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.
America Builds Better
VAULT: The Steel Kings #13: Metal to Marketing w/Shannon Latham The Shed Geek (Part 1)
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Metal Meets Marketing Part 1
What 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 and steel building professionals.
The conversation kicks off with Shannon's remarkable journey building the Shed Geek brand and podcast network—a testament to what happens when you pour yourself completely into something you're passionate about. If you give a hundred percent of yourself to something, Shannon explains, it returns. This philosophy has guided him from procurement to sales management and ultimately to becoming one of the most recognized voices in the shed industry.
Together, they tackle the controversial 1099 vs. W2 debate that's reshaping dealer networks across America. With brutal honesty, they examine why manufacturers continue relying on consignment models where a mere 10% of dealers generate 90% of sales. Jared shares his successful transition to a W2 model at Dayton Barns, creating consistent customer experiences and professional standards that benefit everyone involved. Meanwhile, Shannon provides eye-opening perspective on the challenges dealers face when manufacturers fail to deliver on promises.
Marketing emerges as another critical pain point. With manufacturers and dealers competing against each other in the same digital spaces, everyone's cost per lead skyrockets. Is there a better way? The hosts explore how centralized lead generation and distribution might transform the industry, creating more efficient systems that benefit dealers and manufacturers alike.
Don't miss Shannon's announcement of the new Steel Structures Sales Professionals Facebook group—a community where industry professionals can share knowledge, debate best practices, and elevate everyone's game. As Shannon puts it, Iron sharpens iron, and education is the key that drives us all forward.
Ready to transform your approach to selling steel structures? Subscribe to the Steel Kings podcast and join the conversation that is reshaping an entire industry. Your competition is already listening.
Watch On YouTube: https://youtu.be/AUUrRsb08DQ?si=MM3nOCu1rMSmyGtE
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