Designing and Building the Midwest One Community at a Time

Chris Hartsook
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Welcome to Designing and Building the Midwest One Community at a Time with Big Dog Construction.  The podcast you didn't know you needed. Join Chris Hartsook and Kaitlin Borgini as we explore the stories, expertise and projects shaping the future right here in Mid-Illinois.  Whether you're planning to build, curious about the latest trends or just love innovative ideas, we've got insights and inspiration coming your way. And some laughs too. 

  1. 17h ago

    Designing and Building the Midwest the Realtor Segment with 1st Choice Realty Pros: The Merriest Place to Call Home

    Summary In this conversation, Chris, Kaitlin, Lisa, and Lydia discuss the upcoming Christmas events in Carlinville and how they are expected to boost local tourism and real estate. They highlight the unique charm of the town, its community spirit, and the potential for investment opportunities, especially in the real estate market. The hosts emphasize the importance of showcasing homes during the festive season and the advantages of working with local realtors who understand the community. The conversation wraps up with a call to action for potential buyers and sellers to explore their options in Carlinville. Takeaways Carlinville is known as the merriest place to call home.The Hallmark connection can significantly boost local tourism.Community events can lead to increased interest in real estate.Curb appeal is crucial for selling homes.Local realtors provide invaluable insights into the market.Investing in Carlinville can yield great opportunities.The town's charm attracts visitors and potential residents.Community pride enhances the living experience in Carlinville.First Choice Realty Pros offers personalized service.The holiday season is a prime time for showcasing homes.https://1stchoicerealtypros.com/ www.bigdogcc.com Produced by Big Dog Media group with Big Dog Business Coaching

  2. 1d ago

    Designing and Building Mid-West featuring Blake Middleton

    Summary In this episode, Chris and Kaitlin welcome Blake Middleton, CEO of Elite Roofing Professionals, to discuss the importance of roofing and home maintenance. They explore Blake's journey in the roofing industry, the significance of comprehensive roof systems, and the Elite Roof Shield program designed for proactive maintenance. The conversation emphasizes the need for regular inspections, especially before winter, and highlights common issues homeowners should be aware of to protect their investments.  Takeaways Homeowners should prioritize roof maintenance to prevent costly repairs.Regular inspections can extend the life of a roof significantly.Elite Roofing Professionals offers a unique maintenance program called Elite Roof Shield.Understanding the age of your roof is crucial for insurance purposes.Home inspectors are not always required to check roofs, leading to potential oversights.Elite Roofing is recognized as a preferred contractor for major roofing brands. Roof maintenance programs can save homeowners money in the long run.Regular inspections can help identify potential issues before they escalate.Documentation from maintenance programs can aid in real estate transactions.Understanding the age and condition of your roof is crucial for homeowners.Homeowners should prioritize gutter maintenance to prevent damage.Active leaks should prompt immediate professional consultation.www.bigdogcc.com Produced by Big Dog Media group with Big Dog Business Coaching

  3. 6d ago

    Designing and Building the Midwest the Community Segment powered by Sips Coffee Co: Featuring Project Third Day and Squirrel Bowl

    Summary This conversation explores the intersection of community service and local events through the stories of Squirrel Bowl and Project Third Day. Hosts Chris and Kaitlin engage with Tanya Kessinger and Jared Cottingham to discuss how these initiatives began, their impact on local children and veterans, and the evolution of their missions over the years. The dialogue highlights the importance of collaboration, community engagement, and the joy of giving back.  Takeaways Squirrel Bowl started as a fun winter event among friends.Project Third Day was born from a desire to help local kids in need.The collaboration between Squirrel Bowl and Project Third Day significantly expanded their reach.Community support has grown, allowing them to help thousands of children.The mission has evolved to include support for veterans as well.The importance of grassroots efforts in addressing local needs is emphasized.Recognition is not the goal; serving the community is the priority.The event has transformed into a larger community gathering beyond just hunting.Connections made through these initiatives have fostered lasting relationships.Every small contribution can make a significant difference in someone's life.www.bigdogcc.com Produced by Big Dog Media group with Big Dog Business Coaching

  4. Oct 27

    Designing and Building the Midwest the Realtor Segment with 1st Choice Realty Pros: Featuring Brooke Drum

    Summary In this episode, Chris hosts a discussion with mortgage broker Brooke Drum and realtors Lisa and Lydia about the current state of the mortgage market, including rising interest rates, down payment assistance programs, and strategies for buyers and sellers in today's market. They explore the differences between banks and mortgage brokers, the benefits of HELOCs, and how sellers can attract buyers through concessions. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding financing options and being strategic in a fluctuating market. Takeaways Interest rates are rising, impacting buyer hesitation.Mortgage brokers can offer more flexible options than banks.Down payment assistance programs can help first-time buyers.HELOCs allow homeowners to access equity for various needs.Sellers can use concessions to attract buyers in a competitive market.Understanding your debt-to-income ratio is crucial for buyers.Pre-approval is essential before house shopping.Temporary rate buy downs can make homes more affordable.Communication with lenders is key to navigating the mortgage process.The market is currently favorable for buyers seeking deals.https://1stchoicerealtypros.com/ www.bigdogcc.com Produced by Big Dog Media group with Big Dog Business Coaching

