America Builds Better
America Builds Better is a builder-focused podcast and media platform dedicated to the people, ideas, and innovations shaping how America builds.
Hosted by industry veteran Jared Ledford, the show dives into real conversations with builders, manufacturers, dealers, technology partners, and community leaders across post-frame construction, steel buildings, sheds, and beyond. This isn’t surface-level talk or sales fluff — it’s practical insight, hard-earned lessons, and honest discussions about growth, operations, marketing, leadership, and the future of the building industry.
America Builds Better is the next chapter in a journey that began with The Steel Kings Podcast, a long-running show that became a trusted voice within the steel building and shed industry. Built on that foundation, America Builds Better expands the conversation — bringing in broader perspectives, deeper strategy, and a stronger focus on education, innovation, and community impact.
Whether you’re a builder looking to scale, a manufacturer refining your systems, a dealer navigating modern marketing, or someone passionate about how local businesses and industries grow, America Builds Better is here to inform, challenge, and elevate the conversation.
Because strong communities start with strong builders — and America builds better when knowledge is shared.
Episodes
14 episodes
Behind The Builder Show: The Ultimate Builder Rally - #7
What makes the Post-Frame • Rural • Plain Builder Show one of the most important events in the building industry?In Episode 7 of America Builds Better, Jared Ledford sits down with Missy Beyer, Director of Events at Shield Wall Media, to...
Behind The Builder Show: Accelerating The Sales To Build Cycle - #6
Episode #6 – Behind The Builder Show: Accelerating The Sales To Build CycleFeaturing Dan VanOrden & Johnny DrozdekWhat happens when two of the most influential technology platforms in the construction industry ...
Behind The Builder Show: Streamlined Systems. Scaling Your Success. - #5
What separates companies that struggle to grow from companies that scale successfully?In this episode of America Builds Better, Jared Ledford sits down with Trent Wagler, Marketing Director, and Cole Wolford, Outside Sales Director, of G...
Behind The Builder Show: Mastering The Elements. Eliminating Drips. - #4
In Episode 3 of the Builder Show Series, Jared Ledford sits down with Brett Clary and Robert Christman of Dripstop® to discuss condensation control, moisture prevention, and why eliminating drips is critical for long-term building perf...
Behind The Builder Show: Uncompromising Quality. Building Better Buildings - #3
In Episode 2 of the Builder Show Series, Jared Ledford sits down with Wayne Troyer, Sales Manager at Acu-Form Roll Forming Equipment, to talk about precision manufacturing, American-made quality, and the machinery helping contractors a...
Behind the Builder Show: Building Connections. Building the Future - #2
In this episode of America Builds Better, Jared Ledford sits down with Gary Reichart, CEO of Shield Wall Media, to kick off our Builder Show Series (1 of 6) leading up to the Post-Frame Builder Show in York, Pennsylvania....
The Future Of Post Frame Starts Here - #1
🇺🇸 America Builds Better #1 — Future Of Post Frame Starts Here🎙️ EPISODE SUMMARYIn the first official episode of America Builds Better, Jared Ledford sits down with Dan VanOrden, CEO and Co-Founder of IdeaRo...
VAULT: The Steel Kings #43 - Post Frame WINS w/Randy Chafee
Ready to sell buildings people actually feel safe choosing? On this episode of the Steel Kings Podcast, we sit down with industry veteran Randy Chaffee to break down how post-frame construction can unlock bigger, cleaner wins for dealers who cu...
VAULT: The Steel Kings #36: Getting Past Burnout Finding Your Why w/Carly Peppin
EP36 – Burnout-Proof Leadership: Systems, Delegation & Legacy Building with Carly Pepin🎧 Watch now: how to reduce burnout, build stronger teams, and lead with clarity through every season.As the busy season slows and pressur...
VAULT: The Steel Kings #24: Navigating the Construction Industry with Shield Wall Media
Navigating the Construction Industry with Shield Wall MediaGary Reichert, owner of Shield Wall Media, joins Jared Ledford on the Steel Kings podcast to reveal the powerful strategies behind his company's success in construction industry pub...
VAULT: The Steel Kings #23: Building Community Through Steel w/Shannon Latham The Shed Geek
Ever wondered why some building dealers thrive while others struggle to stay afloat? The answer might be simpler than you think.When Jared sits down with Shannon The Shed Geek for this captivating conversation, they cut through industry...
VAULT: The Steel Kings #14: Metal to Marketing w/Shannon Latham The Shed Geek (Part 2)
Metal Meets Marketing Part 2The building industry's best-kept secret isn't about materials or designs—it's about the relationship between manufacturers and dealers. In this revealing conversation, Jared Ledford welcomes Shannon The Shed Gee...
VAULT: The Steel Kings #13: Metal to Marketing w/Shannon Latham The Shed Geek (Part 1)
Metal Meets Marketing Part 1What happens when the podfather of the Shed Geek Podcast Network meets the Steel Kings? Pure industry gold. Shannon The Shed Geek joins Jared to dive deep into the challenges and opportunities facing today's shed...
VAULT: The Steel Kings #6: The Radio and Shed Connection: Daniel Mullins Talks Marketing
The Radio and Shed Connection: Daniel Mullins Talks MarketingWhile many businesses have abandoned terrestrial radio for social media promotion, they're missing a crucial audience. Mullins, a third-generation broadcaster whose grandfather wa...