#Momtalk with Custom Home Builder – Erin Stetzer
Episode #89: Welcome to the She Builds Show, I’m your host, Stefanie Olson and today I am excited to introduce you to the dynamic Erin Stetzer, the President of Stetzer Builders Inc, a Houston-based construction company that is revolutionizing the industry with its unwavering commitment to service and client satisfaction.
Erin is a mom, and she shares her experiences on her YouTube channel with the hashtag #MomTruths. She talks not just about being a mom, but also about being a woman in the construction industry.
Listen in as Erin shares her experiences and insights to help other women who may be considering a career in construction.
ABOUT ERIN STETZER:
President of Stetzer Builders Inc.
Erin Stetzer is the President of Stetzer Builders Inc, a Houston-based construction company that aims to be the most service-driven builder in the industry. Erin is a highly skilled and experienced professional who has spent her entire career in the construction industry. She has a passion for creating superior products and providing a superior client experience.
Erin is a strong believer in the power of teamwork and collaboration. She knows that success in the construction industry requires a team effort, and she works closely with her team to ensure that every project is completed to the highest standards. Her dedication to her work and her clients is evident in everything she does.
In her free time, Erin enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She loves exploring new things and sharing it.
Overall, Erin Stetzer is a dynamic and accomplished professional who is making a significant impact in the construction industry. Her commitment to excellence and her dedication to her clients make her a true leader.
CONNECT WITH ERIN:
• Website: https://www.stetzerbuilders.com/about
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/stetzerbuilders?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-stetzer-1a54975
WAYS TO CONNECT WITH STEFANIE…
• Website: https://shebuildshomes.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shebuildsbetter
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shebuilds.homes
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/shebuildsshow
EPISODE TRANSCRIPTION:
0:01 Welcome to the She Builds Show.
0:03 I’m your host, Stefanie Olson, a licensed general contractor who builds new construction, renovates and designs your vision today.
0:12 More than ever, we need raw, authentic women who are willing to rise above society’s norms, break those glass and encourage each other to boldly build the life we were meant to live.
0:24 So, honey, what are you building?
0:27 Welcome to the She Build Show.
0:29 I have an amazing guest that I am so honored to have on the show today.
0:33 Erin Stetzer of Stetzer Builders from Texas.
0:37 Welcome to the show, Erin.
0:39 Thank you, Stefanie.
0:40 I’m excited to be here.
0:42 Oh, my gosh.
0:43 Honestly, I’ve been like stalking you for so long and watching all of your stuff because you just like someone to be admired.
0:51 And I’m honestly so grateful that you took some time to chat with me today and your work is beautiful.
0:59 The quality of your work is beautiful.
1:01 What you stand for in terms of just giving an exemplary customer service and the attention to detail blows in.
1:11 Yeah.
1:11 Well, I would say that’s the same boat you’re in.
1:14 So I think we have a lot in common there.
1:16 Absolutely.
1:17 Absolutely.
1:17 Ok.
1:18 So can I just start with like, I want to know your backstory a little bit.
1:23 How did you get started in construction?
1:26 Was your family in it?
1:27 Did you just kind of go rope?
1:29 Where did all this come from?
1:31 Yeah.
1:31 So really it was not planned.
1:34 When I reflect on like, how in the world did I land here, there are a couple of things that influenced the decision.
1:41 One, I was in corporate America, and I could not sit at a desk.
1:44 I was like right out of college.
1:45 I was like, there’s no way I’m doing this.
1:47 But when I reflect back, I played division one basketball in college.
1:53 So for 18 years of my life, it was constant like feedback from like creating a project and that could be a game, right?
2:02 And strategizing around that project and figuring out how to win, how to be, you know, it’s a, you know, division one is like top 1% of all athletes, right?
2:12 So like it was my brother was a division one swimmer, so I know very much right on a minor feat that is in, yeah, it when it, it’s just part of the system, like part of your brother and a part of anyone who plays the video one sport.
2:28 So before I got married, my husband, so my boyfriend at the time was a builder and I was in corporate America and, you know, I was like, that is like the coolest job ever.
2:39 And I just, you know, I thought it’s wild to say this now, but I was like, oh, I’m a little afraid, like, it’s all guys and like, I don’t know anything about this and it’s a little scary.
2:50 And he was like, what are you talking about?
2:53 And I was like, yeah, what am I talking about?
2:54 So, I, yeah, so anyway, I said I lined my interviews up and started with a production builder which is a builder that, you know, they build lots and lots of homes, hundreds of homes and, you know, in like a neighborhood, right?
3:08 So they are building like 100 homes of the, you know, the same five floor plans.
3:12 So learn on their turf and then when we started to have kids, what was your position at the production?
3:19 Yeah.
3:20 So I was a superintendent.
3:21 So I did I, I there or did you like, how did you get a superintendent job?
3:26 Not knowing anything about construction?
3:28 Yeah.
3:28 Well, you know, a few interviews, I will say one of the interviews I actually was told that, you know, they had one problem.
3:36 I couldn’t be a builder and it was because I was a woman and I was like, I can’t believe you just said that like, you know.
3:42 Wow.
3:43 Yeah, that’s exciting.
