Podcast
Building Dallas
Hosted by Arrington Roofing · ENGLISH
Stories from the ground to the roof featuring leading Dallas voices in commercial and residential real estate. Presented by Arrington Roofing.
15episodes
Episodes
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Building Dallas #15 Jerry Mooty on Christie's Luxury Real Estate & Building Dallas
Nov 2001:26:46Tap to summarizeOn this episode of Building Dallas, presented by Arrington Roofing, hosts Reese Arrington and Chris Arrington sit down with Jerry Mooty, CEO and principal broker of @properties Lone Star | Christie’s International Real Estate, to talk about what it really takes to build a winning culture in Dallas real estate. From Springfield, Missouri to SMU football, from co-founding McCathern | Mooty to scaling Blue Star Sports with the Dallas Cowboys organization, Jerry’s journey is a masterclass in risk, reinvention, and resilience. Click here to watch a video of this episode. Jerry shares how “culture eats strategy for lunch,” why he hires for mindset before production, and how his team has grown from just a handful of agents to nearly 300 across DFW and Austin. He opens up about the pressures of big-family expectations, recovering from financial hardship, and building a brokerage where agents “eat what they kill” but still feel truly supported.You’ll also hear how technology and AI in real estate are changing the game, why North Texas remains a magnet for high-net-worth buyers, and where Jerry sees the biggest opportunities in Dallas, Fort Worth, Southlake and Austin over the next few years. And because this is Building Dallas, we connect it all back to the homes themselves—from luxury listings to the Dallas roofers and Roofing Dallas experts who protect those investments from hail, wind, and Texas storm season.Whether you’re an entrepreneur, agent, or homeowner, this conversation will give you a clearer picture of how Christie’s International Real Estate, @properties Lone Star, and Arrington Roofing are all playing a role in building a stronger, smarter North Texas.(00:00) - – Intro & Welcome: From Law to Real Estate (01:30) - – Jerry Mooty’s Journey to SMU and Dallas Roots (03:00) - – Launching @properties and Christie's in Texas (04:45) - – Building the “Love Campaign” and Real Estate Branding (07:00) - – Culture Over Strategy: Building Loyal Teams (10:00) - – Hiring for Values and Coaching Through Conflict (13:00) - – Influences from Jerry’s Grandfather and Service Mindset (15:45) - – How Relationships Drive Real Estate Success (18:30) - – Building Social Capital: Community & Outreach (21:00) - – Teaching Confidence and Sales as a Learned Skill (24:00) - – Partnering Styles and Operating in Your Strengths (27:00) - – Jerry’s Entrepreneurial Start with McCathern Mooty (30:00) - – Launching Blue Star Payments & Cowboys Partnership (33:30) - – Blue Star Sports, Private Equity, and Tech Acquisitions (36:30) - – Exiting, Burnout, and Bouncing Back from Failure (39:00) - – Learning to Let Go of the Rearview Mirror (41:30) - – Family Business, Assistant Impact & Productivity (45:00) - – Vision for Involving His Sons in the Business (48:00) - – Raising Capital: Pitching to VCs & High Net-Worth Investors (51:00) - – Scaling @properties: Agent Growth & Culture Fit (54:00) - – Leadership Questions Jerry Always Asks in Hiring (56:30) - – Morning Routines: Cold Plunges & Productivity (59:30) - – Parenting and Building Strong Father-Son Relationships (01:02:30) - – Entrepreneurial Vision & Rolling Joe’s Beverage Concept (01:05:30) - – Real Estate Investment Fund Plans (01:07:00) - – What Really Drives Jerry Mooty at 56 (01:09:00) - – Creating Room to Think, Boredom & Focus (01:12:00) - – Dallas, Austin, and Fort Worth Market Trends (01:15:00) - – Real Estate Growth Despite Economic Downturn (01:18:00) - – Culture, Collaboration, and Community Impact (01:21:00) - – Final Thoughts: Vision, Values, and What’s Next
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Building Dallas #14: Transforming the Laundry Business with Patrick Elverum
