The Way I Heard It with Mike Rowe – Episode 416: Nathan Walters—So You Want to be a Builder

Release Date: November 29, 2024

Introduction

In Episode 416 of "The Way I Heard It with Mike Rowe," host Mike Rowe engages in a compelling conversation with Nathan Walters, the founder of Masarosa Luxury Homes. Joined by Chuck Klausmeyer, the episode delves into Nathan's unique journey into the home building industry, the challenges he faces, and his innovative approaches to overcoming them. This summary captures the essence of their discussion, highlighting key points, insights, and notable quotes.

Nathan Walters: From Humble Beginnings to Luxury Home Building

Nathan Walters' entry into the home building industry was unconventional. Unlike many builders who inherit the trade, Nathan stumbled upon it almost by accident. After graduating college during the challenging job market of 2010, he found himself working in gutter installation due to a lack of corporate opportunities. This hands-on experience exposed him to the construction world, eventually leading him to a home builder who ignited his passion for building.

Notable Quote:

"I started working for a home builder. And I'll tell you this, I started on Monday. It was Friday. It was so exhilarating."
[14:06] — Nathan Walters

The Evolution of Masarosa Luxury Homes

Founded in 2015, Masarosa Luxury Homes has grown under Nathan's leadership, focusing on building luxurious custom homes in Oklahoma. The company's name, inspired by the Italian flair Nathan admired, embodies the blend of local Oklahoma elements ("red dirt") with a touch of elegance. Nathan emphasizes the meticulous attention to detail inherited from his father, a welder and entrepreneur in the horse trailer manufacturing business.

Notable Quote:

"It's the little things that build up throughout doing the entire trailer that stands out and makes it elite."
[35:44] — Nathan Walters

Challenges in the Building Industry: Skilled Labor Shortage

A significant portion of the conversation centers around the nationwide shortage of skilled labor in the construction industry, a problem exacerbated by factors like the COVID-19 pandemic and an aging workforce. Nathan shares his concerns about the sustainability of the industry as retirements outpace new entrants. He highlights the importance of initiatives like "Build My Future" to inspire younger generations to pursue trades.

Notable Quote:

"The demand is out there, and the capacity just is not out there for skilled labor."
[50:33] — Nathan Walters

Innovative Solutions: Leveraging Technology with Diggs AI

To address operational inefficiencies and enhance customer service, Nathan introduced the AI-driven tool, Diggs, into his business. Diggs streamlines the pre-construction and design processes, enabling quicker turnaround times and better information management. This technology allows clients to interact directly with design plans via iPads, significantly reducing the time from initial consultation to finalized designs.

Notable Quote:

"With that, now we're uploading the plans directly to Diggs. The customers are able to use their iPad... and turn things around in a week and a half."
[26:31] — Nathan Walters

Customer-Centric Approach: Enhancing the Building Experience

Nathan underscores the shift from being solely product-oriented to embracing a customer-centric model. By capping active construction projects at twelve, Masarosa Luxury Homes ensures personalized attention and exceptional service. This approach not only improves client satisfaction but also fosters long-term relationships and referrals.

Notable Quote:

"If we service these customers, they will take care of us."
[22:26] — Nathan Walters

Community Initiatives: Build My Future

As the president of the Central Oklahoma Home Builders Association, Nathan spearheads the "Build My Future" initiative. This program aims to introduce high school, middle school, and elementary students to the trades, showcasing various career paths within the construction industry. Through hands-on demonstrations and interactive booths at events like the state fairgrounds, the initiative demystifies trades careers and highlights their viability and rewards.

Notable Quote:

"These kids are like, hold on, I can make 22 bucks an hour if I go to Vo Tech and then come here."
[45:12] — Nathan Walters

Balancing Business and Personal Life

Nathan credits his success to the support of his wife, Emily, who manages the real estate side of the business. Their complementary skills and personalities ensure smooth operations and effective communication, essential for running a successful construction company.

Notable Quote:

"She will then put that into an email that is much more polite. Still saying what I said, but in a much more polite version."
[62:07] — Nathan Walters

The American Dream and Building Homes

The conversation touches on the broader societal implications of skilled labor shortages, particularly concerning the American Dream of homeownership. Nathan passionately believes in the accessibility of this dream through the trades, countering the prevalent notion that higher education is the only path to success.

Notable Quote:

"I hate that people feel like the American dream is dead, because it's not dead. If you want to go take it, go take it."
[65:22] — Nathan Walters

Conclusion: A Call to Embrace the Trades

Mike Rowe and Nathan Walters conclude their discussion by emphasizing the importance of celebrating craftsmanship and the tangible results of skilled trades. Nathan's journey exemplifies the fulfillment and pride that come from building something meaningful, advocating for a renewed appreciation of the trades as a viable and rewarding career path.

Notable Quote:

"It's about finishing something and it's the visual cue that you get every single day in the form of feedback that always lets you know how you're doing."
[54:17] — Mike Rowe

Final Thoughts

Episode 416 offers an inspiring look into the life of Nathan Walters and the challenges facing the construction industry today. Through his story, listeners gain valuable insights into entrepreneurship, the critical need for skilled labor, and the transformative power of innovation and community engagement in keeping the American Dream alive.

Note: This summary excludes advertisements, intros, outros, and non-content sections to focus solely on the substantive discussions and insights shared during the episode.