The Real Build

In this episode of The Real Build, we sit down with Brent Miller, founder of Carbon Watch Company, to talk about the hustle that built a luxury watch brand from the ground up. Brent takes us back to the beginning — flipping Webkinz on eBay as a kid, trading a broken guitar into $1,450, fixing cell phones out of a Starbucks, and knocking doors selling pest control — all before he ever touched a timepiece.We get into how Carbon Watch Company actually started: wholesaling watches to jewelry stores, building trust with a network of dealers through a daily WhatsApp broadcast, and eventually moving into direct-to-consumer sales that exploded through social media and real-world connections at car shows. Brent breaks down the moment the business nearly ended when their Instagram got reported and had to be rebuilt from scratch, the importance of staying reachable and personally accountable to every customer, and why he still owns his inventory outright instead of relying on consignment.We also talk about the biggest sale of his career (a $700,000 one-of-one Audemars Piguet), what it’s like to float six figures on inventory before it sells, and his vision for opening Carbon Watch Company boutiques nationwide. Plus, a fun lightning round covering his favorite brands, his dream watch, and the best business advice he’s ever gotten.In this episode:From flipping Webkinz and phones to building a luxury watch companyHow Carbon Watch Company grew through wholesale connections and daily WhatsApp broadcastsRebuilding a business after losing their Instagram accountWhy Brent owns all his inventory instead of using consignmentThe $700,000 sale and the risk behind high-end inventoryPlans to expand Carbon Watch Company into boutiques nationwideNew episodes of The Real Build drop every week — like, comment, and subscribe so you don’t miss what’s coming next.Visit Carbon Watch Company's website: https://carbonwatchcompany.com/Follow Carbon Watch Company on Instagram:   / carbonwatchcompany  

John Huffman grew up in Golden Gate City, dropped out after sixth grade, battled addiction, and was facing five years in prison when a judge gave him a second chance. Today he’s the owner of Huffman Construction Group in Naples, a remodeling company doing millions in sales every year. He also preaches every Friday night at Harvest Recovery Ministry, and through his coaching and speaking ministry he mentors business owners on how to run their companies as ministry, with a vision to raise up a million entrepreneurs to do the same.In this episode of The Real Build, John opens up about how faith carried him through his darkest seasons, including digging his way out of a million dollars in debt. We talk about getting real with God when life doesn’t make sense, why discomfort is what actually builds you, how serving others fills your cup, and why owning your mistakes with clients turns them into raving fans.If you’re a business owner, a contractor, or anyone who feels like they’re behind, this conversation will remind you that it’s not over.Connect with John Huffman:Instagram: @realjohnhuffmanFacebook: John HuffmanHuffman Construction Group: NaplesConstruction.netLearn more about R.K. Reiman at our website: https://rkreiman.comLike, share, comment, and subscribe. Listen on YouTube and all podcast platforms.#construction #motivation #inspiration

Today, on The Real Build, we're flipping the mic on host Bill Reiman.In this special episode, special guest host Giselle sits down with Bill to explore the story behind the builder, broker, and entrepreneur. From growing up in the family construction business and playing Division I football to building a luxury custom home company in Southwest Florida, Bill shares the experiences, challenges, and lessons that shaped his career.The conversation dives into the evolution of R.K. Reiman Construction, the importance of playing the long game, and what it takes to build a business rooted in integrity, accountability, and exceptional client service.Bill also shares his vision for the future, including the company's expansion into commercial development, its continued growth throughout Florida, and how his definition of success has evolved through entrepreneurship, leadership, and fatherhood.In this episode:- Growing up in the family construction business- Life after Division I football- Building a career as a broker and builder- The evolution of R.K. Reiman Construction- Expanding into luxury commercial development- Balancing ambition, family, and personal fulfillment- Why patience, accountability, and service are essential to long-term success- Advice for the next generation of entrepreneursWhether you're an entrepreneur, business owner, aspiring builder, or simply interested in the story behind R.K. Reiman Construction, this episode offers a personal look at the mindset and values driving the company forward.Real People. Real Stories. Real Build.Subscribe for more conversations about construction, real estate, business, leadership, and entrepreneurship.Follow Bill Reiman on Instagram: @ImBillReiman Follow The Real Build on Instagram: @TheRealBuildShowLearn more about R.K. Reiman Construction here: https://rkreiman.com#TheRealBuild #BillReiman #Entrepreneurship

