In this episode, host Anya Chrisanthon interviews Edwin Williams, founder and CEO of ZenHammer. Edwin shares his journey from mechanical engineering student to software entrepreneur, driven by a desire to solve communication problems in the construction industry. He discusses the development of ZenHammer, a project management and communication platform for contractors, and highlights the importance of industry involvement through organizations like NAHB. Edwin also offers insights on entrepreneurship, software development challenges, and the value of networking in the homebuilding industry.

Edwin Williams is an innovative entrepreneur and software developer based in Johnson City, Tennessee. With a background in mechanical engineering, Edwin pivoted to the tech and construction industries, driven by a desire to solve real-world problems. He is the founder and CEO of ZenHammer, a project management and communication platform for the construction industry that he is developing. Prior to ZenHammer, Edwin founded PERSERBID in 2014, which aimed to connect homeowners with contractors. His entrepreneurial spirit extends beyond his own ventures; since 2017, he has been a co-founder of Startup Tri-Cities, an organization that nurtures tech ideas and connects innovators with the local business community. Edwin is also actively involved with the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), serving on various committees and participating in leadership programs. His journey from engineering student to tech entrepreneur showcases his adaptability, problem-solving skills, and commitment to improving the construction industry through innovative solutions.

David Hagan of Sales Uncomplicated discusses how homebuilders can differentiate themselves through superior customer experience. He shares insights on the importance of transparency in online marketing, meeting customers where they are, and his unique "customer experience equation." David emphasizes the value of showing everything to potential buyers and avoiding putting products "under glass" in the digital age of home sales.

David Hagan brings a wealth of experience to sales training. David has recruited, trained, and coached sales teams in the new home industry since 2012. He has been working with companies of all sizes, from small, private home builders to large, publicly-traded, national home-building companies.

Most recently, he led the sales training expert for the largest private home-building company in Atlanta. He was responsible for training and coaching a team of more than forty salespeople. The company has consistently been ranked among the top-five home builders in Atlanta.

David has also been actively involved in sales leadership, community and product development, land acquisition, marketing, online sales engagement, and many other aspects of home building. His experience of actively setting and exceeding sales goals while producing results makes him unique among sales training leaders.

David learned how to speak to large audiences in inspiring, positive, and impactful ways. Prior to entering the new home sales industry, he spent almost fifteen years pastoring a church near Savannah, GA. During his tenure, the church experienced unprecedented growth.

He not only developed his skills for training, teaching, and public speaking, but he also gained insight into motivating others. David says, “If you can lead a team of volunteers to do something of importance, you can lead anyone”.

He has gained vast experience in other areas of sales, including tangibles like home furnishings, commercial furniture, office partition systems, and intangibles, including long-term care and health insurance.

David is leveraging his experience in sales to train sales organizations using his exclusive sales process called the Uncomplicated Method®. It doesn’t matter what you’re selling, he can help.

In this episode, Anya Chrisanthon is joined by Erik Cofield, VP of Builder Strategy at BuilderChain, to discuss how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the home building industry. Erik shares real-world examples of how AI-driven solutions, enabled by platforms like Palantir Foundry, are helping builders optimize operations, reduce costs, and improve efficiency. From AI-powered construction trailers to predictive analytics for sales teams, Erik provides insights into the vast potential of AI and offers advice for businesses looking to embrace this transformative technology. Tune in to learn how your home building business can leverage AI to stay ahead of the competition in the rapidly evolving industry landscape.