The Building Code

Flowing prosperity: Master your cash before it masters you

Cash flow isn’t just numbers on a spreadsheet. It’s the lifeblood of every construction business. Get it wrong and you’re stuck chasing checks and juggling credit lines. Get it right and you unlock growth, stability and peace of mind.

 

In this episode of The Building Code by Buildertrend, host Charley Burtwistle, VP of Core Operations at Buildertrend, and guest host, Sarah Kate Hartt, Senior Product Manager at Buildertrend, sit down with Elizabeth Splan, Director of Finance and HR at Basements Plus. Elizabeth pulls back the curtain on how her company turned cash management form a stress point to a growth engine.

 

💬 Quotes you’ll hear in this episode:

 

• “Cash will come if you have good processes to support it.” – Elizabeth Splan

 

• “I used to check the bank in a panic. Now I check the bank for fun.” – Elizabeth Splan

 

• “Payments isn’t just a transaction. It’s part of how you run your business.” – Sarah Kate Hartt

 

• “What’s the worst that can happen? Positive cash flow.” – Elizabeth Splan

 

• “Builders using Buildertrend Payments are getting paid three times faster… and that kind of cushion is leverage.” – Sarah Kate Hartt

 

🔑 What you’ll learn:

 

• How to forecast like a CFO with forward-looking “windshield” planning
• Receivables made simple with Buildertrend Payments
• Red flags that signal deeper operational issues
• Why trust and transparency eliminate awkward money conversations
• How stronger cash flow led to a record-breaking $2M sales month

 

Elizabeth’s real-world playbook proves that strong processes create steady cash flow — and Buildertrend Payments makes it easier than ever to get paid up to 3x faster.

 

Related Content

 

• Webinar: Simplify your payment process with Buildertrend
• Blog: Modernize your construction payment process
• Blog: The full guide to construction project forecasting

 

Links and More

 

• Following Basements Plus on Instagram
• Follow Buildertrend on social: Instagram I Facebook
• Watch The Building Code on YouTube
• Join The Building Code Crew fan page on Facebook to connect with fellow listeners and keep the conversation going

 

#Buildertrend #TheBuildingCodePodcast #CashFlow #ConstructionBusiness #ConstructionFinance #Payments

Why proven systems outperform scrappy hustle – with Brad Leavitt & Tim Coughran

Today on “The Building Code”, Charley sits down in studio with two of the best in the business: Brad Leavitt of AFT Construction and Tim Coughran of Alderview Construction.

 

Brad and Tim pull back the curtain on how they went from lone-wolf contractors to respected leaders of systemized, scalable construction companies. From In-N-Out-inspired SOPs to onboarding processes that rival luxury brands, they share practical strategies for building smarter – not harder.

 

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why custom homes still need standard systems
• How to use Buildertrend features like daily logs and QR-coded change orders to streamline jobs
• What real leadership looks like in growing your team and retaining talent
• Why your business needs to be a career path, not a stepping stone

 

Whether you're hiring your first office manager or juggling million-dollar builds, this episode will show you the power of process-driven growth.

 

Follow Brad and Tim on their Instagrams

• @aft_construction
• @alderviewconstruction

Join “The Building Code” Facebook group:

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FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/buildertrend/

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/buildertrend/ 

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/Buildertrend/

YOUTUBE:  / @buildertrend

LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/buildertrend

#Buildertrend #TheBuildingCodePodcast #ConstructionLeadership #CustomHomes #BuilderLife #ConstructionBusiness #AFTConstruction #AlderviewConstruction #Homebuilders

Heart meets hustle: How this Texas builder scaled with purpose

Today on “The Building Code,” Charley and Carly are sitting down with Ryan and Hannah Schwanbeck – the husband-and-wife duo behind Our House Your Home, a Fort Worth-based design-build company known for their curated style, meaningful process and people-first approach.

 

What started as Hannah selling fully styled rooms out of their home quickly evolved into a booming business – with Ryan leaving his corporate job to help scale their passion into a purpose-driven company. In this episode, the couple shares how they’ve built a brand that blends creativity and craftsmanship, while maintaining a strong marriage, a growing team and a clear vision for the future.

 

They also share exciting news: the launch of two luxury spec homes – designed and built 100% in-house.

