Built on Blues

Graeme Bryks
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Built on Blues is a podcast featuring honest conversations with founders who have built and scaled successful businesses in the home and construction services industry. Hosted by Graeme Bryks, founder of Blues AI Consulting, the show explores the real challenges behind growth, from early mistakes to operational bottlenecks and market shifts. Each episode dives into industry trends, evolving customer expectations, and what founders are doing to adapt in a changing landscape. Built on Blues offers grounded insight from operators building real businesses in real markets.

  1. 22 HRS AGO

    Episode 20: Brett Burkhart - The Tech Founder’s Guide to Real Estate: AI, Vertical Integration, and the 90-Mile Rule

    In Episode 20 of Built on Blues, host Graeme Bryks sits down with Brett Burkhart, the Chief Operating Officer and Partner at CapVest. Brett’s resume reads more like a Silicon Valley founder than a Wisconsin real estate developer. Starting out with a passion for architecture, he pivoted to launching his own software development company and a marketing agency before bringing his systems-level thinking back to brick-and-mortar construction. Brett shares how the fundamental principles of software development—obsessing over the end-user experience—perfectly translate into designing better multifamily housing units. Brett breaks down CapVest’s vertically integrated model, handling everything from land acquisition and commercial construction to long-term property management. He reveals the massive operational advantage of breaking down the silos between construction crews and leasing agents, allowing tenant feedback to directly inform future architectural designs. We also dive into his tech-forward approach to property management in 2026, where he treats different AI models as "specialized brains" and builds company-wide AI tools loaded with lease data to provide instant, consistent customer service. Finally, Brett explains the strategic genius behind CapVest’s strict geographic focus—building exclusively within a 90-mile radius of Eau Claire, Wisconsin—to ensure predictable subcontractor relationships. He also shares a hard truth for tech founders looking to jump into real estate: you can’t pull an "all-nighter" to finish a physical building. From navigating municipal bureaucracy to leveraging long-term relationships, this episode is a masterclass in building a predictable, scalable real estate operation. 00:00 Introduction to Brett Burkhart and his journey from architecture to software to real estate development. 01:16 Translating software development skills to understanding the end-users of multifamily housing. 03:45 The operational shock of bringing property management and maintenance in-house. 05:22 Why a vertically integrated real estate model creates a better long-term ROI for investors. 07:10 Bridging the gap: Why leasing agents and maintenance techs need to be in the design phase. 11:58 The role of AI in property management and treating different models as specialized "brains." 15:47 The 90-mile radius rule: Why CapVest stays close to Eau Claire, Wisconsin. 17:58 The Magic Wand: Standardizing municipal approvals and overcoming governmental bottlenecks. 21:06 Advice for tech founders moving into real estate: Why you can't "all-nighter" a physical build. 24:21 Where to find CapVest and invest in their upcoming multifamily projects. Website: https://www.capvestpartner.comInvestor Portal & Rentals: Visit the CapVest website to view their current portfolio, contact their team, or sign up to hear about upcoming investment opportunities.

    24 min

  2. 4D AGO

    Episode 19: Brandon Bentley- God, Family, and Roofing: Building a Fortress in the Hail Capital of the World

