Meridian Pursuit Builders

Jesse Sampley
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Business

The Meridian Pursuit Builders Podcast, hosted by Jesse Sampley of Meridian Pursuit, features real conversations with builders who are shaping their communities and leading the industry forward. Each episode dives into their stories, challenges, and lessons learned—sharing practical insights that help other builders grow smarter, market better, and build with purpose.

  1. 2d ago

    How to Build a Construction Business You Can Actually Sell

    Nitin Khanna, President of N3 Business Advisors, joins Jesse Sampley on the Meridian Pursuit Builders Podcast to discuss construction business ownership, mergers and acquisitions, exit planning, and what makes a company transferable to a new owner. Nitin has spent nearly 25 years in the construction space and has worked with construction business owners across Canada who want to build a sellable company or find the right successor. He explains why many owners unintentionally create businesses that depend too heavily on their personal involvement, making a future sale more difficult. The conversation covers practical ways to improve business systems, organize financial statements, implement job costing, delegate responsibilities, and test whether the company can operate without the owner. Nitin also explains why buyers look beyond headline revenue and profit figures to evaluate the quality of earnings, working capital requirements, management structure, and the likelihood that performance will continue. For construction owners thinking about retirement, succession, or simply creating a business that is less stressful to run, this episode offers a useful perspective on planning ahead. Key Topics Covered Why every business owner eventually needs an exit planThe difference between owning a business and owning a jobHow to make a construction company transferable to a new ownerWhy systems, processes, and delegation matterNitin's seven-day test for owner independenceWhat buyers evaluate beyond revenue and profitWhy business valuations depend on the individual companyHow branding and reputation contribute to business identityWho may be interested in buying construction and home service companiesThe three conditions Nitin says must be ready for a sale: the business, the market, and the owner Guest Guest: Nitin Khanna, N3 Business Advisors Inc.,Website: https://n3business.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/N3Businessadvisors/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/n3business/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nitinkh/Twitter: https://x.com/n3businessLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nitinkh/ Subscribe to the Meridian Pursuit Builders Podcast for conversations about construction business operations, leadership, marketing, technology, and building companies that are positioned for long-term success.

  2. Oct 23

    How Heath Cillessen Builds Trust Through Better Communication

    Heath Cillessen of Cillessen Construction Company joins Jesse Sampley on the Meridian Pursuit Builders Podcast to discuss client communication, construction systems, practical uses for AI, marketing, and building a sustainable construction business. Working in the Denver metro area, Boulder, and the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Heath shares lessons from managing large-scale renovations, additions, and insurance restoration projects. He explains how consistent project updates, transparent conversations about unexpected costs, and reliable processes help clients feel informed throughout a construction project. The conversation also explores how Heath uses AI for design visualization and administrative tasks, why human judgment still matters, and how consistent marketing can help builders build trust before a prospective client is ready to start a project. For builders looking to improve their operations, strengthen client relationships, and grow at a sustainable pace, this episode offers practical insight from Heath's experience running a construction company. Key Topics Covered Why communication is essential to building client trustHow daily logs and weekly updates keep clients informedHow to communicate unexpected problems and additional costsUnderstanding fixed-price and cost-plus pricingHow AI can assist with design visualization and administrative workWhy contractors should maintain human oversight when using AIBuilding relationships with architects, designers, and referral partnersUsing social media and video content to educate potential clientsWhy marketing requires consistency and patienceGrowing a construction business without expanding too quicklyGuest Guest: Heath Cillessen, Cillessen Construction Company Website: https://cillessenconstruction.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CillessenConstructionCO/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cillessenconstruction/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCExoF8mofOtxLvMmXybMawg LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cillessen-construction-company Houzz: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/general-contractors/cillessen-construction-company-pfvwus-pf~2014130027 Subscribe to the Meridian Pursuit Builders Podcast for conversations about construction business operations, leadership, marketing, technology, and the lessons builders learn while growing their companies.

  3. Oct 16

    From 300 Homes a Year to High-End Custom Building

    Randy Sebastian of Renaissance Homes joins Jesse Sampley to discuss the lessons he learned from building hundreds of homes a year, navigating the 2008 housing crash, and rebuilding his business around high-end custom homes. At one point, Randy was building around 300 homes a year and managing developments across a broad region. When the housing market collapsed, 86 sold homes came back in just two quarters. That experience changed how he approached land, growth, risk, and the future of his company. In this conversation, Randy explains why Renaissance Homes shifted away from large subdivision development, how its in-house team supports the custom home process, and why the company moved from cost-plus pricing toward a more predictable fixed-price model. He also shares how the company approaches quality, handles mistakes, and uses real homes and transparent information to help clients make informed decisions. For builders, this episode offers a firsthand look at how a difficult business setback influenced long-term decisions about operations, client service, and the kind of company Randy wanted to build. Key Topics Covered Randy Sebastian’s early start in home building and rapid business growthWhat happened when 86 sold homes returned during the housing crashHow the 2008 downturn changed his approach to land and subdivision riskWhy Renaissance Homes focused more heavily on custom and high-end spec homesHow an in-house team supports design, permitting, selections, and constructionWhy the company moved away from traditional cost-plus custom buildingHow fixed pricing and transparent planning help reduce surprises for clientsWhy quality standards sometimes mean removing and rebuilding completed workHow real homes, jobsite signs, and referrals support the company’s marketingRandy’s approach to leadership, reputation, and business continuityGuest Guest: Randy Sebastian, Renaissance Homes Website: https://renaissance-homes.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RenaissanceHomesPDX/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/renaissancehomes Twitter: https://x.com/renaissancehome Pinterest: https://ph.pinterest.com/renaissancepdx/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/renaissance-homes Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxR11t3xsfw75jz8YcH9yxg Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/renaissancehomes Houzz: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/home-builders/renaissance-homes-pfvwus-pf~1480021983 Subscribe to Meridian Pursuit for conversations with builders and industry professionals about running construction businesses, improving operations, serving clients, and making decisions that shape a company over time.

