Blueprints Podcast

Custom Built Design & Remodeling
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Blueprints is where personal growth meets entrepreneurial grit—hosted by father-daughter duo Michael Flory and Isabelle Braeutigam of Custom Built Design & Remodeling. Just like every great renovation starts with a blueprint, every successful life and business begins with a solid plan. In each episode, Michael and Isabelle draw on their experiences in the construction industry—and as entrepreneurs—to help you lay the foundation for your best self. Whether you’re building a business, reshaping your mindset, or navigating a major life remodel, Blueprints is your guide for building the life you’ve always imagined.

  1. 12/08/2025

    Stop Copying Pinterest—Here’s How Real Design Actually Works

    In this episode of the Blueprints Podcast, Isabelle sits down with Heather Rivera, owner and founder of Wallflower Designs and lead designer at Carpet Studio Flooring America in Okemos, Michigan. Heather shares her unconventional journey from owning an auditing firm to becoming a sought-after interior designer, explaining how her natural eye for color, love of sourcing beautiful pieces, and willingness to experiment shaped her creative career. The conversation dives deep into what true design really means, why biophilic design and bringing nature into the home creates calmer, more personal spaces, and why great design takes time, intention, and trust. Heather and Isabelle discuss the importance of living in a space before making major changes, avoiding rushed decisions, and creating a neutral “white box” when starting a remodel to better understand your home’s architecture and flow. If you’re looking for real-world insight into design trends, flooring selection, remodeling decisions, and how to create a home that actually reflects who you are, this episode delivers practical advice and fresh perspective from two passionate industry professionals.

    9 min

  2. 11/21/2025

    Want a Stronger Team? It Actually Starts With YOU

    In this episode of The Blueprints Podcast, Isabelle and Michael deep dive into one of the most important topics in business today: how to build a strong, healthy, growth-oriented company culture. Together, they unpack what “culture” really means inside a remodeling and construction company, why it starts with the entrepreneur, and how personal growth directly shapes the team’s success. Michael shares the lessons he learned scaling Custom Built from a handful of people to a 40-person design–build firm. Whether you're a remodeling contractor, business owner, construction leader, or entrepreneur, this conversation is packed with actionable insights on building a team that grows together, supports each other, and makes a meaningful impact on families — both inside and outside the company.

    12 min

  3. 11/14/2025

    Why the Next Millionaires Will Come from the Trades

    In this episode, Isabelle and Michael talk about why right now is the perfect time to build a career in the construction and trades industry. From a nationwide housing shortage to the mass retirement of baby boomers, the demand for skilled trades—like carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, and HVAC—has never been higher. Michael and Isabelle unpack the reasons behind the skilled labor gap, what that means for future builders, and how schools, parents, and communities can help inspire the next generation of tradespeople.

    8 min

  4. 11/07/2025

    I Found Clarity When I Finally Stepped Away

    In this episode of Blueprints, host Isabelle sits down with her dad, Michael, to unpack one of the most transformative practices for leaders and entrepreneurs — the Clarity Break. Michael shares how taking intentional time away from the business has helped him process stress, refocus his vision, and reconnect with his purpose. From quiet reflection in the mountains of Utah to personal healing after a traumatic head injury, Michael opens up about what these breaks have taught him — about failure, choice, and resilience. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, leader, or anyone navigating the busyness of life, this episode offers a powerful reminder: stepping away might be the most productive thing you can do.

    16 min

  5. 10/17/2025

    How I Became a Community Leader—and Built a Career I Love

    In this episode of The Blueprints Podcast, Isabelle sits down with Sara Majeske of Custom Built Design & Remodeling to talk about her journey from newcomer to Lansing to becoming one of the region’s “10 Over the Next 10” honorees. Sara shares what this award means, how she’s integrated her career, community, and motherhood, and why she believes leadership is about growth, not titles. From her early years in restoration to building a career rooted in connection and purpose, Sara’s story is a powerful reflection on perseverance and community pride. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about leadership, life balance, and building something meaningful — in work and at home. #BlueprintsPodcast #Leadership #LansingMI #WomenInConstruction #CustomBuiltDesign #Inspiration

    19 min

  6. 10/10/2025

    Why Every Builder Should Join the HBA (from a Former President)

    In this episode of The Blueprints Podcast, Isabelle and Michael trace his inspiring journey through the Home Builders Association (HBA). From joining as a young builder in 2004 to ultimately becoming President of the Michigan Home Builders Association in 2020, Michael reflects on the lessons, relationships, and leadership growth that shaped both his career and his company. Michael opens up about navigating the housing crash of 2008, learning the value of community and mentorship through HBA committees, and the power of servant leadership in difficult times. He shares how his volunteer work evolved into meaningful advocacy for housing affordability, professional development, and unity within the building industry—especially during the challenges of the COVID-19 era. Whether you’re a contractor, entrepreneur, or simply someone who believes in the power of giving back, this episode offers a raw and insightful look at how involvement in organizations like the HBA can transform not just your business, but your leadership and your life.

    14 min

  7. 10/03/2025

    Why Remodeling Homes Is Really More About People

    In this episode, Isabelle and Michael open up about the deeper meaning behind their work. For Michael, remodeling homes has never just been about construction; it’s about transforming lives, building stronger families, and giving back to the community. Michael shares his personal story of resilience, surviving unimaginable childhood tragedy, and how that shaped his calling to impact families through both business and service. From supporting organizations like Ele’s Place, Hospice of Lansing, and Kristen’s Ride, to empowering his own team to get involved in local causes, Michael reveals how generosity and community involvement have become cornerstones of his leadership. Whether you’re a homeowner, entrepreneur, or someone looking for inspiration, this heartfelt conversation reminds us that remodeling isn’t just about houses—it’s about people, purpose, and creating spaces where life’s most meaningful moments unfold.

    18 min

  8. 09/12/2025

    The Glow Up: From 12 Years Old to CEO, This Was My Entrepreneurial Journey

    In this episode of Blueprints, Isabelle sits down with longtime friend and entrepreneur Gracie Perrault, founder of the Cultivate Collective, to talk about the power of connection, community, and building businesses with heart. From launching her first event business at just 12 years old to running a spray tan and teeth-whitening, Glow by Gracie, and now creating a collaborative beauty and wellness space, Gracie shares her journey and big vision. Together, Isabelle and Gracie discuss how to build authentic relationships in a digital world, why community over competition is the key to growth, and how small intentional actions—like following up, showing up, and protecting your peace—can transform both business and life. They also dive into Gracie’s dream for Cultivate Collective: a full-scale hub for wellness, collaboration, and connection that empowers entrepreneurs to thrive together. Whether you’re a small business owner, a creative entrepreneur, or someone passionate about bringing people together, this is your reminder that success isn’t just about what you build—it’s about who you build it with.

    16 min
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About

Blueprints is where personal growth meets entrepreneurial grit—hosted by father-daughter duo Michael Flory and Isabelle Braeutigam of Custom Built Design & Remodeling. Just like every great renovation starts with a blueprint, every successful life and business begins with a solid plan. In each episode, Michael and Isabelle draw on their experiences in the construction industry—and as entrepreneurs—to help you lay the foundation for your best self. Whether you’re building a business, reshaping your mindset, or navigating a major life remodel, Blueprints is your guide for building the life you’ve always imagined.

Information

  • Creator
    Custom Built Design & Remodeling
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    29
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Blueprints Podcast