Nov 600:43:15Tap to summarizeFast wash, five-star service, and a purpose-driven culture in Oak Cliff.Operator Patrick Elverum takes us inside Tide Laundromat & Tide Cleaners Dallas and the Oak Cliff launch—smart washers, 400G extraction, spotless spaces, and a “Take Laundry, Give Life” culture. Hosted by Arrington Roofing, serving Dallas & North Texas for 42 years.Operator and entrepreneur Patrick Elverum takes us inside Tide Laundromat & Tide Cleaners in Oak Cliff (Jefferson & Adams)—where smart machines, spotless spaces, and a “Take Laundry, Give Life” culture are redefining laundry in Dallas. We cover site selection, hiring for heart, why 400G spin matters, and the surprising overlap between laundromats and roofing: trust, quality, and a great on-site experience. Plus: Oak Cliff pride, commercial accounts, and scaling from 4 stores toward 30+ across DFW.Quick Links • Tide Laundromat & Tide Cleaners – Dallas • Arrington Roofing (Dallas & North Texas) Chapters 00:00 Welcome & mission: Take Laundry, Give Life 02:00 What Tide is building in Dallas: cleaners + laundromats 04:45 Oak Cliff store: spotless, attended, full-service 09:30 Smart washers: auto-dosed detergent, hotter water, 400G spin 11:30 Faster in, faster out: halving laundry time 13:30 “Nerdy clean”: why suds ≠ clean and how dosing works 15:15 Restoration & specialty textiles (when life happens) 16:45 Roofing × laundry: product, experience, relationship 20:00 Site selection: density, visibility, Oak Cliff pride 23:40 Customer journeys: DIY vs. Wash-Dry-Fold (same-day/next-day) 26:30 Workwear & comfort: cleaning that helps pros feel better on the job 27:45 Construction realities: utilities, permitting, 3-month buildouts 29:40 Culture & hiring: giving life, 5-star service, growth stories 34:45 Capital partners & purpose beyond spreadsheets 40:05 What’s next: growth across the DFW metroplexGuest Patrick Elverum — Operator/owner of Tide Laundromat & Tide Cleaners (Dallas). Former Navy submariner and SaaS leader; husband and father of five. Leads with a clear mission: Take Laundry, Give Life.Presented by Arrington Roofing — 42 years serving Dallas & North Texas. Clean job sites, honest guidance, residential & commercial. Book a roof checkup before the next Texas storm. Learn more
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Building Dallas #13: Rene Gracia Design and Build
Nov 401:10:19Tap to summarizeThe Art of Home Design: A Journey with Renee GraciaIn this episode of Building Dallas, host Chris Arrington sits down with Renee Gracia, the founding principle of RGDB. Renee shares his inspiring journey from his roots in Mexico City to becoming a leading architect and builder in North Texas. Amid personal tales, like a life-changing experience on Mount Kilimanjaro, Renee discusses his passion for 'mindful modern living,' combining architecture, construction, and interiors to create homes that reflect the unique lifestyles of their owners. Learn about the challenges and rewards of designing residential spaces, and how every detail—from the overall architecture to the smallest materials—tells a story. Join us for this in-depth conversation that reveals the heart and soul behind crafting beautifully intentional homes. (00:00) - A Life-Changing Encounter on Kilimanjaro (01:02) - Welcome to Building Dallas (02:01) - Meet Renee Gracia: From Mexico City to Dallas (03:47) - Renee's Journey: Education and Early Career (07:53) - The Shift to Residential Architecture (18:54) - A New Beginning: Designing a Home in Dallas (27:18) - The Philosophy of Mindful Modern Living (34:14) - Finding Joy in Construction (34:54) - The Importance of Relationships on the Job Site (36:14) - The Art of Skilled Trades (39:12) - Challenges in Modern Architecture (51:18) - The Role of Mentors and Inspirations (01:00:14) - Advice for Aspiring Architects (01:09:30) - Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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Building Dallas #12: Jeanie Boyd Curtis shares The TRUTH About Where The Roofing Industry Is Really Going..
