Builder of Choice™ Insights

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/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenny-siggs/] 🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kenneth.siggs [https://www.facebook.com/kenneth.siggs]   👉 Discover More About Kenny Siggs Company: 🔗 LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/siggs-air-conditioning/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/siggs-air-conditioning/] 🔗 Website: https://www.siggsac.com/ [https://www.siggsac.com/] 🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Siggs-Air-Conditioning-61563221042519/ [https://www.facebook.com/Siggs-Air-Conditioning-61563221042519/]   👉 Check Out Ben Minks on Social: 🔗 LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-minks-78305bba/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-minks-78305bba/]   👉 Discover More About Ben Minks' Company: 🔗 LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/capstone-homes-inc-/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/capstone-homes-inc-/] 🔗 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPGS_AwBUwwHP2OLlNBLpJA [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPGS_AwBUwwHP2OLlNBLpJA] 🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapstoneHomesMinnesota/ [https://www.facebook.com/CapstoneHomesMinnesota/] 🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/capstonehomesmn/ [https://www.instagram.com/capstonehomesmn/] 👉 Check out Shinn Group and Subscribe: 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-shinn-group/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-shinn-group/] 🔗 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theshinngroup [https://www.youtube.com/@theshinngroup] 🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theshinngroup [https://www.facebook.com/theshinngroup]  🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theshinngroup1 [https://www.instagram.com/theshinngroup1?igsh=a3lib3Z5MDcybTk2] 🔗 Twitter: https://x.com/builderpartners [https://x.com/builderpartners]   #ShinnGroup #BuilderofChoice #ConstructionLeadership #Homebuilding #TradePartners #OperationalExcellence

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 howtechnology, data analytics, and artificial intelligence are shapingdecision-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 technicalinitiatives 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 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-berrington-innovates] 🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thomas.berrington.3 [https://www.facebook.com/thomas.berrington.3] 👉 Check out Shinn Group and Subscribe: 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-shinn-group/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-shinn-group/] 🔗 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theshinngroup [https://www.youtube.com/@theshinngroup] 🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theshinngroup [https://www.facebook.com/theshinngroup]  🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theshinngroup1 [https://www.instagram.com/theshinngroup1?igsh=a3lib3Z5MDcybTk2]   #ShinnGroup #BuilderofChoice #HomebuildingTechnology #ConstructionTech #ArtificialIntelligence #DataAnalytics #BusinessSystems #OperationalEfficiency

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/ [https://www.higharc.com/] 🔗 LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/higharc/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/higharc/] 🔗 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@higharchomes [https://www.youtube.com/@higharchomes] 🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/higharchomes/ [https://www.facebook.com/higharchomes/]   👉 Check out Shinn Group and Subscribe: 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-shinn-group/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-shinn-group/] 🔗 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theshinngroup [https://www.youtube.com/@theshinngroup] 🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theshinngroup [https://www.facebook.com/theshinngroup]  🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theshinngroup1/ [https://www.instagram.com/theshinngroup1/] 👉 Don’t Miss Our Upcoming Seminar     🔗 Managing for Profit, April 21-23, 2026 https://cvent.me/DmeYwO [https://cvent.me/DmeYwO]   #ShinnGroup #BuilderofChoice #ConstructionTechnology #AIinConstruction #PropTech #DigitalTransformation #HomebuildingInnovation #DesignBuild Socials:

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 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/cooper-conger-263631192]   🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cooper.conger.7 [https://www.facebook.com/cooper.conger.7]   👉 Discover More About Cooper’s Company, NewPad Building Company: 🔗 Website: newpadbuildingco.com [https://newpadbuildingco.com/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExSlh5b2VHaDk1NnZCSDV1OXNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR5o_Za4_2dk4hZ1MWEZ5D_T5yMNY-RE1W_dkZXXRsANjOazMjZA9gMNTEgmSQ_aem_IpF3Mgd4dGQ0898SoPZMBw] 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/newpad-building-co?trk=public_profile_topcard-current-company [https://www.linkedin.com/company/newpad-building-co?trk=public_profile_topcard-current-company] 🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551240387892 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551240387892]   👉 Check out Shinn Groupand Subscribe: 🔗 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theshinngroup [https://www.youtube.com/@theshinngroup] 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-shinn-group/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-shinn-group/] 🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theshinngroup [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 [https://share.hsforms.com/13FbnuumWQbi43C4-ZL0_0gehnne]  🔗 IBS 2026 Free Expo Pass: https://ibs26.nvytes.co/ibs26landing/46464.html [https://ibs26.nvytes.co/ibs26landing/46464.html]  🔗 Executive Summit | March 11-13, 2026 : https://cvent.me/A4Y30b [https://cvent.me/A4Y30b]   #ShinnGroup #BuilderofChoice #ConstructionLeadership #Homebuilding #WorkforceDevelopment #BuilderPodcast

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/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-mathieu-welty-2a1393a/]   👉 Check out Shinn Group and subscribe: 🔗 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theshinngroup [https://www.youtube.com/@theshinngroup] 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-shinn-group/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-shinn-group/] 🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theshinngroup [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 [https://share.hsforms.com/13FbnuumWQbi43C4-ZL0_0gehnne]  🔗 IBS 2026 Free Expo Pass: https://ibs26.nvytes.co/ibs26landing/46464.html [https://ibs26.nvytes.co/ibs26landing/46464.html]  🔗 Executive Summit | March 11-13, 2026 : https://cvent.me/A4Y30b [https://cvent.me/A4Y30b] #BuilderOfChoice #Homebuilding #ConstructionLeadership #BuilderPodcast #OperationalExcellence #Profitability #BuilderTraining #LeadershipDevelopment #BusinessGrowth #ShinnGroup #RealWorldBuilding #HomeBuilderLife #ConstructionIndustry #TradePartners #BuilderInsights