The Build Up Podcast

There's a lot more to policy making than meets the eye, especially during election season. In this episode, Ryan Benson and John Riddle welcome Former Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Secretary and House Majority Leader Dane Eagle, who shares his extensive experience navigating the intersections of politics and policy.

As we dive deeper into the conversation around AI, it's fascinating to see how rapidly it’s transforming the home renovation industry. In the final episode of our AI Series, we have insights from Marine Sargsyan, Head of Economic Research at Houzz, who brings a unique perspective on the intersection of technology and home improvement.

In Episode 2 of The Build Up’s three-part series exploring AI in the home building industry, we take a closer look at how artificial intelligence is transforming the construction process, from initial design to the documents that bring a home to life.

Ryan and John are joined by architect, Joyce Owens, FAIA RIBA, principal and founder of Architecture Joyce Owens and Michael Bergin, Cofounder and Chief R&D Officer of Higharc.

As Michael shares how his company’s platform can generate 3D home models and construction documents simultaneously, helping builders streamline workflows, reduce waste and keep everyone involved in the process aligned, Joyce joins the conversation to share her perspective on striking the right balance between innovation, efficiency and the human element of design.

This episode continues our three-part look at what AI means for the future of home building—and how builders and industry professionals can prepare for what’s next.

AI is already changing homebuilding, but most builders are still stuck at the edit-email-and-ChatGPT stage. Paul Lopez, COO of NAHB breaks down what that means for an industry that cannot afford to guess wrong, from back-office wins to the next wave of permitting, design, and jobsite automation.

John Riddle and Ryan Benson dig into the uncomfortable truth many builders are feeling right now: everyone knows AI matters, but very few know how to use it without risking reputation, wasting money, or buying the wrong platform. Paul brings the national association perspective on what builders are actually using today, where the real opportunity is, and why the smartest move is not full speed ahead - it is thoughtful, industry-specific adoption. This is the first of a three part series on AI.

In this episode of The Build Up, hosts Ryan Benson and John Riddle sit down in Naples with Senate President Kathleen Passidomo to explore the moments that shaped her path into public service.

Passidomo reflects on her time as president of the Collier County Bar Association during the foreclosure crisis—an experience that exposed the scale of housing challenges facing Florida families and sparked her decision to step into policy and advocacy.

This conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at how real-world challenges can drive meaningful leadership—and why housing remains at the center of Florida’s future.

Tune in now to hear her story and insights.

In this episode, Florida State Representative Tiffany Esposito shares her journey from local business to politics, her experiences in Tallahassee, and insights on policy issues like housing, infrastructure, and data centers. Discover how her background shapes her legislative priorities and the importance of advocacy for industry stakeholders.

Discover the behind-the-scenes process of Florida’s legislative body, straight from FHBA Lobbyist and Advocacy Communications Manager, Brendan Burke.

Ryan and John talk to Brendan about how laws are made, the role of lobbyists, committee dynamics, and how industry members can influence legislation.

You don't want to miss it!

In this episode of The Build Up, host Ryan Benson and co-host John Riddle welcome Representative Yvette Benarroch, who shares her unique journey from military service to politics. She discusses her motivations for running for office, the challenges she faced during her campaign, and her insights from her first term in the Florida House. The conversation highlights the importance of community engagement, the pressing issue of affordability, and the collaborative spirit among legislators in Florida.

In this engaging episode of The Build Up, hosts Ryan Benson and John Riddle sit down with House Minority Leader, Representative Fentrice Driskell. As a passionate advocate for her community, Rep. Driskell shares her compelling journey from aspiring engineer to influential lawmaker, emphasizing the importance of accessibility and consensus in politics.

In this episode of the Buildup podcast, we chat with Blaise Ingoglia, the CFO of Florida, about his journey from home builder to political activist. They discuss the challenges of housing affordability, the impact of government policies on property taxes, and the importance of fiscal oversight. CFO Ingoglia shares insights from his experience in the construction industry and his commitment to advocating for taxpayers.

