LivLive: Design, Building, and the Business of Remodeling

David Pollard
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Weekly

LivLive is a conversation-driven podcast about design, building, real estate, and the business behind it all. Hosted by Dave Pollard, architect and co-founder of LivCo, LivLive brings together architects, builders, developers, and industry leaders to talk honestly about how projects really come together — from early ideas and design decisions to construction, ownership, and long-term value. Each episode blends professional insight with real-world experience.

  1. Jul 9

    LivLive Episode 0000046: Jordan Hayashi — AI Isn't Replacing Contractors. It's Giving Them Their Brain Back.

    Episode Description Artificial intelligence is everywhere—but how much of it is actually useful for contractors? This week on LivLive, Dave sits down with AI entrepreneur and Bizzen founder Jordan Hayashi to separate the hype from the practical applications that are already changing the construction industry. Jordan has spent nearly a decade building AI solutions long before ChatGPT made artificial intelligence a household term. Rather than chasing flashy demos, his philosophy is simple: find the work that frustrates people most, then eliminate it. The conversation explores why contractors should think of AI as delegated brainpower instead of automation, how companies can capture tribal knowledge before it walks out the door, and why voice, photos, and field documentation are becoming the new interface for construction management. Dave and Jordan also discuss AI hallucinations, trust, document management, estimating, proposals, daily logs, financial workflows, and where construction software is headed over the next five years. They explain why the winners won't simply use ChatGPT—they'll build systems that remember everything, connect every piece of project information, and allow teams to spend less time searching for answers and more time solving problems. If you've been wondering whether AI is worth paying attention to—or are trying to figure out where to start—this episode delivers one of the most practical conversations we've had on the subject. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Jordan Hayashi and Bizzen 01:15 Why Jordan calls himself an AI "BS meter" 02:30 "Tell us what sucks" — solving real contractor frustrations first 05:00 Why construction has been underserved by software 07:45 Building AI years before ChatGPT 10:20 How AI learns from documents, photos, and company knowledge 13:00 Capturing tribal knowledge before employees leave 16:00 AI as delegated brainpower—not a replacement for people 20:00 Freeing your brain from repetitive information retrieval 22:30 Why document trust is everything in construction 26:00 From checklists to intelligent project management 29:00 AI for job costing, receipts, and financial workflows 31:30 Daily logs, reports, proposals, and administrative automation 34:00 Creating proposals from existing project knowledge 39:00 Separating AI facts from clickbait and hype 42:00 Where AI is actually heading over the next five years 45:00 The "compressed air" analogy for AI adoption 48:00 Why the future belongs to companies that capture knowledge 50:00 Final advice for contractors adopting AI today

    LivLive Episode 0000046: Jordan Hayashi — AI Isn't Replacing Contractors. It's Giving Them Their Brain Back.

  2. Jul 1

    LivLive Ep. 0000044 - Glen Dall — Build a Better Business, Not Just a Bigger One

    LivLive Episode 44: Glen Dall Episode Description What separates remodeling companies that plateau from those that continue to grow? This week on LivLive, Dave sits down with business coach, former CEO, former remodeler, and NARI X keynote contributor Glen Dall for a wide-ranging discussion on leadership, growth, strategy, client experience, and building high-performing teams. Glen shares his journey from barely graduating high school and working on a Ford Bronco assembly line in Detroit to helping grow a company from $400 million to $2.3 billion, leading a public company turnaround, building a remodeling business, and ultimately becoming a business coach. The conversation explores one of Glen's core beliefs: growth is not the goal—building a better business is the goal. Growth is simply the result. Dave and Glen dive into strategy, differentiation, EOS versus Metronomics, leadership team development, niche positioning, and why so many companies struggle when owners become the bottleneck. The episode concludes with a preview of the upcoming NARI X event and the three themes Glen will be teaching: ProfitabilityClient SuccessTeamwork & TrustTogether, they discuss why profitability is more than margins, why client success is different from client satisfaction, and why trust is the foundation of every successful team, trade partner relationship, and homeowner experience. Whether you're a remodeler, builder, entrepreneur, or business leader, this episode delivers practical ideas you can immediately apply to improve your company. Chapters00:00 Introduction and how Dave met Glen through NARI 01:00 From Ford assembly line worker to CEO 06:00 Growing companies, culture shifts, and leadership lessons 10:00 Building and exiting a remodeling company 15:00 Why business owners hit growth ceilings 20:00 Growth isn't the goal—building a better business is 24:00 EOS vs. Metronomics and the role of strategy 30:00 Becoming "the only" instead of competing on price 36:00 Finding your niche and defining your ideal client 42:00 Building leadership teams and avoiding owner bottlenecks 48:00 NARI X Preview: Profitability as a business discipline 52:00 Client Success vs. Customer Satisfaction 56:00 Teamwork, Trust, and the Five Dysfunctions of a Team 1:00:00 Why trust accelerates business performance 1:03:00 NARI X event details and final thoughts

