Ready to sell buildings people actually feel safe choosing? On this episode of the Steel Kings Podcast, we sit down with industry veteran Randy Chaffee to break down how post-frame construction can unlock bigger, cleaner wins for dealers who currently sell sheds or tubular steel.

The through-line is trust. Customers buy from people they know, like, trust, and feel safe with—and the fastest way to earn that confidence is by pairing real expertise with credible partners and a clear path through codes, engineering, and permitting.

We unpack a hybrid sales playbook that blends road relationships with digital leverage. Trade shows still matter, but video calls, configurators, and podcast content accelerate follow-through and keep projects moving when decisions stall. That force multiplier lets you serve more customers without sacrificing the personal touch that built your reputation in the first place.

We also get practical about the differences between steel and post-frame—where each system shines, where approvals slow things down, and why standards, education, and advocacy supported by the National Frame Building Association give post-frame a smoother runway for mid- and high-ticket projects.

If you’ve ever lost a bid at the last minute because a customer “thought it would be wood,” this conversation is your pivot plan. We map a smart on-ramp from small outbuildings to complex shops and barndominiums, explain when to say no to protect your brand, and show how to borrow credibility from established manufacturers as you level up. We also spotlight NFBA certification, peer networking, and the Women in Post-Frame community helping shape the industry’s future.

Join us in Oklahoma City, February 25–27, for the NFBA Conference & Expo to meet the people, tools, and ideas that can raise margins and reduce friction in your sales process.

If this episode sparked ideas, subscribe to the Steel Kings Podcast, share it with a builder who’s ready to grow, and leave a quick review. Then tell us the one obstacle keeping you from adding post-frame this quarter.

This episode’s sponsor:
Studio Sponsor — J Money LLC

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🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6rlzLCXGxvNvozwha26aAq
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Watch This Episode on YouTube > https://youtu.be/ktOqkH8CAQE

Ready to stop building in a silo and start building with momentum? On this episode of the Steel Kings Podcast, we sit down with leaders from the National Frame Building Association to unpack how post-frame professionals turn shared knowledge into faster timelines, safer jobsites, and stronger margins.

NFBA President Joe Shimp and Membership Director Morgan Arwood pull back the curtain on benefits that actually matter on Monday morning: OSHA-savvy legal guidance, education that sharpens both field execution and business operations, and a network where competitors often become collaborators.

We break down what a modern trade association can do that no single company can—advocate on codes with real authority, centralize technical guidance, and curate training that elevates entire teams. The NFBA culture stands out: builders, engineers, and suppliers share playbooks without ego. That openness shows up in fewer callbacks, tighter specs, and crews that scale with the work. We also explore the NFBA Foundation’s scholarships and research—practical answers to the workforce challenges every owner feels.

If 2025 had you juggling risk, hiring, and pricing pressure, membership may be your simplest leverage point for 2026. From retirement options and technology purchasing programs to webinars and a full education curriculum, these tools compound over time. And it all converges at the Oklahoma City Expo, February 25–27—a three-day sprint to meet decision-makers, test ideas, and leave with a contact list that pays for itself.

Join us, say hello on the floor, and bring your questions. Subscribe to the Steel Kings Podcast, share this episode with someone who needs a push, and leave a quick review to help more builders find the show.

This episode’s sponsor:
Studio Sponsor — J Money LLC

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👉 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thesteelkings
🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6rlzLCXGxvNvozwha26aAq
🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-steel-kings-podcast/id1849738908

Watch This Episode on YouTube > https://youtu.be/HhtP5kRMrsM

A small industry feels big when the right people link arms. We close the year on the Steel Kings Podcast with honest wins, a few hard lessons, and a clear plan to help shed, metal building, and post-frame professionals grow in 2026—without losing the heart that got us here.

In this episode, we lay out what’s ahead: a focused pole barn education series leading into NFBA, dealer spotlights that highlight what’s working on the ground, and a consumer-first video push designed to meet buyers where they scroll—with fast, clear answers to real questions.

We dig into strategy that actually moves the needle: financing options that reduce friction at the lot, digital tools that generate qualified leads, and content that explains site prep, delivery, and build quality in plain language. If you’re a dealer or installer, consider this your invitation to get involved. If you’re a manufacturer or vendor, this is an opportunity to support education that lifts the entire category. And if you’re a buyer doing research, expect practical videos that help you confidently compare a prefab shed, a custom metal building, or a post-frame build.

Underneath the tactics is what keeps us steady—friendship, faith, public service, and a shared belief that business works best when it serves people. You’ll hear stories about showing up for community, thanking mentors, and making room for missions work—proof that strong companies are built by grounded people.

We’re grateful for every download, handshake, and candid critique this year—and we want more of it.

Want to be featured, ask a tough question, or help shape what’s coming next? Reach out and tell us what would help you sell more, build better, or buy smarter. If this episode resonated, subscribe to the Steel Kings Podcast, share it with a friend who needs encouragement, and leave a review so more builders and buyers can find us.

