Builder of Choice™ Insights

Emma Wildermuth
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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.

  1. Selling the Dream: How Strategic Alignment Drives Home Sales

    FEB 4

    Selling the Dream: How Strategic Alignment Drives Home Sales

    In this episode of the Builder of Choice™ Insights Podcast, host Emma Wildermuth speaks with Michael Welty, Consultant at Shinn Group, about his background and experience within the home building industry. Michael outlines his professional path and the work that led him into his current role, providing context on how his experience shapes his perspective.    The conversation explores real-world challenges buildersare navigating today, drawing on firsthand examples and observations from ongoing projects and leadership responsibilities. Throughout the discussion, Michael shares how practical decision-making and on-the-ground experienceinform the way he approaches building and problem-solving. 👉 Check out Michael Welty on social:🔗 LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-mathieu-welty-2a1393a/   👉 Check out Shinn Group and 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: 🔗 BuilderPartnerships & 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 #BuilderOfChoice #Homebuilding #ConstructionLeadership #BuilderPodcast #OperationalExcellence #Profitability #BuilderTraining #LeadershipDevelopment #BusinessGrowth #ShinnGroup #RealWorldBuilding #HomeBuilderLife #ConstructionIndustry #TradePartners #BuilderInsights

    51 min
  2. The Leadership Edge: Culture + Profit for the Winning Advantage

    JAN 21

    The Leadership Edge: Culture + Profit for the Winning Advantage

    Control What Counts and Lead without Compromise.   This episode features a conversation with host Emma Wildermuth and Chris Laping, founder of People Before Things and a former four-time Fortune 500 CIO. Chris shares his leadership journey and outlines his philosophy that leadership is a deliberate, daily choice, not an optional or abstract concept. Drawing on decades of executive experience and organizational turnarounds, he explains how clarity, alignment, and shared understanding empower teams to focus on theright problems and achieve sustainable, profitable results. The discussion previews the leadership themes Chris will explore at the upcoming Shinn Group Executive Summit Event on March 11-13, 2026, in Breckenridge, Colorado. About Chris Laping Chris Laping coaches executives and experts on high-trust influence and modern leadership. A former 4-time CIO and tech CEO, Chris has spent three decades inside complexorganizations helping leaders move ideas forward, build credibility, and create followership without relying on title, volume, or politics. Throughout his career, Chris has led large-scale transformation at companies including Red Robin, GMAC, and Coffee & Bagel Brands, where he helped drive successful turnarounds during periods of rapid change. That real-world leadership experience shapes his work today. Chris is the bestselling author of People Before Things and the forthcoming Unignorable. His ideas on leadership, organizational health, and influence have been featured by The Economist, Harvard Business Review, The Wall Street Journal, Fast Company, and Forbes. Each week, his work reaches more than 1.5 million people through social media and his two newsletters. On stage, Chris has delivered keynotes and workshops to more than 300,000 leaders and professionals, earning a reputation for talks that are practical, human, and immediately actionable. 👉 Check out Chris Laping on social🔗 LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/claping   👉 Discover more about our guest: 🔗 People Before Things: https://peoplebeforethings.co/ 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/people-before-things/ 👉 Check us out and subscribe!🔗 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theshinngroup 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-shinn-group/ 🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theshinngroup  👉 Shinn Group Special Events: 🔗 Executive Summit: https://cvent.me/A4Y30b

    1h 6m
  3. Competing, Adapting, and Standing Out Under Pressure

    JAN 7

    Competing, Adapting, and Standing Out Under Pressure

    In this episode, Emma Wildermuth sits down with DaveBarnhart, President of First America Homes, for a focused conversation on differentiation in challenging times. Together, they explore how economic uncertainty, heightened competition, and operational constraints are making itincreasingly difficult for organizations and professionals to stand out.   The discussion examines why differentiation matters morethan ever and how it can be pursued with intention rather than reaction. Dave shares practical ways to think about visibility, value creation, and competitive positioning, with an emphasis on resilience and clarity under pressure. The episode frames a clear, thoughtful approach to navigating complex market conditions while remaining distinct and relevant. 👉 Check out our guest,Dave Barnhart on social: 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davebarnhart1 💻 Email: dbarnhart@firstamericahomes.com   👉 Discover more aboutour guest:  🔗 Website Link: https://www.firstamericahomes.com 🔗 Special Offer Houston Homes: https://www.firstamericahomes.com/new-homes/tx/houston/special-offers/ 🔗 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4F2XiC_dgpqYL0D4biNMhQ🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/first-america-homes/🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/firstamerica 🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firstamericahomes/     👉 Check us out and subscribe:   🔗 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theshinngroup🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-shinn-group/ 🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theshinngroup

    50 min
  4. 2026 Housing Outlook: What Builders Must Know with Chuck Shinn

    12/12/2025

    2026 Housing Outlook: What Builders Must Know with Chuck Shinn

    In this episode, Emma Shinn sits down with her dad, Chuck Shinn — co-founder of the Shinn Group and one of the industry’s most respected financial and operational voices — to break down what’s really happening in the 2025 housing market. Chuck shares decades of perspective as he analyzes: Interest rate volatility and its impact on buyer demand Cost pressures, margins, and why many builders are feeling the squeeze Supply trends and how today compares to historic cycles The operational disciplines that matter most in uncertain markets What builders should stop, start, and double down on in 2025 This conversation offers practical, grounded guidance for leaders looking to navigate today’s challenges with clarity and confidence. Whether you’re a builder, trade partner, or industry professional, you’ll walk away with actionable insights to strengthen your business in the year ahead. 👉 Don’t forget to check us out and subscribe on:  🔗 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theshinngroup  🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-shinn-group/  🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theshinngroup