  5. Oct 26

    Designing and Building Mid-West featuring Macoupin County CEO

    Summary In this episode of Designing Building the Midwest, host Chris Hartsook discusses the importance of building the next generation of entrepreneurs and community leaders through the CEO program. Joined by facilitator Ryan and students Carter and Sophia, they explore the experiential learning opportunities provided by the program, the differences from traditional education, and the commitment required from students. The conversation emphasizes the significance of action, mindset, and the challenges faced by today's youth in developing essential life skills.  Takeaways The CEO program focuses on creating entrepreneurial opportunities for high school students.Experiential learning is crucial for developing real-world skills.Students in the CEO program are seen as team members, not just students.Soft skills are emphasized through real business interactions and mentorship.The importance of networking and building professional relationships is highlighted.Students gain confidence through practical experiences and challenges.The program aims to prepare students for future success beyond traditional education. Learning from others is essential for personal growth.Securing sponsorships requires strategic pitching and understanding ROI.Empowering youth leads to stronger communities.www.bigdogcc.com Produced by Big Dog Media group with Big Dog Business Coaching

  6. Oct 21

    Designing and Building the Midwest the Community Segment powered by Sips Coffee Co: Featuring Carlinville Mayor Doug Downey

    Summary In this episode, host Chris and Kaitlin engage with Mayor Doug Downey of Carlinville, discussing his journey to leadership, the importance of community engagement, and the various infrastructure projects currently underway in the city. Mayor Downey emphasizes transparency, the challenges of managing a city budget, and the rewarding nature of public service. The conversation highlights the significance of local government in addressing community needs and improving residents' quality of life.  Takeaways Doug Downey emphasizes the importance of transparency in leadership.Community engagement is crucial for effective governance.A mayor's role involves constant communication with residents.Managing a city budget requires careful planning and oversight.Infrastructure projects are vital for community development.Local government plays a key role in solving residents' problems.Building relationships within the community enhances public service.The mayor's daily routine is filled with meetings and resident interactions.Understanding the budget helps residents appreciate city operations.Successful projects require a clear vision and community support. We've gotten rid of the lead lines in Flint.www.bigdogcc.com Produced by Big Dog Media group with Big Dog Business Coaching

  7. Oct 20

    Designing and Building the Midwest the Realtor Segment with 1st Choice Realty Pros: Rising Interest Rates Part 2

    Summary In this episode, Chris and Lisa discuss the impact of rising interest rates on the real estate market, focusing on strategies for both sellers and buyers. They emphasize the importance of preparation, understanding market dynamics, and the need for flexibility in pricing and negotiations. The conversation highlights the necessity for buyers to be informed about their financial situations and for sellers to be aware of market conditions to make educated decisions. The hosts also touch on the significance of local market trends and the individual circumstances of buyers and sellers. Takeaways Interest rates are rising, affecting buyer behavior.Sellers should be flexible with pricing and negotiations.Buyers need to understand their financial situation.Refinancing options are available for buyers.Local market dynamics can differ significantly from national trends.Preparation is key for both buyers and sellers.Communication with realtors and lenders is crucial.Understanding the true value of a home is essential.Buyers should not rush into decisions based on headlines.The real estate market requires strategic thinking.https://1stchoicerealtypros.com/ www.bigdogcc.com Produced by Big Dog Media group with Big Dog Business Coaching

  8. Oct 19

    Designing and Building Mid-West through the Big Dog Gameplan: Should I Remodel or Move?

    Summary In this episode, Chris Hartsook and Kaitlin Borgini discuss the critical decision homeowners face: whether to remodel their current home or move to a new one. They explore the emotional, practical, and financial aspects of this decision, providing insights into how to evaluate one's home and the potential for remodeling. The conversation includes a series of reflective questions for homeowners to consider, as well as a rapid-fire segment addressing common misconceptions about remodeling and moving. Ultimately, the episode emphasizes the importance of aligning home decisions with family needs and lifestyle goals. Takeaways Homeowners often confuse dissatisfaction with their home for a need to move.Emotional attachments to homes can cloud judgment in decision-making.Evaluating the functionality of a home is crucial before deciding to remodel or move.Financial implications of moving can be more complex than they appear.Remodeling can be a viable solution if the location and structure of the home are sound.Understanding the total costs involved in moving versus remodeling is essential.Not all remodeling projects will increase the value of a home.The right home doesn't have to be perfect; it should support your lifestyle.Asking the right questions can help clarify whether to remodel or move.The decision should be based on family needs, not just financial considerations.www.bigdogcc.com Produced by Big Dog Media group with Big Dog Business Coaching

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About

Welcome to Designing and Building the Midwest One Community at a Time with Big Dog Construction.  The podcast you didn't know you needed. Join Chris Hartsook and Kaitlin Borgini as we explore the stories, expertise and projects shaping the future right here in Mid-Illinois.  Whether you're planning to build, curious about the latest trends or just love innovative ideas, we've got insights and inspiration coming your way. And some laughs too. 

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