 

Tune in to hear how Ryan and Hannah navigate business and life as partners, why Buildertrend is key to setting boundaries and how they're redefining what it means to build a home – and a legacy.

 

Follow Our House Your Home on their social channels:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourhouseyourhome/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OHYH.ourhouseyourhome/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ourhouseyourhome

 

 

Read the shownotes for this episode here:

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INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/buildertrend/ 

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/Buildertrend/

YOUTUBE:  / @buildertrend

LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/buildertrend

#Buildertrend #BuiltWithBuildertrend #ConstructionSoftware #DesignBuild #TheBuildingCodePodcast #HomeDesign #BuilderLife #OurHouseYourHome #SpecHomes #BuilderCouple

What it really takes to pass down a construction business

Today on “The Building Code,” Charley is joined by a brand-new cohost, Shelbie Hoggatt, community strategist at Buildertrend and host of Buildertrend University. They’re sitting down with Leah Gonzalez of San Antonio, Texas – a second-generation builder who recently jumped full-time into the family construction business, Pencsak Builders.

Hear how Leah is making her mark by diving deep into Buildertrend, managing job site schedules, leading client communication and modernizing their social media. She shares how she balances learning from her parents while bringing fresh ideas to the table – and what it’s like being coached to one day take the reins.

 

Tune in for a refreshing and insightful take on legacy, leadership and embracing your next chapter.

 

Follow Pencsak Builders on their social channels:

 

• Instagram: http://instagram.com/pencsakbuilders/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pencsakbuilders/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PencsakBuilder

 

Join “The Building Code” Facebook group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/thebuildingcodecrew/

 

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/buildertrend/

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/buildertrend/ 

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/Buildertrend/

YOUTUBE:  / @buildertrend

LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/buildertrend

#Buildertrend #BuiltWithBuildertrend #ConstructionSoftware #SecondGenBuilders #TheBuildingCodePodcast

How smart websites build better client relationships

Today on “The Building Code,” Charley is joined by returning co-host, Carly Ward, partnerships manager here at Buildertrend. They’re sitting down with Katlyn Slocum, creative director at Katlyn Slocum Design, a web design agency that builds strategy-driven websites for home builders and contractors.

Listen to the full episode to hear how builders can turn their websites into powerful tools for streamlining communication and boosting client satisfaction from the very start.

 

Learn more about Katlyn Slocum Design: https://www.katlynslocumdesign.com/

 

Get Katlyn’s free guide “10 Things Every Home Builder Website Needs”: https://www.katlynslocumdesign.com/freebies

 

Follow Katlyn on her social channels:

 

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katlynslocumdesign/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katlynslocumdesign/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katlynslocum/

 

 

Read the shownotes for this episode here:

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Join “The Building Code” Facebook group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/thebuildingcodecrew/

 

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/buildertrend/

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/buildertrend/ 

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/Buildertrend/

YOUTUBE:  / @buildertrend

LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/buildertrend

#Buildertrend #BuiltWithBuildertrend #ConstructionSoftware #BreakthroughAcademy

The power of systems-first building

On this episode of “The Building Code,” Charley is joined by returning co-host, Kate Vazquez, senior manager of community here at Buildertrend. They’re chatting with Roberto Gutierrez, co-founder of Jackson Builders. Since helping launch the company in 2016, Roberto has helped deliver more than 500 homes and is actively leading mixed-use developments across the city, with a focus on revitalizing neighborhoods.

Tune in to the full episode to hear how intentional systems and streamlined processes can fuel sustainable growth in home building – from custom jobs to high-volume production.

 

Learn more about Jackson Builders: https://www.jbgbuilt.com/

 

Systemize your construction processes with Buildertrend’s project management software: https://buildertrend.com/

 

 

Read the shownotes for this episode here:

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Join “The Building Code” Facebook group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/thebuildingcodecrew/

 

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/buildertrend/

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/buildertrend/ 

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/Buildertrend/

YOUTUBE:  / @buildertrend

LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/buildertrend

#Buildertrend #BuiltWithBuildertrend #ConstructionSoftware #BreakthroughAcademy

Turnaround of the year: Going from struggle to success with consulting and tech

Today on “The Building Code,” Charley is joined by returning co-host, Carly Ward, partnerships manager here at Buildertrend. They’re sitting down with Eric Stenger and Preston Reed, co-founders of Seed Development + Design. Together, they lead SEED with a vision rooted in friendship, craftsmanship and a desire to create spaces that enhance everyday life.