3:44 Yeah, I did.
3:46 I said watch me.
3:46 So, yeah, started off with a bigger company and they have training programs.
3:51 So taught.
3:53 Yes.
3:54 Yes.
3:54 So I worked for David Weekly Homes, and I had a mentor and I shadowed builders for about six months.
4:03 And then, you know, just sort of soaked everything in learned, you know, we had a big booklet that tells you what happens, you know, a dirt phase it foundation phase that, you know, plumbing, h back electrical.
4:14 And we have this checklist.
4:15 So I like, just soaked myself into the information and started building and then eventually, you know, six months later they would give me a home and three homes or seven homes and they load you up.
4:27 So it becomes very, you know.
4:30 Yeah, it’s a lot to handle and you have to figure it out.
4:34 So what’s kind of the building scoop how I got into it?
4:37 So, you just went for it.
4:38 You were like, well, I’ll try to find a job in this industry.
4:41 It looks fun because I can be outside, and I don’t have to sit on my desk but it didn’t have anything to do with your degree from college.
4:49 Correct.
4:49 Correct.
4:50 So, I will say, so I had a finance degree in college.
4:53 So I had some background in how to manage money and how to budget and accounting and, you know, the basics.
5:02 I did know that when I took the job at David Weekly Homes that I would start my own business when we started having kids.
5:10 Yeah.
5:13 Yeah.
5:13 So to me it was always a place to learn.
5:15 How quickly can I learn?
5:16 How much can I soak in?
5:18 And then, you know, when we started a family, I wanted to merge the two where I could be with my kids and my husband, but also build.
5:26 And so there are some definite strategies and tactics there that are really, really helped me figure out how to serve everyone, well, serve my family well, serve my clients well, there’s a whole thing there, a whole recipe there.
5:42 I love that.
5:43 How long did you work for that production build company?
5:46 Two years.
5:47 OK.
5:48 And then you went directly into starting to build your business or do you say a period of time where you’re like, OK, I had kiddos then I slowed down or what was the journey there?
5:58 Yeah.
5:58 So my last day of work at the production, her building company was the day before I had our first child.
6:05 In the meantime, during that two years, I was preparing myself on, I, I would walk homes that are under construction and I would see what other it was a different level.
6:15 Custom homes are a different level.
6:16 So I would soak in, you know, like what are they doing differently here?
6:19 Like trim carpenters or what hinges are they using on the cabinets or what level of paint?
6:24 Why is this?
6:25 Does this look different?
6:26 So on the weekends I would go walk open houses or homes that actually were just under construction.
6:32 I would just go in because I look like I’m, I’m a female.
6:35 I look like I’m, you know, like someone who wants to buy a home rather than, yeah, rather than a builder.
6:40 So there’s a huge advantage there.
6:42 So I did prepare for that.
6:44 I do that constantly.
6:46 I’m like, oh, my God.
6:46 There you walk.
6:47 Oh, my.
6:47 Oh, all the time.
6:48 Like, if I’m in a different place, you know, like, it’s my favorite thing to like, oh, if there’s like a house under construction, like in Tahoe or a different state, I’m like, oh, my gosh, we have to go see what they do different than what I feel because it’s different everywhere.
7:01 So, that’s so funny.
7:02 I love doing that.
7:02 Yes.
7:03 Yeah.
7:04 So, yeah, it’s, you know, you’re drinking the Kool Aid.
7:08Absolutely.
7:08 Once you’re in, it’s everywhere.
7:10 That’s all you see.
7:11 Right.
7:12 Totally.
7:12 My kids are like, no, don’t thank God at another house.
7:18 Mom.
7:19 Ok.
7:19 So your kid was born?
7:21 Yeah.
7:22 Does she have a boy?
7:22 A girl?
7:23 It was a little boy.
7:24 So a girl, a girl.
7:26 Mhm.
7:27 Yep.
7:28 So she was born, and I just started jumping into like a bathroom remodel or a kitchen remodel.
7:35 I bought a piece of property and built a spec home that’s like where, you know, home you’re building and then you sell it along the way or at the end of construction and I would bring her with me and that was part of my plan too.
7:47 I, you know, your contractor’s license.
7:50 So, in Texas you don’t need a contractor’s license.
7:54 I guess if I were in Florida, you know, some of the other states that, you know, California, yeah, that would have happened probably while I was in production building, if that were the case.
8:06 Ok.
8:07 Yeah, they just don’t require, you can just build a house and not any governing body whatsoever.
8:13 You can in Texas and there, there are lots of pros and a lot of cons that go with that.
8:18 Yeah.
8:20 Yeah, there are.
8:21 Ok.
8:22 So you just started diving in and getting clients and at this point, did you like start your company and name it and like fully, you know, dive in or just take on projects as you could?
8:33 How did you get your, all of that?
8:35 Yeah, all of that.
8:36 Like I literally started the company when she was born, you know, had everything lined up and, you know, I pace myself, you know, we have five kids.
8:46 So it’s been a, a very paced process because, you know, I want you at that point, I wanted, I didn’t want my kids to know I worked, you know, that’s when I developed the habit of just, I wake up at that time.
