Brad Leavitt Podcast
Brad Leavitt Podcast
Brad Leavitt
Welcome to The Brad Leavitt Podcast—your exclusive backstage pass into the complex world of entrepreneurship and business building. Brad is no stranger to the details that bring excellence. He's been recognized twice as one of The Phoenix Titan 100 and has steered his company, AFT Construction, to an impressive spot on the Inc 5000 list of America's fastest-growing and most successful companies. Their projects regularly grace the pages of prestigious publications like Fine Home Building and Multiple Gold List Winner of Luxe Interior Design. As a National Ambassador for leading brands in his industry, Brad brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table to help all business owners face the complicated business landscape of today. In this podcast, Brad invites you to join him on a journey through the minds of fascinating and top entrepreneurs hailing from diverse industries. Together, you'll delve deeper into the challenges, triumphs, and pivotal moments that define entrepreneurship today. In a world where little seems to go to plan, The Brad Leavitt Podcast is your trusted business blueprint. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur, an aspiring business leader, or simply someone who thrives on stories of perseverance and triumph, this podcast is your source for inspiration, education, and entrepreneurial empowerment. Formerly known as the "A Finer Touch Construction Podcast," we've evolved to bring you an even broader spectrum of insights and inspiration! Join us as we cross the threshold to explore the gritty details of business, guided by a true industry luminary, Brad Leavitt.
How Process Protects Client Relationships With Ben Tarwater
Brad sits down with Ben Tarwater, COO of Bickimer Homes, for a practical conversation about why process, communication, and expectation setting matter so much in semi custom home building. Ben shares how weekly updates, selection deadlines, clear parameters, and strong client relationships keep projects moving without turning the customer experience into chaos.
Jul 12
1 hr 6 min
The Trust Behind Great Design with Denise Scott Weber
Brad sits down with Denise Scott Weber, owner and principal designer of DSW Design, to talk about trust, communication, and what it takes to guide clients through complex design projects. Denise shares lessons from residential and commercial work, including five-story brownstones, med spas, idea homes, and long-term repeat clients. The conversation covers designer-builder collaboration, asking better questions, setting expectations, managing timelines, and staying professional while building real relationships.
Jul 5
59 min
Leaving Comfort To Build With Purpose with Daniel Preston
Brad sits down with Daniel Preston, owner of Deer Creek Custom Homes, for a conversation about leaving a comfortable role to build a company rooted in purpose, relationships, and integrity. Daniel shares his family’s adoption and foster care journey, the moment his son challenged him to follow his own dream, and how he launched a custom home business in a new market.
Jun 28
1 hr 4 min
Better Storytelling Builds Trust with Julia Bonner Zade
Brad sits down with Julia Bonner Zade, founder of Pierce, to talk about why storytelling, visibility, and a clear point of view matter for builders, architects, and design professionals. Julia explains how firms can build trust before the first conversation, use PR and LinkedIn more intentionally, and show up with authority in a crowded market. She also shares why going quiet during uncertain times can be a missed opportunity for leaders who want to stay relevant.
Jun 21
57 min
A Builder Shaped By Custom Suits with Trapper Roderick
Brad sits down with Trapper Roderick of Roderick Builders to talk about the path that shaped him as a builder, from coming from a multi-generation building family to spending a decade in the custom suit business. Trapper shares how tailoring taught him about confidence, client experience, relationships, and the details people feel, and how those lessons now influence the way he protects design intent in high end custom homes. For builders, architects, and designers, this conversation is about legacy, trust, business discipline, and the many experiences that shape a better builder.
Jun 14
1 hr
What The Next Level Requires With Brian Harris
Brad sits down with Brian Harris, cosmetic dentist, entrepreneur, and speaker, to talk about what it really takes to operate at the next level. Brian shares how trust, transparency, buyer-first communication, and doing the right thing have shaped his business, while Brad connects those lessons back to high end building, client experience, reputation, and leadership. For builders, designers, and business owners, this episode is a reminder that the next level requires more than talent. It requires clarity, consistency, and a willingness to play the long game.
Jun 7
1 hr 1 min
Building A Design Brand Clients Trust With Emmy Couture
Brad sits down with designer Emily Marek, known as Emmy Couture, to talk about building a luxury design firm around trust, process, and deeply personal client relationships. Emmy shares how she went from doing everything herself to leading a team, setting clearer expectations, and creating spaces that feel refined without becoming untouchable. For builders, designers, and residential construction professionals, this conversation is a reminder that the best projects are shaped by relationships, systems, and collaboration long before install day.
May 31
57 min
The Blue Collar Opportunity With Josh Zolin
Brad sits down with Josh Zolin, CEO of Windy City Equipment, to talk about the opportunity inside the skilled trades and what it takes to build better blue collar businesses. Josh shares how business owners can build stronger cultures, coach their teams better, and prepare their people for a world where AI and technology are already changing the trades. From blue collar pride to personal development, this conversation is about building a business that grows people, not just revenue.
May 24
1 hr 2 min
Leadership Starts From Within With Drew Norton
Brad sits down with Drew Norton of Everyday Sales Leader and the Abundant Man Project to talk about leadership, identity, and the work that has to happen before you can lead anyone else well. Drew shares how influence often matters more than title, why faith, family, fitness, and finances all shape the way a person shows up, and how personal growth can change the way you lead at home and in business. For builders, business owners, and leaders carrying a lot, this conversation is a reminder that working on yourself is not selfish. It is part of the responsibility.
May 17
56 min
Energy Control For The Modern Home With Jordan Bastian
Brad sits down with Jordan Bastian of Icon Power to talk about how solar, batteries, and rising energy demand are changing the way homeowners think about power. Jordan breaks down why today’s solar conversation is less about a simple savings pitch and more about control, backup power, smarter usage, and long term protection from rising utility costs.
May 10
59 min
Load more