The Builder Upper Show

What does it take to build a successful construction business from the ground up? For Chris Estrada, CEO of Team Extreme and Extreme Drywall Concepts, it took decades of hard work, learning, resilience, faith, and a willingness to keep pushing through the tough seasons. In this episode of The Builder Upper Show, Lou Perez sits down with Chris to talk about his unconventional path into construction, from dropping out of high school and attending Phoenix Job Corps to becoming a commercial drywall and painting contractor operating with more than 100 employees and averaging eight-figure revenue.

In this She Builds Nation special episode, Coty Fournier, shares her inspiring journey from construction management student to senior executive and founder of a successful company. Listen as Coty discusses the seven qualities that propelled her career, her discovery of a passion for the construction industry, and her superpower of teaching and mentorship. Gain valuable insights on overcoming challenges in the industry as a woman in construction, and discover emerging trends that will shape the future of construction. Don't miss Coty's advice on maximizing field experience and the importance of bridging the gap between the office and the field.

In this She Builds Nation special episode, Michele Heyward, founder and CEO of PositiveHire, shares her journey from being a civil engineer to creating more inclusive workplaces for women of color in STEM. Michele discusses her experiences as the only black woman on job sites during her 12-year career in construction, highlighting the challenges she faced and the lack of diversity in the industry. She emphasizes the importance of moving beyond surface-level diversity efforts by focusing on cultural change within organizations. Michele also provides insights on how women of color in STEM can advocate for themselves, such as leveraging Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and finding sponsors who can support career advancement. Her mission with Positive Hire is to address these systemic issues and foster more equitable environments in STEM fields.

A multifaceted professional with a background in welding, construction, and advocacy for women in trades, Demi Knight Clark discusses her career path, the influence of her trailblazing grandmother (one of the first female Marines and Rosie the Riveter during World War Two), and the challenges and innovations in the construction industry. From founding 'She Built This City' to promoting workforce development and engaging young girls in STEM, Demi's story is one of resilience, innovation, and empowerment. Tune in as she shares valuable insights on fostering diversity in male-dominated fields and the importance of sponsors over mentors for women aiming to break into these industries.

In this episode, Kyle Young, President of Double L Management, discusses his incredible journey in the construction industry. Kyle takes us through his diverse experiences, from designing conveyor systems as a mechanical engineer to taking a leap of faith in purchasing a struggling company, now flourishing with an 800% growth. Kyle opens up about how he shifted from hands-on construction to focusing on the strategic side of business.

In this episode of the Builder Upper Show, we had an incredible conversation with Michael Essrig, founder and president of ETC Building and Design and Safe-T-Proof. Michael shares his journey from experiencing a life-changing earthquake to becoming a leader in seismic retrofitting and hospital safety compliance.

In this episode, Chris Tatge, the founder and president of DC Materials & Dynamic Construction, shares his incredible journey from starting as a 20-year-old framing contractor to becoming a leader in the construction industry. We discuss the importance of mastering the office, building strong partnerships, and embracing new technologies in construction. Chris also emphasizes the significance of relationships, mentorship, and staying true to commitments in achieving success.