    LivLive Ep. 0000044 - Glen Dall — Build a Better Business, Not Just a Bigger One

  3. Jul 1

    LivLive Ep. 0000045 - Will Boland — Rethinking Homeownership: Building the Future with Henry Homes

    In Episode 45 of LivLive, Dave Pollard sits down with Will Boland, co-founder of Henry Homes, to explore why owning a home is still more complicated than it should be—and how technology can make it dramatically easier. Will reflects on the entrepreneurial journey that began with launching CarLotz, the challenges of raising capital and scaling an early-stage business, and the lessons that shaped his newest venture. The conversation then shifts to Henry Homes, where Will and his team are building a platform designed to help homeowners organize maintenance, understand their home's condition, connect with trusted professionals, and make smarter long-term decisions. Along the way, Dave and Will discuss AI, customer experience, hiring great people, founder psychology, and why curiosity and persistence matter more than having all the answers. It's an insightful conversation for homeowners, entrepreneurs, remodelers, architects, and anyone passionate about building businesses that genuinely improve people's lives. Why today's homeowner experience is still fragmented and reactiveThe vision behind Henry Homes and creating a digital home for every homeownerHow AI can help homeowners prioritize repairs and maintenanceWhy inspection reports, manuals, warranties, and service records should all live in one placeHow trusted contractors can build lifelong relationships instead of transactional projectsLessons learned from launching and scaling startupsWhy customer feedback matters more than perfect ideasWhat the future of homeownership could look like over the next decade00:00 – Welcome & Introducing Will Boland 01:10 – Growing Up Together in Richmond & Early Career Paths 02:30 – The Idea That Sparked CarLotz 05:40 – Reinventing the Used Car Buying Experience 08:29 – Returning to Richmond & Launching CarLotz 13:20 – Raising Capital and Scaling an Early-Stage Startup 18:30 – Lessons Learned from Entrepreneurship and Exits 23:20 – Why Homeownership Inspired Henry Homes 26:00 – The Problem with Inspection Reports and Home Maintenance 30:50 – Helping Homeowners Get Unstuck 35:45 – Building Trust Through Skilled Service Professionals 41:45 – Founder Lessons: Letting Go, Hiring, and Building Teams 47:50 – Designing Better Experiences for Technicians 53:40 – Home Improvements vs. Home Maintenance 59:45 – Communicating Difficult News to Homeowners 1:04:00 – Curiosity, Hard Work, and Advice for Entrepreneurs 1:08:00 – Final Thoughts & The Future of Henry Homes

    LivLive Ep. 0000045 - Will Boland — Rethinking Homeownership: Building the Future with Henry Homes

  4. Jun 17

    LivLive Ep. 0000043 - Matt Cross — The Winning Mindset: What Hockey, Leadership & Business Have in Common