    In Episode 19 of Built on Blues, host Graeme Bryks sits down with Brandon Bentley, the General Manager of Wimberley Roofing. Texas is known as the hail capital of the world, a reality that attracts thousands of fly-by-night storm chasers looking for a quick insurance payout. Brandon shares how Wimberley Roofing took the exact opposite approach, building a legacy of permanence, trust, and community in the Hill Country. We discuss the origin story of the company, founded in a garage by Sam and Mark Mott , and the core values that keep their operation grounded: God, Family, and Wimberley Roofing. Brandon pulls back the curtain on what it actually takes to scale a roofing business when disaster strikes. After a massive 2024 storm, the company tripled its revenue in just eight months. He explains how they handled the chaos, the shift from a "mom and pop" CRM to enterprise-level tech , and how they are cautiously integrating AI for field photo reports and internal meeting summaries without losing their personal, human touch. We also get into the science of a "Texas-proof roof" (metal vs. shingles) , the right way to handle insurance claims , and why contractors must stop throwing out cheap prices and running from their mistakes. Whether you are scaling a local business or dealing with rapid growth, this episode is packed with blue-collar wisdom and actionable advice. 00:00 Introduction: Fighting storm chasers in the hail capital of the world. 01:07 Building a legacy in Wimberley and mastering the honest insurance claim. 05:01 The family dynamic: Navigating business with God, family, and roofing. 11:03 The science of a Texas-proof roof: Metal vs. shingles for hail damage. 14:05 Tripling revenue in 8 months and transitioning from a mom-and-pop CRM. 19:38 Integrating AI into roofing: Automating photo reports and meeting summaries. 24:51 The Magic Wand: Fixing the hiring process and fighting the "cheap price" stigma. 29:47 Advice for young roofers: Build a reputation and never run from your mistakes. 33:27 Where to find Wimberley Roofing and avoiding fraudulent websites. Website: https://www.wimberleyroofing.com Facebook: Wimberley Roofing Instagram: @wimberleyroofing

    28 min

  3. MAR 8

    Episode 18: Brad Strawbridge - How One Roofer Hit $8 Million in 18 Months

    In this high-energy episode of Built on Blues, host Graeme Bryks sits down with Brad Strawbridge, the visionary founder of Capital City Roofing and Chief Strategy Officer at BuilderLink. Most contractors spend a decade grinding to hit the $8 million revenue mark—Brad did it in just 18 months. He opens up about how he turned his ADD into a superpower, using intense hyper-focus to map out complex business systems and block out the daily noise that distracts so many founders. Brad breaks down his revolutionary "anti-franchise" licensing model. He explains why he refuses to take equity or charge crippling royalties, instead offering partners a complete operating system—including AI-driven lead generation and automated workflows—without stripping them of their autonomy. We also get into the weeds on BuilderLink, the all-in-one software platform Brad helped build to eliminate the "double-entry data" nightmare that plagues the trades, replacing five or six disjointed tools with a single, streamlined system. But the true heart of this episode lies in Brad’s mission. He details Capital City Roofing’s "Feeding the Future" initiative, explaining how a self-funded philanthropic purpose completely transformed his hiring process and company culture. Brad’s goal isn’t just to dominate the Southeast roofing market; his 10-year vision includes feeding one million kids and donating a free roof every single day. If you want to learn how to scale with speed, leverage AI for operational dominance, and build a legacy that matters, this episode is your blueprint. 00:00 Introduction: From Corporate to an $8 Million Roofing Empire in 18 Months. 01:08 ADD as a Superpower: Using Hyper-Focus to Build Multimillion-Dollar Systems. 03:17 The EOS Model: Creating Clarity and Defeating Analysis Paralysis. 04:50 The Anti-Franchise Trap: Why Capital City’s Licensing Model is Different. 07:47 BuilderLink: The All-in-One Software Killing the "Double-Entry" Nightmare. 11:43 Separating Growth from Chaos: Using Automations and AI to Scale. 14:15 The Role of AI in Roofing: When to Use Bots and When to Use Humans. 19:11 Feeding the Future: How Philanthropy Transformed Hiring and Culture. 22:03 The 10-Year Vision: Feeding a Million Kids and Giving Away a Roof a Day. 23:43 The Magic Wand: Managing the Bottleneck of "Too Many Ideas." 26:48 Advice for the $1M Roofer: Stop Using Ledger Pads and Get a CRM. 28:49 Where to find Brad, Capital City Roofing, and BuilderLink. Website (Capital City Roofing): https://capitalcityroofing.netWebsite (BuilderLink): https://builderlync.com (Note: L-Y-N-C)LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-strawbridge-b40b9049/

    25 min

  4. MAR 4

    Episode 17: Andrew Lyon - The 80/20 Rule of AI: Why Algorithms Can Audit Proposals but Can't Replace a Handshake