9:02 It was 2:45 in the morning and I would work out and get my day ready and then, you know, feed a child and, and so that lasted for probably, I don’t know, maybe 12 years and now it’s pushed back to 3:35.
9:17 So it’s still the same mentality where I want to give them as much as I can when they’re awake and when they’re sleeping, you know, I can develop that other part of the business.
9:27 Well, that’s incredible.
9:29 I don’t think, I mean, I get up early, but I don’t get up that early.
9:32 Yeah, everything’s different.
9:33 I am like obsessed with… Not, I don’t know, I am so mindful of being a good mother and putting my priorities in that place, but because I’ve seen it, I’ve done it the wrong way.
9:48 How did you set the intention from the beginning to be like, I’m going to put them first and I also want this business that all was an obvious decision from the get go because when I was young, I was running a new business, but I didn’t know how to manage both at all.
10:08 So how did you tell me a little bit?
10:10 What was your story?
10:12 Well, I, you know, I ran an accounting practice with my dad and so I did that for, gosh, 10 plus years with him.
10:20 And then while I was doing that, I started in flipping, I started buying places at auction and flipping houses and, you know, my husband works a lot and I don’t feel like I knew how to take care of myself, how to, you know, just be there for the kids how to put effort into my marriage.
10:39 And it’s like all of my life blew up before I figured out like, oh, I have to do this different.
10:45 I’m going to like on it.
10:46 You know what I mean?
10:47 So, it was a lot harder lesson for me.
10:50 But it seems like that was, did you learn that somewhere?
10:52 Did, where did that come from?
10:54 Well, you know, things blew up all the time.
10:57 I mean, like, like there’s no, you know, of course, you know, my husband and I, you know, we had to really work through things.
11:04 We were off balance, you know, so we just really had to get in balance with each other.
11:10 And you’re right.
11:10 It was, it was work just like you’re exactly what you’re talking about and the kids, I think just the rule was if I’m awake and they’re awake, we’re, you know, I’m either feeding them, we’re playing, they’re coming to work with me, but we’re, you know, we’re gonna give every second of this a really good shot and it was just day by day.
11:32 So it was definitely not planned.
11:34 And of course, there are bumps where I didn’t do it right that day.
11:38 But, you know, I was aware of like, oh, I’m not going to do that again.
11:41 Like let’s reprogram here.
11:43 Yeah.
11:44 So very much like you, it’s just bumpy, bumpy, bumpy and still it was right.
11:49 It, it’s still bumpy.
11:51 It is still bumpy.
11:52 So, when you started your business then, you know, it sounds like, oh, I took on a couple of little jobs and people started hiring me that was 20 years ago at this point now.
12:03 Right.
12:04 And you know, the stuff that I see online are these incredible custom homes, like, just incredible custom homes and custom remodels.
12:14 Did you go into the business with the intention of that’s what I wanted, or did it morph into that?
12:20 I always wanted to be a part of the best, whatever that looks like, just be in the 1% of whatever it is that I’m doing that day.
12:31 So it has always been a part of me.
12:35 I didn’t know how I was going to get there but definitely learned that being the best means being on the best teams, like the best architects, the best designers, the best traits and, you know, going into it, I didn’t know what that meant, but I knew once I knew better, I couldn’t go backwards once I knew, you know, oh, painting trim is 21 steps.
13:02 I can’t hire the painter that handles this intense steps.
13:06 So I think just by knowing, just never ever going backwards or being less than what we’re capable of.
13:14 Yeah, that you, that you gained with that architect and designer question.
13:18 You know, I did notice on your website that almost all of your houses, I mean, and maybe I’m wrong.
13:23 I was looking through them, but no mostly all of your houses have different designs and how did that come about with that relationship?
13:31 because it doesn’t seem like you’re, or if I’m wrong, let me know your architecture and your design is in house, it’s independent fact outside of your business.
13:43 So tell me about that structure and why you go that way or how that happens.
13:48 Yeah.
13:49 So I think a project, the best projects have resources that each resource is an absolute expert in what they do and that is developed over time.
14:02 So if it’s an architect, that’s what they’re an expert in.
14:06 If it’s a designer, that’s what they do.
14:08 That’s what they know, that’s what they live and breathe builder, same thing.
14:12 And so and as long as everybody’s playing well together and on the same team, then there’s just synergy, it becomes an even better team, right?
14:21 So three people now become the value of, you know, six people or seven people.
14:26 So that’s just my perspective on honing in on just getting the absolute best for our clients.
14:34 Now there are design build firms.
14:35 And so there’s a model there that really works for people, design build, there are some systems that maybe there are more, there’s more efficiency because the design and designer builder and architect can huddle up in their office every day.
14:54 So I think each system aligns with whatever the client is trying to go after.
15:00 Yeah, absolutely.
15:02 Do clients tend to come to you with like we’ve got this plan drawn and it’s already designed and now we want to you to build it or do they come like, hey, I’ve got a piece of land.
15:12 What do we do?
15:13 What, what point do they arrive?
15:15 Right.
15:16 So either of those, if they, you know, if their friends said, hey, we built with Aaron Stetzer, you should give her a call.
15:23 We get on the phone.
15:24 My first, I guess my first recommendation is to align them with the right architect.