In this episode of The Real Build, we sit down with H.L. Burkley, owner and founder of Inspired Closets, to talk storage, standards, and what it actually takes to build a business customers brag about. H.L. walks us through his path into construction — starting with U.S. Home in Naples back in ‘96, then Arthur Rutenberg Homes, before striking out on his own as a general contractor doing everything from remodels to commercial build-outs.We get into the moment that changed everything: walking into a client’s custom closet in 2004 and realizing it was the business he’d been looking for all along. H.L. breaks down why he wanted to be a sub instead of a GC, how he built his company around speed and reliability (closet installed in a week, full stop), and why the Inspired Closets brand is backed by nine years of ground-up customer research — not just another storage company slapping on a new name.We also dig into what sets Inspired Closets apart: their own 400,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Holland, Michigan, a limited lifetime warranty most competitors can’t touch, and a four-step process built to make the entire experience effortless for both builders and homeowners. Plus, a look at the booming garage storage market, Reiman’s own standard for vendor partnerships, and where Inspired Closets is expanding next.Real People. Real Stories. Real Build.

What does it take to build a family business that lasts for generations?In this special episode of The Real Build, I sit down with my brother Bobby and my sister Jenna to talk about something that goes far beyond construction: family, legacy, and the responsibility of carrying on what our father started over 30 years ago.Growing up in the construction industry wasn't always easy. From early mornings on job sites and lessons learned the hard way to eventually stepping into leadership roles at R.K. Reiman Construction, we've experienced firsthand what it means to build something bigger than ourselves.We reflect on the sacrifices our parents made, the work ethic they instilled in us, and the pressure that comes with carrying a family name built on decades of hard work and reputation.We also get into the realities of working alongside your siblings, why communication and respecting each other's strengths have been essential to our success, and what the future holds for the next generation of R.K. Reiman Construction.Because at the end of the day, it's about more than sharing a last name. It's about honoring where we came from, taking ownership of what we've been given, and building a heritage that will outlast us.In this episode, we discuss:Growing up on construction sites and learning the value of hard workThe lessons our father taught us that still guide us todayTransitioning from the founder's vision to the next generation of leadershipThe challenges and rewards of running a family business with siblingsProtecting a reputation built over 30 yearsBuilding a heritage brand and creating something that lastsWhether you're a business owner, entrepreneur, part of a family business, or someone who believes in building a meaningful legacy, this conversation is for you.Subscribe to The Real Build for honest conversations about business, construction, leadership, family, and the lessons learned along the way.Real People. Real Stories. Real Build.

What does it take to scale a homebuilding company from hundreds of homes a year toward nearly 1,000 without losing control of quality, culture, or the customer experience?On this episode of The Real Build, Bill Reiman sits down with Mike Bone, Director of Sales at Christopher Alan Homes and President-Elect of the Collier Building Industry Association (CBIA).Mike has spent more than 40 years in the homebuilding and real estate industry. Growing up in a family building business in Michigan, he started by picking up jobsite trash, framing homes, working concrete, operating heavy equipment, and eventually earning his real estate and broker licenses. His career has since taken him from custom homebuilding to some of the largest production builders in the country, and now to helping Christopher Alan Homes scale throughout Florida.Bill and Mike dive into the major differences between custom and production homebuilding, what actually allows a builder to scale, and why growth means very little if quality and culture disappear along the way.They discuss Christopher Alan Homes’ approach to third-party inspections, construction quality, customer service, land acquisition, spot-lot building, entering new Florida markets, and the company’s long-term goal of building a recognizable “heritage brand.”Mike also shares his vision as incoming President of CBIA, including increasing membership, creating more opportunities for younger professionals to become involved in the industry, developing future leaders, and strengthening relationships throughout Southwest Florida’s building community.Most importantly, this conversation comes back to something both Bill and Mike learned through decades in construction:No matter what role you have in this industry, relationships matter.In this episode:• Mike Bone’s 40+ years in homebuilding and real estate• Growing up in a family construction business• Custom homes vs. production homebuilding• How production builders scale without losing quality• What buyers don’t see behind the walls of a home• Why third-party inspections matter• Building a strong company culture• How Christopher Alan Homes approaches customer service• The strategy behind spot-lot homebuilding• Expanding into Naples and new Florida markets• Land acquisition and scaling a homebuilding operation• Mike’s vision for the future of CBIA• Mentorship and developing the next generation of builders• Why relationships are everything in constructionThe Real Build is about the people, lessons, standards, and stories behind the building industry.Real People. Real Stories. Real Build.Subscribe for more conversations with builders, entrepreneurs, real estate professionals, designers, trades, and leaders shaping the construction industry.#TheRealBuild #HomeBuilding #Construction

