Build with Breen Homes

Episode 55 - Why you should not ask “what’s the cost per square foot” to your contractor

Adam Breen — Mon, 01 Sep 2025 19:20:53 +0000

Adam and Brandon discuss the complicated intricacies of building a custom home. Often clients ask the wrong questions first and end up down dead end roads. Listen why asking for potential contractors what their cost per square foot is an uneducated and bad question. Hopefully this discussion gives you some insight and education for better questions when you decide to engage a general contractor for your project.

Episode 54 _ Continued Jobsite Control

Adam Breen — Fri, 18 Jul 2025 12:00:00 +0000

The discussion from last episode was enganging enough we continued on with some ideas of WHAT can be done to better control jobsites. Join the discussion; what are you doing and whats working!?

Episode 53 - Are you in contorol

Adam Breen — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 12:00:00 +0000

Keeping control of your jobsites is an every day battle. First off, what is a "controlled jobsite" and second, is that how you or your team is running the job? Todays opperations should be in complete control We have AI, software, cameras, and access to other tools that should make jobsite control much easier however it seems more difficult and more expensive than ever. What are you doing to control your jobsites?

Episode 52 - Project Consulting

Adam Breen — Fri, 16 May 2025 12:00:00 +0000

Over the past couple years Adam has ventured into creating a Project Consutling arm to Breen Homes. The value is there and we we are putting it to use. Listen in to the benefits of this business!

Episode 51: Spending Freely _ Time and Money

Adam Breen — Fri, 09 May 2025 12:00:00 +0000

When its not your money, do you spend more freely? Do you take advantge? Do you have a company policy for this? What about time and honest work hours? Working remotely or in office?

What are your thoughts? Lets debate!

Episode 50: Q&A_Liabilites

Adam Breen — Mon, 05 May 2025 23:00:00 +0000

Adam, Brandon and Charity discuss "Whats bothering them" currently in the industry. The discussion quickly turns to liabiltiy and insurance. Have you ever thought about how much liability and insurnace you pay in your personal life? What about small business costs?

Is there a way to solve this? Whats your thoughts? Give us a comment, or tell us we are wrong!

Episode 49 - How are the Fed decisions effecting my business?

Adam Breen — Fri, 07 Mar 2025 13:00:00 +0000

Adam, Brandn and Charity discuss continued changes in the federal gonvernment and how its effecting their small business' in SLC Utah. Adam and the team continue to discuss hot topics, unfiltered! Chime in! What are your thoughts? Dont be afraid to share your opinion and have a healthy discussion.

Episode 48 - Inauguration

Adam Breen — Fri, 10 Jan 2025 04:41:35 +0000

What will happen as the new elected officials take office? We are positive there will be good and bad. If you're in the construction industry there are 2 major concerns Adam foresees as major concerns that can have dramatic effect on pricing and timelines. Do you agree or disagree?

Episode 47 - Starting off 2025

Adam Breen — Fri, 10 Jan 2025 04:38:00 +0000

Annnnnd we are back! Welcoming in 2025 and excited to see what this year will bring. Listen in while Adam and Brandon discuss the current economic feeling of the residential construction industry. Do you agree or disagree? Let us know by commenting!

Episode 46 - Marketing in Construction Part 2

Adam Breen — Fri, 18 Oct 2024 12:00:00 +0000

Continued:

Adam and Brandon talk current marketing strategies for Breen Homes. What's your emerging marketing in 2024? In our opinion, marketing went from high cost "Print, Radio and TV" to now much less cost and pretty much all social media. However, according to Adam, social media is mainly brand recognition and nothing can replace Adam selling his own business!

Episode 45 - Marketing in Construction Part 1

Adam Breen — Wed, 04 Sep 2024 03:28:02 +0000

Episode 44 Part 2: Welcome Michael Allred and Terrance Jesclard

Adam Breen — Fri, 09 Aug 2024 12:00:00 +0000

Part 2:

Guest Episode introducing "Gym Bros"! Its funny how often we live in our community and never get to know those members IN our community. Join Adam and Brandon in a fun filled episode with local community members and business men to discuss weights, Utah economy and a few jabs here and there!