15:31 So that’s awesome.
15:32 They came to me that I’m not your girl right now.
15:34 Right now, we need to figure out who your architect is because the builder is only as good as the information provided.
15:42 That would be one scenario.
15:43 The other scenario is the architects and designers that we work with.
15:47 They’ve worked with us and our teams several times.
15:50 So they understand their client and they understand well, you know, sets or builders might be a great fit for them or another builder, right?
16:00 So they get a feel for their clients and who would align with them best based on their, you know, their target budget, their level of quality, the level of communication, right?
16:09 All of these little puzzle pieces go together.
16:12 Yeah, I love that.
16:13 So tell me about who is, who’s on your team.
16:18 Yeah.
16:18 So it’s me and then we actually have three people on our team, Kelly Carrie and Katie and they are all, they all start with K’s?
16:30 Yeah, they do.
16:31 They do.
16:32 Yeah.
16:33 And I hired them because, you know, just growing up through the years they were like the best moms I knew, they knew nothing.
16:41 I knew everyone on my team, knew nothing about construction.
16:44 So, yeah, but it’s very teachable.
16:47 It’s not rocket science and, you know, with lots of communication and paying attention to details, you know, anyone can learn anything they’re devoted to budgets and money and communication of money.
17:00 That’s just a really big thing that for some reason in our industry, in the residential industry can be a little sloppy.
17:09 And so we’ve made it a point to make it a huge part of our business.
17:14 Just, you know, things happen every day.
17:16 I just got out of a meeting, and we shifted a few decisions in a meeting and now we’ve got to go back and figure out, ok, well, what trade is involved here and what kind of time frame and they’re moving in when?
17:26 So how does this affect the schedule?
17:28 All that good stuff.
17:29 And then Melanie is one of our project managers.
17:32 She was actually in the design world.
17:34 She was a designer and she just wanted to be in the nuts and bolts of everything, right.
17:40 So, you know, I said, all right, let’s, let’s give it a shot here.
17:43 And now she’s like a complete powerhouse, complete powerhouse, but there was a bridge.
17:50 She had to get over, right, like in our business as you know, it’s like a doctor.
17:55 You’re on call all the time.
17:56 You are just on call because we’re dealing with emotions of clients, of trades, of designers, architects and it’s constant, you know, paying attention to what they’re really telling us, even if it’s in their face, you know, really, you know, checking in on that.
18:14 Yeah.
18:14 So you’re always on.
18:15 So there was a bridge there that it takes us, you know, a special person to really be an advocate for others, for your clients, for your designers, architects.
18:26 And so she did, she made it over that little bridge there and now she’s crushing it and then there’s me.
18:32 So the two of us are on all of the projects that we run and we run about, I would say between eight and 10 projects at a time.
18:41 Wow, how many projects you do?
18:43 Yeah.
18:44 You know, there are different time frames.
18:47 So like with, I would say our remodels last between eight months and two years.
18:53 They’re, you know, they’re big remodels and new construction can last anywhere from 2 to 3 years.
19:01 So I think if, you know, as long as we’re at that 8 to 10 at any point in time, that’s our sweet spot.
19:07 There’s a whole drill we go through on analyzing.
19:10 Are we a good fit for people was talking to?
19:15 Yeah.
19:16 So that’s what I was thinking that when you went from, you know, a little bit smaller to bigger, bigger, bigger that there was probably a lot of, no, and not the right fit for your project.
19:26 Yeah.
19:26 And to be honest and upfront about it in the beginning, right?
19:30 Like, I’m just, yeah, I mean, it was fine, like, for anyone starting a business, like the 1st 10 years we need practice, we need practice bidding, we need practice, judging a conversation, we need practice going through the really, really tough people to work for and to, and to recognize them at the beginning.
19:50 Yeah.
19:51 You know what?
19:52 And that, and sometimes we don’t.
19:54 Right.
19:55 But I think, you know, the 1st 10 years as I look back, I’m like, I’m really glad that I just, I said yes to a lot because that sped up, you know, experience speeds up the learning process.
20:09 So I just want to kind of like go back to your personal makeup because I know this part is really important to you of, you know, balancing your personal life and your work.
20:20 And I would love to kind of dive a little bit into what your day looks like starting that year.
20:26 2:45, 3:45 in the morning, what it looks like now.
20:30 And like, maybe if there’s just, I mean, like things that are, that work for you.
20:35 I’m actually teaching my friends and I put together this class, it’s called the Unlived Life.
20:39 And it’s about like successful women who are really good at making money but not balancing the rest of their lives and failing in their marriages and, you know, with their kids and their personal health.
20:53 And I just, you know, when I was thinking about self-care and to me, self-care is like, not getting your nails done.
21:00 Like that’s not what self-care is.
21:02 It’s like, it’s actually like the little things that help to take care of your mental health and making sure that you’re in a good place.
21:09 And I’m just curious what that looks like for you and how you manage because you’re managing a lot of projects, a lot of people because I’m assuming you have a lot of subs.
21:20 If you’re managing 8 to 10 projects at a time, there’s a lot of things going on and then you have five kids and a husband and a life.
21:27 And so I want to know more about like the in-depth part of that.
