Your Project Shepherd Construction Podcast

Your Project Shepherd
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Your Project Shepherd Podcast is your personal guide for residential construction. Hosted by Curtis Lawson of Shepherd Construction Advisors and Crafted Custom Homes, we explore all facets of the custom home building process through educational storytelling and knowledge-sharing conversations with seasoned industry expert guests. Our mission is to give you the tools you need to make informed decisions and empower you to navigate your project with confidence. No gatekeeping - let’s build success together! New episodes every Friday. Watch and subscribe on YouTube @yourprojectshepherd.

  1. 3 Years of Your Project Shepherd: Why This Podcast Exists (And What Builders & Homeowners Still Get Wrong)

    23 HR AGO

    3 Years of Your Project Shepherd: Why This Podcast Exists (And What Builders & Homeowners Still Get Wrong)

    Three years. Over 100 episodes. Countless conversations about building better. In this special anniversary episode, Curtis Lawson reflects on why Your Project Shepherd was started in the first place — and why the mission matters more now than ever. After 21+ years building custom homes and stepping into failing projects, Curtis saw the same patterns over and over again: Homeowners who didn’t know how to hire the right builder Contracts structured incorrectly Payments mishandled Projects where trust was assumed instead of earned Clients stuck in bad situations because of sunk cost and fear That’s why Shepherd Construction Advisors — and eventually this podcast — were born. This episode isn’t just a look back. It’s a reminder of what this platform is really about: ✔ Educating homeowners so they can build smarter✔ Helping builders elevate professionalism✔ Creating better communication between teams✔ Reducing stress, mistakes, and preventable disasters If you’re a homeowner planning a custom build or major remodel…If you’re a builder trying to run a more disciplined, process-driven company…If you’re an architect or designer who wants smoother projects… This episode will re-ground you in what truly matters in residential construction. After three years, the mission hasn’t changed:Better planning. Better communication. Better projects.

    20 min
  2. From Vision to Reality: How to Navigate the Homebuilding Process with Confidence

    6 FEB

    From Vision to Reality: How to Navigate the Homebuilding Process with Confidence

    📘 From Vision to Completion by David Herzog: https://a.co/d/02jNQQt4 🏗 Learn more about Herzog Homes: https://www.herzoghomes.com/Whether you’re building your own home or running a construction business, smarter homes don’t start with products—they start with better decisions.In this episode of The Your Project Shepherd Podcast, Curtis Lawson is joined by David Herzog, CEO of Herzog Homes and author of the bestselling book "From Vision to Completion", to unpack what actually leads to successful, lower-stress, higher-quality homebuilding outcomes.This conversation is designed for:1. Homeowners across the U.S. planning a custom home or major remodel2. Builders and remodelers who want better clients, smoother projects, and stronger reputations3. Construction professionals interested in best practices, process, and long-term performanceDavid shares decades of experience building homes and leading teams, including:-Why most homebuilding stress comes from misunderstanding the process-How homeowners and builders can align vision, budget, and expectations early-The role education plays in smarter, higher-performing homes-Why communication and process matter more than any single product or trend-How builders can create better experiences without burning out their teamsIf you care about building smarter homes, improving outcomes for clients, or running a more professional construction business, this episode will change how you think about the homebuilding process.

    40 min
  3. 1 Year Later: What Builders Can Learn From the Panasonic OASYS Home

    30 JAN

    1 Year Later: What Builders Can Learn From the Panasonic OASYS Home

    Learn more about the Panasonic OASYS system: https://oasys.na.panasonic.comFollow Panasonic IAQ on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/panasoniciaq/One year after completion, the Panasonic OASYS concept home has been fully lived in, monitored, tested, and analyzed—and the results are in.In this episode of The Your Project Shepherd Podcast, Curtis Lawson is joined by Ken Nelson, Group Sales Manager for Panasonic IAQ, to break down what builders can actually learn from a full year of real-world performance data from the OASYS home in Houston, Texas.This is not a showroom demo or a lab test. This home has experienced occupancy, vacancy, extreme heat, high humidity, system adjustments, and even intentional stress-testing—all while collecting temperature, humidity, and air quality data throughout the house.Key builder takeaways from this conversation include:1. Why continuous air movement outperforms traditional HVAC cycling2. How OASYS achieved consistent temperatures within 1–2 degrees room to room3. What the data revealed about moisture management in a tight envelope4. The real-world performance of ERVs in hot, humid climates5. Why small “cost savings” during construction can lead to major warranty risks6. What surprised Panasonic most after a full year of operationIf you’re a builder thinking about tighter envelopes, indoor air quality, moisture risk, or long-term durability—not just first-cost decisions—this 1-year retrospective offers practical insights you can apply to your own projects.

