In this episode of the Build Show Podcast, host Matt Risinger sits down with longtime friend, builder, and former collaborator Jordan Smith to trace the origins of their professional journey. Before launching his own design-build firm, Jordan worked alongside Matt on a range of projects that helped shape their shared approach to building science and craftsmanship. In this candid conversation, the two revisit their earliest jobs together, reflect on the evolution of their working relationship, and discuss the lessons Jordan learned as he stepped out to lead his own company, Smith House Co. From navigating hard money loans on spec builds to building trust with clients through quality and communication, this episode is full of real-world insights for builders at any stage in their career. Thoughtful, grounded, and packed with hard-earned wisdom, it’s a must-listen for anyone forging their own path in the construction industry.

Huge thanks to our episode sponsors Pella and Huber. Learn more at: https://www.pella.com/ and https://www.huberwood.com

Jordan's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jordansmithbuilds/

Resources: https://smithhouseco.com

Save the Date for Build Show LIVE 2025 in Dallas, TX: October 16-18, 2025!

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In this insightful episode of the Build Show Podcast, host Matt Risinger sits down with Stephanie Dailey—longtime colleague, project manager, and now remote collaborator—to explore what it really takes to build a remote career in the construction industry. Stephanie shares her unconventional path from jobsite coordination in Austin to managing high-performance builds from hundreds of miles away. With candid stories about burnout, family priorities, and the pursuit of flexibility, Matt and Stephanie talk about redefining success in a traditionally hands-on field. From the power of trust and communication to the evolving role of women in construction, this conversation offers valuable takeaways for builders, business owners, and anyone navigating career shifts in a digital age. Real, reflective, and refreshingly honest, this episode is a must-listen for those rethinking how and where meaningful work gets done.

Matt's Resources:

https://jobsitecodes.com/

https://stevendailey.com/

Save the Date for Build Show LIVE 2025 in Dallas, TX: October 16-18, 2025!

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In this episode of the Build Show Podcast, our host Matt Risinger sits down with builder, educator, and longtime friend Jordan Smith for a deep dive into one of the most important questions in residential construction today: how do you build high-performance homes without blowing the budget? Drawing from Jordan’s real-world experience and his recent video series, the two break down what “attainable high performance” really looks like—focusing on the four key “knobs” builders can turn to control cost: size, complexity, finishes, and labor. Along the way, Matt and Jordan share building science insights, trip stories from their time in Switzerland, and practical advice for designing details that matter more than materials. Whether you’re building custom homes, spec houses, or just trying to make smart choices on a budget, this episode is packed with the kind of wisdom that helps good builders get even better.

Huge thanks to our episode sponsors Pella and Santa Fe. Learn more at: https://www.pella.com/ and https://thermastor.com/our-brands/santa-fe/

Save the Date for Build Show LIVE 2025 in Dallas, TX: October 16-18, 2025!

Don't miss a single episode of Build Show content. Sign up for our newsletter.