Ep. 115: I Lost My Career in a Split Second (Then I Built This) w/ James Machamer

Ep. 115: I Lost My Career in a Split Second (Then I Built This) w/ James Machamer

June 15, 2026 · 1h 7m · Season 3 · Episode 115

About this episode

James Machamer shares his journey from a military and fire service career to launching a technology-driven business that helps clients visualize architectural plans.

This episode, we sit down with James Machamer, President and Chief Experience Officer of Walk Your Plans Des Moines. He discusses his transition from a 23-year military career and the fire department to launching a technology-driven business that projects life-size floor plans for homeowners and developers.Timestamps: (00:20) Innovative Business Model: James explains that "Walk Your Plans" takes architectural blueprints and projects them onto a floor at a 1:1 scale, allowing clients to physically walk through a space and verify the flow, furniture placement, and functionality before construction begins.(01:37) The Reality of Starting Up: He emphasizes that new entrepreneurs must prepare for a difficult lending environment; he specifically recommends the SBA 7A loan route but cautions that the process for startups is significantly more complex than it was decades ago.(03:06) Seeking Relevant Mentorship: James advises aspiring business owners to talk to those who have started businesses within the last three to five years, as the modern landscape of loans, technology, and regulations has changed drastically.(04:34) Beyond Residential Use: While often used for homes, the…

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