    Hockey, Coaching, Leadership & Life with Matt Cross This week on LivLive, I sat down with Matt Cross—hockey coach, trainer, nonprofit leader, cancer survivor, and one of the most influential mentors in youth hockey in North Carolina. What started as a conversation about hockey quickly became a discussion about leadership, culture, parenting, resilience, and the lessons that connect great teams to great businesses. Matt shares stories from growing up in Toronto, building elite hockey programs through Prime Time Hockey and the Raleigh Raptors, overcoming cancer, and launching the Raleigh Testicular Cancer Foundation to help men take ownership of their health. Whether you're a coach, business owner, parent, athlete, or leader, this episode is packed with practical insights on developing people, building culture, and focusing on the process that drives long-term success. Growing up in hockey-crazed TorontoThe differences between coaching players and leading employeesWhy culture matters more than systemsParenting high-performing young athletesBuilding confidence without entitlementThe role of adversity in personal growthLessons learned from surviving cancerThe mission behind the Raleigh Testicular Cancer FoundationWhy great leaders focus on process over outcomesHow sports prepare young people for life and business#LivLive #Leadership #Hockey #Coaching #Business #Culture #YouthSports #PrimeTimeHockey #RaleighRaptors #Entrepreneurship #PersonalDevelopment Chapters 00:00 Welcome & Why Hockey Matters Beyond the Rink 01:15 Meet Matt Cross: Coach, Leader, Survivor 05:40 Growing Up in Toronto's Hockey Culture 12:30 Lessons Learned Through Youth Sports 18:45 Coaching vs. Managing People in Business 27:10 Building Team Culture and Accountability 36:20 The Parent-Coach-Athlete Dynamic 46:55 Developing Confidence and Character in Young Athletes 58:40 Cancer, Perspective, and Life Priorities 1:10:15 The Raleigh Testicular Cancer Foundation Story 1:19:00 Leadership Lessons from Sports and Business 1:28:30 NHL Stories, Hockey Community, and Giving Back 1:35:00 Final Thoughts and Where to Find Matt

    LivLive Ep. 0000043 - Matt Cross — The Winning Mindset: What Hockey, Leadership & Business Have in Common

  5. Jun 4

    LivLive Ep. 0000042 - Nick Ruffini – The Most Successful Businesses Don't Sell Products... They Build Communities.

    LivLive Episode 42 | Nick Ruffini – Hospitality, Storytelling, and Building Businesses People Actually Care About This week on LivLive, Dave sits down with longtime friend Nick Ruffini for a wide-ranging conversation about hospitality, storytelling, entrepreneurship, customer experience, and the power of human connection in an increasingly automated world. Nick's career has taken him from his family's restaurant business in Philadelphia to professional music, media production, podcasting, brand strategy, and now consulting through The Ruffini Group. Drawing on lessons from hospitality, entertainment, and real estate development, Nick helps organizations create stronger narratives, more memorable customer experiences, and deeper connections with the communities they serve. The conversation explores why hospitality isn't limited to restaurants and hotels, how every business tells a story whether it realizes it or not, and why the companies that win in the future will be the ones that prioritize people over processes. Dave and Nick also discuss entrepreneurship, charging what you're worth, building authentic brands, creating meaningful experiences, the dangers of over-automation, and how business can be a vehicle for serving communities and improving people's lives. Whether you're a business owner, developer, designer, contractor, entrepreneur, or simply interested in creating better experiences for the people around you, this episode offers practical insights and thought-provoking perspectives that extend far beyond business. Why hospitality is a competitive advantage in any industryHow storytelling influences customer decisions and brand loyaltyThe concept of "narrative continuity" across every customer touchpointLessons from the restaurant industry that apply to all businessesWhy many entrepreneurs struggle to charge appropriately for their expertiseThe role of human connection in an AI-driven worldHow developers, businesses, and communities can benefit from stronger storytellingThe difference between transactions and memorable experiencesWhy serving people well remains one of the strongest business strategies availableHow business can become a force for community building and positive impact00:00 Introduction and reconnecting with Nick Ruffini 02:10 The Ruffini Group and helping businesses tell better stories 08:30 From restaurants to music, media, and entrepreneurship 15:20 Life as a professional musician and the realities of the industry 22:15 Building a career through curiosity and reinvention 27:45 Entrepreneurship, pricing, and charging what you're worth 34:20 Hospitality as a business philosophy 39:15 Why customer experience matters more than ever 44:30 Human connection in an increasingly automated world 49:15 Reviews, customer feedback, and authentic brand building 54:00 Storytelling, real estate development, and community engagement 58:30 Business as a tool for serving people and strengthening communities 1:02:00 Final thoughts and where to find Nick Ruffini This is one of those LivLive episodes that moves beyond tactics and gets into bigger ideas about how we build businesses, communities, and relationships that people genuinely want to be part of.

