Contributors

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Host

Jared Ledford

Jared Ledford is the directing host of The Steel Kings Podcast, where he brings insight, authenticity, and industry expertise to conversations that shape the world of sheds, barns, and steel buildings. A proud co-owner of Dayton Barns & All Steel Buildings, Five Rivers Pole Barns, and Barns Direct, Jared has built a reputation for helping customers and dealers navigate the evolving building industry with confidence and clarity.


Born in Dayton, Ohio, Jared now resides in Brookville, where he serves as a Brookville Park Board Member and sits on the Board of Directors for the Brookville Chamber of Commerce. A devoted father of three beautiful daughters — Dailee, Julie, and Sadie — Jared brings a grounded, family-first perspective to everything he does.

https://daytonbarns.com/meet-the-team/jared-ledford/

Guests

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Al Kushner

Al Kushner is an award-winning author and LinkedIn growth strategist who helps individuals, teams, and companies turn LinkedIn into a predictable engine for visibility, credibility, and real business opportunities. With more than 20 years of training and consulting experience, he specializes in translating LinkedIn’s technology and AI tools into practical strategies professionals can implement immediately.


He is the author of The AI LinkedIn Advantage: Unleash the Power of AI and Dominate the Competition, where he focuses on helping busy professionals build profiles and content that attract the right audience and drive measurable results. Through coaching, workshops, and speaking, Al works with professionals across industries to clarify their message, build trust, and stand out in competitive markets—without relying on gimmicks or constant posting.

https://linkedvantage.com/
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Brett Clary

Brett Clary is the Business Development Manager for Dripstop® at  Freudenberg Performance Materials, where he focuses on helping builders, roll formers, and manufacturers solve condensation challenges in metal roofing and post-frame construction. With more than 30 years of experience in business development and the construction industry, Brett is known for his consultative approach, industry knowledge, and commitment to helping customers improve building performance through innovative moisture-control solutions. He is an active voice in the roll forming and post-frame industries, regularly participating in trade shows, educational seminars, and industry events focused on advancing building technology and contractor success.  

https://www.dripstop.com/

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Carly Pepin

Co-Founder and Senior Advisor

West Coast Growth Advisors

United States Division


Business owners and leaders come to Carly when they’re stuck, not because they lack ambition, but because the complexity of growth has disconnected them from the clarity, energy, and vision that once drove them. They know there’s more available, but the path forward feels clouded.

 

Carly helps them get clear again on who they are, what they’re building, and how to move forward in a way that’s aligned, profitable, and fulfilling.

 

By integrating strategic growth systems with deep behavioral insight, she helps leaders break through what’s in the way internally and externally so they can lead with confidence and grow what matters.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlypepin/

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Cord Koch

Cord Koch is a marketing strategist and fractional CMO who helps growing businesses bring clarity to their brand, messaging, and go-to-market strategy. As co-founder and Chief Marketing Officer of GrowthOps Ally, he provides executive-level marketing leadership to companies that need results without the overhead of a full-time C-suite.


With experience spanning brand strategy, demand generation, and operational alignment, Cord works closely with founders and leadership teams to build marketing systems that are practical, scalable, and measurable. He is known for cutting through noise, aligning teams around clear priorities, and helping organizations grow with intention rather than guesswork.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/cord-koch-640b05a0/
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Dan VanOrden

Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder of IdeaRoom with a relentless drive to help customers succeed using innovative software to solve human problems. Led IdeaRoom from finding product-market fit through rapidly growing revenue across multiple vertical industries.

Proven track record of success managing and executing all aspects of a software consulting practice. Highly accomplished and innovative project manager and technical leader with a consistent focus on software quality, business value, and customer service in delivering projects that exceed expectations.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/danvanorden/

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Daniel Mullins

Daniel Mullins is an IBMA award-winning journalist and broadcaster from southwestern Ohio, with an American Studies degree from Cedarville University. He hosts the Walls of Time: Bluegrass Podcast and his daily radio program, The Daniel Mullins Midday Music Spectacular, on the Real Roots Radio network. He also serves as the station’s music director, programming country, bluegrass, and Americana music.


https://realrootsradio.com/programs/daniels-mullins-midday-music-spectacular/

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Dave Underwood

Dave Underwood is a seasoned safety leader and construction professional with extensive experience in post-frame building operations and jobsite safety. He serves as Safety Manager at FBi Buildings, where he leads safety programming, orientation training, and hazard prevention efforts designed to protect crews and improve field performance.  