Bill’s on vacation, so the girls are taking over The Real Build.This week, Jenna steps into the host seat alongside Kellie, Mackenzie, Kathy, and Giselle for a different kind of episode—part construction conversation, part behind-the-scenes look at RK Reiman, and part chaos.The team talks about what really goes into building luxury homes in Southwest Florida, from coastal design considerations and selections to permitting, warranty, marketing, communication, and the countless moving pieces happening behind the scenes.They also get into what it’s like being women in the construction industry, what they’ve learned along the way, and why no two days at RK Reiman ever look quite the same.And to finish things off, Jenna puts everyone’s construction knowledge to the test with a tool identification game. Let’s just say… some of the girls spend a little more time on the jobsite than others.A fun, candid look at the women behind RK Reiman Construction—and the roles they play in bringing each home from an idea to reality.Subscribe to The Real Build for more conversations about construction, real estate, business, and the people behind it all.Real People. Real Stories. Real Build.

In this episode of The Real Build, we welcome the newest member of the RK Reiman Construction team — videographer Tye Cusumano. Tye shares his journey into media production, from cutting his teeth on a cracked copy of Sony Vegas at 12 years old, to running audio for his high school's news team, to producing podcasts and training videos for companies like Vessel Vanguard.We dig into the unique challenges of filming construction and luxury homes — from managing dynamic range and tricky window exposures to learning the gimbal — and how that differs from talking-head or yacht videography. Tye also breaks down his approach to platform strategy: positioning RK Reiman as a construction authority on YouTube with the "How It's Built" series, leaning into local Southwest Florida content on Instagram, and why presentation, thumbnails, and titling matter just as much as the footage itself.We also get into the RK Reiman standard, the value of being your own harshest critic, and why faith- and family-driven content has resonated so strongly with our audience. Plus, a look ahead at where Tye sees himself — and Reiman Media — growing in the future.In this episode:Tye's path from music production to construction mediaAdjusting exposure and lighting techniques for home walkthroughsBuilding out a YouTube strategy and becoming a "construction authority"Why faith-based and personal content performs bestThe RK Reiman standard and culture of continuous improvementWhat's next for Reiman MediaNew episodes of The Real Build drop every week — like, comment, and subscribe so you don't miss what's coming next.

What separates a good builder from a great one? Often, it’s the things most people will never see.On this episode of The Real Build, host Bill Reiman sits down with R.K. Reiman Construction superintendents Michael Belcher and Mason Blosser to break down what we call The Reiman Standard — the commitment to doing things the right way, going above and beyond for the client, and building homes that are truly built to last.Michael and Mason share their perspective from the field, where quality isn’t just about what a finished home looks like. It’s about what happens behind the walls, the details that could easily be overlooked, holding trade partners accountable, solving problems before they become bigger problems, and refusing to cut corners even when no one would know the difference.For R.K. Reiman Construction, that standard has been built over generations. It means treating every custom home as if it were our own and understanding that our name is attached to every project long after construction is complete.If you’re building a custom home, working in construction, or simply want to understand what separates good craftsmanship from great craftsmanship, this conversation gives you a look behind the scenes.REAL PEOPLE. REAL STORIES. REAL BUILD.Hosted by Bill Reiman.Subscribe to The Real Build for conversations with builders, developers, entrepreneurs, tradespeople, and industry leaders who believe in doing business the right way.

What makes a garage worth $1 million?On this episode of The Real Build, Bill Reiman sits down with Nick Deutsch, founder and CEO of Garage Ultimate, to explore the rapidly growing world of luxury car condos, and the real estate, construction and community strategy behind them.Nick is an attorney, real estate investor, developer and lifelong car enthusiast who originally discovered the concept while trying to solve his own problem: he needed more space for his cars.That problem eventually became Garage Ultimate, a luxury automotive storage concept where owners can purchase and customize their own garage condos while becoming part of a community built around a shared passion for cars.Bill and Nick break down what it actually takes to develop a successful car condo project, from finding the right land and navigating development hurdles to understanding what buyers actually want.They also discuss:• Why community may be more valuable than the buildings themselves• The biggest mistakes car condo developers make• Luxury garage customization and $300K+ buildouts• Why quality construction matters for long-term value• The investment and resale potential of car condos• How Nick's garages have averaged more than 15% annual appreciation• The risk of overdevelopment as car condos become more popular• Pre-selling a project before construction begins• Why listening to buyers can completely change a development• Bill's own plans to enter the luxury car condo market in Southwest Florida• The future of automotive communities, private clubs and luxury experiencesAt its core, this conversation isn't just about where people store their cars. It's about identifying an underserved market, listening to the people you're building for and creating something they actually want to be part of.REAL PEOPLE. REAL STORIES. REAL BUILD.Hosted by Bill Reiman.Follow The Real Build for conversations with builders, developers, entrepreneurs and industry leaders doing business the right way.