Podcast
Pro Series with Eric Dillman
Hosted by Eric Dillman · EN
Explore the Pro Series Podcast with Eric Dillman – Interior Designer and Content Creator from Pittsburgh. Join Eric in dynamic sit-downs with global professionals, featuring guests from HGTV, Netflix stars, CEOs, founders of multi-million-dollar companies, business coaches, social media experts, and more. Uncover insights, success stories, and diverse perspectives in every episode.
31episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
The Builder Behind the Brand with March Williams | EP. 255
Yesterday00:52:22Tap to summarizeIn Episode 255, I sit down with Mark Williams, founder of Mark D. Williams Custom Homes and host of his own podcast, to discuss the mindset behind exceptional craftsmanship, leadership, and entrepreneurship.Starting his business at just 24 years old, Mark has spent more than two decades building luxury custom homes while creating a company culture centered on curiosity, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Along the way, his team earned the title of Minnesota Builder of the Year, a testament to their commitment to quality and innovation.In this conversation, we explore custom home building, construction leadership, entrepreneurship, podcasting, business growth, and why embracing failure is often the fastest path to success.Whether you're a builder, designer, architect, entrepreneur, or simply fascinated by the business behind great homes, this episode is packed with insights on creating something that lasts.
Transcribe →Don't Believe the Internet | OFF TOPIC EP. 155
2d ago00:09:52Tap to summarizeGrowing up as millennials, we heard the same advice over and over: "Don't believe everything you see on the internet." Fast forward to today, and somehow the people who taught us that lesson are the first to fall for clickbait headlines, fake celebrity quotes, AI-generated photos, and rage-bait posts.In this episode, I talk about why that shift happened, how social media rewards outrage instead of truth, and why it's become so easy to mistake engagement for reality. I also dive into the latest country music news, a few things that caught my attention this week, and whatever else ends up going off the rails.If you've ever watched someone share an obviously fake post with complete confidence, this one's for you.
Transcribe →Building a Design Business with Jacqueline Thornton | EP. 254
6d ago00:25:35Tap to summarizeIn Episode 254, I sit down with Jacqueline Thornton, an award-winning designer and founder of her own creative studio in Pittsburgh, to discuss her journey from working for others to becoming a business owner.We explore the realities of starting a design business, the challenges of creative entrepreneurship, building confidence as a business owner, and what it takes to turn years of professional experience into a company of your own.Whether you're an interior designer, graphic designer, creative professional, or aspiring entrepreneur, this conversation offers valuable insight into making the leap from employee to business owner and creating a career on your own terms.
Transcribe →From Greece To Staff Sergeant with Georgia Varoucha | EP. 253
2w ago00:30:50Tap to summarizeWhat does it take to build a life of service, leadership, and resilience in a new country?In Episode 253, I sit down with Georgia Varoucha, a Staff Sergeant in the New Jersey Army National Guard, to discuss her journey from growing up in Greece to serving in the United States military.With experience in Army National Guard recruiting, military leadership, and finance, Georgia shares how discipline, perseverance, and personal growth have shaped her career. We explore the realities of military service, leading others, overcoming challenges, building resilience, and developing the mindset required to succeed under pressure.Whether you're interested in the Army National Guard, military careers, leadership development, women in the military, personal growth, or building resilience, this episode offers valuable insight into what it means to serve with purpose while continuously growing as a leader.
Transcribe →That Crystal Faucet | OFF TOPIC 154
2w ago00:11:12Tap to summarizeEver notice how the same handful of things show up in EVERY grandparent's house? This episode we're going down a nostalgia rabbit hole — starting with that clear acrylic "crystal" faucet handle that squeaked in literally every bathroom in America (yes, the one with the starburst pattern — you know exactly which one), then pivoting into a real conversation about country music and why certain sounds and eras stick with us the same way certain objects do. Half design history, half music talk, all vibes. If you grew up around either of these, this one's for you.