This episode’s sponsor:
Studio Sponsor — J Money LLC

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👉 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thesteelkings
🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6rlzLCXGxvNvozwha26aAq
🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-steel-kings-podcast/id1849738908

Watch This Episode on YouTube > https://youtu.be/0wAhpt5KCPM

A cold morning, a prayer tent, and 50 turkeys handed out on Xenia Avenue set the tone for a raw and grateful conversation about work, purpose, and the post-frame craft. On this episode of the Steel Kings Podcast, we open up about burnout and recovery—and then connect that honesty to practical steps any shed, steel, or pole barn professional can use to grow stronger in 2026.

If you’ve ever felt stretched thin by sales pressure, installs, family schedules, and the weight of expectations, this conversation meets you where you are and hands you a plan.

We talk about why community service sharpened our focus, how an ongoing “honesty tour” became a daily operating system, and where industry alliances create real leverage. The National Frame Builders Association (NFBA) is a door we’re walking through together—with educational content launching in January, a focused run-up to the NFBA Expo in Oklahoma City, and real conversations with builders, suppliers, and innovators across the industry.

You’ll hear clear, practical takes on tools that reduce friction and restore momentum: 3D configuration that builds confidence early, takeoff systems that eliminate rework, smarter CRM follow-ups, local SEO that actually drives inbound demand, and simple content systems that earn trust before the first phone call ever happens.

We also pause to spotlight mental health and the importance of reaching out when things feel heavy. The trades are demanding. Winter is real. And you don’t have to white-knuckle it alone. If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available through the 988 Lifeline—call or text anytime.

Our commitment heading into 2026 is firm: do more of what works, cut what doesn’t, and repeat until it sticks. If you’re ready to turn gratitude into momentum, map out three wins from 2025, three habits you’ll double down on, and three misses you’ll retire—and tell someone so it counts.

If this conversation fuels you, subscribe to the Steel Kings Podcast, follow us on YouTube, and share this episode with a builder who needs a nudge. Send in your questions for the upcoming Q&A series—your challenge might be someone else’s breakthrough.

This episode’s sponsor:
Studio Sponsor — J Money LLC

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👉 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thesteelkings
🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6rlzLCXGxvNvozwha26aAq
🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-steel-kings-podcast/id1849738908

Watch This Episode on YouTube > https://youtu.be/xYwdW8Gc6hs

Your next contract is already researching vendors on LinkedIn—today we show you how to be the profile they trust. On this episode of the Steel Kings Podcast, we sit down with author and strategist Al Kushner to break down a practical, repeatable LinkedIn playbook built specifically for builders, steel dealers, and manufacturers who want qualified leads without living on the phone.

The shift is simple but powerful: speak to outcomes instead of offerings, educate instead of pitch, and turn your LinkedIn profile into the clearest answer to a buyer’s biggest questions.

We dig into what actually moves the needle—outcome-driven headlines and summaries that signal authority, content pillars that balance education, project results, team credibility, and light promotion, plus the underrated force multiplier of LinkedIn newsletters that land directly in inboxes and bypass spam filters. You’ll hear concrete examples, including how to frame a 60×100 building as a schedule win, why decision-makers respond to “how we saved three weeks” more than “look at our building,” and how a single video can become ten posts when sliced by challenge, process, and result.

Then we get operational. Al maps out a lean weekly cadence any small team can sustain: 20 minutes a day for engagement, one to two hours a week to batch content, and simple analytics that prove ROI. We cover targeting by role, industry, and geography; using LinkedIn lead-gen forms to improve conversion; and tagging sources inside your CRM to reveal shorter sales cycles from pre-educated buyers. Along the way, AI shows up as a drafting partner—not a replacement—helping articulate value faster while keeping your voice intact.

If you’ve ever questioned whether LinkedIn is worth the effort, this conversation delivers the numbers, language, and steps to turn it into an always-on sales engine.

Subscribe to the Steel Kings Podcast, share this episode with a teammate who needs the nudge, and leave a review with one LinkedIn question you want us to break down next.

Learn more about Al’s work and find his book at linkedvantage.com/audit.

This episode’s sponsor:
Studio Sponsor — J Money LLC

🔗 Subscribe for More:
👉 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thesteelkings
🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6rlzLCXGxvNvozwha26aAq
🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-steel-kings-podcast/id1849738908

Watch This Episode on YouTube > https://youtu.be/MLuGFsG3r_c

Ready to turn casual clicks into confident buyers? On this episode of the Steel Kings Podcast, we sit down with IdeaRoom co-founder and CEO Dan Van Orden to map the full journey from a mobile-first 3D design experience to a signed contract and a clean handoff for fulfillment. The goal is simple: remove friction for the customer, give sales reps everything they need in one place, and move from replies to real results.

