The Build Line

Heather Tankersley & Jerry Brewer
  • 5.0 (16)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

The Build Line dives into the intersection of entrepreneurship and construction — where leadership, business, and creativity all come together. Hosted by Heather Tankersley and Jerry Brewer, each episode features real conversations with builders, designers, and entrepreneurs who are shaping the industry. Expect insights on leadership, team development, and the realities of building great companies — along with the funny, unexpected, and totally unfiltered stories that happen when the conversation goes off script. New episodes every other Tuesday.

  1. 13H AGO

    E16: Why You Can't Find Good Managers and How to Fix It

    What does it actually take to build a strong management team in construction—and why do so many owners struggle to find great leaders? In this episode of The Build Line, we break down the real reason most companies can’t attract or retain high-level managers. It’s not a recruiting issue. It’s a leadership issue. The best operators evaluate your business before they ever consider joining it—and if there’s no clarity, discipline, or direction, they’re out. This conversation is about raising the standard—starting with yourself. We dig into what strong leadership actually looks like under pressure and why your habits set the ceiling for your entire organization. From there, we unpack why resumes can be misleading, how to spot true ownership and hunger in candidates, and what separates operators who drive results from those who just participate. We get into: What top-level managers are really evaluating before they join your companyWhy most hiring processes fail to identify ownership and accountabilityHow to distinguish polish from real hunger in interviewsWhat it takes to intentionally develop leaders instead of hoping they emergeHow to create accountability without killing cultureWhy many owners become the bottleneck—and how to fix itIf you’re trying to build a company that can run without you, this episode is a direct look at what’s required—and where most owners fall short. No shortcuts. No theory. Just how it actually works.

    1h 12m

  2. APR 21

    E15: The Business Behind “Something Wrong? Call Anh Phoong”

    Everybody knows the name. Not everybody understands the business behind it. In this episode of The Build Line, we sit down with Anh Phoong, one of the most recognizable personal brands in Sacramento, to break down what it actually took to build it. From starting out with nothing but grit and showing up face to face in the community, to becoming a household name through bold marketing and consistency, Anh shares what most people never see. The early work, the risk of putting your name on the business, and the pressure that comes with it. We also get into what happens after the growth. Building systems to support scale, expanding into new markets like Houston, and why more opportunity doesn’t fix broken operations, it exposes them. This conversation goes beyond marketing. It’s about responsibility, leadership, and not forgetting where you came from. Anh opens up about her family’s experience immigrating to the United States and how the Sacramento community shaped her commitment to giving back. If you’re a business owner trying to grow, build a real brand, or scale without losing what made you successful in the first place, this one hits. In this episode, we cover: • Building a personal brand with intention • The reality of running a business with your name on it • Marketing that actually drives growth, not just attention • Scaling systems and expanding into new markets • Community, philanthropy, and long term impact The Build Line is about real conversations with real operators. What’s working, what’s not, and what we all wish we knew sooner. Official Website: https://phoonglaw.com Instagram (Personal): https://www.instagram.com/anhphoong/ Instagram (Phoong Law): https://www.instagram.com/phoonglaw/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/phoong-law

    1h 12m

  3. APR 7

    E14: Why Most Builders Never Break Into Ultra Luxury with David Kasavan

    What does it really take to break into ultra luxury construction markets like Pebble Beach and Carmel? In this episode of The Build Line, we sit down with David Kasavan, founder of Kasavan Construction, to talk about the real path from early hustle to building a company in some of the most competitive and relationship driven markets in the country. This is not about overnight success. It is about risk, visibility, leadership, and the moments that either push you forward or almost take you out. David shares what the early days actually looked like before the brand, the momentum, and the high end projects and the decisions that helped him earn trust in markets where reputation is everything. We get into: What it actually takes to break into ultra luxury and legacy marketsThe risks and decisions that almost broke the business and the ones that changed everythingHow trust is built with high net worth clients where expectations are higher and margins for error are smallerThe role of visibility and social media in creating opportunity and authorityLeadership lessons from scaling a company under pressureIf you are trying to move into bigger projects, better clients, and higher level work, this episode gives you a real look at what it takes to get there and what it costs along the way. No shortcuts. No theory. Just how it actually works. https://www.instagram.com/kasavan_construction_inc/ https://www.kasavanconstruction.com/

    1h 16m

  4. MAR 24

    E13: Risk, Racing, and Building a High Stakes Business with John Moore

    In Episode 13 of The Build Line, Heather Tankersley and Jerry Brewer sit down with John Moore, founder of JM Environmental, one of California’s leading demolition and environmental abatement companies. John shares the story behind building a high risk business in one of the most demanding sectors of construction. From the early days of grinding through uncertainty to scaling a company with real systems, leadership, and accountability, he breaks down what it actually takes to grow in a high consequence industry. The conversation explores the mindset behind taking big risks in business, the moments where those bets paid off, and the times they did not. John talks candidly about leadership mistakes, growth challenges, and the lessons learned while building a company from the ground up. Outside of business, John lives life at full speed. As a racer with deep roots in motocross and NASCAR, he shares how the discipline, adrenaline, and focus required on the track mirrors the mindset needed to lead and scale a company. This episode is about betting on yourself, building something real, and learning how to operate when the stakes are high. If you are a contractor, entrepreneur, or leader trying to grow a business while managing risk and pressure, this conversation will resonate. In this episode: • The origin story of JM Environmental • When a hustle turns into a real company • The biggest risks John Moore has taken in business • Leadership lessons from growth and failure • How racing influences decision making and discipline • Defining success, legacy, and living life at full speed Learn more about John Moore and JM Environmental: Website: https://jmenvironmental.net/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jm27.thelegend/ Follow The Build Line: Instagram: @thebuildlinepodcast YouTube: The Build Line Podcast New episodes featuring builders, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders shaping the future of construction.