In his role, Dave oversees comprehensive safety orientation for new hires and ongoing field training, helping build a culture where proactive hazard awareness and disciplined safety habits are part of every crew’s routine. He is known for his practical approach to reducing risk, reinforcing standards, and fostering environments where workers feel empowered to stop unsafe work and champion safer practices.  


Dave’s work reflects a commitment to elevating safety as a core part of operational excellence in the post-frame industry.  

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-underwood-511527bb/
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Gary Reichert

Gary Reichert is the founder of Shield Wall Media, launched in 2019 after acquiring construction trade magazine titles from the former F+W Media. With nearly a decade of experience in construction publishing, Gary has built lasting relationships across the trades. Shield Wall Media now produces leading industry titles including Rural Builder, Rollforming Magazine, Frame Building News, Metal Roofing Magazine, Garage, Shed & Carport Builder, and Roofing Elements, as well as the Construction Rollforming Show and Garage, Shed & Carport Builder Show. Learn more at www.ShieldWallMedia.com.

https://shieldwallmedia.com/

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Jeff Huxmann

Jeff Huxmann is a serial entrepreneur, founder of ShedHub, and co-founder of DeFyned SEO, with a passion for building—from websites and teams to full-blown companies. He manages several ventures including TeleHux, helping people stay organized, grow their businesses, and connect with the right tools or talent. With a proven track record in tech and marketing, Jeff blends innovation with practical solutions to drive results. Whether streamlining shed sales or elevating digital visibility, he’s committed to making things easier. Outside of work, he enjoys time with his kids and diving into science and learning.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffhuxmann/
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Joe Shimp

Joe Shimp is the current President of the National Frame Building Association, the national nonprofit trade organization representing professionals in post-frame construction, including builders, suppliers, manufacturers, and design experts. In his leadership role, Joe guides initiatives that promote industry standards, education, advocacy, and community collaboration to help advance the post-frame sector and support member success.  


He also serves as President of Conestoga® Buildings, where his vision for quality, innovation, and industry cooperation has shaped business growth and strengthened ties across the post-frame community. Joe is a respected voice at industry events and discussions, sharing insights on trends, networking, and education that benefit both seasoned builders and emerging professionals.  

https://nfba.org/aws/NFBA/pt/sp/leadership
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Joel Oney

Joel Oney is the owner of J Money, LLC, a leading finance company specializing in home improvement and portable building loans. A seasoned financial expert, Joel brings decades of experience in banking, lending, and leadership. He previously served as a senior leader at Heartland Bank, where he built and led agribusiness lending teams across Ohio and Kentucky. From residential mortgages to commercial finance, Joel has consistently empowered individuals and businesses with smart lending solutions. Known for his strategic insight and entrepreneurial spirit, he’s helping reshape access to capital in the storage and building industries.

https://jmoneyllc.com/
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Johnny Drozdek

Johnny Drozdek is President of SmartBuild Systems, a leading software platform helping post-frame builders streamline design, estimating, material takeoffs, pricing, and project management. With a background in software leadership, operations, and AI-driven business systems, Johnny is passionate about helping builders leverage technology to work smarter, close more sales, and scale their businesses more efficiently. 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnny-drozdek/

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Josh Nowlin

Josh Nowlin is a seasoned sales and operations leader with over 15 years of experience in the construction and building materials industry. He currently serves as director of sales and marketing at Burrow’s Post-Frame Supply, where he builds strategic partnerships with construction companies to expand the adoption of post-frame construction solutions across the U.S. 

