Building Better Podcast

Parade of Homes 2025 Special #3: Greenwald & B.C., Scott Norris Construction, Andersen Windows

In our final Parade of Homes special, Lauren Tucker sits down with Colin Herren of Greenwald & B.C. to talk about their stunning custom cottage on Lake Michigan in Manistee. Designed as a vacation home for out-of-state clients, the build showcases laid-back luxury, with a massive butler's pantry, warm natural finishes, and a layout made for hosting. Colin shares how communication, patience, and collaboration shaped the final product. Next, Lauren is joined by Dave Schneider of Andersen Windows, a 2025 Parade sponsor. Dave explains how Andersen works hand-in-hand with builders to match performance, style, and structural goals—especially as homes trend toward larger glass, cleaner lines, and energy efficiency. Finally, Scott Norris of Scott Norris Construction walks us through his latest Parade entry: a lakefront home that blends work-from-home needs with entertaining. With expansive lake views through floor-to-ceiling windows and a layout that flows naturally to the outdoors, the home balances beauty with thoughtful function.

Parade of Homes 2025 Special #2: Bay Area Contracting, Leelanau Construction, Weekes Forest Products

Lauren Tucker welcomes back longtime Parade of Homes participants Bay Area Contracting/BAC Design Group—Dean Adams, Trisha Adams, and Erica Murdock—for a look at how a passion project for Dean's brother became one of their most personal builds yet. The team reflects on the Parade's marketing power, their decades-long journey with the HBA, and how designing with family in mind changes everything. Next, Larry Mikowski of Weekes Forest Products (a Parade sponsor) joins to talk about trends in home materials and why longevity always wins. Finally, Corey Flaska of Leelanau Construction shares how he's blending custom craftsmanship with community-minded, smaller-footprint homes. His spec home in Cedar—a model for attainable housing—shows how thoughtful design and strategic density can serve both homeowners and land preservation.

Parade of Homes 2025 Special #1: CMB Construction, Royal Stag Construction, Builders FirstSource

In this special Parade of Homes kickoff, Lauren Tucker sits down with Colin Bushong of CMB Construction, the reigning People's Choice winner, who's doubling down this year with two featured homes—one a refined riverside retreat, the other a smartly designed, budget-friendly build with bold style. Later, Chris Ostrowski of Builders FirstSource talks sponsorship, innovation, and pricing myths, and finally, we check in with Will Saputo of Royal Stag Construction about his striking farmhouse in Yuba and how his nonprofit TCLEG is building homes and community. From dream builds to real-world budgets, this episode sets the tone for an inspiring season.

"Parade of Homes" Series Teaser

We're got a great series of programs coming up to coincide with our annual "Parade of Homes!"

Building Community, Culture & Craftsmanship with Bay View Flooring's Jonathan Woolfolk

In this episode of the Building Better Podcast, host Lauren Tucker welcomes Jonathan Woolfolk, co-owner of Bay View Flooring and title sponsor of this year's Parade of Homes. Lauren and John chat about the 36th annual Parade of Homes, flooring trends, and what makes this showcase of local craftsmanship such a beloved event. John shares what it's been like to take over a trusted, family-run business with his wife Margaret, and how they've embraced both tradition and innovation—from pet-friendly showrooms to an evolving apprenticeship pipeline with the Career Tech Center. They also touch on the skilled labor shortage, the importance of workforce development, and how even the smallest jobs deserve quality attention. This one blends heart, humor, and insight from two people deeply rooted in the building community. Listen to hear how a flooring company is making big impact on homes, careers, and community culture.