Aug 2601:23:57Tap to summarizeWelcome to Building Dallas, where we dive into the stories shaping the future of North Texas. In this episode, we sit down with Jeanie Boyd Curtis, the president and CEO of Boyd Bone Dry Roofing, to explore the challenges and triumphs of leading a respected commercial roofing firm. From navigating changes in a male-dominated industry to building a company with integrity, Jeanie shares insights that inspire and inform.Join us as we discuss the importance of collaboration, the role of family legacy in business, and the opportunities for women in roofing. Whether you're a homeowner, builder, or fellow roofer, this conversation offers valuable lessons on building with purpose. Don't miss this engaging discussion on the true impact of roofing and construction.What is Building Dallas?Stories from the ground to the roof featuring leading Dallas voices in commercial and residential real estate. Presented by Arrington Roofing.www.arringtonroofing.com#BuildingDallas #RoofingLegacy #Women #Roofing #CommercialRoofing #NorthTexas #IntegrityInBusiness #ConstructionIndustry #Collaboration #FamilyBusiness (00:00) - Flooded Office and Mitigation Challenges (00:12) - Introduction to Building Dallas (00:50) - Meet Jeannie Boyd: Legacy and Leadership (01:57) - The Importance of Industry Collaboration (05:18) - Family Business Dynamics (15:23) - Women in Roofing: Breaking Barriers (35:20) - The Need for Licensing in Roofing (47:52) - Contract Signing Tips (48:48) - The Role of RCAT in the Roofing Industry (49:59) - Upcoming Legislative Efforts (51:23) - Networking and Membership Benefits (58:41) - Personal Stories and Industry Insights (01:02:44) - Balancing Work and Personal Life (01:11:18) - Legacy and Technological Advancements (01:22:55) - Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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Building Dallas #11 How AJ Ramler Is Quietly Transforming the City
Aug 101:07:54Tap to summarizeFrom FBI files to forgotten churches, this episode of Building Dallas uncovers the captivating story of AJ Ramler, founder of Proxy Properties. Click here to watch a video of this episode. Discover how one developer is preserving the soul of Oak Cliff through historic restorations, adaptive reuse, and hyper-local community development. Whether it’s converting a 1920s ice house or reviving the mysterious Madison Hotel—once tied to Lee Harvey Oswald—AJ is reshaping the future of North Texas one building at a time. If you're passionate about urban renewal, community-first development, or the real estate stories behind Dallas's cultural rebirth, you don’t want to miss this.(00:00) - Oswald, the FBI, and a Historic Dallas Hotel (00:18) - Welcome to Building Dallas – Intro by Chris (01:00) - Meet AJ Ramler: The Developer Walking Oak Cliff (02:44) - First Deal: House Hacking a Quadplex at Age 22 (05:00) - Lessons from Missing Out in Denton (08:15) - Building a Life in Oak Cliff – Volleyball & Community (11:00) - Restoring a 19th Century West Dallas Farmhouse (13:28) - Why We Buy Buildings Nobody Wants (15:00) - How We Decide What a Building Should Become (17:00) - Talking to Neighbors Before Drawing Plans (19:00) - Why Developers Need Community Buy-In (21:00) - 8 Meetings a Day: Understanding What Oak Cliff Wants (24:00) - Monkey Wallpaper, Oswald, and FBI Files?! (26:00) - Reimagining the Madison Hotel for Today’s Needs (28:30) - A 63,000 SqFt Ice House Becomes a Creative Hub (30:00) - Jiu-Jitsu, Coffee Shops, and Mixed-Use Revivals (32:00) - Saving the Historic Jefferson Methodist Church (34:00) - Dallas Parking Reform: What It Means for Developers (38:00) - Oak Cliff Wasn’t Built for Today’s Parking Codes (40:30) - Growth, Trust, and Welcoming New Neighbors (43:00) - Affordable Housing and Market Rate Rehab Projects (47:00) - Big Box Apartments: A Necessary Tradeoff? (49:30) - The Truth About Buying Your First Home (52:00) - $150K Houses Still Exist in Dallas. Here’s the Catch. (56:00) - Why We Don’t Build Outside of Oak Cliff (59:00) - The People Who Taught Me Everything (01:01:00) - McKayla’s Projects in Denton, Lancaster, Glen Rose (01:04:00) - Final Thoughts: “I’ve Never Built for a Roof…”
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Building Dallas #11 Oak Cliff Is Being Rebuilt from the Inside Out
