In this episode of The Build Show Podcast, Matt Risinger marks a major milestone by reflecting on 200 episodes and nearly 30 years in the building industry. Looking back on early mistakes, hard lessons, and recent jobsite observations, Matt explains why basic construction details—especially water management and proper window installation—continue to be some of the most common and costly failures in residential building. He discusses the responsibility builders have to continually educate themselves and their teams, revisit fundamentals, and invest in long-term skill development. As part of this reflection, Matt recommends a book that has deeply influenced his approach to building and leadership: The Elements of Building: A Business Handbook for Residential Builders and Tradesmen by Mark Q. Kerson, a practical, experience-driven guide to both construction and business. This candid, one-on-one episode looks back at how far the show has come while challenging builders to keep learning, improve their processes, and raise the standard of the industry.

Huge thanks to our episode sponsors, Diamond Kote and Pella. Learn more at:

https://diamondkotesiding.com/

https://www.instagram.com/diamond_kote/

https://www.pella.com/

Visit Matt’s Amazon reading list for further learning resources: Build Show Amazon List

Watch full episodes of Matt on Facebook, Instagram and Build Show Network.

https://www.facebook.com/buildshownetwork

https://www.instagram.com/risingerbuild/

https://buildshownetwork.com/go/mattrisinger

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In this today’s episode of the Build Show Podcast, Matt dives into another installment of the Origin Series, exploring the real-world journey behind one of Austin’s most successful builders. From early days sweeping job sites to navigating the tech world at IBM and Intel, the conversation unpacks how purposeful choices, business discipline, and the right mentors shape a builder’s career. Matt and his guest break down the power of pre-construction, the importance of client and partner selection, and why focusing deeply on process creates consistent, high-quality outcomes. Whether you're a young builder searching for direction or an experienced pro refining your model, this episode delivers hard-earned wisdom, candid lessons, and industry insight you won’t want to miss.

Featuring longtime friend, competitor, and respected builder Jeremy Martin.

Huge thanks to our episode sponsors, Diamond Kote and Huber Engineered Woods. Learn more at:

https://diamondkotesiding.com/

https://www.instagram.com/diamond_kote/

https://www.huberwood.com

Book Recommendations:

Built to Last – Jim Collins

Good to Great – Jim Collins

Blue Ocean Strategy – W. Chan Kim & Renée Mauborgne

Visit Matt’s Amazon reading list for further learning resources: Build Show Amazon List

Watch full episodes of Matt on Facebook, Instagram and Build Show Network.

https://www.facebook.com/buildshownetwork

https://www.instagram.com/risingerbuild/

https://buildshownetwork.com/go/mattrisinger

Don't miss a single episode of Build Show content. Sign up for our newsletter.

In our 200th episode of the Build Show Podcast, Matt sits down with longtime friend and Austin builder/designer Emily Press of Emerald & Laurel to dive into her unexpected path into the building world and the values that shaped her thriving design-build business. From growing up in her family’s chrome-plating shop to renovating her own 1950s Austin home, Emily shares how curiosity, craftsmanship, and a commitment to family and integrity guided her evolution as a builder. She breaks down the power of defining your services, building strong trade relationships, and creating systems that keep projects running smoothly—wisdom every young builder needs to hear. Packed with origin-story honesty, job-site lessons, and relatable builder camaraderie, this milestone episode reminds us why great homes (and great builders) are built on values first.

Huge thanks to our episode sponsors, Diamond Kote and Sugatsune. Learn more at:

https://diamondkotesiding.com/ and https://www.instagram.com/diamond_kote/

https://www.sugatsune.com/

Watch full episodes of Matt on Facebook, Instagram and Build Show Network.

https://www.facebook.com/buildshownetwork

https://www.instagram.com/risingerbuild/

https://buildshownetwork.com/go/mattrisinger

Don't miss a single episode of Build Show content. Sign up for our newsletter.