    1h 7m

  5. MAR 10

    E12: Rob Laird - Why Personal Brand Beats Marketing EVERY TIME

    What if the thing holding your business back isn’t systems, leads, or capital - but your brand? In Episode 12 of The Build Line, Heather and Jerry sit down with Rob Laird, a multi-industry entrepreneur who has built businesses across real estate, lending, and consumer products by leading with trust, visibility, and reputation. Rob breaks down why brand must come before scale, how a visible leader creates confidence in uncertain markets, and why most construction and service business owners struggle to show up publicly. They dig into failure, pressure, and what happens when your reputation is tested—and how strong brands recover faster. The conversation also explores what Rob learned building Dios Azul and which consumer-brand lessons directly apply to contractors, builders, and service professionals. If you want growth that compounds, and not just attention, this episode will change how you think about branding. Contact Rob: https://www.instagram.com/lairdlife/ Dios Azul Tequila: https://diosazul.com/tequilas

    1h 3m

  6. FEB 24

    E11: How Top Performers Sell Without Pitching with Matt Saia

    Most contractors are great builders and terrible salespeople and it is costing them time, margin, and confidence. In this episode of The Build Line, we sit down with Matt Saia, independent consultant and sales trainer with Sandler Sales, for a deep dive into why traditional contractor sales conversations fail and what the top performers do differently. Matt breaks down the typical contractor sales process and explains where trust is lost before it is ever built. We talk about why pitching too early kills confidence, how price becomes the only differentiator, and why strong operators often struggle the most in sales conversations. The episode also explores money beliefs, profit guilt in construction, and the responsibility builders have to run profitable companies. We discuss how mission, core values, and vision must be defined before growth, and why the ability to say no is one of the most powerful skills a leader can develop. You will learn: • Why most contractor sales processes break down immediately • How listening creates trust faster than expertise • Why profit is not a bad word in construction • How confidence is built before the proposal is ever written • Why saying no attracts better clients • What the top 1 percent of performers consistently have in common This episode is essential listening for builders, remodelers, and business owners who want better clients, stronger margins, and sales conversations that actually work. Key takeaway: Sales is not convincing. It is clarity, confidence, and discipline. Contact Matt at: https://go.sandler.com/salesleadership/about-us/meet-our-team/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-saia-5983592

    1h 14m

  7. FEB 10

    E10: Finding the Right Room and Outgrowing the People Holding You Back

    In this episode of The Build Line, Jerry and Heather go solo for an unfiltered conversation about finding the right room and why staying loyal to the wrong one can cost you more than you realize. They share personal stories of doubt from people closest to them, how confidence was rebuilt outside familiar circles, and why growth often creates tension in relationships that once felt safe. This episode dives into the uncomfortable truth that some people love you more when you stay small. You’ll hear a raw breakdown of: • How to recognize when you’ve outgrown a room • Why the people closest to you may doubt your vision • The difference between criticism and caution • How to change rooms without burning bridges • Why mentorship matters and how to find it • Clear signals that you’re finally in the right room The episode closes with real questions from the audience and a hard truth segment that challenges listeners to take ownership of their environment and future. This episode is for builders, entrepreneurs, and leaders who feel stuck, underestimated, or conflicted about outgrowing familiar spaces. Key takeaway: Staying loyal to the wrong room is disloyal to your future.

    1h 3m

  8. JAN 27

    E9: From Intern to CEO - Building a $100M Construction Company with Chris Cormier

    What does it actually take to rise from intern to CEO inside an established construction company? In this episode of The Build Line, we sit down with Chris Cormier, CEO and co owner of Tricorp Group, to unpack a rare leadership journey built from the inside out. Chris shares how he started at the bottom, earned trust over time, and navigated the difficult transition from employee to owner. We talk candidly about leadership mistakes, pressure moments, imposter syndrome, and what it’s like leading people who were once your peers. The conversation also dives into: • Growing inside an established company vs starting your own • The emotional weight of ownership and responsibility • How Tricorp’s culture, systems, and values have evolved • Hard bid vs negotiated commercial construction • Lessons from high pressure seasons that nearly broke him • What success actually looks like after years of growth This episode is for builders, entrepreneurs, and professionals who are ambitious, hungry to grow, and questioning whether leadership and ownership are possible without starting from scratch. Key takeaway: You don’t have to start something to build something meaningful.

    1h 8m
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5
out of 5
16 Ratings

About

The Build Line dives into the intersection of entrepreneurship and construction — where leadership, business, and creativity all come together. Hosted by Heather Tankersley and Jerry Brewer, each episode features real conversations with builders, designers, and entrepreneurs who are shaping the industry. Expect insights on leadership, team development, and the realities of building great companies — along with the funny, unexpected, and totally unfiltered stories that happen when the conversation goes off script. New episodes every other Tuesday.

Information

  • Creator
    Heather Tankersley & Jerry Brewer
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    16
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Heather Tankersley & Jerry Brewer
  • Show Website
    The Build Line

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