21:31 Yeah.
21:32 So my typical day and I would say this is a standard that I’ve, I’ve had since the kids were born.
21:41 So the whole routine in the morning, I’m a morning person.
21:43 Some people are night people.
21:45 You’re a morning person.
21:46 Oh, yeah, absolutely.
21:47 OK.
21:48 You know the drill.
21:49 So, and literally, I’m a creature of habit too because like once I get this routine done, I feel like I can give to others the rest of the day.
21:56 But that first part is mine.
21:58 Like, so wake up at 3 35.
22:01 I do 10 minutes of jumping rope and then I go to the pool and I swim 4500 m.
22:07 I come home, I get in an ice bath.
22:10 So we have an ice bath on our garage ice, but it’s 46 degrees.
22:14 And I hop in that for two minutes because that just sort of sets the tone for like, you know, you have to embrace what you don’t want to do.
22:22 Like it just totally stinks.
22:24 You hate it a lot of times again and I’m like, swearing it.
22:27 Like, why am I doing it?
22:28 So anyway, so hit that head on like, I’m going to hit it right now.
22:31 This is how my day is going to roll and then I, I’m only into it a year.
22:37 So every day for a year now and that’s a whole new conversation and it’s like life changing.
22:44 I would never stop at this point.
22:46 Really people that are like, I mean, I know it’s like the sad thing now, but obviously Tony Robbins has been doing it for decades a while.
22:55 Yeah.
22:56 So anyways good.
22:58 Yeah.
22:58 So ice bath and then I do 20 to 30 minutes of praying meditating just slowing down and then, and just being aware of, of what could happen during the day and how I want to react to things.
23:15 And so that’s very intentional to just get my baseline and then get the kids up and then they’re off to school and I’m off to work.
23:24 And when the kids were younger, I would try to be home by like 3:30 when they’re out of school.
23:30 And again that, you know, I carry two or three projects at the time.
23:34 So not the load I’m carrying now.
23:36 But I was always doing, trying to do be with them but then also think through a project, you know, a difficulty we’re having.
23:44 So I tried to merge the two together in pretty routine, 5:30 dinners.
23:49 One of the things that I’m so thankful for, even as the kids grew up, we have family dinners at least five days a week, most times, six days a week.
23:59 And that’s been the one solid thing that was Alec.
24:03 And I just said like that’s our time where the kids can just sort of ask questions or we can ask them questions and, you know, it’s just our time to be open with each other.
24:12 So that’s been a major family thing even through the sports and activities.
24:18 And I, I don’t know how we manage how, and I did that with like five kids sports.
24:24 Yeah, I don’t know.
24:26 We got lucky.
24:27 Their practices are right after school.
24:29 The other thing too is Alec.
24:31 So he cooks like my husband.
24:33 So he, about 13 or 14 years ago, we decided that long story short, he had cancer at one point in his life.
24:43 And he had been laid off from a job and he’s good.
24:46He’s fine now.
24:47 And I was like, well, what do you want to do?
24:48 Like?
24:49 And he said, Erin, you know, when you’ve had stage four cancer, he said, when you’ve looked at life in the eyes, like life or death straight out in the eyes, you get really clear about how you want to live the rest of it.
25:04 And he said, I want to be with the kids.
25:06 I said, oh, ok.
25:08 Well, then we got to figure out how to get this business going because both of us, you know, were, were working at the time.
25:14 So we did, we just huddled up and figured out like, ok, these are the things you’re going to have to do and these are the things I’m going to have to do and, and there was no whining about it, right.
25:23 Get used to laundry, right?
25:26 Like you’re on laundry, you’re on cook.
25:28 Yeah.
25:28 He loves to cook and then same thing with me, like, get things done.
25:32 Like, I don’t care how you get it done, but get it done.
25:35 So that did play into like family dinners and making shows, you know, both my husband and I work and it’s like trying to get everybody Michael’s one day a week dinner like that, we sit down, we have dinner, but it’s like at least I’m really consistent about that.
25:56 Yes.
25:57 Yes.
25:57 And, yeah, I think that’s important to be able to have the balance.
26:01 And has there been ever a dynamic between the two of you where, like, it was, like, obviously his choice.
26:07 Has there ever been anybody that’s, like, judged you guys or made you feel uncomfortable about your choice or made him feel bad, I’m sure.
26:16 Yeah.
26:16 You know.
26:17 Yeah.
26:18 You know, it’s funny, I mean, he knows every mom in the eighth grade and they’re all friends that.
26:25 But, yeah, there’s a moment where, like, I was at carpool all the time and now Alec is at carpool and just, you know, and whenever you go to, like, a soccer game, people introduce themselves.
26:35 Oh, Alec, what do you do?
26:36 Right.
26:37 It’s like that.
26:38 Yeah.
26:38 What do I say?
26:39 You know, like?
26:40 Right.
26:41 Yeah.
26:41 But he was, yeah.
26:44 Yeah.
26:44 But he’s the kind of guy again, he’s very clear on why he’s doing it.
26:47 So that’s his answer and he doesn’t judge it.
26:51 Have you dealt with any guilt around?
26:54You know, just not being able to be as calm as much with the kids?