    LivLive Ep. 0000042 - Nick Ruffini – The Most Successful Businesses Don't Sell Products... They Build Communities.

  6. May 20

    LivLive - Ep. 0000041 - Jef Forward — Why Great Companies Win with Better Systems, Not More Effort

    In Episode 41 of LivLive, Jef Forward joins Dave Pollard for a deep conversation about the evolution of design-build, leadership, company culture, and the future of client experience in the remodeling industry. Jef shares the origin story behind Forward Design Build — from paying his way through architecture school building decks, to realizing traditional architecture firm life wasn’t the right fit, to taking a leap in 1997 after discovering the concept of “design-build” in a magazine article that changed his career trajectory. The conversation explores how personality profiling through DISC has shaped Forward’s internal culture and client communication systems, and how Jef is now integrating AI tools to create more empathetic, personalized communication experiences for both clients and team members. Dave and Jef also discuss scaling a creative company, hiring and leadership challenges, architecture school versus entrepreneurship, and the realities of building a people-first business in a high-stress service industry. This episode is packed with insights for architects, remodelers, entrepreneurs, and anyone interested in leadership, culture, and the intersection of design, technology, and human connection. How Jef Forward transitioned from architect to design-builderWhy DISC personality profiles transformed team communication at Forward Design BuildHow AI can enhance empathy and client experience in service businessesThe realities of scaling from a small team to a 47-person companyLessons learned from hiring, leadership, and company cultureWhy architecture school often prepares people to create — but not necessarily to run businessesHow design-build reshaped the relationship between architects, builders, and homeownersThe importance of creating a stress-free remodeling experience for clientsWhy humility and failure often become the foundation for growth Chapters 00:00 – Introduction to Episode 41 00:42 – Meeting Jef Forward Through Remodelers Advantage 02:11 – Using AI to Automate Empathy and Improve Communication 03:10 – DISC Personality Profiles and Client Communication 05:07 – Building Team Culture and Managing a 47-Person Company 07:00 – Architecture School, Creativity, and Deadline Culture 08:08 – Creating a Stress-Free Client Experience 08:33 – Connecting DISC to Leadership and Client Experience Roles 15:04 – The Origin Story of Forward Design Build 19:51 – Discovering Design-Build Through Remodeling Magazine 20:33 – Quitting Architecture Firm Life and Taking the Leap 21:30 – Learning Construction, Remodeling, and Entrepreneurship in Real Time 34:50 – Marketing, Reputation, and Standing Out in Ann Arbor 36:40 – Architecture School vs. Business Ownership 37:30 – Final Reflections on Creativity, Leadership, and Building a Company

    LivLive - Ep. 0000041 - Jef Forward — Why Great Companies Win with Better Systems, Not More Effort

  7. May 14

    LivLive Ep. 0000040 — Peter Barden

    In Episode 0000040 of LivLive, Dave reconnects with longtime friend and former Virginia Tech School of Architecture classmate Peter Barden, now a Senior Project Manager with HKS Architects. What starts as a conversation about architecture school memories and old studio stories quickly turns into a deep discussion about the evolution of the construction and architecture industry over the last 20+ years — from BIM and virtual construction to integrated project delivery, stadium design, adaptive reuse, and the future of technology in the built environment. Peter shares his unique career path moving between architecture firms and major contractors, including experiences at Commonwealth Architects, Hourigan, and HKS, where he’s worked on complex sports and large-scale commercial projects. Dave and Peter also reflect on the culture and educational philosophy of Virginia Tech Architecture, the professors and experiences that shaped them, and how design education influences the way architects think long after school ends. The episode blends serious industry insight with plenty of nostalgia, humor, and behind-the-scenes stories from architecture school, Habitat for Humanity builds, Richmond connections, and the early career paths that shaped both of their journeys. How BIM and virtual construction transformed commercial architecture and constructionWhy construction is simultaneously one of the most advanced and most outdated industries technologicallyThe realities of coordinating massive sports and commercial projectsHow working on stadiums changes the way you experience sporting events foreverThe difference between architecture school thinking and real-world project deliveryWhy Virginia Tech Architecture created such a unique design mindsetThe importance of curiosity, exploration, and learning how to think differentlyLessons from adaptive reuse, historic renovation, and large-scale collaborationFunny stories and memories from architecture school studio culture and early career life00:00 — Introduction to Episode 40 & Peter Barden 01:45 — Peter’s career path: architecture, construction & HKS 04:00 — BIM, virtual construction & technology evolution in the industry 08:30 — Integrated project delivery & collaboration challenges 12:00 — Pushing technology beyond current industry standards 16:00 — Virginia Tech Architecture culture & learning how to think differently 20:00 — Curiosity, experimentation & adapting to new technology 24:00 — Student projects, design thinking & adaptive reuse discussions 29:00 — Joining HKS & working in the sports sector during lockdown 33:00 — Stadium design, sports architecture & seeing buildings differently 37:00 — Architecture school professors, studio culture & formative experiences 41:00 — Theoretical architecture education vs. practical application 44:00 — Habitat for Humanity builds & hands-on learning experiences 48:00 — Richmond memories, old apartments & architecture school reunion stories

