Builder of Choice™ Insights

Emma Wildermuth
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Business
  • Updated Daily

Builder of Choice™ Insights delivers practical strategies and proven business practices to help home builders increase profits, reduce costs, and strengthen operations. Hosted by industry expert Emma Wildermuth, President, Shinn Group and Builder Partnerships, each episode explores topics like purchasing efficiency, production management, leadership development, and building stronger trade relationships — all designed to help builders achieve long-term success and become the builder of choice in their markets.

  1. 6d ago

    Ep. 38 | The Connected Builder: The AI Advantage Builder Can't Afford to Ignore

    Emma Wildermuth, President of Shinn Group, brings together Danny Lowery, President of Tim O’Brien Homes; Bogdan Constantin, President of Brown Haven Homes and Founder of Oasis; and Thomas Berrington, Director of Information Systems, Shinn Group, for a conversation about technology, data, and AI in homebuilding. The panel explores the challenges of disconnected systems, the importance of creating a single source of truth, and why clean data is essential before implementing AI. They also share practical advice for builders looking to improve technology adoption, from narrowing the scope of initiatives to having leadership model new technology and assigning an internal champion to drive implementation. #ShinnGroup #BuilderofChoice #Homebuilding #HomeBuilders #ConstructionTechnology #AIinConstruction 👉 Discover more about Tim O’Brien Homes on social: 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tim-o-brien-homes/ 🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TimOBrienHomes/ 🔗 Instagram: @timobrienhomes          https://www.instagram.com/timobrienhomes/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet  🔗 Website: http://www.TimOBrienHomes.com  👉 Discover more about Brown Haven Homes on social: 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/brownhavenhomes/ 🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrownHavenHomes/ 🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brownhavenhomes  🔗 Twitter / X: https://x.com/brownhavenhomes  🔗 Website: www.brownhavenhomes.com  👉 Discover more about Thomas Berrington on social: 🔗 LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-berrington  🔗 Website: https://theshinngroup.com/team-members/thomas-berrington     👉 Check Out Shinn Group and Subscribe:  🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-shinn-group/  🔗 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theshinngroup 🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theshinngroup   🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theshinngroup1 🔗 Twitter: https://x.com/builderpartners 🔗 Website: https://theshinngroup.com/  👉 Discover More on Shinn Group's Upcoming Events: Managing for Profit, Sep 30-Oct 2, 2026, DENVER, CO https://cvent.me/oZRwVV    The Superintendent’s Job, October 14-16, 2026, DENVER, CO https://cvent.me/XYoO54    Production Management, November 4-6, 2026, DENVER, CO https://cvent.me/kw3wyY

    Ep. 38 | The Connected Builder: The AI Advantage Builder Can't Afford to Ignore

  2. Aug 26

    Ep. 37 | The Cycle Time Advantage: More Profit, Less Chaos

    Emma Wildermuth welcomes Dwight Sandlin, Chairman and Co-Founder of Signature Homes, to discuss how a deliberate focus on cycle time reshaped the company's operations and financial performance. After beginning to rigorously measure build times, Signature Homes reduced its cycle time from 135 days to 100 days per home.  Dwight shares the specific changes behind those results—from restructuring framing and rough mechanical work to creating stronger trade partner incentives and adopting a “controllables” approach to improve accountability. The conversation also explores vendor communication, superintendent performance tracking, quality-assurance expectations, and how better data helped reduce blame between field and office teams—all while significantly improving the bottom line.  #ShinnGroup #BuilderofChoice #HomeBuilding #CycleTime #ConstructionManagement #HomeBuilder #OperationalExcellence     👉 Discover More About Signature Homes:    🔗 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SignatureHomesCommunity   🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SigHomes   🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/signaturehomescommunity   🔗 Website: https://signature.homes/     👉 Check Out Shinn Group and Subscribe:    🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-shinn-group/   🔗 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theshinngroup   🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theshinngroup    🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theshinngroup1  🔗 Twitter: https://x.com/builderpartners  🔗 Website: https://theshinngroup.com/     👉 Discover More About Shinn Group's Upcoming Events:   Managing for Profit, Sep 30-Oct 2, 2026, DENVER, CO https://cvent.me/oZRwVV      The Superintendent’s Job, October 14-16, 2026, DENVER, CO https://cvent.me/XYoO54      Production Management, November 4-6, 2026, DENVER, CO https://cvent.me/kw3wyY

    Ep. 37 | The Cycle Time Advantage: More Profit, Less Chaos

  3. Aug 13

    Ep. 36 | Homeownership, Community and the American Dream: Thinking Outside the Box to Make Homeownership Possible for More Families