Episode 43 Part 1: Welcome Michael Allred and Terrance Jesclard

Adam Breen — Fri, 26 Jul 2024 12:00:00 +0000

Part 1:

Episode 42: AI and Construction

Adam Breen — Tue, 04 Jun 2024 04:16:30 +0000

Construction may be one of the slowest industries to adopt change... at least that's what most people think. But, there have been and are major technological improvements in the industry that support efficiencies with the building process. Let's explore them!

Episode 41: How working on your business supports your clients

Adam Breen — Fri, 10 May 2024 12:00:00 +0000

Age old adage of working ON your business and working IN your business. Let's get down to the bottom line; does working ON your business really benefit your clients and/or your bottom line dollar!? Why should you consider networking groups, partners, coaches and other extracurricular groups to help you work ON your business?

Episode 40: When the tables are turned

Adam Breen — Fri, 12 Apr 2024 12:00:00 +0000

This was one of my favortie converations. I had a subcontractor call me to ask about hiring Breen Homes to build their home. Their most inmportant questions was, "Adam, how do you control costs and avoid overages when contracting your projects." I got so excited to answer this question in this unique enviroment that I almost passed out. Listen in while we re-discuss the conversation and the great question!

Episode 39: Work Travel

Adam Breen — Fri, 22 Mar 2024 15:09:50 +0000

Well friends, its been a slow start to the year with both Adam and Brandon busy traveling. Its not ALL work but nonetheless its travel and travel can be exhausting. Whats your opinion on work travel; Fun or Exahusting? Whether you care or not, here our my opinion!

Episode 38: Finally - Adam Questions Brandon

Adam Breen — Fri, 01 Mar 2024 13:45:00 +0000

We often hear Adam's opinion as Co-Host, Brandon, moderates but this time the script is flipped and Brandon gets the question. What major changes do you see for yourself in 2024? How can you relate back to past experiences to make sure the upcoming changes are positve in your life.

Episode 37: 2024 Word of the Year "Collaboration"

Adam Breen — Fri, 16 Feb 2024 13:45:00 +0000

Politics continue but mixed with a common ground of collaboartion. What does that look like and how does it tie back to construction, development and small business. Here are my thoughts.

Episode 36: 2024 Starts and So Does Politics

Adam Breen — Tue, 30 Jan 2024 16:41:00 +0000

Kick off to 2024 and a more committed year to recording episodes. Adam and, Co-host, Brandon catch up but end up talking small business and politics; which we know nothing about! Does Adam have a furutre in politics? Brandon sure thinks so. What do you think?

Episode 35: Fascination w/Builder 20 cont.

Adam Breen — Fri, 15 Dec 2023 13:00:00 +0000

It may be short, but it's still sweet. Brandon's fascination with Adams national Builder 20 group continues as they discuss a few details from the latest visit to Canton Ohio and their first ever SWOT Study on a members business!

Episode 34: Exit Interviews

Adam Breen — Fri, 01 Dec 2023 13:00:00 +0000

Fall break turned from 3 weeks into almost a two month hiatus none the less Adam and Brandon finally come back togehter for an update and a good healthy discussion. Exit interviews and the fire of owning a small business is back in Adams core as he re-takes the role of an employee in his own business. What is that like as an owner and an employee and how does it effect other employees.

Episode 33: 5 Question Session

Adam Breen — Fri, 22 Sep 2023 14:37:12 +0000

Travel has got the best of Mr Breen and Mr Hicks over the past few weeks but they have not let it deter thier commitment to you all. Adam, off the cuff, answers Brandons 5 quesitons. What would your responses be?

A Minute with MR BREEN - Ep.3- mini series

Adam Breen — Fri, 08 Sep 2023 11:55:21 +0000

Contractors: The Joe in the truck versus the team approach. Pros and cons of both contractor businesses.

What type of contractor is right for you? A contractor is not just a contractor. There's multiple different types of successful contractors that operate in different ways. When shopping for a contractor you should select one who fits and matches well with you and your project.

listening and find out some things you can expect out of these two types of contractor businesses.