    In this episode of Built on Blues, host Graeme Bryks sits down with Andrew Lyon, founding partner of Studio Lyon/Szot and a professor of architecture at Pratt Institute. Andrew brings a remarkably rare perspective to the table: he has the elite academic pedigree of a Yale and Brown graduate, combined with the gritty, boots-on-the-ground experience of directing advanced technology at Enclose, one of the world's premier facade engineering contractors. He opens up about bridging the historic divide between the architects who imagine complex structures and the tradesmen who actually have to build them. We dive deep into Studio Lyon/Szot’s philosophy of "critical collaboration". Rather than forcing a rigid signature style onto their clients, Andrew explains how his team designs around a family's daily rhythms—crafting functional, beautiful spaces by listening first. He also breaks down why the best contractor relationships are true partnerships built on give-and-take, not adversarial battles over mock-ups and change orders. The most fascinating part of our conversation focuses on Artificial Intelligence in 2026. While many creatives fear AI, Andrew embraces it as a high-speed operational tool. He shares how his firm uses AI to audit five years of past proposals, acting as an elite QA/QC manager that catches missing scopes and hourly rate discrepancies. It’s the ultimate 80/20 rule: let the AI do the heavy lifting so the architect can focus on the final 20% of perfection. Finally, Andrew leaves the next generation of builders with a powerful reminder: AI can generate a floor plan, but it will never replace the deep human relationships required to bring a building to life. 00:00 Introduction: Bridging the gap between high design and actual fabrication. 01:46 The Enclose Experience: How working in the engineering trenches changed Andrew’s approach to architecture. 06:09 Critical Collaboration: Why Studio Lyon/Szot avoids a "signature style" to focus on client rhythms. 09:30 Custom Problems, Custom Solutions: Building true partnerships with contractors instead of adversarial relationships. 12:07 The 80/20 Rule of AI: Why AI isn't smart, but it's fast enough to handle the heavy lifting. 13:58 AI as a QA/QC Manager: Using AI to audit 5 years of proposals and catch costly errors. 17:18 The Dual-City Strategy: Operating remotely across Brooklyn and Texas in a turbulent market. 18:35 The Future of Urban Density and Sustainable Architecture. 20:25 The One Skill AI Can't Replace: Why human relationships are the ultimate currency in construction. 22:52 How to connect with Andrew Lyon and Studio Lyon/Szot. Website: https://www.studiolyonszot.comInstagram: @lyonszot.dpcEmail: hello@studiolyonszot.com

    21 min

  5. MAR 1

    Episdoe 16: Peter C Brumley - From White Collar to Blue Collar: The Truth About Commercial Tenant Improvements

    In this episode of Built on Blues, host Graeme Bryks sits down with Denver's own Peter Brumley, a unique force in the commercial real estate world. Operating as both a commercial realtor with Brumley Realty and a Vice President for a commercial General Contractor, Peter embodies the "gray collar" professional—bridging the gap between the white-collar executives signing leases and the blue-collar tradesmen swinging hammers. We dive into the high-stakes world of commercial tenant improvements and spec suites, including a wild story about scrapping 14 months of approved drawings for a massive $40 million, 20-year lease just weeks before construction. Peter breaks down the post-COVID evolution of office spaces, revealing why "community desks" are dead, executive suites are back, and how first-floor retail spaces have morphed into DoorDash landing zones. We also tackle the realities of construction in 2026. Peter explains why he believes commercial construction costs are finally poised to come down, why AI isn't ready to take over complex estimating without a human check, and the undeniable truth that artisan-level trades take a decade to master. Finally, Peter shares blunt advice for residential contractors looking to break into the commercial game: manage your cash flow, and whatever you do, don't put a lien on a commercial client unless you want to be permanently blacklisted. Whether you're a real estate investor or a GC looking to level up, this episode is packed with boots-on-the-ground wisdom. 00:00 Introduction to Peter Brumley and the "Gray Collar" advantage. 01:07 The origins of Brumley Realty and bridging the gap between owners and builders. 02:45 Welcome to the Jungle: Fire permits, life safety, and updating 50-year-old buildings. 04:42 The $40 Million Pivot: Scrapping 14 months of plans for a massive 20-year lease. 08:00 Managing the chaos with Procore and the importance of full-service GCs. 11:02 The Realtor advantage: Using CoStar and speeding up tenant move-ins. 12:30 Post-COVID office trends: The death of community desks and the rise of DoorDash landing zones. 15:46 AI in commercial construction and why the trades take a decade to master. 19:50 Why construction costs might finally fall and the current state of interest rates. 22:30 The Magic Wand: Navigating city permitting bottlenecks in Denver. 24:43 Breaking into commercial work: Cash flow warnings and why you should never put a lien on a client. 26:07 How to connect with Peter in Denver. To connect with Peter Brumley for commercial builds, spec suites, or real estate inquiries in the Denver area, you can reach him directly at Brumley Realty Inc. As he mentioned on the show, he still picks up the phone every time it rings! His direct phone number is 720-645-8589, and you can also email him at PBRUMLEY27@GMAIL.COM.