Welcome to the latest episode of The Buildup, where we explore innovative ideas and trends in the building industry. In this episode, hosts Ryan Benson and John Riddle sit down special guest Daniel Kennerly Partner/Owner of Alair Homes Orlando, who is leading the construction of the highly anticipated New American Home. This unique project, showcased at the International Builder Show, offers a glimpse into the future of home design and construction.

Throughout the podcast, Daniel discusses the importance of collaboration in the building process. His diverse background in finance, politics, and construction has shaped his approach to building, emphasizing the need to connect with various stakeholders, from clients to suppliers. This episode is a great reminder that building is inherently about relationships and collaboration.

In this episode, get to know William Webb, the first chairman of the Florida Home Builders Association. We discuss William's journey in the home building industry, the challenges of water management in Florida, the complexities of the building permit process, and even more hot topics being addressed by the FHBA. William emphasizes the need for advocacy and engagement within the industry to address legislative priorities and improve the overall building process in Florida.

In this episode, Ryan and John host a conversation with Mike Davis, the Executive Vice President of Florida Paints, discussing the company's history, mission, community involvement, and innovations in the paint industry. They explore the importance of quality in paint products, the misconceptions surrounding them, and the challenges faced by builders in the current market. The episode also highlights Florida Paints' commitment to training contractors and their focus on sustainability and advanced technologies in paint manufacturing.

On this episode, Ryan and John sit down with Frank Coppola of Coppola Brothers Construction to explore the transformative impact of AI. Frank shares insights from his AI boot camp initiative, emphasizing the importance of embracing AI to avoid obsolescence. The discussion highlights the shift from traditional methods to AI-driven solutions, drawing parallels with historical technological advancements like electrification. Frank underscores the potential of AI to revolutionize productivity and reduce costs, while also addressing the challenges and opportunities it presents for businesses and individuals.

In this episode, Secretary Melanie Griffin of the Department of Business and Professional Regulation joins Ryan and John at the FHBA Fall Conference to discuss her journey to becoming a state agency head, the challenges she faced in building trust within the department, and the initiatives being implemented to combat unlicensed activity in Florida. She highlights the expansion of law enforcement capabilities, modernization projects, and the importance of community engagement in ensuring a safe and regulated environment for businesses and residents alike.

In this episode of "The Buildup," hosts Ryan Benson and John Riddle welcome Representative Gentry, a former colleague and now a prominent figure in Florida politics. The conversation delves into Gentry's journey from working with the Home Builders Association to becoming a legislative leader. He shares insights into his legislative efforts, including his work on private provider bills and his experiences in the Florida House.

In this episode, the conversation delves into the background of a Florida legislator, Dan Daley. We discuss his journey into politics, legislative initiatives focused on construction fraud, challenges in building permits, and future political aspirations. The discussion highlights the importance of understanding both sides of issues in governance and the need for streamlined processes in local government.

In this engaging conversation, Ryan Benson and John Riddle welcome Buddy Hughes, the 2025 Chairman of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). They explore Buddy's journey as a third-generation builder, his advocacy for resilient construction, and the challenges facing the housing industry, including regulatory burdens and the need for affordable housing. The discussion highlights the importance of innovation in construction, the role of advocacy in shaping policy, and the future of home building in America. Recorded during the 2025 Southeast Building Conference.

In this engaging podcast episode, Senator Tracie Davis shares her journey from being a special education teacher to becoming a state senator in Florida. She discusses the challenges and triumphs she faced in her political career, including her experiences in the House of Representatives, her legislative achievements, and her advocacy for healthcare and special needs initiatives. Senator Davis emphasizes the importance of collaboration and relationship-building in politics, as well as her commitment to serving her community. The conversation also touches on her personal insights, leadership style, and future aspirations in public service.

In this engaging conversation, Ryan Benson and John Riddle interview Past FHBA President and current chairman of the Florida Building Commission, Michael Bourré. Michael shares his journey from a Marine Corps veteran to a successful entrepreneur in construction, detailing his experiences and the lessons learned along the way. The discussion delves into his leadership roles within the Florida Home Builders Association, the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the critical work of the Florida Building Commission in developing and maintaining building codes that ensure safety and resilience in the face of natural disasters. Michael emphasizes the importance of collaboration, community, and continuous improvement in the construction industry, while also reflecting on his personal life and future aspirations.