Beyond his corporate leadership, Josh plays an active role in shaping the future of the post-frame construction industry. He his currently serving as vice president of the National Frame Builders Association (NFBA) and as president of the NFBA Heartland Chapter since 2014, where he provides strategic direction, advocates for industry advancement and fosters collaboration among builders and suppliers. 

Throughout his career, Josh has demonstrated a consistent ability to align sales strategy with operational excellence, expand customer relationships and deliver sustainable business growth.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshnowlin/
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JW Rucker

A passionate leader at the intersection of ministry and business JW brings deep experience in organizational leadership, process development, and team building. Since his teenage years, he’s been active in both ministry oversight and business management, equipping people to grow spiritually, personally, and professionally.


As Executive and Youth Pastor at Harvest Revival Center, he leads strategic operations, discipleship programs, and youth outreach. Alongside his wife Brenna, he’s building a Christ-centered youth culture that empowers the next generation to lead in life and faith.


In the business world, he serves as District Sales Manager for Sheds Direct, overseeing sales across Ohio and Indiana. With a sharp eye for market trends and a passion for mentoring, he leads a thriving dealer network while driving innovation and excellence in the portable building industry.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jwrucker/
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Katy Spears

Katy is the founder of Wildflower Homes and, at the time of this recording, served as the Administrative Director at J Money, a finance company specializing in home improvements and portable storage buildings. A proud graduate of Chesapeake High School (2020) and Marshall University (2022), Katy launched Wildflower Homes during her college years after experiencing firsthand the challenges of post-grad housing. What began as a dorm-room idea—shared with roommate Sydney Adkins—grew into a mission to create affordable, amenity-rich homes that truly feel like home. Driven by purpose and lived experience, Katy is reshaping housing for the next generation.

https://wildflower-homes.square.site/
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Marc Church

Marc Church is the Director of Business Development at Sheds Direct Inc., where he brings a proven track record of steady, sustainable growth and a passion for building strong teams. With decades of experience in strategic planning, sales leadership, and coaching, Marc is known for his ability to align people around a clear vision and execute with precision. He’s a values-driven leader who believes in empowering others, eliminating inefficiencies, and always exceeding customer expectations. Whether mentoring team members or driving new business opportunities, Marc’s goal is simple: help people and organizations reach their full potential.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/marc-church-963422194/
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Missy Beyer

Missy Beyer serves as Director of Events for Shield Wall Media, where she leads the planning, coordination, and execution of the company’s industry-leading trade shows and events. With a passion for connecting builders, manufacturers, suppliers, and industry professionals, Missy plays a key role in creating educational and networking opportunities that help strengthen the post-frame, roll forming, and construction industries.


Through her work with the Post-Frame • Rural • Plain Builder Show and the Construction Rollforming Show, Missy has helped establish Shield Wall Media events as premier destinations for business development, industry education, and relationship building. Her commitment to fostering collaboration and supporting industry growth continues to make a lasting impact across the building community.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/missybeyer/

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Morgan Arwood

Morgan Arwood is the Membership Director for the National Frame Building Association, where she leads efforts to grow and strengthen the association’s community of builders, suppliers, manufacturers, and industry partners. In her role, Morgan focuses on connecting professionals with strategic resources, benefits, and networking opportunities that support business success and long-term industry engagement.  


She plays a key part in helping members access practical tools—like educational programming, industry events, and partner discounts—that drive professional development and operational growth. Her work fosters collaboration and ensures that NFBA remains a valuable hub for advancing standards, innovation, and shared success across the post-frame construction sector.  

https://www.linkedin.com/in/morgan-arwood-124899126/
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Randy Chaffee

Randy L. Chaffee is a #1 Amazon Best Selling Author and a respected voice in the metal roofing, post-frame, and metal building industry with more than 40 years of experience. He is the owner of Source One Marketing, LLC, where he represents leading manufacturers and helps build brands, strengthen relationships, and drive growth.


Randy hosts BuildingWins.LIVE, a weekly vlogcast and podcast featuring leaders from the building materials and business worlds, and produces Let’s Chat with Randy Chaffee on YouTube, highlighting industry products, events, and trends.