    24 min

  6. FEB 25

    Episode 15: Jim Heimler - Surviving the Architecture Rollercoaster: Bel Air Mansions, Recycled Cities, and AI

    In this episode of Built on Blues, host Graeme Bryks sits down with Jim Heimler, the visionary founder of James Heimler Architect, Inc. (JHAI) and a true pioneer of sustainable design. Long before "green building" became a corporate buzzword, Jim was operating as an "ecoist" in Los Angeles, co-founding one of the first government-sponsored recycling centers in the 1970s and pushing the absolute boundaries of environmental architecture. With over 3,600 completed projects ranging from custom Bel Air hillside homes to massive commercial rollouts, Jim shares the gritty reality of surviving the rollercoaster of the architecture business—scaling his firm up to 30 people and successfully navigating the crushing lows of economic downturns. Jim breaks down his philosophy of integrating structural engineering directly with architectural design to eliminate waste, and why finding the natural "sweet spot" on a property is far more important than the aesthetic facade. We also dive into the impact of Artificial Intelligence in the design world. While many fear AI will replace human creativity, Jim argues the opposite: he hopes AI will eliminate the tedious "button-pushing" of programs like AutoCAD and Revit, allowing designers to instantly translate their imagination into blueprints and bring the "heart and soul" back into modern buildings. Packed with incredible advice on fighting plan checkers, anticipating political and economic shifts, and sticking to your guns, this episode is an absolute masterclass in building a legacy with passion. 00:00 Introduction: Meet the Ecoist Architect. 01:20 The Roots of Green Design: Starting the first recycling center in the 70s. 04:15 The Rollercoaster of Architecture: Scaling from 5 to 30 employees and surviving economic shifts. 06:55 Communicating Across the Spectrum: From billionaires to budget-conscious clients. 09:12 The Sweet Spot: Integrating structural and architectural design to eliminate waste. 12:37 Why "Green for the Sake of Green" Doesn't Work. 16:15 The Artichoke Method: Peeling back the layers of client communication. 22:54 AI in Architecture: Why AI might restore the "soul" to building design. 28:42 Fighting the Plan Checkers: Knowing the gray areas of the code. 31:30 Advice for the Next Generation: Imagination, passion, and the power of networking. 39:15 Where to find Jim Heimler and JHAI. Website: https://www.jhai-architect.comEmail: jheimler@jhai-architect.com

    36 min

  7. FEB 22

    Episode 14: Nicole Davis - When Ambition Fails: Redirecting Youth from Hopelessness to the Trades