A Minute with MR BREEN - Ep.2 - mini series

Adam Breen — Fri, 25 Aug 2023 11:44:54 +0000

Todays real estate market appears to be bipolar. I'm constantly getting asked if now is the time to buy/build or if you should wait for a potential recession.

listen in on a short pod to a few key points before you make your decision.

The time to build is when YOU can. Don't try to time the market.

Episode 32: Outlook for Upcoming Market Conditions

Adam Breen — Fri, 11 Aug 2023 12:00:00 +0000

What will the remainder of 2023 and into 2024 hold for the construction industry? Adam and Brandon discuss pivotal points and changes due to market conditions within their industry. The construction "Whales" are looking to efficiencies under their own roof to improve jobsite flow and timelines. Adam further discusses what current technologies can do to assist in efficiency. Never stop learning or you will get left behind and become an extinct dinosaur!

Episode 31: Stagnant Contract

Adam Breen — Fri, 28 Jul 2023 12:00:00 +0000

Delayed contracts are becoming more abundant due to current economic burdens. What can you expect as a client and what should you do as a contractor when the project and contract get delayed before construction even starts?

Episode 30: The Value of Remote VS In Office Work

Adam Breen — Fri, 14 Jul 2023 12:00:00 +0000

Adam poses, what could be, a contraversial question to Brandon about remote worker and pay. Just a thought moved into a disucssion: Could in person jobs and physical jobs become higher valued than the perk of remote work within the construction inustry? Give us your feed back and lets continue the discussion.

Episode 29: The Effects of Change Orders

Adam Breen — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 15:00:00 +0000

The cold hard truth of changes during construction. Adam bluntly puts the effects, both cost and time, on material or design changes during construction. The reality, at least for Breen Homes, is that we are happy to receive and make changes as long as clients know it will cost additional money and additional time. Adam is often caugh reciting, as your contractor, "we are hired to help guide you (as the client) on how you are spending your money on your home".

Episode 28: Design and Selections

Adam Breen — Fri, 16 Jun 2023 12:00:00 +0000

Believe it or not, the job of a general contractor is a logistical nightmare. Listen in while Adam and Brandon unfold what happens when clients don't make decisions in a timely matter or make changes during construction. We are not complaining when it happens but don't let anyone fool you: time is lost and costs will increase. It may be the cold hard truth but you have to know and understand it.

Episode 27: 1 Year Anniversary

Adam Breen — Fri, 02 Jun 2023 12:00:00 +0000

Whether you are excited about it or not I know both Brandon and Adam are quite excited and impressed they made it to 1 year! Thats right folks, 1 freaking year and still PLENY to talke about.

Not a lot of industry specific discussions or even small business but that doesnt have Adam or Brandon with a loss of words. Listen in on the off the cuff, off the record conversation and discussion ANNNND, of course, some of the future plans and dream of Build with Breen Homes.

Episode 26: REPEAT - Who is Adam Breen

Adam Breen — Fri, 19 May 2023 12:00:00 +0000

Well folks. We are 1 episode away from our 1 year anniversary. And, to answer your question; Yes, we will be doing a special celebration episode on the next Breen Homes Podcast. However, for this episode I asked around and our fans overwhelmingly voted to repeat the most "viewed/listened to" episode of the year. It just so happens to be episode number one: Who is Adam Breen. I'd like to think it's because y'all truly love me but let's be honest, it's because that episode has been out the longest. None the less, I'll take the confidence boost and endulge myself in the repeat of ME! Enjoy and see what you may have missed from the first time you listened through.

Yours truly,

Episode 25: Organized and Club Sport Create Success

Adam Breen — Fri, 05 May 2023 12:00:00 +0000

FINALLY, we get to hear the soothing voice and brief history of Brandon as he discusses some of his upbringing and early athletics. The way we see it, less of Adam and more of Brandon makes this episode a must listen. Is current society grooming our children for shorter term commitments and does this translate to our workforce and shorter term employees? Its worth the consideration regardless of which side you agree with.