    Emma Wildermuth sits down with David Battany, Director of Capital Markets at Guild Mortgage and former chair of the Mortgage Bankers Association's Residential Board of Governors, to unpack what's driving the housing affordability crisis. David breaks it down to a "math problem": rising home prices, climbing payments, and down payment barriers, made more urgent by a Fed study showing 39% of U.S. adults couldn't cover a $1,000 emergency expense.  David shares how Guild's new equity-share mortgage lowers monthly payments by having a private investor cover a large share of a home's upfront cost in exchange for future appreciation. He also points to regulatory fees as a hidden cost driver, citing NAHB data showing they can add roughly $131,000 to a $500,000 home — mostly from local and state rules — that get passed straight through to buyers.  On rates, David points to oil prices and the federal deficit as key pressures, recommends watching the 10-year Treasury as a leading indicator, and pushes back on foreclosure-wave fears, noting most homeowners today carry solid equity, unlike 2008. He and Emma close by emphasizing the power of industry advocacy and local civic engagement in tackling affordability.  #ShinnGroup #BuilderofChoice #HousingAffordability #MortgageRates #GuildMortgage #HomeBuying     👉 Check Out David Battany on Social:    🔗 LinkedIn:  linkedin.com/in/david-battany-5506212      👉 Discover More About Guild Mortgage Company:    🔗 LinkedIn:  linkedin.com/company/guild-mortgage-company/   🔗 YouTube: @guildmortgagecompany  🔗 Facebook: facebook.com/GuildMortgageHome  🔗 Instagram: instagram.com/guildmortgageco?igsh=MWVseW5ibzFhbG11dw==   🔗 Website: guildmortgage.com     👉 Check out Shinn Group and Subscribe:     🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-shinn-group/   🔗 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theshinngroup   🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theshinngroup    🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theshinngroup1  🔗 Twitter: https://x.com/builderpartners  🔗 Website: https://theshinngroup.com/

    Ep. 36 | Homeownership, Community and the American Dream: Thinking Outside the Box to Make Homeownership Possible for More Families

  4. Jul 17

    Ep. 35 | From Success to Significance: Building a Legacy Through Homes for HOPE

    Emma Wildermuth, President of Shinn Group and host of the Builder of Choice™ Insights Podcast, welcomes Jeff Rutt, Founder, President & CEO of Keystone Custom Homes and Founder & Chair of Hope International, along with Matthew Baehr, Executive Director of Homes for HOPE.  Together, they share how a 1997 mission trip to Ukraine inspired the creation of Hope International and its mission to empower entrepreneurs through microfinance. They also discuss the origins of Homes for HOPE, where builders and trade partners donate labor and materials to build homes that fund life-changing loans for families around the world.    Hear inspiring stories of transformed lives, the impact of partnerships within the home building industry, and why building homes can also be a powerful way to build hope. This episode is a compelling look at leadership, generosity, and how builders can create lasting change, both in their communities and across the globe.     👉 Check Out Homes for HOPE on Social:    🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/homesforhope/  🔗 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HomesforHOPE 🔗Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Homes4HOPE/ 🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homesforhope_/ 🔗 Website: https://homes-for-hope.org/    👉 Check out Shinn Group and Subscribe:    🔗LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-shinn-group/   🔗 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theshinngroup 🔗Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theshinngroup    🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theshinngroup1  🔗 Twitter: https://x.com/builderpartners  🔗 Website: https://theshinngroup.com/      #ShinnGroup #BuilderofChoice #Homebuilding#WorkforceDevelopment #BuilderPodcast #Profitability #BuilderTraining#LeadershipDevelopment #BusinessGrowth #RealWorldBuilding #TradePartners#BuilderInsights

    Ep. 35 | From Success to Significance: Building a Legacy Through Homes for HOPE

  5. May 20

    Ep. 34 | The Magic Behind Builder–Trade Partner Relationships

    On today’s episode of Builder of Choice™ InsightsPodcast, with host Emma Wildermuth, President, Shinn Group, she is joined by Ben Minks, CEO, Capstone Homes and Kenny Siggs, 3rd Generation Owner/Operator, Siggs A/C. Together, they take a practical look at the relationship between builders and trade partners, one of the most critical, and often most challenging, dynamics in residential construction. The conversation explores how these partnerships are built, what drives strong collaboration, and where breakdowns in communication and coordination can impact performance. Drawing on real-world experience, they discuss the role of clear expectations, accountability, and trust in creating more aligned and productive working relationships. The episode also highlights how shared incentives and consistent communication influence not only day-to-day execution, but long-term partnership success. Whether you’re looking to strengthen trade relationships or improve operational consistency, this discussion offers grounded insights into what it takes to build better partnerships, and better outcomes. 👉 Check Out Kenny Siggs on Social: 🔗 LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenny-siggs/ 🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kenneth.siggs   👉 Discover More About Kenny Siggs Company: 🔗 LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/siggs-air-conditioning/ 🔗 Website: https://www.siggsac.com/ 🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Siggs-Air-Conditioning-61563221042519/   👉 Check Out Ben Minks on Social: 🔗 LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-minks-78305bba/   👉 Discover More About Ben Minks' Company: 🔗 LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/capstone-homes-inc-/ 🔗 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPGS_AwBUwwHP2OLlNBLpJA 🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapstoneHomesMinnesota/ 🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/capstonehomesmn/ 👉 Check out Shinn Group and Subscribe: 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-shinn-group/ 🔗 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theshinngroup 🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theshinngroup  🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theshinngroup1 🔗 Twitter: https://x.com/builderpartners   #ShinnGroup #BuilderofChoice #ConstructionLeadership #Homebuilding #TradePartners #OperationalExcellence