  4. Oct 9

    Why Quality Over Volume Matters in Luxury Home Building

    In this episode, Shane Bogden of Kaidian Homes shares the lessons he has learned through 28 years of building custom homes in Edmonton. Shane talks about his path from working around construction and equipment to becoming a luxury custom home builder, and why he has chosen to keep his business focused on a smaller number of highly customized homes rather than chasing volume. The conversation covers client selection, pricing, quality standards, subcontractor relationships, custom home contracts, allowances, communication, and the challenges of explaining the value behind higher quality materials and trades. Shane also explains why he keeps many of the same trades and suppliers, how he qualifies potential clients, and why he believes the right relationship between the builder, client, trades, and suppliers matters. Shane and Jesse also discuss the custom home experience, why the mechanical room can reveal a lot about a home's construction quality, how Shane communicates with clients throughout the build, and the challenge of marketing a low volume luxury building business. They talk about referrals, websites, social media, content, and how potential clients research builders before ever having a conversation. Whether you are a builder, contractor, remodeler, or construction business owner, this episode offers a practical look at quality, client relationships, pricing, business positioning, and the realities of building a reputation over time. Listen now to hear Shane's perspective on building fewer homes, maintaining high standards, and creating a luxury brand without losing sight of the work behind it. Key Topics Covered Building a luxury custom home businessQuality over volumeChoosing the right clientsKeeping trusted trades and suppliersPricing and custom home contractsCost plus versus a hybrid contract modelCommunicating value to clientsManaging allowances and changesThe importance of the mechanical roomClient relationships and communicationBuilding a long term reputationMarketing a low volume custom home businessUsing websites and social media to build trustBringing the next generation into the businessGuest Guest: Shane Bogden, Kaidian Homes Website: https://kaidianhomes.ca/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kaidianhomes Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaidianhomes LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kaidian-homes/ Subscribe for conversations with builders, contractors, remodelers, architects, designers, and industry leaders sharing real experiences and practical lessons from the construction industry.

  5. Sep 25

    How One Builder Grew From $100K to $5M and Learned Hard Lessons

    In this episode, Jonathan Oakes of Bailey Building and Construction, Inc. shares his experience growing a third generation construction company and the lessons that came with it. From hiring and leadership to cash flow and client communication, Jonathan discusses the realities of building a business while managing growth. The conversation covers accountability, subcontractor relationships, project management, referrals, networking, and the importance of setting clear expectations with both clients and team members. Jonathan also shares how mistakes and difficult decisions helped shape the way he runs his company today. Whether you're a builder, remodeler, or construction business owner, this episode offers practical insights on leadership, growth, and creating systems that support long term success. Listen now to hear Jonathan's story and the lessons he's learned along the way. Key Topics • Growing a construction company • Hiring and leadership lessons • Accountability and team management • Cash flow and financial structure • Subcontractor relationships • Client communication • Buildertrend and project management • Referrals and networking • Setting expectations with clients • Learning from mistakes Guest: Jonathan Oakes, Bailey Website: https://www.baileybuilding.us/ Better Business Bureau: https://www.bbb.org/us/fl/ocala/profile/custom-home-builder/bailey-building-and-construction-inc-0733-235968411/#sealclick Subscribe for conversations with builders, remodelers, contractors, architects, designers, and industry leaders sharing real world lessons from the construction industry.

  6. Sep 18

    What Separates Great Builders From Average Builders

    In this episode, Paul Gray shares the lessons he has learned through years of building homes, leading teams, investing in technology, and growing multiple businesses. From accountability and leadership to software systems, mentorship, and AI, Paul explains why long term success is built on strong standards, continuous learning, and a commitment to serving others. The conversation explores creating consistency through systems, managing subcontractor relationships, adapting to new technology, learning from mentors, and building a company culture rooted in hospitality, education, and service. Whether you are a builder, contractor, business owner, or entrepreneur, this episode offers practical insights on leadership, operations, and creating a business designed for long term success. Listen now to discover what truly separates great builders from the rest. Key Topics • Building a culture of accountability • Why management never goes away • Creating consistency through systems and processes • Investing in software and operational efficiency • AI applications in construction and business • Financial visibility and cost management • Leadership and team development • Learning from mentors and industry networks • Using technology to support growth • Hospitality as a business philosophy • Teaching and empowering others • Long term business diversification and growth Guest: Paul Gray, Paul Gray Homes Website: https://paulgrayhomes.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paulgrayhomes Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paulgrayhomesllc/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/paul-gray-homes-llc/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@paulgrayhomes Subscribe for conversations with builders, developers, designers, and industry leaders sharing practical insights on construction, business growth, leadership, systems, technology, and building companies that last.