Transcribe →From Enlisted to Officer with 1st Lieutenant Tyler N. Thomas | EP. 252
3w ago00:51:00Tap to summarizeIn Episode 252, I sit down with Thomas, a First Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps, to discuss his remarkable journey through military service and leadership.Beginning his career as an infantry rifleman, Thomas served in security forces, led Marines as a squad leader, worked as a marksmanship instructor at Parris Island, deployed to Iraq and Okinawa, earned his bachelor's degree while serving on active duty, and was ultimately selected for the Marine Corps' Enlisted Commissioning Program.In this conversation, we explore the realities of military leadership, the discipline required to succeed under pressure, the transition from enlisted Marine to officer, and the lessons that apply far beyond the military.Whether you're interested in leadership, personal development, military service, or building a career through hard work and perseverance, this episode offers an inside look at what it truly means to earn the title of Marine leader.
Transcribe →Instagram Cheat Code | OFF TOPIC EP. 153
4w ago00:12:23Tap to summarizeInstagram has changed—and if you're still using strategies from a year ago, you could be missing out on clients.In this episode of the Pro Series Podcast, we're breaking down the biggest Instagram updates every interior designer, contractor, and design professional needs to know in 2026. From why hashtags no longer matter the way they used to, to the algorithm's obsession with DM shares, carousel posts, and educational content, you'll learn how to work smarter instead of posting nonstop.We'll also discuss Trial Reels, how to use Stories to build real relationships, and why posting fewer, higher-quality posts can actually lead to more engagement and more business.Plus, we wrap up the episode with this week's biggest country music new releases and the songs you need to add to your playlist.Whether you're trying to grow your brand, attract better clients, or simply keep up with Instagram's latest changes, this episode is packed with actionable tips you can start using today.
Transcribe →Induction Hardware with Galen Bradford | EP. 251
4w ago00:26:11Tap to summarizeWhat does the next generation of kitchen design look like?In Episode 251, I sit down with Galen Bradford, Co-Founder and CEO of Induction Hardware, to discuss the future of induction cooking, luxury kitchen appliances, and the evolution of the modern kitchen.With more than a decade of experience in the kitchen and appliance industry, Galen shares how technology, sustainability, and performance are reshaping the way homeowners, designers, and builders think about kitchens. We also dive into the rise of electric appliances, why induction is gaining momentum, and what professionals should know about designing kitchens for the future.Whether you're an interior designer, kitchen and bath professional, builder, architect, or homeowner planning your next renovation, this episode offers valuable insights into one of the biggest shifts happening in residential design.
Transcribe →Closets, Closets, Closets with Jenna Shock | EP. 250
Jun 2200:32:21Tap to summarizeIn Episode 250, I sit down with Jenna Shock, award-winning closet designer, Principal Designer, and President of the Association of Closet and Storage Professionals, to talk about the growing importance of custom closet design, home organization, and storage solutions in today's homes.With more than 14 years of experience, Jenna shares how thoughtful closet organization systems, personalized storage planning, and human-centered design can improve daily routines, reduce stress, and maximize the functionality of a home. We also discuss industry trends, the evolution of the closet design industry, and why organization is becoming one of the most valuable investments homeowners can make.Whether you're a homeowner looking for closet design ideas, an interior designer interested in storage solutions, or a professional in the home organization space, this conversation offers practical insights into creating spaces that work better every day.
Transcribe →Well This Is Trash | OFF TOPIC EP. 152
Jun 1700:11:10Tap to summarizeHow are we still building brand-new kitchens without a dedicated place for trash?In this episode, Eric shares one of the most common design misses he's noticed while touring new construction homes: the lack of a trash pullout or even a cabinet that could easily be adapted for one. It's a small detail that has a huge impact on how a kitchen functions every day.Then we shift into a marketing conversation for interior designers and kitchen & bath professionals. If you're struggling to create content, one of the easiest ways to demonstrate your expertise is by showing the problems you've solved. We discuss how to use past projects, design decisions, before-and-after examples, and planning challenges to create content that educates potential clients while highlighting your value as a designer.Finally, Eric shares his favorite new country music releases, artists, and songs that have been on repeat this week.Topics include:Why trash pullouts should be standard in kitchen designThe biggest function-first mistakes in new constructionCreating problem-and-solution content as a designerHow past projects can become your best marketing toolNew country music releases and weekly favoritesWhether you're a homeowner, designer, remodeler, or country music fan, there's something in this episode for you.
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