    LivLive Ep. 0000040 — Peter Barden

  8. May 7

    LivLive Ep. 0000039 - Jake Harris

    In this episode of LivLive, Dave sits down with Jake Harris—builder turned entrepreneur—to unpack a journey that feels increasingly relevant across the construction industry: moving from building homes to building technology. Jake’s path started in the trenches as a builder, where he experienced firsthand the friction, inefficiencies, and financial gaps that small construction businesses face every day. That real-world perspective led him into the world of fintech, where he’s now developing tools like Build Wallet and Project Wallet—solutions designed to fix how money moves through construction projects. This conversation goes beyond just “builder to tech founder.” Dave and Jake dig into the deeper why: the broken payment structures in construction, the risks contractors carry, and how better systems could fundamentally change the industry. They also explore what it actually takes to make the leap—from operator to entrepreneur to product builder—and why more builders may be uniquely positioned to drive the next wave of innovation. If you’re in design-build, construction, or even adjacent to the industry, this episode will challenge how you think about money, risk, and opportunity in your business. Why the construction payment system is fundamentally broken—and who it hurts mostHow a builder’s perspective can lead to powerful tech innovationThe real risks contractors take on with cash flow and project financingWhat Build Wallet and Project Wallet are solving in the industryThe mindset shift from building projects to building companies and productsWhy more builders may move into tech and entrepreneurship00:00 – Intro & Episode SetupDave opens the show and introduces Jake Harris—builder, entrepreneur, and fintech founder. 01:00 – From Builder to Tech EntrepreneurJake shares his background in construction and the early signs that something wasn’t working in the industry. 04:30 – The Problem with Construction PaymentsBreaking down the structural issues in how money flows through projects—and why it creates risk for builders. 10:15 – Where Builders Get BurnedReal-world examples of cash flow pressure, delayed payments, and financial exposure. 16:40 – Identifying the OpportunityHow Jake recognized the gap and began thinking about solutions beyond the jobsite. 21:30 – Building Build Wallet & Project WalletWhat these platforms do, who they’re for, and how they aim to fix payment inefficiencies. 28:45 – Fintech Meets ConstructionWhy construction is ripe for disruption—and why it’s been slow to change. 35:20 – The Leap into EntrepreneurshipWhat it actually takes to transition from operator to founder, and the risks involved. 42:10 – Advice for Builders Looking to InnovateJake’s perspective on where opportunity exists today for builders willing to think differently. 48:00 – The Future of Construction FinanceWhere things are heading and what a better system could look like. 52:30 – Closing ThoughtsFinal reflections on entrepreneurship, industry change, and building what’s next.

    LivLive Ep. 0000039 - Jake Harris
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Ratings & Reviews

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About

LivLive is a conversation-driven podcast about design, building, real estate, and the business behind it all. Hosted by Dave Pollard, architect and co-founder of LivCo, LivLive brings together architects, builders, developers, and industry leaders to talk honestly about how projects really come together — from early ideas and design decisions to construction, ownership, and long-term value. Each episode blends professional insight with real-world experience.

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