    Ep. 34 | The Magic Behind Builder–Trade Partner Relationships

  6. May 6

    Ep. 33 | AI: Applying Data Analytics in Construction Operations

    In this episode of the Builder of Choice™ Insights podcast, Emma Wildermuth, President, Shinn Group is joined by Thomas Berrington, Director of Information Systems and Business Technology, Shinn Group. Thomas discusses how technology, data analytics, and artificial intelligence are shaping decision-making in the homebuilding industry. Drawing on his experience leading technology initiatives in a homebuilding environment, Thomas explains how data can provide clearer visibility into company performance, improve operational efficiency, and help organizations make more informed business decisions. The conversation explores the importance of building systems that support long-term scalability while aligning technical initiatives with broader business goals. The episode also examines the practical realities of artificial intelligence, including how builders can distinguish between hype and useful applications. Thomas shares perspective on the challenges of technology adoption, organizational alignment, and using digital tools in ways that support better outcomes across the business. 👉 Check Out Thomas Berrington on Social:🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-berrington-innovates 🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thomas.berrington.3 👉 Check out Shinn Group and Subscribe: 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-shinn-group/ 🔗 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theshinngroup 🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theshinngroup  🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theshinngroup1   #ShinnGroup #BuilderofChoice #HomebuildingTechnology #ConstructionTech #ArtificialIntelligence #DataAnalytics #BusinessSystems #OperationalEfficiency

    Ep. 33 | AI: Applying Data Analytics in Construction Operations

  7. Mar 25

    Ep. 32 | Leading With Technology

    In this episode of the Builder of Choice™ Insights podcast, Michael Bergen, co-founder and VP of Special Projects/AI at Higharc, discusses with Emma Wildermuth, President of Shinn Group, how technology and AI are reshaping the way homes are designed and built. Drawing on his background in architecture and AI, Michael explains how architectural information can be transformed into structured, data-driven systems that help builders make more informed decisions during the design process. The conversation explores how technology can improve coordination, identify inefficiencies, and support better outcomes across the homebuilding pipeline. The episode also examines the challenges builders face in delivering affordable housing and how digital tools can help streamline the design-to-build process while preserving the craftsmanship that defines the industry. 👉 Check Out Michael Bergin on Social: 🔗 LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelbergin/ 👉Discover More About Michael Bergin's Company Higharc:   🔗 Website: https://www.higharc.com/ 🔗 LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/higharc/ 🔗 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@higharchomes 🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/higharchomes/   👉 Check out Shinn Group and Subscribe: 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-shinn-group/ 🔗 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theshinngroup 🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theshinngroup  🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theshinngroup1/ 👉 Don’t Miss Our Upcoming Seminar     🔗 Managing for Profit, April 21-23, 2026 https://cvent.me/DmeYwO   #ShinnGroup #BuilderofChoice #ConstructionTechnology #AIinConstruction #PropTech #DigitalTransformation #HomebuildingInnovation #DesignBuild Socials:

    Ep. 32 | Leading With Technology

  8. Feb 18

    Ep. 31 | Courage, Grit and Mentorship: What it Takes to Build a Winning Home Building Company

    In this episode of the Builder of Choice™ Insights Podcast, Emma Wildermuth, President, Shinn Group interviews Cooper Conger, President, NewPad Building Company, on what it truly means to become a “Builder of Choice™ ” in today’s competitive labor and market environment. They discuss how employerbranding, company culture, and leadership behavior influence workforce perception and retention. Cooper shares practical strategies builders are using to attract skilled labor, build strong teams, and create long-term organizational sustainability. 👉 Check Out Cooper Conger on Social: 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cooper-conger-263631192   🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cooper.conger.7   👉 Discover More About Cooper’s Company, NewPad Building Company: 🔗 Website: newpadbuildingco.com 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/newpad-building-co?trk=public_profile_topcard-current-company 🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551240387892   👉 Check out Shinn Groupand Subscribe: 🔗 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theshinngroup 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-shinn-group/ 🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theshinngroup    👉 Don’t Miss Our Special Events Coming Up: 🔗 Builder Partnerships & Shinn Group’s IBS Reception | February 16, 2026: https://share.hsforms.com/13FbnuumWQbi43C4-ZL0_0gehnne  🔗 IBS 2026 Free Expo Pass: https://ibs26.nvytes.co/ibs26landing/46464.html  🔗 Executive Summit | March 11-13, 2026 : https://cvent.me/A4Y30b   #ShinnGroup #BuilderofChoice #ConstructionLeadership #Homebuilding #WorkforceDevelopment #BuilderPodcast

    Ep. 31 | Courage, Grit and Mentorship: What it Takes to Build a Winning Home Building Company
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Builder of Choice™ Insights delivers practical strategies and proven business practices to help home builders increase profits, reduce costs, and strengthen operations. Hosted by industry expert Emma Wildermuth, President, Shinn Group and Builder Partnerships, each episode explores topics like purchasing efficiency, production management, leadership development, and building stronger trade relationships — all designed to help builders achieve long-term success and become the builder of choice in their markets.

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