Blueprints Podcast

The Future of the Trades: Why Skilled Work is the New Gold Mine

In this episode of Blueprints, Isabelle and Michael dive into the changing landscape of the workforce and why "blue-collar" careers are becoming the new gold mine. For years, the narrative has been that a four-year degree is the only path to success, but as the demand for skilled trades skyrockets, we’re seeing a massive shift in where the real opportunity—and wealth—is being built. We explores why skilled work is not just a viable career path, but a strategic move for the next generation of entrepreneurs and millionaires. From the autonomy of mastering a craft to the high-earning potential of specialized trades, we’re breaking down why the future belongs to those who know how to build, create, and maintain the world around us.

How We Built a Marketing Machine Without a Degree

In this episode of the Blueprints Podcast, Michael and Isabelle sit down to talk about Isabelle’s journey from growing up around job sites and door knocking neighborhoods… to becoming the Director of Sales & Marketing at Custom Built. If you're a student figuring out your future, someone interested in entrepreneurship, or just curious what it’s really like building a family business — this episode is for you.

Leading a Team at 21 (Before Feeling Ready)

What does it really take to step into leadership at a young age? In this episode of the Blueprints Podcast, Michael sits down with Isabelle to talk about the mindset shifts, challenges, and lessons that come with leading a team in your early 20s. Isabelle shares her journey from answering phones, running home shows, and door knocking as a teenager to building and leading the company’s marketing department. Together, they dive into topics like overcoming imposter syndrome, managing people older than you, building confidence as a leader, delegating effectively, and learning how to grow through discomfort. They also break down how implementing inbound marketing, content creation, and HubSpot transformed the business — taking Custom Built from almost no online presence to a thriving educational content machine generating leads through blogs, videos, SEO, and social media.

How to Become Aware of What’s Driving You

In this episode of the Blueprints Podcast, Isabelle sits down with Michael to unpack two powerful mindset shifts that can completely change how you lead, think, and show up in your life and business. Drawing from personal experiences with trauma, a life-altering head injury, and years of leadership growth, Michael dives into the science of the subconscious mind—and why up to 95% of our daily thoughts, behaviors, and decisions happen automatically beneath the surface. This conversation explores how hidden beliefs, internal stories, and “shadow” behaviors can quietly shape your results without you even realizing it. You’ll learn how language reveals what’s really going on internally, why certain patterns stop serving you as you grow, and how to recognize when you’re operating from stress versus your best self. Michael also introduces a practical tool for rewiring your thinking: the “I Am” belief system—shifting from external validation to internal identity. If you’re a business owner, leader, or someone focused on personal growth, this episode will challenge the way you think about control, performance, and identity. It’s not about becoming something new—it’s about recognizing what’s already there and learning how to access it consistently. If you're interested in mindset shifts for leaders, subconscious behavior patterns, overcoming limiting beliefs, emotional triggers, leadership development, personal growth, and building self-awareness - this one is for you.

Stop Copying Pinterest—Here’s How Real Design Actually Works

In this episode of the Blueprints Podcast, Isabelle sits down with Heather Rivera, owner and founder of Wallflower Designs and lead designer at Carpet Studio Flooring America in Okemos, Michigan. Heather shares her unconventional journey from owning an auditing firm to becoming a sought-after interior designer, explaining how her natural eye for color, love of sourcing beautiful pieces, and willingness to experiment shaped her creative career. The conversation dives deep into what true design really means, why biophilic design and bringing nature into the home creates calmer, more personal spaces, and why great design takes time, intention, and trust. Heather and Isabelle discuss the importance of living in a space before making major changes, avoiding rushed decisions, and creating a neutral “white box” when starting a remodel to better understand your home’s architecture and flow. If you’re looking for real-world insight into design trends, flooring selection, remodeling decisions, and how to create a home that actually reflects who you are, this episode delivers practical advice and fresh perspective from two passionate industry professionals.