's episode of the Build Show Podcast, Matt sits down with builder and colleague Daniel Glauser to dive into the wins and the “oh dangs” from their recent personal home builds. From airtightness strategies and Huber ZIP System successes to HVAC lessons, dehumidification, window packages, design constraints, and why smaller, smarter homes often lead to higher quality—Matt and Daniel get candid about what worked, what they’d change, and what every builder or homeowner should learn before beginning a project. They also explore the realities of renovating versus starting fresh, how Passive House principles shaped Daniel’s 1977 retrofit, and why intentional square footage can make or break a budget. Whether you're a builder, a homeowner planning a project, or a building science nerd, this episode is packed with firsthand insights that will help you design and build better. Huge thanks to our episode sponsor, Huber . Learn more at: https://www.huberwood.com Watch full episodes of Matt on Facebook, Instagram and Build Show Network. https://www.facebook.com/buildshownetwork https://www.instagram.com/risingerbuild/ https://buildshownetwork.com/go/mattrisinger Don't miss a single episode of Build Show content. Sign up for our newsletter .

Nov 21

In this episode of the Build Show Podcast, Matt visits with master plumber Eric Aune—known to many as Mechanical Hub—and welcomes special guest Ross Trethewey, the acclaimed engineer from This Old House. Together, the trio unpacks the concepts behind their new series, The Perfect Plumbing Plan, focusing on how smarter layouts and better material choices can dramatically reduce time-to-tap and improve hot-water performance in today’s homes. Drawing from Eric’s decades of hands-on experience and Ross’s deep engineering expertise, the conversation traces the evolution of plumbing systems, compares materials from galvanized to copper to PEX, and highlights practical, actionable strategies for builders, architects, and plumbers. This insightful discussion sets the stage for the full video series, offering listeners the tools and understanding needed to deliver consistently superior plumbing results. Watch full episodes of Matt on Facebook, Instagram and Build Show Network. https://www.facebook.com/buildshownetwork https://www.instagram.com/risingerbuild/ https://buildshownetwork.com/go/mattrisinger Don't miss a single episode of Build Show content. Sign up for our newsletter .

Nov 14

This week on the Build Podcast, Matt sits down with with building scientist Jesse Hayre as part of The Origin Series , exploring how modern construction practices have evolved and where the industry is headed. Jesse shares his background in engineering and building science, highlighting how curiosity about materials and performance led him toward sustainable innovation. The discussion covers the shift from traditional framing to high-performance wall systems, the balance between airtightness and ventilation, and the importance of combining durability with sustainability. They also touch on how technology—especially AI, data modeling, and digital twins—is transforming design and construction workflows. Both Matt and Jesse stress the need for education that bridges craftsmanship and science, encouraging younger builders to stay curious and data-driven. The conversation closes with optimism about the future of construction, emphasizing that true innovation happens when creativity meets real-world constraints. Thank you to episode sponsor ROCKWOOL. Learn more at rockwool.com/north-america/ . Watch full episodes of Matt on Facebook, Instagram and Build Show Network. https://www.facebook.com/buildshownetwork https://www.instagram.com/risingerbuild/ https://buildshownetwork.com/go/mattrisinger Don't miss a single episode of Build Show content. Sign up for our newsletter .

Nov 7

In this episode of The Build Show Podcast, Matt takes a personal deep dive into what makes a truly Healthy Home. Using his own house as an example, Matt shares practical lessons and honest insights on what he did right—and what he’d change—when it comes to building for health and comfort. He breaks down the three essentials of a healthy home: good indoor air quality, non-toxic materials, and energy efficiency. From filtration and ventilation to humidity control and airtight construction, Matt explains how thoughtful design choices can improve well-being and performance in any home. Huge thanks to our episode sponsor, Arclin . To learn more go to: https://firepoint.arclin.com/ Watch full episodes of Matt on Facebook, Instagram and Build Show Network. https://www.facebook.com/buildshownetwork https://www.instagram.com/risingerbuild/ https://buildshownetwork.com/go/mattrisinger Watch full episodes of Matt on Facebook, Instagram and Build Show Network. https://www.facebook.com/buildshownetwork https://www.instagram.com/risingerbuild/ https://buildshownetwork.com/go/mattrisinger Don't miss a single episode of Build Show content. Sign up for our newsletter .

Oct 31

In today’s episode of The Build Show Podcast, Matt Risinger sits down with long-time friend and fellow builder Wade Paquin of WKP Builders for a deep dive into one of the most transformative shifts in residential construction — moving away from the traditional bidding carousel and embracing pre-construction agreements. Matt and Wade share hard-earned lessons from decades in the field, revealing how pre-con can protect both builders and clients, streamline collaboration with architects, and build lasting trust through transparency. Together, they discuss real-world examples, the pitfalls of the old “three-bid” mindset, and how the pre-construction process creates better budgets, schedules, and client relationships. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting your building business, this conversation delivers practical insight into elevating your systems and safeguarding your profitability. From the Risinger Build Studios in Austin, Texas—let’s get into it. Huge thanks to our episode sponsor, Pella. Find out more at: https://www.pella.com/ Follow Wade on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wkp_builders/ Watch full episodes of Matt on Facebook, Instagram and Build Show Network. https://www.facebook.com/buildshownetwork https://www.instagram.com/risingerbuild/ https://buildshownetwork.com/go/mattrisinger Don't miss a single episode of Build Show content. Sign up for our newsletter .