Jul 1000:57:29Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Building Dallas, we sit down with Kiyundra Jones, President of the Oak Cliff Chamber of Commerce, to talk about the transformation of Dallas' most misunderstood and fastest-growing communities. Click here to watch a video of this episode. From launching innovative programs like the Taste of Oak Cliff Mobile Incubator to redefining economic development through mentorship, real estate, and nonprofit work, Kiyundra shares her mission to build community from the inside out. We discuss gentrification, housing challenges, entrepreneurship, and why Oak Cliff’s future is brighter than ever. If you're interested in Dallas real estate, urban development, or building stronger communities, this episode is a must-watch.(00:00) - Introduction and Guest Welcome (01:22) - Understanding the Chamber of Commerce (04:30) - Programs and Initiatives (08:56) - New Developments and Community Impact (14:05) - Events and Community Engagement (16:49) - Challenges and Future Outlook (27:00) - Exploring Oak Cliff's Growth and Development (27:34) - Changing Perceptions of Oak Cliff (28:13) - The Role of Developers in Oak Cliff's Transformation (31:17) - Community Involvement in Development Decisions (39:06) - Challenges of Home Ownership vs. Renting (43:25) - Faith, Identity, and Community Service in Oak Cliff (51:22) - Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs (55:40) - The Importance of Networking and Community Involvement (56:59) - Conclusion and Final Thoughts #OakCliff, #OakCliffChamberOfCommerce, #DallasCommunityDevelopment, #UrbanRevitalization2025, #TasteOfOakCliff, #DallasSmallBusinessSupport, #AffordableHousingDallas, #BuildingBetterCommunities, #DallasRealEstateTrends, #NonprofitLeadershipDallasOak Cliff Dallas development 2025, how to start a business in Dallas, Dallas affordable housing crisis, Dallas community leadership stories, Taste of Oak Cliff event, Oak Cliff mobile food truck incubator, economic development in southern Dallas, Chamber of Commerce programs Texas, is Oak Cliff a good place to live, real estate growth in Oak Cliff
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How This Billboard Family Built Dallas from the Ground Up
Jul 301:28:36Tap to summarizeDiscover the untold story of Dallas's iconic billboards and how one family's legacy helped shape the city's skyline and culture.Click here to watch a video of this episode. In this episode of Building Dallas, we sit down with Ben Ralston of Ralston Outdoor, the largest independent billboard company in North Texas. From his grandfather's first dozen signs in the 1960s to battling billion-dollar giants like Clear Channel, Ben shares how his family turned paint, steel, and strategy into a Dallas empire. Plus, learn how they infused local history into landmarks like the Katy Trail Ice House and what it really takes to build a billboard business today. If you're into entrepreneurship, legacy building, or just love Dallas, this episode is packed with insight, nostalgia, and vision.🔔 Subscribe and be part of the legacy that continues to shape North Texas!(00:00) - Introduction to the Ralston Family Legacy (00:43) - Meet Ben Ralston: The Man Behind Ralston Outdoor (02:28) - The Origins of Ralston Outdoor (05:05) - Challenges and Changes in the Billboard Industry (12:48) - The Art and Craft of Billboard Painting (19:55) - Iconic Billboards and Their Stories (22:14) - The Evolution of Billboard Advertising (48:04) - Design Principles in Advertising (50:33) - Billboard Real Estate and Leasing (52:12) - Navigating Regulations and Restrictions (01:07:43) - Digital Billboards and Technological Advances (01:16:42) - Personal Stories and Industry Evolution (01:27:27) - Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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How Katy Trail Ice House Became Dallas’ Ultimate Beer Garden
Jun 2201:06:41Tap to summarizeHow Katy Trail Ice House Became Dallas’ Ultimate Beer GardenClick here to watch a video of this episode. In this episode of Building Dallas, we sit down with Buddy Kramer — co-founder of the iconic Katy Trail Ice House — to uncover the wild origin story of one of Dallas' most beloved social landmarks. From nearly giving up on a risky 5-year lease to serving over 800 guests on day one, Buddy shares how a few picnic tables and an idea turned into a $350,000/week hospitality powerhouse. We dive into the expansion of the original Uptown Dallas location, the vision behind its tree-filled atmosphere, and what's next — including a massive mixed-use project in Allen, the Lucky Dog Saloon, and the upcoming Detroit-style pizza launch. Learn how real estate savvy, community focus, and atmosphere-first thinking turned a beer garden into a cultural cornerstone of North Texas.
