Building Better Podcast

In this final special Parade of Homes edition of the Building Better Podcast, host Lauren Tucker welcomes Blake Waldecker of Waldecker Homes and Mike Elya of Elya Construction Company to showcase two distinctive homes featured in this year's Parade. Blake shares the story behind the complete transformation of his own family's lakefront home, highlighting thoughtful design, indoor-outdoor living, aging-in-place features, and smart home technology that make the space both functional and inviting. Mike discusses the creation of the "Cadillac Cottage," a custom hunting retreat designed with rustic craftsmanship, live-edge hickory cabinetry, reclaimed barnwood finishes, and timeless materials built to last for generations. The episode also features conversations with two valued Parade sponsors, Brad Searles of James Hardie and Calvin Ingleston of Watson Motors, who discuss innovative exterior building products, fleet solutions for contractors, and the importance of supporting Northern Michigan's building industry. Together, the conversations celebrate craftsmanship, quality partnerships, and the people who bring exceptional homes to life across the region.

In this special Parade of Homes edition of the Building Better Podcast, host Lauren Tucker is joined by Colin Bushong of CMB Construction and Corey Flaska of Leelanau Construction, along with TJ Shimek of The Mitten Group to showcase two exciting homes featured in this year's Parade of Homes and discuss the latest trends in Northern Michigan homebuilding and development. From a thoughtfully designed lakefront home on Skegemog Lake with custom built-ins and timber-inspired details to a beautifully remodeled contemporary home overlooking Lake Leelanau, the episode offers an inside look at the craftsmanship, creativity, and planning behind these standout projects. The conversation also explores attainable housing, new residential developments, and why the Parade of Homes is the perfect opportunity to meet local builders and experience exceptional homes in person. The episode also features conversations with two of the Parade's valued sponsors, Allen Jeffries of Aspire North and Chris Ostrowski of Preston Feather Building Centers, who share insights on Northern Michigan's housing market, advocacy efforts, the importance of strong industry partnerships, and the role local businesses play in supporting the region's building community.

In this special Parade of Homes edition of the Building Better Podcast, host Lauren Tucker sits down with veteran builder Scott Norris of Scott Norris Construction to explore the craftsmanship, creativity, and passion behind three extraordinary homes featured in this year's Parade of Homes. Scott shares the story of his unconventional path into homebuilding, the talented team that has helped shape his company's reputation for exceptional quality, and the custom details that make every project unique. From a striking timber frame lodge and a thoughtfully designed Craftsman home to the remarkable restoration of a 1900 Sears & Roebuck farmhouse, listeners will get an inside look at the inspiration, artistry, and problem-solving that define Scott Norris Construction. The conversation also highlights why the Parade of Homes remains one of the best opportunities to experience fine craftsmanship firsthand and connect with the builders bringing Northern Michigan's dream homes to life.

The Building Better Podcast returns with a special Parade of Homes series! In this kickoff episode, host Lauren Tucker sits down with title sponsor Bay View Flooring & Design Center's Jonathan Woolfolk to discuss the latest trends in flooring, the company's newly remodeled design-focused showroom, and their innovative apprenticeship program designed to address the skilled trades workforce shortage. John shares how Bay View is investing in the next generation of installers, supporting local organizations like Habitat for Humanity, and helping homeowners navigate the many decisions involved in creating beautiful, durable living spaces. Plus, get a preview of what visitors can expect to see during this year's Parade of Homes, and why quality craftsmanship, thoughtful design, and strong community partnerships continue to shape Northern Michigan's building industry.

In our final Parade of Homes special, Lauren Tucker sits down with Colin Herren of Greenwald & B.C. to talk about their stunning  custom cottage on Lake Michigan in Manistee. Designed as a vacation home for out-of-state clients, the build showcases laid-back luxury, with a massive butler's pantry, warm natural finishes, and a layout made for hosting. Colin shares how communication, patience, and collaboration shaped the final product. Next, Lauren is joined by Dave Schneider of Andersen Windows, a 2025 Parade sponsor. Dave explains how Andersen works hand-in-hand with builders to match performance, style, and structural goals—especially as homes trend toward larger glass, cleaner lines, and energy efficiency. Finally, Scott Norris of Scott Norris Construction walks us through his latest Parade entry: a lakefront home that blends work-from-home needs with entertaining. With expansive lake views through floor-to-ceiling windows and a layout that flows naturally to the outdoors, the home balances beauty with thoughtful function.

Lauren Tucker welcomes back longtime Parade of Homes participants Bay Area Contracting/BAC Design Group—Dean Adams, Trisha Adams, and Erica Murdock—for a look at how a passion project for Dean's brother became one of their most personal builds yet. The team reflects on the Parade's marketing power, their decades-long journey with the HBA, and how designing with family in mind changes everything. Next, Larry Mikowski of Weekes Forest Products (a Parade sponsor) joins to talk about trends in home materials and why longevity always wins. Finally, Corey Flaska of Leelanau Construction shares how he's blending custom craftsmanship with community-minded, smaller-footprint homes. His spec home in Cedar—a model for attainable housing—shows how thoughtful design and strategic density can serve both homeowners and land preservation.

In this special Parade of Homes kickoff, Lauren Tucker sits down with Colin Bushong of CMB Construction, the reigning People's Choice winner, who's doubling down this year with two featured homes—one a refined riverside retreat, the other a smartly designed, budget-friendly build with bold style. Later, Chris Ostrowski of Builders FirstSource talks sponsorship, innovation, and pricing myths, and finally, we check in with Will Saputo of Royal Stag Construction about his striking farmhouse in Yuba and how his nonprofit TCLEG is building homes and community. From dream builds to real-world budgets, this episode sets the tone for an inspiring season.

We're got a great series of programs coming up to coincide with our annual "Parade of Homes!"

  In this episode of the Building Better Podcast, host Lauren Tucker welcomes Jonathan Woolfolk, co-owner of Bay View Flooring and title sponsor of this year's Parade of Homes. Lauren and John chat about the 36th annual Parade of Homes, flooring trends, and what makes this showcase of local craftsmanship such a beloved event. John shares what it's been like to take over a trusted, family-run business with his wife Margaret, and how they've embraced both tradition and innovation—from pet-friendly showrooms to an evolving apprenticeship pipeline with the Career Tech Center. They also touch on the skilled labor shortage, the importance of workforce development, and how even the smallest jobs deserve quality attention. This one blends heart, humor, and insight from two people deeply rooted in the building community. Listen to hear how a flooring company is making big impact on homes, careers, and community culture.

In this episode of the Building Better Podcast, host Lauren Tucker is joined by Lauren Flynn and Heidi Flake to shine a spotlight on an important but often overlooked part of the HBA: the Northwest Michigan Skilled Trades Foundation. They dive deep into the foundation's mission to support skilled trades careers across northern Michigan through scholarships, workforce development programs, and community outreach. You'll hear about the foundation's evolution, the importance of breaking down barriers to career entry, and why changing the public perception of trades is critical to solving the ongoing labor shortage. From raising scholarship funds to inspiring the next generation at events like Building Tomorrow, this conversation is all about impact, opportunity, and building a stronger future—one skilled trade at a time. 🎧 Listen now to hear how the foundation is changing lives, reshaping communities, and creating pathways to success.