Episode 24: Employee Retention and Current Sales Snapshot

Adam Breen — Fri, 21 Apr 2023 12:00:00 +0000

In todays economy we are faced with employee poaching and much shorter employee retention. Join the discussion on what we can and should be doing to retain good employees. And, in the second half of the episode listen to Adam and Brandon discuss current sales and what costs look like in the building home market in SLC Utah and surrounding areas.

Episode 23: Sometimes there is no purpose

Adam Breen — Fri, 07 Apr 2023 12:00:00 +0000

It's funny how sometimes Adam and Brandon spend an hour catching up and chitchatting before they turn on the microphones. This time they just turned it on and started talking. I guess sometimes it's OK to have no important topic or purpose. This episode seems to go off the rails but doesn't seem to bother either caster! Maybe the lesson we can learn is as simple as enjoying experiences and storytelling. Enjoy.

Episode 22: What is it like working for Adam? Part 2

Adam Breen — Fri, 24 Mar 2023 12:00:00 +0000

Join us for part 2 of:

Guest appearance and Breen Homes team member, Sam Spainhower joins this week’s discussion to talk about his position with Breen Homes as an Estimator and Project Coordinator. But it gets real quickly when Brandon questions Sam on what is REALLY like working for Adam. No holds back and it’s all on record. Listen in, and once again, have some fun with us!

Episode 21: What is it like working for Adam?

Adam Breen — Fri, 10 Mar 2023 18:25:00 +0000

Episode 20: Purpose - The reason for which something or someone exists pt.2

Adam Breen — Fri, 24 Feb 2023 13:00:00 +0000

We continue Part 2 of guest apperance, Jake Breen, and a deep discussion of "purpose". Jake Breen is a successful real estate broker, investor, and business owner, but he does not let those boxes define him. Jakes has found success in other aspects of life including teaching, competing, fatherhood, friendship, speaking, and many other hobbies. According to Jake, purpose cannot be found by others thinking you are cool but can be found by believing in yourself.

"There is one quality which one must possess to win, and that is definiteness of purpose, the knowledge of what one wants, and a burning desire to possess it." Napoleon Hill

Episode 19: Purpose - The reason for which something or someone exists pt.1

Adam Breen — Fri, 10 Feb 2023 13:00:00 +0000

This week’s episode welcomes guest Jake Breen to discuss "purpose". Jake Breen is a successful real estate broker, investor, and business owner but he does not let those boxes define him. Jakes has found success in other aspects of life including teaching, competing, fatherhood, friendship, speaking, and many other hobbies. According to Jake, purpose cannot be found by others thinking you are cool but can be found by believing in yourself.

Listen in as Brandon, Adam and Jake take a little deeper discussion on where they have found, or are still searching for, purpose.

Episode 18: We welcome all "Resolutioners" to 2023! Lets talk pt.2

Adam Breen — Fri, 27 Jan 2023 13:00:00 +0000

Continued from episode 17 part 2 is our first episode of 2023 and we are excited about the year ahead of us! Adam addresses his front of mind topic of consistency in all aspcets of business and life. How does Breen Homes look to handle the glooming recession ahead with contract and pricing disputes? Listen in!

Episode 17: We welcome all "Resolutioners" to 2023! Lets talk pt.1

Adam Breen — Fri, 13 Jan 2023 13:00:00 +0000

It’s our first episode of 2023 and we are excited about the year ahead of us! How do you approach the New Year? Do you set goals, write them down and track progress or do you hate goal setting? What are Adam goals, both professional and personal goals for the year and how does he plan to achieve them?

Track Adam and Brandon throughout the year as we chase goals, bring on more special guests and laugh out loud behind the mic. Recessions suck but we can still have fun during the sucky times!

Episode 16: Thats a Wrap - 2022 pt.2

Adam Breen — Fri, 30 Dec 2022 13:00:00 +0000

Continued from Episode:15 Adam wraps up 2022 and discusses client expectations during the holiday time and expectations for 2023. But don’t worry; this laid-back discussion spirals to gym time, yacht dreams and podcast goals of 2023.

2022 is a wrap! Thanks for the listens and follows. Happy New Year and let’s charge full steam ahead to 2023!