    In this inspiring episode of Built on Blues, host Graeme Bryks sits down with Nicole Davis, the Founder of Fortitude, a nonprofit transforming the lives of young adults facing systemic barriers. After three decades navigating the high-stakes, "soul-crushing" world of corporate contract triage on Wall Street, Nicole made a radical pivot. She left the safety of the boardroom to return to her roots in construction and tackle one of the industry's biggest challenges: the skilled labor shortage. Nicole shares the genesis of Fortitude, which emerged during the pandemic as a way to provide hope and a tangible career path for young people who weren't "born on second base." We discuss how the program goes beyond teaching students how to use a circular saw; it’s a masterclass in "Life Mastery." By building a shed from foundation to roof, students aren't just learning trades—they are building the confidence to believe they have a place in the world. Nicole recounts powerful stories of students stepping up for each other and finding their true purpose, even if it eventually leads them out of the trades. The conversation also touches on the challenges of scaling a high-impact nonprofit with a small team and Nicole's vision of expanding Fortitude to every major tech hub where young people are often told they are "nothing" if they aren't in tech. For contractors looking for dedicated, job-ready employees, or anyone wanting to hear how true leadership can change lives, this episode is a must-listen. 00:00 Introduction: Leaving Corporate America for Construction. 01:20 The Soul-Crushing Boardroom and the Pivot to Fortitude. 03:50 Partnering with Webcor and the "Exploring Construction Careers" Program. 05:34 The Pressure of the "Stanford Onesie" and Redirecting Ambition. 09:40 A Childhood on the Jobsite: Cutting Teeth on 2x4s. 11:38 Clawing to the C-Suite and Inspiring the Next Generation. 14:19 The "Life Mastery" Curriculum: Teaching What Schools Missed. 16:47 Building Sheds to Build Confidence. 19:28 A Success Story: From Plumber to Police Officer. 24:50 The Intake Process: Meeting Young Adults Where They Are. 30:29 Enforcing Standards: Pushups and the Power of Teamwork. 33:36 The Challenge of Scaling: Replicating Heart and Instinct. 37:48 How to Hire Fortitude Grads and Support the Mission. Website: https://www.fortitudecareers.org

    37 min

  8. FEB 17

    Episode 13 : Lori Tschohl - Burgers, Bangles, and Blue Collars: The Billion-Dollar Lesson in Transferable Skills

    In this episode of Built on Blues, host Graeme Bryks sits down with a true powerhouse of business reinvention: Lori Tschohl, founder of Eagle Pipe Heating & Air. Lori’s resume is anything but typical for an HVAC owner. She started her career under the Golden Arches, rising from a crew member to running a $10 million McDonald’s franchise, before pivoting to own luxury jewelry stores with Pandora. So, how does someone go from selling burgers and bracelets to installing heat pumps in crawl spaces? Lori breaks it down with her philosophy of "Burgers to Bangles to Pipes," proving that elite processes and systems are the universal language of success, no matter the industry. We dive deep into how Lori applied the rigorous discipline of McDonald’s to the often chaotic world of residential HVAC. She shares her strategy for early adoption of AI, explaining why she ditched traditional call centers for AI receptionists that handle overflow and after-hours calls without burning out her staff. Lori also opens up about her time as the President of Women in HVACR, an organization dedicated to bringing more women into the trades through scholarships, mentorship, and education. Whether you’re a technician looking to start your own shop or an entrepreneur curious about how skills transfer across vastly different industries, Lori’s story is a masterclass in adaptability, leadership, and the power of being "100% all in." 00:00 Introduction: From Golden Arches to HVAC.01:30 Bringing Franchise Discipline to Blue Collar Trades.03:10 "Burgers to Bangles to Pipes": The Universal Business Lesson.06:18 The Science of Heat Pumps: Why Efficiency Wins.09:59 The Death of the Call Center: Using AI for 24/7 Dispatch.13:08 Proactive AI Adoption: Why You Can't Wait to Start.16:34 Women in HVACR: Scholarships, Mentorship, and Breaking Barriers.22:21 The Magic Wand: Solving the Staffing Crisis with "All In" Attitude.26:01 Transferable Skills: How to Jump Industries Successfully.29:35 Where to Find Eagle Pipe and Women in HVACR. Website: https://www.eaglepipemechanical.comWomen in HVACR: https://www.womeninhvacr.org

    32 min
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About

Built on Blues is a podcast featuring honest conversations with founders who have built and scaled successful businesses in the home and construction services industry. Hosted by Graeme Bryks, founder of Blues AI Consulting, the show explores the real challenges behind growth, from early mistakes to operational bottlenecks and market shifts. Each episode dives into industry trends, evolving customer expectations, and what founders are doing to adapt in a changing landscape. Built on Blues offers grounded insight from operators building real businesses in real markets.

Information

  • Creator
    Graeme Bryks
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    20
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Graeme Bryks
  • Show Website
    Built on Blues