Share on facebook
Tweet
Email
Share on LinkedinBuild Podcast | Episode 166: Building Generational Wealth, Literally
Matt interviews Paul Atherton, CEO of Highspire, about how builders can create generational wealth by leveraging their construction businesses for real estate development. Most builders sell their companies for 1-2x earnings, which isn’t enough to pass down wealth. Instead, Paul outlines three wealth-building pillars: operating a profitable business, investing in real estate, and adding value to assets.
Builders have a competitive edge in real estate because they understand construction costs, materials, and labor, allowing them to budget more accurately than traditional developers. We can invest in land development, adaptive reuse projects, and value-add properties, turning older commercial spaces into high-yield investments. Paul stresses the importance of cap rates, IRR (Internal Rate of Return), and strategic financing; he recommends builders aim for 25% IRR on projects and seek off-market deals.
For those new to investing, Paul advises strengthening branding and marketing, setting anti-goals to maintain work-life balance, and networking with commercial brokers and private investors. Builders should analyze 20 real estate deals per month to understand market trends. With real estate offering long-term appreciation and cash flow, builders who reinvest wisely can secure financial freedom for future generations.
Thank you to episode sponsor Sugatsune. Learn more at sugatsune.com.
Resources:
- Visit highspire.com for coaching and investment opportunities
Find Paul & Highspire on the Web:
- Instagram: @highspireofficial
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Highspire/61557059785564/
- LinkedIn: Highspire & Paul Atherton
Find Matt and The Build Show on the web:
- Build Show Videos: https://buildshownetwork.com/go/mattrisinger
- Instagram: @risingerbuild and @thebuildshow
- YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@buildshow
- Website: https://risingerbuild.com/ and https://buildshownetwork.com/
Save the Date for Build Show LIVE 2025 in Dallax, TX: October 16-18, 2025!
Sugatsune
Episodes
Build Podcast | Episode 175: Stop Bidding for Free (why every builder needs a pre-construction agreement)
Episode 175
Matt is joined by Risinger Build Executive Project Manager Daniel Glauser to discuss pre-construction service agreements (PSAs), emphasizing the importance of getting paid for the extensive time and effort builders invest before actual construction begins. They explain how PSAs help weed out unserious clients, foster transparent collaboration with architects and homeowners, and ultimately ensure a smoother, more efficient building process.
Build Podcast | Episode 174: How Will Tariffs Impact Builders?
Episode 174
The Build Podcast tackles a very timely and top-of-mind topic: tariffs. This episode dives deep into the current (as of April 28, 2025) and forecasted state of the U.S. housing and remodeling industry, with a spotlight on tariffs, economic uncertainty, and demographic trends. Matt is joined by two experts from Zonda (a leading housing data and insights company) to discuss how global tariffs are expected to raise material costs by up to 9%.
Build Podcast | Episode 173: Ask The Experts (Part 1)
Episode 173
Welcome to the first official “Ask The Experts” edition of Build. Matt answers real questions from builders, architects, and fans of the show. This episode covers a wide range of high-performance building topics that every pro should consider.
Build Podcast | Episode 172: What Makes a Great Project Manager?
Episode 172
What makes a great project manager in the residential construction world? Matt and Risinger Build business partner, Tim Hill, sit down to discuss what they’ve come to define as a GREAT project manager. Drawing on years of experience, they identify five essential qualities: leadership, collaboration, communication, work ethic, and people management.
Build Podcast | Episode 170: Understanding Profitability for Builders, Contractors, and Remodelers
Episode 170
Matt and Tim discuss the challenges of profitability in the construction industry, emphasizing the importance of realistic budgets and aligning with clients and architects to avoid financial losses.
Build Podcast | Episode 169: Mold Prevention & Indoor Air Quality (Part 2)
Episode 169
Matt welcomes Sean Harris back to the studio to continue their discussion indoor air quality improvements for existing homes, focusing on mold prevention, HVAC upgrades, filtration, and dehumidification—especially in hot, humid climates like Texas. Both Matt & Sean encourage homeowners to prioritize practical, science-backed IAQ improvements for a healthier living environment.
Build Podcast | Episode 168: Prairie Sun & Timber
Episode 168
Matt welcomes fellow Build Expert, Travis Brungardt, to discuss the brand-new Build Original Series® Prairie Sun & Timber, which follows Travis as he builds a hybrid high- performance home blending Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) and traditional framing. Travis outlines the project, noting that the upper level utilizes SIPs for insulation and strength, while the walkout basement level is conventionally framed with ZIP-R9 panels for flexibility.
Build Podcast | Episode 167: Mold Prevention & Indoor Air Quality in New Construction
Episode 167
Matt welcomes indoor air quality (IAQ) expert Sean Harris to explore mold prevention strategies for new construction. They discuss key building science principles, including air sealing, moisture management, and proper dehumidification to prevent mold growth in hot, humid climates like Texas.