26:59 No, because I really make an effort to do my work and do my things when they’re not home.
27:08 So, like, even, I mean, they’re out of school now but, like, they can, they arrive around 3:45.
27:16 Well, I’m at home and at 3:45.
27:20 yeah.
27:21 So again, and, like, are you really good about the boundary with that.
27:25 Like not letting, like not checking your email, not checking your phone at night.
27:30 Much better now because I have a team but people, right, if you don’t have a team like many, many years, it was just me.
27:37 And so yeah, I did, I was exhausted.
27:40 You know, Alec could pull me aside sometimes and say get off your phone like stop it.
27:46 So I did need his reminders like, because there’s this pressure like, well, I’m the income like these kids, like we have school to pay for.
27:55 Yeah.
27:55 Yeah.
27:55 And they need to eat and, you know, college and so he would definitely pull me aside and that’s that bumpy road part, you know, where you just, I needed him to say cut it off.
28:09 Yeah, in a healthy way.
28:11 Right.
28:11 I got sushi and I think that my, both my husband and I do that to each other like, hey, enough, you know, like, yeah, we were with the family and, and well, we also like to understand that there’s fires you have to put out and things you have to do and hey, let me just take care of this really quick and I’ll be done or whatever, but it is hard and you know what?
28:31 I think it’s good for the kids to see that too.
28:33 And I say that now because my kids are in high school and college, they remember that.
28:39 Like, they know what it’s like for you to run a business and they learned very early on like there are urgent things that have to be prioritized sometimes like it just happened, we had a roof leak and one of my kids was home from college and she’s on her way home and there was this house and we should not have had this roof leak and what’s going on and all I wanted that day was to like hang out with her because she was only going to be home for two days.
29:06 Yeah, but I said Morgan, I’m sorry, like I can’t be with you today because I need to fix this roof leak like now.
29:14 So they get it and I think that influences OK, if you say you’re going to do something, you do it regardless, right?
29:22 So they see that in you.
29:24 So tell me about YouTube.
29:27 Oh I love your online presence and I love that you’re, you know, really trying to pass on knowledge about the building process and what you do and it’s such at a high level that I’m sure that most people have no idea that you take 21 steps to paint your trim.
29:47 You know what I mean?
29:47 Like most people put a primer on and you know, paint, and call it a day.
29:51 So where did that desire come from to like start the YouTube channel and do all of that?
29:58 And are you still enjoying it?
30:00 Tell me about that.
30:00 Yeah.
30:01 The one like, I love this business because every day you and I get to show up and like, watch these people do their work and how they think through it and why it’s important to, you know, take the steps they take in order to achieve the look they want.
30:22 And I’ve always been amazed, like, whenever I walk into a house, I’m literally like, what are you doing?
30:27 Like, what were you thinking here?
30:28 I didn’t even know that every day I learned something.
30:31 It’s like, I’m just going to like film this because this is so life like this is life.
30:37 Like these men and women are out there, they probably have never been formally trained.
30:42 They’ve learned, you know, a lot of gene generational businesses.
30:46 Most of the companies that we work with, they learned from their brother, their dad, their mom, their uncle, and it’s generational and they just have these amazing little secrets and tricks and things they do that.
31:01 It’s not in a textbook but they know it and they care about it and they do it without even like you’re not telling them.
31:09 Yeah.
31:10 So I’ve always been really amazed and just like, so thankful for them that it’s just part of my, literally, it’s just part of my day.
31:17 Like when I’m making the rounds, you know, we just kind of walk around and talk about whatever is happening that day.
31:23 So there’s really not much organization to it.
31:25 But what I have learned, which has been really eye opening through Instagram and YouTube and people reaching out, we are going to launch some digital courses for people who want to get into building, you know, just like your story.
31:39 There’s no textbook.
31:41 No.
31:42 Yeah.
31:43 Yeah.
31:43 And like how, right, you flipped homes, and you learned the easy way in the paint.
31:48 I was like, oh, that color is awful.
31:51 We are going to have to repaint it.
31:53 Yeah.
31:54 Right.
31:54 Right.
31:57 Right.
31:57 And it happens.
31:58 Yeah, that, I mean, that’s the thing too is like, I think there’s a lot of wrong decision making that we have to, like, quickly.
32:05 Yeah, I got that wrong thing.
32:06 We got to do it this way.
32:08 Like, that’s constant and that’s also life.
32:11 We are going to start these digital courses for people either who are going to build a home.
32:16 We’ve heard from people that are in situations in a build that are not good and they’re trying to resolve that and they just, you know, they’re looking for like, how to, their own project type of thing.
32:31 Yeah.
32:32 Yeah.
32:32 You know where the communication was off and something went the wrong direction with the builder because it’s like if you know the steps of construction it, it is the same every time and like, it’s repeatable and like, people, the, the average person can learn how to manage a project.
32:50 And as long as you really have good subs and people that you trust I think that’s probably the most important part and, you know, helping them manage, you’re kind of trying to go down that road.
33:01 Yeah.
33:02 I mean, and I’d love to see more women in the industry.
33:04 It’s the perfect job.
33:06 Like, for a mom, it really is.