We start with what dealers feel immediately—Boost on a phone is fast, smooth, and intuitive enough for first-time buyers to design a serious building without hand-holding. That design data quickly becomes gold when a webhook drops the build link and customer details directly into your CRM. No retyping. No tab juggling. Just a clear, prioritized view showing who’s engaged, what they configured, and how to call back with full context. We break down lead scoring, multiple-submission signals, and practical heuristics that help teams identify the most valuable calls to make today.

Then we dig into the partnership that unlocks post-frame and red-iron workflows: IdeaRoom on the front end and SmartBuild handling accurate bills of materials and fulfillment. This combination lets dealers advertise templates, capture complete designs, and push them into production in minutes. If you’ve wrestled with slow e-modeler workflows, this is the speed upgrade that saves hours every week.

We wrap up with a look at what’s new and what’s next—embedded payments, digital signatures, and how IdeaRoom supports scale across hundreds of live configurators. Dan also pulls back the curtain on where AI is already delivering value: cleaning product data, accelerating engineering outputs, and giving sales teams faster paths to polished, accurate quotes. If you sell carports, sheds, post-frame, or steel buildings, this conversation shows how a connected tech stack can lift conversion rates and shorten time-to-cash.

Subscribe to the Steel Kings Podcast for more deep dives, share this episode with the teammate who lives in your CRM, and leave us a review with the biggest bottleneck you want us to break down next.

This episode’s sponsor:
Studio Sponsor — J Money LLC

🔗 Subscribe for More:
👉 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thesteelkings
🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6rlzLCXGxvNvozwha26aAq
🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-steel-kings-podcast/id1849738908

Watch This Episode on YouTube > https://youtu.be/pWfOH-VAlzM

What happens when a steel dealer, a pandemic, and a 3D configurator collide? On this episode of the Steel Kings Podcast, we sit down with IdeaRoom co-founder and CEO Dan Van Orden to unpack how builders and dealers moved from paper quotes to mobile-first design tools that turn curiosity into committed buyers.

Dan shares the scrappy origin story—from woodworking plans to full-scale configurators for sheds, carports, post-frame, and red-iron buildings—and why the real breakthrough wasn’t just 3D visuals, but cleaner processes and smarter pricing logic that reduce errors and friction across the sales cycle.

We dig into the moments that changed the game: remote screen shares that close sales in minutes, branded estimates that hit a customer’s inbox before the call ends, and a mobile experience that finally feels natural on a phone. Dan explains Boost, IdeaRoom’s streamlined UI designed to lift lead conversion without disrupting sales teams, along with the growing set of self-serve tools that let dealers quickly adjust base and component pricing. When steel costs or tariffs change, you update the rules, keep the guardrails intact, and keep selling.

This conversation leans heavily into the operational side as well—onboarding that now takes weeks instead of months, support that delivers fast wins in minutes, and the power of webhooks and CRM integrations to push clean specs through the pipeline. We also talk about showroom TVs, live co-design with customers, and clear option rules that build trust and speed approvals.

The big takeaway: a customer-facing 3D configurator isn’t a gadget—it’s your most persuasive salesperson, available on every device, at every hour.

If you care about digital sales, steel buildings, sheds, carports, or post-frame marketing, you’ll walk away with practical ways to modernize how you sell—without losing the relationships that drive this industry.

Subscribe to the Steel Kings Podcast, share this episode with a builder who’s still quoting by PDF, and tell us: what’s the next bottleneck you want us to break down?

This episode’s sponsor:
Studio Sponsor — J Money LLC

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👉 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thesteelkings
🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6rlzLCXGxvNvozwha26aAq
🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-steel-kings-podcast/id1849738908

Watch This Episode on YouTube > https://youtu.be/YOWOg7yzhXY

EP36 – Burnout-Proof Leadership: Systems, Delegation & Legacy Building with Carly Pepin

🎧 Watch now: how to reduce burnout, build stronger teams, and lead with clarity through every season.

As the busy season slows and pressure builds, are you working harder but getting less done? In this episode of The Steel Kings Podcast, we sit down with business coach and human behavior expert Carly Pepin to explore the real cause of burnout—and why it’s not about doing too much, but doing the wrong things.

💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
• Why burnout stems from misalignment, not effort
• How a simple task audit can clarify your focus
• The art of smart delegation & hiring for your gaps
• How to protect culture through intentional interviewing
• Building systems that make work easier, not heavier
• Designing operations for slow seasons & strong cash flow
• Preparing your business to thrive without owner dependency

We dive deep into the challenges shed and steel building pros face—long cycles, off-season lulls, and the leadership load of doing it all. Carly lays out practical strategies for building a resilient, culture-driven, and scalable business—whether your goal is growth, succession, or just sanity.

📈 From task clarity to legacy planning, this episode is packed with actionable insights for contractors, builders, and entrepreneurs ready to evolve from doer to builder.

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👉 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thesteelkings
🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6rlzLCXGxvNvozwha26aAq
🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-steel-kings-podcast/id1849738908

Watch This Episode on YouTube > https://youtu.be/muNWdffzhQM