Entrearchitect Podcast With Mark R. Lepage

EntreArchitect Studio is a series of special bonus episodes where Mark invites inspiring, passionate people to share their knowledge and information about the building products and services to help you build better buildings.This week at the EntreArchitect Studio we are featuring:Epic Smart Homes and Gary Sinise Foundation - Scott RuzichScott Ruzich presents a company that is aggressively at the forefront of modern technology. Epic Smart Homes exists to connect the dots between how you live and what we can do remove tedium and add joy. Founded in 2005, with many successful residential and commercial installations across California, Texas, Nevada, and Hawaii, we understand that your time is the most precious commodity. Partnering with Epic Smart Homes will expand your network control system, home theater, window and lighting offerings to clients taking guess work out of planning and budgeting for technology integration. As added value, we distinctly differentiate you from your competitors. We wa

Lessons in Leadership From the Ground UpLeo MacLeod is the author of From the Ground Up: Stories and Lessons from Architects and Engineers Who Learned to Be Leaders and co-author of the upcoming book, Coaching and Mentoring for Dummies. Founder of Training. Coaching. Pie., Leo helps AEC firms with leadership development, transition, emotional intelligence and why baking pie is a great way to develop soft skills. He is a frequent speaker for the American Council of Engineering Companies a regular columnist for Zweig Letter and active with Association for Talent Development.This week on EntreArchitect Podcast, Lessons in Leadership From the Ground Up with Leo MacLeod.Connect with Leo online at LeoMacLeod.com, or find him on LinkedIn.Referenced in this EpisodeFrom the Ground Up: Stories and Lessons from Architects and Engineers Who Learned to Be Leaders by Leo MacLeodCoaching and Mentoring For Dummies Paperback by Marty BrounsteinPlease visit Our Platform SponsorsTravel by Design Be

Residential Construction Estimating for ArchitectsChris Previte is a Licensed Construction Supervisor and Licensed Real Estate Salesperson with 20 years’ experience as a consultant, sales representative, and project manager in the residential remodeling industry. Success Techniques, Inc. has been providing residential remodeling feasibility studies, estimating, planning & contract writing since 2001. Architects can focus on running your business and overseeing projects by having Success Techniques help assess potential customers and bring them to contract. Whether it be site visits, writing estimates and contracts or having that 2nd set of eyes to brainstorm an approach, Success Techniques can be your part-time partner to help you “Get Your Nights & Weekends Back”. With 400 successful projects launched under Success Techniques, Inc. supervision, Chris helps home buyers & homeowners make a more informed decision by determining the total value of a property including po

Material BankAs Co-Founder and Chief Business Officer of Material Bank, Farshid Tafazzoli is focused on corporate growth initiatives, from strategy to execution, and key strategic partnerships across all business units. Farshid has worked alongside Adam Sandow since the earliest days as Chief Technology Officer to build out Sandow’s vision to create the world’s largest material marketplace for architectural, design and construction materials.Farshid’s background is in fintech as Co-Founder of Trade Station Group, one of the early electronic brokerage firms on Wall Street. Farshid held a variety of key roles as he expanded the company from a concept to the 6th largest online broker-dealer. From managing a single office operation to expanding worldwide in Equity, Options, and Futures markets, Farshid helped grow the firm to over 400 employees by organic and strategic acquisitions. Farshid was a key contributor to the company’s IPO and ultimate sale to a Japanese Bank.After TradeStation Group, Farshid continued

The Architecture of MotherhoodGloria Kloter, AIA, NCARB, CODIA, is an award-winning architect, founder and CEO of Glow Architects, a keynote speaker, and a bestselling author. Gloria has been a practicing architect both in her home country (Dominican Republic) and in the United States since 2004. She is an advocate for immigrant architects, women in architecture, and motherhood. In her book, The Architecture of Motherhood, she shares her incredible journey to becoming a worldwide renowned architect and business owner while being a new mom. Through this book, the reader can learn how women in any industry can find a balance between their professional life and motherhood without having to compromise either role. Kloter has dedicated a huge chunk of her career to helping other young architects grow. As a leader in the architecture community, she is the founder of the Foreign Architects, a private online community where she mentors young and aspiring immigrant architects on how to obtain their