33:09 It’s a lot of, you know, I will say when growing the business, it’s also like dealing with kids, there’s a lot of chaos in construction.
33:19 There’s quite a bit of trying to get some like knowing where you want to be and getting a trade mentally there so then they can execute it.
33:29 So there’s a lot of negotiating and, you know, believing in people and all these good things.
33:36 So anyway, it used to be like if you’re a good mom, you can be a good project manager for sure.
33:43 That’s the only criteria.
33:44 Yeah, if you’re managing more than one child, you could.
33:49 Yeah.
33:49 And you know, you and I both work with mostly men, which is amazing, and I love working with men, you know, as long as they understand something or they’re clear about something, they crush it.
34:02 It’s when, you know, we are not setting them up.
34:06 Well, you know, there’s hesitation.
34:09 So again, like, so that’s our job.
34:10 We need to set everybody up.
34:12 Well, and my project manager does such a beautiful job at that.
34:17 Like she knows the intricacies of every single sub and what they want and how they want it.
34:23 Set up and, you know, but like, she’s only learned that by like doing it wrong and they’re patient enough with her to go, hey, next time, like when you frame this thing and this is how I want my shower pan, I want, you know, 32 by four is set up for the day, whatever it is, it’s like, she’s like, ok, got it, you know, and like she takes notes and hey, is this how you want it?
34:41 It’s ready to go.
34:42 Yes.
34:42 You know, it’s just, it’s cool to see like how much we just try to, to set them up for success as, you know, as much as possible and, and learn what went wrong last time and implement it well, this time and I think our sons are really appreciate that, that we actually listen to that.
35:00 Yeah, you’re right.
35:01 What is it like, are any of your kids? Are they interested in the industry?
35:06 I’m just wondering.
35:08 Yeah.
35:08 So, as of right now.
35:10 No. I think part of it is they see, but you and I do, it’s a lot of hard work and you, you have to really love it, just like anything and I think what they’ve learned is whatever they do, they really need to love it.
35:27 And my daughter said she’s like, well mom, you really love it, you know.
35:32 And I was like, you’re right.
35:34 I do, I really do love what I do.
35:37 And I think that that is being portrayed to my Children that it’s, it’s ok to go through a journey in life and to, you know, like I did something for a long time.
35:46 I didn’t absolutely love.
35:47 I was really good at it, but I didn’t love it and being able to step into that, I, for them to be able to take that life lesson and apply it in whatever realm or area that they want would be a win.
36:00 Yeah.
36:00 And that’s your daughter?
36:02 How old is she?
36:04 She’s 11.
36:05 Oh, yeah.
36:05 So that’s perfect.
36:06 She’s catching on early.
36:10 So, what advice would you give?
36:15 Maybe somebody that’s starting out or possibly thinking about coming into this area of work, like what type of traits or personality or, you know, strength, what, what type of things because I don’t project management is not for everybody.
36:31 Construction is not for everybody.
36:32 You have to be able to, to me, I always, it’s like to solve problems very quickly and to feel confident in them, you can’t get your feelings hurt too easily.
36:43 That’s a good one.
36:45 Yeah.
36:45 You just have to be able to be like, you have to, oh, my gosh.
36:49 The other day I walked into a job site and I was like, coming from my kids thing and I was in like, shorts and sandals and I was like, oh, sorry, I did mean to, you know, not be in my normal jeans boots and he’s like, and one of the like, it’s ok.
37:03 You’re great to look at.
37:03 And I was like, oh, ok, you can get off my job now.
37:08 Like, that’s totally inappropriate.
37:09 I was so mad.
37:12 What advice can you believe that?
37:15 I was just like, and he’s a new savvy has worked me before and I went up to my super and I was like, yeah, probably that will be in the digital course.
37:25 No.
37:25 Yeah, no one to accent.
37:27 So what advice would you give?
37:31 So I’m thinking, yeah, about project managers.
37:34 So definitely, what the major one, like you said, is don’t take anything personally, ever.
37:41 It’s not, right?
37:43 That never be offended, right?
37:45 Never be offended.
37:46 I think it’s really important to have the ability to go deep on details.
37:54 So just because you have a set of plans, like actually this is just something I was looking at a fireplace detail and right.
38:02 So you see two dimensions there, there’s a length and a height or sorry, a width and a height.
38:07 And so to me like in my head, like the details are like, ok, well, what height do we need to set the fire box?
38:14 And am I finishing out the brick inside with something a little thicker?
38:19 Does that affect my hearth?
38:20 Right?
38:20 What are we using for my hearth?
38:21 Right?
38:22 All of these things that just making the effort to think through?
38:26 Like we know the end, we got to work backwards before we start I think that’s a big one and I think the more successful project managers start with the end and work backwards.
38:39 Yeah, just to like churn through all those details.
38:42 And then the other part is communication.
38:44 So one major thing on our team is we have with our clients and team, we have a daily top five, we text every morning.
38:53 Here are the five things we’re working on at your house every morning and that’s issued before 10 AM.
38:59 We also have weekly meetings with designers, architects, trades, anyone involved in decision making that week or things that need to be cleared up, we have weekly reports like we’re not shy and project managers are not shy about.