Episode 15: Thats a Wrap - 2022 pt.1

Adam Breen — Fri, 16 Dec 2022 13:00:00 +0000

It's the final month of the year. Does Adam focus on progress and goals for the next year or chill for a minute!

As a small business what do you do to wrap the year up?

Adam says "sit back and relax.....BUT, don't sleep too long. Stay plugged in because January is time to get back on the horse!"

Episode 14: Catching or Catching up?

Adam Breen — Fri, 02 Dec 2022 13:00:00 +0000

It’s been a few weeks since Adam and Brandon have recorded. What has Adam been up to? We hear doom recession is on the horizon and Adam discusses the proactive approach to getting out, feeding relationships, and focusing on sales! Don’t wait until it’s too late; work on your sales and relationships now to propel you through the next year or two or three.

A Minute with MR BREEN - Ep.1 - mini series

Adam Breen — Fri, 18 Nov 2022 13:00:00 +0000

In a new series of "A Minute with MR BREEN", Adam presents a short platform delivery of subjects off top of mind. Post questions, comments or feedback for futrure mini seres discussion.

Ep.1 is a compacted glimps of a recent lecture Mr Breen gave to the SLREIA (Salt Lake Realestate Investors Association) on his view of new construction. This mini series addresses the 4 main points Adam belives you should consider when purchasing an investment property and hiring or acting as a contractor.

Listen in, make comments, and create a discussion!

Episode 13: Contractors Love/Hate Relationship with Social Media

Adam Breen — Fri, 04 Nov 2022 12:00:00 +0000

Love it or Hate it; Social media has it place in any size of business. Social media addiction is real so how do you balance the need for advertisement and presence without a personal addiction? Listen in on the debate with Adam Breen and co-host Brandon Hicks on the pros vs the cons. And, what "social media" looks like specifically in the constrcution indusrty.

Episode 12: Communication - Is that a 4 letter word?

Adam Breen — Fri, 21 Oct 2022 12:30:00 +0000

Adam Breen says communication can be the single most important skill that can make or break the final outcome of any project.

Breen Homes always comes back to the two most important questions a client needs to consider when hiring a contractor: 1) Can you trust the contractor? and 2) Can you communicate with the contractor?

Join Adam Breen and Co-host Brandon Hicks for a discussion about old school and modern day forms of communication. Learn with us as we discuss the wins and the fails in the day to day processes the Breen Homes team uses to communicate with clients, subcontractors and suppliers. It’s not always pretty and it’s not always fun but Breen Homes can promise one thing; you can never communicate enough. Be upfront, be translucent and be honest in all forms of communication.

Episode 11: Being married to a business owner, entrepreneur and contractor

Adam Breen — Fri, 07 Oct 2022 21:26:00 +0000

Ever wonder what "home life" looks like for a contractor? Here it first from today’s guest, Mrs Konni Breen herself. What is the routine when Adam Breen comes home from a long day on the job? What is it really like being married to a business owner, entrepreneur and contractor? Co-host Brandon Hicks entertains us all with a fun and laughable episode exploring the less professional side of Adam, his wife Konni and their three kids.

“Laugh it up” Adam says as he rolls his eyes and takes metaphorical shots from Brandon and Konni. Being a dad and a husband may be less glorified than El Hefe’ at work but it sure is exciting and full of experiences that make for funny stories and great life lessons.

Episode 10: Architects; worth the investment?

Adam Breen — Fri, 23 Sep 2022 12:00:00 +0000

Currently working with or looking to hire an architect for your project? Listen in while professional general contractor, Adam Breen, and the all-knowing Brandon Hicks disucss the right questions to ask and what to look for when interviewing for architects. Architects ARE worth the investment but only if the services they provide depict the correct roadmap for your entire project!

Episode 9: Hiring - The Breen Homes secret

Adam Breen — Fri, 09 Sep 2022 12:00:00 +0000

Are you currently hiring for your business? If so, this co-hosted episode by Adam Breen and the infamous Brandon Hicks from The Change Order podcast is a MUST. Learn details about the Breen Homes hiring process and the dos and do nots when looking for a new team member. A bad hire can not only be a huge hit to your fincial success but also cost you months of set back. Take your time and hire right.