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How One Woman Helped SAVE Dallas’ Most Legendary Music Venue
Jun 1400:55:52Tap to summarizeJoin us on 'Building Dallas' presented by Arrington Roofing as we explore the rich history and revival of the Longhorn Ballroom with Diana Cox, Vice President of Kessler Presents. Click here to watch a video of this episode. Discover the fascinating journey of restoring this iconic Dallas venue, originally built for Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys in 1950. Learn about the eclectic mix of musicians it has hosted, from BB King to the Sex Pistols, and the efforts to preserve Dallas's cultural heritage while adapting to contemporary needs. Diana shares insights into her daily responsibilities, the challenges encountered, and the vision for Dallas's music scene. Perfect for anyone interested in Dallas history, music, and urban development.(00:00) - Introduction and Overview (00:39) - Welcome to Building Dallas (00:43) - Meet Diana Cox (01:43) - A Day in the Life at Kessler Presents (02:44) - Reviving the Longhorn Ballroom (06:36) - The History of the Longhorn Ballroom (12:02) - The Sex Pistols' Impact (17:53) - Challenges and Future Plans (27:27) - Challenges of Renovating Old Buildings (29:00) - Delegation and Project Management (31:18) - Journey into the Music Industry (33:59) - The Longhorn Ballroom's Historical Significance (38:12) - Celebrating the 75th Jubilee (39:40) - The Future of Dallas' Music Scene (42:11) - Supporting Local Artists and Venues (45:25) - The Unifying Power of Live Music (53:22) - Concluding Thoughts on Building Dallas
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Designing the Dallas You Love: Parks, Trails & Neighborhood Legacy
Jun 601:28:59Tap to summarizeJoin us on 'Building Dallas' presented by Arrington Roofing, as we dive into the world of landscape architecture with legendary landscape architect Chuck McDaniel from SWA. Discover the transformative projects that have reshaped the Dallas landscape including Kessler Park, the Katy Trail, and the new Southern Gateway Park. Learn about how innovative designs contribute to urban connectivity, environmental sustainability, and community building. Perfect for anyone interested in Dallas real estate, urban planning, and local entrepreneurship. Don't miss this in-depth conversation about the evolution of Dallas' green spaces and their impact on the city's future.Creators & Guests Chase Arrington - Producer Reese Arrington - Host Chris Arrington - Host Chuck McDaniel - Guest (00:00) - Introduction to Robert Deckard and the Belo Corporation (00:26) - The Importance of Landscape and Nature (01:06) - Meet Chuck McDaniel: Landscape Architect (01:30) - The Oak Cliff Indian Guides Legacy (02:02) - Life in Kessler Park (07:59) - Challenges and Joys of Landscaping (25:15) - The Evolution of Dallas Parks (30:11) - The Katy Trail Transformation (35:40) - Southern Gateway Park: Reconnecting Communities (44:05) - Passion for Sustainable Architecture (45:43) - Innovative Use of Materials (48:59) - Honoring Local Legends (52:07) - Challenges and Aspirations for Dallas (57:41) - The Art of Drawing and Creativity (01:07:04) - Advice for Young Architects (01:25:36) - Retirement Plans and Reflections (01:28:05) - Conclusion and Farewell
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