Episodes

  • From Plans to People Guiding Your Production Team to Success
    Sep 4 2025

    Building More Than Homes: Leadership, Culture & Communication with Kim Cobb


    In this episode of the Builder of Choice Insights podcast, Kim Cobb, Director of Field Operations and Warranty at Green Tech Homes, joins us for a powerful conversation on what it really means to be a Builder of Choice. From her early days as a building inspector to leading high-performing teams, Kim shares her journey through construction leadership, team building, and fostering a people-first culture.


    Discover how intentional communication, community-focused systems, and leadership rooted in trust have elevated the homeowner experience—and internal collaboration—at Green Tech. From book clubs on job sites to quality forms that actually work, Kim’s insights offer practical takeaways for every builder striving to lead smarter and build better.


    Speakers:

    Emma Jane Wildermuth – President, Shinn Group

    YouTube: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@theshinngroup⁠⁠

    LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-shinn-group/⁠⁠

    Facebook: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100070280496939⁠⁠


    Kim Cobb - Director of Field Operations and Warranty at Green Tech Homes

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-cobb-48661418b


    Resources & Links:

    Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠theshinngroup.com⁠⁠⁠

    Subscribe to the Shinn Group Podcast wherever you get your podcasts⁠⁠ ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/14IFTHthEqbXm09CqnhWRV⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-the-builder-of-choice/id1705949297⁠

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    43 mins
  • Supercharging Product Development for Private Home Builders
    Aug 21 2025

    In this episode, join our host Emma Jane Wildermuth andguests Ed Hauck, Senior Consultant, Shinn Group and Jennifer Hoops, Solutions Consultant, Higharc, as they unpack what it really takes to become the Builder of Choice. Ed Hauck and Jennifer Hoops walk through practical product-development decisions—from right-sizing plans and matchingproduct to land, to pricing, options, and cross-team collaboration—so your homes move faster with fewer surprises.


    Ed Hauck, Senior Consultant, Shinn Groupand Jennifer Hoops, Solutions Consultant, Higharc join the Emma Jane to dig deep into product strategy that sells—starting with how to get more out of strong floor plans and align product with specific parcels and communities. EdHauck breaks down small elevation tweaks that boost curb appeal, how to set standards versus options (and keep “options alike” across plans), and where pricing, incentives, and rate buy-downs help or hurt margins. In this episode,they talk about managing a clean product library, reading option take-rates, balancing spec and to-be-built inventory, and staying realistic about direct construction costs. Jennifer Hoops shows how cross-team collaboration tightens feedback loops and speeds better decisions, then close with apractical playbook—pre-brief estimating and purchasing before launch, position communities clearly, track sales-to-plan and velocity, and communicate changes early—so you can earn buyer preference and sell faster with fewer surprises.


    Speakers:

    Emma Jane Wildermuth – President, Shinn Group

    YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@theshinngroup⁠

    LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-shinn-group/⁠

    Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100070280496939⁠


    Ed Hauck, Senior Consultant, Shinn Group

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ed-hauck-53360414/


    Jennifer Hoops, Solutions Consultant, Higharc

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-smith-hoops-22811326/


    Resources & Links:

    Learn more at ⁠⁠theshinngroup.com⁠⁠

    Subscribe to the Shinn Group Podcast wherever you get your podcasts⁠ ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/14IFTHthEqbXm09CqnhWRV⁠⁠⁠⁠

    https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-the-builder-of-choice/id1705949297⁠

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    44 mins
  • The Builder’s Blind Spot: How Visionary Thinking Can Compromise Execution
    Aug 13 2025