Episode 8: Do relationships in business really matter?

Adam Breen — Fri, 26 Aug 2022 12:12:00 +0000

Episode 8: Adam Breen and Co-host Brandon Hicks invite Kristin Smith, from The Lending Company, to discuss business relationships and friendships. If you're not financially gaining from business relationships do they really matter? Listen to the discussion of why true friendships still matter in todays generation of social media and electronic friendships.

Episode 7: The Value of a Professional Networking Group - Part 3

Adam Breen — Fri, 12 Aug 2022 12:00:00 +0000

Part 3: The value behind finding and becoming a part of a professional networking group. Listen to Adam Breen and co-host, Brandon Hicks from The Change Order podcast, discuss the rejununated energy and drive after returning from New Orleans from spending four days with his professional networking group. As Adam says, much of Breen Homes success come from the advisory and education from this tight knit group.

Episode 6: The Value of a Professional Networking Group - Part 2

Adam Breen — Fri, 29 Jul 2022 12:00:00 +0000

Part 2: The value behind a professional networking group. Adam Breen takes us inside his education while remotly casting at his networking meeting in New Orleans. Whats fresh on his mind and what improvments will he be making upon returning home from this bi-annual session?

Bonus Release - 2022 Salt Lake Parade of Homes

Adam Breen — Fri, 29 Jul 2022 03:16:00 +0000

A special episode where Adam Breen and co-host Brandon Hicks talk the 2022 Salt Lake Parade of Homes. Breen Homes has been a parade participant 7 out of the last 9 years and has been invlved in the organizing of the parade for 8 of those years. Listen in on some fun stories, memories and perspective on current and past parades.

Visit saltlakeparade.com to purchase tickets to the show; running Tuesdays through Saturdays, noon to 9pm. Use discount code "Vertical" for a $3 discount AND show your ticket to the Vertical Diner located next door to the Breen Homes house #3 for a 10% discount on your lunch/dinner!

Episode 5: The Value of a Professional Networking Group - Part 1

Adam Breen — Fri, 15 Jul 2022 12:00:00 +0000

Part 1: Are the time and cost of a professional networking group really worth it? Listen to insight from Adam Breen and co-host, Branks Hicks from the Change Order podcast, on the value from this resource and why Adam belives his professional networking group took his business to the next level.

Listen in and get motivated to find a networking group specific to your industry; its well worth youe time and investment!

Episode 4: How Contractors and Sub-Contractors create team success

Adam Breen — Fri, 01 Jul 2022 12:00:00 +0000

This weeks discussion with Adam Breen and Co-host, Brandon Hicks from The Change Order podcast, invite Kirk Mckay from the RED Technologies to discuss what makes a contractor and trade partner relationship succesfull. Dont miss out on some fun discussion and banter while learning how two small businesses can flourish together.

Episode 3: Industry Pains - Part 2

Adam Breen — Fri, 17 Jun 2022 13:10:00 +0000

Part 2: Co-host Brandon Hicks, from The Change Order Podcast, questions Adam Breen on his current industry pains in the construction industry. Is it specific to Salt Lake City Utah or common among the US? Join the painful discussion or pose better arguments but we can all sympathize as our economy shifts.

Episode 2: Industry Pains - Part 1

Adam Breen — Fri, 17 Jun 2022 12:00:00 +0000

Part 1: Co-host Brandon Hicks, from The Change Order Podcast, questions Adam Breen on his current industry pains in the construction industry. Is it specific to Salt Lake City Utah or common among the US? Join the painful discussion or pose better arguments but we can all sympathize as our economy shifts.

Episode 1: Who is Adam Breen

Adam Breen — Fri, 03 Jun 2022 02:01:00 +0000

In our first ever Build with Breen Homes pocast find out who the President of Breen Homes, Adam Breen, really is, what drives him and how he found success. A fun and exciting interview of Adam by the infamous Brandon Hicks from The Change Order podcast. How did Adam start a business and become a wildy successful custom home builder? Was it dumb luck or leadership?