Building Sustainably
Episodes
48 episodes
Building Science Advocates: The Energy & Environmental Building Alliance (EEBA)
In this episode, we're joined by Gene Myers who is the owner and CEO of Thrive Home Builders in Denver, Colorado and current president of The Energy & Environ...
Building The Future of Trades Through Hands-On Education Programs
In this episode, we're joined by Steve Olson who is the teacher of the Oconomowoc High School Building Trades class to discuss the partnership between Tim O'Brien Homes and local high schools in order to deve...
Home Design for a Climate-Changing World with Sam Rashkin
In this episode, Tim O'Brien is joined by Chief Architect of the Building Technologies Office in the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Sam Rashkin, to discuss new home design as our environment continues to change around u...
Creating a Sustainable Workplace Culture with Chad Sanschagrin
In this episode, Tim O'Brien is joined by international speaker, leadership and sales coaching expert, and founder of Cannonball Moments, Chad Sanschagrin, to discuss the importance of creating a sustainable workplace culture. Chad offers his u...
The Power of the Sun: Where We Are and Where We Are Going with Solar
In this episode, Tim O'Brien is joined by Vice President of Project Development at SunVest Solar, John Daugherty, to discuss the benefits of solar energy production in new home construction for both builde...
A Breath of Fresh Air: The EPA's Commitment to Indoor Air Quality
In this episode, Tim O'Brien is joined by Environmental Protection Specialist at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Aaron Johnson, to discuss the EPA's Indoor airPLUS program, and the increasing importance of Indoor Air Quality in our h...
Broan-Nutone - A Leader in Healtheir Home Systems
In this episode, Tim O'Brien is joined by Edwin Bender and Patrick Nielsen from Broan-Nutone, the global leader in residential indoor air quality, to discuss area...
Wisconsin's Focus on Energy Empowers Builders and Consumers
In this episode, Tim O'Brien is joined by Focus on Energy's New Home Residential Program Manager, Andy Kuc, to discuss ways in which Focus on Energy empowers the people and businesses of Wisconsin to make smart energy decisions with enduring ec...
The Tim O'Brien Homes Construction Process
In this episode, Tim O'Brien discusses each phase of the Tim O'Brien Homes construction process from foundation and framing to finishes and final clean. Tim details what homeowners should expect during each of the main stages of the build and e...
The US D.O.E. Zero Energy Ready Home Program with Sam Bowles
In this episode, Tim O'Brien is joined by Marketing and Research Analyst at Newport Partners, Sam Bowles, to discuss the U.S. D.O.E. Zero Energy Ready Home (ZERH) Program. This program recognizes home the top 1% percent of home builders in the ...
The Tim O'Brien Homes Warranty Process
In this episode, Tim O'Brien discusses each phase of the Tim O'Brien Homes Warranty Process from the Pre-Move-In Orientation and beyond. Tim details some of our standard and manufacturer warranties and highlights ways in which our Customer Care...
Frequently Asked Questions When Buying A Home
In this episode, Tim O'Brien is joined by our Director of Sales and his long-time colleague and friend, Pete Lange. Pete began his career in the homebuilding industry in 1990 and continued until 2009, serving in roles ranging from Custome...
What is the HERS Index and Why Should I Care? Featuring Ryan Meres
In this episode, Tim O'Brien is joined by the Program Director of RESNET, Ryan Meres, to discuss the meaning of The Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Index, and why new home buyers should better understand how and why...
Choosing The Right Homebuilder
In this episode, Tim O'Brien talks through some things to think about as you start your new home search. Tim discusses the importance of asking your builder the right questions when choosing to build or buy a new construction home and highlight...
Post-COVID Housing Boom Creates Supply Chain Challenges for Homebuilders
In this episode, Tim O'Brien delves into the history of the housing industry supply chain and discusses the challenges it has faced as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, including labor force shortages and manufacturing halts. Tim highlights th...
U.S. DOE Housing Innovation Awards Recognize Top Industry Leaders with Joe Nebbia
In this episode, Tim O'Brien is joined by Joe Nebbia who is a Technical Consultant for the U.S. Department of Energy and Operations Director for its Zero Energy Ready Home Program. Tim and Joe discuss the Housing Innovation Awards and the rigor...
Changing Community Habits and Sustainability with Waukesha County Green Team
In this episode, Tim is joined by Laura Loucks, who is a board member on the Waukesha County Green Team, which is a non-profit organization with a mission to promote environmental and economic sustainability in Waukesha County communities throu...
Tim O'Brien's Top Home Options Most People Don't Think About
In this episode, Tim O'Brien provides insights into some home options that people often don't think about until after they move into their new home. Tim draws from his experiences building his own personal homes to talk through some things that...
Developing New Communities with Sustainability in Mind
In this episode, Tim O'Brien talks with Steve DeCleene of Neumann Developments about sustainable land development. Tim and Steve also discuss a variety of topics including lack of available land in desirable areas, building re...
The History of Tim O'Brien Homes
In this episode, Tim O'Brien takes us back through the history of Tim O'Brien Homes and how the company was started. Tim talks about some of the challenges that he faced, how he identified a way to separate from other homebuilders in the area, ...
EEBA Summit & Sustainable National Housing Trends with Aaron Smith
In this episode, Tim O'Brien is joined by CEO of the Energy and Environmental Building Alliance (EEBA), Aaron Smith, to discuss the community of over 50,000 builders and their stakeholders across North America that are truly the early ado...
The Core Values of Tim O'Brien Homes
In this episode, Tim talks through the importance of defining core values within an organization and how those values can contribute to a positive company culture. Tim delves into each one of 7 core values of Tim O'Brien Homes, and explains how...
Weather Resistant Barriers & Sustainable New Home Products
In this episode, Hallmark Building Supplies Business Development Manager, Linda Heipp, joins Tim O'Brien to discuss the benefits of Tyvek Homewrap, and what makes this particular product one of the most important things that goes into building ...
Sustainability Through The Consumer's Eyes with Suzanne Shelton (Part 1)
In this two part episode, Tim O'Brien is joined by President and CEO of Shelton Group, Suzanne Shelton, to discuss how consumers view sustainability within the homebuilding industry and beyond. Suzanne highlights data her team has collected thr...
Sustainability Through The Consumer's Eyes with Suzanne Shelton (Part 2)
In the second part of this two-part episode, Tim O'Brien continues his conversation with President and CEO of Shelton Group, Suzanne Shelton, to discuss how consumers view sustainability within the homebuilding industry and beyond.