    1 hr
  5. Building a Builder of Choice™ Culture with Paul Winegar: Breaking Down Silos

    11/12/2025

    Building a Builder of Choice™ Culture with Paul Winegar: Breaking Down Silos

    Emma Wildermuth sits down with Paul Winegar, COO of Willow Branch Homes, as he explains how his team breaks down silos and unites every department into a single, cohesive operating system. He shares how strength-based roles, process-driven headcount planning, and clearly definedhandoffs create smoother schedules and more predictable outcomes across the organization.   Paul discusses the importance of engaging mid-level leaders to solve constraints, building stronger collaboration through clear expectations and shared accountability, and using practical, hands-on training to build understanding between teams. The conversation also explores how proactive permitting preparation—aligning vendors and subcontractors early—reduces friction, shortens cycle times, and strengthens trade partnerships.   The result is a steady, collaborative workflow and a builder that home buyers and trade partners genuinely want to work with—achieved not through flash or slogans, but through practical systems, clear accountability, and disciplined teamwork.    👉 Check out our guest, Paul Winegar:  🔗 LinkedIn:  https://linkedin.com/in/paul-winegar-2a212357   🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paul.winegar.988   👉 Check out Paul's company: 🔗  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WillowBranchHomes 🔗  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/willowbranchhomestn 🔗  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/willowbranchhomes/ 👉 Don’t forget to check us out and subscribe:   🔗 YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@theshinngroup⁠ 🔗 LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-shinn-group/⁠ 🔗 Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/theshinngroup⁠

    41 min
  6. Women Building America: Empowering the Next Generation of Industry Leaders

    10/29/2025

    Women Building America: Empowering the Next Generation of Industry Leaders

    In this inspiring episode of Builder of Choice™ Insights, Emma Wildermuth sits down with Kelly Zitlow (EVP of Marketing & Sales) and Lisa Cortez (National Director of Builder Outreach) from Cornerstone Home Lending to discuss Women Building America — a movement dedicated to empowering women in homebuilding. They share powerful insights on mentorship, representation, and redefining success in an industry long dominated by tradition. Whether you’re a builder, lender, or leader, this conversation will encourage you to lift others as you climb. Speakers: Emma Jane Wildermuth – President, Shinn Group YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@theshinngroup⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-shinn-group/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100070280496939⁠⁠⁠⁠ Guest: Kelly Zitlow, Executive Vice President Sales & Marketing Cornerstone Home Lending Email: kzitlow@houseloan.com Kelly Zitlow, National Director of Builder Outreach Cornerstone Home Lending Email: lcortez@houseloan.com Resources & Links: Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠theshinngroup.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe to the Shinn Group Podcast wherever you get your podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/14IFTHthEqbXm09CqnhWRV⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-the-builder-of-choice/id1705949297⁠

    42 min
  7. Interview with Bob Mirman, CEO & Founder of Eliant

    10/10/2025

    Interview with Bob Mirman, CEO & Founder of Eliant

    In this episode, Emma Jane interviews Bob Mirman, CEO & Founder of Eliant, to explore his journey into the homebuilding industry and his lifelong commitment to improving the customer experience. Bob shares how Eliant helps builders strengthen relationships with trades, employees, andhomebuyers—driving exceptional satisfaction and loyalty. With over 1,800 clients worldwide, Eliant delivers customer experience monitoring, training, and consulting, making Bob one of the most sought-after voices in the industry. Speakers: Emma Jane Wildermuth – President, Shinn Group YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@theshinngroup⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-shinn-group/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100070280496939⁠⁠⁠⁠ Guest: Bob Mirman, President and Founder Eliant YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFRCVl4zMevDMwZfG0ge8Sw LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobmirman/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eliant/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Eliantinc Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eliantinc/?hl=en Resources & Links: Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠theshinngroup.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe to the Shinn Group Podcast wherever you get your podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/14IFTHthEqbXm09CqnhWRV⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-the-builder-of-choice/id1705949297⁠

    49 min
  8. Interview with Kody Smith, President and Co-Founder, NoviHome

    10/02/2025

    Interview with Kody Smith, President and Co-Founder, NoviHome

    In this episode, host Emma Wildermuth sits down with Kody Smith of NoviHome for a candid, in-person conversation about what’s changing in homebuilding, why marketing matters more than ever, and how builders can improve the buyer experience from first contact through warranty. Kody shares his journey from tech entrepreneurship to homebuilding technology, the lessons learned from mystery shopping major builders, and why communication before, during, and after the sale is the real key to earning referrals and long-term success. You’ll also hear: How the buyer experience shapes your reputation years after closing Why standing inventory demands better marketing and trained sales teams The one tool builders can use to stay connected and exceed expectations Whether you’re a builder, sales leader, or marketing pro, this episode will help you think differently about how to engage your buyers and set your team apart. Speakers: Emma Jane Wildermuth – President, Shinn Group YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@theshinngroup⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-shinn-group/⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100070280496939⁠⁠⁠ Guest: Kody Smith - President and Co-Founder, NoviHome Podcast: https://www.novihome.com/podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kodysmith1 Resources & Links: Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠theshinngroup.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe to the Shinn Group Podcast wherever you get your podcasts⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/14IFTHthEqbXm09CqnhWRV⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-the-builder-of-choice/id1705949297⁠

    25 min
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About

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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