Building Brands

Arlene Rodriguez
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Business

Building Brands is where real estate, marketing, and business collide. Hosted by Arlene Rodriguez, this podcast brings you inside the minds of the builders, developers, and industry leaders shaping the future of Atlanta and beyond. From behind-the-scenes conversations to real strategies that actually drive traffic, leads, and sales, this isn’t surface-level marketing talk. It’s real insight from the people doing it. If you’re a builder, agent, or entrepreneur ready to grow your brand with intention, this is where you tap in. Powered by Club de Brands.

Episodes

  1. Jun 25

    From Drafting Homes to Building a Legacy | Shaunn Slaughter, Highland Parc Homes

    What does it really take to go from drawing house plans to building entire communities? In this episode of Building Brands, Arlene Rodriguez sits down with Shaunn Slaughter, Managing Member of Highland Parc Homes and Highland Parc Design, to discuss his journey from serving in the military to becoming one of Georgia's respected custom home designers and builders. Sean shares how he built his business from the ground up, why hard work still beats shortcuts, and how technology—including AI—is transforming the future of home design and construction. They also discuss permitting challenges, today's biggest home design trends, balancing entrepreneurship with a full-time career, and what it truly takes to build homes that stand the test of time. Whether you're a builder, Realtor, developer, investor, or simply love real estate, this conversation offers valuable insight into the business behind every home. In this episode you'll learn: Shaunn's journey from military service to home builderThe difference between home design and home buildingWhy AI is changing architecture faster than most realizeCurrent trends in custom homes and community developmentBehind-the-scenes realities of permits and constructionAdvice for aspiring entrepreneurs and future buildersA look inside Sydney Oaks and upcoming Highland Parc projects

  2. May 19

    Sam Bass, Vice President of Sales at Dream Finders Homes

    On this episode of Building Brands, we sit down with Sam Bass, Vice President of Sales at Dream Finders Homes, for a real conversation about leadership, longevity, family, and the evolving housing market. With nearly 40 years in homebuilding, Sam shares his journey from on-site sales agent to executive leadership, the lessons that shaped his people-first approach, and why staying connected to the sales floor matters more than ever. We also dive into how becoming a grandfather has shifted his perspective on life, family, and the emotional side of homebuying. From recruiting and motivating teams to navigating today’s housing market, Sam brings wisdom, positivity, and authenticity to every part of the conversation. Plus, we talk about: The biggest difference between today’s market and 2008What makes Dream Finders Homes stand outThe future of Atlanta homebuildingLeadership advice for anyone wanting to grow into VP-level rolesWhy culture and energy matter in salesRecorded inside the beautiful Concord Oaks community in Powder Springs, Georgia.

  3. May 11

    Maria Whitlach, Sales & Marketing Operations Manager at McKinley Homes.

    In this episode of the Building Brands Podcast, Arlene sits down with Maria Whitlach, the Sales & Marketing Operations Manager at McKinley Homes, for an honest and fun conversation about the realities of new home sales, leadership, family, and what’s really happening in today’s housing market. Maria shares her journey from being a single mom hustling in New Jersey to becoming a key leader in the homebuilding industry, while opening up about the dedication, pressure, and reward that comes with new construction sales. From hilarious “per my last email” moments to her biggest community pet peeves, spooky model home stories, and the truth behind the McKinley Homes name, this episode blends real industry insight with authentic personality. The two also dive into: Why buyers should “marry the house, date the rate”Current market trends builders and buyers need to watchThe emotional side of helping families find a homeMulti-generational living and changing buyer demographicsWhat makes McKinley Homes differentExciting new communities coming soon across GeorgiaFilmed at Somerset at Riverbrooke in Gainesville, GA, this episode is full of laughter, leadership, and behind-the-scenes conversations from the world of homebuilding and branding.

  4. May 4

    Dana Wiggins President & CFO of Kerley Family Homes

    From her early days running track to leading high-level financial decisions, Dana shares what it really takes to succeed in the homebuilding industry—and it’s not just about numbers. We dive into: The real advice every professional needs when stepping into finance or leadershipWhy understanding why people ask questions will set you apart in any roleKey 2026 market indicators (interest rates, inflation, employment) and how they directly impact buyer behaviorBehind-the-scenes truths about homebuilding decisions—and what buyers often misunderstandA look inside Ford Landing and what makes this Signature Series community stand outPlus, a few laughs, real stories, and the kind of industry insight you don’t hear anywhere else. This episode is for anyone who wants to understand how smart decisions, clear communication, and market awareness truly build powerful brands in real estate. https://www.kerleyfamilyhomes.com/

  5. Apr 29

    Teaser Trailer | Building Brands

    A podcast that takes you inside the world of homebuilding—through the leaders shaping it. From sales and finance to construction and operations, each episode brings real conversations with the people responsible for turning land into communities. The decisions, the pressure, the timelines—and the teams behind it all. This isn’t surface-level insight.It’s a closer look at how the industry actually works. Get to know the people behind the build—their experience, their roles, and the companies they represent. Hosted by Arlene Rodriguez, founder of Club de Brands.

  • 5 Episodes

About

Building Brands is where real estate, marketing, and business collide. Hosted by Arlene Rodriguez, this podcast brings you inside the minds of the builders, developers, and industry leaders shaping the future of Atlanta and beyond. From behind-the-scenes conversations to real strategies that actually drive traffic, leads, and sales, this isn’t surface-level marketing talk. It’s real insight from the people doing it. If you’re a builder, agent, or entrepreneur ready to grow your brand with intention, this is where you tap in. Powered by Club de Brands.

Information

  • Creator
    Arlene Rodriguez
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    5
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Arlene Rodriguez
  • Show Website
    Building Brands