Heartfulness Meditation for ArchitectsNitin Govila, a global business executive, has an extensive background in building and growing regions and organizations across multiple industries, channels and cultures.Presently as the Senior Vice-President for Serge-Ferrari, Nitin manages 7 independently-operated territories across Asia Pacific,Middle-East and Africa. Serving on the executive leadership team, Nitin is directly accountable for all business operations and M&Aactivities across the region.Nitin received his Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical) with First Division (Honors) from Punjab Engineering College (PEC),Chandigarh, India. To diversify himself, Nitin pursued his MBA with HEC Paris, School of Management with a Merit scholarship. Moving from India to Paris to attend the program was a huge endeavor but propelled his career with international organizations and enabled him to adapt to different countries, cultures and sensitivities.This week on EntreArchitect Podcast, Heartfulness Meditation for

Growing NS Builders with Content and QualityNick Schiffer started NS Builders in 2014, but his story begins much earlier. Even as a kid, he loved working with his hands—tinkering with a bike, building a mini-empire with Lincoln Logs, figuring out how to put things back together after ripping them apart. At age 11, Nick was already working in his Dad’s fencing business. Attending a vocational school marked a turning point—two classes, in particular, would profoundly impact Nick’s career path. Cabinet making and house carpentry shop fueled his passion for all things construction, and from then on, Nick knew exactly what he wanted to do with his life—build houses. Really amazing houses.After graduating from Fitchburg State University with a bachelor’s degree in Construction Technology/Management, it was time to leave the family business (not an easy decision). Accepting a job in Boston for a big company, Nick soon worked his way up to assistant project manager, completely immersing himself in the various as

Culture Driven Vision with CEO of Mancini DuffyWilliam Mandara Jr., AIA, is the chief executive officer and co-owner of Mancini Duffy, a national design firm with a 100+-year-old history and tech-forward approach based in New York City. Bill comes from a family in the business: his father and grandfather were general contractors. He got the most thankless tasks during his teenage summers at his father’s job sites. In retrospect, it was a great way to instill understanding and respect for the profession. It was also a not-so-subtle hint from his father that he should be thinking about architecture school instead.He had been at TSC Design for five years when Mancini Duffy purchased the firm’s assets in 2011, at which point he was named a Senior Associate. He was later named a principal in 2014, became co-owner of the firm in 2017, and was named chief executive officer in 2018.Throughout his career, Bill’s believed in having consistency of vision and values: that we should never put ourselves or our vision ahead

Advocating for Change Through ArchitectureFauzia Khanani is the founder of Studio For, an architecture and interiors firm based in NYC with global projects ranging from workplace to community-centered projects. She received her M.Arch from the University of California Berkeley and her previous career as a sociologist in public health continues to have a strong influence on how she approaches design. She is a founding member and currently Co-chair of the AIANY Social Science and Architecture Committee as well as a cofounder and Board Vice President of Design Advocates, a non-profit organization established in March 2020 for architects to share resources and collaborate on efforts to serve the public good through pro bono projects, research, and advocacy. She is a Core Organizer for the Design As Protest Collective, a group of anti-racist designers dedicated to Design Justice in the built environment. This week on EntreArchitect Podcast, Advocating for Change Through Architecture with Fauzia

Right People. Right Seats.Whether it be in business or in life, Mel believes in fixing the root cause at the deepest level – not treating the symptoms.As a trusted leader and consulting resource within the building materials, architecture & design, and construction space, Melanie helps industry professionals grow in themselves and in their careers, as well as strategically helps entrepreneurs and business leaders at a deeper level overcome foundational challenges hindering them from results.As a Professional EOS® Implementer and Business Coach, Melanie acts as a teacher, coach, and facilitator — helping business leaders transform their companies and, ultimately, their lives. She helps implement a complete, proven system with simple, practical tools to help business leaders achieve three things: vision, traction and health. When you align and synchronize all the moving parts of your business you create clarity, accountability, efficiency, and profitability.This week on EntreArchitect Podcast, Right Pe