    1h 8m
  4. Why Most Builders Are Busy—but Still Broke (And How to Fix It)

    23 JAN

    Why Most Builders Are Busy—but Still Broke (And How to Fix It)

    Most builders don’t fail because they’re bad at construction — they fail because no one ever taught them how to run a business. In this episode of The Your Project Shepherd Podcast, Curtis Lawson is joined by Kurt Hegetschweiler, international builder coach and author of Million Dollar Builder 2.0, to unpack why so many builders stay busy, stressed, and underpaid despite years of experience. Kurt shares hard-earned insights from coaching thousands of builders worldwide, breaking down the leadership, financial, and systems mistakes that quietly erode profit and create burnout. This conversation is especially relevant for custom home builders, remodelers, and residential contractors who want better margins, stronger cash flow, and more control over their businesses. What You'll Learn in this Episode Why your construction business will never outgrow your leadership The hidden cost of free estimates and rushed pricing The difference between markup, margin, and real profitability Why chasing more work often creates more problems How pre-construction systems prevent downstream chaos Why specialization leads to consistency and higher margins The mindset shift required to move from tradesperson to business owner About the Guest Kurt Hegetschweiler is an international construction business coach and the author of Million Dollar Builder 2.0. He helps builders implement proven systems that improve profit, cash flow, workflow, and leadership — without working longer hours. Who This Episode is For Residential homebuilders Custom home builders and remodelers Contractors transitioning from trades to ownership Builders stuck at the same revenue year after year Owners experiencing stress, burnout, or financial unpredictability

    1h 8m
  5. Nobody’s Coming to Save You: A Builder’s Journey From Survival to Success

    16 JAN

    Nobody’s Coming to Save You: A Builder’s Journey From Survival to Success

    Running a construction business isn’t just about building houses—it’s about ownership, discipline, and making decisions when nobody’s coming to save you. In this episode of The Your Project Shepherd Podcast, Curtis Lawson sits down with longtime friend and custom homebuilder Chris Ferqueron for an honest, builder-to-builder conversation about what it actually takes to survive—and succeed—in construction. Chris shares his journey from running pizza shops that never shut down, to finding stability, pride, and long-term fulfillment in building homes. Along the way, he breaks down the real lessons most builders only learn the hard way: why fear can be a powerful motivator, how organization becomes a competitive advantage, and why simply doing what you say you’re going to do separates great builders from everyone else. This episode isn’t theory or hype. It’s a real conversation about: Why ownership mindset matters more than talent How discipline and execution drive long-term success What production builders actually track—and why it matters Why many builders fail when they move into higher-end work How trust, organization, and follow-through shape client experience Why building homes is personal—and why that responsibility matters If you’re a homebuilder, remodeler, or construction business owner who feels the weight of responsibility every day, this episode will resonate. It’s about survival, growth, craftsmanship, and choosing to build a business—and a life—you can stand behind.

    59 min
  6. What the Palisades Fires Taught Us About Building Resilient Homes

    9 JAN

    What the Palisades Fires Taught Us About Building Resilient Homes

    One year after the California Palisades wildfires, the rebuilding is still unfolding—and the lessons for builders are just beginning to surface. In this episode, Curtis Lawson sits down with Los Angeles builder Chris Ferqueron to reflect on the fires, the aftermath, and how major disasters permanently change the homebuilding industry. From evolving building codes to shifting expectations around resilience, this conversation explores what builders need to understand before the next disaster hits. You’ll hear practical, real-world insights on: How disasters drive building code changes Why risk is often underestimated in residential construction What resilient design really means beyond compliance The challenges of rebuilding in post-disaster environments How builders can better protect clients—and themselves—long term This episode is for builders, remodelers, and construction professionals who want to think beyond short-term fixes and understand the bigger picture of building in a world where extreme events are becoming more common.

    1h 9m
  7. Jobsite Theft Is Real: How Builders Can Protect Their Projects with Smart Security

    14/11/2025

    Jobsite Theft Is Real: How Builders Can Protect Their Projects with Smart Security

    Jobsite theft and liability are real challenges for builders — but smart security can make all the difference. In this episode of Your Project Shepherd, Curtis sits down with Alan Martinez, Director of Business Development at Datasmart Home Technologies and Duncan Security, to discuss innovative ways to protect your projects. Alan shares how solar-powered camera systems help builders prevent theft, reduce liability, and bring peace of mind to every jobsite. From real-life incidents to proactive risk management strategies, this episode offers must-know insights for anyone in the construction industry.

    36 min
  8. Why Prefab ADUs Cut Construction Time in Half (And What That Really Costs)

    31/10/2025

    Why Prefab ADUs Cut Construction Time in Half (And What That Really Costs)

    Prefab architect Rame Hruska, co-founder of Intexture Architects and Aura Dwellings and Hospitality, joins host Curtis Lawson to demystify ADUs and modular homes — what they are, how they’re built, and why they’re reshaping construction timelines and quality standards. Rame breaks down inspections (state vs. city), MEP coordination, WUI fire-zone and coastal windstorm requirements, and how factory precision cuts waste and boosts consistency. Learn how Intexture integrates design and manufacturing to deliver high-end modular ADUs and custom homes efficiently. A must-listen for builders, designers, and architects exploring off-site innovation.

    44 min
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About

Your Project Shepherd Podcast is your personal guide for residential construction. Hosted by Curtis Lawson of Shepherd Construction Advisors and Crafted Custom Homes, we explore all facets of the custom home building process through educational storytelling and knowledge-sharing conversations with seasoned industry expert guests. Our mission is to give you the tools you need to make informed decisions and empower you to navigate your project with confidence. No gatekeeping - let’s build success together! New episodes every Friday. Watch and subscribe on YouTube @yourprojectshepherd.

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