His book, Asphalt and Algorithms: A Road Warrior’s Playbook for Winning in Sales, blends traditional relationship selling with modern digital tools. Known as #HybridRoadWarriorRandy, he shows sales professionals how to use video, podcasting, and social media as force multipliers while keeping trust and relationships at the core.

https://www.buildingwins.live/

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Robert Christman

Robert Christman is the Business Development Manager for  Dripstop® by Freudenberg Performance Materials, where he works with builders, manufacturers, and roll formers throughout the metal roofing and post-frame industries. With extensive experience in customer relations and product support, Robert focuses on helping companies implement effective condensation-control solutions that improve long-term building performance and efficiency. Known for his hands-on approach and industry knowledge, he regularly supports contractors and manufacturers through dealer relationships, trade shows, and industry education initiatives centered around modern building systems.

https://www.dripstop.com

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Rodney Creech

State Representative Rodney Creech is serving his third term in the Ohio House of Representatives. He represents the 40th District, which includes portions of northern Montgomery and Butler Counties and all of Preble County.

A long-time Preble County resident, Representative Creech was born and raised on his family’s four-generation farm in West Alexandria, Ohio. He attended Morehead State University where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Agronomy and an area study in Turf Science. Shortly after graduating college, he started a small lawn care business that now has over 40 employees.

Representative Creech is the 4th generation to reside on the family farm with his wife Jeanne. 

Representative Creech served as a Twin Township Trustee from 2008 to 2014, a Preble County Commissioner from 2015 to 2020, a State Representative from 2020-2025, and is now running for Ohio Senate District 5 in 2026!

https://www.rodneycreech.com/
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Shannon Latham

Shannon Latham, better known as The Shed Geek, is the founder and host of the popular Shed Geek Podcast—a weekly show diving deep into the shed industry from sales and manufacturing to hauling, RTO, and service. What began as a passion project has grown into a trusted platform for real conversations with industry leaders across the country. Beyond podcasting, Shannon has expanded the Shed Geek brand to support marketing, financing, rent-to-own, and e-commerce strategies that help shed businesses grow. Known for his industry insight, collaborative spirit, and storytelling style, Shannon is one of the most well-connected voices in the shed world.

https://www.shedgeek.com/

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Todd Meinhold

Todd Meinhold is an industry innovator and safety leader in post-frame and roofing construction, best known as the founder of Ridgeline Safety Systems and a longtime builder and business owner. With decades of hands-on field experience, he brings real-world insight to the development of practical safety solutions that reduce fall risk and improve jobsite performance.


Through his work with Ridgeline Safety Systems, Cool Roofs, and H&D Quality Builders, Todd focuses on helping contractors protect crews, stay compliant, and work more efficiently. His systems are designed from real jobsite challenges, making safety easier to implement without slowing production.


Widely respected for blending construction expertise with smart engineering, Todd is committed to helping builders work safer, smarter, and with greater confidence.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/todd-meinhold-b4783b31/
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Tristan Klesick

Our platform-based solution can get you online, manage customers, streamline ordering, and sync deliveries. 

We know it works because we use it every day and when COVID19 hit, we scaled 700 deliveries/week to 2200/week 3 weeks later and we did it with 1 fulltime office person, yes we hired more packers and drivers to get the product to our customers. Our platform-based solution is scalable, efficient, and labor-saving.

Would your current software, your current systems allow you to scale 3x your size in 3 weeks? 

If you are interested in solutions that serve you and your customers, reach out and we can schedule a 15minute conversation. Message me here on Linkedin or email me at tristan@calcanhelp.com. 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tristanklesick/
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Wayne Troyer

Wayne Troyer is the Sales Manager at Acu-Form Roll Forming Equipment, a leading manufacturer of custom roll forming machinery based in Millersburg, Ohio. With years of experience in the roll forming and metal construction industries, Wayne works closely with contractors, manufacturers, and builders to deliver high-quality equipment solutions tailored to their production needs. Known for his customer-first approach and deep product knowledge, Wayne has helped businesses across the country improve efficiency, consistency, and long-term growth through precision-built American-made equipment.

https://www.acuformequipment.com/

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