Smart HomesScott Ruzich leads a company that is aggressively at the forefront of modern technology. Epic Smart Homes exists to connect the dots between how we live and what we can do to remove tedium and add joy. Founded in 2005, with many successful residential and commercial installations across California, Texas, Nevada, and Hawaii, Epic is built on the understanding that time is the most precious commodity.This week at EntreArchitect Podcast, Smart Homes with Scott Ruzich.Connect with Scott online at Epic Smart Homes, and find him on LinkedIn.Please visit Our Platform SponsorsDetailed is an original podcast by ARCAT that features architects, engineers, builders, and manufacturers who share their insight and expertise as they highlight some of the most complex, interesting, and oddest building conditions that they have encountered… and the ingenuity it took to solve them. Listen now at ARCAT.com/podcast.Freshbooks is the all-in-one bookkeeping software that can save your

Single Stop Integrated Residential Design BuildDave Pollard, AIA LEED AP is an architect, builder, and co-founder of Liv Companies; a full service residential design-build company in the Chicago suburbs. Dave has worked for several high profile Chicago firms such as Goettsch Partners, and David Hovey’s Architect-led development company, Optima Inc, honing his skills to better understand how to make the process of design more efficient, and therefore more accessible.With Dave as the Design lead, LivCo has won numerous awards including Twenty-six Chicago Remodeling Excellence Awards, Five regional remodeling excellence awards, a National Remodeling Excellence Award in 2021, Home of the Year Award, Contractor of the Year Award, Six consecutive years Houzz Best in Service, Remodeling Big50, and in 2018, Dave was on ProRemodelers 40 under 40 list. Dave is considered a thought leader in the industry, and has been published in both the Journal of Light Construction and Remodeling Magazine.This week at EntreArchitect

CEO and Cofounder of aec+techNiknaz is the CEO and co-founder of aec+tech, an all-in-one innovation platform and community connecting AEC/O (Architecture, Engineering, Construction & Operations) professionals with the latest tools and technologies. Prior to launching aec+tech Niknaz practiced architecture in the bay area, California, both as a design professional as well as a design technologist. Niknaz is a member of AIA San Francisco design technology committee, and has also been developing curriculum and teaching architecture courses online to Bahai students in Iran who continue to be deprived of access to universities in their own country.This week at EntreArchitect Podcast, CEO and Cofounder of aec+tech with Niknaz Aftahi.Connect with Niknaz online at aec+tech, and find her on LinkedIn.Please visit Our Platform SponsorsDetailed is an original podcast by ARCAT that features architects, engineers, builders, and manufacturers who share their insight and expertise as they hi

The Mysterious Connection Between ADHD and the Small Firm Architect Aron Croft appeared to have it all when he got into Harvard. But that was the beginning of his demise. He struggled nonstop for 15 years until he was broke, divorced, and earning minimum wage, failing out of his first 7 jobs and businesses. But after getting a Master’s degree in Coaching Psychology and a diagnosis of Inattentive ADHD, his life changed. He built a successful Fortune 500 career consulting to companies such as Marriott, Deloitte, Johnson & Johnson, McDonald’s, KPMG, and United Healthcare. He also got remarried, and most importantly, discovered how to get sh*t done with a neurodivergent brain. Now he's on a mission to raise awareness about Inattentive ADHD, how it goes under the radar, and how to rebuild your life post-diagnosis. His work has been featured by ADDitude Magazine, ADDA, and more. This week at EntreArchitect Podcast, The Mysterious Connection Between ADHD and the Small Firm Architect with Aron Cr

EntreArchitect Studio is a series of special bonus episodes where Mark invites inspiring, passionate people to share their knowledge and information about the building products and services to help you build better buildings. This week at the EntreArchitect Studio we are featuring: AGS Stainless – Kevin Harris Kevin Harris is the Director of Sales & Marketing at AGS Stainless, Inc. (AGS), a railing manufacturer specializing in 100% offsite fabrication of custom railing systems. Prior to his position with AGS, Kevin founded 4 industry-leading firms including 2 information technology firms; one specializing in the creation of web-based process management tools for Fortune 100 corporations and one that specialized in building predictive modeling applications for federal agencies. He also founded a real estate development firm that spearheaded the restoration and redevelopment of a historic seaport communities' downtown waterfront, as well as organizing and founding a community bank. Kevin current