39:13 This is what we need from the architect, the designer, the client, here’s what we’re doing.
39:19 So like three levels of communication a week.
39:24 So project managers, I would say have to be comfortable communicating.
39:30 You could be the best project manager in the world and if it doesn’t get out.
39:34 Yeah.
39:35 I think those are the majors and then always learning, right?
39:39 So like whenever I notice anyone, whether it’s a trade and so let’s say a trade and this happens.
39:45 Oh, this is the way we always do it.
39:47 I literally stop them and say we’re not continuing this conversation.
39:53 So I’ll bring the owner in.
39:54 Yeah.
39:55 So just the willingness to like stretch and try to learn something and be open to dialogue.
40:02 Yeah, I think that, and you do get pushed back.
40:05 You know, I have one of the guys that works for me, and he’ll get real stubborn about certain things.
40:11 And I’m like, I totally understand that.
40:14 That’s how you want it.
40:16 But we are a team and we’ve got to get to the same goal and if you’re not willing to give then like, we can achieve what the owner wants.
40:23 And so it’s kind of like they’re stuck in their ways, and this is how it should be done and we have to do it this way and no, we can’t do that.
40:28 And I was like, there’s always a solution, let’s create.
40:33 Yeah, like, instead of just like, no, right?
40:36 And maybe the solutions with another person, like you said.
40:38 Yeah, absolutely.
40:40 And I think, you know, with the project manager role, at least in my world, they have to be willing to get dirty.
40:48 Like sometimes the site just like you show up and it’s not how it should be or the person doesn’t show up that day and you’ve got to throw insulation in yourself or like whatever it is, like, not just go, oh, someone else will take care of it.
41:03 Like sometimes you just have to get your hands dirty and help the project move along.
41:07 And what?
41:09 Yeah, I totally agree.
41:11 You have the trenches like, yeah, I know my project.
41:14 She loves like any time of trades like, hey, do you want to come help with this.
41:17 She’s like, yes, yes, I do.
41:19 That’s so good because she’s learning like 10 times faster than anybody else.
41:25 Yeah.
41:25 Ok.
41:26 Erin.
41:26 So tell people where they can find you, follow, you hire you all the things.
41:32 Yeah.
41:33 So we’re in Houston, Texas and we are an Instagram sets or builders and also YouTube sets are builders and we’ll be launching these digital courses for people wanting to build, for clients, wanting to build for trades.
41:51 We get a lot of questions from trades like how do I be like an A plus electrician?
41:55 Well, we’re going to go through like 10 things you need to do as an electrician.
41:59 If you want to up your game will be launching courses for anyone like you and I who want to become a builder, but don’t know the route.
42:07 So we’re basically taking all this feedback and just trying to, you know, support people and yeah, and becoming better, basically better, and broader than what they do every day.
42:16 That’s amazing.
42:17 So do you service just kind of only Houston area?
42:21 We do, we do, we will most like this huge.
42:25 It is, it is huge.
42:26 But you know, it’s funny we have an eight-mile radius in Houston.
42:30 So we, yes, our projects are within eight miles and it’s very intentional because with a remodel, you have to be there several times a day, new construction, at least once a day, but we are going to expand in the next five years and it’s very much related to my now freshman.
42:49 Our last one will be in college.
42:50 So that’s when we’ll expand.
42:52 Oh, that’s amazing.
42:53 You are just an incredible human to begin with and builder and mother.
43:00 And I just admire you and I appreciate you.
43:03 And thank you for putting all of your incredible knowledge and wisdom and beauty out into the world.
43:10 Well, thank you, Stephanie and thank you for everything you do.
43:13 And I, I think people, you know, where do they reach you?
43:16 You have a lot to share with people.
43:18 Well, yeah, she put our podcast everywhere that podcasts can be listened to.
43:23 So, Spotify, Apple Music, all the places and we’re on @SheBuilds.Homes is our Instagram.
43:30 So I love it, Erin.
43:34 I would like to thank you, Stefanie.
43:36 I would like to meet you in person.
43:37 Do you go to the International Builder Show?
43:39 And yeah, I haven’t been in years, but that’s what we should do.
43:42 We should meet up at the Builder Show.43:44 I think, I’m speaking at it again.
43:47 Oh, really?
43:49 Ok.
43:49 I’ll be there.
43:50 I’ll be tutoring for you.
43:52 Thank you.
43:53 Thank you, Erin.
43:54 Have an, an amazing day.
43:57 You too.
43:57 Thank you, Stefanie.
43:58 Bye bye.
43:59 Ok.
44:00 You too.
44:00 Bye bye.
44:02 Thanks for joining me today on the She Builds show.
44:05 My name is Stefanie Olson.
44:06 My hope is that this episode leaves you feeling empowered and ready to boldly take that step into building the life that you envision one 2×4 at a time.
44:16 And if you can do me a quick favor, please leave me a five-star review on iTunes.
44:20 I get giddy over reading the reviews each week and I will choose one special person to win some She Builds swag.
44:26 Make sure you add your name to the review, and I’ll reach out if you’re the winner.
44:30 Thanks again for hanging out.
44:31 Be sure to visit me at theSheBuildsShow.com or you can ask me questions and share with me what you’re building.