    In this episode of the Shinn Group’s Be the Builder of Choice™ Podcast, Emma Jane Wildermuth, President of Shinn Group, and Lake Coulson, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs and Chief Lobbyist for the at NAHB, team up for a thought-provoking discussion on the current political and operational challenges home builders face—and how to respond with both foresight and precision.
    This conversation pulls back the curtain on what’s happening in Washington, D.C., the critical need for unified advocacy, and why even the most well-intentioned leaders risk slowing progress when execution doesn’t match ambition.
    In This Episode:
    • Why the biggest issue facing home builders isn’t policy—it’s lack of unity
    • The danger of “visionary blindness” when strategic ideas aren’t paired with execution
    • What to expect from the upcoming election cycle—and how it may impact the housing industry
    • How NAHB is fighting for builders’ interests at the federal level
    • Why local and state engagement may matter even more than national policies
    Speakers:
    • Emma Jane Wildermuth – President, Shinn Group
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theshinngroup
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-shinn-group/
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100070280496939
    • Lake Coulson – Senior Vice President of Government Affairs and Chief Lobbyist, NAHB
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lake-coulson-11a95162/
    Resources & Links:
    • Learn more at theshinngroup.com
    • Subscribe to the Shinn Group Podcast wherever you get your podcastshttps://open.spotify.com/show/14IFTHthEqbXm09CqnhWRVhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-the-builder-of-choice/id1705949297

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    36 mins
  • Leading With The Numbers: Empower Your Team For Lasting Success
    Mar 6 2025

    Join us for a podcast-style presentation followed by a Q&A session with Emma Jane Wildermuth and special guest, Kevin Jewell, President, French Brothers Homes.
    In today's environment, it can be a challenge to keep your team focused on a common goal. Strategic leadership is essential. A clear understanding of your organization's health is essential for guiding it in the right direction. Numbers and performance metrics serve as a roadmap to achieving success.
    Emma Jane Wildermuth and our guest, Kevin Jewell of French Brothers Homes, will discuss how his organization uses metrics to make informed decisions for long-term success. Kevin will also share how leading with the numbers helps hold the organization accountable and inspires team members to reach their full potential.
    With strong leadership, strategic use of metrics and an inspired team, you can out-perform your competition and be the Builder of Choice in your market.

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    58 mins
  • Design for Success - Part 2: Performance Review, Elevations and New Product
    Aug 7 2024

    In today's environment it is essential to stay relevant to your target market. In this webinar/podcast, Emma Jane and Ed will discuss with Eric how to improve the product development process by focusing on cost reduction and creating maximum value for your buyers at a price they are able and willing to pay. In Part 2 of our Product Development Series we will focus on Elevation Review, Deeper Performance Review and when to get started on NEW Product. With a well thought out plan and discipline, you can stay ahead of your competition and be the Builder of Choice in your market. Be sure to subscribe to the Builder Partnerships newsletter from our website for industry insight and news.

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    1 hr
  • Builder of Choice: Design for Success: Develop Product to Meet Your Buyer's Budget
    Jun 26 2024

    In today's environment it is essential to stay relevant to your target market. In this webinar/podcast, Emma Jane and Ed will discuss how to improve the product development process by focusing on cost reduction and creating maximum value for your buyers at a price they are able and willing to pay. We'll start with the proven Shinn metrics and work through the key players on your product development team. With a well thought out plan and discipline, you can stay ahead of your competition and be the Builder of Choice in your market.
    Don’t miss this unique opportunity to hear from industry experts. Submit your questions in advance of the webinar using the Questions & Comments box at registration.
    Be sure to subscribe to the Builder Partnerships newsletter from our website for industry insight and news.

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    57 mins
  • Builder of Choice: Tipping Momentum to Create Positive Change
    Apr 3 2024

    As a leader, navigating change is always a challenge. Join April and Emma Jane as they discuss how to tip the odds of change in your favor by managing change and leading people. Understand how leadership is essential to impact the direction you envision for your organization by being the role model your team needs.
    Don’t miss this unique opportunity to hear from industry experts. Submit your questions in advance of the webinar using the Questions & Comments box at registration.
    Be sure to subscribe to the Builder Partnerships newsletter from our website for industry insight and news.

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    46 mins
  • Builders’ Show Recap: IBS 2024 Tips and Takeaways
    Mar 8 2024

    Presentation with Emma Jane Wildermuth, Ed Hauck and our guests: Monica Wheaton, NAHB Woman of the Year, ECI, Joshua McMahon, Bramante Homes, and Josh Pomerleau, JP Brooks.
    Are you curious what happened at the Builder Show this year? Join us as we hear from various perspective what was learned this year and how you can plan for making next year even better.
    Don’t miss this unique opportunity to hear from industry experts.
    Be sure to subscribe to the Builder Partnerships newsletter from our website for industry insight and news.

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    56 mins