AIA National President Shares Personal Thesis on the Role of AIA Dan Hart, FAIA, PE is the Executive Vice President of Architecture, member of the Board of Directors and Principal with Parkhill, located in Texas, New Mexico and Oklahoma. Based in Austin, Dan has been the Texas Society of Architects President, The American Institute of Architects (AIA) Strategic Council Moderator, Chair of the Public Outreach Committee and Co-chair of the COVID-19 Business Continuity Task Force. He is the national President of the AIA in 2022. Dan was a dual degree graduate in architecture and civil engineering at Texas Tech University and went on to licensure as both architect and engineer. Dan has taught architectural engineering at Texas Tech University to senior level students. Dan was the 2017 Texas Tech University College of Architecture Distinguished Alumnus and the founding President of the college's Design Leadership Alliance. This week at EntreArchitect Podcast, AIA National President Shares Personal Thesis on t

Messana O'Rorke and the Rizzoli Monograph Brian Messana trained under architects Richard Meier, Thomas Phifer, Hani Rashid, and Peter Marino, working on projects including the Canal+ Headquarters in Paris, the Museum of Contemporary Art in Barcelona, and the Christian Dior Paris flagship. A graduate of California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, and Columbia University, he also studied abroad, in Florence, Italy, and at Les Ecoles d'Art Américaines de Fontainebleau. He has lectured on design and served on the faculties of several university architecture programs. Born and raised in Los Angeles, he currently resides in Greenwich Village with his husband, Neil Drew. Founded in 1996 by Brian Messana and Toby O'Rorke in New York City, Messana O'Rorke is renowned for crafting spaces of sublime restraint and ethereal beauty. Their process utilizes a rigorously limited palette of materials orchestrated in an architectural language of distilled boxes, blocks, and containers that emph

Venture Capital in the AEC KP Reddy is the Founder and CEO of Shadow Ventures, a seed-stage technology investment firm. He is a globally recognized authority in AEC environments, AI, robotics, automation, mobile applications, and cloud computing. KP is a Civil Engineer by background (BS, Georgia Institute of Technology) and wrote the textbook on BIM with his book: BIM for Building Owners and Developers. He is a frequent lecturer at Georgia Institute of Technology and is a sought-after subject matter expert, frequently speaking worldwide on BIM and the built environment. KP has exited three technology companies. Cereus Technology Partners which had an IPO on NASDAQ and has since sold to Verso (NASDAQ:VRSO) at a 35x Multiple, RCMS which was sold to ARC (NYSE:ARC), and Ampirix (sold to The Combine). KP formerly ran Enterprise Transformation at Gehry Technologies (started by world renowned architect Frank Gehry) which exited to Trimble (NASDAQ: TRMB). He was also the General Manager of ATDC at Georgia Tech, one o

EntreArchitect Studio is a series of special bonus episodes where Mark invites inspiring, passionate people to share their knowledge and information about the building products and services to help you build better buildings. This week at the EntreArchitect Studio we are featuring: Vulcraft – Alex Brown Alex is a Product Champion at Vulcraft, a division of Nucor. Nucor is North America's largest and most diversified steel & steel products company. Vulcraft is North America's largest producer of open web steel joist and joist girders. A Chicago native, Alex started at Vulcraft in 2013 as an intern while completing his civil engineering degree. Shortly after, he was hired as a Sales Engineer, embedded in the sales office as a technical expert. In early 2022, he moved into a new role focused on Training and Business Development. Alex is a licensed Professional Engineer in the state of Indiana. He holds an M.B.A. from Aurora University and a B.S. in Civil Engineering from Illinois Institute o

A People Platform Promoting Positive Change for the Profession Bob Habian, AIA is an entrepreneur and an architect, or perhaps more accurately described as a “puzzle builder and licensed problem solver”. His career path includes chapters of conventional and unconventional work, with extensive experience in traditional architectural practice, building product manufacturing, and technology development. You’ll typically find him deep in the middle of the work, getting his hands as dirty as needed, all in an effort to “clean up” the way architects and manufacturers do business together. Bob is the co-founder and CEO of Tect App, Inc., a company that is spearheading positive change in the building industry. And like many, he has just returned from the AIA Conference on Architecture in Chicago and is optimistic about the future of our profession. This week at EntreArchitect Podcast, A People Platform Promoting Positive Change for the Profession with Bob Habian. Connect with Bob online