Listen to hear how Seed Development + Design got back on the path to profitability with the help of Breakthrough Academy and Buildertrend.

 

Learn more about Seed Development + Design: https://www.seed2d.com/

 

Check out Breakthrough Academy and the services they offer for construction businesses: https://www.btacademy.com/

 

Systemize your construction processes with Buildertrend’s project management software: https://buildertrend.com/

 

 

Read the shownotes for this episode here:

https://buildertrend.com/podcast/the-building-code/269-eric-stenger-preston-reed/

 

Join “The Building Code” Facebook group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/thebuildingcodecrew/

 

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/buildertrend/

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/buildertrend/ 

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/Buildertrend/

YOUTUBE:  / @buildertrend

LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/buildertrend

#Buildertrend #BuiltWithBuildertrend #ConstructionSoftware #BreakthroughAcademy

Buildertrend + AI: Reshaping the future of client communication

On this episode of “The Building Code,” Charley is joined by co-host, Sagar Disai, group product manager at Buildertrend. They’re chatting with podcast regular, Adam Copenhaver, co-founder of CopeGrand Homes. Adaam, with his passion for creating unique living spaces, brings a hands-on approach to every project from concept to completion.

Tune in to the full episode to discover how Buildertrend’s new AI-generated summaries are reshaping communication for home builders – making it faster, more personalized and easier than ever to keep clients in the loop.

 

Learn more about Buildertrend’s enhanced client experience with new Client Updates and AI summaries: https://buildertrend.com/communication/construction-client-portal/

 

Check out the beautiful work of CopeGrand Homes: https://www.copegrandhomes.com/

 

 

Read the shownotes for this episode here:

https://buildertrend.com/podcast/the-building-code/268-adam-copenhaver/

 

Join “The Building Code” Facebook group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/thebuildingcodecrew/

 

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/buildertrend/

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/buildertrend/ 

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/Buildertrend/

YOUTUBE:  / @buildertrend

LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/buildertrend

#Buildertrend #BuiltWithBuildertrend #ConstructionSoftware #AI

The No. 1 reason builders lose money – and how to stop it

Today on “The Building Code,” Charley is joined by guest co-host Carly Ward, partnerships manager here at Buildertrend. They’re chatting with Carla Merrill, Owner of Builder’s GoTo. Carla is a trusted resource connecting builders with top products like QuickBooks and Buildertrend to streamline their operations and drive growth.

Listen to the full episode to discover the hidden factors that drain profits – and walk away with practical strategies you can implement immediately to build smarter.

 

Learn more about Builder’s GoTo: https://www.buildersgoto.com/

 

 

Read the shownotes for this episode here:

https://buildertrend.com/podcast/the-building-code/267-carla-merrill/

 

Join “The Building Code” Facebook group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/thebuildingcodecrew/

 

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/buildertrend/

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/buildertrend/ 

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/Buildertrend/

YOUTUBE:  / @buildertrend

LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/buildertrend

#Buildertrend #BuiltWithBuildertrend #ConstructionSoftware #AI

Built by mentorship: How passion, precision and people lead to success

On this episode of “The Building Code,” Charley is sitting down with Elias Rhett, owner of Luxe Builders. With a passion for the construction, Elias took the opportunity to learn from some of the best in the industry before setting out on his own to establish his own company. Today, his dedication to client satisfaction and attention to detail have earned him a reputation for excellence.

Tune in to the full episode to hear Elias’s inspiring story and how his relationships with other leading builders led to the success of his own construction business.

 

Learn more about Luxe Builders: https://www.luxebuilders.co/

 

Follow along with Luxe Builders on their Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/l.u.x.e.builders/

 

Read the shownotes for this episode here:

https://buildertrend.com/podcast/the-building-code/266-elias-rhett/

 

Join “The Building Code” Facebook group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/thebuildingcodecrew/

 

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/buildertrend/

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/buildertrend/ 

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/Buildertrend/

YOUTUBE:  / @buildertrend

LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/buildertrend

#Buildertrend #BuiltWithBuildertrend #ConstructionSoftware #AI