  7. Sep 11

    How a Builder Created Custom AI Software for His Construction Company

    What happens when a builder stops accepting the limitations of off-the-shelf software and creates his own system instead? In this episode of the Meridian Pursuit Builder Podcast, Jesse Sampley sits down with Mike Baruh, owner of MIBH Construction, to discuss his journey from struggling investor to luxury home builder, commercial roofing contractor, and technology-driven business owner. Mike shares how he built his company through persistence, strategic partnerships, and a willingness to adapt. He explains how a partnership helped him enter the luxury home market, why he launched a commercial roofing division, and how marketing became a critical driver of growth after years of trial and error. The conversation also dives deep into artificial intelligence and construction technology. Mike reveals how he built a custom AI-powered operating system using Claude, replacing many traditional construction software tools. The platform helps manage estimating, takeoffs, subcontractor communication, daily logs, project updates, and client communication while creating significant efficiencies across the business. For builders looking to scale, improve operations, and stay ahead of industry changes, this episode offers practical insights into leadership, technology, marketing, and long-term business growth. Key Topics • Mike's journey from broke investor to construction business owner • How strategic partnerships helped him enter the luxury home market • Why MIBH Construction expanded into commercial roofing • Lessons learned from building and scaling multiple business divisions • The role marketing played in company growth • How Mike evaluated dozens of marketing agencies before finding success • Building a custom AI operating system for a construction company • Using AI for estimating, takeoffs, and subcontractor management • Improving client communication through automation • Why builders should embrace technology instead of resisting it • The future of AI in construction operations • Leadership lessons from scaling a growing construction business Guest: Mike Baruh Owner, MIBH Construction Website: https://mibhconstruction.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mibh_construction/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mibh.construction/ Threads: https://www.threads.com/@mibh_construction Houzz: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/general-contractors/mibh-construction-llc-pfvwus-pf~380848592 Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/mibh-construction-miami Subscribe to the Meridian Pursuit Builder Podcast for real conversations with builders, contractors, architects, designers, and construction professionals sharing practical lessons on business growth, leadership, marketing, operations, and construction success.

  8. Aug 28

    Why Doing the Right Thing Builds a Better Construction Business

    What does it take to build a construction company that keeps growing without losing the principles that built its reputation? In this episode of the Meridian Pursuit Builder Podcast, Jesse Sampley talks with Adam Galbraith, owner of ARG Contracting, about his journey from carpenter and health and safety professional to running a growing construction company in Kelowna, British Columbia. Adam shares how ARG grew through designer relationships, referrals, past clients, networking, and social media, and why he believes doing the right thing can be more valuable than protecting a short term margin. The conversation goes deeper into transparency, communication, and the way ARG approaches its projects. Adam explains why the company uses a cost plus model, how daily photos and documentation help clients understand what is happening on a project, and why he is willing to take a loss when his company is responsible for a mistake. For Adam, the goal is to protect the relationship and build a reputation that creates future opportunities. Adam and Jesse also discuss social media, marketing, team building, employee retention, commercial construction, market changes in Kelowna, lessons from a costly spec home, and why Adam is becoming more selective about development opportunities. They also talk about artificial intelligence and how Adam uses ChatGPT for communication, brainstorming, business analysis, planning, and development work. For builders, this episode is a practical look at how reputation, relationships, transparency, adaptability, and consistent action can shape a construction business over the long term. Key Topics How Adam moved from carpentry and health and safety into construction ownershipHow ARG Contracting grew through designers, referrals, past clients, and professional relationshipsWhy reputation and long term relationships can be more valuable than short term profitHow transparency and the cost plus model can build client trustWhy communication is one of the biggest challenges in constructionHow social media helped ARG increase visibility in its local marketHow ARG is expanding from renovations into new builds and commercial constructionHow Adam approaches hiring, employee retention, and company cultureLessons Adam learned from losing money on a spec homeWhy changing market conditions are influencing ARG's commercial focusHow Adam uses AI to improve communication, planning, analysis, and efficiency Guest: Adam Galbraith, ARG Contracting Website: https://www.arghomes.ca/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arg_contracting/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100078219347376 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/argcontracting Subscribe to the Meridian Pursuit Builder Podcast for real conversations with builders, contractors, architects, designers, and construction professionals about the decisions, relationships, lessons, and business strategies that shape stronger companies.

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5
out of 5
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About

The Meridian Pursuit Builders Podcast, hosted by Jesse Sampley of Meridian Pursuit, features real conversations with builders who are shaping their communities and leading the industry forward. Each episode dives into their stories, challenges, and lessons learned—sharing practical insights that help other builders grow smarter, market better, and build with purpose.

Information

  • Creator
    Jesse Sampley
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    34
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Jesse Sampley